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Welcome brethren of the skies to the Burning Sky Saloon! When I'm not blasting raiders attempting to take my plushie refinery, I will be running this lovely establishment.
This will be where many of you will unwind, let loose, and consume obscene amounts of rum or grog until your next mission. We'll recant our stories and previous missions, sing to our hearts content, and reminisce of our fallen. While I don't mind a good fight breaking out now and again, taking things too serious or far you'll find yourself wishing you were on a burning squid surrounded by galleons.
While I do have the standard rum and grog found in any watering hole, you'll only find my specialty drinks here which are a highly guarded secret (which may or may not involved flamer fuel, gunpowder, and a pinch (sometimes a lot) of lochnagar powder) and aptly named Hellfire.
Few words of caution:
(1) DRINK IMMEDIATELY. You don't want to know what happens when it sits for a while.
(2) KEEP IT FAR AWAY FROM ANY HEAT SOURCES. Last poor soul learned that the hard way. Never did manage to find all his fingers.
(3) NEVER LET IT TOUCH SKIN. It hurts to say the least.
(4) NEVER LET THE FIRST THREE CONDITIONS OCCUR AT THE SAME TIME. Ever.
Clear skies and good sailing to you all.
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Three questions:
Are the plushies cheap?
Are the drinks cheap?
Can they be used as airship fuel (the drinks, not the plushies)?
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Plushie costs vary depending on which model you plan on getting. Currently I'm up to the Mk.III on certain plushies.
The standard drinks are fairly cheap given the saloon is frequented regularly and thus I have good supply agreements with distributors. Now when it comes to the Hellfire... it'll depend on the size. Standard shots will cost you, but if you're feeling suicidal and get a mug, I'll pay in prototype plushies for those able to survive.
The nifty thing about the Hellfire is it be used as fuel, but makes for a much more effective ammunition. I feel sorry for the poor raider bastards who I've used it against. Basically, dipping the ship in the frozen waters of the Fjords can't put out the flames.
Oddly, I've learned the plushies can be used as fuel too. Probably because during the final refining processes, the fabric used is made up of 80% kerosene and 20% love and care.
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*I walk in and take a look around, then I take a seat at the bar*
Pardon, barkeep! What's your cheap ale? I'll have that.
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Hell everything here is cheap. The rum, ale, grog, and even Hellfire are all cheap. It just depends on how much you got.
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*I reach into my pocket and retrieve a fistful of something, then smack it on the desk revealing five brass coins* How much can I get for that?
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Five brass huh... Alright.
*Places a two large mugs under the tap*
*Hands SeaWulfie the both mugs*
Here's two mugs of what I consider your above average ale. Lucky for you, I've got a special going. Now drink up and enjoy.
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*I grab one mug unenthusiastically and chug a huge sip, then place it on the table and gasp for air* That... Is some damn... good ale.
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Hell, had a time trainin' and prospecting new crewmates. Bartender give me your biggest mug of Hellfire. I know it be suicidal but I'll pay for it, didn't get the nickname "borderline" if I weren't crazy. What the hell not, first rounds on me, and don't fret about money just take out what you need from my unconscious body.
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*Stumbles in and looks around* Oh, crap... what have I gotten myself into this time...
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Hell, had a time trainin' and prospecting new crewmates. Bartender give me your biggest mug of Hellfire. I know it be suicidal but I'll pay for it, didn't get the nickname "borderline" if I weren't crazy. What the hell not, first rounds on me, and don't fret about money just take out what you need from my unconscious body.
Welp, your funeral. *Hands a mug of Hellfire to you* Clear skies!
*Yells* Alright. The next rounds is on our fine brother here.
*Stumbles in and looks around* Oh, crap... what have I gotten myself into this time...
Well you couldn't have stumbled into a better place. Take a seat and let's have a look at you.
*Looks at you* Well, it doesn't look serious. Fortunately, I've got some rum that'll perk you up. Here *hands you a small mug* this one's courtesy of BdrLineAzn.
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*Grabs the drink and chug it down* ............YEAOWZA that hit the spot, you weren't kidding about that mixture. Just tell me where the head is later and the drinks coming I am good.
*Stumbles in and looks around* Oh, crap... what have I gotten myself into this time...
Looks green but with proper train' we can get you to become one of the top finest. Like what the tender said just take a seat and cheers mate.
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*walks in slowly and takes a seat in the corner*
Please. Grog.
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With a casual swagger and a bloodstained mallet tucked into the loop on the side of...'her' coveralls, the one and only Furry saunters into the establishment. Eyes obscured with a set of jaunty goggles and her hair pinned back into a loose explosion that could be, in the loosest terms, considered a ponytail, the tall, lanky drink of water made her way up to the barkeep. Looking over the assembled patrons, her nostrils curled at the obvious perfume of equal parts desperation, machismo, and misappropriated flamer fuel.
Putting her hands palms-down on the counter, she barked a gruff laugh, then cast her gaze over at the tender. "You got cider here, chum? If y'do, I'll take two pints, and a packet of cracklin's."
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With a casual swagger and a bloodstained mallet tucked into the loop on the side of...'her' coveralls, the one and only Furry saunters into the establishment. Eyes obscured with a set of jaunty goggles and her hair pinned back into a loose explosion that could be, in the loosest terms, considered a ponytail, the tall, lanky drink of water made her way up to the barkeep. Looking over the assembled patrons, her nostrils curled at the obvious perfume of equal parts desperation, machismo, and misappropriated flamer fuel.
Putting her hands palms-down on the counter, she barked a gruff laugh, then cast her gaze over at the tender. "You got cider here, chum? If y'do, I'll take two pints, and a packet of cracklin's."
*snickers at the gal* You should be careful, them ain't exactly the friendly skies.
*drinks the offered cup in one swing... then realizes how stupid that was and suffers the burn* Well now... *cough* Fine stuff you've got here. I saw these flying contraptions passing overhead and I figured that it seemed like a good time. I haven't exactly figured out my trade, since I'm handy with anything that I've got in my hands. I can fly, shoot, and fix just about anything that moves.
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*walks in slowly and takes a seat in the corner*
Please. Grog.
Here you go. The highest quality grog this side of Anvala.
With a casual swagger and a bloodstained mallet tucked into the loop on the side of...'her' coveralls, the one and only Furry saunters into the establishment. Eyes obscured with a set of jaunty goggles and her hair pinned back into a loose explosion that could be, in the loosest terms, considered a ponytail, the tall, lanky drink of water made her way up to the barkeep. Looking over the assembled patrons, her nostrils curled at the obvious perfume of equal parts desperation, machismo, and misappropriated flamer fuel.
Putting her hands palms-down on the counter, she barked a gruff laugh, then cast her gaze over at the tender. "You got cider here, chum? If y'do, I'll take two pints, and a packet of cracklin's."
*snickers at the gal* You should be careful, them ain't exactly the friendly skies.
*drinks the offered cup in one swing... then realizes how stupid that was and suffers the burn* Well now... *cough* Fine stuff you've got here. I saw these flying contraptions passing overhead and I figured that it seemed like a good time. I haven't exactly figured out my trade, since I'm handy with anything that I've got in my hands. I can fly, shoot, and fix just about anything that moves.
*Looks over to Psyran after serving BerserkArcher*
Better watch yourself Psyran. I've seen what Furrymessiah can do when she's miffed. And when she's carrying her mallet, she's more furious than 20 hwachas loaded with burst rounds.
*Carries two pints of Furrymessiah's favorite cider*
Here you go. Should I add it to your tab?
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*Looks over to Psyran after serving BerserkArcher*
Better watch yourself Psyran. I've seen what Furrymessiah can do when she's miffed. And when she's carrying her mallet, she's more furious than 20 hwachas loaded with burst rounds.
*Carries two pints of Furrymessiah's favorite cider*
Here you go. Should I add it to your tab?
Regardless if she's crewing with me or no, miffed is the way to be. Keeps the blood warm and the wits sharp.
Since you're passing out poison, please pass me some ale... good sir.
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*without looking up from my drink*
Yiski remember first round one all on me.
*then turns to Pysyran*
And like i said earlier still a little green. Just watch your self when it comes these parts. I was once like you, all green and not knowing where to put myself. And getting Furrymessiah steamed.... well like Yiski said, your death wish.
Give me a nice cool one that Hellfire is getting to me.
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This is a holdup! Hand over all your plushies or the place goes up in flames!
*points portable flare gun at drinks*
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*without looking up from my drink*
Yiski remember first round one all on me.
*then turns to Pysyran*
And like i said earlier still a little green. Just watch your self when it comes these parts. I was once like you, all green and not knowing where to put myself. And getting Furrymessiah steamed.... well like Yiski said, your death wish.
Give me a nice cool one that Hellfire is getting to me.
*Looks at BdrLineAzn* I know. I know. Why'd ya think I didn't ask for any coin. *Hands BdrLineAzn and Psyran Frost Fire Ale* This should put you back straight.
(Little known fact. Frost Fire Ale has the same recipe as Hellfire. The effects of the either drink are determined by how each - and subsequently all specialty drinks - ingredient is mixed.)
This is a holdup! Hand over all your plushies or the place goes up in flames!
*points portable flare gun at drinks*
*Stares at N-Sunderland for a few seconds*
*Whole saloon is oddly silent*
*Everyone erupts in laughter*
*Yiski wipes a tear from his eye*
Dammit N-Sunderland, no matter how many times you've pulled that stunt over the years, I'm almost positive you're gonna accidentally pull the blasted trigger and be the death of me and everybody in this district. Now sit yourself down and tell us where you've been the past couple of weeks. Thought the raiders finally got the best of you and your captain.
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Hah! You know I can hardly aim a flare gun anyways.
I'm surprised you thought I'd finally fallen! Me, of all people! Was it not I who once held a Squid together against an armada of raiding Galleons, using nothing but a potted plant? Was it not I who rebuilt the dreadnought entirely in three hours, despite crashing it in the exact same spot five minutes later? Was it not I who managed to keep my captain's Junker alive long enough that we defeated our foes with nothing but a tar barrel?
Anyways, it suffices to say that those raiders have seen better days. We were flying through the fjords, minding our own business, when a hundred, nay, two hundred of those raiders came flying out from behind the mountains! Child's play.
But that's enough blabber for now. I'll take the usual.
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*finds an empty table and sits down with his drink*
*politely dusts off his boots before placing them on the table, as he leans back and takes a swig of his ale*
I like this place. A little tame, but alright. Some of you old timers act like you've got your pantyhose all twisted, though...
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*snickers at the gal* You should be careful, them ain't exactly the friendly skies.
"You should keep that in mind y'self, friend. I'm liables to knock you so hard you forget how to hold a hammer, let alone give it a swing," She replied, giving him a smirk and an appraising glare.
Better watch yourself Psyran. I've seen what Furrymessiah can do when she's miffed. And when she's carrying her mallet, she's more furious than 20 hwachas loaded with burst rounds.
*Carries two pints of Furrymessiah's favorite cider*
Here you go. Should I add it to your tab?
"Of course, Yisk, you would know, havin' been under my mallet a time or two. Not half as hard as I've given it to Zill, but then again, he enjoys it less." Giving the man a wink, she picks up one of the pints and downs it like a man dying of thirst, setting the glass down and belching demurely. "As for the tab, go ahead. I'll pay you once my boss settles his tab with me."
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Hah! You know I can hardly aim a flare gun anyways.
I'm surprised you thought I'd finally fallen! Me, of all people! Was it not I who once held a Squid together against an armada of raiding Galleons, using nothing but a potted plant? Was it not I who rebuilt the dreadnought entirely in three hours, despite crashing it in the exact same spot five minutes later? Was it not I who managed to keep my captain's Junker alive long enough that we defeated our foes with nothing but a tar barrel?
Anyways, it suffices to say that those raiders have seen better days. We were flying through the fjords, minding our own business, when a hundred, nay, two hundred of those raiders came flying out from behind the mountains! Child's play.
But that's enough blabber for now. I'll take the usual.
By the clear skies your whole grand adventures are hopped up on hydrogen as usual.
*Yiski hands N-Sunderland what appears to be a black liquid*
Still can't believe you drink this stuff. I swear you're the only one in this whole world who probably does.
*finds an empty table and sits down with his drink*
*politely dusts off his boots before placing them on the table, as he leans back and takes a swig of his ale*
I like this place. A little tame, but alright. Some of you old timers act like you've got your pantyhose all twisted, though...
*Yiski shoots a glance at Psyran*
Oi, rookie, you had best be careful. Most of the regulars who come by are the best at what they do. Hell, the only reason Anvala still stands is because of us.
*Yiski takes a large swig of Hellfire behind the counter*
If you want to last longer than you first magazine clip, then you better mind some manners. As far as being tame, the night hasn't started yet and you've yet to see the other big shots.
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With a slight limp, and a dusty mask, he swings the door wide and lets it slam. Standing there in his finest officer jacket (dust and time have not been kind to it) he beckons for 2 barrels to be carried in by a rough bunch behind him. As the barrels roll toward the bar, he surveys the room. No patron could see though the old hazard mask, warn for their protection moreover than his. His boots sound heavy as he inspects patrons on his way to Yiski...
"Boy this bunch looks rough Yiski. What you been offering these days? "
*Gives a pat on his back*
"Finest rum and moonshine in them barrels. The desert sure didnt want them to leave her sight either. Lets say we have a swig before it gets dusty."
*Beckons for a round on him and gives a glance at Furry*
"About time somethin' prettier than BdrLine came out of that wasteland."
He walks to his usual table and props up a chair for his tired body.
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"Of course, Yisk, you would know, havin' been under my mallet a time or two. Not half as hard as I've given it to Zill, but then again, he enjoys it less." Giving the man a wink, she picks up one of the pints and downs it like a man dying of thirst, setting the glass down and belching demurely. "As for the tab, go ahead. I'll pay you once my boss settles his tab with me."
Bah, I've yet to recover from that last hit two months back! I swear, if you were any angrier, I'd thought you were intentionally trying to kill me. Anyways, I know your good on your tab.
*Yiski downs the remainder of his Hellfire*
Damn I can never get enough of this stuff.
With a slight limp, and a dusty mask, he swings the door wide and lets it slam. Standing there in his finest officer jacket (dust and time have not been kind to it) he beckons for 2 barrels to be carried in by a rough bunch behind him. As the barrels roll toward the bar, he surveys the room. No patron could see though the old hazard mask, warn for their protection moreover than his. His boots sound heavy as he inspects patrons on his way to Yiski...
Boy this bunch looks rough Yiski. What you been offering these days?
"Gives a pat on his back"
Finest rum and moonshine in them barrels. The desert sure didnt want them to leave her sight either. Lets say we have a swig before it gets dusty.
"Beckons for a round on him and gives a glance at Furry"
About time somethin' prettier than BdrLine came out of that wasteland.
He walks to his usual table and props up a chair for his tired body.
*Yiski staring at the man and immediately recognizing Zill*
By the gods, I was wondering when you'd come back from your salvage mission. Thought the council finally decided to get rid of you by giving you the Scrap job.
*Inspects the barrels*
Holy hell, you actually manage to find a barrel of Anvala Vintage No.2 and No.3. Thought the last of the stuff was lost forever and in the last place anybody expects to find it. I gotta say Zill, you're constantly full of surprises.
*Yiski hands himself a mug of No.2 and Zill a mug of No.3*
*Each raise their mugs to each other.*
To clear skies!
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Oi, Zill! Where's my money? Something about me not being able to keep a Spire alive during a double Pyra ram? Maybe that rings a bell for you? I'm getting impatient, Zill!
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* finishes his drink and allows the chair to slam down hard on the ground as he removes his boots from the table *
Let's get one thing straight real quick. You do not know me. You don't know if I'm the most wanted criminal or the next Mrs. Universe contestant. So before you start slinging those warnings and calling me 'new' or 'green', you think about that.
This isn't exactly the most friendly bunch, maybe I should just go wet my whistle somewhere else...
* flips a coin to the keep for his drink before he walks to the pisser *
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*Walks in*
*In a low, mumble voice* Well, this is where all ye spend all your spare time..... Maybe I should take a break from the ole' fighting, Zill says I should quit harassing the new-comers. Trial by fire, or mostly fire with a mix of carronade, that's what I always say.
*In a much more louder voice* Well, if none of ye know me, I'll introduce me self. I am the Raider of Skies, Skyraider, and I've come to this establishment to get away from those pride-less, swabies. I may be an aggressive, honor driven warrior, I still can't pilot with people fallin' off me ship. Sure it may have holes from the enemy shooting at us, but its no excuse to get ye foot stuck on a board. Alas, everyone can't be perfect, although they should.
Also if you think I'm gettin' a drink I..... "Misplaced" my crews retirement funds, and that's what I was going to use. And I also was gettin' a spanner to fix those swabies I was put with, if I can fix a burnin' engine with it, why not fix stupidity?
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* finishes his drink and allows the chair to slam down hard on the ground as he removes his boots from the table *
Let's get one thing straight real quick. You do not know me. You don't know if I'm the most wanted criminal or the next Mrs. Universe contestant. So before you start slinging those warnings and calling me 'new' or 'green', you think about that.
This isn't exactly the most friendly bunch, maybe I should just go wet my whistle somewhere else...
* flips a coin to the keep for his drink before he walks to the pisser *
Look, you're standing in here with one hell of a gunner, one hell of a pilot, one hell of an engineer, and Furrymessiah. You'd better stop acting tough, or you're going to regret it. That flare gun is loaded, you know.
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Looks like this is a members only club. I can tell when new faces are not welcome.
See you in the sky...
*walks out*
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*Yiski staring at the man and immediately recognizing Zill*
By the gods, I was wondering when you'd come back from your salvage mission. Thought the council finally decided to get rid of you by giving you the Scrap job.
*Inspects the barrels*
Holy hell, you actually manage to find a barrel of Anvala Vintage No.2 and No.3. Thought the last of the stuff was lost forever and in the last place anybody expects to find it. I gotta say Zill, you're constantly full of surprises.
*Yiski hands himself a mug of No.2 and Zill a mug of No.3*
*Each raise their mugs to each other.*
To clear skies!
*Lets off a laugh*
"That damn Council couldnt shake me any better than the 3 burning Galleons I left behind after running the blockades. As for them barrels, lets just say our sandy mistress has a long way to go before her bounties are exhausted."
*Sits back and enjoys a fine swig from his mug of No.3*
Oi, Zill! Where's my money? Something about me not being able to keep a Spire alive during a double Pyra ram? Maybe that rings a bell for you? I'm getting impatient, Zill!
"Damn you still made it out of that raider camp? I was for sure that was the last of this friggen Spire nonsense id hear outta you."
*Tosses him his just due expenses*
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Looks like this is a members only club. I can tell when new faces are not welcome.
See you in the sky...
*walks out*
*Slides a chair in front of the door*
"Nonsense stranger. Treat these guys with the respect they deserve and you might just get the round I offered. They've crewed with lot worse then you, so either have your seat and enjoy, or enjoy the sandy abyss when she takes your resolve."
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Good doing business with you, Zill. You know, since Cogs is coming up soon, I was thinking we'd have another... arrangement. First one to be at the top of the table for five weeks straight takes all. Up for it?
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This is a holdup! Hand over all your plushies or the place goes up in flames!
*points portable flare gun at drinks*
Ahh i wonder where that flare gun went i was looking all over for it. Still up to that charm i see SunderWith a slight limp, and a dusty mask, he swings the door wide and lets it slam. Standing there in his finest officer jacket (dust and time have not been kind to it) he beckons for 2 barrels to be carried in by a rough bunch behind him. As the barrels roll toward the bar, he surveys the room. No patron could see though the old hazard mask, warn for their protection moreover than his. His boots sound heavy as he inspects patrons on his way to Yiski...
"Boy this bunch looks rough Yiski. What you been offering these days? "
*Gives a pat on his back*
"Finest rum and moonshine in them barrels. The desert sure didnt want them to leave her sight either. Lets say we have a swig before it gets dusty."
*Beckons for a round on him and gives a glance at Furry*
"About time somethin' prettier than BdrLine came out of that wasteland."
He walks to his usual table and props up a chair for his tired body.
Ahh come one Zill you know there is noone out there with this develislly good Yeshan look *said sarcastically with good humor*
oh and nice with the chage of no.3
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*Yiski turns to face Zill*
I swear, the rookies keep looking younger and more brazen by the years. My god They always want to prove themselves. I still remember when we went on our first mission. We mistook a trade ship for a damned raider. *Laughs* Anyways since I'm gonna assume you've ran this past crew ragged, you're gonna need a new men or women for your next run. Why not take the rook?
*Yiski takes a sip of his No.2 and turns to Skyraider*
And Skyraider, we all know who the hell you are. I swear you've used the same intro for the past few years. Why not change up your intro a bit.
*Yiski walks to the bar goes back and hands Skyraider a mug of Yiski's Reserve*
And of course you can't fix stupidity with a spanner! Yer supposed to use the damn hammer!
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Good doing business with you, Zill. You know, since Cogs is coming up soon, I was thinking we'd have another... arrangement. First one to be at the top of the table for five weeks straight takes all. Up for it?
*Nods his mask with a smirk*
"I simply cant resist Sunderland. Double or nothin' and we have us an arrangement."
Ahh come one Zill you know there is noone out there with this develislly good Yeshan look *said sarcastically with good humor*
oh and nice with the chage of no.3
"Those Yeshans sure can turn a classy outfit. That No.3 wasn't too easy to pluck. I doubt the raiders knew what they had yet."
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And Skyraider, we all know who the hell you are. I swear you've used the same intro for the past few years. Why not change up your intro a bit.
*Yiski walks to the bar goes back and hands Skyraider a mug of Yiski's Reserve*
And of course you can't fix stupidity with a spanner! Yer supposed to use the damn hammer!
Well why change a glorious intro? If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And its safe to say I'd not waste a perfectly good hammer on a swabie.
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*Nods his mask with a smirk*
"I simply cant resist Sunderland. Double or nothin' and we have us an arrangement."
I see that your gambling addiction is as exploitable as ever. I'm looking forward to pocketing my reward.
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*Yiski turns to face Zill*
I swear, the rookies keep looking younger and more brazen by the years. My god They always want to prove themselves. I still remember when we went on our first mission. We mistook a trade ship for a damned raider. *Laughs* Anyways since I'm gonna assume you've ran this past crew ragged, you're gonna need a new men or women for your next run. Why not take the rook?
*Yiski takes a sip of his No.2 and turns to Skyraider*
And Skyraider, we all know who the hell you are. I swear you've used the same intro for the past few years. Why not change up your intro a bit.
*Yiski walks to the bar goes back and hands Skyraider a mug of Yiski's Reserve*
And of course you can't fix stupidity with a spanner! Yer supposed to use the damn hammer!
*Give a dusty laugh*
"Oh those were the days. Back when the Council was the least of my worries and that fine Quartermaster was all to myself. At least that trade ship had a decent haul. I still fly to where we buried that pile of Junker. Yea this crew was past their expiration date once we hit the 2nd blockade. Damned if they didnt get me home though. I dont mind a rook so long as he keeps his mouth in line, else those engines will see an extra run of moonshine."
*Beckons with his mug to Skyraider*
"He changes his intro as much as he changes his boat's guns. That old carronade is liable to shoot at him before too long."
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Also Zill, how's ye Goldfish doin'? Still on fire! Ha ha! Ehhhh......... I might be more drunk, or stupid, than anyone else here.
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*Slides a chair in front of the door*
"Nonsense stranger. Treat these guys with the respect they deserve and you might just get the round I offered. They've crewed with lot worse then you, so either have your seat and enjoy, or enjoy the sandy abyss when she takes your resolve."
*turns to Zill casually, not aggressively*
I have no problem giving respect where respect is due, but respect is a two-way street.
But then again, if I drink enough, I'll probably try and kiss every last one of you. Perhaps I just need a few more...
*walks back to the bar and gestures towards the keep with a few coins*
Give me your strongest stuff... and make it a double, please.
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*Nods his mask with a smirk*
"I simply cant resist Sunderland. Double or nothin' and we have us an arrangement."
I see that your gambling addiction is as exploitable as ever. I'm looking forward to pocketing my reward.
*Takes a long swig of his No.3*
"You kid yourself Sunder. You couldnt find a captain liable to hold that slot if your whole life's savings was on the line."
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And of course you can't fix stupidity with a spanner! Yer supposed to use the damn hammer!
A hammer? i persoanlyl like the buffer , it may put some more boost in them brains
*then turns towards to Psyan*
So whats your story. I mean where did you come from. Like i said earlier that i came straight all the way from Yesha. Was born to a family of the high middle class. Oh it was a good life, not too rich or poor, but not enough pazzas as it seems. Always looking for trouble around the capital. Got arrested a few times by the Imperial police. And let me tell ya not a plesaent experience. but how did i end up in these skies, well in one of my many "adventures" i was running from the police and ended up on the air docks and stow away in a leaving merchant ship. Once we left the crew found me out and almost threw me off unless i can i can prove my worth around here. So all in all that is how i started my travels and found my skills while meeting some of these "vagabonds" *chuckles* along the way
I bet if you ask "kindly" some of these floks can tell ya theres
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Also Zill, how's ye Goldfish doin'? Still on fire! Ha ha! Ehhhh......... I might be more drunk, or stupid, than anyone else here.
*Yiski facepalms*
You were never one for alcohol.
*Walks back to the bar and fixes Psyran a double Hellfire*
Now I know BdrLineAzn can handle this stuff, but I'm sure you've read the sign outside about this stuff. Remember, you die, not my fault. End of story.
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A hammer? i persoanlyl like the buffer , it may put some more boost in them brains
Are you tryn' to fix a broken engine with a buff hammer! Ha!
-
*turns to Zill casually, not aggressively*
I have no problem giving respect where respect is due, but respect is a two-way street.
But then again, if I drink enough, I'll probably try and kiss every last one of you. Perhaps I just need a few more...
*walks back to the bar and gestures towards the keep with a few coins*
Give me your strongest stuff... and make it a double, please.
"Thats the spirit. Been awhile since ive met a stranger with that much sense. Dont go burning it off with that double Hellfire."
-
Are you tryn' to fix a broken engine with a buff hammer! Ha!
If all the fireworks around me happen to get me in the head then yes. ahh goodtimes, i lost count of how many times i did that. need a good hit in the head again to get back. *takes a swig from the Hellfire*
-
"KABOOOOOM! AHAHAHAHHAAAaAaaaahh..!" The door is slammed open, and in rushes a slightly hunching captain, he walks in with drunken movements, his boots clanking ever so soundly against the wooden floorboards, he looks around, grinning with a toothy, yellowed smile-
"So..! Which one of you lads be givin' thar next round?!" he fired, looked over the husky voiced man, he seemed no older than thirty, yet ever so
decreipt and veteraned on the fields of flight. He tredges further into the tavern and sits down at the bar, looking around ever so proudly.
"There any crews needing a help in setting out tomorrow? I lost my dear pearl to a man in the "Black Bats" inn just across. Anyone interested?!" He shouted, clearly intoxicated and out of his typical manner, clutching that champagne bottle in his hand as was it his only and truest friend on earth.
-
So whats your story. I mean where did you come from. Like i said earlier that i came straight all the way from Yesha. Was born to a family of the high middle class. Oh it was a good life, not too rich or poor, but not enough pazzas as it seems. Always looking for trouble around the capital. Got arrested a few times by the Imperial police. And let me tell ya not a plesaent experience. but how did i end up in these skies, well in one of my many "adventures" i was running from the police and ended up on the air docks and stow away in a leaving merchant ship. Once we left the crew found me out and almost threw me off unless i can i can prove my worth around here. So all in all that is how i started my travels and found my skills while meeting some of these "vagabonds" *chuckles* along the way
I bet if you ask "kindly" some of these floks can tell ya theres
Well, home wasn't exactly a home while I was growing up, so I usually had to fend for myself. I didn't have a trade or any skills, but I was quick for my age. I used my speed to get the things I needed, when I didn't have the money to afford it. I wasn't a criminal, but I wasn't going to let me and mine starve. One day, I was caught by a mechanic who was none too happy that I was trying to relieve him of his lunch. He apparently saw something in me that I didn't, so he offered to teach me enough to work for my food. He allowed me to sleep in a shed near his garage, which was much better than the accommodations that my parents offered.
I always made sure that my mother never wanted for anything, because my pop was no good. He had a temper and didn't feel the need to hide it. I guess that's why I'm usually coarse towards those who I don't know.
After the mechanic passed away of old age, I wandered around until I found a ship that was in dire need of repairs. The man working on the rear thrusters got upset that I kept pointing out what he was doing wrong, so he finally turned to me and said, "Do you think you can do better?" I told him as much, then he handed me his toolkit. Within an hour, I had the thrusters working... and the Gatling gun... and patched the balloon. The man just watched as I worked, finally approaching me and asked, "I've been flying around, hunting the scum of the planet for years, and I've never seen someone work so fast. You want a job? I think my old engineer is due for retirement, he can't keep himself sober enough to keep from walking off this ship."
I eagerly accepted the position. After telling my mother that I was leaving for good, I haven't been home in a long time. It's probably a good thing, I'm not sure what I would do to my father if I saw him again...
-
*while still drinking the Hellfire, I listen intentively to Psyran*
With that kind of life i kinda regret leaving my wonderful home back in the empire. Oh don't think I've gone soft but I should have appreciated it a bit more. But the past is the past and i wouldn't give up this life. Blowing things up while fixing components while under fire is far better then staying in a high class manor. Because of that i buy ya the next one.
*Calls over to Yiski* I am buying my man Psyran the next one and ohh but in more loch power in it, and can ya add this *pulls out a pouch of dried peppers* found them in the market. Sellers says it was an old ingredient froma real spicy recipe.
-
I have no problem giving respect where respect is due, but respect is a two-way street.
But are you deserving of our respect? That's something we need to check out. I was once like you, you know. I remember when I was young and naïve, thinking I could best the highest-ranking crews in the land. Needless to say, that didn't work out too well. I wandered the lands, jumping on airships whenever I could, occasionally winning a battle after jumping onboard with some real serious guys.
That all changed one day when I crashed my makeshift vessel in the middle of the dunes. Now, if I was half the engineer I am today, I'd have the ship up and running again before it'd get a chance to stop moving. But no, I was just your average deckhand, and I was stuck. So I waited, and waited, and waited. I walked through the sand, searching for signs of civilization.
It took hours, but I finally found something. It wasn't much, but it was more than I needed to get the hell out of there. Three men, ragged and beaten looking, standing next to a downed airship. I shouted to them "Need some help with your ship there?". Turning around and inspecting me with the same air of doubt we have seen today, Zill replied "Yeah, engine's finished". I still do not understand what foolishness led me to what then transpired, but I shall never regret it. My mouth blurted out the words "I'm an engineer, I can deal with it.". In reality, I had never fixed an airship engine. My closest experience to doing so was playing around with a little propellor as a kid. Nevertheless, I walked over, all eyes fixated on me. I heard Yiski whisper "I hope this guy is smarter than he looks". I continued anyways. I opened the engine up and took a look. I was confounded by the thousand interacting parts, knowing I could never administer repairs on such a thing.
Fortunately, it turned out that the only problem was that a stick had gotten caught in it. I didn't even take the stick out. It fell out when I yanked shirt out of the gears it had gotten caught in. So there I was, a hero to them. I had no idea how to actually engineer, but I learned with time. I could go on. You think this story was long? Try listening to Skyraider's account.
So before you go ahead and treat us like a bunch of old nutcases, remember who you're dealing with.
-
I do remember seeing a young lad that Zill picked up, all I thought was "What an idiot". I never was a big fan of new-comers, and I still am keepn' my eye on you N-Sunderland.
-
Thanks for the drink, I appreciate it.
I need to figure out what I'm going to do next. I lost my spot on my last crew when the captain's son came of age. I didn't have any problems with it, he taught me everything he knew. But now I have the skills without a crew or ship to use them with. I've had some odd jobs here and there, basically a hired hand. But, I'm looking for something more permanent. There is just something about fighting side by side that makes a crew closer than family...
-
Look, you're standing in here with one hell of a gunner, one hell of a pilot, one hell of an engineer, and Furrymessiah. You'd better stop acting tough, or you're going to regret it. That flare gun is loaded, you know.
"Hey, now wait a minute!" She said, gripping the hilt of her mallet. "You're cruisin' for some anesthetic, Sunder."
-
N-Sunderland, every time you say the words 'young', 'green', or 'naive', I get this twitch in my eye. Usually when I get this, it's right before I blow some trash out of the sky. Now I'm not going to pick a fight with you since SOME of the people in this watering hole are nice enough folk...
...but before you go tossing labels around, perhaps you should see what I can do on a ship... first...
-
"Hey, now wait a minute!" She said, gripping the hilt of her mallet. "You're cruisin' for some anesthetic, Sunder."
Well you better run Sunder, Furry looks like she can be a doctor at any second.
Any bets on how long Sunder can out run Furry if a chase ensures?
-
Well you better run Sunder, Furry looks like she can be a doctor at any second.
Any bets on how long Sunder can out run Furry if a chase ensures?
I bet it'll be fun to watch...
-
Look, you're standing in here with one hell of a gunner, one hell of a pilot, one hell of an engineer, and Furrymessiah. You'd better stop acting tough, or you're going to regret it. That flare gun is loaded, you know.
"Hey, now wait a minute!" She said, gripping the hilt of her mallet. "You're cruisin' for some anesthetic, Sunder."
*In a low tone* I can see tis turnin' for the worst, *offers Furrymessiah a rusted spanner* also I still recommended a spanner to fix people.
-
I do remember seeing a young lad that Zill picked up, all I thought was "What an idiot". I never was a big fan of new-comers, and I still am keepn' my eye on you N-Sunderland.
If you're referring to the eye that you lost in that Goldfish crash and I keep on a necklace to this day, then yes, you do have an eye on me. And don't you dare come asking for it back! You were the one who flew us straight into Zill's ship, and I was the one that won the bet. It's mine, fair and square.
"Hey, now wait a minute!" She said, gripping the hilt of her mallet. "You're cruisin' for some anesthetic, Sunder."
Go ahead, hit me! The kerosene and grease running through my veins after all these years as an engineer has destroyed my nervous system anyways, so I'll gladly take a beating from a mallet or two.
-
N-Sunderland, every time you say the words 'young', 'green', or 'naive', I get this twitch in my eye. Usually when I get this, it's right before I blow some trash out of the sky. Now I'm not going to pick a fight with you since SOME of the people in this watering hole are nice enough folk...
...but before you go tossing labels around, perhaps you should see what I can do on a ship... first...
Look kid, if you had put any effort into listening to what I said, you'd realize that I described my old self with two of those words, and didn't even use the other. And I'm just saying, you could full well be the greatest engineer the world has ever seen, but you'll have to show us that first.
-
If you're referring to the eye that you lost in that Goldfish crash and I keep on a necklace to this day, then yes, you do have an eye on me. And don't you dare come asking for it back! You were the one who flew us straight into Zill's ship, and I was the one that won the bet. It's mine, fair and square.
How can one lose an eye in a mask? Also, I rarely fight against Zill, even I'm not that foolish (Most of the time) to do that. The one time I did, I followed him down, not being able to fight him 1 on 1 since the battle was over. Also I ain't afraid of someone like you, I met many stronger than ye in battle. If its a fight you want then I'll gladly fight you, I never back down, even in certain death.
-
How can one lose an eye in a mask? Also, I rarely fight against Zill, even I'm not that foolish (Most of the time) to do that. The one time I did, I followed him down, not being able to fight him 1 on 1 since the battle was over. Also I ain't afraid of someone like you, I met many stronger than ye in battle. If its a fight you want then I'll gladly fight you, I never back down, even in certain death.
Hah! Your alcohol tolerance will never improve, will it, Skyraider? I remember it clear as day. We weren't fighting Zill, of course not, even I would fear the thought of doing so. We were all conducting a trade mission together in the canyons, and you ran straight into him, letting the chasing pirates blast us to the ground. It's not hard for your eye to come out through a mask when broken pieces of wood and metal are falling and flailing around you.
I might need to have this conversation with you when you're sober. As it stands, your memory seems to be out on vacation.
-
*turns his back on N-Sunderland and drinks the concoction that BdrLineAzn ordered, peppers in all*
*...again, only discovers how much of a bad idea that was... after the fact*
*tries not to show that his mouth is completely engulfed in flames, sweating profusely*
-
Hah! Your alcohol tolerance will never improve, will it, Skyraider? I remember it clear as day. We weren't fighting Zill, of course not, even I would fear the thought of doing so. We were all conducting a trade mission together in the canyons, and you ran straight into him, letting the chasing pirates blast us to the ground. It's not hard for your eye to come out through a mask when broken pieces of wood and metal are falling and flailing around you.
I might need to have this conversation with you when you're sober. As it stands, your memory seems to be out on vacation.
I was jokn' about the drunk part. I can't drink with this mask on. Now that you mention the scenario, yes I'll admit that I rammed Zill's ship in that scenario. I do apologize for that... "Miss-coordination", even us advanced pilots can get greedy. Like I said, trial by fire. I have payed Zill back.... I think.
-
Go ahead, hit me! The kerosene and grease running through my veins after all these years as an engineer has destroyed my nervous system anyways, so I'll gladly take a beating from a mallet or two.
The woman walks up to Sunder, gripping her mallet. Grabbing hold of the handle with both hands, she raises it up like she was trying to ring a bell at a Strength tester at a Carnival show, and lets go with a blow that would make Thor do a double-take. The sound of the rubber head of her bludgeoning tool is like a rock hitting an empty coconut, only twice as loud.
"You all saw it! He said I could!" The woman said, stepping back to view the carnage her mighty swing had wrought.
-
The woman walks up to Sunder, gripping her mallet. Grabbing hold of the handle with both hands, she raises it up like she was trying to ring a bell at a Strength tester at a Carnival show, and lets go with a blow that would make Thor do a double-take. The sound of the rubber head of her bludgeoning tool is like a rock hitting an empty coconut, only twice as loud.
"You all saw it! He said I could!" The woman said, stepping back to view the carnage her mighty swing had wrought.
O' dere', I might step this one out. *Steps away from the carnage*
-
Oi looks like Sunder might be out. Yiski another if you may.
-
"KABOOOOOM! AHAHAHAHHAAAaAaaaahh..!" The door is slammed open, and in rushes a slightly hunching captain, he walks in with drunken movements, his boots clanking ever so soundly against the wooden floorboards, he looks around, grinning with a toothy, yellowed smile-
"So..! Which one of you lads be givin' thar next round?!" he fired, looked over the husky voiced man, he seemed no older than thirty, yet ever so
decreipt and veteraned on the fields of flight. He tredges further into the tavern and sits down at the bar, looking around ever so proudly.
"There any crews needing a help in setting out tomorrow? I lost my dear pearl to a man in the "Black Bats" inn just across. Anyone interested?!" He shouted, clearly intoxicated and out of his typical manner, clutching that champagne bottle in his hand as was it his only and truest friend on earth.
Captain RethBurn, how many it's certainly been a while since you've come stumbling into my saloon in your sorry state. Currently this round is on BdrLineAzn.
*Yiski hands RethBurn a shot of Regret (strong stuff used for strong drunks. used to sober them up... instantly)*
Also how many ships is that now? 3, 4? I still can't imagine how you manage to get your hands on so many ships just to lose them.
*Yiski turns when he hears the mallet strike and sees N-Sunderland on the ground and Furrymessiah*
THE HELL! You know the rules. If you're gonna start this, then you better take it outside. Last time you two started this crap, it involved all of us, and it ended Zill in the infirmary for two weeks, Skyraider almost losing another eye, the two of you in jail, and leaving me to pay for all the damages caused by your flare guns and bailing you idiots out.
*Yiski heads back to bar and returns to BdrLineAzn and Psyran with two mugs of Anvala's Battle Standard*
*Yiski sees the peppers in BdrLineAzn's hands*
I see you got some Dragon Peppers from the market earlier. Tried to get some myself, but it was already sold out. That stuff light your innards on fire.... figure it's true since it's used in the flamer ammo. *Sees Psyran in pain* You probably should have warned the rook about it.
-
Oi looks like Sunder might be out. Yiski another if you may.
Damnit... Zill, Skyraider, get Sund into the back room and make sure he's still alive.
*Yiski walks to the behind the bar and makes another drink. Walks over to BdrLineAzn with another Hellfire*
-
*tries to reply to Yiski, but is unable to speak*
*instead, he just mouths the word 'water'*
-
*wakes up*
Uungh, what happened?
On that note, I'd better be getting out of here. I've had enough to drink, and Furrymessiah has made a good point. And it's 1 AM where I am, and I don't want to be letting my captain down tomorrow.
See you drunkards around.
*walks out*
-
*tries to reply to Yiski, but is unable to speak*
*instead, he just mouths the word 'water'*
Well, I got good news and bad news. The good news water doesn't help. It'll make things worse. The bad news is the stuff I need to douse a Dragon pepper is... well... let's just say I can't make it. Hmm.... I guess there wasn't any good news at all...
*Yiski ponders a moment while Psyran is gasping for air*
Wait! I do have something.
*Yiski casually walks up to the bar, reaches over and under the counter, and pulls out a small clear container filled with pills*
*Yiski casually walks back to Psyran*
This should do the trick, but be warned, it'll have a hell of after kick.
-
I see you got some Dragon Peppers from the market earlier. Tried to get some myself, but it was already sold out. That stuff light your innards on fire.... figure it's true since it's used in the flamer ammo. *Sees Psyran in pain* You probably should have warned the rook about it.
Hey we all have to tough it out and learn the hard way. A funny story about that, I don't know if I told you that on a junker that I was on before, I was walking around where the tarp was and right under me it ripped. Luckily what saved me was my skivvies hooked on one of the overhanging scrap. Well lets just say i can't sit for a week and that I have to be aware more ofter.
-
Hey we all have to tough it out and learn the hard way. A funny story about that, I don't know if I told you that on a junker that I was on before, I was walking around where the tarp was and right under me it ripped. Luckily what saved me was my skivvies hooked on one of the overhanging scrap. Well lets just say i can't sit for a week and that I have to be aware more ofter.
Hahaha.... I bet you hanging by your skivvies was a pleasant sight to your captain!
-
Hahaha.... I bet you hanging by your skivvies was a pleasant sight to your captain!
What would be the death of my dignity if they had one of them old cameras and took one of me.
*looks at Sunderland as he was leaving and look at the counter*
Hmm left that flare gun here. hope he didn't load that improperly. Don't want an misfire in here
-
Okay, I need to keep a journal of "Things to do to survive.", and one of them is not to get into Furrymessiah's broadside. Well, thatll' be more for now, I need to work on my Goldfish's powder magazine, I told those swabies to not touch the big red label that says "DO NOT TOUCH".
-
*Yiski approaches the middle of the saloon*
Alright everybody! It's a half past 4! I gotta close up for the night... err.. morning.... whatever I just need to close up, take stock, and other saloon type business. No worries, it'll be open by the time you lot get sobered up.
-
*takes the pills from Yiski without a second thought and slowly starts walking towards a table to sit down*
*instead of pulling out a chair, falls face first into the table and takes it to the ground with him*
*out cold*
-
Same here. Looks like I've heard an explosion where my air dock is. Those new nuggets are a thing to handle.*sigh* looks like they destroyed my generator. Well here's the money for all these drinks*grabs out a hefty pouch* Giving lessons and crewing ships does bring in a reasonable pay if you know what i mean. Well night to all of you no good vagabonds* chuckles* oh and Psyran good luck with that powder and keep your nose somewhat clean.
-
*takes the pills from Yiski without a second thought and slowly starts walking towards a table to sit down*
*instead of pulling out a chair, falls face first into the table and takes it to the ground with him*
*out cold*
Well, hell... should have seen that coming... eh, he'll be fine in the morning.
*Yiski grabs a blanket and a pillow*
*Yiski lifts Psyran's head and places the pillow underneath and spreads the blanket over him*
Yeah, he looks comfortable.
*Turns off the lights in the saloon*
--End of Day One--
(No more posts till I open up. Whenever it may be)
-
--Start of Day Two--
*Around 10 a.m., Yiski walks downstairs from his room above the saloon.*
*Yiski still notices Psyran still K.O.d*
*Yiski calls the local medics*
*Few minutes later, medics pick up Psyran and take him to the nearest infirmary*
*Around 12 p.m., Yiski heads to the market and picks up a few ingredients for the saloon*
*Around 4 p.m., Burning Skies Saloon opens*
(Cue wave of posts)
-
*banging comes from the other side of the door*
"Dammit Yiski, forgetting to unlock the door as usual!"
Yiski looks over at the door, held shut by a complex lock mechanism. Suddenly, out of nowhere, it caves in on itself and the door opens. N-Sunderland walks in.
"No matter how many times I've broken that lock open, ya keep on replacing it with the same model! Get one that actually does its job and keeps people out, damn it!"
Sunderland walks over to Yiski and sits down.
"Stuff got a bit boring for my taste last night, you know? Too calm. All I have to take away from it is a bit of brain trauma. Doctor told me that I should take time off the job. Ha! Imagine me, me who designed a replica of the Icarus accurate to the screw while bound and blindfolded, taking time off because of some petty brain damage! I swear, I have no idea what they're teaching in medical school anymore, but it's not doing anybody any good."
-
*as he steps over the door* Didn't know we had medical schools in these parts, are you sure you didn't get another kidney stolen, Sunderland?
*looking towards the bar* Anyways, first round on me, at least until that drunkard Rethburn shows up. I haven't got that much money.
*to Yiski* I hear you have speciality brews- not saying I'm a fancy-pancy wine taster, but I like to vary it up a little. What have you got?
-
*as he steps over the door* Didn't know we had medical schools in these parts, are you sure you didn't get another kidney stolen, Sunderland?
When I say medical school, I'm probably referring to the sawmill. Not that I'm sure what a saw mill is at the moment...
And for the last time, the kidney wasn't stolen! I lost it when Skyraider decided to muck about and smash into Zill.
-
When I say medical school, I'm probably referring to the sawmill. Not that I'm sure what a saw mill is at the moment...
And for the last time, the kidney wasn't stolen! I lost it when Skyraider decided to muck about and smash into Zill.
*Over hears the conversation*
Well, it was a friendly gesture. And ye got to admit, if I took down Zill in a ram, then I coulda' took them all on!
-
When I say medical school, I'm probably referring to the sawmill. Not that I'm sure what a saw mill is at the moment...
And for the last time, the kidney wasn't stolen! I lost it when Skyraider decided to muck about and smash into Zill.
Speaking of which, who did stitch you back together again? I may need to pop in occasionally, depending on how long I'm drinking here for.
-
* To Skyraider* Heyo there, didn't see you walk in- have you been here all night? Anyway, drink up.
-
*Over hears the conversation*
Well, it was a friendly gesture. And ye got to admit, if I took down Zill in a ram, then I coulda' took them all on!
Yeah, but only if they're on your own team!
Speaking of which, who did stitch you back together again? I may need to pop in occasionally, depending on how long I'm drinking here for.
Head over to the sawmill and tell them you know N-Sunderland, and you're there for an appointment. That should do the trick.
-
* To Skyraider* Heyo there, didn't see you walk in- have you been here all night? Anyway, drink up.
Yes, I snuck in and hid here all night, even though I said' I'd be leavin'. I wish I did that now after seein' my ship a fire, those powder monkeys attempted to use lochnagar in a flamethrower!
Yeah, but only if they're on your own team!
Well.... at least Zill no longer gets in a formation with me, so I won't do that, or hydrogen into him again.
-
Yes, I snuck in and hid here all night, even though I said' I'd be leavin'. I wish I did that now after seein' my ship a fire, those powder monkeys attempted to use lochnagar in a flamethrower!
Gabriel's Arse! Worse than the lad I saw trying to take out a Galleon with a Flare! These young'uns need a little more help, methinks.
-
Gabriel's Arse! Worse than the lad I saw trying to take out a Galleon with a Flare! These young'uns need a little more help, methinks.
Mayb' so...... Trail by fire, but not the type of fire that ye get with a Lochnagar please.
-
I'll never forget the day I saw some of those rooks using greased rounds on a harpoon! A gun with one shot! Even a lochnagar flamer has a chance of doing something!
-
*Yiski observes as the whole set of events play out*
*Gets a few mugs of Yiski's Special Ale and hands them out to the guys*
Goddammit N-Sunderland!
*Yiski pulls out a note reading "How much Sund owes me for doors" and putting on a tenth mark*
You do realize by the next time you get paid, all that money is commin to me for the cost of fixing the damn door.
*Yiski walks over to the fallen door and lifts it back into place.*
*Yiski pulls out some spare hinges and the door is fixed*
The only reason I keep all these spare door parts because you're never patient. The reason the door was still locked was because I hadn't even turned on the open sign!
-
We'll see about that. I have a feeling that Zill will end up having to pay my expenses again, much like he did when I lit fire to your old plushie shop. Damn, those things burn quickly.
And whaddya expect, anyways? It opens at the hour, and I walked in at the hour. I ain't got time to wait around outside, not with the type of people I could encounter out there.
-
*Gets a few mugs of Yiski's Special Ale and hands them out to the guys*
*takes a long look into the pungent brew, remembering that it only gets worse with time* Ah screw it. *Downs it*
-
*awakens to find the place packed*
-
*walks in with a bandage on his arm*
Boy, them doctors sure know how to cure a hangover. Too bad they couldn't do much for my sore face. What's on the menu for today?
-
*walks in with a bandage on his arm*
Boy, them doctors sure know how to cure a hangover. Too bad they couldn't do much for my sore face. What's on the menu for today?
*Yiski stares at Psyran*
Rook, you'll learn soon enough there is no menu.
-
No menu, you just grab a mug or two of hellfire. Or in my case...
*stares at black liquid in delight*
-
*Opens the door and the hinges snap. The old door falls the the ground in a cloud of dust*
Good Lord Yiski, did you let Sunderland work on this thing again? I swear my Caught Fire hasnt run the same ever since I let him aboard. Pour me a mornin' brew would yea? Need to wake up after explaining to that last bunch why they only got half I promised.
*Gives a once over of Psyran*
You look better than Skyraider ever has. Youll survive.
-
*Opens the door and the hinges snap. The old door falls the the ground in a cloud of dust*
Good Lord Yiski, did you let Sunderland work on this thing again? I swear my Caught Fire hasnt run the same ever since I let him aboard.
That was your Goldfish, wasn't it? I see myself as more of a Pyramidion engineer, really. Never liked being on a fish.
-
You look better than Skyraider ever has. Youll survive.
*Holds up a finger like he wants to protest, but decides not to*
Ehhh, yeah I wear tis' mask for a reason, pretty sure none wants to see a burned face like none want to see a zeppelin on fire.
-
Pour me a mornin' brew would yea? Need to wake up after explaining to that last bunch why they only got half I promised.
*Yiski gives Zill a deadpan look*
Really? Morning? Just when did you wake up? It's blasted half past 4 in the afternoon.
*Yiski fixes a drink behind the bar*
*Hands Zill the drink*
Here, what you need now is a dinner brew.
*Yiski walks to N-Sunderland with two Hellfires in hand*
I swear if I didn't know any better, you and BdrLineAzn are having a competition to see who'll die first from my Hellfires.
*Yiski looks over to Skyraider*
Sky, in all honesty, the mask wasn't much of an improvement before you had your incident.
*Yiski chuckles to himself*
-
Personally I've always found your hellfires to be quite mild, Yiski. Not sure why the rooks make such a big deal every time they try it. I think we should try to keep these kids out of here. I mean really, you don't want to have to go through another murder trial, do you?
-
Sky, in all honesty, the mask wasn't much of an improvement before you had your incident.
Well its a face that'll send a chill down anyone's spine, it ain't supposed to b' pretty.
-
Personally I've always found your hellfires to be quite mild, Yiski. Not sure why the rooks make such a big deal every time they try it. I think we should try to keep these kids out of here. I mean really, you don't want to have to go through another murder trial, do you?
Sky, you're memory's getting worse and worse. Probably because of all the Hellfires you've had. I was never on trial for murder. I was called as a witness in a murder proceeding to defend bloody Furry when she massacred those saps for whistling at her.
Poor suckers never stood a chance. Luckily she got acquitted on a technicality.
-
Personally I've always found your hellfires to be quite mild, Yiski. Not sure why the rooks make such a big deal every time they try it. I think we should try to keep these kids out of here. I mean really, you don't want to have to go through another murder trial, do you?
Sky, you're memory's getting worse and worse. Probably because of all the Hellfires you've had. I was never on trial for murder. I was called as a witness in a murder proceeding to defend bloody Furry when she massacred those saps for whistling at her.
Poor suckers never stood a chance. Luckily she got acquitted on a technicality.
Poor old Yiski, you must be going blind and deaf! I was the one who said the above, not Skyraider.
Heh, you're thinking about Furry's second trial. Your trial came two months later, one week after Furry's fourth trial, and a few hours before my first one. Remember that one?
-
Sky, you're memory's getting worse and worse. Probably because of all the Hellfires you've had. I was never on trial for murder. I was called as a witness in a murder proceeding to defend bloody Furry when she massacred those saps for whistling at her.
Poor suckers never stood a chance. Luckily she got acquitted on a technicality.
Hey I didn't say that, that was N-Sunderland. You sure you'r okay?
-
*Shrugs*
Meh, must be all that time I spent around lochnagar round powder.
-
Pour me a mornin' brew would yea? Need to wake up after explaining to that last bunch why they only got half I promised.
*Yiski gives Zill a deadpan look*
Really? Morning? Just when did you wake up? It's blasted half past 4 in the afternoon.
*Yiski fixes a drink behind the bar*
*Hands Zill the drink*
Here, what you need now is a dinner brew.
*Chugs the dinner brew through his mask and beckons to Yiski*
Those friggen engies had me up all night. Something about me using too much hydrogen or some rot. The Council also gave me a new job. Gotta head north for some specialty items. Ill be needing some crew soon that dont nag about a little frost on their mustache.
-
*Chugs the dinner brew through his mask and beckons to Yiski*
Those friggen engies had me up all night. Something about me using too much hydrogen or some rot. The Council also gave me a new job. Gotta head north for some specialty items. Ill be needing some crew soon that dont nag about a little frost on their mustache.
*Yiski laughs*
You know how engineers get when you start breaking their toys. In fact, I can recall a time where you balloon and engines were always on the brink of failing and hearing the engineers constantly screaming.
-
Gotta head north for some specialty items. Ill be needing some crew soon that dont nag about a little frost on their mustache.
Ill help ye if ya need a spare pilot, this time I won't run into ya.
-
All right, this has gotten too quiet and boring.
Where did I put my flare gun?
-
Woah, woah, woah, think what we all have to live for! Well, most of us anyways...
But that's beside the point. If you fire that flare, you won't only kill off the Old Guard of Icarus, but you'll also waste a colossal amount of booze- you'll never see another drink again! Nobody can fly sober. If they are, they could fly better with moonshine in the engines and in the crew.
-
Woah, woah, woah, think what we all have to live for! Well, most of us anyways...
But that's beside the point. If you fire that flare, you won't only kill off the Old Guard of Icarus, but you'll also waste a colossal amount of booze- you'll never see another drink again! Nobody can fly sober. If they are, they could fly better with moonshine in the engines and in the crew.
Fine! Maybe I'll just fire it at some rook, do a favour for us all.
-
*As an another patron walks in through the door, the new hinges give in a nasty squeak*
*Walks in a young Yeshan man covered in oil and engine grease.*
Damn those new nuggets can redecorate my whole air docks in quite a short time. This time around they were experimenting with some of those Dragon Peppers that I've bought into the engines. Let's just say that the "Starlight" and two of my docks will be offline for a few days.
*Walks up to the bar and grabbed a seat*
Yiski my good man looks like I need a shot to clear my mind from this.
-
Fine! Maybe I'll just fire it at some rook, do a favour for us all.
As long as it's far and way from the Hellfire barrels, go for it.
Damn those new nuggets can redecorate my whole air docks in quite a short time. This time around they were experimenting with some of those Dragon Peppers that I've bought into the engines. Let's just say that the "Starlight" and two of my docks will be offline for a few days.
*Walks up to the bar and grabbed a seat*
Yiski my good man looks like I need a shot to clear my mind from this.
By the skies you sure as hell need a drink. I don't see why you gotta experiment so often with the damn Dragon peppers! All those are good for is making the flamers burn bright and hot. Plus, it does wonders for a few of my own concoctions.
*Yiski fixes up a Frost Fire Ale and hands it to BdrLineAzn*
-
By the skies you sure as hell need a drink. I don't see why you gotta experiment so often with the damn Dragon peppers! All those are good for is making the flamers burn bright and hot. Plus, it does wonders for a few of my own concoctions.
*Yiski fixes up a Frost Fire Ale and hands it to BdrLineAzn*
I can say it is part my fault as well. After coming back to my docks after the saloon, I place my satchel on the counter where all can see and headed in to sleep. I think one of the new guys found my bag in the open, went over to it and found the peppers. As later in the next day I heard an explosion on my ship that woke me up. What was unusual about the explosion was that it smelled like spice. As I headed down I saw the stern of my goldfish blown off as well as several other things destroyed. The source came from three smoke covered swabbies with makeshift experimental fuel with Dragon Peppers in them.
*takes a small swig of the Frost Fire Ale*
-
You should start looking for some better crews, BdrLine. This group is probably too busy writing new lies for them to tell as stories of their greatness, but I'm sure you can find some decent crewmen out there.
-
Gotta head north for some specialty items. Ill be needing some crew soon that dont nag about a little frost on their mustache.
Ill help ye if ya need a spare pilot, this time I won't run into ya.
*Gives a loud dusty cackle*
Maybe when you learn port from starboard, you can just be good enough to clean the guns for me. What makes you think id trust you with one eye when you couldnt manage to use both of them the first time Sky?
All right, this has gotten too quiet and boring.
Where did I put my flare gun?
You want some action? Im sure Furry would be more than accommodating.
-
From the sounds of it Furry won't be showing up in these parts for a while. Probably got arrested over last night. I bet the rook from yesterday was the one who gave the cops a tip about it. All the more reason to go burn a rook.
-
you can just be good enough to clean the guns for me.
Well ya couldn't stop me from tearin' ye Galleon apart! And ya was the engineer!
-
You should start looking for some better crews, BdrLine. This group is probably too busy writing new lies for them to tell as stories of their greatness, but I'm sure you can find some decent crewmen out there.
These guys on my ship in the air?!? I rather freeze my ass off in the North with Zill then be with them. Naw all the new guys around my docks are in it to learn the ways around an airship. For a small fee I let them around the docks and tinker about as well as let them In my warehouse that is on site to look at the many components. But since I'm not strict in what I've have rules wise, I let them do why they want. What I live by is live and learn and what any mistakes they made they learn from it. Which reminds me, if any of you guys are looking for a dock. You can park your ships in mine, just be warn if anything happens to your ship, wasn't my fault. But you can use what I have in my warehouse if things gets destroyed.
-
From the sounds of it Furry won't be showing up in these parts for a while. Probably got arrested over last night. I bet the rook from yesterday was the one who gave the cops a tip about it. All the more reason to go burn a rook.
Actually Psyran was knocked out cold from the pills Yiski gave him. Heard he had to stay the night in here. Happened after you woke up and left
-
*wakes up from the sound of his name*
Wha? I fell asleep BEFORE drinking? That's not right... I've got things backwards. I need a drink, quick. Yiski, if you would please...
BTW, BdrLineAzn, I'm always looking for a good time. Hit me up if you see me around the docks.
-
*Wakes up from the smell of freshly served drinks* Balls, what time is it? *looks at the mouldy grandfather clock in the corner* Gabriel's Arse! I'm not still buyin' first rounds, am I? My tab's gonna be bigger than Sunderland's damages bill.....
-
*wakes up from the sound of his name*
Wha? I fell asleep BEFORE drinking? That's not right... I've got things backwards. I need a drink, quick. Yiski, if you would please...
BTW, BdrLineAzn, I'm always looking for a good time. Hit me up if you see me around the docks.
Wow you really dont remember? Damn Yiski those pills you gave him were strong. Basically once you drank that Hellfire with Dragon Peppers you were looking like the tail end of a flamer. To the point Yiski gave you pills that knock you out cold. In the noting while I was walking around, I saw you being taken out by medics still out cold
-
*Wakes up from the smell of freshly served drinks* Balls, what time is it? *looks at the mouldy grandfather clock in the corner* Gabriel's Arse! I'm not still buyin' first rounds, am I? My tab's gonna be bigger than Sunderland's damages bill.....
You'd have to empty this place's stock every day for a year if you wanted to even owe a fraction of what I do.
-
I remember the evil concoction, but after the medics released me... I came back here. Then, apparently I dozed off again.
Must have been some serious stuff to have me out cold all night, and taking a nooner as well...
-
You'd have to empty this place's stock every day for a year if you wanted to even owe a fraction of what I do.
Huh, in that case you're lucky Yiski runs extended tabs, and doesn't go around breaking legs. Well, to my knowledge at least.
Which reminds me-*places a handful of rusty coins and a washer on the counter*- Should be enough to cover me for the night.
-
*Wakes up from the smell of freshly served drinks* Balls, what time is it? *looks at the mouldy grandfather clock in the corner* Gabriel's Arse! I'm not still buyin' first rounds, am I? My tab's gonna be bigger than Sunderland's damages bill.....
If Wazulu is still buying..* gulps down the rest of the ale*.. Yiski a mug of Hellfire sounds good right about now
-
You know, I've been quite busy recently helping out random ships... even taking the helm for a crew... but I haven't seen you guys in the sky. Is it a holiday or something?
*looks around for Yiski*
Is this self-serve hour? I don't want to go and pour myself a drink, liable to get my hand shot off...
-
You know, I've been quite busy recently helping out random ships... even taking the helm for a crew... but I haven't seen you guys in the sky. Is it a holiday or something?
You must have gotten lost in the sea of ships there today, but Zill, Yiski, Skyraider, Furry and I were all out there at the same time. There's been a lot of traffic in the air the last couple of days, so I guess you missed us.
-
Well, I'm down for some action, I just need a drink...
*looks around for Yiski, weighing the option of fetching a drink or staying safe and thirsty*
-
Well, I'm down for some action, I just need a drink...
*looks around for Yiski, weighing the option of fetching a drink or staying safe and thirsty*
Well if you ever see me in the clouds, don't be shy to join my crew. Don't expect me to fly the damned thing, but I'd gladly lend a helping hand to a newbie.
-
All right, how about this. I want salutes from everybody in this saloon, lest I pour the contents of my mug (you DO NOT want to know what I'm drinking) into the barrel of that flare gun and fire. If I don't have seven salutes by tomorrow morning, this place is going to be lit up once and for all.
*sits and waits patiently*
-
The door opens, it reveals a figure covered in the haze of smoke, no doubt from the cigar in his mouth. He walks in, the actions of his joints accentuated by the hiss from the decompression of hydraulics. He started by removing his top hat, then removed his officers long coat and hung them on the coat hanger on the way in. Above knee and elbow amputations, all his limbs were mechanic, the clicks, sputters, and clanks of cogs emitted from him like a plague. The brass glinted in the light as he passed by a window on his way to the bar. He had northern features; stubble grew on his face except on his left cheek where a scar prevented hair growth. Arriving at the bar, he took a stool and sat down hunched over.
“Yiski, Stabsinthe on the rocks... no more than two cubes, it dilutes the flavour”
-
The door opens, it reveals a figure covered in the haze of smoke, no doubt from the cigar in his mouth. He walks in, the actions of his joints accentuated by the hiss from the decompression of hydraulics. He started by removing his top hat, then removed his officers long coat and hung them on the coat hanger on the way in. Above knee and elbow amputations, all his limbs were mechanic, the clicks, sputters, and clanks of cogs emitted from him like a plague. The brass glinted in the light as he passed by a window on his way to the bar. He had northern features; stubble grew on his face except on his left cheek where a scar prevented hair growth. Arriving at the bar, he took a stool and sat down hunched over.
“Yiski, Stabsinthe on the rocks... no more than two cubes, it dilutes the flavour”
No matter how many times you walk into here, those limbs unsettle me. How did your latest trade mission go? Those raiders have been getting quite restless lately. I barely escaped from one of their camps myself a few days back. I thought you'd be missing a few more body parts by the time you made it here.
-
*Leaves for a moment and returns with a mediocre barkeep at best to serve the thirsty patrons*
Yiski had some business to attend to. Something about an over extended tab. Judging from the guns he took from my warehouse, its been a long time comin'.
*Gives Papa a once over and sticks his mask in the old mans face*
You still owe me for that hydraulic fluid you old git. That trade mission should have given you plenty to pass around.
-
Ahh! Finally. May I have a drink, good sir?
-
*Turning to N-Sunderland*
"Well I had a brief encounter with some bandits. The idiots boarded, the ship I was commanding was under equipped for ship to ship fighting, but it was my crew that did the tearing..."
*His hand folds into his forearm revealing a massive serrated blade*
"limb from limb one might say, heh."
*He moves his blade along side Zills neck, using it to point past him at his jacket*
"Payments in the right pocket, mate. Along with a trinket I thought you might enjoy."
-
*Leaves for a moment and returns with a mediocre barkeep at best to serve the thirsty patrons*
Yiski had some business to attend to. Something about an over extended tab. Judging from the guns he took from my warehouse, its been a long time comin'.
*sigh* So it might be a while. Hold on let me get back there as well. Been around the stuff so often that I know a thing or too. But noone ask for any Hellfire, Yiski's recipe is so delicate might as well let Sunderland blow up this place then let me mix it. So who needs what?
-
You should find a pipe leaking the most foul-smelling, disgusting-looking black liquid you've seen in your life. Get me a mug of that, will ya?
-
*Turning to N-Sunderland*
"Well I had a brief encounter with some bandits. The idiots boarded, the ship I was commanding was under equipped for ship to ship fighting, but it was my crew that did the tearing..."
*His hand folds into his forearm revealing a massive serrated blade*
"limb from limb one might say, heh."
*He moves his blade along side Zills neck, using it to point past him at his jacket*
"Payments in the right pocket, mate. Along with a trinket I thought you might enjoy."
My face has seen much worse than your blade, but nows not the time for scaring away the patrons I wager.
*Walks over to the jacket and reaches in, pulling out a hefty purse and a circular block wrapped in paper. The smell of cheese fills his mask.*
Some of your famed Asiago I smell. I may of judged yea too fast you bag of bolts.
*sigh* So it might be a while. Hold on let me get back there as well. Been around the stuff so often that I know a thing or too. But noone ask for any Hellfire, Yiski's recipe is so delicate might as well let Sunderland blow up this place then let me mix it. So who needs what?
Pour me some No.3 would yea?
-
You should find a pipe leaking the most foul-smelling, disgusting-looking black liquid you've seen in your life. Get me a mug of that, will ya?
*Going in the back to fulfill Sunderland's order, BdrLineAzn goes through to find said pipe*
Alright be back in a sec.
(Back room) Damn Yiski shouldn't keep all this loch power lying around in the open.*While trying to navigate around the barrels he hits an low hanging pipe* What the hell really.
*He goes in further and what he sees makes him wonder how Yiski manages*
Ohh Sunder wasnt kidding about that pipe.and ugh the stengh. Well here goes.
*comes back with the drink*
Ahh here ya go Sunder, really don't know how you can drink this.
Pour me some No.3 would yea?
Sure thing Zill.
*As Azn pours in the No. 3 he slides it across the bar towards Zill*
-
My face has seen much worse than your blade, but nows not the time for scaring away the patrons I wager.
*Walks over to the jacket and reaches in, pulling out a hefty purse and a circular block wrapped in paper. The smell of cheese fills his mask.*
Some of your famed Asiago I smell. I may of judged yea too fast you bag of bolts.
*PapaP starts laughing hysterically*
"We've been through too much Zill, I don't think I could make that face any uglier!"
*Looking at Bdrlineazn*
"Since ya offered, I'll take some stabsinthe... Don't skimp either, no ones the wiser"
-
*Yiski opens the door. His entire outfit is pitch black and still emanating what could only be considered smoke. As he walks through the saloon Yiski is wearing a wide grin across his face. Yiski walks up to Zill and lays down a gatling gun on Zill's table*
Knew I could always count on you to provide me a gun when I need to run down some of my deadbeats. If you're wondering how it went this time, it was better. I only had to use 30 rounds before the bloody bastards paid up.
*Yiski walks over to the bar and relieves Roland, the replacement barkeep*
Good work as usual on short notice. Here's the 15 silver I owe per our agreement.
*Sees PapaParadox*
By the skies, I haven't seen you around these parts in months! I thought you'd forgotten about us all this time. Sorry about not being around today. Had to do a little collections.
*Yiski places a large sack on the counter of what many believed to be what was owed to Yiski*
*Yiski looks at the clock and realizes its a 2:30 a.m.*
Damn! This took longer than usual. Sorry for the inconvenience mates. Hopefully Roland was able to keep up with all your orders. Sadly it's time for me to close up shop.
--End of Day 2--
(Again... No more posts till I reopen.)
-
* hovers outside saloon in a squid that is fitted with a giant top hat ...wating for trouble*
-
MasX, I've got a little something here... to tide us over.
*pulls out a flask with some whiskey in it, pours two glasses*
Here... a toast... to Fallow... may the town swallow my father whole!
Skies were a little dusty when I was flying around with BdrLineAzn and RearAdmiralZill. We also crewed with a fellow named Voxx, who seemed like a knowledgeable fellow.
-
--Start of Day Three--
*Yiski fixes up the door and uses a different lock and hinge layout*
*Yiski runs a standard maintenance check on all the equipment*
*Yiski tests the new lock system and leaves it unlock*
*Turns on the open sign at 1 p.m.*
*Yiski takes a step outside and sees MasX's squid hovering overhead along with Psyran*
Good grief.... this is way to early to have to deal with a pest. Now where's my giant swatter? MasX, park that damn ship in the docks and get your and Psyran's asses in here.
*Yiski walks back inside*
-
*Ignores the obviously lost squid and walks in, relieved the door is in some kind of stable shape.*
Good to see my guns put to good use old friend. I take it you got it all back with interest?
*Pulls up a chair at his usual table, wiping away the thin layer of dust*
Got anything good to eat? I havent had a bite in a couple days. Damn rooks left the hold open again. I eat enough dust by just flying around. Dont want it on my off time too.
-
*Ignores the obviously lost squid and walks in, relieved the door is in some kind of stable shape.*
Good to see my guns put to good use old friend. I take it you got it all back with interest?
*Pulls up a chair at his usual table, wiping away the thin layer of dust*
Got anything good to eat? I havent had a bite in a couple days. Damn rooks left the hold open again. I eat enough dust by just flying around. Dont want it on my off time too.
*Gives a small chuckle*
Food? Hell Zill, I don't think a piece of solid food was ever made here, not including solidified Hellfire and it's derivatives.
*Gives a long sigh*
If you don't mind taking a chance, I figure I can try making something form scratch. Just don't expect anything fancy.... or good.
-
*Nods his mask*
Cant be any worse than Furry's cookin'. It was so bad I was willing to take that mallet blow to set her straight.
*Props up his feet*
I trust youll make me something mildly edible. Dont forget the loch powder though. I need a good kick.
-
*walks in catching the last portion of the conversation between Zill and Yiski... as he's munching on a turkey leg*
*looks at Zill... then looks at his turkey leg... then back at Zill... then lifts the turkey leg towards Zill*
Want a bite? I promise that I don't have anything contagious... well, better not say that, at least it won't kill you...
-
*Wakes up yet again* What the hell is in the Black Brew? it keeps making me fall asleep mid-sentence...
*looks around, sees the squid* Wait, how'd I get outside? And since when did this place have a dock? Besides that-
*to MasX* Heyo there! I would buy you first rounds, but the barkeep might be out.
*Stands up, walks through door* Afternoon, Folks!
-
*Walks out from the kitchen with a plate and a bowl and places them on Zill's table*
Well, here's a sandwich. Pretty standard: ham, cheese, bacon, fried onions, lettuce, and secret sauce.
The bowl is soup is well... soup. What kind of soup... err... well the broth is Frost Fire Ale base. I tried some and I'm still standing so it shouldn't kill you... immediately at least.
*Sees Wazulu stumble in*
Hmm... I managed to get the stuff I needed to make a remedy for that. Unless you want to take the pill I gave Psyran.
-
*walks in catching the last portion of the conversation between Zill and Yiski... as he's munching on a turkey leg*
*looks at Zill... then looks at his turkey leg... then back at Zill... then lifts the turkey leg towards Zill*
Want a bite? I promise that I don't have anything contagious... well, better not say that, at least it won't kill you...
*Blankly stares at him for a moment*
I think Ill take my chances with Yiski's cooking, if its all the same to you. Last guy to offer me food was paid pretty well to see it be my last bite. Come with me up North in a week and then I may take that offer.
*Walks out from the kitchen with a plate and a bowl and places them on Zill's table*
Well, here's a sandwich. Pretty standard: ham, cheese, bacon, fried onions, lettuce, and secret sauce.
The bowl is soup is well... soup. What kind of soup... err... well the broth is Frost Fire Ale base. I tried some and I'm still standing so it shouldn't kill you... immediately at least.
*Lifts the mask just enough to eat, revealing charred and shredded remains of what skin was left on his face from the incident.*
Not bad at all Yiski. You might be on to somethin' here with this house special. I feel like shootin' a raider already.
-
*Sees Wazulu stumble in*
Hmm... I managed to get the stuff I needed to make a remedy for that. Unless you want to take the pill I gave Psyran.
Well, from one hell to another. I'll take two, and a pint to drink 'em down.
-
*munches on his turkey leg and shrugs at Zill*
Mr. Yiski? Gave I have a brewski today? I think yesterday you were keeping me from having a relapse or something, but I assure you... I'm definitely fit to drink today.
*turns towards Wazulu*
I wouldn't if I were you. Those pills are a cure-all, but it does so by placing you into a coma. My face is still sore from where it landed on the table
*rubs his face as he turns back towards the bar*
-
*turns towards Wazulu*
I wouldn't if I were you. Those pills are a cure-all, but it does so by placing you into a coma. My face is still sore from where it landed on the table
Well, considering this monster headache, anything is better than nothing....
-
*Turns to Psryan*
Like I said, this time I can make the remedy.
*Inspects Psyran*
Meh, yeah you look good to drink, but none of the heavy stuff.
*Hands Wazulu a mug of Anvala's best*
*Turns to Wazulu*
No worries, my remedy works like the pill with none of the side effects. Give me a minute to make the brew.
*Yiski heads into the back room*
*Heavy mechanical sounds can be heard*
-
*stumbles in with burned clothes, and a bit of blood here and there*
-
*stumbles in with burned clothes, and a bit of blood here and there*
*Goes up to N-Sunderland and helps him to the couch*
Oh by the Fjords, who did you flare this time? You know what, never mind I don't want to know.
Zill, you still know that medic who doesn't ask questions? Get him here... now.
-
*stumbles in with burned clothes, and a bit of blood here and there*
*Goes up to N-Sunderland and helps him to the couch*
Oh by the Fjords, who did you flare this time? You know what, never mind I don't want to know.
Zill, you still know that medic who doesn't ask questions? Get him here... now.
Yeah, it's probably best that you don't ask where I was. Get me a drink while I'm waiting for the medic, will ya?
-
*Secures his mask and hastily makes for the door*
Im on it.
*Comes back 5 minutes later with Oliver right behind*
Over there on the couch, looks like 1 or 2 flares caught him sleepin'.
-
*to Yiski* Alrighty then. I won't ask what's in this brew of yours- for the sake of my intestines and your secret recipe. Just remember, it'll be your floor if I spew up, eh? Cheers for the drink nonetheless
-
*Walks in and sees N-Sunderland*
Did thou get in a fight with "Fury Furry" again? I'd haven't see ya like this before, and I doubt you'd be stupid enough to nearly kill ye self with a flare gun, of all things.
-
*Walks in and sees N-Sunderland*
Did thou get in a fight with "Fury Furry" again? I'd haven't see ya like this before, and I doubt you'd be stupid enough to nearly kill ye self with a flare gun, of all things.
Leave Furry out of this. I was just out dealing with some old business. I had to pay a visit to some... friends... shall we say. And you can be damn sure I didn't have that flare gun, seeing as I've been searching for it for the last couple of days *looks at BdrLine with suspicion*.
-
*Holds his fingers over his mask like he is thinking*
I think I saw ye flare gun at an auction, I don't know who got it, but I don't think it went for very high.
-
*Holds his fingers over his mask like he is thinking*
I think I saw ye flare gun at an auction, I don't know who got it, but I don't think it went for very high.
*punches BdrLine and knocks him out*
That'll teach ya to sell my stuff off!
*grabs Skyraider by the collar*
Where was it? Tell me now. Tell me the address. Tell me the time of day. Tell me the selling price. Tell me what the buyer looked like. JUST TELL ME EVERYTHING.
*panics and almost starts crying*
-
*grabs Skyraider by the collar*
Where was it? Tell me now. Tell me the address. Tell me the time of day. Tell me the selling price. Tell me what the buyer looked like. JUST TELL ME EVERYTHING.
*panics and almost starts crying*
Woah woah! It was at..... "Aggressive Auctions", about an hour ago! The guy wore a bird's mask, and I saw ye flare gun in parts, looks like the seller wasn't very careful. I don't know the sellin' price, but for the condition it was in, it wouldn't have gone for much!
-
*grabs Skyraider by the collar*
Where was it? Tell me now. Tell me the address. Tell me the time of day. Tell me the selling price. Tell me what the buyer looked like. JUST TELL ME EVERYTHING.
*panics and almost starts crying*
Woah woah! It was at..... "Aggressive Auctions", about an hour ago! The guy wore a bird's mask, and I saw ye flare gun in parts, looks like the seller wasn't very careful. I don't know the sellin' price, but for the condition it was in, it wouldn't have gone for much!
Got it. I'm getting the word out. That bird-masked man won't be able to step into the streets with my gun without meeting an unpleasant surprise.
-
Now why exactly is that flare so important to ya? I normally don't get grabbed by ze collar.
-
*Gets in between N-Sunderland and Skyraider*
Calm down Sund. You're in no condition to be getting up let alone getting your blood pressure up.
*Eases N-Sunderland back on the couch*
Don't worry about your flare gun. I know the guy that runs the auction house. I'll ask him who bought your flare gun.
*Looks to Oliver*
What's his status doc?
-
*Flings the door open, clapping the dust from the skipper's pea coat and throwing off the officers hat*
Hello gents, nice weather we have today, huh? Oh Sunderland I'm glad to see you're here. Remember that old flare gun that you found in that huge wreckage in the Burren? I just found some very tasty information about it containing a...
*Looks at Sunderland*
Dear lord, what happened to you?
-
Nice weather? Where I came from, it was poorin' down cats and dogs! Well, poorin' ammo and twisted metal, I had to deal with the ole' pirates along the way.
-
*Oliver gives him a once over*
After that performance, he'll be fine. A few 2nd degree burns and a mild concussion. Give him these dissolved with some of the coldest brew you got.
*Hands Yiski 2 tablets the size pennies*
Zill its on your tab. G"day.
*Walks out*
*Murmurs under his breath before turning to Sunderland*
For once you owe me Sunder. Rest your head before you hurt Sky for the wrong reasons.
-
*Gets in between N-Sunderland and Skyraider*
Calm down Sund. You're in no condition to be getting up let alone getting your blood pressure up.
*Eases N-Sunderland back on the couch*
Don't worry about your flare gun. I know the guy that runs the auction house. I'll ask him who bought your flare gun.
*Looks to Oliver*
What's his status doc?
Thanks Yiski, that means a lot.*Flings the door open, clapping the dust from the skipper's pea coat and throwing off the officers hat*
Hello gents, nice weather we have today, huh? Oh Sunderland I'm glad to see you're here. Remember that old flare gun that you found in that huge wreckage in the Burren? I just found some very tasty information about it containing a...
*Looks at Sunderland*
Dear lord, what happened to you?
Doesn't matter. What's this about my flare gun?
-
Doesn't matter. What's this about my flare gun?
Oh you wouldn't happen to have it with you would you? An acquaintance of mine have been to the imperial library of Chang-Ning, there finding some information about a special kind of flare gun, very much matching yours in description. He wired me the results this morning. Seemingly it's supposed to contain some kind of map.
Oh and while I'm down here, would someone be as kind as to pour me a big strong one.
-
Oh you wouldn't happen to have it with you would you? An acquaintance of mine have been to the imperial library of Chang-Ning, there finding some information about a special kind of flare gun, very much matching yours in description. He wired me the results this morning. Seemingly it's supposed to contain some kind of map.
No wonder why someone would by a broken down, portable flare gun. But a map ina' flare gun? Wouldn' it be able to burn easy?
-
Well I'm no expert on paper, maybe it's inside the grip or something?
-
Oh you wouldn't happen to have it with you would you? An acquaintance of mine have been to the imperial library of Chang-Ning, there finding some information about a special kind of flare gun, very much matching yours in description. He wired me the results this morning. Seemingly it's supposed to contain some kind of map.
Oh and while I'm down here, would someone be as kind as to pour me a big strong one.
*Hands Sgt. Spoon a mug of Yiski's Reserve*
A rare flare gun huh? I think I know the one you're friend's talking about. Supposedly the map holds a location of some pre-world tech schematics. Powerful stuff to whoever could find it's location.
*Yiski walks into the back room for a few minutes. After, he emerges with a parchment in his hand bearing his seal*
Instead of waiting till the auction house opens tomorrow, given the circumstances, I'm gonna send a rushed correspondence to Ralph, the head of Anvala's auction house, for the info. He and I go way back during the early days of establishing and defending my plushie refinery.
*Walks outside and hails a local courier*
*Mutters instructions to the courier and hands him 5 sliver.*
*Courier heads off*
*Yiski turns to N-Sunderland*
No worries. I should be hearing back from Ralph within a few hours.
-
Pre-world tech schematics? I wonder if thatd' be the wind turbine that could change arid environments into perfect farming grounds, or worse, create hurricanes and tornadoes. I heard something along those lines, the Germans were very inventive about the machines they created, however they weren't able to release it for a unknown cause, and was never heard from again.
-
Pre-world tech schematics? I wonder if thatd' be the wind turbine that could change arid environments into perfect farming grounds, or worse, create hurricanes and tornadoes. I heard something along those lines, the Germans were very inventive about the machines they created, however they weren't able to release it for a unknown cause, and was never heard from again.
*Yiski turns to Skyraider*
That's just it... nobody really knows what type of tech it is... or even it is tech at all. Some say is lost cultural artifacts or some other pre-world stuff.
-
Well it ain't be good, since its gone for a reason.
*Opens a journal and scribbles down something*
Now that's on my "To-do" list, although we have lost the flare gun, we can still figure out what's so important about this map.
-
*Walks in with a crate of what look like a pile of componets*
Hello fellas, was out in the Dunes with my junker looking for parts to fix my gold.....
*sees the sight before him as N-Sunderland knocks out another patron as well as the last bit of what Sunderland says*
...fish. What in the world happen in here while I was gone?!? And Sunderland I didn't took your flare, i thought it was mine when you barged in here two days ago but at a closer inspection say it wasn't. I left it at the counter for when you return.
But any who while i was at the scrap pile i found these. Ancient stuff that i presume before the "Icarus " went up.
*sees the scematics at the table*
Oh I remember that when i was with my father when he takes me to the imperial library when i was young. If i recall correctly it was more than a flare gun, i think it had a two part mechanism, one it shoots the flare that blinds the enemy with its intense light, then shoots off a small rocket of some sorts from a bottom barrel disabling the ship.
-
*Courier runs into the saloon and hands Yiski a letter bearing Ralph's seal*
*Yiski opens and reads the letter*
Hmm.... well this is really odd. Seems like even Ralph doesn't know who the bird masked fellow is, but according to some of his workers that move goods in and out of the docks, they noticed "Birdman" getting onto a galleon named "Soaring Wing".
I guess if we want to know where "Birdman," your gun, and the map is, we'll have to ask the Dockmaster where his ship was heading.
*Yiski looks to everybody*
Oh by the skies, anybody up for a little chase?
-
*Courier runs into the saloon and hands Yiski a letter bearing Ralph's seal*
*Yiski opens and reads the letter*
Hmm.... well this is really odd. Seems like even Ralph doesn't know who the bird masked fellow is, but according to some of his workers that move goods in and out of the docks, they noticed "Birdman" getting onto a galleon named "Soaring Wing".
I guess if we want to know where "Birdman," your gun, and the map is, we'll have to ask the Dockmaster where his ship was heading.
*Yiski looks to everybody*
Oh by the skies, anybody up for a little chase?
The skies will be alight with the fire of our guns until I get that flare back.
I'm in.
-
The skies will be alight with the fire of our guns until I get that flare back.
I'm in.
Wow Sunder thats one special flare gun you had there. An ancient one with a map in matter of fact. But yah i should have kept that on me so that i could return it to you later instead of leaving it here out in the open. But, how long did you have that gun and didnt notice that it had a second barrel?
-
Wow Sunder thats one special flare gun you had there. An ancient one with a map in matter of fact. But yah i should have kept that on me so that i could return it to you later instead of leaving it here out in the open. But, how long did you have that gun and didnt notice that it had a second barrel?
I salvaged it from the dreadnought, back when I rebuilt the whole damn thing in three hours (promptly crashing it in the same spot five minutes later). That would have been a good twenty years ago. It was just lying there, covered in sand. I only use it whenever I come into this place after spending a few weeks locked up or something, or when I'm getting a bit too close to those raiders.
-
I'm in, I am curious about what this map leads to.
-
*Quietly taking in the entire conversation, he rocks in his chair*
As much as I hate followin' maps, Ill see where this dust storm takes us. You certainly arent flying through the Dusty Mistress on your own.
-
START OF OUT OF CHARACTER MOMENT
Alright, so I've consequently lead (for better or for worse) this world into a quest situation. Only those that have posted in this thread currently can join. Also, there will be a clearly marked side-story mission in the cantina.
The quest will be restricted in the following manner:
1) Ships require the standard 4 crew members (1 captain required and 3 crew of any class)
2) If more than one ship leaves for the mission, then the other ship must be fully crewed.
3) If your character undertakes the mission, then the character is unable to participate in the main thread until it's completion.
4) Other restrictions I see fit as they come up.
If you wish to partake in this mission, then please make it clear by the end of the saloon closing which will be around 12 a.m. - 1 a.m. Eastern Standard time.
Details regarding the quest will be released as soon as I can figure them out.
END OF OUT OF CHARACTER MOMENT
-
Well with what i found earlier in the day at the scrap pile, i think some of these stuff can help us out. They look so old even with some of the books i took with me from Yesha didnt have anything on it
-
Begin out of character moment
I'll serve as an engineer on one of the ships.
End out of character moment
-
Begin out of character moment
I'll serve as one of the captains of the fleet
End out of character moment
-
Begin out of character moment
I'll be staying behind but i can "add" some new ship to ship radios to whose going as well as a long range transmitter so you can still be connected with me and that i can provide more information if anything comes up around these parts.
wait if we are doing all this out of character stuff right now, how are we gonna implement it back in character?
End out character moment
-
START OUT OF CHARACTER
Realized we shouldn't spam this.
I've made Burning Skies Saloon: Side Quest in the Pit. Please post again whether you're going or not for my convenience and for the sake of this thread.
END OUT OF CHARACTER
-
Aye! Why the hell not. I'm in.
-
START OUT OF CHARACTER
I'll participate as whatever.
END OUT OF CHARACTER
-
*Yiski looks around the saloon and see a number of individuals looking ready to head out immediately*
Woah now, let's not stampede into the docks all at once.
First things first, we gotta figure whose all going. --Refer to Pit topic--
Second, I gotta find Roland and tell him he's watching the saloon while we're out having our little hunt.
Third, I'd assume Zill and Skyraider might want to figure out who's going on which ship and make the proper preparations.
Fourth, someone needs to ask the Dockmaster where the Soaring Wing was headed.
While I'm out, help yourselves to what's on tap. Better yet, prep some of my barrels for us to take. If we're going, we sure as hell aint going dry.
*Yiski heads out to fetch Roland*
-
*takes advantage of the empty bar and drinks straight from the tap*
-
*Slaps Psyran in the back of the head*
Dont take advantage of a free bar. A little respect eh? Goes both ways remember rook?
*Beckons a few rough men to help him with some barrels for the journey*
Load it fast men. Sand storms are commin'. I can smell 'em.
-
*As Yiski leaves, the group then discuss about preparations*
*BdrLineAzn goes to the bar and comes back with a tray on Anvala's Finest and Psyran in tow*
So if we are going out to find this guy and retrieve back that map, how are we going about this? If you want i can hook up some new radio systems on the ships for ship to ship talking. As well as a long range transmitter so you can be connected here still as i'm not going. All the equipment are at my docks.
*he sits Psyran in a chair and hands him a mug*
-
*turns to BdrLineAzn*
Sounds good, we could use someone back here, in case something else comes up.
*sips from mug and turns back to group*
After a little "incident" my ship is currently being in the docks for reparation, I gladely join one of yours.
-
The sound of hydraulics echos outside the door
*Papa P walks in, Carbine and repeater in tow.*
"Heard you boys were lookin' for something, you know you can always count on me."
*Walking over to the group, glancing at Sunderland*
"I didn't disappear for months earnin' nothin', You're looking at the proud new owner of a Dreadnaught, I'm currently discussing the details with the shipwright... I sure as hell won't be out gunned by raiders ever again. Best of all, the build time gives me plenty of time to go gallivantin' with the good ol' boys."
-
*As the would-be crew are figuring out the logistics, Yiski returns with Roland*
*Yiski sees the progress of getting all the rum and ale into the barrels*
Alright, Roland's here to take over while we're away.
*Yiski and the others figure out the crew configurations*
*Hours pass by*
*Yiski gives a sigh*
Alright so this is currently what we have.
*Yiski lays out a parchment with names*
------------------------------------------------------
Ship : NAFS Mercury (Goldfish)
Captain: Skyraider
Crew : Sgt. Spoon (Gunner)
Psyran (Engineer)
N-Sunderland (Engineer)
------------------------------------------------------
Ship : We didn't survive (Spire)
Captain: RearAdmiralZill
Crew : Yiski (Gunner)
PapaParadox (Gunner)
Jun'ko Zane (Engineer)
-------------------------------------------------------
Okay this looks about right. BdrLineAzn, you said you'll give us long range radio support among us so we'll be depending on you to keep us up on where Bridman is going.
Also, I've got good news too. Looks like the Dockmaster said Birdman was heading west of Sarin. At least I won't be freezing my ass off.
*Looks over to everybody*
Listen up! We'll ship out as soon as Skyraider and Zill are set to go. Let's all get some rest, chase this guy down, and probably find some rare loot along the way.
FOR THE SKIES!
*With that the group goes off their separate ways in order to prepare for the journey ahead.*
*Yiski closes up shop*
--End of Day Three
(You know the drill by now.)
-
--START OF DAY FOUR--
*Yiski and Roland start preparing for the usual day of letting in the usual mess of individuals. However, the coming days it will feel as if the saloon will feel more empty as usual. While Roland is preparing to open the saloon in Yiski's place, Yiski is checking all which is needed for the coming journey*
Let's see my checklist:
- Canteen : Check
- Rations : Check
- Ammunition: Check
- Rum & Ale : Double & Triple Check.
*Yiski turns to Roland*
Well the other should have made their ways to the docks, so I'm shipping out! Take care of the saloon while I'm away. Oh and make sure you be a little more assertive this time around. You don't want the fellas to walk all over you now.
*Roland salutes Yiski as Yiski returns the gesture*
*Yiski exits from Burning Skies Saloon*
Saloon will open at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Those joining the side quest please be aware of the new thread being created shortly in the Cantina.
-
*Roland looks to the clock and sees that he's a little late in opening. Roland rushes to get the finishing touches done, unlocks the door and turns on the open sign.*
*Roland looks to the docks sitting high above the district and says to himself*
I really need him to get back as soon as possible. Not sure how long the saloon will stand without Yiski keeping order.
*Roland sighs and heads inside*
-
*Shink opens the door and takes a look around at the empty saloon. Modified field gun strapped to his back. He strolls up to the bar, and places 3 coppers down*
"Milk"
-
*Shink opens the door and takes a look around at the empty saloon. Modified field gun strapped to his back. He strolls up to the bar, and places 3 coppers down*
"Milk"
*Roland turns to see Shinkurex sit at the bar*
Milk.... sure give me a second. I'm sure Yiski had some around the bar somewhere.
*Roland takes a minute while trying to figure out the madness that is Yiski's organization*
Sorry for the wait, here's your milk.
*Roland hands Shinkurex a glass of milk*
I don't stand in for Yiski often, but I don't think I've seen you before in this district. What brings you by here?
-
"Thanks"
*takes a long drink of the ice cold milk*
"I'm a gun for hire, and have heard all about this place. Fate just seemed to have finally brought me here"
*looks around*
"Things look a little slow. Mind if I take a table and get some food?"
-
*Roland looks around, only to remember there are no menus*
Well, I got good news and bad news. Good news, I'm a better cook than Yiski. Bad news, there no menu. So tell me in general what you want and I'll try to accommodate.
*Roland notices the gap left by those heading out*
Yeah, Yiski, owner of the saloon, and some of the other regulars are out preparing for a mission of sorts. Not sure how long they'll be gone though.
-
*ponders for a moment*
"A juicy steak would be good, or whatever else you got. If you have anything to give it a little kick would be good as well."
*proceeds to the corner table, and sits*
-
*The door opens, light filters through and outlines a figure in the door. A plague doctors mask obscures his face, and a hardened leather captains jacket protects his frame. He walks in, not slowly, but with the calculated air of a man that thinks before acting, a man that plots. The man sits at the bar and removes the mask, letting it hang around his neck. The face is nothing special, mid twenties with no remarkable features*
I rarely come in to find the place this quiet....where are the usual troublemakers? and is there any of the old Hellfire to be had?
-
*The door opens, light filters through and outlines a figure in the door. A plague doctors mask obscures his face, and a hardened leather captains jacket protects his frame. He walks in, not slowly, but with the calculated air of a man that thinks before acting, a man that plots. The man sits at the bar and removes the mask, letting it hang around his neck. The face is nothing special, mid twenties with no remarkable features*
I rarely come in to find the place this quiet....where are the usual troublemakers? and is there any of the old Hellfire to be had?
*Looks up, brushing off layers of dust that have accumulated* Ah, they're off an a mission, I'm afraid. More of a revenge, but no matter.
Roland will serve you a drink, though he doesn't talk much. Ever. It seems only a few of us are around, I think you'll have the joy of my company here.
-
*Glances up from his light nap, and assesses the newcomers. Seeing as they pose no immediate threat, Shink releases his hold on his pistol*
'Where is that barkeep'
*Notices Wazulu, and ponders on how he made it into the saloon undetected*
"Care for a drink? I'll buy your first round if you tell me your stories"
-
Well then I reckon your company will do just fine, do you have a name stranger?
I used to have one but I forgot some time ago, the others just call me Qwerty, It's a pleasure to meet ya'.
*turns to Shink*
I reckon that sounds fair, pleasure to meet you as well stranger.
-
*Smoke can be seen coming from the back of the saloon. Eventually Roland appears with a steak on a plate. It's looks charred*
*Roland hands the plate to Shinkurex*
Sorry for the wait. I didn't realize Yiski had lochnagar fuel powering the stove. Sure, it looks black on the outside, but it's actually medium well. Enjoy.
*Roland spots Qwertyjam and Wazulu*
Sorry guys, didn't notice you enter.
*Roland heads back to the bar and hands the two a mug of Anvala's Reserve*
Yiski always told me to serve first and get money later. Enjoy.
-
*sits at the bar and takes the drink, has a long sip then places it on the counter*
Much better thankyou, you must be Roland, some of the old dogs have mentioned you from time to time. Pleasure to meet ya'
-
*sits at the bar and takes the drink, has a long sip then places it on the counter*
Much better thankyou, you must be Roland, some of the old dogs have mentioned you from time to time. Pleasure to meet ya'
Appreciated. Yes, I do sometimes help out Yiski when he's on leave. While I do like the additional work, it makes me uncomfortable being around all of his experimental drinks, especially those which are very prone to exploding.
*Roland chuckles*
Fortunately for me, Yiski took most of those on his trip. Unfortunately for you, it means there's less of it to drink.
-
*Chuckles and smiles*
That's all right, I think the world might be a little safer without those mixes of his. It wont be the raiders that take out the last of our kind, it'll be his damned brews.
-
*Roland takes a deep breath at the bar. The bar is just as busy as he remembers during the times he helped out Yiski. Yet despite the saloon's hectic and noisy nature, without the others, it seems almost quiet. This unsettled Roland for a moment, but he quickly regains composure when a decent group of workers, no doubt finishing their shift at the dock, enter and ask for a large order of drinks.*
-
*Smoke can be seen coming from the back of the saloon. Eventually Roland appears with a steak on a plate. It's looks charred*
*Roland hands the plate to Shinkurex*
Sorry for the wait. I didn't realize Yiski had lochnagar fuel powering the stove. Sure, it looks black on the outside, but it's actually medium well. Enjoy.
*Eyes the steak*
"looks edible enough"
*looks in Qwerty's direction*
"pleasures all mine"
*Sinks his teeth into the steak, and lets out a low wistle*
"that may have been the best steak I've had in years. compliments to the chef"
-
*Roland turns to Shinkurex*
Glad it's edible. Anyways, if you don't mind me asking, but what brings you and Qwertyjam to Anvala?
-
*It's now 2:00 a.m. Roland takes a look up to see the time. By now most of the patrons have left to get a good night's rest.*
Alright everybody! It's closing time. You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here! No worries, the saloon will be here in the morning.
END OF DAY FOUR
(Hopefully, I don't have to do this reminder anymore.)
-
Saloon will not be active until March 1. Need some time off.
Yiski
-
--START DAY FIVE--
*Roland manages to get the saloon up and running before opening*
*Roland takes a deep breath and prepares for the day ahead*
-
*Wakes up outside the Saloon. Confused*
'Man that milk must've knocked me out'
*Checks for anything missing, and notices 2 silvers missing*
'At least qwerty and wazulu got their rounds'
-
*Roland takes a look around the saloon and sees it as busy as usual (minus the usual suspects). Sadly, the more people inside causes the saloon to quickly become filled with smoke, dust, and general musk and odor.*
*Roland decides to open up a few windows and keep the door open*
*Roland takes a step outside and notice Shinkurex on the ground*
'Huh... I guess even the milk Yiski has on hand causes people blackout. I wonder if there's anything here that doesn't?... Probably not.'
*Roland reaches down and helps Shinkurex up*
Alright, let's get you inside and fixed up. I'm sure Yiski has a drink for it.
-
*Accepts Roland's helping hand*
"Thanks friend. You wouldn't happen to know what happened last night?"
*Enters the saloon, and sits at the bar*
-
For those who have not read this in the quest line enjoy. (Reading this is mandatory for those involved in the quest)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EMsUJ_1k5rfpIsmCeSCzgidMQQ0YcKM5FAYvNGsLDEc/edit?usp=sharing
--NARRATOR--
After two and a half weeks since the team went on the quest to retrieve N-Sunderland's flare gun, the team have safely arrived back in Anvala.
It's is around noon and Yiski knew the saloon would already be open (it's always 5 o'clock somewhere). As Yiski walked in the saloon, the place went quiet for a moment. It wasn't long before the entire saloon erupted in cheering in seeing their favorite bartender. Apparently, BdrLineAzn was awful in keeping quiet and practically told the entire district what was going on.
Roland approached Yiski and shook his hand. Roland is visibly relieved Yiski is back. Though Roland was used to seeing after the saloon for a few days at a time, he still couldn't fathom handling it for weeks, let alone years like Yiski did. Yiski thanked Roland for his service and surprised the saloon was still standing without him imposing order.
--NARRATOR END--
*Yiski walks behind the bar and pulls out a list he keeps of all the tabs accumulated. He sighs and gives a small chuckle.*
Damn gotta see Zill again about collecting some debts.
-
*Opens the door with a bang. Frustration has gotten the better of his normal calm. He's fumbling with his mask..*
Flakin' thing! Yiski, do tell me I have a spare canister for my mask back there. This dust from our trip is getting gritty in the lungs.
-
*Opens the door with a bang. Frustration has gotten the better of his normal calm. He's fumbling with his mask..*
Flakin' thing! Yiski, do tell me I have a spare canister for my mask back there. This dust from our trip is getting gritty in the lungs.
*Yiski laughs despite Zill's apparent frustration*
Yeah, I might have one in the back. I thought by now you'd learn to always carry a spare with ya.
*Yiski takes a minute and comes back with a spare canister*
It's not exactly new or at full capacity, but I'm sure it'll last ya till you get a replacement. Oh and I'll be needing to borrow your gatling again.
-
*Yiski laughs despite Zill's apparent frustration*
Yeah, I might have one in the back. I thought by now you'd learn to always carry a spare with ya.
*Yiski takes a minute and comes back with a spare canister*
It's not exactly new or at full capacity, but I'm sure it'll last ya till you get a replacement. Oh and I'll be needing to borrow your gatling again.
*Quickly exchanges the canisters and takes a deep breath of semi-fresh air*
Ah now thats more like it. I had a spare but the friggen rooks at the docks dropped in my new tar experiment. Lets just say that stuff isnt healthy for even me.
*Scratches the back of his head*
I'll get it to yea after a few shots of No.3. I pray to the Dusty Mistress we still have some after our escapade.
-
*walks up towards Yiski and RearAdmiralZill*
*to Yiski*
Sorry I blabbered out to the whole district. Apparently stress and alcohol don't mix, and I think in my drunken daze I spilled a few words out.
*to both*
But beside the district, the only other people who know about this is my contacts back in Yesha and the Emporer himself. He heard of what was going on and gladly extends his gratitude for saving the Empire. Also a few hours before your return, I received an Imperial Wire from the Palace wanting to reward all of us with either 10,000 peices of gold or a personally built Yeshan Galleon.
When the rest of the guys come I'll tel them but for now, Yiski a mug of Hellfire to celebrate
-
*Opens the the door to the ruckus*
"Hey all what's going on?"
*spot's Zill at the bar*
"Zill! I have a bone to pick with you... stop testing your tar experiments on your allies.... mucking up my guns
*To Yiski*
"What do you put in your milk? knocked me out for a day."
-
*Walks in and points flare gun at HellFire*
All right Yiski, hand the plushies over, or this place is going up in flames!
-
*Yiski gives N-Sunderland a flat look*
Really... I mean really... after everything we just went through to get your flare gun back, you pull this nonsense.
*Yiski brushes off N-Sunderland's usual entrance*
*Yiski turns to BdrLineAzn*
10,000 gold huh. I could put it towards fixing up the place a bit. Need to replace the filter and ventilator eventually. Don't know the hell I'd do with a Yeshan galleon. I know Zill here doesn't like galleons all that much, not sure about Sky.
*Yiski hand BdrLineAzn a mug of Hellfire and hands Zill a mug of No.3*
*Yiski walks back to bar and fixes himself a No.1 and looks at Shinkurex*
The milk is just your standard milk with maybe a hint of my own personal flair.
-
*Nods*
"Well that's the last time I ask for that... Give me something that won't knock me out please"
-
*Takes a long swig of his No.3*
BdrLine, whats so special about a Yeshan Galleon? Yiski's right too. Too cumbersome for my taste. But I do still want to know.
*Glares over to Shink*
Dont blame me, I give ample warning when its used. That or you were about to bite it anyway.
-
*to Zill*
oh nothing much. they just wanted to say thanks. but also they really dont know what else to offer then what they can make good. and honestly they make better galleons, have you seen them try to make a pot or even a spoon at the least, yeah its that bad. But you dont have to get it the gold offer still stands.
*drinks his hellfire*
Yiski can we shoot that flare at Sunderland, i dont want a repeat of what happen again
-
*Yiski takes his No.1 and sits with Zill and Azn*
Sure, a Yeshan galleon is top-notch, nobody's questin' that. But I'd imagine everybody would enjoy getting a slice of the gold.
*Yiski takes a swig and stares at Sund and looks back to Azn*
Well, next time if it gets sold off or stolen, Sund's on his own.
-
You guys can be certain that this thing won't be lost ever again. I'm not leaving it lying around here anymore.
-
*To BdrLine after another swig*
All the same to you and your kin, but Ill take the money.
*Beckons a work to go fetch his Gatling Gun. A short while he returns*
Here yea are Yiski. No friggen drunks are going to out us a tab.
-
*Qwerty walks in the door, plague doctors mask hanging around his neck once again. Upon seeing the likes of Admiral Zill and Sunderland his face breaks in to a smile.*
A more depraved hive of scum and villainy I have never seen......but enough about my family portrait, how are you boys?
*Qwerty goes and sits at the bar, facing the other at the table*
-
I'm not too bad myself. My captain and I have been searching the skies for raiders lately, but it seems like we've scared them off. The beating we gave them at that camp... We could write a whole book about it.
-
*Just as Yiski reaches for the gatling gun, a group of men walk in and stand at the table BdrLine, Yiski, and Zill are sitting at*
*The men reach into their pocket and each pull out small pouches*
*Yiski inspects the pouches and finds an assortment of copper, bronze, silver, and gold bits*
"Yeah we all heard you're back and figured we should pay our tabs."
*The men eye the gatling firmly in Yiski's grip*
-It seems our friends weren't kidding when they said you'd come after us with a gatling.-
*Yiski smiles*
Smart friends.
*The men leave and Yiski takes the pouches over to the counter and puts them in his lock box (made by a certain N-Sunderland)*
*Yiski grabs a handful of drinks to the other patrons and walks over to Qwerty with a mug of Anvala's Reserve*
-
*Takes a final swig and beckons for more No.3*
Ah, good. Now poor Roland wont need to worry himself while youre away again Yiski. This Gatling gun does so much for us.
*Blank stare at Qwerty for a moment before replying*
A rough bunch and even rougher drinks. Take a seat and have a mug.
-
*Yiski fixes himself a small glass of Hellfire and Zill another mug of No.3*
Skies, I still remember when I first used the gatling a few months after opening the saloon. I can still remember the deadbeats' faces when I came bursting in with it. Ah... they screamed like frightened children.
*Look to N-Sunderland*
Sund, you could probably write a whole damn book just on all the complaining you did getting your damn flare gun. Until then, I've never believed half those insults existed.
-
*Look to N-Sunderland*
Sund, you could probably write a whole damn book just on all the complaining you did getting your damn flare gun. Until then, I've never believed half those insults existed.
That flare gun and I have been through a whole lot together. Hell, I once defended Anvala using it alone.
I could put all that in section 15, chapter 32, volume 8 of my autobiography.
-
Thanks for the drink, you wont mind if I dont rack up a dept with you
*Places a few coins on the counter and walks over to the table, taking a seat*
Names Qwerty and it's a pleasure to meet ya all. You sound like you've got a hell of a story stanger.
-
*Yiski gives a look of incomprehensibility at the thought of N-Sunderland having an autobiography.*
I... I... how... *sigh* forget it, I don't care.
*Yiski turns to Qwertyjam*
I don't mind a tab, but don't make it a habit of running to high for too long. *Yiski points to the gatling still on the table* I think you get the point.
As far as a story, you'd not believe what we went through for a flare gun.
*Yiski gives Qwertyjam a quick overview of the small adventure the team went through. (Recap: http://tinyurl.com/cp49tqu)*
*Hours pass and Yiski realizes it's a half past 2 a.m. and that half of the saloon is still filled.*
*The sight brings a thought to Yiski*
By the skies, it feels good to be home.
*Yiski manages to get the remaining stragglers to leave and closes up for the night*
--END OF DAY 22--
-
--START OF DAY 23--
*Before opening for the day, Yiski heads down to the market district. Before him was a plethora of different stalls, most sold general goods for pilots and crews, but a fair number sold goods for the locals. Yiski stocks up for the day and heads back to the saloon.*
-
*Qwerty strolls in as soon as the door is open, places some coin on the counter.*
Figure it's about time to try this Hellfire of yours Yiski
-
*Flings the door open in a usually dramatic way, only to realise that the saloon has just opened*
That's it! I'm officially homeless. Damn swabbies down at the docks seems to have caused more damage to my ship than it was in the first place.
*Heads over to the counter*
Trying the hellfire eh? That ought to be fun to see, heh.
*turns to Yiski*
Pour me something strong will ya mate?
-
*An enormous bang can be heard from the distance. Shortly after, Zill stumbles though the door, his outfit stained with black tar and a touch of smoke coming from his mask*
Errreyth......ings.....alri.....
*Falls to the ground*
-
FUCK!
*I hop of my chair in a blur, and begin checking Zill with the skills of someone who has done this many times before. I check for breathing, wounds, breaks, signs of poison, concussion*
Get me some water!
*I roll up my jacket quickly and prop it under his head*
-
*Strolls over to the water barrel, lifts it up and then scuffs back to Zill and Qwerty*
Take his mask off
*As Qwery removes Zill's mask I heave the barrel over him, only to come to a sudden realisation*
Wait a minute, Yiski doesn't have a water barrel
-
*Yiski comes out from the back as he sees the other pouring a barrel over Zill's face*
Aw shit...
*Yiski heads into the back again and comes out with a glass. It's filled with a sky blue liquid and a funnel. Yiski is standing over Zill.*
Well despite you pouring a whole barrel of Hellfire over him, which you all will pay for, I've got something I made specifically for Zill under these exact conditions. Not the whole barrel of Hellfire over his face, the whole 'comin in looking like tar barrel.' You'd be surprised how often this happens.
*Yiski places the funnel in Zill's mouth and pours the liquid down*
There, he should be fine. Now help me get him over to the couch.
*With Zill firmly on the couch, Yiski turns to the others.*
Alright, whose paying for the barrel?
-
*Places a hefty sack of coin on the counter, then goes and sits in a booth as far away from others as possible, shaken beyond what such an event should have caused*
-
*Zill opens his eyes slightly, only to succumb to a coughing fit. Once finished he tries to talk with, mild failure.*
Where.....tar......goldfish......docks....need......go.....
*He then tries to stand, with even more failure, as he falls back onto a table*
-
*Zill opens his eyes slightly, only to succumb to a coughing fit. Once finished he tries to talk with, mild failure.*
Where.....tar......goldfish......docks....need......go.....
*He then tries to stand, with even more failure, as he falls back onto a table*
*Yiski puts Zill back on the couch*
Stay... good Zill.
*Yiski goes into the back again and comes back with another glass of the sky blue liquid.*
*The sky blue liquid is aptly named Clear Skies, a special remedy for when Zill (or others, still mostly Zill) get intimately involved with tar barrels.*
Drink again. You'll be better.
*Yiski walks outside and hails a messenger*
Okay, here's four silver. Find Roland and ask him to watch the place. I'm gonna investigate what happened at the docks.
*Yiski looks up towards the docks and see it covered in a thick black smog. Yiski looks back to the group.*
Correction, I know what happened. Now I gotta figure out how much trouble Zill's in. I'll be back in a few.
*Yiski heads out*
-
*Walks in glancing over his shoulder at the tar mushroom cloud*
"Zill, that tar finally kill you yet? you really shouldn't keep your incendiary rounds so close to each other.... Imagine what would happen if one of your rooks fired a round"
*Sees Yiski Leave*
"Man, I would really like some of that famous hellfire"
-
*Walks in glancing over his shoulder at the tar mushroom cloud*
"Zill, that tar finally kill you yet? you really shouldn't keep your incendiary rounds so close to each other.... Imagine what would happen if one of your rooks fired a round"
*Sees Yiski Leave*
"Man, I would really like some of that famous hellfire"
*Sips on his Clear Skies and mumbles a little. His senses are still not there*
-
*walks in coughing and wheezing and have a hint scent of tar on him*
*coughs* That must have been one of the worst accidents I've seen so far. One minute everything is calm and BOOM comes an explosion. That tar cloud even made it to my section of the docks, had to evacuate everyone in the area. People still wonder how it happen.
*sees Zill on the couch, Qwerty in a corner booth, as well asSpoon and Shink*
Looks like I walked into Hell. Anyone care to explain?
-
*Glances at BdrLineAzn*
"Ha well it looks like Zill is going to be out of commission for a bit due to a tar accident"
*Steps around the large puddle of hellfire, and notices Roland walking in*
"Roland! long time... you wouldn't happen to have any hellfire around here? I'm feeling lucky. Also, we may want to mop up that hellfire on the ground.... who knows what'll happen if it sits any longer"
*Puddle starts to sizzle*
-
*looks at the puddle and backs away slowly*
Ahh how long was that there and was there any heat source near or on it? Cause remember the rules Yiski had about those Hellfires.
*quickly goes over the bar and ducks*
-
*looks at the puddle, then laughs a little*
Hah, funny story actually. Damn Roland, you need to convince Yiski to stash some water in here.
-
*Roland notices the puddle sizzling. Immediately remembering Yiski's training on the issue, Roland rushes behind the bar and finds a glass bottle labeled 'IN CASE OF HELLFIRE'. Roland grabs the bottle*
FIRE IN THE HOLE!
*Roland tosses the bottle on the puddle. The bottle shatters and the puddle goes up into vapor.*
*Roland peeks over and breathes a sigh of relief*
Alright, everything is clear. Question: How did that puddle get there?
-
Well, you see... Zill here was in great need of some water, and... well... I might have mistaken that Hellfire barrel for water.
Anyways here's for the trouble, I can't let the new guy pay for everything can I
*Nods at Qwerty, then hands roland som gold*
-
*Zill tries to stand again with relative success. His vision was still blurry and communication was mixed.*
Gatling....must.....goldfish.....Yiski.....
*He manages to get to the Gatling gun and begins loading both the gun and his pockets with ammo.*
-
Woah, take it eazy Zill, what are you trying to say?
*Grabs Zill*
Is something happening in the docks?
-
Well, you see... Zill here was in great need of some water, and... well... I might have mistaken that Hellfire barrel for water.
Anyways here's for the trouble, I can't let the new guy pay for everything can I
*Nods at Qwerty, then hands roland som gold*
Well, that explains Zill's current condition.
*Roland helps Sgt. Spoon to Zill help sit him down on the couch again.*
Hold it! You're still in no condition to be moving about and I cannot in good faith allow you to handle a gatling gun.
*Roland heads behind the bar again and finds bottles labeled Clear Skies and a sticker 'IN CASE OF TAR COVERED ZILL'. Roland hands another Clear Skies to Zill.*
Another should do the trick. Drink this and explain what's going on Zill.
-
*looks over the counter and sees Zill loading the gatling*
Whoa Zill that much hardwire for a little accident. *looks around* and where is Yiski by the way if Roland is here? Besides Zill you are still disoriented, barely can speak a sentence, can you calm down a little and try to tell us what happen?
-
*Chugs the Clear Skies. In so doing, Zill gets a little better with his words as he gasps for a little air.*
Last night....Dockmaster taking bribes......didnt think much of it.......mixed new tar barrels....This morning....test tar went horribly wrong.....realized dock workers were the bribers.....bounty hunters....Yiski...
-
*walks in*
What the hell have you gotten yourself into again, Zill? You look even worse than you did last time something like this happened.
-
*Turns to Sunderland*
"Looks like we may have some trouble down on the docks with some bounty hunters"
*Chambers a round into his portable merc*
"I'm up for some fun... want help Zill?
-
If we're off to deal with scum, I'm in.
-
hrmm, as Zill so elegantly stated: Yiski just went down there... crap
-
*Picks up his Gatling in a roughly stable manner, and finishes loading it. Straps his mask to his now blackened outfit, and limps for the door. He peers over his shoulder in his haste out...*
Anyone willing......must get to docks......Bring your weapons
-
*joins up*
Luckily I always have my rifle close by
-
*Falls in line with the rest*
"You never fail to impress Zill... just point me in the right direction, and I'll take em out"
-
Hold on, I'm coming as well.
*goes out in the front, comes back in with a bolt-action rifle*
good thing I brought this out today
-
*Zill, Shinkurex, Spoon, BdrLine, and Sunderland head out the door in a haste, leaving the rest to guard the Burning Skies from any would-be hunters. The remnants of the tar explosion still linger, and the docks appear abandoned.*
My vision is....still suffering from the tar....You guys will see them...before me...
*A new wave of emotion comes over Zill as they pass his Goldfish on their way in. The explosion took out all three engines, and the main engine support had seared off. Spoon spots the Dockmaster and they rush over. Zill picks him up by the collar and shakes him.*
Where did they take Yiski!.........Dont you for one second think......that I wont make you eat these Gatling rounds.
*The Dockmaster quickly replies*
They ambushed him as he came up. They chased him toward your warehouse. I swear thats all I know! *Weeping*
*Zill tosses him to the ground. The group races to Yiski's aid. Gun shots start to spray as the Bounty Hunters spot the group flanking their position. Yiski is inside Zill's warehouse with some loyal regulars who work on our ships at the docks.*
Into the fray! I'll be damned.....if I lose any friends today!
-
*As the rescue team made their way to the warehouse, multiple explosions can be heard from within. Mixed in were scream of terror and pain.*
*As the group moved up fearing the worse for Yiski, they saw groups of dock workers fleeing in terror, many of them were bloodied.*
*While standing in the main gate of the docks, the team could hear yelling from inside, it was Yiski*
YOU BLASTED HUNTERS THINK YOU CAN TAKE ME ON! I WASN'T CALLED THE CRIMSON BOLT FOR NOTHING!!!
*The team then heard more explosions.*
*A few seconds passed before Zill came to a few realizations: (1) The hwacha was in the warehouse. (2) Yiski still had a few experimental rounds in the warehouse. (3) Lots of guns were in the warehouse.*
*In short, angry Yiski + hwacha + experimental rounds + more guns = doom for those in his way.*
*The safest place to be currently was out of Yiski's line of sight.*
-
*As Yiski's laying down some heavy fire himself, the team breaches a back door to the warehouse, flaking the mercs and opens fire*
*Yells over the blazing guns*
Nice to see you're still alive Yiski!
-
*Goes high to get a vantage point, and Peers through his scope*
.....
*Promptly returns to the group*
"anyone know where Furry is? There are a couple of things I need to un-see"
*Runs to the edge of the dock, and pukes over the side*
-
*As the fighting ensues BdrLine sees a hunter trying to get away*
Not on my watch
*takes aim and shoots him in the buttocks, injuring him, and he lays down on the floor holding his ass*
-
*As Yiski's laying down some heavy fire himself, the team breaches a back door to the warehouse, flaking the mercs and opens fire*
*Yells over the blazing guns*
Nice to see you're still alive Yiski!
*Yiski notices the rescue team and give a roaring laugh over the fire fight*
*The team notices Yiski has taken some hits. Thankfully, most seem to have just gone through Yiski's clothing. However, it was obvious a few rounds had struck Yiski on his left side of his chest and on his left leg. The blood was visible, but it did not seem to affect Yiski.*
*Yiski yells to the team*
HOW ABOUT WE CLEAN THIS UP? I GOT A SALOON TO RUN!
*Yiski fires a massive hwacha barrage on the bounty hunters position, obliterating their cover and them.*
-
*Pulls it together long enough to put down a couple runners*
"That should take care of them... Yiski I hope I can finally get some hellfire after this is over"
-
*As the remaining hunters scatter, the fight turns into somewhat of a cat 'n mouse chase between the many crates and piles of litter in Zill's warehouse. Soon however, the dust rises and there's a clear victorious side*
That ought to show them bastards!
-
*goes up to the one he shot, still holding his ass*
What about this one?
*rifle barrel over his head*
-
*As Yiski surveys the warehouse and the dock to see no sign of the bounty hunters, he hops down from the hwacha.*
*goes up to the one he shot, still holding his ass*
What about this one?
*rifle barrel over his head*
Keep him alive, I want to know what's goin' on.
*As he walks towards his friends, Yiski notices his vision is blurring and stumbling a bit.*
*Unfortunately, the hits Yiski took caused more bleeding than he initially thought.*
*Yiski subsequently collapses from a loss of blood.*
*On the ground, Yiski thinks to himself.*
Almost
-
*Spots Yiski collapsing and runs over to him*
Oi! Someone get their ass over here, we got a man down! Anyone else hurt for that matter?
-
Isn't Qwerty a doctor? If someone can run back and get him, he can check over Yiski.
-
"Got it!"
*Sprints in the direction of the saloon*
-
*Zill finishes mowing down a few stragglers. His incendiary rounds lit them aflame as the tar was still on their clothes.*
*Upon emptying his clip, he stumbles over in a coughing fit. The tar has done some work on his lungs in all the haste. His breathing is heavy.*
*He gathers himself and limps back to the remaining group. He sees Yiski on the ground with blood on him.*
Oh no you dont....
*Zill takes a flask out of his charred coat and pours it down Yiski's throat*
I didnt run all....the way over here....to watch you die....Its only....a flesh wound old friend.
-
*Watching the very... dramatic moment play out, a sudden pulley falls down, knocking Spoon unconscious.*
((OOC: I didn't mean to fall unconscious as well, but I have to leave my computer now, and so I just had to come up with a good excuse for not being active.))
-
*Seeing Spoon's newly unconcious state, Zill turns to BdrLine*
Carry him back to...the saloon...Yiski has a remedy for his state....Roland will know where its at.....Its usually handy when....Furry is drinking. I'll handle Yiski and our...."friend"
*He gets up and kicks the bounty hunter in the head, knocking him out cold.*
-
*Zill finishes mowing down a few stragglers. His incendiary rounds lit them aflame as the tar was still on their clothes.*
*Upon emptying his clip, he stumbles over in a coughing fit. The tar has done some work on his lungs in all the haste. His breathing is heavy.*
*He gathers himself and limps back to the remaining group. He sees Yiski on the ground with blood on him.*
Oh no you dont....
*Zill takes a flask out of his charred coat and pours it down Yiski's throat*
I didnt run all....the way over here....to watch you die....Its only....a flesh wound old friend.
*Yiski coughs up the liquid and weakly yells at Zill*
Dammit... I thought... you'd.... stop dri... drinkin' that shit.
-
*Yiski coughs up the liquid and weakly yells at Zill*
Dammit... I thought... you'd.... stop dri... drinkin' that shit.
*Coughs up blood in his hand, yet manages a laugh*
Yea I suppose Im.....forced to come clean.....We're all....ticking bombs here.
-
*moves away from the unconscious hunter towards Spoon*
On it Zill. Bet I can grab a drink as well after all this.
*picks up Spoon's body and throws him over his shoulder and starts walking back to the saloon*
*while later, BdrLine nearing the Saloon, some visible strain can be seen*
*In BdrLine's thoughts*
Damn Spoon I think you need to lay off the alcohol. If it wasn't that I know you, I would have drop you off in front of the Doctor's.
*Enter the Burning Skies Saloon*
*Drops Spoon's limp body on the couch, to Roland*
Hey Roland, Spoon here didn't see where he was and got hit by a loose pulley knockin him out. Zill says you got something that usually works when Furry is drinking.
-
*Enter the Burning Skies Saloon*
*Drops Spoon's limp body on the couch, to Roland*
Hey Roland, Spoon here didn't see where he was and got hit by a loose pulley knockin him out. Zill says you got something that usually works when Furry is drinking.
*Roland sees Spoon K.O.d*
Yeah, I know just what you're talking about.
*Roland head to the back room and fetches a bottle labeled 'When Furry is drunk'.*
*Roland grabs the funnel and pours it down Spoon's mouth*
Well, he should be fine, but he'll be out for the rest of the day.
-
*Out of character*
I see that the Community Ambassadors are seeming like major targets in particular. First Zill, then Spoon. Who's next? Qwerty?
*End out of character*
-
*Realizing that time is running out for Yiski, Zill make a decision.*
I know youre.....not going to like this....but Qwerty is taking too long...and youll bleed out.
*In the corner of the old warehouse was a Squid. Zill had been tinkering with the engines and only two were operational. Realizing Oliver was Yiski's last shot at life after tonight, he fired it up. Tar from the explosion made the engines difficult to keep up.*
Sunderland....get our "friend" aboard.....Ill get Yiski.
*With everyone on, Zill flew out of the warehouse and on toward Oliver's. Sunderland just barely keeps the engines alive long enough to get there. Landing in the middle of the town, Zill limps into Oliver's. Yiski is quickly taken in. The Squid's engines die out, leaving it stranded in the middle of town. It doesnt matter to Zill, so long as Yiski survives the night.*
*One heavy blood filled cough later, he downs the rest of his flasks, and passes out on his Squid's deck.*
-
--NARRATOR--
Oliver both worked and resided from his home is the Garden District in Anvala (The district obviously getting its name for the large open gardens scattered around the area). It was late, but he was reviewing over some of his files.
Suddenly a loud roaring could be heard just outside his house. This startled him and prompted him to look outside and what he saw what he and the others in the district could only describe with one word: madness.
Zill had taken his squid just for the purpose of landing it in the middle of the garden outside Oliver's house. The landing instantly crushing the beautiful landscape job which had just been completed not 1 hour ago.
After landing, Zill lifted Yiski of the ship and made a dash for Oliver's home. Oliver was shocked and about to ask what was going on, but taking a look at Yiski, he knew the answer would have to wait. He needed to save Yiski first. Sund and the 'friend' followed in at their own leisure.
Oliver was shocked to realize Yiski was still alive despite his wounds and apparent blood loss. Fortunately, for Yiski, Oliver knew his blood type (Yiski needed some blood after his first time debt collecting) and grabbed the required blood type. Oliver then hooked up the blood pack to Yiski and began emergency surgery.
Hours passed by while Zill and Sund were waiting guarding the 'friend' who has since regained consciousnesses (only to immediately lose it again to Zill). Finally, Oliver came out, covered in blood. Zill and Sund feared the worse.
Oliver immediately put those fears to rest. "No worries gentlemen, Yiski is alive and stable. His injuries weren't as serious, contrary to the first glance. It was only his blood loss which was the real threat. He's asleep now, but knowing him and his reputation, he'll probably be awake by tomorrow."
Zill and Sund gave a sigh of much needed relief. It had been hell for the past few hours.
With the threat of Yiski's death averted, the next question was why Yiski was targeted by the bounty hunters. It was no surprise over the years, when Yiski was known as Crimson Bolt, he made some (many) enemies. The only answer lied in the bound and unconscious bounty hunter they captured. And he was out for a good while, probably until the morning as well.
Zill stayed behind to watch their new 'friend' and trusted Sund to get his squid back into the dock.
When Sund landed back in the docks, he made his way back to saloon where everybody else was waiting to hear what was Yiski's fate. They all gave a sigh of relief to hear the worst had come to past.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 22--
-
--START OF DAY 23--
--NARRATOR--
The next day was anything from pleasant. After the events of yesterday, all the patrons of the saloon were on edge and uneasy. Roland assumed barkeep duties again and trying his best to relieve the tension mounting, sadly to no avail.
Over at Oliver's house, Yiski manage slipped in and out of consciousness and Oliver carefully noting Yiski's recovery. Meanwhile, Zill had taken over Oliver's basement to use as a makeshift interrogation room for the new 'friend' the rescue team made the other day.
--NARRATOR END--
--OOC--
Please state at the top of each post whether you're in the saloon or at Oliver's house. It should be obvious who is where, but for he sake of cleanliness.
--OOC END--
-
--Saloon--
*Wakes up with a start*
"qwerty!"
*looks around at his surroundings, and remembers where he is... All he remembers is heading out to the docks, and then a strong urge to run for qwerty*
"Dang... I was hoping Furry would knock me out after I got to qwerty..."
*Sees Roland wiping down the bar*
"Roland! what has happened while I was out?"
-
--Saloon--
*Roland looks to Shink*
From what Sund told us last night, Zill, Yiski, and the captured bounty hunter are over at Doctor Oliver's place. Doctor says Yiski's fine, but I'm more worried about what's going to happen to the bounty hunter.
Anyways, do you need a drink Shink?
*Roland thinks to himself. Roland was one of the few people (Zill being another) who know what Yiski did after his time with the Baronies' Military and before the saloon.*
I'm not sure how many people alive realize Yiski was the Crimson Bolt. If this is what yesterday was about, I don't see this ending well... ... for those after Yiski.
-
*thinks for a bit*
"No thanks Roland. I'm going to head over to Oliver's."
*Heads out the door and takes a left... thinks about it for a minute, and then turns around and goes right. Muttering under his breath*
"Furry.....hammer....."
-
+ooc+
I am at Oliver's of course.
+end ooc+
*Zill puts the new "friend" in the middle of the basement floor on a lone chair. A barrel of tar delivered early in the morning in preparation sits in the corner. A pot filled with some sits on the old boiler in Oliver's basement, boiling. Zill has done interrogations before, but none quite so personal. He told Oliver to stay out, and let no one in.
Zill knew he had to keep him alive just long enough to get the information he needed. He made Oliver leave the "friend's" wounds unattended. Blood dripped slowly onto the ground beneath the chair. This was not going to end pretty. He slaps the man in the face to get things going. With Zill unmasked, the sight startles the man.*
Whoa! Where am I?!? Whats going on and whats that smell?!
*Zill gives him a good punch in the gut for good measure.*
You ask nothin' in this room. I am your nightmare for today. You answer me. What is your name?
*The "friend" looks around, squirming in the chair. He sees the tar and immediately answers.*
M...my name is...Skinner.
*Zill paces in front of Skinner.*
We already know you are a Head Hunter. Tell me why you came yesterday.
*Skinner slowly replies.*
W...well, we were here to collect a bounty on Y...Yiski. Take him alive and deliver. The reward would put us in retirement. Realizing you were here as well, we knew that would only double our profit by killing you.
*Zill stands over Skinner*
Who placed the bounty on Yiski?
*Skinner stutters.*
I..I dont kn...know.
*Zill immediately heads for the boiling pot, picks it up, and dumps it on Skinner's lap. The resulting scream could wake a man in a coma. Zill refills the pot and places it back on the boiler without hesitation. He then stands in front of Skinner, who is smoking from the hot tar.*
Who placed the bounty on Yiski?
*Skinner, weeping at this point from the searing pain, tries to respond.*
I..I...They...They are from up.....North....I....think. The writing looked...very clear.
*Zill realizes it must be from The Baronies. The scientists would love to get their hands on Yiski's experiments. It also explained why the Hunters didnt just storm the warehouse with numbers. They needed him alive for the secrets.*
Give me a name.
*Skinner looks around*
The pap...er..had no.....
*Zill then dumps a second pot over Skinner's shoulders. The scream would make any man quiver. Zill's resolve remained the same. The end was close. Skinner mutters something....*
The del...ivery point......Snowpeak.
*That was good enough for Zill. He lifts Skinner, still bound to the chair, and dumps him head first into the tar barrel. The cries fell on deaf ears, as skinner quickly drowns in the tar. Zill opens the door and locks it behind him. He turns around to see Oliver staring at him.*
You heard nothing. You saw nothing. My men will clean the basement. The barrel will go to Snowpeak. *Casting a glace at Yiski in the next room* He wont need to worry anymore for awhile. *Oliver only nods.*
*Zill goes past Oliver and sits in the corner next to Yiski. The tar on his coat burns, but it will never scar as much as the past days.
-
--Street Outside Oliver's house--
*Hears a bone chilling scream, and double-times it to Oliver's front door... pounding on the door*
"Yiski! Zill!"
*Breaks down the door, and surveys the seen before him. Zill is discussing something with Oliver over by the door to the basement*
"what's going on here? Yiski OK?"
-
Saloon
*BdrLineAzn walks in with his rifle slinger over his shoulder*
*Walks up to Roland*
*heavy sigh* I just came from the docks to look at the damage from yesterday's encounter. *takes a seat* Looks like none of the other dock workers were killed, frighten with minor injuries but not dead. A few airships have taken damage, Zill's having the most. Also besides Yiski, the other casualties were of the Hunters, at least 13 dead excluding the one we found.
*lays his head on the bar*
You think you can make one of them Frost Fire Ale? Kinda need it
-
--Street Outside Oliver's house--
*Hears a bone chilling scream, and double-times it to Oliver's front door... pounding on the door*
"Yiski! Zill!"
*Breaks down the door, and surveys the seen before him. Zill is discussing something with Oliver over by the door to the basement*
"what's going on here? Yiski OK?"
*Addresses Shinkurex from his chair, head still down.*
Dont worry about it. Yiski is goin' to be fine. He's still recovering. Id be more worried about paying to fix Oliver's door if I were you.
-
--Saloon--
*BdrLineAzn walks in with his rifle slinger over his shoulder*
*Walks up to Roland*
*heavy sigh* I just came from the docks to look at the damage from yesterday's encounter. *takes a seat* Looks like none of the other dock workers were killed, frighten with minor injuries but not dead. A few airships have taken damage, Zill's having the most. Also besides Yiski, the other casualties were of the Hunters, at least 13 dead excluding the one we found.
*lays his head on the bar*
You think you can make one of them Frost Fire Ale? Kinda need it
*Upon hearing the number of hunters after Yiski, Roland was suprised*
Whom ever is after Yiski really want him. I know Yiski trusts BdrLine. Maybe he can help.
Give me a minute and I'll get you a mug.
*Roland hands BdrLine a Frost Fire Ale and makes an inquiry.*
BdrLine, I know you've got some informant contacts, but you wouldn't have any within the Merchant's Guild would you?
--Meanwhile at Oliver's House--
*Yiski opens his eyes in a clear sign of consciousness. He looks around and tries to figure out where he's at. When he finally sees a few pictures of Oliver across the bed, Yiski realizes he's in Oliver's house.*
Man, I haven't been here since by first deadbeat collection run. Heh... good times... except when I got shot...
*Yiski attempted to shift his weight to get up, but the pain is still a bit much for him to bear and discontinues the effort. Next best thing: Yell.*
ZILL IF YOU'RE HERE, WE NEED TO TALK!
-
--Oliver's--
*Looks back, and realizes what he did*
"Sorry Oliver. I will make sure that is replaced"
*Carefully places the door on its hinges*
-
--Oliver's--
*Yiski's sudden yell surprises everyone. Shinkurex knocks over a plant, yet another thing to replace...Zill boots the two out of the room, locks the door, and turns to Yiski.*
Im here, quit your yellin'. Shinkurex damn near tarred himself.
-
--Oliver's--
*Yiski speaking moderately*
Heh... so you were here. Good.
*Yiski groans a bit*
First things first, what in the blazing skies happened yesterday? All I can remember was blacking out after wiping the floor with those bounty hunters.
*Zill proceeds to recap the events up to the current point.*
*Yiski is glad to hear the last bounty hunter went out the way he did.*
Bounty out on us, is it? Shit. Kinda figured it'd catch up with us eventually. I guess the Guild is still sore. Anyways, what's the plan? Think we should involve the others in our fucked up mess?
*Yiski shifts around again, attempting to get up*
-
*Scratches his head, taking heavy breaths.*
We dont need them havin' bounties too.
That barrel delivery will make 'em think, but it wont last forever. If you think The Guild is a part of this, they must be the real puppet masters here. Bounty came out of the Baronies, but it could of been a ruse.
*Makes Yiski stop moving.*
You best enjoy that bed while you have one. You're still beat up. Even the Crimson Bolt needs to know when to recoup. Youre not in any shape to go shooting Hwachas. Plan for now is to get you fixed up.
*Zill coughs and blood hits Yiski's sheets.*
At least my tar works...
-
--Oliver's--
*Bursts into Yiski's room Shattering one of Oliver's pictures in the process*
"If you think you can keep me out of this, then you are more injured than I thought."
*Oliver Taps Shink on the shoulder*
"Yeah Oliver, I know... I'll replace that too... Stop buying things that are so easily broken"
-
--Oliver's House--
*walks in through broken door*
Jeez, Oliver. That door has seen better days. I'll fix it up for you before I head out.
*runs into the room*
Holy shit. Is Yiski going to be fine? And our... Ah, I see. I hope you had a chat with him first.
-
*Oliver breaks his normal silence*
No wonder Yiski's place looks like it does.....You guys cant control your clumsiness to save any of my house! Now quit crowding poor Yiski and FIX MY DOOR!
*Zill looks at Shinkurex*
Im probably more injured then Id ever admit. Despite that, the last thing we need is more bounties. I dont have time to protect all you gasbags, nor the manpower.
*Turns to Sunderland, coughing more before speaking.*
I take it the warehouse is locked?
-
*Grumbling*
"Fine... I'll be outside if you need me"
*leaves the room to fix the door. Kicks the wall as he leaves, and a window shatters*
"Seriously!?! Oliver who made this house?
*Notices Sunderland*
"you fix the door, and I'll go get a new window to put in"
-
--Saloon--
*Takes a sip of the Ale and ponders a bit*
Yeah I still have a few friends back in the Guild. Wait the Merchant's or the Mercantile? If it's the Mercantile, I can wire my friend Zankif, he owns a dock in Vychtorg.
-
--Oliver's--
*Zill coughs and blood hits Yiski's sheets.*
At least my tar works...
*Yiski grins. It'd still hurt a bit if he laughed.*
I told ya your tar was gonna be the end of you. Also, it has the be the damn Guild behind all this. As much as we don't wanna involve the others, we at least gotta involve BdrLine. I know his contacts should be of use. I know information gathering and subterfuge were always his strengths.
*Yiski looks out the door and notices everything is Oliver's house is falling apart. Yiski groans and facepalms*
--Saloon--
*Roland*
Yeah, it's the Mercantile. Sorry, old habits as the saying goes. If you can contact your friend, I need to know how much they know about the Crimson Bolt.
*Roland whispering to BdrLine*
And, please do not mention this to anybody. Aside from Yiski giving me hell for this later, I would hate for this to escalate any further.
-
--Saloon--
*downs the rest of the Ale*
*whispers back*
Sure thing, it's gonna take a few hours but I can check
*stands and places a few coins for the drink and heads out towards his docks*
-
--Oliver's--
Yeah, the warehourse is locked. No need to worry about that.
-
--Oliver's--
*Shink walks up with a new window and gets to work replacing it*
"I made sure to grab the extra-strength version. You should really consider moving... who knows when this place will fall apart"
-
*Zill sits back in the chair next to Yiski's bed*
Using BdrLine's contacts is a little different. At least they can stay hidden. Poor Shinkurex couldnt stay quiet even if he had his own friggen gasbag around 'em.
*Pulls out another flask and takes a swig. Shortly after, a few of Zill's men come up. He gives them their orders for the barrel and basement and they see to it.*
I wish I could see the look on their faces when that barrel opens up.
-
--Oliver's House--
Heh... I wish I could too.
*Despite the lingering pain, Yiski feels he's been lying down for long enough. Yiski did always have a disdain for lying around for longer than he felt necessary. Yiski shifts his weight in the hopes to get up. Luckily, the third times a charm and Yiski sits up, turns, and places his feet on the floor.*
*Yiski grabs his left shoulder and rotates it.*
Damn, still feels a little stiff, but I'll manage. Zill, help me up, we're heading back to the saloon. The sooner we deal with this, the better.
-
--Oliver's House--
Heh... I wish I could too.
*Despite the lingering pain, Yiski feels he's been lying down for long enough. Yiski did always have a disdain for lying around for longer than he felt necessary. Yiski shifts his weight in the hopes to get up. Luckily, the third times a charm and Yiski sits up, turns, and places his feet on the floor.*
*Yiski grabs his left shoulder and rotates it.*
Damn, still feels a little stiff, but I'll manage. Zill, help me up, we're heading back to the saloon. The sooner we deal with this, the better.
*Zill helps him straighten out.*
You stubborn mule. Youre goin' to make me carry your broken self all the way to the Saloon arent yea? Hope you dont mind some tar on yea then.
*Zill brushes past Oliver on their way out.*
Put Yiski on my tab. The basement will be like new. Youre on your own with Shink and Sunder though.
*The two men make their way out of Oliver's and toward the Burning Skies. Zill smirks then coughs after seeing what he did to the garden outside, nearly dropping Yiski. They manage to limp down.*
-
--Saloon--
*It takes Zill and Yiski an hour to get from Oliver's house to the saloon. The long time could be attributed to Yiski's difficulty in walking and Zill still shaking off the effects of the tar.*
*It is early in the evening when the two get through the front door. Roland spots them immediately and quickly helps Zill settle Yiski down on the couch. Yiski gives a small grunt as he sits. Roland wants to ask about how Yiski is holding up, but is preempted.*
Roland. You know where BdrLine is? I gotta ask him a favor.
"He's out right now. He should be back any minute."
*Yiski looks into Roland's face and realize his face is clearly telling Yiski that Roland had already requested BdrLine's asisstance.*
I see, so you've already getting it taken care of... good. You we're always the type to think ahead. Probably why I like ya so much. Now, kindly grab me a mug of No.2. I'm feelin' as dry as Scrap at high noon in the middle of summer.
"Yiski, I highly advise against drinking anything right now."
Bah... if 14 bounty hunters can't kill me, then a little alcohol isn't.
*As much as Roland wanted to continue to protest, he knew better. Roland went back and got Yiski a glass of No.2 and Zill a mug of No.3.*
*Yiski takes a large gulp and feels immediately refreshed.*
Ah the skies, I love my saloon!
-
*After the long walk, Zill is constantly catching his breath. Regardless, he takes a long swig of his No.3 and sprawls out in a chair.*
By the Skies, Roland this drink tastes 10 times better than it normally does. I was dryer than Sky's jokes.
*He sits in his chair, his gaze goes blank. Suddenly he bolts for the door, and in the street starts puking tar. Just the gut wrenching sound was enough to make anyone gag. After his ordeal he comes back in and plops in a chair.*
I hate bounties...
-
*having fixed Oliver's window and door, shink makes his way back to the saloon*
"Man his house is like it's made out of glass... I could use some ale if you got it...."
*Sees Yiski and Zill sitting*
"Glad to see you guys made it here alive... You were stumbling pretty bad when you left Oliver's"
-
*Takes a swig of his No.3 and turns to Shinkurex*
We may be battered, but certainly not dead. *Coughs* Cant say the same for our "friends."
-
*Roland Hand Shink his ale*
"That's for sure... I can only imagine what was in that barrel..."
*Takes a drink of the ale*
"So does anyone want to explain to me why we had to fight our way through an army of bounty hunters?"
-
Seems like they're looking for Yiski. Not a good sign.
-
Ya'll have nothing to worry about. As soon as BdrLine gets back, this'll all be behind us. Speaking of which, shouldn't he been back by now? Roland, how long's it been since BdrLine's been gone?
*Roland turns to Yiski*
"It's at least been two hours now. Then again, communications have been spotty lately."
-
*a while later after finishingtalks with Zankif, BdrLine walks into the saloon and spots the group*
There you guys are, finally got some information. Apparently our old Crimson Bolt here used to run gun with the Baron Militaries and that they had a confict before with the Guild many anummns ago. He was a feared gunner that he personally shot down over 50 airships in less then a month. After the conflict, some old Guild members that survived wanted to get the man who killed their brethern. But here's the catch, a same group of Baron fighters wanted him dead as well. Saying how could some outsider get all the fame and glory from this, hurting some of ther pride. Las bit of information was that small group of Guild members just left port two days ago headin somewhere up north. Snowpike, Snowbluff ... I don't know only that its has snow in it and that they are meeting the Barons.
-
"Geez Yiski... You certainly know how to host a party"
*chugs down his Ale*
"That makes me wonder who would win You or Zill?"
-
*His head down, he comments to BdrLine*
I still think they want his experimental rounds too. I know im blessed to have em. And if they are headed to Snowpeak, I sent them a care-package. I dont think we will be hearing from 'em so soon.
*Looks up to Shinkurex*
Now you know why we're friends and not enemies. Into the Fray old friend.
-
I think thats how they know Yiski is still alive. After you placed that order and heard rumors of what happen to you guys down south they wanted to finish what they have started.
Also i bet your right about that, knowing the Barons, technology is like currency to them
-
*Looks over to BdrLine*
Huh, Roland did say I should've used an alias... meh... what's that they say about hindsight?
Also, it's Crimson Bolt.
Plus I don't think they'll do this again anytime soon. First, now that they know I know they're after me, they really can't do shit. They tried pulling something similar maybe 5-6 years back and it ended with them losing a couple of ships and a lot of men. Second, Zill's care package should deter any near future endeavors. Finally... give me a second.
*Yiski heads upstairs which only a handful of patrons have ever witnessed. Usually, when Yiski goes upstairs, he's serious, when he's serious, he's angry, and when he's angry, well, I believe this equation was already done before.*
*Minutes pass by until Yiski comes back down. With him a decently sized gun*
Ah, this here is why I was called the Crimson Bolt.
*Yiski sets the medium blood crimson gun down. Aside from Zill, Sund, BdrLine, Skyraider, and Roland nobody else knew what the gun was.*
This here is my modified recoilless rifle, the Blood Bolt. The only thing similar to a normal recoilless rifle is the general shape, everything is my own personal touch. I can shoot and reload it myself thanks to the clip mod, and I've made modified rounds which shoot multiple projectiles or set it as a single large explosive. One hit from this has torn a goldfish in half. If those bastard want me, they can come here and get their asses blasted sky high.
If they want me or my tech, they better bring a fuckin' army.
*Yiski picks up Blood Bolt and mounts it on the wall behind the bar.*
--NARRATOR--
The whole saloon was in awe. Many heard rumors about Yiski's past, but with BdrLine's report and Yiski's Blood Bolt, there was no question about how dangerous Yiski was. Yiski had fought in wars and battles before and did not want to get involved with those again. Luckily, he had good friends and allies backing him up.
And the fact the docks were damaged enough to restrict incoming traffic to medium trade ships for the next few weeks helped as well.
Eventually, all bounty hunters will soon learn to avoid and fear Anvala. They wished to awaken the Crimson Bolt and his allies. They got it. And soon will regret it.
But right now, the only thing on everybody's mind is getting something good to drink for the rest of the evening.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 23--
-
--START OF DAY 24--
--NARRATOR--
Yiski, still not back to a 100%, has Roland help with the daily upkeep of the tavern. Not surprisingly, Yiski thinks up a few good reasons why the Guild would still be after him. Even after leaving Baron Militaries to join Zill, the two still harassed Guild ships. What struck Yiski as odd was why a group of Baron fighters help the Guild.
Yiski shook his head. Now's not the time to be thinking this. BdrLine said he had something up his sleeve.
Roland on the other hand still worried about Yiski. He did not know much of the conflict between the Guild and the Baronies because of his age. Roland's father, Micheal, and Yiski crewed together during their Baron Militaries years. Roland heard a lot about Yiski from his father and said if anything happened to him, go to Yiski.
Consequently, something did happen to Micheal.
Together, the two worked in silence to get the saloon ready.
--NARRATOR END--
-
*Qwerty leans on the wall of the saloon, waiting for the door to be opened. He has his plague doctors mask on and is writing in what looks to be a journal. He is writing quickly in a shorthand code and looks up at anyone that gets too close*
-
*Walks down the road to the saloon, and notices qwerty standing there. Shink decides to leave him be, as he looks like he is deep in concentration*
-
*Yiski sees Shink walk in*
You're here early, then again with the dock in the mess it is I guess it'd be hard to anywhere else but here. Roland! Take Shink's order, I'm gonna grab some air.
*Yiski walks outside and is surprised to see Qwerty on the wall, writing something*
Eh... what's up doc?
Childhood points for those getting the line.
-
*Qwerty jumps slightly and snaps the book shut, close inspection will see a small punching blade in his right hand. Upon seeing Yiski this blade quickly disappears*
Simply making observations Yiski, I heard about the events yesterday, are you well? If there is any need for it you have my aid.
Also, is the bar open? I could use a drink
-
*Yiski sees Shink walk in*
You're here early, then again with the dock in the mess it is I guess it'd be hard to anywhere else but here. Roland! Take Shink's order, I'm gonna grab some air.
*Yiski walks outside and is surprised to see Qwerty on the wall, writing something*
Eh... what's up doc?
*Nods to Yiski*
"Not a lot of work here lately"
*Turns to Roland*
"Some Frost Fire Ale would be nice Roland. Also, you wouldn't happen to know if Oliver is looking for a roommate? Rent on my apartment went up again... not sure why"
-
*Turns to Roland*
"Some Frost Fire Ale would be nice Roland. Also, you wouldn't happen to know if Oliver is looking for a roommate? Rent on my apartment went up again... not sure why"
*Roland*
Sure, I'll be a second... ... here you go. Also, after what I heard you did to Oliver's place, I highly doubt he'd be enthusiastic to accept you.
-
*Zill limps past the Saloon, nodding to Yiski and Qwerty. No words are said. His mask was back on, blackened by the explosion much like his uniform. He didnt sleep last night. The thoughts of the past events were like a splinter in his mind, as well as lungs. He made his way to the docks.
The outer fencing was mostly intact, but beyond that was carnage enlightened by the sunrise. A black stain reaching out from his docks seemed to touch everything. His Then It Caught Fire had seen better days. The three engines were exploded, and the main engine support had completely sheared off. Still, nothing time wouldnt fix, and experimentation wouldnt improve.
Zill's Goldfish was legendary. His skill was always best at the helm, and that boat was like a extention of his prowess. With its modified gun mounts, able to swap guns in hours instead of days, its armament was limitless. To watch it enter the Fray was like poetry. Anything from Squids to Galleons fell before its massive guns, only dwarfed in size by its majestic fins. Crew was never in short supply. Early on, the target was mostly raiders. A few opportune strikes got Zill some attention, especially from The Guild. Realizing this, He joined with Anvala, and the Council, for better or worse. He never asked to be Admiral, but his skill in piloting and leading a fleet was second to none. After Yiski joined his crew, the duo was nigh unstoppable. Lately the highly stagnant Council has been sending Zill on suicide missions. As the years go by, he expects nothing less anymore. He knows the job will still get done, on his own time, and never the way the Council wants it.
A small crowd of men stand at Zill's back. Loyal dockworkers from the warehouse fight had slowly followed him in. His natural draw leading people to accomplish what was once thought impossible was a staple of his persona. He says a few words, and orders the dock rebuilt.*
By the Skies we fly this day. Off into the Sunset to give chase. May the Winds stay at our back. Our Dusty Mistress be appeased. Our Mugs ever full. Onwards ye' Dogs, Into the Fray.
-
*Takes the ale and takes a deep drink*
"Thanks Roland"
*Sits, and ponders the last days events while nursing the rest of his drink*
I wonder what's going to happen now... never a dull moment in this place
-
*Qwerty follows the Admiral, and listens to his from within the crowd. As it finishes he steps forwards and speaks up, voice suprisingly strong through his plague doctor's mask*
Is that wise Admiral? Your enemies are plentiful and you are one ship. In understand your anger, however preperation and planing will beat hasty action, and time is now a commodity we are rich in. Your 'giving chase' will result in death, that you can be sure off. Anvala, hell this whole world, can't stand to loose one of the last few good men. Yiski will hit the roof if he finds you've left.
-
*Qwerty follows the Admiral, and listens to his from within the crowd. As it finishes he steps forwards and speaks up, voice suprisingly strong through his plague doctor's mask*
Is that wise Admiral? Your enemies are plentiful and you are one ship. In understand your anger, however preperation and planing will beat hasty action, and time is now a commodity we are rich in. Your 'giving chase' will result in death, that you can be sure off. Anvala, hell this whole world, can't stand to loose one of the last few good men. Yiski will hit the roof if he finds you've left.
*Zill grins, though the mask hides it.*
Never fear Qwerty. It is but an old prayer from my folks. It is completely up to you *pointing at the crowd* to determine its meaning. What better thing is there but flight? We may have all the time in the world, but our chase never stops to achieve what we must. May luck bless us with its swift acceptance and allow us to get this dock back on its legs. The sacrifices we've endured after past events would hopefully appease our fates. May we remain vigil and happy, with a full mug, despite dark times. And to the task at hand, Into the Fray.
-
*Qwerty cocks his head to the side, considering Zill for a moment. He then takes out his journal, writes something, and then closes it again.*
You certainly are interesting Admiral, this whole place is quiet..... intriguing.
*Qwerty goes and sits nearby, watching the workers on the docks, and paying attention to Zill's action. He writes the entire time*
-
*BdrLine opens the door and pushes in a cart with two large bags, some jingles can be heard from the inside*
Hey Roland, have you seen Yiski? Looks like I got some good news after what we went through. When I came back to my dock section, I called in to some of my contacts with the Baron Militaries. Told them what happened here, and now they are assembling ships with some of old Yiski's crewmates back from the conflict and heading up to Snowpeak. Once that Guild ship from the south gets up there, all hell will break loose to the ones who caused this.
Also some other good news *points to the cart* the reward money from Yesha finally arrived. They expressed, train squid it. With the docks out of commission for a while, I had to fly out in my junker and had it transferred in midair. Right now I have Zill's and Yiski's payment, the rest is in a safe at my warehouse locked up even Sunderland can't get it to open.
-
*Zill only nods to Qwerty, takes a flask out of his coat and takes a swig. He turns to the daunting task of rebuilding his beloved Goldfish.*
*Points* You four, come with me. We got some fixin' to do. The rest on to your normal duties. This tar filled hole can still support small trade ships.
*The work begins.*
-
*After getting enough 'fresh air,' Yiski sees Zill heading out and gives him a nod, and heads inside and sees BdrLine.*
Is that so? Heh, that'll teach the bastards to screw with us.
*Yiski eyes the payment BdrLine has on him*
Damn! That's a whole lotta of gold. Now I can probably upgrade the saloon a bit. Get myself a new experimental still.
*A mischievous grin can be seen across Yiski's face. Yiski with a new still can only mean new drinks. Whether if it end badly or not, only time... and the poor guinea pigs willing to try it... will tell.*
-
*to Yiski*
Yup 10,000 pieces of gold each for all of us just for stopping Birdman. Now how about a drink to celebrate.
-
*to Yiski*
Yup 10,000 pieces of gold each for all of us just for stopping Birdman. Now how about a drink to celebrate.
You got it. Roland! A round of No.2 & 3 on the house!
-
"I'll drink to that!"
*A loud cheer can be heard from the patrons of the bar, as the drinks are being passed out*
"Yiski! If you dont mind, I would like one of those steaks roland made with my no 3."
-
*Qwerty hears the cheer from the bar. Getting up he dust himself off*
I'll be at the bar Zill, you be careful
*Qwerty walks until he reaches the bar, then heads on in for a drink*
-
"I'll drink to that!"
*A loud cheer can be heard from the patrons of the bar, as the drinks are being passed out*
"Yiski! If you dont mind, I would like one of those steaks roland made with my no 3."
*Roland*
"Sure, I think I can manage it again. As always, do not expect too much. The stove is, lack of a better word, moody."
*Yiski gives a small grunt.*
-
*Sees Qwerty Step into the bar*
"Qwerty! have a drink friend... we are celebrating the past couple of day's events"
*Notices his notebook clutched to his side*
"What do you put in that think anyway?"
*turns to Roland*
"I think I can manage... It was the milk that did me in last time..."
-
*from the outside, a female voice can be heard yelling*
AZN WHERE ARE YOU, JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE YOUR OWN CONTACTS DOESN'T MEAN I HAVE MY OWN. NIKO TOLD ME WHAT HAPPEN AND I FOLLOWED THESE SQUIDS HERE.
*BdrLine eyes went wide open and ducks and head over to the window and looks out, mutters to himself*
What is she doing here?!? I told her and the rest that i'll be fine out here.
*goes from the window and jumps over the bar and hides*
Yiski if she comes here tell her I'm not here and do you have a back door?
-
*Qwerty holds up the notepad*
What this, oh nothing really, just.....ramblings.
I'll have another hellfire Yiski, if ya don't mind.
*At the commotion from the womans voice and AZN's behaviour qwerty smiles and turns to face the door opening his journal and getting ready to write.*
This'll be interesting
-
-Docks-
*Small airships can be seen buzzing around the docks. The tar may be permanent, but the wreckage that engulfed the docks has started to be cleared. Boats were put back into place. Zill was working on his squid to get it air worthy again when he saw a grand sight.
He had requested 3 new Anvalan engines for his Goldfish. They used the design from the schematics of the Birdman Chase. The main engine support was being forged as they arrived. Zill was very please to see them flying in. Them coupled with the reinforced support would make the Then It Caught Fire that much quicker.
Around the rest of the docks, men worked to scrub with varying success the tar away from just about everything. The less effected areas were taking in trade from small craft. It may of been limited, but it was something.
Zill had some men roll out a few stashed barrels of rum for the workers. Everyone had a mug. A toast Zill proposed...*
To Clear Skies!
*Cheers from the dock workers could be heard for miles.*
-
--Saloon--
*from the outside, a female voice can be heard yelling*
AZN WHERE ARE YOU, JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE YOUR OWN CONTACTS DOESN'T MEAN I HAVE MY OWN. NIKO TOLD ME WHAT HAPPEN AND I FOLLOWED THESE SQUIDS HERE.
*BdrLine eyes went wide open and ducks and head over to the window and looks out, mutters to himself*
What is she doing here?!? I told her and the rest that i'll be fine out here.
*goes from the window and jumps over the bar and hides*
Yiski if she comes here tell her I'm not here and do you have a back door?
By the burning skies BdrLine, is that your ex? And by the sounds of it she wants your blood.
*Yiski motions BdrLine to get in the back. Yiski grabs Blood Bolt off the wall and cocks it.*
*Yiski sighs*
This can't end well. Roland, get Qwerty his Hellfire.
-
--Saloon--
By the burning skies BdrLine, is that your ex? And by the sounds of it she wants your blood.
*Yiski motions BdrLine to get in the back. Yiski grabs Blood Bolt off the wall and cocks it.*
*Yiski sighs*
This can't end well.
*looks at Yiski and the Blood Bolt*
Wait what!?! An Ex?!? No worst, my younger sister and put that back don't want any blood shed. Her name is Ny-Lee and besides having an adventurous spirit like mine, she the "classier" one in the family. Trained with the Imperial Air Fleet and can beat the hell out of anyone. and thankes for the exit
*Leaves from the back*
-
*from the outside, a female voice can be heard yelling*
AZN WHERE ARE YOU, JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE YOUR OWN CONTACTS DOESN'T MEAN I HAVE MY OWN. NIKO TOLD ME WHAT HAPPEN AND I FOLLOWED THESE SQUIDS HERE.
*BdrLine eyes went wide open and ducks and head over to the window and looks out, mutters to himself*
What is she doing here?!? I told her and the rest that i'll be fine out here.
*goes from the window and jumps over the bar and hides*
Yiski if she comes here tell her I'm not here and do you have a back door?
*Smirks at the clear predicament that azn is in. Just then the woman storms into the bar scanning the patrons for a glimpse of Azn*
"He went out the back miss... if that's who your looking for..."
-
*Yiski set Blood Bolt back when Shink gives away BdrLine's escape route*
Really, Shink? Have you no honor for your brethren?
*Yiski eyes Ny-Lee. She's not happy.*
Now calm down ma'am. What's so important that you're yelling for BdrLine like you're about massacre him?
*Yiski gave a death stare to Shink giving him the hint to stay quiet for the next couple of minutes.*
Also, he's not in the back. There's no exit that way. Probably jumped out one of the windows. Be fitting given his name.
-
*shrugs*
"I thought it'd be funny.... never seen BdrLine like that"
-
*qwerty begins to chuckle as he continues writing*
Never a dull moment
-
*Ny-Lee looks at the guys nonchalantly*
What can't I visit my older brother onces in awhile? Besides what I heard from Niko that he's getting a bit of a prizes money and I want some. Also I need a little vacation. Living in a manor does get quite boring.
He's still usin that nickname *smirks* still getting in trouble once in a while I see. But since I'm here how about a drink.
-
*Ny-Lee looks at the guys nonchalantly*
What can't I visit my older brother onces in awhile? Besides what I heard from Niko that he's getting a bit of a prizes money and I want some. Also I need a little vacation. Living in a manor does get quite boring.
He's still usin that nickname *smirks* still getting in trouble once in a while I see. But since I'm here how about a drink.
*Smile broadening*
"I like this girl! Yiski get her some of your fire frost ale... you can put it on my tab"
*Takes a long drink of ale*
"I don't see why Azn was so scared..."
-
*Yiski rolls his eyes at Shink. Yiski hands a mug of Frost Fire Ale to Ny-Lee*
Here you go, compliments of Shinkurex. I guess if you're here visiting your brother, I can't see any harm in it. *Yiski to himself* Though he might.
*Yiski contemplates a bit and heads to the back. A little scuffle could be heard. Yiski returns with a very displeased BdrLine by his collar.*
Play nice you two.
-
-Docks-
*Zill gets the engines into his warehouse. The engine support will be done tomorrow. His Squid, aptly named However We Died, was now fully operational. He takes another swig from his flask as the engines fired up under the power of moonshine.
The rest of the dock is winding down. Despite all the hard work, the docks were still only capable of supporting small trade boats. Most of the past fight had been cleaned away, minus the tar stains. They will forever be a reminder to Zill.
He walks up to the main gates and sees a makeshift sign. It reads "Tar Barrel Port." Below in scruffy handwriting, "Comissioned by Rear Admiral Zill." A nice touch he thought. The Council will undoubtedly disagree, but no matter. He lets his dockhands off early and heads toward the Burning Skies. Its time for a drink.*
-
*Moans and scuffs a bit in the couch*
moaaa... ugh.. camels... rutabaga...
*then turns silent again*
-
*Ny-Lee to Shink*
Oh you should be a little, I'm not all that goody-goody. Once I dock my ship, which look like a black stain had been smeared on it had to go far enough to find a good spot, there this fella that tried to get something out of this. Let's say that he is in a little bent and broken in some places.
*sees her brother*
Ahh Azn there you are *goes up to him and grabs him from Yiski*
why didn't you tell me that you gotten a reward for saving the Empire?!? After all what I've done with the fleet you think they would give me something around that much.
(Bdr) oh nice to see you to little sis. Looks like you still living that high life wanting more money. Dosen't our parents own enough? As well as the pay you getting from the Fleet?
(Ny) Well a wardrobe like mine won't pay for itself. *threatenly* and don't call me that, I'm not little anymore. besides living with mother and father got boring once you left and once I heard of what happen, I couldn't resist and had to come out here. It will be just like old times
(Bdr) *sarcastically* oh boy. Now can you let go. I think I need a little drink now
*Ny-Lee let's go of BdrLine and goes back to her drink*
-
*Zill swings the door wide, his footsteps heavy from the long day at the newly christened Tar Barrel Port. He makes his way to the bar.*
Dock's are workin' again, if only at minimum. That tar got everywhere. How about a mug of No.3?
*Sees BdrLine and his sister having words. He just shakes his head.*
-
*Barks out a deep laugh, and see Zill enter the bar*
"Zill! have a seat! You made it just in time to watch the family reunion"
-
Hey, Bdrline, I need my payment soon. My captain and I are going to head off for a while for a little mission we've been instructed to carry out.
*Out of character moment*
This thread is going by way quicker than I can keep up with it, so I'll take a break from it for a couple of days. Hence the above post.
-
Hey, Bdrline, I need my payment soon. My captain and I are going to head off for a while for a little mission we've been instructed to carry out.
Sure Sunderland, let me just go back to my warehouse. Also make sure she *points to Ny-Lee* dosen't get into to much trouble
*From where Ny-Lee is at*
HEY
*BdrLine leaves the Saloon towards his docks*
-
Ah... ain't family a beautiful thing.
*Yiski gives a big laugh*
-
*Watches BdrLine leave*
"So Ny-Lee, got any dirt on why BrdLine is the way that he is?"
*Looks around*
"Yiski, have you seen Roland? I really was looking forward to another one of those steaks"
-
*Sitting at the bar, Zill starts to dose off. His eyes get heavy, much like the days have been on him.*
-
*Watches BdrLine leave*
"So Ny-Lee, got any dirt on why BrdLine is the way that he is?"
*Looks around*
"Yiski, have you seen Roland? I really was looking forward to another one of those steaks"
*Suddenly smokes comes bursting out of the back. Roland emerges, blackened by the smoke. The steak in hand looks the same as it did the first time*
"Sorry about the wait, took the stove a while to start cooking, but when it did, I thought it was going to take my face off."
*Roland hands Shink his steak.*
-
"Thanks Roland"
*Shink tears into the steak, and practically devours it in 3 Bites*
-
*Yiski notices Zill walking in after the commotion with BdrLine and Ny.*
I guess first things first, how are the docks lookin'? Second, how's you're ship?
*Yiski fixes of mug of Clear Skies for Zill.*
-
*Ny-Lee to Shink*
My brother *ugh* hes been like this when we were younger. Gotten the nickname BdrLine for all the hair brain schemes he comes up with. I think he got it from our mother, she was a merchant captain that always traveled and took the most dangerous jobs. But any who, his schemes are always the wildest; from letting loose all the cattle from the market to setting off fireworks in the Scholar's main studies. He usually gets away with it as he knows people that can hide him, the only times he gets caught by the Imperial Police is when he takes a wrong turn into a dead end. And lets just say they weren't very kind when detaining him.
Last time I saw him was the day he was running from the police again, and that he stowed away on a leaving merchant ship. On that day, my whole family was worried, wondering what happened to him. But me i didn't care as i knew he would pull a stunt like this. Only way we knew he was safe was a week later when he radioed in from He Tower sayin that he was fine and that he actually likes that life of a traveling airman.
Only knew he was here was when i saw his old friend Niko sporting new clothing. So being me i "talked" to him as where he got the money to afforded all of his new things. Told me everything, i followed the squids, and then back here again
*As she was talking, Ny-Lee takes a drink from the ale once in a while*
-
*Yiski listening on Ny's monologue.*
Yeah, BdrLine mentioned he came from a family with money. Knowing how he is around us on both the ground and the skies, I can see why he'd want to run away from that. Hell, I'd probably done the same thing myself if I was in his shoes.
So, what's the real reason you came all this way out?
-
*Yiski notices Zill walking in after the commotion with BdrLine and Ny.*
I guess first things first, how are the docks lookin'? Second, how's you're ship?
*Yiski fixes of mug of Clear Skies for Zill.*
*Sips the Clear Skies*
Docks are operational, if only minimally. Small trade craft is the limit for awhile. They named the "new" docks Tar Barrel Port. Fitting after all this.
The boat will survive. New engines got shipped in today, and the main engine support is bein' forged. She'll be stronger for it. Squid's back up too. Better than nothin' I suppose. I could pull my Galleon out of the Council Port if I had to. That girl hasnt seen open Skies in a long time....
-
*Yiski listening on Ny's monologue.*
Yeah, BdrLine mentioned he came from a family with money. Knowing how he is around us on both the ground and the skies, I can see why he'd want to run away from that. Hell, I'd probably done the same thing myself if I was in his shoes.
So, what's the real reason you came all this way out?
Well for three things actually; 1) when i heard he's getting a reward i thought he can lend some to help pay some damages i "accidentally" did to some Imperial ships a while back, 2)I really need to get out of Yesha more, see the same skies each day, and 3) *sighs* I really missed him. After he left i thought it would be more quieter with he gone. After a few months, all of that changed, i realized i needed someone to look up too like him, craziness and all. He was also one of my inspiration to join the Fleet afterwards, besides my mother.
*looks at the people who were listening in threatenly*
If any of this gets to my brother, you will see the bad side of Yeshan Military training.
*looks at Shink especially*
-
*Sips more Clear Skies and turns to Ny-Lee*
You act tough but your sentiment shows a lighter side. What happened in the Fleet that made you so rough on the outside?
-
*Papa P pushes the door open, obviously highly agitated*
"I go away for two weeks, TWO, and I come back into a flakin' maelstorm of shit. The owner and CEO of Dandy Lions Trading Co. croaked while we were on out little 'vacation.' Little did I know that I was that old bastards sole beneficiary he left the entire company to me, I am now the chief share holder of arguably the largest trading company in the world. Not to mention the fact that some asshole blew that piece of shit dock up, had a couple over flow ships that have been obliterated"
*He goes to the bar after venting completely, he moved to the bar*
"Yiski, looks like the next round is on me. Who's the new girl?"
-
*Sips more Clear Skies and turns to Ny-Lee*
You act tough but your sentiment shows a lighter side. What happened in the Fleet that made you so rough on the outside?
Not that many women applies to the Air Fleet, and the handful that, do we had to prove ourselves to the mostly male dominated officers and enlisted men. Only way that i made it was the help of an old family friend when she was in the service, her name was Jun'ko. She told me to tough it out and out train and beat those males.
*she looks to Zill and sees the old uniform on, immediately pops to attention. looks around awkwardly and sits back down *
Oh sorry about that, its a habit. once i see an officer i go straight to attention. By the looks you have seen many better days i presume?
-
*Yiski listening on Ny's monologue.*
Yeah, BdrLine mentioned he came from a family with money. Knowing how he is around us on both the ground and the skies, I can see why he'd want to run away from that. Hell, I'd probably done the same thing myself if I was in his shoes.
So, what's the real reason you came all this way out?
Well for three things actually; 1) when i heard he's getting a reward i thought he can lend some to help pay some damages i "accidentally" did to some Imperial ships a while back, 2)I really need to get out of Yesha more, see the same skies each day, and 3) *sighs* I really missed him. After he left i thought it would be more quieter with he gone. After a few months, all of that changed, i realized i needed someone to look up too like him, craziness and all. He was also one of my inspiration to join the Fleet afterwards, besides my mother.
*looks at the people who were listening in threatenly*
If any of this gets to my brother, you will see the bad side of Yeshan Military training.
*looks at Shink especially*
*Hands up in protest*
"I would never do such a thing!"
*Places a couple silvers on the table*
"Yiski, I think I'm done for the day... Too much family drama for one night"
*Leaves the saloon with a sly grin on his face. Certain to be up to no good*
-
*Papa P pushes the door open, obviously highly agitated*
"I go away for two weeks, TWO, and I come back into a flakin' maelstorm of shit. The owner and CEO of Dandy Lions Trading Co. croaked while we were on out little 'vacation.' Little did I know that I was that old bastards sole beneficiary he left the entire company to me, I am now the chief share holder of arguably the largest trading company in the world. Not to mention the fact that some asshole blew that piece of shit dock up, had a couple over flow ships that have been obliterated"
*He goes to the bar after venting completely, he moved to the bar*
"Yiski, looks like the next round is on me. Who's the new girl?"
*Looks to Paradox*
Well, hell, if you're the new CEO, can I expect a better shipment of supplies. I can't rely on Zill and his men forever. *Looks to Zill* No offense.
*Yells at those staring at Ny*
Oi, you bloody idiots better not be gettin' any ideas. Since she's BdrLine's lil' sis', any of you mess with her and you'll deal with her. *Yiski points to Blood Bolt* Or I could always send Furry after ya'll.
*The thought of Yiski using Blood Bolt was bad. Sending Furry after them... well that is what we would cruel and unusual punishment.*
-
*Sips more Clear Skies and turns to Ny-Lee*
You act tough but your sentiment shows a lighter side. What happened in the Fleet that made you so rough on the outside?
Not that many women applies to the Air Fleet, and the handful that, do we had to prove ourselves to the mostly male dominated officers and enlisted men. Only way that i made it was the help of an old family friend when she was in the service, her name was Jun'ko. She told me to tough it out and out train and beat those males.
*she looks to Zill and sees the old uniform on, immediately pops to attention. looks around awkwardly and sits back down *
Oh sorry about that, its a habit. once i see an officer i go straight to attention. By the looks you have seen many better days i presume?
*He turns to her and shakes his head*
Jun'ko eh? Im amazed I didnt see it earlier. She crews with me on a regular basis. Always tryin' to be tough. A little wisdom from an Admiral, dont lose that womanly touch. Fleets need more than anyone cares to admit.
*He looks at his drink again*
Not sure what the Yeshan Fleet is like. Back when I first became Admiral, things were nice. Over time, the Council didnt always appreciate my ways of doin' things. They know I am the only one keeping this Fleet in the Skies. They are power hungry, and think Im capable of ruinin' that. Truth is I always was, but Id never let this city fall. I do the regular suicide mission here and again, and its been that way for years. This old uniform can attest to that. But dont let the image fool yea, I have awhile yet.
-
*Yiski looks to Zill*
At the rate you're chugging tar, I'd doubt that. I'm surprised your blood isn't made of tar yet.
*Roland chimes in*
"I second his motion."
*Both give a grin to Zill*
-
*Yiski looks to Zill*
At the rate you're chugging tar, I'd doubt that. I'm surprised your blood isn't made of tar yet.
*Roland chimes in*
"I second his motion."
*Both give a grin to Zill*
*Chugs the rest of his Clear Skies and coughs*
Youre both probably right.
*In a rare move, he removes his mask, revealing what remains of his face.*
Who would of guessed a poor sap like this could ever survive longer than a few days. That first mission to my death was my closest. And Ill be damned if I go like that. All i worked for just to get torn at by greedy hands. Some days its too much to cope.
-
*In a rare move, he removes his mask, revealing what remains of his face.*
*Yiski sees the face. It looked the same now as it did when it happened. While it did not phase Yiski, the other patrons were a bit taken by Zill's facial features (or lack thereof).*
By the burning skies Zill, put that back on. Have you no decency? Some of us are drinking here!
Also, the only way you're gonna get yourself killed is by hanging with all of us. And you ain't gonna lose shit. If we don't kill you and someone else does, then we'll kill them and take what they took from you.
*Turns to Ny-Lee*
By the way, what are you doing for living arrangements? I don't think BdrLine has a place suitable for you to be living at. Sure, it's fairly big, but covered in all his crazy equipment. Also, since the dock incident, not many people are able to leave causin' a lot of folks to stay in all the inns. So I'm not sure if you'll be able to find a place.
I've got a spare room you could stay in, though I haven't cleaned it in how many years.
*Roland taps Yiski on the shoulder*
"Actually, when you and the others were away for the two weeks, I took the time to clean up the room. It was easier than having to travel to and from the saloon from my place."
*Yiski's surprised*
Well, hell, good on ya Roland. Well Ny-Lee, knowing Roland, the room may not be 5 stars, but at least it's clean and habitable.
-
*Ny-LeeTo Zill*
Yes sir, i'll remember that. But still dosen't means i can't mess with my older brother *a devious gleam can be seen in her eyes*
*While later, BdrLine comes back in with Sunderlands earnings*
*mutters to himself*
Damn safe, who knew that even i can't open it.
*Looks at whos at the bar*
Oh Zill, PapaP didn't know you guys would come around. Looks like you met my little sis. Hope she didn't gave you any trouble i hope.
*to PapaP*
If i knew you were here earlier i would have brought you share as well, want me to send someone to deliver it to you?
-
*Looking at Yiski*
"You got it, bud."
*Papa P looks at Bdrline*
"I come into more wealth than you could possibly imagine, divide my share amongst the group. Hell you could give it to Zill and send him to the local Harem to turn that frown upside down"
-
*In a rare move, he removes his mask, revealing what remains of his face.*
*Yiski sees the face. It looked the same now as it did when it happened. While it did not phase Yiski, the other patrons were a bit taken by Zill's facial features (or lack thereof).*
By the burning skies Zill, put that back on. Have you no decency? Some of us are drinking here!
Also, the only way you're gonna get yourself killed is by hanging with all of us. And you ain't gonna lose shit. If we don't kill you and someone else does, then we'll kill them and take what they took from you.
*Laughs some and replaces the mask*
I wouldnt want to go any other way than in the best company Anvala has to offer. *Raises his glass to Yiski and the patrons of the bar.* If this body had any shred of worth left in it, it would gladly go toward this city, and these people.
-
--NARRATOR--
As the moon rose high above Anvala, many of the patrons started clearing out. BdrLine and Ny-Lee talked until they were the last two sitting in the saloon. BdrLine knowing he hardly had any room at his place for his sister to sleep suggested she take up Yiski's offer. He figured, if anybody wanted to harass her, they would have to get through the Crimson Bolt.
Yiski tossed Ny-Lee the key to the spare room and she headed up stairs to get some rest and BdrLine headed out to his place.
Yiski also handed Roland some gold coins for holding down the saloon the past few days and for the days ahead. While Yiski was feeling much better, there were still a few sore spots and he'd need Roland's help to keep the saloon running efficiently as it has been.
With Roland now out the door, Yiski contemplates his actions for tomorrow. The objective: buy new equipment and make new drinks.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 24--
-
*Ny-Lee wakes up he next day and wonders where she is at. Then she remembered that she is in a spare bedroom above the saloon. She gets up and quietly goes downstairs as Yiski is still asleep. She heads towards the docks to her ship to get a few things and then explore the City of Anvala*
-
--START OF DAY 25--
*Yiski wakes up and is still a bit slow in getting up. He curses to himself.*
Dammit, my age must be beginnin' to show.
*Yiski walks up stairs to see if Ny-Lee is in the spare room and sees it empty.*
Looks like she headed out pretty early. *He worries a bit, but puts it to rest.* Meh, she's old enough and looks like she can handle herself.
*As Yiski heads back down, he sees Roland coming in*
"Morning Yiski! How are you feeling?"
Still sore, but nothing that should slow me down. You wouldn't have Ny-Lee on the way here?
"No, why, has she left?"
Looks like it.
"I am sure she can take care of herself. She did seem quite resourceful."
*Yiski left Roland to tend to the saloon. Yiski was heading into the market with the reward from the Empire.*
First things first, I gotta get a new still.
-
*Zill had another rough night, but put that behind him. He took out his finest (the term is used loosely) officer's jacket for today. It still brought him at least some motivation.*
Doesnt look half bad. I can still tell where each bullet hole and dirt stain came from too. *Smirks*
*He puts on his mask and makes his way out of the city center. He bumps into Yiski*
Ahoy there. Money already burnin' holes in your pocket?
-
*Zill had another rough night, but put that behind him. He took out his finest (the term is used loosely) officer's jacket for today. It still brought him at least some motivation.*
Doesnt look half bad. I can still tell where each bullet hole and dirt stain came from too. *Smirks*
*He puts on his mask and makes his way out of the city center. He bumps into Yiski*
Ahoy there. Money already burnin' holes in your pocket?
*Yiski jabs Zill on the arm*
Not yet. Heading out the market to get parts for a new still and probably stock up on some ingredients to experiment with.
*Yiski realizes Zill has on his 'good' uniform today*
Well, aren't we lookin' fancy today. What's the occasion? *Yiski grins* Wait... let me guess... I know you can't a get a date, so all that's left is you're headed for a funeral. So, who died this time?
*Yiski gives a chuckle.*
-
*Yiski jabs Zill on the arm*
Not yet. Heading out the market to get parts for a new still and probably stock up on some ingredients to experiment with.
*Yiski realizes Zill has on his 'good' uniform today*
Well, aren't we lookin' fancy today. What's the occasion? *Yiski grins* Wait... let me guess... I know you can't a get a date, so all that's left is you're headed for a funeral. So, who died this time?
*Yiski gives a chuckle.*
*Zill shakes his head and laughs*
Just wanted to look more like an Admiral and less like a half-livin' fool who tripped into a tar barrel. Goldfish is getting redone so I needed somethin' to fit the occasion.
*His tone gets a little more serious.*
By the way, have you ever considered a few hands to watch over the Saloon? Using the Blood Bolt on some unruly fools dumb enough to take us on in there seems a little overkill.
-
*Walks into the saloon, and notices that Yiski was out.*
"Hey Roland"
*Takes a seat at his usual corner table*
"Hey is Ny-Lee around? I really would like some more about Azn"
*Shink smiles a little bit on the inside... It's not everyday he can get some dirt on his friends. He looks around. He looks around to see if he could start a card game with some of the regulars*
-
--Market Square--
*Zill shakes his head and laughs*
Just wanted to look more like an Admiral and less like a half-livin' fool who tripped into a tar barrel. Goldfish is getting redone so I needed somethin' to fit the occasion.
*His tone gets a little more serious.*
By the way, have you ever considered a few hands to watch over the Saloon? Using the Blood Bolt on some unruly fools dumb enough to take us on in there seems a little overkill.
Hire people? Hell, I thought that's you and the others were for. But you're right, I may need to hire somebody. But not right now. And don't worry about Blood Bolt, I've got her loaded with some experimental 'semi-lethal' rounds. I say 'semi-lethal' because there wasn't an idiot yet stupid enough for me to use it against them.
--Saloon--
*Roland fixes Shink a mug of Anvala's Standard Rum*
"Sorry Shink, Ny-Lee headed out early this morning. Yiski and I have no idea where she went."
-
--Market Square--
Hire people? Hell, I thought that's you and the others were for. But you're right, I may need to hire somebody. But not right now. And don't worry about Blood Bolt, I've got her loaded with some experimental 'semi-lethal' rounds. I say 'semi-lethal' because there wasn't an idiot yet stupid enough for me to use it against them.
-Market Square-
*Zill nods*
True , but we aren't always there. And do you honestly think Roland will manage alone? Id hate for somethin' to happen to him. Maybe its me.
*Turns to head toward the docks*
Well off to finish that Goldfish. If the Council is good at one thing, its filling my orders quickly. Those schematics from our travels helped though. Will probably get Jun'ko to say hi to Ny-Lee. Im sure they'd both like that.
-
*Looks up from his hand to Roland*
"That is a shame... Mind grabbing me a cup of No. 3?
*Lays out his hand to the other patrons dismay, and starts to rake the money to his pile*
"You also wouldn't happen to know of anyone looking for a good gunner would you? Apparently, one of the walls in my apartment fell by "accident", and the super is making me pay for it"
-
*After Ny-Lee went to her ship and got what she needed, she headed out into the city. Since all of this was unfamiliar place, she brought along her old Colt 1911 pistol that she found out in the Flayed Hills, just to be safe*
--BdrLine's docks--
*To himself*
Since my sister is here i don't think her staying at the saloon will be a good idea, don't want to burden Yiski more. Better start cleaning this place a bit.
*before he started cleaning his place on the docks, he calls out to the workers that are around*
Alright guys try not to go inside my place for a bit, gonna do some cleaning. Just don't mess with my docks like you usually do on a daily basis.
*as he goes back in and started cleaning, Bdr gets a little distracted with some of the things he found*
Oh my old fireworks, I wondered where they went. Oh there's my design for a rotating medium gun turret.
* as he was cleaning, he didn't noticed that moving those old fireworks agitated them a bit and they started going off inside the house*
This is gonna be a long day
-
--Market Square--
*Zill heads off for the docks.*
*Yiski then heads towards the local machine shop. A few minutes later, Yiski can been seen holding a few small boxes in hand. Next, Yiski heads for the food stands. By the end of his shopping, Yiski has a few bags filled with potential(ly lethal) ingredients for his new batches.*
*Happy with the haul, Yiski makes his way back to the saloon*
--Saloon--
*Roland looks to Shink*
"With the docks in their current condition, I do not think there are any captains hiring a crew. However, I do believe the Academy is looking into hiring another weapons instructor since their oldest one retired a while back."
--En Route to Saloon--
*About halfway to the saloon, Yiski sees small lines of light streaking from the docks. Yiski snickers.*
I guess BdrLine found his old fireworks.
-
-Docks-
*Zill is just outside the docks when fireworks shoot off. He rushes in thinking the worst, and then realizes its only BdrLine. He stands over him.*
Dammit BdrLine. Im half tempted to light the rest of those flakin' things up in your jimmies.
*He lets out a sigh. He looks over to his docks and see's Jun'ko working on the goldfish. The main support had just arrived, and it was a sight to behold.*
At least something in this place is workin' right.
-
*Thinks for a minute*
"Weapons instructor huh?.... Sounds like it could be interesting... And it's always fun to whip some powder monkeys into shape... I think I'll try that"
*Quickly empties the cup that Roland hands him*
"Thanks Roland, I'm off to get me a teaching job"
*Leaves the saloon and heads for the acadamy*
-
*Seeing Shink leave in a hurry, what Roland just suggested to Shink finally sunk in.*
"Oh dear, I fear I may have made a mistake."
-
--Market--
*Papa P Emerges from the bank with a small entourage, seeing Yiski heading back to the saloon, he runs to catch up*
"YISKI!!"
*staggering as he finally caught up*
--en route to saloon--
"Feel free to use one of these sub-simian creatures to your disposal"
*Looking at one of the three men behind him*
"Jenkins make sure this man gets his every need attended to, with the full rank and authority of an executive member of the Dandy Lion Trading Co., I'm heading back to HQ to keep the scorned assholes from management at bay, I'll see ya later Yiski."
-
-Docks-
*Zill limps over to his docks and looks at Then it caught fire. The turning engines have already been installed. They glean in the afternoon sun. The workers were about ready to get the main support lined up. It too gleaned, the reinforced structure three times as sturdy as before. Zill designed that himself. If his engines ever decided to go, at least the support would hold, in theory. He yells up to Jun'ko.*
A nice sight to behold after everything thats happened. How's she run?
*Jun'ko peers over the railing on the main deck*
Haven't tried yet. Only fitting you did it first. *She winks and disappears again*
This is what I live for..
*Zill orders the tanks filled with moonshine. Trial by fire was always the best. In short time the support and main engine would be in place.*
-
--Outside the Academy--
*Having just come from the interview process (Which included a skills challenge). Shink is now walking to the Saloon with an instructors jacket on*
That was easier than I thought...
*As he is walking to the saloon, he notices Yiski
"Hey... Heading to the saloon?"
-
--Docks--
*After saying an apology to Zill before he left for his goldfish, BdrLine resumes cleaning but being extra vigilant*
--Somewhere in Anvala--
*Ny-Lee is just wondering around taking where her feet will take her, taking in all the sights. To her everything look intriguing and foreign as shee never seen architectur like this back in Chang-ning. Only thing she wonder was when she went through the Garden District, there looked like a ship wildly landed there*
*With all of this walking, she decides to walk back to the saloon for some refreshments*
-
--Market--
*Papa P Emerges from the bank with a small entourage, seeing Yiski heading back to the saloon, he runs to catch up*
"YISKI!!"
*staggering as he finally caught up*
--en route to saloon--
"Feel free to use one of these sub-simian creatures to your disposal"
*Looking at one of the three men behind him*
"Jenkins make sure this man gets his every need attended to, with the full rank and authority of an executive member of the Dandy Lion Trading Co., I'm heading back to HQ to keep the scorned assholes from management at bay, I'll see ya later Yiski."
*Now typically Yiski would refuse, but given he was still recovering, he figured it'd be rude to refuse any help right now.*
*When Yiski saw Paradox running back to the HQ, a small shiver ran down his back.*
I give the company a week before Paradox runs it to the ground.
*As he is walking to the saloon, he notices Yiski
"Hey... Heading to the saloon?"
*Yiski turns as see something he thought could never happen: Shink wearing an Academy instructor's jacket.*
*Suffice it to say, Yiski was a little (lot) shocked.*
*Yiski motions the workers Paradox left him to head to the saloon. Yiski had to take some time to absorb this.*
How... who... ... ... Why are you wearing an instructor's jacket? Don't tell me the Academy actually hired you?
-
*Yiski turns as see something he thought could never happen: Shink wearing an Academy instructor's jacket.*
*Suffice it to say, Yiski was a little (lot) shocked.*
*Yiski motions the workers Paradox left him to head to the saloon. Yiski had to take some time to absorb this.*
How... who... ... ... Why are you wearing an instructor's jacket? Don't tell me the Academy actually hired you?
*Grins at Yiski*
"Yeah... apparently they needed a Weapons instructor... I'll have them shooting straight in no time"
*Laughs*
"Well... shall we head to the Saloon for a celebration drink?"
-
*Grins at Yiski*
"Yeah... apparently they needed a Weapons instructor... I'll have them shooting straight in no time"
*Laughs*
"Well... shall we head to the Saloon for a celebration drink?"
Hell, seeing you in that I'm definitely gonna need a drink.
*The two walk into the saloon. Silence is experienced upon seeing Shink in an instructor's jacket. Priceless.*
-
-Docks-
*With everything replaced, a small crowd grew around the boat. The work was done in very short order, and the men who worked to see the Then it caught fire back in the Skies wanted to savor the moment. The word was given and Zill fired her up. The engines burst to life, and ran ten times smoother than any previously modified ones before it. The power was immense, and the smell was glorious.
Zill beckoned Jun'ko and the two chief engineers who made it possible aboard for its first flight. He flew around Anvala in very quick time, drawing lines in the Sky with the flamethrowers. It was something to behold.
Upon returning to the docks, everyone cheered. Moral was high to get the rest of Port Tar Barrel back to 100%. Time would make it so.
Zill made a few final tweaks, and brought more barrels of rum out for the workers*
Its a good day Jun'ko. Soon this tar-ridden port will be somethin' to talk about. How about a celebratory drink from the Burning Skies? I think its goin' to be a crazy night.
*Jun'ko nods*
A fine way to end the day if i do say so. Lead the way oh burner of Skies. *Bows jokingly*
-
*yanks suddenly as a patron takes a seat on what he supposedly thought was a pile of pillows under the brown blanket in the couch, lunging him to the floor*
Ugh, what happened? What the...
-
Hell, seeing you in that I'm definitely gonna need a drink.
*The two walk into the saloon. Silence is experienced upon seeing Shink in an instructor's jacket. Priceless.*
"What? Haven't you guys seen an instructor before? The first round is on me, so I better hear some cheers"
*Crickets*
"Whatever"
*Goes over to the couch, and proceeds to sit on what he thought were pillows. Sgt Spoon falls off the couch dazed*
"Sorry Spoon... didn't see you there"
-
*rises from the floor and takes a look around*
Hrmm, last thing I remember is being in Zill's warehouse. How did I get here?
*Takes a look at his fellow assaulter*
Dear god Shink? When the hell did you become an instructor? How long was I out, really?
-
*rises from the floor and takes a look around*
Hrmm, last thing I remember is being in Zill's warehouse. How did I get here?
*Takes a look at his fellow assaulter*
Dear god Shink? When the hell did you become an instructor? How long was I out, really?
*Looks at Spoon*
"Just a couple of minutes ago... Apparently they need minds molded... Those powder monkeys don't know the difference between a Charged round and a Lochanagar.... I'm thinking of doing a practical demonstration"
-
*Ny-Lee walks in and sees the sight between Shink and Spoon*
Not gonna ask
*Goes up to the bar for a drink*
Its Roland right? Still trying to remember names but you think i can try the drink i had yesterday? Walking around this city can make a girl parched.
--Docks--
*BdrLine is almost finished up cleaning the place to make room for his sister, not that many mishaps occur since the fireworks accident. Well except for a few dinks and dings there, he manage to move the majority of his things from his home to his warehouse*
*Once finished he heads towards the Burning Skies to relive himself*
-
*Yiski enters the saloon. Yiski motions the help to set the equipment and ingredients in the back.*
*Patrons are eyeing with curiosity what Yiski had bough. Yiski notices and laughs.*
You all are in for a treat. You'll soon see more drink variety.
*Those two lines alone sent the saloon roaring while sending a chill down their spines. They all knew too well what to expect in the coming days.*
*Roland notices Ny-Lee coming back.*
"Ah, it seems you have enjoyed yourself. And yes, I remembered what you had last night. One Frost Fire Ale coming up."
-
*Looks at Shink again*
I'm not sure whether to be amazed or afraid
*Heads over to the bar, looking at the new girl*
Make that two glasses Roland
-
*Noises can be heard from the back. Roland figures it's Yiski setting up his new still.*
Spoon, I do not believe you have been introduced. Spoon this is Ny-Lee, BdrLine's younger sister, Ny-Lee this is Spoon, sergeant of Baronies' 102nd Infantry.
*Roland hands a Frost Fire Ale to Spoon.*
-
*Ny-Lee to Spoon*
Oh a pleasure to meet you. Also your one of the first Baron i ever met. *Looks at him up and down cringing a little in the inside*
I never thought that they can be *ponders for a word so not to be extremely rude* intriguing .
-
Thanks Roland
*Turns to Ny-Lee in a very titilliating manner*
Well, the pleasure is all mine, miss. First time meeting a Baron ey? There's still a lot of wonderful things outside the empire. You really should see the waterfalls at Lord's Leap in the winter sometimes, makes one really ponder over life.
*Continues with other evocative talk*
-
*Overhears Spoon and Ny-Lee*
"I'd be careful Spoon... She's a feisty one, and I'm sure BdrLine may have an issue with you hitting on his sister"
-
*Papa P walks in, grabs seat at one of the assorted tables, his mechanical limbs let out a long hiss of exhaustion and he sighs loudly*
"It's no wonder that 'The Great One' died, this jobs flakin' hard, it'll bring a man to his grave early..."
*He sits forward as if an idea had struck him like lightning*
"I'll throw the job to one of those flakwits in management, I'll give him executive oversight of the company, but still maintain my authority and most importantly the paycheck. I can make sure they don't screw the thing up to bad and keep TGOs legacy goin'... HA! PERFECT!"
*He sits back in contemplation*
-
*Despite the usual ruckus caused in the saloon, tinkering could still be heard in the back. Yiski, having new toys, was blissfully adjusting his equipment to make (arguably) better and (very) potent drinks.*
*After a few minutes of adjustments, Yiski decides to christen the new still by creating a new drink. With everything he bought from the market earlier, the resulting brew would no doubt be... interesting. Yiski starts by crushing down the ingredient which need to be in powder form and boiling others. Fortunately, Yiski had no shortage of mash and started mixing different ingredients in his two mash pots.*
*In one pot, he added Dragon Tongues, Frost Crystals, Night Berries, and a fist full of lochnagar powder. In the other, he added Desert Roses, Cloud Berries, and Feather powder.*
*Satisfied with the mixture, he went back out into the front. He'd have to wait for tomorrow to see what the results are*
By the skies, there's never a better feeling than making a new brew *Yiski paused* except when I'm makin' a new gun.
-
*Zill and Jun'ko enter the bar with much bravado. Zill grabs the nearest patron's mug and raises it high.*
Order a round for everyone here. Tonight we celebrate!
*Cheers ensue at the Saloon goes wild. Music plays and the entire atmosphere gets merry. Zill and Jun'ko head to the bar. Jun'ko sneaks up behind Ny-Lee and surprises her.*
Well lookie here! Someone has done pretty well for herself from the look of it. How yea been Ny??
-
*Walks in BdrLine looking quite tired from moving equipment from his home to his warehouse*
*walks up to the bar and hears the hammering in the back*
Hey Roland you think you can whip me up a Hellfire? And what is Yiski doing back there, smells like the Dragon Pepper gasoline that the swabbies made a while back. *shivers at that memory*
*Trying to think of a way to get out of the conversation with Spoon without breaking a limb, Ny-Lee spots her brother entering the saloon*
Oh it was nice talking to you Spoon but I think I need to talk with my brother about.... *looks at the drink Roland had given to her and grabs it* this drink. Yeah this drink, need to ask my brother if it's really good enough
*leaves Spoon and goes up to her brother and dumps it all over his head*
(BdrLine) WHAT THE HECK
(Ny) *looks at him sheepishly and mouths sorry and tilts with her head slightly to Spoon with a face that looked like she needed a reason to get away from him*
(BdrLine ) *sigh* looks like I really need that drink...and a towel
*after the surprise Ny-Lee turns around and sees Jun'ko*
Oh Jun'ko it is soo nice to see you again. Looks like you been having a good time since you left. But I'm fine so what's it like working with an admiral like him *looks toward to zill*
-
*Jun'ko chuckles*
You wouldnt know he was one until someone else told you or you knew the rank on his uniforms. You know how choosy I am with captains, so the fact ive been here for a few years now ought to say something.
*Zill just blankly peers at them through his mask.*
Shes a crazy one but, hell it might just take crazy to really want to be on my boats nowadays. Jun'ko used to just like you Ny, hold up in a thick shell. Took me a year to make her quit sayin' sir. *Laughs.*
-
*Grabs another mug of ale and takes seat in a nearby booth, talking to himself*
Probably for the best, a man can only have one real love
*Strokes his pocket containing a whitered photo of a ship*
-
*Jun'ko chuckles*
You wouldnt know he was one until someone else told you or you knew the rank on his uniforms. You know how choosy I am with captains, so the fact ive been here for a few years now ought to say something.
*Zill just blankly peers at them through his mask.*
Shes a crazy one but, hell it might just take crazy to really want to be on my boats nowadays. Jun'ko used to just like you Ny, hold up in a thick shell. Took me a year to make her quit sayin' sir. *Laughs.*
(Ny-Lee) Yeah my first night here I was talking to...Zill was it? But I noticed his uniform and made a fool of myself by standing to attention. Later into the night my brother told me what his rank was as well as who is who that comes into this place. It was a lot to take in so I may forget names once in awhile.
-
*Picking up the conversatiom of a nearby group Spoon drinks till he falls unconscious*
-
(Ny-Lee) Yeah my first night here I was talking to...Zill was it? But I noticed his uniform and made a fool of myself by standing to attention. Later into the night my brother told me what his rank was as well as who is who that comes into this place. It was a lot to take in so I may forget names once in awhile.
*Jun'ko's eyes widen and laughter follows*
You did what?! Whew, I wish id of been here for that. Zill couldnt care less for formalities. You'll learn though if you plan to stick around. Certainly opened my eyes. *Grins.*
*Zill grabs a mug and chugs it.*
Ahhhh. Nothing finer than a night at the Burning Skies. Beautiful women, merry men, and all the booze this side of Anvala. Yiski! Get out of your cave and have a round.
-
*Roland hands BdrLine a towel and two mugs of Hellfire and smiles to BdrLine*
"Looks like you need them."
*Even with the increased noise, Yiski is engrossed with ensuring his two 'children' mature well. Unbeknownst to Yiski, he did leave a little bit of Hellfire next to the stove. By the time Zill was calling out for Yiski...*
*BOOM*
*All the patron turn their attention to the back room which had suddenly filled most of the saloon in a white cloud.*
*Roland, worrying Yiski's hurt yells into the back.*
"Oh heavens, that must have been a Hellfire explosion! YISKI! ARE YOU OKA...."
*Yiski immediately emerges from the cloud and puts his hand against Roland's mouth.*
Yeah, *cough* yeah, I'm okay. *cough cough* Just a little Hellfire incident. Good news, it wasn't enough to break anything.
"Yiski I wish you would not put me through all this stress."
*Yiski makes himself a mug of Clear Skies, smiles to Roland and sits down on at a table.*
*Yiski looks down and sees Spoon K.O.d again.*
Dammit! Someone get Spoon and set him on the couch!
-
*Zill sits down next to Yiski, a Hellfire in his hand.*
I havent had one of these in a long time. Wonder if I can still manage 'em.
*Takes a long swig*
Whew, time hasnt changed it a bit. Now quit blowing yourself up. Thats my job. *Laughs*
-
*BdrLine thanks Roland and takes the towel and the drinks*
*he finishes drying himself off and grabs a mug of Hellfire. Not long before he takes his first sip, the explosion scared him enough that he accidentally spilled the drink on himself*
Dammit, and I thought I was the crazy pyromaniac
*a moment later the Hellfire that spilled on him started to heat up on his skin, almost burning him*
Ahh shit.....ROLAND, YISKI QUICK THAT "IN CASE OF HELLFIRE" BOTTLE, IM BURNING UP QUICKLY.
*thoughts*
Tonight's not my night
-
*The door opens and Qwerty strolls in, mask on as always. Upon seeing the commotion he pauses for a second before chuckling and sitting with the others. As he sits he is allready writing in his book*
Greetings everyone
-
*BdrLine thanks Roland and takes the towel and the drinks*
*he finishes drying himself off and grabs a mug of Hellfire. Not long before he takes his first sip, the explosion scared him enough that he accidentally spilled the drink on himself*
Dammit, and I thought I was the crazy pyromaniac
*a moment later the Hellfire that spilled on him started to heat up on his skin, almost burning him*
Ahh shit.....ROLAND, YISKI QUICK THAT "IN CASE OF HELLFIRE" BOTTLE, IM BURNING UP QUICKLY.
*thoughts*
Tonight's not my night
*Roland reaches over and grabs BdrLine's arm. He immediately grabs the "In Case of HELLFIRE" bottle and pours it on BdrLine.*
"Good grief BdrLine. Yiski, I'm guessing this is why you have so many of these bottle laying around the saloon."
Yup. The last thing I need is either blowin' this place up or burnin' somebody alive with it.
*Yiski sees Qwerty strolling in*
Evening doc. What'll ya be havin'?
-
Well I think ill have a hellfire, but i'll make a note to keep it on the inside of me.
How those new drinks comin' along? You started yet?
-
*Zill wanders to some weary looking patrons. 10 minutes later they are having an arm wrestling competition. He grins, then heads back to the bar with Jun'ko and Ny.*
Roland, another Hellfire if you will. I drink with the devil tonight. *Looks at Jun'ko.* I never did properly thank you for all the work on the Goldfish. It was no small feat to have her running again in 3 days.
*Jun'ko winks and sips her ale.*
All in a days work, oh captain my captain. *Chuckles.*
*Zill sees Qwerty roaming the Saloon*
Ahoy Qwerty. Pull up a chair and enjoy the festivities. First one's on me.
-
Well I think ill have a hellfire, but i'll make a note to keep it on the inside of me.
How those new drinks comin' along? You started yet?
*Yiski gets up and fixes two mugs of Hellfire for Qwerty and Zill and hands it to them.*
Here ya go, courtesy of Zill. And the brews are comin' along as good as they can. Probably better now with the new equipment I got this mornin'.
-
Well then i'm hopinh to see something that makes this hellfire look like water in comparison then.
*Takes the mug and sits by Zill, still writing.*
Whats new with you admiral, hows the ship?
-
*Papa yells to Yiski while talking to various patrons*
"Yiski, get me one of your strongest boyo!"
-
*Roland reaches over and grabs BdrLine's arm. He immediately grabs the "In Case of HELLFIRE" bottle and pours it on BdrLine.*
"Good grief BdrLine. Yiski, I'm guessing this is why you have so many of these bottle laying around the saloon."
*BdrLine to Roland*
I'm just having a rough day; first I had to move a few things around my home to accommodate my sister, which led to some misfires from some fireworks and a few bruises here and there, then you saw said sister spill her ale on me to get out of talking to Spoon, which I can't really complain. Come on its Spoon. All leading up to now
*grabs the second mug of Hellfire*
All I need now is some good old alcohol to cheer me up.
*to Ny-Lee*
Ny here's my address to my house, just bring you stuff from your ship I made room for ya
*gives the address*
Just be careful of the swabbies. Can be a handful
-
Well then i'm hopinh to see something that makes this hellfire look like water in comparison then.
*Takes the mug and sits by Zill, still writing.*
Whats new with you admiral, hows the ship?
*Zill nods to Qwerty, taking a swig of Hellfire.*
Shes up and running. Took it around the city and it felt great. Ran on pure moonshine without a hitch. Port Tar Barrel is doing well too. Much more organized than after that mess of a fight.
*He downs the remaining Hellfire in his mug and orders another.*
It burns oh so good.
-
*Papa yells to Yiski while talking to various patrons*
"Yiski, get me one of your strongest boyo!"
You got it Paradox.
*Yiski prepares a Hellfire and hands it to him.*
Don't be like Spoon and let it knock you on your ass.
*Yiski fixes himself a mug No. 3 and Zill mug of Hellfire*
Good to hear Then it caught fire is back up and running.
-
You do good work admiral, those engines will be a hell of a thing to see in combat. Can't imagine how fast a squid would be with those.
*Turns to Borderline*
I could take a look at ya, but my methods of medical aid are as, experimental, as Yiski's brewing or your engineering.
OOC MOMENT
Ep 3. Is Bouncing to disk now, will upload soon
END OOC
-
*Yiski fixes himself a mug No. 3 and Zill mug of Hellfire*
Good to hear Then it caught fire is back up and running.
*Zill takes a swig of his third Hellfire*
Its so good to have her lookin' like new. I wont replace her for nothin'. She's been too good to me. You too come to think of it. That Blood Bolt of yours needed targets after all.
*To Qwerty*
I would if that friggen Council didn't stare at my orders all night and day. Sneaking the three in was easy. Seven engines would of gotten me too much attention so soon. In time though. In time.
-
*Yiski is reminded during their days in the Baronies Military. The two of them together were an absolute terror in the skies.*
*Zill managed to turn the skies black with Then it caught fire while Yiski effortlessly shot down any ships with Blood Blot.*
*The memories brought a smile to Yiski's face as he takes a swig of No.3*
Ah, those were the days.
--NARRATOR--
The evening went on and everybody in the saloon was in high spirits.
Zill managed to get Then it caught fire back up and running (and set a new record for the most Hellfires in a night: 3), Yiski was excited to what effects his brews will have, Jun'ko and Ny-Lee catch up on the past few years (mostly Jun'ko telling Ny-Lee her recent adventures), and BdrLine has a clean house (even he deserves a silver lining).
Many other patrons were happy the Port was fully functional again. Everybody celebrated with lots of laughter and an equal amount of drinking.
By the time the clock hits 2 a.m., everybody has already left. Yiski let out a sigh, but the saloon needed to close for the night and he needed his beauty sleep.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 25--
-
--START OF DAY 26--
--NARRATOR--
By the time Roland and Yiski wake up, the sun had already been up for an hour. Since Ny-Lee was able to stay with BdrLine, Roland came down from the spare room. He knew Yiski was still not 100% in running the saloon on his own.
As Roland approached the back room where Yiski's room was, Roland caught two distinct aromas. One smelled like the fresh winds which blew along the Baron's coast. The other, well, let us just say if not for the first aroma, Roland would have been gagging for air. From his years with helping Yiski, Roland learned one truth about Yiski's brews: The worst it smelled, the harsher the drink. And this new brew was certainly more foul than the Hellfire.
Now many of you wonder, why does the Hellfire not suffocate the patrons? Well, the stink only applies to a new brew. By the time Yiski serves it, he adds other ingredients which mask the smell, but not dilute the potency.
--NARRATOR END--
*Roland holding his shirt to his mouth as he gets into the back room.*
"Yiski, are you back there?"
*Yiski turns to Roland and smiles*
Yeah, I'm awake and I've gotta say the brews are commin' out great.
"I can tell. Have you thought of a name for your brews yet?"
*Yiski tilts his head*
Hmm.... Not yet. I'll probably figure them out when I let the other start drinking it and get their opinion of how it tastes.
"So, you're not going to try them yourself?"
*Yiski laughs*
Hell no! I've got no idea what this stuff'll do to me. Better to use the others.
*Roland gives a forced smile and thinks*
I better get Qwerty or Oliver to stop by today.
-
*A loud banging could be heard from the door*
"YISKI! OPEN UP.... I NEED SOMETHING STRONG"
-
And I should probably keep him from drinking it, whatever I can smell now is almost certainly lethal.
-
*Looks at qwerty*
"You'd want something too, if your powder monkeys decided to load Lochanagar rounds in a hwacha.... idiots almost hit the Dean's office..... and who did they blame?!?"
*Point's to himself*
"I'm lucky they didn't take my job"
-
Then you should discipline them, I have a serum that would work well.
*Qwerty reaches inside his coat and pulls out a needle filled with yellow liquid.*
-
*face paling as he remembers the last time qwerty 'Disciplined' someone*
"No thanks Qwerty... I already have them running around the compound... 200 laps should fix them"
-
*Zill is making his way up from the City Center. In his hand is a letter from the Council. Those damned politicians always knew how to drag an Admiral down. Despite the knowledge that the Port was rebuilding at a rapid pace, they saw fit to blame Zill for the carnage that ensued. Typical crap that never went anywhere legal wise, it was still a splinter in his mind. The Council also reminded him of his next mission up north. Zill knew it would happen in time. Ironic that they want action so fast, yet sit in their Halls and do naught for months. Zill approaches the Saloon..*
I'll give yea a punch to the gut if yea need something right now, Mr. Instructor. Heard about your incident. Higher ups were already throwin' fits. Youre welcome for saving your hide.
-
*Yiski was still putting the finishing touches on the brew which smelled to high hell and heard Shink yelling from outside.*
Roland, go unlock the front and see what the hell Shink is yelling about.
"Alright."
*As soon as Roland unlocks the door, Shink forcibly opens the door, causing Roland to fall on the back.*
*Roland lets out a small grunt*
"Morning to you Shinkurex."
*Yiski steps out and sees Roland down.*
Dammit Shink! Don't run the poor man over. Now help him up.
*Yiski notices Qwerty and Zill following in.*
Mornin' feeling like trying some new brews?
-
*looks to Zill*
"That was you?... I guess I should thank you then"
*Helps Roland to his feet*
"Sorry friend... I've had a bad day, and need something stiff"
*Turns to Yiski*
"I hope what you got packs a punch... I need to forget about this day"
-
Oh, this will end terribly. I should prepare.
*Qwerty heads to the bar and open his jacket, the inside lined with different needles and tools. Thinking for a second he places 5 needles on the bar, then sits, ready for a drink*
Hit me
-
*Puts the rolled letter into Yiski's hand*
If it can make me forget these gasbags, I'll take one.
*Pulls a flask out and takes a swig. Then replaces it. The smell finally hits him...*
By the Skies, how on earth do you explain that?! People will start thinking you've saved a body part from all your victims in your basement.
*Gives it another big wiff...*
Dragon Tongues, Frost Crystals, Night Berries, and a fist full of lochnagar powder. Smells like my kind of brew.
*Looks to Shink*
No problem. The last moron tried telling the monkeys that Lesmok didn't work in the flamethrowers. He was outta there pretty fast...
-
*Sees that Zill survived the encounter*
"I'll take a glass of that"
*Grabs the glass given to him, and proceeds to chug the entire glass in one go*
"Pretty good... doesn't look like it has much-"
*Smoke can be seen coming out his ears, and Shink doubles over in pain*
"By the gods of Anvala! Forget what I just said"
*Collapses*
-
*walks in Ny-Lee and sees Shink on the floor*
Why is it that everytime I come in, you always end up on the floor?
*Smells the first brew from the back*
Mmm that smells good. What is it? Anyway I can try it.
-
I wouldn't recommend it Borderline, it is what currently has our companion on the floor
*Qwerty then takes one of the needles of the desk, before sharply jabbing it in to skin's chest and sinking the plunger. With a cough and a splutter he wakes up*
Take a sip next time you fool, consider your actions and weigh their risks
-
*Ny-Lee turns to Qwerty with anger in her eyes*
How the Hell do I look like my brother. I mean where do you see anything the resembels him on me. I have half a mind not to smack you upside your head since you are fixing him. *points to Shink*
-
*Sits up*
"Thanks Qwerty... That is certainly some strong stuff... You mind if I get some Hellfire instead?"
*Notices Ny-Lee*
"Hey Ny... how's livin with your brother?"
-
*Zill also downs his new brew in one go. A moment goes buy, and then suddenly smoke vents though his mask. He looks around and laughs.*
That could eat through Galleon armor Yiski. Wonder if it burns well in engines...
*His mind lost to thought..*
-
*Looks up sharply at Ny-Lee*
I would not recommend you interfere with me or my patient miss, my humor in such matters is slight. Sit, drink, and do NOT interfere with my work
*Looks over at zill*
I swear you not human Zill
-
*Looks up sharply at Ny-Lee*
I would not recommend you interfere with me or my patient miss, my humor in such matters is slight. Sit, drink, and do NOT interfere with my work
*Looks over at zill*
I swear you not human Zill
*Zill looks over to Qwerty's work and points at his mask.*
I dont really think I am either judging I survived whats under this. Might show you one day. I imagine that to be a rather grim page in your journal there.
-
*Yiski reads the letter*
Bah, the Council can go jump of a cliff for all I care. Course they know better than to get any of us too riled. Also, you know my brews are multi-purpose.
*Yiski then turned to Shinks episode with the event took out a note pad and jotted down notes for the DP, FC, NB, and LP combo: Instantly causes smoke to leak from ears. High chance to K.O.*
*Yiski turns to Qwerty*
So, I'm gonna guess you'll want to try my other brew? *Yiski makes two glasses of the DR, CB, and FP combo for Qwerty and Ny*
*Yiski then makes another glass of the potent brew for BdrLine*
Let's see how you handle this BdrLine.
-
*Qwerty turns from Ny-Lee and accepts the glass, taking a small sip he braces himself for the worst*
This isn't so bad, even tastes half go...
*Looks at his hand, then back up to Yiski*
Note for you Yiski, strong hallucinogenic effects
*Starts giggling and writing in his journal*
-
*Crawls up from behind a couch*
Dear god, what's that smell?
-
*Qwerty turns from Ny-Lee and accepts the glass, taking a small sip he braces himself for the worst*
This isn't so bad, even tastes half go...
*Looks at his hand, then back up to Yiski*
Note for you Yiski, strong hallucinogenic effects
*Starts giggling and writing in his journal*
Strong hallucinogenic. Check.
*Crawls up from behind a couch*
Dear god, what's that smell?
Oh I forgot you were still here. Care to try something new?
-
*Crawls up from behind a couch*
Dear god, what's that smell?
Oh I forgot you were still here. Care to try something new?
*Heads over to the bar, looking at the results on the other patrons*
You know I'm always up for something strong!
-
*Turns to Spoon*
"Why are you always passed out by that couch? I might've sat on you again"
-
*Motions for another mug of the hot stuff.*
I wont bother with hallucinations. I have enough on my mind. Lets see what two does.
-
*Looks up sharply at Ny-Lee*
I would not recommend you interfere with me or my patient miss, my humor in such matters is slight. Sit, drink, and do NOT interfere with my work
*Looks over at zill*
I swear you not human Zill
*Ny-Lee to Qwerty*
Alright, alright, doctoring is not my thing any way. Yiski can i get a Fire Frost ale plaeas?
*Sits up*
"Thanks Qwerty... That is certainly some strong stuff... You mind if I get some Hellfire instead?"
*Notices Ny-Lee*
"Hey Ny... how's livin with your brother?"
*to Shink*
Well with the night he had yesterday, he snored like a broken engie on moonshine. Plus he had a few thing lying around, almost set the house on fire for pushing a button.
*BdrLine takes the drink from Yiski*
Thanks lets see what these can do. *to Ny-Lee* and i dont snore that much
*Takes a sip, a is silent for a moment until*
Mr. Sunggles is that you, i thought mama threw you out.......You were hiding?......You want to build forts again, OK
-
*qwerty looks at borderline*
Mind if I don't cure this one just yet? Could be funny
-
*To Qwerty*
"Please don't cure him.... I'm enjoying this"
*looks around the saloon*
"You know... It's been pretty quiet here lately....Is this the calm before the storm?"
-
*Ny-Lee*
Oh i think i must have switched drinks *chuckles*, as this one does smell. Can't believe he stills remembers him
*BdrLine*
Ok, Mr.Sunggles where do you want to make the fort?......There in the candycane forest, sure let me get the candy and use them as logs
*Bdr goes over to the corner of the Saloon and takes the table and chairs and stack them in a roughly looking fort....thing*
*In his head Mr. Sunggles is a giant teddy bear with a blue bow tie around his neck, also is a childhood bear that he had when Bdr was youger
-
*Yiski hands Ny-Lee a Frost Fire Ale and Qwerty a Hellfire.*
*Yiski laughs at BdrLine's hallucination*
Hmm... I think I've got a name for the potent whiskey... how about... White Steam Whiskey? And for the hallucinogenic ale... Wild Wind Ale?
*Yiski sees BdrLine making his fort.*
Hmm... better restrict access to this brew.
*Turns to Shink*
Well, it's quiet because it 2 p.m. and people are mostly working. You're just here early.
-
*Watches BdrLine act like a fool..*
I wonder if that would mix with tar. Hmm..
*Lost in thought again...*
-
*Starts to get uneasy about BdrLine*
"Qwerty you should probably fix him....He's starting to get..... Disturbing"
*Turns to Yiski*
"You know that's not what I mean.... I would've expected more consequences for the battle we had.... Seems suspicious"
-
*sigh*
very well, though I doubt he'll let me near him
*Qwerty pulls out a strange custom revolver, loads a needle, and fires it at borderline catching him in the arm. Borderline slumps down with a chronic headache*
That should see him right.
-
*A flashback of the interrogation hits Zill. He stares into space as the events of that basement played like a movie right in front of him. He shakes it away.*
Shink, there's a time to fight and a time to recover. Yiski is still bruised, the port is still a mess, and BdrLine went crazy over-thinking Mr Snuggles. If a fight comes, its coming to us, not us to it.
-
"You know that's not what I mean.... I would've expected more consequences for the battle we had.... Seems suspicious"
*Yiski turns to Shink*
Again with this... As a bit paranoid as you are, there's no way their gonna come back, especially if their intent is to take me alive. Hell, short of layin' siege to Anvala, they're not gonna try shit.
*Yiski see BdrLine slumped over after being shot by Qwerty's needle gun*
Roland! Come give me a hand to get BdrLine on the couch.
*The two put BdrLine on the couch*
Alright. Roland, put the rest of the Wild Wind Ale in a barrel and set it aside in the back. Don't think I'll be serving it too often.
"Understood."
*Roland heads to the back room*
*Yiski resets the chairs and tables*
-
*Ny-Lee laughs at the sight her brother is in*
Oh my goodness,*takes a breath*, good thing i came out here again.
*To Yiski*
And what battle? Did it had to do with the docks looking like a black stain.
*BdrLine from the couch*
*mutters*
No, no i don't want the pea soup
-
*While resetting the chairs and tables, Yiski responds to Ny-Lee, attempting to deflect the issue*
It's nothing. Just some folks looking to collect on an impossible bounty. And the docks looking black is a normal occurrence when Zill and tar are involved, which is always.
-
Actually Yiski, mind if I grab a flask of that stuff? Could be interesting for....medical....uses
*turns to Ny-Lee*
It may not look it miss, but this is the safest place in all of anvala, hell maybe the whole world
-
*Turns to Spoon*
"Why are you always passed out by that couch? I might've sat on you again"
It's a really nice couch
*Takes a chug of his mug*
-
*Defensively*
"I'm not paranoid!"
*Takes another deep drink of his Hellfire*
-
Actually Yiski, mind if I grab a flask of that stuff? Could be interesting for....medical....uses
*Yiski tilts his head, thinking. Coming to an answer he walks into the back room. Moments later he comes out and hands Qwerty a canteen of Wild Wind Ale.*
Well, if you can see this being' of use then I guess I can help.
*Turns to Shink*
You were just complaining the minute you walked in the Council was out to get ya and on day one of your job. I think that's paranoia.
-
*At that moment, five guys with bandana's on their faces break down the front door. The dust settles and they stand in a line. The supposed leader speaks.*
My little brother tells me some wise-guy fired him for doin' his job. Something about some half-wit Admiral who hangs here. Where is he??
*Zill simply speaks.*
That man would be me. I fired him for stealin' ammunition from the armory. If you had half the wits of me, you'd turn around and enjoy your life without ammunition from Anvala.
*He turns around, staring down the would-be competition.*
Who wants who?
-
*While resetting the chairs and tables, Yiski responds to Ny-Lee, attempting to deflect the issue*
It's nothing. Just some folks looking to collect on an impossible bounty. And the docks looking black is a normal occurrence when Zill and tar are involved, which is always.
*Ny-Lee to Yiski*
Oh ok *takes a drink form the Ale*
*BdrLine gets up from the couch holding both is head and arm*
What happened. And why does it feels like i been rammed by a galleon.
*thoughts*
Oh that dream felt so real, hope the others don't find out about Mr. Sunggles
*Sees the Intuders*
Who the hell?!?
-
*Watches the encounter with Zill, and Turns back to Yiski*
"The Council is out to get me!"
*Finishes his hellfire*
"Gimme some of that White Steam Whiskey..."
-
*Yiski gives a sigh and looks to Zill with minor annoyance, but nonetheless manages to smile*
*Yiski tosses Shink a flask of White Steam Whiskey*
*Yiski proceeds to take Blood Bolt down and cocking it*
I'll the joker on the far right. *Yiski pats his rifle and looks to Qwerty* Hope 'semi-lethal' rounds work. If not, you don't mind a little clean up do you doc?
-
*Grabs a nearby bottle as an improvised weapon*
-
*Ny-lee looks at the bandits*
Finally some action
*gets into a ready stance with fist up
*BdrLine from the couch*
IIIII'mmm gonna lay back down and sit this one out
-
*Steps between the two groups*
"Guys! Can't we be friends!"
*To the leader of the intruders*
"Here... This drink is on me"
*Hands him the White Steam Whiskey*
-
*Looks at yiski*
Not at all ol' man
*drawns two blades with wooden handles, they look like bonesaws, but with smooth blades instead of teethed. A black substance can be seen coating the blades edge*
Take his advice boys, you have officially fucked with the wrong crowd
-
*The group leader gets impatient and smacks the ale away.*
Get outta' my face before I put that mug down your flakin' throat.
Im not scared of a few cuts witch-boy.
*Zill pulls Shink out of the way, tossing him over on BdrLine*
No place for peace here. You two make nice on the couch.
*Zill grips his mugs tightly. He nods to Yiski, Ny, and Qwerty.*
I did mention help, y'know Yiski. Now that I think about it, this works much better.
*He whips the mug around on the leader's head, shattering it. The fight begins.*
-
*Qwerty leaps forward faster then he should be able to, his arms a blur. Dual blades swing down in a wide arc and he cuts deep into the left most assailant nearly in half, blood sprays wide and the area around the cut starts to bubble and rot*
-
*Quickly hurls the bottle in the face of the guy left to the leader, a roaring scream hears as the hellfire shatters over him*
-
*Remembering White Steam Whiskey is a derivative of Hellfire, Roland grabs one of the hot charcoals from the stove with tongs and flings it at the pool of Hellfire on the intruder's face...*
*Direct Hit. As with last night's incident, the whiskey immediately exploded. Unlike last night though, this was a full bottle and the explosion caused the remaining would-be intruders to be knocked down on their backs. Luckily, Qwerty was able to ninja dodge out of the explosion. The one with whiskey on his face, on the other hand, not okay*
Huh, fast thinking there Roland. *Yiski complemented, but sighed* Looks like I'm never gonna be able to try out this new ammo.
*He eyes the leader the ground and fires a round into the leader's chest*
*A loud 'oof' could be heard and the intruder held his chest and shrieking in pain*
Huh... looks like the ammo works.
*He fires again at the screaming leader's head. K.O.*
-
*Ny goes to the one on the right grabbing him, flipping him over while breaking his arm*
*back at the couch*
(Bdr) ofh the hell Zill *Pushes Shink off*
-
*Zill curb stomp's the remaining fools on the ground. One grabs his leg, but Zill just jabs him in the chest with the broken mug.*
That went faster than expected...
*His hand has a few glass shards in it, but nothing worth caring about.*
-
*turns around*
Some good thinking there Roland
-
*Qwerty sheaths his blade and walks to Zill*
Come now Zill those cuts are light, but you don't need any more. Let me treat them.
*Looks to Yiski*
Don't worry doc ill clean this up in a moment, got a mixture that gets blood out of anything
*Looks to the others in the bar*
Well done, a groups not worth shit if they can't protect their own
-
*As the group is cleaning up, movement could be heard outside*
*Suddenly 4 more people show up*
[Boss! We heard a rifle go off, are y....]
*Apparently the leader had more friends outside. When they walked in all they saw was the first 5 were downed and their leader unconscious*
*Yiski looks to Zill*
Well, it looks like there's no rest for the wicked.
-
*Zill nods and smirks*
Never a dull moment friend.
*He grabs the nearest mug and whirls it into an intruders face. The impact knocks him back and Zill kicks his knee backward, snapping his leg.*
-
God damn it, all this cleaning.
*Qwerty draws one of his blades and throws it, cleaving another down. Qwerty never left his spot and now looks on with mild bordem visible in the yes of his mask*
-
*Ny-Lee goes up to one of the four and grabs and threw him into the other*
Come on this way too easy
-
*Not wanting to miss this fight, Shink grabs his rifle, and snipes the goon to the right*
-
*Zill picks up his intruder by the neck and shoves his face into the shattered glass on the ground. One of the shards impales the man's neck, blood running on the old plank floor.*
-
*watches the new spectacle*
Well done
-
*The aftermath of the second wave ended like the first: A perfect victory for the group.*
*Yiski's still pouts a little*
Still haven't seen whether these rounds and take a man down.
*Again, Yiski decides to vent his frustration by shooting one of the intruders, hitting the intruder's back.*
-
*Zill peels some glass shards out of his hand. He curb stomps any squirming intruders and surveys the damage.*
Well this was a great way to vent some anger, dont yea agree?
-
*stares at the scene some more, then starts looking at his hands, waving them infront of each other*
man, this was some wierd drink you gave me...
-
*Flips the safety back on his rifle*
"You sure know how to entertain.... See? I'm not paranoid at all.... something else was coming"
-
*Turns to Shink*
Nope, you're still paranoid.
*Yiski remounts Blood Bolt*
So, what do we do with this lot? Actually, give me a minute.
*Yiski heads into the back and rolls out the barrel of Wild Wind Ale with a few funnels*
*Yiski turns to Qwerty*
Ready for some medical experiments?
-
*Zill takes out a flask and takes a swig. Looks at Shinkurex*
Go watch the door for anyone else. Dont need any curious patrons.
*Wipes his hand off but the bleeding doesnt quit.*
This is really goin' to spoil my day...
-
*Turns to Yiski*
What exactly do you have in mind ol' Yiski
-
*Turns to Yiski*
What exactly do you have in mind ol' Yiski
Well, I'm guessing you probably have more questions as to how Wild Wind Ale works. I do too. I'd like to see what happens if a person has a few too many. For instance, the the hallucinations get more serious with each drink?
-
*Moves to the entrance to the Saloon*
"I gotcha guys covered... "
-
*Zill goes over to Yiski and Qwerty*
Ill tie em down. I have a knack for it you might say.
*He ties down one intruder to a chair, and another to a table.*
The rest are not among the living anymore. May want to figure out a place for them soon. Your newest brews smell bad enough as it is. *Smirks*
-
I don't think the others need to see this. Mind if I use the back room
OOC MOMENT
Using this as an excuse to disappear for a bit, got to stream Guns soon :D
END OOC
-
Sure thing doc. I'll leave two of them with you. Roland, help the doc get set up.
*Qwerty and Roland take two of the men into the back along with the Wild Wind Ale. Soon the intruders will have wished they died by the hands of raiders.*
*Yiski turns to Zill. The remaining intruders are bound and gagged.*
So... drop them in raider territory or hand them to the militia?
-
*Zill motions to Yiski.*
The raiders will appreciate 'em so much more. Plus I have enough eyes on me to be turning in seven bodies with the excuse of a bar fight. Council would have a ball with that one.
*Hails a messenger and sends him off with a letter.*
I have just the people for things like this. It happens more than you think, though it has been awhile.
*A short time later, eight men appear in front of the Burning Skies. A few short words and coin later, Zill sends the bodies off with them bound for the Burren.*
Now lets clean this place up so we can enjoy some civil company, shall we? *He wraps his hand in some intruder's shirt to slow his small bleeding problem.*
-
*BdrLine gets up from the couch after the small skirmish, still holding his head*
Well that was a quite a sight, but I think I might just home, this headache is killing me.
*to Ny*
Just dont get into too much trouble, after all this. You know your way back anyways.
*leaves and walks back to his docks
(Ny-Lee) Sure thing brother.
*walks up to the bar*
Roland, I don't think I drank the ale you gave me. You think you can mix me one?
-
"Sure thing, give a moment please."
*Roland fixes up another Frost Fire Ale and hands it to Ny-Lee*
*A few hours pass and the saloon is tidy once more. Fortunately no other minor annoyances popped up*
*Yiski wipes his forehead*
There everything is back as it was. *Sees the usual patrons coming in since the work day is over* And not a moment too soon either.
*Yiski heads behind the bar and starts serving*
-
*Zill takes his seat at the bar and orders a mug of No.3*
Time to settle down for the night. I feel sorry for those poor saps eating sand right about now.
*Gives a small thought.*
Not really if Im honest. *Laughs*
-
*Yiski turns to Zill*
Yeah, I can only imagine how much they've gotta be screamin' like lil' girls.
*Yiski gives a hard laugh, but it's cut short by some pain in his sides reminding him he's not fully recovered yet*
*He gives a grunt*
Anyways Zill, since the Port is up and running at full again, when do you suspect you'll be heading out because I've got a list of things you could get me... assuming it's along the way.
-
*Zill stares off into the crowd of patrons, still talking to Yiski*
Im sure it will be. Port is still only capable of trade with small ships. Regardless, itll be soon. You know me though...
*He turns around*
Ill do it when im damn well ready. *Cheers*
-
*as the alcohol takes it's due toll, spoon proceeds, after a bit of rambling around in the bar, to fall down in a faraway booth*
-
*Papa P walks to the bar, pats Zill on the back, and orders a drink*
"Wow, your hands lookin' rough there, boy. Did I miss anything?"
-
*Papa P walks to the bar, pats Zill on the back, and orders a drink*
"Wow, your hands lookin' rough there, boy. Did I miss anything?"
*Smirks and nods to PapaP*
Yea had a few low-lifes comin' in here trying to make demands. A few mugs to the face later they weren't demanding much of anything.
-
*as the alcohol takes it's due toll, spoon proceeds, after a bit of rambling around in the bar, to fall down in a faraway booth*
*Ny-Lee sees Spoon knocked out in the booth and a little childish idea came into her mind*
Yiski you don't have a marker or some duck tape on you hmm.
-
*A look of annoyance comes over Papa Ps face*
"Well shit, it seems like I miss everything around here: Docks exploding, you exploding, warehouses getting shot up, and now the bar getting assaulted... Looks like I need to leave the office more."
*Looking at Yiski*
"How are those brews comin'?"
-
*Yiski turns to Ny*
I can't in good conscious let you do that to a man... however... Roland, get Ny a marker and duct tape. I'm gonna go serve Paradox.
"Wait, surely you are kidding. You know I cannot do that to a fellow patron."
Roland. You know the rule.
*Sigh* "I know. Ny-Lee, I'll be right back.
*Roland hands Ny the materials.*
*Yiski chuckles and goes fixes Paradox a White Steam Whiskey*
Careful now. This stuff apparently more potent than the Hellfire.
-
*Zill takes a swig from his flask and helps Ny with the duct tape*
He did this to me years ago. Time for some payback.
*Jun'ko walks in and joins the festivities*
D'awe, BdrLine will look so cute when hes done!
-
*Ny-Lee to Jun'ko*
Does he really looks like my brother whens he drunk?
*looks at Spoon quizzically*
*To Zill*
Thanks now for some art work
*Ny-Lee then proceeds to draw a monocle around Spoon's right eye then proceeds to draw a thin handlebar mustache*
*Then Zill and Ny-Lee tapes Spoon on top of an open wall in the bar*
-
*He looks in the seemingly innocent brew, sniffs it*
seems fine..
*Taking a small sip*
*The look on his face is one of horror, he swallows reluctantly*
"D-did you put rotweed in this brew? For flak sakes, Yiski..."
-
*Zill picks up PapaP's mug and chugs it. Smoke just emulates from his mask, but otherwise no ill effects.*
Now If I can do it, you can manage one. You're half steel anyway.
-
*Zill picks up PapaP's mug and chugs it. Smoke just emulates from his mask, but otherwise no ill effects.*
Now If I can do it, you can manage one. You're half steel anyway.
I think that's the problem Zill. If he drinks anymore, it might eat away all his shiny bits.
*Yiski laughs*
-
*Zill ponders the thought*
That is a good point. I wonder what this stuff and hydraulic fluid do when mixed. *Laughs*
-
"I didn't say I didn't like it... It's very much an acquired taste. A couple more on me, for me and my good friend!"
*The drinks arrive*
*The glass staring dauntingly at Papa P, He mans up and chugs the mug.*
*A twitch comes over him and his mechanical leg flexed right through the bar table, while steam was rushing out of his ears.*
-
--NARRATOR--
The moon was out in full force tonight and it started getting around the time when the saloon was emptying out.
Zill made his way back to the Port. There was still a lot of fixing to do and more tar to run.
Paradox was headed back to the HQ. He still had a lot of paperwork to deal with.
BdrLine and Ny-Lee went back to his place, but still had to be careful for any hidden fireworks lurking.
Qwerty emerged from the back and had the two intruders from earlier still bound and tailing him out the door. Yiski wondered what Qwerty had learned from the Wild Wind Ale. He figured he could ask tomorrow.
All that remained was Roland, Yiski, and... Spoon. Roland and Yiski stared at Spoon. By the time the saloon completely cleared out, Spoon has an assortment of artistic renderings all across his face. The two looked over him and chuckled. It looks like Spoon was becoming a regular boarder in the saloon.
Yiski threw a blanket on Spoon and went into his room in the back. Roland headed up stairs to the spare.
All in all, it had been a good day despite a somewhat lack luster bar fight.
Oh well... maybe tomorrow will bring in more ruffians.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 26--
-
--START OF DAY 27--
--NARRATOR--
It was the crack of dawn and Roland and Yiski were still asleep until a loud...
*KNOCK* *KNOCK*
The knocking persisted until Yiski finally got up, wiping his eyes. Roland, on the other hand, was still asleep being a heavy sleeper.
Yiski mumbled to himself. Bloody skies, who the hell would wake me up this early in the damn morning? He yawned and was about to unlock and open the door. He stopped himself. Wait... this could be another trap. Yiski then went to the bar and grabbed Blood Bolt off the wall, cocked it, and held in front of him.
Yiski went to the door again and unlocked, took a few steps back, raised his rifle and said, "It's unlocked. Come in."
Silence. Yiski waited a few minutes. Then he waited a few more. Cautiously, Yiski opens the door and sees a letter pinned on the door. He gave a small chuckle.
Bloody messengers.
He opened took the letter and noticed it had the Council's seal on it. Damn. This can't be good.
Greetings Yiski,
You have been summoned by the Council to discuss the recent events which have taken place within the last month.
The Council also wishes to speak to you matters concerning a project you may be interested in participating.
Upon receipt of this summons, you will avail yourself to the Council immediately.
Yiski sighs. "Damn, what do they want with me now? Better leave something for Roland." Yiski proceeds to leave a note on the bar.
Council meeting. Probably be there for a while. Open without me.
Yiski unlocked the door, stepped outside, re-locked it, and headed for the Council's chambers with Blood Bolt in hand, just in case.
--NARRATOR END--
--HOURS LATER, NEAR OPENING--
*Roland wakes up and heads downstairs. There was an unusual silence.*
Strange, usually Yiski is up and tinkering in the back.
*Roland approached the bar and noticed Yiski's note. He cringed.*
A Council summons! These usually do not end well.
*Roland sighed, as much as he wanted to rush to the Council and see what was going on, he knew Yiski would yell at him if he didn't get saloon open on time.*
-
*Zill walks out of Oliver's house. The long night at the Port did no good for his hand, so we went in to have it fixed up. He shakes it and moves it around. Itll do.
He is immediately greeted by a Council messenger (much to his distaste). The messenger produces another letter from them...
Our benevolent Admiral,
You are to attend a Council hearing immediately upon this letter's receipt.
While it does not pertain to you directly, your presence is requested due to the nature of the meeting.
Past events will be discussed with another citizen of Anvala, as well as a short audience with you afterwards.
Zill has been to these before. Usually some gasbag that gets sucked into a mission due to past events of varying legality. He is uneasy however, as the events of yesterday, even the past month, have been hectic at best. Better check on Yiski.
He turns, and not a second later he sees Yiski headed down the way, letter in his hand. His head sinks...
He certainly was right. No rest for the wicked.*
*He intercepts Yiski*
Do tell me that is not a Council meeting "invitation." Tell me they dont care about your past events. I dont need this crap today.
-
--Somewhere in the Garden District--
*Yiski turns to see Zill*
I've got no clue what they want. Could be anything really.
*Yiski scratches the back of his head*
The Council probably just wants to know what I've been workin' on lately to ensure I don't wipe out the West District.
-
-Anvala Center-
*The two make their way to the Center. The buildings are massive. Skyscrapers and ornate paintings dominate the skyline. Airships must navigate around many of the tallest towers. The Council Hall is situated at the very heart of the Center. A circular building surrounded by a crystal floor that seems to radiate from the Hall. A flight of stairs brings them up into the Council Hall.*
The last oasis for The Burren. If only the people inside were as awe inspiring. *Laughs* Id much prefer air battle over court battles.
-
--Saloon--
*Ny-Lee enters the saloon and sees Spoon still unconscious taped to the wall, she chucked and goes up to him to see if he is awake*
*She pokes him in the face a few times, he didn't budged*
*Ny then walks up to the bar*
Hey Roland, my brother kicked me out of the house today. Saying he had an idea to improve some incendiary rounds using Dragon Peppers he bought from the market. He and a few deckhands are working on it right now I think.
You think I can stay here for the day? Need any help as well?
--Docks--
*BdrLine is carrying a barrel of gun powder, he is followed by three other deckhands, two of which are carrying a crate of Dragon Peppers and the other blank bullet casings*
(Bdr) Ok guys into the warehouse, let's get this thing started, Tommy the door if you please.
*Tommy the one not holding anything goes up to the door and opens it*
(T)"Your sure this is a good idea with the Dragon Peppers again? I'm mean you do remember what happen earlier in the month with your engines right?"
(Bdr)*groans at the memory* Just because I left my bag out in the open with the peppers it's my fault, at least those three swabbies were ok. Be a while before they be back. Ok John and Allen set those things over there on that table and let's chop up some peppers.
*John and Allen proceeds to place the boxes down. All the deckhands stand back as Bdr opens the crate with the peppers in them. once open he goes to the back and brings out four gasmasks with some knieves. He hands them out to all three of them and the puts his on*
(Bdr thorugh his masks) Alright let's get chopping
*the first few hours goes as all four of them chops up the peppers*
-
--The Academy--
"Alright you Bilge rats...today we are going to setup an exercise, to see who has the chops to make it in this class"
*Splits the group in half, and lines them up parallel to each other. He then proceeds to give one half Training pistols (Loaded with stun rounds of course), and the other half apples*
"I'm sure you all know the drill... You *points to the group with the apples*... Place those on your heads and let the other group shoot them off..."
*The group looks uneasy*
"Don't worry, these are practice rounds... they don't do too much damage see?"
*Proceeds to shoot one of the apples... Unfortunately, this one had live ammo still in the chamber.... The apple explodes*
"Ok... so this one was not checked properly... Jason... 50 Laps for you"
-
--Saloon--
*Ny-Lee enters the saloon and sees Spoon still unconscious taped to the wall, she chucked and goes up to him to see if he is awake*
*She pokes him in the face a few times, he didn't budged*
*Ny then walks up to the bar*
Hey Roland, my brother kicked me out of the house today. Saying he had an idea to improve some incendiary rounds using Dragon Peppers he bought from the market. He and a few deckhands are working on it right now I think.
You think I can stay here for the day? Need any help as well?
*Roland waves to Ny*
Afternoon Ny-Lee. So BdrLineAzn is running his Dragon Pepper experiments again? Well, it is a good thing then he had you leave then.
*Roland turns and sees the saloon busier than normal*
And I could use to extra assistance. Apparently, Yiski was called away by the Council early in the morning and I do not expect him back anytime soon.
-
*qwerty walks in the bar, two silent figures moving in slowly behind him. These figures are hooded and not a single inch of skin is visible. On a comman they walk over to a corner of the bar and take a seat, qwerty walks up to the bar itself*
Greetings roland, Ny how are you both? A Wild Winds too if you dont mind
-
*qwerty walks in the bar, two silent figures moving in slowly behind him. These figures are hooded and not a single inch of skin is visible. On a comman they walk over to a corner of the bar and take a seat, qwerty walks up to the bar itself*
Greetings roland, Ny how are you both? A Wild Winds too if you dont mind
*Ny-Lee to Qwerty*
Why hello doctor, I'm doing fine. A mug of Wild Wind coming up. *Ny goes over and fills a mug and goes back to Qwerty, hands it over to him* I want to ask, how is your hallucinations mild to the one my brother had yesterday?
--Docks--
*the door to the warehouse swings wide open, Bdr and the other three can be seen ripping off the gas masks gasping their breath, tears coming down their eyes*
(Bdr) *gasping* I don't remember they being that strong that it goes though our masks
(Tom) Well we did went through a whole crate of those things.
(Allen)I can't imagine what will happen if we mixed them with the powder.
(Bdr) I know Al, thats why we will mix a small test. *looks at the warehouse* Ahh lets do it out here, John go back in there and see if you can try to grab a small mixing bowl, with a cup of both gun powder and a cup of the peppers.
(John) Oh boy *Puts his masks back on and went back to retreive the material*
*a little later, John comes back with the material*
(John) Here ya go Bdr *while gasping for breath*
*Bdr then proceeds to dump both the peppers and the powder in to the bowl. Behind a very large crate, Tommy, Allen, and John brace for an explosion*
*nothing happens, and Bdr calls out to them*
(Bdr) Come out you spineless fools its safe *laughs*
(Tom) Oh haha, very funny. We know you and your experiments, im surprised it didn't blow up yet.
(Bdr) You guys have no faith in me, come on lets see what this can do.
*Bdr then lits up the mixture causing to instantly com bust, with the explosion it ignited the peppers setting anything on fire*
(Bdr with his hair raised and blacken) AHH DAMMIT. QUICK GET THE EXTINGUISHERS, DON'T WANT TO BURN THIS PLACE DOWN AGAIN!!
*Bdr and the three rushes out to put out all the fires, after 1 minutes all the fires were out*
(Bdr) Well at least it works
*the three deckhands groans*
-
*Looks at Ny*
More chemicals have been in my system then you could imagine, as it happens I am immune to the hallucinogen now thanks to a handy little injection.
-
--Council's Main Chamber--
*Yiski and Zill stood outside the Council's chamber. The two looked at each other. If anything, they both knew what the best and worst case scenarios to expect. At best, the Council will reprimand the two for the incident at the Port and at the saloon. At worst, Yiski and Zill would have to blast their way out of the Council building and high-tail it out from Anvala.*
*Even if the worst case is highly unlikely to happen, it didn't stop Yiski from reloading Blood Bolt with lethal rounds and handing a few rounds off for Zill's handcannon pistol.*
*The guards outside of the main chamber looked upon the two with sheer nerves. Many of the guard know of Yiski and Zill's famous abilities from their times in the military and heard their even more famous brutality when it comes to their enemies.*
*One guard turns to Yiski*
+The Council will see you now.+
About bloody time. I've been waiting here for hours.
*Both Yiski and Zill entered the main chambers. Before them were the nine members comprising of the Council.*
(1)Do you know why you have been summoned to this meeting?(1)
Well, it could be for a number of things. You really didn't make it clear in your letter this mornin'. Also, why is Zill here too? Didn't he already...
(4)Silence. The Admiral is here to observe. Nothing more.(4)
Then is this about the Port incident?
(9)No.(9)
The bar fight?
(6)No.(6)
*Yiski was obviously getting angry. As much as he wanted to yell at them, he gritted and teeth and spoke*
Then WHY am I here?
(1)We are in need of an experienced weapons expert. Your past as a military gunner and weapons inventor has proven quite useful. We were wondering if you would be wil....(1)
*This time it was Yiski's turn to interrupt*
Nope. What ever it is you want my help for, forget it.
(5)You dare refuse a request from the Council?! Such insolence! Never in the time of...(5)
*Yiski cuts him off*
Request? After how you've all treated me, Zill, and everyone else in the West District in the past? No thanks.
*Yiski turns and starts walking out. While walking out, he waves*
Since you don't have anything I want or ever need, I'm going back to my saloon. You comin' Zill? Believe the two of us need a good drink.
*The two walked out, leaving the Council stunned*
*As Yiski and Zill were walking back, they smiled and laugh*
Damn it felt good to do that. To hell with the consequences.
-
--The Academy--
"Paul! Don't you dare point that gun at me!"
"Alexander! Don't make me come over there, or so help me!"
*Forms a fist and pummels his hand*
"Jason! 20 more laps ain't going to kill you, Though I might!"
Geez what in the world are they teaching these guys? I need a drink...
-
-Stairs of the Council Hall-
*Zill had a gut feeling and turns to Yiski*
Hey, y'know what, come back with me, I have something to say.
*They both make it to the doors. The guards look confused but before they have time to react Zill pushes them aside and enters the Chambers.
He points at each Council member and speaks.*
Y'know, im not just here to observe. Im am sick and tired of you pompous fools wasting good people and resources on completely worthless endeavors.
(2) How dare you speak to your Council like this!
No, how dare you useless politicians turn this great city into what it has become. I dont care what you think after this statement, but you really need to do some soul searching as to what your priorities are. If you're so self centered, that you will let this city and these people suffer for your agendas, then so be it. But dont you ever expect me to go along with what you think is the best for the Council. Ive lost my face, and much of my humanity to these false ideas of grandeur, and im sick of it. Send me a letter with your response, I dont want to hear anything else out of you today.
*The Council is stunned. But one of them manages to speak.*
(7) Youre words are noted Admiral. We will convene and send a reply on the 'morrow.
*Zill limps out with Yiski behind. He pulls out his flask and downs it.*
That was a few years overdue.
-
--Saloon--
*Yiski and Zill both come into the saloon. Yiski notices the saloon is busier than usual*
Roland! I see you've managed quite well without me.
*Roland turns and waves to Yiski*
"Welcome back Yiski. Things have gone well. I have to thank Ny-Lee for the assistance. If you do not mind, I believe Ny-Lee can handle things and you can relax."
*Yiski turns to Ny-Lee*
Is that so? Well thank you for helping out. I gotta say, you're more useful than your brother.
*Yiski turns back to Roland*
You know, any other day, I'd probably hit ya behind your head. But today, I sure could use a relaxer. So let's start off by getting me and Zill some White Steam Whiskey?
*Roland grins*
Of course.
*Roland hands Yiski and Zill two mugs of WSW*
-
--Saloon--
*To Yiski as he comes in*
Why thank you *she laughs at the comment about her brother* Well he can have his moments
*While Roland serves the drinks and Ny-Lee hands them out, some of the other patrons starts to wonder if any can get with Bdr's sister*
*As Ny-Lee heads to a table and gives a noticeably drunk man another drink, he grabs her hand as she starts to walk away
[Hey cutie, i know your new around here, but want to see a real man and his airship]*words slurred here and there*
*Ny-lee un-phased by this, had something in mind for this patron*
Oh what a strong man so tell me what is so special about you*fluttering her eyelashes*
*he goes on a drunken ramble about something*
*Ny-lee puts a finger to stop him*
Oh can you be a dear and see if my shoe laces are tied
*the patron, looking pleased, look down until Ny knees him squarely in the face. From the she grabs him from the shoulder blades flipping him out of him chair on to the floor.*
*Ny-Lee standing over him in a menacing voice*
Try pulling a stunt like that again, and the last thing you will see is my fist going into your face.
*she looks around the bar and points her finger at some people*
And thats include all of you
*the spectacle and her threat quickly changed the minds of many men in the saloon*
--Docks--
*Back at the Bdr's warehouse, Bdr started to make another small mix, this time they made 5 bullet with the powder mixture*
*then they brought out a gatiling gun and set up it up along with a target outside on the docks*
*Bdr loads the five rounds into the different barrels, then proceeds to tie a sting around the trigger, he heads around the warehouse where the other three were hiding and pulls the trigger*
*the gatiling guns fire, and on contact with the target, the rounds shot through it, effectively burning the target in huge blaze, bigger than the normal incedinary rounds*
*all four rejoiced at the sucess and started to make more of them*
-
-Saloon-
*Zill and Yiski cheers. Yiski sips his, Zill chugs half.*
That felt like a long time comin'. Best case scenario is nothing happens. Worst is we'll be relocating the Burning Skies. Not sure which is the worst option. *Smirks*
*Jun'ko comes in and sits next to them*
Howdy boys. Heard you got new drinks around here. Mind sharin'?
-
Greetins to ya Yiski, zill. How was the council? As up their own arse as usual? or have they suddenly gathered a shred of humanity.
Also Yiski
*Points to the two hooded figures in the corner*
The result of my experiments with your brew
-
*wakes up with a severe pain in the head, just to realise that he's taped to the wall*
What the...? *looks at his sorroundings, sighing deeply* Ok Spoon, you've been in worse situations that this...
*braces his legs against the wall and pushes... without any results* damn
*A group of patrons close by bursts into laughter upon seeing spoon's efforts*
*Spoon looks up, landing his eyes on the biggest of them*
Oi, You there! You twat, wanna piece of me huh?
-
*Yiski watches Ny-Lee take down one of the patrons harassing her and gives her an applause*
*Yiski takes a swig of WSW and turns to Qwerty*
You know I was gonna ask you what you learned from the Wild Wind Ale, but *looks at the two poor souls* I don't think I need to know, not by the way those two are.
*Roland to Jun'ko*
You heard right. There's two new brews. The White Steam Whiskey and the Wild Wind Ale. From what I have seen, I would strongly recommend the White Steam Whiskey. The Wild Wind Ale has... interesting side effects.
*Yiski yells over to Spoon*
Damn Spoon, you're just now getting up? They're laughing at you because you look ridiculous. Maybe you should wash up first.
*Yiski laughs*
-
*The man gets up, staring at spoon and says* what?
Spoon: You're bloody well the ugliest bloke I've ever seen in this bar... also I slept with your mother last night *starts to laugh then, turns to Yiski*
*The man, getting rather furious, runs up to spoon and proceeds by ramming him into the wall. The wall, not being made out of the best material breaks and they both tumble headlong out in the street.*
-
*Ny-Lee goes up to Yiski's table*
*To Jun'ko*
Interesting side effects it has* holding a laugh from the sight her brother made yesterday*
--Docks--
*As BdrLine and the group finish making the experimental rounds, he thanks them and let them have the night off*
*Bdr then proceeds to the Burning Skies*
-
*Jun'ko orders up a WSW and takes a swig. Initially nothing happens...*
Hah, this is supposed to be.....
*Her eyes widen as the smoke emits from her ears. She tosses her mug on Zill's mask. It immediately catches fire and he falls back.*
WHAT THE FLAK!
*The closest patrons try to put it out with no luck.*
-
*As BdrLine nears the Saloon, instead of going in through the front door, he sees a hole in a wall with Spoon and another patron on the ground*
*Bdr goes over and yanks the man off Spoon*
Go back inside and i'll handle this
*Sees Spoon still duck taped*
I see that taped still holding up, hold on i'll cut you lose, and when i do i think you need to wash your face a little
*Bdr takes out a pocket knife and cuts Spoon out*
-
*Yiski watches as multiple events are making this late afternoon very interesting*
*Spoon's mouth has gotten him into trouble and Zill was on fire*
*Roland saw Zill catch on fire and immediately tossed an emergency bottle to Yiski*
*Yiski reaches in and grabs Zill and pours the bottle on his mask*
*The fire stops, but doesn't end the remaining sizzling from being neutralized*
*Yiski turns to Jun'ko*
Well, it looks like you're gonna have to work up a resistance first. Roland, get her a Frost Fire Ale.
*Yiski then turns his attention to the hole in his wall and the ensuing fight outside involving Spoon*
*Yiski still had Blood Bolt on him and was about to use it before he remembered it had lethal rounds. Yiski took his time and walked to the bar and switched ammo. He leisurely walked up to where the hole was. He sighed and pulled the trigger.*
*By now BdrLine has freed Spoon from his duct tape bondage. More importantly, BdrLine just walked into the line of fire. Good thing Yiski never misses*
*Two shots rang out. The first hit Spoon square in the chest. The second hit his assailant in the back of the head. The two men went down. Spoon still conscious. The other, face down and out cold.*
Spoon, you damned idiot! I don't charge you for staying the night here, but you sure as hell owe me repairs to my wall!
-
*puts up a deranged smile as he pulls himself up*
Well, I'm still free aren't I? Hah, my plan almost worked.
*Suddenly realises the pain in the chest*
Wooaaap... *falls over*
OOC
Darn I thought I had more time, but i gotta go now. Seems like I'm out again :U
OOC
-
*Zill sits back up, his mask smoking and sizzling. Realizing its a lost cause, he tosses it off. He turns to Jun'ko.*
We need to get you some Wild Wind Ale so you can imagine my face looking less horrific.
*He orders another WSW and takes a long swig. Jun'ko, still recovering from her incident, gazes at Zill.*
I...I never knew you were actually hiding something under that mask. I feel so....terrible. *A tear falls down her face.*
*Zill notices and wipes it off.*
Its ok. Its something ive lived with for years. Dont worry yourself over it. *He see's Yiski shooting people and yells over the other patrons.* Looks like them rounds really do work. I need some for when im at the Council docks. *Smirks.*
-
*puts up a deranged smile as he pulls himself up*
Well, I'm still free aren't I? Hah, my plan almost worked.
*Yiski yells at Spoon*
PLAN! What plan.... you know what I got a better idea.
*Yiski then fires two more shots into Spoon. One hits his chest in the exact same spot. The other hits him just below the waist, but just above the nether. Spoon, who is no longer smiling, limps back down onto the ground, moans and passes out from the pain*
*Yiski sighs again*
Dammit. Looks like he's staying the night again.
*Yiski facepalms and motions some of the patrons to get Spoon on the couch*
Gonna have to hire some people for the wall now.
-
*After the spectacle with Spoon and the other guy, BdrLine and another patron helps Spoon to the couch*
Damn I think this will cost more than all the doors Sunderland broke down*looks back at the hole*
*walks up to the bar*
Some night huh Roland, so can you whip me up a Hellfire.
*turns to where Zill, Yiski, and the others are*
Well looks like I got some good news from all this....*sees Zill without his masks* Gods Zill wheres your mask?!?
*shakes his head and continues*
Anyways, after some experimenting I made some new incendinary rounds that instantly catches anything on fire with doubleling the size of the fire. Thanks to my Dragon Pepper mixture in the rounds.
-
*Zill looks at BdrLine.*
I appreciate your discretion....
My mask caught ire and burned off, and since i refuse to wear a napkin on my face, you get the full picture.
*He finishes his WSW and looks to Jun'ko.*
How you doin'? Youve gotten quiet.
*Jun'ko looks at Zill.*
I still feel bad about your mask. *She suddenly perks up.* I may have just the thing!!
*Jun'ko runs out of the bar in a flash. Zill looks to Yiski.*
If she comes back with some girly pink nonsense, let me hide. *His head sinks.*
-
*BdrLine to Zill*
Sorry it's just not that many times you take that off.....wait it caught on fire?
*Ny-Lee to her brother*
While you were out there helping Spoon, things kinda got out of hand in here a bit.
*to Zill*
If I know Jun'ko it's something that looks nice but is still funtional.
-
*Yiski stares at the hole in his wall*
Goddammit, the hell am I gonna do about this? Roland, are there any more reinforced alloy plates in the back?
"Yes, I do believe there is and I think it should be large enough to cover the hole."
Alright, Ny-Lee can you look over the bar a bit while Roland and myself get this plate set? Can't close shop with it like this.
*Roland and Yiski head into the back. Shuffling can be heard along with a few unknown objects falling down*
Don't worry, that wasn't Hellfire.
*Minutes later, the two emerge with an alloy plate. Yiski gets some of the patrons to help set it against the wall, while he fastens the plate to the wall*
There, that should keep until the mornin' and I get a proper crew fixin' my wall.
*Yiski looks to Zill's uncovered face and chuckles*
And you say you aren't a looker.
-
*Zill takes a swig from his flask and turns to BdrLine*
Yea Jun'ko couldnt handle the new WSW and tossed her mug on my mask. Apparently that stuff doesnt like gasmasks, and it basically combusted in my flakin' face. Funnily enough, I dont think It could do me any worse. *Smirks*
*To Yiski.*
Awe yea, I can see Ny now, always staring from the bar. Moreso out of fear or intrigue i wager.
*Jun'ko comes running back in. She catches her breath and presents to Zill the most pathetic looking mask. She cocks a smile and presents it to Zill. Out of some unknown sense of emotion (probably pity), he lets her put it on.*
There. All hidden. You look great! *Chuckles*
*Zill wasnt so sure.*
Kill me now, Dusty Mistress.
-
*Ny-Lee to her brother at the bar*
(Ny) Azn how did Zill got his face to be like that?
*Bdr looks back at Zill and his worn face*
(Bdr) Many air battles and misions of long ago. Always had a mask on to cover it. When i first crewed for him, he had it on. I always wonder what was under there. Didn't know it would happen so soon when i was with him. During a routine patrol around the borders of Anvala, raiders jumped us. Oh we got out alright, but a explosion near the helm knocked him over and his mask off. I was the first there but his face was a bit better back then.
(Ny) Why doesn't he sees a doctor to try and reconfigure it? You remember back in Yesha where any person who suffer a wound like that tries to it get fix.
(Bdr) I don't really know i think he keeps it like that as a reminder or as a battle souvenir. But whats really the reason its all kept to himself and i respect that.
-
*Yiski overhears the siblings' conversation and drags him and Zill over to them*
Curious about how Zill turned out like this huh?
*Yiski looks to Zill. He can't see Zill's expression under the mask, but Yiski knew Zill would rather not remember that day*
Long story short, it was a combination of bad decisions and bad luck. The only sliver lining out of that day was the fact the two of us lived to fight again.
--NARRATOR--
The night goes on, quieter than usual. The reminder of Zill's past and his mask bring up less than fond memories. Yiski cheers Zill up the same way now as he did then: Just simply pat him the shoulder and take a drink.
It's well into closing time and everybody (except for Spoon) are headed their own separate ways.
Roland and Yiski take a look at the wall patch they applied. Yiski cringed. He'll have to temporarily close the saloon tomorrow in order for a building crew to make the needed repairs.
Yiski gives Roland a few pieces of gold and sends him back to his place inside the district.
Yiski heads to his room, but pauses for a moment next to Spoon. Spoon still had all the marker scribbling scrawled across his face.
Yiski facepalms and heads to bed.
--NARRATOR END--
END OF DAY 27--
-
--START OF DAY 28--
--NARRATOR--
Yiski woke up earlier than usual. As he got up and mumbled a curse for having to wake this early. I bet the dead sleep better than I do. Yiski walked out into the saloon and noticed the sun was barely coming through the window. He also noticed two more things: The wall that needed to be fixed and Spoon still out on his couch.
Yiski faceplams, something which he finds himself doing far too often. Yiski tries to wake Spoon up. No luck there. Next, Yiski manages to limp Spoon's arm over his shoulders and starts dragging him out of the saloon.
Yiski drags Spoon to the nearest infirmary and drops him off at their doorsteps. Well, he's their problem now... at least until tomorrow.
Yiski then meets up with the West District's building foreman and the two come to an agreement to get the saloon's wall fixed today. Of course, that would mean the saloon would be closed and Yiski and his friends would have to find something else to do until tomorrow.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Narrator-
Zill woke up with a start. A nightmare of his first suicide mission, and the incident, materialized from the evening before. Hadnt had one of those in awhile. Need to get some fresh air maybe.
Knowing the Burning Skies was closed today, and the Port was in no dire need of him, he decides to go into the City Center. He puts on his finest uniform, and heads out. Maybe reminding myself why I do what I do will help ease the mind.
He heads out toward the Center through the Garden District. His Squid landing had been fixed up. He could only smirk under his mask. A few salutes here, ahoy's there. A perfect setting one would think. But the memories of the past kept sticking in like splinters. Zill chugged his flask, but no drink would ease the new-found pain. He sat down and watched the events unfold like it was happening all over again...
"It was a dark and windy night over the Black Channel. A simple mission from the Council. Find a lost ship, the Dauntless, that lost her balloon around The Teeth. No easy task was it to navigate The Teeth. For Zill is was just another path. He almost felt it was too easy for an Admiral, but he shrugged off such thoughts. He had a task to do.
His Galleon creaked under the winds. His crew was tucked away below and visibility was in short supply. As he approached the last known position of the Dauntless, lightning cracked across the Sky. It lit up the night, and Zill saw something he would never forget. Two Tesla Airships, with two Squid escorts. This was no recovery mission. It was blatant suicide. Only rumors of such vessels were spoken of, but Zill knew then that they were there for him.
Knowing he could not outrun them, he roused his crew. Only a prayer from Zill was said to their frightened souls...
By the Skies we fly this day. Off into the Sunset to give chase. May the Winds stay at our back. Our Dusty Mistress be appeased. Our Mugs ever full. Onwards ye' Dogs, Into the Fray.
Zill turned broadside and ordered all guns fire. The flash was immense. They caught one squid by surprise and downed it immediately. The next rushed in, the Tesla ships slowly behind. The Squid put flames onto the Then It Was Fixed, but a quick turn of the wheel put them square with another broadside. Only the Tesla's remained. Their lightning hulls cracked onto Zill's Galleon. The flash and fire was unbelievable. Zill shot up higher into the Sky. One Tesla followed, and was greeted with a broadside. It didnt go down with one volley, and returned the favor with cracks of light over into his guns. They were completely destroyed. Zill acted fast ordering the fires out and spinning around for the final broadside. The Tesla ship fell to the Depths, but not before its lightning streaked his remaining broadside. With no guns, and a battered crew, Zill knew his only alternative. He dropped back down to face the final Tesla. By luck, he caught them off guard when he gunned the moonshine engines and went for a ram. Brace ye fools! The crew ran below decks. Zill left at the helm, he did not intend to survive. The resulting ram was a spectacle to see. What could only be described as a "lightning explosion" streaked across the night Sky. The Tesla boat buckled under the sheer force of the Galleon's weight and presence. Its energy was suddenly released, and a crack of lightning struck Zill square in the face. The crew down below came to put out the resulting fires in a haste. Zill was among those fires.
The Galleon limped home, completely battered and still smoking when they entered Anvala airspace. Zill was barely alive when the doctors got him. Weeks went by before he awoke. Zill refused to get any experimental treatment. He only requested a mask. After that, the Council deemed his mission a success, but only within the Council Chambers. Zill knew what it would mean for his future. Regardless of their motives, he was sent there to die. Few know this story, and even less tell it correctly. Zill knows it by heart, and his mind nor face would ever let him forget."
-
--Somewhere in Anvala--
*Bdr is carrying his new experimental incendiary rounds in a crate while Ny-Lee is following her brother with his rifle slinged over her shoulder*
(Ny)And what are we doing again with those rounds Azn?
(Bdr)Well they need further testing, so what better place to test them than at the Academy. Plus Shink will have a field day with them...also that's the only gun range that I know of.
(Ny) Couldn't you do that at your own docks.
(Bdr)We could but *chuckles nervously* I almost burned the place again from yesterday's testing. So we are going to the Academy for a controlled test.
(Ny)Typical of you
*Ny and Bdr keeps on walking and conversating with eachother until they get there*
-
--Market District--
*Since the saloon was closed for the day, Shink decided that now might be a good time to visit the market, and pick up a few things that may have "Accidentally" broken in his apartment*
*Suddenly, a street urchin bumps into him, and before he could flee, Shink grabs him by the wrist*
"You might as well leave my money with me if you know what's best for you."
*Scared, the Urchin drops the purse, and sprints to the closest alleyway. Something about the entire incident sparked a memory deep in Shink's mind*
*It's raining.... A lone boy is weaving in and out of the market district trying his hardest to remain unseen. Hunger gnaws at his stomach, as his eyes remain locked on the prize. A juicy red apple in a small stall to which the owner has fallen asleep at*
'Now or never'
*he thinks as he darts from one stall to the next. He swoops in and snatches the apple from the stall. Unfortunately, his hand does not retract, as it is clutched in a vise-like grip of the stall owner.*
"Do you really think, I would let you get away with stealing from my stall? Now you will have to deal with the consequences"
*Terror fill's the boy's eyes, as surely this man in the doctor's mask knew all sorts of torture techniques*
*Shink walks up to the window merchant, and orders 2 new windows for his apartment, only saying a couple of words... lost in his memory*
*The boy had no hope.... Who was going to save a theif?*
"Let the boy go. Can't you see that he's hungry?"
*Saved! The boy turns to his rescuer, only to be met with a open-handed slap to the face*
"Idiot of a boy! I've see what you can do. what would make you think stealing was a good option?"
*Close to tears, the boy just looks at his savior*
*Exasperated* "Fine. Look, you have a steady hand, and speed I haven't seen in a long time. You should put it to good use. Find a ship that will take you on, and work until you can't work anymore. Now be gone with you, and hope that my friend doesn't catch you again."
*Having finished his errands, Shink found himself traveling in the direction of the Saloon*
'Oops'
*he thinks to himself, and turns around. He really missed that drink yesterday, and will have to wait till tomorrow to get his fix*
'Guess I'm stuck with the regular stuff'
*Heads off to his apartment*
-
--Academy--
*BdrLine and Ny-Lee enter the main campus of the Academy and sees that its not that many people are around training, figuring that the Dean gave everyone liberty, only a small number of students and faculty remand*
*Both of the siblings walk over to the gun range and sees the range master being one of the few people here*
*Range master sees the two and greets them*
(RM) Why lookie here, isn't it BdrLine and looks like you have a guest as well. Close lady friend hmm Bdr
(Bdr) No Mac not a close lady friend per say in a sense like that, but she is my younger sister Ny-Lee. We are here to see if we can try out some new rounds I made yesterday. Willing to open up to us?
(RM) Sure I'm always open to you, knowing your history with your experiments. Glad you are doing it here so the city won't have to fix any more damages you caused *hearty laughs* But the range is open, I'm just stepping out for lunch and i doubt anyone will come here today. Stay as long as you want, I be back later.
*As Mac the range master leaves, Ny-Lee sets up by loading a few rounds into the rifle, while Bdr at a control panel controls the different pop up targets. both spends a few hours checking the properties of how well the rounds work*
-
*After some more test firing, BdrLine and Ny-Lee started to pack up and head home*
*During the walk home, there has been a question on Ny-Lee's mind that she been itching to ask*
(Ny) Can i ask you something?
(Bdr) Yeah shoot.
(Ny) Well... Azn what did happen to you after your call from He Tower?
*BdrLine stops in his track as he looks back at his past after he left home*
*In his memories nothing really stands out as most were him doing basic maintenance on the different merchant ships, but one memory stands out in his mind*
--Dunes--(3 years ago)
*Simple merchant ship just out carrying goods from Yunin to Nalm*
*Its being flanked by a scout squid sent to escort the merchant ship as well as protection*
*Out of a sandcloud, two raiding pyramidions charged out towards the small group.*
*The squid went out and distracts one of the pyras, but while one was on the squid, the second headed for the merchant ship*
*During that whole ordeal, the ships only engineer, BdrLine, was struggling, he wasn't used to being shot as well as the massive damage the ship was taking. A few times the ship went down if it weren't for the ships gunners to finally kill the pyra. After that ordeal, he vowed to never cracked under pressure again*
*From Nalm, he heads out to Anvala, where he meets the friends he has today while gaining the experience that he has now*
--Presant--
*As both siblings were walking home, Bdr recalls all the events to his sister, feeling like a load has lifted out of him finally able to talk about his past experience*
*While Ny-Lee listens, she grows a stronger respect she has now for her brother*
-
-Narrator-
Zill shakes his head and peers through his dusty mask. In what felt like an eternity in his mind, was only a few minutes. People were about their daily lives. He bowed his head and took a heavy breath. All these years and the wounds still feel fresh.
He gets lifted up by a familiar face. Jun'ko was standing above him. She got Zill to his feet and they walked the better part of the entire City Center. She knew he was down from the previous night. Even Skyraider would of seen that. But she hated seeing anyone, especially her captain, down in such a dark place.
After the day's events, they parted ways and Zill made his way to his "lavish" accommodations. He had his own place outside of the Center, where he could relax away from the lifestyles of so many who thought themselves "better." Still, a few flasks later, Zill was fast asleep.
-
--NARRATOR--
As the day went on, Yiski found himself wandering around the entire city. Usually if the saloon was temporarily closed, Yiski would crash at Roland's place, but today, he felt as if he needed to walk.
Many thoughts come up in his mind. Surprisingly, it's not about the recent events which have taken place in the past few weeks. Rather, Yiski looks back to his past when he served with the Baronies Military and before.
He thinks back when he first joined the academy. The memory brings a smile to his face. He was the best the academy had seen and even today still holds majority of the records.
He thinks about the first time he and Zill had teamed up. It causes him to chuckle in an almost melancholy tone. The two had been a terror in the skies (and still are), but remembers the event which caused Zill's current face disfigurement.
What he thought about most though was he first met Micheal. The two had been childhood friends and joined together in the military. The two had a hell of a competitive streak against each other.
By the skies, the only reason I was the best gunner was because he was always right behind me waiting to surpass me.
He also remembered how heartbroken was when Micheal's wife died giving birth to Roland.
He never really recovered after that day.
Eventually, Yiski stopped walking when he remembered the day when Micheal died. He still remembered that day. Yiski was on leave and watching Roland because Micheal was sent on a scouting mission for raider activity. A knock came on Yiski's room in the barracks. When he opened the door, there were two officers standing before him. Roland stood shyly behind Yiski. Before the officers could speak, Yiski preempted them.
He's not commin' back.
Both officers nodded in acknowledgement and simply walked away. Roland, only about 7 then, tugged on Yiski's arm and asked.
Who's not coming back?
It would be a few years before Yiski could answer, but eventually Roland came to understand. Since then, Yiski became (and arguably still is) Roland's primary guardian. Initially, Roland pressed Yiski about his father since he didn't spend to much time with him, but against Yiski's silence, Roland stop pushing the issue.
Yiski gives a long sigh.
I guess I should tell Roland.
By the time Yiski gets back to Roland's house, it early in the evening. Yiski knocks on the door and, moments later, Roland opens. Before Roland can get a word out.
I think it's about time I told you about your dad.
Roland's eye widens as if he was always anticipating the day Yiski would tell him all the stories about his father.
As Yiski retells of his past with Roland's father, the night goes on.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 28--
-
--START OF DAY 29--
--NARRATOR--
Roland and Yiski leave Roland's house and head for the saloon. What waited for them at the saloon was a surprise. Not only was the wall fixed, but apparently the foreman added a few "extra" reinforcements to the wall to prevent future holes.
Yiski gave a nice chuckle.
Well, looks like paying the foreman a little extra gold went a long ways.
The two enter the saloon.
Yep. Same ol' crap it was then. Hmm... maybe I should use the rest of the gold to fix her up.
--NARRATOR END--
*Yiski turns to Roland*
Looks like we got to make up for yesterday's break, you up for it?
"Always."
-
-Narrator-
Zill wakes up to knocking on his door. A messenger holding a parchment with the Council Seal on it. He begrudgingly took it from the man and sent him off. Upon opening the letter came a sigh of relief....
"Our Dearest Admiral,
After considerations from all parties involved, no further action will be pursued upon Citizen Yiski. All statements have been noted, and will remain here within the Council Hall.
Despite your reservations, we still request that you are ready for your next assignment to the North within the week. Failure to comply will force us to reconsider our previous judgements."
Saved one way to die another. Aint life grand?
Zill makes his way to the Burning Skies to check up on the place and deliver the news to Yiski
-End Narrator-
*Zill opens up the door and surveys the surroundings. He notices the newly reinforced wall and smirks*
Wonder how long that will last with ol' Spoon stuck to it.
*He walks up to Yiski and hands him the letter, followed by an order for No.3*
Looks like we still have some use to 'em. Me arguably more than you, thanks to that damned mission.
-
*Excited. Shink walks into the saloon closing the door behind him.*
"Hey Guys! Yiski... I could really use some of your White Steam Whiskey"
*Proceeds to sit at his corner table. Oblivious to the serious demeanor of both Zill and Yiski*
-
*Roland responds to Shink*
Wait a moment please.
*Roland hands Shink a WSW*
*Yiski reads the letter Zill handed him*
Figures, the Council couldn't bury you in sand, so now they try and attempt to bury you in snow. I don't know why you still listen to them. Hell, based on our reputations in Lord's Leap, even I could pull rank over the bloody Council and I'm a civie now. But knowing you, you're still gonna listen to those bastards.
*Yiski fixes up himself and Zill an mug of No.3*
-
*Zill blankly stares, taking a nice long swig of his No.3*
You pullin' "rank" after our little display wouldnt go over so well. You know we've been 'round the world, and theres not a better place than Anvala. They will have to kill me if they wanted me to stay away. Though they seem to like trying dont they? *Smirks*
But I also do it for these people. They werent on the wrong side of our guns at any point, so they generally dont try to kill us. *Laughs.*
-
*The somber mood dawns on shink a little too late*
"Hey guys... What's happened while I was gone? Seems like a Burren Sand Slug has latched onto your innards"
*Takes a swig of the WSW. Steam starts to trickle out his ear*
-
*BdrLine opens the door and sees that Zill, Yiski, Shink, and Roland are in*
Heyo guys. Good to see that this place is patched up. So anything new happen while since I wasn't here?
*sees Shink and the steam comin out of his ears*
Man and I thought Hellfires were rough, but since I'm here, Roland you can whip me up one of those.
-
*Sees BdrLine*
"Hey... word of warning... don't chug it all in one go... not healthy, and qwerty isn't here to help"
-
*To Shink*
Well It can't be worse then the other one right?
*BdrLine thinks back to his dream with Mr. Sunggles and really hope no one found out about him*
-
*Roland sees BdrLine*
"Afternoon BdrLineAzn. And one White Steam."
*Roland hands BdrLine the WSW and turns to Shink*
"I would appreciate it if you did not turn into the Sgt. Spoon. I do not believe we can take another boarder."
*Yiski laughs with Zill*
They may not like it, but they know better than to make idle threats against us, even individually. For one, you'd be able to fly around the damn whole fleet in a galleon. Two, I have guns.
*Yiski takes a gulp*
But I'll agree with you, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else than Anvala.
*Evil grin goes across Yiski's face*
Heh... maybe we should take over the Council and run Anvala. I'd imagine the higher ups in Lord's Leap would approve of it. Heard they're getting tired of our Council's bullshit.
-
*Zill finishes his drink and acquires another round.*
Ah yes, the Galleon...
*His tone gets a little lower.*
Havent taken her out since...well you know. Might be high time for her to stretch those gasbags on the next endeavor.
*The thought of Yiski and him running Anvala consumes him for a moment, then he laughs and takes another swig.*
That would be quite the story. Im no city manager though. The damn Baronies are just sick of me doing Northern missions and I dont blame them. They always lose some fine ale when I go through. *Smirks.*
-
*Yiski pats Zill on the back*
Sorry friend, didn't mean to make you remember that day.
*Yiski gets up and makes the two of them a Clear Skies*
This always does manage to cheer folks up. Figures we could use some.
-
*Zill takes a drink.*
Its no trouble. Im reminded everyday this mask goes on.
*He gives Yiski a blank stare.*
If we keep up like the last month this will be my regular drink. *Laughs.*
-
*BdrLine takes the WSW from Roland and looks at it*
Hmm, *to Shink* so you are sure to not chug it all down?
*As he ponders whether or not to drink this concoction, he decides to do so anyways and takes a sip*
Well here goes
*A while has pass and nothing has seem to be happening, then a small smile comes upon his face as he proceeds to down the whole mug*
Man Yiski, this a lot better then your Hellfires, don't know why the rest of you guys steam up when you drink them
-
*Walks in, lookin' a bit out of sleep.*
"So whats on the menu tonight? Bar brawl? Gang fight? Anything? I really need to get outta the office..."
-
*Yiski turns to see Paradox. Yiski can see the bags under his eyes and, though he couldn't tell, thought his mechanical parts were already beginning to rust*
By the skies Paradox, you look like someone just dug you out of the sands. Give me a second.
*Yiski goes and prepares Paradox a Clear Skies*
This always does the trick.
-
*Having finished his drink, he was feeling invigorated within minutes*
"Ya still haven't answered my question, any mayhem on the agenda?"
-
*To PapaP*
Not what I've seen, been pretty calm for a while
*After a few minutes, a small rumbling can be heard in BdrLine's stomach*
Umm Yiski, i think i may have found a second side effect for the WSW. Since the actually steaming didn't occurred for me, lets say i need to use the head REAL fast.
-
*Yiski gives a deadpan look to Paradox*
With a new and reinforced walls, no... no mayhem... at least for right now. I actually like seeing a fresh coat of paint and the walls actually looking decent. We'll do a stress test of the walls later.
*Yiski turns to BdrLine as he runs for the toilet*
Huh... gotta make a note of that.
*Yiski looks around and doesn't see Ny-Lee with BdrLine*
Hey! Where's Ny at? Is she still doin' some sightseeing?
-
*From the facilities*
Oh Ny she'll be coming in a few, she wanted to fix up a few things that were laying around my docks. Something about its dangerous to leave flamer fuel next to the the generator or having some moonshine out in the open for people to drink while working. I don't know it, as i don't see any problem.
*As BdrLine is still in the head enters Ny-Lee*
Ugh how does my brother not see his docks is a potential hazard zone, i mean really he has a whole string of his experiment and ammunition just laying around.
Sorry you had to see me like this but i really need a frost fire
*She heads to the bar and just lays her head down*
-
*Zill chugs his Clear Skies and orders a WSW*
Jeeze Ny you look worse than i do on a good day. Find anything alive on that old place of BdrLine's?
*He turns to PapaP*
And you look like that old Junker we buried in the sands, 20 years after we buried it. *Laughs*
-
*Roland turns to Ny*
"You certainly look in need of a drink, but I think a good Clear Skies would help more."
*Roland fixes up a CS for Ny*
*Roland turns to Paradox*
"Heavens PapaParadox you definitely need a drink, and I think something for your parts too. Those definitely need some help. Yiski, do we have anything for mechanical parts?"
*Yiski turns to Roland*
Hmm... I think I do give me a sec.
*Yiski gets up and walks into the back room. A few minutes pass until Yiski comes out with an oilier. There's a label on it which reads: NEVER USE THIS FOR MECHANICAL PARTS*
I know what you're thinkin'. The oilier's clearly says not to use for parts, but that's just I don't want to mix its contents with what's in the stills.
-
"Flak it, give her a shot"
-
--NARRATOR--
Yiski places the oilier and applies the unknown brown substance on Paradox's mechanical joints. When Yiski is done, everything seems to be okay.
Huh...
"Were you expecting something to blow up Yiski?" Roland asks.
Yeah, I thought everything here explodes or at least sizzles. Now I wonder what the hell this stuff is.
Paradox wasn't paying attention to the conversation. He was amazed first off he didn't explode or melt. Second, the liquid worked better than the high end oils he got (perks with being a CEO of a major trade company).
Well... ... then a feint, but slight whistling could be heard. Even over all the noise and conversations around them, the whistling could be heard.
Every single soul in the saloon went quiet, but the whistling continued. Yiski leaned into try the find the source of the whistling. It was coming from Paradox.
Immediately, everybody thought the worst: Paradox was gonna blow up and his body would become deadly shrapnel.
EVERYBODY! GET COVER!
Pandemonium struck as patrons were flipping tables over to protect themselves. Yiski grabbed Roland and ducked behind the bar. BdrLine, Ny, and Zill followed quickly. Shink froze for a second before ducking behind the couch.
Poor Paradox just sat in the middle of the saloon... waiting and whistling.
Minutes felt like hours as Paradox's parts kept whistling. Soon the whistling started getting louder and eventually sounded like a teapot boiling.
WHISTLE...WHISTLE...WHISTLE...WHISTLE...
Soon, it stopped all together. Again, silence still draped the saloon. Paradox immediately checked himself. Everything was still functioning.
Yiski came up over the counter, took a look at Paradox and smiled.
How's that for your mayhem?
And the saloon erupts in laughter, not truly realizing the averted disaster.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 29--
-
Wether it was dusk or dawn, the sky was afire as she rose or plummeted into the blue sending a screaming hail of angry colors across the sky as he waited for the Burning Skies to open. He smelled of dust, oil and sulfur, the grime of travel in the folds of cloth and skin so thick that it left a cloud about him with each shambled step.
His leg seemed lame, a cane in one hand of solid brass cracked heavily on the floor boards as he moved, lines of pain long since carved into his face like rivers running down mountains spoke of the torturious legacy this burden caused him. His hair was thin and long, a balding pate and complexion tanned like leather in the harsh desert, blasted by biting sand and frozen till cracking like the glaciers in the bitter cold north.
His eyes peered through the windows for a suitable place to sit, hard small things of a faded gray like flint, cruel in the way they judged a person instantly, predatory in the way they leered like a beast on fat prey.
That cane is what most would know him by, the head shaped like a whale breaching out of a metal sea. Captain Timothy, mad tim, the cloud whaler.
-
--START OF DAY 30--
--NARRATOR--
Yiski and Roland decided after last night's event and the effort to reset all the furniture, to sleep in to almost noon.
Yiski yelled up to Roland that he was gonna check the inventory and that Roland should make sure the everything is set and open up.
When Roland was satisfied the tables were back in place, he walked up to the door and unlocked. Just as Roland was opening the door to step out for some air, a man nudged the door enough to surprise Roland, causing him to quickly shuffle backwards. Roland looked at the man. Sure, Roland had started working at the saloon fairly regularly now and knew many of the regulars, but he had seen him before.
"Yiski," Roland calls out, "I believe we have a new patron."
Yiski came out from the back and saw Roland helping the man to a table. Yiski walked up to the man, took a better look at him, and finally gave a small grunt.
He's not knew, but more of a rare sight. Yiski looks to Roland. Roland let me introduce you to Lord Dick Tim or Mad Tim to some, captain of the 'Cloud Whale' and self possessed nut who believes cloud whales exist.
Yiski walks back to the counter and fixes up and odd drink. Roland has never seen fix this particular drink before. The liquid was crystal clear, but had small white spots inside. Yiski handed the drink to Tim.
Here's your usual, just the same as always.
Roland taps Yiski on the shoulder. "What is that drink?"
The Cloud Whale. Named and made only for him.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Narrator-
Zill woke up rather rough; the last night was awful for sleep. Too much on his mind. Too much to do today. The nightmares were still there, but upon opening his eyes, the light simply hurt. He downs a flask to overcome this unique pain and forces through. Its going to be a long day.
Outside can be heard the tapping of rain on everything nearby. Civilians clamor for shelter. Zill puts on his blackened outfit and makes his way to Port Tar Barrel. It was time to finish what was started. He also had a few plans in mind. Im going to prepare proper for whats to come.
-End Narrator-
*Zill makes his way to the Port. The time past since his last visit has done it well. Despite the rain and tar stains, everything seemed to be working well. Medium trade ships could be seen docking, even in this weather. A few steps into the old Port and everyone was glad to see him. They wanted to show off the progress.*
A fine job 'ye dogs. I have somethin' special planned for this Port in the coming days. Make ready for the largest ships in the fleet. We will make this a proper Port again yet.
-
--Saloon--
*Ny-Lee enters that saloon with a overcoat and a small parcel*
*She goes and sits at the bar and turns to both Yiski and Roland*
Hey guys, thought i can stay here with this weather going on
*To Roland as she spots Lord Dick Tom*
Do you know who is that? I never seen him here before.
--Docks--
*BdrLine is at the docks where he is tying down some crates so that they don't wash away*
*He sees Zill comes in and sees that the workers are working a little extra harder, he goes up to him*
Nice weather we have huh Zill *laughs*. But from the looks of these workers, something big is happening i guess. So need me to do anything to help out?
-
-Docks-
*Rain pouring over his mask, he turns to BdrLine*
Finest weather for our dusty City. Its about time we got a little wet if yea ask me.
*He noticed the added step in each of the dockworker's work that BdrLine points out. Then he addresses his offer.*
Yea, you could coordinate the cleanup of the largest docks here in the Port. I plan to bring in a little somethin' for my coming mission up North. They wont get anythin' done any faster if they are an unorganized mob.
*Jun'ko runs up through the Port gates and joins the group.*
Heard you had some plans, oh captain. I had to see it for myself even in this miserable weather!
*Zill smirks.*
Good to have yea. Coordinate with BdrLine, and then my Squid in the warehouse needs a few gun placements. Many thanks sweetheart.
-
-Saloon-
*Yiski turns to Ny*
Of course you can. Plus, you bein' around makes things a bit more lively.
*Yiski looks over to Tim*
For him, that's Captain Timothy of the 'Cloud Whale'. Don't mind him too much, he's got the crazy notion that cloud whales actually exist.
*Roland approaches Yiski and Ny*
"Oh, hello Ny-Lee. I guess you are going to stay here out of the rain? Anyways, Yiski, we seem to be low on a few things and I am not sure we would have enough supplies for the rest of the day."
Yeah, I noticed it too, but what can you do? The weather's not gonna cooperate.
"Weather aside, I plan on going to the market."
*Yiski scratches his head*
Well, if you're so dead set on going out, take an umbrella and the hand cart from the back. And be careful. Don't need you gettin' sick on me.
"I will be fine Yiski."
*Roland grabs the umbrella and hand cart and sets out for the market*
I swear, he's a lot like his mother.
-
*passes Roland as he enters the saloon*
"Hey Roland. be careful out there, it's raining as if it were using a hwacha"
*enters the saloon seeming a little distracted than usual. Over the past couple of days, memories have been springing up when he least expects them to. He walks up to Yiski.*
"Could I get some Hellfire?"
*Turns to sit in his usual seat, but see that a newcomer has already occupied it. Shink scratches his head, and moves to sit somewhere else*
-
--Docks--
*BdrLine snickers a little at the sound of sweetheart*
*He then turns to Jun'ko*
Alright i guess we can divide the workers into small groups so that they won't be scrambled all over the place. I think i have something as well back at my warehouse to clean up the rest of the tar. Maybe you can overlook things while i go back and get it? I'lle be back and i continue helping you out. Once we are done we can go work on that squid.
--Saloon--
*Ny-Lee to Yiski*
Why thanks, but i think that already people are tying to stay alive in this place more*chuckles*. So cloud whale, i only heard of them from bedtime stories my parents use to tell me when i was smaller.
But, can i get a frost fire, can never have too much of those.
*sees Shink*
A little down from the weather or is something up?
-
-Saloon-
*Yiski fixes up a FFA for Ny*
Here ya go. So, is BdrLine and Zill still working on gettin' the docks fixed?
*Yiski sees Shink walk in*
Well look at you. You look like you've been swimming. Go dry off. Can't have you bringin' in a tsumani.
-Market-
*Roland arrives the market. Despite the rain, the all the stalls are open*
"People need to make a living."
*Roland proceeds to a few stalls and picks up the necessary supplies. Eventually, the cart is filled with supplies, enough for about a week. Before heading back, Roland decides to grab today's news and makes his way back to the saloon.*
-
-Docks-
*Jun'ko nods to BdrLine and gets started getting the dockworkers into designated groups for the cleanup.*
Put your backs into it gents! Anvala demands it from you!
*Zill goes into the Dockmaster's office. Due to the last Dockmaster taking bribes, he was long gone after the explosion. Zill gets a messenger and gives him a parchment bound for the Council Docks.*
Make sure they get that. It is of the utmost importance.
*A loud thundering noise can be heard outside as water starts rushing in from a cracked levy on the western wall. Zill runs outside and Jun'ko is fast behind him.*
Men to me! This must be diverted back to the outer wall! Dig a trench and patch the levy!
-
*Thunderclouds black out the sun. The boy is running along the top gang-way of the airship "Shark Bait". There is no visibility through the rain, and the captain calls for a flare to be sent out. A gun goes off, and the night is illuminated in an eery green glow*
"Contact! 3 O'clock Low!"
*Only one thought goes through the boy's mind. 'Raiders'. The boy runs down to the main deck, to help with loading the side guns*
"Get ready for a fight, boy"
*Shink finally notices Ny-Lee and Yiski looking at him*
"Hey guys, I'm fine... just a little.... distracted"
*proceeds to go to the washroom and dries off*
"Yiski, how bout that Hellfire?"
-
*Yiski gives Shink a look when he gets back*
You sure you're okay Shink? You kinda stood there for a few before drying off.
*Yiski hands Shinks a Hellfire*
-
*takes the drink, and downs it in one go*
"Yeah I'm good... these memories keep popping up, and I feel like there is something important that I'm forgetting."
*The Hellfire starts to take effect. Looks to Ny-Lee*
"Hey Ny, wanna play a card game? I'm sure we could rope that stranger in on it..."
*Looks at the man in the corner table*
-
*Roland returns to the saloon. Consequently, he's soaked because the umbrella broke on the way back.*
*Yiski sees Roland soaked with the supplies*
"I'm back Yiski. I got enough supplies to last for a week." *Roland sneezes*
By the skies Roland, you'd better get dry and change clothes. Can't have you getting sick. I'll get the supplies in the back.
*Yiski turns to Shink before heading into the back*
Shink, that man is Captain Tim. Anvala's resident mad man. I'd advise not involving him... in anything.
*Roland heads upstairs to dry and change and Yiski takes the cart into the back and organizes the supplies*
*Moments later Roland comes back down, but he's still sneezing. Yiski yells from the back.*
Roland! You better drink a Clear Skies!
"Is... is that really necessary?" *Roland's hesitation is understandable. He's never been one to handle alcohol well.*
Yup. I don't have any cold medicine and the Clear Skies is the next best thing.
*Roland sighs and makes himself a Clear Skies.*
"Bottoms up."
*Roland downs the drink and hopes nothing happens to him*
-
*Looks over at Tim*
"Fair enough"
*sees Roland down the Clear Skies*
"Aw Roland you'll be fine... Clear Skies is a pretty tame drink"
*Shink starts to shuffle the deck, It's clear from his face, that he's lost in thought again*
-
-Docks-
*As the Jun'ko and the dockworkers quickly dig a makeshift trench to hold the flood of water away from the docks, Zill and a few men quickly shore up the weakened levy. Shortly after, Zill orders everyone to their warehouses to dry off, warm up, and have a round on him. Him and Jun'ko shore up in his warehouse, the rain coming down hard on the metal roof.*
*Zill turns to Jun'ko*
Where is BdrLine?
*Jun'ko shrugs*
I havent seen 'em since he went to his warehouse.
*Zill stares*
Well its not in flames so he must of just gotten lost in there. This damned storm is going to slow things to a crawl here till it passes.
*Jun'ko chuckles*
True, but now we can work on the squid since its here. Remember, no rest for the wicked. *Winks*
Aint that the truth.
-
*Stumbles out of the front door of the infirmary, waving off the nurse in the doorway.*
*Looks up across the somber sky*
Darn, such a heavy rain in the Burren? It was long since last time... Where the hell am I anyway?
*Limps across the square to a back alley, the horrible condition of the drain pipes above him giving him regular showers.*
-
*After drinking the Clear Skies, Roland feels better, but does start to feel a bit dizzy*
"Curses... this is why I never drink..."
*Yiski comes out from the back and sees Roland swaying around. Yiski grabs Roland to steady him.*
Okay, so maybe it wasn't the best idea for you to drink. You should probably head back upstairs and get some sleep. It'll help with both the cold and the alcohol.
*Roland shakes his head*
"No, no... I can still work. You still have yet to fully recover and you..."
*Before Roland can finish, Yiski pushes him up the stairs and into the spare room all the while talking to him*
Recover? Roland, there are some things that can't be recovered. Damn why'd I say that. Besides, I'm feelin' much better compared to you. Now get some rest. You're worth more to me healthy than sick and dizzy.
*Roland was silent. Yiski was right. Without more protest, Roland walked to the bed and immediately fell on top of it*
Heh... yup just like his mother.
-
*Swooosh, as yet another mass of wather almost drowns him*
God dammit. I can't have it like this. Were's the god damn docks? Hrmm, maybe if I try to get a better view.
*Grabs a nearby pipe drain and proceeds to climb it with great difficulty, slipping and loosing grasp several times. On top of the roof he looks out across what is supposedly the town below him.*
Well, this helped me a bit, still can't see the god damn dock though. *Procceeds by jumping of the onother roof*
*Suddenly a muddled roar can be heard across the sky. As he looks up, a lightning strike appears, shortly followed by yet another one. The roar can yet again be heard echoing across the sky. As a third ligtning strikes, the clouds become increasingly illuminated. Up there, suddenly, a silhouette can be seen. A vast mass crosses the sky high above him, letting out an even stronger roar of raw fury, twisting it's massive body as it thrusts itself forward, plunging itself into the abyss behind him*
*leaning back with jaws open he takes one step to many, looses his footing and slips of the roof in a shout of despair, landing in the alley beneath.*
-
--Docks--
*Enters BdrLine into Zill's warehouse, drenched and wet*
Sorry i couldn't come back to help. Had another levy problem back where i was at. There should be no problem over there anymore, myself and a few guys patched it up. SO how about that squid now?
--Saloon--
*Ny-Lee to Yiski*
Thanks for the drink, but yeah last i saw, my brother is out there helping out Zill. He told me that he felt that something big is happening.
*Sees Roland as he goes upstairs, more to herself*
Man Roland can't handle a little alcohol* chuckles*
-
*Yiski to Ny*
Well poor kid never did have a tolerance of alcohol. That's really the only thing similar between him and his dad. Really, Roland's just like his mother, Maria.
*After Yiski says it out loud, he remembers Maria and the day she passed. Yiski's face gives a small tell of regret.*
*Suddenly a bolt of lightning snaps Yiski out of his daze*
*CRACK....BOOM*
Anyways, it looks like we're in for on hell of a storm. If it gets any worse, I like for you to stay here the night. Not gonna let a lady walk into that nightmare.
-
-Docks-
*Zill looks up from the rear gun mount*
About time BdrLine. Good to hear about the other levy. Storm is a mess out there. Help us with the front mount would yea?
*Jun'ko pops her head out of the hull area*
Dry off and have a round. *She points to a large barrel with a few mugs on it.* Then yea that front mount needs some workin'.
-
--Docks--
*Bdr goes over to the barrel and grabs a mug, as he is drinking he spots a towel and dries himself off*
Thanks i needed that *as he finish his drink he goes over to the squid and climbs on from the port side*
*as he goes to the front gun mound, he spots a bag of tools and pulls out a wrench*
So what do you want me do to on it?
--Saloon--
*After hearing the thunder, Ny-Lee decides to stay*
Yeah im not my crazy as my brother to out in this weather, heck i think even he won't go out in this. So is there any other room for me to stay in?
*she sips her ale as she listen to the ongoing storm outside*
-
-Docks-
*Zill comes over and takes a look, pointing down.*
The spring in there that allows for the easy mounting has gone too soft and needs replacing. The Gatling will be going there once itll lock in again.
*Zill heads to and engine and starts to whack a few things.* Jun'ko pops out again.*
Men and your "repairs." Just leave them things alone darn you.
-
*Yiski thinks. Ny-Lee was right. He only had two rooms, but he has a solution.*
Well there's only the spare and my room. But don't worry about the room. You're gonna be in my room tonight since Roland's in the spare.
*Yiski looks around and sees Shink*
Shink! Don't you dare pass out tonight or I'll have to throw you out into the storm.
*Yiski turns back and smiles to Ny*
Well, assumin' Shink does leave tonight, I'll be sleepin' on my couch.
-
--Docks--
*Looks down at the mount*
Oh i see what you mean *goes down on his knees whack, screw, pull certain things* Man Zill, these parts look ancient, how long you had this squid.
*After a few more tinkering BdrLine finishes the mount*
There, fixed it, and improved it to have a stronger locking mechanism. And i think you love this as well, i modify it so that you can quick swap weapons much faster, heck you can even do it in the tide of battle if needed.
*to Jun'ko as he twirls a wrench in his hand*
And you said men and our "repairs"
*once Bdr finishes his sentence he accidentally lets go of the tool into the air where it lands on his head*
Flakin' A
--Saloon--
*Ny-Lee to Yiski*
Why thank you, but you sure you don't mind. I don't really wan to be a bother
-
*Yiski chuckles at Ny*
Good grief... if I didn't know any better I'd have to assume you're a female version of Roland. Always tryin' be to kind, courteous, and helpful... not that I'm sayin' that's a bad thing, it's really the opposite. Need more people like the two of you.
*Yiski fixed himself a mug of Frost Fire Ale and takes a large swig*
To add on what I said before, I'm not gonna let a lady go out into that hell and it extends to I'm not gonna let ya sleep on the couch.
*Yiski surveys the saloon and still notices Tim sitting in the corner, still with his drink from the morning*
I swear I'm never gonna understand his obsession with cloud whales.
-
-Docks-
*Zill and Jun'ko both smirk. Jun'ko is quick with a remark*
Serves you right with all that nonsense. *She vanishes for a few seconds and then emerges from the hull* Looks to be all done oh captain.
*Zill takes a final check, and gets all the guns on her.*
Finally battle ready. Its been awhile since ive made a run in However we died. Good times.
*The storm outside still raging, Zill realizes going anywhere is probably a terrible idea for anyone.*
Alright. Looks like this is our home tonight. And I wont have any complaints out of either of yea. Jun'ko you can take the bed in the back. BdrLine we get to figure out our own arrangements.
*He walks over and pours a mug for himself, taking a long swig.*
*Jun'ko seems pleased with her work today.*
Well that was a lot more than i expected to get done today. Im so lazy when youre not around Zill. Too bad no big surprise today though. Im looking forward to it!
*He beckons with the mug.*
It will be a grand sight for sure. Especially for all these dockworkers.
-
--Docks--
*Rubbing his head*
Oh haha, At least i still i can engineer better than other people
*hears the storm*
Yeah i agree about that storm, even i won't go out in that. But there was that one time i went out with a prototype tesla coil, bad time that was.
*looks around the warehouse for a place to sleep*
Hmm i dont mind sleeping on those crates, my times traveling, i got used to it.
-Saloon--
*Ny-Lee to Yiski*
Well I remember Zill telling me a few days back to keep some of my feminine side around, Still doesn't mean i can't take care of myself. But thanks again for your room
-
-Saloon-
Tim kept his counsels to himself, bearing the glances and whispers with an ease that comes with the stigma of being a mad man. He'd enjoyed his first draw of the proffered drink, the usual thick syrup that coated and burned the throat on its passage, numbing the constant companion of paint that dwells deep within his chest.
Among the coming and goings of the saloons patrons a skinny man in a heavy oil storm coat soaked in rain with the blazon of a dancing lion on his left breast came in with a short yet wide darkly lacquered box and placed it on the table Tim occupied before snapping his feet together with a loud clap and offering a crisp salute, the tips of his fingers just at his brow, before turning about on a toe when his captain gave him the slightest nod of acknowledgment.
Tim regarded the box with a fowl glare, his mouth twisted in disgust before working the simple lever locks and exposing the contents, crisp white papers with official looking seals accompanied by trays containing an archaic metal fountain pen and ink well.
Setting his serum/poison/liquor aside Tim set about examining the stack of documents, which quickly took the form of a ledger and customs regulations. With a few broad strokes of his pen with a flourish of form that betrays an education that is not apparent by his appearance, he signs the documents before looking into the box for what should be a small sponge of pressed material to set his signet in. Not seeing one in the box he turns to look up at the last place he thought he saw somebody attending the saloon,
"I need a clean rag. Clean".
-
-Docks-
*Zill stares at BdrLine*
Works for me. I'll probably sleep on the Squid somewhere. Always could find comfy places on ships.
*He turns to Jun'ko*
Get your tail in there and get some rest. You'll want it after todays work. I know i do.
*Jun'ko heads for the room and teases them*
Yea yea. Just dont go peering though the windows. These wrenches of mine have a tendency to break things as well as fix them when needed. *Wiggles her butt out the door and closes it.*
*Zill sighs.*
Like that would ever work.
-
--Docks--
*To Zill*
Wow, Zill who would have thought Jun'ko *laughs* Good thing i know her as a family friend, be too akward. Well i off to bed, see ya in the morning
*Bdr goes over to the crates, jumps on them, and lays in a sleeping position*
-
-Saloon-
*Yiski hears Tim's request and hands him a clean rag*
I swear, you hardly ever visit and when you do you're always doin' work. Can't you usually take care of this on your ship?
*Yiski walks up to the window and sees the storm has gotten worse*
By the skies, Nature's sure pissed at us alright.
*Yiski could feel a freezing breeze caused by the strong winds outside*
Shit, forgot the Frost Winds from the Firnfeld are comin' in. Last thing we need is Anvala turnin' into a giant ice cube.
--NARRATOR--
As the storm rages forth, many of the patrons were hesitant to enter into Nature's wrath. Most left to brave the storm, mostly because staying at the saloon past closing would was more of a risk.
At the Docks, Zill, BdrLine, and Jun'ko covered themselves up the best they could against the frozen air blasting into the Docks. Jun'ko smiles as she falls asleep in the Admiral's quarters. BdrLine makes camp next to the engines, keeping a few flammables a bit too close to him.
Before falling asleep, Zill still debates whether he should go join Jun'ko. Ultimately, he decides against it based on principle and a good sense of self-preservation.
Captain Timothy grabs his belongings and stuffs them into his overcoat and heads out. Despite the wind blowing against him, it doesn't seem to effect him.
Shink, realizing the cold air is fast moving in, bolts down the road to the closest inn. By the time he reaches it, there are icicles forming all around his body.
Roland was fast asleep in the spare room. His dreams were about his mother and father. More importantly, they were about how to approach Yiski on the subject.
Ny-Lee makes herself comfortable in Yiski's room. She gives a chuckle of how relatively clean his room is compared to the saloon. The only place where Yiski keeps spotless is the area around his stills. Eventually, Ny-Lee settles into bed and falls fast asleep.
Yiski tosses a few blankets and a pillow on top of the couch. Before settling down, he takes another look out the window. Storm's still steady and it was getting colder. He sighs and heads for the couch and lays down. Before falling asleep, Yiski thinks.
Tomorrow's gonna be bad.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 30--
-
--START OF DAY 31--
--NARRATOR--
The sun peaked over the storm clouds of last night. But the sun was of little comfort to the havoc caused last night and being assessed this morning. To start, the levy which holds much of Anvala's mountain water was severely damaged to the point where those living in the Garden (Northern) District had to be forced to evacuate. Second problem the storm caused was at the Docks. Despite progress of getting the Docks up and fully functional, the heavy icy winds with monsoon rains caused massive sheets of ice to be formed through out the Docks. Massive icicles larger than a human formed over the openings. Repair progress would have to be on hold until all the ice was clear, an all-day affair.
Back at the saloon, Ny-Lee woke up and wondered if Roland and Yiski were already awake. When we walked out from the back, she saw Yiski up. Yiski sees her.
I see you're up early as usual.
I am. Is Roland not awake yet? I thought I would see him down already.
Heh... whenever Roland has any alcohol, he'll be out for the good part of the day. Seeing as how I made him drink something with Hellfire alcohol content, I don't suspect him gettin' up soon.
Ny-Lee watched Yiski walk up to what she believed were heat lamps. As much of a bad idea it was to keep any heat source in the saloon, due to Anvala's location on a mountain side and proximity to the Firnfeld, it was the difference between freezing to death or being blown up. In Yiski's mind the thought of blowing up was a quicker way to die than freezing. Yiski turned back to Ny-Lee.
You wouldn't mind waking up Roland for me would you? Can't seem to get these heaters to run.
Ny-Lee accepted the request and went upstairs to the spare room. She first knocked on the door to see if Roland was awake... no answer. She knocked a few more times until she decided it was useless and decided to open he door. Luckily, it was unlock and see walked in. She spotted Roland sprawled out on the bed with the covers in a mess. She gave a light chuckle before calling out his name.
Roland.... Roland you need to wake up now. Yiski said he needed your help.
The only response was a mumble and a slight shift in position. Back home when BdrLineAzn was still there, if she'd caught him not waking up, she'd get a bucket of ice water and pour it over his head and body. While the thought did cross her mind, Ny-Lee wouldn't do that to Roland.
Ny-Lee finally decided to approach Roland and give him a few nudges in order to wake him all the while telling him to get up.
Roland.... Roland you need to wake up n....!!
Suddenly, Roland grabbed on to Ny-Lee's hand and pulled her down into bed with him. This sudden event caught Ny-Lee off guard as she found herself just a short inch away from his face. The sudden closeness of her face to his also started causing her to blush a bit. Ny-Lee attempted to wake Roland up still.
Roland! Please wake up!
Fortunately, this time Roland opened his eyes, but it was obvious he was still out of it. What happens next could be considered comedy gold.
Good. You're awake. Now if you don't mind letting me go.....
Ny-Lee found herself interrupted again, but not because Roland fell back asleep. Quite the opposite, the only reason why Ny-Lee couldn't talk was because she found herself kissing Roland. This set a whole line of questions and thoughts racing through her mind making her unable to pull away.
The kiss lasted what Ny-Lee could tell were minutes. When the kiss finally did break, her slight tinge of red went full Dragon Pepper red. Despite not being lip-locked with Roland, she still couldn't manage any words.
Roland managed a yawn and it took a few minutes for him to begin registering the events. For all he knew, it was a dream.
Hmm... that was a nice dream. Wait...
When it finally dawn on him what he did, he joined Ny-Lee in silence and became just as red as her.
Oh... um... Good morning Ny-Lee?
Roland's words knocked Ny-Lee out of her daze causing her to gasp and shuffle out of the bed, causing her to fall. The two just sat there staring at each other for a bit. Finally, Roland broke the silence, but stumbled over his words.
I am terribly sorry.... I... I...
I know you didn't do that on purpose.... Anyways, Yiski needs your help downstairs.
Roland nodded and got up. He didn't need to change since last night's event caused him to pass out without changing. The two left and made their way to the stair. Both were still sporting heavy blushes.
Huh... should we discuss this matter or...
I'd rather not want to discuss it right now.
I'll second that.
When the two get downstairs, Yiski sees the both of them and tilts his head, noting their redness.
What's up with you too? Looks like you've got stars in each of your eyes. What happened?
The two simultaneously blurted out.
Nothing!
Nothing!
They looked at each other and chuckled. All the while Yiski was confused as hell.
Even if today was going to be bad, it was sure as hell going to be interesting.
--NARRATOR END--
-
*Morning saw Qwerty in the Anvala hospital, not as a patient but as head doctor. The nights storm and evacuation of the garden district had seen countless injuries, ranging from frostbite from the cold, to breaks, cuts and impalings from collapsing buildings and flying shards of ice. Qwerty was a blur throughout the hospital, treating wounds deemed fatal running from one room to the next. Not a word was said, Qwerty would enter the room, solve the problem and leave, the staff stunned and awestruck.
A crier passed through town, stopping at ever door and informing the people within to take any injuries to the hospital, that they had a disaster specialist ready to treat any injuries. Under special instruction, this crier slides a note under The Burning Skies's door. The note simply read;
'Is everyone allright?'
~ Qwerty
*
-
OOC MOMENT
I'm not sure if I can return to this very easily... I've literally missed the last 20 pages.
END OOC MOMENT
-
-Docks Narrator-
At the docks, the trio stuck in Zill's warehouse did not rise quickly. Zill woke slowly, and it took him a good few minutes to realize that he couldnt feel much of anything on his body. He had found a spot down in the hull of the squid to keep comfortable for the night. His eyes popped open when he realized what had happened. The frigid Firnfeld air had made a pass with the storm earlier than usual. He proceeded to yell and make a run for the warehouse doors.
No! Not now!
The yell woke BdrLine. He fell off his crates with a loud crash. Luckily his fire had burned out else he would of been much warmer than the others.
What on earth....Why is it so cold? And why are you yelling?!
It wasnt until Zill swung open the large metal doors with a loud screech that Jun'ko peered out of Zill's room. She had obviously just risen as well, as her hair was a mess and the covers covered her still.
Whats all that ruckus?? A woman needs her rest.
The cold air greeted Zill to what can only be described as a frozen Hell. Giant icicles, some as large as a small trade ship, were on absolutely everything. While a majority of the repairs made earlier had held up, the ice was simply everywhere, from warehouses to ships. Zill's head dropped as emotion took over him. BdrLine walked up to stare is disbelief. Jun'ko slowly walked up and put her arms around Zill, also peering at the icy Port.
I know how much it meant to you to get the Port running. Dont despair.
It always feels like one step forward and two steps back lately. I really wanted this to work. Now we have to take a day to remove the ice. And the levies will need restructuring as they cant be breaking every storm.
It will work! You just have to be as persistent as you have always proven to be.
BdrLine finally took in the sight and was able to render a thought.
At least most of the repairs survived. Its not all for naught Zill. Look, even some workers are coming in.
He was right. A few dockworkers from the night before had roughed it in their warehouses as well. A few also started coming in through the main gates. They all grouped up and stood in front of Zill. Someone in the group spoke. "Orders Admiral?"
Zill's head rose back up. As he peered seemingly through the group in front of him at the icy Hell, one thing did catch his eye. The clear Sky above it all.
Ice is our enemy today. I want it off of absolutely everythin'. After that, Ill take any willing man to help with the levy restructuring.
He turns to Jun'ko and though she cant see it, cocks a small smile.
Thank you for that. My life has become a rather dark place. Its good to see some clear Skies.
You deserve that much, oh captain.
She gives him a hug and heads back to get ready for the day's work. BdrLine only stares at Zill, and he notices.
Oh shut up BdrLine. Lets get started eh?
-End Docks Narrator-
-
-Saloon-
*While Roland and Yiski are still starting up the heater, Yiski notices a note being slipped under the door. Yiski walks over and picks up the note.*
What is that Yiski?
It's a note from Qwerty asking if we're okay. I guess the storm must have been bad. Guess Qwerty has his hands full at the hospital.
*Roland pauses for bit and glances over at Ny-Lee. Both their eyes met and the two went into a fierce blush.*
Roland! Snap out of it. You can eye Ny later, but right now if we don't get the heaters running we'll be joining the others at the hospital.
*Roland's blush grew*
I don... well... okay I will get the heaters started.
*Yiski chuckled to himself*
-
--Docks--
*Chuckles to Zill*
Alright, alright, but invite me to the wedding if it happens.
*looks out at the giant icicles*
Damn, i knew the the winds of Frinfeild were cold, but this is ridiculous
*Then an idea pops into his head and turns to Zill*
Do you have any working flamethowers? I think i can melt some of the large chunks around here, but for the ships and things covered in ice, we might need a generator and heaters.
--Saloon--
*Ny-Lee in her thoughts*
What a start to the mourning, I mean Roland is a good guy and i think my brother won't get mad at him as he is good friends with him. Oh gods he's looking at me, quick look away *blushes* Can it, could I..... ugh
*To Yiski in a sheepishly voice*
Umm you need help in turning on some of the heaters?
-
-Docks-
*Zill motions to the back of his warehouse*
I have three in the back. They are modified for longer range so, do try and not fry yourself. That will make getting around easier for sure.
*He looks at the Port and Jun'ko comes up next to him, fully fitted for the task*
Ready to get this goin'? You still owe me a surprise.
*Zill smirks*
I surely do. Lets go.
-
--Saloon--
*Ny-Lee in her thoughts*
What a start to the mourning, I mean Roland is a good guy and i think my brother won't get mad at him as he is good friends with him. Oh gods he's looking at me, quick look away *blushes* Can it, could I..... ugh
*To Yiski in a sheepishly voice*
Umm you need help in turning on some of the heaters?
*Yiski turns to Ny-Lee*
Well, I'd accept the help, but we got a bigger problem. Some of the damn heaters don't have capacitors.
*Yiski grabs his heavy jacket from the back*
I'm gonna have to head out and see if the tech shop is open to get new ones or our patrons are gonna freeze. If you're still offerin' to help, you can aid Roland in making sure none of the supplies or equipment freeze over.
Wait, so Ny-Lee and I are going to be here alone?
Alone? Hardly. When I leave I expect there are gonna be lots of folks commin' in for warmth.
*Before Roland could voice anymore objections, Yiski headed out into the cold, leaving Roland and Ny-Lee awkwardly looking at each other. Roland thinks.*
Well, at least this will give me time to talk to Ny-Lee about this morning. I mean I like her, but how does she feel.
-
--Inn--
*It's cold. 'Shark Bait' did not last long against the raiders, and the boy was lost amongst the waves of the Anglean Sea. Lights can be seen, but they are moving away from the boy.
"Over here"
*he says, lost to the wind. All is thought to be lost, when he bumps into something*
*Shink wakes with a start not knowing where he is*
These memories are starting to bug me... Maybe Oliver can help figure out what is going on
*Shink heads out to Oliver's house. Before he could reach the house, he could hear Oliver curse loudly, and a shatter from within the house. Then the door open and shut*
"I swear Shink... you break stuff even before you step in my house"
"Sorry Oliver. You got a minute? I've been having some weird dreams lately, and wondered if you could help"
*Shink could see Oliver Visibly sigh*
"Alright.... but you better not touch anything!"
-
--Hospital--
*The last of the patients we're patched up, anything that came in now could be dealt with by the regular staff. Qwerty, exhausted and covered with blood, stumbles out of the hospital. Hours spent under the effect of 'accelerants' to keep up with the work has taken a toll.
He doesn't even feel the cold as he stumbles through the center of town headed for the bar, his mind in a deep haze*
-
--Docks--
*To Zill*
Sure, but we just have to be careful so that we don't flood ourselves
*Bdr turns to the outside and points to two workers*
Come on let's get those flamers turned on, and unfreeze this place.
*Bdr and the two workers goes into the back and spots them, once they put in new flamer liquid, the three heads outside to thaw out the giant icicles*
Alright, everyone stand clear from the flames, don't want anyone to become a crispy pile of ashes.
*The three goes to their own individual block and fire the flamer towards it, melting the ice*
--Saloon--
*As Yiski leaves to the tech shop, the awkward silence still ensues. Ny-Lee was the first one to speak*
Soo, is there anything you want to talk about...? It's not that I'm insinuating anything or what happen this mourning or anything of that matter *she says quickly*
*she blushes*
I'm just going to defrost some of the drinks then
*as she was going to the bar, in her thoughts*
Why do I sound stupid all of the sudden
-
--Saloon--
*As Yiski leaves to the tech shop, the awkward silence still ensues. Ny-Lee was the first one to speak*
Soo, is there anything you want to talk about...? It's not that I'm insinuating anything or what happen this mourning or anything of that matter *she says quickly*
*she blushes*
I'm just going to defrost some of the drinks then
*as she was going to the bar, in her thoughts*
Why do I sound stupid all of the sudden
*Roland blushes as well as Ny-Lee goes into the back. Roland begins assessing his feelings.*
Well, I do like her. She's smart, funny, proper.... very attractive... and soft lips.....
*Roland shook his head violently trying to purge the thought*
No, that was an improper thought, but still...
*Roland tries to think of someone who can help him*
Zill... no; BdrLineAzn... he would probably shoot me; Shinkurex... ... god I would have to be desperate.
*Roland finally comes to the realization he's going to have to figure it out for himself*
Well, Yiski did say I needed to take more initiative.
*Roland took a deep breath and charged head long into the back*
-
-Oliver's House-
-Narrator-
Oliver reluctantly lets Shinkurex into his home. The fire was going, and the atmosphere was very calm despite the evacuation efforts of the Garden District. He chose not to leave. His home meant too much to him, as it really was all he had left.
-End Narrator-
*Oliver cleans up the broken pot and has Shinkurex sit down next to the fire*
Alright. Have a seat and tell me what troubles you. Old memories?
-Docks-
*Zill begins organizing the melting effort and heater placement*
I need a trench leading out the walls downhill from all the ice. I dont want to replace this mess with a flood. Put the heaters on the outer wall and have them up for the generator.
*As the men place the giant heaters around the Port and begin the trench work, Jun'ko works with the group on the generator.*
Get those gears reset. And stop hitting it with a spanner you gasbag! It just needs to be greased up.
*The fire from the flamethrowers cast an eerie glow on all the ice. Zill was pleased to see it go.*
-
--Oliver's house--
*Looks at Oliver*
"Yeah... I've been spacing out lately, remembering bits and pieces of when I was a kid... Though I feel like I'm forgetting something important"
*gives a slight shrug*
"I guess this started when the Saloon was closed down for a day"
-
--Docks--
*As BdrLine and the two other workers keep melting the ice, pools of water can be seen flowing down towards the trench*
There, i bet we can thaw out this place by days end
*to the other two workers*
Come on and lets get this thing finished, the faster we are, the more time i can drink at the saloon
*To Jun'ko*
Jun once you get that running, see if you can defrost those crates there, i think they are medical supplies, bet we need them later
--Saloon--
*As Ny-Lee turns on a heater and goes over to melt the ice in the back, she is lost in thought again*
Come on Ny think, how come you are acting like this for a guy you met basically last week?
Yes, i know he is one of the nicer and calmer guy around here, also the way he lightens up the mood when hes around... and how handsome he looks*sigh*
*Then a picture of Roland pops into her head*
*she shakes her head*
Really Ny, now you are thinking about him, you don't know if he likes you back, it could have been a spur in the moment dream kiss
But he does seem a bit attracted... i should go and maybe talk to him
*As she puts down the heater, she goes to the door, but she didn't realized that Roland was going in as well and they both fell over with Ny-Lee on top of Roland*
Roland, i'm sorry, i didn't see where i was going, but there is something i got to ask you
-
-Oliver's house-
*Oliver gives the appearance of a man deep in thought.*
Saloon you say? Well I wouldnt be surprised given what Yiski puts in them drinks of his. Tell me more about these dreams.
-Docks-
*Zill is busy getting people organized for the levy rebuilds. Old and broken items from the Port would be used as supports once the initial wall was in place. Jun'ko could hear him barking orders.*
Ah that voice. So commanding....so.....
*She hears BdrLine and shakes her head. Those thoughts would need to wait.*
Sure thing Bdr! I think we got this crate of gears ready!
*The generator bursts into life after Jun'ko kicks it. The heaters come to life, and the workers enjoy a bit of warmth.*
-
--Dandy Lions Trading Co. Headquaters, Paradox's Office--
He sat there behind his handcrafted desk, mechanical legs on the table, smoking a cigar. He leaned deeper into the leather, it creaked and settled. His two most competent advisers, Jennifer and John, told him of the immense amount of delays.
"Well sir, the entire city is still recovering from yesterdays massive storm. Road conditions are preventing intercity transport of goods, delays will be inevitable..."
"We shut the main hatches of hangars one through forty, to protect the light ships. The large and heavy sized ships were not affected by the weather, save the slight delays from frozen engines and the such. How shall we proceed?"
Papa looked disgruntled, It always unnerved him when they finished each others statements. He straightened his top hat and took his legs off the table to sit up.
"Unload the light ships, equip them with dragon tongues... Today we set the city aflame"
With those words, his assistants were off, they walked down his massive office, the walls lined with bookshelves full of ledgers, Jens shoes echoed as they hit the marble floor. Paradox walked to the viewing balcony behind his desk, from here he could oversee the massive trade dock, a sea of hangars where the small ships resided, and the large ships that were forced to weather the storm. Within minutes forty hangar doors started to retract. Once opened the only sounds he heard were sputters and cracks, and then a low hum as hundreds of ships began to leave the hangars, as more and more ships hit the minimum safe distance, the engine sounds culminated in a symphony of metal.
"Well this should hurry things up, everyone knows the council is flakin' useless."
-
--Oliver's--
*Rubs the back of his head in a nervous reaction*
"Well... that's the thing... It's back when I was a boy, when I joined my first airship... We were ambushed by raiders... The ship did not make it, and I was lost at sea... But that's all I can remember"
*Sighs*
"I don't know Oliver... Maybe I need to head back to the Saloon, and forget all about this"
-
-Market-
What do ya mean you don't have any capacitors in stock? There were plenty before!
Yes, that was before the storm. Many homes and businesses also had need to suddenly replace old capacitors for new ones. I'm sorry, but I don't have any in stock. Come by tomorrow.
Are you kidding me?! We'd be lucky to get any supplies by the mid week! *sigh* Do you at least have part necessary to built a capacitor?
I do... don't tell me you're going to make your own? You do know the dangers.
Danger? You forget who you're dealin' with. I'm goddamn Yiski. Proud owner of the Burning Skies Saloon and a distilling madman.
*The merchant sighs and Yiski's buys the necessary parts and head back to the saloon*
Hope those two haven't frozen over yet.
-Saloon-
*Roland could tell Ny-Lee was saying something, but none of it registered. All he could tell is the girl he liked was on top of him in an empty saloon. When he realized he hadn't heard a word she said, he did the next best thing.*
Heavens, I hope she refrains from hitting me for this.
*Roland reaches up and embraces Ny-Lee by her shoulders. Next, he pulls her down and lands another kiss on her.*
-
-Oliver's House-
*Oliver gets up and grabs a small canister from a rack above the fireplace. He hands it to Shinkurex*
Here. Make your first drink a Clear Skies, and put this in it. I guarantee once the night is over, youll be back in the present. Now dont break anything on your way out you fool!
-
--Docks--
*Bdr and the others have finished thawing out the majority of the docks*
*As BdrLine finishes melting down another large ice chucks he hears many small engine noises*
By the Gods what is that sound?
*He and others looks towards where the sounds are originating*
Think its coming from Dandy Lions
Yeah i see it as well
*Bdr squints his eyes to see what was happening*
Are those light class ships?
*then he see flames coming out of some melting ice from the rooftops*
Looks like Papa P is here with the Calvary, with those ships we can thaw out the whole city by night fall
*he looks back at the docks*
Hmm, an hour more work and we should have this place back up and running again. What do you think Zill?
--Saloon--
*Ny-Lee was surprised by the second kiss of the day, but this one felt different*
*Instead of being dazed, she kissed back Roland*
*This kiss was longer then the first, and Ny-Lee breaks it and to Roland*
I think you just answered my question
*she kisses him back afterwards*
-
--Oliver's--
*take's the Clear Skies, and thinks for a bit*
Is this something I really want answered?
*Shink turns to Oliver*
"Thanks Oliver, I know you're not a shrink or anything, but it's nice to know that I could talk to you... I think I'll take this home, and decide what to do"
*Shink heads for the door, and Oliver is pleased that nothing has broken since Shink's visit. Unfortunately, when Shink closes the door, the Picture that had shattered on the previous occasion tipped over and fell on the floor. Oliver could only shake his head in frustration, and watch Shink leave through the window*
--Shink's Apartment--
*After many hours just staring at the bottle, Shink decides that he might as well get this over with*
Bottoms up
*Shink empties the bottle, and lies down to await the night's dreams*
-
--Saloon--
*Roland is on cloud nine right now. Not only did Ny-Lee not tear into him, she was actually kissing him back. The few seconds that passed by felt like years and Roland was loving it. Eventually, the two broke their kiss and Roland was wearing the largest grin humanly possible. Mind you, they were still on the ground.*
I guess you answered my question too. You will have to forgive me, I am not always this forward, but I am glad I was. I know this is sudden, but would you like to go on a date with me? I know a place which puts on a pretty good playwright.
*Before Ny-Lee could respond*
*SLAM*
Roland! Ny-Lee! I'm back! Hope neither of you froze to death while I was away.
*Yiski returned with the parts to make a capacitor for the few heaters which weren't working. He looked around the saloon and still noticed it was quiet.*
Uh... anybody here?
*Both Roland and Ny-Lee panicked and scrambled to get up, which Yiski could hear. Eventually the two appeared from the back, both red.*
Um... sorry Yiski. You surprised us. Do you need any help with the construction?
*Yiski was silent. He stared at the two for a bit. Usually, Ny-Lee wouldn't be this close to Roland for so long. Yiski's inspection of Roland and Ny-Lee were making them a little nervous.*
Yeah, I'll need some help, *smiles* but first... I think the two of you make a good couple.
*This alone sent Roland and Ny-Lee's redness to a new level and Yiski couldn't help but laugh and be happy for the two.
-
-Docks-
*Zill sees PapaP's "cavalry."*
Good thing I know better else some knee-jerk Council fool would think we were under attack.
*He turns to BdrLine and shouts over to him*
Looks like it. Once its all thawed we will leave the heaters on low overnight to be sure. Regardless this icy Hell will be done tonight. I owe someone a surprise, and all of these workers deserve to see what their work amounts to.
*Jun'ko overhears and blushes slightly.*
Awe he remembered.
BdrLine! Dont forget the medical supplies! Im sure the City Infirmary will want em.
*She walks over to Zill who is still overseeing the levy reconstruct. She puts an arm around him.*
You seem better than this morning. And you remember my surprise, oh captain.
*Zill nods.*
How could I forget? You got me started after all.
*Jun'ko chuckles*
I could get used to all this special treatment y'know.
*Zill smirks.*
Same here, Jun.
-
--Docks--
*As BdrLine finishes melting his last chunk of ices, he hears Jun'ko*
Alright i finished anyways
*he goes back in to the warehouse and drops off the flame thrower*
*he then takes out a cart and pushes it to the medical crates, once everything is loaded he sets out to the Infirmary *
I'm off then, i'll be back to bring back the cart, but im heading to the saloon after. Think you guys should do the same, we all deserve it after this
*thirty minutes has passed and Bdr has dropped off the supplies at the Infirmary, he then proceeds to drop off the cart. After he heads off towards the Burning Skies*
--Saloon--
*As Yiski is laughing and goes about making capaciator's, Ny-Lee goes up to Roland and whispers into is ear*
I'm glad as well, and a date would be lovely
*she pecks him on the cheeks*
*to both Yiski and Roland, who is a little dazed from the peck*
I'll be in the back again to finish thawing out the drinks
-
--Saloon--
*Roland and Yiski stand for a bit after Ny-Lee went into the back again. Roland is still blushing and Yiski is grinning and uncontrollably chuckling.*
Well I'll be damned, you actually got yourself a genuine rocket there Roland! Told ya needed to have a lil' more initiative.
*Yiski gave walked up to Roland and gave him a pat on the back*
Hell, if your old man was still with us, I'd know he'd be extremely proud of ya.
*Roland smiled*
"Thank you. That means a lot."
Anytime.
*Yiski looks around and shrugs. He notices nobody came in today*
Huh... guess everybody trying to get things fixed up and gettin' themselves patched up too. Oh well, there's always tomorrow. Now help me make these capacitors... lover boy.
*Roland blushes as he follows Yiski to the workbench*
-
--Saloon--
*Bdr enter the saloon and sees that no one is around except Yiski and Roland*
Hmm slow day huh guys,i guess nothing interesting happen today.
*he goes to the bar and sits facing them*
So everything is frozen over here as well, doubt i can still have a drink?
-
*Roland pops up from the workbench.*
"Hello BdrLineAzn. Yes, things are a bit frozen here still. Yiski's working on a few capacitors which should be ready for tomorrow.
*Roland hands BdrLine a Hellfire. Roland quickly looks around and doesn't see Ny out front. He turns back to BdrLine*
Huh... BdrLineAzn, I am unsure how to tell you this, but... I and... your sister... um... we... kinda...
*Suddenly Yiski yells over to BdrLine*
What the kid's trying to say is that Roland and Ny are datin' each other now.
*The look on BdrLine's face was priceless*
-
*Shocked is all that is on BdrLine's face, after a while he gets out of it*
Sorry just a bit surprised at this, but congrats to ya. I think you and my sister a good for eachother. Sooo whens the first date
*Bdr gives a small laugh*
*From the back, Ny-Lee hears her brother*
*She goes out and hugs him*
Oh thank you that you approve, i knew you wouldn't hurt Roland since you are good buddies. But our first date is to a play write. Still don't know when we are going
Well I'm happy for you, heck i bet mom and dad will be surprised to hear about this
Azn please don't tell them just yet, we just started
Ok,ok i be heading home then i see you guys later
*On his way out Bdr in his thoughts*
My sister is on a date, a date.i think i should take responsibility and watch over them from a far, yeah i should to that. Its not spying right? No just a concern older brother watching his sister, yeah
*Bdr goes home and thinks on how he can "supervise" the two when they go out*
-
-Docks-
-Narrator-
With the Port looking relatively thawed, the levies rebuild proper, and the trench doing its job, things where looking good. The dockworkers that hadnt gone home enjoyed another round on Zill for their hard work. Jun'ko and Zill seemed pretty merry the entire time. If they didnt know any better, they were at the Burning Skies. With things winding down, the workers take their leave. Eventually, its just Zill and Jun'ko left at the warehouse.
-End Narrator-
*Zill stretches and looks around.*
Looks like its just us left. And im not sure about you but I dont plan on walkin' all the way home. Heaters need watchin' anyway. If you want you can stay in the back room again.
*Jun'ko stretches and walks over to Zill*
That sounds like a mighty good plan to me.
*She starts looking around and gets quiet.*
You dont have to sleep out here y'know.
*Zill stands there, mildy surprised. Jun'ko walks up and give him a peck on the side of his mask.*
No matter what you choose, ill see yea, oh captain. You owe me a surprise still. *She blushes and disappears into the room.*
I owe a few now I wager.
-
--NARRATOR--
The evening starts early and a few patrons enter the saloon. Many look like they've gotten out of the hospital, others just looking like they need a drink. Roland and Ny-Lee handle the counter, the two giving each other a few pecks as they pass by each other.
Meanwhile, Yiski is piecing together a few make-shift capacitors for the heaters for tomorrow. If there's one thing he's learned from the years in Anvala, he's knows that once a cold storm hits, the near sub-zero temperatures linger for a while.
With the help of PapaParadox's trade fleet, Zill, Jun'ko, and BdrLineAzn manage to clear all the ice off the Docks and manage to gain progress in repairing the Docks. If they can keep the rate up, the Docks will be at full operational capacity tomorrow.
All the while, Zill stands alone on his ship, staring into the night sky. He ponders what he did to deserve someone like Jun’ko as a crew member. Though those thoughts are quickly pushed aside as Zill wonders what he was going to surprise Jun'ko with.
BdrLineAzn sits quietly in his room making plans for his mission to keep an eye on Roland and his little sister’s date in the future. Sure, BdrLineAzn trusted Roland, but a brother can never be too protective of his sister. Right?
Shinkurex slept soundly in his apartment, hoping he could overcome his past and manage to move forward. Whether he succeeded or not would up to him in the next few days.
When the saloon hit closing time in only a few hours, Ny-Lee decided to head back to her brother's place. She declined the offers Yiski made for her to stay again, to her and Roland's disappointment, but she did reluctantly agree to have Roland walk her back.
As the two walked through the frozen night, they huddled close to keep warm and chuckling at the rapid set of events which now made them a couple.
When they finally arrived at BdrLineAzn's place, they shared a goodnight kiss. After Ny-Lee went inside, Roland made his to his own place with each step he took having a light bounce to it.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 31--
-
--START OF DAY 32--
--NARRATOR--
The morning sun raised above Anvala without a cloud in the sky. It was a welcoming sight to those still trying to recover from Day 30's storm. Despite the flood of patients into the hospital and local infirmaries, most injuries were minor and no reported deaths were recorded.
Despite the chilling winds which still blew the streets, Yiski woke up in the comfort and warmth of the saloon. Even after the closing, Yiski worked and finished the capacitors and got the remaining heaters working. He checked on the stills to and barrels to make sure those weren't frozen over (There are no heaters where the stills and Hellfire barrels are stored for obvious reasons). Being content all the equipment was functional, Yiski headed to the front and unlocked the door.
As soon as it was, it was opened and Roland rushed in, shutting the door quickly behind him.
I'm gonna guess it's a bit chilly outside still? He smirked.
Of course it is Yiski. I did not think I would have gotten here without some frostbite.
Yiski laughs.
You're young, hardy, and full of fiery spirit. He smirks again. Speaking of fiery, you got anythin' special planned for you and Ny?
Roland blushed remembering how yesterday's event rewarded him with Ny-Lee. It brought a wide smile to his face.
Yes, I plan on taking Ny-Lee to a play write. I believe there is one performing tomorrow.
Yiski scratched his head.
Maybe... you know I'm not all into the fancy arts. You'd probably have better luck asking either Qwerty or Oliver.
Roland nodded his head in agreement. All the while, still having his wide grin. Yiski shook his head and laughed.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Docks-
-Narrator-
The low hum of the generator keeping the Port heaters working was the only sound this cool morning. Zill had accepted Jun'ko's invitation to sleep in the warmth of the back room. He was fast asleep in his overstuffed chair while she occupied the bed. All this thoughts the night before about Jun'ko kept him up for a couple extra hours, so he was still out cold. Jun'ko was the first to begin waking up. She let out a low sigh when she discovered she was alone in the bed.
Maybe I was too forward. Drat!
Her thought was interrupted when she was startled to see Zill in the chair overlooking the bed. She figured out in the passing minutes that he was still sleeping. She grinned.
Always the gentlemen. I wonder...
She slowly rose out of bed to keep quiet, wearing only her undergarments. She carefully straddled Zill in the chair. Then she slowly went to remove his mask. This was enough to wake him. He was dazed at first.
Looks like another dream....wait a second...
His hand catches hers on the back of his head. She jumps and chuckles.
You werent supposed to wake up, oh captain. I see you made yourself comfy.
Took me half the night to come in here, truth be told. I thought i was dreaming there until i felt your unyielding curiosity.
Well, I dont intend to kiss a mask all the time.
Zill couldnt resist the charm. His grip slowly loosened on her hand and she undid the mask, slowly revealing his face. She smiled.
Now was that so bad? Yiski was right to tall you a looker.
Yea no kidding. Im amazed this hasnt put you off yet.
Nonsense. I see an Admiral worthy of praise.
Zill only smirks. She leans in and grants the kiss she promised. In Zill's darkened world, it was a ray of pure sunshine. The kiss lasted 10 seconds, though it felt like an eternity. She then gets up to get ready.
Im still expecting my surprise y'know.
By my count, a few are in order now.
Jun'ko disappears into the back, humming a tune. Zill only grins.
-End Narration-
-
--Docks--
*BdrLine's home*
*Ny-Lee is the first to wake, she go changed from her sleeping garments and heads downstairs*
*As she heads down, she keeps replaying the scene of how she and Roland got together*
What a day yesterday was, *sighs dreamily* Now I'm really glad that I came out here
*She noticed that her brother is not down, and assumes he still up sleeping, them a thought came back to her back to their childhood*
*she heads to the kitchen and finds a bucket under the sink, she fills the bucket with ice cold water*
*Ny proceeds to head up to her brothers room and sees him still fast asleep*
*She creeps up to the side of the bed and.....*
SPLASH
*Bdr drenched and cold, fell off the bed onto the floor, he looks up to see his said attacker and saw Ny-Lee with a bucket in her hands*
Gods really Ny, I thought you were older then that!? And shouldn't be a little more like a lady since you are going out with Roland *smirks*
Just because I am now dating, doesnt mean I still can't mess with you, but since you are now awake, I be heading out to the saloon, you coming?
No you go on ahead, I gonna stay here and see if everything is still fine after the storm
Well alright see you later then
*Ny-Lee heads downstairs, grabs her overcoat and heads to the Burning Skies*
*sigh* sisters will always be sisters
*Bdr gets up and changes from his wets cloths and heads out to Zill's docks again*
-
--Shink's Apartment--
*It's been 15 years since the fall of 'Shark Bait'. The boy survived, though just barely. The fisherman's family that pulled him from the sea took him under their wing, and raised them as if he was their own. Now, the boy has come of an age where he must leave. With his bags packed and his goodbyes, the boy heads to the nearest dock to head to the place of his dreams, Anvala.*
*The boy arrives at the docks, and is looking for a ship to take him to Anvala, when Terror jolts through his entire body, as he glances through the line of airships. How could he forget the ship that took down the 'Shark Bait'? Soon, rage replaced that terror, and the boy storms over to the ship to confront the raiders.*
*As he draws near to the ship, he can overhear some of the raiders talking*
"Why do we work for this baron anyway? All that fat lard ever does is complain"
"Shhhh.... do you want him to hear you? We work for him, so that the authorities don't lock us up. Small wonder why they would... they're as corrupt as we are"
"Will you two shut up and load the merchandise! We told the Baron we would deliver them to the black market in Anvala by Friday"
*The raiders start loading large crates into the hold. Seeing his opportunity, the boy Bolts into the hold of the ship and lays low until the ship takes off .
*Shink wakes from his dream*
Well that's a little better... I should probably go see Zill, and see if he knows this baron guy
*Heads out the door*
-
--Docks--
*As BdrLine nears Zill's docks, he sees the many heaters on as well as almost everything is completely ice free, except for few chunks here and there, nothing big to disrupt operations.*
*As he enters, he sees many of the workers back going about their business, from checking the heaters and generator, to movig supplies around*
Hmm everything is functional at least *he looks around and doesn't see Zill among the crowd of people*
*To a worker*
Hey have you seen the Admiral anywhere?
Well no,haven't seen him since yesterday. Last time i saw him, he was looking over the heaters before heading in to his ware house. Guess he might be in there still.
Ok, thanks for the info. I be heading over there to check up on him then
No problem
*As the worker heads off in one direction, BdrLine goes to Zill's warehouse and knocoks on the door*
Zill, you in there? Think you should come out and se the progress we made from the day before
--Saloon--
*Ny-Lee enters the saloon and sees both Yiski and Roland*
*She goes up to Roland, hugs and pecks him on the lips*
So when are we going on that date huh Roland. *She says playfully*
-
--Saloon--
*Roland smiles and kisses Ny back*
I am confident there is a play write happening tomorrow. I believe it is a comedy. I hope tomorrow is not too soon.
*Yiski looks over to the couple and teases them.*
Unless you plan on putting on a show for the entire saloon, I'd think it best for you to either head upstairs or go into the back.
*The couple blush and Yiski continues to serve the few patrons while chuckling.*
Hmm... they're goin' on their date tomorrow huh? Well, I did promise Micheal I'd watch over him, so it shouldn't be a problem if I observe from a distance. Better dismount Blood's scope for me to use.
*Roland looks back to Ny-Lee*
Well, it looks like I need to get back to work. Do you want something to drink?
*Roland gives Ny a peck on the cheek and heads behind the counter*
-
-Docks-
*Zill hears the knocking and opens the door.*
Ah BdrLine. Yea I just got a late start is all. Long night as usual.
*Jun'ko reappears, adjusting her tool belt, still humming. She passes by the both of them*
Heya BdrLine. Oh wow look at all the work we managed. This is great!
*Zill's head sinks a little*
Yea that looks great. Ill leave Bdr to his thoughts on that one...
*A messenger comes up and hands a parchment to Zill. It bares the Council Dock seal. He reads it and smirks.*
Jun'ko, your first surprise will be here before nightfall. Make ready two large docks for arrivals and spread the word.
*Her eyes light up a little and she runs back to peck Zill on the mask.*
I knew youd make good on your promise. To work, oh captain!
*Zill and Bdr head off after her to prepare.*
-
--Docks--
*Bdr looks back between Zill and Jun'ko and smirks on the inside not showing it*
So i see you two are getting along quite swimmingly *holding back a small laugh* Well i guess i go out and help prepare the two docks also
*As BdrLine leaves to get a small group of workers to help prepare, as soon he is out of sight he lets out his laugh*
*As he puts an hand to his sides, him in his thoughts
Wow,i think thats the first time i seen Zill, puts his head down. And of all things, because of Jun'ko. I guess she finally got to him. Well Zill does need someone once in a while, lucky for him its her *Bdr takes a deep breath to calm himself*
*to a group*
Oi you guys, come and help me out, Zill wants to prepare two large docks and we need it ready by nightfall, so chop chop
*He and the group goes out to the area and start fixing it up*
--Saloon--
*To Roland*
Yes please, can i have a Frost Fire
*as she sits and waits, she just looks around at the other patrons*
So besides going to the comedy, is there anywhere else you want to go?
-
*Shink Finally arrives at the Docks. He starts to look around for Zill*
"Hey Zill! you around? I gotta question."
-
--Saloon--
*Roland hands Ny-Lee a mug of Frost Fire Ale*
After the play write, there is something I would like us to go, but you will have to wait for tomorrow. *Roland smiles*
*Suddenly the two can hear sizzling coming from the back. Ny-Lee was confused what was making it, but Roland knew all too well. Roland yells at Yiski*
Yiski! I think one of the Hellfire barrel agitators has malfunctioned!
*Without responding, Yiski makes a mad dash into the back. Seconds pass and the sizzling could still be heard. Everyone in the saloon paused, waiting for their fate. Ny-Lee turned to Roland with a confused look. Roland explained.*
The sound of sizzling means a Hellfire barrel is settling. Typically, a mug of it sizzling causes a minor explosion. A barrel would take out the entire saloon. Multiple barrels in a chain reaction would take out the entire district.
*Just as Roland finishes his short explanation, the sizzling stopped and everyone in the saloon exhaled in relief. Yiski emerges from the back.*
Don't worry, we're not dyin' today. One of the damn agitators froze over. Why do all the drinks I make have to so damn flammable?
Because they would not be worth drinking.
True.
-
*Hearing the commotion inside and talk of hellfire, Qwerty's hand pauses. Is it really safe in there? he wonders to himself....'who cares I need a drink follow after' and he walks tenderly through the door, yesterday still taking its toll on his body*
Greetings all
*Qwerty slumps into a stool at the bar and rest his head on his arms, trying to stay awake*
Yiski ill have whatever you think is the strongest drink in this damn bar
-
-Somewhere-
ugh...
*slowly opens eyes, realising that he lies headlong on a stone pavement*
What the hell?...
*Makes an attempt at getting up, only to fall down again*
-
*Yiski spots Qwerty walking in*
I haven't seen you come by in a while. Must've been busy with all those rushing the hospital.
*Yiski ponders for a minute*
Strongest, huh? The strongest I got is the White Steam Whiskey. I'll fix you one.
*Yiski hands Qwerty a mug of WSW*
-
Thank you kindly Yiski, and yes the hospital was flooded. I had to use....less then conventional methods for my body to keep up, and i'm paying for it today.
*Downs the WSW in one, smiles as the steam appears*
That is some good stuff
*Notices how Ny and Roland are behaving at the bar*
We'll I certainly didn't expect that
*Takes out his journal and starts writing*
-
-Docks-
*Zill walks over to BdrLine and sees the docks ready. He pats his back.*
Good show BdrLine. If my watch is right, our company should be arrivin' soon.
*Jun'ko sneaks over and overhears.*
Company hmm?? Just tell me the surprise already! *She attempts the puppy eyes on Zill*
*Zill smirks and then can hear a low roar from the East.*
Looks like youll get a front row seat, as I planned.
Workers! By the Skies, prepare for arrival!
-Narrator-
The low roar Zill heard soon became audible to the rest of the Port. The workers made ready for the arrival of, whatever it was Zill had sent for. Two giant shapes engulfed the sunset. The roar steadily getting louder. Jun'ko hopped onto some crates for a better view, and BdrLine and Zill stood in the middle of the docks. The workers began cheering when they realized what was coming. Two Fleet Galleons, with Then it was fixed leading the formation. Not since his encounter in the Black Channel had he flown his Galleon. He knew it was only fitting for the fully functioning Port, as well as for Jun'ko, to see it reemerge from the Council docks after so many years. The flags of the Admiral's ship danced in the air. The blue and yellow standards swayed with the cool breeze. The guns glistened in the setting sun. And the engine's roar could be heard all around the West District. Behind was a standard Fleet Galleon, tasked to defend the Port Tar Barrel. Zill knew its importance had grown since the attempt on so many lives that day. It required the proper deterrent. As for his boat, he had other plans for it.
Jun'ko was starry eyed. Zill had mentioned his Galleon before, but she couldnt of imagined the sight until now. She ran back over to him and leaned on him.
Best surprise ever.
Thought you might like it.
I could kiss you, oh captain.
Youll get your chance.
She blushes and grins. The trio watch on as the Galleons dock at the two open spots. With a successful arrival of perhaps the finest ships this side of Anvala, a celebration was begun. For not only did the Galleons hold heavy guns and plentiful ammo, but also barrels of Spiked Anvala Ale. Music rang and the men were merry. Jun'ko even got Zill to dance. A rare sight that was. It was a grand day to be in Anvala.
-End Narrator-
*Zill eyes Shinkurex looking for him, and he walks over with Jun'ko to greet him.*
Ahoy there Shink. I hear you were lookin' for me?
-
*makes another attempt at getting up, only to roll into a trash-bin and a nearby cat*
Meaw!
Dammit
-
--Dandy Lions Trading Co. Headquaters, Paradox's room--
He unknowingly rested upon the edge of the bed, when he regained consciousness his first movement was met by gravity as he fell face first onto the floor. Face pressed firmly into the marble floor, he began to realize a few things, the splitting headache he had acquired the previous night, and a little more prudent, how he was stark naked currently lying on marble. He grabbed his head and let out a groan as he slowly rose to his feet beside the bed. Once at full naked attention, he saw that there were three equally naked women resting a top his bed; No wonder space was a problem. After taking in the scenery for a while, trying to recollect the details of last nights late conquest, he began to collect his clothes that were bestrewn among the room. A problem had arisen his hat laid in the middle of the three women, trying desperately to reach for the icon of his identity while being silent, his mechanized limbs pierced the quiet with every twitch. The three of them stirred; He stopped for a moment, before continuing to reach for it, finally he managed to grasp it however his arm was now clasped by three hands that reeled him back into bed. Round 2... I think?
--Saloon--
After the early morning events he strolled in to bar with a slight glow about him.
"How are you all doin'?"
-
*Yiski looks to see Paradox*
Well aren't you lookin' chipper. Somethin' good must come out from bein' a CEO huh?
-
--Docks--
*Bdr and many others can be seen drinking, dancing and being merry all around*
*With the arrival of the Galleons, not that much work is being done*
*After getting out of the group for a breather, he spots Shink*
Shink my man, come to join the party? Come and lets get a drink, Zill brought it on his Galleons.
--Saloon--
*to Roland and Yiski after the explanation*
Wow, the whole District. And honestly i thought my brothers experiments were bad *puts a hand over her mouth and chuckles*
*To Qwerty*
Why hello doctor, it kinda happen yesterday if you are asking *she blushes and holds Roland's hand*
-
*Papa looks at Yiski*
"You have no idea, ya ever need anything, and I mean anything... You give me a shout."
-
*To Ny*
Well congratulations I suppose, you'll be driving eachother crazy within the week.
*To Paradox*
I'm sorry friend I don't believe i've had the pleasure, my name is Qwerty
-
*Moving to meet the handshake, He extended his mechanical arm."
"They call me Papa, I'm the CEO of The DLTC, it's great to meet you Qwerty."
-
--Docks--
*Walks up to Zill and BdrLine*
"Hey guys... How's it going?"
*Looks to Zill*
"Zill... I don't know if you know this already, but ever since Burning Skies closed down, I've been having these weird memories... All I can remember, is that back when I first started out as a gunner, and we were shot down by raiders. When I got older, I found out that those raiders worked for a Baron.... They described him as a Fat man who sold merchandise to the black market. You would happen to know who that is would you?"
*Grabs an ale, and starts to drink it*
-
*Yiski to Qwerty*
Now don't be to harsh on the young couple. I'd at least say they'll last two weeks before that happens.
Yiski!
Oh come on now Roland, you know we're just havin' fun with you. *sigh* Just like his mother.
*Yiski then turns to Paradox and gives him a raised eyebrow.*
You know I've got a mind to ask you to clarify, but lookin' at that face, I know I'd regret it immediately.
-
-Docks-
*Zill stares at Shinkurex for a moment and gets a more serious tone.*
I know exactly who that Urchin is. He's been sucking off the life of Anvala for years. He bribes the Council to keep his skin safe, and sells all kind of things on his black market. Big network down there. Back when I had regular interrogations, I searched for him for the better part of 2 years. I actually saw him. More rat than man from my perspective. I destroyed the better part of his market back then too, and after I became Admiral he was a real non-issue. Its unfortunate he is responsible for your troubles.
*He takes a swig of his mug and puts a hand on Shink's shoulder*
Dont worry about him though. He closer to death than any of us. Enjoy the night, plenty of ale for everyone.
-Narrator-
The night goes on in celebration. Despite his dreams, Shinkurex quickly becomes consumed by the night's activities. Music and ale filled the Port. The festivities lasted until all the ale was gone, and the night sky took over. Everyone headed their separate ways until only Jun'ko and Zill remained.
-End Narrator-
You stayin' again tonight?
Sadly i must attend to my apartment. Trust me when I say id rather not have the burden tonight.
*She slowly removes his mask and looks at him, the tar barrel fires it his eyes.*
Something to think on tonight, oh captain.
*She locks lips with Zill for what feels like hours. This time he wasnt caught off guard and didnt let go so easily. She gave a hug and went off toward the gates. She wags her butt playfully as she disappears into the night.*
Dont miss me too much. Ill be back.
*Zill waves.*
I look forward to it.
-
--NARRATOR--
The night moves on. Zill, BdrLine, and Shink drink for a few more hours before retiring into their respective beds. Shink thinks about what Zill said about Urchin. As much as Shink wants to go after him, he decides to trust in what Zill said. Shink would only realize in a few months Urchin died in a raid by the Baronies Military on Urchin's illegal plushie refinery. Urchin may have contacts, but not nearly as many as BdrLine.
After BdrLine and Shink left, Zill stood upon his squid again, alone, staring into the night sky. Part of him wished he had went with Jun'ko.
Another time I guess.
BdrLine hurried home to put the last part of his over-watch plan for Ny-Lee and Roland's date.
Alright, I think a few meters is a safe viewing distance.
Paradox headed back to his HQ where his "enjoyments" were waiting for him.
There you ladies are, just like I left you.
Roland and Ny-Lee walked together back to BdrLine's place. The two shared a long kiss before breaking.
I'm looking forward to our date and the surprise tomorrow.
I am looking forward to it myself Ny-Lee.
After Ny-Lee went inside, Roland ran back to the saloon just before Yiski locked up. In order for his surprise to work, Roland needed Yiski's help.
Woah, Roland. You need something?
Yes, you know I have a date tomorrow. Well, I need to borrow something.
Is it that?
Roland affirmatively nodded.
Of course you can. Just be careful with it.
Yiski went into the back, came back, and tossed something to Roland.
Thank you Yiski. I mean it.
I know you do.
Roland took the package and head back to his apartment.
So he's gonna use that tomorrow, huh? Now I really need make sure things go right.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 32--
-
--START OF DAY 33--
--NARRATOR--
Roland woke up with the morning sun. He wiped his eyes and stared out his window. He got himself ready for work and for this evening's date. As he washed his face he looked at himself in the mirror.
Alright! I have to give it my all today!
Roland made his way to the saloon and saw Yiski standing outside the door. Roland was puzzled and asked.
Is everything alright Yiski?
Yiski turn and saw Roland and smiled.
Well don't you look like a noble. I figured you'd want to work for a bit before you date, so I'm gonna tell you right now you've got the entire day to spend with Ny.
What? Are you....
Yup. Now I appreciate all the help you've given in the past week, but you need to focus on Ny and treat her well.
Roland was speechless for a moment. He eventually smiled, nodded, and went on his way to BdrLine's place to pick up Ny-Lee. As soon Roland was out of sight, Yiski went back inside and grabbed the scope of off Blood Bolt. Yiski murmurs.
Now, I just got to wait for Zill so he can watch the saloon for the day so I can keep an eye on Roland.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Narrator-
Zill woke up to knocking on the door again. He begrudgingly answered it after tossing on his mask. The messenger didnt know what to think of a man in a gas mask and boxers, but he quickly shook the thought and handed Zill the parchment.
Ye old dog,
I need you to watch the Saloon for me today while I keep an eye on our two new love birds, Ny-Lee and Roland. You've wasted enough time at the Port as it is, so waste some time over here today.
Yiski
Saloon duty eh? Looks like I need to dig in the old storage and get some barrels over there. Im not touchin' his concoctions.
Zill quickly gets an old uniform on and goes down into his warehouse basement. It was nearly the size of the warehouse on its own, but it was entirely packed with barrels of fine brews. He marked what he wanted taken and went back outside. He found a few workers doing nothing on the slow day. Who would pass up a round for a short delivery? Sure enough he got them to pack up his choices and they headed to the Burning Skies.
-End Narrator-
-Saloon-
*Zill limps up the hill to the Saloon and sees Yiski*
Old dog eh? Youre lucky I find that a compliment these days. Not leaving the spy work to BdrLine anymore I see. Poor Roland is in for a hell of a night. *Laughs*
-
*Yiski responds to Zill*
I figured BdrLine was gonna keep an eye on them as well. I'm just making sure BdrLine doesn't do anything rash. You know how he feels about his lil' sister.
*Yiski spots a few barrels Zill brought with him.*
What all this Zill? Don't feel like handling any of my stuff? It's not like it could blow up.... wait... it can.
-
*Zill smirks.*
Exactly. Ill use your brews for weapons against unruly patrons before I go serving it.
*He orders the barrels inside and set up for the day, then turns back to Yiski.*
Well if anyone could screw up a date, its both of you. Dont go spoiling a good thing. The Skies know we need some good around here once in awhile.
-
--Docks--
(BdrLine's Home)
*It's the start of the day, and Bdr is downstairs in the kitchen eating breakfast. Upstairs, Ny-Lee is getting ready for her date today with Roland*
*At the door, a knock can be heard and Bdr goes over to see who it is*
Don't worry Ny, I got it just keep doing your girly things and what not*chuckles a little*
*Ny upstairs*
Ugh, my brother
*As Bdr goes and opens the door, he sees that it's Roland*
Why hello there Roland, looks like your ready to go. Hold on my sister is still upstairs getting ready. Come inside while you wait, want something to eat, I made breakfast
*Bdr goes inside back to the kitchen, but before he goes in, he yells up the stairs*
Ny, your prince charming is here.
*Ny-Lee was started by her brothers yell and she fell over while trying to put on her outfit*
*On the floor, Ny in her thoughts again*
WAIT HE'S HERE. Oh no oh no and I'm not even ready yet
*She calls down*
Hold on be jut a minute.
-
*Shink strolls into the Bar, closing the door behind him. He notices that Zill is the one running the place*
"Hey Zill... Where's Yiski and Roland? I hope they told you what explodes in here"
*A nervous smile creeps up on his face*
-
*Zill stares at Shinkurex before responding.*
I know what explodes. Everythin'. Thats why I refuse to touch it unless i need to break up a fight.
*He motions to 5 barrels on the bar.*
Self serve here. Tab still counts though. In order down the line we have No.2, No.3, Spiked Anvala Ale, Wive's Tale Whiskey, and Yeshan Sake. First one's on me buddy.
*He hands him a mug*
-
*Takes the mug, and fills it with some Yeshan Sake*
"Thanks Zill... and I appreciate your help with the baron. He shouldn't be a problem anymore"
*Sits in his usual corner table*
-
--Saloon--
*Yiski grabs his scope and turns to Zill before walking out*
I'm hurt you'd think I'd screw this up for Roland. Again, I'm only observing and making sure he can handle the package. Now if you'll excuse me I'm gonna head for BdrLine's place and talk to him about his plans.
*With that speech, Yiski heads out for BdrLine's place, but he kept in mind he shouldn't be seen by the couple*
Now, if they haven't left yet, I better hide somewhere. Hmm... I guess I could take cover behind the wall there.
--BdrLine's House--
*Roland blushes at being called a prince charming. He then hears Ny-Lee call down and he responds*
We are not in any rush. We have plenty of time today.
*Roland looks at BdrLine. BdrLine's stare feels like it piercing his soul. Slightly nervous he talks to BdrLine*
How are you today BdrLine? I hope you do not mind me and Ny-Lee dating.
-
-Saloon-
*Things were going smoothly at the Burning Skies. Patrons were enjoying the drink selection, and generally everyone was content. Zill's mind wandered off like the night before.*
Bah, I should of went with Jun'ko. Then again, maybe too soon. I dont even know anymore...
*He takes a deep breath. He catches a whiff of something hes not smelled for years. Perfume of a heavenly scent.*
Surely not of these guys are wearing that.....Where is it coming from??
*The door swings open, and Jun'ko walks through. Her red corset complimenting her ruby lips. The Saloon practically went silent as she walked up to the bar.*
I hear my Admiral has acquired the Burning Skies for the day. I couldnt pass up that kind of a good time.
*She see's the barrel of Yeshan Sake and her eyes light up.*
I havent had Sake in years! You really are full of surprises Zill. *Plants a kiss on his mask*
*The patrons simply stare are Jun and Zill. He notices the gazes and hops up on the bar.*
Ill be damned if this be a normal night at the bar. Lets have some music in here. Thats an order!
*A cheer fills the saloon as the old piano in the far corner is dusted off and played, followed by a violin. It will be a night to remember at the Burning Skies.*
-
BdrLine's House
*After the small stare down, Bdr goes to a smile and laughs*
Relax a little Roland, it's not that Im going to hunt you and kill you. But I'm happy that you are dating my sis. Instead of trouble happening to me, it's passed down to you*chuckles*
*Ny-Lee then comes down the stairs, All dressed in her finest clothing with a smallscent of perfume*
Azn stop that, don't you know you are scaring him a little
*To Roland*
Wow Roland , you look so handsome in that. Come let's go before my brother pulls more cracks at us.
*Ny-Lee grabs Roland by the arm and they left the house towards their destination*
So where is this play going to be at?
*Back at the house, once Bdr felt sure they are away, he goes up stairs and change into a suit, from the he grabs a top hat from the closet. Before he leaves, he pulls out a monocle from a pocket, as well as a fake moustase*
*He turns leaves his house and trails the couple behind*
I hope Ny's training can't spot me in this get-up
-
*gives a short spur of spasms on the ground*
-
-Streets of the Garden District-
-Narrator-
Oliver was returning home after a nice walk through the City. He had always enjoyed that since he moved here many years ago. On his way, he caught a glimpse of something down a nearby alleyway. The silhouette of a man on the ground. He was mortified, fearing the worst. When the body twitched, he quickly rushed over.
Dear Skies, its Spoon! Someone come quickly! I require assistance!
A few citizens helped Oliver carry Spoon to his house. He was placed in the bed and Oliver began his work. Upon inspection of his back, he reckoned Spoon fell off a nearby roof. Oliver put Spoon on some drugs to put him to sleep, and ease the pain. He then went to work on the man's back. Surgery to realign his spine was a must, and the long task began...
Its a miracle youre alive. Now lets pull another one and get you sorted out.
-
--Somewhere in the Garden District--
--NARRATOR--
Roland was stunned to see how beautiful Ny-Lee looked. It was the first time he had seen her in a dress.
I have to say Ny-Lee, you look positively beautiful in that dress.
Ny-Lee blushed and gave Roland a kiss on the cheek.
Thank you. I was worried about this dress.
Roland shook his head.
No, no. The dress compliments your eyes well.
They walk for a bit, marveling at the Garden District's architecture and gardens. Ny-Lee asks Roland.
When is the play?
The play is in a few hours. I thought it would be nice to first get something to eat.
I suppose I can't argue with that. My brother certainly is not like the cooks back home.
The two chuckle and Roland points to a cafe at the end of the street
This place has the best lunch the Garden District has to offer. Will this do?
Yes it will.
While the couple get a table, BdrLine is crouched behind one of the circular garden's bushes. Because BdrLine is so focused on the couple, he didn't realize Yiski was behind him.
Yiski put a hand on BdrLine's shoulder which caused BdrLine to jump in surprise.
--NARRATOR END--
*Yiski pulling BdrLine back down*
Calm down, or you'll give us both away. Kinda figured you'd be here too.
*Yiski pulls out his scope and watches the couple*
-
*As Bdr fixes his disguise, he turns to Yiski*
What are you doing here? I thought you would be at the saloon.... Wait, if you are here, what poor sap has to deal with watching all your drinks?
*he spots the scope that Yiski is using*
Why didn't I think of that! So what do you see, anything michevious going on? Here let me look
-
*Yiski pushes BdrLine away*
Oh no. Get your own. It's not my fault you didn't plan better.
*Yiski peers through the scope*
Anyways nothin' bad is happenin'. By the skies BdrLine, can't you trust them a little bit.
*Yiski spots Roland looking in their direction*
Crap! Get down!
*Yiski drags BdrLine to the ground with him. Yiski then pokes the scope through the bush and sees the couple's waiter taking their orders*
-
*A man walks into the Burning Skies Saloon, looking tired from days of fighting. His palms are blackened like those of one who's gone countless hours without putting his wrench down, and burns inflicted from chemical spray and bullets are lining his hands. He looks around with a grin, though he's mildly annoyed by several missing faces.*
*The flare gun glistens in the light of the room*
"I'm back."
-
*To Yiski*
What can't a brother be just a little protective for his sister. And what about you don't you trust Roland enough huh? How come you are out here spying as well.
*Bdr looks over the bush*
I think they ordered filet minon, by the looks of things. Shoot Ny is looking over here as well get down
*Bdr pulls down Yiski to hide themselves*
--Meanwhile--
*As Roland and Ny-Lee waits for their food, Ny has a feeling as they are being watched*
*She looks to a spherical bush as if there might be someone there*
Roland, do you have a feeling that someone is watching us?
-
--Garden District--
*Roland looks in the general direction of where Ny-Lee was looking. Nothing*
Well, I do not see anything, but I do get the feeling we are being watched. Do you think BdrLineAzn is nearby?
*After the two looked around a bit in some manner of confusion, the waiter returns with their orders*
Here are your meals sir and madam. Is there anything else I could get you?
*Roland breaks from his search and looks to the waiter.*
Yes, could I get a bottle of Anvala's Special Wine Reserve. Vintage 402.
Excellent choice sir. I will return shortly.
*The waiter leaves and Roland looks to Ny-Lee*
Let us forget about whether we are being watched or not and eat before our meal gets cold.
-
--Garden District--
*To Roland after the food arrives*
I guess you're right. Maybe something just caught my eye that's all.
*Both begin to eat their meals, as soon as they begin eating, the waiter brings in the bottle that Roland order*
Sir, Madam your bottle, would you like me to pour you a drink.
Why yes please. Ny-Lee I think you may love this. Anvala's Special Wine Reserve is one of the finest in all of Anvala, Only a few bottles are made each year.
*As the waiter pours two glasses for the couple, Ny-Lee takes the glass and sips the Wine*
Wow Roland this is fantastic. Everything feels great right now, thanks for setting up this date
--Back to Yiski and BdrLine--
Whew that was a close one. I think they almost saw us. Yiski you should be more careful next time, maybe you should wear a disguise like mine
*looks through the bush again*
Hey look, they started eating... Wait did Roland order a Special Reserve? Got to admit, he does know his wines
-
*Yiski chuckles at BdrLine*
Hell, what do you think I teach him when he comes by to work? I'm more than just a purveyor of fine spirits. Plus, that wine does hold a fond memory of mine.
--NARRATOR--
Roland and Ny-Lee eat their meal in peace. The two chat on a number of subjects, but mostly it's Ny-Lee talking about her life in the Empire. The conversation then turns on about their families.
Well, there are my parents. Both of them are fairly wealthy thanks to their connections to the royal court and their trading company. And of course, you already know about my brother. She sighs. What are your parents like?
That question made Roland stop. Even though Yiski did tell him things about his father, it was mostly about their time in the military. And when Roland attempted to ask anything about his mother, Yiski would deflect the question and change subjects.
While Roland was deep in thought, Ny-Lee became concerned.
Roland... is everything alright? I hope I didn't ask something offensive.
Roland immediately broke from his thoughts.
What... no, no. It is nothing. I never really talk about my parents.
Why is that?
I believe that is a conversation for another time. I will promise to tell you later. More importantly I need to get our check. Can't be late for the play, right?
Well, that is the main reason for the date, so I suppose we should get going.
Roland hails their waiter for their check. When the check arrives, Roland pays the amount and the two are off to the theater.
--NARRATOR END--
-
*A man walks into the Burning Skies Saloon, looking tired from days of fighting. His palms are blackened like those of one who's gone countless hours without putting his wrench down, and burns inflicted from chemical spray and bullets are lining his hands. He looks around with a grin, though he's mildly annoyed by several missing faces.*
*The flare gun glistens in the light of the room*
"I'm back."
*Shink Sees Sunderland stroll in*
"My gods... Is that Sunderland??? It is! Welcome back friend! I barely recognized you...Here the first drink is on me"
*Motions for Sunderland to sit*
-
--Garden District--
*As Roland and Ny-Lee leaves the cafe to go to the play, BdrLine and Yiski was about to move from their hiding spot when the cafe owner spots them in the bushes*
Hey what are you two doing spying on my costumers!
*BdrLine whispers into Yiski's ear*
Don't worry I got this
*to the cafe owner*
Why good evening fine sir. My partner and I here are bush trimming experts and is just looking at this lovely specimen. If I may ask my good man, where do you get the skill to make this bush into a sphere. It's one of the hardest shapes to get
*The cafe owner getting a little peeved*
If you two ate bush experts then I am King Gregor of the Baronies. What's the REAL reason you two were hiding.
Well umm I ahh ... YISKI RUN *Bdr pushes the cafe owner and runs in one direction*
*the owner gets backs up and sees Bdr running away*
I'LL KEEP HIM DISTRACTED, WHILE YOU TRAIL THE TWO. I MEET UP WITH YOU WHEN I GET THE CHANCE
*As Ny-Lee and Roland nears the playhouse, They don't notice the chase that is happening just down the block as Bdr is weaving in and around people trying to lose the cafe owner*
-
-Saloon-
-Narrator-
The Burning Skies was alight with festivities. The "band" in the corner grew to include a man with an accordion. A makeshift dance floor was created for everyone merry enough to join in. It was a proper night at the Saloon, and Zill wouldnt have it any other way.
Jun'ko was the jewel of the affair, but no man was foolish enough to contend with the Admiral for her. She danced and was a general tease to Zill while he had to keep tabs and make sure the ale was always flowing for the patrons.
-End Narrator-
*Zill sees Sunderland walk in and he tosses him a mug.*
Ah Sunder! Help yourself to the finest. First one's on me. Let your troubles be cast away this night at the Burning Skies.
*Jun'ko wanders up to Zill at the bar. No matter what he's tried, he could not get over her beauty this night.*
Im feeling lonely on the dance floor, oh captain. Would you care to join me?
-Narrator-
The patrons begin to cheer him on. Never shying from a challenge, he hops over the bar and takes her hand. The floor clears and only they are left to dance. The song, and the waltz begins. Zill leads her around the dance floor masterfully. Her silky white skirt twirling as they dance around the floor. It was as if it was all meant to be. A flash of red as he twirls her with skill and precision. Not for many years has Zill had a reason to dance. They finish with a fine twirl and the Saloon goes wild. More rounds are poured and the a new song begins.
-End Narrator-
*Zill looks into her eyes.*
I never knew i still had it in me. Its been quite awhile since ive had the pleasure of dancing.
*Jun'ko blushes slightly*
Only the best for my Admiral.
*She gives the mask a peck and they settle at the bar*
-
--Garden District--
*Yiski watches BdrLine leading the owner away. Yiski manages to cut a corner and lost his spot. Yiski peeks around and sees BdrLine evading capture. He chuckles.*
Well, I better head to the theater.
--NARRATOR--
Roland and Ny-Lee arrive at the theater. The play was being held by the local Anvalan Thespians Guild. The play... think Hangover set in a steampunk world with Shakespearean actors. The couple walked up to the counter.
Good evening. Tickets are 100 gold per person.
Ny-Lee's eyes widened in shock.
Two hundred gold? Roland, do you have the money?
Roland smiled and gave Ny-Lee a kiss on the cheek.
Well, ticket prices on the day of a play are usually this high, but I came prepared.
Roland then handed the counterman a proof of purchase for two tickets. The counterman took the proof of purchase from Roland and handed him the tickets.
Enjoy the tonight's play sir and madam.
As the walked inside, Ny-Lee turns to Roland.
How did you pay for the tickets in advance? I know from Yesha advance purchases are more expensive. Where did you get the money from?
Roland smiled.
Well, Yiski actually gave the money.
Ny-Lee was about to respond, but was cut off by Roland continuing.
After his adventure and sudden windfall from the Empire, Yiski really did not know what to do with the money. When I said I wanted to take you on a date, he practically forced me to use the money. I said I would pay him back, but he quite adamantly against the notion.
Ny-Lee was still in shock.
I guess he really cares about you doesn't he?
He really does. Most times I consider him my father.
As soon as Roland said that, he began to regret it quickly. Ny-Lee saw Roland's expression change and quickly gave him a kiss on the lips.
Come on. The play is about to start.
--NARRATOR END--
*Yiski sat outside the theater. He noticed Roland and Ny-Lee went inside. Yiski scratched his head for a moment.
Well, I really don't like plays. Meh, I'm sure those two will do just fine without me watchin' them. I'm sure BdrLine's okay. I think I'll call it an evening and head back to the saloon. No tellin' what damage Zill has caused.
-
-Docks-
The smell of burning flesh and the sound of moans consumed the deck of the Cloud Whaler, the Junker was listing heavily on it's side, the starboard engine a smoking ruin and it's deck a charred mess of burnt wood and human remains
A gaping hole was rent into her port side hull, the damage so severe that the bones of the ship lay bare, their timbers creaking dangerously as she tacked hard in a sudden wind that threatened to rip the ships guts out from under her.
Richard Timothy, Captain of the ship, held his hand hard to the wheel, keeping her bow pointed at an empty section of the harbor as ferry boats began to scramble while a crew-men fired off a red flare cluster to signal that the ship was under duress, and a green single one to declare that all the ammunition had been dumped, negating the risk of an explosion in the docks if she could get a guiding harness under her hull.
She'd only been two days out since her last port call, far to short a time to have made a return trip with any kind of cargo. The damage spoke of a battle in the sky, the torn out hull likely the ramming head of a Pyramidion styled craft, though it was a surprise the Junker class vessel could survive such an encounter with enough wood tied to the balloon to get back.
It looked like the Cloud Whaler would be staying for a little while.
-
-SALOON-
*Sits down and grabs a drink*
"I hope things didn't get too calm out here while I was having fun with the raiders. We were under constant fire. Three straight days of absolutely no sleep, just running around the ship fixing things. And I didn't let a single component break. We ended up getting them, and we got them good. Next time you head over to Anglea, you'll find a few less raider camps, and a few more scorched ruins. We must've had to down twenty or so ships to do it. One of those morons managed to board our ship and give me a hell of a time"
*shows off a huge gash in his right hand*
"Of course, the poor idiot didn't count on me being left-handed"
*glances at his bloodstained mallet*
But enough of my chatter. How've things been over in this place?
-
Papa walks in new limbs glinting in the dusk light, the silver plated metal with gold accents oozed of opulence. He wore standard high class clothes, his top hat had a good cleaning... But far more noticeable was his black jacket, it was long with an Epaulette on his left shoulder, the Dandy Lions logo stitched in gold. Furthermore he had a cloak hanging off his right shoulder, the red silk lining showed briefly as the draft kicked it up as he entered the saloon. Jen followed behind him.
*Walking over to Zill and Jun'ko*
"Before you ask, I figured it was time for an upgrade, Qwerty helped with the surgery, and my engineers crafted the parts out of the strongest materials in Anvala and plated them with the finest... The clothes however, blame Jen she said I should be looking more like a CEO."
"Don't act like you don't like them."
Papa let out a grunt.
-
*Yiski returns to the saloon, content that Roland could handle the rest without supervision. Upon entering and seeing two more couple, he gives a laugh*
Really, is tonight really couples' night? By the skies, this has been a long day.
*Yiski looks to Zill*
Alright, I'm relieving you of duty. Now get your watered-down dribble out of here so I can go back serving the good stuff. Also, has anyone seen BdrLine?
*Yiski spots Sund*
Holy hell, you're still alive! What puffed up adventure have you been on? Wait, I don't want to know because I won't believe it.
-
*looks over to Yiski*
"I just finished telling my story. I'd tell it again, but I won't if you don't think you'll believe it. Regardless of what happened, it's good to be back after the hell I went through. And I don't know how many times I've told you, they'll never get me. I dealt with them so well that I got promoted. Chief Technician. It's been a long time coming."
-
*Zill stares at Yiski*
My watered down dribble just saved you a day at the Saloon so you could go spy on your boy. Let em finish the open barrels.
*He hops the bar and holds Jun'ko at his side. She simply glows.*
Plus, these guys are having the time of their life. Am i right?! *He raises his mug*
*A cheer followed by a new song. He looks at PapaP.*
Awe dont ye look pretty. You could double as a side gun on my boat. *Smirks*
-
*Yiski sighs*
Alright, by the skies, it's been awhile since the saloon been like this. I wouldn't mind if this happened every night.
-
"The one you recently covered in tar? HA!"
Jen was holding onto Paradox's right arm, she was obviously intimidated by the patrons of the bar. She was humble but not sure how to react, her nervousness seeped into Paradox. Although he didn't openly acknowledge it, he was aware and on high guard.
One of the patrons grabbed her ass as he brushed past her.
She let out a subtle "eep" noise.
Within seconds Paradox twirled around, pushing Jen behind him, He tripped the man who then proceed to slam his face on the bar counter. Paradox grabbed him by the back of the collar and held him suspended in mid air, his volcanic pistol was aimed at the mans chest.
"Yiski, would you kindly tell this man who he has flaked with? Right now I'm deciding whether or not to kill him."
*He cocked the pistol*
Besides the few people who saw this occur, the rest of the bar continued as if nothing was happening.
-
*Yiski looks to the poor sap who just pissed of Paradox*
You have just pissed of the CEO of the Dandy Lions Trading Company. I'd say more, but I think you get an idea of the man you're dealing with.
*Yiski looks at Paradox*
Let the idiot go. We're having fun and the last thing I want is a dead man on my saloon floor.
-
*Zill Takes the man from PapaP and throws him on the ground. Jun'ko kicks him out the door*
There. Now quit pickin' fights you overgrown teapot. I swear, have a good time for once.
*He pats Yiski's back*
Me and Jun'ko are headed out. Dont worry about the spare barrels. Ill get them eventually.
*One last toast as Zill leaves.*
By the Skies we drink this night. Be merry my men!
*A final cheer follows the two out the door.*
-Narrator-
The cool wind bit ever so slightly at the skin tonight. Jun'ko huddles close to Zill as they made their way to the Port. They were empty, save for the boats docked. His Galleon sat as it was placed. He stood and the memories nipped at his conscience. Zill lets out a deep breath.
This ship brings back more than I will ever know, doesnt it?
It does. I could tell you the story a million times and the pain would never sink in as it does for me.
Jun'ko slowly removes his mask, and kisses his cheek.
I couldnt imagine. But i hope i can lessen it, my Admiral.
I feel it even now.
Let us sleep. We need it after a night like this. *Chuckles*
The two retreat to the back chambers. Jun'ko puts Zill to bed, and she joins him shortly after. She knows its not yet time, and is more than happy to comfort him into a peaceful sleep.
-End Narrator-
-
--NARRATOR--
The evening in the saloon went on even with the single unpleasant moment. Paradox was still a steaming and messing with his outfit only to have Jen fix it up again. Other than that, the entire saloon was singing and drkining.
Been awhile since the saloon seen this much good times.
Meanwhile, Zill and Jun’ko shared a nice warm bed on Zill’s galleon. Zill enjoyed the comfort Jun’ko brought him mentally and to an extent physically.
While the festivities continued at the saloon, Roland and Ny-Lee left the theater. Both of them were laughing hysterically and holding their sides.
I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard in my life.
I know. I would like to know how they managed to get a tiger well-tamed enough for that scene.
The two continued to talk about various aspects of the play as they walked through the Garden District. As they walked, Ny-Lee kissed Roland on the cheek.
I had a wonderful evening tonight.
Roland smiled and returned the kiss.
Well, the night is not over yet. I did promise you a surprise.
Ny-Lee giggled.
I believe you’re right. So, what is this surprise?
Patience. First we need to head to the Docks.
The Docks? The surprise is there?
There was confusion and hesitation in Ny-Lee’s tone. It was understandable, nobody in their right mind would take their date to the Docks... unless you wanted to push them off the side. A thought Zill had many times with new engineers. Roland looked at Ny-Lee.
Yes and no. The surprise is somewhere else. But we need to get to the Docks.
The young couple arrived at the Docks. At this time, the Docks were unusually quiet. Ny-Lee was still wondering what the surprise could be as she followed closely behind Roland. The two walked towards the back of the Docks and sees one of the slots occupied, but covered in a giant tarp.
Here it is.
What is it?
I’ll show you.
Roland walks over to the console and presses the button to roll back the tarp. It was a squid. Ny-Lee was shocked.
Is this your ship Roland?
No, it’s Yiski’s. Say hello the Kyllo. And before you ask, yes, Yiski knows I am using the Kyllo for our date. It is why he handed me this package. And no, you will know what is inside as soon as we get airborne.
At this point, Ny-Lee is beyond words and thinks to herself.
A fine dinner, a wonderful show, and now an airship flight. Roland certainly knows how to impress.
Roland jumps onto the Kyllo and offers his hand to Ny-Lee which she takes. Roland runs the necessary checks and takes the Kyllo out of the Docks. Soon, Roland clears Anvalan airspace and they’re high above the clouds. Ny-Lee is so excited she holds her arms out and lets the wind rush by her.
At this time, all of Anvala’s citizens are asleep. Only these two remain awake. There’s a point where there’s no cross-wind to be had and Roland manages to find the point, settle the Kyllo, and kill the engines. Roland walks over to Ny-Lee and hands her the pacakge.
Well, you wanted to know what was inside.
Roland opens the package to reveal two heavy blankets. Ny-Lee was more confused now than ever.
Why did Yiski give you blankets?
Well, first, it’s cold up here. Second, wait.
Ny-Lee wanted to know what the second part was, but at least he was right on the first. It was bloody cold. So the two dawned on the blankets and sat, snuggling each other. Two hours pass of silent bliss. Eventually, Ny-Lee had to break the silence.
Roland, this was the most wonderful date, but I’m still curious as to wh....
Ny-Lee was interrupted by something so charming and glorious, it just caused her to hang her mouth wide open.
I’ve never seen a sunrise like... it’s so beautiful.
Roland smiled.
Surprise.
Ny-Lee looked at Roland’s expression and she felt warm all over despite the cold altitude temperatures.
I’ve been on dates before, but Roland... my goodness, I think I love him.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 33--
-
--START OF DAY 34--
--NARRATOR--
Today was a typical opening of the saloon and business went on as the same as it always had: Lots of drinking, some spontaneous singing, and a few scuffles.
Meanwhile, Roland and Ny-Lee were spending an extra day out in the skies. Luckily there were supplies on the Kyllo.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 34--
Sorry for this token post. Since I'm participating in Cogs later, I do not want to maintain the RP. This will likely be a regular occurrence when I have future Cog matches.
Sorry to deprive many of you of your daily source of slice of life, romance, adventure, and action.
-
--START OF DAY 35--
--NARRATOR--
Roland and Ny-Lee finally return to the Docks after a full day of flying all around Anvala. The two would be exhausted if not for the fact they slept in the spot where there were no cross-winds. As Roland docked Kyllo back into position, the two hopped of the ship and shared a kiss. Suddenly...
Ahem... Looks like the two of you had fun.
They quickly broke their kiss and noticed Yiski standing nearby. The couple blushed and Roland was rubbing the back of his head.
I apologize for keeping Kyllo out for an additional day, but...
No, that's fine. I'm just making sure the two of you are fine, especially since I didn't hear anything from you on the radio. You should've seen how much of a wreck BdrLine was yesterday. He's at home if you're wondering.
Ny-Lee blushes and turns to Roland and gives him another kiss on the lips.
I suppose I should head home and tell my brother I'm okay. I'll see you later.
Will you stop by the saloon after checking in with BdrLine?
Of course.
Ny-Lee gives Roland another kiss, but on the cheek this time, and heads of for BdrLine's place. Soon, Roland and Yiski start walking back toward the saloon.
So... I guess everything went alright up in the skies?
As much as Roland wanted to describe the day in full, Roland knew Yiski wouldn't want to know the details of their date and simple said.
Yes.
Yiski smiled and patted Roland on the back. Eventually, when they arrived back at the saloon, it was time to open.
--NARRATOR END--
-
*Shink storms into the saloon, Sits down in his usual spot... Unfortunately, in his frustration, he sat down too forcibly, and the legs of the chair broke... Without saying a word, Shink grabs another chair, and this time sits a bit more gently than before*
*The patrons closest to him could hear him muttering something under his breath*
"Curse that academy and everyone in it..."
-
*Yiski sighs*
Dammit Shink! Do you just break everything you touch?
*Yiski looks at Shink more closely*
By the skies, you seem paranoid again.
*Yiski walks to the counter and comes back with a Frost Fire Ale*
Here, this one's on me.
-
*Takes the ale and downs it in one go*
"It's not my fault! those cursed academy idiots fired me!.... Just because I may have 'accidentally' grazed the Dean's son.... Which I didn't!"
*Looks around at the other patrons*
"What?! I didn't!"
-
-Narrator-
Zill woke up slowly, his eyes heavy, and on his back. Jun'ko was wrapped around him still fast asleep. He couldnt remember the last time he didnt have a past memory haunt him during the night, but today was one of those days. He shifted slightly and that was enough to awaken Jun'ko.
...Mornin' my Admiral...
Mornin' sunshine.
...You look like you slept well. My mission was a success then.
Best sleep in a long time. I could get used to this.
You better. *Chuckles*
*Sighs* So much to get done today.
Jun'ko shifted on top of Zill and kissed him softly, smiling after. His thoughts of work were promptly dashed. He hadnt felt this way about anyone for years, and it was a welcome change. They gazed into each others eyes for a moment. Its was telepathy at its finest. Jun'ko blushed slightly, and Zill pulled her down to him. The scant clothing they had was dashed across the chambers, and the morning was theirs.
-End Narrator-
-
--BdrLine's Home--
*Acter being chased down by the cafe owner two days ago and not knowing where his sitter was at yesterday, Bdr is pacing around his house thinking the worst has happened*
*Ny-Lee goes up to the house and opens the door and sees her brother in the state that he was in*
Azn I'm home. And it's alright I'm fine Roland and I just went out for another day. Sorry I didn't tell you or anything.
*Bdr sees his sister heads in and immediately goes up to her and hugs her*
It's alright, as long as I know you are safe, then I am happy. *then Bdr releases the hug and only has his hands on Ny' shoulders* So how was it. Nothing to extreme happen or anything?
*Ny think about whether or not she should tell her brother about the cruise Rolamd and her took yesterday around the city. But she shook it out of her mind and decides it was the best not to.*
It was lovely, Roland took me out to this wonderful cafe out in the Garden District, then to this comedy after dinner....
*Bdr clamps a hand over her mouth*
Alrighty already. I think thats enough information for me. Too much lovey dovey for me *laughs*
*Ny takes her brothers hand out of her mouth*
[color=]Oh haha, just wait till you find a date and see what happens[/color]
*chuckling* If I ever find a date, it will be when all my experiments won't explode during the first time. Come on let's go to the saloon, I need something drink from yesterday and you can zee your boyfriend as well
Oh just shut it will ya*She blush at the name of boyfriend out of her brothers mouth and punches him in he arm*
Dang geez alright Ms. Sensitive. Let's just go then *Rubbing his arm*
*Bdr closes and locks his door, and both siblings head towards the soloon*
*After a few minutes of walkin, they arrived and enter*
*Bdr to Roland in a British accent*
Here you go sir, as I have delivered ye your beautiful maiding *Normal voice* Plus I need her out of my hair already. Yiski can I have a Hellfire please
*Bdr goes to a stool at the bar and sees Shink*
Yoe looked like someone out to get you. Let me guess Academy again?
*Back to Ny-Lee and Roland*
*Ny blushes at her brothers comment, but she just go up and peck Rolnad on the check so she wouldn't have any side comments from him*
Miss me already?
-
--Saloon--
*Yiski to Shink*
You got fired, huh? Well, that's to be expected. The Academy always had a track record of firing so many folks within a month. What're you goin' do now for money?
*Yiski turns and sees BdrLine and Ny-Lee and gets BdrLine's request for a Hellfire*
I figured you needed something to calm your nerves. *Yiski hand BdrLine a Hellfire* Ny, you should have seen him yesterday as he came barging into the saloon yellin' about how he lost you.
*Roland to Ny-Lee*
More than you can imagine.
*As the lovely young couple look into each others' eyes, Yiski gave a chuckle.*
Just like Micheal and Maria.
-
*To Yiski*
"Well they can all go get eaten by a Burren sand slug... I don't have any clue at the moment... maybe I'll find some work down at the docks"
*Orders another Ale*
-
*Ny-Lee breaks her gaze from Roland and turns to Yiski*
Wait what do you mean, "he lost me"? It's not like I been taken by raiders ornlike that... Wait a minute *She turns to her brother at the bar* Was that feeling I had was you following us two days ago!!
*Ny leaves Roland's embrace and starts going up to her brother*
*BdrLine lookin wide eyed, downs the Hellfire and to Ny*
Well look at the time, Got to head back to the docks. Don't know what them swabbies will do next and what not. Maybe they explode my warehouse right now. Sooo See you later Ny
*As BdrLine tries to head for the front door, Ny grabs him by the collar*
Oh no you don't. Seriously you didn't trust us enough on a single date! Hold on let me think what todo with you.
Come on Ny, I mean you wouldn't want to do that in front of everyone here, including Roland?*he gulbs at the end*
I know, Roland can you be a dear and hand me a Wild Wind Ale please?
Ha a drink? Is that all you got. Come on sis, I think your are losing your touch.
*a small smile appears on Ny's lips*
Oh don't you worry my dearest brother of mine
Oh help me Gods
-
*Roland hesitates a bit. He knew what Ny-Lee could do to BdrLine*
Ny-Lee, darling, is this really necessary. I mean I can understand BdrLineAzn's position.
*Yiski turns to Roland*
Roland, if you want yourself and your relationship to survive, it's best to do what your girlfriend asks.
*Roland read Ny-Lee's face. She was certainly forcing a smile which could probably combust a Hellfire from a kilometer away.*
DO IT!
*Roland swallowed a bit and fixed her a Wild Wind Ale*
Here you go Ny-Lee.
*As Roland handed Ny-Lee the WWA, he turned to BdrLine and mouthed.*
Good luck.
-
-Docks-
*Zill and Jun'ko lay in the bed. The sheets were an utter mess, and Zill couldnt stop smiling. Jun'ko noticed and kisses him.*
Well arent we chipper?
Can yea blame me?
Id actually be worried if you werent.
*They both laugh. Zill turns to her.*
Damn. I dont even want to get up.
*Jun'ko grins devilishly.*
Who said you have to? You are the Admiral after all.
I like your thinkin'.
*They start to kiss again, and the romance begins anew.*
-
--Saloon--
*Ny-Lee takes the drink from Roland*
Thank you, and don't worry i won't do anything like this to you*winks*
*To her brother in her grasp*
Now lets see what hallucination will come out of you. Hope its something good
Ha is that all you got hallucinations? I ain't even afraid, what am I just going to see talking animals or something
*Ny-Lee smirks*
Oh you don't even know
*she opens her brothers mouth and pours the drink down*
*After a few minutes, Bdr's eyes goes wide*
Mr.Sunggles there you are again. *Bdr goes up to a stool and it*
*Ny-Lee laughs at the state her bother is in again*
Nothing like good old pay back, now i have something more against him
*she goes back to Roland*
See nothing to worry about, and besides, i done much worst to him. I figured that right now it would be best for him to humiliate himself in front of the whole saloon
*Bdr can now be seen carrying the stool wtih him around the place. He is also talking to Mr. Sunggles about all his neew adventures. But this was a sight to see as many patrons around the bar just couldn't stop laughing*
-
*Moments pass as BdrLine continues to hallucinate in the saloon.*
*Yiski laughs at BdrLine, but can't help and feel a bit sorry for him*
Alright, alright, you lot calm down. Shink, help me get BdrLine upstairs. Can't have him hallucinating all over the saloon and mistake someone for Mr. Snuggles.
*Shink grumbles, but the two get BdrLine upstairs into the spare room. Yiski decides it's a good idea to lock the room. The two head back downstairs.*
*Yiski then looks to Roland and Ny-Lee*
Well, what have you two got planned next?
*Roland looks to Ny-Lee who is blushing which in turn causes Roland to blush.*
Well, I thought the two of us could spend more time together around Anvala. I am sure there are things which you have not seen yet.
*Yiski smiles and walks up to Roland and pats him on the back.*
Well then you better get started.
*Roland was stunned for a second, but nodded in acceptance.*
Well, I know better than to argue with you, so I guess Ny-Lee and I will head out.
-
-Docks-
*After the day's romantics, Zill and Jun'ko are finally up and about. The Galleon needed very little work done to it to satisfy Zill. Nice thing about the Council Docks was they kept the ships up for him. Every time Zill would pass by Jun'ko working she would simply smile.*
Looks like we are all done here. Shes ready for whatever crazy journey comes next.
Thats a relief. I wanted to go to the Saloon for a bit of that Sake. Care to join me? *Winks*
*Zill accepts wholeheartedly and they set off. It doesnt take them long to get to the Burning Skies. Jun'ko gives Zill a peck on the mask before running to the bar.*
Hey Yiski! Mind if i get some of Zill's Sake?
*Zill soon follows up to the bar.*
Ill have a WSW. We've been busy all day.
*Jun'ko blushes at the remark.*
-
*Yiski looks at both Jun'ko and Zill*
You got the same damn glow Paradox had awhile back. I'm pretty certain now of what's been goin' on between you two. Of course, the two of you aren't as subtle as you like to believe.
*Yiski hands Jun'ko some sake and Zill a WSW. Yiski fixes himself a Hellfire and jumps on top of the bar and yells*
A toast to the newest couple of Anvala!
*The saloon erupts in unison*
HERE! HERE!
*Yiski hops down from the bar and downs his Hellfire. Yiski looks to Zill and laughs*
Damn how the hell did you get yourself a girl before me?
--Somewhere in the Western District--
*Roland didn't expect Yiski would toss him to spend more time with Ny-Lee, not that he was complaining, but...*
Um... I will be honest here, I have no idea what we should do. Any suggestions?
-
*Zill downs his WSW, steam escaping from his mask. Then he shrugs*
Hell it beats me. Shes the one to ask about that. I didnt think anyone could be attracted to this. *Gestures to himself and laughs*
*Jun'ko takes a swig of her Sake and giggles.*
Over the years of working with him, i slowly grew to enjoy the man i now have the pleasure of calling my Admiral. He was so unsure of himself when i started being forward with him. Im glad I was now.
*She leans on him and grins. Zill smirks.*
Yea and im also glad youre done lighting my masks on fire. Hand me another round Yiski. How is our younger couple doing these days?
-
*Ny-Lee to Roland as they walk around the District, Ny is hugging Roland's arm and resting her head on his shoulder*
So far I only been to the Garden District and to The Academy with my brother when the saloon was down. Oh can we go to the City Center, I haven't seen it yet.
*Back to the Saloon, BdrLine in the spare room upstairs*
Oh No Mr. Sunggles. We're trapped. Quick find a way out
Over here Bdr, there's a small light in this opening
Nice thinking Mr. Sunggles. I think I can fit through this and I call for help when I can
*The hole that BdrLine was actually talking about was the top floor window. Bdr unlocks the window and falls down to the ground landing in a passing wagon with hay*
*Bdr gets up and jumps from the wagon and calls up to the empty room*
Don't worry Mr. Sunggles, I find help *he looks around at the confused people walking about* Oh no demons. And they look like they are about to eat me. NOOO GET AWAY YOU MONSTERS!
*Bdr then runs away from the saloon and the "monsters" screaming at the top of his lungs into the city*
-
*Yiski looks at Jun'ko, then to Zill, and back to Jun'ko*
Well, I can't say you can do any worse, but you sure as hell could do better. Though I'd imagine at this point it doesn't matter.
*Yiski looks at Zill when he ask about Roland and Ny-Lee*
Well, I figured I'd let them roam out in Anvala. No telling how long Ny-Lee will stay, so I figured I'd give those two as much time together as they can handle.
*Suddenly Yiski and the other hear BdrLine yelling outside.*
Dammit don't tell me BdrLine actually managed to escape.
*Yiski goes outside and looks up at the spare room and notices the window wide open. Yiski sighs and facepalm and walks back inside.*
Screw it, he's the guards problem now.
--Somewhere near the City Center--
*Roland and Ny-Lee arrive at the City Center. They can see a variety of buildings, open stalls, and a few street performers scattered across the area. Roland took a glance at Ny-Lee's face to see her eyes fully open to take in the surroundings.*
Any differences between here and home?
-
--Somewhere in Anvala--
*Bdr is being chased by the guards*
GET AWAY FROM ME YOU DEMONS, AHHHHHH
*As he is being chased, Bdr knocks over stalls and boxes, trying to lose his chasers*
Come on really, who is this guy anyway
I think its BdrLine, can't tell, Whoa thats a box
If it is , i think he finally lost it. I mean come on, his experiments are the wildest
Lets just get him....another box, before he hurt himself
*it took a good hour and 8 guards to finally catch up and tackle BdrLine*
*They noticed that his eyes are dilated and that his breath smelled of alcohol, and they figured that he had too much to drink*
*Two of the guards just carried him home, where tomorrow, BdrLine will recieve a massive headache and hangover*
--City Center--
*Ny-Lee is speechless at the sight*
Look at this architecture, so much different than back in Chang-ning
*she sees one of the street performers doing magic tricks*
Come one and all and see the Great Dayral, myself, perform feats of magic
*he then proceeds to make a flower appear*
*claps came from the small audience*
Oh Roland can we watch?
*She then proceeds to quiver her lips, while giving a puppy dog face*
-
*Jun'ko chuckles at Yiski's comment*
Maybe, but after today, im not so sure thats possible. *She blushes slightly*
*Zill notices and move along the conversation*
Er...Well we all have had an interesting day. Mine sure was busy in numerous ways.......Well what i mean is.....
*Jun'ko was just looking on, watching him make a fool of himself and laughing. Zill just took another swig and stopped at that point.*
-
--Saloon--
*Yiski laughs*
By the clear skies, Admiral Zill, stuttering his word. *Looks to Jun'ko* Congrats. You've done something I haven't ever seen.
--City Center--
*Roland couldn't resist Ny-Lee's puppy eyes and caved in*
Alright, we can watch.
*It wasn't audible, but Ny-Lee performed a squee. The two stood along with the onlookers to watch the Great Dayral do more magic.*
Now the Great Dayral next performance, I will need someone from the audience to assist me.
*The Great Dayral scanned the crowd until his eyes met with Ny-Lee's*
You miss will do for an excellent assistant for the Great Dayral.
-
--City Center--
*Ny-Lee is quite surprise that she was chosen*
Well should I? I meant that i'm here with my boyfriend
*The crowd gave her some encouragement, even Roland chimed in*
Its alright go on in, this might be exciting as well
Well if you insist.
*Ny-Lee goes up and stands next to the Great Dayral*(changing it to brown, too confusing with your color)
Why Thank you miss, now for my next trick, I will make my assistant float in mid-air
*oohs can be heard from the crowd*
*The Great Dayral then proceeds to pull out a table and places a red cloth on top of it*
Now if you, please lay down on the table
*Ny-Lee proceeds as she was told and lie down*
Now watch as i can make her float
*Dayral then breaks one of the legs, people would think that without one of the legs the table will fall, it didn't*
*He proceeds to break the other three, with only the cloth and Ny-Lee floating*
*Claps came form the crowd as they couldn't believe that she was actually floating*
Now for the finale
*Dayral then pulls the cloth under her, and all that is left is just her floating in mid air, even the table disappeared*
*Cheers and claps are heard after the trick*
Thank you all and thank you for your assistance m'lady
*Dayral then fixes everything and help Ny-Lee down*
*She goes down and heads to Roland*
So how was I?
-
Papa walked in, a casing on his back, he sat down on a stool next to the bar. Opening the case he revealed a weathered acoustic guitar, along with it he pulled out a slide and a stomp box. He placed the guitar on his lap, briefly tuned it, and was off playing the blues. Each pluck of the string distorted by the slide, it resonated through the bar. He was lost in the sad droning of his song.
-
*Zill points at Yiski*
I do not stutter. Merely overwhelmed with emotion i havent had in the better part of a decade. Id like to see you try.
*They all hear PapaP's sad tune and turn to him. Jun'ko speaks first.*
That is quite depressing Papa. Whats wrong?
Way to bring the place down. Did someone die?
-
--Saloon--
*Yiski watched as Paradox suddenly started playing in the saloon. He sighed.*
The only reason he plays is when he's sad or horribly mauled a man. Hmm... nope definitely sad.
Paradox, I'm only going to assume something happened between you and Jen.
*Yiski fixed up a Hellfire and handed it to Paradox.*
Care to talk?
--City Center--
*As Ny-Lee rejoined Roland, he gave a kiss on the cheek.*
You did well Ny-Lee. Come on, let us see what else is here.
*Roland handed Dayral a few gold pieces.*
The Great Dayral thanks you sir.
*Roland nodded and the two continued to wander around the Center.*
-
--City Center--
hmm how about a dance house
-
"There never was anything between me and Jen, women aren't a priority right now. It's the anniversary my best friends death, this was his guitar."
Papa rips out a particularly soulful riff and continues to play.
-
--NARRATOR--
--Saloon--
The saloon was silent except for Paradox's guitar. While some may have found it a bit annoying, they dared not disturb his playing unless they wanted to join Paradox's late friend. Others found it actually peaceful and others seemed moved by it.
For Yiski, it reminded him of a time before joining up with Zill. It reminded him of his own late friends.
Micheal and Maria...
For Zill, even though today had been his happiest in the past few years, it still reminded of his accident which left his face disfigured. He placed his hand against his face and sighed. Luckily for Zill, Jun'ko was right there next to him and gave him a kiss on the other side of his face. Though his masked covered his face, the kiss brought a smile.
I guess it's not all that bad.
BdrLine was probably having one of his worst nights ever. Subjected to Wild Wind Ale by his sister and subsequently tackled by the guards, BdrLine was going to be waking up with a massive headache and a sore body.
Hmmm... Mr. Snuggles.... I need you....
Shinkurex wandered out of the saloon shortly after Paradox started playing. He'd already had a bad day with getting fired from the Academy. The last thing he wanted was to be depressed even further.
For Ny-Lee and Roland, the two spent the rest of the night at a local dance house. The two danced... well, Ny-Lee danced gracefully while Roland just shifted his position a little bit. Roland never was all that coordinated. Ny-Lee chuckled at Roland's attempted to dance, but he didn't care about his lack of dancing skill, he was with the girl he loved.
If she is happy, then I am happy. Though learning to dance for next time could not hurt.
I've really got to teach him how to dance.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 35--
-
--START OF DAY 36--
--NARRATOR--
Yiski woke up in a somber mood. Paradox playing the blues last night brought up old memories. Granted many of these memories were pleasant, but the pleasantness actually made the loss of his friends hurt more. It was this hesitation which prevented Yiski from telling Roland anything about his parents.
Dammit. I can already feel this is going to be bad.
Roland woke up in exactly the opposite mood as Yiski. Roland was chipper and humming a tune. Despite having no rhythm or coordination, he enjoyed the dance house with Ny-Lee. Yet, the thought of his parents were ever scratching at the back of his mind. He gave a short sigh.
If I can manage to have Ny-Lee as a girlfriend, I should be able to get Yiski to talk about my parents.
Today was going to be a battle of the minds.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Narrator-
The encounter at the Burning Skies with PapaP left Zill a little down, despite Jun'ko's best efforts. She had to tend to her apartment that night and Zill was left in his galleon chambers for his mind to wander the past. This time it was well before his incident. These thoughts were closer to childhood. The sting of the desert, and the raider attacks.
Ah Dusty Mistress. You can be cruel...
Jun'ko was just waking up in her apartment. She clung to a body pillow that poorly represented the Admiral she had grow to admire. She still has family back in The Empire, and friends write occasionally. She has yet to feel the sting of a real loss apart from leaving to adventure the world. She knew the state she left Zill in and let out a faint sigh...
I hope he'll be ok.
-End Narrator-
-
*Yiski was preparing the saloon for the day when a knock came at the door. Yiski walked over, unlocked, and opened to see Roland.*
Can I come in?
*Yiski sighed and motioned for Roland to come in*
You know you're always allowed inside. I don't see why you always ask. *Yiski sighed again* Well since you're here, I need some help setting up for today.
*The two spent an hour cleaning up the saloon and checking the equipment. When the two finished, Yiski was about to open, but Roland interrupted him.*
Yiski, before you open. I need to ask you something.
Is it about your parents?
Yes.
Damn... I knew Paradox comin' yesterday was some type of omen. Do I even know where to start? Argh.... this is already givin' me bloody headache....
*Yiski stood for a few minutes in silence. He knew he'd have to tell Roland about his parents eventually, but never knew how to go about it.*
Yiski?
Alright. I guess it's about time I did tell you as much as I know about your parents. I'll close up earlier to give me more time. That sound good?
It does.
-
-Saloon-
*Zill got himself moving and went over to the Saloon. He needed something to take the edge off these memories. He opens the door slowly and wanders to the bar.*
WSW, make it double. From the look of your face Yiski, id say we arent feeling much different today.
-City-
*Jun'ko headed into the City Center to get some things for her place. She was still thinking about Zill.*
I really wish i knew how to cheer him up. Hmm....
*She passed by an old watch shop and she instantly knew.*
A gift! That might work..
-
--BdrLine's House--
*Ny-Lee is already awake and is downstairs*
*She opt for cooking breakfast, as she is the better cook between her and the brother*
*As she is cooking, her thoughts go back to yesterday where Roland tries to dance*
Hehe, ahh Roland, he looks so cute when he tries. Maybe if we have time i might actually teach him
*While Ny is cooking, its a different story back upstairs with BdrLine*
*From the incident with the WWA, and his hallucinations of Demons and Mr.Snuggles, BdrLine is in a deep nightmare*
*He toss and turns in his bed as a cold sweat comes upon his forehead*
No, no get away... Mr. Snuggles where are you?
*In his dream state*
Over here Bdr *Mr. Snuggles says in a menacing voice* Come here youll be safe. I have a surprise for you
You not Mr. Snuggles... you're, you're one of THEM
Oh thats right,and now you are going to join us as well
*From his back he pulls out a blood stained butcher knife*
*Everything around Bdr goes black as Demon Snuggles rose to giant height with fire engulfing his whole body*
* Maniacal laughter is heard as the demon stomps towards BdrLine*
*Real World*
NO, NO NOOOOO
*Bdr wakes up, and is shaken from his dream*
*He pulls up his legs towards him and hugs them*
*In a low voice he mutters something*
Mama, mama. Where are you?
*He breaks down in a soft cry*
*Back downstairs, Ny-Lee can hear the noise that is coming from her brothers room.*
*Once she heard the scream, she turns off the stove and rushes up to his room*
*She sees her brother quietly crying to himself*
*But once she hears the muttering, she realized what happened*
*Ny goes up to his brother and just holds him in a big embrace*
*Even though BdrLine has been away from his family for only 5 years, his daunting nightmare has shaken him enough to want to call his mother*
*Both siblings just sit there hugging each other not wanting to move*
*Ny-Lee to her brother while still in the hug*
Want to finally call them?
*BdrLine just simply nods his head*
Alright, maybe after breakfast, then will we call. Come on
*Both brother and sister leaves the room in a somber state downstairs*
*During breakfast no words were said*
*After eating, they got dressed and headed towards BdrLine's warehouse to use his radio equipment*
-
--Saloon--
*Yiski turns to Zill and hands Zill a WSW. Yiski decides to make himself one as well.*
Yep. You remember Roland's parents right? Well, I promised him I'd tell him about them after closing.
-
-Saloon-
*Zill looks up from his drink*
Ah, Micheal and Maria. With all the darkness of those days, they sure did light up the room.
*He takes a swig, steam escaping his mask.*
Thats not going to be fun for you or Roland, but i do think its been a long time coming. To not tell him would be worse at this point.
-City-
*Jun'ko browses the pocket watches for something special. No ordinary watch would do. She spotted a gold one hanging on its own. Upon opening it, she was stunned. The gears were ticking along under the transparent clock face. On the lid was a small engraving. "Every minute with you is worth more than hours without."*
Oh wow. This has to be it. Ive never been so sure!
*She has her initials added to the engraving, and heads to the docks with a grin on her face the entire way.*
-
*Wakes up*
Ugh.. Dammit... where the hell am I?
*after stumbling out of a rather blood-soaked bed, he takes a look around, seeing a great deal of sharp knives and other wierd looking objects* *the walls start to move and change colors before his eyes*
What the hell is this place? *Grabs his dust rider coat and stumbles over some sort of machine*
*Suddenly a creature emerges from the door-way holding some sharp object in his hand. Spoon grabs his revolver* Who the hell are you? What do you want from me?
*The creature responds* Spoon! It's me, Oliver. What are you doing? Get back to bed, you're not yet recovered*
Ooilevr? You'll never take me you foul creature!
*As Oliver advances on Spoon fires a shot at him, missing by half a meter, then hurls himself out the window, landing outside in the street around some rather surprised citizens*
Ahh, more of you? You'll never catch me alive! *Proceeds by running down the street, shooting blindely in the sky*
-
--Saloon--
*Yiski looks around to ensure Roland isn't nearby. When he doesn't see Roland, Yiski turns to Zill*
I know Roland needs to know about his parents. But you sure as hell know like I do there are things which Roland should never know. Especially when it comes to before Micheal and Maria got married.
*Meanwhile, Roland was working in the back room. He was wondering what questions to ask Yiski after closing.*
-
*A squid flies low over the town*
Ah! A flying monster! *Grabs a random civilian* Don't worry ma'm, I got this.*Spoon runs up upon some barrels and starts climbing the nearest building. Once up he opens fire on the squid, missing every shot completely*
*Said squid, now realising it's under fire, turns in a wild arc towards spoon.* Oh shi..
*Once closing it's distance it fires a wild spray of bullets from their bow gatling gun, bullets ripping the roof to shreds.*
Ahhh!
*Starts running and jumping across the roofs, the squid racing after and firing at him*
-
-Oliver's house-
*Oliver was stunned. The flash of events that had taken place caught him off guard*
Dear Skies. I really need to stop being nice to everyone all the time. Especially with surgery....Well he's the guard's problem now.
*He cleans up his house, and relaxes in front of the fire.*
-Saloon-
*Zill lowers his voice and shakes his head.*
If that business ever catches up to Roland you know what could happen. And we aint gettin' and younger. Its your call, but hes your boy.
-Docks-
*Jun'ko finds no trace of Zill at the docks. She uses the radio BdrLine gave them awhile go to call the Burning Skies. At first its all static. She kicks it and it begins to work.*
Heeelllloooooo. Anyone there?
-
--Saloon--
*Yiski to Zill*
You think I don't know that? Why do you think I've born the brunt of the action Council and the Guild. You know as well as I do there were two Crimson Bolts. Since, Micheal's passing, I didn't want his past to become a burden on Roland. Unlike us, Roland's not built for military life.
*Yiski took a large swig of his WSW. Suddenly, Roland comes out from the back.*
Um... Yiski, I think Jun'ko is looking for Zill.
*Yiski turns to Roland*
What makes you think that?
She is on the radio.
*Yiski turns to Zill*
Well, looks like we'll have to come back to this conversation later. Seems like your girlfriend's lookin' for you.
-
*Wisssh* *Wooom* *The bullets fly to the left and right of him as he swiftly dashes across the battered roof*
*Jumping, sprinting, jumping, zig-zagging, sprinting, jumping*
*As he turns to fire a shot at the squid he trips, plummeting off the edge of the roof and crashes into a nearby window while the ship passes overhead*
Aaaaaaaaah *landing on a pair of chairs inside an empty room*
-
Papa P walks in the Saloon, obviously deprived of sleep, he saunters over to the bar and sits down.
"So what are you three up to?"
-
*Zill motions to Roland.*
Tell her im here and shes more than welcome to join us. I could use some uplifting company.
*He eyes PapaP.*
Just discussing some previous happenings. Nothing to bother about. Hows the company?
*He only glares at Yiski. He knows what to make of it.*
-
(Fair Warning, Wall of Text :P)
--Docks--
*BdrLine's Warehouse*
*As both Ny-Lee and BdrLine enter, BdrLine is in a calmer state*
*Bdr's thoughts*
Can't believe I'm going to call them again. Man has it been five years? Well at least Ny is with me for this.
*sighs*
*Ny-Lee lopks to her brother*
Ready?
Yeah
*Bdr then dials in to their families personal radio frequency*
*All that is heard is static, until a younger man voices appears*
Ny is that you? You know its been over a week and you haven't called mom and dad back.
*Bdr puts a hand over the reciever and to Ny*
Is that who i think it is?
Yeah, its "little" Huan *chuckles*
Hey I heard that, so whos with you Ny, his voice sound s familiar.
*Bdr took his hand off the receiver and says to his younger brother*
Well i give you one guess, little bro
*Silence is heard on the other line until Huan finally speaks*
Aan... is that really you?
One and only.
* Shuffling can be heard over the radio as Huan goes through the house trying to find his parents*
*Both Bdr and Ny can still hear him yelling over the radio*
MOM, DAD, you can't believe who is calling right now. WHERE are you guys?
--Chang-ning--
*Zhao Manor*
*A middle-aged woman comes from her room yelling back to Huan*
What is it that is so important that you have to yell?
Quick get dad, there is someone on the radio, you want to talk to.
*A middle-aged man comes out from the kitchen*
Is it the Emperor's Council? They know that i don't meet with them until next week.
No, even more important..... gah just follow me
*Both parents look at each other and at their son*
*sighing, both parents followed him to the radio room to see what is so important*
--Anvala--
*BdrLine's Warehouse*
*After what seemed like 10 minutes, the radio comes back to life again*
Hey you guys still there?
Yes Huan. So what was all that ruckus about?
*A gasp can be heard through the radio, some more shuffling can be heard*
Azn... is that really you?
Yes ma, its me
Oh my Gods, i can't believe... *some crying can be heard* Is Ny-Lee with you as well?
Present
Is this why you left on a vacation, to find your brother
Well yeah mainly, but also to go out more, but yes to find him
*more shuffling*
Well nice work Ny, so Son how has it been after all this years?
*The conversation continues as all the family members recount all the past events that they encountered*
*From stories to gossip, the whole time they were just trying to catch up from all the pass events*
*When the topic of Ny-Lee and Roland pops up. their mother squells in delight knowing her daughter has a boyfriend, while their father just passes out on the floor.(He regains conciseness of course, but later he calls back to his son to keep an eye out, which Bdr agrees jokingly)*
*Eventually, they end the call, but now Bdr promises to keep in touch so as that no one will ever be i the dark any more*
*Ny-Lee to her brither*
So how do you feel now.
Like a whole weight has finally been lifted. Come on lets go to the Saloon getting to know each other again is a lot of work
*Both of the laughs*
Ok , same here
*Both brother and sister now walks toward The Burning Skies*
-
"Well it's not on fire... so good enough, Jen and John are handling it, where's your better half Zill?"
He shakes his head
"Hell Yiski, we'd better pick up the slack, everyone 'round here is findin' someone 'cept us."
-
*Roland heads into the back again to tell Jun'ko that Zill is in the saloon. Yiski looks to Paradox*
Bah... you think I've got the time to maintain a relationship. Hell, I've got my hands full taking care of you folks. Also, I'd appreciate it you give us some forewarning when you're goin' to get all depressed. The saloon is a place to drink to be happy or to drink away problems.
*Roland pops out from the back and looks to Zill*
Well, I told Jun'ko you were here. See said she would be over soon. Also, judging from her voice she sounded quite thrilled for some reason.
*Yiski chuckles and decides to mess with Zill*
Heh... hey Zill, don't tell me we're going to have mini Zills and Jun'kos running around Anvala now. I don't think the Council could handle that.
-
"Really, you're talkin' to me about being depressed while Mr.Clinical is right here"
*Points at Zill*
*Puts on a high pitch voice and imitates Zill*
"No ones gonna love me because I'm damaged, dark and brooding!"
*He laughed and took a drink that Yiski had prepared for him*
-
*BdrLine and Ny-Lee enters the saloon*
Hello all, so anything exciting happens*laughs*But any ways, Yiski can i get a drink
*Ny-Lee looks around for Roland and wonders where he is*
Yiski did you send Roland out today?
-
*Zill sits up.*
You kiddin' me? I couldnt even fathom that. Wonder what shes so excited about though....
*He takes a long swig pondering the possibilities. He glances at PapaP and begins mocking.*
Boo hoo look at my golden legs and arms. Im so worthless even though ive inherited The largest trading company this side of The Burren.
-
*Yiski looks at both Paradox and Zill.*
Okay, okay, let's settle this now. You're both horribly disfigured in your own right and I can't see how either you can love or be loved.
*Yiski spots BdrLine and Ny-Lee entering the saloon*
Hey there BdrLine. Recovered from the Wild Wind? Also... *Yiski yells into the back* Roland! You're girlfriends here. Stop flirting with Jun'ko over the radio.
*Roland immediately rushes out from the back. Roland was obviously flustered from Yiski's call.*
Yiski! You know it is not kind to make such jokes. Plus, I would never do such a thing to my sweet Ny-Lee.
*Yiski looks over and sees that both BdrLine and Ny-Lee's faces seem a bit brighter*
Well don't you two seem cheery. Care to share?
*Yiski hands BdrLine a Frost Fire Ale.*
-
*BdrLine takes the FFA from Yiski*
Well, I finally called my family after all these years. And let me say that its a good feeling to have know that they still care
Yeah we just talk about what we all have done during those years. I bet they feel better knowing HE'S still around.
*Tilts her head to her brother*
Ahh want happen to the family love back there *chuckles a bit* but yeah it does feels great again
-
*Yiski finishes his WSW with a little steam coming out of his ears*
Well, I guess it's always good to let the family know you're experiments haven't killed you yet BdrLine.
*Roland pulls up next to Ny-Lee and whispers to her.*
Do you think you can stay after closing today? Yiski and I will be talking about my parents and I could really use some moral support.
-
*Ny-Lee whispers back*
Sure anything for you *pecks him on the cheek*
*BdrLine hides his face away*
Ahh too much love..*takes his hand away from his face and chuckles*
*Ny-Lee then goes up and punches him in the arm*
*Bdr Still laughing*
Alright geez
-
*Jun'ko comes through the door grinning. She comes up to the bar, orders a Sake, and wraps around Zill.*
And how is my Admiral doing? Better than i left you I hope. I have been all over town today! So tiring.
*Zill turns to her.*
Its so good to see something so beautiful. Someone has to even out the ugly PapaP is emitting over here. *Laughs* So what did you get in town?
*Jun'ko wanted to keep it secret until later in the galleon. She diverts his question*
Oh just some things. No worry. Everything is just great.
*She cant see it, but Zill knows shes up to no good.*
-
--NARRATOR--
In keeping with his promise, Yiski kicked everybody out early so he could talk to Roland. Soon the only people left in the saloon were Roland, Ny-Lee, himself.
You sure you want Ny-Lee to be here?
Yes.
Yiski gave a deep breath and started the story of how him, Micheal, and Maria met.
Well, you already know your father and I grew up together here in Anvala and joined the Academy when we could. Your mother, Maria,... she was there too, but as a medical student.
What was my mother at the Academy?
Well, when you get a lot of young kids together and keep them in close proximity to guns and other weapons, you're bound to have injuries. Hence, the need for a on-site medic. Well, your father and I got to know her very well, very quickly.
Roland and Ny-Lee sat intently, hanging on Yiski's words.
By the skies, I can still remember that day your farther and I laid eyes on her. We both thought she was an angel.
Well we wanted to befriend your mother quickly because we wanted to see who would woo her first. To do that we hurt ourselves, either through training, or beating the tar out of each other.
Roland's jaw dropped wide open. Yiski laughed.
Well, you can see who won in the end.
Yiski then went on the day Roland was born. His tone and pacing became somber and slower.
Well, I never did tell you what happened when you were born. You know I originally said your mother left you and your father, but that was a lie.
Yiski took a deep breath.
Maria.... your mother.... s... she died givin' birth to you. Docs did what they could, but some complications happened... And Micheal.... well... he never quite recovered from her death.
Why did you keep this a secret from me all these years?
Ny-Lee could tell Roland was angry and reached down to hold his hand. Roland took and he squeezed firmly.
Well, I ultimately made the decision to say she ran off because it was easier to explain to you when you were young. Lookin' back on it, I regret that decision.
Well what about my father? What happened to him after mother's death?
Well.... Yiski struggled whether to tell Roland his father was also the Crimson Bolt. you're father became a bit more reckless in his mission choices and eventually took on a persona to hide his identity. The Crimson Bolt.
Wait... you and father were the Crimson Bolt?
Yup. Basically, your father and I developed the name. We would alternate the use of the name when either one of us was out on the field to make it seem like it was one person.
Yiski took a pause to breathe.
Well, your father was killed as he was comin' back from a mission usin' the Crimson Bolt title. Guild ambush when you were about eight, but nobody knew the Crimson Bolt died in the attack. Yiski took another breath. Well, word had it the Guild was giving a bounty for info on the identity of the Crimson Bolt and find him or relatives to take out. Well, I couldn't let them come after you. So I used BdrLine's help to erase your father from being the Crimson Bolt.
So the bounty hunters which came after you...
Were after your father and myself. I decided to burden everything on myself.
Why?
Because you deserved a life that doesn't involve your father's past and you weren't raised to handle it.
Yiski looked at the clock and noticed hours had passed by.
Damn, it took longer than expected. If you have questions, then I'll answer those tomorrow. The two of you should head of for some sleep.
Roland couldn't wrap his mind around everything Yiski told him. Both Roland and Ny-Lee left the saloon.
Are you going to be okay?
I am not sure. I knew Yiski sacrificed a lot to raise me, but I had no clue to the extent.
It's because he cares for you like his own.
I... I know.
The couple reached BdrLine's place where the two kissed goodnight. Roland walked alone back to his place trying to figure out why Yiski had kept all this a secret and what else Yiski was still hiding.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 36--
-
--START OF DAY 37--
--NARRATOR--
Morning came and the sun peaked through Yiski's window. He grumbled. Last night had been a train wreck in attempting to talk about Roland's parents. Now that Roland knew the truth to both his mother and father, Yiski was unsure how Roland could rectify years of lies he told him. Reluctantly, Yiski got up.
By the burning skies, I guess I need to open up.
As Yiski walked into the front, he heard a knock on the door.
I'm going to bet 50 gold it's Roland.
Yiski unlocked and opened the door. Before him was Roland.
Damn I hate it when I'm right. Thought you would've taken time off to sort things out.
Roland stood silent for a few minutes looking at Yiski. Yiski felt either Roland was going to yell at him or possibly hit him. After a few more moments.
Thank you.
Now it was Yiski's turn to be speechless.
The hell. Thank you? For what? I lied to you your entire life.
Thank you for being honest with me now. I will admit I was angry about the lies you have told me, but with some understanding and help from Ny-Lee, I realized the reasons why you have kept these things from me. You were right. If you did tell me the truth when I was younger, I would not have understood the events completely.
Roland took another breath, closed in on Yiski, and gave him a hug. The first one Roland ever gave to Yiski. Though surprised and not in his nature, Yiski mirrored the hug.
And thank you for raising me. I never realized until last night how much I owe you.
Yiski laughed.
By the skies Roland, how many times I gotta tell you. You don't owe me anything.
Roland broke the hug and chuckled.
I know. Um... sorry about hugging you all of a sudden.
No worries, but don't make it a regular habit or Ny-Lee'll get jealous.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Docks-
-Narrator-
Zill and Jun'ko went back to the docks after being promptly kicked out by Yiski for his own devices. As much as Jun'ko wanted to give Zill the watch, she had a feeling that a better time would come around, so she waited. Initially the night was good. Jun'ko nestled against Zill as they drifted to sleep. It wasnt meant to last. Zill's dreams took him on a journey back in time once again...
The air was hot, and the sand bit at everything it touched. It was a hot night in Sylka, even by its standards. Zill was very young at this point, nearly a teenager. He had his friends, but his best was Kyle. They were like brothers, and always talked about the ships that would fly over the town in slow motion. Zill knew he would be a pilot one day, and Kyle would be the best engineer ever seen. They would always sneak into the docks and "commandeer" a random boat docked there late at night, learning everything about it and shooting down "raiders."
This particular night was interrupted by a low roar. Zill though he had accidentally started the engines but quickly realized it was not his doing. Kyle was the first to spot one of the Raider boats. The attack on the town was unexpected, and a lot of people were in a panic. Guards were having a rough go at them, and a few boats took off in a flash to assist with the defense. Zill and Kyle first feared for their families, but realized it was too late for anything but direct action.
Zill took the helm of their "commandered" Pyramidion, and they were off. It wasnt their first time flying, but it was their first fight. Lacking in guns, Zill resorted to ramming with Kyle on repairs. The first kill didnt come quick, but Zill quickly learned the art to controlled rams. He caught a Squid off guard and drove it into a nearby building. They were determined to get the raiders out of the town. Unfortunately for them they were outnumbered and the fight turned sour. All felt lost until support arrived for the young duo. In the final face-off, the guards and random allies had won against the raiders. Zill went to congratulate his brother in arms, but quickly realized the price of their actions. In the moments before support arrived, Kyle was hit. Even through that, he managed to keep the boat alive. Zill called for help, but deep down knew it was too late. Kyle knew as well, and requested one last thing of his closest friend.
We both kn...know I dont have long. Say the pra....prayer.
With Kyle in his arms and a tear in his eye, Zill gave his brother in arms his final wish.
By the Skies we fly this day. Off into the Sunset to give chase. May the Winds stay at our back. Our Dusty Mistress be appeased. Our Mugs ever full. Onwards ye' Dogs, Into the Fray.
Kyle grinned, and drew his last breath. Zill tried with every ounce of strength to hold back tears, but it was no use.
When the others rushed to the boat, they couldnt believe their eyes. Two teenagers had manned the vessal and assisted in the defense. The loss of Kyle was felt by all who were there, but none moreso than Zill.
At this point Zill woke up. He sat up, and stared into the space before him.
Dammit Kyle, you crazy fool. Why did the Dusty Mistress have to take you...
-End Narrator-
-
*Shortly after opening, the saloon started seeing some increased traffic. Yiski smiled, he knew it would happen since the Docks were running at full capacity and the warmer weather brought in more merchants and visitors. Yiski looked to Roland.*
Ah... this is lookin' like it's goin' to be a good warm season for us.
I agree, especially since the Docks were repaired.
*Yiski nodded.*
So, you and Ny-Lee have been datin' for a few days.
*Roland raised an eyebrow while cleaning a glass.*
Yes.
Any future plans?
Like?
Marriage.
*The word of marriage about made Roland fumble and drop the glass. Yiski watched and laughed.*
Marriage? Do you not think it is too soon? Ny-Lee and I have only had one date.
Hell, your parents got married after two days of dating.
Really? Two days?
Yup. I was surprised too, but it somehow worked out for them.
*Roland started to blush.*
Marry Ny-Lee, huh.
*The thought had crossed his mind, but he felt it was far too soon to consider it seriously.*
I wonder how Ny-Lee feels about us getting married.
*The more Roland thought about it, the more he blushed.*
-
*Jun'ko was slow to get up today. She realized she was alone in the bed.*
Guess he started work without me. He never lets me sleep in....
*Jun'ko quickly got herself ready and went out on the main deck. Zill was sitting on the railing in front of the helm and saw her. He hopped down and surprised her. She screamed and went crazy on him.*
Holy flak that wasnt funny!!!!! I nearly died!!!!
*Zill can only laugh.*
That was something to see. Im sorry to make you jump out of your skin though.
*Jun'ko takes a breath.*
Like I could stay mad at that. I give you credit for managing that drop.
No kiddin'. Im surprised I didnt fall over.
*They both can feel the warm air of the warm seasons coming in*
Get yourself dressed for a day at the Saloon. Its a good day to celebrate life and the Skies.
Hehe Very well my Admiral.
-
*Storms into the Saloon , and in his best imitation of Sunderland yells...*
"This is a holdup! Hand over all your plushies or the place goes up in flames!"
*Unfortunately, no one found this funny... Disheartened, Shink goes to his table, and orders a WSW.... *
-
--Docks--
*BdrLine's House*
*Ny-Lee is still in bed sleeping after staying up with Roland, while Yiski talks about his parents*
*All is quiet in the house , as birds are chirping outside until...*
*BOOM*
*The sudden explosion rocked the house a little which resulted in Ny-Lee falling out of her bed*
*From the outside, Ny can hear her brother screaming out an apology and some sort of an explanation to what caused the explosion*
*Ny-Lee in her thoughts*
REALLY, can't a lady get some sleep out here!?!
*She pushes herself up, changes from her night garments to her day clothes and head down stairs to her brother*
*When she reaches outside, a hole can be seen from her brothers warehouse*
*Inside of that hole is BdrLineAzn all covered in soot and hair raised, with tools in his hands. Behind him is Tommy and Allen*
*Nervous chuckles*Umm hey Ny... I can explain everything. You see, we were trying to make some new gasoline for engines, and well when we added it to an actually engine... it sorta blow up hehe
*Ny-Lee just gives herself a face palm and just throw her hands up in exasperation*
Why do i even... you know what i just head to the saloon. I don't want to stick around more with this going on
*Ny-Lee leaves the guys about their business and to the saloon*
*Back to BdrLine, he call out to his sister*
Well alright, i just see you there later
*To Tommy and Allen*
Comeone lets fix this place... again*sigh*
--Saloon--
*After a few minutes, Ny-Lee arrives*
*She sees the place packed with people, and heads to the bar*
*She sees both Yiski and Roland*
Hey you two, so its pack today huh?
*She goes up to Roland and pecks him*
So you feel a little better after yesterday.
-
*Jun'ko emerges from the Galleon chambers and Zill can only stare. A thin white shirt with red underneath to cover, a long flowing dress and knee-high boots. She twirls on front of him.*
I can feel you staring through that mask of yours. What do you think?
I dont think ive seen anything more beautiful.
*She blushes and takes his hand.*
Come on, lets go. Im itchin' to dance.
*They makes their way to the Burning Skies and make an entrance.*
-
*Sitting by a cracked window looking out across the "creatures" below*
This is just crazy... crazy I tell you... aaa shit.. What has happened to Anvala? What was that thing yesterday?
*Looks around the room* I need to get out of here
-
--Saloon--
*Roland and Yiski stare at Shink.*
Shink, you're no Sund.
*Roland nodded and gave him his requested WSW.*
*After a few minutes, Ny-Lee arrives*
*She sees the place packed with people, and heads to the bar*
*She sees both Yiski and Roland*
Hey you two, so its pack today huh?
*She goes up to Roland and pecks him*
So you feel a little better after yesterday.
Yes, I am much better today. Thank you.
*Roland remembers what Yiski said earlier.*
Marriage.
*Roland shakes his head.*
I really do not need this right now.
-
*Zill and Jun'ko make there way up to the bar. Patrons along the way go silent with one look at Jun'ko. Zill's gaze quickly dashes many of their hopes.*
Damn Yiski this place got popular. Must be the finished Port. Ahoy Roland. How's Ny?
We'd like a WSW and Sake gentlemen. Oh and some music would be lovely!
Ah I can get that goin'.
*Zill stomps the ground to silence the patrons.*
Whats it take for an Admiral to get some music around here?
*Suddenly that old piano gets manned, and a guitar and violin join in. Soon enough its a band.*
There yea are Sweetheart. By the Skies I want to see you dance all night.
*Jun'ko begins to twirl and sway to the music.*
-
*Yiski facepalms and fixes up a WHW for Zill and sake for Jun'ko.*
Dammit Zill, I wish you'd stop commandeering my saloon!
*Watching Zill and Jun'ko dance brought a thought, albeit a bad one, to Roland's mind and asks Ny-Lee.*
Care to dance my lady?
-
*Zill shouts to Yiski*
You cant deny the good time and wealth of business my friend!
*Jun'ko's dress is a blurr as she dances along with Zill.*
Oh live a little Yiski. Hop on that bar I know you dance!
-
--Saloon--
*Ny-Lee blushes at the comment and accepts*
*She and Roland heads to the dance floor*
--Somewhere in Anvala--
*A group of guards are now on the lookout for Spoon*
*Each of the are equipped with tranquilliser darts and rifles*
*The two guards who were on the BdrLine chase are amount them*
What's with people going crazy this week huh? First it's BdrLine, now.... this guy
Don't ask me. We are just here to keep order. And the damaged he cause yesterday. This does deviently need order
Ugh let's just get this over with and find him. Once we get him, it's the hospitals problem now
You said it... hey you see that over here?
*the group stops and turn to where the guard pointed to*
*It was a calm alley way where there was nothing out of the ordinary, until Spoon crashes out of a window screaming words that the guards couldn't understand*
Looks like it's our man... QUICK AFTER HIM!
*A chase erupts around the city as the guards were chasing Spoon*
-
*Yiski gives Jun'ko a deadpan stare.*
Heh... you're kiddin' me. Granted I could probably dance better than Zill, but that's not much of a standard to beat.
*Yiski watches Roland and Ny-Lee dance.*
Plus, I'm sure Roland will do enough dancin' for the two of us.
*Dancing with Ny-Lee, Roland tries to do better and does, even if marginally.*
-
*projectiles flies over his head as the mad dash continues*
You buggers! *firing a blind shot behind him*
*They run through the alley, turning right upon a narrow path between two houses, jumping and rushing over the various crates and garbage bins located.*
*Smock* dam bin!
*Suddenly they come out in a larger square, densely populated. As spoon rushes through the crowd, the guards fires a pair of shots, unfortunately landing in a man next to him. Spoon takes the opportunity to run in the ongoing market. The guards pursue him, punding right through a street-preformer's act*
You buffoons! The Great Dayral is no mere bum to simply run over!
-
*Zill wanders over to Yiski to take a swig of his WSW*
My standards are pretty low compared to her's. Im a better fighter than dancer.
*Just as he says that, he catches a new guy tugging on Jun'ko's dress. She smacks him across the face. He gets up and grabs her. Zill walks over.*
You have three seconds before I sever your arm from your pathetic excuse of a body.
*The music stops and the floor clears. The man only stares as he grips Jun'ko harder, her face showing the pain. Zill grabs the man by the throat and smacks his head on the nearest table. He then pulls the man's arm out of its socket. This invited a yell from him which was quickly silenced by Zill with a knee to his face. He then kicked him outside literally through the bar door. Wood and dust followed the man outside where he lay. Zill turned around and looked at Jun'ko.*
You ok?
More than ok.
*The band starts again and Zill sits back down at the bar.*
-
*Yiski laughs and fixes himself a drink of Hellfire.*
I swear some of these idiots will never learn.
*Yiski announces to the saloon over the band.*
Next one you idiots to do something similar won't be as lucky.
*Yiski points to Blood Bolt on the wall and Zill pats his hand-cannon on his side.*
-
*kicking down some crates containing some kind of fruit*
haha!
*unfortunately this doesn't have the desired effect as the guards simply stomps over them*
-
*Zill finishes his WSW and orders a No.3, getting up to dance again.*
I tell yea Yiski shes goin' to wear me out.
*Jun'ko hears him.*
Aww youll survive. We havent even made it back to the Galleon yet. *Winks*
*He takes her hand and the music plays. They glide along the floor.*
-
*In sudden panic he glimbs on top of a market stand and leaps over to the nearest roof. The guards now a bit more co-ordinated, fires a shot, hitting Spoon in the left leg*
*as he limps across the roof they climb after him*
Man, what's with this guy?
Damn lunatic! Get down from there!
-
*Yiski watches as Roland takes a break from dancing and joins Yiski at the bar. Roland is panting.*
I do not think... I have ever danced this much before.
*Yiski hands Roland a glass of water. Roland takes it and pauses for a moment, unsure whether the liquid in his hand is water.*
No worries. It's water. With the increased occurrences of fires breaking out in the saloon, I thought it'd be a good idea to have water in case I run out of the emergency bottles.
*Roland relaxed and took a sip. Realizing the liquid was water, Roland down the glass.*
I feel a bit more refreshed now.
*The music was still playing and Roland watched Ny-Lee dancing with Jun'ko and Zill now. Yiski smiles and laughs.*
-
*as spoon looks out across the roofs he recognizes a certain building, the burning skies saloon. He limps towards it with his increasingly lame leg, turning again and again to fire a shot at his followers. As he lands on the roof of the saloon the guards catch up and tackles him.*
WooAAah
Finally got you, you bastard. Hold still dammit
*A mad and clumsy fight erupts on the roof. Kicking, swearing, rolling and wrestling. They roll dangerously close to the edge of the roof, and suddenly the outermost part breaks, plunging them right down a few meters beside the entrance*
*crash*
ugh...
damn..
crap...
-
*Zill hears the crash and looks through the ruined door and sees Spoon getting tackled by guard.*
Oh well. Their problem.
*He continues to dance with Jun'ko and Ny-Lee, beckoning Roland to come get his woman.*
Come on young gun. Dont get out-danced by an old man like me. *Laughs*
-
*After the chase around the city for Spoon, the rest of the guards finally showed up*
*The two that followed Spoon through most of the chase spoke to the group*
Finally you guys showed up*Holds his arm as he gets up*
Yeah as you guys can see, we did all the work. Where was the teamwork, or even back-up for us huh?*Tries to get up and falls forward*Ah dammit
Well since you are now here, cuff him. Send him as well as us to the hospital
And can you at least carry us? Put some work into you guys, sheesh
*The rest of the guards comply and hand cuff Spoon*
*The rest help all three of them up and they start heading to the hospital*
*Once there, the guards put Spoon on a bed and cuff both his hands down so 1) he won't escape and 2)Doctors can see what is wrong with him*
*The two injured guards went to a check up room where a nurse overlooks their injuries*
--Docks--
*BdrLine, Allen and Tommy spends the whole day trying to fix the hole that was caused in the mourning*
*Once finished, Bdr thanks they guys and they all left to their seperate ways, For BdrLine, he heads to the saloon*
-
*Roland sighed. As much as he didn't want to admit it, he never had much physical training. Most of it was a product of Yiski not wanting Roland to follow his father's footsteps.*
*Roland downed another glass of water and joined with Ny-Lee again.*
Well, I am ready for round two.
*Ny-Lee smiled and gave Roland a kiss on the cheek.*
*Yiski also saw Spoon get tackled by the guards outside.*
About time they got him.
-
*BdrLine enters the saloon and sees the festivities*
*He tries to get to the bar across the dance floor but couldn't get through as people spin him around this way and that*
*Once he finally arrives at the bar, he sees Yiski as one of the few people not dancing*
Whats going on here? Is it an Anvalan holiday that i forgot or something?
*From the bar he sees his sister dancing with Roland*
*BdrLine just gives a confused look and points at them*
Am I dreaming still or what?
-
*Yiski looks and BdrLine's confused face and laughs.*
If you consider having my saloon commandeered by Zill a holiday, then yes.
*Yiski then feels another mischievous grin forming. Yiski wanted to see how much he could freak out BdrLine like he did with Roland in the morning.*
So BdrLine... *BdrLine looks at Yiski* How do you feel about Roland becomin' your brother-in-law.
*Yiski couldn't wait for it to sink into BdrLine and watch his reaction.*
This is going to be good.
*Roland and Ny-Lee were enjoying dancing together. Occasionally, they would kiss each other either. All the while, Roland still thinking about marriage.*
Good grief, Yiski, why did you put the thought of marriage into my head? I mean I love Ny-Lee, but do I love her enough to marry her? Does she even have the same feelings for me to that extent?
*Roland sighed was about to give a disappointed look, but Ny-Lee looked at him and he cleared his head.*
I do not have to worry about it now. We will deal with it when it comes up.
-
*Zill dances around with Jun'ko, taking every step in stride*
By the Skies i havent danced this much in my lifetime.
*Jun'ko grins.*
Well its going to happen a lot more if you keep this up.
*They take a break and head to the bar, ordering drinks.*
Its been one hell of a night Yiski.
-
*The words that Yiski said finally sinks in*
Bacha, woucha whacha .....WHAT!?!?!*BdrLine yells*
*The sudden yell stops the music again, and everyone turns to see who caused it*
*BdrLine goes up from his seat and heads towards Roland*
*He has a face that looks like it would kill*
Roland, you know I am fine that you are dating my sister... But MARRIAGE oh you have some guts. Its been only ONE date and you think you can stroll up and ask for her HAND!?! I don't know your marriage culture, but back in Yesha, you have to go through our Father first and trust me, me yelling at you will be mild to what he can do.
*The look of Roland now shows that of fear and confusion until Ny-Lee enters the conversation*
AZN WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!? Marriage come on, like you said its only been one date. Its way too early*she then turns to Roland reassuring that its an idea that she likes about*And besides Roland didn't even propose to me, where did you get the idea that we are engage?
*This time BdrLine has a confused look on his face*
Wait what now? But Yiski said.... I'm stupid
*Ny-Lee pats her brothers face*
Yes you are one of the stupidest, smart older brother a sister can have.
*Nervous chuckle and rubs the back of his head*
Hehe, well sorry about that outburst there Roland. I think i need to talk to Yiski now.
*He goes back to the bar where Yiski is at*
*The music starts again*
*BdrLine in a low voice to him*
Yiski what the Hell?!? You made me look like a bigger fool then i already am. Care to explain?
*Back at the dance floor*
So Roland , marriage huh*she says with a playfull grin*
-
*By the time BdrLine got back to the bar, Yiski was laughing hard.*
By the skies BdrLine, you should've seen the look on your face.
*A quick look shows both Roland and Ny-Lee redder than a Hellfire on fire and Yiski chuckles and turns back to BdrLine.*
Alright, I'll admit that was a bit cruel on my end, but you got to admit those two are good for each other. Also, you never know how these things turn out.
*Meanwhile, if Roland's mind was going crazy over the thought of marriage, BdrLine's outburst and Ny-Lee's response drove it into overdrive.*
WHAT!!! I mean I would never think about marrying Ny-Lee without her parents approval. Plus, Ny-Lee is right. It is far to early for us, but yet she seemed to insinuate if I proposed to her, she would accept it?! Gods, this just escalated.
*Yiski's concentration breaks as Zill walks up and orders a drink.*
All that tar finally gettin' to you? Here's a Clear Skies. Should get you up and goin' again.
*Moments later, Roland and Ny-Lee also take a break. Roland was looking noticeably worn out, physically and mentally.*
Yiski... I could use more water.
*Yiski handed Roland a galss of water and look to Ny-Lee.*
And a Frost Fire Ale for you.
-
*Zill and Jun'ko are laughing at poor BdrLine.*
Jeeze Bdr, I nearly kill a man and you might as well of hung yourself out there. That was brutal to watch.
His face was priceless! And that poor couple is now as red as his stashed dragon peppers.
*Zill chugs the Clear Skies.*
Yea that hit the spot. That tar aint got me down yet. And you seem chipper as ever Jun'ko.
Of course! This has to be one of those nights you always remember.
-
*BdrLine to Yiski*
Yeah your right, out of the few guys she dated before, Roland truly does make her happy. But come on really? You gave me a heart attack there. If Roland actually came up to me and ask, that would be a different story. Not that I'm saying that Ny will accept on the spot, even she knows that its way too early. If they do actually get married, I'm glad its Roland
*to Zill*
Well wait until Jun'ko ask for a ring and see how you feel*smirks*
*As Roland and Ny-Lee get to the bar, Ny-Lee takes the FFA form Yiski*
Why thank you Yiski, but i think you need to give Roland a barrel of water, he seems more tired then usual.
-
*Zill looks at BdrLine.*
Hey now, dont go shoving your problems on me. You have the young gun eying your sister, not me.
*Jun'ko wraps around Zill. She knows where to go with this.*
Oh it wouldnt be so bad now would it?? You are my Admiral after all.
*Zill tries to speak his next words very carefully but....*
Bad? No of course not. It would be friggen' great. I mean if that happens, not so say it wouldnt.....Oh flak me...
-
--NARRATOR--
The night went on with music, song, and dance. Roland was exhausted and Zill was showing some age. However, it didn't stop their girls from dancing. There were a few times some of the patrons wanted to join up with the girls, but they knew at the bar Zill had his hand-cannon cocked and Yiski had Blood Bolt hanging for all to see. Those two made for one hell of a deterrence system.
BdrLine was still bothered by the joke Yiski laid on him.
Even Ny says it's too early, so there's no problem... but... why did she mention it's only because Roland hadn't proposed yet?
The thought would haunt him for a while, even in the back of his mind. Like wise, Ny-Lee had similar thoughts racing through.
Why did I think it would be okay to get married if Roland proposed to me soon? I mean I love him. He's sweet, kind, a gentleman, but....
Zill and Jun'ko had their own thoughts to filter through.
Marriage? Bah, I highly doubt Jun'ko would want to get married to me, but a man can dream. And what a nice dream it would be.
Getting married to MY Admiral!? I wonder if I should start teasing him about it to push him in that direction. Hmm... I'll do that later. Hehe.
Last, but not least, there was Spoon who was under guard watch at the hospital. He was bound and strapped to the bed with enough sedatives with the knockout power of a Hellfire.
If things were hectic now for our group, then the coming days would almost seem peaceful.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 37--
-
--START OF DAY 38--
--NARRATOR--
Roland woke up early as he usually did. Last night's outburst by BdrLine and the subsequent thoughts still were fresh in Roland's mind, but the sleep was able to help him put the thoughts on the back burner. All he wanted to think about was enjoying his time with Ny-Lee and having fun with her.
By the time Roland made his way to the saloon, he saw Yiski washing the windows outside. Roland chuckled. Because the warm season had started and more people were coming into Anvala, Yiski needed to make the saloon at least presentable on the outside.
Good morning Yiski.
Yiski turned to see Roland and nodded.
Mornin'.
Without further words, Roland reached down and grabbed a spare rag and helped Yiski in finishing the cleaning.
Meanwhile at the Docks, among the hustle and bustle of new arrivals, a group of men gathered outside the entrance.
Are you sure those two are here?
Based on the intercepted radio transmissions, yes.
Good. Time to make some good money boys.
The group broke up and they headed out into Anvala.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Narrator-
Zill woke up somewhat refreshed. The previous night had filled his mind with so many new thoughts, that the old ones didnt make an appearance. BdrLine's comments about Jun'ko and marriage was the least pressing thing on his mind. The dancing was still fresh. It was one of his best nights. The Council also picked at his brain. He knew his next mission up North was going to come soon.
He carefully got out of bed to not wake Jun'ko, and walked out onto the main deck of the Galleon. The Docks were full of life. The warm season was going to bring a lot of fresh bodies and trade, especially with the restructured large docks. He leaned off the port bow and gazed at the dockmen below.
Jun'ko had woken up despite Zill's best efforts. She was still humming tunes from last night. She came up behind Zill and wraped him in a hug.
Good morning Zill.
Good morning sunshine. How are you?
Still picturing last night. It really was one of my best.
Glad we can agree.
They both chuckled and watched the dockmen go about their day. A feeling came over Zill. He felt something was not quite right. He couldnt place it, but he took a deep breath and let out a short grunt.
Something wrong?
Just a feeling I cant shake. Something in the air doesnt feel quite right.
On a beautiful day like today? I surely dont feel anything except that sunrise.
Im goin' to head over to the Saloon just to make sure. If nothing is wrong then you can call me paranoid when I get back. Deal?
Fair enough, my Admiral. I'll buzz them on the radio for you as well.
Zill got his fighting gear on. This feeling of his may of been nothing, but he wasnt about to be unprepared. With his iron knuckles, steel boots, and hand pistol with a few spare rounds from Yiski, he set off toward the Burning Skies.
Jun'ko dug out a set of her throwing knives from her things. She wasnt about to be caught off guard again like last night. Knives around her belt, and wrench in her pocket, she made for the radio and hailed the Saloon.
Galleon to Skies, anyone awake?
-End Narrator-
-
--Saloon--
*After Roland and Yiski finished touching up the outside of the saloon, the two went inside. Yiski decided to fix up the main floor and sent Roland to make sure the equipment was good. A few minutes of work passed before Roland came out and called to Yiski.*
Yiski, there is a radio transmission coming from Jun'ko.
*Yiski shrugged and walked into the back room. He answered the transmission.*
This is Skies. What's on your mind Jun'ko?
-
-Docks-
*Jun'ko sat on the upper deck and answered.*
Hey Yiski. Zill was having some bad vibes and wanted me to see if all was ok. He's on his way now just to make sure for himself I guess. I want to call him paranoid but i even have my knives out just in case. He seemed pretty serious about it.
-
--Saloon--
*Yiski to Jun'ko over the radio*
Zill's feelin' a bit paranoid, huh? Hmm.... not sure why, but I got the same vibes. I'll make sure things are safe here. Skies out.
*Yiski made his way back to the front and took down Blood Bolt. Yiski unloaded the non-lethal ammo and reloaded the rifle with lethal heavy rounds (like heavy rounds in the game, but with the added perk of being non-piercing).*
*Roland joins Yiski behind the bar and has a worried look on his face.*
Do you think some one is after you again?
*Yiski shrugs*
Maybe.
*As soon as Yiski cocks the rifle, three men walk into the saloon.*
Sorry, pal, not open yet. *Turns to Roland* Can't believe I forgot to lock the door.
Sorry to bother you, but I'm just looking for some information. I heard this is a popular place and thought it would be a good place to start.
*Yiski inspect the men.*
They're wearing light infantry armor, equipped with rope, rifle, and pistol. Dammit... mercenaries. What sort of info are you lookin' for?
Have you heard of a man and young woman by the names of BdrLineAzn and Ny-Lee?
*Roland, still in the back, overhears the question and immediately gets back to the radio.*
Jun'ko! Jun'ko are you there? We got a problem. Some people arrived asking about BdrLineAzn and Ny-Lee. I repeat someone is looking for BdrLineAzn and Ny-Lee!
*Back at the main floor*
I might of heard of them. What's it to you?
It's business related. No concern to you.
*Yiski then saw the left mercenary reach for his pistol. Yiski immediately raised his rifle.*
I don't know what you bloody mercenaries are doin' in Anvala, but you don't walk into my saloon then try to draw your weapons on me!
Take it easy old man.
*The leader motions to the left mercenary to back off and he does. The leader then raises his hand and points it at Yiski.*
By the bloody skies. ROLAND! STAY BACK AND STAY DOWN!
*Suddenly a hail of bullets volley into the saloon through the windows. Yiski is forced to take cover behind counter and takes blind shots over the counter.*
*Meanwhile, Roland hears the shots ring out and see a few of them penetrate the wall. Roland scrambles and yells into the radio.*
JUN'KO! THE SALOON IS UNDER ATTACK!
*A penetrating bullet then hits the radio.*
-
Papa Paradox strolled in the streets, sleep has been evading him as of late. He had Brunhilda and his volcanic in tow, he had a bad feelin', something that plagued the city today. Sure as shit on his way to the saloon he heard the echo of bullets.
"Well hell, it's about time."
He ran to see what the commotion was, he saw four men spraying Yiski's bar from the outside. Hoping to draw fire, he opened up on them, He caught the left most in the neck, second in the back, his third bullet hit the third in the leg. After Papa's first volley he took cover behind a building, the two surviving merc's returned fire at him.
"YA DON'T GO SHOOTIN' UP OUR SALOON, MOTHERFLAKERS!"
-
*BdrLine wakes up earlier then usual, as the thoughts of yesterday still fresh in his mind*
*He heads out from his home and walks around in the docks thinking to himself*
Just relax Azn, Yiski was just kidding yesterday.Marriage is a long way off for them. So stop fretting
*As he was walking, he didn't see where he was going and bumped into a man*
Hey watch where you going!
*Bdr shaken out of his thoughts, turns to the stranger*
Sorry it was my fault, I wasnt paying attention. Hmm new here around this parts? If so welcome to Anvala.
*the man just grumbles*
Yeah yeah whatever
*and walks away towards he entrance*
*Bdr looks back at him*
Rude much?
*BdrLine just continues on his way, but after this encounter, he can't quite shake the feeling that something is going to happen*
*Back in BdrLine's Home, Ny-Lee is up and about*
*She noticed that her brother is not in, and since no explosions went off, she assumed that he out helping Zill at the docks*
*She got changed and steps out of the house*
*Once outside, she sees that the docks are busier then ever*
*As she walks around eyeing the different ships heading to the entrance, she spots a ship that look strange to her*
*The markings on the ship didn't look familiar to the ones she knows , but she brushes it off and heads towards the saloon*
*As she arrives, Ny notices how clean the outside looks and chuckles to herself*
Looks like Yiski is trying to make the place look better to get more customers, oh wait until they see on the inside.
*She then hears gunfire and rushes in to see what was happening*
*She notice the two men that were firing at them*
*They didn't notice her getting in, and she sneaks up behind one of them and knocks him out cold*
*Grabbing his fallen weapon, Ny-Lee turns to the other one, who finally notice her, and fires at him hitting him in the shoulder*
*He drops down holding the bullet wound*
*Ny-Lee not taking her hand from the trigger says to Yiski*
Never a dull moment here huh. So who are these goons anyways?
-
*Yiski notices the hail of fire from outside stopped and Yiski pops up to sees Ny-Lee take down the leader. Yiski immediately takes out the last man standing.*
Never. Keep him tied up. I still hear gun fire.
*Yiski places himself at the side of the window and peaks outside. He notices two remaining mercenaries are firing away. He looks to see what they're firing at and notices a few shiny limbs.*
Paradox, his awful timing worked for me for once. Better clean up.
*Yiski fires two shots. Each shot hit the last two on the upper back. Both had the same result: death. With the firefight over, Yiski yells out to Paradox.*
We're clear!
*Yiski turns back to the inside of the saloon. But something bothered Yiski.*
It's way too quiet. Roland! You okay?
*Roland slowly appeared from the back. His face was pale and was visibly shaken. Yiski walks up to Roland.*
I am fine Yiski. Just what happened?
That's what I'm lookin' to find out.
*Before Yiski could turn his attention on the mercenary leader, something caught his eye.*
Wait a sec Roland, let me take a look at you.
*Yiski noticed that one of the penetrating bullets had grazed Roland against his left torso and it was bleeding.*
Ny! Give Roland some first aid! He's been hit.
*Yiski was now pissed. He approached the leader and kicked his shoulder where Ny-Lee had shot him. The leader cried out in pain and fell on his back. Yiski had Blood Bolt aimed right at the leader's head.*
You have ten seconds to tell me why you and you're men are here or I'm going to take your head clear off and hang the corpse off the roof of my saloon!
*The leader coughed up some blood and smiled.*
Fuck off old man. You wouldn't dare.
*Yiski pulled the trigger.*
*Yiski took and deep breath.*
When in the bloody skies is Zill gettin' here?
-
-Docks-
*Jun'ko got Roland's message and then heard what was like gun fire before the radio went to pure static.*
Hello?!? Hello!?! Damn. Time to go. Who knows how many of these guys are around here.
*She grabs a few loch grenades from the Galleon hold and equips a second belt of knives. In a flash she was running over toward Burning Skies.*
-Along the way to Burning Skies-
*Zill hears gunshots and raises his pistol. He see's four men headed up the road to the Saloon. They all have pistols and rope.*
Flaking Hell. I hate being right sometimes.
*The men are grouped in pairs. Zill cocks his pistol and charges the first two. He plants his pistol on the back first gunner's head and pulls the trigger. The second gunner was slow to react to what was happening and paid for it. Zill drove his knuckles into the man's gut and then kicked him down on the ground. He picked up one rifle and shot him for good measure. He grabbed the other rifle and started walking over to the other pair.*
HEY! Dont you gasbags ignore me or itll be the biggest mistake you make.
*The two men pointed rifles at him and fired. One ricocheted of his side and another went square into his chest. The fact Zill was still walking toward them startled the men. He used that time to put a rifle round into one of their heads. The final man shot one more into Zill with no effect. Zill popped the rifle butt into the mans face, followed by a heavy right cross to the jaw with the iron. Zill finished him off with the remaining rifle.*
Shooting me...was the next biggest...mistake.
*Zill reloaded his pistol and slowly headed up the road. The carnage didnt end with that group he downed. Zill realizes the Skies was attacked and comes in.*
Friends of...yours Yiski?
-
*Yiski sees Zill walking in. Yiski sees Zill has been hit a few times.*
Well, I'm glad you took your time. Looks like there were more of them. We're fine except Roland got grazed, but nothing serious. Ny's in the back patching him up.
*Yiski walks over to the leader's corpse and starts searching his body. Yiski finds a parchment on the leader's corpse.*
Well, this can't be good. I can't read any of this, but it's clearly in Yeshan.
*Yiski then proceeds to explain to Zill and Paradox the mercenaries are after BdrLine and Ny-Lee.*
-
--Saloon--
*After seeing Roland and the wound, she immediately drops the weapon and rushes to get the first aid kit*
*Once she gets to it, she grabs it and goes to Roland*
Oh no oh no oh no. Please Roland stay with me. You are not going yet! Not as long I'm alive
*She takes out a gauze and places it on top of the wound, applying pressure on top of it.*
*She is holding back tears as she tries to stop the bleeding*
Dammit Roland don't lose out on me. You be alright, I know you are.
*After a few minutes, she notice the blood stop flowing. And she sighs in relief as she bandage him up*
*Knowing that Roland will live, sorrow was one replaced with rage as she moves from him and goes to the unconscious mercenary and stops kicking himand punching him*
YOU MONSTER, YOU ALMOST KILLED THE LOVE OF MY LIFE
*Full on tears can now be seen flowing down her face. It took Yiski all his strengh to pull Ny-Lee away and not to beat the man to a pulp without asking question*
*He pulls her away and pulls out a chair for her to sit*
*Ny just sits there cryin to herself*
--Docks--
*As Bdr walks around, he sees Zill's galleon and walks towards it*
*As he nears, he overhears the on board radio and the message from Roland*
*He rushes and sees Jun'ko running*
*He runs to her and yells
What in the Gods name is happening?
-
*Jun'ko comes running to Bdr.*
Apparently the Saloon is under attack by people looking for you and Ny. We need to go NOW!
*They make it to the Burning Skies and see the attack is over. They rush in and Jun'ko gets words out first.*
Anyone hit? We came as fast as we could.
*Zill coughs and catches his breath.*
Ive got a few...in me but nothin major. Roland got grazed...but seems ok.
*Jun'ko opens Zill's jacket revealing the steel plating underneath. Two bullets were lodged into the armor and a mark on his left side.*
Well arent you a lucky one.
*Zill looks over to Yiski.*
Yeshan? Maybe some bad blood between families.
-
--Saloon--
*As a calm washed over the saloon, a group of heavy infantry guards show up.*
We'll take this from here.
*One guard was walking to apprehend the one remaining survivor, but stopped short when he saw Yiski cocking his rifle.*
Like hell you are.
Sir, we have orders from the Co...
Son, I'll tell you this once. If you or the Council get in my way, I will see to it personally that Anvala burns. You go back and tell the Council that... now.
*The guards were looking among themselves.*
Uh... very well sir. If you need anything, then...
*Yiski looked up at the guards and cut the line short with his stare. The guards left.*
*Yiski looks to BdrLine and hands him the parchment.
Found this on one of them. It's written in Yeshan.
*Yiski gets up and walks over to Roland. The two of them talk in relative silence.*
-
*Bdr grabs the parchment from Yiski and looks over it*
*After finally lookin it over, he exclaims*
What the!!*The other looks at him*This is a kidnap order for myself and my sister. It even has instructions to take us to Far Point and to demand a ransom from my parents. Granted we are wealthy, but i can't think of anyone who would try to harm any of us. We are one of the most respected families in the Empire
*He hands the parchment to Jun'ko as a confused look came upon his face*
Weird thing is, it ends in a seal and i don't even recognize it at all. You think you know who it belongs to?
-
-Saloon-
*Zill punches Yiski in the shoulder.*
I could of done that a lot cleaner...We dont need Council goons up our business. Its bad enough the Yeshan's are sending armed mercs to the City.
*Jun'ko makes Zill sit so she could look past his armor. The bruising was already bad.*
Do I have to deal with this every week?
I hope not. Cant call me overly paranoid though.
Oh I can, but im glad you were.
*She walks over to Ny-Lee still crying in the chair.*
Hey now, he will be ok. Deep breaths.
*She wipes a tear from Ny's face, then takes a look at the parchment.*
Hmm. Looks like an old Mercantile seal. I havent seen these since I first started flying with Zill.
-
*An even more confused look comes upon BdrLine's face*
Guild members in Yesha? What do they want to do with me and my family? *BdrLine goes into a thinking of what could have caused this* All that i can think of is maybe there is a old rival trading company that my mother used to compete against and wants revenge as they were beaten out. But my guess is like everyone else's until we figure out that seal.
*Ny-Lee is still sitting and taking Jun'ko's advice*
*She finally calms down and speaks to the group*
Well on my way here, i saw a ship with strange markings as well this mourning. Maybe it belongs to them? It could help us with this mystery.
-
*Yiski looks to Ny-Lee*
Ships in the Docks share the same seal. Let me take a look at that seal.
*Yiski takes the parchment from Jun'ko. His face immediately becomes pale. Without looking away from the parchment Yiski says.*
Zill, this is the same seal that was on the side of the Soaring Wings, Birdman's ship.
*Only one word ran through Yiski's mind.*
Fuck.
-
*BdrLine was surprised by this*
What you can't mean that he is still alive? I mean you guys called in before heading back that he is dead. So does that mean there of more people like him and that the kidnapping order was a ruse to get us?
*Ny-Lee is confused as what is happening*
Okay I'm lost here? Who is this Birdman? And how does this pertain to me besides being related to my brother?
-
*Zill only gazes at Yiski*
You telling me this guy had a whole organization behind him? Why on Earth would they want Bdr and Ny of all people? We killed that flakin' madman, not them.
-
*Yiski to Ny-Lee*
Birdman was a person who wanted to start a coup in the Empire which would've put him in position to become Emperor. Through sheer luck we figured it out and stopped him.
*Yiski then looks to BdrLine and Zill*
Well he's as dead as can be. We put his body on top of the dig point and blew his body to the winds. Yet, it does make sense the people Birdman works for would have a few replacements.
*Yiski thinks a bit more.*
As far as why Birdman's group is after BdrLine and Ny-Lee, it could be to leverage your parents' influences on the Emperor, or just plain revenge. Anyways, that's all I got.
-
*Zill thinks for a moment.*
If the organization wanted a coup, then any supporters would also be targets. Perhaps by sheer coincidence, because their family is so prominent, we are seeing these guys again, only after Bdr and Ny-Lee.
*Jun'ko sits next to Ny.*
Well ill be damned if they take my best friend for ransom.
*Zill nods to Jun'ko.*
We all would. Shall we pay that ship a visit?
-
*Ny-Lee gets up from her chair*
I'm in. I can take you to where I saw it last. But who is going to watch my Roland?
I'll stay and watch over him. Its what I can do for him from yesterday. Also I could use the radio here and see what is going on back home
*Bdr goes to the back to see the radio, once he saw it was destroyed he comes back out*
Ok who shot that thing up?!?
-
*Roland stands up*
I am also joining.
*Ny-Lee quickly came to Roland's side.*
You're not coming with us. It'll be dangerous and I don't want to feel like I'm going to lose you.
*Roland grinned and gave Ny-Lee a kiss.*
I will be fine dear. The bullet only grazed me. Plus, it probably a bad idea to leave BdrLine and myself behind if there are more mercenaries out there.
*Yiski didn't like the idea of Roland tagging along, but Roland was right. It would be easier to protect BdrLine and Roland if they were with the rest of the group.*
*Yiski addresses the group.*
Alright BdrLine and Roland, you're with us. Let's drag the live with us. When he wakes, Zill, I'll let you have the honor again to talkin' to him.
*Yiski checks his ammo and grabs an additional clip.*
Check your ammo. No tellin' how many more of these goons we got to deal with.
*The group then heads out for the Docks.*
-
*The groups heads to the vessel Ny-Lee saw at the docks. Two mercs were watching it. Zill gets to them first.*
You've got 3 seconds to put your weapons down before we all dismember you.
*A quick glance by the mercs behind him and they practically threw the weapons at Zill.*
Tie these guys up too. Im goin' to have a party later.
*One tries to make an escape but is quickly stopped by a knife to the leg from Jun'ko*
I love when they try to run.
*Upon inspection of the vessel, it was true. Same seal as the late Birdman.*
-
--NARRATOR--
The group were about to board the vessel when... *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP*
A figure appeared on the deck of the vessel. The figures face covered in the same mask which Birdman wore.
I must congratulate your group for being able to take out and scare all the mercenaries we hired to come get you.
Everyone had their weapons drawn on him.
Now, now, as you can see I am unarmed and only have a few engineers. Can we not speak like civilized...
*BANG* A shot rings out from Yiski's rifle and whiffs past the figures face.
I can see your propensity for violence.
BdrLine steps up.
Why did you come after me and my sister?
Ah. That is an easy question. We were hoping to capture the two of you to both lure your friends and dispose of them for interfering with our plans and use you as leverage against your family.
Explain why I shouldn't just take your head off and be done with this?
The figure laughed.
Because my brute, this will never end. You and your, what's the word I'm looking for... misfits... yes, your misfits have made us an enemy and we cannot have that.
We made ourselves your enemy? I think you meant to say you've made us your enemy now. Nobody comes into our Anvala, shoots up our favorite saloon, and think we'll not come for you.
I see I am getting nowhere with this.
The figure reaches down into his pocket. Everyone was ready to strike if a weapon was pulled. Instead, the figure took out a watch.
This isn't good. I've spent too much time entertaining you. I must now bid you farewell.
Yiski and Zill looked at the figure and laughed.
What makes you believe you're leaving our city?
Exactly. Plus, I'd like to spend more time and get to know you better and introduce you to my tar barrels.
The figure snapped his fingers and suddenly there were blinding lights going off around the group. However, there was no panic.
Everyone get down and get ready to kill what comes at us!
When the light faded, there was nobody around them and the ship had already cleared out of the Docks. Yiski fired a few rounds into the fleeing vessel.
Dammit! The one time I don't bring my ship buster ammo.
Yiski looks to Zill.
Well Admiral, what now?
--NARRATOR END--
-
*Watching the ship disappear into the sunset, Zill turns to Yiski.*
Well, that could have gone better. Im not chasing that fool. No telling how many feathered friends he has over the horizon. Our best bet is these three, and some digging at the Council Library for this seal. If it is indeed an old Mercantile seal, Anvala should have some kind of information on it.
They have proven they will not stop until we are distracted from their goals, so let them come to us. Unless these stooges give me hard info, we're flying blind in tar right now.
I also need to pay the Council a visit soon. The fact they tried to take our new "friend" has me curious.
Bdr and Ny need to stay at the Saloon. Its proven to be the safest place in case of an attack. We cant always be at their home. And since they seem to dislike public attention, we will be safer during normal hours.
The rest need to be on guard. He knows our faces.
-
*Yiski shakes his head in disappointment and turns to Zill.*
You got a point. Only issue is the saloon is in shambles. I need to make a damage report and get everything fixed.
*As the group is walking back to the saloon*
I'll go talk to the building foreman again. I'll have him completely remodel the saloon to make it more sturdy to assault. Thank the skies I still have that money.
*Yiski to BdrLine*
How long do you think it'll take you to make another radio and get a message to the Empire?
*Yiski to Roland and Ny-Lee*
I'll need the two of you to clean up as much of the saloon as you can.
Of course.
*Yiski breaks from the group to go visit the foreman.*
-
*BdrLine to Yiski before he leaves*
I can pick up one back at my warehouse, but i need someone to go with me. There is a small projesct that i've been working on that can be useful to Ny and I.
*To Jun'ko*
Jun you think you can come with me to get the equipment?
*Ny-Lee to Roland as they clean up the saloon*
So hows the wound holding up?
-
*Zill grips at his chest and addresses the group in the Saloon*
I think im going to use the spare room for a spell. Those rifle shots did more to me than I thought they would. Make sure Yiski knows im up there.
*Jun'ko looks to Bdr.*
I would but i want to make sure Zill is ok. If you tell Zill's regular dockmen that you need help they will without question. Take this in case they dont believe you.
*She hands him a parchment with notes for the men.*
(OOC: Im going to a dinner and wont be able to RP obviously so im giving characters a way to relax, lol. Sorry Bdr youll have to RP a dockman.)
-
--Saloon--
*Roland realized Ny-Lee noticed he winced each time he would turn his torso. Though the bullet only grazed him, it was deep enough to cause a lot of pain. He tried to force a smile*
The wound is fine. It just hurts a little bit when I rotate my body.
*Roland turns away to avoid Ny-Lee seeing him in to much pain. Consequently, his turn caused him a sharp pain which automatically drew his hand to his side. After the pain subsided and he stopped gripping his side, Roland noticed there was blood on his hands and a new stain of blood on his shirt. Roland sat down for a moment.*
On second thought dear, could you bring the first aid kit again?
--Building Foreman's HQ--
*Yiski waits for the foreman to greet him.*
I heard the saloon got attacked today. Glad to see you're alright friend.
Yeah, but more importantly I need you to remodel the inside of the saloon. You think your guys can get it done tomorrow?
Hmm... yeah it shouldn't be a problem. Any requests on how you want it done?
Yeah, make the wall separating the front and back of the saloon and the counter bullet-proof.
Consider it done.
*The two shook hands and Yiski left for the saloon.*
-
*BdrLine to Jun'ko*
Well alright and thanks for note
*As BdrLine leaves, he grabs one of the rifles that were gathered up from the mercenaries off a wall*
--Docks--
*As BdrLine enters the docks, he spots one of Zill's dockworkers*
*He calls out to him*
Hey you work for Zill's docks right? You think you can help me out?
*The dockworker stops and turns to who was calling him, notices it was BdrLine and goes up to him*
I would , but i got orders to help move supplies around.
*BdrLine remembers the note that Jun'ko gave he and takes it out*
Wait hold on, i got something here from Zill. Should help clear things up around here.
*The dockworker takes the note from him and reads it, satisfied with the new orders, he calls to another dock worker*
Here take this note and pass it along to the rest of the guys. Got it?
On it
*He takes the note and goes to many different people*
Well it looks like i open to help, so what do you need?
Well follow me to my warehouse, i just need to get a radio and a small package
Wait the one that exploded yesterday?*a concern look comes upon his face*
Don't worry its going to be quick, we just going in and get out the stuff we need alright?
Well... if you say so.
*BdrLine and dock worker heads to his warehouse to retrieve the radio*
*Once there, BdrLine takes out a cart and both he and the dockworker lifts it onto the cart*
*Once loaded, BdrLine goes to the back and comes back with a box with cloth over it*
*BdrLine to the worker*
Thats should do it, come we need this at the Burning Skies. Once we drop this off, your free to go.
*BdrLine and the worker, pushes the cart and heads towards the saloon*
--Saloon--
*Ny-Lee sees the new blood and quickly heads to get the medical kit again*
*Once she gots it, she returns to Roland and applies new bandages on the wound*
*She finishes by tightening a peice of cloth around his waist*
There i think that should stop the bleeding. Roland i think you should rest a bit, i can handle putting this place back together
*She leaves Roland on the chair and resumes cleaning again*
-
*He pulled out a note book and sketched the seal*
While wondering the alleys he found a group of street urchins, he tossed one some goal and said
"Make sure this gets to Jen and John at Dandy Lion Headquarters, tell them I want them to search ledgers, and all the DLTC docks, I want to know everything about their origins and who the are... Tell them Papa sent you."
*Returning to Yiski*
"I've got Jen and John looking everywhere, no one docks, trades, or shits in this city without me knowing."
--DLTC--
Jen and John recieve the note, assemble a small team and begin searching everwhere, questions were going through the chain of command from dock managers to captains to crew.
-
--Saloon--
*Yiski arrives back at the saloon as the afternoon is giving away to the evening. The saloon is clean with the exception of the few stray metal fragments. Yiski sees Roland lying on the couch.*
Well, I'm glad the couch survived. How you holdin' up Roland?
My wound reopened earlier and I have been resting for a few hours.
*Yiski takes a look around the saloon and sees BdrLine missing.*
We're missing one.
Well, BdrLineAzn went to the warehouse to get a spare radio.
*Yiski raised an eyebrow*
BdrLine's alone? After everything that happened, he's alone?
He has his rifle.
Fair enough.
-
*Jun'ko comes downstairs.*
Hey Yiski. I take it the Foreman visit went well? Also what do you make of these?
*She hands him the bullets from Zill's armor.*
They look specially made. Thought since we dont know much every little bit counts. Any thoughts from a competent gunner?
-
*BdrLine and the dock hand arrives to the saloon with the spare radio*
Don't worry all, im fine. Nothing out of the ordinary happened when i was getting the things.
*To Yiski*
I'm going to set it up in the back where the other one is.
*Before he and the worker heads to set the radio up, Bdr points to the box he brought with him to his sister*
Ny i think you want to check what i made out. Its going to come in handy in some hand to hand fights, plus you might like it as well.
*Ny, curious to what her brother brought, goes to the box with the cloth over it*
*Once she removes it, she gasp to what she saw*
*She reaches in and takes out what looks like a leather forearm guard, but underneath the guard holds a thin mechanism*
*Ny-Lee slides it onto her right arm, and clenches her fist*
*Next thing that happens, a blade extends from the bottom mechanism*
*She clenches her fist again and it retracts*
*Moments later, BdrLine and the worker comes out of the back room*
There all set up, now i can finally call some of my people to get to the bottom of this.
*He thanks the worker and sends him on his way*
*Bdr then sees Ny-Lee with his contraption*
So... how do you like it? *he says grinning*
Azn, how did you make this ? No one has been able to recreate this, even with the pre-world schematics that is found in the Library.
Well no one has met me yet. I found those schematics a couple of years back before i left, and it has been on my mind ever since. This was one of my many projects that i knew i had to finish. And im glad that i did. It just took me a few trial and errors, but i finally got a few working models, all in that box
Thank you, i dont really know what else to say
No need, now that family and our lives are at stake, we are gonna need them
-
*Yiski to BdrLine*
Yeah, go ahead and set up shop in the back.
*Yiski takes the mangled bullets from Jun'ko and take them over to the partially shot up workbench. Yiski inspects the bullet for a few moments.*
Bullet's too mangled to get any details. Hmm... give me a minute.
*Yiski walks over to the items looted of the mercenaries and grabs one of their rifles. Yiski unloads the clip and takes the fresh bullets back to his workbench. He grabs a few tools and separates the bullet from its casings. Yiski mumbles to himself.*
Mixed-grain powder, standard primer, bullet is a basic ally with lots of impurities.
*More minutes and mumbling go by before Yiski is done with his inspection and walks back to the others.*
Well, the good news is who ever the Birdmen are using as their gunsmith to make their bullets is absolute shit. Materials used are substandard at best. Even if this round were to hit something, if the object has half-decent armor, the round won't pierce.
*Yiski looks at Jun'ko*
Tell Zill he's lucky, if I had been the one to make these, he'd be a dead friend.
What is the bad news Yiski?
*Yiski scratches the back of his head.*
The bad news. Their gunsmith's bullet designs are oddly similar to mine. These rounds are like my modified standard for Blood Bolt, but the caliber is reduced to operate with any standard rifle.
(OCC) For reference, the recoilless rifle my thought model is based on is the type used in the game Company of Heroes. (OCC)
-
*Papa pours himself and Yiski a drink*
"To the incompetency of lesser gunsmiths!"
*Papas silver 'hand' retracts into his metallic forearm, revealing a very large dagger in its place.*
"Thanks Bdr, but I already got me one of them."
*Looking at Jun'ko*
"Where's sleeping beauty?"
-
*Jun'ko goes upstairs to check on Zill. Shortly after, she comes back down.*
He denies being in harms way. I swear hes too stubborn.....Heavy bruising on his chest. Pretty sure the ribs are too. He's sleeping now for a bit. Could i get some Sake?
-
*As Bdr sees that mostly everyone is calming down a bit, he gets up from where he is at and heads to the back room*
If anyone needs me, i'll be coordinating with my contacts to help expand this search
*He goes into the back and sits in front of the radio and dials in a frequency*
-
*Yiski takes stock of everyone's emotions.*
BdrLine and Ny-Lee are probably high strung, especially for Ny since Roland got hurt. Zill's took a stupid risk and Jun'ko paying for it. Roland's got to be tense after gettin' hit. I'm not hurt, but my saloon is heavily damaged. And Paradox, hell, give him people to shoot at and he's happy.
*Yiski tries to make himself a No.3, only to realize it's run dry.*
Damn today's not my day.
*Yiski settles on a Clear Skies and attempts to figure out what their next move should be.*
Now that the Birdmen know who we are, they're goin' to keep sendin' mercs until we're all dead. It'd be impossible to just defend and I hate just defendin'. And if we go after them, we'd all have to go. Can't risk leavin' anyone behind to become a target. Bloody skies, this is makin' my head hurt.
*Yiski yells in the direction of the back room*
BdrLine! You make contact yet? I want to know what the hell is goin' on.
-
*Zill slowly comes down the stairs. He attempts to stand straight up but the adreneline from earlier has passed and he knows its stupid to try.*
How are we down here? Cant sleep with all this crap on my mind.
I cant let this slow me down. I wont lose anyone else...
*Jun'ko comes over and helps him off the stairs.*
Dammit I told you to stay up there. Sooner or later youre not going to recover from your stunts.
Ugh he worries me to death. And he literally throws himself at death and comes back out battered....
-
*BdrLine comes out of the back room, sracthing his head*
*To Yiski*
So far yes, right now Zankif is looking into this with his men back in the Guild. I also called Niko to see if he can find anything about that seal around the Capital. Called my family and told them what happened here, They are doubling up on guards on the manor, even resorted in bring the elites from the Palace. Finally i called in the Barons and see if during back in the conflict they saw that seal in battle. All we can do now is wait until i get a message back.
*Ny-Lee to her brother after his statement*
So they are safe with all that protection right?
Yes Ny, with the Elites around, nothing will get in to harm them. With all this aside, i going to grab myself a drink
*BdrLine goes to the bar and makes himself a sake*
-
--NARRATOR--
The evening sky was clear and the moon was at its brightest. Consequently, the same could not be said the group. Tonight, everyone was staying at the saloon. Yiski did not want the group split up in case there were more mercenaries roaming Anvala.
Luckily, Paradox had sent out for some help to bring in camping supplies and soon enough blankets, pillows, and cushions were provided. It was good having a trading company CEO as a friend. The group decided to keep watch in groups. Zill and Jun'ko would take first watch. Paradox would take second and Yiski third. Everyone else would sleep in the back room.
During the first watch, Zill sat at the counter with his back against it. He had his hand-cannon resting on his lap. Jun'ko set up on the left side of the saloon and her knives siting on the table.
I'll be damned if I let a bullet or two stop me... let alone end me.
I know Zill wants to keep moving, but if he doesn't slow down, I don't know what I can do.
During the second watch, Paradox was behind the counter and fixing himself to a few drinks. Being mostly mechanical had a benefit. First, you do not need as much sleep. Second, all the mechanical bits filtered the alcohol faster meaning more to drink.
We need to have these sleepovers more often. Free drinks.
On the final watch, Yiski set up in the corner of the saloon. He had Blood Bolt set up on a bipod on a table. His line-of-sight extended outside and a bit down the road. Today's firefight and Roland's near-brush with death had him still on edge.
I'll be damned by the skies if I let those bastards come after my friends.
Eventually, the night would pass on without incident.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 38--
(OOC) Well, it's that time again where I kinda push this into another quest. Luckily, you the viewers get to decide whether we should go on a quest or not. Our lovely Zill will be posting a poll. The polls will be open for two days. Get voting. (OOC)
-
--START OF DAY 39--
--NARRATOR--
As the morning sun greeted Anvala, Yiski was the first to meet it. He gave a yawn and stretched his arms and legs. Eventually, the others would wake. Ny-Lee checked up on Roland's wound to ensure it was okay and Jun'ko checked Zill's condition. When everybody got into the front, there was silence. Nobody really wanted to continue last night's conversation. If they had there choice, they'd wish they could put all this behind them and move on. Their collective thoughts were interrupted by...
*GRUMBLE* *GRUMBLE*
Everybody looked at one another and laughed. They were hungry. Even though the saloon did not have much in the way of food, it was more for Roland and Yiski than for the patrons. Yiski motioned for Roland to help him out in preparing breakfast for everybody.
After breakfast, a knock came at the door. Immediately, everyone had their weapons at the ready.
Yiski, it's the foreman. I've got the men ready to work.
Everyone calmed down and Yiski approached and opened the door.
You ready for us to start?
Yup. Yiski turns to everyone. Alright, since we need to vacate the saloon, where are we headed for the day?
--NARRATOR END--
-
*Zill looks to Yiski.*
Well first we need to place our "friends" in Oliver's basement. Im not ready to talk to them, and they could use another day of "softening up." After that we could head to the Council Library to check up on this seal. We should be safer toward the City Center due to the increased amount of activity and guards.
*Jun'ko is helping Zill stand up straight. He still wasn't healed from yesterday.*
I agree. Anything to lessen the chance of fighting would be smart. We are battered enough as is.
-
*Yiski nods in agreement.*
Makes sense. But just in case...
*Yiski checks his rifle's ammo and chambers a round.*
Also, give me a second.
*Yiski heads to his rooms. A few minutes of shuffling and Yiski returns with a box. Roland inquires.*
What is it?
A box.
I know that, but what is inside?
Right now, nothing you need to worry about. This is a 'should a certain event happen open the box' box.
Is this the event to open the box?
Nope.
*Roland sighed and the group rolled their eyes. Soon the group was moving toward the City Center.*
-
*While out shopping for a new window (Apparently the other one "Accidentally" broke when he looked at it), Shink notices his group of friends heading off to who knows where*
"Hey Guys! Wait up! what's going on? you guys look like you're headed for a war"
-
*Jun'ko chuckles at Shinkurex and hands him the parchment with the seal on it.*
Long story short, we're headed to the Council Library to gather information on that symbol after dropping off these "friends" of ours. They thought they could catch us off guard but you now how that is. That seal is all we have to go on to find the responsible party.
*The group arrives at Oliver's. Zill wanders up to the door and knocks. Oliver answers, and sees the group.*
I swear Zill, if all of those people are going to be barging into my home.......
*Zill smirks.*
Its ok Oliver. Just have some "friends" who need to bunk in your basement tonight. Ill be dealing with them tomorrow.
*Oliver sees them.*
Same as before?
*Zill only nods. The group put the prisoners down in the basement and Oliver latches the door. He had heavily sedated them, and they would not be getting up till Oliver allowed them to. The group departs without a single broken item in the home. Shinkurex wasnt allowed in.*
-
*A bit miffed that Oliver would not let him in his house, Shink spent the majority of the time examining the seal*
I wonder who would be stupid enough to attack Burning Skies again.... don't these people ever learn?
*Sees the group coming out. It was an uneventful trip to the library. The Group surrounds a rather nervous looking librarian*
Can...can I help you?
-
*Yiski looks to the librarian.*
I was wondering if you had anything useful to help us determine what this seal means.
*Yiski shows the librarian the parchment seal. The librarian takes it and adjusted her glasses to examine it more.*
(OOC) Changing librarian color to blue. Orange is Roland.(OOC)
Hmm.... it's been awhile since I've seen this style of a seal. You'll be looking for "Pre-War Symbols and Meanings".
*The librarian leads the group to the the location of the book.*
Here it is. I hope this helps.
*As the librarian leaves, she turns around and says.*
And please keep the safety on your firearms.
*Roland, the only unarmed person of the group, responds.*
We will make sure there are no accidental misfires.
*He opens the book and starts flipping through the pages.*
Yiski, I think this matches the seal perfectly.
*Roland was right. Yiski then started reading the description of the symbol.*
This symbol represents a pre-war organization called the Birdmen for the bird-like masks their members wore. Well no shit. The goal of the Birdmen was to unite the world into a single world order. The group was originally organized in what is today the Yesha Empire. During the great war, the Birdmen suffered a massive loss against the first Yeshan Emperor. Since their defeat, the Birdmen were either considered dissolved, or underground. Well, it's clearly the latter.
*Yiski stops reading and looks at everybody.*
-
*Zill flips through the pages more, frustrated.*
Thats it??? Looks like I'll be motivating the rest out of our "friends."
*He turns to Yiski.*
Yiski, I was thinking about how the interrogation would go, and felt your WWA and WSW would help me out. Mind making a barrel of each for me for tomorrow?
-
*Yiski laughs*
You need a barrel? Zill, I have barrels of White Steam and Wild Wind. Once we find a new place to set up shop, we'll go grab a few barrels.
*Roland was standing when a slight wince of pain hit his side. He rubbed it, but not before Ny-Lee caught it. She cringed. He smiled and kissed her on the cheek.*
I am fine. It is only a little sore.
-
*Zill smirks at Yiski.*
As long as I have it there i'll be happy. I need to pay the Council a visit. Since we've pretty much exhausted the resources here, we may as well head over.
*The group departs the library. Not one gun went off, much to the librarian's relief. They make their way through the busy streets and onto the Council Hall stairs. Only Zill was allowed into the Chambers, and he wasn't about to agitate the Council with so many other things in play. He approached the high court and kept his resolve.*
Greetings My Council.
(1-9) Greetings Admiral.
(1) To what do we owe this appearance?
It has come to my attention that you have interests in our latest happenings. Why would Elite's come so far from the City Center to apprehend a prisoner that was safely under my lock and key?
(4) It was the will of the Council to have this man interrogated within the confines of the Hall. We have reason to suspect they are of a group with dire plans.
(7) However, Citizen Yiski has once again defied this Council.
Allow me to sincerely apologize for that moment. It was right after a fight in which we could of easily been killed. He acted on the present circumstances.
(2) Very well. We trust you have these prisoners in a safe location?
Indeed. They will be interrogated on the 'morrow.
( 8 ) From the direction of the argument, you wish to carry out this yourself. Do be warned that if our suspicions are correct, it will not be an easy undertaking.
With all due respect Council, you have made the past years a, as you say, not so easy undertaking for myself.
*The Council remains silent for a moment.*
(1) Very well. This task is to supersede all other tasks. As much as we need you in the North, it can wait for this. Do your City proud, Admiral.
To Clear Skies.
*Zill comes out to the steps and Jun'ko greets him with a hug which is both well recieved and painful. He grunts.*
Oh my gosh, Im sorry!
After the pain of dealing with them, its a welcome thing Jun.
*He addresses the group of the happenings, and that he now has control of the situation.*
-
*Yiski grimaced when Zill first suggested to talk to the Council. When Zill got back, Yiski just gave a deadpanned expression. The Council and Yiski were never level. Some of Yiski's animosity originates from the line of decisions involving Micheal's death and the lack of action against the raider group. Another portion of animosity came from the Council's decisions involving regulations which Yiski believed burdened the middle and lower income citizens. Majority came from the fact the Council only acted if it benefited them.*
Can't believe we need 'permission' from the Council to do this. I think we'd be better off just finding the Birdmen and ending them.
Yiski, I understand your anger toward the Council because of how they dealt with my father's death, but they do have access to resources we simple do not have.
*Yiski snapped at Roland.*
It's just not that! The bloody Council only gets involved when there's something at risk for them too.
*Yiski immediately regrets yelling at Roland.*
Sorry, Roland. Didn't mean to go off on you.
I know your anger is not directed at me. Admiral Zill, since we have Council approval, have they given us a place to operate as a base?
-
*Papa walked and put his metallic arms around Roland and Yiski*
"Probably not, the stingy bastards... if only we knew someone who was obscenely rich and had ridiculous amount of resources at his disposal.Oh wait! I just described myself, why don't you give me a list, I could have a base of operations up and running by tomorrow."
-
*Zill blankly looks at Yiski and PapaP.*
I have as much reason as anybody to despise the Council. I didnt go in there to gain permission to track these feathered idiots down. I was going to do it regardless. However, with the Council letting us take the lead, we dont have to worry about them throwing Elites at us, and I can summon half the Anvalan fleet to bury these birds into the dust if I see reason to.
Since id rather not have Council goons breathing down our necks, I can detach troops to Port Tar Barrel. Any supplies we need can come from me or PapaP.
*Directly looks at Yiski and puts a hand on his shoulder.*
The Council isnt our fight right now. The people who shot Roland are.
-
--Vychtorg--
*Zankif is working closely with his men trying to find any information pertaining to the seal he recieved from BdrLine*
*He and a few other are in his warehouse with different books and files out in the open*
*A few feet from them, a table with various radios are running, each being operated by some more personal*
*From one of these radios, a person is quickly writing on a parchment*
*He gets up and heads to Zankif*
Boss, think we found something
*Zankif looks up from the file he is reading*
Really? What is it then.
Well one of our teams has spotted the seal on what looks like an old factory north west of Selogarod.
*Confused by this, Zankif takes the parchment from him and reads the message*
North west of Selogarod? The only thing there are the craters. There is no information about anything being built on those lands on the files we have. Are you sure this is accurate?
Yes this came from our best scout team and you know how good they are in the field.
Very well then, i pass this along to BdrLine
*Zankif then goes to the radio and dials in BdrLine's frequency*
--Chang-ning--
*Niko is at the Archives of the Scholar's Palace*
*He is at the Pre-World Section of the Archives*
*As he looks through a book, he is thinking to himself*
*Sigh* Don't know how Azn gets himself into this much trouble. I mean another attempt on the Empire, what nut case tries to take it over?
*As Niko was arguing with himself about the topic, something in the book caught his eye*
*It was the symbol that he received the other day from BdrLine, he takes a closer look*
"The Birdmen is a Pre-Great War extremest group set on uniting the world under their banner. The creators of this organizations are unknown as most information pertaining them has been lost through time. The only relevant information about this mysterious group is the distinct bird mask that its members wore. The group originated in what is now the Capital of the Yeshan Empire, Chang-ning" What this group came from the Capital!! ", their original headquarters is still standing on the outskirts of the Imperial City. During the Great War, The Birdmen saw an opportunity as the First Imperial Emperor has pledged troops to fight with his allies in the distant battlefields. As the majority of the Imperial Military Might focus on the War, The Birdmen, launched their attack on the Capital. Almost being overwhelmed by the sudden attack, the Imperial Emperor himself rallied the remaining forces left in the Capital and pushed the extremest out. After the defeat and being oust from the Empire, no further information has surfaced pertaining to this group and is assumed that it has dissolved."
*As Niko finishes reading the excerpt, he turns to the next page and finds a map to the original Birdmen headquarters as well as different excerpts from the battle and official reports*
Hmm this may just be useful.
*He takes and checks out the book from the Achieves and heads back to his manor to continue reading the different reports*
*Eventually, Niko heads towards to the old headquarters to see if anything has survived through the years that can be helpful to BdrLine and the group*
-
--Somewhere near the City Center, Anvala--
*Yiski brushes of Paradox's arm.*
Tomorrow? We'd need it now. The saloon is under repair and I don't think there are any other areas that could house us, unless we'd decided to stay in the Docks for tonight.
*Yiski then snaps his head to face Zill after his comment.*
I know who our targets are, but that doesn't mean the Council isn't far off my list.
*Yiski takes a deep breath.*
Zill, come with me and we'll go ahead and get the barrels of White Steam and Wild Wind.
*The group couldn't tell, but Roland knew Yiski had to still be furious over him getting hit. Roland also knew Yiski was the type to repay a slight in kind plus interest.*
--NARRATOR--
Roland had first hand experience of how brutal Yiski could get when it came to his well-being. The first incident arose shortly after Yiski retired to take care of Roland.
Roland was only in his teens. Roland had shown up at Yiski's place all bruised and bloodied. Some of the young new Academy cadets had beaten up Roland for fun. Yiski immediately grabbed Blood Bolt and blitzed into the Academy grounds.
He had found the cadets because they were bragging about it. Yiski opened fire and intentionally maimed Roland's attackers. The aftermath resulted in Roland's attackers being permanently physically impaired.
Yiski was only given a reprimand given his service record.
Knowing Yiski was even angrier than that time, sent shivers down Roland's spine.
--NARRATOR END--
-
*Zill and Yiski split off to grab the barrels for tomorrow. The group didnt like it, especially Jun'ko, but they had another task. Zill gave Jun'ko orders for the dockmen to prepare his Warehouse for a possible military assualt. If they were to remain safe through the night, it needed some defense.
Yiski and Zill enter the Saloon. The workers are still there fixing it up. As they grab the barrels, Zill gets something off his mind.*
Yiski, we have been through a lot. Not just recently but in general. And I swear I havent seen the blind rage youre putting off since Michael died. What is eating you alive right now?
*The group make it to the Port. Zill had ordered ground troops for added defense, and it showed. Jun'ko provided the orders for the dockmen and they began turning Zill's warehouse into a makeshift bunker. Jun'ko went over to BdrLine.*
Hey Bdr, want to help me get the radio from Zill's galleon? We may need it through the night.
-
--Saloon Back Room--
Is my undying, seething rage that easy to pick up now? Meh, civie life must be gettin' to me.
*Yiski took a deep breath.*
I promised Micheal in the event of his death, that I'd look after and take care of Roland. Micheal and I were like brothers and I consider Roland just as much my son as Micheal did. I'll be damned if I let some crazy, war-lovin' remnants of the old world nearly take him away from me.
*Yiski clenched his fist tightly enough to almost draw out blood and slammed his fist into the wall.*
If they're goin' to target him along with us...
*Yiski turned to Zill. Yiski's eyes were sharpened and his expression could frighten death itself.*
...then I will track every single one of them and end them.
*Yiski turned back around and loaded the last barrel on the hand cart.*
Enough small talk. Let's get back to the others.
-
*BdrLine was helping with the workers transforming the warehouse into a bunker*
*He hears Jun'ko talking to him and turns to face her*
Yeah sure, I need to check in with my people as well. See what they dug up already.
*He and Jun'ko heads to Zill's Galleon*
*Once they found the radio, they started to unbolt it from its slot on the ship*
*They carried it back to the warehouse, where then it was set up in the back*
*As BdrLine and Jun'ko was at the Galleon, Ny-Lee notices a difference in Roland's behavior*
*She goes up to him and puts a hand in his*
Is there something troubling you right now?
--Lord's Leap--
*Captain Melin of the 13th Research and Espionage Division of The Baron Militaries*
*Melin is in a conference room with 5 others from the Division*
*Like the others that BdrLine contacted, Melin and his group has files in front of them looking for any information detailing about the Birdmen seal*
*Melin to the group*
Anything yet?
*Without looking from a file, a Sargent speaks*
No Sir. Nothing so far *He looks up from the file and tuns to the Captain* With all due respect Cap, but how are we going to find this one seal. The conflict with the Guild happened decades ago. It could have been on one of the many units we have fought against.
*Melin sighs*
I know, but it may not been a fighting unit at all. But my frie... contact says that it is relevant for his search.
Alright then, i keep looking.
*Moments passed, A Lt. rise from his chair holding a file*
Sir, i think you want to see this
*Melin goes from his position to the Lt.*
*On the paper is a picture of a Guild weapos crate barring the Birdmen seal*
Nice work Lt. i think this is good enough for now. Keep searching for any more information, i'll be radioing my contact with what we have
*Captain Melin goes to the other side of the room where the radio is placed*
-
*Bdr and Jun finished hooking up the radio, Papa walked over*
"Do you guys mind if I make a quick call? Good."
*Changing the frequency to the DLTC dispatch, Looming into the microphone*
"Oi, This is Papa, get Jen on this line."
"Yes, sir."
*A few moments later*
"... Sir?"
"Hellooo, sweets, I need you to kindly activate the Lion protocol"
*Silence and shuffling could be heard on the other end*
"Are you sure, sir."
"Jen how long have we know each other?"
"A couple weeks."
"Then you should know when I'm kidding."
"It's on its way."
After a few minutes, the warehouse started to shake, roaring engines could be heard, a vessel slightly larger than a galleon snailed its way over top the warehouse. It had a pointed bow like an axe, it housed a weapons floor that contain three heavy guns. Six gunners, three engineers, three navigators, and one captain. It cut its engines, DLTC flags could be seen flying all over it metal cover exterior.
*walking up behind Yiski and Zill*
"Close you mouths gentlemen, she doesn't like being gawked at. She was made for transporting very precious cargo... very slowly. In her off time she stands as a bulwark to anything that would harm the DLTC.
*From the radio*
"Wall of Jericho, reporting for duty."
*Paradox returned to the console*
"Hello gentlemen, good to hear your voice, stay here and defend the warehouse, make sure the airspace is completely secured.
-
--Docks--
*Roland notices his shiver caught Ny-Lee's attention. In any other circumstance, he'd lie, but he couldn't do that to her.*
It is Yiski. The last time I have ever seen him his furious was years ago when a group of Academy cadet beat me up. I took and entire regimen of infantry riflemen to make Yiski even pause before ending the cadets' lives.
*Roland held his side and frowned.*
I fear since I have been injured, Yiski's anger has grown into something that cannot be comprehended or controlled. But...
But.
*Roland turns his gaze onto all the ships docked.*
But it is also how I feel... weak.
*Roland paused for a moment.*
Not just during the attack, but all the times where conflict was involved and all I did was hide.
*Roland hung his head low.*
*Roland's somber mood broke when he heard the rumbling. When Yiski and Zill returned to see the Wall of Jericho hover. Yiski could only say one word.*
Damn.
-
*Zill saw the Wall of Jericho*
Impressive. Would sure hate to turn it though...
*He and Yiski took the barrels over to the warehouse for storage in the cellar.
Zill thought about what Yiski said earlier. He had felt the same way after Kyle's death, so he knew where Yiski was coming from. He only hoped his blind rage wouldnt endanger more than himself.
Zill saw Jun'ko and gave her a hug.*
Oh well hello my Admiral. Miss me?
I did. And while I hate you being involved in this, Im also glad youre here.
*Jun'ko blushes a little and kisses his mask.*
-
*BdrLine just stares up at the Wall of Jericho and whistles*
Damn thats one giant beast, hate to engineer on that thing though
*To PapaP*
Well if you are done with the radio, i'll just go over and check with my people.
*BdrLine goes to the back room where the radio is*
*he then converts the settings so that he can talk to multiple people at once, and dials in the many frequencies of his contacts*
*BdrLine puts a headsets on and tries to make contact*
Helloooo, anyone on?
*static until Zankif and Melin voices comes on*
*Zankif*
Finally Bdr, you know how long i've been trying to contact you?
*Melin*
Same here, but i got some information about that seal you gave me.
*For about 20 mins. Melin and Zankif relay all the informtion to BdrLine*
Thanks guys, radio me back when you find more.
Will do, Melin out.
Got it my friend.
*The radio then goes static*
*BdrLine gets up from the the chair and out of the room to find Zill and Yiski*
*He sees Zill taking charge of the organization with Yiski at his side talking to him*
*BdrLine goes up to them and talk about his earlier findings*
...So far i still need to hear from Niko, he hasn't responded to any of my calls so i assume he is still searching. But if anymore information pops up i'll tell you first.
*back to Ny-lee and Roland*
*After Roland finishes talking and hung his head down, Ny-Lee goes up to him and embraces Roland in a hug*
*She kisses him on the lips, when she breaks it, she looks into his eyes and says*
Roland never call yourself weak. Just because you can't fight in anyway, doesn't mean you are. You have an inner strength you don't even realize you have. And besides, you are never weak in my eyes.
*she resumes kissing him, but is then interpreted by the comming of the Jericho*
--Chang-ning--
*Outskirts of the city*
*Niko is following the map he found to the abandon HQ of the Birdmen*
*Behind him is a squad of Imperial Elites, not wanting to take a chance if there were any remaining members in that place*
*The old HQ is a three story high 500 sq ft building. The majority of the property look old and run down through the ages, but every building built in Yesha was built to last, which is why it is still standing*
*As they enter the building, the group notice that nothing is left inside*
*They continue through the building until they enter what looks like the information center*
Alright men split up, check for anything valuable
*As the group splits up to cover more of the information center, Niko notices something odd.*
*On one of the column, he notices a red blinking light*
*It took awhile until he finally figures it out*
*His eyes widen and he yells to the others*
QUICK EVERYONE OUT!! THEY PLANTED A BOMB IN HERE.
*As soon he says that, an explosion goes off at one end of the building, then another*
*The group, a little dazed, runs towards the entrance.*
*While trying to escape, many more explosions goes off around them*
*Soon the entrance was in sight, and the group was almost out.*
*Until an explosion directly behind them blows, knocking them out of the building*
*Miraculously all nine survive, even if they did sustain injuries, all nine return back to the city to check on their wounds*
*On a faraway building, a masked person stands on the roof with a portable radio*
Looks like they made it out boss, how do we proceed from this?.... Alright heading back to base then.
*he dials in another frequency and says soem code words, moments later a squid with modified silent engines arrive and the mask figure gets on. The squid then flys out in the distance*
-
--NARRATOR--
The group set up a temporary base inside the Dock's warehouse. Paradox sent for more overnight supplies. The group decided on the same watch set as last night, except BdrLine stayed glued to the radio to see if anymore information on the Birdmen came in.
Before retiring for the night, Yiski called Roland over. Yiski had the box he grabbed from the saloon earlier on his lap.
Are you going to tell me what is inside?
Yup. It's some of Micheal's military gear.
Yiski opened the box and it only had two items: A single piece of crimson shoulder armor and a M1911 pistol.
These are for you Roland.
What?
Micheal only wanted these to go to you when either he or I thought you should. Given the recent events, I see now that I cannot keep you protected 24/7.
Yiski... you know that I haven't...
Taught you how to handle a firearm. I know. Better late than never. We'll get started on basic firearm training in the morning.
Yiski got up and started to walk back toward the warehouse.
Yiski wait!
Yiski stopped.
Do... do you think I am weak?
Roland. You're only weak if you believe you're weak. Do you think you're weak?
Roland was silent.
Despite everything that's happened to you, not once have you turned away from hardship. All you've done is met it headlong and you've come out as you are. To me, you're more than just strong. You're honest, brave, and kind. Not traits you find often. Also, you've got a girlfriend who thinks the world of you.
Roland started to tear up. Yiski walks back and pats Roland on the back.
If you're parents were alive, I'd know like hell they'd be proud of you.
Thank you.
Anytime.
Yiski went back into the warehouse and Roland was sitting on a docking station with his legs hanging of the side. Soon Roland was met by a warm embrace and a kiss from Ny-Lee.
Are you feeling better?
I am and thank you.
Ny-Lee giggled and gave Roland another kiss.
Come on. Let's get some sleep. We've got work to do tomorrow.
Together they headed inside the warehouse.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 39--
-
--START OF DAY 40--
--NARRATOR--
Being on last watch again, Yiski met the morning sun. While everyone was getting up and preparing for today, Yiski went back down to the saloon to see if the remodeling had been completed. When Yiski got to the saloon, he saw the foreman and his men still working.
Unforeseen problems foreman?
The foreman turned and gave a sheepish grin to Yiski.
Yeah, turns out some of the support beams were more damaged because of the age of the saloon. How old is the building anyways?
I don't know. It's been around well before I took over.
I see. Well, I'm having the men do a full inspection of the saloon. Can't have you or anybody else inside just to have the whole building crashing down.
Yiski frowned, but accepted the situation.
Alright, just keep me posted on the status. I'm holding up in the Dock's warehouse for now.
Yiski left and made his way back to the warehouse where Roland was waiting for him outside.
Is the saloon fully repaired?
Nope. Looks like she took more damage and the foreman is runnin' an inspection to ensure there aren't anymore hidden dangers.
That is unfortunate. Well, Ny-Lee and I made breakfast.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Narrator-
Zill woke with a start. Jun'ko was just getting up and leaned over him.
Wake up lazy man, else you miss breakfast. *Chuckles*
Yea yea. Today is sure to be interesting.
Oh right your interrogation is today. Did you want some help?
Zill knew his methods were for his eyes alone. He had been interrogating for years, and it wasn't always as violent as it was these days. Given the circumstances and the group they were up against, loose ends were the worst kind of idea.
I think its best you didn't. Plus, who else shall the dockmen gawk over while I am away?
She grins and leans down to kiss him. It lasts longer then expected. She breaks it though to present to him a small pouch.
A few days ago I had picked this up for you. I was looking for the right moment and I think its time you have it.
Zill goes to open it but she taps his hand.
Save it for when you leave. Now get together and lets have some breakfast my Admiral.
He gets himself dressed in his blackened outfit and they go outside.
-End Narrator-
-
--Docks--
*Ny-Lee, Roland, and Yiski were outside the warehouse. Yiski had set up a few targets for Roland to practice fire and teaching Roland the basic handling. Ny-Lee sat to the side watching.*
Alright, hold your gun up like so... make sure you have a nice, tight grip with both hands, lineup your front and back sights, and give the trigger a nice heavy pull.
*Roland squeezed the trigger a few times and the M1911 fired a round into the target.*
Not bad. Looks like you have a grouping near 3 o'clock and closest shot was off an inch from center. With a little more practice, you may be just as good as your father.
You really think so?
Even though you're mostly like your mother, you've got your father's sharp eye and calculatin' brain.
*Firing practice continued for the next hour.*
-
--Docks--
*BdrLine come out of the radio room with blood shot eyes*
*He gives a yawn and smells breakfast*
*BdrLine goes to a table and sees bacon, eggs, hash browns and coffee*
*He grabs a plate and a mug*
*Outside he hears some pistol shots and Yiski talking*
*figuring that Yiski is training someone to shoot, he heads out and sees the small group.*
*He goes over and sit next this his sister and eats his breakfast while watching the two*
*In between bites*
So Yiski is finally teaching him huh? So how is Roland with the pistol.
*Ny-Lee still watching Roland*
He is actually not that bad. Roland just need a little more practice, but he is getting there.
Hmm when they are done, i might practice with my rifle. You with me?
Naw i'll go and try out the blade you gave me.
Suit yourself *continues eating*
-
-Docks-
*After some breakfast, Zill prepares to head over for the interrogation. He had a couple men take the barrels of ale over to Oliver's. He see's Yiski helping Roland out.*
One day a raging lunatic and the next a mentor. He never ceases to surprise me.
*He walks over and pats Roland on the shoulder.*
Here, give this a go.
*He hands Roland his hand cannon pistol.*
Careful though, its got a lot more recoil. Both hands on there.
*Roland nods and aims. He pulls the trigger and he clips the top of the target which promptly explodes the top half off. His eyes light up and Zill has a good laugh.*
Oh yea that will leave a mark.
Thanks Zill, that was fun.
Anytime.
*Zill gets ready to go and Jun'ko comes up and kisses his mask.*
That was sweet of you.
Just wanted to perk the kid up. Days like this, we need it.
Yep. You headed out?
Sure am. Lets hope our "friend's" give us a lead.
Well you are quite persuasive.
In more ways then one.
*He loads his gun and gets the proper equipment. Zill then tells the group to stay safe and heads to Oliver's.*
-
--Docks--
*Practice rolled and Yiski finally decided this was enough for one day.*
Alright Roland, we're done for today. How do your arms feel?
They feel almost like jelly. It is an odd feeling.
Yeah, that'll happen when you first start. Eventually, your arms will get used to it.
*Roland stood a few seconds in silence.*
Are you still thinkin' you're weak?
No. This is about Ny-Lee.
*Yiski decided to tease Roland a little bit.*
You thinkin' about proposin' to her...
I am.
*Yiski was speechless.*
Damn. I knew he was like Maria, but...
Are you okay Yiski?
Huh? Yeah, yeah.... so... how do you plan on doin' this? Don't you think you need to discuss with BdrLine and her folks?
Yes, I do. I will talk to BdrLineAzn and ask him to set up a radio channel to his parents.
You're really serious about this?
I am.
*Yiski took a look into Roland's eyes. Roland was serious. Yiski gave himself a small chuckle and put a hand on Roland's shoulder.*
Well, if you're goin' to follow this all the way through, you'll need a ring.
Oh no. I cannot ask you to provide me with it. I need to do this on my....
Whoa.... I'm not gonna give you the money. That'd be disrespectful.
*Yiski yelled over to the remaining group*
Hold down the fort for a bit. Roland and I need to head to the bank.
Why are we heading to the bank? You said you would let me handle this.
*Yiski faced Roland and smiled.*
We're going to the bank because your parents left you one more surprise.
*Confused, Roland followed Yiski to the City Center.*
-
-Narrator-
Zill got to Oliver's and stood outside the door a moment. He took a deep breath, and was about to knock before he remembered Jun'ko's gift. He opened the pouch and took out the gold watch. Upon opening it he saw the quote.
"Every minute with you is worth more than hours without."
After what im about to do, I hope so.
Zill focused himself and knocked. Oliver quickly came to let him in.
They are secured and waking up per your instructions.
Thanks Oliver. You do more for me than you know. Anyway, same as last time.
The basement door is latched behind Zill, and in a circle facing eachother are the three captives. They all are wearing masks and leather vests. Zill gets a bucket full of White Steam Whiskey and addresses them.
Your names gentlemen.
The one that was unconscious at the saloon started to get mouthy.
Im not tellin' you a flakin' thing ab....
Zill dumped the WSW on his head, igniting the man's mask and vest. He began to scream in pain over the course of 3 minutes before Zill pulled out his pistol and shot him. The other two prisoners from the Port watched the entire ordeal.
Your names gentlemen.
I...Im Will.
Milton.
Good, good. Tell me why you were at my Port.
We were tasked to watch over the guy's ship. That was it really.
Yea...Thats right!
I already know the group that hired you. I need to know where they are based.
We dont know that.
Zill gave Milton a right cross to the jaw. Blood sprayed onto Will and he began to weep.
What...what was that for?!?
I did not ask if you knew. I asked where they are based.
Huh? That doesnt make a....
Zill shoved a funnel into Will's mouth and made him guzzle 3 mugs worth of Wild Wind Ale. He immediately began to go crazy.
Oh my god, its so hot in here! Birdman, why is it so hot???
Zill started taking notes.
Oh that makes sense, The Guild has some pretty hot lands.
Whats that? Oh yes the secret is safe with me.
We need to discuss the secret.
Oh yes of course. You see...
No you fool, hes tricking you!
Zill dumped WSW onto Milton. He began screaming from the fiery pain.
Hurry Will! We might catch fire unless we know!
Oh god! Yes yes, the secret lies in Izumi.
Zill was satisfied. He pulled the trigger on Will, and let Milton burn to death. He left the basement and latched it. Oliver stood up when Zill came up.
You ok?
Youre the doctor. Im sure you know better than i do. But you know what ill say.
Right. I take it your men will clean the basement?
They will.
Zill walks out and finds a spot in the Garden District to sit and reflect.
-End Narrator-
-
*BdrLine calls back to Yiski as he leaves*
Will do, its not like anything eventful is going to happen in a few hours.
*As Roland and Yiski is out of sight, he turns to Ny-Lee*
Now its my turn to have fun shooting
*BdrLine gets up from his spot and walks towards what looks like a wash bin for the plates and mugs*
*After, he goes back into the warehouse and brings back his rifle and an ammo box*
*Ny-Lee gets up as well and adjust the leather brace she has on her forearm*
If you're going to practice, i might as well do.
*After finally adjusting the guard, Ny extends and retracts the blade*
*As she does it a couple of more times, she turns to BdrLine*
Brother how many of these blades did you make?
*BdrLine is setting up a target and hears Ny-Lee*
With the one you have on.... Four, the other three should be in the box.
Do you know where the box is?
It should be back in Zill's warehouse, as we were converting it, i asked a worker to go retrieve it back from the saloon.
Ok thanks.
*Ny-Lee goes inside and find the said box on a table, ahe grabs a second forearm brace and places it on her left arm*
*The next hour or so, both Ny-Lee and BdrLine are outside of the warehouse*
*BdrLine with his rifle and shooting at targets, while Ny-Lee sets up a few make-shift dummies and practices using the dual blades*
-
--First Bank of Anvala--
*Roland and Yiski walk into the bank and immediately get strange looks from the employees. Not everyday they get to see Western District citizens. Few of the bank guards gets cautious as Yiski walks up to the teller.*
Sir, what can I do for you today?
I've got a deposit box here and I need to access it.
I'm sorry if you do not mind me asking, but are you sure you have a deposit box with us?
*Yiski rolled his eyes at the teller.*
Goddamn profilin' bastard. Yes, I'm sure I have a box here.
*Yiski reaches into his pocket and pulls out a key and hands it to the teller. The teller inspects it and recognizes it's one of theirs.*
I'm terribly sorry sir, it's just we...
Any day now kid.
*The teller goes quiet and goes into the record room. After a few minutes, the teller returns with some files.*
Now for verification, I need you to give me the passphrase that goes to this account.
*Without hesitation.*
Crimson Bolt.
*The teller checks the file and nods his head.*
Correct sir. Please follow me into the vault.
*The two follow the teller into the vault. The teller locates and pulls out the proper box and puts the key in the lock.*
If there is anything else we can do for, please let us know.
*The teller exits, leaving only Roland and Yiski inside. Yiski pushes Roland toward the box.*
Go on. Open it.
*Roland takes a breath. He grabs the key and turns it to where he hears the box unlock. Roland opens the lid.*
Yiski!.... Is.... are the... these rings...
Your parents' wedding bands.... After Maria died, Micheal took his off and put their rings in this box.
*Roland also noticed an envelope. He opened it and found bank notes worth in total 4,000 gold.*
Where did my parents get this money?
Well, when they decided to have you they started a fund for you just in case. So, what's your plan now?
I'll take the rings with me and I'll leave the money here. I just need to find a proper time and place to propose to Ny-Lee. Probably when all this business is behind us.
Good call. Now let's lock this up and head back.
*Yiski closes the lid and re-lock the box. As they exit from the vault, Yiski tells the teller they're done. Eventually, the two make their way back to the warehouse.*
-
Papa thought since everyone was getting target practice, he might as well join in. He took his repeater, Brunhilda, out and reveled in its glory, it remained one of the few things Papa still took care of. He setup a long range target about 750 meters, he was standing and he used nothing but Brunhilda's ladder sight, after adjusting it slightly he exhaled letting the first shot go, Bullseye.
"Well darlin' you still like to pull to the right after all the years."
It was like pillow talk between one of his only true loves.
-
--Docks--
*Roland and Yiski arrive back at the Docks and see BdrLine, Paradox, and Ny-Lee practicing. Yiski put his hand on Roland's shoulder.*
Well, I'll let you figure out your grand plan.
*Yiski addresses the group.*
I'm assumin' Zill's still out entertainin' our 'guests.' If anybody needs me, I'll be inside adjusting Blood Bolt. Best to stay clear unless you want to be covered in lochnagar powder.
*Before Yiski heads inside.*
Yiski. Do you think you could get me a few more clips of ammunition?
Sure.
*Yiski heads inside and comes back out with three clips of ammo. Yiski then goes back inside. Roland follows the procedure Yiski told him when checking current ammo and reloading. Before Roland starts practicing, he decided to watch Ny-Lee practice a bit.*
Gods, even when she is fighting, it is elegant.
*Roland felt he could watch Ny-Lee practice for hours.*
-
-Docks-
*Zill comes back to the Port and his warehouse. He takes his time just to appreciate the walk.*
Ahoy everyone. Got at least a destination to go on, but its no small feat to get there.
*He walks up to Jun'ko, lifts up his mask, and kisses her. She is caught off guard but quickly makes up for it. They finish and he replaces his mask.*
Well hello there. Miss me?
*Zill takes out his watch of inner pocket.*
Just a thank you for this.
-
*As Zill returned and the group was altogether, an explosion could be heard coming from the warehouse followed by red smoke.*
By the heavens, Yiski!
*Out of the door and smoke, Yiski ran out of the warehouse coughing and sweating. Yiski face was also bright red, not from the smoke.*
Bloody skies... cough... cough.... didn't think cough... that mixture...cough....
*Roland rushes to Yiski's side and helps him down. Immediately, Yiski pulls out a flask of Clear Skies and downs it. He clears his throat and tries to speak again.*
Whew... As I was sayin', made a new round for Blood Bolt. It basically... you know what, I'll show y'all instead of explain' it.
*The warehouse wasn't leaking red smoke anymore when Yiski went back inside. When Yiski came back, he had Blood Bolt in hand and loaded one of his experimental rounds in. He took aim at one of the target dummies.*
You guys might wanna get back some. FIRE IN THE HOLE!
*The shot rang out and hit the target dead center. For a second, nothing happened. Suddenly though...*
*WOOSH* *CRACKLE*
*The target went up into flames and then exploded. The group was stunned. Yiski unchambered the spent round and turned to the others.*
Well, what y'all think?
*There was an air of silence.*
I know, beautiful right? Think this may be my best round yet. Goin' to make more of these babies.
*Yiski had some spring to his step as he went back insdie.*
-
*Zill makes sure his warehouse isnt damaged and smacks Yiski on the back of the head.*
I swear. The one place we can stay and you damn near blow it up. Youre thinking too much like me, and its disturbing.
*He addresses the group.*
We got our work cut out for us. The best place for us to go finding Birdmen is apparently Izumi, a little backwater town of nothing deep in Guild territory. They wont be welcoming when they realize we are there.
-
*BdrLine takes in the new information*
Izumi huh? That's in the path of a suppose Birdmen factory. Zankif says that it's located in the carters, but even he is not sure if it exists. All he has is that one of his scout group reported they saw it. Mind if we investigate that as well?
-
*Yiski facepalms.*
Really? Izumi? By the burnin' skies, as if we didn't already have to deal with the Birdmen, I'm sure the Guild would love to have me stop by for a chat.
*Yiski continues to work on his ammo.*
-
*Zill looks at Bdr.*
Yea, anything your contacts pick up needs to be looked at too. If we go all the way to Izumi and find an abandoned warehouse full of nothing, we at least have something to go with.
*Zill sighs.*
Its a fools trip but unless we want to live in this warehouse forever we need to silence these flakin' birds.
*He goes to sit in the back of the warehouse, taking a swig from his flask. Jun'ko comes up to Yiski and BdrLine.*
He seems a little down after his interrogation, and i doubt he will be an open book about it. Do you know anything about his past interrogations?
-
*BdrLine to Jun'ko*
I only heard rumors and stories, but I've never seen one of his in person. But what I seen so far,he usually tends to them by himself.
*Ny-Lee goes over to Roland and pulls him away from the others*
I saw that you were watching me train with the blades. So what do you think hmm. And how was our little adventure with Yiski into the city.
-
*Yiski to Jun'ko*
Trust me Jun, it's better to leave this topic silent. I know exactly how Zill conducts his interrogations. Hell, helped him out in a few after our service to the Baronies. I'll tell you this though, it's a burden that he'll have to shoulder all on his own.
*As Ny-Lee pulls Roland away from the others, he gives her kiss.*
Well, Yiski keeps showing me surprises about my parents.
*Ny-Lee looks at Roland with inquisitive eyes.*
And that is all you will be getting out of me.
*Ny-Lee pouts and Roland chuckles and gives her another kiss.*
-
*Walking up to Jun'ko*
"Overheard your conversation, heard you wanted to know about Zill's 'interrogations.' Yiski's too protective."
"Yeah."
*He had an apple in his hand, he cut it with the blade that was in his forearm, eating it gradually through the conversation.*
"Well I've been in there with him before, hell even taught him a couple things... interrogation is an art, we tried to break this one guy back in the day, damn he had willpower. Had. Anyways we've both had our fair share of interrogations, but watching Zill was like watching a master artisan, trained in the way of sadism. Got youself a real keeper."
*He let that sink in, accentuating every word with the apple and knife.*
"He might even be better than me... naahhh probably not."
*He patted her on the shoulder and walked away leaving her in her stunned state.*
-
*While everyone was researching, Shink was sitting on the roof of the warehouse keeping a watch over the port. In the distance, Shink spots a courier heading our way with a package. Excited, Shink hops down off the roof, and intercepts the courier before anyone else could."
"Thanks! Here's a bit extra for the trouble"
*Shink opens the package to reveal a new scope for his sniper rifle*
this'll do nicely
-
*Jun'ko knew Zill would be heavy handed, but surely PapaP was only exageratting, right? The curiosity took over, and she sat with him in the back.*
So I was talking to the guys about you.
*Zill looked up at her.*
That cant be good...
*She looked nervous.*
So about the interrogations...
*Zill sat up and wrapped an arm around her.*
Do we really need to go down that road? Is it possible for you to accept that it is my burden, and i take it for the sake of everyone else, including you?
*Jun'ko just leans onto him*
I worry about you more than anything. You put a lot on yourself and i never really understood why.
*Zill sighs.*
Stick around long enough and I will tell you.
*Jun'ko looks up at him and nods. She knows the coming days will be tough, and less on his mind is best.*
-
--NARRATOR--
The group settles down for the evening. This evening the watch was going to be a little different. Yiski was going to pull an all-nighter and use the local presses to make a fair number of his new rounds.
Hmm... got to name these rounds... Sun Burst? I like that. We'll call these Sun Burst rounds. Try and mimic these you feathered bastards.
Ny-Lee was deep asleep, but Roland was still awake. He held his father's pistol in his lap and ran his hand over it. As much as he wanted to propose to Ny-Lee, he wasn't sure if the coming days would allow any time for a proper proposal. Roland reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch. Inside were his parents' wedding bands.
I need to become stronger. For everyone. For Ny-Lee.
During the first watch Jun'ko and Zill sat a their usual distance, but to Jun'ko it felt much farther.
I know Paradox likes to exaggerate, but it makes sense to what Yiski said before. I know he worries about me, but I wish he'd depend on me more.
Zill was a little sore over Paradox opening his mouth about his interrogations.
Dammit Paradox. I didn't need this now. I don't want to drag Jun'ko down into any of this.
The second watch was uneventful and Paradox passed the time lowly humming a tune he remembered a few years back.
The final watch was handled by Shinkurex. Since, Yiski was otherwised occupied with making his Sun Burst rounds, Shinkurex offered to take watch. Mostly because he wanted to test out his new scope.
This scope is awesome!
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 40--
-
--START OF DAY 41--
--NARRATOR--
The morning sun came up and Yiski was happy. Despite having heavy bags under his eyes, he managed to make 4 5-round magazines of his Sun Burst rounds. Satisfied, Yiski walked out into the main warehouse floor to where his temporary bed was and immediately collapsed with a loud thud. This woke everyone else up.
Roland approached Yiski and sighed. Yiski was simple sprawled out over the bed. Roland decided to set Yiski in a comfortable position.
Well, since Yiski is asleep, I will go see if the saloon’s repairs are finished.
Mind if I tag along?
Roland nodded and the two made their way to the saloon. What they saw next would have driven Yiski beyond insanity and madness.
The saloon was gone.
The two stood for a while in absolute shock before Ny-Lee spotted the foreman.
What happened to the saloon?
Well, further inspection found the foundation for both the main and second floors were well beyond prime operational life. I made the decision to tear down the saloon and rebuild it from the ground up.
Roland snapped out of his daze.
What about all the equipment and supplies?
We stored those in one of our warehouses. We also made sure to keep the Hellfire units actives.
How long and how much will all this take?
Well, it should only take two weeks to rebuild. The cost would be 9,000 gold, but since I promised Yiski it was only a simple remodeling, I’ll eat some of the cost and charge 5,500 gold.
Thank you.
The two left the torn down saloon and made their way back to the warehouse. When they returned, they were greeted by the others.
So, is the saloon repaired? I’d like to get a drink before we ship out.
Yeah, I’d like to get some sake!
Ny-Lee and Roland stood in silence with frowns on their faces. This set of red flags in everyone’s mind.
Roland? Is everything alright?
The... the saloon... it’s gone.
The silence was deafening.
You’re telling me those idiots tore down the saloon? The hell were they thinking?
Damn, Yiski’s not going to be happy when he wakes up.
Why am I not goin’ be happy when I wake up?
The group turned and saw Yiski. He gave another heavy yawn. Nobody wanted to say what happened in fear of Yiski grabbing Blood Bolt and starting a rampage in Anvala, but Roland stepped up.
Well, the foreman said the saloon was in disrepair and... possibly tore the saloon down to rebuild it.
Yiski stood there for a few minutes. The lack of sleep was making it longer to process what Roland said. Finally, Yiski walked over to his bed and went back to sleep. The group was surprised.
Yiski?
What? I tryin’ to sleep.
You are not mad... at all?
Of course I’m mad as the burning skies! But since we’re goin’ after these Birdmen, it just gives me more of a reason to rip their feathers out.
With Yiski asleep again, the group went on their business in getting ready for departure.
Destination: Izumi.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 41--
Again semi-token post due to Cogs match. Those interested (especially in the Merry Northern Storm) should watch the live stream at http://www.twitch.tv/qwerty2jam
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(OOC: In case you didnt know, we are in a quest right now. Normal Burning Skies will return once it is over. Here is a link for the Quest.
https://gunsoficarus.com/community/forum/index.php/topic,408.0.html
Woo more reading!)
-
(OOC:omg, it's back, ITS BACK)
-
--START OF DAY 62--
--NARRATOR--
It was mid-afternoon when the team finally arrived in Anvala's port. During their return flight, Jun'ko had done most of the piloting and forcing Zill to rest. Now, Zill had recovered enough be walk on his own, albeit slowly. As Then It Was Fixed Again and M'Naghten Returns docked, the team departed from their ships. Waiting for them was a group of Council Elite Guards.
Admiral Zill. The Council requests your presence immediately regarding the recent events.
Zill grimaced.
Really? Can't they leave me to rest for one day? I'd like to get some rest and drink before then.
I'm sorry, but the request was made urgent.
Fine.
Do you want me to come along?
No. I won't be long.
Zill leaves the Port along with the guards. Yiski is the next person to start walking out of the Port.
What, you think I'm going to sit here all day and not see if my beloved saloon isn't rebuilt yet? You comin' folks?
I'll met up with you all shortly. I'm going to do some checks on the ships. I feel like they could some more work.
Really brother, after all this you're just going to sit here in the docks?
Sadly, BdrLine had already left and got a group of workers together and headed for the warehouse. Ny-Lee sighed.
Come on, darling. Let us go see if our saloon is there.
I'd love for it to be there and better. I could use a drink.
I second that.
Third.
The team, minus Zill and BdrLine, make their way to the Western District to where the saloon used to stand. When they arrived at the location they see a brand new saloon with a wooden board over a concrete building "Burning Skies Saloon". Everyone was surprised at the new building, but not nearly as Yiski who was mentally squealing like a schoolgirl.
By the glorious skies, it's gorgeous.
I have to say the foreman did an excellent job.
I'm glad you think so.
The group turns and sees the foreman with a grin on his face.
We finished the rebuilding a few days back. As you can see, the new saloon is much more sturdy and sleek. And if you love the exterior, just wait till you get inside.
The foreman hands Yiski the keys to the building. Yiski unlocks and enters his saloon and his jaw drops. The interior of the saloon had smooth hardwood floors, the support pillars were now concrete, the bar counter was made of Ridge Redwood (uncommon and expensive), the tables were brand new. What made Yiski laugh is the couch which had seen so much action was still sitting there against the stairwell. Yiski wandered into the back and saw all of his equipment was set back. Yiski walked to the front window and saw the sign and clicked to where the saloon was open. He then yelled to the other outside.
What you want me to shoot some fireworks or somethin'? Get in here! Yup, it'd definitely good to be home.
--NARRATOR END--
-
*Astonished by the new saloon, Shink steps inside, and finds where his usual corner was. The foreman must've known that this was Shink's place, as he had reinforced everything in that corner*
"This is freaking awesome!"
*Shink takes a seat, and the stress of the journey seemed to disappear entirely*
"Yiski! There is no better way to break this place in, than to order a round of White Steam Whiskey"
-
-Narrator-
The walk to the Council Hall felt like ages for Zill. As agitated as he was for being summoned as soon as they landed, he was determined to make it a quick meeting so that he could rest.
The Elites escorted him to the Council Chambers. There the Council was prepared to receive him.
Greeting my Council.
(1-9) Greetings Admiral.
(1) You have been summoned here so that we may congratulate you for your success against the wicked Birdmen.
I thank you. I trust the Yeshan Emperor has contacted you?
(6) Indeed. Thanks to your efforts, they wish to expand their trade with us, and offer three Galleons to join our fleet.
Great news for our fine City. However, this is not all you wish to discuss with me.
(3) Always quick to the point Admiral. We have learned that in Izumi, you discovered a rather large record of Birdmen and Guild research. We wished to see these records for the betterment of the Council.
Unfortunately the book was destroyed along with my vessel. And to be frank its best that way. The research they performed, and implemented, was very twisted, and not something the Council should be investigating.
(9) We will be the judge of what we will and won't do, Admiral. Since the book is lost however, we will not discuss it any further.
(1) The matter of your Northern mission is also of importance today.
Zill cringed. He was on wits end with this meeting and was barely holding back his true emotion.
What of it?
(7) A recon of the Republic Fleet's recent movements cannot go ignored. If they raid Firnfeld, the proximity to our beloved City will make us a prime target.
Surely one of my officers can handle such a task as recon.
(3) If they do intend to raid, than you will be tasked to block any movement to the south. The last raids from them cost us much.
That they did. As you can see however, I am in no state to fly immediately. I will perform your request but only on my time. Rest assured I know the severity of the situation and will handle it.
(9) Very well. Do give your friends our regards. Yiski and Papa in particular.
To clear Skies.
Zill leaves the Chambers and slowly heads to the Saloon. His mind wanders from topic to topic. He aches at the thought of anything right now except a stiff drink and good company. These things can wait till tomorrow.
-End Narrator-
-
--Saloon--
*Yiski gives Shink a large grin*
One White Steam comin' up!
*Yiski uses the new tap system installed and pours a WSW and hands it to Shink*
To celebrate the re-grand opening, the rounds are on the house!
-
--Docks--
*BdrLine and his small group, which consist of Tommy, Allen, and John, heads towards his warehouse*
*The three were surprised to see BdrLine as they didn't know where he had went for the past few weeks. Tommy was the first to speak*
Damn Bdr, where have you been? We all though you have died from one of your experiments
*BdrLine says sarcastically*
Well nice to see you guys too and that you care abou me
*Allen was the next to speak*
Oh we are glad your are back. But we figured, with the lack of damage and explosions from your warehouse the past weeks, that something happened
*BdrLine smirks*
Well it's time to start it up again. But not today, we are just going to my warehouse to get a few tools and do some matinence on a few ships
*John chimes in slowly*
Yeah about your warehouse... the three of us sorta did some work inside. You may or may not like what we have done
*As the four arrive at he warehouse, BdrLine goes to the door and puts a hand on it. He looks back at the others before opening*
What, like you guys changed it and added a boxing ring, a miniature pool, or a race track in right
*All three chuckles nervously and Tommy speaks again*
Yeah about that
*BdrLine opens the door, and infront of him is an actually boxing ring on one side of the giant warehouse and a racing track on the other half*
*BdrLine is surprised at the newest additions to his warehouse*
WHAT THE FLAK. You guys actually did this?! And where is all my equipment and things
Well two out of three, we couldn't find room for a pool. But don't worry we moved all your things downstairs underneath this place
*BdrLine pinching the bridge of his nose to calm himself*
Well alright, if all my stuff is still here, then maybe I let this slide. *sighing* Well come on let's head down, grab some tools, and head to the ships
*All three complies with BdrLine and follows him downstairs to get some equipment. Once they go the tools they needed, All four goes back to where Then it was fixed and the M'Naghten Returns were docked*
--Saloon--
*Ny-Lee walks in from the outside and to Yiski*
If you want fireworks, I think my brother still have some lying around *laughs*
*Ny-Lee gazes at the interior*
Wow this place looks better than ever. Yiski you think we can start up the piano as well?
-
--Saloon--
*Yiski laughs*
I'll pass on BdrLine's fireworks. I just got this place rebuilt and I'm not lettin' anything bring it back down.
*Yiski turns to Roland*
You feelin' up to playin' something?
*Roland walks over to the piano.*
It been a long while since I have played anything.
Hell, give it a shot.
*Roland sits down and raises the key covers. He places his hands down on the keys and takes a deep breath. He begins playing a ragtime melody.*
-
-Saloon-
*Jun'ko walks in, dressed for a night out. She heads to the bar.*
You have no idea how nice it is to be out of war gear. Think you can add some special "Yiski magic" to that Sake for me? Its going to be a good night. By the way, this place looks amazing!
*Just then, Zill opened the door and limped to the bar.*
I need a double of, something. That meeting was......nevermind.
*He looks around and takes in all the new bits of the Saloon.*
This place does look like a bunker now, though with class. They do good work for sure.
-
*Connor walks into the saloon and gives a short snort*
Well, this isn't much
*He walks over to sit at the bar and motions to the bar tender*
Ay keep! Somethin to keep this headache down!
-
*Notices Connor enter the bar, and snort in derision*
"Well look who we have here. Did someone leave the door open? Boy you best head to a different saloon, if you think you can stomach Yiski's brew"
*Seeing that Conner would not budge from the requested ale, Shink just shrugs*
"Very well, I think a Hellfire will suit you nicely"
-
*hearing a bit of an unfriendly tone Connor takes it as a challenge*
I don't think you know who you're dealin with now! After this past week I reckon I can stomach anything thrown at me
*Grabbing the Hellfire he takes a cautious sniff and starts to down the drink only getting a quarter through before stopping*
Ahh, that's more like it
-
*Amused, Shink pats Conner's back maybe a little too hard*
"Well I'll be... Looks like he can stomach hellfire.... Yiski! looks like your brews are getting weaker.... Well then, tell us a little bit about yourself. I haven't seen you around here"
-
*Yiski prepares Jun'ko some sake and decides to add a few 'extras' to it.*
Here you go, not sure how it'll turn out.
*Yiski then hears Zill's comment.*
Hmm... *Yiski makes a mug of Frost Fire Ale and Clear Skies.* It's not a double, but I think this'll do you better.
*Yiski sees Connor starting on his Hellfire.*
Ah green folk to the Hellfire. Hmm... he'll start suffering about 3/4 way.
*Yiski then turns to Shink.*
Weaker? You must've taken a harder hit to your head.
*Yiski pulls the Hellfire tap and throws in the following ingredients: Lochnagar Pepper Extract and Powdered Dragon Pepper.*
Try this Shink.
-
--Saloon--
*Ny-Lee goes over and sits next to Roland at the piano*
*She watches his hand move around the keys*
*To Shink without looking away from the piano*
Shink just lighten up a little. We just got back, don't start making trouble again. *To Roland* Honey you think I can play something with you?
--Docks--
*BdrLine and the three arrives to both Yiski's and Zill's ships*
So what we we going to do to them. Not anything drastic right?
No just a matinence check on them. See is the engines running efficiently, all the guns are bolted correctly, etc. etc.
Ok, so Allen and I on the Goldfish. And you and John on the Galleon?
Yup so let's get cracking
*The four splits into their respective groups and board the two vessesls, and just like what BdrLine said, they conduct matinence checking all the ships components. After a hour or so, they completed both ships*
That's it right nothing else.
That's it. You guys are to go. I'll be heading to the saloon
*BdrLine goes his way out of the port towards the saloon, while the three goes over to his warehouse to go driving on the race track*
-
*Connor gives a half smile up to Shink and looks back down at his drink*
Not really much to say, my crew and I have been traveling from place to place, no real reason for it, just don't wanna be tied down I guess, like the nomads in Urhali.
*He takes another sip*
Alas, we were just on our way past Anvala when we got hit by pirates, flakin' killed 2 of my crew and now my ship is stuck in this shit hole for a while getting repairs, sorry if that offends you, I'm a little pissed
*Connor finishes his drink and shrugs down.*
Yiski is it? I heard of your bar from some other captains, I heard you're quite the brewer
(OOC: We replaced f*ck with flak, just cause it sounds a little better. No harm intended here.)
-
*Roland stops playing and moves over a little for Ny-Lee sit next to him. Once she's next to him, he turns to Ny-Lee and gives her a kiss on the cheek.*
So what song did you have in mind?
*Yiski pours himself a Hellfire and takes a large gulp.*
By the skies, how I've missed this. *Yiski turns to Connor.* Well, you heard right. If you're feelin' brave to trying somethin' new and potentially dangerous I'm your brewer and/or distiller.
-
*The doors to the new saloon open and two figures come through in. At first glance they look like best friends with their arms around each others shoulders. Then it becomes clear that one of them is bleeding from is left leg with bits of shrapnel sticking out. The guy supporting him, Iris, is the first to speak*
"Quickly, this man needs medical attention! *Pulls a stool over and sets the man down* You told me it was only a scratch, or I would have taken you to a clinic!"
*Then the wounded man speaks, it's Skyraider*
"I couldn't even feel my leg, its completely numb, and being inside an airplane its hard to tell!"
*Iris protests*
"You were hit by a flak cannon, and your wing was smoking, couldn't you have at least said that!"
*Skyraider replies with pain in his voice as Iris tries to pull out a piece of metal*
"Panic would not achieve our goal of getting me safely on the ground, so it was best for me not to say the state my plane was in. And what is this place!"
*They both look around for a second, then Skyraider speaks*
"Burning Skies Saloon, this place is a lie! Untruthful facility could be my grave, but I don't plan on dying today."
-
*Zill takes a swig of his ale and looks over to Sky's situation.*
I dont have time for this...Jun and Ny, patch him up before he makes a mess of the place. What on earth did you do Sky?
*Jun'ko goes over with a wet rag from Yiski to clean the wound on his leg. Luckily for him the shrapnel wasnt deep.*
Probably a random bounty hunter trying to collect. Just dont get blood on my clothes. Ive dealt with enough of this in my lifetime...
-
*Connor sighs and turns to Yiski*
Yeah, pour me a glass will ya?
*He turns to the injured man*
Pirates? Ain't need no green sailors going off and getting themselves killed
-
*Turns to Connor and Zill*
"I was drafted into the Yeshan Empire as a pilot, while I was in a mission to invade a pirate settlement I was hit by flak and..."
*Looks at his leg*
"Suffered a damaged plane and shrapnel all across my leg, its bad to get hit and feel pain, but no pain is even worse."
-
*Connor turns back to face the bar*
Nothing a good drink can't fix
*He nonchalantly raises his glass slightly above his head and turns to the bartender*
Make that two drinks
-
*Yiski notices Skyraider and the commotion and yells over to Roland.*
Roland! Go get Oliver!
*Without a word, Roland jumps off the piano and runs out heading to Oliver's place.*
--Garden District--
*Many minutes later, Roland is at Oliver's door and starts frantically bangs on Oliver's door. The door is swung open.*
Roland, what's wrong?
*Roland takes a second to catch his breath.*
Sky...raider... badly... injured.
Say no more.
*Oliver heads inside and comes back with his medical bag. Oliver heads off to the saloon with Roland close behind.*
(Connor stop using white/beige, it looks the same as my lines. Please use quotation.)
-
*Connor mumbles to himself*
And I still don't get my fuckin' drink
*He turns around to Skyraider*
Where were the pirates?
-
*When Yiski notices that Skyraider's injury isn't life threatening, Yiski gets back behind the bar.*
Sorry about that Connor, here are your two Hellfires.
*Yiski thinks a bit.*
If there are any raiders, I'd assume they're up North of here. Heard there's a group movin' through.
-
*Iris pulls out another peice of metal from Skyraider's leg, Sky winces*
"Alright, I certainly felt that, so my leg isn't completely dead yet."
*Turns to Yiski*
"I think if it was a fatal wound I'd be missing the leg entirely, and I'd doubt those raiders are moving to attack us. Before I turned around, I dropped a 700 kg bomb on their base."
-
--Saloon--
*Ny-Lee gets up rom the piano and goes and grabs some bandages. She goes over to Skyraider, and Jun finishes washing up the blood, wraps the cloth around the injury*
There I think this should hold. And about your plane, where did you guys land? We didn't hear a crash or anything of that matter earlier.
*Few minutes later BdrLine goes upon the Saloon*
*He stares at the remodelling of the outside*
Damn, that foreman did a good job on this place
*He walks in and see the bloodied person*
Wow first day back and already there is blood in this place.
*He squints to see who it was and come to realise that it was Sky*
By the Gods it's you Sky, what the hell happen to ou?
-
Papa's arm turns into a that infamous blade
"Aw, I wanted to aputate..."
-
*Connor walks over to sky and hands him a drink*
there ya go mate, that should help a little bit
-
*Roland and Oliver make it back to the saloon and see Ny-Lee trying to patch Skyraider's leg. Oliver intervenes.*
You've done a good job stopping the bleeding. Now I'll just come in and finish things out.
*Oliver started to work on Skyraider's leg. He first gave Skyraider a shot of morphine to numb the pain. Next, he pulled out his stitches kit and began closing the wounds. Finally, Oliver grabbed the remaining bandages and covered his handiwork. It took twenty minutes for Oliver to finish up.*
*Meanwhile Roland took a seat at the bar*
Yiski could you get me a glass of water.
*Yiski hands Roland a glass of water.*
-
*Connor looks almost in shock*
oh my god, if only you were on my ship when we got hit, maybe I wouldn't have lost those lives
*Connor sits back down and starts hand rolling a cigarette, stopping only to take another gulp of his drink*
-
*Stares at his leg and stands up*
"Well I can walk, so I can still fix my pl.... OH NO!"
*Skyraider runs out of the door to see a fire in the distance*
"Well, that's my plane.... or WAS my plane. Ah well, I had plans for a newer mono-plane. Speaking of which, I should probably go get them."
*Ignores the people trying to get him to sit back down and runs toward the smoke*
"I'll be back, and this time without a bleeding leg! Iris, get a fire extinguisher and put that plane out before it becomes a hazard!"
-
*Connor sparks up his cigarette and starts smoking, blowing O's in the air*
Funny thing, how much everything really matters when put in perspective, I guess his leg ain't hurt that bad
*Connor lounges backward in his chair and closes his eyes*
(OOC:I just realized how much of an idiot I am for logging in to the wrong account on my phone and commenting -_____-)
-
*Zill just drinks and watches the whole affair. The Council meeting really made his mind wander. He ordered another round to out it at ease. Jun'ko came over and rubbed his back.*
You ok? Youve been pretty quiet since the Coucil meeting.
I just need another round. *Orders*
Well, if you need anything let me know....
*Zill just stared into his mug.*
-
*Connor opens his eyes after overhearing the conversation and motions for another drink*
-
*After the little scene with Sky, BdrLine goes to the bar*
*To Yiski*
And not a day goes by without anything happening at this place. Yiski I think I'm up for a Hellfire, been a long time since I drank that
*Ny-Lee goes up to Roland at the bar and hugs him from behind*
Hmm tired from all that running I see. Thought after all the things we did in Yesha, you would gotten more fit. *Smirks* I think I can help with this
*BdrLine rolls his eyes at the two*
-
*Connor looks at the two*
You guys stay close, dont-
*A little drunk he stumbles*
Don't take love for granted
*He lays his head now on the counter top of the bar after finishing up his drink*
-
*Yiski facepalms when Skyraider rushes out of the saloon*
Yup, it definitely doesn't feel like home when somethin' isn't on fire.
*Yiski then notices Connor's head down on the counter.*
Hmm... looks like the couch is going to be in action too on our first day back. BdrLine, help me get him to the couch.
*The two manage to get Connor lying on the couch. Yiski then looks on at the couple.*
If you two do plan on doing anything, there's always the room upstairs. Hmm... now that I think about it, I haven't been up there yet.
*Roland looks up at Yiski with a blush*
Yiski you know that I would never....
Relax Roland, I know you wouldn't. Still you should go rest up a bit upstairs, I know your leg isn't fully healed and I damn well know running to the Gardens and back was not good on the leg.
*Roland lets out another deep breath. He gets up and puts a little pressure on the ankle which immediately lets out. Roland would have fallen over if Ny-Lee didn't hold him up.*
I suppose you are right Yiski. *To Ny-Lee* Darling, would you mind helping upstairs?
*Ny-Lee gives Roland a peck on the cheek.*
Of course love.
*The two went upstairs. When they were out of sight, BdrLine shot a look to Yiski.*
Relax, you should have more faith in those two. I bet their not rabid like Zill and Jun here.
*Yiski smiles at the two and hands Zill another Clear Skies.*
-
Gotta...gotta get back...back to me ship
*Connor starts to mumble a little louder*
Me ship..back..back
*Connor shoots up and almost falls out the couch*
My ship, oh fuck, I-I gotta get back on my-my shop
*He manages to stand up, and barley stumble out of the saloon on his way to his ship*
-
*BdrLine goes back to the bar after helping moving Conner*
Alright, alright ,you know I trust Roland, just the thought just get me paranoid. So can I get that Hellfire again?
*Upstairs, Ny-Lee helps Roland into the bed.*
*Ny-Lee takes a chair from a desk and put it asides the bed and sits*
*Once Ny sits down, she looks back and did a double take*
*The upstairs room has been made a few feet longer, inside was placed a full writing desk and a floor to ceiling wardrobe.*
*Besides the her is not one, but two twin size beds and inbetween is a small table with a radio*
They really upgrade this place I see. But dear I was thinking, once your leg heals, I can help exercise you a bit. What do you think?
-
*Skyraider walks back in, limping, with a scroll in his arms. He sets the scroll down and opens it, revealing a well-drawn out plane*
"This is the idea I had while flying what used to be my biplane donated from the Yeshan Empire. Instead of going for the maneuverability of biplane, it goes for speed. And with airships, they can simply out run flak."
*Stares at his paper, then speaks up again*
"Problem is finding a suitable engine... and retractable landing gear so I don't end up ripping them off while in high speeds."
-
--Passanger Ship Close to Docks--
*A crack is heard over the intercom system*
*In a shrill voice the Captain is heard*
Uhh, Attention passengers due to unforeseen circumstances we will have to land at the nearest dock, We'll be up in the air in 6 hours time.
*The passengers groan once they hear this*
YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!
*The passengers continued to complain until they reached the docks*
*The now angry mob continued to pout while they exited the aircraft*
*While exiting Honeybadger glanced at his watch which he kept in his coat sighing*
Well, time Isn't a problem anymore I suppose.
*After a short walk down the street he saw a man running and panting hurriedly with something in his arms*
*Upon turning around he saw a plane that was caught ablaze, he quickly raised both of his eyebrows and almost let go of his suitcase*
I think I need a drink...
-
*BdrLine, hearing about Sky and his project, goes over to him and looks at the plans*
Sky i think I can help you out on this. Think you can bring your plane to my warehouse?
-
*Hears BdrLine and replies*
"Thanks for the offer, but I have a private airstrip that has spare parts lying around. What I really need is for you to go out and find an engine capable of pulling 370 mph in the air."
-
*Yiski fills another mug with the Hellfire tap and hands it to BdrLine.*
A single-manned biplane, huh? I've been hearing things about those from the workers and some engineers. Didn't figure they start testing prototypes so soon without those variables handled.
*Yiski thinks to himself.*
If they're rushing this development, it has to do something with raiders. They're not a threat to warships, but throw an civilian vessel and it's a whole new game.
*Meanwhile upstairs in the saloon, Roland was also admiring the new room. He then looked back to Ny-Lee.*
Well, the room is pretty, but nothing compared to you darling.
*A blush came over Ny-Lee.*
As far as a little physical training... I think I could benefit from it.
*Roland realized the saloon started to get busy because the two could hear all the commotion downstairs.*
Huh, I guess there were people waiting for the saloon to reopen. *Roland then takes a look at Ny-Lee who is looking around the room still.* Heavens, to think I would ever meet a girl like Ny-Lee, let alone be engaged to her. *His mind then suddenly makes a leap of logic* With the noise, Ny-Lee and I could.... oh heaven what am I thinking!?
*Roland is staring at his finance when she turns her gaze back on him. This causes Roland to quickly avert his eyes from her, all the while blushing and Ny-Lee looking on him inquisitively.*
*Back downstairs, Yiski notices Connor is missing from the couch.*
By the skies, got another drunk man on the loose. See I got a bleeding and reckless Sky with a drunk man wandering around? Yup, definitely home.
-
*Skyraider replies to Yiski's comment*
"No you idiot, I mean mono-plane as in one wing instead of two ontop of each other. Single manned biplanes were common in the Yeshan Empire, in fact I had one but well.... yeah. Single winged aircraft is extremely risky with reducing maneuverability, so no one really wanted to try and make one. But now with planes getting shot down by flak because they are too slow could bring them back."
-
*Zill chugs his Clear Skies. Jun downs her Sake and falls over. Zill catches her before she hits the floor.*
What did you put in that Sake Yiski???
*Jun'ko shakes her head and looks at Zill.*
Whew i havent had anything that strong in awhile.
*She lifts up Zill's mask and starts kissing him. He's surprised but quickly gives in. A few tables around them cheer them on. Once they finally break it, Zill takes two mugs from the nearest patrons and offers one to Jun. They chug them and kiss again.*
-
*Yiski grunts at Skyraider return*
Meh, I'll take a goldfish any day into the skies.
*Yiski then looks at Zill catching Jun'ko and Zill's comment.*
Well, Jun said see wanted her sake with some bite, so I gave her one with bark and bite.
*Yiski then sees the make-out the two are doing and walks down the counter and makes himself a Frost Fire.*
Burning skies, at least take it upstairs with the other two. I'm sure they built an extra room.
-
*Skyraider sees Zill and Jun kissing*
"Ugh, romance, well if this is what is going on tonight then I might as well head back to the airstrip and actually rest for awhile... in peace."
*Gets up and limps toward the door and turns around*
"Do svidaniya!"
*Walks out of the saloon*
-
*BdrLine to Sky before he leaves*
A single wing aircraft huh? Well anything is possible.
*BdrLine ponders for a moment*
An engine going that fast. hmm I'll check my warehouse then. If i don't find one, i can try to make one
*Back upstarirs*
*Ny-Lee is still staring at Roland*
So Roland... what are you thinking.
-
*After he picked his jaw up he decided to look for a place to stay for the night*
*Honeybadger wandered the street for about 10 minutes before finding the saloon*
Not the worst place I've crawled into...
*He entered the semi busy saloon and being unfirmiliar with the saloon be sat at a table he saw that was vacant waiting for any sort of waitress among the craziness of the saloon*
-
*BdrLine sees the new patron, to Yiski*
Yiski, looks like we got a new patron.
*To Honeybadger*
So, new around these parts?
-
*Turns to Bdr while dusting off his navy bowler hat*
Yes, you can thank the incompetent captain for that. But where are my manners, People call me Honeybadger, pleased to meet you.
*Extends hand to BdrLine*
-
*takes and shakes the hand*
Please to meet you as well. So where are you form Honeybadger?
-
*He looks around and brings his hand to his chin quizzically*
I was born in the Baronies, I've lived just about everywhere else. In fact I just got back from Yesha.
*looks back from the ceiling and took his hand off his chin and rested it on his chair. Looks back to BdrLine*
Where are you from?
-
*To Badger*
Well i was born in Chang-ning and all of us just came back from Yesha from a little... adventure
-
--NARRATOR--
Yiski sees BdrLine and the new patron.
Welcome Honeybadger to the Burning Skies Saloon! Well, there's some silver linin' to your situation.
Honeybadger looks over and sees that Yiski hands Honeybadger a Frost Fire Ale.
Tonight's my re-grand opening and the drinks are on the house. If you need more just yell and either me or someone I trust will get you more.
After a some introductions Yiski , BdrLine, and Honeybadger spend most of the evening discussing Honeybadger's trip.
Along side the usual saloon happenings, Roland finds himself in a very awkward situation.
Roland, what are you thinking?
The second time snaps Roland out of his daze and he looks to Ny-Lee.
It is nothing darling.
As much as Roland wants to avoid the subject of his thoughts, Ny-Lee wasn't going to let him off easy.
Love, I know that look.
Roland gives a wry smile while still avoiding eye contact.
What look?
Ny-Lee rolls her eyes and grabs Roland face and turns it to where they're eye to eye and only a few inches away from each other. Roland wasn't sweating bullets, but in is mind he felt like it. The longer Roland looked into Ny-Lee eyes, the stronger the thoughts got.
Oh heavens what do I do?! I know I promised myself I would wait until marriage, but... but.. but... but..
Ny-Lee began to notice Roland started to have a mental breakdown and slowly she started putting the pieces together.
Why is Roland acting so strange? I know we haven't spent too much time alone together, but we have it now... alone time... upstairs... where no one else is allowed up except Yiski or people Yiski allows... and nobody could hear us.... oh... OH!
Her revelation of the situation also sent her into a state of heavy blush. The two sat there for a few more moments. Then the two just leaned in and kissed. The two thought the kiss felt the same, but different. Eventually, it turned into a make-out session. Ny-Lee leaned into Roland causing him to fall back onto the bed.
Things quickly escalated when Ny-Lee was removing her and Roland's clothes and Roland paused and held Ny-Lee still for a moment.
What's wrong love? Is this bothering you?
Heaven's no, of course not, it just.... are we sure about this?
Ny-Lee, still partially dressed, leaned down and hugged Roland tightly.
I believe we are. You?
Roland thought for a minute and said...
Yes.
As the overseer of things, I can suffice it to say the young couple spent the most "intimate" night of their lives thus far and would be highly improper for me to go into any "details."
Somewhere in the Docks, BdrLine felt a sudden chill down his back. Tomorrow was going to be amusing, if not hilarious.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 62--
-
-Docks-
*Connor wakes up with a bad hangover and catches the shipwright in charge of repairing his ship*
So..how long till shes ready to sail again?
*the shipwright puts his thumb and index finger on his nose and closed his eyes for a second, Connor could tell it wasn't good*
well??
well what? *he asked sharply* im actually surprised you made it back, the armors almost completely stripped, your engines and leaking oil like It's nobodys buisness, you balloon is barley even standing
just tell me how long it will take *Connor said sharply, cutting off the shipwright*
a while, maybe a month at worst, a couple weeks at best
*Connor sat on the ground with his palms on his head*
well, might as well get a drink
-
-Start of day 63-
-Narrator-
The morning sunlight hit Zill's face and woke him up. He slowly examined the room. Last night was fuzzy at best, and he struggled to remember what happened. He turned and saw Jun'ko next to him. Clothes were tossed across the room, and he finally remembered. A big grin appeared on his face.
Oh yea. Hell of a welcome home id say.
His mask was nowhere to be found. The best he could find was a dusty bandana and a pair of goggles. He wrapped the majority of his face with it and placed the goggles over his eyes. He found some pants and a shirt, and quietly slipped downstairs for a morning drink.
Poor girl must be worn out. I always manage to wake her up.
He smirked and saw that no one else was yet awake. He slipped in the back of the counter and got a mug of Clear Skies. He leaned on the counter and took a swig. Then, footsteps could be heard on the stairs and Roland emerged. He was startled by Zill.
Oh. Did...didnt realize anyone else was up.
Zill only stared at Roland's forehead. Judging by his image, Zill could tell he wasnt the only one who had a good night last night. He smirked and took another swig of his brew before speaking.
So how was it?
Wh..What?
Don't play dumb. Its written all over your face. *Laughs*
Roland goes to a nearby mirror and see's the ruby lipstick mark on his forehead. He turns just as red and washes it off quickly.
Uh...uh....it was...nice.
Must of been to render you speechless.
I guess it just felt right y'know?
Oh i know exactly what you mean.
Try to keep it between us? I dont want people thinking we are, improper or anything.
Improper? Look around you Roland. You are a priest compared to the people passing through here.
I suppose.
You really love her dont you?
Very much so.
You have a long life ahead of you. I dont think i need to tell you to cherish what you have. People would kill for it.
Coming from you, thats definitely motivating.
Maybe. Now get upstairs and enjoy the morning, jackrabbit.
Roland turns red again and nods, grinning wide. Zill shook his head and took another swig of his ale. Upon finishing, Yiski came down and looked at him.
By the Skies youre up early. What on earth is on your face?
Couldnt find my mask. I fear only Jun knows where it went.
Broke in the room already? Jeeze, couldnt resist could yea?
We werent the only ones.
Yiski's face was puzzled. Zill just went for more Clear Skies. It wouldn't take him long to figure it out.
-
*Yiski glared at Zill*
Dammit, I hope you plan on properly cleanin' the room.
*Yiski took a moment and looked at Roland.*
Huh... BdrLine's gonna probably goin' to kill you now.
Wha.. Why?
Well, I did say the two you wouldn't do anything and look how it turned out. *sigh* Oh well, being right two of three times isn't all that bad.
*Roland sat with a blush, his arms on the counter, and buried his face into his arms. Yiski and Zill chuckled. Yiski putting his hand on Roland's shoulder.*
No worries, you don't have to worry about us saying anything. I'd say worry about your finance. But enough about worries, I need you two to try something.
*Zill grimaces at Yiski last sentence.*
It doesn't have anything to do with last night's sake does it?
*Yiski laughs*
Sharp as ever. Yeah, yesterday I mixed some Lochnagar Powder Extract and Powdered Dragon Pepper into a Hellfire and sake. Given Jun's reaction to it yesterday, I made a new batch of the sake properly named a "Sake Bomb".
*Yiski then makes the three of them a shot of the Sake Bomb.*
This won't explode will it?
Not that I know of. I figured Jun fallin' over would be the 'bombin'' aspect.
You know I am not good with alcohol.
It's only a shot and not a mug.
*Zill and Roland looked at each other then at Yiski. Roland and Zill gave a sigh and the three raised their shots, clinked their glasses and downed their drinks.*
*Yiski stumbles a bit behind the counter and Roland and Zill held onto the counter to prevent falling out of their seats.*
Well, that was interesting.
-
*A loud snort is heard nearby a table*
*Upon inspection, Honeybadger is sleeping on a table using his suitcase as a pillow*
*He quickly shoots up, and wobles as he turns around*
*Snort* Yiski, what time is it? *yawn*
*He scratches his face, still out of it*
-
*Zill shook his head to clear his head of that shot.*
Man alive Yiski. Its like i loaded Heavy clip into my body. Keep it a shot else they wont be getting back up.
Agreed. Want another?
You had to ask?
Not me....
Nonsense. You have a reason to celebrate.
And your tolerance needs some work too...
*Roland gave them both deadpan stares. Yiski got another round for them, and with a quick salute, they took their shots. Yiski fell over on a stool, Roland leaned on the counter again, and Zill fell back into the tankard area. He crashed into some empty barrels, and then reappeared a few moments later.*
Wow. Thats impressive.
No kidding. Thank Jun'ko for making me think it up.
I need......water.
*Zill notices Honeybadger and checks his pocketwatch.*
Time to open soon actually.
-
*Double Checks the time on his watch*
Well, I got time.
*Unclicks the locks on his case and pulls out a deck of cards. He proceeds to bow it and shoot the deck into his other hand*
*Looks over to the stumbling bunch at the bar*
So what on earth are you drinking?
-
*Yiski smiles at Honeybadger then turns back to bar, staggering a bit.*
New creation of mine: the Sake Bomb Shot.
*Yiski get back to the counter and makes a glass of water for Roland and a Sake Bomb for Honeybadger.*
Care to try one? Oh and word of warning, you might want to sit down before drinking it.
*Meanwhile upstairs, Jun'ko and Ny-Lee finally wake up and seeing their respective partners are missing. The two get dressed and exit their rooms simultaneously. The two stop and look at each other. Women's intuition tells them everything.*
Fun night I take it?
I was something else, but wonderful.
*The two girls smile and giggle before heading downstairs.*
Morning ladies. Both of you look like you could freshen up. I took a look at some of the floor plan and noticed there's a shower up top and one in the back room here.
Hmm... I'll take the top shower.
Then I guess I'll head to the back.
*As Ny-Lee walked by Roland, the two looked at each other and blushed. Yiski and Zill couldn't help but laugh with Honeybadger looking on a bit confused.*
-
*BdrLine wakes up in his house, but this mourning, he can't shake this feeling that has been bothering him since last night*
What is it that keeps biting my side?
*He gets changed and exits his room, he goes over to his sisters room and knocks on the door*
Ny, time to get up
*No response,confused BdrLine turns the knob and opens the door*
*Inside he doesn't see his sister. BdrLine gets a little worried and figures that the feeling had todo with Ny-Lee*
*He quickly heads downstairs and out the door towards the Saloon thinking that they guys can help him*
*As she heads to the back shower, memories of last night came to her*
Last night, last night was so... so... wonderful. *she thought dreamily
*A few moments went by as she is in the shower, once finished, Ny changes back into her clothes and go back to the saloon.*
*She stops herself short from the door as she hears the worried voice of her brother*
Oh Flak
*BdrLine enters the Saloon in a bit of a hurry and notices the four inside*
*He goes over to Yiski and the others*
*A little out of breath*
Guys I... need.... your help.... my sister didn't... come home... last night.... Need help... to... find... her.....
*BdrLine is tired that he is oblivious to the look Roland has upon his face*
-
*Zill looks at BdrLine and just smirks.*
Calm down buddy. She's in the back taking a shower. I swear you worry more than Jun'ko does.
*Bdr at this point is gasping for air, so they make him sit down a few moments. Roland's face is of pure nervousness. A quick inspection showed that Bdr didnt have any weapons on him. Zill pat him on the back and whispered in his ear.*
Go to the back and let Ny know her brother is here. Gotta make it look casual y'know?
*Roland simply nodded and went to the back. Zill got some more Clear Skies and took a swig. He spit it back out and turned to Yiski.*
The Hell?? This is aweful. Yiski you better check those new tanks, unless you have some kind of sick sense of humor.
-
*Yiski sighs*
Calm down. Ny stayed the night here as did Zill and Jun. Ny's in the back right now taking a shower.
*Yiski turns and sees Ny-Lee coming out from the back.*
See BdrLine, *As Yiski points to Ny-Lee* everything's fine. How sit and try my new Sake Bomb Shot.
*Roland sees Ny-Lee and motions to Yiski*
I think I'll go and take a shower too.
Good idea.
*Roland quickly dashes into the back, though a bit wobbly and not before kissing Ny-Lee on the cheek.*
*After Zill's last comment, Yiski head into the back and checked the tanks.*
Hmm... this is odd. Ah I see what the problem is: improper installation of the tap pipes. Flak. Well, gotta switch this out.
*Minutes pass as Yiski replaces the ruined Clear Skies for a clean one and properly set the tap pipes. Yiski comes out from the back and pours a new Clear Skies.*
Looks like the foreman's men messed up with one of the tap pipes and ruined a barrel of Clear Skies. This one should be much better.
-
*Honeybadger, not paying attention, shufling his deck, spots Bdr and quickly downs his shot*
*waves at him and smiles*
Goodmorning BdrLin-
*He goes completely deadpan and pale as his head slams on the table*
Uuuhhhhhh... I think I'll just have a water...
-
(OOC:sorry for posting before time began, thus opening a wormhole to another universe and ruiningthe thread)
*Connor walks in to the saloon from the docks and sits at the bar*
Ugggghhhhhh
*he groans out loud and puts his hands over his face*
looks like I'm stuck here for a while
-
*Still groggy from just waking up and the Sake Bomb exploding in his system, Honeybadger sat up and picked up his deck that he dropped when he fell on the table, and proceeded to deal a solitaire match and hand*
*mumbling* Red... No I need a 4 there... Flak... maybe, no...
*He slowly puts together the stacks trying to wake up*
-
*Jun'ko comes down after her shower. She is wearing Zill's mask around her neck, and walks over to him.*
I think i like that bandana look on you. Much easier to do this as well...
*She lifts the bandana and gives him a long kiss. Zill thinks for a moment.*
I could get used to this given the bonuses.
I bet you could. *Sticks her tongue out.*
*Zill takes a swig of his new Clear Skies and approves. Jun'ko sits next to him and see's the empty shot glasses. Her curiosity overcomes her.*
Another new drink?
Yea, I think Yiski called it the Sake Bomb shot.
Ohhhh I must try it!
Just dont light me on fire again and ill get you one.
*She chuckles and nods, and Zill gets her a shot. She toasts the lot of them and drinks it. Her body went completely limp, and if Zill hadnt caught her, she would of smacked into a table. She was out cold.*
...Uh....Yiski.....
Oh no....
*15 seconds go by and she snaps back. She finds herself in Zill's arms and looks confused.*
Did I just, black-out???
Sure did. Even had me scared for a minute...
In that case ill need another. *Chuckles.*
Nice try love.
-
*After see his sister, BdrLine calms down*
*He turns to Honeybadger, about to grumble about taking his shot but notices how hard he fell on the counter and thinks other wise*
Ahh mornin' to you Badger.
*To Yiski*
If that happens if people take that shot, no thanks. I think i'll stop drinking your experimental drinks for awhile. I just have a normal Hellfire.
*To his sister*
So Ny why didn't you tell me that you were here spending the night? I was worried when you weren't home.
*Ny thinking of a way not to tell her brother that the reason see wasn't home was because she was in bed with Roland*
*Soon she thought of a believable excuse*
Well you do remember that Roland's leg is injured, so Yiski asked me to take care of his injuries and that i have to watch him for the night so that he doesn't do anything drastic. Isn't that right Yiski?
*She turns to him to help her with the lie*
-
*Yiski makes another Sake Bomb Shot for Jun'ko.*
Jun you might wanna sit at the bar before taking another shot.
*Yiski hands BdrLine his Hellfire and hears Ny-Lee little lie.*
Yeah, Ny-Lee was helping Roland recover still, especially after he strained himself running between here and Oliver's place.
*Yiski then sees Honeybadger in his condition.*
Hell, someone get Honeybadger to the couch.
-
*Connor perks his head up*
Yiski right? I'll take a shot, make it two
*He rolls up another cigarette and sparks it up*
-
*BdrLine takes the drink from Yiski*
Well if you say so. I just can't shake this feeling that something else happened
*Takes a sip of the Hellfire*
Oh boy, do I miss this drink. *turns and see Connor* Man you look like you got rammed by a Galleon with moonshine. Troubles got you down?
-
*Connor forces a small smile and chuckle*
you dont even know the half of it
*He takes a long drag from his cigarette*
Lost two guys, they were like family, and now I'm stuck in Anvala for god knows how long, goddamn shipwrights, they said it'll be two weeks before my ship is good to go
*he takes another drag and puts out his hand*
sorry where are my manners, my name is Connor
-
*Jun'ko sits at the bar and takes Yiski's provided shot. Again she blacked out, but Zill held her up till she came back.*
This cant be good for my health.
After what we just went through in Yesha, this is life everlasting.
*Chuckles.* Good point. After last night, I take it your torso is healing well?
Im pretty sure the ale helped me along, but yes, its healing. Im still slow but at least im mobile.
*Zill gets lost in thought about the Council meeting again. Yiski deserved to know his bit. The Northern recon was still best saved for later.*
Hey Yiski. The Council told me to personally give their regards to you and Papa. I can see why to Papa with his trading company, but to you was odd. What do you think of it?
-
*Yiski hands Connor two Sake Bomb Shots.*
Take a seat, you're going to need it for this.
*Roland comes back out from the back. He still has a slight sway in his walking.*
Ah, that shower was really refreshing.
*Roland then turns to Yiski.*
Do you need any help today?
Naw, I imagine it'll take a while before the regulars start comin' back.
*Roland nods then turns to Ny-Lee*
Darling, should we get started on my training?
*For obvious reasons, Ny-Lee blushed when Roland said "training".*
What! Oh... yes, I guess we should start off with a light jog outside.
*The two left, leaving Yiski, Zill, and Jun'ko chuckling to themselves and BdrLine just tilting his head in confusion.*
*Zill then told Yiski about the meeting.*
Regards to me, huh? I can't say why they would, not that I care.
-
*Connor downs the first one and a couple seconds pass by before its effects are apparent*
WHEW
*He closes his eyes and sits there to enjoy the momentary buzz*
That's what I'm talkin' bout
*He starts the second one, only getting half through before almost choking, he manages to finish the rest*
That really takes the edge off
-
*Honeybadger now finished with his solitaire game, picked up all four piles and opened up his suitcase*
*He dug through it until he came across a Colt Revolver that he had refirbished and checked the ammo count away from everyones view, he then holstered it in his inner coat pocket*
*Sigh* Does anyone have a moment to run an errand with me? I hate to impose but it could be a two man job, if no one is busy.
*He said while looking at the sake bomb glass spitefully*
-
*Connor looks over at him and raises a finger above his head*
What kind of errand you runnin'?
-
*He moves his head around, thinking of what he is going to say*
Well, I have a poker match and I need a second. So I can win.
*He said while putting his hand on his face half asleep*
-
*Connor looks at him warily*
A second so you can win?
*He leans his chair on two legs and lounges back*
Is this legal?
-
*To Connor*
Oh yeah I remember you, Had to move your body to the couch yesterday since you were out cold. But hope your luck changes *takes another sip*
*Ny-Lee is outside taking a light jog with Roland*
*Before they start , she turns to him*
Ok just a light jog. But tell me if something is hurting you.
*Back at the Saloon*
*BdrLine to Badger and Connor*
Legal?!? Ha if you guys were to come along with the things we do this would seem pretty mild
-
*Connor gives a sarcastic salute to Bdrline*
Out cold eh? I only remember being at the bar and then waking up this morning on my ship
*he laughs*
The only reason I ask if it's legal or not is cause I don't wanna piss off the shipwright, who, being employed by the government and not privately might I add, could impound, or have my ship destroyed.
*He takes another drag and blows out a large ring of smoke*
Why? What have y'all been gettin' into lately?
-
*Zill removes the latter part of the meeting from his mind. Useless Council banter no doubt. He takes a drink of Clear Skies and looks around the Saloon. He was not looking forward to leaving her behind again so soon for the North. The First Raid was a logistical nightmare. A lot of good me died in that. He cringed at the thought of another. Jun'ko saw it.*
You seem to be thinking about something. And judging from that face, its not great.
Something in the meeting last night, but dont worry about it.
Well if i cant worry about it, you cant either. At least not now. *Sticks tongue out.*
Deal. Another round of shots there Yiski.
-
*BdrLine ponders for a minute wether or not tell Connor about all the happenings around the Saloon and the quests, but decides against it*
Well if you are sticking around here for a while, you'll see what happens at this place
*Back to Roland and Ny-Lee on their jog, Ny turns to him*
Your leg getting you any trouble?
-
*Connor shrugs*
Well something must have happened, everybody in here is either exhausted or injured..then again it's not much different from any other taverns, pubs, saloons, whatever, I've been to. *he pauses for a moment*
Looks like I'll find out the kind of stuff that happens here anyway, considering how long these damn repairs will be
*Connor looks over at Zill and thinks to himself*
I wonder why he's covering his face with that mask..
-
-Western District--
*The couple had been jogging for almost an hour and Roland begins to lag behind Ny-Lee. Roland stops and leans back to catch his breath.*
My leg is feeling alright. You think we can... take a moment's break?
*Roland walks over to a bench and lands hard into it. He leans back with his arms splayed across the backrest.*
--Saloon--
*Yiski makes Zill and Jun'ko another round of SBS*
You two better slow down on these. Not sure on the prolonged effects.
-
*The doors to the saloon and Skyraider walks in with the same scroll under his arm, he sets it down on a near by table and greets everyone*
"Good morrow everyone! Now. Who was the young lad who wanted to help me with this project? Because I certainly can't be bothered to get the engine myself."
-
*looks at Connor and ponders his question*
Hmm, It isn't really legal in the first place but I guarente that you won't end up in any sort of prison.
-
*Zill and Jun'ko cross arms and take their shots. He hugs her to keep her upright, and to stop him from falling out his chair. He shakes off the effects, but Jun'ko isnt waking up this time.*
This....is taking awhile Yiski......
I told you to slow down....
*They both watch her, waiting for her to wake up. After 2 minutes, Zill's done waiting.*
Flak. Give me some Clear Skies. That should make her come back.
*Yiski gets her double shot of Clear Skies. Zill holds her mouth open and he pours it down. A few moments later she starts groaning, waking up slowly.*
Wha....who....
Well great. We broke her.
"We?" You two wanted to go all crazy.
It was three shots Yiski...
Get her upstairs. Ill get her some Clear Skies.
*Zill picked her up and went for the stairs. He saw one of the newcomers staring at him. After a short moment, he went upstairs to put Jun'ko to bed. Yiski followed with the Clear Skies.*
-
*Connor looks at Skyraider slightly annoyed by his cheery demeanor*
leg feeling better?
*Connor looks back at honeybadger*
When would we do this.."errand"?
*Connor notices Zill staring back and he slowly breaks eye contact*
light weight
*he says under his breath*
-
*See's the event with Jun and Zill, Skyraider turns towards Yiski and replies*
"Give me one of those drinks, I can run a test on it to make sure it doesn't contain some kind of poison or toxin. I don't think even YOU know what is in those things."
*Turns toward Connor*
"And I don't have time to feel pain or misery, so I guess the answer to that question is yes."
-
*Looks toward Yiski with a smile*
You really have to introduce me to the others, it might be weird having them pass out around me.
*looks back to Connor*
If I don't have to teach you to play cards, we could leave now.
*pulls a couple items out of his case and puts him in his coat pockets*
-
*Connor throws his arms back behind his head*
well shit, but in all seriousness if you need my help or my crews help we can, being on lay up for weeks on end leads to extreme boredom
*he closes his eyes and continues smoking in his lounge position and speaks to Honeybadger*
just wait a second Honeybadger, no rush right?
-
*Checks his pocket watch anxiously*
I suppose we have a little bit of time, why do you ask?
-
Because i can get one of my crew to go instead
*Connor sits back up*
is that ok?
-
*Yiski comes back downstairs and lightly punches Skyraider on his shoulder.*
Poison my harpooned ass. You should know better than to say such thing. You'll break an ol' man's heart.
*Yiski listens in on Honeybadger and Connor's scheme.*
It may not be technically illegal, but it sure as hell going to piss some people off.
--Garden District--
*Roland and Ny-Lee managed to jog for another half-hour before Roland had to stop. The two were covered in a decent sweat.*
Ha... I think I am done for today darling. *Heavy breath* I am exhausted and my ankle is acting up now.
*Roland went to sit on a nearby fountain and Ny-Lee sat next to him, giving a kiss.*
I think we can call it day. I'm surprised your ankle managed to last this long.
You and me both darling.
*There's a pause between the two as they catch their breaths.*
So, did you tell BdrLine about last night?
*Ny-Lee was flushed, but their light jog already had Ny-Lee a little red. She nudged Roland.*
Why would I tell him that?
You know how I feel about keeping secrets from people.
Well, I just told him I was helping you last night. Technically, it's not a secret or a lie.
*Roland sighed and lightly tapped Ny-Lee on her forehead.*
What am I going to do with you?
*Ny-Lee smiled and stuck out her tongue at him.*
At this point, anything you want.
-
*to Yiski*
scheme? It's just poker right?
*he looks at Honeybadger*
I'm not willing to lose another man
-
*Smirks at Connor*
Are they a better card player than you?
*Latches up his case*
In that case. I don't have any objection to this.
*Turns to Yiski while adjusting his hat*
Do you happen to have a drink that won't lower my IQ?
*turns back to Connor*
It will be safe I promise. But it sure as hell is going to piss people off when I walk away much richer.
-
*To Yiski*
"Just be careful about what you put into those drinks, some things do not cope with alcohol very well. Don't want you to be responsible for murder or anything."
-
*continues to think about the safety*
And if anyone gets shot. It sure as hell won't be me or your man.
-
*Connor stands up*
I'll grab my first mate Jibb
*Connor heads out the saloon and to the docks he walks quickly and gets there in under five minutes*
-Aboard the Victory II-
Jibb!
*out from under the deck an average sized, chubby man with oily black hair comes out*
aye captain?
I need you for a poker game, don't argue with me either we both know youre better than me
um, ok Connor, anything I should know about the game?
Here let's go, also you'll probably need this
*Connor hands Jibb a small revolver and the two head back to the saloon*
-
*he sees the two men walking into the saloon*
Ahh, this must be the card shark.
-
*Jibb looks un easy and a bit confused*
Connor what did you tell this man?
*Connor pats Jibb on the back*
Nothing Jibby, just that you're good at poker, this is Honeybadger
*Jibb fakes a smile and waves at Honeybadger, he pulls connor off to the side and starts whisper screaming to him*
what the hell were you thinking? HONEYBADGER? WHAT THE HELL KIND OF NAME IS HONEYBADGER? HE COULD BE A DRIFTER LOOKING TO CUT OUT MY DAMN HE-
*He stops when he notices the whole bar staring*
-
*he lets out an akward laugh*
Its a nickname Mr. Jibb.
-
*Connor smiles and pats Jibb on the back*
See Mr.Jibb? A nickname
*he pushed Jibb forward as Jibb lets out an awkward smile*
-
*extents his hand while keeping his other hand on his back*
Nice to meet you Mr. Jibb. I promise, any concerns you may have about me can be cleared up on the way. Should you decide to come. And I promise you will come back MUCH richer.
And hopefully not dead.
-
Papa Paradox was sitting in his chair, feet pushing against the table tilting his chair, asleep. There was the sound of wood cracking, and the two leg's he had been resting on all night collapsed under him. He fell out of his chair and within seconds got up and uppercut the table in some sort of sleep induced defensive panic.
"Wha' the... flakin' Yeshans" He trailed off.
He stood up and was blinded by the sunlight that leaked into the room, he put on small black circular glasses, pulled out a cigar and lit it. He then proceeded to head to the bar table, hangover and raspy voice in full effect.
"Water, boyo..."
-
*he quickly looks over to the groggy man and laughed slightly*
Good morning Sir.
-
Morning
*Connor says half jokingly*
Are we ready to go?
*asks Jibb*
-
*Zill tucks Jun into bed. She looks pretty rough though the Clear Skies had helped.*
Wha...happened?
You took another shot and didnt wake up. Just rest. Youll be better in a bit.
*And just like that, she was out like a light. Zill watched her sleep for a second before kissing her forehead. He headed downstairs and didnt quite feel right. His heart was facing, and his eyes burned. He went over to Yiski.*
You need to recheck that guy's work. I all of a sudden feel like hell myself, and those shots arent stronger than WSW. Maybe thats what put Jun out too.
-
*Yiski looks to Paradox*
Here's your water.
*Yiski notices Paradox eyeing Honeybadger*
Yes, I know he's Yeshan and no, don't cause any trouble for him.
*Yiski then sees Zill come back down and hears the comment again about the other tap pipes.*
Dammit. I'll go take a look. Take over for a bit.
-
*packs up everything in his case he had on the table*
We're all ready. I'll explain everything on the way.
*opens the door halfway before looking back to Jibb*
Ready?
-
*Jibb held his breath*
well, there's no time like the present
*Connor over hears the yeshan comment*
Well, why would it matter if he were Yeshan?
OOC:my phone is going to die, so if i dont respond thats why
-
*Overhears Zill's comment and replies*
"Hmmm... The pipes could have had a virus or something in it, wouldn't exactly be rare nowadays."
-
that doesn't make sense, I feel fine
*connor says before looking back at Yiski*
now why is being Yeshan such a controversy?
-
*Knowing he probably won't get an answer Connor refrains*
I guess we will never know, Yiski I'll take a mug of ale *as he thinks to him self, he worries about Jibb* God I hope Jibb doesn't get hurt, last thing I need is to lose my first mate
-
-- Uptown Alleyway --
*Jibbs and Honeybadger are walking down the alleyway, there are several drunks and rats on either side of the street. Honeybadger turns to Jibbs who is weary of where he is going*
Alright Jibbs, this is how it's going to work. There's a poker tournament somewhere around here, I have our admission taken care of, all you have to do is assist me.
*Jibbs shoots a concerned look at Honeybadger*
What do you mean by "assist."
*Honeybadger looks at him and sighs*
Well, when I play, your going to feed me signs and tell me if they're bluffing or not. And when you play... Well, lets hope you don't get out too soon.
*Jibbs looks angrily at Honeybadger*
Wait! Why aren't you putting your neck on the line?!
*Honeybadger frows both brows at him and replies*
I don't suppose your a master at sleight of hand are you?
*Jibbs nods no, confused*
If you play fair and keep a basic card count, you'll get to the semi finals and then lose to me.
Why do I have to lose to you?
Because I'm not really here to make money, not from the game at least. You just stick to the plan, and you'll get your reward.
Wait, but what if we get caught!?
*Honeybadger approaches an unmarked doorway*
We're here.
*Jibb let's out a long sigh and follows Honeybadger inside*
-
-Saloon-
Zill are you not taking order? Flak, give me a minute.
*Yiski comes out from the back, makes and hands Connor a Anvalan Reserve. Yiski then disappears to the back again.*
*Yiski and Skyraider check the tap pipes.*
Well, I don't see anything wrong with the pipes. Something like a good superheating should fix any little bugger tryin' to live in my saloon.
*Yiski then modifies his distilling equipment to have the tap pipes sit over the burner. Yiski looks over to Skyraider.*
I guess on the safe side, would you mind checkin' all the other barrels?
-
*As Connor leans back in his chair he wonders, and hopes that all is going well*
I hope he doesn't have to use that gun, I don't even know if it works, lord knows it's never even been shot..come to think of it..is it loaded? Did I just send my first mate into a situation where he could get shot and killed, without any means to defend himself, while I just lounge around this Saloon....
*He pauses his thought for a moment to focus on rolling another cigarette*
Well yes, I did..well, tough shit Jibb, you do owe me..
*Connor yells to the back of the bar*
Bout time!
*As he lights up another cigarette he sits there sipping his ale, trying to get as relaxed as possible*
Always look on the positive side of things Connor...
-
*Skyraider replies to Yiski*
"Want me to heat the barrels or something else? I don't have time to look at all of the individual molecules in the barrels."
-
Papa walks up to Connor and slaps his cigarette out of his mouth.
"Gods damn it boy, have some class."
Papa offers him a cigar.
"Now 'bout them Yeshans, they killed my friend, so I raided their towns and threatened their Emperor, pompous old bat... But that's all in the past, now I'm a legitimate businessman."
He manages to grunt out a partial laugh.
-
(OOC:I knew you would do that lmfao)
*Connor opens his eyes and almost falls out of his chair from being startled*
Well, I guess that's that then
*He gives a small laugh and lights up the cigar*
Hm, sounds like you and I are in the same boat, Pirates killed couple of my friends, only thing is, I can't go after them until my damn ship is fixed, which won't be for a while, I'll probably never get a chance to get my revenge
*Connor leans back into his relaxed position*
Ahh, but that's life eh? Win some, lose some. What kinda business you in?
-
-- Somewhere In Analva --
*Honeybadger and Jibb walk into the poker den*
Oh god I'm going to get shot and killed, dammit Connor. What did you get me int-
*Jibb stops dead in his tracks as he sees the lustriously designed room, complete with premium poker tables, waiters with suits, and priceless chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.*
Honeybadger, what is this place!?
*Honeybadger looks up from his pocket watch to Jibbs*
Huh? Oh Jibbs would you please pick up your jaw, I think some of the ladies a staring.
LADIES!?
*he quickly looked up and saw eight beautiful girls dressed in lovely dresses and gowns giggling in his direction*
*Before he can say anything a waiter walks in front of him*
Hello sirs, may I help you- *the waiters face lights up* Oh, Mister Honey. And this is your guest. Please come this way we will seat you, just in time sir, the tournament almost began.
*Honeybadger gestures Jibbs to follow him to the dining table where they are seated*
*Once they sit down, one of the eight girls comes toward Honeybadger and grips his arm*
I see you've decided to come back Miseur Honey.
*Honeybadger now has a sly smile, and looks back to Jibbs*
Oh yes, Melissa this is Mr. Jibbs my new acquaintance.
*Melissa looks Jibbs up and down and smiles*
He's cute. *Melissa gestures over to the other girl who is now blushing* Jessie, come and make Mr. Jibbs comfortable.
*A lovely girl comes over to Jibbs and sits next to him shyly*
Thank you so much Connor.
-
*Zill gives Yiski a deadpan stare.*
You get me sick then expect me to take orders? Ill pretend you didnt say anything.
*He looks over the patrons, and see's Connor and Papa talking. His mind wonders who would in a fight between them. The thought makes him smirk.*
-
*Connor turns his head from Papa for a split second and notices Zill looking at both of them*
hmph, probably thinks he's tough shit, well, he's probably right..
*He turns back over to Papa, and blows another ring of smoke in the air*
-
-- Poker Club --
*Honeybadger is playing with a deck of cards while Jibbs is sweet talking the girl next to him*
I should tell you about the time I singlehandedly shot down a raider fleet. I was working out below decks when all of a sudden- * Jibbs gets interrupted by the waiter clearing his throught*
What would you gentlemen like to drink?
*Honeybadger thinks for a moment and set down his deck of cards*
Scotch on the rocks please.
*The waiter turns to Jibbs*
And for you sir?
*Jibbs, forgetting where he was replied*
Same for me please.
*For a good five minutes, everyone at the table, including Honeybadger and the waiter was looking at Jibbs confused*
*Now embarrassed, Jibbs orders a Whiskey and puts his head low down on the table until the girl next to him grabbed onto his arm*
*The men enjoy their drinks until the waiter announced that the tournament had begun*
All participants, please take your seats. At the designated table.
*Honeybadger whispered to Jibbs*
Just hang back and stick to the plan.
What about you? What if you get caught?
*Honeybadger smirks*
Just relax and enjoy the magic.
-
"Hey you old bucket of bolts, pass me a cigar"
"Yeah, yeah..."
Papa toss' a cigar behind him without looking, Zill catches it, takes off his mask, lights up and enjoys. Connor's jaw dropped.
*OOC, wanted this exchange to happen now**
-
-- Poker Table --
*Honeybadger sat at a table filled with three other people equally deadpan and well dressed*
*Honeybadger looks at his hand*
Two kings, let's see what we're dealing with
*Honeybadger looks over to Jibbs who is nodding no slightly*
Nobody bluffs in my game, bad move.
*Honeybadger, who is dealing, cups a high card in his hand as he flips and raises the river*
*All of his oponenents fold and Honeybadger collects the pot*
*Under his breath* High and dry...
*Jibbs who is leaning on the wall worried he'll be caught wonders*
I sure as hell hope he knows what he's doing.
*Ten minutes pass and Jibbs and Honeybadger are continuing their techniqueue under everyone's noses. The once carefree opponents that he had been playing with are now very worried as they hang on to the change they were left with, while Honeybadger sits around an enormous pile of chips*
Last hand, c'mon...
*Jibbs is now biting his nails anxiously*
*The flop. Two spades and a diamond*
*His opponents smirk*
"All in..."
*Honeybadger calls, worried this time*
Shit, the count is too high. And I've got a shit hand.
*The flop, three of spades*
*The opponents are now not even trying to hide their exitement*
Shit, c'mon all I need is this one card...
*Last flip, six of spades*
*The opponents throw their hands out showing two flushes*
*Honeybadger let's out a sigh*
*Jibbs, now terrified is down to the stubs of his fingertip*
*Honeybadger stands up, everyone's eyes follow him*
Gentlemen... Good game.
*Honeybadger throws his hand on the table revealing that he had a straight flush*
*Jibbs is the first to start cheering as the others give him a clap*
*The waiter stood up and cleared hs throught*
"Mr.Honeybadger is now in the semi-finals, next match is against Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Sanders, and Mr. Jibbs. Good luck to all of you."
*Jibbs approaches Honeybadger*
What now?
*Honeybadger looks up and sighs*
We might need a plan B, so take this and listen.
*Honeybadger takes a small package out of his coat pocket and hands it to Jibbs, then leans in to whisper something to him.*
*Jibbs nods*
Got it.
*As Jibbs starts to go, Honeybadger stopped him*
And good luck.
-
-- Poker Club --
*The waiter came up and addressed everyone*
"Hello ladies and gentlemen, the next game will take place in private due to some complaints about players cheating, we do not know who was cheating in and of the games, but the semi finals and the next round, as well as the championship will be done in private."
Just as planned... *Honeybadger let's out a smirk and returns to his table*
*While Honeybadger enjoys his drink, he spots Melissa at the otherside of the room, once she saw him she quickly came over*
"Congratulations Mister Honey." *she said while hugging him*
Thank you Mel, but you know I always win. You should stop being surprised. How's Dalton by the way?
"He's fine and also far far away. He still tinkers in your old workspace"
* Honeybadger sighs*
Well I gave it to him after I left for Yesha.
* She gives him a cold stare*
"That was back when we thought you might come back..."
*Sighs* Can we not talk about this now, I'd hate for both of us to start crying over this.
*She gives him a scolding stare, then lightens up*
*She starts to smirk while leaning in on him*
"Now when are you going to get around to the magic trick you said you would do for me."
*Honeybadger gives a smirk as well*
Now THAT, can be aranged
-- Poker Room --
*Jibbs is sitting next to a huge pile of chips*
I should play against rich people more often, it's almost boring.
-
--Narrator--
Out in the Western District, after what felt like a good day of exercise, Ny-Lee decides that they are finished for the day. They notices the change of day from light to dark.
Roland is a bit out of breath as he is still adjusting to actually working out as well as the limp in his leg.
*Whew* That.. is ... actually ... a bit... fun.
Ny-Lee, wiping of some sweat from her brow, turns to Roland.
It was a was actually quite fun as well. But it was better knowing that i can spend it with you dear.
Roland blushes a little from his fiance's comment. He looks up in the sky and notices that it was night time already.
Huh? Where did the time go? I'll guess we should head back to the Saloon and get change out.
As they are walking back, Ny-Lee notices that they are near the docks, more specifically near her brothers house.
Hold on dear, I got a better idea. Why don't you just change and spend the night in my brother's house. You can take his room for the night.
As Ny-Lee pulls Roland towards the house, he is having some thought against it.
Are you sure, wouldn't your bother be a little mad about this. And what about him, where would he go?
Ny-Lee opens the door and pulls him in.
Ah don't worry about my brother, i just make him sleep on the couch.
Roland reluctantly goes ahead and follows Ny-Lee inside.
Back at the Saloon, our group is around the place. Upstairs , Jun'ko is sleeping off from all her Sake Bomb Shot. While in the main floor of the Saloon, Yiski and Zill manages the different drinks and orders form the bar.
In the conversation with Connor and Papa Paradox, Paradox turns to him and answer his question.
The business I'm in. Well you are looking at the owner of the largest trading company on this side of the Burren, Dandy Lions Trading Company
At another part of the Saloon at a table, BdrLine is working with Skyraider as they both look at his schematics.
Hmm I think I got a solution for your engine. Back in my warehouse, I've got a modified squid engine that i was working on, maybe it can fit into the fuselage of the plane.
Sky thinks it over as BdrLine explains the details of the dimensions.
"Hmm that may work. Here, bring it to this airfield so we can fit it."
Skyraider writes out the address and hands it to BdrLine.
As the time passes by, Yiski looks at the mounted clock and sees that its already 2 in the mourning of the next day. He goes to the center of the Saloon and yells over the many patrons.
Alright it's time for me to close up shop. I don't care what you people do, but you can't do it around in here.
As all the patrons start to exit the building, Zill goes up to Yiski.
Well I'll heads upstairs and watch over Jun
Yeah I guess I head in as well. See ya in the mourn'
Both Yiski and Zill heads to their respected rooms, Zill goes up and opens the door where Jun'ko is sleeping. He goes over and sits on the bed next to her. He stares at her sleeping figure and strokes her forearm, not wanting to disturb her, Zill pulls out a chair and place it next to her bed and doze off into a slumber. While Yiski heads straight to his room downstairs and once he hits his bed, immediately goes to sleep from the long day.
As he enters his house, BdrLine notices that Ny-Lee is still awake. She is holding in her hands a spare pillow and blanket. Confused by this Bdr asks her.
Soo whats with the pillow and blanket?
Well i decided that after the long training day we had, I figured that Roland should stay for the night. I don't want him to walk all the way homw on the leg he has. He upstairs in your room and no if, and's, or but's you'll be sleeping on the couch.
BdrLine grumbles at his sister as he takes the things from her.
Really, I'm on the couch. Whose house is this now anyways. I hope its just one night.
He goes over to the couch and makes himself comfortable. Happy that BdrLine complied, she heads back up and calls down.
Tahnk you brother, I owe you one.
Yeah yeah.
And finally to our new friends at the poker club, Mr. Jibbs has played through the semi-final and is now entering the final with Honeybadger. Once the rounds concludes, the waiter stands up and clears his throat.
"And that concludes today's games, tomorrow we are hosting the finals. We all like our participants to stay the night in the rooms here. In the mourning we will announce who will play in the finals, so gentlemen if you please can leave the Poker Room and lounge around our bar."
Everyone leaves the room and heads out back to the main bar, Honeybadger and Jibbs meet with each other to talk more of the plan, eventually when both feel confident, they head to the rooms that they are assigned.
--End Narration--
--End of Day 63--
-
--START OF DAY 64--
--NARRATOR--
Yiski spent the entire night disinfecting the tap pipes and slept very little. When morning rolled around, Yiski was checking all his barrels. He found the problem: Improper storage of a few of the barrels while the team was away.
Yiski dumped the tainted barrels and sighed to himself.
It could've been worse.
When Yiski was satisfied the remaining barrels were clean and the tap pipes properly disinfected, he set up the taps and barrels.
By the time Yiski was ready to open, it had gone well into the afternoon.
Huh... I guess Zill and Jun are still feelin' under.
Finally, Yiski turned on his open sign.
--NARRATOR END--
-
*Shink strolls into the Saloon. He was feeling a bit on edge, as he spent the night in jail, do to a slight discord he had with his landlord*
"Hey Yiski, did I miss anything yesterday?"
*Shink sits at the bar, and orders some hellfire to start with*
-
(OOC: I really think its time to ditch colors. Its getting too trippy and confusing with all the added people.)
Jun'ko was the first to wake after yesterday's drink mishap. Yiski's dosage of Clear Skies helped. She felt Zill next to her, though he was still out cold. She slowly got out of bed and looked at him.
"I barely remember what happened, but he looks as rough as I feel. Better let him sleep."
She gets on some clothes, puts her hair up lazily, and heads downstairs. She sits at the bar.
"Can I have some water Yiski? My head is killing me."
She then glances at Shinkurex.
"Hey Shink."
-
*Shink glances in Jun'ko's direction*
"Hey Jun... You look rough. Busy night?"
*Takes the offered hellfire, and empties if in one go. Shink orders another*
-
*Yiski hands Jun'ko some water. Yiski then looks over to Shink.*
"Well, if you consider poisonin' patrons due to poorly maintained equipment interesting, then yes."
*Yiski got himself glass of water and sat at the bar.*
"Spent all last night and a good part of this mornin' gettin' everythin' fixed. Skies, I could use some sleep."
*As if on cue, Roland and Ny-Lee showed up at the saloon. Roland sees Yiski face down into the bar and walks over to him.*
"Heveans Yiski, did you not sleep at all?"
"Nope, you mind taking over the saloon for today while I sleep?"
"Of course." *Roland turns to Ny-Lee* "Darling, would you mind helping me?"
*Ny-Lee chuckles as she walks over to Roland and gives him a kiss.*
"Of course, I'll help."
*Yiski then gets up and walks toward his room in the back.*
"Don't wake me unless it's the end of the world."
-
-- Poker Club --
*Honeybager rolls around in bed and gradually got up*
"I should find Jibbs before the tournament starts..."
*Jibbs, now sitting at the table with his head draped over the table spots Honeybadger coming out of his room still buttoning up his vest*
*Jibbs shoots up and gestures Honeybadger to come over*
"How was your night?"
*Jibbs runs his hand through his hair*
"Still suffering from it."*Starts to smirk* "So what ever happened to Melissa?"
*Honeybadger slowly sits down in the chair and immediatly changes the subject*
"I see you got around to taking a shower?"
*Jibbs lowers his brows annoyed*
"So, whats for breakfast?"
*The two eat slowly until the waiter came to adress everyone once again*
"Laides and Gentlemen, the Championship Finals are about to begin. It will be against Mr. Honeybadger, Mr. Jibbs, and our reining house champion, Mr. Riggs."
*Honeybadger leans into Jibbs*
"Thats our man. Stick to the plan"
*Jibbs smirks*
"Always."
-
Zill finally started to wake up. The afternoon sun burned his eyes, and he felt like a Galleon was on his chest. He checked his torso bandages and then slowly made his way downstairs. He passed Yiski on the way down.
"You look worse than I do."
Yiski just grunted.
"Tanks clean. Sleep now."
He went up to his bed while Zill could only shake his head and continue downstairs. Jun'ko came over and gave him a hug once he got down.
"At least we're feeling crappy together, right?"
Zill just leaned on her.
"Cant I have one day without something terrible happening?"
"Sure, have some water and sit."
Zill took a swig of the water, then looked at Roland.
"Mind getting a double Clear Skies for us?"
-
*Shink downs his second glass*
"Huh... maybe it was a good thing I was locked up... I wouldn't want to look like Zill here"
*Gives a hearty laugh and heads over to his usual table*
-
*Roland hands Zill and Jun'ko their Clear Skies. As he hands them, he gets a better look at them.*
"I wonder why I did not get sick. I drank the same sake the others did."
*Even though it's been a few days since the saloon's reopening, many of the regulars came clamoring inside. The influx of patrons kept both Roland and Ny-Lee busy.*
"Ny-Lee darling, do you think we can count this as training?"
"If we keep moving this much, I'd say so love."
*Even with the increasing noise, Yiski is deep asleep.*
-
*Sky walks in with a Hwcha rocket and sits down quite abruptly, then he comments on Jun'ko and Zill's appearance.*
"Great Yeshan Emperor! Looks like you two haven't slept in years! Glad you're drinking water this time."
*Sky then tosses the Hwcha rocket into the air and catches it, then turns to Shink.*
"And good morrow to you sir!"
-
*Sees Skyraider*
"If you think that will scare me, you've got another thing coming... You haven't seen Yiski actually use one of those"
*An involuntary shudder shakes Shink's whole body. He may not remember the details, but he knew it was bad*
-
-The Docks-
*Connor stood there staring at his wrecked Goldfish while his crew and a few dock worker's were repairing it*
"I can't believe I'll be stuck here for 2 weeks"
*Connor puts his fingers in his mouth and lets out a loud whistle*
"Aye sir?" *replies his lead engineer*
"I'm going into town, make sure non of these...gentlemen ruin the ship anymore!"
*his engineer replies*
"Aye sir!"
*Connor starts to stroll towards the Saloon, smoking one of his cigarettes, wishing he could get his hands on another cigar*
-
*Sky replies to Shink's comment*
"Theres nothing to be afraid of! There isn't even powder in it!"
*Sky unscrews the tip of the rocket and tries to show Shink, but instead powder flies out of it.*
"Oh, maybe that wasn't the one I modified. Ah well."
-
*Connor enters the saloon and stomps out his Cigarette, he notices the new people behind the bar*
"Where did..Yiski? Is it? Go?"
*he sits down at his spot in the bar*
"I'll be having a clear skies" *he notices the hwacha rocket*
"That's a lot of firepower to have in this little place" *he laughs to himself*
-
*BdrLine enters the Saloon with a hand on his back. Since sleeping on the couch last night, this mourning he woke up with cramps*
*He heads to the bar and notices Zill's and Jun's appearance. As well as the absence of Yiski behind the counter which was replaced by Roland and his sister*
*To Zill*
"Man looks like everyone is either busy or sickly looking. And I assume Yiski is back there in his room? And I thought once we came back from Yesha we would all be relaxing"
*Ny-Lee sees her brother and goes over and hands him a Hellfire*
"Well with all of us, I don't think we can get a chance to actually relax. And here, this may cheer you back up, plus I do owe you for letting Roland stay over"
*Bdr takes it and starts to drink it*
"Well it is a start"
*Roland notices Connor and goes over and hands him his drink*
"Well Yiski was up all night. I'm his usual replacement and assistant when it gets hectic in here. And Ny-Lee helps out around when it gets busy"
-
*Connor to Roland*
"Oh, well, yesterday was tad, um, hectic"
*He takes a big long drink and leans in closer to Roland to remain relatively unheard*
"Who's the chick?"
-
*Ny-Lee moves in quick and takes the rocket from Skyraider.*
"I swear, the saloon just reopened! If Yiski was awake to see this I'd say he'd probably throw you out and toss the rocket at you!"
*Ny-Lee takes the rocket and stashes in the back. Roland chuckled for a moment, but then thinks about what his fiance said.*
"You know, I could see Yiski doing just that."
*Roland then responds to Connor.*
"That would be my fiance, Ny-Lee."
-
*Connors eyes get a little wider and he tilts his head back*
"Well" *he clears his throat* "You're a lucky man?"
*he finishes about half of his drink*
"Ny-Lee..now here I was thinkin' yall hated Yeshans or something"
*He laughs to himself and finishes his drink, motioning for another*
-
*Sky responds to Ny-Lee stealing his rocket*
"If Yiski were to throw me out then who would check his water to make sure mold doesn't grow in it?"
-
*Connor responds sarcastically*
"Maybe somebody who doesn't bring explosives in to a fine dining establishment like this?"
-
-- Poker Club --
Once the two were done eating, they follow the waiter to the private room
Honeybadger and Jibbs are walking down a hallway leading to the championship room, the hallway is decorated with fine furniture and paintings
The two enter the room and are greeted by a man with a very nice patterned maroon suit, top hat, and very thick and groomed moustache.
Man at the table: "Hello gentlemen, welcome. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Mr. Riggs, the luckiest man in Analva"
Honeybadger: "Nice to meet you, I'm Mr. Honeybadger and this is my friend Jibbs."
Jibbs:"Thats MISTER Jibbs to you. I've always wanted to say that..."
The men sit down and start to play. The first round went off without a hitch, Honeybadger used his slight of hand effectively to give him a three of a kind and Jibbs waited for the deck count to get high enough. This went on for the whole match until the once smiling Mr. Riggs, is now visibly irked.
Honeybadger:C'mon Jibbs let's drive this home and get this over with. *the last hand is dealt*
Honeybadger: Shit, I hope to Christ that the count is high enough for Jibbs to win...
Honeybadger folds reluctantly. Jibbs looks over clearly shocked. Than quickly recovered to glance at his hand.
Jibbs: What the flak are you thinking Honeybadger? I can't win this, the count is low as shit. Flak.
The first cards are flipped over, Riggs grins. Jibbs is deep in concentration as Honeybadger starts to sigh and take off his hat.
The flop. Riggs has a sly expression on his face and starts to slowly sip his drink and shift his vision over to Honeybadger who is playing with a coin.
Jibbs: This is statistically impossible, even with the current cards on the table, there is no way it will be that card...
The river, it's as if it was in slow motion, the lucky bastard smirking across from Honeybadger, The unamused Honeybadger, and Jibbs whose hair is now greasy from stress.
The card is flipped over.
-
*BdrLine finishes his Hellfire and to Connor*
"Naw that just Paradox. He has a bad experience with them a long time ago"
*BdrLine sits back and remembers what Paradox said back at La Ferra*
*He snaps out of it*
"But its all in the past and he is usually fine around Ny, Jun, and I"
*Ny-Lee goes and gives BdrLine another drink*
"Still doesn't make what he did right"
*BdrLine chuckles at Connor's comment about explosives*
They have no idea what goes on around here
-
*Connor shrugs*
"Well, I'll drink to that, Ny-Lee I'll have a Hellfire"
*Connor lounges back*
"Do you have any idea where this Paradox fellow buys his cigars from?"
-
*Ny-Lee goes over and makes a Hellfire for Connor*
*She goes and hands it to him*
*BdrLine almost finished his second mug turns to Skyraider*
"So Sky, when do you need that engine by? I have it all ready to go if you want to look at it"
-
*Skyraider responds to Bdrline's question*
"Soon as possible, the quicker I have it the sooner I can get it installed into the plane and test fly it."
-
*Connor finishes his Hellfire and turns to skyraider*
"Say, how hard is it to fly one of those planes? Without having any crew to save your ass it must be horrible"
*He pauses to think*
"Then again..it must be a nice thing to not have to worry about your fellow crew screwing shit up"
-
*Sky sits up and prepares for a long and boring speech.*
"Airplanes are much harder to fly, since you have all sorts of control that an airship doesn't have. For example it can go into a steep dive or climb extremely fast. However, an airship can be repaired on-the-go, if you are hit in a plane you can't get out and fix the plane while your flying. So it requires a lot more effort and skill to fly a plane but once you acquire the necessary skills needed, then you can perform advanced maneuvers that an airship simply couldn't. Also, an airship could easily take out a plane, but if you have multiple planes then you could take down an airship. THERE. That answer your question?"
-
*Connor raises an eyebrow*
"Well, I guess, I already knew how easy it was to shoot down a plane, considering a lot of pirates in the Burren use them, and how many times I've been to that Hellhole. It's easier to see an airship out there, but when they have their planes landed somewhere on the ground you don't see them until it's to late."
*He pauses again and turns to Ny-Lee*
"I'll have a shot of whisky, and keep em' comin'"
*He turns back to Skyraider*
"I dunno, I wasn't made for planes I'll tell you that, they seem useless to me, nothing more than just moving targets"
-
*In response to Connor's comment about planes*
"Planes should be used for recon, exploration, and quick attacks. But of course EVERYONE misuses them, sending against airships, which is basically sending their pilots on a suicide mission. I am more of a plane person myself, although I can command airships as well."
-
*Connor shrugs*
"What ever floats your boat"
*He looks over the bar*
"Any time now on that whisky!"
-
*Ny-Lee rolls her eyes at Connor as she goes back to get the drink*
*Then a small devious idea comes to her*
*Instead of bring out regular whisky, Ny goes and brings out some White Steam Whiskey*
*Roland notices the pungent smell that is notorious of the WSW*
*He sees Ny-Lee with a bottle, and goes over to her and in a low tone*
"Um dear, what are you doing with the White Steam?"
"Oh Connor asked for some whiskey and its what he wants so... *holds out the bottle* whiskey"
*Before Roland can protest, Ny-Lee is already heading over to Connor's table with the bottle and mug*
*To him*
"Sorry i couldn't find some shot glasses, but here's a mug of whiskey. And i recommend to drink it in one go."
*She leaves the table with a mischievousness grin*
*BdrLine to Skyradier*
"Looks like you are more of a planes person, don't i remember you or maybe Sunderland say that you crashed into Zill's ship one time. Oh and Sky i should warn you, the engine is a modified squid engine so it will have the thrust power, but i haven't tested it out fully so be warned"
(OOC: Connor, if you drink the WSW in one go, your face will turn red, steam will come out of your ears, and you will blackout. If sips, still red face and steam, but no blackout enjoy :) )
-
*Connor sniffs the drink*
"Hmph, smells a little funny..familiar even, oh well, down the hatch as they say"
*Connor pours the WSW into the mug*
Down the hatch
*He drinks half the mug in one go, immediately his lower lip starts to quiver and he drops the mug on the ground, it smashes into a bunch of small pieces, his face gets really red and his eyes roll into the back of his head as he blacks out*
-
*Sky see's Connor black and responds*
"And that's why I don't take drinks from anyone."
*To Bdrline*
"I am not so worried about the speed, because it will have weapons and rockets on it, and maybe even a rear facing gunner. And I am willing to take the risk of it exploding in my face."
-
*Connor still lies there on the ground mumbling to himself*
"No..I..I'm..sorry"
-
-- Poker Club --
*The last card is flipped over, Ace of spade*
*Riggs smirks and revealed he has a straight and starts to go for the chip pile*
*Honeybadger, who is gritting his teeth looks over to Jibbs who is staring blankly at his cards*
*Riggs smiles* Riggs: "Sorry boys, can't win them all"
*Jibbs grabs Riggs hand as he reaches for the pile and starts to smile from ear to ear. Riggs goes pale*
*Honeybadger leans in. Now staring in suspense*
Honeybadger: No fucking way...
*Jibbs slams his hand down on the table revealing his Royal Flush*
*Everyone in the room, including Honeybadger and the waiters jaw drop to the floor*
*The waiter stumbles on his words, still amazed*
Waiter: "The winner... Is Mr... Jibbs."
Honeybadger and Jibbs: Get fucked.
*Riggs is now furious, but shifts into a sly smile*
Riggs: "Good game gentlemen, but did you really think I would fall for that?"
*Riggs claps and three goons come into the room holding guns and stand Honeybadger and Jibbs up from their seats, Riggs stands up and gestures the third goon to come over. Only this time He had a woman at gun point, Melissa.*
Honeybadger: You son of a bitch!
*He tried to get to her but was quickly brought back by the aggressive henchman*
Riggs: "We finally meet Trinity"
*Honeybadger grits his teeth*
Honeybadger: "Where did you hear that name?"
*Riggs walks over to Melissa and caresses her face*
Riggs: "And you... "Melissa," or should I say, Sarah..."
*She squints at him angrily*
Honeybadger: "What do you want dog..."
*Riggs laughs*
Riggs: "I'm in the presence of the legendary Trinity. I want a rematch."
Honeybadger: "Then deal the cards."
*Riggs laughs hard and unholsters his pistol*
Riggs: "I don't like the amount of people here right now. I'd prefer it to be you and me but security is everything here."
*Riggs takes aim with his pistol at the waiter hiding in the corner scared as shit*
Waiter: NO! PLEA-
*The waiter was cut off by the sound of gun fire. He slumped down from the wall, and bled out shortly after*
Jibbs: Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck
*Honeybadger winces at the waiter and then is flushed with despair as Riggs took aim at Jibbs, and fired a round into his chest, Jibbs flew back a short way until he landed slumped over on the wall*
Riggs: "Now, I never liked poker, but I always loved the Barons. Crazy folks they are, they even originated a game named 'one in the chamber'."
Honeybadger: "I haven't got all day dog..."
*Honeybadger was lowered into his chair, Riggs took out three rounds from his pistol including the rounds he fired off and put it in the center of the table then leaned back in his chair*
Riggs: "Let's see which one of us is more lucky, would you do me the honors?"
*Honeybadger picks up the gun and brings it to his head, click. Nothing. Riggs does the same, click, Honeybadger now has the gun*
Honeybadger: *Sigh* "I guess it's time for plan B..."
-
*Roland sees Connor blacking out, he sighs and to BdrLine*
"BdrLineAzn, you think you can move him to the couch?"
*BdrLine finishes his Hellfire and moves to Connor*
"Already on it."
*BdrLine goes and lifts Connor and drags him to the couch, once he sets him, BdrLine goes back to the bar.*
*To Sky*
"Well alright, I'll have one of my workers transport it to your airfield."
*Ny-Lee is chuckling at the sight Connor is in*
"Thats for making me rush"
BdrLine hears bhis sister and turns to her*
"Really Ny? I mean he is new to the place, at least give him some warning."
*Ny-Lee puts her hands up in defense*
"Hey he wanted whiskey, so i gave him one. At least its not a Wild Wind Ale... unless you want another one hmm"
*BdrLine quickly looks away at a random corner of the Saloon*
"Oh no, ahh a Hellfire will do just fine" *he says nervously*
-
*Connors words become more coherent*
"Why...you...you.."
*He manages to almost regain his footing after slipping off the couch*
"You..BITCH...I CAN'T SEE...AGHHH MY HEAD"
*He clutches his head as the whole bar turns to watch*
"I gave you everything! I can't protect you"
*He stands up with his eyes crossed un able to see, he sways as he tries to balance himself*
"I CANT LET THEM TAKE YOU"
*He reaches in his duster pocket and pulls out a pistol, the whole room jumps back and a few other guys stand up*
"DON'T LEAVE ME"
*as he begins to pull the trigger he passes out again, this time for a good 10 minutes*
(OOC:I hope that was horribly confusing and awful...JIBBS NOOOO)
-
*After seeing Connor freak out*
"Well did that drink work better than intended Ny-Lee? He could have killed someone."
-
--NARRATOR--
Zill and Jun'ko make their way back upstairs. Neither of the two were feeling well, or at least not well enough to make to back to Then It Was Fixed Again. Yiski was still fast asleep in the back.
The remainder of the night was relatively uneventful aside from Connor's experience with White Steam Whiskey.
As the patrons began leaving for the night, Roland felt a sharp pain on his ankle. Ny-Lee sees Roland wince in pain and rushes to him and helps him on to the couch.
"Good grief, I thought my ankle would be better by now." Roland sees the look of concern on his fiance's face. "I am fine darling, just some passing pain."
Ny-Lee wasn't buying it.
"If you think I'm going to leave you in your condition, then you clearly underestimate how much I worry." Ny-Lee turns to her brother. "BdrLine, I'm staying here the night. I doubt Roland could make his way upstairs."
BdrLine looks at the couple and inspects his thoughts.
"Well, they said they didn't do anything last time she stayed over. Plus, Roland does look pretty hurt." "Alright, I'm going to head back with Sky to work on his engines."
Eventually, all the patrons left the saloon and Roland was stuck watching Ny-Lee close. He mentally sighs to the fact he has been hiding more pain from his ankle than he lets on.
"I really need to see Oliver tomorrow."
Eventually, Ny-Lee has the saloon closed and she helps Roland upstairs. Once in the room, Ny-Lee inspects Roland's ankle. It's badly swollen.
"Roland! How have you managed to walk on this all day?"
"Well..."
Ny-Lee shakes her head and stares at Roland.
"I am sorry darling, but I did not want to alarm you. I do plan on seeing Oliver tomorrow."
"Good because I'm coming with you." *sigh* "Let's get some sleep."
-Meanwhile-
Honeybadger's poker night seemed to go from bad to worse, guns were drawn and a few shots were already fired. The room was in a panic with a few other guest fleeing. He was easily staring down a handful of people, but didn't care. He slowly pulled his trigger until...
*BANG*
"By the order of the Anvalan council, you are all under arrest for unauthorized gambling and reckless discharging of weapons! Either you surrender, or we will open fire!"
The group turned to see themselves against a wall of Guards all holding repeating rifles.
Honeybadger and the group drop their weapons.
"Good to see you savages have some sense."
The poker night ended with Honeybadger and others in an Anvalan cell.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 64--
-
--START OF DAY 65--
--NARRATOR--
Honeybadger was stuck in jail overnight. By morning, he got little sleep. Sleeping on a wooden cot with no cushion isn't comfortable. He paces his cell for a moment until a guard shows up and opens his cell.
"You're free to go. Witnesses say you were defending yourself and I don't want to process you for unauthorized gambling."
Connor wakes up the next day finding himself in a local infirmary. Last night's drink didn't do him any favors. Connor sees a nurse walking in.
"Ah, I see you're awake now. We've taken care of your symptoms and you should be good to leave in a few hours."
"How'd I get here?"
"A few Burning Skies patrons brought you here. Once we realized you were there, it was easy treating you."
Connor lets out a sigh of relief.
"Let's stick to local drinks."
At the saloon, Yiski wakes up and gives a large yawn. He feels refreshed from his long sleep. He leaves his room and starts checking all the equipment and starts up his still to make up for the taint loss.
Meanwhile, Roland and Ny-Lee wake up and they look at his ankle. The swelling hasn't gone down. Ny-Lee helps her fiance downstairs where they see Yiski getting ready to open.
"Morning you two how... skies Roland how the hell did your ankle get like that?!"
"Well, I am not sure either, but Ny-Lee and I are heading to Oliver's for him to look at it."
"Good idea. Give me a second, your crutches are sitting here in the back."
Yiski hands Roland the crutches. Yiski has a look of concern.
"Don't worry Yiski, I'll make sure Roland will be fine."
Yiski nods and the two head off. He then looks upstairs.
"Guess Zill and Jun are still out of it."
--NARRATOR END--
-
Zill wakes up with a jump. A strange dream was to blame, but he simply tossed it aside as random. The jump woke Jun'ko, and she looked at Zill.
"You ok?"
"Yea just a new dream. Nothing to worry over for once."
She gives him a stare, but then just leans in to kiss him. Once done, she looks him over.
"You do look much better than yesterday."
"You too, though you look good all the time."
"Oh please, we looked like drunken raiders yesterday and you know it. You were sleeping on the bar half the night." *She chuckles.*
"I guess. Either way im headed downstairs. You comin'?"
"Ill be down in a few. Might as well try to look less raider-like today."
Zill gets on his clothes, wraps the bandana on his face, and hangs his goggles on his neck. He gets halfway down the stairs before missing one and falling down to the bottom. Yiski and the kids were there to pick him up.
"By the Skies Zill, you are a literal train-wreck."
"Yea yea. Funny thing is im feeling better today."
Zill grabs at his torso.
"That fall didnt help my healing though..."
"Well Roland is about to head to Oliver's to get his ankle looked at."
Zill sees the grapefruit sized swelling and whistles.
"Well that looks painful. Tell him ill foot the bill for his services." (OOC: Oh puns...)
"You dont have to do that Zill. Ny here plans to come with and......"
"No buts Roland. You act like money is a problem for me." *He smirks.*
-
(OOC: Yiski please void the ending you wrote, it makes no sence)
*Honeybadger is walking down the street followed by Sarah and Jibbs*
Sarah: "Did we really have to spend the night in an alleyway?"
*Jibbs nods*
Jibbs: "Yeah, why couldn't we have spent the night at the club again?"
*Honeybadger shoots an annoyed look at Jibbs*
Honeybadger: "You really think they would let us spend another night after what we did?"
*Jibbs thinks for a moment*
Jibbs: "They probably would have killed us in our sleep... Good point."
Honeybadger: "Besides, the saloon is right over here."
*Honeybadger and his two followers enter the saloon exhausted*
Honeybadger: "Good Morning Yiski!"
-
--Garden District--
Roland and Ny-Lee made their way to Oliver's place. The usual twenty minute walked turned into an hour on account of Roland.
"I hope Dr. Oliver can help you love."
Roland nods as they knock on Oliver's door. Moments later, Oliver opens it and sees the two.
"Morning Roland, Ny-Lee what brings you..." Oliver takes a look at Roland's ankle. "Never mind, please come in."
Oliver brought the two inside and sat Roland in a chair. Oliver took off Roland's shoe to get a better look. Oliver grimaces a little.
"How you managed to stand or walk without crutches is incredible. Tell me Roland, does it hurt when I apply pressure to it?"
"Only a little."
"Hmm.... well the swelling is natural, but how long has it been like this?"
"I think two days."
"Huh. Okay, I'm going to get some surgical tools."
"Dr. Oliver! Don't tell me Roland needs surgery?"
"No, no, I'm going to get something to drain the swelling from his ankle. It's completely safe."
Ny-Lee sighs in relief. Oliver leaves and comes back with a bucket and a few surgical tool. Oliver then carefully cuts and drains Roland's swollen ankle and then bandages the ankle.
"Aright, that should do it. I'd say to keep to your crutches for a few days. Also, I'm going to assume either Yiski or Zill is footing the tab. Heh, whoops sorry for the unintentional bad pun."
"Zill said he would be paying."
"Okay."
Roland and Ny-Lee leaves Oliver's and started to walk back toward the saloon.
"Darling?"
"Yes, love."
"Since, we are going to take an hour to get back to the saloon, I suggest we take the scenic route back."
"Roland, are you suggesting we take a longer path on your just patched up ankle."
"Yes."
Ny-Lee sighs, gives Roland a kiss, and tucks her arms under Roland's right side. The two now made their way into the market.
--Saloon--
Yiski sees Honeybadger and company.
"Skies, the hell happened to you all? Wait. Just come over to the bar and I'll set you fellas up with some Frost Fires."
-
*BdrLine comes in the saloon with what looks like some confusion on his face*
*He sees everyone at the bar and goes up to them.*
*Primary to Zill and Yiski*
"Ok i just got to ask to see if i'm crazy or not. This mourning as i left my house, I saw three Imperial Galleons near the city heading towards the Council Docks as well as some of my mother's companies trading ships. Is something happening?"
-
*A man walks into the bar, he smells musky and has an eye patch over his eye, he looks annoyed*
"Has anybody here seen a man recently about yay high?"
*He holds his hand up a little above his head*
"His names Connor, he's my captain and we can't seem to find him at the moment, my best guess would be to check the bars"
-
*Honeybadger, Jibbs, and Sarah sit down at the bar and took their drinks.*
Honeybadger: "I'll tell you what happened in a minute, but allow me to introduce you to Sarah, my old friend from the Baronies."
Sarah: "Pleased to meet you."
*Honeybadger pulls out a large sack of coins and places them on the table then looked around the room*
Honeybadger: "Where's Connor?"
-
Zill looks around the room and shrugs.
"Haven't seen that new guy all day. He does always moan about his boat being broken all the time, so maybe check the Port."
He orders a No.3 and looks around the room again, noticing Jun'ko hadnt come down yet.
Guess she fell asleep again. Ill check on her soon.
Zill then nods to Sarah.
"Anyone out of the Baronies is a friend around here. Of course, they owe me and Yiski a lot more than they could afford."
-
*Jibbs finishes his drinks then turns to Honeybadger and extend his hand*
*Honeybadger nods and reaches into the bag of coins and pours half of it into Jibbs hands, his face lights up*
Honeybadger: "Don't spend it all in one place now..."
Jibbs: "No of course not..."
*Sarah looks at Jibbs and squints one eye grossed out*
Sarah: "You don't need to drool..."
*Jibbs closes his mouth, stands up from his seat, and turns towards the door*
Jibbs: "I should probably find Connor." Maybe he can find me a big enough coin bag...
*Jibbs waves goodbye to everyone and leaves the saloon*
Honeybadger: "If anyone is interested I'll tell you what happens when I play poker."
-
*Yiski turns to BdrLine.*
"I'll bet some Hellfire it has something to do with Paradox. If not him, then I don't know."
*Yiski then turns to Honeybadger.*
"I believe some of the regulars took him to the infirmary."
*Eventually, Yiski sees Ny-Lee and Roland walking back inside. Yiski walks up and takes a look at Roland's ankle.*
"Hey, looks like the doc got the swelling down."
"He did and I have to say it feels more comfortable wearing my shoe now."
"Well, I'm feelin' better with a full days rest. Go ahead upstairs and relax. I don't need you breakin' your last good ankle."
"Alright."
*Yiski watches the two walk upstairs.*
"Not sure leaving those two alone was a good idea. Meh, they'll have to tell BdrLine sooner or later."
-
*To Yiski*
"I don't think it has to do with Paradox. For some reason it had Yeshan flags, but no fleet designition. They look brand new. Does it have to do what we did?"
*BdrLine just shakes his head*
"Never mind what I said, I'll get a Frost Fire"
*Upstairs with Ny-Lee and Roland*
*Ny helps him to the bed*
"Now just stay and relax, I be going back downstairs to get some things. You need anything?"
-
*Yiski taps his finger on his chin for a few seconds after handing BdrLine his Frost Fire.*
"Yeah, I don't think it has anything to do with us either. If it did, the whole damn Council would've been houndin' me and Zill."
*Meanwhile, upstairs.*
"Hmm... could you get me a glass of water? Our scenic route had gotten me thirsty."
*Ny-Lee nods with a smile and heads downstairs.*
"Yiski could I get a glass of water for Roland and a Clear Skies for myself."
"Sure, just give me a sec."
*Yiski hands Ny-Lee the drinks and she heads back upstairs. Yiski smiles and turns to BdrLine.*
"So, how are you feelin' about those two gettin' married? Heh, it'll be hysterical when I can call you my son too!"
*Yiski laughs and makes himself a Hellfire and downs it.*
-
*Honeybadger looks around the uninterested crowd*
Honeybadger: "Nobody wants to hear what happened?"
*Sarah rolls her eyes*
Sarah: "Give it a break Honey."
*Honeybadger shoots Sarah an annoyed look, then went back to his drink*
-
*BdrLine shakes his head and drinks his Frost Fire*
"wouldn't that make me your nephew in law or something along the line."
*To Zill*
"Speaking of you, do you know why there are new galleons and trade ships here?"
*BdrLine then turns to Honeybadger*
"I want to hear it, it could be interesting."
*Back up stairs, Ny-Lee hands Roland his water*
"Here you go my dear. So since I am watching you until your leg heals, you want to do anything."
-
*Honeybadger turns to Bdr grinning, Sarah rolls her eyes and goes back to her drink*
Honeybadger: "Well Bdr, it all started with me and Jibbs walking down a dark, seedy alleyway...*
*Honeybadger recaps the tale from start (OOC: So go read it, its ok I'll wait) and slows down when he said "plan B"*
Honeybadger: "So there I was, Jibbs and the waiter were shot and on the ground, and I had three men with guns trained on me, including myself..."
Sarah: "And I was getting manhandled by some goon..."
-
*Honeybadger picks up from last night*
-- Poker Room Last Night --
*As soon as Honeybadger had mentioned plan B, he quickly spun around and shot the goon closest to the limp body of Jibbs nearby the wall and kicked his chair into the stomache of the henchman directly behind him, disarmed him, and dived to the ground as the man across the room holding Sarah started firing and hit the man who had been hit in the stomache by accident*
*Honeybadger bounced in the floor next to Jibbs*
Honeybadger: "NOW!"
*Riggs reached for his second pistol in the confusion of the gunfire, just as Sarah grabbed the henchmans arm, dropped to the ground, and pulled him over her. He didn't have time to react before the now smiling Jibbs detonates the bomb he had hid under the table that he had set last night*
* Riggs didn't even have his entire revolver out of his holster before the bomb went off under him sending him flying a short distance to the wall, hitting him hard and knocking the wind out of him*
*Once some of the smoke had cleared, Sarah shrugs off the now dead goon onto the ground, he took most of the blast force, the table must have jumped to the ceiling because everything that was once on it was now on the ground *
*Jibbs slipped on a poker chip as he stood up and unbuttoned his shirt revealing a heavy flak jacket*
Jibbs: "If he shot me in the face, it would have been your ass."
*As Honeybadger gets up from the floor, he laughs at Jibbs statement, then quickly goes to the other side of the room to help Sarah up from the floor*
Honeybadger: "Think they'll still let you work here after this?"
Sarah: *Smiles* "Keep talking."
*Honeybadger helps Sarah up and goes the the wall that Riggs had been blown onto*
*Riggs coughed*
Riggs: "Heh, I had to push my luck."
Honeybadger: "There was never luck if the outcome was set in stone."
*Sarah hands Honeybadger his modified Colt .45 revolver and he pulled the pin back and took aim at Riggs who was bleeding from his bottom lip, and while with bomb powder*
Honeybadger: "I always win my friend."
*Honeybadger aimed for Rigg's head, and pulled the trigger*
*Honeybadger holsters his pistol and turns to Jibbs*
Honeybadger: "Ready to head out?"
*Jibbs nods and smiles*
*The two cover the head of Riggs with a burlap sack, and Jibbs carries his body out of the room into the confused and startled crowd of rich folks I the main room*
Honeybadger: *Trying to get around the crowd, Jibbs and Sarah followed* "Pardon me, excuse me. Sorry about the coat, its just dust it will come out."
*Honeybadger stops in his tracks and turns left to the bartender who recoils at the sight of him, Honeybadger reaches around the bar and grabs an unlabeled bottle, lays some gold coins on the table and tips his hat to the startled bartender, he then leaves the club*
*On the way back*
Jibbs: "So where do we drop this guy off? I think people are starting to stare"
*Honeybadger stops checking his pocket watch and looks at Jibbs with a smile*
Honeybadger: "The sheriffs office."
*Jibbs looks confused*
Jibbs: "That wasn't part of the plan, and we just killed someone, why would we take him to the sheriffs office?"
*Sarah looks back and laughs*
Sarah: *To Honeybadger* "You didn't tell him yet?"
*Honeybadger shrugs*
Honeybadger: "I thought he knew when Riggs mentioned 'Trinity'."
*Jibbs is now very confused*
Jibbs: "Wait, who's Trinity?"
Honeybadger: "A bounty hunter, but I prefer 'El Trinitario'."
*Honeybadger opens the door halfway before interrupted*
Jibbs: "But... That's you..."
*Honeybadger turns around and lowers his head*
Honeybadger: *While bobbing head once* "Yeah."
*They enter the sheriffs office and place the body on the Sheriffs desk, Honeybadger then takes the bounty form that shows Riggs face*
*It reads, Austin Riggs, wanted for murder, extortion, and forgery, 10,000 G. The sheriff recoils by that fact that this group of three managed to bag a most wanted*
*The sheriff took the bounty money out of the safe and paid Honeybadger the gold, everyone waved and left smiling*
Honeybadger: "Alright, once we get to the saloon, we'll split the money Jibbs"
*Jibbs nods*
Sarah: "Hey! What about me!?"
Honeybadger: "I owe you a drink. We also need to worry about staying the night somewhere..."
-- Saloon, In the present --
*Honeybadger scratches his head under his hat*
Honeybadger: "That should be it, I don't think I left anything out..."
*He grabs his drink and sips it.*
-
*Ny-Lee came back with Roland's water and handed it to him.*
"No, I do not think there's much to do."
*He immediately chugs his water down and wipes his mouth.*
"Ah, nothing more refreshing than ice-cold water."
*Ny-Lee chuckles and takes a few drinks of her Frost Fire and sits on Roland's lap, facing him.*
"Are you sure about that love?"
*Roland tilts his head and looks off into the distance. Ny-Lee lightly punches Roland on the arm for teasing her.*
"As much as I would love to do what you are thinking, I believe my ankle might prevent a few... maneuvers."
*Ny-Lee chuckles again and pushes Roland down on the bed.*
"How about you let me worry about that love."
-
Zill is just minding his own, overhearing Honeybadger's long winded story.
"You're talking some nonsense to my pal Bdr here. I heard you got locked up last night and the guys let you go cause you were the lesser problem. Riggs was vermin and deserves a flak barrage."
He takes a swig of his drink and addresses BdrLine.
"The Galleons are a gift from the Empire, and new trade rights have been granted as well. If nothing else, we did some good for the City.
Upon finishing his drink, he decides to find out what happened to Jun'ko. As he enters the room he sees her curled up in a ball on the bed.
She must of gotten it worse than me. If shes not better by tomorrow then its off to Oliver.
He kisses her and goes back down for another No.3.
-
*Yiski sees Zill coming back down and gets his No.3 ready.*
"So how's Jun holdin' up? She still feelin' under? Hmm... watch the bar for a bit. I can probably fix the damage done."
*Yiski heads into the back. Those closest to the bar hear a number of noises and can see some steam coming out from the back. Zill swallows in hesitation of what Yiski is making.*
"Well, seeing steam is never a good thing, but nothing's exploded yet, so that's gotta count for something."
*By the time Yiski reappears, Zill finishes his No.3. Zill then spots a bottle of blue liquid in hand. It's not light blue like Clear Skies which had Zill intrigued.*
"The flak did you make there, it doesn't look like a Clear Skies."
"Well, it's like the Clear Skies, but there's a catch, it's completely non-alcoholic. Had to burn the alcoholic components on extreme heat. This actually should work better than a Clear Skies."
*Yiski hands the bottle to Zill who is understandably apprehensive. It's expected that anything Yiski brews for the first time have unforeseen consequences.*
"No worries, I've already tasted it and, as you can see, I'm still standing."
-
*BdrLine listen to Honeybadger's story*
*He goes and looks over him*
Hmm did this really happen, what the heck with everything i been through, it could have bee me in there as well
*To Zill*
'Looks like our luck is changing then"
*Sees Yiski come out with his new creation*
"I thought i never see the day, one of Yiski's drinks is actually non-alcoholic. You think i can get a mug of that."
-
*Honeybadger looks over to Zill then Bdr while reaching into his coat pocket*
Honeybadger: "But, I am a man on honesty. So for whatever reason your doubting my story, I encourage you to goto the sheriffs office and look up Mister Riggs, if you find yourself bored."
*Honeybadger turns to Yiski from his chair, still digging in his pocket*
Honeybadger: "Yiski, do you happen to have an ashtray?"
-
Zill takes the new brew up to Jun'ko. He wakes her up slowly.
"Huh...wha....Oh hey. Oh no. Did I fall asleep again?!!"
Zill just smirks.
"Yea I guess you aren't recovering so fast. Yiski brewed this up and said it would help."
He shows her the blue liquid and she gives him a stare.
"The last time I had something new of his, I got sick and was stuck in bed for, well awhile it seems."
"Yea i know, but he says its non-alcoholic and better than Clear Skies. Cant hurt."
"Well if you insist, I cant refuse."
She takes a sip to test, and then chugs the mug. She shivers and curls up again. Zill stays by her until she drifts off again. It didnt take too long. He went back down and gave Yiski his mug back.
"Guess we will see. Hope it works."
-
--NARRATOR--
The night rolls on. Honeybadger spent most of the evening trying to convince the others of his story. While Zill remained highly skeptical, BdrLine thought it was plausible, and Yiski really couldn't care. After all, Yiski has heard a lot stories in his years running the saloon. After a while, you tend not to care or at least learn to zone them out. Toward closing, Honeybadger headed out toward an inn he was staying at.
Yiski explained to BdrLine that Ny-Lee was going to stay the night again. While BdrLine worries Ny-Lee, he worries more about what'll happen to him if he begins voicing his light discontent of the situation. Then again, with Roland almost dying a few times, he understood that his little sister would want to stick to Roland as much as possible. Near closing, BdrLine left for his place.
Roland and Ny-Lee were well asleep before closing. The two's refresher did anything but, and the two were asleep in each other's embrace.
After getting Jun'ko to down Yiski's concoction, Zill gently got into bed with Jun'ko.
"Guess we'll see if thing are better in the morning."
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 65--
-
--START OF DAY 66--
--NARRATOR--
Ny-Lee and Roland woke up a little after the sunrise. The two looked at each other in bed and completely nude.
"Good morning darling."
"Morning love."
"I have to say the refresher was actually refreshing."
"So you're saying we should make a habit of this?"
"Well, it certainly would not be a bad one."
Ny-Lee chuckles and gives Roland a kiss on the lips. She was the first to get up and get dressed.
"I'm going to take a shower."
Ny-Lee leaves the room and soon enough Roland got up, dressed, and slowly made his way downstairs. There he sees Yiski ready to open.
"Good morning Yiski."
"Mornin'."
Even though Roland wanted to keep things quiet between him and Ny-Lee having sex to as many people as possible, it was impossible not to give away the apparent signs. Yiski simply smiles and tells Roland.
"Surprised either of you got up this mornin' given your activities."
Roland only blushed and nodded.
--NARRATOR END--
-
Jun'ko was the first to wake. It was slow but after a couple stretches in bed she felt pretty good. Yiski's new elixir seemed to of done the trick. She glanced over to Zill who was still sleeping. She got on top of him and kissed him awake.
"Time to wake up lazy."
"Wha...mmm...oh....well hello there gorgeous. Fancy meeting you here."
They lock lips again for a moment. Zill then gives her a good look.
"Seems that new drink helped a lot. I hated seeing you like that."
"I hated being that puny. Its never a great feeling."
"Indeed."
Jun'ko gives Zill a sly grin and kisses him again. This time it doesn't stop, and Zill knows where this is headed. He stops her for a moment.
"You better be quiet, else you'll wake the not-so-fortunate people this morning."
"Well then you better not stop kissing me."
-
Wazulu, having reappeared from his trip to Chaladon, briskly walks past the tavern on his way to the market. Hearing strained creaking from the window, and seeing a flash of a face he knew well, he carried on his way. With a chuckle, he disappeared once again.
'Well, they don't call him the Rear Admiral for nothing.'
-
*Honeybadger enters the saloon clearly tired*
Honeybadger: *Yawn* "Morning everyone."
*Honeybadger sits down at the bar and gets his deck of cards out of his case*
Honeybadger: I hope to Christ this will be a semi relaxing day for me.
*Honeybadger makes seven rows of cards and deals his solitaire hand*
-
outside the salloon you can hear two guys argumenting.
the two unknown persons enter the salloon as they still argue.
the first unknown person holds the door open he wears a dark ragged longcoat, brown leather gloves, brown leather boots and a triangular pirate hat with a feather to finish it of with style, he has gray hair and a short gray beard.
the second unkown person enters. he is a bit shorter then the first uknown person but he has some strong body language.
the second unknown person wears a leather engineer outfit with black tuxedo shoes, he has a wooden smokingpipe in his mouth and an emblem of a whale on the back of his jacket.
unknown person 1: "I told you it was starboard after the first stone structure in the desert!"
unknown person 2: "but captain you said the third stone structure"
unknown person 1: "well we are now lost because of you."
unknown person 2: "yes captain"
unknown person 1 walks towards the bar as unknown person 2 follows.
they take a seat and look around as it is still early and there is no one at the bar yet.
unknown person 2 starts to yell "HELLO!... SOMEONE THERE!"
unknown person 1 slaps te back of unknown person's 2 head and says "dont yell you babboon" we dont even know where we are, we want to stay low on profile.
unknown person 2 replies "sorry captain, yes captain" he then yells "IM SORRY!, I DIDNT MEAN TO YELL!
unknown person 1 sighs on his action.
-
After a vigorous session, Jun'ko and Zill are just laying side by side. Both have been rendered speechless, as the day seems to just get better and better. Jun'ko is the first to come back to reality.
"If Yiski's elixir missed any bad in me, that certainly cleaned it out." *Chuckles.*
"After that, you can cleanse me anytime you want."
"Oh stop. I reserve the right to tease until then."
Still without clothes, she gets up and struts around the room toward the shower.
"Well today ill freshen up and actually make it downstairs."
"Sounds good. Ill head down and get ready for today. Probably going to visit the Port for some business."
"What may that be?"
Zill wasn't prepared to hit her with the Northern mission after everything's gone so well. He deflected her question.
"Oh nothing. Council nonsense." Thats not lying, technically....
She disappears into the shower and he heads downstairs, ready for the day.
-
*Honeybadger looks at the bickering men, dealing three more cards from his deck*
Honeybadger: "Well hello, what brings you here?" I have a feeling I'm going to regret this...
-
the two unkown men look at honeybadger.
unknown person 2: We are lost... do you know where we are?
unknown person 1 pats some dust of his longcoat.
-
*Yiski stares at the Coldcurse.*
"Not to pry, but you two don't seem to fit with the normal patron who come and go. As long as you two don't cause any trouble, I won't have to throw you out, or worse." *Yiski points to Blood Bolt on the wall.*
*Yiski pours the two new patrons some Anvala Reserve.*
"Anyways, what brings you to Anvala?"
-
--Docks--
*BdrLine wakes up and gets out of bed*
*Still a little tired, he forces himself to get out of bed and get ready for the day*
*After changing out, he goes downstairs to make himself some breakfast*
*Once finished he heads out*
*As he was walking out of the docks towards the Saloon, he notices a woman in what look like some Yeshan clothing walking around confused*
Must be one of my mother's trade workers. Looks like she is lost. Maybe I should help
*He goes up to the woman, her back is turned to BdrLine*
"Umm excuse me miss, are you lost or anything ?"
*The woman stops suddenly as like she recognise the voice, she turns slowly and says to him*
"Azn is that you?"
*BdrLine, recognising the voice was a bit surprised, once she turned around fully, he suspicions was correct*
"MOTHER!?! What are you doing here all the way in Anvala?"
*Happy that it is her son, Liu Zhao goes up and hugs him*
"Oh don't be like that I know you are happy to see me"
*BdrLine hugs her back as well but breaks it after a while*
"Yes I'm happy to see you, still you didn't answer why you are here. "
"Well after you and your friends left Chang-ning, Emporer Xi requested for your father and I. He said that he recently talked to the Anvalan Council and that he will be sending out new imperial garoua to help the fleet here as for thanks. Also he said that we are now doing trade with Anvala and wanted my company to conducted it. So, not missing an opportunity to see my children, I went with my trading ships"
"Well alright, I'm guessing you want to see Ny as well?"
"Yes, you know where she is at."
"She is at Yiski's Saloon with Roland and the others. I'm heading over there right now"
*Liu agrees to acommpamy her son to the Saloon*
*A few minutes later, they both arrive and enter the place*
*They both heads to the bar where they see Yiski*
*BdrLine to him*
"Hey Yiski, guess who I bumped into today" *presents his mother* "I woundering, is Ny-Lee upstairs, she want to meet her"
-
*Honeybadger spots Bdr coming in with his mother then starts to considder if he should say 'hi' or not*
Honeybadger: I'm gonna stay out of this one.
*He proceeds to deal out the rest of the deck*
-
-Saloon-
*Yiski is surprised as he turns to see BdrLine and his mother.*
"Hello again Liu. I didn't expect a visit so soon after we left, but a pleasure anyways."
"The pleasure is mine Yiski. I have to say your saloon looks lovely."
"Well, she was bein' rebuilt when we headed out initially, but thank you."
*As Liu and Yiski were talking, Ny-Lee came downstairs and was shocked to see her mother.*
"Mother!? What are you doing here in Anvala?"
"Well, we've set up some trade relations with Anvala and gifting a few galleon ships and I thought why not take the opportunity to see my children."
*Ny-Lee walks over to her mother and hugs her.*
"Now this is what I was expecting. Now where's your lovely fiance at?"
*As if on cue, Roland pops out from the back after is shower and sees Liu.*
"Ah, Miss Zhao! I did not expect you."
*Liu laughs.*
"Please Roland, call me Liu. Better yet, you might want to start calling me mom or mother."
*Roland stood silently still for a few moments. This began to draw some concern by Ny-Lee, but Yiski snapped Roland out of his daze by putting his hand on Roland's shoulder.*
"Wha... Sorry about that. It is just... this will be the first time I call someone... mother."
"Oh dear, I forgot about..."
*Roland interrupted.*
"No, it is fine. Really. It is just nice I get to have another mother and father."
*Liu rushes over to Roland and gives him a big hug. Yiski stands back and sighs.*
"Another father, huh? Roland, I'm hurt."
*Yiski dramatically puts his hands to his heart and throws back his head which caused everyone in the saloon to laugh.*
-
*Honeybadger slowly turns to look around his shoulder to see what was happening*
Honeybadger: Balls to it...
*Honeybadger spins around in his chair and smiles in everyones direction*
Honeybadger: "Hello Bdr, glad you could make it. And who's this?" Whats the worst that could happen?
-
*Once Honeybadger turned around and saw who was there, his face went pale and flush as he quickly turned around*
Honeybadger: Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, oh shit. Maybe they didn't hear me.
*Honeybadger hunches his back, trying to hide himself*
Honeybadger: I wonder if I can sneak back on a ship without them noticing.
*Honeybadger slowly starts to sweat*
-
*BdrLine to Honeybadger*
"Badger, this is my mother, who also is the founder and owner of The White Lotus Trading Company"
*Sees him starting to sweat*
"Badger,you alright"
-
*The same man looking for Connor comes in with Jibbs*
"Well maybe Connor exaggerated, it isnt that much of a shit hole"
*Jibbs laughs and responds*
"I told you so"
*They sit at a table in the back and Jibbs gives a half salute to Honeybadger*
"Nice to see you again"
-
*Honeybadger coughs and talks in a lower tone, trying to hide his actual voice*
Honeybadger: *Not turning around* "Hmm? Ye.. Yes I'm fine. Nice to meet you ma'am..." Maybe she doesn't remember...
*Honeybadger is starting to shake and deals a solitaire game for himself*
*Honeybadger sees Jibbs and gives a worried, forced smile at him. Then returns to his game.*
-
*Jibb starts to feel a little uneasy but shakes it off*
"So, Richard, fancy a drink??"
*Richard leans his chair back*
"Yeah sure, yo! barkeep! your finest beverage"
*He turns back to Jibbs*
"Hows captain doin'?"
*Jibbs shrugs*
"Still in his quarters, we need to find more medicine"
-
Zill came down and sat at his spot at the bar. Jun'ko came down shortly after ready for some work.
"Its good to finally be out of bed."
"Speak for yourself." *Zill smirks*
Jun'ko sticks her tongue out at him, knowing what he meant. Zill ordered them both Frost Fire's before they headed off to the Port.
"Might me a day or two before we get back here Yiski. Try to not kill the patrons eh?"
"Oh sure Zill. Want some Sake for the road?" *He gives a sly grin.*
"Cute, but ill pass."
They then both notice Liu and give their welcomes.
"If you need anything from me let me know. I can only thank you for the benefit of trade."
"Oh it's nothing. We've been wanting to for awhile but the Council was always flaky about it."
"Not surprising. Enjoy the city while you can."
-
*Sky and Iris walk into the saloon, laughing and having a good time. But Sky is much different, he seems to have gotten a badge and is much more formal with his uniform, he is the first to speak.*
"Ha, and I thought you were scared when we confronted those Yeshans, and the looks on their faces when they saw I wasn't dead!"
*Iris then laughs and replies*
"They went completely pale too! And to think they were bringing a badge to the saloon to honor your 'valiant efforts'! Ha! You? Valiant warrior!?"
*Sky laughs and then greets himself to everyone*
"Good morrow everyone! And how are you all doing on this fine day?"
-
*Liu looks at Honeybadger's turned figure*
"Do I know you? You look oddly familier to the man my twin sister dated many years ago"
*BdrLine and Ny-Lee is confused*
*BdrLine says first*
"You mean Aunt Luli?"
*Ny-Lee chimes in*
"I don't remember her telling us that she dated a Baron. No offence dear"
*Roland from the bar*
"None taken"
*Liu turns to her children*
"Well this was when we were in our early 20's, my company was taking off and I was dating your father. Well your aunt was going out with this traveling Baron that was in Chang-ning at the time, well I don't know what happen and he was gone as quick as he came. For some reason he looks like one of your friends here."
-
*Jibbs and Richard look at each other*
"Well, maybe he was right about one thing, the service here sucks"
*Jibbs nods his head*
"Aye. It's not like this is a drinking establishment or anything"
*The two laugh*
-
*Honeybadger uneasily waves and forces a smile at Skyraider*
Honeybadger: When is she going to leave? Oh god this can't get any worse.
*Honeybadger slowly turns around and sees Sarah waving at him and aproaching*
Sarah: "Honey! What are ya doing?"
*Honeybadger turns around with a grim expression on his face*
Sarah: "Morning everyone, sorry I'm late."
*Sarah sits next to the now heavily sweating Honeybadger and looks at him semi disgusted*
Honeybadger: Fuuuuuck...
*Honeybadger hears Lius comment and sinks down closer to the bar*
Sarah: "Didn't you date a Yeshan a while back?"
*Honeybadger turns angrilly at Sarah*
Honeybadger: *Using his undistorted voice* "Shut up!"
*Once he realized how loud he said that, his face turned red and he quickly turned back to the bar nervously gripping his drink*
-
*Roland sees Jibb and Richard and goes over to them*
"Sorry about that, so what do you guys like?"
*Ny-Lee at the bar*
"Dear I think you should let them try a White Steam" *chuckles*
*Roland turns around a gives her a face that looks like he doesn't want a repeat with Connor*
-
*coldcurse turns back and rests his elbow on the bar*
coldcurse: hey bartender what do you serve?
*lockheart starts to wander around in the salloon being fascinated by the decorations, he stares at a painting as his head gets filled with ideas and happy memories*
*coldcurse turns his head and looks at lockheart, he waits a second and says*
coldcurse: lockheart have you seen phoenix? i swear he was with us when we entered this place.
*lockheart turns to coldcurse and replies*
now you say so i didnt saw him enter the salloon with us.
*coldcurse shrugs and turns back facing the bar again*
-
*Honeybadger continues to nervously set up his Solitaire hand*
Honeybadger: I really hope I don't have to Blue Baron out of this place...
*Honeybadger reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a large sized bottle, the base almost as big as two thirds a loaf of bread*
Honeybadger: *Softly* "Would you mind mixing this with Gin, Rye, and..." *Honeybadger reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a small bottle* "This? I haven't had one in a while."
*Honeybadger puts the bottles on the counter*
*Sarah looks at him worried*
Sarah: I hope he gets the mixing amount right...
-
*As Roland waits on Richard and Jibb's orders, Ny-Lee heads behind the counter*
"Don't worry dear I got this"
*Her mother watches as she goes over*
"I didnt know you work here as well."
*As Ny-Lee takes the large bottle and starts mixing the different alcohols, she says to her mother*
"Well I don't officially work here. When ever this place gets busy, I usually help around."
*BdrLine to his mother as well*
"She is actually pretty good as well. Plus she can hold against her own with the drunks around here"
*As Ny-Lee finishes the mixture, she hands it back to Honeybadger*
*She then goes over to Coldcurse and Lockheart*
"Well the Hellfire is one of the favourites here. We also have Frost Fire Ale, White Steam Whiskey, Anvalan Reserved, and other ales and whiskey"
-
Zill realizes its busy and just grabs their drinks. He and Jun'ko cheers and enjoy a conversation between themselves.
"So, what do you have to do at the Port?"
"Basically send some vessels on a recon. Nothing major. And hopefully the recon comes up with nothing."
"Sounds exciting."
"If you like watching rolling hills of snow maybe. Other than that they tend to be uneventful."
They drink and carry on.
-
*Honeybadger took the drink and crossed his fingers*
*Sarah looks on in slight suspense*
Honeybadger: My only way out of this situation... *Looks over at Liu who is now closer, then back at the drink*
*Honeybadger closes his eyes and drinks his glass of mystery liquid*
*Sarah leans in closer*
Honeybadger: "Ny-Lee..." *Honeybadger's eyes start to water* "This is perfect."
*Sarah is dumbstruck at this and recoils, then takes a look at the large bottle*
Sarah: *Pointing at the larger bottle* "How much did you put in?"
Honeybadger: Dammit! I still have a pulse...
-
*coldcurse smiles at ny-lee*
well i like to have some moonshine special.
*lockheart hears someone infront of the salloon as he looks at the entrance*
*the doors swing open as a mist slowly crawl over the floor, a man with a jewelers eye in a brown reviolutionary longcoat and leather shoes enters*
*he looks at coldcurse and says* Coldcurse... i fixed your onboard radio communication device.
*coldcurse turns around and looks at the man* thank you phoenix now we can tell the stories of the burning skies salloon tommorow to all the other captains. i start to kinda like this place already.
*lockheart smiles and turns to his beloved captain* I agree on that captain coldcurse.
*coldcurse smiles and looks at phoenix as he says* phoenix what was the frequency again?
*phoenix replies* dont worry coldcurse i wrote it down for you in your guidebook, and wrote it on the community event board outside the salloon to notice other captains.
*coldcurse replies* good job phoenix. we shall stay here for some days to gather some stories before heading out.
((link to the frequency https://gunsoficarus.com/community/forum/index.php/topic,635.0.html (https://gunsoficarus.com/community/forum/index.php/topic,635.0.html)))
-
*After no one answers Sky's question, he talks to Iris again*
"Alright, enough of this silly talk. The progress on my plane is complete, the engine donated from Bdrline should be enough to pull the plane and spare ammo into battle. And as a bonus, there is a tail gunner spot, and I need one. You up for the challenge?"
*Iris thinks for a second, then replies*
"I'll do it, as long as you don't cause me to blackout or get us shot down."
*They make a deal and shake each others hands*
-
*BdrLine finally notices Skyraider and Iris*
"Oh Sky didn't see you there, so the mono plane is finished huh? If it works, going to give the design to the Imperial Air Force?"
*Ny-Lee to Sarah*
"Not that much, this shouldnt happen. Must be something in the small bottle he wanted in the drink."
*Liu still wondering who is Honeybadger, finally come to a realisation*
"Honey, honey... You ARE the one who dated my twin. Why are you trying so hard to hid yourself?"
-
*Honeybadger looks up from his drink and over to Liu*
Honeybadger: Ah shit. "I'm afraid I can't explain that without a long winded story... It's nice to see you again Liu."
*Honeybadger begins to grit his teeth*
*Sarah is grinning one seat away from him amused*
-
*Sky responds to Bdrline*
"Maybe in time, or when they ask me for it. But I certainly will hold off because I don't want the plans to fall into the wrong hands."
-
*Ny-Lee then goes over and hands Coldcurse his moonshine*
"Sorry I don't know if Yiski has some Moonshine Special, but he some regular 'shine"
*BdrLine to Sky*
"I could see that, it is a radical new design and could be very deadly. So when is the first test flight, I want to see it as well."
*Liu to Honeybadger*
"Well it's nice to see you again Honeybadger *alittle sarcatical* "So please do tell, I have a long time before I'm going back to Yesha. "
*Ny-Lee and BdrLine agrees as well*
-
--Docks--
The Wall of Jericho with two galleons in company blockaded the Yeshan trade ships in dock, full armament at their disposal, aimed at to do more than disable. "By order of the DLTC cease and desist, lest we tear your ships asunder."
--Saloon--
Paradox was in his formal attire, Jen and John followed behind him along with a detachment of Dandy Lions security force. Upon entrance four men stayed, two on each side of the doors.
"Mrs. Zhao, Imagine my surprise when I woke up this morning and heard we were under hostile invasion. I don't know if you know how things work in this city, but all trading is either handled by the DLTC directly or people pay for the privilege to use our docks. If you think I'll let you establish that big of a trade route in my town without getting a cut, you're dead wrong. I've already talked to the council, and they've agreed to let me take any action necessary. Now you have an important decision to make: I take forty percent of all goods exported here... or you're gonna watch your ships burn and we both get zero."
John chimed in, "and that's him being generous..."
Paradox smiled and lit his cigar.
She stood up obviously seething, pulled a derringer on Papa.
The two guards armed and cocked their weapons, John and Jen pulled out their volcanics in response.
Ny ran behind Papa and met his neck with a knife.
Papa put his hand to his ear, "Jericho, can you hear me?"
"Yes sir."
"Prepare to fire..."
Ny dropped the knife, Bdr coerced the gun from his mother.
Paradox stood up and was heading out...
"Wait! Fine, we'll do it." Liu said reluctantly.
Paradox flicked his cigar on the ground and stamped it on his way out.
"Good doing business with you."
His posse followed behind him.
Zill and Yiski sat shaking their heads at each other
Fuckin' hate that guy sometimes.
-
*Honeybadger spun around in his chair with his legs crossed and one elbow resting on the table, with the same arm he held a drink, he had a straight face*
Honeybadger: "The flak just happened?"
-
*Sky answers Bdrline's question with:*
"Tomorrow, if we aren't shot out of the sky while we are test flying it."
-
*After Paradox leaves, Yiski faceplams.*
"Zill, as much as I know you hate to ask, but go talk to the Council and figure out the bullshit Paradox just pulled."
*Zill just stares at Yiski, giving Yiski a 'are you serious' expression.*
"I know, I know. Still, at least they'll listen to you more than me."
*Roland attempts to clam down both his future wife, but to little effect. Ny-Lee picks up her knife and immediately throws it against a table.*
"I should've just ended him where he stood. The nerve of him to come into here and spout his..."
"Ny-Lee, that's enough."
*Ny-Lee is shocked to hear that from her mother.*
"But..?!"
"I expected he would take those actions. Don't worry about him."
*Yiski shook his head and handed both Ny-Lee and Liu a drink of Frost Fire.*
"Here, this should calm the nerves a bit."
-
Zill let out a heavy sigh. Papa pulling antics like that were expected, but it was always at the worst possible times. Now with the North mission baring down on Zill, this happens.
"Ill go talk to them. Knowing Papa, Ill only take a sliver off his tariffs. Sorry Jun, gotta go alone on this one."
"I understand. Stay safe Admiral."
"I try."
Zill heads out the door towards the City Center. His walk is slow. Jun'ko sighs and looks at Yiski.
"Hope you dont mind me staying again. Im beginning to feel like I live here...."
-
*Yiski sighs.*
"Well, I'd imagine it's five stars compared to sleeping on a galleon. Anyways, you're the last tenant I'm taking unless I decide to start runnin' an inn."
"Then why don't you."
"Because the paperwork alone is a nightmare and I'd have to deal with the Council."
*Jun'ko chuckles. Luckily, Frost Fires were doing their job and Liu and Ny-Lee chuckled too.*
-
*Sky laughs and replies to Yiski and Zill's conversation"
"Glad I don't have to fix someone's mess."
-
--NARRATOR--
This evening was more lively than usual. In order to calm down Ny-Lee and Liu, Roland decided to play a few tunes on the piano.
Realizing how quickly night had fallen, Zill came back to the saloon, deciding to talk to the Council about Paradox's actions of late tomorrow. Zill and Jun'ko took their room upstairs to what Yiski assumed to be new tenants. Well, tenants who get free rent anyways.
The interesting situation arose when Liu asked Ny-Lee where she was staying and Ny-Lee responded she was staying with Roland. Without more clues, Liu knew what the two young lovers were doing and giggled. Liu had to stifle her laughter when she realized how naive her son was to their situation. In the end, Liu decided to stay over at BdrLine's apartment in place of his sister.
Yiski closed up for the night and thought to himself as he was walking to his room.
"Paradox, Liu, Council, and everything else that happens in this city. I wonder how it hasn't fallen on top of itself yet."
With a quick chuckle, Yiski falls asleep.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 66--
-
--Day 67--
An unforeseen storm had hit Anvala, and nobody could really do anything about it. The City Center issued a warning that all facilities would be closed and citizens should stay inside.
Luckily for Yiski, Zill, Jun'ko, Roland, and Ny, the new Burning Skies was plenty able to withstand the storm. They carried on and had a few drinks. Zill even paid Yiski for their time in the room, though they would be staying longer it would seem.
Time flew by and the storm never let up, so nothing really happened besides the occasional falling over thanks to the new Sake.
--End Day 67--
OOC: Placeholder post for today as we have a Cogs match at 4pm EST. Join the live stream at http://www.twitch.tv/qwerty2jam
-
--START OF DAY 68--
--NARRATOR--
The storm was still hanging over Anvala, but it's intensity had died down heavily. The storm was reduced to light rain and moderate winds. Citizens ventured out in order to survey how much damage had been done over the last day.
Luckily for Yiski, the saloon's construction withstood the storm with ease. The only thing Yiski noticed damaged were a few windows with cracks in them. He would plan on replacing them later, though not today, probably. Yiski then stepped outside and noted the streets were still waterlogged and saw people having some issue maneuvering through the ankle-high waters.
While Yiski was standing outside, Roland and Ny-Lee had come downstairs and greeted Yiski. Without turning around, Yiski just raised his hand in acknowledgement.
Roland and Ny-Lee noticed the saloon wasn't ready to open and started to get to work. When Yiski did turn around and saw what the two were doing.
"Hold it. We're probably going open around noon today."
"Why the delay?"
"Still a little flooding out and I'm sure folks are going to check their damaged properties."
By the time noon rolled around, the waters receded to about an inch, but the saloon was ready for business.
--NARRATOR END--
-
* Lockheart walks into the bar Briskly, he was different from the last time he had visited the saloon with coldcurse, Not only did he wear different clothing rather than he had a different air about him. His hair was in the "swept" fashion and he was wearing a white longcoat, although it appeared more dirty after several merchant runs through the canyons. A sword clattered at his legs as he walked"
*takes a seat at the bar*
"Say bartender, whats the cheapest stuff you got?"
* fumbles in pocket for money, finds a smoking pipe and places on counter *
-
*Yiski fixes the newcomer a mug of Anvalan Reserve. Yiski looks at him carefully and mentally chuckles to himself.*
"Been getting a lot of foreigners lately. Oh well, they're always good for business."
*Yiski hands him the ale and asks.*
"So what brings you out here? That sword you're carrying says you're Yeshan. Come to think of it, we've gotten a number of Yeshans visiting lately."
-
*takes a gulp of the ale*
*sighs*
"Mainly merchant runs through yesha, a allot of money is to be made there. Although i myself am from the northern fjords. working in yesha makes a nice "warm" change."
*looks at the sword*
"you can really tell that easily?"
-
Zill stumbled down the stairs and cursed under his breath. He didn't sleep well during the storm and his mood this morning reflected it. Jun'ko was still getting ready upstairs.
"Mornin'."
He sat at the bar and asked Yiski for a Clear Skies.
"Headaches, Council, storms. This day has it all for me today."
-
*Yiski motions for Lockheart to place his sword on the bar. Lockheart does so and Yiski begins explaining a few things.*
"Well, the first dead giveaway is the hilt. The designs are intricate and it has the carving of a dragon in the center which is something Yeshans believe hold high regards for. Second, most infantry troops secondary weapons are standard swords. Only the Yesha use short swords. It also helps that I'm friends with a few Yeshans too."
*Yiski sees Zill coming down and sit at the bar and introduces Zill to the newcomer.*
"Zill, this is, um... actually I never did get your name. Anyways, this here is Admiral Zill of the Anvalan Fleet."
*Yiski then proceeds to make Zill his Clear Skies.*
"So, how is Jun holding up? Did my brew do her any good?"
-
*Wazulu stumbles in, his long, weathered stormcoat still drying from the storm*
Bloody hell, this place is looking well. What the hell is it mad-*sees Lockheart*
For the sake of the Skywhale Lockheart, why are you all dressed up, you pansy?
*Wazulu sits at bar, gives a wobbly salute*
Mornin' Zill.
-
Zill motions to Yiski in agreement.
"It worked very well. She was quite energetic too, even for her normal self. I think you've made both an elixir and an energy supplement."
He then nods to both Lockheart and Wazulu.
"No need to salute. I'm not so stiff an Admiral as that. Formalities are one thing, but results in the field are my priority."
Jun'ko comes down the stairs looking like new. She walks over to Zill, lifts up his bandana mask for a moment, and gives him a peck.
"Morning everyone. I feel so great today its ridiculous. Thanks so much Yiski."
-
*Acknowledges the arrival of the others and stands up, still holding the ale*
"Where are my manners, sorry gents, i am Captain Lockheart, Former Fjords military man, now a merchant, as you may have noticed me and Wazulu are already acquainted"
*sits back down and downs the last of his ale*
"And Wazulu..., you were never one to look good nor find a woman." *he says while staring into the bottom of his mug*
* Looks up and gestures for Yiski to come closer, and picks up the pipe that was resting on the bar*
"Im willing to give a few extra Coins to anyone that has some spare pipe tobacco lying around"
*fiddles with pipe, while looking around for any offers...*
-
*Yiski turns and sees Wazulu.*
"The hell have you been? Haven't seen you for a little over two months."
*Yiski takes Lockheart's empty mug and replaces it with a fresh one. He then smiles to Jun'ko.*
"No, problem Jun. You know I can't help assisting a pretty lady in distress."
*Roland then walks over to Yiski.*
"Yiski, do you mind if Ny-Lee and I head out for a walk?"
"Nope." *Yiski looks over to Ny-Lee.* "Make sure he doesn't stress his ankle too much."
"As if I would let anything happen to him."
*Yiski nodded and the two set off for the City Center.*
-
*to Yiski*
Eh, I got roped into this trip to Chaladon. It's a nice, if slightly odd place. Problem was on the way back we got caught by the wind and sent up North, into the Baronies. They weren't as nice. Lost a couple of folks, but we're back in one piece.
*to Lockheart*
No need to look good up in the air- all you're seeing is ships and guns, and I doubt your hairstyle can take a Hwacha Salvo. On that other matter Lockheart, Gentlemen don't tell of their conquests. I'll buy you a round.
-
*gulps some more ale and wipes his mouth with his sleeve*
ahh
*turns to face Wazulu*
"wazulu, never mind the round, why didnt you signal for me i was doing a merchant run around there, Jesus, how many did you lose..."
"more and more go every day, its.... its truly dire..."
*fumbles again in his pockets.*
"AH HA Gotcha, never mind, found some"
*stuffs the pipe with a few pieces of tobacco and puts it to his mouth, looks around again*
"anyone mind if i smoke it here or would you prefer me to sit further back, and wazulu, when did i ever say i was a gentleman" * throws his thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the further back tables*
-
*To Lockheart*
We lost 2 men on my crew, 3 overall- An ammo pack exploded in combat, shredding our gunner. After that the cold ice caused an engine burnout, all but killing an engineer. One poor soul on our partner ship got hit dead center by a Mercury shell- not enough left to bury him.
Anyway, to happy times and clearer skies *raises jug*
-
--City Center--
*As the two goes out for their walk, Ny-Lee is by Roland's side with her head under the nook of his neck and an arm around his waist. Roland wraps an arm around Ny-Lee as well pulling her close to him*
*Ny-Lee to Roland*
"So, dear what do you have planned for today. And don't give me the look. It's not that many times where you ask Yiski to go out *she says playfully*"
--Docks--
*After the flooding had died down, BdrLine is outside his house looking at his equipment at the docks*
*His mother come down and sees her son*
"What a storm we had yesterday, are they this bad when they hit?"
*BdrLine, hearing his mother, turns to her*
"Well they only happen when the Firnfeld air moves down south. It takes a day or so for it to pass. But besides that, it clear weather all around."
*Accepting of the answer, Liu starts heading out of the docks*
"Alright then. Well I'll be heading over to Yiski's Saloon then if you need me."
"Hmm? What for?"
"To talk about some wedding arrangements, since I'm here we can at least plan ahead for it."
"Ok then mother, I'll be there once I finish checking all my things"
*As BdrLine goes over to his usual group of workers to help him sort out the damage, Liu starts to walk to the Saloon*
*After a few moments, she arrives and sees Yiski and goes up to him*
"Hello there Yiski, you think you have time to talk about some things?"
-
Zill downs his drink and lets out a sigh.
"Well better head to the Council now rather than later. We need more trade, not flakin' taxes."
Liu walks in as Zill gets up. He nods to her and heads out the door. Jun'ko seems rather jittery as she thanks Yiski.
"Oh you. Its amazing you don't have a girl yet Yiski."
She gets up and starts pacing.
"I need to do something. I cant stop moving for the life of me. Wonder why...."
-
*Yiski waves off Zill and Jun'ko. Yiski is slightly worried at a jittery Jun'ko.*
"Maybe there were some side effects after all. Oh well, Zill can deal with it."
*Yiski then greets Liu.*
"Hello again. So what is it you need to ask? Wait. I'm going to guess it's about our young lovin' couple."
--City Center--
*Roland looks to Ny-Lee with a relatively weak smile.*
"I just needed some air is all. I think everything I have done in the last two weeks in finally catching up to me."
*Roland takes a seat near a fountain edge and looks off into the sky.*
"Within two weeks... two weeks I have almost died four times, seen horrors beyond fantasy, and taken lives."
*Roland takes a few deep breaths. Ny-Lee doesn't interrupt and lets him continue.*
"It is not that I am having regrets about the lives I took. I have come to understand it was necessary to protect those I care about. It is just that now I finally have time to reflect on it without having volleys of bullets coming toward me."
*Roland finishes his monologue and continues to look at the sky.*
-
*pulls out a lighter with the letters JL embossed on the side, then lights the pipe and inhales, due to the lack of objection*
"indeed to happy times and clear skies" *raises mug*
*to yiski*
*turns to face yiski and picks up the fresh ale and has a big gulp, places the mug back on the bar and then takes out his pipe and holds it in his hand*
"anyways the main reason im here, is off of a reccomendation from wazulu" *nods head in wazulu's direction*
"he tells me you have some strong stuff..."
*downs the last of his ale*
"so would you kindly fix me up with some of that" *gestures with pipe to the barrels of alcohol, then places back in his mouth and exhales smoke away from the patrons*
*looks at pocketwatch*
"hey wazulu after this drink where are you headed?, if your anyways up north i can give you a ride"
*turns to yiski*
"the baronies have me deliver a case of armaments to the order of chaladon, who are they fitting to fight with next?"
-
Zill gets about half way to the Hall when Jun'ko begin to really agitate him. She must be feeling effect of the drink and he thought of an idea.
"Hey Jun, how about you visit you place and tidy it up? I imagine its dusty from the weeks of just sitting there."
"Oh my gosh, you're absolutely right! It must be a mess! Ill go and you can meet me when you're done, yay!"
She runs off toward her apartment complex, and Zill sighs in relief. He didn't want to upset her, and he felt like he just dodged a bullet. He gets to the City Center and Into the Hall. The Council was in a meeting when he arrived. He approached the guards and they saluted him.
"How long will this take?"
"Could be all day, Admiral. May I ask the topic of your concern?"
"I've been made aware that the Council allowed the DLTC to impose a 40% tariff on the new Yeshan trade and I came to negotiate."
"Thought so. They have written a counter proposal already and are willing to sign it with your approval."
The guard produces a parchment with the Council seal. Zill reads the letter.
Esteemed Admiral,
We have agreed to accept 30% tax on Yeshan goods as opposed to 40%. 20% goes to DLTC and we cannot alter that. The remaining 10% is for our city to be used as we see fit. We will not go lower on this, and if you oppose the DLTC tax, then do so without any military vessels. This was pre-determined far before this came to pass.
We have heard no word on the Republic raid either. We hope this to be good news, however your task remains unchanged.
He crumpled up the letter and threw it at the guards feet.
"Fine."
He walked off toward the courier's office. He wrote a letter to his recon brigade.
Orders to Black Squid Squadron:
Effective immediately, begin a recon for Republic Fleets between Accura and Kian. It is believed that they are planning a mass raid on Firnfeld and we do not want a repeat of last time. Any information is to hit my personal radio frequency. Time is of the essence, as our Fleet's will need hard intel before they can move from the City. To Clear Skies.
Orders to Grand Fleet:
Effective immediately, prepare for city defense. I want no less than one Galleon and two Pyramidions at each gate. Checks on traffic to and from the city is now in effect. Anything suspicious will be investigated and will be held within the city walls.
Recon Squid teams are permitted to venture as far as and bordering villages.
All remaining vessels are to be on high alert and are to be combat ready.
He stamped his seal and sent it away. He walked out on the Hall Stairs and looked up into the clear Sky.
Mistress help us.
-
*To Lockheart*
Haha, I'd watch yourself, I wasn't joking when I said this stuff could turn you inside out. Heh, I haven't fought alongside an Anglean for a long time now, I'll take you up on your offer. I've gotta ask: what did you have in mind on our 'trip'?
-
*to wazulu*
"nothing really, just i would give you a ride to where your off. Also i could do with someone if any bandits try jumpin' us while im delivering this set of armaments...., oh that reminds me, if you need any new weapons for your ship id be happy to supply, for a price.., and of course if your in a scrimmage and you cant hold them off, like usual, then just give me a signal, again for a price because trade here ain't doing so good after the high tar-riffs on yeshan goods..."
-
Alrighty, I could use a gun or two myself- I assume you stock the ammo as well? I don't want to write for one of those pesky Yeshan permits. Heh, and I'll remind you I was in the air while you were in diapers- things were...different back then. People had honour. Seems reputation doesn't count for a bullet between the eyes nowadays.
-
*smokes pipe some more*
"ha, the years still haven't changed the situation we are all in, and we HAD no honour then, we HAD to survive, like i say that situation hasn't changed..."
*looks at pocketwatch*
"bartender, i would like that drink before me and wazulu head off"
-
*To Lock*
Everybody tries to survive- that's life, ain't it? I'd say people operated out of desperation before, but now I think it's greed. Call me old, but all this political upset is only going to escalate. We'll see hostile ships in the skies of Anvala before long, mark my words. Speaking of which, drink up, and lets get the hell out of here.
-
"ill drink to that"
*looks around*
"you know what, i like this place, its hospitable unlike to rest of the shitholes ive been to..., id be happy to lay down my life for ale THIS good.. especially with these spanking new weapons, heck, i could fit out a armada!"
*pulls out a handfull of brass coins and puts them on the bar*
"hold that last drink for me would you"
*grabs sword off of the counter and puts it half way in its scabbard before withdrawing it again and walking towards the door while doing a few practice swings*
*turns to face wazulu*
"are you coming?"
-
As long as you don't do that with people I know watching. You embarrassing buffoon. I'll see ya round Yiski, keep this place open for us!
*Lockheart and Wazulu leave the Burning Skies*
-
--City Center--
*Roland and Ny-Lee were still sitting at the fountain. Neither said a word and Ny-Lee was leaning against Roland with her arms wrapped around his left and her head resting on his shoulder.*
*Roland shifted a little which caused Ny-Lee to break the embrace. Roland then stood up and stretched.*
"I think I have done enough introspection for the day."
*He reaches down and gestures for Ny-Lee to take his hand.*
"Since we here and I let you sit around doing nothing, I thought I would reward you with a nice dinner."
"Oh... where did you have in mind?"
"Well, it is not as fancy as our first date, but I hear they have a Frost Berry pudding dessert."
*Ny-Lee smiled and took Roland's hand and got up and started walking down toward Cafe Frostbite. When the two arrived, there were a fair number of people, but Roland could spy a few open tables and nobody waiting. A waitress approached them.*
"Is this a party of two?"
"Yes."
"Alright, please follow me."
*Roland and Ny-Lee were seated at a table inside, but overlooked a window into the City Center. After a look at the menus, Roland ordered the Anvalan special which comprised of steak imported from Aleston and a variety of vegetables grown only in the Crown Mountains. Ny-Lee ordered fish imported from the Chill Sea and a few sides with Yeshan origin.*
*As dinner went on, the two started discussing their future plans.*
"Darling, when we get married, are we going to stay here in Anvala, or move to Chang-ning?"
"I'm not sure. If we move back to Chang-ning, I'd probably find a military related job. How about you?"
"Well, before I found myself working full-time for Yiski, I did do some accounting for a few small businesses. I am certain I could get a job whether we stay here or not."
*The two kept talking as they ate dinner. Eventually, Roland ordered the two the Frost Berry pudding for dessert. When it arrived, it was pale blue and sparkled. The two took a spoonful of it and it was complete delicious bliss.*
-
--Sky's Private Airstrip--
*Since the storm delayed Sky's test flight yesterday, he moved it back today. Iris and Sky are already in the plane on the runway, about to take off, Sky is the first to respond*
"All systems seem good, how about you Iris?"
"Green across the board! Ready when you are!"
*Sky turns on the engine and after awhile, the planes begins moving, Sky comments*
"We haven't died yet! Thank the Emperor that Bdrline's engine works!"
*Plane begins to shake as it reaches higher speeds, which is completely normal. Then it begins to lift off the ground and into the air, plenty of runway left, Iris replies with joy*
"We have lift off! Hurray!"
"Its a small victory, now time for the real test. We know pitch works, what about yaw and roll?"
*Sky rolls to see if it works, it does*
"Alright, now about that yaw."
*The plane slowly turns as Sky pushes on one of the pedals, Iris responds*
"Alright, now the boring bit is over, lets wake up a city."
*Sky ignores the weathers and turns around, heading straight into the town*
-
Zill headed over to Jun'ko's apartment complex. He walked fairly slow, thinking about all the things being put into motion. The DLTC nonsense would have to wait. If Republic Fleet ships got too close, it wouldn't be pretty. When he got to her building, he saw her on a bench with a box next to her. When he approached, he realized she was crying.
"What's wrong Jun??"
"I've been gone so long they sold my apartment away and sold my furniture to pay the rent. All that's left is this box of family pictures and some trinkets..."
Zill stares in disbelief that they would do such a thing. His disbelief turned to anger quite quickly, and he stormed off into the apartment office. He was greeted by a receptionist who immediately recognized him.
"To what do we owe this honor, Admiral?"
"The landlord is deserving of my company for a recent eviction."
His tone was enough to get her to run back and get the landlord. A moment later he appeared.
"Well hey there...."
"Save it. I've been informed you recently evicted a tenant here. Goes by the name of Jun'ko."
"Ah yes, well she was behind on her rent...."
"And you sold her things to compensate, and kicked her out."
"Its....Its our policy....."
"You useless, greedy, waste of humanity. She was off saving the world while you stuffed your pockets with gold that rightfully belongs to her. Not to mention all the memories she's lost to your greed."
The landlord just went pale. He clearly was frightened for his life at this point.
"Well....uh....I can...."
"I'll tell you what you can do. You refund her all of the money you made from the sales. Then, you get rid of that idiotic policy. If I ever hear of it being used in here again, it'll be the last time you own anything in Anvala."
"Yes, yes of course."
"Now go clean yourself. I can smell it from here."
Embarrassingly, the landlord had soiled himself. The receptionist promised the debt would be repaid. Zill walked outside and told Jun'ko the news. She stood up in shock. After a few moments, she just wrapped him in embrace.
-
*Honeybadger timidly comes into the saloon and slowly sits at the bar*
Honeybadger: I should thank Papa, after the ruckus he made, I could slip away... I just hope she left.
-
--Saloon--
*Liu goes up to Yiski and takes a set at the bar*
"Why yes, since I am here. It be best to start making arrangements. Where do you think would be an ideal place for the ceremony?"
*The two discuss the preparations as Yiski goes around giving out drinks*
*As Honeybadger enters the building, Liu hears the door opening and sees him*
"There you are Honey, don't think that yesterday's incident gets you out of the clear. So do tell about what happened between you and my sister."
--Docks--
*After checking all of his equipment, BdrLine thanks his group as they leave their separate ways.*
*He then heads to the Saloon to meet up with his mother*
--City Center--
*After finishing their dinner and paying the bill, Ny-Lee and Roland heads out into the city*
*Few hours has passed as walked around the Center, Ny-Lee notices that the sun was setting*
"Dear it's getting late, let's head back to the saloon."
*Roland looks up at the sky and sees hat she was right*
"Yeah we should head back now, also my leg starting to hurt a bit."
*The two then turns around and heads back.*
-
*Honeybadger's face looks startled, then he sighs and sits down near Liu*
Honeybadger: God, if your listening. Please send Papa to shoot up the place "Alright, I think it's about time to tell the story." At least Sarah isn't here...
*Sarah comes into the saloon, stretches, and yawns loudly*
Honeybadger: Motherfucker...
-
--Inside Sky's Plane--
*Sky brings himself towards the saloon, the sound of the engine filling the sky. Sky gets close to the saloon, passing overhead. The sound of the engine is so loud that anyone in the saloon would have heard it. Sky responds*
"That'll scare them! Ha ha! Now lets head back before we lose a wing."
*Sky turns around and dives on the Saloon again, pulling away before running into it, this time he heads back to his private airstrip*
-
--Saloon--
*Liu kept fielding questions to Yiski as he kept taking orders and serving drinks. In reality though, the two realized it was Liu doing most of the planning just relaying it to Yiski mostly because Yiski didn't want to get involved with a the frilly details. Yet there was one detail the Yiski argued over consistently: Where the wedding was going to be held. It was obvious Liu wanted it in Chang-ning.*
"I say Chang-ning is the best wedding location, I'd have more resources there that I could use for the wedding."
*Likewise, Yiski wanted the wedding to happen in Anvala.*
"With all respect Liu, it should be here. It where the two met and fell in love with each other. They're more emotionally attached here."
*The two continued to argue the point to the extent all of the patron overhearing the discussion. While a few did attempt to stop them, the more experienced patrons advised against it. The patron veterans could see this storm coming from a kilometer away and they didn't want to get stuck in the middle of it. Soon the discussion turned for the worse.*
"Anvala's weather is too unpredictable and could potentially ruin the wedding."
"Well, likewise, Chang-ning suffers from the occasional dust storm and when it isn't, the city's factories smoke black out the skies."
*Eventually, Roland and Ny-Lee returned to the saloon. As soon as Liu and Yiski saw them, they simultaneously asked.*
"Where should the wedding be at?"
*The couple looked at each other and simply shrugged their shoulders and laughed. This caused Liu and Yiski to give deadpanned expressions.*
-
--Wazulu's Airship, City Docks---
*seeing Skyraider* Well, screw me sideways. Bloody hell, one of these days we'll get a man on the Moon. Anyways, work to be done, places to be.
*Seeing a gate official approaching* Goddamned Council, one of these days I'll just flat out decline their operations
GO: Chief Warrant Officer Wazulu?
W: We both know I've been AWOL for a year and a half.
GO: The Council has need of your services.
W: Somehow this doesn't come off as a fair terms of employment.
GO: If you decline you will be court-martialed and sentenced to a wartime punishment.
W: What a shame, I've heard the mines are lovely this time of year.
GO: The Council requires you to travel to the Northern side of the Anglean Border, report Anglean ship movement and following that wait for a signal to return.
W: Sounds easy.... Although I have to ask, why so afraid to use the Squids?
GO: Watch your tongue Warrant Officer, you don't have any knowledge of that division.
W: Fine. Wish me good luck, although I doubt you're expecting me back in one piece.
GO: The Council will-
W: Yeah yeah, just let me out the damn gate, dust breather.
*Taking off, unsure of his return to Anvala, Wazulu flies through the gate*
Goodbye Anvala, and goodbye good booze!
-
*As BdrLine nears the Saloon, he hears something odd coming behind him*
*He stops a few feet from the entrance as he listen for the noise*
Hmm the hell is that... sounds like an engine... thats odd shouldn't airships have multiple engies, why do i hear one
*As he listen for the noise, BdrLine hears that it is coming closer and lower*
*BdrLine turns around as only to find a monoplane flying close to the ground doing a fly-by*
*The plane was flying fast and low that he had to dive to the floor*
*As BdrLine gets back up he curses at the plane who he realised must be Skyraider*
Gods Sky, could of had me killed
*What BdrLine didn't notices was that Skyraider did a turn around and dived at the Saloon again*
*BdrLine felt the wind come up his back as Sky's plane passes over head*
*BdrLine shakes his head as he walks in*
*As he enters, he sees Ny-Lee and his sister in between his mother and Yiski, who seems to be arguing about something*
"I guess this is a bad time?"
*Liu over hears his sone and turns to him*
"Oh no we are just having a little disagreement about where should we do the wedding. I'm telling to Yiski that it should be held back in Chang-ning, but he insist that it should be here. We are at a standstill at the moment."
*BdrLine thinks about something for a second*
"How about do the wedding on the new luxury airship The Dawning Sun?"
*Ny-Lee to her brother*
"You mean the one thats almost finished back in Chang-ning?"
"Yeah why not do it on there, it be nice for all of use, plus once it hits the skies, its neither in both cities as they are traveling around the world."
-
Papa walks in and starts mowing down the bar with his carbine...
*Honeybadger shakes his head and wake up from his day dream*
Paradox walked in and sat beside Liu, he was eating an apple watching avidly as she was bickering with Yiski. She didn't even notice him.
-
--NARRATOR--
Liu and Yiski look at each other, mulling over BdrLine's compromise. They both nod and shake on it. Everyone, including the patrons, are relieved. Having a wedding on a gigantic luxury ship would at least be interesting.
Zill and Jun'ko spent the rest of the evening on his Galleon. After literally scaring the landlord shitless, the two celebrated the only way they could: Alcohol and sex.
BdrLine and his mother head back to his place. While leaving, Liu did notice Paradox, but after the yesterday's incident, she didn't bother acknowledging his existence.
Roland and Ny-Lee set up for the night again in the saloon's spare room. After Yiski had closed and fallen asleep, the two decided to continue with their own 'activities.'
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 68--
-
--START OF DAY 69--
--NARRATOR--
Morning comes and Yiski is up along with it. He gets ready as he always has: checking the equipment, checking the stills, checking the taps, and making sure the main floor is clean.
By the time Yiski is done, he sees Roland and Ny-Lee come downstairs. Yiski notices Ny-Lee's hair is a mess and the two are wearing a large grin. Yiski laughs.
"Not even trying to hide the fact you two are having sex around me?"
*Ny-Lee blushes and Roland gives her a kiss on the cheek. Roland turns to Yiski.*
"Well, you made it clear you, Zill, and Jun'ko know what we do."
*Ny-Lee nods in agreement and chimes in.*
"It's not like we're telling you what we do. Unless you want to know."
*Yiski laughs again.*
"No, no, I think I can live without knowing any of that."
*All three laughed to start the day.*
--NARRATOR END--
-
*Honeybadger decides wether to get up today, then turns over and goes back to sleep*
Honeybadger: "Mmph..."
-
-- At the Docks --
*after wazulu going off on a "business trip", lockheart takes to the final preparations on his ship before setting off on his merchant run*
"right well everything seems to be accounted for... hmmm, 1,2,3,4..."
*continues counting the various crates that lie in the cargo hold of his ship*
"yep everythings here"
*a crewman approaches*
Crewman: "sir we are ready to be airborne!"
Lockheart: "get warming the engines up and grease the guns, ill plot our course"
*walks towards the Burning Skies Saloon*
--The saloon--
*walks through the door slowly and takes a seat at the bar*
"Yiski my man, can i have a mug of the strongest stuff you got, ill need it to wake me up while i plot my course to the fjords"
*places a map on the bar and starts to examine it*
-
-Then it was fixed again-
Zill woke with a start as his personal radio frequency was buzzing. He ran over to answer it.
"Admiral here."
"Greetings Admiral. This is Matty"
"Good to hear you old friend. How's the Black Squid Squad treating you?"
"Stressed as always. Got a new lot of gunners with perfect numbers. Lets hope it equates to skill out here."
"Indeed. What's your location?"
"Just made it to Kian with no spots. We are going to start our patrol between here and Accura in a couple hours."
"Very well. To Clear Skies."
"Amen to that. Matty out."
He set the receiver down and Jun was sitting up in bed watching him.
"Care to explain all the fuss?"
Zill let out a short sigh.
"The Republic is sending a Fleet to raid Firnfeld. I don't think you were here when we were caught off guard as they swept south to take a crack at our lands. It was a poor assumption that never made it to my ears until we had to fend off the raid. We won, but it was a mess. This time, we will be prepared to show force and hopefully keep them contained in Firnfeld."
"Well its good to know you're leading the defense. I feel safer already." *grinning*
*Zill smirks* "Well it'll make merchants grumpy and citizens on edge seeing the defense efforts. Probably good business for Yiski."
"Will you have to go North if they come too close?"
"...Yes."
"I take it I'm not invited to that party."
"I wouldn't dare put you in that position."
"Then promise me one thing?"
"What's that?"
"Come back if you do."
Zill only nodded, and got on his field uniform and gas-mask. He also packed his personal radio in case news came. It would be attached to him like a third arm until this mess was over. Jun'ko got herself ready as well. She lifted his mask for a long kiss before they headed over to the Saloon.
-
*Yiski hear Lockheart asking for a strong drink and makes him a mug of White Steam Whiskey.*
"Here you go, this should perk your ears up a bit."
*Yiski takes a look at the map.*
"You'll want to avoid the routes northwest of Anvala. I've heard there's been increased raider activity."
(White Steam Whiskey mostly causes steam to exit the ears or on rare occasions causes the immediate need to use the bathroom.)
-
*As if on cue, Wazulu, flying over Accura on his way to Hanat, is quickly attacked by several bandit vessels*
-
*takes a gulp *
"WOW , that's strong, Exactly what I asked for "
* still looking at the map , although trying to steady himself after the whiskey, and hasn't noticed the steam coming out of his ears*
" shit, not taking the north west route could lengthen our voyage by a day..., well I love a fight so those bandits best get ready, for..."
* takes a long drink of the ale *
* shouts* "FOR A GOOD THRASHING"
* then lockheart collapses over his map with steam still pouring out of his ears*
-
Zill and Jun'ko took their first steps into the Burning Skies when his radio went off.
"Admiral here."
"Status report Admiral: We made it to Accura in good time, and above town was a battle. One lone Goldfish against 3 Squids sporting Republic Flags. The vessel was of Anvala, so we intervened."
"Any losses?"
"The goldfish was battered but suffered minimal damage. We surprised them as they were bringing the Gold down to the ground. They didn't last long."
"Good, good. Sounds like advance scouts. Remain just outside Accura until dusk and then maintain current orders."
"Yes sir. The Goldfish we saved was headed to Hanat. We advised against it but he insisted. Said it was orders from the Council."
"Any orders I get from them send me into a death trap. Lets hope they aren't repeat offenders. To Clear Skies."
"Aye."
A few patrons watched on, trying to listen, until Zill tucked his radio away and they turned around quickly. They walk up to the bar and have a seat. It was eerily quiet in the Saloon. Most of the dockworkers knew things were in motion as an influx of military boats had been moved into dock. They sat and speculated to themselves. Zill ordered a WSW and Jun'ko motioned for a Hellfire.
-
*lockheart awakens at the sound of mugs hitting the bar *
" hmmmm what happened there..."
* takes another swig of the whiskey *
"Ahh I remember"
* turns and sees zill *
" ahoy zill, how was the council? "
* checks pocket watch , then lights his pipe again *
* hum's to self and continues studying the map *
-
*BdrLine enters he saloon and goes up to the bar, he sees Zill and Jun'ko and goes and seat near them*
*To Yiski*
"Hey Yiski I'll have a Hellfire."
*As he waits for Yiski, BdrLine tins to Zill*
"So I'm guessing with the more Fleet ships in the docks, something is happening in the north."
-
*Sky walks into the saloon, he greats everyone*
"Good morrow everyone! Any news or events I should know about? I've been test flying my plane, and I haven't payed any remote attention to anything outside of my work."
-
*To Skyraider*
"Oh I seen your test flying yesterday. You stunt over the saloon almost took a 'little' off the top when I was walking. "
-
*Turns to Bdr *
" yeah I noticed that aswell, everything all right?"
* drinks the last of the whiskey*
" need any weapons? I got a Galleon's worth stored in a warehouse by the docks."
* mutters*
"Heck I'd sell them to anyone, stupid tariffs"
* starts plotting lines on the map with a compass"
-
*Yiski serves BdrLine, Jun'ko, and Zill's drinks. Yiski then made a Hellfire for himself.*
"Sky, I swear, if you did anything to my new baby, I'd fly you out to the middle of the Chill Sea and drop you in the middle of it."
-
*Sky responds to Yiski in a joking voice*
"Why would I do anything to this place? Its amazing! Besides, I have a very limited amount of ammunition available. So even if I thought of it, I wouldn't have more than a few Hwcha rockets and maybe 100 bullets."
-
*lifts his head up from the map and holds his pipe in his hand *
* to sky*
"Still... The fact you have a plane is enough to scare people, give it ammo and you can harass a garrison of men into submission, I've had the first hand experience of that"
* gazes onwards*
" I barely managed to escape that day "
"Well..... erm, a pint of hellfire if you would yiski"
-
Zill looks at Lockheart.
"Any day involving the Council needs a lot of drinking to get over, if that answers your question."
He then motions to BdrLine.
"Just precautions. No need to worry about it, though I recommend not pissing off any guards while we are on heightened security."
He takes a long swig of his WSW, steam emitting from his mask. Jun'ko always grinned at the sight, and she took a sip of her Hellfire. She learned from the last time....
-
*Yiski makes Lockheart a Hellfire and hands it to him. Yiski then turns to Zill and BdrLine.*
"Precaution my foot. About everybody in Anvala knows about the raider fleet roaming just a few cities out in the Northwest."
*Yiski takes a swig of his Hellfire.*
"It's not like we have anything to worry about. Seizing Anvala is a death sentence. Why the hell would you assault the gunner's capital with more munitions and weapons per square meter."
-
*BdrLine takes a sip of the Hellfire and to Yiski*
"That is true, like the time with the hunters or the Birdmen mercs. It was just us and we handle it pretty well. Now imagine against the actually military here" *takes another sip*
*Ny-Lee is sitting on a stool at the bar while listening to the others*
"Still doesn't mean we can't prepare ourselves"
"Yeah your right,i hope it doesn't come here. We did so much in those two weeks that i'm really hoping for a break, but hey no rest for the weary."
*As Ny-Lee spins around the stool a little, a thought came up*
"Azn, speaking of weary, where is mother?"
*As BdrLine takes a few more of the Hellfire, he answers Ny-Lee*
"She is back at my house on the radio talking with the company who owns The Dawning Sun about when it is going to be completed and how soon we can make reservtions and such and such"
-
*Roland looks over to Yiski.*
"Um... Yiski. How much planning did you and Liu do the other day?"
*Yiski recalled yesterday's discussion and how basically he acquiesced to everything Liu wanted, aside from the solved location. Yiski gives a sheepish grin to Roland.*
"Funny you should ask. You know I'm not one who knows much about weddins, so Liu basically chose everything."
*Ny-Lee simply facepalmed at Yiski's response.*
"So mother has everything planned already?"
"Seems that way."
"Do you know when she planning on having the wedding or for that matter, telling me?"
"Nope."
*Ny-Lee gave a sigh and slouched against Roland. Her back against his chest and her head turned up to see his. Roland chuckled and gave her a kiss on the forehead.*
"Darling, should we go see mother about the arrangements?"
"Probably."
"Shall we go?"
*Before Ny-Lee could answer, she could feel Roland shift his weight. She instinctively knew Roland's ankle was acting up.*
"No, I'm sure mother will come in some time today and tell us the details."
*The two sat at the bar and Yiski handed Roland and Ny-Lee a water and Frost Fire Ale, respectively.*
-
Zill downed the rest of his WSW. Steam emitted again and Jun'ko grinned again.
"You look so funny when you drink that."
"Well its too good to pass up for lookin' funny." *He smirks*
"Yea yea. Any more news?"
"None, which is good. I don't want news. That means they stay North."
"And you stay here."
"Aye. I'd like that a lot."
Zill ordered another round for them.
-
*Sky gets up and sits down next to Zill and begins to talk once again*
"So, now with the plane done. Any time your on a mission or job I can tag along and provide support for scouting and quick attacks. You may not be very trusting of me, but then again, I am not in a Goldfish this time. What do you say?"
-
*Minutes goes by as everyone talks among themselves and drinking, soon the door to the saloon opens and a smiling Liu comes walking in*
*She heads over to where everyone is at the bar and takes a seat*
*Ny-Lee seeing the mood her mother is in, assumes that it has to do with the wedding preparations turns to her*
"So mother, how did the planning go."
*In a cheerful voice Liu answers*
"Oh Ny, it went great. When i called the company that owned the ship, they were thrilled to know that our family is calling them. As far as the completion of the ship, it is already finished and furnished, all they need todo is run some test flights which would take a few days. When i asked about making early reservations for rooms, they were even more ecstatic about it. Right now, i've gotten first class rooms for all of us and the guest we are bringing. It will be five days total until the ship goes on the maiden voyage, but we will be the first ones on. Once there, i will have people help organize the for the wedding. Oh Ny this will be perfect."
*As Liu was talking, she was pacing around their area as she was speaking. It was hard for Ny-Lee to follow as her mother was speaking quickly as well from the excitement.*
*Eventually, Ny-Lee calmed her mother down as she hands her the Frost Fire Ale that Yiski gave*
*Once she had her sit down, the words that her mother said finally kicked in*
"Oh my Gods, I'm going to get married.... *she squeals* I'm going to get married"
*She goes over to Roland as she grabs his arms and hops around him*
*From where he is sitting, BdrLine just shakes his head and smiles at his sisters antics as he finishes up his Hellfire*
-
Zill turns to Sky.
"Well, if you want to get yourself killed, by all means. If you crash into me with that thing you'll be scrapped of the side. Payment enough I wager for my old vessel."
Zill's radio goes off. This time its the Wall Commander.
"Admiral here."
"Ahoy Admiral. How goes your day?"
"Just fine there Crash. How's the Wall treating you?"
"Still strong. All flak batteries are good to go, and have ample ammo for a long siege. Shall I lock the gates per the recommended curfew?"
"Yes. I want all dark though. No need to tell them we are ready this time if they decide to try again."
"We will pop flares if anything arises. How long will this go for?"
"As long as it needs to. If someone gets upset, remind them why. To Clear Skies."
"Aye aye."
-
--NARRATOR--
Ny-Lee sudden realization of becoming a bride and wife sent her into a whirlwind of positive emotions. Sadly, Roland couldn't avoid being in the whirlwind, but smiled nonetheless and thinking to himself.
"As long as it is her, I do not care."
BdrLine shook his head, asked, and received another Hellfire. Yiski was grinning and laughing at Roland being dragged all over the saloon ground. Eventually, Ny-Lee let Roland sit down on account of his ankle, but he was quickly replaced with Jun'ko and the two girls were giddy and excited. Zill looked on with a smile, though nobody could see it.
"I wonder if Jun would be... naw, I won't even go there."
Zill shook the thought out of his head and replaced it with his upcoming mission. Reports were coming in more frequently of raiders hitting surrounding town more frequently. Reports also indicated the raiders maybe operating along with a few Arashi captains.
Eventually, Yiski closed the saloon. Skyraider went back to the docks to continue working on his plane. BdrLine and Liu went to his place. Zill and Jun'ko headed upstairs to one of the spare rooms. Ny-Lee started up, but noticed wasn't following.
"Are you coming Roland?"
"I will be up in a moment. I need to talk to Yiski for a bit."
Ny-Lee nodded and headed up and into the other spare room. Roland walked, with a bit of a negligible limb, to the bar and sat.
"So what is it you need?"
"I want you to teach me metal crafting."
Yiski raised an eyebrow.
"You want to learn metal crafting? I'm guessin' you don't wanna learn how to craft bullets?"
"I want to forge the wedding bands for my marriage."
Roland was giving the same serious face when he asked Yiski to talk about his parents. It was also the same face which got him as far it did. Yiski gave him a smile.
"Alright, but you're going to have to come up with a creative excuse to Ny-Lee."
"Why is that?"
"You'll probably want this a secret."
"Good point."
"How soon do you want to start?"
"Tomorrow."
"That's a bit soon, but I think we can manage. I still have my metal crafting equipment in Zill's warehouse. I'll get the key from him in the mornin'. You just worry about makin' a good enough excuse."
Roland nodded and made his way upstairs. Yiski couldn't help, but have a giant grin.
"I've said it many times before, but he's just like Maria."
Roland enters the room and Ny-Lee is waiting for him.
"What did you two talk about?"
"Well, Yiski feels that I need a little more marksman training, so I will be with him tomorrow."
"Can I come along?"
"Sadly, no because who else will manage the saloon if Yiski and I are not here?"
"My brother?"
"Is he not usually busy at the docks?"
"Zill?"
"They have a mission to ship out soon, so they will be busy with preparations."
"Paradox?"
"Are you even trying anymore?"
Ny-Lee pouts.
"Do not worry. I am sure Jun'ko would be able to assist you."
Ny-Lee huffed out a response.
"Fine, but you owe me."
Roland got into bed with Ny-Lee and kissed her.
"Of course. What did you have in mind?"
Ny-Lee grins and embraced Roland. Obviously, two weren't going to be getting much sleep for tomorrow.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 69--
-
--START OF DAY 70--
--NARRATOR--
The morning sun rose and Yiski with it. Even though he was going to help Roland with general metal crafting, he still took his time in making sure the saloon would be functional and ready to open. Two hours pass by before everything is found to be operational.
During the two hours, Roland, Ny-Lee, Zill, and Jun'ko woke up, took showers, and met downstairs around the bar. Yiski pulled Zill over to the side and explained to him what Roland was planning. Zill gave a grin under his mask and handed Yiski a spare key to the warehouse where Yiski's equipment was located.
Zill gave Jun'ko a morning kiss before leaving the saloon first to make sure preparations were continuing smoothly.
"Ny, Jun, you two think you can handle the saloon for the day?"
"Well, I've helped out a lot and with Jun'ko with me it should actually be fun."
"Yup!"
Yiski nodded and motioned Roland to follow him out. Roland turned to Ny-Lee and gave her a kiss.
"Be safe you two."
"We will."
With that, Yiski and Roland made their way to the warehouse, leaving Jun'ko and Ny-Lee to fend for themselves.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Port Tar Barrel-
Zill made his way to the Port to handle things there. It was buzzing with life as boats and crew all made sure everything was ready at a moment's notice. Looking at the defenses, Zill found them lacking he found a senior officer and gave him orders.
"Get you platoon and have them set up some anti-air defenses on the perimeter. Shore up any weaknesses you find on the outer walls and fence."
"Aye, Admiral."
A quick salute and he was off. Zill went into his Galleon and contacted Matty.
"Admiral to Black Squids."
"Loud and clear."
"Status update?"
"A few raids here and there but nothing too potent. We did spot a large Republic Fleet contingent last night but they continued west. We followed them back towards Kian."
"I'll send out a group to Eilius to make sure they aren't wrapping around."
"Another thing, we saw a few Arashi flags among the Fleet. Not many but definitely a mercenary presence."
"Makes sense. They need all the resources they can get being snug next to the Guild. Thanks for the information. To Clear Skies."
"Black Squids out."
Zill leaned back in his chair, then looked at his map. He didn't like them sneaking west. However, it would makes sense as the mountain passes east of Anvala would really limit their movement. He wrote up orders for a recon team to station at Eilius. Once done he walked out and handed it to the courier.
-Saloon-
Jun'ko was excited that she would be keeping the Saloon up with Ny-Lee. They quickly started chatting about marriage and the guys while no one was there.
"So, Roland any good?"
"What do you..."
Ny turned red.
"Oh, that. Well of course he is!"
*Chuckling*"Good, good. I can only imagine what it must feel like to be getting married soon."
"It's crazy exciting. It almost feels unreal."
"I bet it'll be plenty real when you get up on that alter."
Ny-Lee just stood it wonderment for awhile until Jun snapped her out of it.
"Easy there or you'll blow steam out your ears without a drink."
They both laugh and carry on.
-
--Hanat--
Having arrived in port, and escaping the questioning eyes of the harbour master, Wazulu finally opened his cargo:
a small, innocuous black box. Opening it carefully with the key hung round his neck, he examined the contents inside.
- A note.
- An Anglean Military Uniform.
- A flintlock pistol.
Reading the note, his eyes widened, and he almost heard a whistle escape his lips. Reading the confidential notice at the bottom prompted him to pull out his tobacco, roll it in the paper, and have what could be his last smoke.
Smoking and smiling, he chucked a couple coins at a beggar, and asked where the Mercenaries were staying in town.
-
--The Docks--
"Righty ho, Men today we set off for Chaladon, keep your eyes and spyglass' out for bandit and republican ships. We are taking a more dangerous route, lets hope all goes well"
*start's engines*
*looks around checks for clear skies, and looks around to see zill on board his galleon, he tried to catch his attention but it failed*
"right we are almost set to go, i just need to get my flying coat on"
*Lockheart takes off his white longcoat, and puts on his old Firnfeld Battalion's "Commodore" jacket, it resembled the previous longcoat except with elaborate gold stitching and Proper Cuffs , he then put on his goggles and gloves and set the engine speed to "full ahead"
*mutters*
" i hope i get to taste that hellfire once more"
*lockheart flies out towards chaladon*
-
--Docks--
*BdrLine's House*
*With the increase of military personnel round the docks, and with Zill's warning him not to piss off the guards, BdrLine is in his room on his bed trying to think of something to do*
Hmm can't do any of my experiments or test for a while *sighs* think its for the best, don't want any misfires or explosions with all this going around... What to do.
*Then a idea came to him*
I almost forgot that the guys converted my warehouse. Maybe i can try my hand on that small race track.
*He gets out of bed and heads downstairs and out the door. His mother, who is at the kitchen eating eyes her son as he goes out*
Never the one to stay in one place
*She smirks as she brings up memories of Bdr when he was younger*
*Once Liu finishes eating, she places everything back and heads out the door to meet with her daughter at the saloon*
*Back to BdrLine, he nears his warehouse, as he gets closer, he can hear his usual group inside and the sound of small car engines running*
Today is a good time to stop by.
*He opens the door and he can see Tommy, Allen, and John in miniature carts racing along the track*
*He call out to them*
"I see you guys are working hard *laughs*"
*Allen, who is in the lead, spots Bdr and calls back*
"Hey we all need breaks sometimes right"
"Which is why I'm hear, stop the race and get me a cart lets see how i fare against you guys"
*Once all three cross the finish, John gets out and help move another cart on the track. As the was doing this, Tommy goes over to Bdr and explain to him how to work it. Once all four were ready, they line up to start.
*As they start their engines, BdrLine calls over to all of them*
"How about we make this interesting, who ever wins have to pay 10 silvers to him"
*The other agrees and after a moment and Allen counting down, once he says zero, all four of them goes off*
--Slaoon--
*In the saloon, work is slow as many of the regulars are out at the docks helping Zill*
*With the few people inside, Ny-Lee and Jun'lo manages without a hitch. Both of the ladies are just at the bar talking yo each other and occasionally getting up to hand someone a drink*
*Liu enters the saloon a few moments later and goes over and sits with the two*
*Ny-Lee notices her mother coming in*
"Hi mother, need anything today?"
"Oh no Ny, I'm fine. Just need to get out of your brothers house with all the work that is happening at the docks."
"Speaking of him, where is he."
"Your brother is off somewhere in the docks doing something, we all know that whatever he is up to it has to do with something crazy."
*Jun'ko chimes in with a comment*
"We all can imagine"
*The three of them laughs as the continue to talk*
-
--Warehouse--
*Yiski and Roland enter the warehouse. Yiski walks over to a table covered in a tarp and pulls it off. It reveals a full metal crafting set, complete with a smelter and mini-forge. Seeing it again brings a smile to Yiski's face.*
"Good to see that this is going to get used again. Even better that I'm not making bullets this time."
*Yiski then turns to Roland*
"So what material do you plan on using?"
"Tungsten."
"Hmm... good taste. Fairly malleable, durable, albeit expensive, but hell it's your wedding band. Alright, let's start you on the basics so you don't burn yourself or the warehouse down."
*Hours pass as Yiski teaches Roland the basics.*
-
He walked into the saloon, going up to her, he lit up a cigar. He rested on the railing of the bar. He was holding a bouquet of white orchids in his large mechanical hand.
Finally Liu Zhao acknowledged his presence, "What do you want, ape?"
"Ta do nothin' more than apologize, ma'am." He said, his brogue slurring the words as he spoke.
She hesitantly accepted them.
and as quickly as she had grabbed them, Paradox started walking to a table where he sat down.
-
-Saloon-
Ny-Lee and Jun'ko stood dumbfounded at Papa's apology. A small party of officers came in and they quickly dashed their thoughts to serve them. After finishing they get behind the bar and converse once more.
"So you ever going to marry Zill?"
"Oh, I don't know. With you two getting married, the thought has crossed my mind."
"He seems sincere. I doubt he's had many women in his life."
"That's true. Being an Admiral does eat up some time." *Chuckles*
"I still wonder what draws you to him. The mask can't be convenient."
"Its the eyes."
Ny-lee never though about that, and nodded. She never really noticed them and she felt kind of bad for only noticing the face.
-Port Tar Barrel-
By this hour, the men had set up flak and rocket batteries on the perimeter in case of attack. They were placing extra barbed wire along the fencing and shoring up and cracks in the outer wall. Squids with supplies flew in regularly, as three Galleons had set up shop in the large docks, along with seven Goldfish. Zill inspected as he went, and made sure resources were placed where needed. His personal radio went off and he answered.
"Recon team alpha reporting Admiral."
"You made good time Captain. Status?
"Eilius is quiet for now. We saw a few advance scouts but nothing major. We can hear distant fighting. I pray for Firnfeld."
"We all do. I take it that fighting is around Snowpeak?
"Confirmed. Wait a minute..."
"Captain?"
"Clouds have moved on and I can see the Republic Fleet. They aren't messing around."
"Confirmed numbers?"
"Three troop transports, five Galleons, over ten Junkers, sir this is massive."
"If they continue to your location, retreat back home. We need all the firepower we can muster. To Clear Skies"
Zill had that feeling again.
-
The Clouds cover the sun at this point in Lockhearts trip, the sky is very grey, this bodes bad weather and could delay his journey some more...
Flying through clouds Lockheart ad his crew are doing fine, singing sea shanties until...
*Looks around*
Lockheart :"Nope Nothing but clouds, i can't make out where we are.... so much for clear skies..."
Crewman : Cap'n What's that?
*Lockheart looks around, then clears his goggles*
Lockheart: I cant see it from here can you.........Shit...
*Lockheart sees a armada of Ships in a break in the could cover, they are still and facing the opposite direction to him, they sport Republican flags*
"they haven't seen us, dampen all the lights NOW!"
*the ship slowly brings its 2 portside guns to bear in the clouds should the worst happen*
*lockheart turns on his radio*
"S.O.S this is captain lockheart does anyone read me..., republic armada northwest of anvala, can hold out or fight over"
-
--Warehouse--
"Ow!"
*A few cinders and sparks manage to jump high enough to avoid any of the protective gloving and land on Roland's shoulder. The extreme molten bits cause Roland to jerk back. Yiski places a cold wet cloth on the spot.*
"Good thing I had you change clothes. Would've been hard to explain the holes in your clothing to Ny-Lee."
"I just hope these burn marks do not raise her suspicions."
"True, given she's probably seen every part of your body."
*Roland immediately blushed causing him to lose some concentration and makes more sparks fly.*
"Come on now lover boy, you gotta concentrate."
*More hours would pass by.*
-
--Hanat--
--Blizzard Coast Inn--
*Wazulu enters, garnering the stares of everyone in the room. A burly man, beard floating somewhere in his drink, turned and faced him*.
'You look a little soft to be of these parts- who th'bloody hell are ya'?
Bollocks, i hadn't thought about a cover...
'Err, I'm........Rear Admiral....er....Lockheart. Rear Admiral Lockheart, Anglean Republic Navy. I assume your the leader of the Mercenaries to accompany my unit?
*The man was quickly startled, and his two colleagues behind him turned in the sight of formal authority*
'My greatest apologies Cap'n I-'
'Admiral. Anyway, I don't have time to chat idly. I'll need you other patrons to clear out, understood? Unless you want seven tonnes of Flak Cannon at dawn tomorrow you'll comply.'
*the patrons edged along the walls to the door, leaving all but Wazulu, the barkeep and the three Mercenaries*
Bloody Hell, I'm not half bad at this lark. Now, onto the operation.....
'Mercenary, come look at this map- we'll discuss our battle plan to take Anvala and your formation in the fleet'
*The Mercenary leader, approaching* 'Hold on, I thought me and my boys were to play with your Anvalan friends, while you blokes with the Heavy guns flanked them by surprise- there was nothing about us flying into the guns of Anvala!'.
Shit.
'Plans change, Merc, surely that won't affect our deal'.
'Like hell it will!' *The Mercenary reaches for his sword, his comrades motioning to reinforce him a second or two later. Oddly enough, as Wazulu notes their approach, he spies a couple of bottles of Hellfire behind the bar, and wonders how the hell they got there*
Eh, Plan B then. Gonna strangle that Council strategist.
*With a quick move Wazulu elbows the leader in the jaw, following by reaching for his sword arm, twisting it to not only disarm him, but to break the bones. A quick snap can be heard. Holding the Leader as a shield, Wazulu pulls out the pistol, levelling it at the Leader's head*
*Both laugh, and pull out their own weapons nonetheless*
'Bloody Lockheart, seems he was right about honour', Wazulu muttered.
Well, only one card left to play
*He turned the gun forward*
*The Mercenaries were confused: it seemed as if this man wasn't aiming at them, but rather the shelves behind the bar....*
-
*All of a sudden, Sky walks into the door quite quickly, he asks in a paniced voice*
"What is going on here? I'm seeing troops moving all around the city preparing defenses, are we going to be under attack?"
-
-Saloon-
Jun'ko rushed up to Sky to look past him through the door. Troops were running about, and crewmen rushing toward the Port.
"Flak. Everyone get to your homes. It looks like a raid coming in!"
Everyone save for a few souls left in a hurry. Jun turned to Sky.
"I guess the Republic Fleet wants a crack at Anvala."
-Port-
Zill was about to head out when he received a distress call.
"This is Admiral Zill. Do not fire on them. You won't last. Can you tail them for me and keep me updated Lockheart?"
"Sure thing. So much for my big haul."
Zill got on his radio.
"Black Squids."
"Got you loud and clear Admiral."
"Matty, they are going to hit us from Eilius. I want your guys watching our back though the mountains. Mistress forbid they try something smart."
"On our way at full speed."
"To Clear Skies."
He then contacted Crash.
"Wall, this is Admiral."
"Go ahead."
"Focus the northwest. Republic Fleet headed toward Eilius and could be here by nightfall. Seal the City."
"Aye. We're ready for 'em."
"To Clear Skies."
Zill raised the Port alarm and got on the horn.
"To all personnel, raid is inbound. Get your boats up and proceed to the northwest walls."
The men scramble. Engines started flaring up and the Sky lit up with boat lanterns as they lifted out for the walls. Zill flagged down some men and prepared his Galleon. He then singled out another Galleon pilot.
"Captain, support our east wall with Black Squid Squadron."
"So they do....."
"No time for idle thoughts captain."
"Yes sir!"
Zill again got on his radio to the City Center Garrison.
"All personnel, sound the alarm. Incoming Republic raid. Any willing man or woman is free to join a designated defense levy, and will guard from any ground incursions. All turrets are to be manned."
"So it's true then."
"It is."
-
*Sky runs out the door, and says one last thing*
"I am not about to be invaded without a fight!"
---Sky's Private Airstrip---
*A few minute pass before Sky meets Iris on his private airstrip, Sky commands Iris*
"Quickly, put as many Hwcha rockets onto the plane as possible! I don't care if it cripples the planes maneuverability! We could be raided!"
"Yes sir!"
*They both begin to put Hwcha rockets into the rocket pods and load the duel machine guns, along with start the engine.*
-
--Warehouse--
*Roland and Yiski heard the raid sirens go off.*
"Skies, whose the idiot trying to take Anvala now?"
"Yiski should we head back to the saloon?"
"Yeah, we'll call it day for now."
*Yiski and Roland cooled down both the smelter and forge before covering it up again. As the two left the warehouse, Yiski looked out into the distance from the port.*
"Skies, no faction has managed to even breach Anvala's walls let alone its defenses. Oh well, it's their death."
*There was truth to what Yiski thought. Anvala didn't have any nearby cities, making an infantry approach visible. Even if infantry made it near Anvala, they would have to scale the mountain the city is built into and its towering walls. Invasion by air was even less probable. Anti-air batteries were littered around the walls and there were entrenched batteries in the mountains. Any unauthorized ship within two kilometers would get decimated with extreme prejudice. Simple rule of thumb: Nobody takes Anvala, ever.*
*While the two were moving through the streets back to the saloon, what they didn't see was panic or fear, but organization. While raids and possible invasions were rare, all citizens knew the drill. There wasn't any congestion of bodies and soon enough, the two found themselves back at the saloon.*
*Ny-Lee approaches Yiski*
"What's going on? Sounds like we're under attack."
"We are."
"And why are you so calm?"
"Ny, this is a city where the best gunners are created, like myself. We also have people, like myself, who make the best weapons and munitions. Anything unfriendly within two kilos is dead."
-
--Docks--
*As the race is drawing to a close, Allen was in the lead and was about to cross the finish line when an air raid siren rang throughout the area*
*All four streak to a stop as the siren continues*
*They all looked at each other before scrambling out of their carts out to the door*
*As they made it outside of the warehouse, the siren keeps on ringing as people and supplies are being moved*
*BdrLine was the first to speak*
"An air raid... REALLY NOW. This was a day for me to relax"
*Tommy was looking at the many people that were passing them. He says to the group*
"Well we should start helping out."
*All four of them agrees and they set off to where they spot some crates of ammunition laying around with people taking them to the northwestern part of the city*
*As they went back and forth carrying the crates, BdrLine spots Zill as they return back to the port*
"Hey guys, how is my Starlight doing since i was gone?"
*John answers*
"After your engines exploded from the dragon pepper incident, it took us awhile to repair the engines, but she is all good and ready why?"
"Just follow me."
*BdrLine leads his group up towards Zill. As they approach him, he is seen going back and forth talking on his radio to directing personnel around the port*
*Bdr tells his guys to stay back a little*
*To Zill*
"Zill i know you are busy directing all of this, but me and some of my men are willing to go up in the air and fight. Right now my Goldfish is all set and ready to go, unless you have something else in mind for us."
--Saloon--
*As people are going about helping prepare the cities defense, inside the saloon is a bit calmer*
*People that were left inside continue to drink, as the siren sounds outside*
*Ny-Lee then goes back and sits next to her mother and to Yiski*
"So what are we going to do now? If fighting does happen where do we all go? And more importantly where do I go to help?"
-
-Port-
Zill looked over BdrLine a second before responding.
"I need you on the Center Gate. Put yourself right over it. You'll have plenty of support, but nothing gets through it. I know you understand."
He climbed onto his Galleon and lifted out of Port.
-Then It Was Fixed Again-
Zill flew high to see if any vessels were on the horizon. Nothing yet, though it wouldn't be long. Something was also bothering him about their approach. While a large Fleet could easily come and hit from the northwest, Anvala had many guns pointed that way. The eastern pass was less defended, but was much harder to traverse. He gave a call on his radio to his personal armory.
"This is Admiral."
"Yes sir. We are arming up as we speak."
"Detach a platoon for the eastern gate, and have them plant the new mines."
"They are prototypes though..."
"I know. You have your orders leiutenent."
"Aye."
He parked his Galleon up high over City Center. Every gate (there was three) had two Galleons and a Pyramidion on them. Long range Goldfish hovered over the walls, and Squids sat ready behind the wall. Heavy Flak batteries littered the wall towers and mountainside. Zill looked up into the night Sky, hoping Jun'ko was alright. He said his prayer.
By the Skies we fly this day. Off into the Sunset to give chase. May the Winds stay at our back. Our Dusty Mistress be appeased. Our Mugs ever full. Onwards ye' Dogs, Into the Fray.
He took a deep breath, and could smell rain and diesel. It was going to be a very long standoff.
-Saloon-
Jun'ko knew the Burning Skies would be a safe bet for her, so she didn't wander off. She still wished she was up with Zill. She was sitting in a corner, fidgiting.
-
--Saloon--
*Yiski grabs Blood Bolt's scope off the gun and turns to Ny-Lee.*
"Right now, you just need to stay put. Raid sirens go off when there's a probable chance of it happening. Usually we have a day or so to prepare. If shells do start going off, there's a cellar underneath in the back room."
*Roland to Yiski*
"What are you going to do? You are not in the military anymore."
"Heh. True, but then again, I am a Striker for a reason. Now enough debate, you all are going to hold down the saloon. I'm going to meet up with the northwest garrison."
*Yiski heads out of the saloon, leaving Jun'ko, Ny-Lee, and Roland to start prepping. As Yiski moved through the city streets he notice most people have already taken cover in raid shelters all over Anvala. Eventually, he spots the northwest garrison. They've set up an array of batteries which could tear through any fleet at any range. As Yiski got closer a watchman stopped him.*
"Halt, only military personnel allowed. You need to find cover."
*Yiski looked at the watchman. He seemed a little older than Yiski.*
"Pal, I hope you realize who you're talking to."
"..."
"Striker Yiski."
*The watchman is still not convinced. Yiski sighs to himself and pulls out a small pouch which is always by his side. He reaches in and pulls out an old Baronies Military badge. Even though his badge has no authority, his merits under the rank had far reaching influence.*
"Former Striker Commander Yiski."
*The watchman eyes got bigger upon seeing the badge and convinced it was genuine. He called down his superior who immediately recognized Yiski.*
"Yiski, I didn't know you rejoined the military?"
"I didn't Frank, but I figured a lot of your gunners haven't tasted a raid for a while. Also figured it couldn't hurt to have someone who can actually hit his targets."
"You kidding me, you're always welcome. Now let's find you a nice heavy flak to use."
*Yiski and Frank headed up to the top most battery positions were the heavy flaks were set up.*
"So, who's the idiots tryin' to hit us this time?"
"Apparently a medium fleet from the Republic. They've been raiding a few places north of here."
"You really think they'll actually come near Anvala?"
"No, but if they do get close, it never hurts to have some target practice, right?"
*Yiski laughs in agreement.*
-
--Port--
*As Zill boards his Galleon and leaves the port, BdrLine rushes back to where Tommy and the others were*
"Alright you guys come with me, we're going in the air."
*As BdrLine starts running back to his docks towards his Goldfish, Starlight, all three of them look at each other before running to catch up to him*
*Few minutes later, all four arrived back to BdrLine's docks*
*They go to what looks like a shed over an area where a ship should be. As they pull the door open, inside sits the Starlight. Reason why it is inside a shed as the goldfish has seen countless experiments from BdrLine and company which leads to much explosions. Because of this Bdr added the work shed above where she sits to make the necessary repairs*
*As of now, the airship looks pristine and combat ready as Bdr's group has maintained her while he was away*
*BdrLine to the group*
"Okay Tommy, Allen, start loading up ammunition on board for the Hawacha and bring heavy and burst we may need it. John here help me bring in the ammo for the side mortar and carronade"
*As the four goes about loading the respected ammo on board, BdrLine checks all the systems once he finished loading*
* Satisfied, he opens the back hatch and goes up to the helm and calls down*
"Ok Allen, since you are the better shot out of the three, you are on the 'whacha. Tommy John wacth the systems and try yo get the side guns if you can"
*All three complies to Bdr and goes over their posts. It not before long that BdrLine takes his ship out of his docks.*
*Once he clears the shed, he turns towards the center gate and holds positions as per requested by Zill*
-
-Saloon-
Jun'ko stood up and started helping with getting Burning Skies ready for a raid. Zill was on her mind the entire time. Ny-Lee noticed. She knew it was about him. She just went up and hugged her.
"It'll be ok. Its Zill, not some sailor."
"I know. He just does so much for everyone, and I don't want him coming back like he did from Yesha."
"I know it's easy for me to say it'll be ok with Roland here, but this will pass."
"Yea. I just don't know what I'd do without him at this point."
-Then It Was Fixed Again-
Zill confirmed that everything was in place. The only thing left was the mines, which were being deployed. Matty rang his radio.
"So we have a medium Fleet back here, mostly comprised of Arashi mercenaries."
"I knew they would try to be smart. I have a surprise for them, just don't wander too close to the Gate. You also have a Galleon back there."
"I hope that surprise is good. One Galleon won't hold alone."
"The batteries will thin them down. If you have trouble let me know. Everyone is facing northwest unless I told them otherwise."
"Can do. Don't get yourself shot."
"It would only be an improvment friend. To Clear Skies."
Zill felt the slow trickle of rain start beating metal gun barrels and his misk. Far off, he could see flashes of gunfire hitting Eilius. They wouldn't last long. He got on the radio.
"Lights out. Advance flares hit when they enter range."
In an instant, Anvala went dark.
-
--NARRATOR--
--Crown Peak--
There was one advantage Anvala had was extreme defense. Being built into a mountain made only air assaults the only method to invade or raid. Add a few batteries in the hundreds littered and dug into throughout the Crown Mountains and it become no-man's land.
Yiski and Frank found themselves at Crown Hill. It houses the most forward batteries of Anvala a little north of the Wall. There were still enough trees and vegetation to hide multiple batteries, making them invisible even with high-grade spyglasses.
When the two reached the battery positions, Yiski got on a radio.
"Zill you there?"
"Yiski? How are you... you know what? I don't care how. What is it?"
"I figured I'd give you some support by joinin' the battery positions at Crown Peak."
"Really? You sure that's wise?"
"Haven't I been anythin' but?"
"Just don't get yourself killed."
"Roger."
The sun had just set for the city, but out on the hill, the sun was still just up and giving a hint of light. Yiski pulled out his scope and surveyed the direction the Republic fleet was coming in from. Reports had them coming in from Eilius.
"Well, I don't see anythin' yet."
"They probably won't come in till late night or morning."
"I'd be suicide to come by mornin'. Easy pickings."
--Saloon--
Meanwhile, Roland, Ny-Lee, Jun'ko, and Liu were shifting supplies and equipment into the cellar. The four had managed to set up a few bunks for the night. While the four are sitting out in the main floor, Ny-Lee embraces Roland.
"How do you think this'll go?"
"Given our defenses, I doubt the ships will get close enough to do any real damage. We may not have as many ships, but we make up for it with all the batteries scattered throughout Anvala and the Crown Mountains."
All parties sat and waited for the inevitable attack. Yiski was right about one thing, the Republic was going to make a night attack. Yet as nature intervenes, a storm front moved in causing delay of the Republic's fleet.
The morning was going to be a field day.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 70--
-
--START OF DAY 71--
The morning wasn't pleasant for a number of reasons. First, Anvala was high-alert for an impending raid. Second, last night's storm left all the defenders soaked despite wearing raincoats. Yiski was definitely not happy with the rain.
"Skies, I wish they'd come already and fail so I can go back to my saloon to dry off and warm up."
"Agreed."
A radio message came over.
"Attention: Republic fleet is four kilos away. About fifteen ships spotted. Majority are pyramidions. Four galleons loaded with heavies."
Yiski pulls out his scope and manages to spot the incoming fleet. Yiski then takes a seat at a heavy flak and adjust the guns angle.
"Alright ladies, go ahead and load me up with lesmoks."
"Yiski, you do realize they're four out."
"I know Frank, but it's me shooting."
"Bet you ten silver you'll miss."
"You're on."
Yiski corrects angle and accounts for all environmental factors (rain, gravity, wind, humidity, etc.). A garrison unit turns to Yiski.
"Loaded."
"Firing."
Yiski lets out the two shots and it could be seen by everybody as it roars across the empty plain. Off in the distance, two explosions go off on a pyramidion in the middle of the fleet. Yiski pulls out his scope again to see the damages to the pyramidion. Both front guns were down. Yiski smiles at Frank.
"Pay me."
--NARRATOR END--
-
Paradox sat there smoking... waiting.
“Hey, I know you a little too well to know you’re gonna be in that fight. So what are you waiting for?” Jun’ko asked, sitting down at the table he resided at for most of the night.
“Well lass, I’ve fought for many a faction over the years, one learns to adopt certain prefight rituals... mine is a smoke.”
He offers her one, she declines.
“So while they’re up there preparing you’re here, sittin’ on your ass smoking?”
“Well when ya put it like that, it makes me seem insincere...” Papa said taking a long draw of his ‘Anvalan Reserve No. 9’ cigar
“Stop leading me about, what are you waiting for, Papa?”
“Well I’m pretty sure that’s the first time, you ‘ave called me that lass. I’m waiting for a squid to take me to the Wall of Jericho.”
“I’m coming.” Jun said in an assertive fashion.
“If only I could count the amount of times I’ve heard those words leave a woman’s mouth on my account.” He said, laughing at his own juvenile humour.
Even she couldn’t resist laughing, Papa decided to add his conditions “Well, if I do this for ya, I want ya to keep that burnt up midget of a boyfriend off my back...”
“Zill?”
“Ya, that’s the one... anyway keep him off my back and the odd side sexual favour...”
“No.”
“Well, can’t blame me for trying, off we go then...” He said laughing, even Jun taking part in his bizarre humour. He arose from his seat and offered his arm, she accepted and hooked her arm through his, and they left the saloon in a camp stride.
The sun cracked over the city, the rain subsided, Jun and Papa’s conversation concluded, and the squid arrived in the front of the saloon. They boarded and set off for The Wall of Jericho.
“So how pissed on a scale of ‘one to Yiski murdering a school yard’ is Zill gonna be when he finds out I’ve whisked you away onto my ship during a raid?”
“Uh, I dunno: Zill murdering the council?” She said in after genuine consideration.
“Well he hasn’t done that yet, so I guess I’m fine for now.”
The squid pulled up beside The Wall of Jericho and a plank was extended from the side of the mammoth ship, Papa extended his hand to Jun helping her onto the plank. Once across they made their way to the bridge area, they were both briefed about the storm and the quiet night.
“Jun have you ever heard of a storm before the storm?”
“No?”
“The worlds sense of romanticism has gone wonky again, lass. Helmsmen, tell the gunners to use lesmock for long range and if they even manage to get troops on the ground to load incendiary or anything else of the face melting genre.”
“Everytime I think I know who you are Papa you do something really fucked up...”
“I’m ever the sociopath m’dear, s’why they call me Paradox” He said taking her hand and kissing it whilst taking in the scenery. Continuing his thinking out loud, “Helmsmen open comms to the Admirals ship.”
“Aye sir, whenever you’re ready...”
“Hey there boyo, I got a surprise for ya...”
“Oh captain, my captain” Jun said chiming in, cringing while doing so...
There was a long pause before a response: “Papa what have you done?”
“She used her feminine wiles and is now present on my ship...”
Jun punched him in the shoulder only to remember that it was metal, she took her hand back a held it in pain.
“... anyways where do you need us?” Papa inquired, barely holding in a laugh from the previous moment that ensued.
*OOC: looks like i missed yesterdays wall-o-textorama so enjoy*
-
--Hanat--
*Wazulu woke up with one hell of a headache. He shoved the still burning body of the Mercenary Leader off him, and tried to steady himself in the snow for a few minutes. The Inn had become pillowing smoke, none of the structure was left behind*
Bloody hell, that stuff always had a kick.
*He quickly felt around the man's pockets, realising it was morning. Mercifully, he found a radio, intact and already barking it at him. It seems the Mercs went to combat without him. Fearing the fate of Anvala, he improvised*
'Err, Hey! It's Me! The..Cap'n'.
*A man on the other end answered- the static seemed to be help mimic the man's voice. Wazulu could hear the distinct sound of two flak shells landing nearby*
'Kaathe, where the bloody hell are ya?'
'Some Anglean representative just jumped me and me boys- we got 'im, and interrogated 'im. 'Pparently the Angleans ain't gonna pay up. and 're just gonna throw us at the Anvalans like cannon fodder- finishing the rest of us off after th' siege'.
'Bloody hell, let me get this on th' broadcast- we'll hit the Angleans before they hit us in the backs!'
'Aye, right. Good luck, and to Clear Skies- I managed to commandeer an Anvalan Goldfish too, I'll join you in battle'.
'Aye Sir, to Clear Skies.'
Well screw me sideways, this is gonna be one messy fight.
-
-Then It Was Fixed Again-
Zill looked on as one lone battery managed to score hits on the now stationary Republic Fleet. He shook his head and laughed.
"I'll be damned if that isn't Yiski's gun. It'll give em something to think about."
Just then, Papa's transmission came through and he responded.
"If you look high enough you'll see me above City Center. Might as well park yourself about mid way between the Wall and the Center. I don't need your glorified cow of a boat blocking my view."
He didn't say anything about Jun'ko. In all honesty, he was glad she manged to coerce Papa into taking her. He looked through his spyglass again and noticed something odd. The formation they were in didn't appear right. Their large force of Junkers were positioned behind the main battle line, broadsided. Suddenly they started firing on the Republic Fleet. Zill couldn't believe his eyes. Once the fighting began, Crash called him up.
"Looks like some issues in the ranks if you ask me."
"No kidding. I won't stand idle with it though. Any battery with a firing solution is weapons free. All wall vessels will hold fire until my instruction."
"Aye. Time for the fireworks"
A few moments pass, and suddenly Anvala roared. Flak flew over the rolling plain and started making the mess of the already messy fight. Zill grinned and put down his spyglass. He called Matty.
"Anything yet?"
"We had some approaching Arashi vessels but they seemed to of stopped."
"The mercenaries are fighting the Republic out here. I think something went wrong on their end."
"Well I can't complain about that. They are in range, if you wish us to fire."
"Have the rear batteries have their go. The less raider abroad the better."
"Sounds good."
Zill listened closely, then heard the distant fire muttled by the main Wall's barrage.
-
*radios in on the anvala frequency*
"jesus yiski, good company, good ale and a good shot what on earth next?!, i counted 4 bodies fall from that shot and the second hit the top light gun dead on"
*raises one leg and rests it on the side of his ship, sighs... still on radio*
"its been a long night for us gents aboard the "Yeshan Dragon", we've been on shifts making sure they dont move any more. anyway we are still hidden and i bet i can take out at least 3 galleons, i spent my life savings to modify this ship to what it is..., these junkers dont look like they'll last too long..., just give me the order to attack and ill swoop in and get the 3 blighters at the front"
*Lockheart walks towards the former engine room that had been modified into a proper captains quarters and paces the width of them anxious to be called in to attack*
"Lockheart out.. for now"
-
--Starlight--
*Still floating idle at the Center Gate, BdrLine raises his Goldfish a little to see the action*
*Once he gets a good view he cuts off his engines and looks over the railing at the battle*
"Isn't this a sight to see"
*On the main deck, the other three are also watching the sky battle*
*John calls up to Bdr*
"Yeah, glad we are not on the receiving end of those flaks"
*Tommy*
"So any word on if we are going into that mess?
*BdrLine*
"Naw just heard form the radio for all ships to hold positions"
*Just then, they hears explosions from the east, all four turns away from the western battle to see what was happening.*
*Coming from the east are troop transports as well as assortment of ships. The explosions came from some of the ships hitting what looks like floating dots in the distance*
*The main body of the formation stop as they notices the mines and starts to destroy them from the air*
*BdrLine*
"Oh Flak" *He goes over and radios Zill's ship* "Zill you want to see this, out in the east, they brought in troop transports and are shooting something out of the air. By the looks of it they may get pass through."
--Saloon--
*As Jun'ko left with Paradox, Roland, Ny-Lee and Liu are in the basement hearing the muffled sounds of the flak cannons*
*As they sit around wondering what is happening, Ny-Lee turns to Roland*
"This almost reminds me of Lu Tower"
-
Papa hears the city's defenses firing
"The city's cannon choir has decided to serenade us, ensign load up those flak cannons and shoot into the mass of enemy ships."
He extends his hand out to Jun'ko "Now, for the grand tour..."
He lead her about, they headed back through the crew's quarters "The ship was meant to accompany trade vessels, but due to it's fairly large size crew stayed on board during trips."
He lead her through the dining area, into the stairwell "Upstairs we got storage, ammunition, food, ect... Downstairs is what ya wanna see..."
"EeeeEeEEe can I?" She ran down the stairs
"Calm down, we got the entire bleedin' raid, lass..."
He followed her and when she came into view she was gawking at one of the cannons. The gunner didn't even notice her.
"What are these?"
"Maelstrom heavyflak, the typhoons successor... moderately bigger, increased range to around 4.1m if ya got the gods on your side..." He said moving to the center of the deck.
"BUT WE DON'T NEED THE GODS DO WE BOYS"
"NO SIR" They fired in unison, the sound of the updated flaks shook the ship and left Papa and Jun's ears ringing
"Hahaha never gets old..." All Jun could see was the movement of Papa's lips and a muffled bassy voice complementing it.
Whether or not the gunners hit or not was debatable, there was too much visual noise from the battle that was already happening to be able to tell.
Jun, still in shock and partially deaf was met by the tugging of Papa trying to guide her back upstairs.
Once they arrived back on deck they were both given spyglasses, they watched the fighting together while listening to the rhythmic firing of the flak beneath them.
-
*radios papa's ship*
"i recognise those shots anywhere, where did you get the maelstrom's, anyway all 4 shots hit, the first 2 hit the ship yiski hit, their front is severly deformed, the other 2 hit a junker on the back lines..., all in all those 4 shots, 6 dead"
* a voice can be heard faintly through the background of the radio "sir we have movement"*
"shit, hold on this frequency the front 3 are lining up their broadsides at the city walls"
*gets out the spyglass*
" ANVALA GARRISON, BRACE FOR IMPACT!"
-
--Crown Peak--
*Yiski noticed the three ships were within 2-3 kilometers and preparing to fire.*
"Start loading me up double time."
*Yiski lined up his shots again and started firing in quick sessions. Within thirty seconds, Yiski managed to fire off twenty rounds, only a handful missing their marks. Along with the other defensive fire, two of the three ships went down. The third ship, a pyramidion started laying down mercury fire in order to knock out any of the entrenched guns. Another few volleys from Yiski and others ended it quickly, but the pyramidion managed to take out two of the hundreds of batteries.*
*With the downing of the three vanguard, the rest of the fleet decided to move in.*
"Now the fun starts."
--Saloon--
*Roland to Ny-Lee*
"It is like Lu Tower, but this time we are on the giving end. That and a difference of a few hundred batteries in our favor."
-
-Then It Was Fixed Again-
Zill get's BdrLine's frequency and looks over with his spyglass to the rear Wall. Sure enough, troop transports with escorts were beginning to blow through the mines. The batteries were picking off some boats but not enough.
"Bdr, change of plan, get back there and support the coming wave of defense. By the time you get back there, you'll see what I mean."
Zill radios Matty.
"Matty, you're clear to engage the enemy. Stay fast."
"Aye Admiral. They won't know what hit them."
"Rear Wall, come in."
"Admiral, we're getting hit hard."
"I can see. Get your ground forces behind the gate and have the Galleon begin its rounds. All batteries are to fire, and you have reinforcements inbound. Keep me updated."
"Yes sir."
Zill turned back to the main event. He saw three Galleons lined up on the Wall.
"So it begins."
They opened fire, smacking the Wall directly. It held, and the Anvalan Galleons opened fire on them along with renewed battery suppression. They lifted up but to only delay the inevitable. They continued to pound the Wall with little effect. Their movements made their shots inaccurate. Zill then looked past them to more troop transports. One had fallen and was being evacuated. Another four were still there, supported by more smaller Fleet vessels. They began to approach, and Zill gave a call.
"To all Goldfish, lift out and engage troop transports. I don't want any Republic dogs in here today."
On que, fifteen goldfish rose from behind the Wall, and proceeded to approach the coming wave.
-
*radios in*
"nice shooting!, shall i move in?"
*looks at the convoy*
"i mean, like i say this is a HEAVILY modified Galleon. I have 5 heavy guns.... 2 typhons on each side on the bottom deck, one Yeshan hwacha that can rotate 360 degrees on the top deck, and more light guns, crew and engines. its not pretty to look at but it kicks the hell outta any ship... also i have my secret weapon..."
*Chuckles*
-
--Starlight--
*BdrLine Off the radio with Zill*
"Roger that"
*He turns to the others*
"Well tally ho, we are about to go in"
*Looking at the mass of ships coming from the east, John gulbs*
"You mean us and your goldfish against that?"
*As BdrLine starts his engines again and turns the bow towards the formation in the east he calls down*
"Hey even though I'm crazy, I'm not that crazy. We are going into that hell of a mess is that Zill has somethig up his sleeve. Allen get on the hawacha and start loading the heavy rounds we need to quickly knock them out. Tommy and John brace yourselves*
*Allen hurries to the front gun and starts the loading process while the other two goes around making final checks around the ship*
*BdrLine then puts the ship into full throttle as he races to meet the coming transpor*
*Halfway there, he sees that the enemy are not slowing down from the groud batteries*
Flak we may not make it. ...The Hell? ...Damn them came out of nowhere
*As the situation looks grim and the eastern wall about to be overrun, a group of squids come out of the clouds hitting the transports from the rear*
*BdrLine calls down*
"Here's our help guys. Allen start shooting once we are in range"
"Oh Roger that"
*As the squids are harrassing the enemy formation, BdrLine and his goldfish arrives in the thick of it and starts firing in at the closest transport from the wall*
*BdrLine goes over and changes the frequency to try and talk to the officer in charge*
"Looks like you guys gave them a scare. This is the Goldfish Starlight we are here ready to assist. Right now I going for the closest ships near the wall, radio me if you ned some backup"
"
-
*sees the squids that are in to attack*
"Oh, i see how it is, you dont trust old locky..."
"TURN THE POWER ON!"
*The cloud the "yeshan dragon" was hiding in... lights up*
*Draws his sword and stands at the front of the ship as it turns to bring its front on the fleet*
"FIRE!!!!"
* a Dragon figurehead shoddily roped to the front of the galleon fired flames out of its head and unleashed hell on the galleons infront of it*
" BRING THE HWACHA ROUND"
*the hwacha on the top deck slowly turned towards the front and fired at a galleon further back*
"Excellent work men, lets give them hell!!"
*points sword forward*
-
---Sky's Private Airstrip---
*Sky and Iris had to make many improvements to get as much ammo into the plane as possible, now they both were inside the plane about to take off, Sky attempts to radio Zill*
"Zill? Are you there? I am on the runway about to take off! Anyone else who gets this message send it right away to Zill!"
*Sky sets down the radio and talks to Iris*
"All systems go?"
"Roger that!"
"Get ready for a fight, if that message gets through to Zill we'll be in the air soon enough."
-
--Skies over Hanat--
*Wazulu, overhearing the action on the radio, mutters on his way home*
'Oh Bloody hell Lockheart, even in airship battle you have to go and swing your sword around. Bloomin' Pansy's getting more kills than me at this rate...'
-
--Crown Peak--
*Yiski lets some garrison forces take over while he takes a look at the current battle. Consequently, Yiski can't see any ground movement from the east. What Yiski can see are at least eight more ships still operational, including the three galleons. The remaining fleet was now within two kilometers. Yiski turns to Frank.*
"So did the Council ever okay the manufacture of my anti-armor flak rounds?"
*Frank called over to a group to bring up a crate. Yiski opened it and smiled at the contents.*
"See, the Council isn't always useless."
"Consider me impressed, but I still hate they're guts. Load them up!"
*While a loading crew was prepping the heavy flak, Yiski pulled out his scope to determine the range of the galleons. Yiski called over the radios.*
"Alright, we gotta deal with those galleons. They're givin' too much cover for the ground troops."
*With that Yiski hopped on the heavy flak and called over to the loading crew.*
"Double time! Firing!"
*Yiski fires a fast as the crew can load. Within two minutes, Yiski lost count of how many rounds he unleashed. Keeping track of his shots, Yiski guessed he landed 90% of his shots among the three galleons. Along with the concentrated fire, the three galleons ignited and exploded in mid-air.*
"Holy flak Yiski, you really still have your touch."
*Yiski didn't respond, but he got off the gun and started heading back down to the city. Frank was puzzled.*
"Where are you going?"
"My saloon, reports say the eastern wall may have a few infantry units. I'm goin' to clean up."
"You're unarmed."
*Yiski grabs a standard issue garrison rifle.*
"Not anymore."
*Yiski then make his way back into the city.*
-
-Then It Was Fixed Again-
Zill looked on as Lockheart dove into the enemy formations. He shook his head as the Goldfish support was still 2km out.
His funeral.
Zill then got Skyraider's call.
"Take off and engage inbound ground forces in the northwest. Need to break their will."
He then turned his attention to the east. The Squids were doing their work, but the transports started unloading early.
"Rear Wall, this is Admiral."
"Go ahead."
"Shoot down the mine's balloons so they fall on the incoming ground forces. Brace the gate."
"Aye."
They were in the crux of the battle now.
-
*Sky hears Zill orders and immediately takes off, this time taking a lot more runway and takes awhile to fully turn around, then he talks*
"Alright Iris, safety off, we are going to engage ground forces, but we may encounter enemy air along the way. Any enemy planes behind us engage."
"Understood, just keep it steady"
"Oh and also, we'll be doing a dive on these ground troops, so be ready to not blackout."
"Oh boy, diving on infantry?"
*Sky picks up the radio and says*
"I'll be there soon, Skyraider, out!"
-
--Starlight--
*As the battle in the east continues, BdrLine and his crew try knock the transports quickly out of the sky*
*Allen from the hawacha*
"There are too many ships out here, oh shoot, some are already landed and are unloading their troops. ...What the Flak?!? Are they shooting at us?"
*As the goldfish flies around the combat area, the soldiers already on the ground faces up and fires their rifles at the ship.*
*All around the ship, bullet shells are ricocheting off the armor making a ping noise."
*At the helm, BdrLine turns his ship at another transport to give Allen a shot*
"Don't mind them, rifle rounds won't damage us that easily, just focus on destroying the ones in the air. The less of them on the ground, the better for our guys."
*BdrLine call to the other two*
"One of you guys get on the mortar, see if you can lessen their ranks."
*John being the closest, hops on the gun and start firing towards the earth*
*Small explosions can be heard as the shells hit the ground*
"Nice nice, keep it up John"
*After a few volleys of shooting and reloading, John loads in another round and starts firing. This time the explosions were much bigger and more devastating*
"Don't know how you did that with the mortar, but keep it up"
"Umm Bdr... that wasn't me."
*Tommy quickly see the cause of the bigger explosions calls up*
"It was those mines, the guys from the wall are shooting out the balloons so that it can detonate on top of them"
"Well one less chore for us. Allen keep shooting, Tommy get on the carro and see if we can help out."
*As the front hawacha keeps on spiting rounds out towards the floating troop transports, Tommy would get on the carronade and pop the mines balloon whenever they were close enough*
"keep this up, we may have this ended soon"
-
*A long and uneventful flight happened. Finally Sky reached his target, a group of infantry moving towards the north like Zill said. He began his climb, then speaks.*
"Alright, approaching the targets, they were expecting an airship attack, not a single plane in range, we caught them off guard!"
*Once he hit a good altitude he began his dive, Iris comments*
"I hope you hit those targets! We'll have a lot of fighters on our tail in a minute"
*Like Iris had said, there were multiple dots were in the sky. They were enemy planes dispatched to handle an airship, but Sky's plane was much quicker than anything they had. Once the dive began, the troops attempted to spread apart in different directions, but it was to late. Once Sky was low enough, he dropped his one bomb and launched eight Hwcha rockets before he had to pull up, out of his dive. The force had been caught off guard and paid a huge price, there were only about one third of the force left by the time he circled around. However those dots in the sky became larger and larger as the retreated, Iris became concerned*
"They are getting close? Are you sure your going full speed?"
"No, I want them to catch up, I still have plenty of bullets left."
"Is that very wise?"
"We have a speed advantage, we can out run them in a fight. Also if they get on our tail your here."
-
--NARRATOR--
Yiski made it back to the saloon and saw everyone, minus Jun'ko. The other rushed to Yiski and inspected him. To their relief, Yiski was untouched.
"Where's Jun?"
"She's with Paradox on Jericho."
Yiski doesn't wait for more questions and heads for the bar wall and grabs his rifle off the wall. He walks back over and hands the standard rifle to Roland. Yiski starts out the door again. Roland speaks up.
"Yiski are you heading out again?"
"Yeah, we got reports of a few infantry units near the eastern wall."
Without more questions, Yiski rushed out the door and jogged to the eastern wall. It took a good few minutes to get near the area and already Yiski could hear small arms fire.
"Looks like a few breached."
Yiski double timed to the front line and saw the eastern defenders holding against the breaching troops. Yiski met up with a random defender.
"I can't believe you haven't gotten rid of them yet. Doesn't the academy teach you to shoot better?"
"Sorry, but they've managed to get entrenched cover."
The defender was going to ask who Yiski was, but one look at Yiski's Blood Bolt caused him to keep it shut. Other defenders were calling out the invasion forces' position. After a deep breath, Yiski popped from cover and started taking out the enemy's positions. The defenders would have eventually taken the positions, but Yiski's assistance made it quicker and with fewer casualties. Yiski walked over to a defender and asked for a radio.
"Zill, Paradox, BdrLine, Sky, the ground here is clean and the defenders have position over the breached wall and opening fire on the remaining ground forces. How are things in the sky?"
Zill responds first.
"Well, the city's batteries have basically torn the fleet the shreds. They've got three fully operational goldfishes and one beat up pyra."
Paradox is then heard.
"This piss poor excuse of an invasion is almost done. How about we rush them?"
BdrLine comes on.
"Well, last I see Lockheart and a few others are already doing that." Moments later. "And Lockheart's group is finished with them."
"Sky here. If things are over then I'm heading back to port. Gotta say my planes worked like a charm."
"Yiski, I'm guessing we'll all meet at the saloon."
"Damn right, I'll have cold one waiting for you all."
The battle was over and, once again, Anvala proves it cannot be taken. All ships return to port with the exception of the few fallen. Luckily, this invasion was relatively light compared to past attempts and the casualties were low.
Soon the moon was rising when everyone got to the saloon. As promised, Yiski already had cold drinks ready for everyone to take. The rest of the night involved the group acting out how scared shitless the enemy had to be.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 71--
-
--START OF DAY 72--
--NARRATOR--
By the next sunrise, nobody had slept an ounce. The adrenaline from yesterday's attack still ran through everyone's body. The saloon was packed with everybody still drinking and celebrating. Roland and Ny-Lee did their best to assist Yiski who was also drinking. The saloon was open, but the correct statement would be the saloon never closed last night.
By the next day though, there were going to be a few hungover.
--NARRATOR END--
-
After the battle was over and the smoke cleared, Zill called up the reserves to clean up the aftermath while anyone directly involved with the battle was given the next day off. He was at the Burning Skies getting pats on the back and congratulations. It wasn't his first invasion defense and it was all pretty normal at this point. Jun'ko came over and sat next to him. He didn't know how to feel about her blindly going onto Papa's boat despite his suggestion not to. She glanced over awkwardly.
"So, good defense out there. You coordinated things very well."
"Thanks."
"You mad?"
"Mad isn't the right word. I realize you're a grow person and going to make your own decisions. It's more of me thinking if you plan to pull stunts like that every time I ask otherwise."
"I just wanted to help ok? I figured despite Papa's childish ways, his vessel was one of the safest to be on to help out. I was worried..."
"Yea and I was too. Point is, when I ask you to stay, its not because I don't trust you. It's because I don't know what's going to happen."
Zill ordered a WSW. Jun'ko just wanted a water.
-
*as everyone is doing his thing in the saloon, Coldcurse enters the saloon.
Coldcurse looks a bit different then last time, his longcoat got some bulletholes and he has a iron leg, on his left side he wears a cutlass.
Coldcurse walks towards the bar, you can clearly see that he is not really used to his iron leg yet.
Colcurse looks at the barkeeper and laughs out of no reason*
"HAHAHAHAHA!"
*His laugh is so loud it can be heard by everyone in the salloon.
Coldcurse then stops out of nowhere and looks dead serious at the barkeeper, Coldcurse then says*
"Barkeeper i need a mix of moonshine and hellfire"
-
After the smoke clears all the way through the path, lockheart finally sets off for the hq of the order of chaladon.
-
*Yiski stares at Coldcurse while making his drink. He hand it too him.*
"I don't know what hell is so funny, but oh well."
*The day continues to be a celebration, but part of it was interrupted when a few Council Elite Guards walk in and approach Yiski at the bar. Yiski greeted them by facepalming.*
"Well, since you came straight in for me instead of Zill, I'm guessing the Council wants to see me?"
"That is correct sir."
"Any chance I can refuse?"
"We have orders to bring you by force if necessary."
*Yiski sighs and comes out from behind the bar.*
"Roland, I'll have you watch the place."
"Of course."
*Yiski turns to the Elite Guards.*
"Alright, escort away."
*Yiski and the Elite Guards left the saloon for the Council Chambers. Zill then facepalmed over his mask.*
"Flak. I better go too and make sure Yiski doesn't do anything foolish."
*Zill downs his drink and follows Yiski.*
-
--Skies of Anvala--
*Wazulu, having returned from his close shave in Hanat, wearily set the wrecked Goldfish on a docking path. However, due to the relentless use of moonshine to get him home, the engines quickly spluttered, and became aflame. In his fatigued state, he noticed the flames, but was too slow to turn off the fuel supply. Within a matter of seconds his left engine blew, causing a chain explosion in the main fuel tank and in the right engine. The Goldfish flipped onto its side, the balloon being shredded by the shrapnel and weakened from earlier damage. Wreckage streamed the market and side streets, walls being dented and people scattering. However, the main canopy, with Wazulu intact, but nigh-on dead, had unfortunately landed in the Council's Courtyard.*
-
*As Yiski, Zill and the Elite Guards made their way to the Council's Building, they all heard the crash noise and rushed to the source. There, they notice the goldfish wreckage in the middle and saw guards pull out the surviving crew. Yiski and Zill saw Wazulu. Wazulu looked to be unconscious and taken away by a stretcher to the nearest triage center.*
"Well, damn, that's one way to come back."
*The Elite Guard turned to Yiski.*
"If you will proceed sir, the men here will deal with this."
*Eventually, they arrived at the Council's Chamber door. Two more Elite Guards were standing on each side.*
"The Council is ready for you."
"Alright."
*Yiski goes inside and Zill tries to follow in, but is stopped.*
"What? Don't I have the right to enter as well."
"Council wanted this meeting strictly with Yiski only."
*Yiski turned to Zill.*
"No worries Zill. I'm unarmed. It's not I can make that much trouble."
*Before Zill has a chance to say anything, the door shuts behind Yiski.*
*Soon Yiski finds himself in front of the Council. Initially, there was an awkward silence between them because the Council assumed Yiski would speak first. When no talking was heard, Yiski turned around and started walking out.*
(4)Ahem... you have not been dismissed.(4)
"Well, nobody said anything, so I assume you're wastin' my time."
(1)Apologies. Do you know why we called you?(1)
*There was more silence. Yiski was getting annoyed.*
"Possibly." *Yiski thinks back from his last meeting.* "Does it have to do with the supposed request I rejected?"
(5)It does. We have called you hear again to see if you are interested.(5)
*Yiski's patience varied day to day. Some days, he was like a saint, other days, he was like a squid on moonshine. Today, Yiski was in the middle of the spectrum.*
"Alright. I'll bite. What's the request?"
(8)We want to commission you for new weapons and ammunition.(8 )
"Don't you have people for that already?"
(2)Those we have hired do not have the same experiences as you do, or your love for experimentation.(2)
(9)As you can see, our defenses are in need for an upgrade.(9)
"True, but it's worked well so far. Though I think it's the first time in a long while since anybody managed to breach our walls."
(4)While our gunsmiths have done a decent job in improving Anvala's defenses, we are getting reports each day those who wish to take our city have also improved their capabilities at pace with our improvements.(4)
"Well, I have a few questions. One, would I have to abandon my saloon? Two, does this put me back in military ranks? Three, will I get paid?"
(7)To your first question, no. All we require of you are new designs for weapon systems as you find convenient. Second, your rank will be what you retired from the Baronies with, but your pay is based on a minor consulting fee.(7)
(2)In addition, you will be given access to the forge and armory as you see fit during your commission. Are these conditions acceptable?(2)
*Yiski thought for a few moments. While he didn't like being given military status again, he couldn't argue with the fact Anvala did need to up their defenses.*
"As long as you don't send me off on any mission, I'll accept."
*Council discussed Yiski's additional condition.*
(4)Very well, we accept your condition. Therefore by the power of this Council, we appoint you as lead gunsmith and give you the rank of Striker Commander.(4)
(1)We are pleased with your decision. It will greatly benefit Anvala and her people.(1)
"Sure. Anythin' else."
(4)No. You are free to leave.(4)
*Yiski headed for the door which opened and Zill was waiting nearby. Zill approached Yiski.*
"Well, you're leaving without chains on you."
"You honestly thought, I'd be arrested?"
"Well, I'm happy to see otherwise. So, what happend?"
"Short version. Well, I'm a Striker Commander again and I have to start making new weapon system designs to make sure we stay on top of our defenses."
"Hell, didn't think you'd accept being in the military again."
"I thought about having them take it off the table, but then again, dealing with the guards and folks at the forge and armory will be much easier if I can hold rank over them. Plus, I took the job on the express condition they never send me off."
"Not bad."
"I know."
"Time to drink?"
"Always."
*The two laughed and made their way back to the saloon. It was going to be interesting explaining all this to the others.*
-
*coldcurse quickly drinks his brew and slams some coins on the table*
"do you have a room for hire?"
*slams some coins on the table*
"my ship is getting repaired and i need a place to sleep"
-
*Roland turns to Coldcurse.*
"Sorry, but we do not have any room available. My fiance and I are in one room and Zill and Jun'ko are staying in another."
*As Roland heads back to the bar and makes another round for some people, Ny-Lee notices a worried look on his face.*
"Are you worried about Yiski?"
"I would be lying if I was not."
*Ny-Lee gives Roland a kiss.*
"I'm sure everything is fine."
-
Zill was pondering the possibilities of Yiski being Striker Commander and grinned. He started thinking of previous ideas turned down by the then highest ranking officer in charge of the defenses.
"It's rather amazing they offered you that job knowing I would take full advantage of your station there."
"How you figure?"
"Well for example, for months I've wanted to have the Flak batteries painted to match the surroundings to keep them hidden better. That useless sack of hydrogen in there told me told me it would slow our response teams in case it got hit and denied it."
"Hmm, I think I'm going to enjoy bossing him around. Better yet, simply replacing him."
"For once the Council's fears helped us out."
-
*At the saloon, BdrLine was telling his account of yesterday's battle*
"... We were about halfway to the eastern wall, the transports we getting nearer and nearer, my crew and I thought we are not going to make it time. Then out of the clouds, a squadron of squids rushes them from behind and start to harass them. You guys should have seen the sight even scared me when they flew out"
*Ny-Lee is ping around the saloon trying to keep up with e amount of people, she passes her brother who was recounting his tale.*
"Really you got to get out and in to the thick of it."
"Well I was at the docks when the alarm sounded and my ship was ready to go, so we went up"
"At least this is all over, all we need to worry about now is my wedding. Speaking of which *To Liu who is sitting at the bar* mother, how are we getting to the ship?"
"It will be a while until the ship is ready, I can radio the company to see how long it will take. But don't worry about it I will handle everything."
-
*Yiski and Zill enter the saloon where they're meet with an "Hey" from the patrons. Yiski walks up back behind the bar and Roland approaches him.*
"Well, how did things go?"
*Yiski then explained to the group in attendance the following exchange between himself and the Council. (Post #1284). Roland was awestruck.*
"That is incredible Yiski, but I thought you did not want a military career."
"I know, but you're old enough now to take care of yourself and I'm only used for defensive purposes."
*Yiski smiles a bit while making himself a Hellfire.*
"Heh. Once the factions learn I'm back shootin' and makin' guns again, they'll probably start pissin' themselves. That should deter any future endeavors if this failure hasn't taught them already."
*The group laughed, knowing the truth behind his statement.*
-
*Honeybadger comes into the bar tired*
Honeybadger: "Morning all."
*Honeybadger checks his watch*
Honeybadger: "Or rather afternoon. Next week."
-
*Yiski looks over to Honeybadger.*
"The hell have you been?"
*Honeybadger just looked round with a blank stare.*
"Did you not realize we had a raider occur just yesterday?"
*Honeybadger shrugs and falls over on the couch. Yiski just facepalmed.*
-
*Homeybadger adjusts himself on the couch*
Honeybadger: "I'm sure it was fun, I've been busy digging up information about my ex. If I have to tell a story, might as well be not completely bullshit. Where is Liu by the way?"
*Honeybadger takes out his deck of cards and shuffles them*
-
*Liu sees Honeybadger on the couch and goes up to him*
"So if there is no more interruptions, the story of you and my sister Luli."
-
Zill orders a WSW and Jun wants a Sake Bomb.
"You sure? Last time we ended up bed ridden for 3 days."
"I trust him. Plus then I have an excuse to have some of that Elixir of his." *Grins*
"Oh lord like you need more of that."
-
*Yiski laughs at Zill's expression, or lack there of. He makes a WHW and Sake Bomb for the two.*
"You know Zill you shouldn't worry. If you come down with somethin', you know I'm more than happy to make somethin' to fix you up."
*Zill shuddered at the though.*
"No thanks, I'll have better luck rushing a fleet of bandit in a squid."
*Roland approached Yiski.*
"Yiski, now that you have access to military supplies, is there a way I can get some tungsten?"
"Hmm.... yeah, the forge would have some tungsten. Also, they're forge is much better than the one I've got. I'll see what I can do."
"Thanks."
*Unfortunately, Ny-Lee overheard a few things, got curious and approached the two.*
"Get what?"
"Um... I am asking Yiski to take me to the academy grounds for marksman training since Yiski has access to it."
"Can I join?"
*Roland and Yiski were trying to find the words to say, but both were coming up with blanks. Yiski shot a glance over to Liu who luckily picked it up as 'This is wedding related. Get her off.' Liu walked over to Ny-Lee.*
"Now, now, you have to help me with the wedding preparations."
"But I thought you'd taken care of them."
"And you'd work your own mother to death."
*Liu was being over dramatic, but it seemed to work and Ny-Lee gave out a sigh.*
"Fine."
*Yiski and Roland let out a sigh of relief.*
-
*Honeybadger looks at Liu and sighs*
Honeybadger: "I first met your sister when I was traveling around Yesha, this was when I was still a traveling Magician. We hit it off and well... Things happened. Anyway, I was pretty serious about your sister, but unfortunately I had to leave early. I had to recover some accounts from other people so here it goes."
*Honeybadger starts to explain*
(OOC: Yiski, please don't wrap this up I'll just make it a flashback. Also I have to play a match)
-
Narrator
As the night wore on in the Saloon, the alcohol starts to get to the many patrons as they figured that they had enough and start to head home.As people were filing out the door, Yiski turns to Roland and Ny-Lee.
"Since you two have been working all day since yesterday, I'll handle things down here and close up shop. Go upstairs and rest."
'Thanks Yiski, my ankle was acting up a little. Come dear lets get some sleep"
Roland extends a hand to Ny-Lee who takes it. Both heads towards the stairs going up to their room. No activities would happen tonight as once they hit the bed, both were knocked out instantly into a deep sleep.
The opposite can be said between Zill and Jun'ko. After drinking a few rounds, and Jun'ko blacking out a few times from the Sake Bomb. Zill, not wanting a repeat, goes over the bar and pours one of Yiski's 'Elixir'.
"Jun I think that is enough of the Sake. Here."
Zill hands her the drink, Jun takes it and drinks it down. Finally having enough for the evening, the two goes up to their rooms where the Elixir kicks in as article of clothing are tossed off in different directions as the two makes it to the bed.
For Honeybadger and his story, as he was to start to explain to Liu about him and Luli, he starts to get drowsy which in turn knocks him unconscious. Liu just shakes her head as everythime the topic comes up, some sort of interruption occurs.
She calls out to her son, who is still talking to a small group about his involvement in the battle.
"Come on Azn its getting late and i would like to sleep in a bed after that raid."
"Alright mother, I'm coming."
The two sets off back towards the docks to BdrLines hosue. Speaking of housing, as the night rolls on, Couldcurse left the saloon early as to find a place to stay. As he walks down the street away from the saloon, he come across an inn with open rooms and decides to stay the night in there.
Instead of the nice comfort of a homely room and bed, Wazulu is transfer from the triage tent to the hospital where doctors treat his wounds from his crash. Once patched up, he is transfered to a mobile bed and is placed in one of the avaliable rooms.
After the rest of the patrons that lingered around leaves, Yiski goes over and locks the front door. He sets all the chairs back to their original positions and heads towards his room. Once at his door, he looks back and gives one last look around and notices Honeybadger knocked out on the couch. He shakes his head and, not bothering to deal with it, opens and heads into his room and onto his bed.
End of Narration
-End of Day 72-
-
*coldcurse gets of the chair and grabs a wooden pipe out of his pocket*
"barkeeper, mind if i stay near the saloon?"
*coldcurse fills the pipe with tabacco*
"hmmm nothing smells better then some gunpowder tabacco"
*coldcurse stands up and walks to the exit of the saloon while he lights up his pipe, he leaves the saloon and gets outside.
he finds a bench next to the saloon to sit on, he looks up.
he then grabs a little photo out of his pocket and smiles.*
"i will stick around this place, dont you worry now"
*he puts the photo back in his pocket and smokes his pipe*
-
--START OF DAY 73--
--NARRATOR--
Yiski, Roland, Zill, Ny-Lee, and Jun'ko wake up at the sunrise. Zill didn't get a lot of sleep last night because Yiski's elixir kept Jun'ko jittery even when she was asleep. When the upstairs' guest come down they see Yiski cleaning the bar's counter. Zill is the first down and first to greet.
"Morning Yiski. You plan on heading over to the Academy today?"
"Mornin' and yeah, I'll probably poke my head in. No point not checking on things for my first day. You ladies think you had hold down the saloon for another day?"
"Well, I did promise my mother I'd help her with some of the wedding preparations, so I'll head over to Bdr's place."
"Hmm... well I can't poor Jun to handle the whole saloon herself."
"No worries, I can have Zill keep me company."
"Say what now?"
"Please!"
Zill scratched the back of his head. He could avoid Jun'ko's puppy eyes and caved in and agreed. Yiski and the other chuckled at Zill's defeat.
"Alright, well Roland and I are headin' out to the Academy."
"You'll put in those requests right?"
"I'll see what I can do."
As Yiski, Roland, Ny-Lee head out. Roland gives a kiss to Ny-Lee. Roland could clearly see Ny-Lee would rather follow them for "practice," but the surprise had to be maintained, even at the risk of a few tiny lies.
"Have fun planning."
"I'll try. I wish I could go with you two."
"Next time darling."
"You promise."
"Yes."
Ny-Lee returned a kiss and they parted ways.
--NARRATOR END--
-
Already regretting his defeat, Zill made sure things were in order behind the bar while Jun'ko straightened out tables. They made sure the piano was in working order, as Zill always liked music playing for the day. Jun'ko played a few notes and then suddenly a nice melody spawned from her playing.
"I didn't know you played."
"Back in Yesha I took lessons. Guess all that practice payed off."
"Well keep it up. This sounds much better right now than loud bar songs."
She giggles and continues. Zill leans on the bar and closes his eyes. Images of flight and Clear Skies run through his mind. Jun couldn't see it, but he was grinning. All the cares in the world left him.
-
*But as the door of the saloon opened for the first time that day, those cares flooded back in with the wind, briefly drowning out the sound of the piano. In the doorway, a single figure- completely covered in bandages all the way up to his chin, Wazulu hobbled into the bar and crashed into a chair by the door. He hadn't adjusted to crutches well, it seems. Noticing others around him, he looked up, nodding to Jun'ko and giving a sloppy salute to Zill. It was only at this point one could notice the bold leather eyepatch cutting across his face and over his left eye, Anvalan Naval Insignia embedded in the middle.*
'Not sayin' the morphine is bad at the hospital, but I could use a drink or two regardless' he chuckled. 'Hit me up with a Hellfire or two, would ya?'
-
--Near the Academy Armory--
*Roland and Yiski was at the Academy. Roland took the time again to look around the grounds. His last experience with the Academy weren't pleasant, but this time was different. When they reached the entrance of the armory, they were stopped by the guards.*
"Halt. No civilians allowed."
*Yiski mentally sighed. He forgot to ask the Council to make him a new symbol for his rank instead of using his old badge. As if on cue, another guard approached Yiski,*
"Striker Commander Yiski?"
"Yup."
"This was rushed ordered for you."
*Yiski was handed a small parcel and he opened it. Inside was a new symbol for Anvala which could now replace his Baronies' badge. Yiski smiled and flashed the new symbol to the armory guards.*
"Ah. We're terribly sorry Commander. You may enter."
"No worries."
*Roland and Yiski went inside the armory. If Roland didn't know any better, he could have sworn he heard Yiski giggle like a child in a candy store from all the equipment, supplies, and materials used to make all sorts of weapons. Roland tapped Yiski on the shoulder.*
"Focus."
"Oh, sorry Roland. Heh, old habits."
*The two made their way over to the forge. Luckily, there was nobody operating it so it was free for the two to use.*
"Go ahead and start up the forge like I showed you. Just mind the fact this is much larger, so be careful. I'm goin' to find some tungsten."
*Roland nodded and Yiski left to forage some tungsten and other materials. By the time Yiski returned with the necessary materials, Roland had the forge running hot.*
"Good job on gettin' it started and not burnin' yourself."
"Thank you, though I did have a few close calls."
"Well now, let's get this started and soon you'll have two wedding bands."
*Many long hours pass by as Yiski and Roland work on the wedding bands. The extreme heat caused the two to sweat profusely and the constant hammering and shaping of the bands were taking a physical toll on Roland's stamina though he was determined to get it right and finish it all. Another hour passes before the two stop and inspect the bands which have been sitting in a cooling pool. The bands were finished, but some detailing was needed before they were presentable. Yiski smiled and patted Roland's back.*
"Not bad. Not bad at all."
"I agree. I am surprised it came out this well."
"You do have a hell of a motivation to get it right."
*Roland smiled.*
"Don't think we're yet. Gotta polish them and put some details. No worries, that can be handled back at the warehouse."
*Roland placed the almost complete bands in his pocket and the two started walking out, but suddenly Yiski stops.*
"Something wrong Yiski?"
"No, it's just I got an idea."
*Roland sees a curled smile across Yiski's face and it meant one of two things: New brew idea, or weapon idea. Given their location, Roland knew it had to be the later. Yiski snapped out of his moment and looked at Roland.*
"Sorry, but go ahead back without me. I have a little experimenting to do."
"Okay, but please be careful."
*Roland left the armory and started his way back to the saloon. He shuddered for a moment thinking of what Yiski could create.*
-
-Saloon-
Zill got Wazulu a Hellfire and made him sit at a table.
"The Hell happened to you? You look like you got in a fistfight and a Hwacha."
Jun'ko got up and fixed the table and chairs he knocked over before playing the piano again. The other few patrons just shrugged it off and went on with their chats.
-
'Well, you know what Yiski said about never agitating the Hellfire? I may have shot a couple barrel fulls in order to escape a sticky situation in Hanat. That, and, er, you saw what happened to me and my Goldfish. Ha, in some ways I did get hit by a Hwacha. Besides that, how's Anvala doing? we're not expecting anything big soon, right?'
-
Zill scratched his chin and shook his head.
"According to my scouts, they aren't sending anything else our way. We took a lot out of them, and the merc help they had apparently dissolved during the battle. Biggest news lately is Yiski getting Striker Command. Beyond that it should be quiet for at least a few days."
-
'Well, can't complain about that. To Clear Skies, bloody took long enough!'
-
*As Ny-Lee nears the docks towards her brothers house, she sees him with their mother coming down the road*
*Liu sees her and calls yo Ny*
"Oh there you are. You brother and I were about to get you from the saloon. "
*BdrLine, still tired from last night yawns*
"Why do I have to come again? I could still be in bed sleeping"
"Well you need to get fitted for another suit and the ones you have here are all worn. Plus we are going to find a gown for your sister and decorations"
"ugh... alright. Doesn't mean I'm going to enjoy it"
*Ny-Lee closes the distance between eachother and to BdrLine*
"Come on you lazy head"
*The three then heads towards the city center*
-
*Sky opens the door and holds it for Iris, they both take a seat down and Sky speaks*
"Good morrow! And good news! A group of noble airmen have enlisted in my pilot-ace training course. The group is called "Flying Panthers" and you might see some of them around in the sky. For now due to lack of resources, they will be in bi-planes, so don't get scared if you see planes performing attack formations. Other than that, hows everyone doing?"
-
Zill stared at Sky.
"Just what I need, planes with rooks flying around the City. I'm not bailing you out if you wreck and have to pay damages."
Jun'ko was fielding a few orders and came around with her arm around Zill.
"How come you don't fly planes?"
"Preference I suppose. I flew an old bi-plane a long time ago for work but, not much beyond that."
-
--Academy Armory--
*Since Roland left, Yiski gathered a few gunsmiths to make an experimental bullet. After a few makes, Yiski is satisfied with the current design. It's a Sunburst round scaled down to the size of a standard issue rifle (think B.A.R. caliber) with a tungsten coating over a full metal jacket (FMJ) casing. Yiski knew this round would have more piercing capacity than his previous models.*
*Outside on the firing range, Yiski has a standard rifle in hand with a few tungsten rounds loaded.*
"Okay, bring is some armor for me to shoot at. Uh.. let's start with spire armor."
*A few trainees brought a 2 1/2 inch plate of standard spire armor. Yiski sat at a range of roughly 600 meters. Yiski adjusted the scope of the rifle.*
"FIRE IN THE HOLE!"
*Yiski let lose a round. It hits dead center. Yiski waits for a moment, but the signature red smoke isn't to be seen.*
"That's odd, there should've been..."
*Suddenly in the distance behind the range's wall, Yiski could see the red smoke rising over the wall.*
"Oh hell this can't be good."
*Yiski went up to the plate and noticed the round made a clean pierce through the armor. He then kept following the trajectory and noticed the bullet had also pierced through the solid three feet stone wall. Yiski stood there scratching his head when the other gunsmiths also looked at the damaged caused.*
"So, apparently I've just created armor piercing ammo for infantry which can easily eat through spire armor. Hmm... let's try prya armor next."
"Sir, shouldn't we report the damage to the Council?"
"Meh, we'll report it all at once."
*Further test showed the tungsten rounds could do serious damage to pyramidion armor. While the round did not pierce all the way through, the subsequent explosion was enough to make a hole and create additional cracks around the point of impact. If Yiski wasn't already smiling, he'd start laughing to where his sides hurt.*
"Alright. This was a success. Now time to up the ante. Tomorrow we'll try makin' these for a merc and test it against galleon armor."
"Should we report these to the Council?"
"Yeah, but one of you is makin' the report. I hate writin'."
*Yiski left the Academy and headed back to the saloon for the rest of the day. He was happy. Tomorrow he was going to see the tungsten rounds demolish galleon armor.*
--City Center--
*While Yiski was working on his now successful tungsten rounds, Roland decided to walk around the main market sector. While he walked, he had a hand in the pocket where the almost finished bands were. He rolled his fingers around them and smiled as he did. The young man was proud he made his own wedding bands and knew his future wife would appreciate them more.*
"Roland, is that you?"
*Roland turned to see Liu, Ny-Lee, BdrLine off to the side.*
"Roland, I thought you were still training?"
"Well, Yiski gave me the rest of the day off. He stayed behind because he got an idea."
*BdrLine shivered for a moment.*
"That can't be good for us and even more so for those his creations are used on."
*Roland turns back to Ny-Lee.*
"What brings you out here?"
"Oh we're getting BdrLine fitted for a new suit."
"Well then I need to come along."
"Do you need a suit, love?"
"Yes, considering I do not own one."
*Liu and Ny-Lee are shocked. The two immediately grab Roland and start dragging him toward a tailor. BdrLine chuckles.*
"At least I won't be miserable alone."
*As the four rush off, they failed to notice the red smoke rising in the late afternoon sky.*
-
-Saloon-
Once word got out that Zill was running the Burning Skies tonight, people flocked from all over to be served by him for once. Of course, he wasn't having that and simply lined up random brews along the bar, and for a flat fee you got what you got. Patron's thought they were getting cheap drinks, but a few WSWs and Sake Bombs later, they realized their miscalculations. It had turned into pure amusement for Zill and Jun.
She was still playing the piano. The sane regulars huddled around to watch and sing along. Those still conscious, despite the new drinking system, conversed and had a grand time. One new guy tried to come onto Jun'ko, despite patrons' warnings. Of course Zill just threw him into a wall, forgetting they didn't break. Then he threw him out the front as an example. Jun'ko could only laugh as the music played and patrons sang.
-
*Sky laughs and comments*
So Zill, having a fun time managing the Saloon? Also you won't have to worry about one of my trainees crashing into a building, most of them have experience AND we'll be flying away from the city for practice. Only flying over it a few times for formations and such.
*Sky then writes down something and passes it to Zill*
"These are the coordinates to where we'll be flying, feel free to watch the fireworks."
-
*Yiski walks back into the saloon after a satisfying day.*
"What this I hear about fireworks Sky? You know how I feel about those things anywhere near my saloon."
*Yiski turned to Zill.*
"Good news for you."
"Aside from sticking me on saloon duty."
*Yiski gave Zill a stoic expression.*
"Funny. I think I found a new ammo which could decimate any armor. Should be useful if you go off on any missions."
-
*To Yiski*
"I am referring to the area where my trainees will be practicing, they'll be doing dive bombing and aerial combat."
*Sky realizes what Yiski said about the ammunition and suddenly becomes interested*
"Wait, whats this about a new type of munition? I could be able to use it depending on its weight and if actually works."
-
--City Center--
*As Liu and Ny-Lee drag Roland into a tailor shop, BdrLine is following behind chuckling to himself at Roland's position.*
*When they open the door to the tailor, the corner of the door hit a small bell signaling a someone of their presence*
"Good afternoon everyone. How may I help you?"
"Hello we are here to fit my son and my future son-in-law with tuxedos."
"Ah for a wedding I presume. And I take that you are the beautiful wife to be?"
*He gestures to Ny-Lee*
"Yes" *She blushes at the comment*
"Alright then, if the two ladies please follow me, I will take you next room to where we have our gowns so that you may chose. As for the gentlemens, please wait shortly as I get another employee to assist you."
*The employee then leads the two ladies to a different part of the building where the wedding gowns are displayed, before hand, he goes to another person and explains that Roland and BdrLine would need to be fitted into tuxs.*
*As he and the other two disappered through the door, the second employee goes up to the remaining men*
"If you two are ready, please follow me to the tuxedos."
*Roland looks to BdrLine who simply nods to the employee and the two ate escorted to another part of the building*
*Back to Liu and Ny-Lee, the employee takes them to the gown room where they had their breath taken away from the vast selection*
"Is there any design you like in particular?"
*Ny-Lee, who gets out of her trance, turns to him"
"Do you have ones made from Yeshan designers?"
*The employee ponders for a moment and goes to a catalogue on a table and flips through the pages*
"We have a few designs, but they are not from any famous Yeshan designers. But we have many from local designers as well from some from Cathedral"
"Well once we are ready, we call you"
*The employee nods and heads to another room*
*Back to our two "gentlemen", it's going more or less.... eh*
*As an employee goes over to BdrLine, he already picked out a tux and is wIting for it to be fitted to his size*
*For Roland, it takes almost half an hour to find a suitable tux that he likes*
*Once he finds one, he looks back to BdrLine who is already changed back in to his normal clothes*
"How are you finished already?"
*BdrLine hearing Roland looks to him*
"I've been wearing so many suits when I was younger, that I know the procedure. So you ready to try that one?"
"Oh yes. ... Um excuse me, I'm ready to get fitted."
*A new younger employee hears Roland and rushes to him, he over shoots him and trips over a stool*
*Roland watches as he gets up*
"You alight there?"
"Yeah, sorry. So you are ready then, follow me."
*Roland looks at the employee as he leads him to a room, what Roland doesn't know is that this is his first week on the job and is an apprentice*
*For the next few minutes, yelps of pain come from Roland as the employee accidentally pokes him with the pins*
*Eventually, one of the older employees hears Roland and comes and relief the you get man*
*After a few minutes, the older employee fixes all the mistakes and lest Roland go*
-
--NARRATOR--
While getting Roland and BdrLine fitted for tuxedos simple, having Ny-Lee choose her wedding dress was an entirely different matter. BdrLine and Roland sat at a bridal dress store well into the evening while Ny-Lee and Liu discussed what the dress needed to look like. After the first hour or so, BdrLine and Roland couldn't tell the differences among the dresses Ny-Lee tried and rejected. During this frenzy, Ny-Lee and Liu noticed the two men where still there and Liu chuckled.
"You do realize you could've left."
BdrLine didn't say a word and got up, left, and headed toward the saloon.
"I hope I can get some drinking done still."
Roland sat in the store for a bit longer.
"Love, you don't have to stay."
"I know, yet I cannot help but keep looking how absolutely stunning you look in any dress you wear."
Ny-Lee blushed and Liu went over and gave Roland a hug. Liu to Roland.
"I see you've learned it's always a good idea to keep your girl happy and well complimented."
"Yes, it is one of the few things that Yiski has taught me about relationships."
"Smart man."
Meanwhile at the saloon, Jun'ko was still playing the piano and singing along with a few patrons. Yiski, Skyraider, and Zill were discussing about Sky's training exercises and expressing high interest in Yiski's new tungsten rounds.
"So you're saying these rounds could pierce through a whole galleon?"
"Not sure about through the whole galleon Sky, but it should at least completely pierce one side."
Yiski then explained to the two about today's test with small caliber rounds and its devastating effect on spire and pyramidion armors. Zill about choked on his Hellfire.
"Flak, Yiski. You get a small firing squad on a ship, they can cause serious damage."
"I know. I wish I had made these during our ground fight at Lu Tower. Would've made quick work of everyone there."
"Yiski any chance of me potentially using those rounds on my planes?"
"Well, there's a few designs I have to finalize, but if you're willin' to field test them for me then by all means go for it."
Skyraider and Yiski would work out the details of their arrangements later. Right now, their mugs were getting light. That had to be fixed.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 73--
-
--START OF DAY 74--
--NARRATOR--
The morning came as it always did, but with a few clouds accompanying. The saloon's 'tenants' woke up and headed downstairs to see Yiski also walking into the main floor. Roland and Ny-Lee gave a big yawn which caused Jun'ko to giggle at the soon-to-be-newlyweds.
"I'm guessing you two didn't sleep that much."
Neither Roland nor Ny-Lee blushed which confused Jun'ko. Usually talk of their sexual activity would cause them to blush. Now it was Roland's turn to chuckle.
"You are correct about our lack of sleep, but wrong about the source. Darling here was excited yesterday in being able to find a lovely dress and took all that excitement to bed."
While those three were talking, Zill walked over to Yiski. The both of them gave small yawns and laughed at each other.
"Speaking of activities Zill, hope you and Jun aren't wrecking my upstairs."
"If we were, would you want me telling you?"
"Good point."
"Anyways, why do you still seem tired?"
"Come with me and I'll show you."
Zill tilted his head, but followed Yiski into the back into Yiski's room. Inside, Zill saw a number of designs for various weapon systems.
"Flak Yiski, did you come up with these last night?"
Yiski's only response was a smile. Zill could tell though there was a fair amount of wickedness behind it and gave him goosebumps. It was pleasant seeing Yiski making weapons again.
"Glad to know Yiski fights for Anvala. It'd be a nightmare going against his creations."
--NARRATOR END--
-
*Sky was one of the first few to enter the door, this time Iris isn't with him*
"Good morrow everyone, how are all of you doing this fine day?"
-
*Everyone turns to Sky and greets him. Roland then turns to Ny-Lee.*
"Well, I need to head out. There are a few matters I need to take care of."
*Ny-Lee stared into Roland's eyes to see if she could get anything out of his face.*
"Does it deal with our wedding?"
*Roland at Ny-Lee and gives her a kiss on the forehead.*
"It does."
"Will you tell me?"
"Nope. It is a surprise."
*Ny-Lee puffs out her cheeks in protest and Roland gives her kiss on the lips this time. Roland heads to the door.*
"I will be back shortly Yiski."
"Take care of that ankle of yours."
*Roland headed out and Yiski went to his room quickly to grab many of his blueprints.*
"Ny-Lee, you think you can watch the saloon for a bit? I need to drop these off at the armory and check a few things."
"Of course."
"Sky, you're welcome to come along to see if they've made the tungsten rounds for mercs."
"Sure, I'd like to see if they'd be viable on my planes."
*With papers under his arms, Yiski and Sky head for the Academy Armory.*
-
Zill waved to Sky, but was too intrigued by Yiski's designs. Some were too complicated, but some did have merit. He grinned at the thought of their tactical use.
"I hope some of these smaller ones come into focus. Our rear is lighter simply due to our normal flak battery's size. If we can get more, lighter alternatives, it would become quite the gauntlet."
Jun'ko chatted with Ny-Lee about her dress.
"So tell me what it looks like! Oh better yet, you need to show me some time!"
-
*Ny-Lee passes out a few drinks to some people that came in*
*Once she handed the last one, she goes to Jun*
"Oh I won't forget. But you should have seen the gown, even it took the whole evening, it was gorgeous."
*The door opens and BdrLine goes in*
"Hey brother. Let me guess, a Hellfire. And where is mother. "
*BdrLine goes to the bar and take a seat*
"Hey Ny, Jun, Zill, and yes you know me too well."
*Ny-Lee goes and hands a mug to him*
"It's one of the few drinks you actually drink here, anything other then that something bad happens to you."
"Yeah yeah *Sacastically* But mother, she out in the center looking for decorations and to send out the invitation"
*Takes a sip*
-
--Academy Armory--
*Sky and Yiski arrive at the armory. There Yiski drops a few designs off to the gunsmiths and glances over at the bullet press. Yiski spots a few merc rounds and Yiski smiles when he notices they've got the tungsten coating.*
"Commander, I see you've managed to spot the rounds. We made them overnight and they're ready for testing."
"Perfect. Set up galleon armor and give it double... er triple thickness. We can't have the round pierce through the range wall again."
"Understood."
*Sky and Yiski head out to the range and watch as a few trainees line up three 4" plates against each other. Since the mercury was going to be used, the each armor plate was about the size of a person. A gunsmith brought out the tungsten rounds for firing. Yiski placed the mercury about 1 km and loaded the mercury.*
"FIRE IN THE HOLE!"
*The shot rang out, but there was an unforeseen consequence: The additional propellant used gave the mercury a much stronger recoil and knocked Yiski back, almost dislocating his shoulder. Sky went up to the plates to inspect the damage. Yiski rubbed his shoulder.*
"Skies, that had a kick to it. Make a note fellas, we gotta redesign a mercury to handle this recoil."
*Yiski walked up to Sky whose jaw was dropped. Yiski then looked at what Sky's was looking at and his jaw dropped too. Upon further inspection, the group figured the tungsten round had pierced the first plate easily and lodged itself into the second plate. The explosion created a massive hole in the second plate, warped metal around the entry of the first plate, and dented the third plate.*
"So, I'll call this a success. So Sky, you think you could use this on your planes?"
*Meanwhile, Roland found himself at an engraver's workshop. After talking to the head engraver, the two agreed the engraver would polish and detail the two wedding bands. Roland would be able to pick up the bands tomorrow. Pleased with their agreement and the price, Roland hurried back to the saloon to help out Ny-Lee.*
-
*BdrLine finishes his Hellfire and takes a look around the room*
*He notices that two bartenders are missing from the scene*
"Hey Ny where is Yiski and Roland? Are you the only one work today?"
*Ny-Lee replaces her brothers mug and hives him a fresh one*
"For now yes. Yiski is out at the armoury taking some blueprints and my Roland is out doing something wedding related."
*BdrLine shrugs in acceptance of the answer and takes the new mug*
*He turns to Zill who is looking at some designs of somesort, puzzled he asks*
"So Zill looking at something interesting?"
-
*Roland enters the saloon and sees Ny-Lee working. Just as he approaches her, Ny-Lee sees him and dashes to him and jumps into him. Roland catches her and places her back down. Roland and Ny-Lee laugh and kiss each other.*
"I guess you missed me darling?"
"Yup. Your wedding plans going well?"
"Yes."
"Still not going to tell me, are you?"
"Nope." *Roland kisses her.* "You will have to wait."
*While the couple get lost in each others' gaze, BdrLine turns away from the love and downs his Hellfire.*
-
*Once Sky recovered from his shock, he says*
"Yiski, imagine there were a hundred bullets firing into the side of a spire. If they were normal rounds they wouldn't put a dent. But if it were these rounds, they could punch holes into their armor. And if it hit the powder magazine... I certainly would take these things into combat. Right now I'm not fighting any heavy armored targets, but when I do I expect these to be the main ammo. Also if infantry can carry it then its fine."
-
*Not wanting to be in front of the two lovebirds any longer, BdrLine downs the rest of the Helffire and pulls out a coin purse and place it on the counter*
"Ok I'm done for the day. I'm heading home, see you all tomorrow"
*Roland looking at the pouch on the counter and looks back at BdrLine*
"Um, what with the money?"
"Oh, that's the money I own on my tab, thought I can pay it off today."
*he gets up and heads out to his home at the docks*
-
--Armory--
*What should have been a quick drop off of designs turned into a full day of redesigning the mercury rifle to handle the new recoil caused by the tungsten rounds. Consequently, Yiski and the team of gunsmiths were at an impasse with two choices. One: Make a new gun, but the new gun could only be fitted to ships with a medium brace. Two: Reduce the propellant in the round, but sacrifice serious piercing power.*
"Commander, what if we increase the breach of the rifle?"
"Skies, we've gone over that it would comprise a small brace and the larger breach would cause a severe reduction in muzzle velocity."
*Yiski was getting frustrated. He had created a new round which could tear through any armor, but the current recoil would guarantee only a few shots could be fired before the operator's body would give out. He kept pouring over all the designs. Nothing gave him the solution.*
"Dammit. It's gettin' late. We'll figure this out later."
"But Commander, is it alright to leave it like this?"
"The problem will still be here in the mornin'."
*Yiski leaves the Academy and heads for the saloon. Along the way, he spots BdrLine heading to the docks.*
"You're headin' in early."
"Well there's only so much romance I can handle in a day. Oh and I paid off my tab."
"Good man. Speaking of tabs, I need to see who I need to collect from. Well, night BdrLine."
"Later Yiski."
*As the men parted ways, BdrLine felt a chill down his spine. He was glad he always paid his tabs timely. The last thing he wanted to experience was Yiski wielding a gatling at him.*
-
--NARRATOR--
Even though Yiski left the Armory, Skyraider stayed behind and looked over possible design solutions with a few gunsmiths. He felt Yiski was missing a simple solution. Eventually, Skyraider also called it a night.
Roland and Ny-Lee were busy maintaining the saloon. Zill was happily watching Jun'ko playing the piano and keeping an eye on any would-be patron who got too close to her. After last night's events, there was a healthy two foot space around Jun'ko which became no-man's land. When Yiski got back, he relayed the days progress of the tungsten ammo and his subsequent stall.
Eventually, everyone went to their respective rooms.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 74--
Sorry for the lazy close, but there are lazy people who need to post more. (ಠ_ಠ)
-
--START OD DAY 75--
--NARRATOR--
Yiski woke up a little later than usual. He spent a good portion of the night trying to figure out how to make the tungsten round work with the mercury without the heavy recoil. By the time Yiski went out into the main floor, he saw Ny-Lee, Zill, and Jun'ko, but no Roland.
"Where's Roland?"
"Nice to see you finally up Yiski. The kid said he had to stop by somewhere to pick up something."
"I see."
Yiski went around to the bar and started pouring himself a Hellfire. Zill shook his head.
"Don't you think it's a little early?"
"Hey, some people drink coffee, others, Hellfire."
"You mean only you drink Hellfires, and everybody else drinks coffee."
"Meh. Details."
As Yiski drinks his Hellfire, he had an idea. He didn't finish his Hellfire and bolted out the door. The three left couldn't respond fast enough to what was going on. Suddenly, Yiski popped his head inside.
"Sorry, but you guys mind watching the saloon for a bit. I just figured out something."
Again, before a response was had, Yiski was gone again. This time causing the three to chuckle.
--NARRATOR END--
-
A courier entered the Saloon and gave Zill a parchment. It was his inside report on all the workings of the City. These came in everyday and normally didn't merit much, but today's was interesting.
"Guess that's what Yiski is working on. Oh Flak, I need to head out too. I'll be back in a bit."
Jun'ko caught up to him before he could walk out the door, lifted his bandana mask, and kissed him. He grinned and made his way to the Rear Wall. The cleanup there was going too slow and he needed to intervene. He got on top of the wall and requested the Officer. He came quickly.
"Greetings Admiral."
"Ahoy. What's taking so long with getting the batteries and gate fixed?"
"Well sir, the mines you had deployed are proving worry-some to relocate. Since they are now armed, the troops don't want to go near them."
Zill can only laugh. The Officer was confused.
"Sir?"
"Let me tell you a secret. Those mines were always armed, even before deployment. Now go get them and don't drop them. It takes some good force to get them to blow but its never an exact science."
The Officer had a blank stare, as did the guards around them. Zill just laughed again and organized a team to collect the undetonated mines.
-
* slowly walks into the saloon*
"Ahoy! men, im back from chaladon, what a hell hole that was. I come bearing a present for our new "striker", speaking of which where is he. Anyway its all that the chaladonians were talking about."
*Presents a small wooden box*
"a little gift from Commodore Lockheart, its a striker badge, a new one the baronies asked me to deliver"
*Puts box on the bar*
"a hellfire would hit the spot right now"
*starts smoking his pipe*
-
Jun'ko prepares the Hellfire and rolls it over to Lockheart. She seems a little confused though.
"So you say Chaladon is a hell hole. All of the stories I've heard about it speak of a landscape much to that of pre-war. I can only imagine it to be a beautiful place.
-
*At the docks, BdrLine and Liu heads out of Bdr's home*
"Azn, I'll be heading off to the center again to finish the wedding preparations, once I'm finished I'll be heading to the saloon"
"Alright mother, I'm heading over here there now. I'll cath you later"
*Liu watches as her son walks towards the direction of the saloon*
*She then turn towards the center and stars walking*
*At the city center, Liu heads to the post office to mail out the final invitations.*
*Once done, she goes out the door and sees Roland out walking who doesn't notice her*
hmm what is my future son-in-law up too?
*Liu watches Roland as he goes into a shop*
*Deciding to see what he is up to, Liu moves away from thepost office entrance towards the shop Roland entered*
*At the saloon, BdrLine arrives outside where he sees Yiski briskly walk out*
"Hey Yiski."
*Bdr didn't receive an answer, but at a closer look at his face, he can tell that Yiski has something big planned*
Oh this can be good or bad. Must have made a new gun or ammo of some sorts
*BdrLine just walks on in and goes to the bar*
"Mourning all"
*Ny who sees her brother*
"Hey brother, you are up early"
*Ny sees Lockheart*
"Isn't Chaladon suppose to be nice this time of year?"
*BdrLine takes a seat and to Ny*
"Well with mother being here, she is making me get up, you thunk Yiski keeps coffee here?"
"I don't know, but can check"
*Ny-Lee goes to the back*
*BdrLine to Jun*
"Hey Jun, you admiral out and about today." *chuckles*
-
*replies to Jun'ko*
"Thats what i hate about it, they all know nothing of destruction and they are all wimps. they wouldn't last a chance out here, besides, i grew up around there i am a member of the nobles there..., but after several years of the seemingly perfect place you get bored, so i spent most of my life up in the fjords, there i joined the many fleets protecting the area from bandits. I grew to rank "Commodore"..."
*gulps the hellfire*
"Except i prefer captain, it rolls of the toungue better."
-
--Academy Armory--
*Yiski rushes in and spots a few gunsmiths, grabs them, and pulls them over to a workbench. Yiski starts grabbing a few different types of gunpowder and starts mixing them. The gunsmiths look at Yiski with confusion. Yiski stops and looks up at them.*
"Do I need to send you invites? Get some loch powder, standard powder, and charged powder. Mix them in 20%, 70%, and 10%."
*Hours pass and the team develops the new propellant and create a few rounds of the second prototype.*
"Set up galleon armor again."
*The trainees set up the plates again like last time and Yiski set up a mercury at 1 km. Yiski was set and loaded.*
"FIRE IN THE HOLE!"
*The shot rang out and this time Yiski didn't find himself on the ground or with a nearly dislocated shoulder. The effect of the shot was the same: Devastating. Yiski turned to the gunsmiths.*
"Okay, you got the plans and the new mixture for the powder. Get to work."
*The gunsmiths head back to the armory to start production on the tungsten rounds.*
"I feel sorry for anyone wanting to invade us again."
*With that, Yiski heads back to the saloon.*
*Meanwhile, Roland is at the engraver's shop to pick up, hopefully, the polished and engraved wedding bands.*
"Ah, there you are. Your order is ready."
*Roland inspects the bands and smiles.*
"Are they to order?"
"They are perfect."
*Roland pays the engraver, takes the bands, and puts them in his pocket. Now Roland had a new challenge: How do hide the bands from Ny-Lee until the wedding. A thought pops into Roland's mind and he heads off to the bank. At the bank, Roland manages to access his parents' deposit box and places the bands there for safekeeping.*
"It was safe enough to keep my parents' bands, so it is safe enough to keep my bands."
*Afterwards, Roland leaves and heads back to the saloon.*
-
-Saloon-
Jun'ko shrugs and walks over to the piano, thinking about Lockheart's opinion.
Still doesn't stop it from being possibly the best preserved place in the world...
She starts to play a slow melody, much to the patrons' enjoyment.
-Rear Wall-
Zill had the mines moved promptly and returned to the armory. After that he trusted the Officer could handle the task of repairing the gate and batteries. He walked off toward the port to settle his affairs there.
-
--City Center--
*As Liu nears the shop, Roland exited the building and heads of towards the bank*
Courious to where he came from, Liu goes to the window and sees that it is an engravers*
Oh how sweet, looks like Roland has something planned
*With that, Liu walks down the street to continue with the wedding preparations*
--Saloon--
*With Jun playing the piano in the background, BdrLine sits patiently listening to the music while waiting for Ny-Lee to come back*
*Ny then comes out from the back room*
"Sorry brother, I don't think Yiski have any coffee bean. "
"*sighs* oh well, I'll just get a hellfire"
*Ny pours Bdr one and hands it to him*
*He takes it and takes a sip*
*Still listening to the piano*
"At least today seems peaceful"
"Yeah just don't jinx it"
*Both siblings laugh as they converse with eachother while the music is still playing*
-
*lockheart gets out his lighter that has the initials "JL" embossed on the side and looks at it deeply, while opening and closing the lid"
"and....."
*drinks more hellfire*
"i guess it is nice....., the more i remember my childhood..."
"oh well. i visited them over there, but im glad to be back"
-
*Yiski and Roland make it back to the saloon. Roland walks up to Ny-Lee and kisses her.*
"Miss me?"
"Of course."
*Yiski is just happy to see the saloon still standing. He scans the room and doesn't see Zill, but spots Jun'ko.*
"Where's Zill?"
"I think he's dealing with some clean up stuff."
*Yiski shrugs and walks over to the bar and makes himself a Frost Fire Ale. He turns to Roland*
"So did you get things taken care of?"
"Yes, to ensure its safety, I dropped it off at the bank."
"Good thinkin'."
-
*sees yiski*
"ahoy yiski, striker"
*salutes*
"by personal delivery from the baronies"
*presents yiski with the box, with yiski's striker badge in*
"Bottoms up" *smiling*
*drinks the rest of his hellfire while humming along to the piano*
-
*Yiski takes the badge and sighs at Lockheart.*
"You do realize how long I've not been a part of the Baronies right? Almost nine years late with this."
*Roland turned to Yiski.*
"Wait, did you not use your Striker's badge initially?"
*Yiski gave Roland a sheepish grin.*
"Well, I left the Baronies as a Striker, but I never did get the correct badge. The one you saw me use was my old Chief Artillerist badge."
-
*Honeybadger wakes up from the spot in the saloon in which he passed out*
Honeybadger: "Liu? Yiski? Anybody?"
*Honeybadger wearily looked around the room. Then sighed and pulled out his deck of now new and premium playing cards*
-
-Port Tar Barrel-
Zill walked into the still defended complex and looked around. Trade ships were back in place of galleons, and dockmen and traders took majority over militia. He went over to his galleon got aboard. A few men were performing routine work when he got on deck and they quickly saluted him. He went off into his chambers. The battle plans were still sprawled across the place from the attack. He went to the back and got an old case from under an old book. Upon opening it, he withdrew one of many cigars. He replaced the box, lit his cigar, and went back out on deck.
Been awhile since I've seen this place working so well. A small victory among others.
He shrunk the garrison there to maintain order and keep the guns in place for now, then headed for the warehouse to sort his affairs there.
-
*BdrLine hears Honeybadger and turns to look at him*
"Oh didn't know you are still here. ...hmm Ny i think he may need a frost fire to get him back"
"Already on it"
*Ny pours a mug of frost fire ale and goes over and hands it to Honeybadger on the couch*
*After finishing all her work, Liu comes in the saloon*
"Hey mother"
"Hello mother"
"Hello to you two as well"
*Liu goes to the bar and takes a seat*
*Ny-Lee*
"So you finished with everything for the wedding then?*
"Why yes, and speaking of which I'll be leaving in a few days on one of my trading ships going back home to tell your father and younger brother."
*BdrLine*
"Already? You only been here for nine days"
"I know, but i need to go back. I have to check on my company, oversee the cruise ship, and i bet your father might be a little overwhelmed with Huan."
*BdrLine and Ny-Lee chuckles at the last comment*
"But i still have a few more days where we can spend it with each other. Plus we are going to see each other again at the wedding, so look forward to that."
"You think we can bring Roland along?"
"Thats up to him, Roland?"
-
*Roland turns to Liu.*
"Well, I do not mind coming along, but I do not want to impose."
"Nonsense. You're practically family already."
"Well, then I suppose it would be rude to decline, so I will be happy to go along."
"Splendid!"
--Abandon House in an Unknown Location--
*There's a group of ten individuals huddling over a table with different types of building blueprints and city layout.*
"You sure this plan will work? I mean we are trying to rob a bank in the most heavily fortified city in the world."
"No worries. I've got a few friends who'll lift any probable chance of lockdown."
"Also, if we cause the diversion at the Council building, there'll be no one guarding the bank."
"I get that, but what about getting by all the flak and merc batteries? All the money won't do us good if we get shot a few hundred meters away."
"Don't worry, we'll be escaping through the west."
"You want to escape through the Gauntlet?! Have you gone mad?"
"With our squids hovering over the ground, they won't be able to get decent shots."
"And the mine field?"
"Since the failed invasion, they've had to bring back most of the mines for inspection. Something about them being old and unresponsive."
*This group had plans tomorrow.*
-
--NARRATOR--
The rest of the evening was uneventful. Zill was stuck at the docks for the whole day. Luckily, Jun'ko decided to surprise him during the late afternoon and the two subsequently spent the night on Then It Was Fixed Again.
Back at the saloon, Ny-Lee, BdrLine, and Liu stayed after closing to figure out when it would be the best time to for the family get together prior to the wedding. With most of the details worked out, BdrLine and Liu left for his place.
Roland and Ny-Lee said goodnight to Yiski before heading upstairs. While the couple were in their room, Ny-Lee attempted to get Roland to divulge his surprise, but Roland was adamant in his resistance. Eventually, her "encouraging" turned into "activities" which led to "sleeping."
Despite the new saloon materials, it still wasn't thick enough to block all sounds in a dead silent main floor. Yiski laughed and headed into the back for his room to get rest and silence. He wasn't going to head to the Armory tomorrow, figuring the gunsmiths can figure out the rest on their own.
Meanwhile, the ten individuals were finalizing their plans for tomorrow.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 75--
-
--START OF DAY 76--
--NARRATOR--
Yiski woke up happy and refreshed. He was glad he was able to work a new propellant which reduced the mercury's tungsten round's recoil to almost zero. When Yiski walked out to the main floor, he saw he was the first up. He walked up to the window when...
*BOOM*
"Skies, that can't be good because it's not me causing it."
Yiski grabbed the standard rifle because it was equipped with the tungsten rounds. By the time he was almost out the door, Roland rushed downstairs and call over.
"Yiski, what is happening? We thought we heard an explosion?"
"You did and it wasn't caused by me. Grab Blood Bolt off the wall and bunker down here. I'm goin' out."
Yiski left the saloon and started heading for the area where the explosion occurred by following the smoke. When Yiski arrived, he noticed he was at the Council buildings and noticed there were swarms of Elites and Regular guards. Yiski approached an Elite and showed him his Commander's symbol.
"What happened?"
"Sir! Early this morning there was an explosion. We're unsure if this is the work of saboteurs and unsure if there are more bombs."
"Lockdown the city and get the batteries up and running. I'll be heading to the docks."
"Understood."
Yiski leaves and was en-route to the docks. While passing through the City Center...
*BOOM*
Another explosion goes off, but it's louder and nowhere near the Council. Yiski sees the smokes and realizes it's the bank.
"Flak. The first was a diversion!"
Yiski stops a citizen and tells her to run to the Council building and grab a few guards because the bank is getting robbed. The citizen runs off and Yiski runs off to the bank.
When Yiski arrives there's smoke, rubble, and a huge hole at where the bank's doors should be. Amiss the chaos, Yiski notices a few individuals leaving the bank with large satchels and armed. Yiski ducks behind a stone statue, aims, and fires. Yiski gets three shots off and takes out three of the armed robbers. The shots pierced their bodies and were lodged into the bank's structure before igniting the signature red smoke.
The remaining seven robbers immediately duck behind some of the rubble and fire at Yiski's position causing Yiski to pull into cover.
Meanwhile the robbers were yelling at each other.
"Shit, we lost Henry, Joe, and Junior! I thought you said there'll be no guards!"
"No, I said there'd be very little. Huge difference."
"Yeah no shitting!"
"Both of you shut up. It only looks like one guy." He gets up to shoot at Yiski. "I mean what can one guy do to...urk!"
The others notice suddenly his head had a fist-sized whole before falling down.
"Dammit! The hell are we going to do now? This guard is clearly a marksman!"
"No worries. I got these."
One robber pulled a two grenades from her side pouch.
"Give me cover!"
She then proceeded to lob both grenades into Yiski's cover. Yiski saw both grenades roll to his left side. Luckily for him the grenades were thrown early and he had a few seconds to kick both away...
*BOOM* *BOOM*
...But not far enough. The explosions cause Yiski to be knocked down and hit his head against the ground, causing a mild concussion. When the robbers thought they had their chance, the started bolting for the docks. Yiski managed to get some bearings and took a look at the fleeing robbers. One robber caught his particular attention and he said almost inaudibly.
"Lauren?"
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Port tar Barrel-
Zill rose quickly at the sound of explosions. He got onto his Galleon deck and used his spyglass to see the bomb sites.
Looks like the Council building and the Bank. My guess is a robbery, and we're the closest dock.
Zill gives a shout from his main deck and signals the workers and garrison.
"I want all of you moving batteries and watching all entrances for an armed group. All ships here are now on lockdown. Muster and weapons you can and turtle up."
In an instant, the workers and few soldiers bolted into action. Jun'ko rushed out of the chambers with a rifle ready to go.
"An attack?"
"Looks like a robbery of the Bank. Make sure my squid is ready to fly just in case."
"Never a dull moment my admiral."
She grins and takes his keys for his warehouse. Zill takes stock of his position. He started regretting shrinking the garrison so low, but it was up to them and dockworkers now. He got on his armor and loaded his pistol, then headed for the main entrance to the Port.
-
--Bank--
By the time Yiski got more stable, three guards arrived and saw Yiski's bloodied face. One of the guards help prop up Yiski.
"Commander you're in need of medica..."
"Can it. We're goin' to the closest port."
"Commander you're in no..."
Yiski gave the guard a soul-piercing stare. While Yiski's face was bloodied and still bleeding, his expression was one of anger and spite. Given the stories and rumors of Yiski circulating around since the Birdmen incident, none of them were willing to have his anger unleashed on them. The guards reluctantly helped Yiski move toward the docks. Yiski gave orders to one.
"Get this information over the military channels quickly."
--Saloon--
Roland and Ny-Lee were standing behind the bar. Roland had Blood Bolt aimed at the door and Ny-Lee had her pistol and knives.
Suddenly, there was a radio transmission.
"Attention to units. Bank robbery in progress. Suspects are assumed to be six individuals heading for Port Tar Barrel. They are considered armed and dangerous. Commander's orders are to first capture. Barring that, eliminate."
Ny-Lee turns to Roland who has turned white.
"What's wrong?"
"We have to get to the docks."
"What?"
"You heard. They hit the banks."
"What does that..."
Under the possibility the weddings bands were taken, Roland told Ny-Lee what he and Yiski were up to within the past few days. While Ny-Lee should have been ecstatic about having handmade wedding bands, she was now equally furious at the possibility of losing them. The two left and headed for the docks.
--Port Tar Barrel--
Zill heard the radio transmission before setting up and felt better about the reduced garrison. Including him and Jun'ko, there were only eight other defenders with him. When Zill and the others near the entrance, they found themselves under fire from inside the docks.
"Flak! Get to cover!"
"Zill, who's shooting at us?!"
Zill looked over and noticed a few workers were laying down suppressing fire. Consequently, Zill and the defenders were out of position and pinned to a side of the docks, leaving the entrance wide open.
"Damn traitors. If we all live, I'll suggest the damn firing squad for them."
The sudden turncoat assault caused the normal workers to panic and abandon setting up any of the batteries near the port.
The robbers approached the docks and heard gunfire. They quickly made it to the entrance and noticed more of their group were pinning down Zill's force.
"Fuck! There were guards here too!"
"Don't worry, they're pinned. Now shut up and get to our squids!"
"What about the help?"
"They were always expendable."
As the robbers got on, they noticed a problem: During the firefight, the help neglected to unchain the ships when lockdown was declared. A few robbers got off and tried to undo the chains. Zill saw all this and cursed to himself. He again regretted having so few defenders on him. He then noticed one of the turncoats fell over and burst giving off red smoke. The turncoats scattered into their own cover.
"Love, I believe that's a direct hit. You're getting better at sniping."
"I guess. Still doesn't feel right though."
Roland and Ny-Lee managed to get near the dock entrance and spotted Zill and company not pinned and returning fire.
"I thought I said stay at the saloon."
Roland and Ny-Lee turned to see a bloodied Yiski with three guards in tow. Roland was about to speak to Yiski's condition, but Yiski put up his hand and explained the current situation preempted his need for treatment. Roland then explained the possibility of the bands being in the robbers' possession.
Eventually, the new combined forces managed to take out the turncoats and two robbers who successfully undid the chains. Yet, the last four robbers found themselves surrounded and out gunned.
"This is Striker Commander Yiski. You have two options. 'A' surrender and we might not put you under a firin' squad. Or 'B' you don't surrender and you die."
One robber thought to herself. "Yiski? It can't be!"
"So, how long has it been Yiski?"
"Well, if you forgive my concussion, it should be eight years, Lauren."
Some of the robbers were now contemplating surrendering, but Lauren planned to escape. She manages to convince the other three to throw over the stolen goods. Yiski called over.
"Am I assuming this means you're surrenderin'?"
"Not exactly."
"Don't be stupid..."
Suddenly, the port filled up with massive amounts of tar which debilitated the team. Lauren managed to activate the tar near the engines. She then took the helm and roared out of the port. By the time the tar cleared, Lauren had already cleared 3 km and heading toward Eilius.
Roland rushed to the bags and searched for his parents' deposit box number and found it among the other goods. Roland gave a huge sigh of relief. Yiski was glad, the bands weren't taken, but now was another concern.
"So how about that trip to the triage?"
-
--Docks--
*BdrLine's House*
*All is quiet in the house as bothe BdrLine and his mother are still in their separate rooms still sleeping*
*In his room, BdrLine is sleeping soundly, until the explosions rang through the city knocking him out of bed*
The Flak? I thought the raiders were gone?
*Liu wakes up as well with a fright and goes out form her room to Bdr's*
"Azn what's happening? Are we getting attacked again?"
*BdrLine getting up from the floor looks out his window to see smoke clouds at two different location.*
"I don't know"
*He goes to the door and starts to go downstairs, With Liu following behind*
*BdrLine then heads for the entrance to go out*
"Mother stay here. I'm going out to see what is happening, upstairs back in Ny's room, I think she left her pistol there. Go and get it, and if anyone comes, use it. You know how to use it right?"
"Yes I know how to work a gun. Had to in my early travels"
"Ok mother, stay safe"
*BdrLine goes out the door towards his warehouse to get his rifle, while Liu heads to Ny-Lee's room to retrieve the pistol*
*As BdrLine arrives at his warehouse he opens the door and remembers all his things are in the basement*
*He heads downstairs and spots his bolt-action on a weapons table*
*Quickly he goes over to it and slings it over his shoulder and grabbing an ammunition belt*
*Outside, he hears muffled gunfire as he runs outside*
*BdrLine heads back up outside and sees Zill and the others and tar clouds*
*He runs over to them*
"The Flak just happened?!? Nevermind, is everyone alright?"
*Ny-Lee sees her brother*
"We are all fine, looks like we had a robbery but we got everything back, but the robbers escaped. Where mother?"
"Safe back at home. What a way to start the mourning huh?"
"Not exactly"
-
having fallen out of his bed from the explosions lockheart and his crew were running up some of the robbers "friends" at the docks.
*Sword pointing at a group of workers and his pistol at his side*
"see, we here arn't with the admiral, but we like this place a hell of a lot"
*his crew were pointing there weapons at them, among coldcurse who had been staying aboard the "Yeshan Dragon" *
"so if you would be kind and let these nice guards take you away that would be preferable to you losing another firefight."
*guards take men away*
"nice work gents"
*sees the squid take off and rushes to the port to meet everyone, pistol drawn*
"what's happened here?"
He says out of breath.
-
--Port Tar Barrel--
The two guards were helping Yiski get to the nearest triage to get some medical attention. This left Roland to explain the current state of things to Lockheart.
Yet there was a question in everyone's mind. What connection does Yiski have with this 'Lauren'? Before anyone figured out how to approach the subject, Yiski was at a triage. Ny-Lee looks to Roland.
"How do you think this 'Lauren' and Yiski are connected?"
Roland shrugs his shoulders.
"Not a clue. You know Yiski is not one to talk about his past in detail."
-
Zill kicked the dust and surveyed the surroundings. Everything was pretty much intact. Soldiers were carrying the turn-coats away, a few dockworkers were beginning the cleanup, and they were all left standing there. Zill just mumbles under his breath and walks off toward his Galleon. Jun'ko, recognizing his frustration, answers Lockheart.
"Some robbers got away with their lives and nothing else. I guess Yiski recognized one, but we won't know much about that till he gets patched up."
She lets out a sigh and heads toward the saloon. Zill would want some space and she needed a drink after yet another eventful day.
Zill sat on his main deck railing and took a swig from his flask. Overlooking the Port, he saw Yiski getting carried off, and the group slowly dispersing. He looked over the rest of the City which was still hazy from the smoke of the bombs. Too many thoughts crossed his mind and he finished off his flask to drown them. He saw the flash of a Council courier's outfit coming into the docks, followed by him walking toward his galleon.
Yiski was right. No rest for the wicked.
-
After hearing the news, lockheart retreated back to his galleon and challenged coldcurse to a spar, the crew gathered round as lockheart and coldcurse traded blows while the crew drank and cheered, this went on for some time.
Lockheart: "well ill call it a draw, you did good for someone on a new limb."
*they both chatted at the captains table on the helm deck of the ship before lockheart headed back to the saloon*
*walks into the saloon*
"Good day, i hope your all well after this morning."
*sits down on his usuall seat*
"a white steam whiskey if you would"
-
--Saloon--
Roland and Ny-Lee returned to open the saloon. Worrying about Yiski wasn't going to keep the saloon running, so the two worked waiting for Yiski to return.
--Triage Center Near Port Tar Barrel--
Yiski was being treated with a blood pack. A few doctors were concerned about his concussion, but Yiski was adamant about not having to stay the day under watch. After an hour or so, Yiski was patched up, except for a noticeable horizontal scar over Yiski's right eyebrow when he hit his head against the ground. Yiski took a look at it and laughed.
"I better not make a habit of messin' up my face or I'll end up like Zill."
Yiski was about to leave when two Elites walked in. Yiski visibly facepalmed and grimaced from contacting his still sore face.
"Commander we have a few questions to ask you concerning one of the robbers."
"Can it wait? I've got a throbbing headache and I can use a drink."
"Commander..."
Yiski simply got up and walked out. He looked to an Elite.
"I'll write up a report. You'll get it tomorrow."
-
--Saloon--
After a long day of flying, Surette figured it was about time to stop by the Burning Skies Saloon he had been hearing so much about. "I'll take one of whatever your special is," he said after walking up to the bar and finding an open seat. "By the way, I hope I'm wrong, but it sounded like a couple of explosions off in the distance earlier. Is everything alright down here? I can't help but notice the saloon's looking a little empty at the moment."
-
*to surette*
"its all fine, just a couple of turncoats trying to rob the bank, and put this mans drink on my tab"
*drinks*
"i may be off again soon back to chaladon, my father wants a word. thats never good..."
-
Yiski walks in the saloon. Roland waves at Yiski.
"How are you feeling?"
"Better than earlier."
Roland notices Yiski still looks a bit uneasy.
"You sure you do not want to rest?"
"I'm fine. You worry too much."
Ny-Lee serves Surette his drink and walks over to Yiski, giving him a quick hug.
"If it's all the same, I'd rather not have you incapacitated for the wedding."
"I'll try, but no promises."
Yiski walks over and makes himself a Clear Skies. As he's drinking, he thinks about Lauren.
"Why can't the dead stay dead?"
-
--Saloon--
*BdrLine and Liu walks in through the door.*
*Liu sees Ny-Lee and and goes over to check if she had any injuries*
"Mother what are you doing?"
"I'm just checking if you are hurt. Just worried thats all"
*Ny-Lee hugs her mother to reassure her*
"Mother I'm alright, when we got there, we surrounded the robbers, but they managed to escaped. But we manage to retrieve all the stolen items"
*She turns to Roland*
"Speaking of which, can i see the rings you made?"
*Finally figuring out what was Roland was doing a few days back, she smiles*
So he made wedding rings for both of them and had them engraved.
*BdrLine goes over to the bar and takes a seat*
"Well, since this is over for now, Roland can you make me a Hellfire?"
*Roland goes and makes him one*
*BdrLine takes it and sees Surette*
"Oh didnt see you there, Sorry you had to come to see all this. So new around Anvala?"
-
"Thank you, good sir," nodding appreciatively at Lockheart's gesture. Surette smiles as Ny-Lee as places his drink in front of him. Noticing Yiski enter, he turns around in his seat. "So, I take it you're Yiski, the owner of this fine establishment? It's a pleasure to finally visit." Catching wind of Yiski's conversation with Roland, Surette grows curious. "You weren't injured in those explosions, were you? This man was telling me there was a bank robbery. When will people learn," Surette asks, sighing to himself.
Surette turns again and waves to BdrLine as he sits down next to him. "Yes, I'd been hearing about this saloon and decided I needed to stop by for myself. Unfortunate that all of this happened at the same time, but it's good to see everyone here is alright." Surette takes a large swig of his drink. "At least the drinks live up to their reputation."
-
*BdrLine takes a sip of his Hellfire*
*He turns to Surette*
"Well we all seen worst..., but never mind that. Same here, at leats everyone is still alive"
*Liu then goes over and take another seat at the bar*
"With all this excitement in the mourning, I may need a Frost Fire, Ny if you please?"
"Sure thing mother"
*Ny-Lee goes a pours a mug and gives it to her mother*
*Liu takes it and starts to drink it*
-
When Ny-Lee asked to see the bands, Roland becomes slightly flush, but since he gave away what the surprise was, he figured there wasn't a point of hiding anymore. Even though the deposit boxes were returned, Yiski managed to pull a few strings to let Roland take the bands out. Roland reached into his pocket and pulled out the rings to show both his future wife and future mother-in-law.
"It may not be anything expensive, but it is durable and long-lasting... like us."
Roland turned red adding the last part and Ny-Lee did too. Liu looked on and chuckled. Yiski also chuckled, but it also brought back a few memories of his own. Memories he wished stayed buried.
"To think I was where Roland is eight years ago."
Yiski immediately repressed the memory. He took another swig of his Clear Skies. He hoped to keep those memories in the past, something Yiski knew was going to fail. He broke this line of silent thinking by turning to Surette.
"I'm glad you like my brews. I've got some more potent brews on tap if you're interested."
-
Surette smiled at Yiski's offer. "Well, I might as well try some while I'm here, especially after this morning's events. Just surprise me with something," Surette suggested, hoping he wouldn't regret that statement."
He turned to the rest of the group. "I suppose I should introduce myself. I'm Surette. It's nice to meet all of you, and I appreciate your hospitality. Let me know if there's any way I can help in the aftermath of the robbery, though it looks like Yiski here took care of that himself."
-
*checks pocket watch and downs the last of his drink*
*2 chaladonian army men walk in*
*lockheart turns round and stands up*
"oh lord, did he have to send for me like this"
Guard 1: "Julius Lockheart, Commodore of the firnfeld fleet and second lieutenant of the chaladon watch"
"yep thats me"
Guard 2 : "you have been called by Major-Gener.."
"Save it, my father wants me , yeah, yeah"
"this is embarrassing"
*stands up, pays his tab and starts walking out with the guards*
"i'll be back soon, i hope!"
--The Docks--
*boards his galleon and heads off for his family home in chaladon, to meet with his father for whatever he wants, Lockheart is glad and yet upset, as he gets to see his wife and family but his father on the other hand, less wanting to see, he will probably want to talk about him doing a mission for the chaladon foot-troops, but nonetheless he was family and somewhat happy to be able to see him for more than a quick whiskey drink in his study, where lockheart got yiski's badge*
-
Yiski looks to Surette.
"Well, I've got something called Wild Wind Ale. But let me warn you, you'll definitely have some sort of hallucination."
Yiski makes a mug of WWA and places it in front of Surette.
"I'll leave this here."
-
*looks around wonders if it's to late to join in been hovering out side for.a while*
-
*BdrLine eyes the mug placed in front of Surette*
"If you excuse me, I'll be seating over there"
*Ny-Lee hears her borthers comment and chuckles to herself*
"Still can't take the wild wind I see"
*BdrLine picks up his drink and moves two seats down, he turns to his sister*
"I just don't want to be near that drink. You of all people knows what it did, especially to me"
*Ny-Lee just burst out laughing at the past memory when she forced BdrLine to drink one*
"That's what you get for spying on me and Roland on our date"
*BdrLine just shivers at that memory*
-
--Port Tar Barrel--
Zill was managing the workers in the clean up the docks and managing the defenders in resetting the mine fields. Jun'ko helped out in supervising the clean up, allowing Zill to concentrate on military matter. Zill sighs to himself.
"Flak. Defense should be Yiski's job now. Why the hell am I still here?"
Zill's thought is broken with Jun'ko surprising him with a hug from behind. Zill couldn't see, but knew she had a giant smile across her face. The show of romance caused a few workers and defenders to look on for a little to long.
"If this isn't done by today, I'll send all of you on a three month long patrol duty!"
If the workers and defenders weren't working fast before, they were certainly in overdrive now.
--Saloon--
The thoughts of the past still kept creeping to the forefront of Yiski's mind.
"Skies, if this continues, I'm goin' to see if gettin' drunk of my ass will fix it."
-
"Thanks... I think." Surette stares down at the mug of Wild Wind Ale with interest, before cautiously raising it towards his lips. Taking a sip, he instantly gets a dizzying sensation. "Well, here goes nothing..." Surette takes a long swig from the mug, and finds himself deep in the heart of a jungle. Yiski? What happened to the saloon? Why am I in a jungle? Surette reaches down and pulls out his machete that he doesn't remember ever having, but this is no time for asking questions. He begins running along the jungle floor, hacking aside brush that happens to be in his way. With each slash, the trees around him change from green to blue to purple to red to yellow to white to slash rainbow.
With the final slash, the forest walls transform into a technicolor dance party. Trees are swaying in rhythm, the colors overwhelming. Animals scurry out of their homes to join the festivities. A polkadot tiger waltzes over to Surette, asking him to hop on. Naturally, Surette obliges excitedly as the two race through the trees, the colors blurring and whirling behind him. He lets out a war cry with his machete raised high. Nearby inhabitants cower in fear as the tiger deftly maneuvers around roots and branches, carrying the crazed Surette with ease. To Narnia! Surette commands the tiger. My people need me! The tiger edges faster, until the entire world blends into a single point of light. WAAARRBAAHARHAG!
Thud. Surette opens his eyes to the dimly lit saloon ceiling. The colors had drained, and Yiski, Bdr, Roland, Ny-Lee, and Liu stood circled around him, all grinning. "I think I'm good with the rest of this Wild Wind Ale. Although I did meet a tiger. My head hurts." Surette stumbles to his feet, picks up an overturned barstool, and takes his seat again. "I think I'll just sit here for a while."
-
Yiski and the other patrons had a good laugh at Surette's expense with his hallucination.
"I gotta say, it's always interestin' to see how people react to the Wild Wind."
Roland shakes his head and hands Surette a Clear Skies.
"This should help a bit." Roland turns to Yiski. "I do not see how it is even proper to keep any Wild Wind in the saloon."
-
*BdrLine chuckles at Surette's reaction to the WWA*
"Was I that crazy when I was under it?"
*Ny-Lee calls to him*
"Nope yours still the funniest"
*He goes red*
*Liu goes over to Ny and whispers*
"You should tell me what was his before I go"
"Oh I wouldn't miss it"
-
Yiski's idea of drinking to forget the past was a bad idea. One, because it usually takes a lot of alcohol to accomplish it. Two, because he couldn't forget causing more drinking in a vain attempt to forget. After a number of drinks, Yiski just stopped.
"Roland... I'm go... goin' to the back... for a bit. You think... think... skies, handle the saloon."
Before any response is made, Yiski slinks off into the back at sits down at his workbench and lays his head down. Ny-Lee looks at Roland inquisitively.
"You think this has to do with the mystery woman?"
"More than likely."
-
--NARRATOR--
Yiski eventually found his way to his bed. There, he laid staring at the ceiling and still thinking about Lauren.
"Almost eight years huh? Skies, seems like my past is always comin' to bite me in the ass."
Yiski reminisced about their time together. The two had actually met in Anvala. Eventually, Yiski stayed in Anvala to attend the Academy and Lauren traveled to Lord's Point to become a pilot. During his stint in the Baronies, before the Baronies/Guild Conflict, he had crewed for her on a few recon missions. When Yiski left the Baronies and returned to Anvala, he kept regular correspondence with Lauren. Given his early start of running the Burning Skies, Lauren did visit Yiski often.
All their time together led up to the events nearly eight years ago when Yiski proposed to Lauren. He was devastated when Lauren couldn't give him a yes or no question. It also didn't help he had sprung it on her when she had a mission to the Firnfeld in two days.
Remembering how he felt when she didn't give him an answer though didn't compare to the news of her now alleged death on the mission. Reports had stated that a severe ice storm mixed with raiders had taken down her ship and crew. What was odd in the reports though was the fact the wreckage was never found despite the other pilots pinpoint location. Given the current situation, Yiski guessed Lauren had faked her death.
"But why?"
This was something he couldn't figure out and the only person who could had probably already cleared the distance between here and Chang-ning. That thought brought a stifled chuckle from him. He knew Lauren to be a speed demon when it came to piloting.
Eventually, the alcohol exerted its influence on Yiski and he fell asleep quickly. His last thoughts of her being far away from Anvala.
His very wrong thoughts.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 76--
-
--START OF DAY 77--
--NARRATOR--
Roland and Ny-Lee came downstairs into the main floor and, to their surprise, saw no sign of Yiski. Concerned about his drinking binge last night, the two go check up on their pseudo landlord. They knock on his door, but get no response. They then decide to enter his room and see Yiski face down into his pillow.
"Yiski? Are you feeling well?"
"...ugh..."
Yiski rolled over to his side and barely cracked his eye open to see the couple standing at the door. Yiski then rubbed his face.
"...ugh... You know what ...urk... don't worry about openin'."
"Are you sure? You know we do not mind helping."
"No... no... ugh.. can't have you doin' this everyday. You two ...urp... enjoy yourselves."
The couple stood in a doorway for a few moments. Yiski simply waved his hand in a 'shoo' motion. The two still hesitating, but left the saloon. Few minutes later, Yiski felt a presence still in his room. Without looking or opening his eyes...
"I swear you kids need to enjoy yourselves."
"Well, I'm not a kid anymore."
The voice made Yiski snap his eyes open. Before him in his bedroom doorway, was Lauren. She had the same grin on her face he remembers from eight years ago. Yiski was speechless. Lauren laughed.
"I think this is the first time I've seen you speechless."
Yiski closed his mouth to think for a bit. He looked Lauren over.
"So, how the hell are you still here?"
"Funny you should ask."
--NARRATOR END--
-
Zill opened his eyes slowly to the sunlight creeping into the dusty galleon chambers. Across the room was Jun'ko getting herself together, clothes missing. He just quietly got comfortable and watched. She was humming a tune that was foreign to him, and getting her hair done up nicely. She normally just put it up for work, so it made Zill curious what she was planning. Suddenly she turned around and grinned, noticing her audience.
"Well good morning my admiral."
"It is indeed. What's the occasion?"
"Well, I was thinking instead of the usual work load, you took a day and we went to City Center."
Zill glanced over to the parchment the courier from yesterday left for him. Jun'ko saw it and put it in a drawer.
"I'm you're boss today. Now get ready for a day off."
"Can't argue with that, now can I?"
Zill smirked as he got up and ready for the day out. Jun continued to hum her tune as he got on his best uniform, followed by his bandana mask. She took out a nice dress she saved from her eviction, and slipped it on. They stood in front of eachother for a minute to see the results, and they both laughed. The transformation was interesting, and they both accepted it and went outside.
"I'm rusty with the gentlemen stuff so you'll have to deal with me."
"Oh please, I wouldn't of stuck around this long if I cared one bit. Just be you."
Hmm. Be me? What could go wrong...
-
Yiski locked the main door and shuts the blinds. He still was feeling hungover, but right now that's was the least of his worries. What he was worried about was his supposedly dead lost love, now alive, who is also a wanted fugitive within Anvala was sitting in the middle of the saloon and smiling at him.
Yiski walked over to the bar and made himself a Clear Skies and his hungover remedy. The combined drinks quickly got rid of his hangover, but now he was left with a splitting headache with the situation before him.
"You know I need to report and turn you in."
"I know."
"Then why are you here?"
"I thought I'd stop by and see you."
"You've got a hell of a way to do it. Also, you look good for a dead woman, but not as good as I remember."
"Eight years underground will do that."
There was a long awkward silence. Lauren walked over to the bar.
"So you want to serve me something?"
-
Honeybadger: Hmm, I need to leave for the Baronies soon. I should write a note for Liu should I not be able to tell the story.
*Honeybadger reached into his bag and pulled out a piece of paper and a pen and begins to write*
-
*Honeybadger had finished writing the letter OUTSIDE OF THE SALOON, he took an envelope and a red wax sealer from his bag and put the letter in the envelope sealing it*
*The letter reads*
Dear Liu,
I regret to inform you I will not be here for dinner tonight on the grounds that I will be leaving the provence to go back to my home town in the Baronies to visit my friend who has recently been tinkering with a sort of electronic instument. Anyways, I felt bad because I didn't tell you the story so I'm writing it down here.
When I first met your sister I was a traveling magician and showman as you might remember, I didn't have many enemys (at least not in Yesha), but in the short time I knew your sister, I met many men who wanted to put me six feet under, but I'm a magician and they were filled with rage so I would always draw faster, and sometimes first. Then I met a man, who I learn is now a high ranking general in the Emporers Army. Back then he was a Lieutenant, on several airships. He had his eye on your sister and he wanted me out of the picture, so he got some of his friends, made up that I was a wanted criminal and swept me aside from society. I was at the brink of public execution when all of a sudden a bandit/rebel made a bombing run of the city, so while he was mooning the crowds of people he was bombing, I made my escape to the Arashi League by breaking free of my chains and escaping authoritys to a nearby military airship.
I spent long days and nights wandering in the dunes, I thought I would die from heat and exhaustion, when the same man who was bombing Yesha accidentally had a crew member fall off the ship. After he came down to retrieve the man, I snuck up on the ship and made my way to the league where I stayed and made a living off magic and crafting.
I felt bad about leaving your sister. But I felt worse about leaving her with that General. After I get my hardware from the Baronies, I will return here and then go back to Yesha to try to repair at least some of my past. It's a start.
See you soon,
~Honeybadger
P.S. Thank Papa for me.
*Honeybadger sealed the letter AND SLID IT UNDER THE DOOR BECAUSE IT'S LOCK*
-
(OOC: For the post above my letter, I am sitting on the coutch OUTSIDE OF THE SALOON BECAUSE I CAN'T GET IN)
-
--Chaladon--
Lockheart was walking towards his family house, a big impressive stone building. just for the occasion of visiting his father he was wearing his firnfeld commodore "war room" jacket. as he approached the house from the street 2 guards stood at its gates, they recognised him and opened the gates, as he walked through the slammed behind him. As he was walking towards his house he was brushing dust and dirt of of his clothes to make himself more presentable. He had adorned his jacket with his second lieutenant badges and shoulder pads, and his commodore cuffs and badges, he pauses outside the front door.
"well, here goes nothing"
*opens the door to be greeted by his family, his mother, father, brother and sister.*
"Good morning all" *he says with arms outstretched*
*his mother runs up and gives him a hug, over her shoulder he can see his wife, Cecelia, he breaks out of the hug gently and walks towards her*
Lockheart: "long time no see, how are you?"
Cecelia: "oh im good, apart from the lack of husband for 2 months"
Lockheart: "I know, im sorry..." *sighs*
"how can i make it up to you?"
Cecilia: "maybe a nice dinner at..."
Adrian Lockheart (father): "woah, hold on you forget why you came, hiring that fancy escort wasn't cheap!"
*lockheart sighs*
"Sorry darling, just hold on for a hour i promise"
*lockheart and his father walk off into adrian's study*
-
--City Center--
*Since Yiski gave them the day to themselves, the couple decides to walk around the City Center*
*As they passed the bank, there was a hole where the entrance was with guards surrounding it, off to the side, what looks like the owner is talking to a construction foreman about repairs*
*The two looks on as they walk passed the building*
*After a few minutes of walking, Ny-Lee turns to Roland*
"You think Yiski would be alright by himself today?"
"Yiski should be fine, if not, i assume he is still in bed. Let's think to much of it, he did gave us a day to ourselves"
"I guess your are right, ...you think we can gte some of that ice cream that we had some time back?"
"Anything for you dear"
*Ny-Lee blushes as Roland wraps an arm around her as they walk towards the restaurant*
--Docks--
*Since the events of yesterday woke BdrLine up earlier then usual, he is back in bed in a deep sleep*
*In her room, Liu is getting ready for the day, as she exits the room, she notices her son is still sleeping*
Always in bed *sighs*
*Liu opens his door, and sees BdrLine still lying down.*
*She goes over and opens the blinds on his window*
*The sudden light hits BdrLine's eyes as he grunts and rolls over to the other side of the bed*
"Mother is there anyways that i can sleep in for once?"
"Nope, come on we need to pick up your tuxs at the tailors"
"Five more minutes"
*Liu, not amused, goes to the foot of the bed and grips the blanket, with a tug, she pulls him off the bed and on the floor*
"Now that you are awake, go and get dressed"
*She leaves the room and closes the door behind her*
*Getting up, BdrLine grumbles to himself as he gets changed*
*Once done, he goes downstairs where Liu is waiting and they leave for the City Center*
-
-City Center-
Jun'ko and Zill are walking through the center courtyard ignoring the damage inflicted by the robbery. The two get stares as they walk by, as Zill usually isn't a common sight in the center, much less with company. Many Elites salute him, and Jun'ko wraps around his side as they make for a nice restaurant. They enter, and the hostess immediately recognizes him.
"Oh my. Hello Admiral Zill. It's been awhile since you've graced us with your presence."
"Lets just say I was persuaded."
He glances to Jun'ko who is practically glowing at this point. The hostess nods and shows them to the best table in the building. On the third floor, there was a balcony overlooking the center courtyard. There was a table prepared for them, and Zill ushered Jun over to it. They ordered their food and enjoyed the view. Jun'ko was just peering into the courtyard.
"I can see why you protect this place."
"Good to know I'm not that crazy."
*She giggles*"When it's not under attack or being robbed, it even seems peaceful. I never though I'd be able to enjoy a meal like this."
"It's fancy for sure, but I could never live in this district."
"How come? Why turn down what is rightfully yours?
"It might be mine by right, but that doesn't mean I like it. I grew up on very little, and while it was tough at times, I loved my life. My friends and family were all I needed to keep going."
"You never really do talk about your past much."
"With good reason. While I like to talk about how good it was, in reality it isn't too great. War changes people."
"I can see that. My past was of your average girl trying to make it in the military."
"Funnily enough, I never planned on being an Admiral. After the Baronies tour, I wanted something like what Yiski had. Not a Saloon, but just a simple life out of the military. Our Dusty Mistress had other plans it would seem."
The food arrives and is delicious. Many hours pass as they eat, talk, and dance as Jun'ko insisted they "show the old, rich stiffs how to dance."
-
Lockheart walks into the office, 2 walls were lined with books and scrolls. Adrian sits behind his desk, lockheart fearing the worst, nervously sits in the comfier looking of the 2 chairs on the opposite side of the desk. Adrian pours glass of whiskey for both of them, lockheart then takes a swig.
Lockheart: "so, what is it you wanted?"
Adrian: "well, first of all, its good to see you have got over that bad habit of yours of avoiding anything i ask and getting straight to it. The matter for which i have called you is one of a fairly serious nature, you see for the tynneson family, whom we have had several nasty encounters, took to violence to resolve feuds between us. You may of noticed the amount of guards in the street."
* Adrian drinks some of his whiskey*
Adrian: "they have requested that we settle our minor feuds, *sighs*..... with a duel, you can rope in whoever you want to be your second......, i know its not a situation that i should put upon you, but your brother is about to head out to take out some bandits. Sadly its a matter of no choice, get your second and meet our foe on the dunes at 12 hundred hours. Now off with you to find your second DOUBLE TIME, QUICK MARCH!"
*Without questioning his fathers request as he knew it would be futile, he marched out*
Adrian: " oh and one more thing... you wont be flying that hunk-o-junk galleon of yours.."
Lockheart: "but she has 5 heav..."
Adrain: "no buts, you will be sporting the families finest ship, my goldfish, the aesterium"
*lockheart walked out of the office pondering his options, he got outside the office where cecelia was waiting for him*
Cecelia: "well, are you ready for that meal we have been waiting for?"
Lockheart: "sure thing darling, im starving for some of chaladon's finest... now where do you reccomend?"
*Lockheart gave cecelia a quick peck on the cheek before they linked arms and started walking out towards the city center. Lockheart lit his pipe up*
Cecelia: "hey, i thought you quit!"
*she snatched the pipe from his mouth and emptied the tobacco onto the street, lockheart sighed*
Lockheart: "i guess i forgot, im sorry. anything to make up for my absence"
*she smiled, lockheart stuffed the pipe into his jacket and the two carried on walking, lockheart received several welcome backs from citizens as he walked by, he hadn't been into the center of city for a while and the people recognized his family of great importance, later lockheart almost lost his bearings, but he had cecelia to guide him, they eventually reached their destination and they got the finest seat in the finest restaurant in chaladon. they enjoyed the rest of the night together talking over lockhearts escapades and then the small things lockheart had missed while he was away.*
-
--Saloon--
Yiski and Lauren sat in awkward silence while drinking. The tension was thick. Yiski finally broke the silence.
"You never did give me an answer."
"I know."
"Do you have an answer now?"
"Would it make a difference?"
"Now? Nope, but the closure would be nice."
"Anything else you want to ask while I'm here?"
"Why?"
Lauren knew exactly what Yiski was asking about which were a lot of things. Why did she fake her death? Why did she come back after eight years? And why did she become a criminal?
"Well, do you want the simple or complex answer?"
"Let's start simple."
"What happened eight years ago was an effort to protect you."
Yiski mulled over her answer for a bit. It was certainly plausible. Lauren was the only other person aside from Maria who knew Yiski and Micheal were the Crimson Bolt. However...
"Okay, I'll buy that for now, but why didn't you give me any sort of contact that you were still alive? You still could've come back, especially since the time I came back to Anvala."
"The Guild was still looking into your identity. I couldn't risk it."
"Bullshit. If you haven't heard recently, the Guild found out."
"What?"
"About a month back, a couple of Guild mercs set up an ambush for me. As you can see, they failed. Apparently, the Guild knew my identity a few years after your 'death'. No worries though, things are in place to prevent it from happenin' again."
"I guess I messed up."
"Yeah you did. So, want to explain why you were robbin' the bank?"
"Well, being a dead woman, it kind of makes it hard to make a honest living. I was forced to join up with the group yesterday just to survive."
A knock came at the door. Yiski asked who it was and the response were the Elites from yesterday. Lauren looked to Yiski.
"Well, what are you going to do? Harbor a fugitive, or turn me in?"
Everything in Yiski's mind told him to turn her in, but then why did he find himself motioning her to hide out in the back? Before opening the door, Yiski cursed himself. He knew in the near future this would all come back. When, Yiski did open the door the Elites asked him for a report of yesterday's incident. While Yiski didn't have one written up, he orally relayed the information, leaving out specifically Lauren's involvement. Satisfied, the Elites left and Yiski closed and locked the door. Lauren came out from the back.
"Well, what now?"
"No clue."
-
-- Somewhere off the coast of Turk --
*The intercom clicks on-board the ship*
Captain: (Intercom) "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are now approaching Sky's End, please be prepared for landing in about five hours."
*Honeybadger stands up from the card table after a hand and goes toward the port bow*
Honeybadger: I forgot what I saw in flying these things...
*Honeybadger begins to check his pocket watch, but is interrupted by a loud bang on the other side of him. He is flung back and hits the ground hard, as he picks himself up he sees a junker with its broadside facing the ship. The junker extended long planks reaching to the ship Honeybadger was on, they wanted to board*
Pirate Intercom: "Surrender your goods and empty your pockets, and we might let you live."
*Honeybadger lifts himself up*
Honeybadger: "Oh yeah, this is what I saw. Quite frequently..."
-
--City Center--
*After a few minutes of walking, Roland and Ny-Lee finally rounds themselves at Cafe Frostbite*
*Inside, waiters and servers are preparing for the food rush, luckily for them, they are the first in line.*
*At the front desk, a waiter sees the couple walking towards him*
"Hello, table for two?"
*Roland answers*
"Yes please."
*The waiter grabs two menus and leads them to an open table*
*He hands both of the the menus*
"If you excuse me, I will be back to take your orders"
*As the waiter leaves, both Ny-Lee and Roland look over the entrees*
*Off in another part of the center, Liu and BdrLine walks into the tailor shop that they were in a few days ealier*
*The bell on the door rings and a employee sees them enter*
"Greetings, how may I be of service."
"We had fittings made a few days back, two tuxedos and a wedding gown."
"Ahh I know which ones you speak off, do you have a receipt?"
"Oh yes I do, hold on for a second"
*Liu opens her purse as she rummage around for the receipt*
"Ah here you go"
*She hands over the paper to him, the employee takes it and looks over it*
"Wait here while I fetch the clothing"
"Thank you"
*A little while has passed as the employee returns with the articles of clothing*
*He hands them to BdrLine who carries them*
"Is that it ma'am?"
"Why yes thank you again"
*The two then leaves the store with the clothes in tow*
-
Zill and Jun'ko enjoy the rest of their day roaming around the City Center. Zill only got into disputes twice, and Jun was happy he was at least trying to remain civil. The first time was when another Council courier wouldn't leave them alone. The poor guy didn't stand a chance. Next were some Elite guards who mumbled a few words about Jun'ko under their breath. Zill taught them a lesson in humility through brute force. It made him happy that he could still best Elites.
They ended the day heading off to the Saloon for a drink. When they got there it was dark.
"Oh no, is he ok?"
"Probably. Its a rare thing, but he doesn't always open. There's always a reason for it though, which is what bugs me."
"Should we try to get in?"
"Not after its become a giant bunker. I'm not worried about him. He can handle his reason. Lets off to the Port for a grand finale."
-
--NARRATOR--
--Saloon--
The air of silence between Lauren and Yiski persisted with only a few spare words spoken in between them to break silence only to fall back to it. Yiski was still conflicted about his decision earlier to keep Lauren out of the report. Realizing the problem wasn't going away or being solved anytime soon, Yiski looked over to Lauren who was looking at Blood Bolt.
"I'm surprised this rifle still works?"
"Yeah, she's seen a lot of action as of late."
"I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"Everything. Leaving you. Faking my death. Returning to you under the current situation. Having you lie about harboring me."
"Well, I guess the good karma couldn't last forever. You know Roland's gettin' married soon."
"Wait? Roland? Micheal and Maria's kid? He's getting married? Wow..."
"Yeah, I was surprised too, but he and his fiance are a good fit."
"Like we were?"
"Yeah, were."
For whatever reason, Yiski emphasis on his last word cut into Lauren. She didn't show it, but it hurt. Despite everything she put Yiski through, she had a small ember of hope that things would get better. Lauren now sees, it's going to take a lot of time. Before Lauren could speak anything about their past romance, the two heard a rattle at the door. Outside, Yiski could hear Roland.
"This is unusual, I do not remembering locking the door when we left."
"Maybe Yiski locked it to keep people out. He was hung over love."
Lauren started to panic, but Yiski stood still and waited. When Roland and Ny-Lee opened and walked in to see Lauren, Roland spoke first.
"Is this a friend of yours Yiski? She looks familiar..."
"She should for two reasons. First, this is your unofficial aunt Lauren."
Roland's jaw dropped and was about to say something, but Yiski held his hand up and continued to speak.
"Second, she's the one responsible for yesterday's attempted robbery."
Both Roland and Ny-Lee were in shock. Not in a hundred years did they think Yiski would harbor a wanted fugitive. Ny-Lee was going to speak, but again, Yiski stopped it.
"Before you say or think any further, I'll say the situation is a bit of a gigantic mess which I'm havin' a really hard time sortin' out. Basically, I'm askin' the two of you to keep quiet so I can figure what to do."
Roland and Ny-Lee stand in silence.
"Will you both go upstairs and leave this to me?"
The nodded and headed up. Lauren looked over to Yiski.
"You think it was a good idea introducing me like that?"
"Dunno."
"Do you even know what the next move is?"
"Probably goin' to the Council."
"Why?"
"To see if I can get you pardoned."
"You're going to waltz into the Council and say 'Hey, I have the woman who planned yesterday's robbery, but because she and I have a past together, I'd like for you all to pardon her'?"
"Hmm... now that I think about it, somethin' similar to it."
"You know if you weren't you, I'd kill you."
"I know. Anyways, you take my room for the evenin' and I'll take my couch."
"What you don't want any of this."
Lauren seductively walks in front of Yiski. He simply rolls his eyes. Lauren laughs and heads for Yiski's room. Yiski walks over and closes the saloon. Yiski then notices a note addressed to Liu from Honeybadger. He places the note on the bar counter. Yiski then moves to the middle of the floor and sighs to himself.
"By the skies, are things goin' to get worse?"
They were.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 77--
-
--START OF DAY 78--
--NARRATOR--
While it was quiet in the saloon in the morning, there was a lot going on at all four dock locations. Supplies and a few visitors came in because Anvala was holding its Spring Festival.
Of course, what's a festival if a few troublemakers didn't also slip into the city during the preparations and celebrations.
"You sure the wench is still alive?"
"We got confirmation Boss. She's still here."
"Do we know where?"
"Asking around, we know she's staying at a saloon."
The Boss clearly smacked his subordinate behind his head.
"Dumbass, that still leaves some 20-30 bars here! All of you! Go ask around more and meet back here in an hour!"
A group of 30 men dispersed into the crowd and a wicked smile came across the Boss' face.
"Think you can just screw us over and leave? I'll make sure you'll suffer."
Meanwhile, Lauren woke up and initially thought see was in jail. Realizing a jail cell bed isn't this comfortable, she remembers she's in Yiski's room. She walked out into the main floor to see Yiski still asleep on the couch. The old flame walks over to the sleeping owner and leans down toward his face for a kiss, but...
"I hope you weren't plannin' on doing somethin' foolish."
Lauren jumped back and saw Yiski's eyes open and him get up. He stretched his arms and shook his head seeing Lauren sitting on the floor.
"I didn't think you were awake."
"People say kinda say that when I'm about to kill them."
Lauren chuckled at the comment. Moments later Roland and Ny-Lee come down. Yiski turns to them.
"Good to see you're awake. You think you're good in watchin' the saloon for the day?"
Roland and Ny-Lee nod. Roland responds.
"Sure, are you and Lauren leaving?"
"To the Council, yes."
"What do you hope to accomplish there?"
"Dunno exactly."
Yiski walks over and grabs Blood Bolt off the wall. Ny-Lee is curious.
"Why bring your rifle?"
"Assumin' the Council wants to talk to her alone, it'll give me time to modify Blood."
Lauren looks over to Yiski, raising an eyebrow.
"You plan on leaving me alone with the Council?"
"I said 'assumin'. Now let's go."
Together Lauren and Yiski left. As they walked across the city and unknown to them, one of the Boss' men spots her and hurries back to report.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-- The Passanger Ship Near the Coast of Sky's End --
*The four bandits circle the rather smallish group of people with pistols and repeaters, they make all the passangers take out their wallet and empty it, while one other went below decks to try and get more people to rob. Honeybadger was in the front row of this as they made their way down the people*
Honeybadger: I Swear to god, if Yiski or anyone steps and/or doesn't find my letter, I'm going to be fucking pissed. Also I may be robbed and killed.
-
-Port Tar Barrel-
Zill was already up and getting ready when Jun'ko woke up. She saw his hurried dressing and putting on his armor and became curious.
"What's the rush my admiral?
"Got a report in and need to go. Don't worry about it. Hopefully Yiski knows what he's doing."
Before Jun could object, he was out the door and swinging down to the ground. She sighed but just planned to tinker with his boats. His spire was in need of some love.
Zill had gotten the report of Yiski being accompanied by the robber of the day before on their way to the city center. He knew he was headed to the Council. Luckily for them, Zill told his recon to stand down and observe. He had ordered double patrols today for the upcoming festival as well. He was quite fed up with firefights happening in the City on what felt like a daily basis.
-
--Chaladon--
*lockheart awoke happy, with Cecelia by his side. He had missed sleeping in a proper bed, compared to a makeshift hammock on a galleon. He got out of bed and put his same "war room" jacket on with all of its military adornments and walked down to the dining hall where his mother was eating, he sat down and ate some breakfast himself before walking out to the house grounds and taking a seat on a bench under a tree, he began to think about who to pick as his second*
"who on earth could ever be coaxed into this...., shit....."
*he kicked the ground in anger*
"Maybe..., no..."
*his brother alexander strolled up to him in his casual waistcoat and shirt*
Alexander: "care for a spar Julie?"
Lockheart: "Ha, Julie, now thats a nickname i havent heard in a while...., sure why not"
*Alexander tuts*
"oh come on Julius, a Yeshan sword?, you should know better, take this fine beauty"
*tosses him a chaladonian Falchion with the family crest on*
*thinks to self*
"is it that easy to tell....
Lockheart:" right, here we go.."
*they fight for some time then a idea pops into Lockhearts mind*
"i know who..."
-
--Council Courtyard--
Lauren and Yiski arrived at the courtyard and approached the main building. The same two Elites who guarded the door greeted them.
"Good morning Commander."
"Mornin'. Are they busy?"
"No sir, they've been expecting you and your guest."
Lauren turned to Yiski with a look of concern. Yiski simply sighed. Before entering, Yiski flagged down a courier. He handed the courier Blood Bolt to deliver to the Armory gunsmiths with instructions of modifications. The courier left and Yiski turned to Lauren.
"Ready?"
She nodded and the two walked in. Inside, they were greeted with a less than happy Council.
(1) I see you have brought the fugitive. (1)
(5) Commander, you do realize the gravity of the situation and your actions. (5)
(3) By order of the Council, you will... (3)
"You will pardon her."
The Council sat in silence with a look of shock and relative disgust on their faces. Yiski mentally smiled and wished he had a picture to capture the moment, but kept a straight face against the nine.
(4) You must be out of your mind if you think... (4)
(1) Calm Brother, I am sure the Commander would not ask such a request without reason. (1)
Lauren then spoke about her actions starting from eight years ago. How she fake her death to keep Yiski's Crimson Bolt identity safe, how it made little difference, how she ended up with raiders, and how she ended up in the current situation. Afterwards, the nine convened together to deliberate Lauren's testimony. The deliberation took a substantial amount of time to where chairs had to brought in for Lauren and Yiski to sit in. Finally...
(6) I believe we have come to an agreement. (6)
(1) Yes, as far as your actions Commander, we are willing to overlook the lapse in judgement. (1)
"And..."
(1) And as far as Lauren is concerned, even if her testimony is true, she still must punished for her involvement with the robbery. (1)
Lauren to the Council.
"And what is my punishment?"
(7) While Anvala is proud to produce many fine marksmen, we lack an adequate instructor for potential pilots. While we have considered Admiral Zill for the position, he is more valuable out in the field. As such, given your past experiences, you have the option to carry out your punishment in service to Anvala as a pilot instructor, or face labor camps. (7)
"While labor camps sound like fun, I'll take the pilot instructor position."
(1) In addition to her service, you Commander are responsible for her compliance under penalty by a dishonorable discharge. So it is ordered. You two may leave. (1)
The two exited and when they got outside, Lauren gave a huge sigh of relief. Yiski was grinning.
"Told you it'd be fine."
"Yeah, but it was no pardon."
"Meh. Close enough."
As the two walked across the courtyard, the courier from earlier came up to him and handed him Blood Bolt.
"Skies, looks like we were in there longer than I expected."
Yiski looks over the modifications to ensure the gunsmiths did what was asked. The modifications were the following: Replace the barrel to better accommodate the various ammo types used, replace the trigger with a more firm but lighter pull trigger, modify the scope, and trim down the stock. As a side note, Yiski wanted a clip of standard rounds. Pleased with the work, the two started toward the City Center, along with a group of 30 men close behind.
When the two reached the Western District and near the saloon, the area kind of felt empty. Yiski knew this was odd because of preparations of the Festival tomorrow. He turns to Lauren.
"Now that I think about it, you didn't make any enemies within the eight years, did you?"
Lauren thought for a moment, then gave him a sheepish smile.
"Maybe..."
Suddenly, a voice came from behind them.
"I finally found you bitch."
Yiski pinched the bridge of his nose thought to himself.
"Skies, why do things always get worse?"
-
-Western District-
Zill casually walked up to the group of 30 men from behind, his armor clinking under his jacket. His gas mask blocked all chances of seeing his gaze. He stopped about 5 feet away from them and called out.
"Hey gasbag."
The Boss was the first to turn around. He didn't seem too bothered by Zill's presence. He wanted to change that.
"Good to see you know your name. Mind leaving so I don't have to spoil this lovely day in my City?"
"I don't care who or what you think you are, but this lovely lady over here owes me her life, and I intend to collect."
"And I'll ask you one more time to drop all of your guns before I just kill you all."
"Big words for one man against 30."
Zill realized this wasn't going anywhere. Two guys came up toward him and he could only grin under his mask. The first one lunged and Zill just dodged him and pushed him to the ground. The next tried to get a punch in, but quickly failed upon Zill's armor. Zill grabbed his arm, broke it, and tossed him to the ground. He then turned, shot the first man, and let the second with a now limp arm scurry back to the group.
"I'll just end this now then."
The Boss pulled out a revolver and shot Zill. It hit square in his chest, and Zill held back a grunt. Still standing, he just laughed. The Boss then aimed for a headshot, but stopped to figure out what Zill had in his hand. It was a match. Zill struck it, and let the fire burn. The Boss was losing patience.
"The Flak are you doing? I'll kill you right now!"
Suddenly, shots rang out as half of the group just went limp and fell to the ground. The remaining men aimed their guns around, looking for where the gunfire came from. Unsuccessful, they turned to their leader.
"What do we do?"
"We're trapped!"
"I don't want to die!"
The Boss just stood there. He aimed for Zill's head and fired. The bullet whizzed by his head, and Zill just shook his head.
"You're a lousy shot too. Welcome to Anvala, home to the best gunners in the known world."
He struck another match and the Boss went white. Shots rang out again, leaving none alive. Zill shouted over to Yiski.
"Lovely day today isn't it? I could use a good WSW."
-
--Western District--
Before Lauren, Yiski, and Zill watched as Zill's men along with a few defenders and guards cleaned up the bodies. Lauren gave a sigh of relief and looked to Yiski if he was feeling the same. All she saw was Yiski giving her a deadpan look and gave a grin to Zill.
"So, when did you plan on tellin' me trouble followed you?"
Her was response again was a sheepish grin. Yiski again pinched the bridge of his nose. Zill shook his head and laughed.
"Yiski, is there ever a day when people don't try and kill you."
"To be fair, they were after her."
Zill looked over to Lauren and was about to say something until Roland and Ny-Lee came running up to them.
"Heavens, are you okay Yiski? Ny-Lee and I heard shots nearby and thought something happened to you."
Now it was Yiski's turn to laugh.
"Skies, why is it when shots are fired, everybody looks at me?"
There was an awkward silence from everyone. Annoyed, Yiski threw up his hands.
"Bloody skies fine! Let's head back and get somethin' to drink."
When they started walking to the saloon, Ny-Lee was heading toward the docks. Yiski stopped and asked her.
"Where are you goin'?"
"Ah, well Ny-Lee found a letter addressed to Liu from Honeybadger."
"Oh yeah... I forgot about that."
Ny-Lee headed off for BdrLine's place and the others went to the saloon. Yiski to Zill.
"Shouldn't you get Jun?"
"She'll meet us at the saloon."
-
--Docks--
*At his warehouse, BdrLine and his group are making preparations for the Spring Festival*
*All four of the are in the basement getting out decorations*
"Ok lets bring these up and start setting them"
*While they are moving and setting things, all four are unaware of what is happening at another part of the Western District*
*a little wile later, they are finished setting their area to be in some type of festival spirit*
"There, thanks guys see you all tomorrow"
"You too Bdr"
"See you around"
*BdrLine then starts to walk towards the Saloon*
*On the way, he spots Ny-Lee walking towards the docks*
"Hey Ny, where are you headed?"
"Towards your house, looks like Honeybadger left mother a letter"
"I'm guessing its about him and Aunt Luli?"
"Most likely"
"Alrighty, I'll be heading for the saloon. Meet you there?"
"Once after i give this to her"
*The two left their separate ways*
*Finally, Ny-Lee arrives to her brothers house and opens the door*
*Inside, Ny spots her mother in the kitchen eating*
"Oh, Hello there Ny. What brings you here?"
"Hi mother, well at the saloon Roland and I spotted a letter for you from Honeybager. Azn and I think it has to do with him and Aunt Luli"
"Hmm, here let me take a look"
*Ny-Lee hands her mother the letter which she takes and breaks the seal*
*Liu spends a few minutes reading the letter*
*Liu puts a hand to her lips after finishing reading*
"No wonder she was heart broken for a few weeks. Good thing she didn't marry that general, that was horrible what he did."
"Can I see?"
*Liu pass the letter to her*
"Aww, well at least you are right that she didn't marry that general, such a jerk. Even though i love Uncle Hao, i feel sad about reading this and what happened to them."
"Yeah, after that day, she presumed him to be dead. Your aunt eventually moved on, but she was depressed for some time."
*sigh* "Yeah, i couldn't imagine losing someone close to me."
*She thinks back to the day when the Birdman mercenaries arrived to take BdrLine and her away, and through the fighting Roland got shot*
*Liu notices this and goes and hugs her daughter*
"At least you still have him"
*Ny-Lee smiles under the embrace*
*Liu eventually releases the hug*
"Come on, lets not mope around, tomorrow there is going to be a festival. We dont want to start it off being sad do we?"
*Ny-Lee chuckles at her mother's comment* "No, you are right, I think we should head to the saloon and see the others"
"Lets"
*The two leaves the home for Yiski's Saloon*
*At the saloon, BdrLine notices that the place was locked and empty*
Hmm, where did everyone go?
-
--Chaladon--
*Lockheart takes a seat in his own private office in the military district of Chaladon, the room was dusty and full of cobwebs as it had not been used for as long as lockheart hadn't served in the watch. A portrait of Lockheart stood valiantly in full footman military uniform was hanging at a angle, Cecelia was sat on a leather armchair reading a book, Lockheart himself was searching around his office looking for a certain book, titled "the adventures of the airmen"*
"AH-HA Gotcha"
*he pulled the book back and it revealed a small oak box, lockheart pulled it out among with several other books hitting the floor*
"here we go, i remember this"
*opens the box to reveal a collection of photographs of lockheart when he was younger and it also contained a radio with a special antenna that could only use one, experimental frequency*
Cecelia: "whats that?"
Lockheart: *enthusiastically*" this, my sweetheart is a radio that can only be used on one frequency, that no one else can access. The Whalers frequency, its a small group of us areonauts that i formed way back..., my only hope to win is if my old pall Fadeshade still listens to this thing" *he smiled*
*switches it on*
"Calling, Fadeshade do you read this is lockheart"
*the radio was awfully filled with static due too its unique frequency*
"Fadeshade come in"
*Lockhearts smile dropped*
"shit"
Fadeshade: "whoa, watch your language there Julie"
*this remark caused Cecelia to snigger*
Lockheart: "Blimey i knew i could rely on you, listen.... you up for a skirmish..."
Fadeshade: "What's in it for me Julie?"
Lockheart: "Good Coin"
*the radio paused for a second*
Fadeshade: " Give me the location and time and ill be there, of course, ill have to assemble the men like old times."
Lockheart: " Bloody Excellent, its been a while since ive seen, let alone board the Maelstrom how is she?"
Fadeshade: "oh she's fine alright, a bit rusty but this should clean her up a bit"
*Lockheart smiled, he had a reliable second for his duel, he was flushed with confidence. He then set about Cleaning his office, for he felt with a few high military ranking family members dead, there may be a promotion in order for him, he aligned the painting up and admired it for a moment*
Lockheart: "do i look different there"
Cecelia: "meh, not really dear although in my eyes you'll never change"
*Lockheart and Cecelia smiled as if they read each others mind, Lockheart gave her a long kiss, then they both left tidying the office and set off back home for a Night in*
-
--Near the Saloon--
When the group arrived at the saloon, they saw a confused BdrLine standing outside. BdrLine sees the group and waves at them. Yiski unlocks the door.
"Sorry about that BdrLine, some business came up."
"Did it involve the feint sounds of gunfire?"
"If it makes you feel any better, I wasn't shootin'."
"Not really."
As the group went inside, Yiski could see Jun'ko, Ny-Lee, and Liu approaching and they entered as well. With the group together, Roland turns to Yiski.
"So, how is my 'aunt' Lauren related to you and my parents?"
Even though Roland asked, the similar thoughts were going through the others. Yiski walks over to the counter and starts making drinks and hands them out with Roland's help. Yiski takes a sip of Clear Skies. He was going to need it to recall the muddied past.
"You want the simple or complex answer?"
"Simple first."
"The simple answer. Lauren was your mother's closest and best friend. They were inseparable to point of being considered sisters and unofficially became your aunt."
"And the complex?"
This is where Yiski hesitated to answer. There were a lot of things he still needed answers for from Lauren. Seeing his hesitation, Lauren answered for him.
"I was proposed to by Yiski shortly before the plan to fake my death in order to keep his Crimson Bolt identity safe which apparently failed."
Zill almost choked on his drink, not because of the overall reason, but just because Yiski was almost married. Yiski gave Lauren a stern stare, but yielded to the abridged version.
"Aside from missin' a few major details, she's also now the piloting instructor at the Academy as part of her punishment."
More questions wanted to be asked, but the saloon soon found itself packed with regulars and visitors for tomorrow's festival. Any more questions would have to be addressed after closing.
-
*One of the first few people in the saloon was Sky, he seemed to be in a good mood, he speaks*
"Good morrow everyone! Along with the latest report from the Flying Panthers, training has been going really well, we've spent almost all of our time flying in formation and striking ground targets with bombs and rockets. Also, I've let them customize their airplanes, funny what they come up with. A lot of them have mismatching colors and different symbols..."
*He throws a picture down on the table, it shows the different planes as he described*
"I've never been a guy that likes uniform, I find it boring and to predictable."
-
-- Airship near coast of Sky's End --
*The bandits circle the crowd of people at gunpoint, Honeybadger is in the front row of the group of people made up of kids and posh women*
*The one of the bandits gesture to a nearby woman also in the front row*
Bandit Thug (1): "Money or your life toots."
*The woman is clearly scared out of her mind. Honeybadger sighs*
Honeybadger: "Lay off her, stronzo."
*The bandit looks angrily at Honeybadger and shifts his gun to Honeybadger's chest*
Bandit Thug (1): "Empty your pockets you smart ass."
Honeybadger: "You want me to empty MY pockets?"
*The bandit just presses the barrel into Honeybadger's stomach*
Honeybadger: Well now that I have his attention, what now. I should think things through more.
Bandit Thug (1): "C'mon, lets see some gold."
Honeybadger: Hmm, what would Papa do?
*Honeybadger slowly reaches into his pocket and takes out his coin bag of his bounty money. He cringes inside.*
Bandit Thug (1): "Hand it over. Last chance fancy pants."
*Honeybadger lowers his brows*
Honeybadger: "Very well."
*Honeybadger drops the coin bag, while doing this, his concealed hand pulled out his modified colt .45 and pressed it into the bandits shoulder. Before he could react, Honeybadger had fired into his shoulder causing the bandits gun to fly upward.*
*when the other bandit behind the shot bandit begins to turn around. Honeybadger kicks the now dying bandit into the one behind, knocking him backwards while catching the original bandits gun with his other hand, he cocks his other gun and kills the remaining bandits with the two guns*
Honeybadger: One... Two... Three... Four... Alright, that's all of them. *Honeybadger holsters his gun while picking up his coin bag and drops the other gun* "Carry on, everything has been taken care of."
-
--Saloon--
Even though the saloon was packed to the brim, it didn't seem all that busy. Roland, Ny-Lee, Yiski, and even Lauren (upon Yiski's insistence for her staying at the saloon) handled all the patrons quickly. Jun'ko played a few tunes on the piano and Zill just lounged around at the bar making sure nobody was causing trouble and chuckled to himself being glad he didn't have to run a saloon. Zill would prefer raiders than having to run a business.
With the current level of business, nobody had time to ask Lauren anymore questions.
-
-Saloon-
Zill fumbled with his mug at the bar. His mind was full of thoughts from his past. Raids, Kyle, his time in the Baronies, all eating up his attention. A kiss from Jun'ko broke his trance. He shook his head and stared at her for a moment. She spoke first.
"You seem tense tonight."
"Old thoughts."
"Bad ones I take it?"
"Yea."
He leaned over the bar and grunted. The shot from earlier hurt, though nothing serious. He hid it from Jun. Somehow, he figured she worried about enough things to warrant him hiding it.
He turned around to look at the patrons. In a flash, they turned into talking skeletons. Death surrounded his vision, and Kyle slowly walked up to him. He looked just as he did on that cursed night, gunshot still fresh. The only words, "Say the prayer." Zill shook his head and the vision was gone. He sighed and took another drink. It was going to take a lot more to drown his mind.
-
--Saloon--
*As the time passes on, BdrLine is seen talking to some of the patrons about tomorrows festival*
*When there is not that much work happening in the busy saloon, Ny-Lee is talking with her mother about the final wedding preparations*
-
--NARRATOR--
With the ability of subtle, but forceful persuasion, Yiski manages to close the saloon early. After the clean up, everybody was standing around looking between Lauren and Yiski. The two know everyone else is thinking up questions to ask and simply wait.
Two hours pass by with a battery of questions directed at the former couple. Most questions center around Lauren's eight years after faking her death. Another portion around her involvement in the recent events taking place in Anvala. Few questions pry into their former love life. Lauren and Yiski do a decent enough job answering questions.
Eventually, BdrLine and Liu head to his place for the night. BdrLine would be busy with all the increased traffic at all the ports and knew he'd be running around trying to fix any mechanical problems. Liu wanted an early start so she could wander around the Festival.
Roland and Ny-Lee were the next to leave, heading upstairs into the spare room of the saloon. Yiski had given the couple tomorrow so they too could have fun at the Festival. This left Zill, Jun'ko, Yiski, and Lauren.
"You two goin' to stay the night again?"
Jun'ko looks at Zill. He could read Jun'ko's expression as saying 'Let's leave these two alone.' Though Zill would have much rather sleep in the other spare room bed than the one on his galleon, he knew he didn't want to be anywhere near this drama. But in the back of his mind he knew it would be futile. Zill turns to Yiski.
"Well Jun and I are heading back to my ship. Seem like it's getting crowded a bit."
Zill walks out and Jun'ko follows, waving at the former couple.
Lauren and Yiski stand for a bit in silence on the main floor. Yiski turns towards the back and starts walking. Without facing her...
"There's a another spare room up."
Before Yiski disappears into the back...
"Do you still love me?"
The question pauses Yiski.
"Dunno. It's hard to love someone who's supposed to be dead."
With that Yiski disappears, leaving Lauren alone on the main floor. It would be minutes before she went up.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 78--
-
--START OF DAY 79--
--NARRATOR--
Morning came quickly and with a lot of commotion throughout Anvala. Today was the Spring Festival, the one day out of the year Anvala loosens up its strict visitor policy. Oddly enough, if the very first Festival wasn't such a huge hit, today's Festival wouldn't exist. Since then, merchants and local businesses have lobbied (so far unsuccessfully) the Council to hold more Festivals to boost Anvala's economy.
Aside from the politics involved with the Festival, the City Center was the main attraction. There were twice as many stalls active and probably four times the people.
While all the festivities were active, Yiski was getting ready to open. He was aided by Roland, Ny-Lee, and Lauren. Satisfied the saloon and himself could handle the massive one-day increase, he let Roland and Ny-Lee roam the Festival. The saloon would be managed by Yiski and Lauren. While Yiski was apprehensive still with Lauren, he couldn't complain with the help. Because of the increased traffic of the Festival, the Academy is closed for the day.
As soon as Yiski opened the saloon, a wave of people started flooding into the saloon, taking seats, and ordering drinks.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Port Tar Barrel-
Zill was already up and on his galleon's watch deck peering at the crowds. Reports said the influx of people was above average of past Festivals, so he commissioned an extra levy to be ready. The Festival was always a love/hate thing for him. The added boost to Anvala's economy was priceless, but the headaches of maintaining order plagued Zill.
Jun'ko was down in the chambers getting ready for the day. She was going to the Saloon early to help out there since Zill had to keep things in check. When she finished, she went up to the watch deck.
"See anything?"
"Lots of potential."
"Yea well not everyone on this world is a terrible person."
"True, but it's my job to always think they are."
"Well, I'm off to the Saloon. When will you be done?"
"As soon as I can. I need a break from all this stress."
"Didn't you get that last night?" *chuckles*
Zill smirked and shoo'ed her off. She knew what he felt, and walked over to the Burning Skies grinning.
-
*The door slowly opens, and everyone in the saloon falls quiet. Nobody could see anyone in the doorway. A couple moments later, a few patrons notice a mass of rags and bones on the floor.*
"Clear skies anyone?"
*Shink manages to say before passing out*
-
-- Somewhere in a small town near Sky's End --
*Honeybadger leaves the ship and makes his way down the nearest street, several merchants and beggars either shout at him or other people, despite the large population of homeless, the streets were clean.*
Honeybadger: Hard to believe I grew up here. I didn't think it would seem this different after I visited Yesha.
*A child running behind Honeybadger knocks into him, the child tuns around and gestures at Honeybadger. Honeybadger quickly grabs the boy by his collar extending his other hand. The boy reluctantly gave back the large pouch of gold*
Honeybadger: "Do you happen to know where the Tinkering Shop is?" You little shit...
*The kid, extremely scared due to Honeybadgers tight grip, points in the shops direction. Honeybadger lets go and sends the kid dropping about a foot before running off. Honeybadger Sighs and makes his way down the street*
Honeybadger: Should I have killed that kid? Na, I'll save the bullets.
*Honeybadger spots a shop that reads "Dylans Fine Inventions and Deli"*
Honeybadger: He wanted a place where people would eat and by toys I suppose.
*Honeybadger enters the store, the door bell attached to the door frame rings. The cashier looks over then lights up.*
Cashier: "Honey! You son of a bitch! Get over here!"
*The cashier walked over and gave Honeybadger a hug, Honeybadger smiled at the man*
Honeybadger: "Been a while Dylan."
Dylan: "I'll say, you've been there and over here. I can't even keep track of you."
Honeybadger: "You've always had a knack for finding and contacting me though."
Dylan: "Hey, you're not the only one whose been around. Oh, come in the back. I'll show you what I called you here for."
*Honeybadger follows Dylan to the back room. Once Honeybadger sees what is in front of him he raises both brows and his mouth drops in awe*
Honeybadger: "So... What am I looking at here?"
-
--NARRATOR--
Yiski quickly moves to see what caused the patron to go silent. When Yiski maneuvers to the front door, he sees the body. It takes a while to realize it's Shink. Yiski immediately has a regular fetch a triage medic nearby and Yiski begins to question the patrons if they heard anything. When Shink asked for a Clear Skies, Yiski had Lauren toss him a bottle of Clear Skies. Yiski caught it and poured it down Shink's throat. He coughed a bit which gave Yiski some indication Shink was still among the living.
Twenty minutes passed before a group of triage medics showed up. Their prolonged arrival was caused by the mass congestion. The medics had a stretcher with them and asked Yiski for any information. All Yiski could do was relay information given to him by the patrons who saw him. Once the medics determined Shink was stable enough, they hauled him back to the triage. Yiski sighed.
"Never a moment when there aren't bodies around my saloon."
Meanwhile, Roland and Ny-Lee were wandering all over Anvala. Roland has experienced the Festival before, but this was Ny-Lee's first. Of course, Ny-Lee had been to multiple festivals held in Chang-ning, but Anvala's culture and dealings were a new experience and she was not shy about showing her excitement. Before the couple had stopped for lunch, Ny-Lee had bought several items, mostly souvenirs, for her mother to transport back to the Empire. Roland looked at all the goods bought and began to feel like a pack mule. Roland mentally sighed.
"If she is happy, then it is all that matters."
--NARRATOR END--
-
At the start of the day, both Liu and BdrLine were already up and ready for the Festival. BdrLine would be spending his time with his group going around fixing anything mechanical related, while his mother would be at the Festival enjoying herself.
"Azn, I'll be going to the Center to see the festivities"
"Alright mother, if i have time, i be there as well"
"Just be careful with yourself"
"I know"
With that, Liu heads towards the center of the city where many stalls and vendors littered the streets, as well as many different performances and activity booths. Around her, many different goods from across the land can be seen in the different stalls. She goes up to one stall where the vendor was selling Chaladonian silk cloth.
"You there, miss. You look like one who knows fashion. If you look here, i have some of the finest silk that Chaladon can offer. Nice yes."
He hands her a piece of cloth for her to fell
"Oh yes this does feels nice, do you have more in different colors?"
"Yes, yes. we have much more. You interested in buying some cloth?"
"I had an idea of some clothing that I wanted to make, but i didn't know which materials to use. I think this may be the one."
With that, Liu pays for some fabric in which the vendor places in a bag. After the exchange, Liu moves on to see more of the Festival.
Before heading out for lunch, Ny-Lee notices that the amount of people increased.
"Is it always this crowded during this day?"
"Its the one of the few times where we let in people, but i think today's i feel there is much more then usual."
"There a way for us to find a more open area."
"Hmm. I don't think so, everything is pretty crowded."
While the two keeps looking around for an open restaurant to eat, Ny-Lee spots a game booth and eyes one of the prizes hanging.
"Roland, Roland, look. Come on you think you can win this for me?"
Ny-Lee tugs on Roland to the general direction where she was looking at. Roland turns to see, not before Ny-Lee drags him to the booth and where he is now staring at a giant teddy bear. He looks at the game inside the booth where there are three bottles sorted in a pyramid in which you have to throw a ball to knock it down."
"I think so"
He goes up to the man who is running it.
'"How much is one game?"
"Two silver's for three throws."
"Thats not so bad. Here I'll play one."
He hands the man two silver coins where he receives three balls to throw. Roland takes one and throw his first one, missing it to the right.
"That"s one."
Shrugging off his first throw, Roland picks up the second one and throws it where it hits the top bottle off.
"There's two, last throw to knock all three"
Ny-Lee looks on to Roland with puppy dog eyes eager for him to win. Even more determined to get it, he picks up the last ball and throws it hitting the two bottom bottles in the middle knocking one down. The second tilts and spins around leaning back and forth of beeing knocked over to standing back up again. Roland feels the anxiety as he watches the last bottle move, until it finally falls over.
"YES"
"Looks like we have a winner. What prize do you want?"
Ny-Lee cheers gleefully as Roland points to the giant bear. The man brings it down and hands it to Ny-Lee which she hugs it in a tight grip.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you."
"Anything for my lady"
Ny-Lee blushes as the two continue on.
Back at the docks, its a whole different matter for BdrLine and his crew. Instead of fun and play, all four are going around taking jobs to fix any vessels in dock. Right now, he and Tommy are on a visiting ship where it has problems in the steering.
BdLine is in the lower deck checking on the hydraulic system. He calls up to Tommy who is on topside checking for any slight changes.
"How did this guy even made it to port? I mean look at this, he could have been flying backwards with this."
"It could happen, I mean look at the things you do" *Laughs*
BdrLine rolls his eyes as he takes his tools and goes around to fixing.
*clank* *whack* *screech* *squish*
"... Any changes?"
"Hold on..."
Tommy goes to the helm and turns the wheel to port, he looks back and sees the appropriated corresponding movement taking place. He goes back and calls to BdrLine.
"We are good, you can come back up now"
"Finally" BdrLine climbs out. "How yo think Allen and John doing?"
"Well, we haven't received any complaints. I think they are doing fine."
"Ok, Lets find this guy and receive our pay"
They two then goes out to find the airship owner. Once found, BdrLine explains that he fixed the problem to him. Sastified, the man gives both a sack of coins as payment.
Smiling, BdrLine look to Tommy.
"Sometimes I love working on this day."
"With all the money we are getting, I agree"
The two then set off to look for more repair jobs.
-
--Saloon--
Despite being slammed, Lauren started to think about her now-suddenly-revived relationship with Yiski. Even though she teased him the other night, she wondered.
"What is it I want? Do I still love Yiski? Well..."
She takes a glance over at Yiski who was breaking up an argument between patrons. It would have gotten out of hand had Yiski not threatened to shoot the two of them. Lauren chuckles. Even though she hasn't seen Yiski fight in eight years, she still recognizes his adamant nature.
Yiski then notices Lauren standing around and yells at her.
"Come on. Don't tell me the Blitz is gettin' slow?"
Lauren sticks her tongue at Yiski causing Yiski to roll his eyes. In a mere instant, Lauren manages to serve drinks and make her way back to the saloon.
"Quick enough?"
"Just enough."
Lauren stocks up on another round of drinks and chuckles again.
"I guess that's a yes."
-
"GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF OF ME"
*Shink struggles to get out of bed, while the medics try to subdue him*
"Sir you collapsed outside the Burning Skies Saloon. You are not fit to walk around"
*Shink glares at the medic imagining snapping the boy in two*
"Son... I'll tell you whether or not I can walk around. There's a reason why I went to the saloon, instead of showing up on your doorstep"
*Shink forces his way out of bed. leaving a trail of medics in his wake. He was just about to make it out the door, when a nurse injects him. Instant blackout*
-
-Saloon-
Jun'ko is playing the piano for the rowdy patrons who think they own the place. A glass breaks every few minutes and some get too close for comfort, but she shrugs them away with the music. She tries a few up-beat tunes and the patrons seem to get in tune with it. Satisfied after her last tune, she goes behind the bar and grabs a Frostfire ale.
"Vultures out there Yiski. I hope they tip better than they smell."
She goes toward the piano but a tourist stops her, sneering.
"Why don't you come over here little piano girl."
He instantly finds a knife tapping his inner thigh, as Jun'ko gives a sly grin.
"Why don't you let me continue playing while you continue being a man."
His buddies laugh as he lets go and lets her sit back down. She starts playing again and another person starts to touch her. She sighs and whips around, a knife pressed on the man's neck. This time though, he was also masked.
"Good to see I don't have to guard you all the time."
Zill smirked and went over to the bar. Jun was flushed with embarrassment, but started a new tune.
-
-- Dylans Airship, Nearby Anvala --
Honeybadger: "Alright, so this is supposed to do what you say it does right?"
Dylan: "We Lugged it on the ship and moonshined our way to Anvala in time for the night festival so it better work."
Honeybagder: From what I heard, this machine could mean big things.
*Dylan sets up a machine with several buttons while Honeybadger set up the speakers on the sides of the ship connected to the machine. The machine has many knobs switches and buttons on it*
Honeybadger: "We're almost at Anvala, get ready to hit it."
Dylan: "So what are we going to call this type of music."
Honeybadger: "How about... Wave?"
-
After getting lunch and walking about the Festival more, Ny-Lee and Roland decides to return back to the Saloon with all their goodies. Once back, they noticed that it was packed to capacity. They two of them try to navigate to the stairs so that they can place all of their things in there room. Once at the stairs, Roland notices Yiski and calls to him.
"Hey Yiski, we're back. We are just going in our room to put our things away and head back down to help"
The two then heads up.
Back at the Festival, Liu is enjoying herself as she spends her time buying new things to bring back home.
At the docks, work has slowed down for the four as most of the ships are repaired. Thinking that they had enough, BdrLine decides they are down and that they enjoy themselves at the festival. All four heads to the center.
-
-- Anvala Docks --
*Honeybadger has a microphone in hand, connected to the speakers, he begins to talk into it*
Honeybadger: "People of Anvala and tourists from around the globe. I have with me, a new sound. Never heard before, that comes straight from the inner tinkering of this man over here, straight from the Baronies! After years perfecting this device, he has made a singing machine! The sounds your are about to hear are those you have never heard before, and all of it is coming from that machine! Hooked up to large speakers of course, also hand made by this man. So stand up, and enjoy the music that shall be known as Wave!"
*Honeybadger lets go of the mic and walks over to the machine, there is now a large crowd of people lining up along the street, some people are even coming out of the saloon to listen. Honeybadger walks over to the machine*
Honeybadger: "Ready?"
Dylan: "For a while now."
Honeybadger: "Lets hit it."
*The machine starts up with a loud thump. Silence in the crowd, the machine starts to snare, then adds in a sound that sounds like bwaaaa, and so on. Then drum noises are made, eventually leading up to an electronic sound. The song kicks in and everyone in the audience is either cheering or in awe, which brings in more people making the crowd*
Honeybadger: "I think they like it so far."
Dylan: "We haven't even got to the good part"
*Honeybadger and Dylan continue to hit buttons*
(OOC: Check the pit discussion for what it sounds like)
-
--NARRATOR--
As the Festival winded down, the saloon become busier because everyone wanted a drink to celebrate another successful Festival.
Each party went the separate ways. Roland and Ny-Lee dropped off their spoils upstairs before coming back down to help Yiski and Lauren. The saloon closed later than usual because of the seer number of patrons. Even though Yiski did not need the money, it was good to see people in high spirits.
When the saloon finally did close, Zill and Jun'ko head back to his galleon. The 'Festival' wasn't quite over for them yet. Roland and Ny-Lee simply passed out from all their activities.
Though Lauren wanted to discuss her future with Yiski, exhaustion compelled her to get some rest and deal with the issue in the morning.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 79--
-
--START OF DAY 80--
--NARRATOR--
There was one advantage of the day after the Spring Festival: Businesses and merchants took the day off to recover and relax. Even though many places stock up in order to prevent shortages, each Festival always seem to manage to exhaust local businesses. The saloon was no exception. Yiski found himself having to close the saloon in order to distill more of everything drink he had. Even the sparsely served No.2 and No.3 were out.
When Lauren, Roland, and Ny-Lee got downstairs, they could see a heavy amount of steam and smell the alcohol coming from the back. Yiski then came out from the back.
"Mornin' all."
"Good morning. I take it the saloon is closed for today."
"Yup. Gotta make more. We ran dry last night."
"Well, then Ny-Lee and I will stay here. We have a lot of things from yesterday we have to go through."
Roland and Ny-Lee went back up, leaving Lauren and Yiski. Yiski again started for the back. When Lauren...
"What am I supposed to do?"
"Head to the Academy. You've got a sentence to carry out."
"I know, but we need to talk."
Yiski sighed and turned to Lauren.
"We'll talk when you get back. It's not like I'm goin' anywhere today."
Lauren slighly hung her head, nodded, and left. Lauren might have figured out her feeling, but Yiski hadn't even started yet.
--NARRATOR END--
No token post on account MNS is not playing today, but do not expect many updates because of Cogs.
-
--Chaladon 1 day before the duel--
*The docks. Lockheart and Cecelia are waiting on a bench, lockhearts arm is around his wife as they wait for the arrival of Fadeshade*
*Looks at pocket watch*
Lockheart: "hmmm, he is taking his time. I hope he hasnt run in to trouble on the way..."
Cecelia: "if he is as good as you say he is, im sure he is fine"
*Lockheart stands up and takes out his spyglass and scans the horizon*
"ah-ha i see him. care to go and meet him out there darling?"
*offers his hand to Cecelia*
Cecelia: "it has been a while since ive flown, nor have i seen you fly so why not"
*they board the "aesterium" and head out to meet fadeshades slowly approaching galleon*
-
-- Dylan's Squid Stage, Docks near Saloon --
*Honeybadger woke up draped over the side of the squid*
Honeybadger: "Dylan, what happened last night?"
*Dylan crawls up from the floor*
Dylan: "We made music, amazing music."
Honeybadger: "What happened to the crowd?"
*Dylan points to the still standing crowd*
Crowd: "ENCORE! ENCORE!"
Honeybadger: "Fuck, people really like it. You know any other songs?"
*Dyland brings out several drums in a cabinet*
Dylan: "Can you play drums?"
Honeybadger: "I can try."
*Honeybadger sits next to the drums and hovers his hands over them*
*Dylan starts up the machine with a thump, the crowd that is lined up from the street end is cheering. Honeybadger starts to make a small beat with his drum, Dylan starts slow making low noises, eventually fading into louder and faster beats. Honeybadger keeps a beat*
-
--Academy--
Lauren was bored. It wasn't the kind of bored when one has nothing to do, but a bored because the activity itself was mundane. Lauren was teaching a group of 'potential' pilots, emphasis on potential. Many of these prospects had little or no actual knowledge in how to pilot. It pained Lauren to have to explain what a 'helm' was and what it does. Lauren felt she was going to kill one of them when he asked if hydrogen should be used in the engines.
However, despite the many rejects, there were two who had some indication they wouldn't just crash into the ground as soon as they touch a helm. A few hours passed as Lauren reviewed basic pilot training. With that finished, Lauren was done for the day. She started heading for the saloon.
--Saloon--
Yiski was watching his stills like a hawk. He constantly scrambled around making sure all his stills were working properly and that the drinks were coming out as they should.
He heard a knock on the door and assumed it was Lauren.
"It's unlocked."
"I'm back!"
It was Lauren. She closed the door behind her and proceeded into the back where she was met with a heavy aura of alcohol.
"You sure none of this will catch fire?"
"Nope. It always does."
Lauren walked up close to Yiski, but not too close to any of the stills. Just looking at them made her nervous. She knew from the past, Yiski's inventions both weapons and otherwise seemed to blow up or catch fire. Looking back on things, she could have sworn a dresser Yiski built for her caught fire. He reminiscing was interrupted when Yiski turned to her.
"You wanted to talk? Start."
"You said you wanted to know my answer from eight years ago."
"Yeah, and you said why did it matter."
"It doesn't you know."
"It does to me."
"Why?"
Yiski turned to Lauren and stared into her.
"I don't think you know what it's like to have someone you love not return it. Then having that person 'die' and never knowing the answer. To top things off, the person was alive came back to him and expects things to be like they were. That sound familiar?"
Lauren cringed at Yiski small rant. He was angry and he had every right to be. Should could have gone to him eight years ago and the two of them maybe could have figured something out. Instead, she decided to act like a martyr and this was the reality of if.
"You must hate me for doing that to you."
"I do."
"You think you can forgive me?"
"Right now? No. In the future? Dunno."
"I guess it's a start."
Lauren turned and started walking out to the main floor and Yiski turned around to check his stills. Before leaving, Lauren stopped and turned to Yiski.
"Do you still love me?"
Yiski sat silently with his back facing her and simply sighed.
"I see."
Lauren left and unknown to Yiski, there was a tear forming in her eye. When she entered the main floor, she saw Ny-Lee standing. Ny-Lee saw the distraught look on her face.
"Lauren, I think you and I need to talk."
-
--Airspace outside of Chaladon--
*the "aesterium" meets up with the galleon the "Maelstrom" halfway between. Lockheart's and Fadeshades crew toss ropes to eachother and bind the ships together, Lockheart and cecelia board the "Maelstrom", aboard at the helm, Fadeshade is resting over the railing.*
Fadeshade: "ahoy Lockheart, its been a while" *he smiles a scar on the side of his face makes it look like more of a grimmace*
Lockheart: "indeed it has been my good friend, how are you?"
Fadeshade: "im good my man, and how is our lady here?"
Cecelia: "Cecelia Lockheart, pleasure to meet you."
*Fadeshade doffs his battered tricorn hat*
Lockheart: " if you want your pay now incase we dont make it back, come down and get it"
*Fadeshade Leaps over the railing and lands on the deck with a thud*
*Cecelia Mutters "show-off", Lockheart whispers into her ear "just eccentric"*
Fadeshade: "well, well... a bit skinny on the coin Locky boy"
Lockheart: "what, they were the terms back in the day"
Fadeshade: "times are worse my man, need more or we ain't fightin'"
Lockheart: "tell you what, lets handle it like men, a duel, first man to be disarmed loses"
*lockheart smiled knowing he had a good sword, and a good whiles practice*
Lockheart: "i win you fight with what your given, i lose, i pay you double"
*Fadehades jaw dropped, "that much if i win?", he shifted his weight considering the offer, he then proffered his hand*
Fadeshade: "Deal."
*the crew clear, Lockheart draws first followed by Fadeshades menacing rapier, Fadeshade lunges forward, lockheart parries his sword left leaving fadeshades right open for a swing, he thrashes but fadeshade gets his sword back and knocks Lockhearts Sword out of the way, Lockheart Lunges but fadeshade crosses his sword and with a wide circle motion he almost dis-arms Lockheart, lockheart grips tightly and swing overhead at fadeshade, Fadeshade raises his sword to parry but lockheart put all of his momentum into this strike and it was over..., Fadeshades sword clattered to the floor severly cracked*
Cecelia: "yey"
*she runs up and kisses lockheart*
Fadeshade: "well ill be darned, good swordsmanship my man"
*he bows*
*Lockheart sheathes his sword*
"lets head back to Chaladon and discuss what our next move is over a drink "
*the ships fly back to chaladon*
-
--Docks--
It's already mid-afternoon and stirring in bed is BdrLine. During the Festival yesterday, he went out and roamed the many stalls. It's not long until a surprise concert started in the Western District that things started to kick up. He was among the many people in the crowd that gathered around the ship where the music was playing. And with loud music and a big group of people, alcohol soon found a way in. Throughout the night, he and many others drink to the sound. Eventually in a drunken state, BdrLine found his way back home. Which leads us back to now.
BdrLine wakes and sits straight up. This is a bad idea as the huge hangover he received from the drinking yesterday catches up to him.
"Argh"
He puts both hands to his forehead and lies back down. While rubbing his temples, he tries to remember last night. He chuckles as it all come back to him.
That was some Festival we had this year. Hope the Council will let those guys from yesterday come back next year. ...Ok, what time is it?
He looks around his room for a clock and goes to the window to see where the sun position is.
It's already afternoon of the next day!? Man I must have partied too hard. Argh Flak this hangover
With a hand over his head, BdrLine exits his room and heads downstairs to the kitchen. Already in the kitchen, sitting in a chair and sipping on tea, is Liu as she watches her son, that is oblivious to her presence, go to the coffee machine and makes a cup.
As BdrLine makes himself a mug and starts to take a sip, a thought occured to him.
Wait... I didn't put beans in this thing today
Looking at her son's confused face and mentally chuckling to herself, Liu speaks.
"If you are wondering why the coffee is ready, it is because of me."
Startled by his mother's presence, BdrLine almost spilled his mug on himself. This causes Liu to release her laugh.
"Mother! You almost gave me a heart attack!"
Still laughing, Liu wipes a tear from her eye.
"Oh hush now, you are too young to get such a thing. Besides the way you came back home last night, I figured that when you wake up, you will have a splitting headache and hangover that you will need something to ease it, and I was right"
Trying to find a way to protect his 'manliness', BdrLine stutters to fina an excuse.
"Well... I.... well... umm?... I'm going back to bed."
His reaction causes Liu to laugh more at her son, who goes red as he heads back to his room to sleep the rest of the day off.
It's so wrong to mess with my son, but that was too funny
Liu calms herself, and with a few chuckles here and her, continues to drink her tea.
--Saloon--
Ny-Lee gently takes Lauren by the hand and directs her to a table and sits her in a chair. Pulling out another, Ny-Lee places it besides her and she herself sits. In a calm voice.
"You love him still don't you? Come just talk to me. I'll promise it will be just between us."
-
--Saloon--
Lauren sits down across from Ny-Lee. A few seconds pass by before Lauren speaks.
"You're right. I do still love him. It's just... how do I make up for what I've done to him? I know everything I've done can't be fixed within a few days, but..."
"But?"
"... It just seems like.. like nothing is improving."
"Well, I don't know everything that's happened, but the I think the main problem is that Yiski believed you to be dead for the past eight years. Now you suddenly show up in the worst reunion. I can't truly see how Yiski feels, but a good guess would say he's sore."
"I know."
"I guess I should backtrack a bit. Why did you come back?"
"Because it was my one chance to see if I could."
"How so?"
"The people I was with were half raiders, half mercenaries. They'd go into cities as mercenaries and do a few jobs to garner some trust, then eventually they would rob a merchant or bank. I was usually the getaway pilot because of my quick maneuvering."
"How did you pick Anvala?"
"I managed to convince a few guys to target Anvala. We knew there was a large bank. Originally, the Boss didn't want to, but I assured them everything would be fine."
"We heard a few robbers escaped. How did you stay behind?"
"Before hitting the tar, I placed goggles and a gas mask. When the port was covered in smoke, I bailed the ship and exited from a service entrance."
"How did you know where the saloon was?"
"I was scoping the area before the robbery occurred. I wanted to just initially reveal myself to Yiski, but I was afraid the others would go after him. Looking back, that may have been the better decision."
"I see. How do you plan on Yiski forgiving you?"
"Honestly. I don't know."
-
-- Concert Ship --
*Honeybadger picks up the mic slightly worn out*
Honeybadger: "Thank you everyone for listening. Tell your friends about the new wave!"
*Honeybadger approaches Dylan as the remaining crowd disperses*
Honeybadger: "We should do this more often."
Dylan: "Whenever you like. Oh yeah, if we are a band, we should have a name."
*Honeybadger thinks for a second*
Honeybadger: "I'll get back to you on that. For now, lets check if the saloon is open."
(OOC: Is the saloon open? I can't tell anymore.)
-
--Saloon--
Ny-Lee thinks for a minute. She then turns to Lauren.
"I may have just have a thing, but we have to involve Roland in it as well. But tonight, I will try to convince Roland to tell Yiski to have a day to themselves tomorrow, like a guy to guy bonding or something. You and me then 'watch' the saloon for the day, but we will go out and get some things to help between you and Yiski. What I'm saying, we convert the saloon for a one night dinner for the two of you."
-
--NARRATOR--
Lauren gets up and gives Ny-Lee a hug. It catches Ny-Lee off, but soon she's returning the gesture.
"Thank you. It's nice getting to know you Ny-Lee."
"Well, if you stay, I'll soon be your unofficial niece-in-law."
"Oh right, you and Roland are getting married! With everything that's happened in his life, I'm glad he's found someone to be happy with."
"Yes... I believe you know what happened to his..."
"I do. I still remember the two days we lost Micheal and Maria. But I'm glad Roland's turned out the way he has. I suppose Yiski makes a better father figure than I thought."
Ny-Lee chuckles at the statement. It was true. It was hard at first glance to believe Yiski being a good parent, but Yiski did managed given the circumstances.
Eventually the two girls talked the night away. When they realized how late it was, they shared a laugh and decided to call it a night. Ny-Lee went upstairs first and when she walked in her room, she saw a sleeping Roland. Yesterday's Festival still wearing on him. Ny-Lee giggled and slipped in right next to him.
Lauren went to go check up on Yiski. He was still awake.
"You're not going to bed?"
"Can't. Gotta make sure the stills don't blow up and take the district with it."
"You think you'll be open tomorrow?"
"Probably not. While my brews will be done by morning, the usual distributor won't make enough till end of tomorrow. They say technical issues, I call it laziness."
"You want any company?"
"I'm good. You should get some rest though."
Even though Lauren and Ny-Lee had plans set for tomorrow, Lauren still wanted to see how much Yiski will yield. Turns out... very little. Not in the condition to press any further, Lauren bids Yiski goodnight and heads upstairs.
The trick for tomorrow: How to get Yiski out of the saloon for a full day?
Lauren doesn't realize, but it'll actually be easy with some issues.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 80--
-
--START OF DAY 81--
--NARRATOR--
Ny-Lee woke up before the sunrise arrived. Under a working assumption, if one wakes up early, the other does too. This meant Roland was also up before sunrise. He gave a quick yawn which was meet by a kiss by his future wife.
"Good morning love."
"Morning darling."
"Why are we up so early?"
Before Ny-Lee could answer, there was a knock at the door. Ny-Lee opens it and in the doorway was Lauren. The two ladies then looked at Roland who tilted in head in part confusion and part sleepiness.
"Darling, could you do us a favor?"
Ny-Lee then explained to Roland what she and Lauren had planned for Yiski and needed his help to get Yiski out of the saloon until the evening.
"Do you think you can manage darling?"
"I think I have an idea of what I am going to do."
All three of them went downstairs and to their surprise (or not), they noticed steam coming from the back. The small group peeked in and saw Yiski already up working on the stills. Yiski turns and notices them.
"Up early aren't we?"
Roland responds.
"Did you get any sleep last night?"
"Of course I did. Got a few hours. Woke up early to get all these fresh brews into the barrels. Should take an hour or two."
Without asking, the three tenants went in and started helping with filling the barrels. Yiski was going to protest, but the lack of sleep made sure Yiski couldn't. It takes thirty minutes to complete the task. Yiski gives a yawn.
"Thanks for the assist."
Yiski takes a deep breath and immediately realizes he has yet to shower. Everyone else also takes pause and realize they're in the same position. An hour and a few gallons of water later, the four reconvene at the main floor. Roland turns to Yiski.
"So are we staying closed today?"
"Yup. I don't like openin' when I don't have everythin' in stock, why?"
"I was hoping you could give me a few lessons in rifle training."
"Well, usually I'd be happy with just your pistol trainin'... but considering how much trouble seems to follow us around, it's probably a good idea. When do you want to start?"
"Today."
Yiski puts his hand up to chin and thinks. He then nods.
"Alright, let's go. You ladies good for the day?"
Lauren and Ny-Lee look at each other then together at Yiski and chuckle. Yiski then gives a look of mild confusion. Lauren speaks.
"Yes, Ny-Lee and I have some plans."
Yiski shrugs it off and he and Roland head out for the Academy. Lauren and Ny-Lee made sure the two were well out of sight of the saloon before the girls close up and head to the markets to gather materials and ingredients.
--NARRATOR END--
-
--Docks--
The sun is already up and both Liu and BdrLine are down in his kitchen eating breakfast. A sudden knock comes from the door and John's voice can be heard.
"BdrLine, open it. Do you know what today is?"
Both Liu and Bdralne look at each other with a confused face.
"Azn, do you know what he is talking about?"
"I don't know, let me just go and check."
He gets up from his seat and goes to the door. Once open, he sees the usual three people in his group surrounding his front door.
"Umm, can I help you guys?"
Tommy comes forward and pokes his head in.
"Sorry to intrude Mrs. Zhao, but can we take your son?"
"Be my guest, he needs to get out since yesterday"
"Mother!"
Liu chuckles as she continues eating. But BdrLne follows the three out the door outside.
"Ok, what is it that is so important."
The three of them just look at BdrLine. Allen to him.
"Don't tell me you forgot."
"Forget what?"
"Today is the Anvalan Boxing Championship. Winner goes on to Cathedral to fight the reigning champ"
BdrLine eyes goes wide as he start to remember.
"Holy smokes, how the flak did I forget?!?"
"Yeah we know. Come on, we already bought the tickets. We need to get to the stadium in the Center before the line gets long."
All four starts to head towards the Center, until BdrLine stops and to them.
"Wait, doesnt the main event start later in the evening?"
Tommy.
"Yeah."
"Then why are we going this early?"
"To see the other fights, and to get better seats"
"Well alright, let's go then."
The four the continue on their way again.
--Market--
Lauren and Ny-Lee arrives to the Market, since the day was still early, not that many people are wandering about and shop and stalls are still opening.
Ny-Lee leads them both to an open shop that supplies dining ware. There, Ny-Lee picks out fine china plates and sterling silverware. As they head out the store, Ny-Lee does a checklist.
"Ok dining materials, check. Next, hmm candles for lighting? And finally ingredients for the dinner. Lauren, you know what would be special for the both of you?"
-
-- Docks --
*Honeybadger scratches his head tired*
Honeybadger: "I wish we had bedding on that squid..."
Dylan: "I'll keep that in mind. But while we're up, you wanna go check out the market? It's probably better than the one we have back home."
Honeybadger: "Hmm, I never went to the market before." Then again lately most of my diet consisted of bar nuts and booze...
*Honeybager thinks for a second*
Honeybadger: "Alright, lets go."
-
--Academy--
The training grounds were relatively quiet for the most part. There were a couple trainees doing drills, but the rest were still in their barracks nursing hangovers. The semi-deserted grounds make it easy to find a spot on the range.
Yiski had set up multiple targets at different distances, elevations, and covers. The closest was 150 meters, the furthest was 350 meters. Yiski had two standard issue rifles, one for himself and Roland. Yiski took position.
"Alright the first thing you have to learn is how to control your breathin'. When you have a target you need to slow your breathin' and shoot between heartbeats."
Yiski demonstrated the technique and fired at the 350 target, hitting it dead center.
"Alright, your turn. Go for the close target out in the open."
Roland got prone and slowed his own breathing. He soon felt his heartbeats slowing. When he got the rhythm, he fired a shot. It was during a beat and the shot landed a few centimeters north of center. Yiski nodded his head.
"Not bad. You just gotta practice more in shooting between beats."
A few hours pass by when a couple of gunsmiths spot Yiski and approach him.
"Commander."
Yiski turns and the expression he gives is one of annoyance.
"This had better be good for you to bother me in givin' my son lessons."
The gunsmiths became nervous.
"Well... um... you see... the tungsten rounds... they're..."
"Oh for the love of clear skies, get out with it!"
"We were working on the rounds when we realized a few of us were deviating from the the design. The rounds look fine, but are duds when fired."
Yiski facepalmed. While he didn't want to be bothered with work and continue with helping Roland, the last thing he wanted were useless rounds. He sighed.
"Fine. I think I can fix your screw ups." Yiski turns to Roland. "Sorry, but it looks like I have to take this. You think you'll be fine on your own?"
"I think I will take a few more practice shots and call it a day. Do you think you will be long?"
"Depends on how badly these fools messed up."
Yiski gives the gunsmiths a look and they all avoided his gaze. Yiski shut his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Okay. It looks like it's that bad. If that's the case, I'm not sure when I'll be back."
Roland hesitated for a moment. He wanted to tell Yiski to be back at the saloon by evening, but Roland didn't want Yiski to get suspicious. Roland decided it was best to let Yiski go without mentioning tonight.
When Yiski left, Roland also left and headed back to the saloon.
"I have to tell Lauren and Ny-Lee we may have a problem."
-
(OOC: sorry about not posting today something personal came up, will return to normal tomorrow :) )
-
--City Center--
The four guys finally made it to the city's boxing stadium. As they entered, they notice that it was still empty. They head near the front rows for seats.
BdrLine:
"Ok, So when is the big fight."
Allen:
"Won't be until later tonight, right now its just some amateur fights and small belt bouts."
BdrLine:
"Well, alright. So who is up first?"
John:
"Some two new comers in the circuit. No onereally heard of them yet."
Out in the middle of the ring, an announcer come up.
"Welcome all, for our first fight. It will be against two new gloves. In the red corner, all the way from the sleepy town of Fallow, Julio 'Lighting' Ramirez. Here in the blue corner, a home town native, please welcome Marc 'Swifty' Anthony.
After the announcements, the announcer leaves the ring and the two fighters go at it. Soon after many different fights, the stadium starts to fill up and more prestige fights are starting.
--Market--
Ny-Lee to Lauren.
"Lauren you know what, I'll cook for the two of you. I may just know what dinner to prepare for the both of you."
Ny-Lee then grabs Lauren by the wrist as she guides her to different food stalls.
-
--City Center--
It's late afternoon. Roland searched the area to see if he could find either his 'aunt' or his soon-to-be wife, but there was no luck. Even though a few businesses and stalls were still closed, there seemed to be no shortage of people crowding the area. Roland stands looking off in the distance when a familiar voice calls for him.
"Roland?"
He turns to see Lauren and Ny-Lee with bags of groceries and materials for tonight.
"What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be keeping Yiski busy?"
Roland sighs and takes a few bags from Ny-Lee.
"Yes, but it appears something came up at the Armory. By the sound of things, it was serious. He told me he was not sure when he would be back."
The three stood in silence before Ny-Lee broke it.
"We might as well prepare as if he's coming back in time."
Lauren turns to Ny-Lee.
"And if he isn't?"
"As long as you don't plan on leaving, there'll be other chances."
"I suppose you're right."
Eventually, the three got back to the saloon and started preparations.
--Armory--
Yiski wasn't having a lot of luck. When the gunsmiths said they messed up, Yiski found that to be the understatement of the year. To him, things were FUBAR. If capital punishment were allowed in this situation, Yiski would've had all the gunsmiths face the firing squad using the rounds they'd fucked up. Instead, Yiski gave a long sigh.
"Dammit. It'll be a miracle if I can get back by midnight."
-
--City Center--
It is the last fight before the main event, and the whole stadium is packed. BdrLine and the other three are waiting anxiously for the main event.
"Ohh so close..... When is this fight over."
"Just calm down Bdr, we all want to see this..... OOOOOOOOOHHHHHH, Look at that Knockout!!!!"
On que, the bell rings and on the floor is one of the boxers. Then the announcer comes on to declare who is the winner and workers set the ring for the final fight.
Once everything is set, a bell rings to get everyone's attention and the announcer come out again.
*Ding-ding-ding*
"Ladies and Gentlemen, can I have your attention please. Welcome all to the Anvalan Stadium, and we like to present you all for tonight's main event. In the red corner, our challenger for tonight weighting in at 205 lbs. all the way from Qinjuru 'The Desert Scorpion' himself, Kiro 'Stinger' Jo."
Spotlights turn on as it shines to a corner and Kiro comes out towards the ring
"And in the blue corner, our reigning regional champ, two time champion, weighing in at 203 lbs. Ladies and Gentleman 'The Wind of The Grasslands, Michael 'Hurricane' Sanchez of Trysi."
Again, more lights and comes Johnson towards the ring. Once everything is set, both boxers crew exits the ring and a bell rings for the start of the fight.
At ring side, a radio announcer is calling all of the action.
"Welcome one and all folks, broadcasting live from Anvala, the semi-final fight between Jo of Qinjuru and Sanchez of Trysi. The winner of this fight goes on to face our reigning world champ in Cathedral. Tonight will be a twelve round fight, and it will be an exciting night as these are two of the greatest fighters in the region. ..."
With that, the fight continues as the whole stadium goes ecstatic from hit after hit, to close calls as either one of the two are stuck in a corner.
"After ten rounds of fighting, it looks like neither of the boxers will let up. And as we start the eleventh round, if you have been following our broadcast, our scorecards reads 95 each for both boxers. If this keeps up, we may have a ti... oh wait... looks like Jo gives off a few good jabs... Sanchez returns with the ole' one-two...Sanchez throws in a right jab, over extends.... Jo dodges, see an opening.... OHH Jo unleashes a massive barrage of punches, Sanchez is falling to the ropes, he is cornered arms up trying to block out the force of the onslaught. I don't know how long he can keep this up, Sanchez's arms must be taking a beating as they are getting lower by the second....*Crack*...*Thud* WHOOO KNOCKOUT KNOCKOUT KNOCKOUT. Ding-ding-ding goes the bell and the champ has fallen, after a massive barrage of punches from Jo, a powerful uppercut has found its way past Sanchez's defense and hits him squarely on the jaw. Now lets take it to back to the ring for to announce our winner"
"Ladies and Gentlemen, after ten rounds and two minutes and sixteen second of fighting in the eleventh, we have a new winner 'The Desert Scorpion"' of Qinjuru and moving on to our championship fight in Cathedral Kiro 'Stinger' Jo"
Jo goes to the middle of the ring as the stadium goes wild after the KO. Eventually everyone heads towards the exits and BdrLine and his group are pumped with adrenaline as they discuss the exciting parts of the days fighting.
-
--NARRATOR--
By the evening, Roland, Ny-Lee, and Lauren have the saloon transformed into a decent looking restaurant. While the group believes it to be five-stars, objectively, it's about 3 1/2. The dinner Ny-Lee cooked was a standard three-course meal with a dessert. Roland would be the waiter.
Thirty minutes pass with no sign of Yiski.
And soon an hour passes.
And another.
Lauren puts her head down in depression. Roland walks over in an attempt to comfort her.
"I am sorry for this. If I had not suggested Yiski take me to the Academy, this might not have happened."
Lauren puts her head up and forces a sad smile.
"It's okay. The problem would have found him somehow. All problems do."
The group decides to call it quits and start cleaning up. Ny-Lee takes the meal she cooked and wrapped it up to be eaten later. Roland and Lauren reset the main floor to its original state.
In about thirty minutes, the saloon is back to normal and the food properly preserved. Then, out of cruel karma, Yiski walks into the saloon. The three who prepared the romantic evening just stared at him, but Yiski didn't know why. Yiski gives a sigh and stretches his back.
"Those gunsmiths know how to ruin an idiot-proof design. How this city hasn't been taken over because of their incompetence is sheer dumb luck."
Yiski then starts heading into the back, but is stopped by Lauren her face and voice were annoyed.
"I waited for you."
"Waited on me for what?"
"Dinner."
"Just the two of us? I don't think we planned that?"
"Yes, for the two of us and no, it was going to be a surprise."
"Did you think a dinner between us would've made things better?"
"It would have been a start."
At this point, the tension between the two was rising... fast. Sensing the pending danger, both Ny-Lee and Roland decide to go stay at BdrLine's place. It maybe crowded when they get there, but it was certainly safer there than here. When the two left, neither Yiski nor Lauren noticed them gone. Yiski then started increasing his voice.
"You know what would have been a start? You tellin' me you were alive for the past eight years!"
"I did it to protect you!"
"Yeah, and look how well that turned out! You took everythin' we had together and threw it to the side because thought you knew better!"
"But..."
"No buts! I didn't need protecting and you know it!"
Lauren stood in silence. She couldn't answer because she did have one. Yiski was right. Despite his advice, most decisions Lauren has made usually end up backfiring in some way or coming back to haunt her. Tears started welling up in her eyes and she sat down to cry.
Looking at her state, Yiski had enough and headed into his room.
Lauren's idea of things improving between them seemed impossible now.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 81--
Okay, the thread will be locked until the end of my finals on May 11th. Wish me luck... I'll need it. :'(
-
--Summary of Days 82-96--
--NARRATOR--
The past two weeks were peaceful, or at least there was a distinct lack of mercenaries and hit-men after the group. However, there were no shortages of the group still managing to find their own trouble.
Zill and Jun'ko had been busy overseeing the refitting of the entire fleet with Yiski's new mercury field rifles with the new tungsten rounds. Zill had to be careful in how many field rifles were given and how much tungsten ammo provided. The Council had ordered the new gun and rounds top secret to minimize the possibility the guns and ammo could be salvaged off a sunk or captured vessel. Though many field rifles and ammo were available to Zill, he supplied them out sparingly and to vessels he knew could handle themselves.
BdrLine had been busy implementing a new armor plating style based on the late M'Naghten. After the events dealing with the Birdmen, the late M'Naghten's armor had been the difference between life and death at Lu Tower. If the new re-plating wasn't enough for BdrLine to keep busy, BdrLine also was refitting the fleet with the new engines and helping Skyraider with his project.
Roland and Ny-Lee passed the time between running the saloon while Yiski was at the Armory and spending time together when Yiski kicked them out into the city. Ny-Lee had gotten word from her mother, Liu, the cruise ship was finished and preparations for the maiden flight were being set for the couple's wedding. While Roland was happy to be married to his soon-to-be lovely wife, he hid his excitement much better than Ny-Lee who had been giddy since she learned the cruise ship was ready. Fortunately, Ny-Lee wasn't alone in her excitement. Jun'ko also slipped out every once and while and the two girls spent time discussing their respective partners.
Paradox spent most of his time at the DLTC HQ doing paper work. He'd stop by the saloon a few times and, as always, managed to draw everybody's ire towards him. Eventually, the saloon got used to Paradox's antics.
Yiski and Lauren were still in limbo about their future relationship. Despite, Lauren's genuine efforts to fix their standing, Yiski stood adamant against her attempts. What's worse, her efforts were far and few between. When Yiski's at the Armory, she's usually at the saloon and vice versa, but with Lauren training pilots. Over the past two weeks, the group had gotten concerned with these two, mainly just to avoid the tension spilling over to the other. (Let's be honest, the group knew what affected one, always effected the others.) Fortunately, their drama was well-overshadowed by the eventual wedding.
Despite the fanfare for the wedding, how much smooth sailing was left?
--END NARRATOR--
--End of Summary--
Normal posting starts tomorrow.
-
--START OF DAY 96--
--NARRATOR--
-Chang-ning-
Liu and Shen are at Dragon Port looking at the completed cruise ship Tengshe. It is a massive cruise ship about a quarter of the size of Paradox's Jericho, but nearly twice as large as a Yeshan galleon. A tear comes to Liu's eye and her husband embraces her, knowing the implications. Liu looks up to him.
"Our little girl is going to be married."
"She is, and she couldn't have found a better husband."
"When can the Tengshe depart?"
"Immediately. We should arrive at the neutral ground around Thursday and that would give us a day to prepare for Friday."
"Well then, we should probably relay the coordinates and time to both Azn and Yiski."
--Anvala--
Today was one of the rare days where both Yiski and Lauren would work at the saloon. The reason for this was Zill's decision to hold war games to keep the fleet prepared for a number of situations. It was even a rarer day when Roland and Ny-Lee decided to stay in, mostly because Ny-Lee's excitement was beginning to take it's toll on Roland. Even though he's improved his physical stamina, he's nowhere close to keeping up with a hyperactive bride.
Despite the difficulty, Lauren was still determined to at least get back to amicable grounds with Yiski to where their conversations didn't end in yelling. How she was going to accomplish it was an entirely different matter.
Yiski was in the back checking the stills when he heard a radio transmission come through.
"Yiski... Yiski... This is Shen..."
Yiski walked over to the radio and responded.
"Yiski here. Haven't heard from you in awhile. How's Liu? Did she get back safely?"
"I'm doing fine and Liu is here with me as well. How soon can you get to Yannock?"
"Let's see... given a few new improvements to our engines... I'd say we'd get there by Thursday."
"Excellent. The cruise ship Tengshe is ready for departure and will arrive at Yannock by Thursday. We would hold the wedding the day after. Is that acceptable?"
"I don't see why not. The town would give us a nice view of the Chill Sea."
"Then Yannock by Thursday it is."
"I'll run it by the others. Yiski over and out."
When the transmission over, Yiski walks out into the main floor where he's met with a few faces. Roland to Yiski.
"Who was that on the radio?"
"Ny-Lee's father, Shen. We have a location and time for the weddin'."
Ny-Lee's eyes went wide and rapidly approached Yiski. Yiski (and anyone else) could tell she was ecstatic.
"AH! Where are we going?!"
"Easy now. We're headin' out and arriving at Yannock, hopefully, on Thursday where the Tengshe is at and have the weddin' on Friday."
Lauren looks at Yiski.
"Yannock. Isn't it a bit far from here? Wouldn't we have to leave today to reach there by Thursday?"
"Usually that'd be the case, but thanks to the new engines BdrLine's been installin', we can leave tomorrow."
Satisfied with his explanation, Yiski walks over to the door to open the saloon for today.
...
...
...
Nobody enters the saloon at first. More moments pass by and there are still no patrons entering. Yiski and the other stand confused. There were always a few patrons to enter at the opening. Suddenly, Yiski stamped his foot to the ground and yelled. Roland was the first to ask.
"What happened?"
"Dammit. I forgot, with the war games today, almost all the folks are going to watch them."
Today was going to be a slow day.
--NARRATOR END--
-
*the door creaks open, and a familiar stranger is standing in the doorway. He notices the Saloon practically empty, and walks up to the bar*
"Has your milk gotten any better, or should I stay with hellfire?"
-
*Wazulu walks in behind him, wondering what exactly qualifies as a 'Familiar stranger', nonetheless, he'd blame Shink for the confusion. Sitting down at the bar he proceeded to whistle to himself, only to glance at his watch and swear. With a storm of expletives Wazulu ran out just as the door began to close*
-
--Airspace outside Chaladon--
*Aboard the Maelstrom*
First Mate:"Cap'n the gun bearings are greased, engines cleaned, rounds loaded and boarding party ready!"
Fadeshade: "Excellent!, as soon as Lockheart mans up we shall kill wildly, or die painfully!"
*He smiles, the first mate walks away a bit worried about his captains mentality. Fadeshade pulls out his spyglass and looks toward the enemy ship*
"Prepare the men for combat!"
*Aboard the Aesterium*
*Lockheart was wearing his usual war room outfit, except with armor plating underneath, he also wore a green tin "Brodie" hat. He was shaking, numerously checking over very small details to try settle his stomach a little, the clouds rolled by then he caught site of the 2 ships a junker and a pyramidion. he took out his spy glass and scanned the enemy ships, his gunner and first mate were stood behind him on the captains bridge.*
Lockheart: "Looks like they also took the same initiative..."
Gunner Karl: "aye aye Commodore, ill load the hwacha with Incendiary to try burn them off"
*Karl Headed off to the front gun, Lockheart looked across the deck of the junker and pyramidion to see them bristling with more men brandishing weapons. a boarding party*
First mate Ludvig: " Orders Commodore "
*Lockheart sighed*
"Oh lord...., just wait for the signal i guess, and prep the men"
Ludvig: "Aye Aye"
*Ludvig walked off leaving lockheart alone on the bridge, he then quickly used his spyglass to check the 2 galleons off to one side, one of each sporting the families banners. he looked for Cecelia but all he could find was his father looking at his watch and comforting his mother*
"what i would do to get back to her alive..."
-
-Narrator-
Zill stood atop the highest point on his Galleon overlooking the vast nothing that was outside Anvala's walls. The Sky was busy with activity however. Three quarters of the Anvalan High Fleet were deployed and getting into position for the war games. Crowds were gathered to witness the spectacle of military might. Matty had joined him on his Galleon today. Jun'ko was hanging off some rigging to get the best angle of the wasteland. Matty turned to Zill.
"So, bets?"
"Oh you want to start that up again do yea? Red has this in the bag."
"No way. Blue has Timmy piloting the lead. He's got to be the star of that new girl's class."
"We'll see how he folds under pressure."
"Yea yea. I still love a good underdog."
"20 silvers sound right?"
"All the time."
The Council and highly esteemed citizens were allowed access to the top of the city walls for the games. Their long-winded speech to the masses was ended with the celebratory signal to begin the games. Crash coordinated the one-shot barrage into the Sky from all batteries. Zill grinned, then took out his spyglass to scan the outer borders. Representatives from the Baronies and Yesha were in the distance watching from afar. While on paper they wanted to show support for the independent city, they also wanted to know just what the world's best gunners had in development for the future. Jun'ko cheered, and the two captains watched with grins as the games began.
-End Narrator-
-
*Glancing at the quickly disappearing Wazulu*
what an odd fellow
*Having gotten confirmation that the Milk was indeed still off limits, Shink orders his Hellfire and moves to his old spot*
"Where is everyone? I figured a much bigger fanfare with my return..." *Shink frowns* "Zill's not even here"
-
--Anvalan Airspace--
Flying at the outskirts of the mock battle, a lone junker observes, oddly not the maneuvers, but at the engines of the ships. BdrLine and his usual three have binoculars and telescopes out looking at sterns of the ships at the engines to see how they hold.
"First the Council asks us to install new engines to the Fleet, now they are making us to make sure they work. They can't seem to trust me do they? Hold on moving to get another angle, so how they holding?"
Look through his scope, Allen answers.
"The engines on this ship looks fine. They are holding, nothing is falling off, they can take a hell of a being though"
He looks away from his scope and to BdrLine.
"But can you blame the Council? I mean you have a little track record with damages."
"Hey, it's improving. And the design I made, plus the one that Zill and the others found, made these faster and more durable."
Tommy
"Well once this is over, you know we will be paid big for fitting the Fleet"
BdrLine
"Yeah I know, just keep watching"
-
--Saloon--
Yiski watches Wazulu rush out and simple scratches his head. Though he wanted to ask, he didn't because usually it involves shooting people. Yiski turns to Shink.
"The milk is fine. You just don't have a good tolerance for it."
Roland turns to Yiski.
"If the saloon is going to be this slow, should we close up?"
"Normally, yes, but given how much money we've made from our quests, I'll just keep the saloon open. You three are welcome to head out into the city and watch the battle. I'll just stay here and do... something. Maybe I'll make a new drink."
-
--Saloon--
Wanting to see some excitingment after two weeks of calm, Ny-Lee goes over to Roland.
"Roland can we go? Been a while since we saw some action, not that peace is a bad thing. It was relaxing but still."
Roland gives in to his fiancé's face.
"Well alright. Yiski, you'll be fine while we are out?"
Both goes towards the door, but Ny-Lee turns to Lauren.
"Are you coming?"
--Anvalen Airspace--
Over the skies still, the 'dynamic four' are finishing their inspections.
"Well I think we are done here. Everything is functioning, no explosions, I think this is a success. Let's go back, finally a break"
BdrLine then turns his engines off and the junker just float idle.
"So who you guys think will win, red or blue?"
John
"I'm going red, just look at the moves these pilots are making."
Tommy
"But look at blue, all their shots are hitting"
The four then goes on bickering on which side will win
-
--Chaladon--
*a flare fires from the deck of one of the galleons*
Lockheart: " Well chaps its been a honour serving with you. now CHARGE!!"
*He drew his sword and raised it in the air. the crew on both ships cheered, he set his engines to full ahead and looked over to the Maelstrom he saw Fadeshade leaning on the deck railing holding onto some rope, whilst frantically pointing and shouting his Heavy flaks were soon firing in unison at the junker*
Lockheart: " Prepare to fire on my mark Karl! "
Karl from the Hwacha: " AYE AYE, i got a fiery present for these bastards"
Lockheart: " FIRE"
*the hwacha fires a full barrage of flaming rockets unto the pyramidion, one sets the captain alight, a few more flaming bodies drop from the sides, but it still flew onwards firing its gatling and flak.*
Lockheart: "why wont this blighter sink!, Ludvig hows our hull holding?"
Ludvig: "she can take a lot more than she's getting cap'n" *he carries on tinkering with a broken gun*
*the pyramidion lined up its side where several men were standing*
Lockheart: " PREPARE FOR COMBAT!"
*several men sprang onto the deck, one landing on the captains bridge but soon kicked off by lockheart to send him falling off the ship*
*the boarding action went on for some time but ended up with the men been slaughtered and the deck of the aesterium covered in corpses and blood, luckily not much of that was any of lockhearts men*
Aboard the Maelstrom
Fadeshade: " WE-HEY Julie seems to have all but annihalted the pyramidion"
*he examines it with his spyglass while a few light flak shots hit the deck and a crewman falls*
Fadeshade: "one more Hwacha barrage should do them alright!"
*the junker carries on to rake the deck of the Maelstrom with gatling and flak fire, along with a few small firearm shots. to little success. *
*Fadeshade mans the side mercury gun and looks down the scope, and holds his breath before firing*
Fadeshade: "Take that!"
*the shot hits their right engine dead on, the ship spirals around sideways, the Flaks continue to barrage the junker which soon falls to peices within meters of colliding with the Aesterium*
*the pyramidion soon realises its hope is lost and starts to retreat before been blasted to peices by both ships heavy weapons*
Lockheart: " We did it! nice work gentlemen"
*he gives a "thumbs-up" signal to fadeshade who nods he then thrown his hat in the air. The crew cheer as they head back to chaladon leaving the smoldering wrecks of the 2 ships, he is accompanied by the Lockheart galleon aswell.*
Lockheart: thank god i survived, now how can i celebrate?... Ah of course. The Burning Skies
-
-Then it was fixed-
Zill and company watched as the games went on. Shots rang out as boats all flew around with tactical precision. In the end, red team barely took home the prize, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats. Cheers roared and the finally was something quite special. Matty shook his head and handed over 20 silvers.
"Damn I really though Timmy would pull them through."
"He's got some real world experience now. Next year is a better bet."
"Yea I guess. Either way it's nice to have a day off."
"I'll drink to that. How about a mug at the Burning Skies?"
"I think it's time I try out that old place you seem to frequent so much."
"Well we still have the finale."
"What finale? I thought..."
Giant armor slabs emerged from the gates and were placed in the middle of the barren landscape. Matty looked with curiosity as Crash ordered one flak battery loaded. One shot. He turned to Zill but he motioned him to watch. The gun fired, and hit dead on. The smoke cleared, and the round had pierced the armor entirely. Matty's jaw dropped. Zill quickly looked at the foreign representatives and saw them reeling. Zill only laughed.
"Oh lord, their faces are priceless."
"Dear Skies Zill, I didn't know we had rounds like that."
"Yiski's doing."
"You aren't much for secrets are you?"
"I figured it's better to scare them out of attacking us instead of killing them when they do."
"Fair call. How about that drink?"
"Indeed."
Zill signaled the end of the games, and headed to Port Tar Barrel to land.
-
--Narrator--
After the days war games, all the ships were dock back in their original ports and everyone went of to celebrate a successful day. Zill taken everyone who was on his galleon to the Burning Skies Saloon where it was already packed with people who came to watch the games.
Inside Yiski, Roland, Ny-Lee, and Lauren are busy about handling the mass of people. Eventually, BdrLine and his group comes in as well and the night goes on as everyone goes about drinking.
Sometime around midnight, Yiski decides to close up shop, and in good ole' Yiski fashion, yells at the center of the saloon for everyone to leave. Also because he wanted to make preparations for the trip tomorrow.
Everyone leaves to their repective homes, and a reminder from Yiski, also start making things ready for tomorrow.
--End Narration--
End of Day 96
-
--START OF DAY 97--
--NARRATOR--
Yiski and company all woke up before the moon was even out of sight. The group convened at Port Tar Barrel making preparations to depart for Yannock.
Zill would take Then It Was Fixed Again equipped with dual lumberjacks and a mercury on the left, dual hwachas on the right, and a harpoon on the back, and along with Jun'ko, Shink, and Paradox.
Yiski would take M'Naghten Returns equipped with a lumberjack, left gatling, and right mercury and along with Lauren, BdrLine, Roland, and Ny-Lee. The surprising bit was Lauren would be piloting with Yiski gunning.
Both ships also had additional crew to man the ships for sentry watch for tomorrow and the wedding and the ships were running the new mercury rifles and tungsten rounds.
When the ship preparations were completed, it was sunrise. Luckily, the tailor and dress shops were open and Roland, Jun'ko, BdrLine, and Ny-Lee got their respective outfits. Zill, Yiski, Shink, and Paradox still had a few old tuxedos, though those were more for military formals, but the four didn't care. The tuxedos still looked decent and the four didn't want to sit for hours getting fitted with new ones.
After a final check of ship, cargo, and crew, Yiski used the M'Naghten Return's radio to call over to Liu and Shen.
"Shen, Liu... this is Yiski. We've got our preparation ready and are departing. How are things on your end?"
"Shen here. Good to hear you're departing. The Tengshe has already in transit and we're following with a galleon and pyramidion. Can't be too safe."
"Agreed. We're comin' with a galleon and goldfish."
"Roger. See you soon and clear skies."
Yiski leans over the helm railing and yells at the others.
"Let's get the lead out and ship out!"
Both Then It Was Fixed Again and M'Naghten Returns loaded up and shipped out. Though there were clear skies, the group would not experience smooth sailing.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Then it was fixed again-
Zill's mind was not all on the task of flying today. The previous night he had stayed up looking at the Birdman research book that he had kept secret from the Council. Not all of the experiments had dire plots involved. Some of the less graphic ones could be seen as useful even. He remembered Kyle as he read through, as they always talked about finding long lost knowledge and devious research from top nation scientists.
He shook off these thoughts as the wind picked up. His bandana mask fluttered on his face, and a new hat held tight. He took a deep breath and called Lauren.
"Smells like a sandstorm. Hold off on the kerosene till we get closer."
"Smells? We have a deadline to meet and I'm not about to....."
"Ask Yiski if you don't believe me. Either way, you can get stuck in it and we'll pick you all up once its over if you'd rather that method. Zill out."
Zill wasn't thrilled that Lauren was piloting. She had an air of pride about her, and it wasn't going to help. He sighed, and Jun'ko came up next to him. She felt the wind and wanted to see if orders had changed.
"Windy up here."
"Sure is. Everything secured?"
"All except the guns. Want those secured too?"
"Yea. Dust storm will hurt 'em too bad if we don't. They need a woman's touch."
Jun just grinned and went below to get to work with the guys on securing the guns.
-
--M'Naghten Returns--
After the short conversation with Zill, Lauren looked down to Yiski who was staring off into the distance with Blood Bolt's scope. Lauren looked back forward and did notice a few dust clouds meandering into their flight path. While she knew flying through a sandstorm was foolish, she also knew exactly how to handle a ship through one. She sighed though realizing Yiski was still the captain of his ship.
"Yiski. Orders."
Yiski took a few moments staring off into the distance before turning and responding.
"Kill kerosene. Pull to three-quarters throttle. We got a sandstorm comin' in."
"You too, huh?"
"Yeah, we passed Parrin and now approaching the Dunes. Sandstorms aren't unusual out here and you of all people should know better than to pilot through one."
"How long do you think the sandstorm will last?"
"If we're lucky, we'll make Nalm by nightfall."
Something in the back of Yiski's mind told him, they weren't going to be that lucky.
-
--Near the skies of Nalm--
Yiski and Zill were right, the sandstorm was brutal. Even though the two ships were a good four kilometers out, the strong winds were still causing Zill and Lauren problems keeping steady. Zill called over to Lauren.
"We're going to have to drop alt and drop anchor if we don't want to get swept aside."
"Understood."
Lauren wasn't up for arguing, not after being wrong again about being able to fly through this storm. She leaned over the helm to see if Yiski was looking at her. He wasn't. Lauren gave a sigh of relief as she dropped down. She really didn't want to get another lecture, but she felt one was coming.
Both ships dropped to a safe altitude and anchor. While the anchors did help with the swaying, dropping anchor on sand dunes don't do much for stability. The ships still suffered from drifting.
Yiski came up to the helm. Lauren was expecting Yiski to say 'I told you so," but Yiski called over to Zill on the radio.
"How you holdin' up?"
"Better, but the drift is still causing me trouble. You?"
"Not all that bad. Good thing Lauren hasn't missed a step in piloting."
Zill facepalmed on his end. The last thing he wanted was Yiski feeding her ego. Even if it was true. Yiski realizing the implications.
"Zill, assumin' you're rollin' your eyes or somethin', it could be..."
"Don't you finish that line! You know damn well things do go south when any of us say that."
Both Zill and Yiski looked back toward Parrin and, as if on cue, the two saw a few ships approaching. Using their respective scopes, they spot five ships. Three junkers and two squids... with raider markings.
"Dammit Yiski!"
"Shink's fault."
-
--M'Naghten Returns--
Out on the main deck, BdrLine, Ny-Lee, Roland, and the additional crew all had face scarves and googles on to protect them form the sand. BdrLine being close to the helm heard Zill over the radio.
He called over the sand.
"Yiski is there a problem"
Out of nowhere, a mercury shot rang out missing the two ships. Everyone on deck turn to face where it came from and notices the raider ships.
"Nevermind found the problem, so ... start shooting?"
-
*A buzz can be heard from the radio, but there is only a handful of people who know what frequency Zill uses. Of course, a familiar voice is then heard over the radio, its Sky*
"Ho' boy, looks like you got yourself into some trouble there Zill! On your mark I can dive on these swabies and put them out of their misery!"
*The grunting of an engine is heard right when he finished*
"Ack, I hate sandstorms! This plane can barely keep aloft by itself with two engines!"
-
-Then it was fixed again-
Zill swung his long side to the enemy and ordered the guns loaded, despite the sand. They were still a ways out and only managing close mercury shots. He heard Sky on the airwaves and responded.
"Damn if you don't have good timing. Let us open up and that can be your signal to start a run. Just don't get yourself killed. As for you Lauren, don't raise anchor and tell your boyfriend to get firing."
Zill helped load the mercury with charged rounds and fired the first round himself to start the battle off proper. Jun was keeping everything alive, and the rest fired a first volley, missing in the dense sand.
-
*Sky sees where the shots lead, and spots a raider Junker out of formation, trying to get a broadside. Sky proceeds to fly straight over the top and begins to go into a deep dive. He taunts as the dive siren activates.*
"Death from above!"
*37mm bullets rain down on the raider ship, destroying the starboard engine and disabling the two weapons on that side. As Sky flies under the airship, its port side opens up with a Gatling and flak. Flak explodes all around Sky's plane but not close enough to even put a dent into the engine.*
"He's disabled, going around for another dive attack!"
-
--M'Naghten Returns--
Lauren ignored Zill's 'boyfriend' comment. Instead of keeping anchor, she quickly raised one of the two and let the strong winds turn the ship to where the right mercury was bearing. Lauren quickly drops the raised anchor again, giving the ship some stability.
Yiski watches Skyraider do dive runs as Lauren swings the ship around to bear the mercury rifles. Yiski was expecting the lumberjacks to be facing, but the winds had picked up to a point where bearing the forward to the raiders would cause his ship to drift into the sandstorm. Lauren calls over to Yiski.
"I can't bear the ship anymore than this! You'll have to make the most out of it!"
Yiski rushes to the side mercury and loads two tungsten rounds. Yiski calls over to all on-board before firing.
"I need four of you on the turnin' engines! Those engines need to be buffed five minutes ago! Everyone else, make sure we stay afloat!"
As soon as Yiski finished barking orders, he fired the first shot at the fast approaching squids. The wind causes the shot to veer hard left. Yiski quickly calibrates the mercury's scope and fires another shot. This time it hits, but only manages to graze the engine.
"It's a start at least."
Meanwhile, BrdLine, Roland, and two other crew engineers started buffing the engines in order to give Lauren more maneuvering to get the front guns bearing.
Yiski loads another two rounds into the rifle, adjusts a bit more, and fires. The first rounds managed to hit one of the approaching squid's main engine. The squid was only 500 meters away when the shot landed. The squid started veering and barely missed the ship. While it could have avoided the sandstorm it was now approaching by putting all power in reverse, the dead main made the difference and the squid was soon swallowed by the sandstorm.
"Not how I expected to kill the squid, but I'll take what I can get."
-
-Then it was fixed again-
Lumberjack shots rained on the junkers, a few hits here and there kept them busy on damaged balloons. The remaining charging squid seemed to have too much speed, and was headed right into Zill's ship. He sprinted to the helm and cursed under his breath. He released his anchors and popped hydrogen. The squid ran straight under and into the storm. Zill quickly dropped the anchors again, only losing 300m between him and the storm.
"Get my engines up! Paradox, get the lead out of your ass!
PapaP yelled a curse as he ran to the back engines. Shink did what he could on the lumberjack keeping the junkers occupied. Zill let the boat in throttle and jumped on the gun again, loading tungsten rounds. He held his breath and fired. It grazed his target's hull. He let fly his second shot, piercing the hull and igniting the ammo reserves. That with a lumberjack shot sent it flaming to the ground. Jun'ko squealed with excitement.
"You got em!"
"Aint out of the sand yet."
-
As Sky turned to pick on the lone Junker, he switches to HE Incendiary ammo, and aims directly at its powder magazine. Once he was at the tip of the dive he carefully aimed his shots and fired. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. The dive was complete and he pulled away from the Junker. At first, nothing happened. Then a fire broke out around where the ammo is stored. Then a deafening explosion rips the Junker into two pieces, which then collapse apart. Sky responds.
"Well that went up! Sadly I am running low on cannon ammo. I ne-"
He was cut short as a flak shot explodes close to the rudders of the plane. The plane begins to spin out of control towards the ground.
"I've been hit, hard!"
"Focus, or this can cost you your life."
Instead of trying to correct the plane, he relaxed and was tossed around his cockpit helplessly, then the plane straightened out. He managed to pull up just in time before hitting a sand dune. He took a deep breath and said.
"I just mowed my lawn, I meant to do that."
-
--M'Naghten Returns--
Yiski and the other on the ship see Skyraider barely pull up before crashing. Lauren yelled over the radio.
"I don't think we've met yet, but thanks for the assist and takedown."
Lauren then pulled one anchor up and gave the ship a hard port turn. The now buffed engines and wind started spinning the ship around to have the back facing, then port. When Lauren finally dropped the anchor again, the front lumberjack was finally facing front. The downside to her maneuver was it made the ship much more susceptible to the strong winds and would make shots harder to aim.
"Yiski I hope you can still manage shots while in a hellhole!"
Yiski pulled the cover off the lumberjack and jumped in the seat with lesmok rounds preloaded. The remaining two junkers were roughly 1.5 kilometers out. Seeing three of their ships sink without landing a single shot, the remaining two attempted to turn tail and run. The narrow profile of the retreating junkers just made it more difficult to hit now.
Yiski took a deep breath and exhaled.
"Same wind speed, distance 1.5 kilo and gaining, account for arc, account for muzzle velocity, and..."
Yiski rang out the five shots loaded. The first three shots veered and missed completely, but the last two shot hit the closer of the two junkers. With the earlier shots landed by Shink and Paradox, the junker's balloon gave out. The tattered remains got caught in the winds and immediately slammed the junker into the ground.
Before either ship could get a decent marking on the last junker, it had already left the ships' effective engagement ranges.
Now with one danger down, Lauren had to fight against the wind again. The ship was broadside against the wind which started causing the ship to drift, dragging the two anchors. Lauren quickly adjusted the anchors again to position the ship in a state with minimal drifting.
While the rest of the crew were still keeping the engines running, Yiski went up to the helm and called over to Zill.
"So should we avoid sayin' said line?"
"Flak Yiski. What do you think?"
Yiski doesn't react to the sarcastic comment and turns to Lauren.
"Not bad."
Yiski couldn't tell, but the comment made Lauren heart skip a beat.
-
*Sky barely manages to regain his lost altitude and flies toward M'Naghten Returns. Glad he didn't become part of the ground he responds.*
"Wait, who exactly are you, and what are you doing with Yisk's boat? Choose your next answer carefully."
*Sky flies around the ship in a circle, waiting for an answer.*
-
--NARRATOR--
Yiski watches Skyraider circle overhead M'Naghten Returns and head immediately for the helm.
"Sky... before you do anythin' idiotic which could lead to the loss of my ship, let me introduce you to Lauren. Long story short, we were together once and I thought she was dead, but isn't."
"How do I know she isn't forcing you to say that?"
Yiski was pinching the bridge of his nose and said the following calmly.
"By the skies Sky, if you so manage to place a single scratch on my ship, I will somehow get myself in front of your face and strangle you."
Skyraider thought for a moment.
"Alright, I believe you."
"Good. You might want to head back to Parrin and get fixed up. Don't think you'll last much longer in this storm."
A few moments of radio silence before Yiski saw Skyraider break off and head back towards Parrin. As Skyraider was gaining distance...
"Save a spot for me on the cruise ship."
Yiski laguhed.
"Will do."
With Skyraider dealth with Yiski had other concerns. The sandstorm wasn't letting up and the light was fading. If there was one thing all crewmen were taught was this: Never stay in the skies at night during a sandstorm. There were horror stories from crewmen and pilots ranging for all experiences under this topic. An overnight sandstorm keeps the entire crew awake and a tired crew makes mistakes... fatal mistakes.
Yiski and Zill had a choice to make: Risk the storm or fly back to Parrin. While flying back to Parrin would be the most sensible option, the two men did not have the best reputation there, something about wiping out a portion of the town population because it was a haven for raiders.
Yiski calls over to Zill.
"You know we gotta go through right?"
"Flak... I know."
Yiski yells over to the entire crew.
"I need all crews to keep the engines alive! We're forcing our way through! Get the guns covered and brace for sand!"
Zill relayed similar instructions on Then It Was Fixed Again and soon the two ships found themselves in the middle of a raging sandstorm. Even with the additional clothing cover, many crewmen had to duck and cover in whatever shelter could take the brunt of the flesh-rending sandstorm.
Minutes felt like hours as Lauren and Zill flew blind. The engineers on both struggled to keep the engines running. Over the screaming and whistling winds, one could almost hear BdrLine screaming at how much damage the engines were taking.... almost.
Over the course of an hour, the two ships managed to find themselves on the other side of the sandstorm. With some additional luck absent earlier, they found Nalm within sight. Yiski called down to determine whether there were any injuries from flying through. Fortunately, a handful of crewmen had small bleeding cuts and the worst had a open gash on his leg. Zill had similar reports on his end.
Another thirty minutes and the group find themselves finally docked at Nalm. Given their large numbers, they disembarked the ships and held up in a nearby inn. The injured crewmen got treatment and turned in for much needed and well-deserved sleep. Eventually, the others would turn in as well... except for Yiski.
Something was bothering him, but he didn't know what.
"Sure, the sandstorm was one thing, but the engagement seemed too convenient. Skies, I hope I'm overreacting."
Yiski didn't notice Lauren standing next to him while in deep thought. When Lauren tapped his shoulder, Yiski flinched a bit and turned to face her.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Silver coin for your thoughts?"
Yiski shrugged. He couldn't tell whether this was another of her attempts. Feeling tired himself, he starts walking away from Lauren.
"Will you ever forgive me?"
"It depends on whether you can forgive yourself."
Yiski headed upstairs leaving Lauren on her own. She turns and looks up to the night sky with a tear in her eye.
I can't.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 97--
-
--START OF DAY 98--
--NARRATOR--
The crew of both M'Naghten Returns and Then It Was Fixed Again didn't get much sleep. Before sunrise, the crews were working on clearing all the sand which accumulated on the ships with the main priority being the engines. By the time the ships were okay to depart, roughly 300 lbs. of sand was removed from M'Naghten Returns and almost 800 lbs. from Then It Was Fixed Again.
Yiski and Zill weren't all too happy. The sandstorm and battle had costed them too much time. Assuming clear skies and smooth sailing, the group would arrive at Yannock by late Thursday. Zill had a solution: lots and lots of moonshine. While Yiski and Lauren didn't mind the plan, they weren't the ones who were going to be keeping the engines functional.
The ships depart and begin moving double time with the moonshine. While the majority of the crews on both ships maintain the engines, Roland and Ny-Lee are exempt from any maintenance because one, they're getting married tomorrow, and two, Yiski would probably throw someone off the ship if they were to assist because they're getting tomorrow.
The engaged couple sit at the front of the ship. Ny-Lee is embracing Roland from the side and has her head resting against this chest and Roland has his right arm draped over her.
"I can't believe we're getting married tomorrow."
"I does seem like everything has moved quickly, but I am glad because I do not think I could wait any longer."
Ny-Lee blushes at the statement. Roland smiles and gives her a kiss on the forehead.
From the helm, Lauren sees the young couple and wonders about her own future romance.
--NARRATOR END--
-
(i assume the saloon is closed and everyone went flying, if not then you can remove this post)
--salloon--
Being away for a long time Captain Coldcurse returns to the salloon.
he stands infront of the entrance of the salloon as he grabs the doorknob.
he finds out it has been closed but doesnt leave.
Captain Coldcurse moves a bit back and kicks against the door with his iron leg.
the door swings open as Captain Coldcurse walks inside the salloon.
he looks around and sees nobody.
Captain Coldcurse: "where in the wailing name is everyone?"
Captain Coldcurse sees something shiny leaning against the bar, he walks towards the object and picks it up.
its an old wooden guitar with metal strings, Captain Coldcurse blows the dust of the guitar and grabs an old bottle of moonshine.
he takes a seat and starts to tune the guitar, after he tuned the strings he starts to play a bit.
Captain Coldcurse stops playing the guitar and looks around again.
Captain Coldcurse: "i guess there is enough room to sleep here now, i think dont dont mind me taking care of this place"
Captain Coldcurse takes another sip of the moonshine and starts to play the guitar again.
-
--Anvala--
Lockheart and Cecelia took the Commodore Beckett back to Anvala. Ludvig the first mate had to fly it most of the journey as Lockheart and Cecelia were completely inebriated, but lockheart had to take the helm after Ludvig left to head back to Firnfeld where he was stationed. Back at Anvala Lockheart left the ship with Cecelia on his arm, as he made some last checks on the ship and its next cargo to deliver. Before getting back on board to get changed into some more "Town Friendly clothes". He left the ship wearing the attire of the nobles along with a customary top hat. he began to stroll towards the burning skies saloon, before Cecelia swung him round to face him.
"A tavern??, i was expecting something a bit more high class.."
Lockheart winced a little at the thought of not getting to see some friendly faces, which had left anvala anyway.
Lockheart: " Well... where did you have in mind?, i mean im not too sure myself what there is to do here. So i guess we can make a day of it.."
*Lockheart and Cecelia spent the rest of the day strolling around Anvala taking in what the city, that seemed to fascinate Cecelia so much. They eventually Stopped and had a meal at a restaurant before heading back to the Commodore Beckett for the night.*
-
Captain Coldcurse smiles and puts the guitar on the floor as he grabs a flare gun and a flint lock pistol out of his longcoat.
he walks outside and looks at the sky, there are no clouds to be seen.
captain coldcurse: "i guess im gonna need someone to keep this salloon up. I hope your still around lockheart, dont dissapoint me."
Captain Coldcurse aims high with his flare gun and shoots, a light blue light shines in the sky.
captain coldcurse then aims with his flint lock pistol at the flare and shoots again, the flare is hit by the bullet and creates a loud explosion that can be heard by everyone in anvala.
as the remainings of the flare fall down on the ground captain coldcurse throws the flare gun away and walks back inside.
as he sits down he picks up the guitar again and starts playing a bit more music, not much later he decides to search a room with a bed and call it a day.
yet before he sleeps he smiles and softly says.
Captain Coldcurse: "I dont think you know, but I need you more then ever..."
captain coldcurse closes his eyes and sleeps.
-
--2 Hours from Yunin--
Over the grumbling of the engineers, the two ships were making great time. At their current rate, the ships should reach Yannock in the late-afternoon. While it the group would be arriving a few hours later than intended, it was still better than showing up either late Thursday evening, or worse, the morning of the wedding.
Yiski spent the few hours after leaving Nalm below deck, when he did come up, he saw the soon-to-be newlyweds embracing each other on the starboard. Yiski approaches the two.
"So where do you two plannin' to go on your honeymoon?"
Roland and Ny-Lee turned around to face Yiski. Ny-Lee was thinking, but Roland responded.
"We plan on travelling to Cathedral and stay there for two weeks."
"Oh... why Cathedral?"
"Well, Cathedral is much larger than Anvala, it also houses a variety of cultures from each faction. I also believe there is a festival being hosted during our stay."
While Roland was explaining, Ny-Lee's face lit up with more excitement and squeezed Roland harder. Roland laughed, but it was stifled by her near-death hug.
"Darling, I... know you are... excited, but.... ... ... breathing... is nice..."
Ny-Lee immediately loosened her grip, but keep her hug. She was blushing again and buried her head into Roland's chest.
"Mhmmf..."
Yiski chuckled and Roland gave a sigh.
"Honey, I did not catch that."
Ny-Lee tilted her head up looking at Roland.
"I'm sorry."
Roland gave her a kiss on the lips. The two stared into each other, lost in their own world. This was Yiski's cue to leave them and head to the helm to check on Zill.
"Crimson to Admiral. How are things on your end?"
"Admiral here. Aside from Shink and Paradox driving me to the brink to insanity, we're making okay time."
Before Yiski could respond, he heard Jun'ko's voice coming over the radio.
"Aw... and what about me? Don't tell me you've forgotten about me?"
"Jun. You know I can't forget you even if my mind is filled with tar."
Over the radio, Yiski started hearing Zill and Jun'ko getting sappy. While Yiski found it hilarious he would ever see Zill act this way, he gave a hard cough which caught Zill's attention.
"Sorry about that Yiski. Well, we'll be at Yannock soon enough. Keep an eye on the skies Yiski."
"I know. Crimson out."
Lauren chuckles and Yiski turns to her with a flattened expression.
"Oh lighten up Yiski, it's just funny there are all these couples around us."
"Still trying... you were always a stubborn one."
Lauren let out a small sigh and her expression becomes melancholy. Yiski lets out a sigh as well and starts heading back down into the hull.
-
--M'Naghten Returns--
Down at the turning engines, BdrLine mumbles to himself as he and the other engineerers work on the engines.
"Out of all aspects of planning these engines, I forgot about sand and how it will affect them. I mean come on, we live by a desert. How could I forget that, at least I know how to modify them when we get back."
As BdrLine goes on his ramble, the othe crewmen looks at him with some faces. He feels them and looks towards them.
"What? Don't look at me like I'm crazy, cause that is why I have why I have my nickname. I'm just thinking of how to improve theses, just go about fixing the again, it's sputtering."
And like he said, the starboard engine start to smoke and sputter which lead to the engineerers to react.
-
--Over the Skies of Yannock--
Despite the new estimates, the group somehow managed to arrive at Yannock only two hours behind their initial arrival time. Taking in a deep breath, one could taste the saltiness of the Chill Sea. Many of the crewmen still had the heavy clothes they wore during the sandstorm to now combat the cold air brushing against the ships.
Off in the distance, the group could see three ships off near the Chill Sea coast. Yiski used his scope and identified the Yeshan pyramidion and galleon. Yiski's jaw seemed to dropped when he got a good look at the third ship the Tengshe. Yiski went up to the helm to get Zill's opinion. On the way up, Yiski thought to himself.
"Those Yeshans sure know how to make fancy ships."
Arriving at the helm, Lauren also shared in Yiski's initial reaction to seeing the Tengshe.
"Is that where we're holding the wedding?!"
"Yup."
"Roland really hit the jackpot with her huh?"
"In more ways than one."
Lauren gave a small laugh as Yiski went to the radio. Before he could call over to Zill.
"Yiski! You see that ship off in the distance? Flak. You could probably host multiple weddings on it."
Lauren saw a glimpse of a sly grin coming across his face.
"Well, if you feel that way, how about you and Jun make it a double wedding?"
"CAN WE ADMIRAL!!! PLEASE?!!!"
"Flak Yiski. You see what you've caused now?"
"I know exactly what I did. Enjoy."
Yiski then switched frequencies to match up with Shen and Liu's.
"Yiski to Shen. We're in sight."
"Shen to Yiski. We see you. Good to see you made it. A bit late though."
"Funny you should say that. Once we get on board, we'll talk about it."
"Understood."
-
Lockheart and Cecelia wake up aboard the Commodore Beckett Lockheart runs up to the deck to see what happened, he looked at the flare and didn't think too heavily of it. He went back to his quarters, gave Cecelia a quick kiss, before falling asleep again.
-
--On Board Tengshe--
After boarding from their respective ships, the group finds themselves in awe of the Tengshe up close. The cruise ship was the most decorated and ornate ship anyone had ever seen. Sure there were events in Anvala where there were parades, but most of the time it involved putting some shiny trim along the ships railing. Tengshe in comparison made Shen and Liu's mansion look like a wooden shack.
-
--Tengshe--
After docking the vessels inside the built-in dock, everyone from the different ships met on the platform. Liu spots her children and rushes towards them and embraced both of them in a hug.
"Its good to finally see you guys again"
"Mother, it been only two weeks"
"I know, but still"
Shen and Huan reaches them.
"Come on dear, i think you are choking them."
"Sorry, just excited."
Liu breaks from her hug giving Ny-Lee and BdrLine some air. After a breather, BdrLine turns to his parents.
"So the rest of the family on board?"
"Some are when the Tengshe left port, but everyone else should arrive later this evening"
A cruise coordinator then goes up to the group.
"Councilman Zhao."
"Yes."
"If you and your group please follow me to the main lobby, we can check you in and lead you to your rooms."
"Very well, and our luggage?"
"We will transport them to your rooms, if you may."
The coordinator then leads everyone to the main lobby. On the way, he tells everyone what is on the gigantic cruise ship and the schedule. Moment later they are in the main lobby.
"Alright, this will take a few minutes... ...and done. Here are your keys."
He hands everyone their room keys.
BdrLine
"Finally a room for myself, first class too."
Shen
"Actually son, you'll be sharing one with your brother."
"Really"
"Really"
Both Shen and Liu laugh at their sons reactions. Eventually, everyone is escorted to their rooms as Shink and Paradox have their own single rooms, Zill and Jun'ko have a room to themselves, Roland and Ny-Lee obviously have a room to themselves as well, Shen and Liu also, but when the coordinator leads Yiski and Lauren to a room, he turns to them.
"I'm sorry, we didnt expect more guests. So you two will be sharing this one. Oh we will be serving dinner for the whole party out in the first-class dining hall."
-
--Tengshe--
Yiski and Lauren both glared at the coordinator causing him to clear his throat and immediately flee. Yiski gave a long sigh.
"Well, we might as well see what we've got."
Lauren nods and Yiski opens the door to their room. Like many of the other rooms, it's first class. The hard interior looked to be marble. The ceiling had a jade and gold chandelier. The room's bathroom was also large and spacious. It contained both a tub and shower which seemed to be able to hold six people. The room was immaculate and stunning. Everything seemed to be in order.
"Um... Yiski? We might have a slight problem."
"Aside from us sharing a room?"
"Yeah."
Yiski turned to face Lauren and saw her pointing over to the bed. That's right bed, singular. There sat a single king-sized bed which could definitely hold at least four people, but the problem was still there was only one.
Yiski scans the room for a second time and notices there isn't a couch. Yiski curses to himself and scratches the back of his head.
"Well, we can deal with this later. I'm gonna head down to the dinnin' hall. You comin'?"
"Not quite. I'm going to take a shower. I still feel like I have sand in places where it shouldn't be."
Her last statement brought a mental image to Yiski's mind which he quickly dispelled. Too bad Lauren noticed some of Yiski's expression and decided to tease him more.
"You know. You could join me and help me get the sand out."
Yiski walked out of the room and shut the door behind him. He started walking down the hall before stopping a moment.
"Skies... the hell am I doin'?"
Meanwhile, Roland is in dinning room along with Ny-Lee and her parents. The two have settled into a table. Along with those four are a few other individuals which Roland could already tell were high-ranking officials of some sort. Even more so, he noticed a couple of them shooting him glares. Given his lack of experience with them, he became slightly unnerved and anxious.
Ny-Lee noticing Roland's anxiety scans the room to see what's causing it and notices those giving Roland hateful and threatening glares. Instead of confronting them, she quickly gives Roland a surprise hug and kiss on the lips. This surprises her parents who for the first time witnessing a PDA moment from the couple.
-
--Tengshe--
Back in the two brothers room things are going 'smoothly' as they get ready for dinner.
*knock**knock**knock*
"Huan! You almost done in there? I still need to shower."
In the shower, Huan yells back.
"Azn hold on, it not like you flew through a sandstorm or something."
"Actually I did, and was shot at during the process."
*squeak*
Huan opens the door and steam comes out.
"Alright here, just be done in thirty minutes, they are serving dinner."
15 minutes later, BdrLine has taken a shower and changed into dinner clothes.
"Ok let's go"
The two of them leaves the room and heads down the hallway, 5 minutes later they are still in a hallway.
"Um... Huan, you know where the dining hall is?"
"I have no idea big brother"
Back at the dining hall, Liu looks around for her sons.
"Shen dear, have you seen the boys?"
"Not since we got on the ship why?"
*sigh*"Looks like they are lost, again. I don't know how with the two of them together they lose the sense of direction so quickly"
"They find this place eventually, like they always do. Oh look it's your parents and sister."
Liu looks towards the direction of the door and does sees her parents and her twin sister Luli with her husband, Hao, and daughter. Liu stands and turns to Ny-Lee.
"Ny look who's here."
Liu goes over and hugs her family while Ny-Lee turns to see who is here. Recognising who they where, she as well gets ups to the, as well.
"Ahh grandmama, grandpapa, glad you guys can make it. You too Aunt Luli and Uncle Hao. And Mei long time no see, how are you doing cousin?"
Hugs were exchange as Liu's part of the family chat with each other until they takes their seats at the table where they were introduced to Roland.
Back to the brothers, they are still lost as they manage to find themselves at the ship's theatre.
"Azn can you ask someone. We'll be late if we keep this up"
BdrLine looks around and sees a worker.
"Ok ok, ummm miss, you know where the first class dining room is?"
"Why yes, you take......"
She gives them directions back to the room. After a bit of memorizing, they thank her and follow the directions to the dining room. After a few minutes of walking, they finally arrived where their father sees them and points to two open seats at their table. They follow and takes their seats.
Shen to them
"Had an adventure I see" *smirks*
"My defence... It was Azn's fault. He made the first wrong turn."
"Hey!"
"Hey you two don't start bickering now, we have guest and family here, and more importantly do it for your sister."
"Yes father"
"Yes father"
"Good, now where are the others?"
-
--Tengshe--
After an hour since leaving his room, Yiski arrived at the dinning hall. Yiski got lost on the large cruise ship. If not for a worker he spotted, Yiski probably would have starved on the ship. Zill spots Yiski and hails him over.
"Flak Yiski. I thought you left or something."
"No... I was just... walkin' around.. thinkin."
"You got lost."
"No. I said I was thinkin'."
Jun'ko approached Zill from behind and hugged him from behind. Jun'ko's head stuck over Zill's shoulder.
Jun'ko
"Thinking about what."
Yiski
"The past."
Zill
"The past between you and Lauren?"
Yiski
"Partly."
Zill
"I have no clue what you saw in her then. She's reckless, brash, and impulsive."
Jun'ko
"Sounds like a certain Admiral if you ask me."
Zill
"At least I'm right most of the time. Anyways, what are you going to do about her?"
Yiski
"No clue."
Jun'ko
"You two should get back together. I think you're good for each other."
Zill
"Has your mind been filled with tar Jun? The woman up and left Yiski eight years ago without so much a word, is presumed dead, and out of nowhere pops back into his life."
When Zill finished his mini-rant, he looked to Yiski to affirmed his statements, instead of a sure expression, Zill sees a doubtful expression.
Zill
"Flak. You're not actually entertaining Jun's idea?"
Yiski
"As I said before, I've got no clue, but right now isn't the time to deal with this. We have a bigger concern of seein' this is the best bloody weddin' Roland and Ny have."
Zill and Jun'ko nod in agreement. Whatever issues Yiski has will have to be put on hold until after the wedding.
-
--Narrator--
A few moments later the rest of the guest and family members arrived to the dining room. From Shen's parents and his side of the family to the rest of Liu's family, plus close family friends. Before the start of the dinner, people are about mingling with each other. Mostly Ny-Lee introducing Roland to the rest of her big family.
As she goes around with Roland, BdrLine and Huan goes over to their cousins. In their small group is Mei from their mother's side, Chang, Feng, and Ping from their father side. Mei is the only child of Luli and Hao and is the same age as Ny-Lee. Chang is 20 years old and is the son of Shen's brother, Shui. While Feng and Ping are brother and sister respectively, where Feng is the same age as Huan and Ping is 21, and are the children to Shen's sister, Mulan.
Ping
"I can't believe Ny-Lee is getting married? Azn I thought you will be the first one since you are the eldest"
Huan
*laughs*" Ny-Lee and I joke about this to him. The funny thing is, he is still single"
BdrLine
"Oh very funny, as you all can see, I am still happy being single"
Mei
"Yeah we can all see that" rolls her eyes
The rest of the group laughs. Then a host goes up and announce to everyone.
"Hello all, if you can take your seats, dinner then be searved."
Everyone complies and goes back to their tables, before the first course comes out, Lauren comes in and spots Yiski and the others at a table and sits next to Jun'ko. Dinner is then served as waiters comes out and lays the first course down. People chat amounts themselves at their tables as different courses were brought out.
At the main table, once everything settles down, Liu is talking with one of the ships associates about the wedding tomorrow.
"So everything is set I presume?"
"Yes, it will be held in the chapel and the reception will be in one of the ballrooms. And it will start at three in the afternoon"
"Thank you."
Eventually all the plates were taken and the host comes back again.
"Thank you all for coming tonight, and I hope you enjoyed your dinner. But as all of you are aware, tomorrow is a big day for a certain couple and I like to congratulate them. And iLife to announce that the wedding will be held tomorrow 3 in the afternoon. Hope you enjoy your stay and welcome to the Tengshe"
With that most of the guest stands and goes to talk with one another. As for the cousins, they go around and explore the gigantic ship. Zill, Yiski, and the others call it a night and goes back to their respective rooms. Shen and Liu spends their time talking with the rest of their families. As for our couple, they head back in to get a good rest for the big day tomorrow.
--End Narration--
End of Day 98
-
--START OF DAY 99--
--NARRATOR--
Yiski and Lauren spent the night sharing their king-size bed. Though it was slightly awkward, there was enough room for the two of them to keep to their own side with plenty of room in the middle. The two kept their backs facing inward. Or at least, that's what Yiski thought.
When he woke, he stretched his arms by extending them above his chest and let them slowly lower them out to his side. When he lowered his right arm, he noticed a warm, soft body next to him. He quickly turned his head to see Lauren only a handful of inches away from him. He facepalmed with his left hand.
"Why does this seems familiar."
Yiski tried to get up, but Lauren, still asleep, grabbed onto his right arm and held it tightly. He noticed then Lauren started to cry and mumbling something.
"I'm sorry... Please.... don't... go... I'm.... sorry... Yiski..."
The doubt Yiski had yesterday grew tenfold now. He knew Lauren had been trying to fix their destroyed relationship. She had succeed in some way, but not nearly to what the two once had. Seeing Lauren the way she is now, Yiski sighed.
"I guess I don't need to get up just yet."
A few minutes pass by before Lauren wakes up. When she opened her eyes, she immediately notices Yiski's arm locked in by her, his face, and can feel she was crying.
Yiski
"Mornin'. Think I can have my arm back now?"
Lauren sits up quickly, releasing Yiski's arm. She wipes away the tears and is blushing heavily.
Lauren
"Sorry... I..."
Yiski
"Don't worry about it. You didn't have me pinned for too long."
Lauren notices Yiski shifting himself to get off the bed. On impulse, she gives a full embrace to Yiski from behind. Yiski is caught off-guard and didn't know how to react or what to say.
Lauren
"Did.. I say anything weird... sleeping?"
Yiski
...
Lauren
"Please... please... don't hate me anymore than you do."
Something about her words triggered something inside him. Did he really want to have a relationship like this? Did he really not want to try again? Yiski responded in a way he thought would be most effective. He swung around to face Lauren. Now it her turn to be surprised.
Lauren
"Yiski...!!!"
Lauren was shocked when Yiski leaned in and gave her a kiss on the lips, but her heart went wild. This wasn't just a quick peck, but a deep, sensual kiss which quickly evolved into a vigorous make-out session. The two went at it for a solid ten minutes before Lauren pulled away. She had tears in her eyes again, but this time they were tears of joy and happiness. Yiski smiles and wipes them away.
Lauren
"Does... does this mean..."
Yiski
"Yup."
The two were going to escalate their make-out into something more, something the two had waited nearly eight years to do again. But...
*KNOCK**KNOCK*
This had gotten two's attention and they snapped back from each other. While Lauren was fine, Yiski was at the edge of the bed and his pull back caused him to fall off, garnering a laugh from Lauren. Soon a voice came through the door.
Coordinator
"I'm sorry to disturb you, but breakfast is ready in the dinning hall."
Yiski scratches the back of his head and looks to Lauren.
Lauren
"Shall we eat?"
Yiski
"Sounds good."
The two gave a smile and soon enough they left the room, each with a heavy burden lifted.
--NARRATOR END--
-
Lockheart and Cecelia woke up to a clear sunrise in Anvala, which they watched together from the bow of the Commodore Beckett. They did the acustomary things, had breakfast, got dressed before having a bit more of a slightly un-customary event, they engaged in a shooting contest.
Lockheart
"This is what you get for stealing my breakfast you flying rat!"
*Fires his bolt action at the bird and it misses*
Lockheart
"Get back here"
*Fires antoher 5 shots in quick succession, all of which missing*
Cecelia
"Calm down Julius, you'll never hit like that.."
Lockheart
"And i suppose you can do better?"
Cecelia
"10 brass says i can hit it in one shot."
*Cecelia offered her hand out to Lockheart, which he then shook*
*Cecelia grabbed the rifle, loaded a bullet, looked down the sight and shot the bird that was now a long distance away. It hits*
"10 Brass if you would"
Lockheart
"Maybe there could be some other form of payment?"
*he kisses Cecelia on the lips*
Cecelia
"oh,no i want that money, i saw a nice hat i could buy for myself"
*Lockheart handed out the money*
*Cecelia was a good shot, but nothing compared to a casual marksman in Anvala, and practically non-existent against the repertoire of Yiski*
*They both head out to the saloon*
--Saloon--
*Lockheart and Cecelia walk in to the bare saloon*
Lockheart
"Hello, anyone home?, Yiski?"
*Cecelia whispers*
"so... this is the Amazing Saloon you were talking about
*Lockheart walked forward, to see Captain Coldcurse sitting in a chair with a Tri-corne hat over his face*
Lockheart:
"Coldcurse?, what are you doing here?"
*the initial response was some slurring from Coldcurse but he woke up, saw Lockheart and Cecelia and fell out of the chair*
-
--salloon--
Captain Coldcurse:
"WAOH! WHO'S THERE!?"
Captain Coldcurse falls out of his chair and struggles a bit to get up, he looks at the person and rekognises lockheart.
Captain Coldcurse:
"lockheart, is that you?"
Captain coldcurse notices the fine lady behind lockheart and instantly smiles.
Captain Coldcurse:
"i see you have been hunting lockheart, nice catch you have there"
Captain Coldcurse gets behind the bar and grabs a bottle of port and moonshine.
Captain Coldcurse:
"can i offer you guys a drink?"
Coldcurse grabs 3 glasses and places them on the bar.
-
--Anvala Docks Near Saloon--
Honeybadger: "Where the hell is everyone? Dylan, tell me if you see anyone you recognize." I've been so busy trying to catch this guy I didn't realize that I was this sober...
Dylan: "What about the Saloon?"
Honeybadger: "It's probably closed, and I don't want Yiski yelling at me for beating on the door again..."
The two walk along the docks talking
Dylan: "So who's the guy we need to get?"
Honeybadger: "His street name is the 'Red Flame' but his real name is Daniel."
Dylan: "So what did you find out about him?"
Honeybadger: "He's planning to rob a ship and attempt to set it ablaze."
Dylan: "We know which?"
Honeybadger ponders this question
Honeybadger: A ship with a lot of rich things and rich people, a vault, and a long destination...
"Dylan, find out if any big passanger ships left recently. It could be a lead."
Dylan nods and heads to the nearest dock master.
Honeybadger: I think I'll beat down the doors of the saloon while I'm here.
-
*Cecelia skrinks behind lockheart*
Lockheart
"errr... No thanks..., i dont think you should be taking Yiski's stock??..."
*Sits on a bar stool, Cecelia takes a seat next to him*
Lockheart
"so what brings you here?"
*Lockheart scratches his head in confusion, then pulls out his pipe but realizes he isn't allowed*
Coldcurse
" Suit yourself"
*Coldcurse downs 3 glasses of port in succession*
-
Captain Coldcurse:
"yiski aint here, im here to keep things clean."
captain coldcurse grabs an almost empty bottle of moonshine and takes a sip as he looks at lockheart.
Captain Coldcurse:
"you really dont want something to drink?"
captain coldcurse looks at the lady and smiles.
Captain Coldcurse:
"are you with him?"
-
Honeybadger goes shoulder first into the closed but open door of the saloon, instead of cracking, the door merely opens causing Honeybadger to fly forward onto the ground
Honeybadger looks up from the floor at the three people now looking at him.
Honeybadger: "Scotch please..."
-
captain coldcurse looks at honeybadger and laughs.
he grabs a glass and puts it on the bar, he also grabs a bottle of scotch and opens it.
he puts the glass and bottle next to each other as he replies to honeybadger.
Captain Coldcurse:
"suit yourself, it will cost you 20 copper coins"
(first post on page 100)
-
--Tengshe--
Out in the dining hall, most of the guest and the group are eating. Shen and Liu share a table with their parents as well as Roland and Ny-Lee. The next table over are the rest of the cousins. Rest of the family is spread out throughout the hall.
Breakfast is served in a buffet line as people takes their plates and place food on them. BdrLine goes back to the table with his cousins with eggs, bacon, and an omelette.
BdrLine
"So, who's ready for today?"
The others go about eating, Chang looks up and answers.
Chang
"Who isn't ready, I think this will be the biggest wedding we all have been to. I'm mean look what we are on. Plus when this is over, think of the free time we have to spend on this ship. You know I'll be in the casino or the pool."
Feng
"Oh yeah, pool time with all those dames in swin suits, Huan you with me?"
Huan
"You know me so well"
The two of them high five each other, whirl Mei and Ping just roll their eyes.
Through the doorway, Yiski and Lauren strolls in, but something is different in the air around them. From the table he is at, Roland sees it as well, especially when he spots them holding hands.
Roland
"Dear look, are you seeing what I'm seeing?"
He points over to Yiski and Lauren as thet go to the table that Zill and Jun'ko are sitting. She turns and see them holding hands.
Ny-Lee
"Are they back together?"
Roland
"I don't know? They look really happy right now. I'll ask him when we get ready."
Liu overhears them and looks at her watch.
"Speaking of getting ready, look at the time, come everyone, time to get dressed."
At their table, BdrLine and the others over hears his mother and looks at their watches as well.
BdrLine
"Oh yeah, come on Huan, don't want to be late for this one."
Huan
"I'm coming"
The rest of the others goes on to finish their food before heading back to their rooms to get dressed. Ny-Lee is taken by her mother and rest of the females in their family to help her get dressed, while Roland goes over to Yiski and Zill so that they get dressed as well.
-
*Cecelia whispers to Lockheart*
"This just gets better and better..."
Lockheart
"Jesus Honeybadger, first of all, where is everyone and secondly what are you doing here?"
*Lockheart puts his arm around Cecelia in comfort*
Lockheart
" oh, and err... yes, i do not belive you have been introduced. This is Cecelia my wife. Coldcurse, Honeybadger. Cecelia. Cecelia. Coldcurse, Honeybadger.
and can someone please explain whats going on??!!..."
*Lockheart places his top hat on the bar*
Lockheart
"Actually, i will have a drink make it a Hellfire. I think i saw a keg of it over there... make that 2 Hellfires..."
-
coldcurse walks to the keg and kicks it with his iron leg to create a hole, he hold two glasses under the stream of liquid as the glasses fill up.
he gets back and places the glasses on the bar.
Captain Coldcurse: "that will be 25 copper"
-
--Tengshe--
Roland, Yiski, Zill, and the other men were in the changing rooms getting ready. Yiski and Zill noticed Roland getting a little jittery.
Zill
"Not getting cold feet are you Roland?"
Roland
"What! No... it... this... I still cannot believe this is happening."
Yiski
"I'm kinda with you on this one. Who knew you'd fall in love with BdrLine's lil' sister?"
Roland
"Speaking of things we cannot believe happening.... you and Lauren?"
Zill
"Flak. Don't tell me you two are?..."
Yiski
"We are. I'm tired of lettin' my past messin' with me."
Zill
"Can't say it's a good idea."
Roland
"Well if Yiski's happy, then who are we to object?"
Zill
"As long as their happiness doesn't invite people to kill us."
Yiski rolled his eyes. Zill and Roland chuckled.
Another hour passes and soon all those attending the wedding are situated in the chapel aboard the ship. Already positioned are Zill, Yiski, and Bdrline as the groomsmen and Jun'ko, Lauren, and Ming (Ny-Lee's cousin) as bridesmaids.
Aside from the group, most of the chapel is filled with Ny-Lee's family and noblemen from Yesha. Roland sits at the alter when "Here Comes the Bride" starts playing.
-
--Tengshe--
As the song plays, the back door to the chapel opens and everyone stands and turns towards the open door. Under the archway Shen and wrapped around his arm is his daughter. She is wearing the gown that she had bought back in Anvala, has a veil covering her face, and holding a bouquet of white roses. In front of the pair is Huan, who is holding the rings that Roland made. The three then start to walk down the aisle, with Huan in front being followed by the bride and father.
Once at the alter, Huan goes off to the side and takes his seat, while still holding the rings. Shen and Ny-Lee then comes next where Shen hugs his daughter before hand her hand over to Roland who takes it.
Holding both of her hands in his, Roland stares at his soon-to-be-wife.
Roland
"Wow, I mean... wow"
Ny-Lee giggles at him and places a finger to quite him.
Ny-Lee
"I know, but let go through this first."
"Eh hem."
The couple turn to see who made the cough. In front of them is the priest, who looks like he is ready to continue.
Priest
If everyone can take their seats, we may begin. Friends, Family, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. They have been brought together by one of the gifts that have been granted to man, love. And the love that these two share is that one of the purest. If any man can show just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace."
Silence.
The priest then turns to Roland.
Roland, will you take this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together in holy matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as you both shall live?
Roland
"I do."
Then he turns to Ny-Lee.
"Ny-Lee, will you take this man to be your wedded husband, to live together in holy matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as you both shall live?
Ny-Lee
"I do."
Priest
"Roland, repeat after me. I, Roland, take Ny-Lee to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part; and thereto I plight thee my troth."
Roland repeats what the priest says.
Then he turns to Ny-Lee again.
Priest
"Ny-Lee, repeat after me. I, Ny-Lee, take Roland to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part; and thereto I give thee my troth."
This time, Ny-Lee repeats after him.
Priest
"Now, who has the rings."
Huan
"I have the rings."
Huan rises and moves towards the priest and presents the wedding bands. Roland then takes Ny-Lee ring and places it on her left ring finger. Ny-Lee does the same. The priest then takes both of their hands and join them together, he looks over the crowd.
Priest
"As Roland and Ny-Lee have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed by this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving a ring, and by joining hands; I pronounce that they are man and wife. You may know kiss the bride."
The priest then let go of their hands, which Roland goes and unveil Ny-Lee and goes in for a passionate kiss. The entire room stands and give their applause as the newly couple goes down the aisle to the doorway. Everyone move from there seats and Liu speaks over everyone.
Liu
"If i can have your attention, the reception will be held in the main dance hall. The is where we will have dinner and the cutting of the cake."
Everyone then heads to the designated room. Once everyone has entered, all the single women crowd around as Ny-Lee goes to the middle of the room and toss her bouquet behind her. Screams can be heard as the many ladies jumped to grab the flowers, in the end, somehow Feng got tossed in the middle of the group and the women disperse and sees him with the flowers. He goes red form embarrassment as a few people sinkers, until a few of the ladies jump him for the flowers, which cause more laughter.
The wedding cake is then brought out. The cake is 5-tiered and was baked on the ships bakery. On top are miniature figures of a bride and groom. Roland and Ny-Lee goes over and are handed a knife, where they take the first slice. Roland then takes a fork and gives Ny-Lee the first bite, where she happily takes.
Soon everyone takes their seats, with the newly wed couple seated at the center, food is brought out and the cake sliced. The night goes on as a live band comes out and plays, and people dance, eat, and all around have a good time.
-
--Tengshe--
At the reception, Roland and Ny-Lee took the ceremonial first dance. The music was played by an orchestral hired by the cruise ship at Shen's request. The song itself was a fusion of Yeshan and Baronies influences.
Yiski, Lauren, Zill, and Jun'ko were sitting at a table watching the newlyweds have their dance. All were drinking Yeshan sake. Jun'ko looks at Yiski and Lauren and smiles at the signs of their rekindled relationship. Lauren and Yiski were sitting closely next to each other and holding hands on top of the table. Jun'ko giggles.
Jun'ko
"You two make for a cute couple."
Lauren
"Thank you. I know today is for them, but I can't help feeling so happy for myself."
Jun'ko
"I told you he just needed time."
Zill
"And maybe he needs a few smacks to the head to remind him how much of a bad idea this is."
Yiski and Lauren roll their eyes while Jun'ko gives a 'playful' elbow to Zill's ribs causing him to give a little 'oomph'. Eventually, the first song ended and all other couples, married or not, come to the floor and start dancing along with the newlyweds.
Zill
"You know what they're doing for their honeymoon?"
Yiski
"Headin' down to Cathedral for two weeks. Supposedly a festival bein' held there too."
The four watch the newlyweds for another song and laugh in their own fashion. Ny-Lee had her head buried into Roland's shoulder while Roland was talking or singing to her, but the four couldn't tell. Yiski and Zill glance at one another and nod causing their respective partner to look at one another in confusion. Simultaneously, Zill and Yiski rise from their seats and present their hand to their ladies.
Yiski & Zill
"Can you spare a dance?"
The girls chuckled and took their hands without hesitation. The girls look at each other and to their partners.
Lauren
"You sure you want to dance? I've heard you two aren't the best."
Yiski & Zill
"What's the worst that... could..."
Immediately the two men grimaced and faceplamed themselves. One saying it was bad enough. They now wondered what two could do.
-
--Tengshe--
From his table, BdrLine watches as Zill, Yiski, and their respective partners hit the dance floor.
BdrLine's Thoughts
"hmm this is going to be interesting."
And true to form, the two males 'danced' the night away. Safe to be sure, their bills maybe a little high. Dancing with their partners were fine enough, no broken toes or anything, can't say for the others around them.
"Ouch"
"Hey"
"Watch it there buddy."
Zill & Yiski
"Pardon"
"My bad"
"Sorry"
BdrLine just watches on and couldn't contain his laughter.
BdrLine
*laughter* "Gods they are so bad"
Feng
"Who you laughing at cous?"
Wipes a tear from his eyes.
BdrLine
"Sory just at a few friends and their dancing."
He points towards their general direction and soon Feng finds it amusing as well.
While still on the dance floor, Zill didn't notice a waiter behind him as he accidentally knock him and a tray of champagne over. Resulting in a huge crash. The rest of the ballroom turns to the spectacle and notices the mess.
Zill
"Sorry about that. Here."
Zill extends a hand to help the waiter up, not knowing that the champagne made the floor slippery. Once the man grabs to get up, he slips back down bringing Zill with him as well. This causes them to be knocked into Yiski and company. Soon a small section of the dance floor has people on their backside. Silence was heard around the room as everyone have their eyes at the group.
They at the head of the table Ny-Lee couldn't take it anymore and starts to clap and release her laughter. Everyone joins in as well as it was only an accident and they still have a reception to enjoy.
Sill laughing
BdrLine
"Oh what a sight."
-
Honeybadger turns to the men sitting at the bar
Honeybadger: "Sow where's Yiski and the others?"
Honeybadger sips his glass
-
a whistle echoes from the street, a happy tune not notably affiliated with any of the known states of the Waste. The door opens, and a whistling man in his mid-twenties enters and takes his cap off. He is brandishing a couple of small wrenches and a push-measure on his belt, but more notable is the commanding presence of a pistol on his right hip. Grin-wrinkled green eyes observe the various crowd with interest before continuing towards the barkeep.
"Morjesta, good sir! Might I get something to drive away the dust that has clogged up my throat? We met some rather heavy sandstorms on our way here and I'd be more than delighted to feel moist again."
((Morjesta = Howdy in Finnish))
-
--NARRATOR--
--Tengshe--
Hours pass by and the reception was coming to an end. Many of the Yeshan officials had departed on civilian and military ships which had come and gone throughout the entire time. At this point in time, there were mostly guest, the group, and Ny-Lee's family. Yiski, Zill, Shen, BdrLine, and Roland were sitting at one table, while Ny-Lee, Jun'ko, Mei, and Liu were at another.
-Men's Table-
Yiski
"So are you two goin' to head for Cathedral immediately?"
Roland
"Yes, I believe our transport will be arriving shortly."
Yiski
"Need an escort?"
Shen
"No need. I've hired a Yeshan contractor to ensure their safe arrival and return."
Yiski
"Kinda feel guilty that I didn't contribute to any of this."
Shen
"No, no. You and your friends have done more for me and the Empire. This is nothing. Also, this was also for my little Ny."
Zill
"Either way. This was still very impressive to pull off."
-Women's Table-
Liu
"Ny, I believe you're transport is arriving shortly."
Mei
"I still can't believe you got to marry such a handsome man. He doesn't have brothers does he?"
Ny-Lee
"Only child I'm afraid and before you ask, no, I'm not sharing him."
Mei
*sticking her tongue at Ny-Lee* "Meanie."
Lauren
"Well Ny, I wish the two of you the best. Word of caution though, avoid the Arashi district of Cathedral. If you're not careful there, you're bound to lose a few things. Roland included."
Ny-Lee
"Hehe. Thank you. I'll keep that in mind.
Soon enough the newlywed's transport ship arrives along with two pyramidions and two junkers. The group watches as Roland and Ny-Lee board the transport. When the two are out of sight, Yiski gives a quiet whistle at the escorts.
Shen
"You don't think this is too much?"
Yiski
"Honestly. I'd probably would have thrown in a galleon or two."
Shen and Yiski share a laugh. The night had been grown longer and the group and family were getting tired. Eventually, everyone went back to their respective rooms. After seeing the wedding, Jun'ko was feeling particularly energetic still leaving Zill to wonder how much 'sleeping' was actually going to happen. Lauren and Yiski were still trying to figure out how to tread with their reformed status, but they knew at least where to start: In bed with no clothes and 'sleeping'.
Back at the saloon, Coldcurse and company called it a day. While Coldcurse was still wondering where Yiski and the group had gone, he figured they'd all be back soon enough and tell the tale of their adventure.
Unfortunately for them, the group's departure couldn't have come at the worse time and their return, not soon enough.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 99--
-
No token posts. I will be unavailable for today and tomorrow for familial obligations. Saloon will be back late Monday.
-
--START OF DAY 100--
--START OF MINI-QUEST: THE PAST IS NEVER DEAD--
--NARRATOR--
It was the day after the wedding. Roland and Ny-Lee were already on their way to Cathedral for their honeymoon. Most of the morning was spent getting the group ready to depart for Anvala. While Yiski, Lauren, and Zill took cared of the preparations, BdrLine took the opportunity to talk to his parents and family more. After all, it seemed like months ago when BdrLine's family realized he was still alive. The others in the group decided to enjoy as much of the Tengshe before leaving.
Another hour passed and preparations were complete and the group went to their respective ships minus two. Even though the M'Naghten Returns had it's additional crew, Yiski sighed knowing it would feel empty without those two.
As Then It Was Fixed Again and M'Naghten Returns started for Anvala, there was radio static coming through. Not on the Anvalan frequency, but Yiski's restricted frequency. Realizing the difference, Lauren called up Yiski to the helm.
Yiski
"What? Gettin' lonely?"
Lauren
"Yes, but this other radio is just static."
Lauren could see Yiski's eyes get large as he leaned down and pressed his ear against the radio. Yiski listened and noticed there was a pattern to the radio static... Morse Code. Lauren couldn't hear the code come through, but knew it had to be dire if it got this kind of reaction from Yiski.
Lauren
"Yisk...."
Yiski
"Shh..... By the skies! EVERYONE GET TO MAXIMUM ENGINE OUTPUT POSITIONS! WE GOTTA HAUL ASS BACK TO ANVALA!"
Lauren was shocked by the sudden declaration, but the crew scrambled and got into positions. Lauren would have been still shocked if not for the sudden burst of speed coming from the ship. Before Lauren could ask what the emergency was, Zill noticed the M'Naghten Returns gaining distance from him and radioed.
Zill
"Lauren? Yiski? The flak is going on?"
Yiski
"Match your speed with ours! We gotta get back!"
Zill could hear the urgency in Yiski's voice, while Lauren got that and saw him breathing heavily.
Lauren & Zill
"What's going on?"
Yiski turned to face Lauren and he had a look of dread on his face, he then faced toward the direction of Anvala and spoke.
Yiski
"Lance's code translates and I quote, "Guild hired mercenary fleet and troops. Destination... Anvala."
--NARRATOR END--
-
A lone plane that was flying around Then It Was Fixed Again had been seen for awhile now. Its markings on the wings was a clear symbol of Skyraider's Flying Panthers. The radio buzzes and Sky speaks.
Sky
"Well someone is in a rush. What troubles you now? Or are you just eager to get back to Anavla? I heard panic over the radio, but it was all muffled and hard to hear."
Sky's plane flies level to Then It Was Fixed Again and he shakes the plane's wings to get Zill's attention.
-
Lockheart had awoken early, after getting off the Commodore Beckett he took to gathering information on the whereabouts of the location of Yiski, Zill and the others, Most of the Dockworkers seemed to give the same information. That they set of aboard their ships, In no apparent cause of distress, and they would be returning soon.
Lockheart Gathered the remaining few in Anvala to tell them what happened.
Lockheart
" my friends, I do believe I know where our saloon owner went!"
Coldcurse
"And what be it?"
*Coldcurse drinks a bottle of ale*
Lockheart
" The first matter if concern, is that they did not die, nor leave due to anything of that sort"
*Lockheart explained the rest of what he had picked up from the Dockworkers*
-
--Over Nalm Airspace--
--Then It Was Fixed Again--
Zill
"Sky. Flak, didn't think you made back to Nalm in one piece... Anyways, one of Yiski's Guild contacts says Anvala's in for an invasion."
Skraider
"Seems suspicious. Any response from Anvala?"
Zill
"That's the odd bit. I'm getting nothing."
--M'Naghten Returns--
Yiski stayed up near the helm in an attempt to get actual voice communications with either the Anvalan Fleet or with Lance. He got nothing from Anvala and Lance's signal kept repeating the same code. Yiski, frustrated with the lack of information, smacked the two radios.
Lauren
"You know hitting the radios doesn't make them work any better."
Yiski
"Lauren... I love you, probably to fault, but this is not the time. ... Zill, you there? Got any word from your end?"
Zill
"Nothing. I would find the Guild attempting to invade our city to be suicidal, but the fact neither of us can get in contact with them is suspicious."
Lauren
"How long will it take for us to get back?"
Zill
"At the rate we're going, by tomorrow morning or afternoon. We'll get there soon."
Yiski looks out into the distance and shakes his head.
Yiski
"Maybe not soon enough."
-
Sitting on a crude, hand crafted wooden stool Wazulu looks over the bay from a secluded lodge, a couple of kilometres south of Cathedral. Mildly dozing with a bottle of Rum, a slow whisper fills the air. The whisper grows, becoming a growl. The growl rises to a roar, the sky filled with fury and rage.
Wazulu quickly opened his eye. There were Galleons on the Horizon. Shielding them were the Junkers typical of Arashi mercenaries. This was no trading fleet, this was the Guild in full 'Business'. However, another sight worried him greater- a swarm had appeared on the edge of his vision, a plague and famine split into fifty waves- the planes of Los Gambinos were here to plunder as well.
'Flak.'
The Second Siege of Anvala was soon to begin.
-
--M'Naghten Returns--
After Yiski's initial outburst to increase the engine speed, BdrLine is on the main engine strut babysitting it, while the others are on the turning engines. Confident that it will hold for a few minutes before starting to break, he turns back and walk over the structure to the helm where Yiski and Laurn are.
"So care to explain why we are in a rush? They speed we are going now, I'm surprised the engines haven't exploded from overheating."
-
--NARRATOR--
--M'Naghten Returns--
Yiski ignored BdrLine's comment in favor of trying to get something useful out of the radios. Lauren sighed and spoke while still piloting.
Lauren
"Someone named Lance has sent a coded message stating Anvala was going to be invaded by a Guild mercenary fleet."
BdrLine
"That explains why we're running the engines to the point of blowing us up. I'm guessing this has to do with Yiski?"
Yiski suddenly turns and grabs BdrLine and forces him in front of the radios.
Yiski
"You're good with this stuff. Get me a goddamned signal to Anvala."
BdrLine
"If we can't reach Anvala with this, there's a chance a saboteur has jammed any Anvalan frequencies."
Yiski glared at BdrLine. BdrLine felt Yiski was on the verge of throwing him off the ship. Instead, Yiski took a deep breath.
Yiski
"Do what you can."
Yiski then went down onto the main deck and started doing a systems check on the weapons. Lauren took the occasional glances down at him and sighed.
Lauren
"I hope this isn't a repeat of twenty years ago."
--Then It Was Fixed Again--
Though Zill was calm, his engineering crew were panicking from keeping the engines from exploding. Zill called up Shink, Paradox, and Jun'ko up to the helm to fill them on what was going on and what little they knew.
Shinkurex
"Damn... you think the Guild would do something like this?"
Zill
"If it relates to either me or Yiski, usually. Paradox, use the radio and see if you can even contact your people."
Paradox
"... ... ... ...Piece of... nothing."
Zill
"Flak. I'm not liking this."
Jun'ko
"Because we might be flying into a trap?"
Zill
"That's just it... I don't know."
By tomorrow or sooner, the team would have their answer. For now, all they can do is fly as fast as the skies allow them.
--Anvalan Recon Near Tura--
"Dammit."
"What?"
"Radio must be busted. Can't get a damn signal to Anvala."
"Don't worry. It's not like anything happens this far out."
"What about the raid a few weeks back?"
"Exactly. Who's fucking retarded enough to attack Anvala again?"
Suddenly the two recon troops hear a loud roar passing over head. The two look up with their mouths wide open.
"Fuck."
"Holy shit."
Passing overhead is the Guild's mercenary fleet. Number of ships: 20. Ten galleons, six pyramidions, and four transport ships enough to hold 50 soldiers each. Unknown to recon, the transport ships weren't holding 50 soldiers. They were holding a surprise, compliments from Izumi.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 100--
-
--START OF DAY 101--
--Anvala--
Invasion sirens were going off in the entire city. Civilians were being evacuated into the mountain bunkers. Troops were scrambling to their positions along the walls and batteries. Airmen were doing a final check before setting up a defensive line. Even with less time to prepare than usual, Anvala managed itself with calmness and focus. However, it was a strain when you realize a massive fleet was just spotted 10 kilometers out and closing fast.
It also didn't help both their Admiral and Striker Commander were absent. Any attempt to communicate with them was met with static. Frank sat on the Southern wall and watched anxiously toward the skies.
Frank
"Yiski, Zill... the hell are yall?"
Moments later the radio nearby goes off. Frank answers it. It's the Council.
(3)
"Any contact with the Admiral or Commander?"
Frank
"Negative."
(1)
"Understood. Keep attempting to make contact."
Frank sighed.
"Easier said than done."
There was a sliver lining though. The Guild mercenary fleet was in for a surprise with the new mercury rifles. At least that brought a small grin to Frank's face.
--Over Kesh Airspace--
BdrLine had been working on both radios in an attempt to boost the signal strength and overcome the jamming in Anvala.
Yiski
"Anything?"
BdrLine
"I think I managed to get Lance, but not Anvala."
Yiski
"Good enough." Yiski approaches the radio. "Lance. Yiski. Respond."
... ...
Yiski
"Dammit respond you piece of shit radio!"
... ... ...
Lance
"Responding. Did... get.... sage?"
Yiski
"You're breakin' up."
Lance
"Trans... Izumi... monsters..."
Yiski hits the radio a few more times in a vain effort to get a clear transmission.
Yiski
"Lance... dammit it. BdrLine can't you boost this anymore?"
BdrLine
"Can't. Unless you want me to sacrifice the other radio."
Yiski
"Do the opposite. I need a transmission to Anvala. Lance. I'm breakin' radio contact."
Yiski rubbed his chin for a few moments to figure out what Lance was saying about monsters and Izumi. Yiski had since forgotten about the horrifying discovery the team found at Izumi when pursuing the Birdmen.
Yiski
"Zill? You know anything about Izumi and monsters?"
--Then It Was Fixed Again--
Zill had heard Lance's broken transmission and it sent chills down his spine.
"Flak."
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Then it was fixed again-
Everyone didn't know it, but Zill had a very dreadful expression on his face after Yiski's last transmission. It was blind luck that he had decided to keep the experiment records for himself, though it looked like the Guild wasn't dumb enough to make only one copy. He collected Jun'ko, Shink, and Paradox up to the helm while the engineer's kept the engines alive. He told them to remain silent but they needed to hear what was about to be said.
Zill
"So you want to know about the monsters do you? Well here you go. Imagine super soldiers who can fly over walls, take double the punishment of any man, and while armed to the teeth, also have razor claws for melee. Oh yea, and they are undoubtedly loyal, and will not stop their orders until they succeed or die. That is our foe today.
Everyone was silent for a minute. The horror that was to unfold flashing through each of their minds. Yiski was the first to snap out of it.
Yiski
"By the Skies Zill...."
Jun'ko
"How on Earth do we stop them? They must have a weakness."
Zill
"Their flak'in size is about it. They can't carry as many on troop transports. I figure 30 to a transport. We need to let Anvala know that no matter what, those transports need to die first. Oh, and the bird-like wings won't have hands. They have special guns for that, but they have to break down doors or they simply won't get into an enclosed space. Urban fighting will be our best bet once the troop invasion begins.
Shink
"Well then what are we waiting for? Let's get over there."
Paradox
"I need a cigar..."
Zill got his crew prepped for air assault. His bandana mask pressed to his face with the great speed they were flying. He kicked his radio and could smell diesel. He knew they were close, and it wasn't going to be pretty.
-
Lockheart had rounded up his crew and anyone else willing to take to the skies. they ran towards the docks, Cecelia had been rushed off to the shelters where the rest of the citizens were. He had know idea what he was up against, something made him stop dead in his tracks.
Lockheart
"A-HA"
*Lockheart pulls out his Captains log book and scans the pages, he find the entry he was looking for*
"If staying for longer than expecting in chaladon, help escort Father, Alexander and the "Imperial Might" to the refinery for repairs.
Lockheart
" You men carry on, get your ships into position. Ill join you shortly, i have a ally who may be only a couple of miles out"
*Lockheart runs to the nearest radio station, and shoves a guard out of the way*
Guard
"Hey!, this is for official use only!"
Lockheart
"Relax, Commodore Lockheart of the Firnfeld Fleet. I have a few ships who may be able to help us"
Guard
"aye, aye we'll need everyone we can get"
*Lockheart radios in for his father, who he hopes is only a few miles out with his brother and escort ships, after taking Adrians "Cruiser" for repairs and minor upgrades*
Lockheart
"Adrian do you copy, this is Julius..."
*static*
Adrian
"This is Adrian, what is it yo need my boy?"
Lockheart
"The city of Anvala is under attack, if you could rope in everyone you have to help us fight that would be excellent.... Not really that you have a choice"
Adrian
"I suppose i owe you one don't I. Ill plot out course round, ive been waiting for some bandit scum to attack, but i guess a full scale attack is a close one"
*Lockheart's heart rose at the thought of the Imperial Might been on his side. It was a full equipped "Noble" class Chaladon battleship 3 times the size of your average galleon. Lockheart quickly sprinted back to the Commodore Beckett and awaited his reinforcements, he also got talking tactics with the remaining officers in Anvala*
-
--Hour from Anvala--
--M'Naghten Returns--
BdrLine
"Yiski! I managed to get the radio to Anvala boosted. The signal is rough, but I think it'll be good enough to get a decent transmission through."
Yiski
"Striker to Captain. Striker to Captain. Don't let those transports land! I repeat! Do not let those transports land! They contain super-soldiers! I repeat. They have bloody monsters!"
Yiski kept yelling the same thing over the radio, hoping Frank would understand the dire situation Anvala was in.
--Anvala--
Frank looked on with his spyglass and spotted the Guild's mercenary fleet holding at 6 kilometers. He and the other defenders looked on curiously as to why none of the attack ships were moving within range to bombard the city.
Defender
"Orders sir?"
Frank
"Standby. If they move any close, annihilate them using the new mercuries."
Minutes passed like hours with no movement from the mercenary fleet. Then...
Frank
"Look alive men. Transports... are landing now..."
Frank wasn't alone in his confused state. The other defenders were also wondering why two of the four transport ships were landing so far out.
Defender
"They're landing troops now? Isn't that suicide?"
Frank snapped at the defender.
Frank
"Focus! Doesn't matter what they're planning. They're not breaching the walls regardless. I want a couple of mercuries aiming at those transports. Fire once they land."
The order went out and half of the mercury gunners were tracking the ships on their decent. While the mercury normally couldn't hit targets from 6 kilometers in the air, the mercury had no problem hitting ground targets from that distance.
The two transports landed.
Frank
"FIRE!"
The shots rang out and most of them found their targets with ease. The new tungsten rounds shredded through the transports with the subsequent explosion and red smoke. Just then the radio went off.
Yiski
"Striker.... ... Captain. Don't .... transports ...! I repeat! ... not let transports land! ... ... super-soldiers! .. repeat. ... bloody monsters!"
Frank was surprised and glad to hear Yiski, but didn't like the garbled transmission.
Frank
"Monsters... what...?
Frank's thought was interrupted by a defender.
Defender
"Sir! We have confirmation of movement from the downed transports!"
Frank
"Impossible! How?"
Frank pulled out his spyglass and peered down into the recently made crater. The smoke and dust was still thick, but the defender was right. There was movement. Lots of it.
Out from the smoke, dust, and fire were creatures nobody had ever seen before. Huge, hulking abominations with veins popping from all muscles. At first, Frank spotted five, then 15, then 40 of these things emerging from the wreckage. The defenders were in awe.
Frank
"Stop gawking and fire!"
As the mercury riflemen were busy with the abominations, the mercenary fleet started to make their move.
-
--salloon--
captain coldcurse wakes up from all the noise, he is very annoyed and angry.
Captain Coldcurse:
"WHAT IN THE NAME OF PHOENIX IS THAT NOISE!"
captain coldcurse steps out of bed and get dressed.
he puts his longcoat on as he walks outside.
he rubs his eyes, still tired.
guardsmen are running around and citizens scream.
coldcurse holds his arm in front with an open hand, grabbing the first guard that passes him.
captain coldcurse:
"what is going on?"
the guard looks at coldcurse and replies.
guard:
"LET ME GO WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!"
captain coldcurse lets go of the guard and walks towards an large abandon building.
not soon later an pirate battleship breaks through the roof, coldcurse is standing at the helm.
--info of the ship--
the battleship is 2 times the size of a large junker, equiped with heavy flag cannons, lumberjacks and some more advanced gatling guns.
the ship isnt enormous so it can move quicker then other ships.
it looks like a piece of junk but its a strong ship.
-----------------------
captain coldcurse looks at the deck as his crew is standing ready, he grins and yells.
captain coldcurse:
"Alright you powder monkeys and deckhands, anvala is under attack and our salloon is in danger.
Last time wasnt a succes, we got shot and i lost my leg when we crashed.
But we have to fight for our home, and i know more people will do the same.
I bet that damn deckswabber lockheart is already in his shiny pretty boat and being hero-like trying to fight them alone.
Guess what... He aint the only one!"
coldcurse's crew yell after hearing the captains words.
captain coldcurse:
"now get ready on the guns cause we gonna have some target practice!"
the crew gets ready on the guns.
captain coldcurse commands full speed ahead and flies towards lockhearts ship.
5 minutes later captain coldcurse has his ship next to that of lockhearts's.
-
-Then it was fixed again-
Zill gave the helm to Shink as he went to "prepare the game plan for their arrival." For Zill this meant digging out the Izumi records and looking more in-depth at the experiments. As Jun'ko said, they had to have some kind of weakness. He scoured the notes, and came across an obscure note left by a birdman scientist.
Dear Guild High Command,
It has come to my attention that the new super soldiers have developed an allergic reaction to brass. While it only effects them if it enters the bloodstream, tests have confirmed it to be deadly to the subjects......
The note goes on citing various cases and urges to be mindful of the potential damage it can cause to the subjects. Zill jumps from his chair and radio's Yiski.
Zill
"Yiski! They are allergic to brass if it enters their bloodstream! Get that info to Anvala now!"
Zill took the helm from Shink. He knew exactly what he was going to do once they hit the battle line, and it was going to test this new Yeshan galleon to its fullest.
-
Aboard the Commodore Beckett
Lockheart
"WHAT THE HELL ARE THOSE THINGS!"
Karl
"Monsters sir!, demons!, Hellfiends!, what shall we do!"
Lockheart
"Dont let any more land, infact let them land... LET THEM FALL TO THE GROUND"
*The crew cheers*
Lockheart
"ill head in to get all guns a arc, everyone, on a gun shoot these animals down!"
Karl
"Aye aye, loading the lumberjack double time!"
*The radio buzzes; "This is Alexander Lockheart Colonel of Chaladon where are you wanting me?, Adrian Lockheart, Feild Marshall awaiting orders boy!".*
Lockheart
" Excellent!, Line up the Imperial Might's Broadsides just behind the walls. Brother get your Galleon, and your other men lined up just in-front and under of the Imperial Might"
*The ships take a while to line up, Lockheart was astounded at the work they had done to the Imperial Might It had 4 Decks The top deck held a few small guns on the sides, the one below sides was filled with Howitzers a bit bigger and newer than the Field gun. Below that was a deck filled with Flak Cannons and the occasional Hwacha*
Aboard the Imperial Might
Adrian
"Right Scum!, load all the guns double time!. any of the rest of you worthless blighters not loading nor shooting. Pick up a god damn rifle and shoot!"
Crew simultaneously
"YES SIR"
*the crew scarpered of to their positions, soon the first bang from the howitzer signaled the barrage then it was like clockwork the howitzers fired after one another, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG. the shots flew down and hit the troop transports trying to land*
Adrian
"Bloody excellent, except your all still worthless. KEEP FIRING MAGGOTS"
Aboard the Commodore Beckett
Karl
"Ready to fire sir!"
Lockheart
" Fire at will!"
*the lumberjack opened up taking out a balloon of one of the transports, folowed by a barrage of hundreds of flak and howitzer shots, the ship fell apart, but most of the monsters survived the crash and began marching towards the wall*
Lockheart
" i thought this was going to be easy... oh lord help us"
-
captain coldcurse aids lockheart in his battle.
coldcurse grabs the radio, starting to scramble lockhearts on-board radio and connects to his speakers.
captain coldcurse on lockhearts on-board speaker:
"Hey you lazy skipper! Stop pretending to fight and take those bloody ships down will ya, im already 2 kills ahead of you!"
coldcurse flies in a different direction as he get chased by 3 pyramidion battleships.
captain coldcurse on lockhearts on-board speaker:
"ill handle these two, ill leave the rest to you! ill see you at the salloon in two days, ill bring you a large barrel filled with ale when i return."
coldcurse then laughs for 5 seconds and cuts the connection with lockhearts ship.
-
--Minutes from Anvala--
--M'Naghten Returns--
Yiski
"How the hell are they allergic... forget it." Changing the frequency to Anvala. "Striker to Captain. Striker to Captain. Switch to brass rounds for abominations! Repeat! Switch to brass rounds for abominations!"
Just as the ship passes into view of the assailing fleet, a shot rings by above the deck. Luckily nobody was near the deck.
Lauren
"Everyone. Combat positions!"
The Anvalan fleet had split up into two a southern and eastern front in order to spread the mercenary galleons' fire. The Guild mercenary fleet had set up with a line of galleons equipped with heavy flaks to bombard the city and open a path for the two remaining transports. The mercenary fleet pyramidions were sniping from afar with mercuries to draw the Anvalan fleet with enough space to allow the transports by.
By this time in the fight, the abominations which landed first were out of arc with the mercury rifles. The initial landed abominations moved quickly which surprised the defenders. Even if well trained gunners, they only managed to take out another 10, leaving 30 still rushing the city walls. Luckily, Yiski's transmission came through clear.
Yiski
"Striker to Captain. Striker to Captain. Switch to brass rounds for abominations! Repeat! Switch to brass rounds for abominations!"
Frank
"Understood loud and clear! Glad you're back!"
Yiski then switched frequency back to Zill.
Yiski
"Zill. I've relayed the info and I'll ask later how you know this. I'm going to keep my frequency with the defenders. I'll let you do your thing with the fleet."
Yiski switches back to the defender's frequency.
Yiski
"Captain. You better start shootin' down those other transports. It'll be bad news otherwise."
Frank
"Understood Commander." Frank then begins to bark orders over the intercity radios. "Gatling troops. Switch ammo to heatsinks. They've got the most brass and apparently these freaks don't like it! Flak batteries. Keep the pressure on those pyramidions!"
-
-Then it was fixed again-
Zill was too focused on the battle in front of him to hear much out of Yiski besides his fleet comment. He put the throttle down toward the southern line of Guild ships and picked up the radio. It was all static till he kicked it, the best he could get was the Fleet Comm.
Zill
"To all vessels, maintain the battle line on the walls. Do not get sucked into an engagement outside of fire support. Any vessels with tungsten, hammer the galleons. All light vessels load in heatsink and proceed to lighten their troop numbers. If at any point, you have a solution on troop transports, down them immediately."
Matty
"Oi what about us? Luckily you didn't miss the show."
Zill
"Damn it's good to hear you out here. See the galleon headed for the southern flank at full speed? It will need some help rather quickly."
Matty
"Is that....."
As he was about to finish that sentence, Zill told everyone to brace for impact. He rammed his galleon at full steam into the flank of the enemy galleon line. One galleon fell to the ground, smashing into some rocks below, and Zill swung the hwacha side to the next one, crippling it entirely and drawing some fire from the city.
Matty
"Nevermind. Coming to assist you crazy bastard."
A formation of 5 black squids came racing in, first laying down fire on the "troops" before swooping in on the weakened galleon formation.
-
Lockheart, Adrian, Alexander and the rest of the ships sporting the Lockheart banner all hear the transmission and load whichever rounds that have the most brass, and whatever they had to hand.
Lockheart
"Lets see how this works"
*lockheart fired a brass round from his bolt action. it hits the monster who soon starts flailing and screaming before falling to the floor*
Lockheart
"hmm excellent, keep up the good work men!"
The Imperial Might was pounding the approaching monsters with brass rounds loaded into the ships numerous howitzers, the gunners soon got used to the little less recoil from the brass shots and they were soon firing their 20 shots a second per gun, as always in amazing syncronization.
Lockheart
"How you holding out brother?"
Alexander aboard his Pyramidion
"Could be better as always, but were doing good were keeping them back, those galleons are dropping fairly quickly, but the pyramidions are giving us a bit of trouble"
Lockheart
"Roger that, we'll come help as soon as possib..."
*Boom, one of the Lockheart Pyramidions falls to the floor in flames*
Lockheart
"Who, did we lose Alexander?"
Alexander
"WHAT MY EARS ARE STILL RINGING"
Lockheart
"Who did we lose??!!"
Alexander
" we lost Fuller and his men"
Lockheart
"Keep fighting we'll be there as soon as possible"
*shuts off the radio*
"Karl, hurry up, get those last 2 carriers. Someone Grease the rounds!"
Crewman
"Aye Aye"
Karl
"roger sir, re-calibrating aim"
*Lockheart sees Zill charge in and ram the galleon, 1 of the other galleons quickly bring their broadsides to bear*
Lockheart
"Damn. Karl sorry about this. but as soon as you finish taking out that carrier, focus on that god damn galleon, south east"
Karl
"Make your mind up you drunken oaf"
-
---Aboard the Commodore Beckett--
-Cargo Hold-
Thrax sleeps on the cheese-grater like metallic floor on the small cargo hold of the Commodore Beckett. As he snored, the Boom from one of the Lockheart Pyramidions falling in flames awoke him from his slumber. Thrax wakes up from a sleep induced by ale and liquor. His head pounding like an anvil being struck by a large metal hammer. He slowly opens his eyes and tried to sit up despite the pain.
Thrax
"How the hellfire did I end up here?"
He slowly gets up on his feet, and then stumbles from the turbulence. He slowly walks out of the cargo hold and stands in awe of what is happening around him.
Thrax
"...This isn't where I parked my airship!"
-
Lockheart sees this figure stumble out of his cargo hold
Lockheart
"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU, AND THIS ISNT EXACTLY A GOOD TIME!"
*He scratches his head in confusion, and then replaces his Bi-Corn hat on his head*
Lockheart
"Just get a rifle and start shooting those abominations down there, we'll discuss this later"
-
--M'Naghten Returns--
Yiski and the other on board watched Zill's ram into the galleon lines.
Lauren
"And I thought I was reckless."
Yiski
"You are, but he's better at gettin' away with it. Enough chatter. Keep your voice for targets and commands."
Lauren
"Front arc on eastern pyramidions."
Yiski looked down the lumberjack's sights.
Yiski
"Two kilos. Moderate north-south winds. Ship steady. Target steady."
Yiski unleashes the full five shot volley at the nearest pyramidion sniping the eastern flank. All five shots landed and watched as the pyramidion's balloon became non-existent. It dropped so quickly, it's pilot didn't have enough time to deploy drogue chute. Once the pyramidion hit the ground, it ignited and exploded.
The other pyramidion, noticing the lumberjack shots, spotted M'Naghten Returns and opened mercury fire on them.
Lauren
"Yiski! Right merc!"
Yiski hopped off the lumberjack and got positioned on the mercury rifle already loaded with the tungsten rounds.
Yiski
"Wanna play 'Who can snipe?' Sure."
While Yiski got the proper shot lined up, the ship's broadside was hit a few times by the pyramidion's mercury fire. When the engineers rushed below deck for damage control, they hardly noticed any damage. Lauren chuckled.
Two shots rang out from Yiski's mercury rifle and both shots landed at the pyramidion's helm. The subsequent explosions made the pyramidion's helm (and it's pilot) disappear. With the loss of control, the pyramidion turned giving it's right side to the eastern flank which dispatched it once the opening was made.
Yiski turns and calls up to Lauren.
Yiski
"Get us near those transport ships! Not goin' let a single on of those land inside the city!"
Lauren pulled hard to starboard and headed further south on an intercept course.
Yiski
"I need the gatling up and ready with heatsink!"
Meanwhile the defenders were having some success using heatsink rounds against the abominations. While heatsink rounds have the highest concentration of brass, the increased spread and reduced piercing power meant a lot of accurate hits were needed to take down a single abomination. At one kilometer, the first wave of abominations were closing in on the base of the mountain and had caused heavy casualties to the defenders.
Frank
"Status on those monsters!"
Defender
"We have heavy casualties, but there are only eight left."
Frank
"I want all gatlings in arc to equip heatsink and take out those pains in our asses. Mercury riflemen should re-equip tungsten rounds and start aiming for those galleons. Light flaks. Take down those transports!"
-
--High above the skies close to Anvala--
Sky and the Flying Panthers had been up in the sky for some time now, nothing had happened yet. Then the drone of engines were heard, getting louder and louder. When sky looked to see what it was, it was a group of Junkers being escorted by multiple bi-planes, and they were headed straight to Anvala. Sky spoke over the radio to the rest of the planes assisting him.
Sky
"Hostiles below us, get ready to dive on the airships first and destroy their balloons with the bombs we have! On the count of three we dive! 1...2....3!
In unison, all the planes dived down upon the Junkers. They certainly lost the element of surprise since the dive sirens kicked in, telling the pilots they were in a steep enough dive. However, the guns on the Junkers didn't have the arc and the enemy pilots were frantic trying to figure out where they were. Sky drops his bombs on the lead Junker, the bombs go straight through the balloon and into the hull, which explode on impact. His fellow pilots did the same, and when they were done, the 4 Junkers were reduced to ash and falling debris. Sky's wing-man responds.
Ivan
"We did it, now all we have to do is...."
Ivan's plane is suddenly shredded and he pulls away as a fighter dives on him. Sky's tail gunner opens up on the one of many planes on his tail.
Sky
"Hostiles on our six! Iris bring them down!"
Iris
"Sure thing, I don't feel like dying today!
Sky
"Ivan, how are you holding up?"
Ivan
"I've got a fuselage fire! A hundred bullets in my left wing and my elevators are barely working!"
Sky
"Hold on! Everyone! We'll bring them into friendly flak, form up on me!"
As Sky says that, bullets shred his plane as well, but the plane behind him isn't so lucky. Iris (Being the tail gunner) shoots the pursuer's wing off and the plane barrels into the ground. Ivan and the rest of the Flying Panthers go into formation, while still dodging as many bullets and giving their gunners a clear shot at the enemies behind them. One of the pilots in formation is rammed by a diving plane and explodes. No one was to survive that, and it was clear either they would die or everyone would.
-
--M'Naghten--
As the battle ensues and Yiski firing away on the mercery. BdrLine and the rest of the crew onboard are running around handling repairs.
BdrLine hears the order from one of the turning engines, he turns to a crewman.
"You heard the man, quick go and load the heatsinks."
"Roger, on it."
The man leaves the port engine and goes past BdrLine to the side gatiling gun. As he moves towards the engine the man left, a shot from one of the Guild pyramidions hit the starboard engine knocking BdrLine on his back. He slowly gets up as a pounding and ringing goes around his head as blood goes down from a minor cut when he hit his head.
BdrLine slowly gets up as he turns to see the damage.
"Flak, Lauren compensate a little in your steering. The starboard engine is out. Fixing it right now."
He goes over to the damage engine only to full unconscious from a second blast.
-
--Commodore Beckett--
Karl
"Captain!, lumberjacks out of ammo!."
Lockheart
"Blast, why didst we pack more?, our side guns wont do too much against those things..."
*Lockheart paces for a moment*
Lockheart
" right, were going to go low, line up out side. were gonna shoot with our rifles from the deck and i want one person on the mercury"
Karl
"I'll get on the mercury cap'n"
*the ship turns and gets its left side facing the remaining monsters. the ship lowers down and the crew start shooting with rifles at the enemy below*
-
---Aboard the Commodore Beckett--
As the ship lowers Thrax nods, and immediately grabs a rifle from the armory. He finds a target and takes aim but his rifle fails to fire.
Thrax
"(grunts) Damn it! Work damn you work!"
Lockheart sees this middle-aged drunken idiot fumble around.
Lockheart
"Damn it man! The safety is on!"
Thrax
"... I knew that!"
Karl
"(mumbles to himself) Idiot."
Thrax takes aim port-side and goes guns blazing on the abominations.
Thrax
"I haven't had a battle this good since I last talked to my wife! haha!"
Lockheart
"Just shut up and shoot! and shoot true with aim! We're running low on munitions"
Thrax
"Aye Aye!"
Just as it seemed that things couldn't get worse. Trax spots something amid the chaos. He lowers his rifle for a moment in awe.
He gulps with a grain of fear.
Thrax
"By the gods! What the hell is that thing?"
Through a cloud of smoke and rust, a large ominous shadow emerges from the shadows of the flames. A large beast, ten times bigger than the ones that they've seen so far. It was the Alpha, the seeming leader of the abominations.
Thrax
"...Umm excuse me!"
Lockheart
"WHAT IS IT??! STOP WASTING MY TIME!"
Thrax points to the direction of the large alpha beast.
Thrax
"Umm... I think I'm gonna need a bigger rifle for this one!"
-
--Above the M'Naghten--
Sky hasn't been lucky today yet. He couldn't see how many planes were behind him but one thing was sure, every time they shot one down two would replace it. Then Sky gets an idea.
Sky
"Everyone pull up into the vertical, NOW!"
Everyone does as he says, including the biplanes behind them. The bi-planes soon began to fall from the skies as their engines weren't as good as the one Sky installed into their planes, Sky calls out to Yiski over the radio.
Sky
"Yiski, if you can spare a moment, we have about 50 planes falling from the sky. Enjoy the free kills!"
Sky and the rest of the Flying Panthers flip over and dive on the falling planes.
-
--Commodore Beckett--
Lockheart
"Oh dear god..."
Thrax
"Yup"
Lockheart
" he's coming straight for us!, raise us now. use hydrogen."
* the ship lurched upward so fast that the men almost fell, Lockheart fell of the bridge of the ship and on the main deck*
Lockheart
" shit, my arm"
* he grabbed the radio and ordered a barrage from the Imperial Might the shots made a deafening sound as they hit, but the alpha surged through the clouds of smoke unscathed*
-
-Then it was fixed-
Zill was tanking along, disabling the galleons along the southern flank. All the ramming was beginning to stress the hull, and he had to ease off. The engineers worked frantically with Jun leading them. Shink and PapaP took aim with the long Lumbers and greased rounds. The sheer amount of shots took down two galleons and a pyra.
Zill
"That's it!"
Shink
"Gun's overheated. Get me an engie!"
The pyra rammed into one of the galleons and took them both out. The other galleon recovered and fired flak. The explosions sent shrapnel into the decks, injuring two men. Zill cursed under his breath and took hold of his mercury. He quickly loaded a tungsten into the chamber and sniped out the helm of the enemy galleon. It started to spiral out of control with red smoke coming from the helm. 2 Squids came in and finished it off. Zill's radio blared.
Matty
"I'd say that counts as our kill."
Zill
"Flak. Do you see what I see?"
Zill was eying a transport ship ramming the main gates. It crash landed and 40 more soldier bolted out into the city.
Matty
"Looks like our chance to shred some birds."
Zill
"I'll tank this. You get over there now."
Jun'ko
"I don't know if we can take the damage admiral!"
Zill
"Make it!"
The order surprised Jun'ko, but she doubled her efforts along with the extra crew. 2 pyra's had closed in and started pelting the boat with firepower. Zill rammed one, and got one hwacha on the other. PapaP let loose some incendiary rounds to keep them busy.
-
--M'Naghten Returns--
The second blast rocks the ship and causes Yiski to grab onto the railings to keep upright. Lauren struggled keeping the ship steady with a dead starboard engine.
Lauren
"Status!"
Crewmen
"Starboard's out and BdrLine's hurt!"
Lauren
"Get him below deck!" Yiski we're going to have to make this a ground battle."
Yiski
"Sure. Think you can manage dockin' in this condition?"
Lauren
"Who said anything about docking?"
Yiski
"Skies... not again."
Lauren swung the ship around using the port engine and made for Anvala. Yiski knew all too well what she was planning: Landing the ship somewhere in the city. She pulled the same stunt almost a decade ago when Lauren crash landed in Lord's Leap during a training accident.
Lauren
"M'Naghten to Captain. Clear the city center! I'm making an emergency landing! Repeat. Making an emergency landing in city center."
Units at the city center didn't have time to wait for orders from either Yiski or Frank to clear out. They scattered immediately when they saw a goldfish land on top of the city center's fountain, crushing it and causing water to spout from either side of the ship. Yiski immediately grab Blood Bolt and jumped of the ship and headed for the southern wall. Lauren helped some crewmen get BdrLine off.
Lauren
"They say any landing you walk way from is a good landing."
Meanwhile in the skies, the eastern flank had split into two groups: One to help Zill take out the galleons and another to deal with the transports. Since the last transport wasn't guarded by covering fire anymore and being beaten in by the batteries, the pursuit fleet took it out. It crashed against the mountain and was immediately concentrated fired on by the gatling pillboxes.
Consequently, the defenders (and Yiski) had to now deal with 40 abominations roaming the city.
-
-Then it was fixed again-
At this point, only half the galleons remained. Zill could barely see through the smoke bellowing from his galleon's damage. He left the boat headed toward the last enemy formation and assessed the damage.
The hull was gone. No one really knew what was keeping it alive. Jun'ko shook her head and looked at him.
Jun'ko
"You can't ram again or it'll split the ship."
Zill
"Understood. Get the injured in the hold. We're almost through."
She hugged him and ran below deck. He tightened his hat on his head and swung the helm around, giving Shink and Papa clear shots. 3 Goldfish flew past to harass the galleons. They let fly with tungsten, shredding two galleons in one volley. The remaining boats turned to face Zill. They unloaded flak into the ship. 3 rounds exploded on the top deck. Shink fired a volley of greased to keep them occupied. Zill could feel the warm draw of blood along his face.
Zill
"Keep us up! I want any fire possible on those galleons!"
The engineers kept only the guns and hull alive. Zill could barely keep steady as the goldfish swooped onto the galleon formation, breaking it up.
-
--Commodore Beckett--
As Thrax fumbled to the floor like so many times before (with or without the help of ale). He got up as he saw Lockheart crash down onto the main deck. As he heard lockheart's shout in pain, he ran to lockheart.
Thrax
"Don't worry!"
Thrax helps Lockheart up and takes out a flask of liquor from his pocket.
Thrax
"Here take this! Always works for me!"
Lockheart
"Now's not the time!"
Lockheart smacks the flask out of Thrax's hand and it slides off the deck and falls through the skies.
Thrax
"Well for me, NOW is always the time! Suit yourself"
Thrax whips out another back-up flask from his inside jacket. He takes a swig and picks up his rifle and starts shooting.
Karl
"What the hell is that?"
Thrax
"Whiskey!"
Karl
"No, I meant that hulking mass that just came out of nowhere!"
Thrax
"Well if I knew anything about hulking masses charging towards things, I'd probably guess its my wife. But in this case, I don't know.
If it breathes and if it bleeds, shoot it!"
Lockheart
"Damn it! How in the hell are we going to stop that?!"
-
--City Center--
Lauren and the other crew men drag BdrLine into a building.
Lauren
"Anyone of you guys know how to treat him?"
Crewman
"I do hold on."
The man goes over to the unconscious BdrLine and kicks his side. The shock instantly wakes him.
BdrLine
"WHAT THE FLAK"
He sits up straight and puts a hand to his side.
Lauren
"That's one way to wake someone. Come on we need to go and help out with the defense. About 40 of those things are lose in the city."
The group then gets up and out of the building to look for weapons, and hope that they find the monsters before they find them.
-
Sky noticed how the M'Naghten didn't shoot at any of the falling planes. So Sky and the Flying Panthers finished some of them, however most recovered and a huge dogfight began. After awhile they were close enough to Anvala that flak opened up on the remaining planes. One plane missed Sky and overshot.
Sky
"Today ain't your day huh?"
Sky fired a short burst at the plane, and the thing evaporated. Sky hit the engine which ripped everything apart. Eventually no one was left on the retreating pilots, they all took a long time too remember the two crew on the plane who was rammed. Then they made it back to an airport and landed.
-
--En Route to Southern Wall--
Yiski checked Blood Bolt's ammo and cursed to himself when he realized he didn't have any rounds with brass in them. He had a clip of sunburst rounds loaded and a clip of thermite.
"Skies... of all the times to...
GGRRAHH!!!
The wall behind Yiski collapses and out comes an abomination. There's a momentary pause as the two catch each others attention. Then the abomination rushes in with its arms spread wide. Yiski manages to dodge the rush. He immediately drops to one knee and aims at the abomination's head. Yiski fires three shots, all landing... but they bounced off.
"Shit."
The abomination makes for another rush, but the three sunburst rounds pop and obstructed the oncoming rush. The abomination ran headlong into a nearby building which toppled down. Yiski took this opportunity to escape and find a defender squad to regroup on. As Yiski kept making progress to the southern wall, he grinned.
"At least it wasn't the saloon."
-
Having legged it to Anvala, Wazulu, his ship destroyed, had commandeered a small squad of defenders. Pinned in the West, he'd been pushed further and further to the North, only to find himself backed into more abominations. Running low on munitions, the group sticks to the small alleyways, and sets up a barricaded Burning Skies Saloon.
In desperation, the group turn to some 'interesting' tactics. Grabbing all the cutlery and Hellfire they could find, makeshift grenades are concocted out of old steam-bulbs, bits of brass fork stabbing into the demonic creatures. In fact, several houses quickly had their water pumps filled with the same Hellfire, and a simple increase of pressure would cause a large explosion in every wall.
Tricks didn't trump brute force, however, and the beasts plowed on slowed, but unaffected. Swatting the squad left and right the cracking of bones became a repetitive dance over rubble and blood. Backed into the crumbling remains of a three-storey building, Wazulu limped up the stairs, eventually collapsing. Looking at the sky, the air battle was going well. However, the land battle was at a turning point, where a mistake could lose all of their lives.
The last of his small group died under the foot of a beast, individual features stamped into the cobble tiles. Knowing his fate would soon follow, Wazulu pulled out his final trick.
He aimed his flare gun up high above his head, and shot off a single, burning shell into the darkening sky.
W: 'Hehe, I'd better go out with a bang....'
The abominations in the area turned to the Flare, and soon all movement directed towards it, the streets filled with the bulked figures. The same flare caught the eyes of the crew on the ships above, and those that were operational turned their guns to bear.
W: 'Should even us out a little down here, heh. Then again, a shame to lay waste to such a beautiful distr-'
The noise of blazing guns drowned out all sound- dust swirled around the ground, whipped up by the focus fire. Magazine after magazine was emptied, and a flak shell quickly tore through the wall Wazulu was resting on. It imploded just as an abominaton climbed up the stairs, and both of them were instantly eviscerated. After 2 minute's barrage the guns stood still. Everything in the radius of the flare had been utterly vaporised.
No evidence of any life remained in the district, except a small tavern that stood steady in the burning embers of the sunset.
-
As Sky was about to land, a loud "BANG" noise was heard followed by a yell. Sky looked over to see his plane was leaning to the left by a lot and something was grabbing onto the wing. It climbed toward Sky and Iris.
Sky
"What the hell is that thing?!"
Iris
"Whatever it is, it just jumped onto our wing and is going to KILL US!"
Sky saw a building up ahead, instead of trying to land he thought of something else.
Sky
"HOLD ON!"
Sky angled his wing at the building and barely missed it. Another loud "THUD" was heard and the plane was thrown into a spin. The plane landed belly-flat onto the ground, enough to cause Sky and Iris to hit their heads on the canopy. The building had a huge hole in the side and the monster was no longer on his wing.
Sky
"We're still alive HUZZAH!"
Iris
"Take that you piece of rotting flesh!"
Sky
"Ha, he couldn't even take our wing off!"
The engine on the plane caught on fire, both Iris and Sky panicked to get out of the plane. They got out and extinguished the fire with lightning speed. Then Sky pulls out his sword he keeps instead of a pistol.
Sky
"What ever that was, I wouldn't go empty handed.... Or alone. Rally up the rest of the Flying Panthers and find Yiski or Zill. So we can figure out what is attacking us exactly, that was not a human."
-
--Main Gate--
Along the route to the southern wall, Yiski noticed a large group of defenders firing. Without hesitation, he rushed into the fray.
"Don't tell me these things breached the gate!"
Yiski witnessed a squad of heavy defenders and squad of elites struggling to take down five abominations. The heavy defenders took as many (or in this case few) hits from the abominations and let the elites flank and melee. Sadly, they weren't doing much. One abomination simply picked up a heavy defender and snapped him in two.
"Regroup and reform tactics! Elites, run diversion! Heavies, use your lancers to pin them! And somebody find a bloody gatling to shoot them with!"
Without questioning who was giving the sudden orders, the heavies and elites did what Yiski ordered. The elites used their superior agility and dodged circles around the abomination. The massive frame of the abominations made it next to impossible for them to even touch the elites. Then a group of heavies surrounded a single abomination and jabbed their lancers into it. The abomination growled, but was silenced when two elites jumped on it and took it's head off with their razor sharp swords.
Yiski smiled. For all the brute strength, the abominations were uncoordinated and easily distracted. The heavies and elites repeated the same tactic another four times. The squads then turned to Yiski and realized it was there Commander and reformed quickly.
Yiski
"Status."
Elite
"A transport carrying these things breached the main gate. Initial reports suggest there were forty."
Yiski
"Largest concentration?"
Elite
"Toward the southern wall. Orders?"
Yiski
"Find a couple of gatlings with heatsink for the heavies and make our way to the southern wall. We can't risk constant melee engagements. Move out!"
-
-Then it was fixed again-
Zill spit out some blood onto the deck as more flak fire rained in. The 3 goldfish had carronades, but were too slow in taking down the formation. Gazing on, Zill made a decision.
Zill
"Brace for impact!"
Jun'ko
"I told you we can't take another ram!"
Zill
"And I said brace. We have little choice."
Jun'ko disappeared again as Zill threw all the steam he had into the engines, but in reverse. Another flak round burst on the helm. Zill winced with pain but kept her steady. The goldfish saw what was going on and cleared out, shredding the middle galleon as much as possible.
Zill
"All hands to guns! Stay below!"
A quick flashback of his past took him. The tesla boats charging him. It was short for as soon as he shook it off, he rammed the middle galleon, shredding the engines but splitting them in half. This lined up his guns perfectly for heavy volleys from each broadside, which ignited both of the remaining galleons and let off an explosion so massive it lit up the night. Zill was caught in the fire, but he had to chute vent down from the blast.
Zill
It's going to kill me one day...
A loud crack could be heard as his galleon gave way under the damage of the ram and explosions. He gunned it to get as close to the city as he could. The galleon crash landed, still holding its form and landing in a cloud of dust outside the southern wall.
Zill felt cold. He looked up at the burning city, gunfire still going off and blood running down his neck. Screams from the soldiers and engies who had worked so hard to keep his boat alive sent chills down his spine. Jun'ko was battered but helping them out of the wreckage. Shink had somehow managed to get a hwacha firing toward some abominations running toward the southern gate.
Zill collapsed onto the broken remains of his helm. A canister of green smoke was signaling their location, and he looked on as the fight on the ground climaxed. The enemy had no air power left.
-
--City Center--
BdrLine, Lauren, and the rest of the crew goes around hiding and trying to find any of the defense personnel. With a quick look at there sourroundings, smoke can he seen coming above the skyline as well as some destroyed buildings. As they are looking, BdrLne recognise where they are and turns to the others.
BdrLine
"Quick follow me, I know where we are."
He turns off towards any alleyway and starts to run. The others looked at eachother before following suit. As they catch up to BdrLine, Lauren turns to him while still running.
Lauren
"Mind I ask where we are heading?"
BdrLine
"The biggest place where I know that has weapons, The Academy"
Lauren just mentally facepalmed as she forgot that they were at the Center after all and the Academy is just a few minutes away. Once they arrived, they enter the campus slowly, checking the corners for any enemies. Ones they see the coast was clear, they make a made dash to the armoury.
As the reach and open the door, clicks as safeties on rifles were taken off.
Cadet *In a shakey voice*
"Halt, turn around slowly or we will shoot."
Lauren just shakes her head and goes up to one of them, brushes the rifle away and show her identification.
Lauren
"Here I think this is enough prove that we are not the enemy. Now tell me what are you cadets doin here. Shouldn't you be in the shelters, by the looks of it you all are first years and have no rifle training."
Cadet
"Well Ma'am we wanted to help out, so myself and the others in here snuck out to get us weapons. Only we too afraid to go out again as what we heard on the radio we brought."
BdrLine moves past the group of cadets and motions the the crew to follow him to get some rifles ready. They follow his lead as they brought out 5 bolt action rifles, scopes for them, heatsink cartridges, and loch grenades. From the table, BdrLine calls to the cadets.
BdrLine
"Well it looks like you guys are helping us then. I know all of you are afraid, but those things are still on the loss, and we need all the help we can get. Besides, you are Cadets of Anvala, finest shooters of the lands. So load up heatsink rounds, keep you head low, and aim for he monsters eyes."
Cadets
"Yes Sir"
With that the group of 12 goes over to the ammo storage and brought out more heatsink ammunition. Lauren then goes over and grabs one of the rifles prepared by BdrLine and the crew.
Lauren
"How long you think this will last."
BdrLine
"I don't know, but at least we have numbers now. We just need to stay low and aim for the eyes. Even they are genetically mutated, eyes are still a soft spot."
After a few more minutes of preparing, the 17-man group heads out back to the city to further help out the defense.
-
--NARRATOR--
--Southern Wall--
The small pockets of abominations had caused serious havoc within the city, but their limited intelligence and mobility along with the useful information on their weakness guaranteed their demise. The remaining abominations were situated at or around the southern wall. With the air well within the grasp of Anvala, Frank ordered all gatlings loaded with heatsink aimed inside the city. Frank ordered dsynchronized firing in order to keep a steady stream of gatling fire on the abominations.
Soon enough, Yiski, BdrLine, Lauren, and the rest of the defenders joined in surrounding the remaining abominations. With the weapons from the Armory, the defenders wiped out the rest ... within three hours. After the last of the abominations fell, Yiski ordered the heavies to either smash or impale the abominations' heads in. Better safe than sorry Yiski figured.
Yiski went up on the wall and found Frank. The two looked at each other and then crossed arms.
Yiski
"Happy to see you're alive still."
Frank
"I'm just happy you made it back." Frank raised his arms above his head. "Anyways, how'd you know about those monsters' weakness?"
Yiski
"Long story, so here's the short story: Guild did some experiments and these were the result."
Frank
"Christ. At least it's over."
Yiski nodded, but he knew if the Guild was willing to go such lengths, then there had to be more. You don't use abominations just for revenge. Even if it was for revenge, Yiski knew they could have been tracked to Yannock for the wedding.
Regardless, Yiski pushed those thoughts behind when he took a look at Anvala high atop its walls. There was smoke rising and ruined buildings scattered throughout. The cleanup was going to difficult. Yiski bid Frank a brief farewell and headed for the saloon where he hoped to meet the others... He gripped his side and sighed.
"Probably should have seen a doc."
Lauren and BdrLine were sent to a local infirmary. BdrLine was being treated for minor head injuries (and a bruised rib). While BdrLine insisted he was okay, the doctors wanted to ensure he didn't suffer any other hidden injuries. Lauren was being treated with a few bruises with a fractured rib being the most serious injury from when she hard landed in the city center. She also complained, but stayed because she didn't want Yiski yelling at her.
Rescue troops managed to reach Then It Was Fixed Again, or at least what looked to be the ship. Shink, Paradox, and other crewmen were rushed to nearby triage. However, Zill was moved to the main hospital. While Jun'ko wanted to go with Zill, she was in no condition to argue with the doctors.
When Zill arrived at the hospital, he barely had a pulse and still bleeding everywhere. The doctors and surgeon would have to work overnight just to see if he'll survive.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 101--
-
--Start of day 102--
-Narrator-
The sun broke over the wasteland to the east of the city, shining light onto the battlefield that had taken place of a normally vibrant Anvala. Smoldering rubble billowed grey smoke high into the morning Skies. Rubble lined every street, and familiar shops were reduced to piles of ash. The outer wall had been secured, and only a handful of security boats were airborne. Everyone else was attending to the remains of the battle. Bodies of both friend and foe had to be identified. The grim task of giving proper burials (except for the abominations, which were burned) to the fallen on the mountainside was going to take awhile.
The group of regulars were scattered around the city, most of which were recovering from wounds in the triage clinic. Yiski took stock of the damage to the saloon. Luckily for him, the bunker-like structure that now housed the Burning Skies had survived with just some scorch marks and lodged bullets into the wall. Everyone else outside of the clinics were picking up the pieces of the night and doing what they could.
Jun'ko sat outside the main hospital, fumbling with the watch she gave to Zill not long ago. It too was scorched like so many other things in the city. Doctors and surgeons worked throughout the night to stabilize the admiral. He had severe lacerations on his body from the flak rounds, and burns from the explosion that ensued after his maneuver to end the air battle. He had three blood transfusions to replace what was lost. Just the process of removing the shrapnel took hours, and not all of it could be removed. It would forever remind him of that night.
Jun'ko slowly entered the hospital to once more check to see if she could see Zill. The nurse had seen her countless times that night.
Nurse
"He's still not able to see anyone. I'm sorry."
Jun'ko simply nodded, walking back outside. She had bandages on her forehead and leg. She again sat on her bench, and fumbled with the watch. Tears began to creep along her cheeks as she finally began to break from the emotion. A hand rubbed her back, and she looked up to see Yiski. He knelt down and looked her in the eyes.
Yiski
"We all feel what you feel. Luckily for you, his stubborn ass isn't going to give up yet. Come on. I'm headed to the triage center to check on the others. We can check back later."
Jun'ko simply nodded and they both made their way through the city toward the triage.
-End Narrator-
-
--City Center--
As Yiski and Jun'ko were making way to the triage where Lauren and BdrLine stayed, Yiski sees the M'Naghten Returns still sitting in the middle of the city center. He spots a few dock workers trying to get it back up in the air and walks over to them.
Yiski
"How bad is she?"
The workers are surprised by Yiski's arrival.
Engineer
"Morning Commander. I've seen worse. We'll have to replace the blown engine before lifting it off and once docked, we'll have to scrap the armor for a new set."
Yiski
"Carry on."
The workers turned and went back to work and Jun'ko and Yiski continued walking. Yiski still noticed Jun'ko wore a frown and staring off into the distance. Yiski wanted to say something, but he knew it wouldn't help.
By late morning, the two arrived at the triage. They entered and the first two they saw was BdrLine and Lauren. BdrLine waved at the two. Lauren jumped off her bed and gave Yiski a hug tackle which took the two of them down. Yiski lifted his head to see Lauren's face looking at him.
Yiski
"Good to see you're okay after that landing."
Yiski's words triggered Lauren to start welling up tears. Feeling the tears, Lauren immediately buried her face into Yiski's chest.
Yiski
"Lauren?"
Lauren
"Mmmf ... Mmmph ... mmfmm"
Yiski sighed and patted Lauren's head. Even though he couldn't understand a word said, he knew it had to be along the lines of 'I thought I lost you'. His patting caused Lauren to lift her head up and plant a kiss on Yiski's lips. The two laid there for moments when a doctor cleared his throat causing them to break the kiss.
Yiski
"I think we need to take this somewhere private. Hey doc? Are BdrLine and Lauren cleared?"
Doctor
"Yes."
Lauren got up off Yiski and extended an hand down to Yiski. He took and got up, but not without some pain to his side. It wasn't enough for him to visibly wince, just enough to remind him that he was injured. Yiski had a decision to make: leave or get checked.
Lauren
"Are you alright?"
Yiski
"Yeah, I'm fine. Let's go. I could use a drink."
With his decision, he, Lauren, BdrLine, and Jun'ko headed for the saloon.
-
-Then it was fixed again crash site-
Engineers and soldiers surrounded the remains of the galleon. Most of the boat was damaged in some fashion, the biggest issue being the snapped supports for the hull. They recovered all that they could from the wreck. One of the most intriguing items was a black iron box. Zill's initials were etched on the lock, and no one dared to try opening it.
Soldier
"So what do we do with it?"
Engineer
"Well last I heard, the admiral was in the hospital. Might as well take it there."
Soldier
"Makes sense. It's crazy how he managed to land this thing after that fight."
Engineer
"This boat shouldn't be alive. Put that into perspective."
Soldier
"So is it scrap now?"
Engineer
"Normally yes, but given who it belongs to, we are going to attempt to get it up and rebuild it."
Soldier
"That would be nice to see. Well I'm off to deliver the box. Good luck."
-Hospital-
Zill was in a private room in the west wing. The occasional doctor would come in to check his stability. He was still in an induced coma. The soldier came into the room. Despite the no visitor policy, the soldier felt this would be something important to the admiral. He gazed on at the gear driven machines keeping him stable. He placed the box on the lone table next to Zill, and walked out. He turned back once to see one last glimpse.
Soldier
I salute thee, oh captain.
-
-Outside the Hospital-
Shink is sitting on a bench experiencing a flashback of the events that happened. The mayhem and destruction ensured that these memories would turn into new nightmares the moment he closed his eyes. He noticed a soldier walk up with a black box, and ask to see Zill. When the soldier came back out, Shink stopped him.
"Soldier, a word please"
"Sir!" the soldier stands at attention, which disturbed Shink
"Relax, I'm not one for that kind of stuff. I wanted to know what was so important about that box, that you had to violate the no visitor policy."
The soldier looks visibly uncomfortable as he relaxes his stance
"Honestly sir, I have no clue what it is. We found it in the wreckage, and figured he would want it."
Shink thinks this over, but in the end figures it's nothing to be concerned about. He sends the soldier on his way.
I wonder if Yiski has opened the saloon yet. Can't hurt to check
Shink wanders off in the direction of the Saloon
-
Lockheart and Cecelia were sat on a bench in the city center by the crash site of the M'Naghten Returns, Lockheart had a Broken arm and a sprained ankle from his fall off of his bridge aboard the Commodore Beckett, apart from that the rest of his injuries were minor cuts, grazes or small burns. although he had to walk on crutches with his one good arm, which made quite a humerous spectacle to watch.
Cecelia
" Oh thank god your ok."
Lockheart
" you've seen me in worse condition, remember that assault we pulled on that bandit base in the Burren?"
Cecelia
"Oh of course, ha ha i almost forgot about that. we were certain you wouldn't make it out alive"
Lockheart
"Exactly, but here at least they have decent medical staff"
Cecelia
"All that aside, technically you saved my life and therefore made up for the 4 months you left me"
Lockheart
"Glad thats buried in the past..."
Cecelia gave lockheart a kiss on the cheek before helping him get up.
Lockheart
"Ready to go to the saloon?, imagine out last visit didnt happen. think of it as a take 2. ha ha *cough* *cough*"
Cecelia helped Lockheart half limp, half drag himself to the saloon, although he suffered the most minor "Life threatening" injuries it sure looked like he was on the brink of collapse.
-
--Saloon--
If BdrLine, Lauren, and Jun'ko weren't with Yiski, Yiski would've gone out and caused more damage to the city than the abominations did. Yiski sat at the doorway looking into the saloon with a dead stare that probably could raise the dead and kill them again. The saloon was a mess. Little did any of them know that Lockhart and Coldcurse were running the saloon for the days he was gone. Instead of pulling out his rifle and running a rampage throughout the city to find who did this, to the group's surprise, Yiski simply pinched the bridge of his nose.
Yiski
"One week... I'm gone for one week... and this happens."
Yiski sighed and started cleaning the saloon. Immediately followed were the others. The main floor is cleaned within the hour. Tables and chairs reset, bar is cleaned, and the trash collected and set outside. Despite the main floor being a mess, the back was clean and relatively untouched. Lauren gave a sigh of relief because had any of the equipment been modified ever so slightly, Yiski would skin alive anybody related to it.
With everything checked and cleaned, Yiski pours himself and the others a mug of Hellfire.
-
--Saloon--
BdrLine goes over to the bar and takes a mug of Hellfire that Yiski made and brings it to his head.
"Ahh, so warm."
After a while he moves it from the spot where the cut was to take a sip then to put it back again. He turns to the others.
"Now since the Guild wants our heads, what are we going to do about them?"
-
--Flashback to the then it was fixed again--
He rammed the middle galleon, shredding the engines but splitting them in half. This lined up his guns perfectly for heavy volleys from each broadside, which ignited both of the remaining galleons and let off an explosion so massive it lit up the night. As Paradox and Shink let loose the volley within the confines of the galleon, scrap both of metal and wood flew everywhere across the bottom deck of Zill's galleon. A round that was loaded exploded in the chamber of the enemy's ships flak, a large flurry of metal from the flak's flew and pierced Papa's side and shot through him with inexplicable force, he lied there bleeding to death
--Triage--
He awoke, tried to move and was instantly met with debilitating pain emanating from the gaping hole in his torso. It was as if all his pain receptors had fired at the same time, he winced, but made no sound. The drugs the doctors had given him were ineffectual due to his increased metabolism. He realized that the hole was covered by a large metal plate that was bolted to what remained of his left ribcage. A doctor walked in:
"How are you feeling?"
"Can I go?"
"You're in no condition..."
Paradox stood up, his body tried to force him to do otherwise, he receded into his subconscious and focused on putting on foot in front of the other somewhere along the line the tubes that were connected to him reached their limit and ripped out of his body.
He wandered through the street and reached his destination:
--The Burning Skies Saloon--
Paradox walks through the door and collapses.
-
-Saloon-
Jun'ko was fumbling with Zill's watch when Papa came crashing through the door. She immediately got to his side, realizing he was unconscious. She yelled to Yiski.
Jun'ko
"I need some of your Elixer, and probably a forklift to move him!"
Yiski just gave a stare that could kill abominations before rushing to the back for his special mixture.
-
--Saloon, THE RUST BUCKET--
Near the city center stood a war ravaged saloon - The Rust Bucket - still standing despite the devastating attack.
In the saloon sat Thrax, right across the bar-keep. Full of gashes and bruises that he is unaware of, not sustaining any serious injuries aside from near-sobriety.
Sat with various empty mugs that he had previously drank from, his breath smelled of Hellfire and ale. His odor of rust and smog from the battle. He sat as he saw Lockheart and Cecelia walk into the tavern.
Thrax
"Saved a seat for ya! Come here! I owe you a pint! You saved my arse! haha!"
Lockheart, first looked reluctant, but soon gave in to Thrax's offer.
Lockheart
"I honestly don't know how we survived that one."
Thrax
"I know!"
Thrax raises his glass and chugs down the remaining hellfire in his mug.
Barkeep
"Try and take it easy. The last thing I need is more problems. I barley made it out of this mess!"
Thrax
"Pffft, this is nothing. It would take a dozen barrels of Hellfire and a dozen more of those abominations to take me down! Haha!"
He raises his glass once more.
Thrax
"Ale all round from me! This place needs it."
Barkeep
"I'll put it on your tab Cap'n Thraxius."
Lockheart looks at Thrax with much intrigue.
Lockheart
"...Captain?"
Thrax
"Indeed my good sir! Captain Thraxius Meridius! Son of Decimus Meridius of the House Meridius. Former Commander of the 13th Legion of the Northern Fleet of the Fjorn Baronies, during the war of the burning skies - Descendant of The First King Agrius. And so on and so forth!"
He takes another swig from his mug.
Thrax
"Stripped of Rank and Exiled into the vastness - Wrongfully accused of treason. I have been the Captain of The Titan for nearly 30 years."
The Titan being a spire Airship thought to have been obliterated in battle - brought back to life by the the warm pulse of Thrax's bloodlust and vendetta.
Thrax
"Well that's my story... what's yours matey?"
Thrax looks onto Lockheart, awaiting a reply.
-
--Burning Skies--
Yiski throws together his elixir. It was a good thing the group had cleaned up before because it would've been impossible to find any of the ingredients. He tosses it to Jun'ko who then forces it down Paradox's throat. Paradox begins coughing. BdrLine and Yiski somehow managed to get Paradox to the couch. Upon placing him, the couch sank a few inches from Paradox weight. Yiski sighs.
Yiski
"Can I get one day, just one day where someone doesn't come in bleedin'?"
Yiski then thinks about BdrLine's comment which brought thoughts from yesterday to the forefront.
Yiski
"You know... I have a feelin' this isn't about revenge anymore. But if it is, we'll need some back up. BdrLine can you..."
Additional individuals entered the saloon this time breaking Yiski's concentration. They weren't patrons, but Council Elites. Yiski figured once things calmed down, the Council would get him. One elite began to approach Yiski, but Yiski held up his hand and walked to him instead. Yiski then turns around to the others.
Yiski
"Lauren. Watch Paradox. I'll be back in awhile."
Yiski walked out with the Elites and headed toward the Council building.
-
--Rust bucket tavern--
Lockheart
"Julius Lockheart, of the noble house Lockheart in Chaladon. Commodore also of the fjord baronies and now, i belive, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Chaladon Watch."
*He bows before sitting down*
"And if my mind doesn't forget me, i believe Commodore it one rank higher, than captain. People call me captain as it rolls off the tongue better"
*whispers to thrax*
"To be honest, have you checked out the burning skies saloon. its a lot better than this dump.
Thrax
"To be honest, this was the first tavern i found and i came in and here i am!, but sure ill head out to this saloon of yours"
Lockheart, Cecelia and thrax all walk (Except for lockheart who still is limping/ been dragged) to the Burning Skies.
--The Burning Skies--
The door opens and Lockheart, Thrax and Cecelia walk in. Cecelia quickly notices Papa and goes over to assist Jun'ko.
Lockheart
"Its good to see everyone so well!, hope no-one suffered too badly?"
The Men head over to the bar and sit down.
Lockheart
"Oh, er, i dont belive you have been introduced. Everyone this is Cecelia my wife, and this is Thrax who found his way onto my cargo hold, and came out during that battle."
*Lockheart scratched his head in confusion, and then only just noticed papa, he was still a bit unsure as how Thrax got aboard the Commodore Beckett*
Lockheart
"Oh, i didn't see papa there, is he ok?"
-
It had taken awhile for Sky and Iris to find the remains of their fallen comrade. Many planes were lying on the ground completely destroyed and burned leaving nothing behind but a hollow shell. Even then all they could find was the tail and wings of their friend's plane. The ram was so harsh and quick it basically evaporated both the biplane and the cockpit of the other plane. Sky carved onto the tail "Charles Dart/Ralph Underhill Flying Panthers" and carried it to the Anvala grave where many funerals were being attended. It took sometime for Sky and Iris to leave the grave, even though all they had left of their friends were burnt metal and that tail piece. After they were done, Sky headed off to the Saloon.
--Burning Skies--
Sky walked in quietly, and without saying "Good morrow" to anyone. He see's Paradox on the couch injured, then everyone else in the saloon.
Sky
"No one was to come out of this event unharmed or uninjured.... Wait..... Where's Zill? Don't tell me he's dead."
-
Lockheart looked over to sky.
Lockheart
"Zill should be fine, I've heard. Also, I know how you feel. We all lost or at least nearly lost someone."
*lockheart grabs a ale, and takes a gulp*
" I thought I lost my brother out there for a second . Hell . I even thought I'd loose myself, these things happen. You just gotta try to move on."
* Lockheart slides a ale down to skyraider and winks*
Lockheart
" that ones on me!"
-
--Saloon--
As everyone sees Yiski leave with the Guards, they see Skyraider and the others come in. As Lauren is over with Paradox checking his wounds, BdrLine goes to the bar and makes some Hellfire for the others.
Jun'ko goes back and sits down, then heard Skyraider, and not looking up from the watch says to him.
Jun'ko
"He's not dead, still at the hospital and under supervision by the doctors."
With that Sky just simply nods, takes a seat at the bar, and reaches for one of the mugs.
BdrLine then sees Lockheart and wife.
BdrLine
"Hello Lockheart, miss." *he looks over to Paradox who is on the couch then back to Lockheart* "Papa P is one tough guy and I bet he'll live through. But we may need a specialist, I mean he is part machine and I don't think a doctor and a technician will do him good. "
Then Yiski's words came to his mind. If the Guild is now attacking, they need all the backup they can get. He turns to Jun'ko is she can watch the bar as he goes into the back room where the radio is and start to call everyone he knows.
-
--Burning Skies--
Honeybadger comes in bouncing a small ball with his right hand, his hair is greasy along with his slightly more than stubble. He has dark circles under his eye's like he hasn't slept for days.
Honeybadger walking in spots Papa with his wound and wonders who got that close to him. He steps up to the bar and sits down putting his ball onto the table and rolls it around with his palm.
Honeybadger: "*Sniff* So how was the wedding?"
-
--Council Chambers--
Yiski stood for a few minutes as the Council gathered and discussed among each other. No doubt they were trying to figure out what questions to ask. Even Yiski had a few of his own. Before the Council could get back to their seats, Yiski started.
Yiski
"Before you ask, here's what I know. After my son's wedding, I got a transmission from a contact in the Guild. Told me they had a fleet headin' here. Also told me the Guild brought the abominations from Izumi. I have no idea how Zill knew those things weakness. And I don't think this was an effort to get rid of me."
(1)
*Sitting down* "Hmm... well it does answer a few questions, but our main concern is a future Guild strike."
(5)
"As you well know Commander, the Guild is known for sending in waves of fleets."
Yiski
"Judgin' from our current strength, we'd get taken out if they brought the same thing again."
(3)
"We assume you have taken steps to ensure the city's safety."
Yiski
"I have a friend makin' calls. Also got a few friends who have contacts with the Northern Air Fleet. I could probably ask for additional ships from Chang-ning though I'm not sure if those would get here soon enough."
(6)
"We suppose this is all we can do. You are dismissed."
Yiski existed the Chambers and walked through the grounds. Yiski wasn't too concerned about another Guild attack. He was confident Anvala could get some allies to significantly bolster its strength. What he was concerned about was how many more abominations the Guild had left.
--Saloon--
Lauren and Jun'ko turned and stared at Honeybadger.
Lauren
"I have no idea who you are, but if you're asking about a wedding over the fact the city was just seriously attacked and almost destroyed by rampaging monsters...."
Jun'ko could see Lauren was annoyed with Honeybadger and stepped into the conversation.
Jun'ko
"The wedding was lovely."
-
--Saloon--
Honeybadger picks up his hat and strokes his hair back while picking up his ball in his hand
Honeybadger: "Jun'ko, nice to see you again, sorry to hear about the wedding but I hope Papa was the only one who got hurt."
Honeybadger looks at Lauren then back at his hand with his ball
Honeybadger: Alright think, new girl. Who could she be with? C'mon ball don't be a dick. Honeybadger's eye's widened. I should have taken another dose today I knew that it wouldn't last long after what happened with the wedding, but there must be enough juice be left in me to blow this bitch's mind. I've been bouncing this god damn ball so much that I can predict where I will throw it, how it will bounce and where it will land. It's the same concept, I wonder if I should tell them what I've been doing for the past few days, No of course not I don't know them that well, but lets see what I can find out on little miss snippy.
Honeybadger looks at both of the women
Honeybadger: "You might want to sterilize the wound a little bit, I have some solution in my bag, or you could just use some alcohol."
Honeybadger walks over
Honeybadger: (Still looking at Papa) "So Lauren, how are you and Yiski?" I hope this will be enough to keep her awkwardly quiet while I try to save Papa's life.
-
-Saloon-
Jun'ko lets Honeybadger attend to PapaP while she prepares drinks for whoever comes in. She felt it would keep her mind off Zill, though that was a fool's errand.
As more people came in to drink away their pain and sorrow, she began putting all the drinks on her tab. Jun'ko hoped that Yiski wouldn't come after her with a gatling gun. The thought made her smile as she ran drinks to the guests.
Little by little, the night wore on. No music or loud cheers were going to be heard tonight, and for good reason. She waited on some guests.
Jun'ko
"You guys need anything else?"
Pilot
"My ship and crew back from those monsters..."
Jun'ko
"We all know your pain. Remember them in life, not death tonight."
Pilot
"..Thanks."
She heads to a new table.
Jun'ko
"What'll it be?"
Soldier
"Best you got for the table. I'm here to celebrate life."
Jun'ko
"We all need that tonight."
She ran off to get the orders.
-
--Saloon--
Lauren ignored Honeybadger's comment. She wasn't surprised he knew her name. Then again, since her attempted robbery and subsequent return, the whole city knew who she was. What did surprise her is his baiting of her relationship with Yiski. She kept quiet and let Honeybadger work on Paradox.
Later Yiski returned to see Lauren and Jun'ko working the bar. He spotted Honeybadger working on Paradox. Lauren saw Yiski and tried to put on her best smile.
Lauren
"So. How'd it go?"
Yiski
*sigh* "I filled them in on the short version, but we still got a lot of questions which Zill can only answer."
Jun'ko's ears perked up when Yiski mentioned Zill. She faced Yiski with a melancholy expression.
Jun'ko
"How... how is he?"
Yiski scratched his head, trying to find the right words and not panic her too much.
Yiski
"Well, I stopped by the hospital. Docs wouldn't let me see him. They tell me he's stable now, but still unconscious."
Knowing just the fact Zill was alive brought Jun'ko a much needed mental relief.
-
Honeybadger continues to work on Papa as he suddenly realizes that Yiski is in the room
Honeybadger: "You should be fine for now Papa."
He pats Papa's shoulder and stands up
Honeybadger: "Hello Yiski, so the good news is that he'll live." Now, what were they talking about? My god what is that ungodly smell, is it Yiski? I doubt anyone had the time to put on cologne, No this is a musty smell. Several musty smells from a musty room, I doubt that Yiski is a religious man so that puts church out of the picture. He seems a little bit stressed too, and his hair is messy which might point to him flying sometime today. There are some dust particles on his suit to... Lauren was saying something about monsters, so who else has to deal with that other then Yiski? Then he must have been... "So, any good news from the council?"
Honeybadger cleans his hands with his handkerchief in his left coat pocket.
-
--NARRATOR--
--Saloon--
Yiski sits at the bar and Lauren hands him a Hellfire. He downs in a gulp and motions for another. Lauren sighs.
Lauren
"I'm surprised you still even make this. Even more so how it hasn't killed you yet."
Yiski smirks and downs the Hellfire again. This time Lauren facepalms and hands him a Frost Fire. Yiski then hears Honeybadger.
Yiski
"I'm not worried about Paradox. After the things he's been through, this is a cake walk." *Swig of FF* "As far as the Council, don't worry about it."
Yiski then turns to Lauren and Jun'ko.
Yiski
"Think you two ladies can watch the saloon for the night? I gotta make a few calls. If I'm needed, I'll be in the back."
Yiski disappears into the back and heads for his radio. He makes a few frequency adjustments.
Yiski
"NAF this is Crimson. Do you copy? NAF this is Crimson. Please copy."
Meanwhile, Lauren and Jun'ko are serving the guests coming into the saloon. The numbers are higher than usual because there have been reports of other taverns and saloons that were destroyed. Most of the guests are soldiers and dock workers. What few civilians were present either lost everything and were drowning their loss, or had lost nothing and celebrating. Jun'ko enjoyed the work. It kept her mind off of Zill for a bit.
The night went on. Jun'ko had gotten a few people from Paradox's Dandy Lion Trading to get him out and recovering. Yiski came out from the back with a bitter look on his face.
Lauren
"Bad news?"
Yiski
"Can't contact any of my buddies in the NAF. Probably need to go talk to Sky. Hopefully BdrLine had better luck."
A few hours pass and Yiski closes up the saloon. When everything is clean and set, he turns to Jun'ko.
Yiski
"You plannin' on stayin' here the night?"
Jun'ko
"No... I.. I'm going to see Zill."
Yiski
"Doubt they'd let you see him. Hmm... give me a sec..."
Yiski walks into the back and grabs a pen and parchment and starts writing on it. Minutes later, he comes back and hands the parchment to Jun'ko. She reads the parchment which basically states under Yiski's authority to let her see Zill and stay with him. She looks up and gives Yiski an inquisitive look.
Jun'ko
"You think this'll work?"
Yiski
"Given how it's an official order, I doubt they'd risk pissin' off the Commander."
Jun'ko gives Yiski a hug and runs out of the saloon. Yiski turns to Lauren who has a mischievous grin.
Lauren
"Should I be jealous?"
Yiski rolls his eyes and Lauren laughs. Yiski walks to the door and locks it and approaches Lauren. He takes her hand and gives her a kiss on the lips.
Yiski
"I don't know about you, but I'm bushed."
Lauren nods and the two heads into back to Yiski's room.
--NARRATOR END--
Unknown 1
"Sir. Here's the analysis you wanted of yesterday's attack. Overall, it seems the trial was a general success."
Unknown 2
*Flipping through the report* "Hmm... shame we couldn't take the city, but we'll have other chances."
Unknown 1
"If you don't mind me asking, isn't this a bit much to use all this force for those two?"
Unknown 2
"Those men, their friends, and allies are not to be underestimated. All too often have our pawns done so and you've seen the results."
Unknown 1
"When will we strike again?"
Unknown 2
"Soon. Hiring mercenaries isn't cheap and finding mercenary pilots who ask no questions as to what they're carrying is even less cheap."
--END OF DAY 102--
-
--START OF DAY 103--
--NARRATOR--
--Burning Skies--
Lauren and Yiski woke a few minutes after the sunrise. The two were laying in bed facing and embracing each other. Seeing their significant other brought smiles to their face. Yiski shifts his face an inch in order to give Lauren a kiss.
Yiski
"Mornin'."
Lauren
"Morning."
Yiski shifts again, but this time it's to get out of bed. He has more difficulty than usual though. One reason is his side still hurts. Another is because Lauren hasn't let go of him. Yiski places his hands over Lauren's.
Yiski
"Come on. We have work to do."
Lauren
*Pouting* "Don't wanna."
Yiski sighs and decides to do the next best thing: Pick Lauren up. Lauren gave a sharp yelp from the sudden action as she found herself being carried to the bathroom. She looks up at Yiski with a seductive expression.
Yiski
"Yes, I'm doin' exactly what you think I'm doin'."
Lauren gives a blush and giggle as the two enter the bathroom.
--Cathedral--
Smoke was billowing out every single window of the rental home for the honeymoon. Both Ny-Lee and Roland were coughing manically. Once the smoke finally cleared, Ny-Lee looked over to Roland with a disappointed look, but soon burst into laughter in which Roland also joined.
Ny-Lee
"Love. I don't think you've quite developed the same experience for creating as Yiski."
Roland
"While I did not think it would end this way, you are right. Good thing we will be out and about today."
The newlyweds smiled and kissed, even if they were covered in bitter smoke.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Hospital-
Jun'ko had used Yiski's letter to finally gain access to Zill's room. He was still in an induced coma and stabilized. Just being near him gave her the peace of mind to finally sleep on the nearby couch.
In the morning, she awoke with a blanket over her. Apparently the nurse had cared for her as well. She scanned the room, seeing him still asleep. However, she then saw the black box on his table. This wasn't the first time she had seen it, but for it to be here in the room made her curious. She inspected it, and saw the lock. She jumped when a nurse came in to care for Zill.
Nurse
"I see you slept well."
Jun'ko
"Uh yea. So how is he?"
Nurse
"I hear the doctors plan to take him out of his coma. It's probably better you are here for it as it won't be pleasant for him."
Jun'ko
"Well I mean he's just going to wake up right? That's bad?"
Nurse
"He has a lot of shrapnel still in him that doctors cannot remove. It'll be painful. Not to mention the questions he'll have to answer too."
Jun'ko
"Oh. Questions?"
Nurse
"I've said too much."
The nurse promptly left, leaving Jun'ko staring at Zill, wondering what would happen in the next few hours.
-
-Honeybadger's Room-
Honeybadger sits alone on his chair in his room looking at the coffee table, sitting there is a small vial of black liquid, and a small box with mailing information on it.
Honeybadger
I need to get out of this place, I might be staying in this city a lot longer then I had anticipated.
Why did I come back? How did things get this complecated?
Honeybadger looks to the floor and bulletin board on his wall covered in small artifacts and photography some with him in it
Honeybadger
If I take it I should be fine I just have to rememeber to mail the package.
Honeybadger grabs his hand nervously. He then slowly reaches for the vial and picks it up.
Better than a needle
He drinks the contents.
-
-Honeybadger's Deep Thoughts (Aftermath and side effects of the Drug)-
Honeybadger:
Oh God
I know I shouldn't have done this. It's to potent, whatever that shit is it's not going to make me feel fine and dandy but like and drug, might as well enjoy the ride if your stuck on it.
And just like that it kicked it. It's almost as though the drug makes you Psychic, gives you a hightened sense of perception, there is a window in my room, if I look outside of it I'll see the restaraunt. Table 4 has 10546 grains of rice exactly on the plate, the rice was harvested from Yesha and brought over here, the guy who harvested it was nicknamed "Cooter" and he didn't very much like his job.
Whenever I take this shit it messes with my head, it's only with the shit all around my room I'm able to hold onto my fucked up past, dear god I wish I had forgotten that.
A calculator can do a complex mathematical equation in seconds, something more advanced can do much more in one second, I have exactly two point 6 seconds until my door is flung open. For something like a calculator that much time is an eternity.
But I'm flesh and bones, I can always reach for my pistol but unfortuanatly they have high explosives and they are not easily drawn on.
Gotta remember, what did he say? Right, "Time is an ocean, your brain is just swimming around in it." Not much I can do if I'm constantly trying to go against the current. But I can find ways around it.
I have to get out of here, Ok imagine I'm in space, flying on a ton of burning rock hurling through space. The creation, everything coming together in an instant, so everything has been accounted for, so it didn't matter wether you had scotch or whiskey that night because it was destined to happen since the creation of the world.
...
I couldn't finish this thought as I realized that I was outside of the room.
-Buring Skies Saloon-
-
--Burning Skies--
After their shower together and checking the equipment, Yiski made the decision to keep the saloon closed until the evening. Yiski would head to the hospital. Since there was nothing to do in a closed saloon, Lauren decided to head to the Academy. She knew new pilot candidates needed to chosen. The two walked outside where Yiski locked up the saloon and checking the door was locked and unmovable. The couple kissed before heading their separate ways.
Minutes passed and Yiski was in front of the hospital where Jun'ko and Zill stayed. Before entering, Yiski put on his Commander's badge to signify official military business, mostly to bypass any doctors or other officials who would prevent him from seeing Zill.
Upon entering, there were a few soldiers who were being checked for minor injuries. Those who either recognized Yiski or the badge immediately stood and gave a salute. Yiski returned the salutes.
Yiski
"At ease."
Yiski continued down the corridor and found Zill's room easily, mainly because there were two Elites guarding the doorway. Yiski approached, where he was promptly stopped by one of the Elites.
Elite
"I'm sorry Commander, but..."
Yiski
"Son, if you don't let me in, I'll see to it you're demoted and placed on Gauntlet duty for the rest of your life."
Even though Yiski had little authority to follow through with the threat, he did have a heavy influence and coupled with the glare he gave, the Elite motioned for him to enter. Yiski grunted.
Inside he saw Zill still out and Jun'ko sitting on the far side of the room. Jun'ko forced a smile and waved.
Yiski
"How is he?"
Jun'ko
"They say he still has a few bit of shrapnel which they can't get to and plan on waking him up."
Yiski
"Shrapnel huh? He's definitely goin' to be sore with that in him."
Jun'ko notices Yiski's badge.
Jun'ko
"I'm guessing you're hear to ask Zill questions when he wakes?"
Yiski
"Yup. Better me than a Council Investigator."
--Academy--
Lauren looks over the casualty report and cringes. Some of the pilot names she recognized as those she trained. Next to the reports was a set of files for potential pilots. She sighed.
"This'll be a long day."
-
-Hospital-
A team of doctors entered Zill's room. The nurse motioned for Yiski and Jun'ko so stand back as they prepped for his revival. One of them started to eye Jun'ko which made her uneasy. He motioned her over.
Doctor
"I assume you're a significant other?"
Jun'ko
"Yes."
Doctor
"Stand over here and make sure you're the first thing he see's. This won't be fun for him or us."
With that, Jun'ko stood next to him. The doctors began working the machine keeping Zill in a coma. Minutes felt like hours as the machine slowly shut down. Zill began to twitch. The doctors held him down and Jun'ko put her face in front of his. His eyes slowly opened, and his face went pale. He started breathing heavily, his pulse rocketing up. The pain was intense for him all over his torso. He struggled to move which just caused him more. Jun'ko started talking to him.
Jun'ko
"Zill. It's ok. I'm here. Calm down."
Zill
"Where....what...the fight....they need me! I can feel the fire!"
Jun'ko
"Stop Zill! The fight is over! It's only me now!
Zill struggled, the pain eating away at his nerves. Jun'ko put her lips on his forehead, trying to calm him down. Slowly, it worked. His pulse was returning to normal, the pain, while still there, was lessened. He closed his eyes, and just took what it was. The doctors sighed in relief, and checked the vitals before leaving the room. Zill just lay there, with Jun'ko holding his hand.
-
-Burning Skies Saloon-
*walks in slowly, and looks around."
"Mhhh from the Stories I heard I thought it would be more crowded"
*He grabs a chair and sits infront of the Bar*
"Now , wheres the fine Grog I´m supposed to get here..." *mumbling*
*grabs an half empty bottle of something that looks like grog, takes a swig and coughs*
"Well, better then nothin, I guess.."
-
*Lockheart, "Walks" in, in his recent fashion, almost falling over every 5 ft*
Lockheart
"Good day gentlemen!, anyone seen Thrax?, i need to ask him a few questions...."
*sits on a seat, and rests his crutch on the bar but it clatters to the floor*
Lockheart
"Damn!"
*Lockheart looked around and noticed yiski wasnt there.*
Lockheart
"oh, i may have to wait for Yiski to return to find Thrax"
-
*Looks up, and sees Lockheart and helps him up*
"Hey Fella, you alright ?" *grinning*
Yeah, a little bit empty here I suppose.
Do you know where they might be ?"
-
--Docks--
BdrLine's Warehouse
After leaving the saloon last night to go back to his home, BdrLine notices it was one of the many buildings destroyed. He mentally groans as now he needs to find, or build, a new house. When he heads towards his warehouse, just like his house, it was also gone. But only the surface, down in the basement all of his equipment survives as the concrete floor of the warehouse protected and acted as a bunker.
He spends the next hours on the radio calling Zankif back in the Guild, Melin in the Barons, even to Niko back in Yesha, and much more. Right now he is on the horn with Melin.
BdrLine
"Melin you think you can send on of your teams into the Guild and watch their movements?"
Melin
"Bdr I don't know if I can. This won't go well with the upper brass. Plus the Barons are not at war with the Guild, if they capture one of my men and finds out they came from here, it won't look pretty."
BdrLine
"But your division is one of the most secret and underground in your military. Can't you pull some strings."
Melin
"I know, I know, but still because of how secretive my division is, we are under the eye of some very powerful people who call upon us for the impossible."
BdrLine
"Is there anyway? I mean you heard what happen here."
Melin
*groan* "This may cause me my job. ...Alright Bdr, I myself will personally go, I will bring some close friends of mine with me as well. If we do get caught at least it is not my men."
BdrLine
"Thanks Melin, when are you guys departing then?"
Melin
"Two days max, need to organise and prepare."
BdrLine
"Okay, I inform Zankif that you are heading over there. Oh, and is there anyway you can send in some ships to help the fleet here, with this attack, we are undermanned"
Melin
"Again, I'll see what I can do."
BdrLine
"Thanks again."
With that he disconnects from Melin and calls back to Niko.
BdrLine
"Hey Niko, Niko, you there buddy?"
*static*
Niko
"Yeah I hear you Bdr, so you are wondering about the help you asked earlier."
BdrLine
"Yeah so how it goes?"
Niko
"So far, the military are waiting for a response from the Council of yours and are deciding on what to send, the good news though is I convince the mercenary guild to send ships over. It may take awhile, but they are on their way."
BdrLine
"The Yeshan mercenary guild? How in the Gods did you convince them?"
Niko
*chuckles* "It sorta helps when one of the leaders is a cousin. He'll be the one leading the group over, I'll be on there as well, so I see ya soon."
BdrLine
"Thanks, we need all the help down here. See you soon as well."
With that, he ends the call and leans back in his chair. Bdr then runs a hand through his hair and stands up. He goes towards the stairs leading up from his warehouse basement to the outside and walks towards the saloon to see if Yiski can spare him a drink.
(Lockheart and Gabranth, if you read back a few post and find Yiski's he wrote that the saloon is locked)
-
*Looks up and realises he sat outside the saloon door all the time*
"Whaa.. ? So much Grog isnt good for me i guess..."
-
As BdrLine walks through the ruins and rubble, construction men and response teams are out and about helping the injured to going through broken buildings to rebuild and restore later on. After a few minutes, BdrLine arrives to the saloon and notices a man standing outside.
Hmm Yiski must have close for the day. Well let's see who this fella is.
He goes over to the man.
"Hello there, waiting for the saloon to open I see. Maybe awhile, so new around to these parts? Sorry you had to come at a time like this."
-
--Hospital--
Yiski watches Zill have his mini-freakout. When it seems like Zill has calmed down. Yiski walks to the foot of Zill's bed.
"You're lookin' worse for wear. I'm sure you know why I'm here."
-
-Hospital-
Zill tried to sit up, but the pain shoots through him like much familiar lightning. Jun'ko grips his hand and gives him a stern look. He sighs and looks up at Yiski.
"I have...some guesses....but...I doubt it's to....see how I'm doin'."
-
--Hospital--
Yiski scratches the back of his head and sighs.
"Well commin' to see you was one thing, but there are things botherin' the Council and more importantly me."
Yiski grabs a chair from the corner, pulls it next to Zill's bed, and sits down.
"I'll get right to it. How'd you know about the weakness? I remember those things from Izumi, but never saw any info about them in that lab."
-
-Somewhere-
Honeybadger wakes up in a dark room, he trys to move his elbows but ends up hitting a broom stick.
Honeybadger
Utility closet, better then getting shot. I guess that means I should find another place to stay, my hotel room is to dangerous. "Hello?"
Honeybadger pushes open the door to reveal where he was.
-Hospital-
Honeybadger steps out of the closet, adjustes his hat, and confuses a janitor nearby. As he was walking down the hall he spots all the rooms, he felt as though he was supposed to be here. On his way down the hall he picks up some flowers from a vase and keeps walking
As Honeybadger was walking he spotted Zill and Yiski, and knocks on the open door.
-
--Hospital--
Before Honeybadger had a chance to get one foot in the room, the two Elite guards immediately grab Honeybadger and push him back into the hallway.
Elite
"Only authorized officials are allowed to enter. I don't recognize you or see you have the proper authority. Any interference with Council business is considered a felony."
Yiski turns to the door, hearing the commotion outside. He ignores it and turns back to Zill, but notices a black lock box sitting on his dresser. Yiski points to it.
Yiski
"That looks important."
-
He phased in and out of consciousness as he was transported from the Burning Skies to the Dandy Lions Head Quarters.
“He’ll get through it, he’s been through worse...”
“Shou... led... to... death.”
The voices sounded muffled, his ears were ringing from tinnitus, silence caused this. Silence was also the source of his introspection, when he was alone his brain goes into overdrive, analysing every word and action no matter how inconsequential, it helped him optimise his life. Rationalize others death. He was ruthless, according to anyone with a sense of morality.
Jennifer, Papa’s assistant looked to the doctor:
“Will he be alright?”
“It will take awhile for the plating to take, the body likes to reject these things, he has had so many modifications already that it should go faster than normal. He’s lucky it only took a chunk of his torso, it just missed his heart.”
His heart? I doubt he uses it, gods know I’ve tried get to it. Jen thought in silence, she twiddled he necklace. Her thinking was broken by the doctors continued explanation:
“He is slowly becoming more machine than man, I couldn’t imagine the position he’s in.”
He awoke, choking on the intubation tube that went into his lungs, his large mechanical hand grasped the tube and yarded it out of his throat, with the complete lack of finesse he began coughing up blood and proceeded to puke. The panic alleviated after his coughing fit, he relaxed, he was now lying on his stomach staring at the mixture of bodily fluids on the ground, he ignored it and subsided to rest. A nurse, the doctor, and Jen walked in on the scene, shocked, they looked at him, he seemed to be breathing normally so the nurse simply cleaned the mess and left him to sleep.
-
--Hospital--
The two elite gaurds stand in front of Honeybadger
Honeybadger
Please, I need to have a word with Yiski regarding the safety of Zill.
I'm not sure wether I should use the pistol in the flowers now or later, no it could ruin the note.
Elite Gaurd (1)
Nobody steps past this point without clearance.
Elite Gaurd (2)
Beat it Baron.
Honeybadger
There must be something I can use here. Shit, it's wearing off. Alright what can I use here...
Wait a second.
Honeybadger notices the Gaurds loadout and smirks
Honeybadger
"Can you at least give these to them?"
Honeybadger hands the Gaurd the flowers, the gaurd nods reluctantly.
Honeybadger
"Thank you." Once Yiski reads that note I hope he's quick enough. By my understanding the guild have been hiring mercs and I don't trust the non-regulation pistols on them. Plus when this shit goes down the gaurds are usually away.
"I'll be on my way now. Make sure they get those flowers."
-
-Hospital-
Zill glanced over to see his black box on the table. He immediately glared back at Yiski with a look that could kill another Guild fleet.
"It is.....and you'll do.....well to leave it be..... As for the intel, lets just....say I took a trinket from Izumi."
Realizing he wasn't talking to a council investigator, Zill relaxed his tone a bit.
"Trust me when I.......say that some things......are better left alone. Tell......them I had a contact for all I care."
-
-Hospital-
Honeybadger leaning against a wall on the corner of the hallway, out of sight to the guards.
Honeybadger
Dammit Yiski, if I knew you were going to dick me over like that I would have came heavy. No matter, nothing a little planning can't solve.
Now we just wait for the package to get here and I can see if I can pay a visit to the Admiral
Honeybadger bounces his ball with his left hand, checking his watch with his right.
Honeybager
Alright, it should come now. I just hope he'll take the bait
The hospitals radio intercom clicks and then gives a short screech, cheap stuff.
Intercom
Mister um, Yiski? Yes, Mr. Yiski. Please come to the front desk, a package has arrived for you
Honeybadger smirks and peeks out through the hallway
Honeybadger
C'mon, take the bait so I can continue real estate hunting.
-
--Hospital--
Yiski pinched the bridge of his nose.
"I'm doin' this way too many times."
The door opens and the Elite walks over to Yiski and hands places the flowers on the nightstand.
Elite
"It's from someone named Honeybadger."
When the Elite walked back out, the three heard Honeybadger's voice over the PA. Yiski, Jun'ko, and Zill sighed. Yiski looked at Zill and sighed again.
"Dammit Zill, I can't do that. You, me, the Council, and about all of the city know the Guild is going to attack again."
Yiski gets up and walks over the dresser and picks up the black box. Yiski walks by Zill's bed again to leave, but Zill suddenly grabs Yiski's arm.
Zill
"Flak... Leave.. it.... alone."
Yiski
"Can't."
In Zill's condition, Yiski easily manages to brush off Zill's grip. When Yiski gets to the door, Jun'ko stands.
Jun'ko
"Yiski. You don't have to do this. Please."
Yiski doesn't respond and walks out. He shuts the door and looks at the two Elites.
Yiski
"You're both dismissed."
Elite 1
"Sir, we have orders not to let him leave"
Yiski
"Really, the man can hardly talk and he's still got shrapnel which would prevent him from walking anywhere to far. Even if he did manage to leave, the whole city is on lockdown and all supply vessels are pre-screened mid-air before even reaching the city."
Elite 1
"But..."
Yiski
"Eternal Gauntlet duty."
The two Elites saluted Yiski and left. As Yiski was walking out, he looked down to the box.
"The hell am I goin' to do with you?"
-
-Hospital-
Zill went to move and pain shot through him. He winced, and Jun'ko pushed him back down.
Jun'ko
"Don't move. I know what I need to do."
Zill
"If you're doing what I....think you're doing...don't get caught."
Jun'ko kissed Zill on the lips before dashing out the door after Yiski. She saw him exiting the hospital through the main entrance. She rushed forward and shoved him to the ground, the box falling in front of him. Without thinking, she picked it up, and ran as fast as she could away from there before he got up. At first it was a random sprint, but then she figured out her hiding place, and took an indirect route there to hide the box, and herself.
Zill sighed, knowing full well what could happen after this. No matter what though, he knew the book couldn't go to the council. He cursed himself for being so naive. He could only hope Yiski would forgive them when he finally knew the truth.
He took a deep breath, and sat up. The pain was immense, but he knew it wasn't going to be safe for him there any longer. He stood up, and limped along to the door, grabbing a crutch to support him. Exiting the room, he was surprised no guards where there, but took it as a blessing, and left out the back medical wing.
-
-Hospital-
Honeybadger watches as Yiski walks out. He hits his head against the wall
Honeybadger
"Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck."
Honeybadger is cut off as a young patient walks down the hall, he looks up and Honeybadger and Honeybadger looks down at the boy.
Honeybadger
"The fuck are you looking at? Beat it."
He resumed beating his head against the wall
He then stopped
Honeybadger
You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him stop a shit storm. Well now I have to deal with the mercenaries chasing after me. I'll check the paper for listings, something discreet.
Honeybadger grumbles as he pushes the kid out of the way.
-
After talking with Gabranth, BdrLine then walks around taking in the damage. It seems like the Council declared martial law as there are guards and the city's military roaming the streets and giving aid. BdrLine sighs to himself knowing as long the Guild keeps targeting the city, the city is under lockdown.
BdrLine continues walking, until he sees an open restaurant.
Hmm a little silver lining.
He goes through the door and notices the somber mood, a waiter sees he enter and goes over to him.
Waiter
"Seat for one?"
BdrLine
"Yes please, and can you give me a glass of water?"
Waiter
"Of course"
The waiter then leads him to a single table and brings BdrLine his drink. After taking his order, BdrLine listen arounds him as people are still talking about the recent battle, some merry, some depressed, all the same topic. Once his food comes, he drones the conversations out as he eats.
-
-Streets-
Honeybadger
"Why do I say I'm going to do shit but I know it's not going to happen. I'm going to be sleeping in the streets until Dylan comes back with the ships, Now I'm talking to myself, great."
Honeybadger walks down the street
Honeybadger
Fucking marshal law. Everyone's scattered, and people are to scared shitless or concentrated on their own shit to listen to me.
And on top of that I'm hungry as shit.
Honeybadger grabs his stomach as he passes by a very bright building
Honeybadger
Holy mary, Jesus, God, Holy Hallelujah. I've never seen such a more beautiful sight of that which I see before me right now. It's golden aura and bright lights, It's like I died and went to heaven and angels are caressing me in their warm light.
A tear went down Honeybadger's face as he slowly approached the restaurant.
He walks through the door and spots BdrLine
I hope this ends up better than Yiski.
-
--NARRATOR--
Upon being knocked down by Jun'ko and losing the box, Yiski got up and dust himself off. He shook his head as he watched as Jun'ko bolted into the city. He laughed.
"At least they can't say I didn't try."
Yiski walked off to the saloon.
Meanwhile there were many dock workers staring at Zill's galleon and discussed among themselves.
Woker 1
"I heard he rammed twenty galleons during the battle."
Worker 2
"Idiot. There were only ten galleons. It was more like four or five."
BdrLine walks into the dock and hears the conversation and smacks both workers behind their heads.
BdrLine
"If you have time to gawk, then you're clearly not doing something right."
Immediately, all the dock workers scattered.
Back at the saloon, Yiski stands at the front door and from behind he hears a lovely voice.
Lauren
"Fancy meeting you here. Do anything interesting."
Yiski
"Hmm... not really, just some boring work for the Council."
Lauren
"Are we opening still? It's gotten pretty late."
Yiski
"No we'll just call it a day."
--NARRATOR END--
Unknown 2
"Report."
Unknown 1
"We've hit a snag in recruiting. It seems there are rumors circulating to be warned when any of our agents approach pilots and crew."
Unknown 2
"Hmm... expand the search of mercenaries and increase the pay by five percent."
Unknown 1
"Understood."
Unknown 2
"Hmm... this'll delay us a few days."
--END OF DAY 103--
-
--START OF DAY 104--
--NARRATOR--
Yiski was called into the Council early in the morning. When Yiski learned he was summoned this early, he and Lauren wanted to strangle the Elite who banged on the saloon door, forcing the two to break their embrace of each other.
Now Yiski stood before the Council and yawn heavily. He looked up the Council and saw that none of them looked tired at all.
Yiski
"How the hell are they not tired?"
Before Yiski could delve into that question, the Council called the meeting to order. Yiski mentally facepalmed because calling a meeting to order only entails one course of action: Punishment.
Yiski
"So you're finally goin' to ax me? Took you long enough."
(9)
"You are incorrect in your assumption Commander. We are here to discuss the suitable punishment for the one who interfered with yesterday's investigation."
Yiski
"Shit."
(7)
"According to witnesses' accounts, you were knocked down and a black box you were carrying from the hospital was taken from you. Is that correct?"
Yiski
"Eyup."
(5)
"Additionally, witnesses' description of the person who assaulted you was a female Yeshan?"
Yiski
"More or less. I didn't get a good look since I was down."
(9)
"Would this person be connected to the Admiral?"
Yiski
"Not that I could tell. Even though not significant, we do have many residents who have Yeshan descent."
(3)
"Why did you not pursue your attacker?"
Yiski
"First. City lockdown. Second. I'm still nursin' a rib injury from the invasion."
(3)
"Very well. Since your attacker cannot be sufficiently verified, this meeting is adjourned and you are dismissed Commander."
Yiski leaves the Council Chambers and starts walking back to the saloon. He thinks to himself that Zill had better be damn grateful. First, the fact that nobody got a good look at Jun'ko yesterday. And second, the Council didn't put him in a bind to point the finger at either Jun'ko or Zill. Whatever the case, Yiski was going to find out what is inside the box.
Yiski
"To the hospital."
Back at the saloon Lauren decided to clean, check the equipment, and open the saloon. She didn't feel like going into the Academy or roaming around the city. When she stands back at the counter, she starts thinking about her and Yiski.
"I wonder if Yiski would marry me again?"
--NARRATOR END--
-
--not far away from anvala--
Out of the misty clouds a ship appears, heading towards the docks of anvala.
It's been shot and has some real damage, the engines are still smoking black.
A black shredded pirate flag dances in the wind as it slowly moves.
Captain coldcurse is standing behind the wheel.
He has some wounds, but still remain with that stupid grin on his face.
Captain Coldcurse:
"I told you i was coming back locky"
-
-Zill's warehouse-
Zill's journey to where he first thought to find Jun'ko was long and painful for him, but he was successful in looking at his warehouse. In the back room, she was asleep with the box wrapped tightly in her arms. He opened the door and locked it behind him. He stumbled and his crutch fell to the floor, waking Jun'ko. She pointed a gun at him, but quickly dropped it and embraced him when she realized who it was. He grunted with pain.
Zill
"Easy there. The docs didn't exactly clear me to leave..."
Jun'ko
"Oh. That worried about me?"
Zill
"Yea actually. God forbid someone identifies you after that stunt. It was a direct action against about every treason law we have in place."
Jun'ko
"Well, I knew it meant something to you after that episode with Yiski. I hope he's ok. I pushed him pretty hard."
Zill
"I'll deal with him."
Jun'ko looked at her admiral hunched over and in obvious pain.
Jun'ko
"You can even deal with yourself right now, let alone Yiski."
Zill simply grunted and sat down. He tensed with each motion. The shrapnel was taking its toll. Beyond that though, he was thinking of a safe place for the box, and nothing really came to mind. After awhile of sitting there gazing at a wall, Jun'ko broke the silence.
Jun'ko
"You don't know where to hide it do you?"
Zill
"Nope. So I'll go with the next best option. Hand me some heavy bandages from the back."
Jun'ko came out shortly with them. Zill had since opened his box and had the book in his hand. Jun'ko recognized the binding.
Jun'ko
"You have the...."
Zill
"Do not finish that sentence. I love you, and refuse to make this your concern past what has already happened."
Jun'ko
Love?
Zill saw her expression and grinned. She was blushing heavily. Zill stood up and put the book on the small of his back. He then kissed her, and asked her to wrap bandages to attach it to his torso. He then placed a replacement book in the box, aptly name The Impossible Search. He shut and locked it. They then went below to his warehouse bunker and placed the box among many others. They went back up to the back room, and Zill got into some old clothes he had, including a large coat to cover all his bandages. He could finally get some much needed relaxation.
-
--Hospital--
Yiski
"You mean to tell me you let a man with bits of shrapnel in his legs escaped from the fourth floor of the busiest hospital in the city?"
Yiski tone to the nurse was of annoyance, frustration, and condescending. The nurse and the surrounding medical professionals were obliviously nervous.
Nurse
"Well... I ... we... it's been so busy... it's difficult keeping up with all the patients."
Yiski's expression didn't change. He hated excuses, especially poorly crafted ones. Yiski opened his mouth, but closed it. Continuing to berate the nurses or the doctors wasn't going to help him find Zill. Yiski took a deep breath and walked out of the hospital.
As Yiski is walking through the city, he already had his next destination in mind: Zill's warehouse.
--Saloon--
Lauren was bored. Despite opening the saloon at the usual time, there was nobody. Lauren figured everybody was busy with reconstruction, but it didn't help her boredom. She laid her head on the counter and whined.
"Soooo booorrreeeedddd..."
-
-outside of the Saloon-
*gabranth wakes up, dusts off his cloth, and walks into the Saloon*
"Ah, Ahoi. Finally open" *grinning" " May I have a Grog? Would be very kind, I didn't slept well..."
-
--Saloon--
Lauren lifts her head and sees the patron walk in. Even though she had been working at the saloon for the past few weeks, she couldn't tell if he was a regular or newcomer. Regardless, she was happy because at least she got to do something.
"Well, I don't think Yiski has any grog, but we have stuff that's better for the same price."
--Zill's Warehouse--
As Yiski is walking through the Port Tar Barrel to get to Zill's warehouse, he spots Zill's galleon.
"Could have sworn that would've been scrap by now."
Yiski keeps walking till he get to the warehouse door and knocks.
-
*Lockheart walks into the saloon, holding his pipe in his sling arm and his crutch in his good arm*
Lockheart
"Hello Gents, Ladies, anyone I missed. "
*notices the new patron, and nods his head to him*
Lockheart
"Oh, you may want to bring out all the alcohol you have. I just saw Coldcurse pull his hunk'o'junk into port."
*takes a seat*
Lockheart
"Two hellfires if you would please."
*lights his pipe*
-
-Zill's Warehouse-
Zill heard the knock and motioned Jun'ko to the back rooms. He took out his pistol and went to the door, talking through it.
Zill
"What do you want?"
Yiski
"For you to open the damn door."
Recognizing Yiski's voice, Zill reluctantly unlocks it and sits back in a chair, his pistol on his lap. Yiski opens the door and walks in, seeing only Zill with his pistol drawn.
Yiski
"Do you really think you need that?"
Zill
"I hope not. I was that easy to figure out eh?"
Yiski
"I can't imagine you getting too far with your injuries. I'm somewhat amazed you made it here."
Zill
"I do what I must. So what are your intentions?"
The room seemed to stagnate at the question, and Yiski stared at him a moment......
-
-Saloon-
*Notices the welcome and nods back*
"Yeah, I dont know what you usually drink around here , so I take the same , that the mate with the Pipe drinks. And make it double , please."
*looks around*
"Nice Pub ya got here. Im not from here , I kinda... well stranded here , I think. You dont know by any Chance someone who would hire a shipless captain? " *grinning*
-
--salloon--
Two barrels of ale roll into the salloon, soon followed by coldcurse.
his longoat contains more holes this time.
his body got wounded.
coldcurse spots lockheart and smiles.
captain coldcurse:
"sorry to let you wait lockheart. those pyramidion warships are damn hard to take down, especially when a huge galleon platoon comes out of nowhere."
coldcurse grins as he sees that guitar again.
captain coldcurse:
"well im glad that thing is still there"
-
Lockheart
" Well, I guess I could do with a pilot. I can't pilot, nor handle myself in a fight for at most another week.
It depends how much your charging, and where your headed. I can't risk a long journey, we could be attacked"
*lockheart adjusts his hat*
"So, what be your conditions??"
*looks at Gabranth and examines him*
"Where abouts are you from? And how did you end up here"
*smokes pipe. Notices Coldcurse*
Lockheart
" took your time, I see you fared pretty well"
* looks at barrels*
Lockheart
" is that the same watered down shit you up in your engines?, jeez they were a nightmare to fix..."
-
*greets Coldcurse, then looks to Lockheart*
Gabranth:
"Im from Volokhoim, a short flight from the Capital of the Guild. Maybe you know the Famous Volok-Grog ? The best Grog youve ever had , I tell ya.. Well lets say a chain of really stupid events brought me here , my ship is wrecked , and on top of that my Back hurts because some arrogant young Arashi Mercenary stomped on it...*sighs* And now I´m here and whining my ass off... So what about you ?
You look like you have some stories to tell.." *grinning*
-
*to Gabranth*
Lockheart
" a few, but I don't want to bore you with my lifestory, all you need to know is I am Julius Lockheart. I am Commodore of the northern fjords fleet. You attack there or my home town of Chaladon and you'll have me personally handing your ass to you."
* looks up and sighs*
Lockheart
"Jeez, I'm sorry my arm is killing me. Ill have to get it checked out "
Lockheart
" oh, and I saw you sleeping outside,"
*slides a pouch of coins to Gabranth.*
Lockheart
" rent yourself a apartment in the docks, their not the nicest but it'll do*
-
--Saloon--
BdrLine enters the saloon and sees the others.
"Mourning all."
He then goes to the bar and takes a seat and spots Lauren.
"Hey Lauren, not at the Academy today? Well you think you can make me a Froast Fire?"
-
--Saloon--
Lauren was beginning to eat her words from earlier. The saloon slowly started filling up and it soon filled to capacity. Now she was wishing there was nobody in the saloon so she could go back being bored. Lauren was quickly moving between patrons and tables serving all the drinks necessary. She mentally whined.
"Yiski! I need help!"
--Zill's Warehouse--
The silence was ripe with apprehension and tension.
Yiski
"First off, you can thank my for not tannin' either of you. Second, be thankful that witnesses have poor eyesight."
Zill
"Not like you would've turned us in anyways."
Yiski
"That's besides the point." *sigh* "Just tell me this. Does the box contain any info as to why either us or the city is being targeted?"
Zill
"Nope."
Yiski
"Good enough. You might want to see Oliver or something because you look like a scrap heap. Once you're patched up, stop by for a drink. Skies know we need it."
Yiski waves as he leaves the warehouse and heads for the saloon.
-
*slides a pouch of coins to Gabranth.*
Lockheart
" rent yourself a apartment in the docks, their not the nicest but it'll do*
*Puts the pouch in his Vest*
Gabranth:
"Thank you mate! The floor is indeed not very comfortable. When we see eachother again , I owe you a few Drinks!"*sighs*
"Mh I guess I could work at the Docks for instance...
Well whatever , Good luck with your arm!" *raised his Glass in Lockhearts direction*
-
-salloon-
coldcurse takes a seat next to lockheart.
captain coldcurse:
"those barrels are filled with wine from the outern regions. i had to get it alone because my crew died in battle."
coldcurse grabs the guitar and plays some old songs from the outern region.
he notices lauren behind the bar, he waves at her.
captain coldcurse:
"hello there pretty lady, may i ask your name?"
-
-The Roof of The Burning Skies-
Honeybadger
What the fuck happened last night?
Honeybadger scratches his head and then realizes he is on top of the saloon. After the initial shock, he lowers himself down and latches himself onto a window and tries to open it.
Honeybadger
Cmon you peice of shit...
Just as Honeybadger unlached it, his grip let go and he fell to the floor in front of the saloon door. He dusts himself off and walks in.
Honeybadger
Good morning, or rather afternoon...
-
* turns to Honeybadger.*
Lockheart
" ahoy my man. "
* takes a drink of one of the hellfires, then slides the other to the seat honeybadger was heading to*
" you look tired from those bloodshot eyes, I was saving it for me'self but you look like you need a wake up call"
* chuckles, and drinks some more hellfire*
-
*looks up from his drink and sees Honeybadger land on the Floor*
Gabranth:
"Ahoi, are you alright ?" *smirks*
"How the Hell did you even get up there ? I´m Gabranth, by the way."
-
Honeybadger looks at Lockheart
Honeybadger
"Thanks, I was up all night running from the local authorities." sure I may have shot them but they closed the restaurant early. The pricks.
Honeybadger looks at his hellfire and then proceeded to down it. He then see's Gabranth
Honeybadger
"I'm fine thank you. I'm Honeybadger, nice to meet you."
-
Turns and sees what the 'thud' was all about and sees Honeybadger as he takes a seat.
"Badger, you never cease to amaze me with your antics, so police trouble, with everything under lock down, what did you do this time."
-
*yawns , reaches into his vest pocket , takes the pouch out and looks confused at the Coins Lockheart gave him*
Gabranth:
"Uhhm so how much of these ...*points at the coins* do I need to pay for the Hellfire stuff ? "
"At first I didnt liked it but it has something...Well , err just put it on the Tab , I´m gonna search a room at the Docks.."
*stands up*
"Well, good night then, Gentlemen.." *waves , and walks out of the door*
*mumbling* "...alright , would be good to know where the docks are....well I´ll just head this way.." *walks into the dark*
-
--Western District--
Yiski was close to the saloon, but something was still bothering him. He thought for a moment.
"The jammin' frequency."
Soon Yiski found himself in front of the saloon. He walked in to see it packed and with the usual faces. Lauren sees Yiski and waves furiously at him.
Lauren
"Thank the skies you're back! I need help!"
Yiski places his hands on her shoulders to calm her down and kisses her on the cheek.
Yiski
"Sorry. I gotta check one more thing."
He heads to the back room. After a minute, Yiski comes out and Lauren sees both his sidearm and combat knife equipped. She looks at him with a worrying face.
Lauren
"You know I don't like it when you're leaving armed."
Yiski
"Just a precaution."
Before Lauren is able to say anything, Yiski heads out the door.
-
--Outside the Saloon--
Thrax wakes up from a ditch outside the Burning Skies Saloon He slowly recovers from a massive hangover. His eyes burning from the radiance from the daylight.
Thrax
"...This isn't the Bathroom!"
He gets up and looks onto his surroundings. He realizes that he's stood outside the Saloon. He looks up onto the rooftop and sees Lockheart, Gabranth and HoneyBadger.
Thrax
"Flaking hellfire! I haven't been this hungover since my wedding day!"
Thrax looks discouraged at first, but then his thirst for hellfire convinces him otherwise.
Thrax
"Ugh... Well im here... Might as well!"
He bursts in the Saloon
Thrax
"Daddy's HOME! (Smirks)"
He charges at the barkeep and buys a few pints all round. Rushes up onto the rooftop spilling mugs overflowing with hellfire and ale.
Thrax (to Lockheart, Honeybadger and Gabranth at the rooftop while holding various mugs)
"Sorry bout that lads! I was ermmm... pre-occupied with important matters! DO NOT FEAR! THRAX IS HERE!"
He tries and ignores his head throbbing with pain from a massive hangover.
Thrax approaches the lot and hands out the pints of ale/hellfire.
Thrax
"Hope this makes up for my tardiness! Hehe! What'd I miss? Nothing too important I hope! Sorry bout that. My Sobriety has gotten the best of me yet again!"
He sits next to the lot and takes a large swig from his mug
Thrax
"Ah! Nothing like a lovely pint of hellfire to recover from a hangover! Hehe!"
Thrax (to lockheart)
"I believe we were in the middle of a conversation last time we spoke before I passed out.... inevitably of course! HAHA!"
-
*Looks at thrax as he storms into the saloon*
Lockheart
"ahh, heres my man. i want to ask you a few questions..."
*Downs the last of his hellfire*
Lockheart
"How exactly did you get on board my ship?"
*Rests his head on his arm on the bar, while looking at thrax with intrigue.*
-
Honeybadger turns to BdrLine
Honeybadger
"Well, there was a restaurant that was open but because of those cock-blocking elite guards I haven't eaten for about 3 days. And I was very upset so I challenged them to a duel, well, not really. I told them to fuck off and they pulled on me. Mistake number one there. So I ditched the pistol and hang out on the roof for the rest of the night."
Honeybadger feels around his pocket and pulls out an elite side arm. He coolly put it down on the table and slid it over without looking at it, as if he was trying to disown it.
Honeybadger
Back to my diet of bar nuts and cheap ale.
Honeybadger grabs his drink as his face went pale.
Honeybadger
I just realized I've only paid for one drink...
Honeybadger squints
Honeybadger
Don't tell Yiski about my... "tab"
-
--Southern District--
The Southern District is best known for housing many military buildings for officers and various sorts of vital equipment, including the radio tower critical to coordinating the air and ground forces when a raid or invasion happens. Had the radio been completely jammed or destroyed when the recent invasion occurred, the Guild might have just succeeded in capturing, or destroying the city.
Yiski approached the main complex. All sides are fenced with 25 feet walls with watchtowers holding riflemen around and within the complex. Coming up to the gate, there are four soldiers: Two riflemen and two heavies. Yiski flashes his badge and the gate guards let him in with no questions asked.
Upon entering, Yiski is promptly met by the complex captain.
Captain
"I didn't think we were due for another inspection."
Yiski
"Well consider this a surprise. I'm here to check the radio tower."
Captain
"Ah.. no doubt you want to see if it's been sabotaged? We've checked it, but everything seems to be running smoothly." *Gets and dead expression from Yiski.* "Er... but checking again can't hurt."
The two walk over to the radio tower's building and enter. Inside there are a number of engineers working and scrambling around. Many of them talking over each other which made it impossible (at least for Yiski) to hear any single conversation.
Captain
"Status?"
Engineer
"If there is a jamming device, it's not on any of the floors of the building. We've gone over everything at least five times."
Yiski
"Hmm..."
Captain
"Something on your mind Commander?"
Yiski
"Take me to the top of the tower."
Both the captain and engineer looked at Yiski with confusion. Yiski gave them both an annoyed expression.
Yiski
"Did I stutter?"
Captain
"No.. um... right this way."
A few minutes and Yiski, the captain, and the engineer are at the top. The top of the radio tower easily stands 150 feet above the ground. Even where they were at, it was still 100 feet in the air. The three come to a router junction situation at their height.
Yiski
"Check it."
A few moments later...
Engineer
"Found something! Hmm... trying to reach it, but nothing. Can one of you give me push so I can?"
Yiski edges around and gives the engineer a push and the engineer manages to grab the device. Before the engineer could pull it out, Yiski heard a *click*. Yiski turned to see the captain with his sidearm in his face. The average person would freak out when a gun was suddenly in their face. Yiski isn't an average person.
Yiski
"Welp, I'm not surprised by this."
Captain
"Didn't think any of you simpletons would think of coming up here. Oh well, I can always say the engineer was a traitor who shot you and then shoot him which wou... AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH...."
*splat*
Yiski had pushed himself right against the captain. On the narrow and cramped tower, the captain easily lost his footing and fell. Yiski would've gone with him had the engineer not grabbed him in time.
Coming back down the tower with the jamming device in hand made radio contact smooth and unobstructed. Yiski also explained to the guards how the captain was a traitor which the engineer backed up.
Yiski let the lieutenant take over the complex as this business was sorted through. All Yiski cared about after coming close to his death (again) was go back to the saloon and drink.
-
-Saloon-
Honeybadger slowly sips his drink. suddenly he went pale.
Honeybadger
Oh fuck, don't tell me I left it there.
Honeybadger looks around the room
Honeybadger
"Anyone want to help me run a few errands? Then again, does anyone know where Jibbs is?" Maybe not him, this might require some discreetness, especially with those fucking guards and the probable APB they have against me.
He waits for a response.
-
-Zill's Warehouse-
Zill was resting in a chair while Jun'ko took a nap on the bed. He wiggled, feeling the book behind him. He sighed and thought to himself...
This book is going to kill me, or get damn close. Should of left it in Izumi....But then we wouldn't of known the weakness....Bah, I need to stop. I've made my decision and am sticking to it regardless.
He stood up and sat next to Jun'ko. She slowly woke up to his gaze. She smiled and rubbed her eyes.
Jun'ko
"Well hey there admiral. Feeling better?"
Zill
"Not really to be honest. I did want to thank you for what you did though. Knowing nothing, you risked a lot to help me."
Jun'ko
"I love you."
They just stared at each other for a moment before kissing. Zill winced after a few minutes. He got up, despite the pain.
Zill
"Stay low for awhile. I need to check some things. I'll be back, but lock the door."
Jun'ko nodded and went to check out his collection of books. Zill went outside and heard the door lock. He then went over to his galleon to see the damage.
-
--Saloon--
BdrLine takes a look at the pistol and with a small smile shakes his head.
"Do you mind if I can keep this one? These things cost a lot at the stores. But i got some problems of mine that I have to deal with as well, which reminds me."
He turns to Lauren.
"Lauren, you think Yiski can let me stay in one of the spare upper rooms? You see *nervous chuckle* during the battle, my house got destroyed and I need a place to stay."
-
Honeybadger turns to BdrLine
Honeybadger
You can have that and another one if you tag along with me, you'll get back in around an hour.
Honeybadger sips his drink as he waits for Bdr to decide.
-
--Saloon--
Lauren
"I don't Yiski will mind if you stay here for awhile BdrLine. Since Ny-Lee and Roland won't be back for another week, we have the extra room. Not sure though if that extends to any dates you bring back."
Lauren chuckles and continues to serve drinks all over the saloon.
Minutes pass before Yiski walks back inside. He is immediately hugged and kissed by Lauren. Some of the patrons started "aww" in an attempt to embarrass the couple, but Yiski quickly glared at everyone. Their mouths completely shut.
Lauren
"Did you take care of whatever you did?"
Yiski
"Eyup. Radios should work fine now. I'll try contactin' folks tomorrow though cause it looks like you need the help."
Lauren
*Kisses Yiski* "Help would be lovely. It is your saloon last I checked."
Yiski gets behind the counter and starts serving patrons with a wide grin.
Yiski
"Damn right it is."
-
--Saloon--
Thrax grabs a seat next to Lockheart
Thrax
"..How did I end up aboard the Commodore Beckett? My friend, that is a very interesting question!"
Thrax chugs down a whole pint off hellfire as he prepares to tell him his long and arduous tale.
Thrax
"This is why and how!"
Thrax whips out a flask with his initials on them from his Captain's Flak Jacket.
Thrax
"Within this flask contains a magical and mysterious concoction that can transport anyone and anything through time and space itself!
I obtained it from a very wise and very old hermit from the far reaches of the Aberman Valley."
Thrax draws closer to Lockheart as the story gets deeper.
Thrax
"I came across him at a Tavern called 'The Soggy Blanket' in the far and distant village of Kal'Sharok. This concoction is brewed from three main ingredients: dragon's breath from the old dragons of the wastes, the tear's of The Cambodon Highland Mountain Bears, and a mysterious water-like liquid from the far northern reaches passed far Northen Anglea and far passed Northen Firnfeld. It never freezes in the cold and never warms in the heat."
Thrax changes his tone to a more serious manner.
Thrax
"One sip makes your head weary. Two, makes your senses fleet for a little while. And Three sips transports you to a different time and place."
Thrax deepens his gaze onto Lockheart with a grave and intense tone.
Thrax
"Four however... makes you sleep forever! No one who knows about this mysterious concoction has ever DARED taking four! A friend of mine once tried taking four sips, and the next thing you know, he wakes up half of his belongings gone, nearly bankrupt and woke up married, in bed next to his cow of a wife! HAHA!"
Thrax he takes a sip of more hellfire
Thrax
"When I first tried it out, I took two sips just before we went into battle during the First War. I was in the front lines for the 13th Legion of the Northern Fleet of The Fjorn Baronies. Next thing I remember, the war is over and I'm being decorated with medals and awards for deeds I don't even remember doing! On a long holiday during the peace times after the First War, I was on a beach shore of a tropical Island called 'Araca' in Northern Chaladon, and I came across my trusty flask once more. I dared to take three sips, I woke up 20 years later, cast away, accused of treason and exiled in an abandoned stable in the middle of the vastness with a barely salvageable Spire Airship I used to commandeer."
Thrax's tone saddens a little. He looks into the distance as he spoke further.
Thrax
"I promised myself never to drink again after that happened. The next 10 years after that were the worst sober years of my life. In my travels I made friends and worthy allies from people from the Order, the Republic, the League and the Merchantile Guild. They gave me
utmost respect and looked onto me as a fellow brother."
Thrax looked down at his feet and took a deep breath before he continued.
Thrax
"...All was well until...u-u-until I met her."
Lockheart sympathizes and empathizes with Thrax. He offers him the remainder of his pint to stop him from breaking down.
Thrax acknowledges Lockheart's offer and accepts the pint. He downs it immediately and continues talking with hellfire still dripping freshly from his lips.
Thrax
"Her name was...J-J..."
Thrax nearly breaks into tears, but he slowly recovers and keeps his composure. He takes a deep breath and a sigh before saying her name.
Thrax
"...Juliet"
He takes a drink from his Mug.
Thrax
"She was an exotic woman, from a far away land - a land which name I forgot. Her hair was long and dark brown, which draped disheveled on her slender shoulders. Her lips red like the crimson sunset, more exquisite than the reddest Parona wild rose. Her cheeks, ever so soft and tender, her skin softer than silk. Her voice, was like music to my ears, it could sweep any man off their feet. She had the bluest eyes which gaze could entrance and mesmerize any man to his knees. I was under her spell.
Thrax stood up and gazed onto the horizon as he spoke further.
Thrax
"Our families despised each other terribly. But we did not want to be a part of our ancestor's quarrels. We wanted to create our own destiny. We did everything to try and stay together while keeping our love a secret. We were caught eventually. We tried to elope and even pretended to kill ourselves at one point."
Thrax looks back onto Lockheart.
Thrax
"All was going well until she met this 'Prince' called Paris. Next thing I know, I get home form a full day of honest labor, and she ends up in his fancy pancy kingdom and she was his 'all beautiful' queen! La di da."
Thrax mutters various profanities that are too overwhelming and vile for a person to hear.
Thrax
"Flaking fancy rich Noblemen... I was so furious and angry that with the help of my allies, I managed to send a thousand airships to get her back and take her away from Paris' city. We threw everything we had at them, and eventually, we only managed to get into the city gates by being hold up inside a massive wooden rabbit and pretended to give it as an offer of peace. Come midnight, we slaughtered the lot and I eventually came to Juliet."
Thrax sits back on his chair.
Thrax
"When I came to her, she was so joyous and eager to see me! She had looked even more radiant and ravishing than ever. She had a new look to her and everything!"
Thrax takes a large cigar out from his pocket and lights it up with a few matches.
Thrax
"But as luck would have it, that wasn't the only surprise she had for me. Just before my lips touched hers, she spoke to me softly and said - 'There's someone here to see you my dear' - I thought she had invited an 'additional partner' to the bedroom. She turned away slowly and stepped aside, only to reveal the worst thing a man like me could ever dream of. The kind of thing that sends shocks that could kill a man in an instant!"
Lockheart sits closer eagerly.
Lockheart
"What was it Thrax??!"
Thrax
"She turned to me...stepped to her side a-and r-revealed a silhouette of a small figure emerging from the shadows of the room. 'He's your son' - she told me. My heart stopped, my spine felt like it was made of liquid and my knees weakened immensely. I was trying to think of any excuse to get out of there, but the only thing I could think of and mutter was - 'I left the toaster on in my ship' - and then I ran out of there as fast as I could."
Lockheart gave Thrax an odd look.
Thrax
"Our unrequited love was never meant to be I suppose."
Lockheart places his palm on his face.
Thrax takes another swig of hellfire.
Thrax
"So there I was running like a mad man, and I just got on The Titan (my Airship) as fast as I could. I put the engines on full speed and made my way as far from there as possible. I was on the verge of breaking down and going mad, to a point where I even tried to jump off in mid air-flight. Luckily I remembered I still had my flask on me. I just had to get out of there, I couldn't handle the stress. I took the flask and grasped it in my hands.
Thrax's tone gets more serious as his story's tension started to build up.
Thrax
"I took One sip, my head started to get weary. I took a second sip and my senses fleeted a little. I took the third, and... well... I woke up on your ship."
Thrax takes out the flask once more and hands it to Lockheart for him to see.
Lockheart
"Is there a name for this magical and mysterious concoction that could cause such things?"
Thrax
"Well, the very wise and very old hermit called it 'Absinthe'."
Lockheart was in awe.
Thrax
"That, my friend, is the epic tale on how I came about waking up on the Commodore Beckett. and I have a feeling the mad adventures aren't going to stop here! Haha!"
Thrax and Lockheart clink mugs together and chug their drinks down.
-
Honeybadger spots BdrLine considering his offer so he continues to drink from his glass
Honeybadger
I need to find it soon, my memory is fading. I can't continue to take that shit without my bag. I just wish I knew where it was... Or what it looked like. After I started taking the Sauce my memory has been fading slowly. "Bdr, if you don't want to come. Anyone is free to join me."
Honeybadger nervously sips from his glass
Honeybadger
It's about this time I wish I had more friends. Why don't I have many?
Honeybadger spots Thrax
Honeybadger
"You talk a fucking mile a minute."
Honeybadger turns back around and sips his drink.
-
--Saloon--
After telling his epic tale, Thrax hears Honeybadger utter something. He turns to him for a moment.
Thrax
"Blame it on the hellfire! I don't believe we've met. What brings you here?"
Thrax takes a swig from his mug.
Thrax
"This place has more smoke and mirrors than a brothel's dressing room! Haha!"
-
--NARRATOR--
Thrax, Honeybadger, Coldcurse, and Lockheart spend the rest of the night talking, swapping stories, and seeing who can drink the most Hellfire before passing out. In the end, all four end up out cold, must to the annoyance of Yiski.
As Yiski was closing up, he had a few patrons carry the four to the nearest triage to sleep off their drinks, though it wouldn't help them when they woke up in the morning. Soon all that was left in the saloon was BdrLine, Lauren, and Yiski.
Yiski
"You stayin' with us the night?"
BdrLine
"More like nights."
Yiski
"Apartment get blown up?"
BdrLine
"Yeah. The extra fireworks going off didn't help much either."
Yiski
"Well, you can take either spare room upstairs."
BdrLine nodded and headed upstairs. Yiski locked the door and joined Lauren in his room. Yiski chuckled to himself. It was more their room now.
Lauren
"So what happened while you were out?"
Yiski didn't want to tell Lauren he almost got shot in the face and almost fell off a 100 feet radio tower, so he tried to play it off.
Yiski
"Didn't I already tell you?"
Lauren
"No, you said you completed you task." *Glaring at Yiski* "You almost died again, didn't you?"
Yiski
"No." *Rubbing the back of his neck* "Maybe."
Lauren pouted and slugged Yiski on his arm. Without doing or saying more, she laid down and faced her back to Yiski. He sighed. He figured he would cuddle with his pillow tonight.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 104--
-
--START OF DAY 105--
--NARRATOR--
BdrLine, Lauren, and Yiski were awake before sunrise. Not because they each had something to do, but rather all the noise from the reconstruction had waken them. Yiski groaned.
Yiski
"Ugh... skies.. can't a man get five more minutes..?"
Lauren shifted, but didn't respond. She was still annoyed with Yiski's near deaths from yesterday. Yiski could tell she was annoyed, but knew importantly that she was more worried. They did decided to get back together and were happy.
Yiski
"You still angry with me?"
Lauren
"I'm not angry."
Yiski
"Then what's wrong?"
Lauren
"Nothing."
Yiski mentally facepalmed. Seemed like Lauren was going to throw every single female cliche at him. Not willing to fall into that trap, Yiski took a more proactive approach. He took his arms and reached around Lauren, drew her into him and then....
Lauren
"AHAHAHAHAHA!! OH... GOD... PLEASE... NO... NOT... THAT!! AHAHAHA!!"
Yiski had started brutally tickling her. They may not have been together for the past eight years, but Yiski still remembers where Lauren was ticklish. Squirm as she might, she could escape Yiski's fingers.
Despite a full floor of separation, BdrLine heard the sudden laughter/screaming. He put his pillow to his head, trying to block out the sounds and, even more so, his imagination.
Minutes seemed like hours to Lauren as Yiski finally stopped his tickling assault. Lauren laid in bed breathing and sweating heavily. She turned to face Yiski who wore a gigantic grin. As much as she wanted to be more angry at Yiski, she couldn't and gave a grin of her own.
Lauren
"Geez.. now I need to take a shower... and no.. you're not joining me this time.. jerk."
As she walked toward the bathroom, she took another look at Yiski who still had the same grin. She chuckled and went in. Yiski then got up and headed for the main floor to get ready for the day.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Narrator-
The day before Zill had a first glimpse of his galleon. He stood at it's hull, witnessing the damage. Even he had no idea what kept it from snapping in two. The engineer's that were working on it gave him some space. Rumors had been going around of his exploits that night and that vessel was living proof, as was his condition. The miraculous thing was that his entire crew survived.
He slowly made his way to the broken helm, standing on the deck and peering down. His pain shot through him, but his mind was too distracted with flashbacks from that fight. The chief engineer broke his thoughts as he started to talk to him.
Engineer
"Good to see you alive admiral."
Zill
"Aye. It'll take more than a Guild fleet to end me."
Engineer
"Heh. As you can see she's pretty beat up. We stopped trying to figure out how it held up after everything, as there really was no explanation besides, she didn't quit."
Zill
"That's Yeshan shipbuilding at its finest I suppose. Since she's here, I assume you all wish to rebuild it?"
Engineer
"Indeed. After that performance, what could be more inspiring than a glorious return?"
Zill
"I'll agree to that any week of the annum. Know how long it'll take?"
Engineer
"Well, we need to move her to the council docks. They have more resources, and it'll be safer there. It'll take awhile to get her back into fighting condition."
Zill just stared off into the Sky. It felt much like this touch with death from the tesla boats. He nodded in agreement and slowly made his way down to the hull deck.
Zill
"I'd like to be here when they move it."
Engineer
"Of course."
With that, he returned to the warehouse and collapsed on the bed, his body through with the pain of the shrapnel. Jun'ko joined him and the night was peaceful.
Jun'ko had gotten up early to tidy up the space. She figured she'd be hiding for a couple days and wanted to do something. Zill woke up late, sitting up and cursing to himself, holding his torso. Jun'ko sat next to him.
Jun'ko
"You really should go back to see a doctor."
Zill
"Over my dead body. Look at me now after they "healed" me..."
Jun'ko's face was that of pure worry, and some anger too. Zill just looked down.
Zill
"I'll see Oliver. Will that suit you?"
Jun'ko
"Fair enough. Now get yourself ready."
Zill wasn't used to following orders, but he had little choice given his state.
-End narrator-
-
-The Docks-
*Gabranth wakes up and looks around....a dirty little backroom of a storage house.
The Owner let him sleep there in exchange of a few coins.*
"I think I´ll look around in the city for a while.."
*As he walks around the streets, he heard serveral rebuilders complain about the Guild*
"I wonder If they would be angry If they knew I´m from one of the Guilds ships ?
Ha..they probably would..Mh but that brew they all drink in that nice saloon.. Hellfire or something ?
Good stuff.. actually I think I´m thirsty
Gabranth:
"Hey , you there" *one of the rebuilders looked at him* "..do you know where I can find the Burning Skies Saloon ? "
".. Yeah , its this there." *He points at the Saloon , one eyebrow raised*
Gabranth:
"Ahh.. well thank you.." *He heads to the Saloon"
"I hope its not closed like last time.."
-
-Honeybadger's Hotel Room-
Honeybadger is sitting on his chair, there is little to no lighting. The only light comes out from the cracks in the closed blinds and the flickering end table lamp that a single moth was quite fond of. As Honeybadger sat, he stares at the vial on coffee table containing a black liquid.
Honeybadger
This must be a dream, I don't remember getting here. But since I've been on the Sauce I haven't really remembered anything.
There is a knock at the door.
Honeybadger
I don't have much time, I need to find whats hidden.
Honeybadger looks around the room, the knocking grows louder and more rapid.
Honeybadger
I wish I knew what the fuck I was looking for.
The knocking gets much louder, as if whoever was there was trying to break down the door
Honeybadger
Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck. Wait.
As the knocking continues, some of the door chips off revealing a blinding light.
Honeybadger
Alright, I know my next step is. I need to get to the saloon. Honeybadger looks at the door which continues to chip revealing blinding light.
The door is now completely broken, Honeybadger cautiously walks toward it. Before he could second guess, he got forced through the door.
His vision eventually faded into clear vision, Honeybadger was lying on the ground 6 inches away from getting a face full of airship propeller.
-Somewhere in Anvala (Probably the docks)-
-
-near the docks-
*Gabranth is walking to where he thinks the Saloon is. Then he saw on his right side, a guy he recognized from the Saloon being pulled out of an Hotel*
Gabranth:
"What the... isnt that... uhm... Honeybadger ? Looks like hes in some kind of trouble...again..."
"Hey , uhh you there !"
*walks towards them*
-
--Council Chambers--
(3)
"So the reports state the complex captain was a traitor?"
(4)
"Yes, it seems the Commander has dealt with it which explains why we have contact with our recon units."
(1)
"What is our fleet's standing?"
(9)
"The fleet is at roughly sixty-five percent capacity."
(7)
"Any report from Yiski in regards to getting additional help?"
(9)
"None yet."
--Saloon--
There were few patrons. Yiski decided to contact Lance with the Anvalan waves cleared.
Yiski
"Lauren, I'm headin' back for a minute. Gonna make a few calls."
Lauren
*Pouting* "You better be back if things get busy."
Yiski heads to his workbench, pulls out a radio, and switches frequency to Lance's.
Yiski
"Crimson to Lance."
Lance
"Copy. You're coming in clear now. The hell is going on over there? Did you get my message?"
Yiski
"I did. Thanks for it. Managed to get to the city in time. Yet the city did take a beating."
Lance
"What were those things the Guild were using?"
Yiski
"Not sure myself, but I need a favor. I need you to find who is after me or the city and get a few folks together to do what you do best."
Lance
"Sure, but you know the usual price still applies."
Yiski
"What I don't get a discount for being a repeat customer and friend?"
Lance
"Can't business."
Yiski
"Fair enough. I'll send payment soon. Happy haunting."
Lance
"Phantom out."
Yiski killed the transmission and found himself sporting a wicked smile. What Lance is usually known for was his information networks, but he had another specialty: covert operations, mainly the seek and destroy kind. Yiski would have to depend on Lance because Anvala could not afford having him or Zill leave for another mission.
-
-Near Saloon-
Honeybadger, still on the ground, spots Gabranth. He semi hurriedly gets up. He is clearly tired.
Honeybadger
"Morning Gabranth, you know if the saloon is open?"
Honeybadger checks his pockets and pulls out his pocket watch, he sighs in relief as he looks at it.
-
*Looks at Honeybadger, grinning*
Gabranth:
"Yup , Im on my way to it. Are you okay ? That didnt look healthy."
*takes a flask from his Vestpocket , and takes a swig, then offers it to Honeybadger*
-
Takes the flask from Gabranth, and nods appreciatively. Then takes a swig.
Honeybadger
"I haven't gotten to sleep for about four days now, mostly due to insomnia and night terrors."
Honeybadger and Gabranth approach the saloon.
Honeybadger
"I'm afraid I have to be in and out of the saloon so I won't have much time to socialize if anyone happens to be there."
He hands the flask back to Gabranth.
-
--Saloon--
After a few more minutes of peaceful sleep, BdrLine wakes up, swing his legs over the side of the bed, get up and yawns. He then heads towards the bathroom to take a shower. Once finished, he goes back to the room, got change and heads downstairs.
"Mourning Lauren, where's Yiski?"
-
*puts the flask back*
Gabranth:
"Four Days ?! Holy Grog, thats a long time.
But I guess Alcohol is the best cure If you cant sleep."
*smirks*
"Night terrors dont sound funny.."
They walk into the Saloon
"Ahoi Lauren, 2 Hellfires please.."
*sits down at a chair in a corner*
*then sees BdrLine*
"Ahh Good morning BdrLine, slept well ? " *chuckles*
-
--Saloon--
Lauren passes out the drinks to Gabranth. Yiski came out from the back before Lauren could respond to BdrLine.
Yiski
"Yo. BdrLine. I was just in the back. Made a few calls."
-
To Gabranth
"Well if it weren't for an interruption from this mourning, *looks at both Yiski and Lauren* , other then that I slept fine."
Then hearing about how Yiski made some calls, he turns to him.
"Speaking of calls, I made some as well, even with the jamming. Don't ask me how I did it, because I don't it was just some luck. But we are getting some ships from Yesha, it's not military, but they are the next best thing. Plus we may or may not get something from the barons besides that I have a man on his way to the guild with a team"
-
--Saloon--
Yiski
"Fancy that BdrLine. I've got a friend already there doin' the same thing."
The day rolls on, and a couple patrons enter and exit the saloon. Things are relatively calm right now. A few days after the invasion attempt, the initial panic and shock of it has faded and all the city, both civilian and military, are working hard to get things back to normal.
As for the conspirators behind the invasion attempt, they were going to have their plans thrown into oblivion complete with flair and style.
-
-Garden District-
Zill was walking through the now roughly clean streets of the city. He limped along, the pain of the shrapnel never letting up. Along the way, soldiers and crewmen alike stopped and saluted him. It dawned on him that he was much more of an inspiration than he would ever admit. The thought brought some new energy to his step, despite the pain.
He made his way to, what he remembered to be Oliver's house. He stood in from of the plot in disbelief. The house was completely gone. A pile of rubble replaced the rather quaint house that Oliver kept up. Zill stood there for what felt like hours. One lone tear fell as he knew he was gone, just like that. His head sank, and he cursed everything he could think of. A few people had stopped to witness what they all knew was being felt everywhere in the city. Zill finally knelt down, giving his long devoted prayer in Oliver's honor.
"By the Skies we fly this day. Off into the Sunset to give chase. May the Winds stay at our back. Our Dusty Mistress be appeased. Our Mugs ever full. Onwards ye' Dogs, Into the Fray."
-
-Saloon-
Honeybadger, who has been sitting in the saloon for a good couple of hours realized why he was there, he quickly shot up from his seat and started scanning the room to the other patrons confusion.
Honeybadger
*mumbling loudly* "Where is it..."
Honeybadger looks under all the tables and then at the bar, he quickly hopped the bar fast enough for Yiski or Lauren not to catch him and started to scan all the liquor bottles under the bar.
Honeybadger
"Cmon, where is it?"
Honeybadger looks up at Yiski, legitimately frightened
Honeybadger
"What have you done with my booze!?"
-
--Saloon--
Honeybadger's usual unusual behavior was something the patrons began to expect from a day to day basis. However, with his sudden yelling and jumping all over the bar, the patrons began to worry and slowly backed away. A few decided to leave. Yiski had enough with it.
It's one thing to tolerate Honeybadger's behavior, but it's another when his antics start driving away people from the saloon. Yiski wasn't about to let his saloon be labelled negatively by Honeybadger.
As Honeybadger kept scanning behind the counter, Yiski bear hugs him from behind and ducks his head into Honeybadger's back. Lauren then instinctively follows up and hits Honeybadger behind the head with Blood Bolt's stock. Honeybadger's body went limp from being knocked unconscious. Yiski then called for a few patrons to get a doctor from the asylum.
Minutes later, an asylum doctor and few asylum guards arrive. After explaining this, and past incidences, the doctor decides it's best to have Honeybadger stay at the asylum for a few days to assess him.
With the asylum personnel and Honeybadger gone, the saloon continued into the night peacefully, or at least as peaceful as a saloon could get.
-
--Saloon--
Sky walks in, this time with a small crowd of people with him. They all had one thing in common, a medal that says Flying Panthers 1st Air Squadron. One of them helped Sky bring in a box, and set it down in front of Yiski. Sky speaks.
Sky
"We've got this for the saloon, its a radio, but this one is special. It has a link to a commentator called Qwerty, he's actually quite funny. And we'd thought it'd be safer here since this was the one place not leveled from the attack.
Iris
"And besides, why keep it to ourselves?"
They all agree and then take a seat down at the closest two tables and turn the radio on.
-
--Saloon--
BdrLine watches on as the doctors take away Honeybadger away. He mentally shakes his head and wonders what he was searching for, but was shaken from his thought as Skyraider and party enters.
"Nice medals there fellows, bet it was a turkey shoot that day wasn't it. Qwerty, Qwerty... Yiski wasn't Qwerty a doctor? What you think happen to him?"
-
Loud sounds could be heard outside of the saloon of Honeybadger struggling with the doctors. Eventually two loud thumps were heard and Honeybadger came rushing back into the saloon.
Honeybadger
"Hello I'll only be a second."
Honeybadger approaches a wall and brings his ear to it. He then started to knock on the wall
Honeybadger
"It should be around here somewhere..."
Honeybadgers face lights up as he turns his head towards the wall, rests both hands on it, smiles, and punches a hole in the wall. Or at least tried to, by the second punch the wall was down. He reaches in
By this time, everyone at the bar was looking at him but didn't really want to do anything because of the fact that they didn't know what happened to those doctors.
Honeybadger
"THERE IT IS!"
He reached into the wall and pulled out a bottle, it was filled with clear liquid but was still frosty even though it had been in the wall for at least a month or two, upon closer inspection, the bottle was the one that he got back from the poker tournament.
He then began to exit, by the time he got to the door, he paused for a second and turned to Yiski.
Honeybadger
"The authorities will most likely be after me so I'll be sleeping on the roof tonight."
Before Yiski could answer Honeybadger had hit the door-frame and exited.
A voice could be heard in the distance
Honeybadger
"Don't worry about the Doctors! I took their guns!"
-
--NARRATOR--
--Saloon--
Yiski was very tempted to head to the roof of the saloon and shoot Honeybadger off, but Lauren put her hand on his shoulder.
Lauren
"Is it worth it?"
Yiski
"... ... ... Yes."
Before heading out, Yiski loads Blood Bolt with the non-lethal rounds. Once outside, Yiski starts firing at Honeybadger with Lauren standing in the doorway facepalming.
Honeybadger, believing he's under attack by others, starts running across rooftops in the Western District. Satisfied with Honeybadger is no longer on his roof, Yiski heads back inside.
The night goes on and eventually Zill limps into the saloon and reaches the bar counter. Yiski turned and knew immediately Zill was down. Even with his mask, Yiski knew from all his years knowing Zill, he carried a heavy solemn aura.
Yiski
"Rough day?"
Zill
"No Oliver."
Yiski didn't say anything else, not because he didn't what to say, but rather he knew better than to carry such conversations with him. All Yiski did was make himself and Zill two Clear Skies, they clinked their glasses and drank in silence over the clamor of the saloon.
--NARRATOR END--
Lance
"Report in Ghost."
Ghost
"Reporting. Targets have been identified, but are heavily fortified."
Lance
"Keep recon positions until further orders."
--END OF DAY 105--
-
--START OF DAY 106--
--NARRATOR--
Yiski took longer than usual getting up. One reason was learning Oliver was one of many who had perished in the invasion. Another reason was he and Lauren were required to show up for a mass ceremony for those who passed. Yiski got out of bed first and quickly got ready. Out of his closet, he pulled out one of his old military formal. He chuckled slightly to himself. Since becoming Commander, he never did bother getting a new set of military outfits bearing the Anvalan symbol or colors.
Lauren was in a worse position having absolutely no military formals. All she had was her standard set of uniforms she wore when heading to the Academy.
When the two were ready, they started walking toward the Northern District. There, the two spotted Zill wearing his military formal, but there was no sign of Jun'ko. Yiski figured she was still hiding out back at the warehouse until a few more days pass by. The three got together, but no words were spoken among them for it would have been disrespectful in their culture. As they walked toward the chapel's field, Yiski found it eerie the entire city had fallen silent. No construction, no airships, nothing.
The ceremony lasted for about two hours. The three witnessed civilian families weeping over the loss of friends, family, and loved ones. Even a few airmen shed a couple of tears. Lauren also gave a few sniffles occasionally. For Yiski and Zill, the two stood quietly showing no signs of water in their eyes, yet were cringing. While the two understood had witnessed and caused the loss of life enough to last for a few lifetimes, it was never easy when it hit home.
Once the ceremony was done, Zill left the two and headed back for his warehouse. Lauren and Yiski headed back to the saloon. Once inside, Yiski made his way to his radio and called Lance.
Yiski
"Crimson to Phantom. Do you copy?"
Lance
"Phantom hears you loud and clear."
Yiski
"What do you got?"
Lance
"We know who's been after you. Goes by the name Van Hart. Sound familiar?"
Yiski
"Nope."
Lance
"How about Commodore Hart of the 35th Fleet? It's the Fleet which you and Zill wiped during the Baronies-Guild Conflict."
Yiski
"I remember. Got himself dishonorably discharged for fleeing like a coward."
Lance
"Yeah, it seems like he's going all out against you and Zill. He used his remaining contacts to reform a moderate mercenary fleet and those things from Izumi."
Yiski
"Any idea where he's at?"
Lance
"Yeah. We have their location, but he's heavily hunkered down. My team probably can't reach him until tonight."
Yiski
"Understood and thanks."
Lance
"Anytime as long as you can pay."
With the transmission over, Yiski's mood perked up. At least something was going for him.
--NARRATOR END--
-
--anvala docks--
coldcurse yawned as he woke up in his ship.
he looks at the ceiling of his room and reaches for the nearest bottle of moonshine.
coldcurse takes a sip and gets dressed.
coldcurse takes a look at the moonshine storage and finds out hes running low.
captain coldcurse:
"well well, it seems im running dry. I better ressuply before i get sober."
he walks ofhis ship and heads towards the salloon.
-
Slams the doors open, peering around the room through his mask, noticing a seat at the counter he takes it
lifting his hand up high he yells "Give me two hell fires"
lowering his hand he quickly follows up his order with "And a straw........"
-
--Saloon--
BdrLine was in he upstairs room when he hears the door slam open. He looks at the wall clock and thinks to himself.
hmm, must be opening time. Better head down then.
After a few minutes of getting dressed, BdrLine exits the room and goes down the stairwell into the saloon. There he sees a new patron at the bar. He looks around and sees Lauren and not Yiski. BdrLine shrugs it off and figure he is in the back. He then goes to the bar and takes a seat as well.
To the stranger
"Hey there, you new around here?"
-
Commissar Punk:
"I wouldn't say new, keeping outa sight so to speak"
Taking the two drinks he takes out a rubber tube from his mask and places the straw in it, and the other end into one of the drinks.
sucking it all up in one and giving a gulp of satisfaction
Commissar Punk::
"The names Commissar Punk by the way, but just call me punk, and what is your name sir?"
-
To Commissar Punk
"Well first name is Azn, but people call me by my nickname BdrLine. Outa sight huh, police or ex problems."
*laughs*
-
*Lockheart walks into the saloon no-longer with his crutch after his sprained ankle. although he still had one arm in a sling*
Lockheart
"G'day gents, it seems a hangover is the cure for a sprained ankle. Boy its good to walk again, i dont have to have Cecelia helping me around every where"
*walks up to the bar and takes a seat*
Lockheart
"Anyone seen Honeybadger this morning?, i wonder what antics he's been up to"
*Takes out his pipe, lights it and then pulls out a map which he starts to examine*
-
Sees Lockheart enters and taking a seat.
"Hey there Lockheart, well you do look like you are getting better. But Honeybadger, well after last night he is either one, got caught by the guards and taken to the asylum or two, still somewhere in the city."
-
Commissar Punk:
"Disgruntled buyers, i told them those gas masks would never come off did they listen?.........did they F*** "
Punk sighed as he put the straw in the second drink and gulped it all down, Removing the straw from the rubber tube attached to his own mask he placed it on the table and tucked the rubber tube back into his mask.
Commissar Punk:
"Nice to meet you BdrLine, and these drinks have a good kick to them, in return try one of my freshly cooked moonshine cookies, just make sure not to smoke afterwards though....."
Punk took out a small box out of his coat pocket and placed it on the table opening it revealed a number of cookies, dark red in color.
-
*nods to Bdr*
Lockheart
"Thank you very much sir!"
*Notices Commissar Punks cookies*
Lockheart
"err, they dont look too hmm. how do i say it. savoury" *smiling awkwardly*
*Smokes his pipe*
Lockheart
" I do not belive we have been introduced"
*Turns to Commissar Punk*
Lockheart
"I am Commodore Julius Lockheart of the Firnfeld Baronies Fleet. And you?"
-
*Wakes up , outside of the Saloon*
"What the...not again..."
*Gabranth stands up , dusts off his vest , and walks into the Saloon*
"Ahoy Gentlemen!"
*Takes a seat at the bar*
"I heard you were talking about Honebadger ? I wonder what that Vial was , which he pulled out of the wall... Strange Guy.."
*sees Punks Cookies*
"Ohh Cookies!" *smiling* "They look delicious! Mind if I take one ? "
*sees Lockheart*
"Ahhh Hey , If I remeber correctly I owe you a few Drinks! Hey Lauren , 4 Hellfires please." *grinning*
"Your arm looks better. Uhm by the way , everyone seems to hold a grudge against the Guild , can you tell me why ?"
-
Commissar Punk:
Yes the red color occurs when you mix in the right amount of moonshine in the mixture.....along with other ingredients Ahem.....
Punk turned around and noticed all the company all of a sudden and offered one to each person
Commissar Punk:
"They are quite nice and give you a much needed boost, just make sure to avoid smoking or any flames for at least 10-15 minutes after eating.....
Oh and where are my manners i am commissar punk but just call me punk and you are?"
-
--Saloon--
Despite the lively discussions going about the saloon, Lauren and Yiski didn't have much time participating in them in order to keep up with all the drinks being ordered.
While Lauren was serving out all the drinks, Yiski quickly ducked into the back to make sure supplies were still good. After checking the barrels, he found he was getting dangerously low on Hellfire and its variants as well as the supplies to make them. Yiski quickly started making a new batch of Hellfire and company and made a note to remind himself to get supplies, assuming the places he got his supplies were still standing.
-
Lauren goes about the saloon passing out drinks, she makes the four Hellfires and places them in front of the people at the bar.
BdrLine
"Thanks Lauren"
He then eyes the cookie that was offered to him.
To Punk
"Sorry not to be rude, but I've had my shares of 'exotic' food and drink. Most of them from here, sorry"
BdrLine then sees Gabranth entering.
"Hello to yourself and well the attack that happened a few days ago were a Guild mercenary fleet. "
BdrLine stops there and thinking whether or not to tell the others of the reason of the attack and his and the group involvement months before."
He them sees Yiski and before he heads out.
"Yiski, you done using the radio? I need to check up with my guys."
-
--Saloon--
Sky walks into the saloon, much happier than the last few days, he greets everyone in the saloon.
Sky
"Good morrow, how's everyone doing this day?"
-
Yiski
"Go ahead. Looks like my friends are dealing with the ones makin' the plans. You should have your friends deal with Izumi."
There were a few patrons who wondered what BdrLine and Yiski were discussing. Everyone else ignored it, knowing the misfortune which typically follows Yiski.
Yiski sees Skyraider walking in and greeting the saloon.
Yiski
*Speaking dryly* "Aside from mournin' the ones we lost and rebuildin' a quarter of the city, well."
-
BdrLine nods to Yiski and heads to the back, before he reaches the door, BdrLine turns around, goes to the counter and retrieves his Hellfire before going back. Inside the radio room, BdrLine tunes in Melin's frequency while taking a sip of his Hellfire.
BdrLine
"Melin you read me? Melllin hellllloooo?"
*static*
Then the radio comes on as what seems like wind blowing in the background.
Melin
"Yes Bdr I heard yeah, just don't go about yelling."
BdrLine chuckles to himself and takes another sip
"Alright, so you guys leaving today right?"
Melin
"Well Bdr we already left after we had our conversation two days ago, we're almost in Guild borders."
BdrLine
"Really, that was fast"
Melin
"It especially helps when we are equipped with two of our fastest squids."
BdrLine
"So it's an eight man job then. Okay well I just got word that we know who's behind this, but we have something else as well. Hold on let me get Zankif this would invoke the both of you."
Melin
"Roger I'm holding."
BdrLine then turns some dials to accommodate a third person and them calls in Zankif
*Static*
Zankif
"Hello? hello? Bdr you there?.
BdrLine
"Yeah I'm here, Melin as well on the other line"
Melin
"Hey there Zankif."
Zankif
"Hey yourself, so Bdr I figure that you guys found something?
BdrLine
"Yes, we figure out who is now out to get us. But now we need to finish off that place in Izumi, somehow this ringmaster has some friends with the destroyed Birdmen group."
Zankif
"Never a break for you all doesn't it? *sighs* Okay I'll have my men ready Gos knows we need an army to get that place. So Melin when is the latest you will get here?
Melin
"In a few hours right now we are over water."
Zankif
"Alright, get you and your men over here to Vychtorg I'll brief you on what we are dealing with."
Melin
"Roger that.
BdrLine
"Oh Melin, any word on support ships?"
Melin
"Well you guys are in luck, going over to you guys now is the Bolt's old unit. They'll be there tomorrow I presume."
BdrLine
"Thanks for that, which also reminds me. I'll give you two to talk about strategy but I need to see with Niko. BdrLine out.
With that, he cuts the connection with the both of them and dials in Niko
BdrLine
"Hey you there?"
*static*
Niko
"Bdr... I... he.r .. ou."
BdrLine
"Niko you're going static on me where are you"
Niko
"Nea.. Nalm.. san..or..m bl..o.ing .. sig..al"
BdrLine
"Sandstorm? Sandstorm blocking your signal?
Niko
"Ye..h."
BdrLine
"Well at least you are almost here, just call ahead so we won't accidentally shoot you"
Niko
*broken laughter*
"Al.r..ght"
BdrLine
"Well see you soon then, out"
BdrLine then shuts down the radio and gets up from his seat. He grabs his drink and gulbs it down and heads back into the main floor.
-
-Warehouse-
Zill opened up the door and Jun'ko tackled him in a hug. He winced with pain but kept it to himself.
Zill
"Miss me?"
Jun'ko
"I did. Plus it's getting stuffy in here. When can I leave??"
Zill
"When there's no chance of you getting recognized. We don't need that and you know it."
Jun'ko
"Well how about a disguise like when we were in Yesha?"
Zill thought awhile, but fell to Jun'ko's starry gaze. Lilly was to make a comeback, though she agreed the farthest she could go was the saloon and only in Zill's company. She got her outfit and mask on and they made there way over.
-
-Honeybadger's Hotel Room-
He sat there, like he normally did. Looking at the table and the wall with the bulletin board, only this time something was different, he saw the ghost outline of his bag sitting on the coffee table next to him, as well as a modified colt. Upon further inspection, all of the pictures on the wall were connected, not with a red string or marker, but with blood. There was no cuts on Honeybadger which worried him. He looked at the door.
Honeybadger
Who the fuck are you?
A silhouette of a man stood in front of the doorway. He couldn't make out what he was wearing, but he could see the outline of a suit and bowler cap not unlike the one's he wore.
??
...
Honeybadger
Can you read my thoughts?
??
...Yes...
Honeybadger sighs.
Honeybadger
Are you my subconscious?
??
You know why I am here. You must seek the item you lost.
Honeybadger grabs the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes. Upon opening them, he is somewhere unfamiliar.
-Forest-
Honeybadger is now standing in a patch of grass, in front of him is his subconscious. He looks at him, where his face should be was a black mask. And the eye sockets were replaced with a red glow.
??
You know what you have to do, we'll meet again. Just try not to die... Yet.
The figure turned around and walked toward the foliage.
Honeybadger
Wait! If your my subconscious, then what is my greatest fear.
The figure stopped.
??
Lobsters...
Honeybadgers eyes got very wide, in a blink the figure was gone and all of the color got distorted and faded to a bright white, he then felt like he was falling. Then he woke up.
-5 feet above Burning Skies Saloon-
After he dropped, Honeybadger wasn't that quick to get up. Once he got his breath back he turned his head to see that the door was open and quite a bit of people were inside. He smiled and then tried to get himself up but ended up stumbling to a table and sitting down with a sigh.
-
coldcurse soon realises he walked the wrong way and returns to his ship to call it a day.
-
-Saloon-
Honeybadger who is exhausted on the chair looks over to the hole in the wall and points to it.
Honeybadger
"Which idiot did that?"
-
Whistling a sad tune fitting of the current state of the city Wilkinson walked, his field cap pushed back. He wore a nice set of tools and calibers on his girdle, but the grey uniform he wore only had the insignia of airship gunner corporal on it. His step was light, but careful sidestepping stones let loose by the barrage. Occasional bystanders steered clear of the man, as he carried a Ceraenen pistol which, to an observant viewer, seemed to have seen serious service.
After some half-an-hour of searching he found what seemed to be a mostly intact tavern. Curious, he walked in to follow the demands of his grumbling stomach. "'Scuse me, ladies and gents", he smiled while walking towards the counter, "but I am hopeful that you might have something to eat. Been two days since my last full meal, and I'd kill for some good grub right about now." His smile was genuinely cheerful as he addressed the pair behind the counter.
-
Yiski took a look at the newcomer asking for a free meal. If it was anyone else at a different time, Yiski would've thrown him out, but there were three things preventing that. First, Lauren would throw Yiski out first. Despite her rough demeanor when handling strangers and new people, she had a soft spot for down and out folks. Second, in the current state of the city, it would be horrible form to deny aid to those who may have lost everything. Third, he could never turn away a fellow airmen.
Yiski
"Give me a minute."
Yiski heads to the back and throws together a quick sandwich. It wasn't fancy, rather made from a couple leftover meat and vegetables from last night's dinner. He brought it back out and handed it to the newcomer with a mug of Anvalan Reserve.
Yiski
"It's not five-stars, but it should suffice."
-
Sniffing the air that carried the scent of the sandwich the man sighed in delight, took his field cap off and sat next to the dinner. He picked his pocket and landed a couple of coins on the counter. "Ah yes, this is really something", he smiled after whopping down the first bite and greeting it with a sip from the mug. "Especially if you've been on flight-rations for a couple of weeks."
After that, the man was silent during the sandwich's final moments. In his eating was almost a religious quality, not sharing his attention to anything else but the consumption of what seemed like ambrosia sent from the Seven Heavens.
After carefully wiping the last crumbs and gulping the fine ale he seemed more lively than before. "Sir", he addressed the creator of his dinner, "might I be as bold as to ask some sort of employment from somewhere? My previous ship went to scraps and the captain seemed to dislike the idea of being responsible for a few low-wage crewmembers without government support, and thus I am in the somewhat desperate situation of being unemployed in a town nobody knows me and everybody has more grievous issues to handle than the welfare of some landed gunner."
-
-Saloon-
It took the couple much longer than usual to get to the saloon, thanks to Zill. They entered, and he made his way to sit permanently at the bar. A few people stared at him, and then "Lilly." He gave them a glare that could be seen even through his mask and goggles, prompting them to turn away. He looks at Yiski and gives him a low tone
Zill
"Hey Yiski, I could use a Clear Skies coming all night till close. "Lilly" here could use some Sake. She's been cooped up awhile and done some things she isn't proud of."
-
Honeybadger, who is currently napping on the couch with his feet up on the opposite chair pushed the hat up from his eyes and reached into his coat pocket, he pulled out his pocket watch, sighed, then took the bottle out from his coat pocket and stared at it, then in the hole in the wall.
Honeybadger
I hope he doesn't make me fix that...
Honeybadger slowly starts toward the door.
Honeybadger
Now I'll just go outside and find my bag.
-
BdrLine comes out of the back room and notices Zill and Jun'ko wearing her 'Lily' get-up.
What did Jun'ko do now?
He goes back to the bar and takes a seat.
"Hey there Zill, 'Lily'. So how are you two feeling?"
-
--Saloon--
Sky sees Zill wander in, like everyone else, he greets him.
Sky
"Greetings Zill, how have you been these past few days?"
-
-Saloon-
Zill and "Lilly" turn to Bdr.
Zill
"I feel worse then that tar explosion hitting me. Otherwise, hangin' in there."
Lilly
"Her Bdr. I'm just glad to get out of the...er...apartment."
Zill turns to sky and winces from even that.
Zill
"I've had better days. How did your squad fair from the fight?"
-
--NARRATOR--
--Saloon--
Yiski takes another look at the newcomer and shrugs.
Yiski
"Hmm.... if you're up for it, the city could always use more defenders. How are you with rifles?"
Mill
"In my experience, I've been good with mercury rifles."
Yiski
"Hmm... we did lose a few heavy riflemen. Alright, report to the Academy barracks at 0800 tomorrow."
Mill
"Sir?"
Yiski
"You need a job. I've got positions open." *Mill still looking at Yiski with confusion.* "You're lookin' at the Commander of Anvala's Defense."
Yiski pulls out his badge causing Mill to jump at attention and salute. Yiski chuckled, but returned the salute, and motioned him to sit back down.
Yiski
"Do you have a place to stay?"
Mill
"Yes sir. I'm staying at a local shelter. I'll report at 0800."
When Zill came in with 'Lilly', Yiski sighed. He thought it was a risk to bring out 'Lilly' this early, but he'll let Zill take the heat if anything happens. While Yiski knew 'Lilly' was Jun'ko, Lauren was completely dumbfounded that Zill brought another woman with him. She immediately stormed Zill and started yelling at him.
Lauren
"WHY ARE YOU CHEATING ON JUN'KO?!!!"
This caught the whole saloon's attention. Zill immediately pulled Lauren and 'Lilly' to the back room while Yiski was laughing hard. Zill quickly explains to Lauren the situation which they caused. While Lauren apologized for the outburst, she chastised the two for causing trouble and not filling her in on the disguise. When the three popped back out...
Zill
"No worries. Just a misunderstanding."
The regulars knew better than to question anything that happens in the saloon. Yiski leans into BdrLine and gives him the quick version, to which BdrLine simply nodded.
The night goes on and Yiski glances to see Honeybadger sneaking out of the saloon. A few things came to mind. The foremost thought was to use lethal rounds, but decided against it.
Yiski
"Like hell if I'm goin' to cause a mess in my saloon."
--NARRATOR END--
Lance
"Report."
Ghost
"Charges set and in position."
Lance
"Initiate."
Suddenly, a manor outside of Selogorod went up into flames and debris. After the initial blasts, Lance and his Ghosts move in and find the former Commodore heavily bloodied and pinned under tons of rubble. The Commodore mouthed a few words, but were inaudible before he passed. The team did one final sweep to clean up the any survivors. Reports would later deem the incident caused by raiders.
A few hours later, reports of a mysterious explosion occurring at Izumi was deemed to be caused by lingering mine gasses exposed to too much pressure.
--END OF THE PAST IS NEVER DEAD--
--END OF DAY 106--
-
--START OF DAY 107--
--NARRATOR--
It was a few hours before dawn when Yiski woke up. In shifting around his bed, he also woke up Lauren who was mumbling something. He figured she was complaining about being woken up at this time. Before Lauren was able to audibly voice her complaint, Yiski had already gotten ready to get fresh supplies for the saloon. He leaned down to give Lauren a kiss before leaving.
After Yiski left, Lauren found the willpower to get herself out of bed and made herself presentable. She yawned as she walked out into the main floor and noticed a fist-sized hole in the side wall. Good thing neither her or Yiski knew it was made by Honeybadger, or Yiski would hunt him down. Soon enough, BdrLine came downstairs and waved to Lauren.
Lauren
"Morning."
BdrLine
"Morning." *Scanning the main floor* "Where's Yiski?"
Lauren
"Out to get a few things for the saloon."
--Trading District--
Since the City Center was heavily damaged, the majority of stall markets relocated in a portion of the Eastern District. Yiski didn't have a problem finding the area because there were many stalls set up. The problem was even the stalls were running on short supply. With the lockdown still in effect, resources are rationed out and prices are regulated heavily to prevent gougers. After an hour of searching and buying, Yiski manages to secure enough supplies to keep the saloon running for another few days.
As Yiski makes his way back to the saloon, he thought he'd give Lance a shout to see how things went. The sooner the threat is dead, the sooner the lockdown is lifted, and the sooner Yiski can get more supplies.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Zill's warehouse-
Zill and Jun'ko were awakened by a knocking on the door. Zill grabbed his pistol and stood at the door. He looked at Jun'ko, who simply hid under the covers after reading his face.
Zill
"Yes?"
Engineer
"Sorry to disturb you admiral. Your galleon is getting towed today, and you said you wanted to know."
Zill
"I did indeed. Thanks for the update. I'd open up if I were decent."
Engineer
"No problem. See you later."
With that, the engineer walked away. Zill put his pistol on the table and Jun'ko popped her head out of the covers.
Jun'ko
"I wish I could see that..."
Zill
"We can't stand together, but if you go as Lilly, then you should be fine. Just don't let anyone see you leaving or entering this room."
Jun'ko nods and quickly gets ready, after kissing Zill of course. He did the same, and was out the door before she was ready. Zill slowly made his way over to the dock where his boat was docked. Three squids had already arrived and begun getting tow hooks attached to take her to the council docks. He gazed on at the crippled galleon, wincing from some pain. He turned around to see if he could spot "Lilly." She was sitting on the ground, her mask covering her emotion. This was the first time she saw it after the fight.
Zill turned back to his ship, and watched them prepare.
-
-Outside of the Burning Skies-
A faint patter of feet can be heard outside, the patter got louder until it turned into a loud thud on the window. Honeybadger had tried to jump in with an entrance, it failed. Once Honeybadger dropped, he quickly recovered and jogged to the front door with an audible pitter patter and walked in like nothing happened. Hopefully thinking that they would ausume a bird had hit itself against the window.
Honeybadger came in worried with a firmiliar bag around his shoulder. He quickly closed the door and found a window to peer out of, very suspiciously.
Honeybadger
"Ok, *Sigh* I think I lost them."
Honeybadger proceeds to the bar and puts his bag to the side of his chair.
-
-On the way to the Saloon-
*Walks to the Saloon, and sees Honeybadgers epic attempt to jump through the window and laughs out loud
Then enters , and sits on a barchair*
"What was that supposed to be, Badger?" *grinning*
"By the way , I heard you punch holes in innocent walls ?"
*Takes a swig from his flask*
-
Honeybadger looks over at Gabranth.
Honeybadger
"If you must know, I was running from people who would love nothing more then to see me die in the gutter." Plus I've been running all night so I wasn't exactly thinking clearly.
Honeybadger lights up as if he rememebers something, then pulled out a single plank of wood and one nail and hammer. He walked over to the hole in the wall and put the board over it with one nail. It looked very crude and on top of that, the board had a smiley face on one end of it.
Honeybadger took a couple steps back to take in his work. He smiled.
Honeybadger
"Good as new!"
-
--Saloon--
Yiski saw Honeybager and Gabranth outside the saloon. Lauren heard hammering from inside and came out to see what was going on. The two saw Honeybadger patching the hole by simply putting up a board against it. If Yiski didn't need the supplies, he'd dropped them and strangle Honeybadger. Lauren just facepalmed.
Yiski
"Good as new my ass. I'm assumin' you're fixin' somethin' because you broke it."
Lauren
"Apparently he punched the wall." *Yiski raises his eyebrow* "Hey, it's what these two said."
Yiski
"How you manage to punch a hole through three feet of cinder brick and concrete... you know what? Nevermind."
Lauren and Yiski went back inside and headed for the back. The two quickly went to work on brewing new batches.
-
--Saloon--
BdrLine gives a small chuckle at Badger's attempted repair. He walks towards the door and calls out to Honeybadger and Gabranth.
"If Yiski and Lauren wondering where I went, tell them I'm at the docks to see if they will rebuild my house. See ya"
He walks out the door and heads over to the docks. Construction is still taking place, but there are improvements are taken place. After a few minutes of walking, he arrives to the plot where his house stood, next to the plot, he notices some construction workers and goes up to them.
BdrLine
"Hey there, so you guys are going to rebuild this right?"
The men look over and sees BdrLine. What looks like the foreman turns and answers him.
Foreman
"You the owner? But yeah after we clear this will start building and give you a brand new home."
BdrLine
"So how long will it take?"
Foreman
"Depends on what resources we have. With all the reconstruction and the limited resources, we have to prioritise which buildings take great importance. So it may take a few weeks or months even."
BdrLine
"Hmm I see, well thank for the info."
Foreman
"No problem, we'll try to bring it up but you know the toll the city has taken."
BdrLine nods to them and walks off. During his walk around the docks, he sees Zill and goes towards him.
BdrLine
"So after this while ordeal, your Galleon is still standing" *whistles in amazement* "Still don't know how ou mange this."
-
-Port-
Zill turns to BdrLine, shifting his weight slowly.
Zill
"I don't know either. At least this time. She should of snapped in half but something in there held fast."
The squids had finished their preparations. The improvised balloons of the galleon lifted her out of the dock and into the sky. The tow lines got tight and soon enough, they were towing her away toward the council docks. She still creaked and groaned from it, but never did break apart as it left the port's airspace. Zill cleared his throat of the dust and pat BdrLine on the back.
Zill
"Well since your house is MIA and my galleon is now off to repair, lets see what I have to fly now."
-
--Saloon--
After Yiski initiated the brewing process, Yiski went to his workbench and set the radio to Lance's frequency.
Yiski
"Crimson to Phantom."
Lance
"Phantom here. Mission successful. The late Commodore shouldn't be a problem anymore."
Yiski
"Good to hear."
Lance
"Don't know if you've heard yet, but there was an incident at Izumi we didn't cause."
Yiski
"A friend here made a few calls."
Lance
"Understood. Gotta say it felt good getting the Ghosts together. Any other targets you want gone?"
Yiski
"If any more pop up, I'll call you first. Crimson out."
Yiski went back to the main floor with a spring in his step. Lauren noticed it.
Lauren
"Why are you suddenly happy."
Yiski
"Because I get to report to the Council...
Lauren
"How does that make you happy?"
Yiski
"... and get them to lift the lockdown."
--Council Gardens--
Yiski left and headed for the Council Building. Once there, he had little trouble getting an audience within their Chambers.
(3)
"You have a report for us?"
Yiski
"Yup. The threat against the city is gone."
(5)
"Care to elaborate?"
Yiski
"Former Guild Commodore out for revenge. Worked with Birdmen who created those abominations. Two teams took out the Commodore and the abomination labs."
(9)
"We see. We have little reason to doubt your confidence in your team, but we still require in-depth reports."
Yiski
"Yeah. I know. Is it at least enough to lift the lockdown. It's gettin' a little rough with supply rationin'."
(3)
"Given the restoration of our full radio communications and advance warning protocols..." *Looking at the other eight who are nodding* "considered the lockdown lifted. You may pass the orders on if you wish."
Yiski
"Will do."
Yiski walks back out of the Chambers and makes his way to Port Tar Barrel.
-
-Saloon-
Honeybadger, after patching up the hole with great precision walks over to the bar to open up his bag which he had been without for a long time.
When he opened his bag he was instantly hit with memorabilia from the past, all of his past came back to him slowly. He sighed. Then he got to a small knick knack, he picked it up then put it down on the counter. A rusty spoon.
Honeybadgers eye's started to water as he put his had over his face and looked at the spoon.
Honeybadger
"Uh... One Hellfire please. It's going to be a long night..."
-
-Saloon-
*Looks to Honeybadger , with both eyebrows raised*
"Aaalright , I think I´m gonna ignore this , typical HoneyBadger"
"Scuse me , do you have Whiskey , Lauren ? Would be terrific if I could have one , on ice please."
*looks around*
"Its been a bit empty here lately , hasnt it ?"
-
Lockheart walks into the saloon briskly, with Cecelia on his arm. He arrives in time to hear Gabranths comment.
Lockheart
"Well. It just got filled a bit more!"
Cecelia
"Oh, Shut up Julius"
Lockheart
"What?, nothing wrong adding a bit of humor into my day."
*They take seats at the bar next to eachother*
Lockheart
"G'day Gabranth, How are you faring out?"
Cecelia
*Clears throat*
Lockheart
"Ah, where are my manners!. Gabranth this is Cecelia, my wife."
*turns to the bar*
Lockheart
"Any chance of 2 Hellfires anyone?"
Cecelia
"Your mad if you think im having one of them"
Lockheart
"Then call me mad."
*Turns back to Gabranth*
Lockheart
"Has your hunt for accommodation gone ok?"
-
Honeybadger looks at the spoon and wipes his eye
Honeybadger
"Hey, Lockheart or Gabranth. Can you help me with something? I need you to hold a couple of things for a sec."
Honeybadger began to get certain memorabilia out.
Honeybadger
This stuff, how could I have forgotten my own brother? *Sniff*
-
--Port Tar Barrel--
Yiski enters and sees the area in a slow pace. No orders had yet been stated that lockdown was lifted. Yiski saw BdrLine and Zill in front of what Yiski thought was the remains of Then It Was Fixed Again, but Yiski kept walking. Yiski had a different destination in mind.
Yiski approached the PA booth and knocked on the door and waved through the door's window. The operator looked confused.
Yiski
"Open it. We got new orders."
The operator opened the door and let Yiski in who went straight for the PA. He set the broadcast to hit all ports around the city.
Yiski
"Commander Yiski. Good news everyone! Anvala is no longer under threat of another attack. No more lockdown!"
Cheers and grumbles could be heard through Port Tar Barrel. Cheers because now more supplies and trade could get into the city. Grumbles because it meant they were going to be busy again. The cheers and grumbles went on a for a while.
Yiski
"Stop cheerin' and grumblin' and start workin'!"
-
--Port Tar Barrel--
As the two of them watch as the squids lifted the galleon, BdrLine to Zill.
"Hmm don't you still have your Squid and Spire? Haven't seen much of them."
The two then turn to a nearby speaker as it turns on and hears Yiski's message of the lockdown being lifted.
"I assume that the Guild has be taken care of huh? At least now we can get supplies in, hmm I wonder how long it will take for my mothers ships to arrive?" *The last sentence more to himself then to Zill*
-
*Turns to honeybadger and gives him a questioning look*
Lockheart
"I guess i could"
*Moves over towards honeybadger*
Lockheart
"although i do only have one functional arm"
*Laughs*
-
The morning:
At seven, as was the usual habit of the accommodation he had the privilege of having, the morning-bells rang at the corridor and the ma'am who led the house walked past and knocked on doors announcing that their rooms would be inspected at noon, whether they were present or not. Well, that is new, Wilkinson thought while pulling up his pants. After pulling the suspenders up he checked the room, and nodded in satisfaction, as there wasn't a speck of dirt anywhere, and the few personal items he had were in a wall-bolted lock-chest. Humming a fjorlandian chanting tune he shaved his beard and brushed his teeth with the newfangled toothbrush his previous captain was so strict about. After becoming satisfied with his outlook he pulled his coat and weapon-belt on, pulled the outfit straight and headed out.
At the corridor he met the ma'am, who greeted him with a genuine smile. "Mr. Wilkinson, where are you headed today? I thought you were helping with the roof?"
"Miss Farlene, I am terribly sorry", Wilkinson said bowing apologetically, "but I was told there would be a job for me available at the Academy barracks, and the gentleman telling me to go there was terribly authoritative."
Miss Farlene sighed deep before answering: "You just survived your previous captain, and just when I thought I'd have a reliable resident you have to go seeking trouble again? Well, at least you'll be staying in town for a while longer. Do take care, and remember, no rummaging in the corridors after ten."
"Yes, ma'am. Have a pleasant day, and I will try to find time to fix the roof at earliest possible opportunity."
"That is all I ask."
Academy barracks weren't that hard to find, Mill had noticed yesterday evening when he had scouted the location. A simple turn to right, a shortcut from in-between of the residential block and along a artisan street until the gates emerged. He was at the gate, where a soldier of sorts seemed to keep guard. "Oi, I need to sign in on this action here."
"And who the hell do you think you are?"
Wilkinson grinned. "I am a guy who was told by the commander of the Anvalan defense to be at the barracks at o-eighthundred and get my gear."
For a moment the rifleman looked puzzled, then yelled some commands to the inside, from where a slight-build soldier came jogging. "Rico, take this guy and throw him to the command. He wants to sign up."
"Yes, corporal. If you will, sir?" the man pointed towards Mill's pistol, which was freely given, alongside a boot-knife and brass knuckles. "Naturally, we wouldn't want the paper-pushers getting all huffed up over nothing, now would we?" he smiled amusedly.
-
-Saloon-
Honeybadger hands Lockheart a several peices of memorabelia, among them was a stuffed plushie of a duck, a dictionary that had been altered to read "Dicktionary" and altered ship blueprints. Whoever drew them added a top hat to a spire, quite humerous.
Honeybadger
"This is all my brothers shit, I'm trying to get a picture out from this..."
Honeybadger's face lights up in recognition and slight delight as he pulls out an old picture.
Honeybadger
"Here it is."
In the picture shows a younger Honeybadger with ruffled hair and a soft face he looked 18 years old, he is wearing a similar vest that he wears now.
Next to him in the picture is a bald, taller individual with a wide jaw, the little hair he had was on the sides of his head, he wore a vest and a big smile, Honeybadgers father. Next to his father stood a semi slender looking dude with messier hair then Honeybadger, upon inspecting the picture, a corporal insignia is found on his brothers shoulder, with the other hand he makes his two fingers look like bunny ears on his fathers head.
This man looks strangely firmiliar to most people in the bar.
Honeybadger
"We grew up in the Baronies, although we were separated after my brother went off to war. Then I got bad news... When I went to Yesha as a traveling magician, I heard that my brother had died. So when I was forced out of Yesha, I went back to the Baronies to see if he was there..."
He started to get choked up
Honeybadger
"So I started a tinkering workshop after I didn't find him anywhere. Then I moved here."
Honeybadger looks at Lockheart. He forces a smile.
Honeybadger
"I'm sure you don't want to hear this, but it makes me feel a little better if I don't keep it to myself."
Honeybadger looks at the picture and sips his drink.
-
-Port Tar Barrel-
Zill looked toward his warehouse, where Jun'ko had since disappeared to. He pointed to his squid which was barely visible under a tarp.
Zill
"There's the squid. She just needs some guns and should be ready for a fight. The spire is over in the medium docks, but some greaser put kerosene in the balloon and burned it to a crisp. The balloon was supposed to get here a few days ago but, with all this I'm not surprised it's late."
He peered up to the Sky in thought before looking to Bdr. With the threat gone for now, life could start getting back to normal. He took a step toward his warehouse, only to be reminded his body wasn't off lockdown.
-
*lockheart pats Honeybadger on the back*
Lockheart
"I can say i have ever dealt with the loss of a family member. As well... frankly i had a very "Cushy" Upbringing. Finest education in Chaladon, in the Noblility, waited on my every wim..."
*Sighs*
Lockheart
"But what i have learnt on loss is that i learnt in the military."
*Takes a seat*
Lockheart
"This was way before i was in the air force, this was when i was a Private in the Chaladon watch. We were assaulting a fortification on a hill, me and my platoon were marching up the east side under the cover of night. We were told it was going to be easy, it'd be over in a hour, we'd be back in time for tea. Then gatling fire wiped across us, taking out 17 men in one swoop. We stood Scared and in doubt"
*Laughs*
Lockheart
"Pah, i thought about tailing my high-end outta there more than once. But our commander shot up the hill and shouted for us to march on despite the loss of friends. Like then, even though its hard just keep going, take it in your stride. Try to move on.... "
*nudges Honeybadger and whispers*
"Stiff upper lip and all that"
*turns back8
"Can i get a hellfire for this man?"
*Lockheart turns and faces the bar again. Cecelia comforts honeybadger*
-
--Saloon--
Yiski returned to the saloon. It was the late afternoon and many of the construction workers were done. Without saying a word, Yiski hopped behind the counter and helped Lauren with serving drinks.
Yiski
"Anythin' interestin' happen while I was out?"
Lauren
"Not really, just things got busy an hour after you left. Though a lot of people are happier."
Yiski
"Well, the lockdown was lifted."
Lauren
"Have you heard from Ny-Lee or Roland?"
Yiski
"Naw... they're probably having too much fun. Why waste it on callin' me?"
The two gave a chuckle and went back to serving.
--Cathedral--
Ny-Lee
"What's this? I can't believe this happened while we were here?"
Roland
"Agreed. You would think this kind of news would spread faster."
Ny-Lee
"You think we should call him later to see if things are alright?"
Roland
"Definitely."
-
-Saloon-
Honeybadger, still looking at the picture of his brother sighs.
Honeybadger
"Clear Skies please..."
For some strange reason, Honeybadger paid for this one drink from the spare money he had in his pocket.
Honeybadger
"Sooner or later I'll pay my tab..."
Honeybadger sighs and places the picture down in plain sight, bored.
-
Paradox awoke, once again, he was finally done succumbing to pain... succumbing to weakness. On the verge of one of the largest conflicts the known world has faced. Why did the guild push through Arashi to hit a neutrally aligned trade hub? Anvala had survived this long as an independent city-state, but now with hunger in their eyes the factions looked upon it. Yesha’s triumvirate council and their useless figure head emperor, The Baronies Dahlberg and his banner men, Anglea sat foreboding in the north, How had The Guild attacked Anvala? They would’ve had to pass through Arashi air-water space, why did The League not seize the opportunity to sunder one of The Guilds many fleets? Allies? No. They’ve been at war too long, too much bad blood.
The endless amount of questions swirled around in his head, Paradox needed answers.
He swung his long mechanical legs off of the bed, lit a cigarillo and put on his hat. He looked down at his latest enhancement, after a brief inspection of the plate that scale his torso, he tapped on it, it made a metal on metal clank and the reverberation tickled the skin it was attached to. He stretched thinking of the many business arrangements that could be made, he smiled. Let the arms race begin.
--DLTC Headquarters—
He strolled into his office, wearing nothing but his boxers and hat. His employees rose to meet him, John was the first to speak: “Boss, you should be in bed, you need that to heal properly or you’re boned...” He looked at Paradox for a moment, “Where are your clothes?” John continued.
“Well, the doctors don’t exactly keep your clothes on when they’re trying to stop you from bleeding out, especially when you’re missing half your fuckin’ torso, John.” Papa retorted.
Jen stood there blushing, trying to avert her eyes.
“I need a status report on the damages and hopefully repairs... If you haven’t started those, you’re both fired.” Paradox said nonchalantly, ignoring his revealing attire, or lack thereof.
“H... Hangers, eight through thirteen have been d... destroyed, along with their contents, a lot of sky-cranes have gone down as well, slowing the loading of a lot of ships. They’ve started rebuilding hangers eight through ten and are working on clearing debris from the last tree.” She started off less than composed, Paradoxes near nakedness distracted her by showing how much of his body was actually mechanical.
“This is going to set us back, a lot, get the ship wrights working on replacement ships immediately.” He said while walking outside the door at the back of his office unto a balcony overlooking a large portion of the hangers. “Fuckin’ brass hats and their stupid fucking mongrel fleet. Time to start feeding the fire, weapons and ammunition go straight to the Baronies, Raw materials go north... John go south and facilitate trade with the Arashi nomad tribes, I want to give them weapons, cheap. The more shit they can throw at the Guild, the better, I’m tired of the fucking council and their inaction. We will wait for the day either Anglea or The Baronies claims this city and ends the council’s neutral bullshit.” Paradox finished his tirade, Jen and John went to work.
-
--Saloon--
Yiski overhears Honeybadger's comment about his tab as he hands him a Clear Skies.
Yiski
"Yeah, it'd be good for all of us if you did that... soon."
Lauren
"Wait... why?"
Patron
"Yiski, plus gatling, plus unpaid tabs..."
Lauren
*Putting up her hand* "Alright, I get the idea." *Looks to Honeybadger* "Yeah. Paying up soon would help."
Lauren heads to the back to get some snacks and sees there's a light blinking on Yiski's radio. She comes back out and taps Yiski on the shoulder.
Lauren
"I think you have a transmission."
Yiski
"Strange. Didn't think Lance would forget anything in his report."
Lauren
"Different frequency. It's not him."
Curious, Yiski heads into the back and leaves Lauren handling the main floor. Sure enough, the radio was blinking. Yiski switches frequency and realizes it's from Cathedral.
Yiski
"Hello?"
Roland
"Yiski! Thank the skies! Are you alright?"
Yiski
"Why wouldn't I be?"
Ny-Lee
"Well, we heard reports of Anvala being attacked by the Guild and we were worried. Is my brother okay?"
Yiski
"Yeah. BdrLine's fine, but his house isn't and before you ask, everyone else is fine too."
Roland
"What happened over there? Reports of the incident are foggy at best."
Yiski
"Well... we'll talk about when you two get back next week."
Ny-Lee
"Well about that..."
Roland
"... we were so worried, we decided to come back home sooner."
Yiski
"Oh no you don't. The city is a little worse for wear, but we'll pull through. You two need to enjoy your honeymoon!"
Roland
*Chuckling* "Heh. It is funny you should tell us to stay in Cathedral..."
Ny-Lee
"... because we've already departed from Cathedral."
Over the radio, Ny-Lee and Roland heard the *thud*. The newlywed either thought Yiski banged his head against the workbench or facepalmed. A few seconds later, the two heard another *thud*. They figured he did both.
Yiski
*sigh* "Well since you've already left there's no helpin' that. When do you arrive?"
Ny-Lee
"Two days."
Yiski
"Fair enough. See you soon."
The light on the radio faded signifying the transmission was over. Yiski shook his head and sighed.
Yiski
"Kids. Hey Lauren. Looks like the kids are comin' home early."
-
-Saloon-
Honeybadger looks at Lauren
Honeybadger
"Here, I'll pay now."
Honeybadger reaches into his bag and pulls out a strange object.
Honeybadger
"This isn't my bag of coin..."
Honeybadger stares deep into the object.
Honeybadger
Oh shit oh shit oh shit... I need to get out of here NOW.
Honeybadger starts sweating profusely. He quickly gets his large sack of bounty money out from his bag and takes a small handful hurriedly and plants it on the counter
Honeybadger
*Extremely worried* "Alright here you go... Ha ha, I'll be on my way now!"
Honeybadger starts to get up from his chair and speed walks near the door. Before he could get close enough to it, he heard a voice coming from outside.
Unknown Man
"HONEYBADGER! I KNOW YOUR IN THAT SHIT HOLE! COME OUT AND FACE US!"
Honeybadger
"Fuck fuck fuck!"
The patrons look worried, but more annoyed at Honeybadger. Honeybadger had hoped that Yiski had not heard that, because whether he died or not, Yiski would wring his neck. He quickly made his way to his bag and got out his two engraved Colt .45 revolvers. One modified for accuracy, the other a quick shooter for speed.
Once he had his two revolvers, he quickly retrieved his Sawn-Off Engraved Shotgun. It had been tailor made a long time ago and if Honeybadger were ever in a jam he would use it.
As he was speed walking over to the door he cocked his mean ass shotgun and took cover next to the wall.
Honeybadger
"What do you want Riggs?"
Johnny Riggs
"I want you to pay for my brothers life."
Honeybadger
Not a second short on lifting lockdown
The patrons look on in slight entertainment.
-
Honeybadger stands by the door
Honeybadger
"If you think I'm coming out forget it."
Riggs chuckles
Johnny Riggs
"Well if you don't come out, I'll have to shoot this place down."
Honeybadger raises both brows and frowns as he looks over at Lauren and Yiski who were probably going to kill him.
Honeybadger
Well fuck you guys then... "ALRIGHT! I'm coming out."
Honeybadger slowly opens the door
-
-Outside of the Saloon-
Lets paint the picture. Honeybadger just walked out surrounded by a gang of men, all armed, and all trained and hardened over years of service. These guys were the cream of the crop, They wore bandoleers with long strings of bullets and dirty hats and suits. They were smiling, as if they were laughing at the fact that they had too much ammo to waste.
Honeybadger
"What do you want now?"
Riggs smiles, he stood tall and confident. His freshly trimmed stubble was a sign that he had been waiting for this moment for a long time. That he wanted to look good for Honeybadger because he'll be the last thing he sees. He looked much cleaner then his compatriots, as if to make himself look bigger than life and more powerful, and also better dressed.
Johnny Riggs
"You could start by lowering that mean ass shotgun." He said with a shit eater grin
His goons reached for their holstered pistols. There were a good twenty of them around the saloon, and there was no cover. He slowly lowered his shotgun.
Johnny Riggs
"Now the pistols."
Honeybadger gave a half grin, he didn't want to go down in a fight. If it meant going out in a blaze of glory. So be it. He knew he could talk his way out of it rather than getting shot 120 times.
Honeybadger
"Now hold on, if your going to shoot me in front of my friends at least fight me with some honor. How about we make this interesting."
Riggs dropped his smile.
Johnny Riggs
"Forget it, I'm not falling for that."
Honeybadger chuckled and leered at Johnny
Honeybadger
"C'mon Johnny! If you can't beat a tinkerer from the baronies then who can you beat?"
All of his goons loosened their grip on their pistols and looked at Johnny who was now sweating a little. He din't want to lose the faith of his men, not after his brother had died. He had to many enemies as is.
Johnny Riggs
"Fine, We'll fight. On one rule."
Honeybadger
"Whats that?"
Johnny pulls his gun and empties 5 of his bullets leaving him one, he brought it to the chamber.
Johnny Riggs
"One shot. One kill?"
Honeybadger smiled
Honeybadger
"So you want to go out like your brother? So be it."
Honeybadger brought his gun out and did the same. By this point he had hoped Yiski had called an airstrike or something.
Honeybadger
"Alright lets get going."
The two holster their guns and get in an imaginary circle. They walk back and forth. Honeybadger knew he was faster than his brother so he brought his gun to his side, ready.
...
Eventually they both stopped. Hearts pounding, nothing but the sound of the breeze and the whispering of those watching in the saloon. Honeybadger focused in.
Honeybadger
I always get worried at this part.
Riggs drew. Time stopped.
Honeybadger
Whether or not I win, I'll still get gunned down by his goons. Angry, hired, goons. But might as well win so people will tell somewhat of a story about me.
Honeybadger drew after, he dropped his knee to the floor firing. It was at that point Riggs brought his hand up to the hammer, and Honeybadger figured out he had more than one bullet, and those cheating round hit Honeybadger in the shoulder.
Before the shock of the force hit him he managed to get a shot off. Hitting Riggs right in the heart.
Honeybadger raised and gripped his shoulder as Riggs drew his terminal breath and fell to the ground.
Honeybadger
This is it. I just pray that when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will know no evil.
Just then... IT happened.
.
.
.
-
--NARRATOR--
Witnessing the whole 'duel', Yiski and other still saw Honeybadger still shifting with some life. Before Honeybadger's 'friends could draw their weapons to finish him off, shots rang out, dropping all but one man whose gun was shot out of his hands. Before the lone survivor was Yiski with Blood Bolt, Lauren with her machine-pistol, Fury, and a handful of defender riflemen. All set up inside the saloon on both floors and all guns trained on the lone survivor.
Yiski
"I have a few ideas why you Honeybadger dead. I've got a few myself. However, as long as I defend this city, I will watch over those who live here and put down hard anybody who thinks otherwise."
Lauren and a local medic rush to Honeybadger to see his injuries. Luckily, all the shots grouped into Honeybadger's shoulders. Unluckily though, he was losing blood and fast. Lauren and the medic dragged Honeybadger inside.
Yiski walked out and up to the lone thug with the defenders' rifle still trained on him. Yiski stands to the lone thug's side and starts whispering words into his ears. Whatever Yiski was saying was causing the thug to shake at his knees. When Yiski finished, he patted the thug on the back and motioned for the defenders to stand down. The thug then immediately ran into the darkness.
Once the thug was out of sight, Yiski went back inside to see Honeybadger unconscious, on the couch. The medic had given Honeybadger heavy sedatives to patch him up and slow down the bleeding. While Honeybadger's bleeding was intensive, the quick bandaging prevented any heavy blood loss. The medic offered to have a few men take him to the hospital, but Yiski declined, opting to keep him in the saloon, even though it did cause Yiski to cringe a bit. Yiski grabbed a blanket and tossed it over Honeybadger.
Due to the incident, Yiski cleared out the saloon early to clean and buffer defenses. When BdrLine returned to see a few fresh bullet holes and lots of blood outside the saloon, he asked what happened. Yiski looked at BdrLine and smiled.
Yiski
"The usual."
The two laughed.
Lauren
"Why did you let the thug go?"
Yiski
"I have a defender tracking him. If he tries to leave, I'll have him detained and interrogated. If he stays, then he has friends which I want to meet."
Knowing full well his intent, Lauren nodded and felt sorry for the thug and any of his friends.
Before turning in, Yiski told BdrLine and Lauren about Ny-Lee and Roland returning early from their honeymoon because of the recent invasion attempt. While BdrLine and Lauren were disappointed the newlyweds couldn't enjoy their trip more, they were glad. It had gotten lonely without them. They are family afterall.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 107--
-
--START OF DAY 108--
--NARRATOR--
BdrLine, Lauren, and Yiski woke up with the morning sun. BdrLine left immediately to the docks because of the massive influx of supplies since the lockdown was lifted. Lauren had to head to the Academy and start training the next batch of pilots. This left Yiski alone in the saloon which brought a small grin to his face.
Yiski
"Been awhile since I've opened alone."
After a quick check, he was ready to open. He walked over to the door to unlock when suddenly a defender swung the door open, barely missing Yiski.
Defender
"I'm sorry for the sudden intrusion Commander."
Yiski
"No worries. What are you here for?"
Defender
"The thug from last night is being held in prison. He was arrested when he attempted to leave the city."
Yiski
"Understood. Keep him there a few days before interrogating him. Dismissed."
The defender left as quickly as he came in. Knowing the thug was trying to leave meant there were no other threats to Honeybadger within the city. He looked over to Honeybadger who was still sleeping on the couch and sighed.
Yiski
"Since he's not in danger anymore, I'll call a few medics to take him to a triage for further treatment."
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Saloon-
Honeybadger opened his eyes slowly.
Honeybadger
Nice not having night terrors for a change.
Honeybadger sniffs loudly and sits up on the couch. Awoken by pain he points to his shoulder that is wrapped up in bandages, with the other hand he puts his hat on.
Honeybadger
"Yiski, could I get something to numb the pain?"
Honeybadger points at his family picture with his firmiliar looking brother.
Honeybadger
"And hand me that picture, please?"
-
Yiski makes Honeybadger a modified Clear Skies and hand it along with the family picture to Honeybagder.
Yiski
"You should get yourself checked into the hospital. Those bandages aren't gonna do you any good with the bullets still in lodged in."
-
Honeybadger chuckles slightly. Holding the picture in front of him while he drinks from his glass.
Honeybadger
"I could extract the bullet here... Wait bullets?!"
Honeybadger looks at his shoulder, he thought it was just one bullet that hit him. Still, he took relief in the fact that he was still alive and that he had beat Johnny Riggs.
See, Johnny Riggs is part of the Riggs family. A ruthless crime family from the Baronies, they didn't have a knack for leadership so Honeybadger never really thought they would get out of the Baronies. Until they started to come for him. Honeybadger had killed their father and then one son in a poker match, another in a duel, and then the one in the poker tournament, then the one he killed last night. He used to think that Austin Riggs was the fastest draw in the family, I guess it only gets harder from here.
Honeybadger sighed
Honeybadger
"Like I was saying I could get the bullets out but I would hate to make a mess of your saloon."
Honeybadger looks at the picture
Honeybadger
"After my brother went off into the military, my father forbayed me to follow him. So I ended up joining a gang..."
Honeybadger scratches himself and takes a sip of his seemingly strong clear skies
Honeybadger
"I was their only medic but that didn't mean that I didn't have my fair share of gun slinging. My brother on the other hand eventually became a Seargeant in the Fjord army."
Honeybadger stops what he was saying and looks at Yiski
Honeybadger
"You probably don't want to hear all this but I need to talk sometimes or people won't remember me when I don't draw fast enough..."
Honeybadger stares deeply at the picture and then eventually falls back onto the coutch with a grunt.
-
-Zill's Warehouse-
Jun'ko woke up alone in the room, which worried her. The fact Zill hadn't come made her think he was hurt again. With that on her mind, she quickly got into her "Lilly" outfit and rushed out the door. She took ten steps before stopping dead in her tracks. Fast asleep on his squid deck was Zill. She sighed with relief and figured he had worked on it all night. The guns had been fitted and only a few tools lay on the ground.
Jun'ko got up on deck and got on top of Zill. This woke him, and once realizing it was her, he took the pistol out of her side and grinned.
Zill
"Well hey there."
Jun'ko
"Good morning my admiral. Work all night?"
Zill
"No rest for the wicked, they say."
Zill takes off her mask and pulls her in for a kiss.
Jun'ko
"Does this mean I'm free?"
Zill
"Lockdown is lifted, so I'm confident you'll be safe. I was thinking a day at the saloon would do us good."
Jun'ko
"I'll go change for the occasion."
With a wink and a flash, she was off to get changed. Zill dusted himself off and shrugged, deeming that good enough. He holstered his pistol, and made sure the book was on him. He had read more of it last night as well, and each page reminded him that it was for no man, woman, or empire to see in its entirety. Jun'ko came out with a nice sundress on, and they made their way to the saloon.
-Saloon-
The couple walked in with Zill slowly making his way to the bar with Jun'ko on his side.
Zill
"Oi Yiski, two Hellfire's if you don't mind. Looks like you got into another fight too. I always miss the fun."
-
Honeybadger groans from the coutch
Honeybadger
"Heh, if it's an invitation you want Zill I'd be glad to give you one." I'm a little curious as to the speed of the Rear Admiral... Hmm, in hindsight that seemed a little gay... Fuck, my arm.
Honeybadger sat up to take a sip of his drink and look at the picture. Until the pain of his shoulder puts him back on the coutch.
-
Yiski hands the Hellfires to Jun'ko and Zill.
Yiski
"So where's Lilly? Or did you realize you like Jun'ko better?"
Jun'ko, Yiski, and Zill laughed making fun of Lauren's mistakes a few days before. Lauren responded by pouting and jabbing her elbow into Yiski's side which caused a small grunt from him.
Yiski
"Anyways, it's good to see you again Jun. You didn't knock anyone down on the way here did you?"
Jun'ko only responded by sticking her tongue at him causing Yiski to chuckle. Yiski turned back to Zill.
Yiski
"So what are you gonna do with your galleon?"
-
Zill rubbed scratched the exposed area of his neck while he responded.
Zill
"Engineer's want to rebuild her. After surviving that night, I can't blame them for wanting to keep her around."
Jun'ko stared off into space, obviously having a form of flashback. Zill nudged her out of it, the motion agitating his inner-shrapnel and forcing a wince.
-
Honeybadger sits up from the couch and slowly stands up. He puts on his vest and then wraps his coat around his body covering any bandages from showing.
Honeybadger
"I'm going to the hospital, might as well. I'll be back tonight..."
Before Honeybadger leaves he grabs his bag and finishes his drink, as he was going out the door he didn't realize that they had took his guns. They said they were going to leave them at the saloon but Honeybadger ausumed he had them. Along with that he left the picture of his firmiliar brother on the couch.
Honeybadger exited the Burning Skies Saloon.
-The Hospital, Some time later-
Honeybadger strolls in to see that the hospital is empty except the very bored receptionist at the front desk, he walks toward her.
Honeybadger
"Excuse me miss-"
He was cut off by a index finger close to his face.
Receptionist
"Fill out a form and wait for your name to be called..."
Honeybadger started to get annoyed
Honeybadger
*Pulling his coat over his shoulder* "Well I would if not for the lead rotting inside me..."
The receptionist had quite a fright as she had not expected that he had been shot, she quickly called down a doctor, keeping her eyes on Honeybadger the entire time.
Honeybadger smiles
Honeybadger
"Thank you."
He walked to the doctor that was called for him, and got lead to the room.
Doctor
"Alright Mister...?"
Honeybadger
"Honeybadger."
The doctor looks at him half concerned had confused
Doctor
"Riiiight.Well whats the problem?"
Honeybadger pulls his coat over revealing the blood stains and the bandaging. The Doctors eye's widen and jaw slightly drops
Doctor
"Um... Nurse?"
-
--Saloon--
Yiski was feeling particularly chipper as the day went on and who could blame him. A mortal enemy from his and Zill's past was finally gone. A laboratory full of monsters had blown up and his son and new daughter-in-law were going to be home tomorrow. His positive attitude was not missed by anyone in the saloon, but it did make them worry. A happy Yiski either made new drinks or new weapons, and on rare occasions, both.
Yiski
"Jun, you mind helpin' Lauren with the saloon?"
Jun'ko
"I don't mind. I actually need to move and shuffle a lot after being cooped up in the warehouse."
Yiski smiled and started whistling as he went into the back. The whole saloon now knew at this point tomorrow Yiski would have a new brew of sort. Some were excited. Many others, terrified.
-
-Saloon-
Zill watched as Yiski nearly skipped to the back room and shook his head.
Zill
Lord knows what's is coming out with him...
Jun'ko started filling some orders and was generally being a flirt, but mostly with Zill.
-
--Docks--
With the new influx of ships, BdrLine spends the whole day directing, organising, and transporting the items and goods off the many ships.
-
-Burning Skies Saloon-
Honeybadger had burst through the door with two submachine guns in his hands, he had been running a little bit, but above all, sweaty.
Honeybadger
"Alright, this time I'm almost positive I've lost them."
Honeybadger's wound had been sewn up from the doctor, but the blood was leaking out because of the running. He sat down exhausted.
-
-Saloon-
Zill sat and drank his Hellfire, turning around to watch Jun'ko and Lauren fly around with orders. Jun'ko really had a knack for waiting the tables.
Honeybadger walked in, trailing blood and spent casings on the floor. He sat on the couch and Zill just shook his head. Jun'ko was too busy with orders to bother with him as well. Lauren quickly patched up Honeybadger, and slapped him on the head for once again getting hurt and making a mess.
Zill laughs to himself, because it had to of been one of the first things he would of done similar to her.
-
-Saloon-
Honeybadger sighs on the couch.
Honeybadger
"Much obliged Lauren, but here's the thing. I don't think they were looking for redemption for Johnny Riggs. When they attacked me at the hospital, I think they were mad because I killed their cousin a couple of days ago when I sneaked out of the saloon..."
An audible smack could be heard in the back room, Honeybadger thought Yiski had facepalmed.
Honeybadger recapped the events that transpired a couple of nights ago...
.
.
.
-Somewhere in Analva a Couple Nights Ago-
Honeybadger is walking down a dark alleyway, he slows down for a second to take a small note from his pocket. It read:
Exit the saloon and walk down into the alleyway to the left, take a right, then go forward, then a right, then another left, and then a right. Go down until you see a tattered sign with an ace of spades on it.
Honeybadger looks up from the note and spots a tattered sign, he looks back down at the note
And whatever you do DO NOT...
The note had ripped this morning from Honeybadger falling from the roof of the burning skies. He sighed and went down into the doorway. He cautiously pushed it open. He saw a very posh looking place, then he had realized it was the poker club that he had gone with Jibbs to take the bounty on Riggs. His face went pale.
The place looked less lively, this could have something to do with the semi large population of gang members, inside and outside of the place. There were two gang members where the waiter/butler used to stand, before he was shot of course. They turned around, they were shocked at the sight of Honeybadger. Almost like they had seen a ghost, they yelped and pulled their guns and shot, surprised, Honeybadger ran to cover.
Honeybadger
"FUCK!"
He heard the two bandits mumbling
Bandit 1
"Fuck, that ain't him is it?"
Bandit 2
"Hopefully we won't have to find out, keep shooting"
The two bandits laid down suppressing fire.
Honeybadger searched his coat pocket for a gun, he found one. He wasn't really sure where he got it. The other one was his trusty modified Colt .45, he sighed as he saw it. He fired blindly, one of them went close enough that the bandits retreated to cover, Honeybadger then used that opportunity to leap out of cover and shoot through the flimsy cover that they were hiding under, he lowered his head and charged through as the bandits laid into him with gunfire.
Luckily one of the bandits had surfaced and Honeybadger had shot him through the heart, the other one, trying to hit something had almost grazed Honeybadger before he had shot him though the neck. Honeybadger had surfaced.
Honeybadger
*Sigh* Those two seemed startled, I don't remember messing with their gang. I doubt they belonged to Riggs, too inexperienced.
Honeybadger walked towards the bandits and looted their ammo, they were probably carrying that much to suffice for their lack of experience. He went through the tattered and looted facility until he got to the bar, he saw his bag where some of the booze was. Relieved, he started to exit with his long lost baggage. He assumed the bandits didn't want to loot it because there wasn't much of value. As he got toward the door he heard a loud voice on the other side of the door.
Bandit Leader
"HONEY! I KNOW YOUR IN THERE! COME OUT AND FACE ME LIKE A MAN!"
Honeybadger had sighed and walked out of the door, he was greeted by a man in a long duster coat with bandoleer and dirty face and beard. His hair was greasy and so was every piece of skin showing. Once he saw Honeybadger he spat at the ground, he was acompanied by similar looking bandits (hygiene wise) that wore vests. All of them were packing heat.
Honeybadger had a bored expression that most people who just didn't give a fuck had.
Honeybadger
"What do you want?"
Bandit Leader
"I want you to pay for the lives of my men that you killed a week ago."
Honeybadger had a very confused look as to his memory he had only killed two
Honeybadger
"What do you mean? I only killed two... Now."
The Bandit Leader now looked pissed, if he wasn't going to shoot Honeybadger, his men were.
Bandit Leader
"Enough, I challenge you to a duel for the honor of the men you have slain."
Honeybadger sighed and dropped his bag, then slid his coat back so he could have clear access to his gun. The bandit leader had his hand ready, Honeybadger simply crossed his arms. The bandit leader stared Honeybadger down, He just rolled his eyes.
...
It was silence for a good 15 seconds before the Bandit Leader had pulled, Instead of pulling from his waist, Honeybadger pulled two guns from his rib holsters, one he shot at the sternum of the leader, whose bullet he had dodged by falling to his knees before he pulled the trigger. After the bullet had hit the Bandit leader, the bandits started to pull their guns.
Honeybadger used the other gun to shoot a nearby pipe spilling hot steam scolding one bandit and shortly blinding the other four. He then started to run the other direction. As he didn't have time to reload. He picked up his bag and bolted to a service ladder to the top of a building. The bandits were shooting at him but luckily the bullets his the scaffolding. He put the bag over his shoulder as he got to the top of the building and started to run, after a little while, the bandits started to follow
Honeybadger had pulled his gun and managed to hit two of the bandits, he hopped over rooftop to rooftop to try and reach the Saloon which he knew would be boring without him. As he hopped a building he was cut off by another bandit. Thinking quickly, he kicked a loose roof shingle into his face, while he was disoriented, he quickly ran up and drop kicked the bandit off the roof and onto an unsuspecting fruit stand. He continued to jump from building to building until he reached the saloon.
Unfortunately he got turned around and found his way back in the morning.
He thought it would be cool if he jumped through a window but Yiski had knowingly fortified it for a situation like that, so after he hit the walls of the saloon and plummeted to the ground, he had recovered his fall and pitter pattered his way to the front door of the saloon.
He walked up to the bar and sat down.
-Saloon, Present Day-
Honeybadger
"Johnny Riggs was a snake, but the man I killed a couple nights ago was unfortunately a kinsmen Matthew Riggs. Fuck, I gotta stop killing these guys and switch back to bounties, or get a job."
Honeybadger puts his hand in his hair. Tired.
-
-Narrator-
The Burning Skies was relatively normal tonight, if you could ever call it as such. Patrons came and went. Jun'ko and Lauren were fast making a good team out of serving and making drinks. Zill enjoyed the night with a few drinks, and a near fight with another patron over grabbing Jun'ko. He was lucky it didn't get to that though, as just keeping a straight face during the argument was hard given his condition.
The night wore on, patrons cleared out, and Yiski was still creating something in the back. Honeybadger tried to get back there once, but was quickly shoved out by Yiski. He ended up falling asleep on the couch.
Jun'ko paid Yiski (with Zill's money) to take the spare room, as Zill wasn't feeling up for walking back to the warehouse at this hour. They made it upstairs and both passed out.
BdrLine was still at the docks, and wouldn't be done till morning with his work. A fellow dockworker lent him a room for a few hours sleep.
Lauren and Yiski went up after the saloon was clean and his creation was done. The morning would be interesting for everyone, as something new was brewin'.
-End Narrator-
--End Day 108--
-
--START OF DAY 109--
--NARRATOR--
Before sunrise, Yiski checked on his newest three brews. Each one was fermenting nicely and it would be around mid-afternoon before they were ready to serve. Thinking about the afternoon also reminded Yiski that Ny-Lee and Roland were to arrive. He grinned mostly because they weren't here for the horrid affair with the invasion.
Suddenly, Yiski was hugged from behind by Lauren. He turned to kiss Lauren and the two said their 'good mornings.'
Lauren
"How do you think these will turn out?"
Yiski
"Until I get a few willin' participants to try them... no clue."
An hour passes for getting the saloon ready to open and to keep checking the stills. Before opening, Jun'ko and Zill came downstairs. Zill still having difficulty moving. Yiski sighs.
Yiski
"Shouldn't you be back at the hospital? I think I can see a few metal bits stickin' out."
Zill
"I'll manage." *Getting a stern glare from Jun'ko* *sighing* "Fine. I'll get the remaining bits removed. For you."
Jun'ko
"We'll be back later! Oh... and if we're not back when Ny and Roland get back, come get us!"
Lauren
"Will do Jun."
With that, Jun'ko and Zill head out for the nearest triage for a little shrapnel removal.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Triage Center-
Zill and Jun'ko walked into the triage. The front receptionist immediately recognized Zill.
Receptionist
"Finally tired of the pain?"
Zill
"How did you...?"
The receptionist points to a bulletin board. On it was Zill, with a notice that he left without complete treatment. His head sank and Jun'ko just giggled. He went to the back and a was given a room. Zill gave the book to Jun'ko for safe keeping before the doctor arrived.
Doctor
"The removal won't be great, but it's better than leaving it in there."
Zill
"Do what you need to. I'm not staying after though."
Both the doctor and Jun'ko sighed.
-
-Saloon-
Honeybadger awoke to the smell of fermenting Liquor.
Honeybadger
"Mmmm, Morning Yiski. *Yawn*"
Honeybadger sits up on the couch and grabs his shoulder, he knew grabbing it wouldn't stop the pain but it felt pretty good after doing it.
Honeybadger sees the two submachine guns he slept with last night.
Honeybadger
Well hello ladies...
-
Yiski walks out into the main floor to see Honeybadger getting up.
Yiski
"As I told Zill before he left, you might want to get yourself check out too. The last thing I want is to increase the number of people bleedin' inside my saloon."
Lauren
"Yiski, I think I'm going to head over to the docks."
Yiski
"Now? Ny and Roland still have a few hours."
Lauren
"I know, but it's been a while since I've just flown."
Lauren puts on her best sad puppy face to Yiski. While he could have easily resisted, he thought she could some fast flying.
Yiski
*sigh* "Alright, you can take Kyllo out for a few laps. She should be the second to last pier."
Lauren
"No worries. You know I'll be safe."
Lauren then bolts out of the saloon full speed to the docks. Yiski sighed, but he knew her place was in the skies.
-
-Saloon-
Honeybadger looks at Yiski annoyed.
Honeybadger
"I got myself checked out, then I had too shoot myself out of the Hospital. In fact I got these submachine guns from Zills flower vase."
Honeybadger unloads the submachine guns, strips them and walks over to his bag to put them away.
-
After thanking Tommy for letting him stay at his aparmemt for the night after working the whole day yesterday, BdrLine decides that he should take a break and heads over to the saloon.
--Saloon--
Few minutes of walking and he is in front of the building. He goes through the door and notices a new smell in the air. BdrLine walks towards the bar, nods to Honeybadger, and takes a seat at the bar where Yiski is.
"Hey Yiski, got any reports of Yeshan or Baron ships in? The ones I called to help support the remaing ships here. And what new brews did you come up with now. I smelled them when I entered."
-
--Saloon--
Yiski also took a deep whiff of the brews from the back before looking back to BdrLine.
Yiski
"I think some of the Baron ships are comin' in tomorrow and the Yeshan ships should be here in a few hours. As far as the brews goes, you know I can't name them till some tastes them.
The idea of BdrLine taste testing brought shivers down his spine.
--Around the Skies of Anvala--
Lauren was zipping around the plains east of Anvala in Yiski's squid Kyllo. While many crewmen with were used to the typical squid pilot using kerosene or moonshine, Lauren had her own brew (with Yiski's help many years ago) which triples engine output with a little more damage to the engines. Couple that with her tendencies to pull insane and suicidal maneuvers, would make any veteran crewman turn white from fear. On the other hand, Lauren was loving it.
Lauren
"What's the matter boys? Never been this close to the ground in a squid this fast? Ha!"
-
-Triage-
Annoyingly to Jun'ko, the doctors made her leave for the procedure. She waited in the main lobby for him to come out, complaining about doctors or something to that effect. The thought made her grin. Instead though, the doctor came out to see her and sat down.
Doctor
"We got the shrapnel out, but there were complications."
Jun'ko
"Oh no..."
Doctor
"The areas around the shrapnel had gotten infected, so we removed the tissue. He has refused any synthetic or metal implants to replace what is lost of his torso. We figured maybe you could talk to him and see if you could convince him."
The doctor offered his hand and she got up and followed him back. Jun'ko knew she wouldn't change his mind. They got to the room and Zill was sedated. Jun'ko saw the gaping hole in his left torso and cringed.
Jun'ko
"What will happen if you simply patch it up?"
Doctor
"Well, that left side will be noticeably smaller than the right. He will possibly need physical therapy to get used to it, and his internal organs will be much more vulnerable from that side. A simple....
Jun'ko
"Then patch it so we can go."
The doctor was shocked, and at that was rendered speechless. He stood there for a moment before getting to work.
-
--Saloon--
To Yiski
"Yeah, so far as for the two groups, my friend said that he got the mercenary guild out of Chang-ning and, you'll like this, the Baron ships and crew were part of the fleet you were in during that conflict."
The BdrLine looks at Yiski and sees a mischievous smile creeping on his face.
BdrLine
"Hold on, I now that face."
Yiski
"What, I don't know what you mean."
BdrLine
"Ohh don't give me that. Me here plus new brews equal taste tester. And for your answer nope not going to happen."
Yiski
"Come one BdrLine, what's the worst that can happen."
BdrLine
"Your last two brews made me go crazy and I had the runs for the whole day. Also when I saw Jun with the Bomb Sake, it knocked her out cold. Unless you get some other fool to try them, I'll pass. Hellfire, Frost Fire Ale, and maybe Clear Skies are enough for me now. ...Which reminds me, can I have a Hellfire?"
-
--Port Tar Barrel--
After a few hours of piloting like a madwoman, Lauren finally set Kyllo back in its pier. Her crew immediately hopped off and started kissing the ground, thankful they had survived. Lauren laughed.
As she walked through the port, she noticed a transport ship had docked and passengers were getting off. She then spotted Ny-Lee and Roland and a wide grin came across her face as she slowly started stalking them.
Roland
"They did not say if they were meeting us here, did they?"
Ny-Lee
"With how busy everyone usually is, it's probably best we head for the saloon."
Roland
"Right, then let u.... WOAH!!"
Roland was caught off-guard with a sudden hug from Lauren.
Lauren
"It's good to see you two!"
Ny-Lee
"Thank you, but I think it's best you let my husband breath a little."
Lauren let go of Roland who took a few breaths and looked at Lauren. She grinned and patted him on the back.
Roland
"It is good to see you to Lauren. Are you the only one here?"
Lauren
"Yup. Got done flying around a bit in Yiski's squid, but those crewmen don't know a thing about how to operate a high-speed squid. That and I don't want to be the first to try any one of his new brews."
Ny-Lee
*Giggles* "So he's made a few new brews. I wonder if my poor brother will be his guinea pig?"
Lauren
"Ooo! Let's go find out."
And the three set out for the saloon.
--Saloon--
Meanwhile, Yiski and BdrLine were still arguing over taste testing.
Yiski
"So you didn't react well to the Wild Wind. That's two unusual brews out of what... six? Odds are in your favor."
BdrLine
"By those odds, that just means one of the three new brews will drive me up the wall. Again, no thanks."
Yiski
"Spoil sport."
BdrLine
"Why don't you try it first?"
Yiski
"Well, I'm clearly leanin' to say they're good if I try them."
Thirty minutes pass by as the two continue to argue when Lauren, Ny-Lee, and Roland enter. Yiski sees them and walks up to Roland and give him a firm handshake followed by a hug for Ny-Lee. Afterwards, BdrLine give his little sister a hug.
Yiski
"So how did you two enjoy your honeymoon and sorry you had to cut it short because of us."
Ny-Lee
"It was wonderful. Cathedral is so much larger than Anvala."
Roland
"Even if we did stay the entire time, that just means something to go back to later, right love?"
Ny-Lee leans in and kisses Roland.
Roland
"So what is it I hear about new brews Yiski?"
Yiski
"Yeah, got some inspiration and made three, but nobody wants to try them."
Ny-Lee
"Well after the Wild Wind incidents, I don't blame them. What did you brew this time?"
Yiski
"Two beers and one whiskey."
Ny-Lee
*Looking at her husband* "You feeling adventurous?"
Roland puts his gaze toward the back with a slight nervous expression.
Roland
"Why not."
Yiski
"Perfect. I'll let you try the beers first."
Ny-Lee and Roland sit at the bar while Yiski heads to the back and gets a mug of each beer. He comes back out and hands the couple two mugs. One beer has a tan color with a tan head. The other beer was pitch black with a white head. Roland took the black beer and Ny-Lee took the tan. The two looked at each other and at their beers before clinking them and having a taste.
Ny-Lee's tan beer seemed to go smoothly for her, but Roland could only take a few sips before putting down his mug.
Roland
"Wow, that is bitter and heavy. The taste also lingers a bit. How is yours dear?"
Ny-Lee
"The flavor is smooth and light, but is a bit rough going down. It's good though."
The two switch and try each others beer and came to the same conclusion. Yiski had a wide grin across his face.
Yiski
"I think I'll call the tan beer Desert Storm Pale and the black beer Tar Cloud Stout."
Lauren
"Pretty apt names for those beers."
Roland
"What about the whiskey?"
Yiski
"Maybe I'll get Jun'ko to try it." *Looks at BdrLine* "Unless you want to man up and try it."
-
-Saloon-
Honeybadger stirs on the couch and looks up at Roland and Ny-Lee
Honeybadger
"Well hello you two."
Honeybadger sits up on the couch, his jacket is still red from blood, he scratches his head.
Honeybadger
"How was your trip?"
-
--Saloon--
Ny-Lee and Roland turns to Honeybadger to tell him about their trip, but was stop short at the sight of him. Both turn to Yiski to ask what happen, and Yiski wore a face that said it was his own doing and that maybe he will tell them later. The two of the shrugs it off and face Honeybadger again.
Ny-Lee
"Our trip was lovely, Cathedral is a majestic city to be in."
Roland
"Far big to explore during our stay."
From the counter, BdrLine hears Badger and a thought goes through his mind. He gets up and goes to the couch and puts an arm around him.
BdrLine
"Say there Badger, I bet that you feel some pain on you right? Well you see Yiski here has made a new brew and I think it will make you feel much better."
-
Honeybadger turns to Bdr.
Honeybadger
"Might as well. You know Bdr, in my hometown a man who wouldn't try a drink is refered to as 'Kleine Muschi Ficken'."
Honeybadger has some trouble getting up but eventually does to pat BdrLine on the back while he was saying that, and came over to Yiski to try the new brew.
Honeybadger
"Alright Yiski, let's see what you've had cooking hmm?"
He looks like he had forgotten he had been shot.
-
BdrLine just rolls his eyes and goes over and sits next to Honeybadger. On the way he says mentally.
Verpiss dich. Badger don't assume that I didn't know what you meant. Good thing I remembered some of those phrases.
To Yiski
"You know what, I'll try one as well."
-
Honeybadger smiles as he approaches the bar with a smile as Bdr follows intently
Honeybadger
This'll be great
Out of sight Honeybadger puts on a devilish smile suspiciously.
-
Yiski
"So BdrLine, you want to try the beers or do you wanna test out the whiskey?"
As Yiski waits for BdrLine to answer...
Lauren
"Give me one Tar Cloud Stout."
Yiski hands the beer to Lauren. She takes a large gulp and shakes her face.
Lauren
"Ooh. This has got a bite to it, but I like it!"
-
Honeybadger sits down at the bar near Yiski
Honeybadger
"I'd like to test both if the question pertains to me as well."
Honeybadger leans back on the chair
-
--Saloon--
Sky walks into the saloon, and sits down.
Sky
"Good morrow to all of you. My apologies for not being here these last few days. I've had.... difficulties with trying to recover my plane. I've had to go find another engine and fuselage since the crash land destroyed any working component sadly. Anything of interest happen lately?"
-
Honeybadger looks back to Skyraider and chuckles
Honeybadger
"Sounds like fun"
Honeybadger chuckled himself back to facing the bar still waiting for Yiski
Honeybadger
"I got shot, so that may have been interesting."
-
Seeing Honeybadger and his smile prompt BdrLine to think something of his own. Then it hits him.
To Honeybadger
"Let's make this a little interesting how say you. We both take shots of Yiski's mystery whiskey and place some coins on it huh? Lets say 20 gold?"
He notices Skyraider and face palmed at having crashing his plane.
"Really Sky? You know how long I spent on that engine alone?!? Gods, I'm guessing you still haven't found a replacement yet?"
-
-Triage-
A few hours pass, and the procedure is complete. Zill is kept sedated for another hour before before waking up. His blurry vision was accompanied by a strange feeling in his side, like something was missing. He ran his hand along the heavily bandaged area and realized it wasn't just a feeling. At first his mind raced, but he quickly calmed down, and accepted.
Zill
Least I'm still human...
He slowly got up, removing the IV from his arm. He stood up and immediately fell back down, knocking over some equipment and alarming the nurses. They came in and helped him up.
Lead Nurse
"Regardless of how much you will insist on leaving under your own power, you can't."
Zill
"Watch me."
Zill pushed the nurses off, and fell back down. This time the nurse left him there and spoke.
Lead Nurse
"About done?"
Zill
"The flak did you do to me?!?"
Lead Nurse
"We saved your life. It'll take awhile to learn your new balance, so just accept some help and get better. If not for you, than for your girlfriend out there. She's been out there all day."
Zill looked down. He sat there for a few minutes before offering a hand up for some help. Slowly, they made it out into the waiting area, where Jun'ko quickly jumped up and over to him. She smirked at his state.
Jun'ko
"You look worse than when you went in. Need some help my admiral?"
Zill
"No thanks to this wench. Get me outta here."
Jun'ko
"Oh be nice. She would have a fit if she knew where we were going."
The nurse just dropped him in her arms at that, and went off. They both laughed, and slowly made their way out toward the saloon.
-
Honeybadger smiled. He knew the Liquor he grew up with was way heavier than anything Yiski could throw at him.
Honeybadger
"Alright Bdr, your on." Last time I drank against a Yeshan he coughed on beer...
Honeybadger was anticipating this now
(OOC: Yiski I'm going to be gone for an hour so you govern this please.)
-
Sky handed Bdrline a picture, it showed a plane flat on the ground, landing gear broken, but everything else intact.
Sky
"I didn't tell anyone. But when I had about 5 planes on my tail, I took damage and had to land. Its not like I could repair it mid-air, and right when I landed, I had one of those things land on my wing. It was either letting him kill me and my gunner or use a building as a fly swatter. I was lucky to only lose an engine, and not an entire wing or my life."
Sky took a deep breath and laughed. He tossed a coin to BdrLine.
Sky
"Well thanks for the engine, it isn't much but its better than nothing. And I'm actually making another plane with two engines since I'd get a little bit more power. And no. I don't need to borrow one from anyone."
-
Yiski
"Seeing as you're feelin' brave, how about tryin' my new whiskey?"
Honeybadger turned to the others who were shaking their heads in attempt to save him. He ignored it.
Honeybadger
"I did survive a 'duel'. Give it to me!"
Yiski served Honeybadger a shot of the new whiskey. While half of the whiskey was clear, the other half was black on the bottom on the glass.
Lauren
"Is the black supposed to be there?"
Yiski
"Yup."
Honeybadger shrugged and downed the shot immediately. For the first few moments, he was fine and shrugged again.
Yiski
"See BdrLine, I don't know why you got so worked up. The whiskey is fine." *Turning to Honeybadger* "So how is it?"
Honeybadger
"Well, it's a little bitter like rye whiskey. There's a hint of citrus, and ... ... ..."
BdrLine
"And?"
Honeybadger just sat at the bar, not moving either his body or his mouth. Yiski waved his hand in front of Honeybadger's face, but he didn't get so much as a blink from Honeybadger. BdrLine then tapped Honeybadger on the shoulder. Suddenly, Honeybadger started to fall, but Roland caught him. Oddly enough, Honeybadger's body was catatonic and was still set as if he was still sitting.
BdrLine and Roland placed him on the couch, attempted, and successfully straighten out Honeybadger's body. All (movable) eyes the went to Yiski.
BdrLine
"See I told you one of those brews would have some sort of effect!"
Yiski
"So two out of three is still good." *Placing his hand on his chin* "Now what to call this... how about Loch Out Shot?"
Roland
"Is it made from lochnagar powder?"
Yiski
"About fifty percent. That's why the bottom half is black."
BdrLine
"Are you trying to kill us?"
Yiski
"Lethal dose of lochnagar powder is fifteen grams per kilogram. Meaning if the average person is seventy-seven kilos then it takes roughly 1.2 kilograms to kill a man. Each shot only contains eight grams."
BdrLine
"That doesn't make me feel any better."
Yiski
"It should. It means you won't die."
Lauren
"Yiski, I think the point is not to end up like that." *Pointing to Honeybadger*
Yiski
"Meh. Give him an hour or so and he'll be fine."
-
Honeybadger manages to mumble something out, while half assedly pointing to BdrLine
Honeybadger
"P... P... Pussy..."
It was as if that was his last word. Before he fell unconscious with a wide smile and started to snore loudly.
He rolled his torso to the back cushions of the couch while leaving his arms limp.
-
--NARRATOR--
The night went on more lively. Most of the night was spent by Ny-Lee and Roland showing the group pictures and telling stories of their honeymoon in Cathedral. Yiski laughed at the story of Roland trying to make his own little inventions and concoctions.
The remainder of the night was spent dodging questions asked by the two of what exactly happened almost a week ago. The two also expressed concern with Zill's condition. Yiski and the others did their best to quiet their fears, though it kind of failed when the young newlyweds were told of Oliver's passing. Roland decided tomorrow morning him and his wife would visit his grave site to pay their respects.
Other than the grim side note, everyone enjoyed the two new beers brewed. Everyone avoided the Loch Out Shot seeing as Honeybadger still hadn't moved. Yiski walked over with a Clear Skies and poured it down Honeybadger's mouth with a funnel. If it worked, Yiski was a few steps closer to selling Clear Skies as a illness remedy.
When closing came, Yiski locked the door and placed a blanket over Honeybadger. Lauren and Yiski went to their back room. BdrLine, Ny-Lee, and Roland had gone upstairs.
While Lauren and Yiski would sleep well, BdrLine would be kept up with certain sounds coming from the room across.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 109--
-
--START OF DAY 110--
--NARRATOR--
Lauren, Yiski, Ny-Lee, Roland, and BdrLine all woke up roughly at the same time. By the time BdrLine and the newlyweds were downstairs, they noticed the saloon was ready to open. Each also took a look at Honeybadger who was still out cold. The good news was his body wasn't catatonic anymore. The bad news was he was still out cold.
Yiski
"So how did you sleep?"
BdrLine
*Yawn* "Would be better if certain sounds didn't keep me awake. Almost tempted to take a Loch Out Shot to forget it."
Yiski looked at the newlyweds who were blushing. Yiski chuckled.
Yiski
"If you two keep this up, then can I expect to be a grandfather soon?"
If their blushes weren't red already, it now became as red as a brightly burning flamethrower. Lauren laughed.
Lauren
"Oh! Would that make me a grandaunt?"
Yiski
"I suppose it would... right now."
Lauren turned to Yiski with an curious look. She wanted to ask what he just said under his breath. However, Jun'ko and Zill entered the saloon. Zill had his arm hung over Jun'ko's shoulder and it looked like she was bearing most of his weight. Roland ran over to help Jun'ko place Zill in a chair.
Zill
"Mmm... morning. Good to see you back Roland, Ny-Lee."
Roland
"Heavens, what happened to you?!"
Jun'ko
"Let's say the usual."
Roland simply nods, realizing it may be awhile before he or his wife gets the full picture of those events.
Yiski
"I'm surprised you even made it this far in your condition."
Jun'ko
"Well we wanted to get here last night, but we had to stop at another triage overnight."
Zill
"Flak. I swear if another doctor or nurse approaches me, I'll dangle them behind my engines with tar running." *Turning to Yiski* "Anyways, bring me a Hellfire."
Yiski
"Skies, you know I can't serve you hard alcohol in your condition. Instead try this, you'll probably like it."
Yiski hands Zill a glass of Tar Cloud Stout. Zill stares at the black brew for a bit and takes a gulp of it.
Zill
"Not bad. What's this called?"
Yiski
"Tar Cloud Stout. I've also got Desert Storm Pale and a Loch Out Shot."
Jun'ko
"Loch Out Shot?"
BdrLine
"Yeah, you'll want to avoid that one. If Honeybadger was conscious, he'd tell you that."
Jun'ko nodded and Zill kept drinking.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Saloon-
Zill drank his Tar Cloud Stout rather quickly. After past events, who could blame him? Jun'ko even ordered his second round. Yiski just shook his head and obliged.
Zill gripped his side occasionally, the healing was slow and he really should still be at a triage, but that wasn't going to happen without casualties.
Jun'ko
"So when are you going to do your physical therapy?"
Zill
"When doctors serve beer."
Yiski
"Skies above, you need physical therapy??"
Zill
"I need to stand up."
Zill tried to on his own power with no success. He then sighed and looked around the room. The frustration was building but he simply bottled it up. Yiski came over with another mug of beer and looked at his side. Zill made sure the fact it was literally gone was well hidden, but Yiski gathered it wasn't right.
Yiski
"One of these days you aren't going to be able to just "get patched up."
Zill
"You sound like Jun'ko."
Yiski
"And you sound like a stubborn ass."
Zill just looked at him through his goggles. He knew he couldn't go on like this, but in his mind, the choice wasn't there. If he didn't do what he had that night, someone wouldn't of survived, be it the city, his crew, or even him. Frankly, he wasn't out to discuss it either. He just sat and prayed someone would change the subject.
-
*Lockheart briskly walked into the bar with a massive smile on his face, and both of his arms swinging freely at his side now.*
Lockheart
"Hello all!. What brings me here so early you may ask?"
*Takes a seat at the bar*
Lockheart
"Yesterday while i was having my arm given final checks, i could smell you had either been brewing something new. Or had something new. So what you got for me to ,most likely pass out on the first sip, on?"
*Nods to BdrLine,Zill and the rest of the people in the bar before pulling out his pipe again*
-
-Saloon-
Zill nods to Lockheart.
Zill
"I'd go the beers before the whiskey. Apparently Honeybadger couldn't handle it."
He motions to the couch where Honeybadger lay. Lockheart cringes at the sight.
Jun'ko pulled up a chair next to Zill and sat down, enjoying her beer. It almost felt normal now with everyone around.
-
Honeybadger rolls around on the couch and stretches his arms, feeling sufficiently nauseous he decided to sit up on the couch.
Honeybadger
"Mmmm, Morning."
Honeybadger slowly stands up and walks over to the bar. Then he realized he wasn't wearing any pants.
Honeybadger
*Looking down* "Oh crap..."
Honeybadger walks back to the couch and akwardly puts on his pants until he fell onto the floor, still frantically trying to put his pants on.
Honeybadger
"Piece of shit..."
He said while he was frantically trying to get his pants over his legs.
At this point he had bumped into more than one object so most of the patrons glanced over at him. Eventually he got his pants on and stood up to walk over to the bar.
Honeybadger
"Yiski, you mind if I use the radio in the back? I have to reach my friend in the Baronies."
-
BdrLine nods to Lockheart as he goes over to them.
BdrLine
"Yeah I'll go with Zill. Don't trust the new whiskey."
Everyone gives a few sneers and side glances at Honeybadger as he tries to put on his pants. After this brief break of comedic relief, a man enters. He has sand ridden clothes that has some Yeshan oriental feel to them. Covering his face are a pair of goggles over his eyes and a scarf hiding the rest of his face. He approach the bar cautiously and removes his goggles and scarf.
Man
"Hello, I was wondering if you can help me find a friend. He's about yet high, A Yeshan like myself, and maybe a bit looney in the head."
BdrLine, recognising the voice turns to the man.
BdrLine
"Hey, even if my ideas are crazy I am perfectly sane. Where did you get the idea that I was looney eh Niko."
Niko turn around and sees BdrLine. Happy that he found the right place, he goes up and place an arm around him.
Niko
"Hey that just from observations when we were little. *laughs* Still don't know how we got out when we released those bulls back in the market."
BdrLine
"Yeah those were the times. Any ways, so you and your cousin are here with the mercenary ships?"
Niko
"Yeah, we brought a galleon, two junkers, and two pyramidions. But even if he is family, he's still a merc if you know what I mean."
BdrLine
"I know, I'll pay him. I have money left over so don't you worry."
Niko
"Also, when I got here, I saw some old Baron ships entering as well. Had old military markings and I assume are decommissioned ships from their Sky Fleet."
BdrLine
"Ahh they are here as well. *To Zill* Hey Zill, now we don't have to worry about being undermanned for awhile. And I think you and Yiski should head over to meet them, most of them are old friends of yours during back in the conflict."
-
*Smirks at honeybadger as he stumbles and falls*
Lockheart
"Rough night Honeybadger?"
*Turns to Yiski*
Lockheart
"Ill start with the weakest of the new brews... and try to work my way up from there"
-
Honeybadger yawns and turns to BdrLine
Honeybadger
"Who's your friend and what does he need?"
Honeybadger turned the chair around and lounged in it
-
Yiski makes Lockheart a mug of Desert Storm Pale.
Yiski
"If you're wantin' to go weakest to strongest with the new brews, you're gonna find a wide jump between second and first. You can ask Honeybadger all about the new whiskey."
Yiski makes himself a mug of the Pale and takes a gulp.
Lauren
"Isn't it usually bad to drink on the job?"
Yiski
"Not when the job involves drinkin'." *Turns to Honeybadger* "Go ahead and use the radio in the back, but don't touch anythin' else, or I'll pour the damn barrel of Loch Out down your throat."
-
-Saloon-
Zill drank his beer and gave a deadpan look at BdrLine, even with his mask.
Zill
"My mobility right now isn't exactly ideal. I'm sure they will find this place eventually. Niko did alright eh?"
Jun'ko
"I could help you over there again if you wanted to."
Zill
"Thank you babe, but you've earned a break. Arguably, I have too."
-
Honeybadger disregards BdrLine's friend without looking at him and proceeds to the back room. Once he sees the radio he sets it to Dylan's shop's frequency...
Honeybadger
"Dylan? It's Honey. I need you to come over with the Daft Dunk..."
The radio clicks
Dylan
"Are we getting ourselves into trouble again? Alright, when do you want it?"
Honeybadger takes a second to think
Honeybadger
"Uh, they'll probably come in a day. So I hope you can tow it here within a day."
Dylan
"Wait, Who's they?! Are you getting yourself into trouble again?"
Honeybadger
"I'll tell you when you get here."
Honeybadger starts to turn off the radio
Dylan
"I swear if you get yourself shot again I'm going to do it my self you son of a --"
Honeybadger had hung up and proceeded to go back to the bar.
-
BdrLine looks towards Zill and see his state.
*shaking his head*
"Sooner or later you may up like Paradox the way you are heading."
He then hears Honeybadger before he goes to the back.
"Well Niko here, he's been a friend and 'conspirator' of mine since we were kids. What ever crazy idea I've have, he'll follows."
Niko
"Yeah, and most of the time it usually ends up with us running from something. And we are fine, the other guys and I have the things we need."
Ny-Lee finally sees the Niko and silently goes up to behind him. She gets up and taps his shoulder.
Ny-Lee
"So you finally made it all the way here."
Niko surprised by the tap and the familiar voice that he stumbles forward a bit and turn around to see Ny-Lee
Niko
"Bdr your sister is still here?!?"
BdrLine
"Yeah why?"
Niko
"She still scares me after the day I told her you were here."
BdrLine looks at Ny-Lee who is chuckling to herself as she sits back down with Roland. He shakes his head and back to Niko.
BdrLine
"Well since you are here, Yiski how about two Desert Storm Pale."
When Badger come out, he remembers about yesterday and takes out and throws him a small coin pouch.
"Here Badger, 20 gold. I think it should compensate for you being knocked out by the whiskey. And say what you say, I rather go out not because of a drink."
-
Zill points his mug toward BdrLine.
Zill
"I'll be dead before I let myself turn into a mechanical nightmare. My face and now torso look like this for a reason. At least I can still be called human."
He sat looking at his mug, and Jun'ko looked at him. She didn't really know why, but had no issue supporting his decision to "stay human." Regardless, she was just glad he was alive. Now if only she could cheer him up...
Jun'ko
"Get up you. It's time to get you walking."
With the numbing from the beer, Zill managed to stand straight for a few moments before tipping over and needing Jun. He started walking around some, smacking into tables and chairs. He made one lap with Jun'ko's help before plopping back into his chair, and drinking.
Zill
"Oh good. At this rate, I'll be walking on my own around the time Roland and Ny have a family."
The couple look at each other and then quickly away. Jun'ko pushes Zill, which makes him fall out of his chair. He looks up at her, and can only start laughing. Soon, everyone else was too.
-
--Saloon--
While everyone was talking, Sky walked in and was confused by Zill being on the floor and everyone laughing.
Sky
"Good morrow everyone, I guess seeing Zill on the floor is very amusing... Speaking of which, Zill weren't you supposed to be a hospital?"
-
Honeybadger looks at Bdr with a coin purse and slowly begins to holster his pistol
Honeybadger
"Easiest 20 gold I've ever made I tell you what."
Honeybadger strolls to the couch and begins to dig in his bag and sit down on the couch.
He proceeded to do this for a good hour or two.
-
Trying to ignore the events Lockheart took a long swig of his ale and downed it. Before wiping his face with his arm.
Lockheart
"That wasn't too bad *Cough*"
"Lets see what else you got... Although im beginning to re-consider *Cough*"
*Smokes his pipe*
Lockheart
"Just give me a moment if you will"
-
BdrLine just waves him off and continues to talk with Niko. He overhears Skyraider and looks towards to Zill.
BdrLine
"He should be, but you know Zill. So Sky how's the new plane comein up?"
-
Sky sits down and explains his current state.
Sky
"I'm trying to put as many machine guns into the nose of the plane, the plane will be really slow so it can't out run a biplane. However it will take a huge beating and contain plenty of ammo, its kinda meant to be a heavy fighter. However its still in the development stage."
-
Yiski hands BdrLine two Desert Storm Pales. He then looks to Zill.
Yiski
"Who's to say those two already aren't a few days in?"
This causes BdrLine to do a spit take and look at his sister carefully, specifically her stomach. Ny-Lee returns the look with an annoyance glare.
Ny-Lee
"If you're wondering, no I'm not."
Lauren
*Giving a sly grin* "Not from a lack of trying I hope."
Roland
"Auntie! Of course..."
Just before Roland was going to say something which he would've regretted, his wife quickly covered his mouth with her hand.
Ny-Lee
"Love, I don't think the entire saloon needs to know."
Roland
*Blushing* "Heh... you are right." *Whispering in her ear* "Good save."
-
Lockheart exhales several small puffs of smoke before turning to Yiski.
Lockheart
" I think I shall stick with what I know, one hellfire if you would.... Especially after what happened to him "* points to Honeybadger with his pipe*
Lockheart
"I'll be heading to Chaladon again shortly, on the important matter of getting my wife home safely. If the cities defence still needs a further bolstering then now is the time to tell me. I may be able to rope a few ships over."
-
--Narrator--
The night goes on as Yiski's newest brews are a hit to the many regulars that come. Eventually, and as Zill said, the group of old Barons that came to help support the city finally found the saloon. The majority of them are old friends of Zill and Yiski when they spent their time in the Baron Militaries and they spend the night recalling stories of theirs.
Niko and BdrLine are seen talking to each other as they catch up on their latest misadventures. While Honeybadger finally found what he was searching for in his bag, his old deck of cards. He goes over to a table and starts to deal himself a solitaire game. Roland and Ny-Lee spends the remaing time with Jun'ko and Lauren as they recount their time spent in Cathedral. Off in a corner booth, Skyraider has a mug of Hellfire in front of him as he scribbles down notes and designs to improve on his new plane.
Around midnight, everyone decides to call it a night as many patrons leaves for their homes.
End Of Narration
--End of Day 110--
-
This here be the reason I never stay in port long. These here drinks sour my stomach more then a galleon commin to bear her guns.
-
--START OF DAY 111--
--NARRATOR--
Yiski woke up in a very groggy state as did Lauren. After closing, Yiski, Zill, and their friends from the Baronies all shared stories of their lives since Yiski and Zill relocated to Anvala. In order to get through all the stories, it required a lot of alcohol and the group went through mugs of Hellfire, its cousins, and the two beers. By the time the group had finished, it was 4 am and they were effectively passed out. Lauren had to carry Yiski to bed. Ny-Lee and Roland helped BdrLine and Niko to a nearby inn. Jun'ko carried Zill upstairs of the saloon. The Baronies friends all slept passed out on the floor.
When Yiski got to the main floor, he saw two things. First, his Baronies buddies still on the floor. Second, Ny-Lee and Roland attempting to clean the saloon without waking the buddies.
Roland
"Sleep well?"
Before answering, Yiski went to the bar and made a couple of mugs Clear Skies. One for himself and the rest for everybody who needs it. Yiski took his drink and downed it in one gulp. Roland sighs.
Roland
"That answers my question."
Soon Lauren came out and had a Clear Skies as did Jun'ko and Zill. In another hour, the Baronies friends woke up off the floor and also had their Clear Skies.
Roy
"Woah... the hell do you put in your drinks? Been a while since any of us had stuff this strong."
Yiski
"Because the strong stuff was made by me."
Roy
"Oh yeah."
The group laughed and in another hour, the saloon was ready and open.
--NARRATOR END--
-
Honeybadger walks into the saloon with a new suit. He figured since the other one was stained in blood and sweat, might as well buy a new one. He wore a grey great coat, his cleaned grey derby hat, a new pair of grey trousers, and brand new brown leather holsters that housed his two engraved and finished Colt .45
He takes his seat at the bar and nods at the many Barons who are sitting at the tables and bars.
Honeybadger
"Good morning Yiski."
Honeybadger scratched his nose, semi tired. He had been up late drinking and he hasn't stopped, he pulled a flask out from his coat pocket and puts it on the counter.
Honeybadger
"Whiskey please."
He puts a small amount of coin on the table
-
Yiski
"Now I'm sure I don't have to ask, but do you want standard whiskey, or do you want have another Loch Out Shot?"
-
The sight was a familiar one, even though he hadn't seen it for a long time. The building had undergone many changes, that much was obvious, but the feel of the place was the same. Strong, indomitable, certainly nothing to be messed with.
Sound came from within, the usual chatter, laughter and coughing after drinking one of Yiski's brews.
Chuckling to himself he slowly opened the door. Through his plague doctors mask he saw many old and new faces, smelt the familiar tang of the ever so dangerous brews. He walked up to the bar smiling under his mask, it felt good to be back, it had been far to long.
Qwerty
"Greetings Yiski, Roland, been a while"
-
Yiski
"Now look what the dust storm brought in. Skies, it's been a long while. The hell have you been up to lately."
Yiski made a Hellfire and handed it to Qwerty.
Roland
"It is certainly good to see you again."
-
Qwerty
"Oh been here and there, found myself an interesting little project to take a break from medicine, and been travelling"
He downs the drink in one go, a slight cough resulting from that stupid act. He turns to the newcomers in the bar.
"Pleasure to meet you all, the names Qwerty"
-
Zill was making his way downstairs, and fell about halfway down. He landed into a table with a crash. Sitting on the ground, he addressed the crowd.
Zill
"Oi Qwerty, the one doctor that I wouldn't tar and feather for amusement. Good to see you in one piece."
Jun'ko helped him up and into a chair. She just grinned at Yiski as she too sat down.
-
Lockheart walked into the saloon with Cecelia on his arm.
Lockheart
"Good day al...."
*Staggers back*
Lockheart
"Qwerty?, Skies its been a while... how are you?, Im still perfecting that harpoon tactic you know"
*Continues walking up to the bar and takes a seat*
Lockheart
"2 hellfi *Wince*"
*Cecelia had punched Lockheart in the stomach*
Lockheart
"Make that one Hellfire and a glass of water if you got it"
Cecelia
"Thats more like it Julius."
Lockheart
"Apparently so..."
*Lockheart gives a quick kiss to Cecelia on the cheek*
-
--Saloon--
One of the next few people to enter the saloon was Skyraider. He'd been working tirelessly on his new plane, but little progress was made.
Sky
"Good morrow everyone. I assume at least some of you have gotten some sleep."
While he sat down, he saw Qwerty, Zill, Yiski, and everyone else in the saloon.
Sky
"Hello Zill and...... who are you again?"
Sky points to Qwerty for a second.
-
Qwerty
"Ah lockheart, your more likely to kill yourself with that tactic then make it work, though it's always good to know your still as deluded as ever"
Qwerty turns to skyraider
"Qwerty, the doctor? I disappeared for a while"
-
Yiski hands a Clear Skies to Zill, a Hellfire to Jun'ko, a water for Lockheart, and a Hellfire for Cecelia.
Yiski
"So Lockheart, how you holdin' up?"
Lauren
"Yiski, I think we're running low again on supplies."
Yiski
"I know. Hopefully, the stall are fully restocked." *Turning to Roy* "So how long you and the fellas gonna stay?"
Roy
"Don't know to be honest. We just got orders to hang around here for awhile. Why is there raid pending?"
Yiski
"Not anymore I hope. With radio comms back at full range, there's been no word on any nearby fleets."
Roy
"Hmm... well if things are quiet for another few days, we'll probably head back."
Yiski
"Isn't it usually s.o.p. to head back after two days? I know it hasn't changed since I've left."
Roy
"It hasn't, but can you blame a guy and his tiny fleet for wanting to get a few vacation days?"
The two laughed.
Yiski
"I suppose not."
-
*takes a gulp of his hellfire, and watches Cecelia grimace at her Hellfire before turning to Yiski.*
Lockheart
" I'm holding up just fine, my main worry is getting miss ill never touch a ale in my life back to chaladon. But like i said yesterday"
*looks at both Zill and Yiski*
Lockheart
" I may be able to rope a few ships in if the cities defence still needs bolstering"
* takes another gulp of his hellfire before turning to Cecelia*
Lockheart
" At least have one drink. Im sure you'll love it."
Cecelia
"Nope, dream on"
Lockheart
"Not after technically saving your life when the guild attacked a few days before?"
Cecelia
"*sigh*Fine, ill do it for that reason only."
* Cecelia picks up her mug and looks at if for a second before downing it completely, then coughing after*
Cecelia
" What the hell is in that??!!"
Lockheart
"I'm not too sure you want to know..."
Cecelia
"*cough* that's not actually too bad. Another if you please."
-
Honeybadger turns to the Barons after not doing much of anything all day.
Honeybadger
"I assume you are from the Baronies."
They look toward Honeybadger and nod yes
Honeybadger
"Well then, Willkommen in der Scheiße Loch!"
They share a good laugh before Honeybadger breaks in
Honeybadger
"So tell me, have you ever heard of the Riggs family?"
They look at each other and then back to Honeybadger
Baron 1
"Ja, they are a very infamous crime family. Why?"
Honeybadger smiled
Honeybadger
"I'm glad you asked, because years and years ago that family swore revenge on me."
They all looked surprised and then started to laugh
Baron 2
"Ha, there is no way that happened, you would be dead."
They continued to laugh until Honeybadger reaches into the bag besides him and pulls out Jay Riggs' scarlet revolver. The thing about this gun was that nobody thought it existed, when Jay passed, nobody ever found the gun. The gun was said to have belonged to the devil himself and that after Jay had passed, Satan came to take back his property. What people didn't know was that Honeybadger got it before people knew Jay was dead.
Honeybadger
"I trust you know what this is?"
The men look absentmindedly at the revolver, like their brains had been wiped. They looked up to Honeybadger.
Baron 3
"How in the world did you get your hands on that?"
Honeybadger gave a grin
Honeybadger
"Jay was fast, I was faster."
Baron 1
"Right but, how did you even get close to him?
At this point they had all leaned in on Honeybadger he looked at them and smiled
Honeybadger
"I would tell you but I'm very thirsty. Maybe if you get me a whiskey I'll think about telling you how I got this relic."
The barons were very quick to get Honeybadger a drink as they walked up to Yiski, dropped the money on the counter and got a bottle of whiskey.
Honeybadger took a sip.
Honeybadger
"Alright, lets see. Like most stories, this one began with a woman..."
-
BdrLine walks through the doors and sees the many people inside. He walks towards the bar while walking out of the path of patrons.
"Wow Yiski, did you guys had an all nighter here? I mean, I know all of you are close but Gods."
Ny-Lee rolls her eyes and goes to her brother.
Ny-Lee
"You should had seen it this mourning, all schattered around the place. So where's Niko and need anything brother."
BdrLine
"Yeah can I get a Desert Storm Pale. And for Niko, he is with his cousin and the other guys checking their ships. Apparently the sandstorm they went through messed with some of their systems."
Ny-Lee
"Aren't you good working on ships? How come you're not with them."
BdrLine
"Niko told me not to bother, and that they got it.
Ny-Lee
"Alright then."
She goes and makes a DSP for her brother and hands it to him. She overhears Yiski and Lauren talking about the low supplies that she goes over to them.
Ny-Lee
"Yiski, if you guys are low, Roland and I can go and buy some more if you like."
As BdrLine takes his drink, he glances over and sees a familier doctor mask. He looks over and sees Qwerty.
BdrLine
"By the Gods, is it that who I think that is? ... Yes it is, Qwerty has it been."
-
--NARRATOR--
Yiski
"That's sweet of you Ny, but I'm a bit particular when it comes to my ingredients."
Roland
"Yes, I can remember the first time you sent me to get supplies. You almost took my head off."
Yiski
*Scratching his head* "Yeah, I can get a bit zealous when it comes to my brewin'."
The night carried on much as it had the past few nights, but with a significant less amount of heavy drinking. While a repeat of last night would be fun, they didn't want to go through the massive hangover in the morning. Sure, Clear Skies would solve the problem instantly, but the group didn't want to go through the effort of getting such a hangover.
Qwerty managed to slip out without drawing too much attention. When the group realized he was gone, they figured he'd set off for another trip of sorts.
Before closing, Honeybadger shared many of his stories with the Roy and the other Baronies. By the time closing did come, Roy and his crew set off for their ships for the night. Honeybadger also left.
Jun'ko, Zill, Ny-Lee, and Roland headed upstairs for their respective rooms. BdrLine kind of looked at Yiski awkwardly.
Yiski
"Sorry, you'll have to find somewhere else to sleep till your place is fixed."
With his head hung low, BdrLine and Niko left for a local inn.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 111--
-
--START OF DAY 112--
--NARRATOR--
Yiski headed out early to get supplies. He stopped by various stall which were located in both the City Center and the newly formed Trading District in the Eastern District. It would normally take Yiski a little over an hour to get the necessary supplies, but because of the new Trading District, Yiski had to travel further. The silver lining to this was there were more shops and vendors meaning more goods.
Already two hours in shopping, Yiski was in the Trading District (play this for ambiance http://tinyurl.com/l8a2jt7). He had gotten so many new goods, Yiski actually had to use a cart in order to take everything he bought. With everything at peace, almost rebuilt and repaired, Yiski hummed a cheerful tone to himself as he started back for the saloon.
As he entered the Western District, the morning sun was bright and full with no clouds in the skies. As he saw the saloon come into view from down the street, he felt something against the back of his head. Then all went black.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Saloon-
Zill woke up with a pain in his side. It had been happening frequently after the shrapnel removal. This time he decided to just get up and ready. Jun'ko grumbled something and rolled over. It was much too early for her it seemed.
Zill slowly made his way downstairs, realizing Yiski wasn't there. He figured he went out for something and shrugged. Zill began having a coughing fit, and made his way outside to the fresh air. Staring at the clear sky was refreshing, but something caught his eye. A lone cart full of supplies.
Well that's odd...
Upon limping over to the cart and investigating the contents, he realized it was Yiski's.
...Flak
He "ran" as fast as he could and woke all the others. It didn't take them long to jump up and go investigate the cart.
Zill
"Lauren, did he say where he was going?"
Lauren
"I don't even remember him leaving. Who on Earth could want him now?! DAMMIT! I should of went with him..."
Jun'ko
"Hey now, getting mad isn't going to find him, and it's not your fault. We just need to be smart about it."
Roland
"Zill, look here."
On the ground was a very small and faint blood trail, leading toward the Port.
Zill
"I'll issue a silent search for him to the military. All of you head to the Port now and i'll catch up. I'll just slow you down anyway."
Despite Jun'ko's objections, they went off, and Zill called Yiski's lieutenant radio.
Zill
"I'm issuing a silent search for Striker Commander Yiski. Last known location was the Western District. All outbound traffic, both ground and air, are to be searched. If anyone questions the searches, give them a fake reason."
Lieutenant
"Yes Sir."
-
--Unknown Building--
Yiski could feel his head in pain and felt something oozing from it. He concentrated harder to shake off his daze. The oozing was blood. His blood. Yiski opened his eyes only to realize it was still dark and realized he was blindfolded. Yiski concentrated more to figure out his new predicament.
"Hmm... walkin' back. Get attacked. Get taken. Currently blindfolded and tied to a chair. Oh and I'm bleedin'."
A door opens nearby and Yiski hears footsteps. The steps approached from behind him and stopped in front. Suddenly, the person took down the blindfold revealing his appearance. It wasn't anyone Yiski recognized. He mentally chided himself for that thought. People who attack Yiski don't live for very long.
Man
"Rise and shine Mr. Yiski. Rise and shine. I hope you do not find our meeting too... inconvenient and I must apologize if my associates roughed you up. You understand though, right? I have heard about your... reaction to mercenaries approaching you."
Yiski
"Heh. Well, you certainly have a gentle touch if you got me here without shootin'."
Moments of silence pass.
Yiski
"So... what is it you need me for?"
Man
"I think it would spoil the fun if I told you."
Yiski
"I don't think I'm in the mood for fun right now."
Man
"Well, I am certainly not in any rush. I think I will leave you to your thoughts. We will talk later."
The Man leaves and shuts the door behind him. No longer blindfolded, Yiski looks around the room to see if he can pin his location. It's a nice building. Well kept and cleaned. There's a single window with it's blinds bolted in.
"Well, I got one thing and that's I have no idea where I'm at."
Yiski then begins to check his bindings. Each arm is tied down to each chair arm and his legs were bound in a similar pattern. He shifted his chair only to find it was bolted down.
"Skies. If only they tied my hands together. Hmm... wonder what's Zill up to."
-Next Room Over-
Man 2
"Why did you walk out. You know the client wanted his fast and clean."
Man
"Patience. A man like him does not simply give up secrets once he's in a poor situation. He waits and bides his time. We must wait as well for the moment of weakness to break him."
Man 3
"What 'bout the guards?"
Man
"I'm sure his friends will follow the false trail to the Port thinking we're trying to leave."
-
--Port--
Plasma sighs.
Orders are orders, but searching every ship on the docks? What can have possibly happened.
He straightened his cap as the old woman bellowed at him. The bright, clean, and yes, even shiny uniform he wore ruffled under the force of her verbal assault. Her assertions that they were "good honest folk" and the "men o' war" had "no business interferin' with common folk!" sounded all too familiar.
I swear, it's as if they get together and rehearse these things
Plasma
"Ma'am, I have my orders. What if it's a dangerous criminal who's hidden on your boat now?"
The others come back off the boat.
Soldier
"It's clean, let's get out of it"
Plasma nods, absently bidding the woman good day.
Then it catches his eye. Something subtle. But... it's a strange day. He stops, stoops, then straightens and checks a large book for a moment.
He goes to the lieutenant.
Plasma
"Sir, it may be nothing, but I've found something that looks an awful lot like blood. Not older than a day too. But the thing is sir... that dock's empty. Has been since this morning. But there's something funny about the log sir: They were never checked out."
The lieutenant goes ashen, and picks up his radio.
-
--Docks--
BdrLine and Niko checks out the tavern they were in and walks towards Niko's cousins ships in dock.
Niko
"So how long until your house is back up?"
BdrLine
"Since we got more resources coming in, maybe a month or so. But it depends, I mean the city got hit hard and many buildings are gone."
As they chat about how long Niko and the other Yeshan mercenaries are going to stay, they past an empty dock with a group of guards around it.
BdrLine
"Huh, what you think is going on?"
Niko
"Don't know. Its not my mens doing thats for sure."
BdrLine
"Come, lets check it out."
The two goes towards the scene and notices a blood trail. They approach one of the guards and ask him.
BdrLine
"Hey, you know what happened here?"
-
-Port-
The group of 4 makes it to the docks following the blood trail, managing to find the empty dock. Guards surround it, and Lauren fears the worst. Jun'ko jogs up to them and asks what's going on. She comes back with the little information they have.
Jun'ko
"So, the trail ends here, and there hasn't been a ship here since early this morning. They never signed out though, and it was a Dandy Lion trade vessel."
Ny-Lee
"That nasty PapaP took him??"
Roland
"I don't think so love. We should call Zill with the details and see what he thinks."
They all agree. By chance, they spot BdrLine and rush over, asking him to relay the info to Zill.
-
-Docks-
Honeybadger was walking from the roof of the Burning Skies to the docks. He wore his great coat and Derby hat and a slight smile.
Honeybadger
Alright Dylan, come by so we can start preparations. And hurry up I need to take a shit...
Honeybadger scratches his leg and adjusts his pants. He looks over to the port
Honeybadger
Is that Bdr? Hmm, he must work the docks. I should have picked this up by now...
He approaches Niko and BdrLine
Honeybadger
"Morning, what seems to be the issue?"
He glances over to Jun'Ko and Ny-Lee.
Honeybadger
What the fuck?
-
Plasma turns apprehensively as BdrLine aproaches.
He grips his service carbine in what he hopes is a firm, but ultimately non-threatening manner.
Plasma
"Nothing to see here sir. Move along. Military business. Rest assured, you and your loved one's are safe under the watchful eye of the...Look, you look like you know your way around this sort of thing. I'm sure there is nothing wrong. Some suspicious activity by the docks. If you've got business here...well, it might have to wait. I've been ordered to wait here for a superior."
He looks BdrLine up and down, almost hopefully.
Plasma
"Look, I'm an Ensign, and it's more than my jobs worth. But our hands are tied at the moment. There is a suspect ship. Checked in, and left without checking out. It's a Dandy Lion vessel, which makes it more odd. That and we've found... evidence of foul play. But I suspect...can't just leave port. You'd be gunned down...right? My lieutenant won't listen... but..."
He grimaces, and chokes bad the rest of the sentence.
Plasma
"Like I said sir: Nothing to see..."
-
--Unknown Building--
Hours have passed and the Man enters the room again. He's meet with Yiski rolling his head around and hearing small pops as Yiski stretches his neck. The Man stands in front of Yiski. Yiski smiles.
Man
"Are you in a more fun mood since we talked?"
Yiski
"Was... but now I'm bored."
The Man moves closer to Yiski, leans down, and smacks Yiski across the face. The hit stings, but not much else.
Yiski
"What? You've run outta patience now, or is this also part of the 'fun'?"
Man
"Hmm... I am beginning to see what kind of man you are Yiski. Tell me. How easy would it be for me to go after the ones you love?"
Yiski
"Now that is a question."
*Tilting head dramatically*
Yiski
"Zill is the city's admiral. Kill him and you're dead. Jun'ko was a Yeshan officer and Zill's lover. If she doesn't kill you, Zill will. Ny-Lee is a Yeshan officer. She'll kill you. Roland is my son who I've recently trained and Ny's husband. If he or she don't kill, I will. BdrLine... well... I got nothin'. Lauren was a Baronies officer and currently a pilot trainer and by girlfriend. If she doesn't kill you, I will."
Before the Man speaks, Yiski continues.
Yiski
"Yeah. Good luck goin' after any of them. Also, if you were plannin' on doin' all this, it'd been best to do this on a ship goin' as fast away from here as possible. They'll find me soon."
The Man, tired of Yiski, smacks him again and leaves the room. Yiski spits to see if there's any blood. There's none.
Yiski
"Feh. Hits like a damn schoolgirl. No follow through."
-Next Room Over-
The small group which kidnapped Yiski were discussing their plans among each other. Some of them were beginning to worry about the whole feasibility of the plan.
Man 2
"Why didn't we leave? You heard him. We should be kilometers from here. Why the hell are we still here?"
Man
"Because it is predictable. These people live on a set plan for a variety of situations."
Man 3
"Then isn't it possible they have a plan for this?"
Man
"I assure you all the necessary precautions were used. They'll have too many false leads to follow."
Man 4
"Why not just force it out of him? I mean we have these tools. Let me have him for five...."
Man
"You heard the client's orders in which Yiski is to remain alive, notwithstanding applying reasonable force or cohesion."
Man 2
"What is it the client wants with him?"
Man
"It is not him the client wants, but what goes on inside his mind. Weapon schematics and the like."
-
--Docks--
BdrLine rolls his eyes at the answer that was given to him, and he and Niko turn around to leave, but was rushed by the wave of his friends.
BdrLine
"Whoa, whats the rush? Something going on?"
Realizing that her brother hasn't heard, Ny-Lee goes up to him.
Ny-Lee
"Looks like Yiski has been kidnapped, and we followed the trail to hear. Since we saw you, we are all wondering what has happened."
The information stuns him as how can another person would go after Yiski again.
BdrLine
"Well, the guys in charge over there, an Ensign. Said that some foul play has been involved. Got in and out and is one of Paradox's ships, which i find unusually as he keeps all DLTC property on site."
He then sopts Honeybager also approaching and relay what he know to him.
Ny-Lee
"So you know what we know as well. *sighs* You think one of the guards have a radio? We can call Zill."
BdrLine
"Yeah, I just saw someone with one."
He leads the groups back to where Plasmarobo is.
BdrLine
"Hey, Ensign, mid if I borrow your radio, I need to call the Admiral."
-
Plasma stares at BdrLine.
He knows the Admiral!? What the flak is going on!?
Wordlessly he takes out his radio, which doesn't look quite standard. It has two dials too many, and the antenna follows a rather odd pattern. He flicks the dial to a different frequency and it squelches in accordance.
He offers the device to BdrLine. Then pulls back his hand.
Plasma
"You... You know the admiral!? How do I know you aren't playing some sort of Con here?"
-
Honeybadger follows BdrLine
Honeybadger
"You think he's outside of Anvala? How long has he been missing?"
Honeybadger lowers his brow and gives a half grin, concerned.
Honeybadger
I do have a lot of experience in foul play but I didn't really have to worry about getting in, more of getting out.
He looks back at the docks
Honeybadger
Sorry Dylan, I won't be there when you get in.
He looks to Plasmarobo
Honeybadger
"I'm sure we know a lot of people you don't know..."
-
--Docks--
Roland turns to Honeybadger and answers him
Roland
"Well he's been gone since this mourning when he went out for supplies."
BdrLine looks at Plasmarobo and answers him.
BdrLine
"Look, I've know the Admiral, and the most of the others around me, for quite some time, plus this is an emergency. You see, your Striker Commander may or may not be on that ship, and we need to contact the Admiral."
Plasmarobo is still apprehensive and wont give the radio.
BdrLine then turns to Lauren.
BdrLine
"You have your instructor badge on you?"
She nods and goes over to the Ensign and takes it out to see.
-
Plasma examines the icon and, apparently satisfied, hands over the device.
-
--Unknown Building--
A few more hours pass by and Yiski started getting restless. Not because he believed he was in danger of dying (He knew he'd be dead right now if they wanted him to be), but rather from sitting tied up all day.
Yiski started positioning his wrists to see if the knots were done sloppily and had slack. Sadly, the knots were done well and applied tightly. He flipped over his hands and started tearing at the knots to see if he could make any slack. The one thing Yiski had learned over the years was how to tinker the hell out of any piece of equipment or tool which get into his hands and the knots weren't much different.
After a few minutes, Yiski felt a little slack being made, but not enough to free himself. Yiski then heard the door opening again and stopped tinkering with the knots.
"Damn. Just needed another minute."
The Man once again approached Yiski. This time, the Man pulled out a nearby chair, set it front of Yiski, and sat down. The Man crossed his legs and tapped his chin with his finger. The Man sat silently as he stared at Yiski.
Yiski
"You should know I'm taken."
Man
"Is this how you react when your life is at risk?"
Yiski
"Heheh. Trust me. If you wanted me dead, then I'd be dead and through further events you'd be too. So you clearly want somethin' only I can give."
Man
"I believe you are beginning to understand what I seek."
Yiski
*Smirking* "Is it the recipe for my Hellfire?"
Man
"I can see we are getting nowhere with your useless attempts to stall, so I will just lay it out there. I want to know the schematics for your weapons. Mainly one for armor piercing."
Yiski
"Huh. I like this."
Man
*Raising an eyebrow* "Okay I will humor you. What is this you like?"
Yiski
"First time someone didn't want me dead and the first time someone wants to know what I know." *Takes a few moments* "I gotta say I prefer this than gettin' shot at."
Man
*Sighs* "Very well. It seems you have run my patience and I will be forced to use more 'barbaric' procedures."
The Man gets up and leaves the room. As soon as the door shuts, Yiski goes right back into tinkering with the knots.
-Next Room Over-
Man
"Prepare the drugs. We have given him ample time to comply."
-
--Docks--
BdrLine thanks him and receives the radio. He then dials in to Zill's radio frequency.
BdrLine
"Hey Zill, you there? I've heard what happened and the others are with me. We are all at the docks where some guards found a blood trail and an empty docking bay. They say that it was a Dandy Lion ship, but aren't all of Paradox's ships held on the company's property?"
-
Honeybadger thinks back to the casino and the saloon when he killed two Riggs brothers. He slowly started to talk softly to Bdr who was on the radio.
Honeybadger
"Bdr, you don't think this is the Riggs' doing do you? They have been more aggressive recently."
Bdr gives a shrug to Honeybadger
Honeybadger
What would they want with Yiski though? If they wanted me they would have just gone for me. This isn't the first time they have done something like this but... No somethings off, My assumption is that they stumbled upon Yiski as a godsend and now they either want him dead, or they want information... "I don't like this one bit."
Honeybadger lifts his derby hat and scratches his head.
-
After Loading his final cargo onto the Commodore Beckett and trying to shoo away as many officials as possible to get off back to Chaladon, Lockheart had seen BdrLine and Honeybadger and thought not too much of it. But it was when he saw Zill and the Officials show up he knew something was up. He Made Cecelia stay aboard as he strapped his pistol holster, Sword and slinging his Bolt action on his back, he jogged to the Group.
Lockheart
"Whats going on here?, I saw all of you and realized something was up."
He looks at Plasmorabo
Lockheart
"And who may you be?"
-
Plasma turns, and unsure of the newcomers rank gives a halfhearted salute.
Really, if they know Zill personally, they either all outrank me or are personal friends of his. Either way, play it safe.
Plasma
"Ensign, first class, Plasma. I'm...um, part of the guard here." he finishes lamely.
His eyes keep flicking to the odd little radio, as if someone else were holding his child.
Plasma
"I do think they are contacting the Admiral. There is some possibly of forged log accounts here, although there certainly was a ship parked here not a day ago. They never checked out, you see..." he peters out and slings his carbine more permanently onto his back. Standing at an awkward half attention.
This day simply continues to get stranger...
-
*Lockheart salutes back and raises one eyebrow in question*
Lockheart
" ah, I see. And why is this ship of importance?"
* takes out his pipe and lights it. He then gestures to the blood on the floor.*
Lockheart
" I'm presuming it has something to do with that ghastly sight"
-
-Saloon-
Zill gets BdrLine's message and thinks for a second. Why would the trail end there, only to show a ship was never there to begin with? The scene panned out in Zill's mind and he called BdrLine back.
Zill
"BdrLine, see if you can follow my thinking. Say the blood trail is a fake to lead us away. If that's the case, then they want us to believe they are on a ship flying away, when really they are still in the city. Then you have the forged Dandy Lion log, since you're right, they do stay on their property, not public docks. Since I feel we are dealing with typical mercenaries, they just gave us a good location to search. Papa would know if they were on his grounds, but not the old grounds that they used to own in the northern district."
BdrLine
"You just thought of that in the span of a few minutes?"
Zill
"This isn't my first manhunt buddy. Now meet me over there, and tell the highest ranking offcial there to lock down the northern district, and send a few ships out over there. Might make the mercs think we took the bait and slow them down. They would of killed Yiski already if they wanted him dead. This is for info."
With that, Zill cut the comms, got a makeshift cane from the saloon wall, and made his way to the old Dandy Lion warehouses.
-
--Docks--
BdrLine on the radio
"Alright then Zill, I'll let them know."
With that he ends the call and walks back towards Plasmarobo. Lauren and the others sees him returning and goes towards him.
Lauren
"So what did Zill say."
BdrLine
"Well for starters, he believes that all of this is to lead us off and follow our mystery ship out of the city."
Roland
"So Yiski maybe in the city still?"
BdrLine
"That's what Zill said, he is heading over to the Northern District where the old Dandy Lions warehouses are. And speaking of which."
He turns to Plasmarobo, where also he sees Lockheart.
BdrLine
"Hey there Lockheart, I thought you were leaving back for home? Can you give us a minute, I got to talk to this man for a second."
Lockheart nods and Plasmarobo follows BdrLine. He gives Plasma back his radio and then says to him.
BdrLine
"Okay here's what the Admiral says, this may all be just a rouse. And since you are the only officer around, he wants to lock down the Northern District, but make it discreet, don't want to let them on. Also send out a few ships so to think we took the bait. Think you can handle it?"
-
Before Plasma could answer Honeybadger swung around him and gave him a slap on the back
Honeybadger
"No need to ask him! I am and exellent judge of character and I can say that this guy matches the description. Sure there might be rapists and gang members but this guy can handle it, I can tell!" This guy smells of anchovies... I need to get to a bathroom.
Plasma looks worriedly at Honeybadger who has a big smile across his face
-
Who is this...? He makes me mildy uncomfortable. Now he is touching me? Doesn't matter. ORDERS FROM THE ADMIRAL!
He turns a bit pale, but immediately steels himself, nodding to the Honeybadger and saluting the others.
Plasma
"Yes sir. I think we can handle that sir. We're not needed here. In any case, the ship is long gone by now. I'll take a few men and do what I can."
He gives a final salute, now looking determined and turns to the group of uncertain soldiers nearby.
Plasma
"Alright men, new orders from the admiral. Report to the lieutenant. The Striker Commander is abord that boat. I want you four to man a squid in pursuit. The rest of you are on routine patrol with me."
Half the group immediately moves out. The other half and Plasma holster their weapons and begin a march to the Northern District.
-
--Unknown Building--
Man 2
"You sure this won't kill him?"
Man
"Positive. All this will do is make our rude guest more... truthful when asked questions."
Meanwhile, Yiski managed to tinker with the knots enough to free his left arm. Immediately, Yiski got the remaining three bindings loose. Yiski was about to get up and knock some people out, but the doorknob turned and Yiski found himself in a pinch.
Unsure if he could take on an unknown number of assailants, Yiski did the next best thing: He kept to the chair and made it look like he was still bound.
When the door opened the Man rolled in a tray cart. On top were five needles filled with liquid. Yiski huffed.
Yiski
"What can't get anythin' useful, so now you're gonna kill me? Told ya should have done it when you got me."
Man
*Smiling* "Oh no. Again, my intentions are honest. We want information. These toys will just make it so you will relax and tell us what my... I want to know.
The Man approached Yiski with a needle and got within arms-length of him before...
Yiski
"Wait! There's somethin' I wanna say."
Man
"Oh so all it takes is a little needle to scare you?"
Yiski
"Well, close, but no. Next time, use a binding which I can't screw with."
The Man looked down at Yiski's binding and before he could realize the bindings were undone.... *WHAM* Yiski lunged at the Man and threw two punches. First, to the face, and then ducked low to take out the knee. The Man fell over grunting in pain. The noise attracted the others to come into the room and see Yiski standing and one of their own on the ground.
Before the others could rush Yiski, Yiski picked up the needles from the tray cart and flung it at the doorway. The needles made contact with two of the assailants leaving one still up. What ever was in the needles caused the two assailants to collapse and start drooling. By this time the Man had gotten up and wiped some blood from his mouth. The other drew his pistol. The trigger was almost pulled when the Man grabbed his accomplice's arm.
Man
"No. The contract stated no bloodshed!"
The pause gave Yiski time to grab the tray cart itself and fling it against the lightly barricaded window which scattered it wide open. Before giving his assailants anytime to regroup, Yiski instinctively jumped out the window. Consequently, his instincts failed to tell him he was on the second floor and fell twenty feet into the cobblestone street below. On landing, Yiski's left leg gave out and most and he dropped against his still recovering side. He let out a loud, painful grunt.
Above, the two assailants looked out the window to see Yiski below. What they also saw was a group of guards approaching down the street.
Man
"Get one and I will get the other. We need to clear out!"
Man 2
"What about Yiski?"
Man
"Later."
-
Honeybadger smiles
Honeybadger
"Well, I see you have this covered. I'll be off, you can find me at the saloon." I hope it's open otherwise I'll owe you a door...
Honeybadger strolls off to the saloon
-
Plasma, hearing the shattering crash of a man jumping through a window, directs his little squad to sprint down the street by doing so himself. Reaching the prone man out of breath.
He looks up at the window quickly.
Plasma
"Men, get in that building! Shoot to wound only!"
They rush past him. He examines the man, checking his leg carefully.
Plasma
"You are a lucky man. Could have fallen on your neck. What possessed you to... nevermind. We've got to get you to a doctor."
He takes out his odd little radio and fiddles with it.
Plasma
"I need backup, I've got an injured man in the North District!"
He looks at Yiski doubtfully.
Plasma
"Can you walk, my friend?"
-
Honeybadger comes out of the Saloon bathroom very satisfied and whistling a tune.
Honeybadger
"♪ whoooo~ who~ who~ whooooo~ wh....♪"
Honeybadger is interrupted by at least ten gun barrels pointed at his face
Gunman 1
"Are you Honeybadger?"
Honeybadger smiles and starts to sweat
Honeybadger
"Welcome to the Burning Skies Saloon! I'm Yiski, the barkeep with a heart of gold! What can I get you?"
The Gunmen look at eachother then back to Honeybadger
Gunman 2
"Your Yiski?"
Honeybadger smiles and nods
Gunman 5
"Then make us some hellfire!"
Gunman 2
"How about it then? Yiski.
Honeybadger gulps and smiles
Honeybadger
"Of course, please take a seat!" Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck.
Honeybadger proceeds to the backroom
-
--Somewhere in the City--
As Plasmarobo goes off with some men, BdrLine and the others, minus Honeybadger, heads towards the Northern District as well. On the way, they notice what looks like Zill walking with a cane. They all run towards him.
BdrLine
"Whoa there Zill, are you sure you should be walking this far in your condition, and without any help?"
-
-Just outside the North District-
Zill turns to say something to BdrLine, but a gunshot down the alley near the old warehouses makes him start running.
Zill
"I'll be fine. I'm praying that bullet wasn't for Yiski."
The group rushes in to find Plasma and Yiski on the wall of the warehouse. Ny-Lee and Jun'ko help Yiski up, and Zill stands in front of him, leaning heavily on his improvised cane. He notices the glass from the top window and shakes his head.
Zill
"Tried to fly again Yiski?"
Yiski
"No rest for the wicked Zill, you know that. That cane makes you look like an old man."
Zill
"And that fall though the ugly glass really helped your complexion."
-
--Norther District--
Yiski laughed at Zill's last comment.
Yiski
"Skies. I can take a couple more scratches to the face and I'd still look better than you."
Plasmarobo helped Yiski to his feet. Yiski took a quick look around him and realized he was just at the border of the Northern District. Yiski tried to push off Plasmarobo and stand on his own, but his broken leg wouldn't allow for it.
Plasmarobo
"Woah. Take it easy. You're in real rough shape."
Yiski
"No idea who you are, but trust me when I say I've been through worse."
Guard
"Commander. We did a full sweep of the building. Nobody was inside."
Yiski
"That's to be expected from spies. Once trouble arrives, they're ten kilos out."
Yiski motions for a guard to help carry instead of Plasmarobo.
Yiski
"I need one of you to get me a doc and have them meet me at my saloon. It doesn't matter who you get, they'll all probably know the place."
Zill
"Right now they've gathered at the Port."
Yiski
"Well then. Take me to the triage."
-
-Back room of the saloon-
Honeybadger is looking though shelves and drawers looking for the recipe for hellfire
Honeybadger
C'mon Yiski, if I were you where would I put one of my most prized possessions
A voice is heard from the main room
Gunman
"WHATS TAKIN' SO LONG?"
Honeybadger quivers
Honeybadger
"It won't be that much longer! I have the batch almost done!" Fuck me, godammit Yiski. Wait what's that?
Honeybadger spots a scroll on a counter that reads "Secret Recipe for Hellfire. Nobody look." Honeybadger quickly went over to it and opened it.
Honeybadger
Thank you Yiski!
Honeybadger opens the note and instead of the recipe, the note read:
Get the fuck out of my shit
~Yiski
Honeybadger
SO HELP ME GOD YISKI IF I SURVIVE THIS I'M GOING TO REAM YOUR ANUS YOU HEAR ME YOU SONAVA... Wait.
Honeybadger turns around to see a large barrel of pre-made loch-out. He gets a devilish smile and prepares the drink.
Honeybadger
"Alright men! Here you are!"
Honeybadger lays out the drinks in front of the men, they look at it questionably
Gunman
"This doesn't look like hellfire to me."
Honeybadger
Oh no, aficionados... "Well men! It's a new formula! Twice as strong."
They look at the drink, then back to the sweating Honeybadger
Honeybadger
Take the bait...
The Gunmen look at the drink
.
.
.
Gunmen 1
"DRINK UP BOYS!"
A load was immediately lifted off Honeybadger as they began to bring the drink to their lips, then it happened.
Dylan walked through the door before anyone could take a sip
Dylan
"HONEYBADGER!"
Dylan wore a big smile as he ran up to Honeybadger and hugged him
Honeybadger
FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK
Honeybadger looks very grim, very fucking grim.
Dylan
"What's wrong, aren't you happy to see me?"
Dylan answered his own question when he turned around and saw ten armed gunmen pointing their weapons at Dylan and Honeybadger. Dylan looks equally grim.
Honeybadger and Dylan
"Meh..."
Before the gunmen could cock their guns, Honeybadger and Dylan had leaped over the counter for cover. Bullets were flying over their head and tearing the bar to shreds with bullets. Dylan and Honeybadger pull their guns and return fire.
Honeybadger
"What the fuck man?!"
Dylan
"How was I supposed to know these guys were mercs?!"
Honeybadger
"JUST SHUT UP AND SHOOT!"
After the Gunmen had spent their clip, Honeybadger had made his way to a table and spun it on its side to get to better cover. While he did this Dylan got two gunmen down before getting supressed. As for the rest, they were focusing on Honeybadger who was ducking behind table after table while the area surrounding him was littered with bullet holes.
He went up to return fire and shot two other men. He then spun the table back to the back room where the barrel of Loch-out was.
Honeybadger
"DYLAN! THROW ME YOUR LIGHTER!"
Dylan
"ITS VINTAGE! JUST USE A MATCH!"
Honeybadger
"GIVE ME YOUR FUCKING LIGHTER!"
Dylan
"FUCK FINE!"
Dylan tossed over his lighter to Honeybadger before getting suppressed again. Honeybadger took the semi light barrel and brought it to the cover of the bar. The gunmen made a little fortification and they made up for their lack of skill with a seemingly endless supply of ammo. Honeybadger took the barrel and the lighter and waited for the Gunmen to reload.
Once they did Dylan laid down suppressing fire while Honeybadger rolled the barrel to the small fortification. The gunmen watched as it rolled past them.
Gunmen
"SHOOT THE BARREL!"
Mistake 1. shooting the barrel. All it did was make a trail of Loch-Out on the floor of the saloon. Once Honeybadger saw this, he made Dylan lay down suppressive fire again and toss the lighter at the trail.
Thing about Lochnagar is that it explodes. big and powerfully. So when the thing went off the only thing left standing were Honeybadger and Dylan.
Most of the alchohol had leaked out due to bullet holes and what parts of the saloon that weren't littered with bullet holes were covered in soot from the blast. In the middle of the saloon, laid a pile of singed bodies and tattered guns.
Dylan sighs, Honeybadger looks EXTREMELY FUCKING GRIM.
Dylan
"Well, we're alive. Shouldn't you be happy?"
Honeybadger goes limp on a chair
Honeybadger
"Yiski is going to kill me..."
-
An eyebrow rises as Yiski attempts to put weight on his leg.
Plasma remembers himself and salutes twice.
Plasma
"Yes, commander. I'll order another search of all outgoing vessels, and find a doctor. Commander. Admiral."
He nods to the other guard.
A doctor? Next they'll want me to wait tables! Some career this is becoming. Still, the Commander and the Admiral...
Turns and begins to walk in the direction of the port, issuing a few orders into the strange radio.
Plasma
"...and find a doctor. Yes. D-O-C-T-O-R. No. Fine, tell him it's the Commander's saloon-wait, no. The port. What? Yes he does. That famous one. The Burgeoning Flies or something. Yes. "
-
As Sky went to investigate Yiski's disappearance, he hard gunshots and fighting at the saloon. Sky, being the inquisitive person he is, went to see what was going on. Once he came to the saloon, he dropped an ink bottle on the ground and was completely shocked to see everything destroyed. He pulled out a riffle and headed in to see Honeybadger and Dylan inside, and smoldering ruins.
Sky
"What have you done......"
He looked around in shock to see everything destroyed, then he slowly backed out of the saloon.
Sky
"Yiski is going to rip this world apart when he sees this.... and I am not going to be in here when he finds out. Have a nice day."
Sky quickly ran out on that note.
-
--NARRATOR--
During the slow walk to the triage, Yiski and Zill traded insults back and forth at each other. Shortly after arriving at the triage, BdrLine, Ny-Lee, Roland, Jun'ko, and Lauren arrived. They all were relieved when Zill told them Yiski is alive albeit a bit bloodied.
Hours passed before Yiski was out of the triage. Similar to Zill, Yiski had to use a crutch to stand and his left leg in a cast. Lauren tackled Yiski out of sheer joy and relief. Yiski laughed, but his sides were still in pain. In addition to his broken leg, Yiski had numerous stitches around the edge of his face from the broken glass. Of course, Lauren could care less about his appearance. She was glad he was still around.
The feeling of relief soon turned to fear and terror when they arrived back at the saloon. While the outside seemed unharmed, the inside told a very different story. Inside laid a few charred armed men and Honeybadger and Dylan sitting behind the bar. Honeybadger looked Yiski with a grin, but everyone saw Honeybadger's face give an expression of impending death.
Yiski's right eye twitched a bit as he stood silently at the doorway. Then...
Yiski
"Honeybadger."
Honeybadger
"Y..es?"
Yiski
"This your doin'?"
Honeybadger
*Gulps* "... ... Yes."
Yiski
"What did you destroy?"
Honeybadger
"Two barrels of Loch Out."
Yiski sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Yiski walked outside for a moment which shocked everybody. They expected Yiski to lunge at Honeybadger and strangle the life out of him.
Yiski called a few guards who quickly removed the bodies from the saloon. Yiski kept a handful of guards behind.
Guard
"Orders?"
Yiski
"Congrats. You get to do a graveyard shift with your fellow guards. Orders. Keep an eye on these two as they clean and replace everything in my saloon. If either one of them attempts to leave before I come back and inspect my saloon, you have my express authorization to shoot them in their legs so that I may strangle them. Am I clear?"
Guard
"Sir! Yes, Sir!"
Yiski then starts walking toward the nearest inn. When he sees nobody is following, Yiski turns around.
Yiski
"You think I'm gonna sleep in a saloon which is ruined from the inside? Skies. I've got standards."
With that, the group sets out for the nearest inn, leaving Honeybadger and Dylan with guards watching over them while they clean and rebuild.
Honeybadger
"Wow... I honestly expected to die."
Dylan
"Yeah. At least we wouldn't have to clean."
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 112--
-
--START OF DAY 113--
--NARRATOR--
Honeybadger and Dylan had no rest throughout the entire night. When it seemed like they were through cleaning, there always seemed like another large black burn patch appeared randomly. It wasn't until this morning when the two finally got the saloon clean. Both men were bushed and laying down on the counter when they heard a voice.
Yiski
"Not bad, but you realize you're not done yet."
Honeybadger
"I know... I know. We need to replace all the furniture."
Yiski
"Close. You need to replace it all."
Yiski could practically hear Honeybadger groan and it brought a smile to his face.
Yiski
"Have fun you two."
Yiski left and right in front of the saloon, Lauren was waiting for him. He gave her a large smile and she shook her head.
Lauren
"A bit cruel and unusual isn't it?"
Yiski
"Heh. Nope. Maybe he'll learn next time not to mess with my shit."
Lauren
"Alright, now let's go. We're going to miss breakfast with the others!"
The two moved quickly, or at least as quickly with a man with a cast left leg using crutches.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Garden District-
Since the attack on the city, the Garden district had mostly been restored to its previous state. A few buildings were still getting patched up, but in all it was pleasant. On their way to breakfast with the others at a rebuilt diner, Zill and Jun'ko stopped by the plot that belonged to Oliver. By Zill's order, it was made into a memorial for those lost during that night. Jun'ko laid down some flowers and Zill said a quick prayer.
Jun'ko still helped Zill along as they made it to the Diner a little early. The waitress was surprised to see the Admiral there.
Waitress
"Oh Skies, hello Admiral, and welcome to our diner. Table for two?"
Zill
"Ten actually. They will be here soon."
Waitress
"Yes of course. This way.
As they followed her back, Jun'ko whispered into Zill's ear.
Jun'ko
Isn't it like 7 people??
Zill
"I forgot so I did my best, jeeze."
Jun'ko just giggled and kissed him when they sat down to wait for the others.
-
--Garden District--
Eventually, Lauren and Yiski made it to the restaurant. By the time they arrived, BdrLine, Ny-Lee, Jun'ko, Roland, and Zill were already seated and their waitress were taking their orders.
Yiski
"Skies. You couldn't wait another five minutes?"
Zill
"Yeah, five minutes thirty minutes ago."
Yiski rolled his eyes and pulled a chair out for Lauren and himself.
Roland
"How are you feeling today?"
Yiski
"Feelin' like I should've strangled Honeybadger last night."
Jun'ko
"Oh. Is the saloon still a mess?"
Yiski
"No. They got that all cleaned up. They just need to replace all the furniture."
Zill
"Still think you should've strangled him."
Yiski
"At the rate he's goin', another chance will come."
Yiski and Zill laughed, causing their respective girlfriends to roll their eyes. Soon, all the orders were taken and breakfast was served. Toward the end of their meal, an Elite approached them. The Elite seemed to be staring at Yiski. Yiski sighed.
Yiski
"Skies."
-
-Diner-
Zill gets in front of the Elite as he approached the table. The Elite stood there and eyed him.
Elite
"This does not concern you Admiral."
Zill
"You will show respect to your superiors, regardless if you are on Council business or not. Tell them that Yiski is currently engaged and will be there when finished."
Elite
"They said is was urgent. And, don't forget your superiors either."
Zill
"Get the flak out of here. Have fun on wall duty for the next month scrubbing guns with your now useless Elite uniforms, Private."
With that, he left. Zill order coffee for everyone, and sat back down.
-
After the antics of yesterday, Lockheart had took to loading the rest of his cargo onto his ship, aswell as his personal belongings, before heading back to Chaladon. He lifted Cecilia onto the ship.
Lockheart
"I think that's all... hmmm, 1,2,3,4,..... yep, all the crates are aboard."
Cecelia
"Thank god, I thought my back would break lifting anymore..."
Lockheart
"You lifted one small crate."
Cecelia
"and?"
Lockheart
"Nevermind. Crew to your stations we're heading home, well. you are, im coming back here"
Lockheart pushed the throttle to full before turning back to see Anvala from high up. It looked in a lot better condition that it did after the battle, but still not unscathed.
He turned back around to face ahead of him. He carried on flying for a while mainly ok until a BANG signaled the explosion of the main engine, it had been damaged after the fight and had blown up, he hoped it would be the only explosion he would encounter on his way home.
-
--Garden District--
Yiski gave Zill a sidelong stare.
Yiski
"No need for threats Zill." *Grunts getting up* "Either they bother me now, or later, and I'd like to get this over with."
Lauren
"Need help?"
Yiski gingerly leans against his chair as he gets his crutch positioned and takes a few strained steps. He looks back at Lauren and grins.
Yiski
"Thanks, but I'll manage."
The trip to the Council Building is short and it takes only minutes to arrive, even with Yiski's slow pace. The Elites standing in front of the Council Chambers nod and open the doors for him. Yiski continues to limp before he is in front of the Nine.
(3)
"We see you are well Commander."
Yiski
"Cut the small talk and let's get on with it."
(8 )
"Very well. We have read through the reports on your abduction. Any reason why this occurred?"
Yiski
"They were after weapon blueprints. Correction. My blueprints. Before you ask, no, they never got a chance to get any."
(7)
"Any idea who was behind it?"
Yiski
"Well, it has to be someone who values me more alive than dead."
(7)
"You sound surprised."
Yiski rolls his eyes.
(2)
"In any case, we cannot risk this event repeating again. In order to accomplish that, we are assigning you a bodyguard."
Yiski
"Woah now... I don't need a bloody babysitter. Plus, I have the others watchin' me enough as is."
(3)
"Be that as it may, it is not enough. We cannot risk your knowledge falling into our enemies possession. We already have an Elite assigned to you. That is final."
Yiski
"Can I go now?"
The Council nodded and Yiski exited through the chamber doors. Outside, there was an Elite waiting for him. The Elite approached Yiski and gave him a salute which Yiski returned. Yiski took a quick look at the Elite. The first noticeable trait was this Elite was female. The next was that she was armed to the teeth. She possessed a long sword, two pistols, and two daggers.
"Council wasn't kiddin' when they said they wanted me safe."
Yiski
"You're the one to keep an eye on me?"
Elite
"Yes, Commander. My name is Althea and by the Council's orders..."
Yiski
"I know the orders. Just follow me back to my saloon."
Althea followed closely to Yiski only keeping half an arms length from him. While this seemed uncomfortable to Yiski, he could only imagine how this would play out once back at the saloon. He decided to make a mental joke.
Hey Lauren! Guess what? I brought another woman home!"
The joke brought a grin to his face, but he well knew should he say it, he'd probably find himself dangling off a lightning fast squid.
-
Honeybadger continues to clean as he looks to Dylan
Honeybadger
"Fuck, people gotta stop attacking us. I can't take this much longer."
Dylan looks to Honeybadger
Dylan
"I wish one of them were alive so they could go shopping for us..."
Honeybadger looks towards the guards
Honeybadger
"Think they'll be noticeable after they're burnt to a crisp?"
Dylan hits Honeybadger on the arm
Honeybadger
"Hey! It's your fault we're in this mess!"
Guard
"SHUT UP!"
Honeybadger looks at him and reaches for his holster
Honeybadger
"SUCK MY DICK!"
While the guard and Honeybadger were arguing. Dylan snuck up behind the guard and knocked him out with a chair.
Honeybadger
"Alright, lets find out who tried to kill us."
Dylan nods in agreement
-
Plasma waits outside the saloon. Holding a plain document folder.
It would be closed right now. I guess I'll just wait for it to-
He stops as a pair of agressive voices sound in rapid succession from within.
Then a heavy thud. Not good sounds under the best of circumstances.
Whirling around, he wrenches open the door, pistol in hand.
He glances at the guard on the ground. He glares at Honeybadger from the threshold.
Not this guy again.
Plasma
"What is going on here!? You've just assaulted an official!"
He pulls the hammer on the weapon back. The click of the latch is satisfyingly ominous.
He takes out the radio with his other hand.
Plasma
"I have two dangerous persons at the Burning Skies. Assaulting a guardsmen. Good, I'll send them over."
He turns to the two men, waving his pistol vaguely.
Plasma
"Play nice now. Keep your hands on that bar, so these gents can get at them nice and easy, gentlemen. If I see them so much as twitch towards a weapon, I guarantee you the immediate loss of at least one finger."
He waits for the other guards to cuff them
-
--Saloon--
Despite knocking out a guard, Honeybadger and Dylan completely forgot about the other guards still watching the saloon. Once the remaining guards saw one of their own fall, they moved in and immediately apprehend both Honeybadger and Dylan.
Guard
"Didn't the Commander allow us to shoot them?"
Guard 2
"Are you kidding me? Shoot them. In the saloon. After being cleaned? Sorry, I'm not staying for clean up."
While one guard treats the knocked out guard, the others take Honeybadger and Dylan to the military lock up in the Southern District.
-
--Diner--
As everyone continues eating their brunch and chatting with one another, BdrLine looms out of the window from time to time. Ny-Lee notices this and turns to him.
Ny-Lee
"Azn, anything wrong? You are usually not like this. I mean where's that weird, crazy, but loveable brother that I know?"
BdrLine shaken out of his trance by his sister looks towards her.
BdrLine
"I don't know Ny, maybe it just nothing. But don't worry about me, you know how I am, maybe thinking of another new idea. Besides let's just enjoy this, when was the last time we had a peaceful meal?"
Ny-Lee
"I guess you're right."
She turns back and continues eating and talking to her husband. But somehow inside, something is bothering her brother.
-
--Saloon--
Althea and Yiski arrive at the saloon, but there was no sign of anybody coming back. What Yiski did see were two guards and no Honeybadger or Dylan. Yiski sighed.
Yiski
"What happened?"
Guard
"Commander! Well, one of them hit me over the head with a chair."
Guard 2
"Not to worry. We apprehended them and sent to military holding."
Yiski
"Did you shoot them?"
Guard 2
"No Sir. We thought it best not to shoot them inside the saloon after it was cleaned."
Yiski
*Smiling* "Smart man. The two of you are dismissed and get some rest."
Althea
"Are things always this lively?"
Yiski
"Always."
The two walked inside to find a very clean, but empty main floor. Yiski rubbed the back of his head.
Yiski
"Well, guess I better start refurnishing the saloon."
As Yiski started to walk, his left leg had a sudden shot of pain. This caused him to become off balanced and fall over. Althea immediately came to his side, and helped him against the bar counter.
Althea
"I think we should wait for the others and have them place the orders."
Yiski
"Feh. Alright. Well, while we wait, how about a drink because I sure could use one."
Althea glared at him with an 'are you serious' expression. Yiski shrugged it off and proceeded to make himself a Frost Fire.
-
-Cell-
Honeybadger looks at Dylan and smiles
Dylan
"Ok, we're in. Now what?"
Honeybadager
"There was a guy who got away after the duel I was in. He's being held here for questioning."
Honeybadger reaches into his mouth and pulls out a key.
Honeybadger
"Now we just have to find him."
-
After a lovely brunch between the six of them. Everyone felt that it was time to leave and heck on Yiski. With Zill paying the bill, everyone got up and left for the saloon, where they assume that he will be there after the Council meeting. Om the way, BdrLine is still out of it in his thoughts.
BdrLine
It seems like everyone is finding someone. I mean Ny is married, both Zill and Yiski has girls. How about me? *sighs*
Ny-Lee was the only one who hears him, and turns to look back at him.
Ny-Lee
What is wrong with him?
Soon they arrive qt the saloon and enter.
Lauren
"Yiski we're back.... Where's all the furniture!?! And who is that?"
-
--Military Complex, Southern District--
Alarms are ringing and all soldiers are on high alert. Standard procedure dictates the whole complex goes on lockdown until the base captain lifts it.
Captain
"What's going on?"
Soldier
"It seems like two prisoners have escaped their cell."
Captain
"Do they have any standing orders?"
Yiski
"Apparently a few city guards had authorization to shoot them both from Commander Yiski."
Captain
"Well, if the order is from him, then we'll follow through."
The Captain went to PA system to give an announcement.
Captain
"Attention all soldiers. There are two prisoners on the loose inside the complex. Orders are to eliminate them with extreme prejudice. I repeat. Eliminate with extreme prejudice."
The Captain finishes the broadcast by giving the physical description of both Honeybadger and Dylan.
--Saloon--
Meanwhile, Lauren was shocked to see another woman who was entirely to close to her boyfriend. Even though she did notice her outfit and armaments, her impulsive personality took over and Lauren ran up to Yiski and glared at him.
Yiski
"Easy now. It's not what you think."
Lauren
"What? That the Council gave you a babysitter. Because that's what it looks like to me."
Yiski
*Surprised* "Well, actually... yeah, this is exactly what it is then."
Lauren
"What did you think I was thinking?"
Her glare got even more intense.
Yiski
"Nothing" *Forces a cough* "Anyways. Lauren. Althea, my bodyguard. Althea. Lauren, my..."
Lauren
"Girlfriend."
Despite the sudden hostility, Althea kept a calm stance.
Lauren
"I thought I kept a good eye on you."
Althea
"Apparently, not enough."
Lauren
"Excuse me?!"
Althea
"Had you kept an eye on him, you could have been able to prevent his abduction from yesterday."
Lauren
"That wasn't my fault."
Althea
"I realize that, but you seem to forget how much of a target the Commander has become to our enemies."
Yiski and everyone else could see this escalating quickly into a catfight. Yiski quickly got in between the two ladies.
Yiski
"Enough of this! I'm tired, sore, and beginning to develop a headache. Now, let's put this aside and get to what's important: Gettin' new furniture."
Yiski then turns to Ny-Lee and Roland.
Yiski
"Ny, Roland, you think you could get me the following?"
Yiski then makes a list of various tables, chairs, blinds, decorations, and, most importantly, a new couch. Ny-Lee and Roland head off to get the new furniture. This left Jun'ko, Zill, BdrLine, Yiski, and two very standoffish women.
Yiski
"This'll be a long night."
-
Plasma slips into the tavern quitely. He regards the strange woman. A horribly beweaponed Elite.
This was above his pay grade. Still. He had a job to do. However demeaning.
He clears his throat, keeping clear of the tension in the room.
Plasma
"Ah. Commander. I realized you're a bit... busy. But I have a copy of the incident report for you. Bit silly really. Seeing as how you were there..."
He leaves a folder on the counter. It contains a few documents of unnecessary details.
He looks rather doubtfully at the tap. Leaning on the counter and looking nonplussed at the bare room.
Plasma
"Truth be told, it's been a long...well. How much for a drink?"
-
-Somewhere in Anvala-
Honeybadger looks at Dylan
Dylan
"What the fuck man!?"
Honeybadger
"Shut up! We need to find the guys who fired those mecenaries."
Dylan
"There will be a lot more guys after us if we keep this up."
Honeybadger spots a bounty poster with both Dylan and Honeybadgers faces sketched on it
Honeybadger sighs and picks up the flier
Honeybadger
"Well how about this... They are fucking quick aren't they?"
Dylan rests on the alleyway wall
Dylan
"Just like old times huh?"
Honeybadger smiles
Dylan
"What is it?"
Honeybadger passes Dylan the wanted poster
It read:
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE
DYLAN THACKERY AND HONEY THE KID
REWARD $500
Dylan
"Well, we better clear this up fast..."
Honeybadger
"I know where to start looking. But first we need something to conceal our identities."
Dylan and Honeybadger think for a second before realizing they were next to a close pin line with dusters and big hats
Dylan
"That's handy isn't it?"
Honeybadger nods and quickly puts the clothes and hat over his other jacket and derby hat. He pulled a trimmed Cigarillo from his coat pocket and lit it.
Honeybadger
"What do you think? Outlaw-ish enough?"
Dylan sighed. The two headed to look for the men who hired them. Which wasn't that hard because one of them were carrying a family insignia.
Honeybadger
Might as well have two powerful crime syndicates on your bad side...
They walked off
-
--Trading Center--
Roland and Ny-Lee arrives to the Trading Center with the list of furniture they needed for the saloon. Inside they turn to a furniture store where a shop clerk addresses them.
Clerk
"So, how can I be of service today."
Roland
"We are need of new furniture for our saloon, here's a list of what we need."
He takes out the paper and hands it to the clerk who reviews it.
Clerk
"Ahh okay, follow me please and we can get you two sorted."
The two follow the clerk through the store as they picked which type of design they wanted for the saloon. During their time, Ny-Lee turns to her husband and ask him about her brother.
Ny-Lee
"Dear, have you notice anything strange about my brother?"
Roland
"No, why do you ask?"
Ny-Lee
"Well, he seems to be out of it for some reason."
Roland
"Maybe it's just him thinking."
Ny-Lee
"Maybe. But still."
Then the clerk comes and interupts the conversation.
--Saloon--
BdrLine leans on the bar counter as he takes a few glances at Yiski's new bodyguard. He sees Plasma comes in asking for a drink.
BdrLine
"Yeah that's a good idea. Yiski got anything to spare?"
-
--Saloon--
Yiski
"Sure, I never did you're name by the way."
Plasma
"It's Plasmarobo, but call me Plasma for short."
Yiski
"Fair enough."
Yiski hands Plasma a Hellfire. Since finishing his own drink, Yiski makes himself a White Steam Whiskey.
Yiski
"Darling, would you like something to drink?"
Lauren was still glaring at Althea when Yiski asked. Without averting her glare...
Lauren
"Darling? I can already tell what you're up to, so keep calling me that. I like it. Oh and I'll have what you're having."
Yiski hands Lauren a White Steam. Before taking a sip of his, he waits for Lauren to drink first. Lauren sees Yiski eyeing her and is confused as to why as she takes a large gulp. Immediately, she feels her face get red and heated and everyone in the saloon sees the famous white steam come out of her ears. She puts down the drink on the counter and looks at Yiski.
Lauren
"Wow! That has a hell of a kick."
Yiski
"Heh. You should have seen BdrLine when he had a Wild Wind."
The mere remembrance of it brought shivers down BdrLine's spine.
--Anvala--
The defenders, guards, and other soldiers now had the whole city on an intermediate lockdown. Trade and passenger ships could leave and enter, but all cargo and passengers are opened and screened (much like when Yiski was abducted). Because the order to shoot Honeybadger and Dylan had escalated and the fact it came from Yiski in a short time after yesterday's incident, many assumed the two had something to do with it. While it would be procedure to capture and interrogate, Yiski's warped shoot order still stood unless the Council said otherwise. They were not pleased with the current situation and decided to back Yiski's orders.
Honeybadger and Dylan were not going to leave Anvala.
-
-Saloon-
Zill and Jun'ko stand at the bar, since even the stools were gone. Zill watched the two girls fight before Yiski broke them up, and shook his head.
I'm staying well away from that nonsense.
He goes up to Yiski and taps his shoulder.
Zill
"You get a babysitter, and I get poisoned letters and assassins. I need to develop a new ship type or something."
Yiski
"Or just do the same to the Council."
Zill started thinking and Yiski put a mug of WSWin front of him to cut that train of thought. They laughed.
Jun'ko walked over to Althea and introduced herself.
Jun'ko
"Hi I'm Jun'ko. You can relax around here y'know. I can feel your tension from here."
Althea
"Which is the reason why Yiski got abducted is it not?"
Jun'ko
"Well, he was away when it happened."
Althea
"True, but had someone been with him...."
Jun'ko
"I'm going to stop you there, and change the subject. Eh, must be nice being an Elite yea?"
Althea
"It has its perks. The men get to me a lot though.
Jun'ko
I was a leutenant in the Yeshan military for awhile. I know your pain.
They begin conversing about their military careers. Zill just grinned and turned to Yiski.
Zill
1 Jun'ko, 0 Lauren.
Lauren gave Zill a dirty look, and Zill could only grin under his mask and take a swig of WSW.
-
--DLTC HQ--
Jen and Paradox sat in a meeting hall, John radioed in from The Arashi League. John started off, "I've talked to a couple of the city states within the league, they want guns and ships... a lot of them"
"How many?" Papa said in a voice as thick as mud.
There was a brief pause over the radio, "Uh, 7500 bolt actions, as for ships they we're looking at 10 galleons and 25 pyramidions"
"Done. Jen import the Galleons from Yesha, we'll build the Pyra's... In 6 months they'll have their army." Papa was concise in his statement.
"Sir, there's no way that'll be that profitable." Jen seriously questioned his decision.
"It's not supposed to be, we want them to harass The Guild, it's an investment." Papa said assertively.
--Saloon.--
Papa walked in, drawing the looks of the bar, Althea startled by the huge mechanical presence drew her guns.
"Ah fer flak sake, every time there's a new pair of ovaries it tries to kill me."
-
Honeybadger and Dylan proceed down the back streets of Anvala until they reach a den of mercenaries and assassins and both. Honeybadger finishes of his Cigarillo and stomps it out.
Honeybadger
"Alright we're here." That cigar tasted really fucking bitter.
Honeybadger and Dylan walk into the tattered room. Along with a bar there was a card table set up as well where men with tattoos cheated against men with tattoos. They were being eyed by everyone as they entered the room. The draft caught under their 'loaned' dusters. They tipped their hat over their faces and proceeded to the bar, eventually everyone continued what they were doing.
Barkeep
"What can I do you for?"
Honeybadger leans on the counter
Honeybadger
"We're looking for Bass."
Everyone in the room looked at them dropping everything they were doing just to stare at them
Barkeep
"THE Bass?"
Honeybadger nods
Barkeep
"I'm afraid he is mourning the death of his ten cousins right now."
Honeybadger and Dylan look at each other and frown underneath their dusters
Honeybadger
"We're the priests he ordered."
The barkeep looked at Honeybadger and Dylan. He let them past, They didn't look like priests but if they came to comfort Bass then they wouldn't look much like a preacher. Honeybadger put his hands together and bowed slightly to the barkeep as they walked into the back room.
They went into the back room and found a man sitting at his desk with a bottle of whiskey and a gun. As Honeybadger walked in it set him off and cause him to start to reach for his gun, being drunk he stumbled and missed grabbing it, Honeybadger and Dylan took this situation to pull their own.
Bass
"Do you know who I am?"
Honeybadger nodded and pulled his hat up from his face
Honeybadger
"William Bass, I know exactly who you are. Do you happen to know who I am?"
William looked like he had seen a ghost when he saw Honeybadgers face
William Bass
"Wha-w-w-what... T-t-t- Trinity?"
Honeybadger rolls his eyes
Honeybadger
"As of recent it's Honey the Kid, this is Dylan Thakery."
William looks at both of them terrified.
William Bass
"I'm sorry I sent my cousins after you! I HAD NO CHOICE! PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!"
Honeybadger sighs and rolls his eyes again
Honeybadger
"What good would you be to us dead? Besides I need you to tell me who hired you?"
William looks around the room to check for anyone else
William Bass
"Ok, listen. There are three families that are after you right now. The Riggs, my own family, and..."
Honeybadger cocks his gun
Honeybadger
"Come on then..."
William gulps
William Bass
"Well... The Yeshan family. Some Yeshan admiral runs it, His name is Qiao Huang..."
Honeybadgers eyes widen
Honeybadger
He fucking found me
Dylan got very grim
Dylan
"Fuck me..."
Honeybadger
"Alright Will, how about this. I'll let you live..."
William sighs relieved
Honeybadger
"You just need to do a little dusting for us."
William looks confused, Dylan and Honeybadger look at each other devilishly.
-
--Saloon--
Plasma eyes the drink, before draining half of it in a single swig. His eyes water and he coughs. But only once.
Then he slams his fist down on the bar repeatedly and exhales in a wheezing, burnt sort of way.
Plasma
"Hell- *erk* -hell of a kick, that stuff."
He glares at the drink as if challenging it to a duel. Grabs the mug roughly, and dumps the rest down his throat.
He turns to the Admiral, straightens slightly and gives a sort of casual salute. He listens carefully to the conversation between Jun'ko and Althea.
Plasma
"Honestly, I understand most Elites rarely get to set foot out in the sky. Guess you're the lucky exception."
Althea turns to the Ensign, arching an eyebrow in condescension.
Althea
"Oh? And why is that?"
Plasma holds his palms up and shrugs.
Plasma
"Didn't mean to offend. I became an officer expressly to avoid being stuck on solid ground. And now look what duty I've drawn: Searching the port, running errands. I swear it's as if Captain Verra had some reason to...well, she's a fine captain."
The drink is starting to creep into him now. Face flushing, words becoming just a tiny bit unsteady.
He pushes the mug back and turns to Yiski
Plasma
"Sorry Commander, that's strong stuff. I think I better slow down a bit, less I unbecome... do things unbecoming an officer."
He whirls as Papa enters.
Plasma
"Good god man! What the flak are you!?"
-
-Saloon-
Honeybadger enters the saloon under the cloak of the duster, half the people didn't realize it was him until one of the patrons tried to pull a gun on him, naturally he pulled it first, they say if you blink you miss it. He was fast all right. Everyone was silent and staring him down, then new patrons and Papa either saw this as amusement or just confusion. But most everyone including Yiski were staring him down ready to reach for their pistols or rifles.
He tipped his hat off of his face to reveal his very kind and smiling face, he was having a hell of a time. Where as everyone wanted to kill him and continue their day.
Honeybadger
"Before you think of shooting me, consider the last bunch of men who did the same. But still, I think you should hear me out before you do anything."
Everyone lets their guard down slowly except Papa who was still chilling and sipping on his drink.
Honeybadger motions for Dylan to come through the door. He came with a gagged man with tied up hands and a blindfold. Honeybadger turned back to the patrons who were now confused as to why he had a tied up sweaty guy in the saloon.
Honeybadger
"Ladies and Gentlmen, the man who sent the goons to kill me. But more importantly, the man who sent them to shoot up the bar."
The tied up man started to panic and wiggle while groaning until Dylan knocked him out.
Honeybadger
"So how was you day hmm? Shit day? Buying furniture? I've been fucking saving the streets and busting out of jail. No need to thank me."
Yiski started to reach under the counter
Honeybadger
"Before you consider doing anything I should point out that this man is worth over 10,000 gold. I think they call him the Typhoon of Anvala. And I'm almost positive he had something to do with the attacks that happened a couple weeks ago. Hell, might have been involved in the kidnapping of Yiski. His brother owns the Bass gang that owns a good chunk of this city underground. Plus, don't think I don't have an escape plan..."
Honeybadger holstered his gun and sat down at the nearest table and took the downtime to reach into his coat pocket and light up a Cigarillo.
-
Still eyeing once in a while at Athena BdrLine answers to Honeybadger.
"Umm Badger, we already figured out who was behind the Anvala attack and I highly doubt a criminal family would want to kidnap Yiski over here. And I believe that he city have a warrant for your arrest. And you standing here with a gun pointing at us, some of the most highly trained individuals, is not helping your cost. Granted you napped a bounty."
-
He glances at BdrLine and starts to sweat
Honeybadger
"Well fuck me then. It's not like I'm being prosecuted for getting shot at."
He leans back in his chair
Honeybadger
"Do whatever you want but just the fact that you locked this town down faster then a virgins trap says that the attacks needed a little fucking inside help. If you had found out you would have gotten him yourself. And have you even found out who Yiski was kidnapped by? If it were me then that motherfucker would be six feet under by now."
He takes a puff of his Cigarillo
Honeybadger
"Do whatever you want, but consider that every good magician have an ace up his sleeve..."
He looks at Plasma
Honeybadger
"Only 500? Really?"
-
--NARRATOR--
During Honeybadger's bravado, Althea slowly inched her way at the flank of Honeybadger. Althea had received an earlier report to eliminate Honeybadger and Dylan with extreme prejudice. While Honeybadger was puffing out his chest thinking he solved everyone's problem, and the other's physically or mentally rolling their eyes at how Honeybadger was causing more problems, Althea sprung at Honeybadger with her dual daggers.
While Honeybadger was quick to reset his aim on Althea, his reaction could not compare to the speed and training of an Elite. Althea managed to get underneath Honeybadger's arm and stabbed one dagger underneath his armpit. Honeybadger cried out in pain.
Honeybadger
"You bitch!"
With the other dagger, she flung it at Dylan's throat. It landed right where she threw it. Dylan fell, clasping his neck in a vain attempt to breathe and stop the bleeding.
Before Yiski had a chance to stop Althea, she grabbed onto Honeybadger's bad arm and drew her pistol. She used all seven shots, point-blank into Honeybadger's vitals: Liver, kidneys, lungs, and finally the heart.
Honeybadger fell without saying a single word. Althea stood over the two bodies and looked back to Yiski who was slightly horrified to say the least. The last thing he remembered were orders to shoot their legs, not kill them.
Althea
"Fugitives eliminated Commander."
Lauren
"I did not see that coming."
Yiski
"I kinda did."
Until other guards came in and took both bodies away, there was an eerie silence. Sure, Honeybadger had done many things in the past to annoy Yiski and the others, but recent events combined with a little bad luck had escalated the situation to the present.
Another hour would pass before Ny-Lee and Roland returned. Except for Althea, the two saw a group of friends and family with solemn expression.
Roland
"What happened? Why do I smell blood?"
Ny-Lee
"Well, nobody's bleeding. What happned?"
There was an awkward silence, before Althea spoke.
Althea
"There was a standing order for the death of Honeybadger and Dylan. They came to the saloon bearing weapons. I dispatched both of them."
Roland
"Wait. You killed them? Why?"
Yiski
"Apparently, my orders from last night got warped along the way. It was initially to shoot their legs out if they tired to shirk repairing the saloon. I guess my kidnapping from yesterday and this kind of mixed together."
The night went on. There was little said after Honeybadger's death.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 113--
-
--START OF DAY 114--
--NARRATOR--
Yiski had woken up still tired and very groggy. Last night's events still weighing heavily on his mind. He sits up on his bed and rubs his eyes.
Althea
"Morning Commander."
Yiski stops rubbing his eyes to see Althea right across from him, sitting in a chair in the room. For a few moments, Yiski sat silently, unable to comprehend the current situation.
Althea
"Commander, you still look tired and I suggest you go back to sleep.
Yiski
"..." *stares at Althea* "Have you been in here the whole night?"
Althea
"It would hardly be watching you if I wasn't watching you."
Yiski
"Yeah. Don't."
Althea still kept her straight expression, but he knew she had to be at least curious as to why she shouldn't stay in his room which he shares with his girlfriend. Yiski then suddenly felt an embrace from behind and Lauren's head resting on his shoulder.
Lauren
"It's because we like to have wild sex sometimes, and we don't consider ourselves exhibitionists."
Yiski facepalmed, but noticed Althea's expression didn't change. However, she did get up and walk to the door.
Althea
"Well, then. If you need privacy for intimacy, then ask and I'll leave while it's happening."
Althea walks out. Yiski turns to Lauren.
Yiski
"Well, that was effective."
Lauren
"But true."
Yiski couldn't say anything because Lauren was right. They did have nights like those. Consequently, his current condition wouldn't allow for that, so action was basic and minimal.
When Lauren and Yiski finally did get ready, they came to a still empty main floor.
Roland
"Good morning Lauren, Yiski, uh..."
Althea
"Althea."
Roland
"Yes, I never did get your name because well..."
Ny-Lee
"Because you killed Honeybadger."
Althea
"City had orders and he had a gun drawn."
Yiski
"Ny, stop. What's done is done. Arguin' won't bring back the dead." *sighs* "Anyways, where is my furniture."
Roland
"Oh. Well, the store manager said it would be delivered by this afternoon because of the time needed to fill such a large order."
Yiski
"Fair enough. Looks like I'll have to keep the saloon closed for today."
Lauren
"Well, I need to head to the Academy. We have new pilot candidates."
Zill
"I'm going to head to Port and see how work is on my galleon."
Jun'ko
"I'm with him!"
Ny-Lee
"Well, darling and I don't have any plans. We'll probably just stay here."
Yiski
"Actually, you two probably need to figure out what you're goin' to do for the future. You two haven't decided where you goin' to call home yet, right?"
Roland
"Well, we have discussed it some, but..."
Yiski
"Well, you two need to figure it out now. If you stay here, Ny's goin' to have to apply for residency and likewise if you're gonna live in Chang-ning."
Ny-Lee
"I suppose it has come to this."
Roland
"Love, let us go to the Garden District. The scenery will probably help."
Ny-Lee nods and the two along with the others leave the saloon. This left Althea and Yiski. Yiski then starts for the back and Althea started to follow. He stopped her.
Yiski
"You stay here out on the main floor."
Althea
"I need to keep an eye you and Lauren is not present for the two of you to have wild sex."
Yiski
"Skies. I'm goin' to take a nap because I'm still tired. You stay here when the delivery comes and then wake me. Understood?"
While Althea wanted to protest, her orders from the Council were clear. While you are not to leave Commander's side, he still is your superior. Should he give you a reasonable request or order, then you are required to follow it.
Althea
"Yes, Commander."
With that, Yiski heads back to his room for a couple hours of sleep.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Council Docks-
Never has Jun'ko been to the prestigious Council Docks that Zill mentions from time to time but never goes to. While it was curious that he would rather keep his vessels out of such a place, she figured it was for good reason. All the forges, high capacity docks, and weapon systems around made her giddy. Being an engineer at heart, her eyes lit up at the extensive collection of tool kits and experimental systems. Her gear driver that Zill gave her way back during the chase tapped on her belt as she took in all the sights. Zill glanced at her occasionally and grinned.
Zill
"I see you are enjoying yourself. Don't drool on your shirt love."
Jun'ko
"Hey now, you let me drool in peace. You should accept my wonderment and the rewards later on, my Admiral."
Zill kisses her, nearly falling over on her. She just held him up and chuckled. They make their way to the back docks. Not much was back here, but sparks and fire were flying as they rounded a corner. There stood his galleon. It was braced very well. The main supports had been replaced, and she really was looking whole again. The chief engineer saw the couple and came over, giving a salute.
Chief Engineer
"Ah, glad to see you Admiral. You sure did give us a handful with this one."
Zill
"I trust she's doing well?"
Chief Engineer
"Yea, the main supports are done and hardened, so she has her spine back. Everything we replace, we upgrade while at it. Your quick mounts have been added, as well as the new moonshine prototype engines. Since ramming seems to be a thing for this old girl, we added a splitter up front."
Jun'ko
"It really does look reborn compared to what I saw earlier. You guys work fast."
Chief Engineer
"To work on the Admiral's galleon is a privilege I prize highly. We also renamed her for the occasion. "Then It Was Rebuilt"
Zill
"Fitting. A fine flag ship if I say so myself. Those Guild fools will think twice when they see her on the horizon. Know when she will be air-worthy?"
Chief Engineer
"About a month for all the finishing touches. While it could probably be done earlier, we want it done right. She deserves that much after the performance it gave."
Zill
"Agreed. I have plenty of other boats to keep me up. To Clear Skies chief."
They said their goodbyes, and started walking back out. Jun'ko caught the glimpse of a couple boats in the other back docks and jogged over, Zill wasn't so quick. He was going to protest, but he was too late.
Jun'ko
"These belong to you too?"
Zill
"Eh, this whole back section is mine."
Jun'ko
"Huh?? You have all this and yet keep some of your boats out of here?"
Zill
"Too much council business in here to keep them docked all the time. Plus, Port Tar Barrel is closer."
Jun'ko
"I see your Goldfish made it here.....and what's that?"
Jun'ko motioned to an airship, covered with an old dusty tarp. Zill sighed, but knew it would come out sooner or later.
Zill
"That is my first boat. A pyramidion. Lots of memories there that I'd rather leave covered."
Knowing she hit a nerve, Jun'ko nodded and hugged him. He grunted from dull pain, but welcomed the warm embrace. They slowly headed out back to the saloon.
-
Saloon
A man appears in the doorway and enters slowly. No older than twenty five, he wears a long cloak clearly with the intention of hiding his Fjordic, aristocratic garb, without success. But also to conceal the sheathed saber at his side.
"Excuse me, but am I right in thinking this to be the 'Burning Skies Saloon'?"
-
--Saloon--
Althea sees the newcomer enter the saloon. She's highly suspicious of the man nonetheless. Her past bodyguard duties have given her a wealth of experience.
Althea
"Saloon's sign said we're closed and this person is wearing a long cloak. Probably hiding weapons."
Althea was on high-alert and began to speak carefully knowing her charge is in the room behind her.
Althea
"This is the Burning Skies Saloon. State your business."
-
--Saloon--
"My name is Nidhogg and I mean no harm, I may have glossed over the sign."
Nidhogg gazed around the dark room.
"Strange, I've never really seen a place like this from the inside. I was never allowed to, pampered as I was from youth, groomed to carry the bloodline, to lead, to rule, to duel. But I am going off-topic, I am here for... something, anything."
A sorrowful expression formed on his face.
"I can't exactly go back. I don't exactly want to. I want to live outside of the bubble, see the world for what it truly is, fight for something other than petty family feuds, fly for myself and not old men bickering... I want adventure. Do you have it?'
-
--Saloon--
Noticing the Nidhogg's sincerity in his explanation, Althea was just on alert.
Althea
"In all honestly, it is my job to see to it there is less adventuring. If you are interested, you can head to the Academy in the Northern District. I hear they are in need of competent pilots."
-
--Saloon--
Nidhogg
"Then to the Northern District Academy a shall go."
Nidhogg half opened the door before taking a last glance around.
"This place seems homely, could use some better furniture I suppose, but still more inviting then the Taverns I used to avoid. I hope to see more of it in the coming future."
With that, he stepped out of the door, and for a second the sunlight bounced off the protruding end of the metal scabbard below the cloak and cast a tiny spot of light on the opposite wall, before being quickly snuffed out by a readjustment of the cloak and the closing of the door.
-
--Administration Building B Lobby--
Plasma sighs. The Captain was, of course, making him wait. Again.
I swear the woman derives some kind of vindictive pleasure from this.
He opens the briefing folder in his hands, paging through the sheets of guild data and intelligence reports.
Schematics, maps, images, profiles, dossiers. A folder full of sighs.
The door to the right of the secretary's desk flies open suddenly. A man stops from the room, jaw set, eyes narrowed.
Plasma looks up at the secretary, eyes pleading for any kind of excuse. However this woman seems cut from the same cloth as the captain.
Secretary
"Captain Verra will see you now."
Plasma swallow, lurches up and takes a few deep gulps of air before striding confidently (one must try) through the door. The room inside is immaculate. Beautiful wood paneling, an antique carved desk with a wide top, and deep navy tapestries covering the walls. Ornate weapons, sabers and pistols, are mounted on the walls, and deep bookcases hold countless volumes, maps, and scrolls. Verra herself stands by one of the large windows, looking out across the council gardens. Very few administrative buildings have a view to the council buildings.
She speaks without turning.
Verra
"Sit Ensign."
Plasma sits. It's a tense minute before she turns. A beautiful, hard face. High cheekbones, brown chin-length hair with a single streak of her signature navy blue on the right side. The only interruption of the perfect symmetry is the scar running from the base of her neck to the temple, narrowly missing the brilliantly blue eye.
She turns derisively to him.
Verra
"It has come to my attention that you've made a few interesting command decisions. One might even call them insubordinate. Now, before you protest, I realize a superior officer was involved. However that is no excuse for dereliction of duty. You were lucky this time. I've put an official reprimand on your record."
She sniffs and walks to the desk, placing both palms on it, leaning forward and subjecting Plasma to the most intense glare he has encountered.
Verra
"Moving on, you managed to make some hard choices, and you seem to have made them correctly Ensign. I've decided to trust you with a slightly heavier assignment. Along with it comes a promotion. A probationary promotion. Screw this up and I'll cut you loose. Welcome to the new pay grade, lieutenant."
Plasma gapes. Verra gazes expectantly at him as he marshals his words.
Plasma
"Thank you captian! I'm sure-"
Verra
"Yes, yes. Now to your assignment. I'm assigning you to the Heiress. Close your mouth Lieutenant: it's my ship, not my bed. Better. Now, we depart for Guild space in two days. Mission parameters are close and quiet. Follow up on your brief however you see fit. Here are the mission details. You are dismissed, Lieutenant."
Plasma struggles to his feet and salutes. Verra returns the gesture dismissively and returns to the window, lost in thought.
--Later Outside the Saloon--
A bit later Plasma arrives outside the saloon, riding high on the new uniform with the Lieutenants insignia.
Closed? Flak.
He stops short as the the Fjordic man leaves.
A baronies man, and an aristocrat at that? Or maybe a pirate? Hmm.
Defeated, he turns back towards the administrative sector.
Might as well finish up that paper work...
-
-Near the Saloon-
A messenger looks very confused nearby the saloon. He tries to check the saloon, but the closed sign and bodyguard told him he probably shouldn't even be near here. He spots Plasmarobo.
Messenger
"Um, excuse me? Lieutenant? May I have a word please?"
He is a very timid man, he speed walked over to Plasma.
-
--Nidhogg's ship, "Pallisarde"--
Nidhogg rummaged through the chest looking for the detailed ship report he had written personally, as such it was probably over-written.
Nidhogg
"It must be in here somewhere, it must be- ah, here it is"
He pulled out a file which held a small booklet in it's fold. But he then heard footsteps behind him. With a single, swift movement he pulled apart his cloak, unsheathed his sword and pointed it directly at the innocent and quite astonished messenger, who held his hands above his head.
Messenger
"Just a message, I didn't mean to sneak up on you"
Nidhogg sheathed his sword again and removed his hood, revealing long, blonde hair tied in a ponytail.
Nidhogg
"Sorry, I'm just on edge that's all. What's the message? From father I presume"
Messenger
"Ahem... 'Nidhogg, by the order of the family you must return home. The exile ended a month ago, if you insist on gallava-'"
Nidhogg
"-I've heard this one before, tell father I shan't be returning home, and that no number of what he considers heart-felt letters will convince me otherwise. If anything, the exile was a blessing in disguise, but I still mourn the events of... that duel. Go, and... sorry, about the sword."
Nidhogg clasped the folder and strode passed the messenger, patting him on the back on the way, and off to the Academy.
-
--Outside the Saloon--
Plasma eyes the messenger.
Looks harmless enough.
He turns a bit impatiently towards the man.
Plasma
"Yes? Can I help you?"
He watches the nervous little guy.
Something about this doesn't seem quite right.
He casually rests his hand on the grip of his pistol, but keeps his expression even.
-
--Saloon--
A few knocks came at the door. A man opened the door and was met immediately with an Elite. He gulped.
Althea
"State your business."
Deliveryman
"I have an invoice here for various furniture for a Burning Skies Saloon."
Althea
"Wait one minute."
Althea headed back and into Yiski's room. Inside, she saw a soundly sleeping Yiski spread out all over the bed. She leans down and nudges Yiski which causes him to shift a little. She then escalated the matter greatly when she took out a whistle and blew into it. It let out a high-pitched scream which caused Yiski to fall out of bed. Startled, but more importantly awake, he looked over the bed to see Althea standing on the other side.
Yiski
"Skies! Are you tryin' to make me deaf?"
Althea
"Furniture is here and my initial attempt to wake you did not work."
Yiski shook his head, grabbed his crutch and made his way out into the main floor. The deliveryman handed Yiski the invoice and Yiski handed payment over. Once done, a set of workers came in with various tables, chairs, stools, decorations, and a couch. The placement and rearrangement took roughly an hour.
After the workers left, Yiski stood behind the bar counter and looked to see a fully refreshed saloon. It brought a smile to his face. This intrigued Althea.
Althea
"Why did you re-enlist? You seem content in just running this saloon."
Yiski
"Heh. Curious are you? Well, since you're guarding me, you probably read the files they keep on me."
Althea nodded in acknowledging.
Yiski
"Then you know my reasons were to ensure this city was well defended and keep safe the people I care for."
Althea
"If you will excuse me prying further, then why keep running the saloon?"
Yiski
"Short version. It was somethin' Micheal and I wanted to do after our service was finished. You know who Micheal was?"
Althea
"Yes, your file also had information relating to Roland as well."
Yiski
"Huh. Guess the Council is good at gatherin' information. Why ask me this anyways? Doesn't seem to mess with the job of protecting me."
Althea
"I have found it easier to watch over my charges when I talk to them myself. There is only so much you learn from reading a file."
Yiski
"Heh. Fair enough."
After their conversation, Yiski opens the saloon.
-
-Outside the Saloon-
He approaches Plasma
Messenger
"Oh hello sir..."
He reaches into his satchel and pulls out a file envelope. He checks it carefully.
Messenger
"I'm looking for a man naaaamed... Yiski? Is he here? I'm supposed to deliver this to the Burning Skies Saloon."
He looks around to see that the Saloon was now open, he thanked Plasma and slowly jogged toward it.
-
-Saloon-
Jun'ko and Zill walk in, the smell of new furniture filling the room. Althea snapped to see who was coming in but quickly recognized Jun and calmed down. Zill just shook his head and made his way to the bar.
Zill
Galleon is looking good. Still stuck for a month in there though. Guess the flak fish will need to get her dust off.
Yiski
Ah, so many memories. Well hopefully we won't need to worry about flying much anyway for awhile. I'm tired.
As he talked, Yiski rolled a Hellfire in front of Zill. Jun'ko asked for a Sake Bomb for both her and Althea.
Althea
"You really think I'm about to drink on the job?"
Jun'ko
"Nope, I expect you to have a shot among friends. You aren't as stiff as you like to show off. Us women can't lose our charm, y'know?"
Althea turned around, looking into space before finally turning back around and grabbing the shot.
Althea
"I can't believe I'm doing this."
Zill and Yiski
"Me either."
They watch as the girls take their shots. Zill catches Jun'ko out of instinct. Althea falls onto a table, knocking it over. She collects herself and looks around.
Zill
"Good, this furniture is looking too new anyway."
Althea
"Skies above, what was THAT?!"
Zill grinned as he fanned Jun'ko back to consciousness, and Yiski just laughed.
-
-Saloon-
The messenger slowly comes into the saloon. He knocks on the open door to get someones attention.
Messenger
"E...Excuse me? I have a message for a Mr. Yiski?"
He slowly comes in and is very put off by the creaking of the floorboards under him.
-
Plasma slides into the tavern in the wake of the messenger, just in time to see Althea pull herself off the ground. He looks at the shot-glass on the floor. Exasperated dismay plays out a little dance on his features.
Plasma
"And who says Elite's can't handle their liquor. Though, I suppose, with the Commander's stuff it's more like handling a point-blank shot to the gut."
Althea gives him a withering look, and he pulls on his collar a bit, looking sheepish.
Plasma
"Did it just get hotter in here or...? Right. But really. Is there any truth to the rumors that the still and workshop are one in the same?"
He pulls up one of the new bar chairs. Preening a bit, he indicates the new insignia.
Plasma
"I'm celebrating though! Recent promotion! I'll have the strongest- nope. Not a chance. I'll have hellfire. That's enough. But, Admiral."
He looks at Zill, glancing at Jun'ko and Althea.
Plasma
"If you get a moment, I'd like to ask you and the commander about the conflict with the guild... general stuff. Like how likely am I to return alive if I, uh, accidentally found myself near their warships?"
-
The messenger slowly slides over to the corner looking extremely worried.
Messenger
The fucking admiral is here?! Then who the fuck am I delivering this to?!
Once he gets to the safety of the corner he takes out the envelope and starts to open his mouth
Messenger
"Um... Excuse me? A Mr. Yiski? Anyone know where I can find him?"
-
--Saloon--
Althea approaches Yiski and whispers to him.
Althea
"Were you expecting a message?"
Yiski
"Nope."
Althea then drew out her dual pistols and aimed them at the messenger. Yiski sighed at Althea's sudden aggressiveness, but he couldn't blame her. If not her, then he'd probably be pointing Blood Bolt at the messenger.
Althea
"Who sent you?"
-
--Docks--
BdrLine and Niko are on one of the Yesahn mecenary's ships as it seems it has some mechanical problem on board. He, Niko, and two others are on one of the heavy gun on a galleon tinkering with the gun platform. Well Niko and the other two are on the gun platform, while BdrLine leans on the gun talking about Athea.
BdrLine
"I mean you should have seen her. Her face is like an angel."
Pulling a wrench to tighten a bolt, Niko wipes some sweat from his brow.
Niko
"Oh yes, an angel and one who is trained to kill. Now if you don't mind, we like some help down here."
Still in a daydream state, BdrLine hops down on the platform and readies himself to help tighten the bolt.
Niko
"Ok on the count of 3. 1, 2, 3 go."
As all four were about to pull the wrench, BdrLine let's go at the last second and looks out in the distance. Niko and the other two falls over as the wrench comes loose.
BdrLine
"You think I can try and whoo her?"
The three stands up and roll or glare their eyes at BdrLine. Niko pinches the bridge of his nose to calm himself down. He goes up to him.
Niko
"Bdr, I'm happy that you found someone you like, I'm really am. But can you umm stop thinker abou her and help us here?"
BdrLine
"Oh sure, but I don't think tightening that will help."
He takes some tools out of a bag and starts to work on the platform. Then moves on the gun itself which he finishes quickly.
BdrLine
"There thats should do it."
Niko and the others looks on as he finishes the job and groans as they could have been done hours ago.
Niko
"Bdr, why didn't you tell us what we needed todo?"
Still in a daydream state shakes his head as Niko talked to him.
BdrLine
"Oh, you said something? Oh look we're done, if you guys don't mind I'll be getting a drink."
He gets off the galleon and heads towards he saloon. Back on board Niko just face palm himself.
Niko
"How long you guys think until he gets a broken limb?"
Yang
"Three days?"
Ting
"I say after tonight."
Niko
"Let's go back to the others and make a pool about it."
Yang and Ting agrees and they left back to the tavern where the rest of the crews are staying.
-
Sky noticed the activity near the saloon increase, and he finally decided he would check to see if it was open. He saw the door was open and everyone inside, so he figured he could come in, not aware that Yiski was assigned a highly dangerous body guard, who already had her weapons drawn.
Sky
"Ah, good.... morrow everyone?.... I noticed that you fixed your saloon Yiski, and... who is that?"
He points to Althea, and then mumbles to himself.
Sky
"I swear each day something new happens that I don't know of.
-
The messenger was shaking in his boots so much that he couldn't get the words out, instead he said this
Messenger
"PLEASE DON'T KILL ME I'M JUST DOING MY JOB I DON'T WANT DO DIE! AAAAH!"
At this point he lowered himself to the ground and thanked god he didn't have a lot to drink or eat this morning.
He spots Skyraider as his eyes start to water.
-
-Saloon-
Zill turns toward Plasma, still holding Jun'ko up as she came around.
Zill
"Have a Hellfire or two and we can talk. I can't say it'll be what you want to hear."
He then watches the events unfold with the messenger and Althea. He makes sure his pistol is at his side, and a couple loch grenades are still in his jacket pocket. He winces at the thought of blowing up the place again with all the new furniture.
-
--Saloon--
Yiski
"Stand down Althea. The poor kid doesn't look armed for that matter."
Althea lowers her pistols, but doesn't holster them. Yiski looks at the messenger.
Yiski
"First, I'm Yiski. Second, if it's letter or package, leave it on the table."
Yiski then reaches under the counter and tosses the messenger a pouch of five silver.
Yiski
"And that's for gettin' the life scared out of you."
Yiski then serves a few drinks to Jun'ko and Zill sitting at the bar. He then looks to Skyraider.
Yiski
Sky, Althea, my Council appointed Elite babysitter. Althea, Skyraider, purveyor of planes and bi-planes."
Althea
"Will you always introduce me as your babysitter because I can babysit if necessary."
Yiski
"Fine, I do it again. Sky, Althea, my bodyguard. Happy?"
Althea
"Yes."
-
Sky nodded towards Althea.
Sky
"I would shake your hand but it seems you still have your weapons drawn...."
Sky sits down at a table and chuckles behind his mask, thinking about what Yiski has to deal with now. Then realizes something.
Sky
"Wait a minute.... why did the Council give you a babysitter? Aren't we good enough to protect you, or do you not trust us to get the job done?"
-
He looks at Yiski slightly relieved.
Messenger
"I'm afraid it isn't that simple. You see, this is a will. I have special instructions to, well. Read it to you..."
He started to twidle his thumbs
-
--Saloon--
Yiski looks at Sky.
Yiski
"Apparently so. Being alone for a two hours caused a manhunt for me which didn't end until I jumped out of a two-story window."
Yiski then hears the messengers stipulation.
Yiski
"Alright. What's the message?"
-
He quickly opens the letter and takes out the piece of paper
Messenger
"Ok, it reads: ..."
Dear Yiski, How are you? I'm dead. Yes I'm dead, so dead, dead deaders.
Messenger
"This goes on for a little while, I'll skip ahead..."
Anyway. I need to ask you to do a favor for me. A last request as it is. I need you to make sure I'm buried, and throw a funeral for me. When I'm buried it doesn't matter but your the reason I got killed in the first place. At least I assume. Anyway I would appreciate if you did this for me.
Why am I asking this? Because when you were doing the nasty I'm sure at least once you fantasized about my bloody corpse during your vinegar strokes.
I don't know who shot me but here's a list of people who I think did.
The messenger's eyes get wide as he flips through the packet of pages
Messenger
"This is a long list... Alright here we go."
Notice your not on the list because as much as you probably wanted to, you never had the pleasure. And while I'm a rotting corpse I'll take pride on the fact that even though a thousand men were after me. You were the closest and you never got to put a bullet in my brain.
So throw me a funeral or I'll haunt you. OooOOOoooHH. Not really.
And please. Bury me with my memento's, my most prized possessions. And give all my gold to Roland and Ny-Lee. I never managed to get them a wedding gift so five thousand gold should suffice.
I think Dylan had a eulogy so he can read that.
Best wishes
~Honeybadger
Messenger
"Alright. That's all. Although it's strange that he gave it to me so soon from his death. It's a shame, he must have died this morning."
The messenger sighs and starts to pull out his clipboard.
-
Sky listened closely to the messenger, he was completely confused about why this guy had a death wish from Honeybadger.
Sky
"Wait, that's weird. Last I checked, that kid was still alive. Why did you get a letter from him asking to be buried?"
-
Zill shakes his head and sighs. He motions toward Sky.
Zill
"Althea here had received a warped order to kill him, and she carried it out rather swiftly when he came in last night. I say good riddance. He wasn't much better than the ilk coming out of that merc den."
Jun'ko elbowed him in his good side and he grunted under his mask.
Zill
"Oi, you were thinking it."
Jun'ko
"Much different than blabbing it to everyone."
Zill took a drink, knowing he wasn't going to win that argument.
-
The messenger looks to Yiski
Messenger
"I'll be on my way now, I have orders to get Mr. Honeybadger's personal belongings from the roof."
The messenger quickly stepped outside. He was glad he had not gotten shot.
-
Sky remembered that he had a piece of paper in his pocket, he found it on the side of a wall when he was coming to the saloon.
Sky
"Honestly, he was in Anvala with this all over the place."
Sky handed Zill a wanted poster, it had Honeybadger and Dylan's names on it.
Sky
"He would have been dead, even if he made it out of the saloon. According to this he escaped from a prison...."
-
--Saloon--
After the the message of Honeybadger's last words and wishes, the messenger left, leaving the message, and Yiski started to explain to Skyraider yesterday's events.
Yiski
"Long story Sky. Short story my standing order to shoot Honeybadger and Dylan in the legs evolved into a kill on sight order. Althea is and Elite who got the K.O.S. order. Althea saw Honeybadger and Dylan enter the saloon. Althea followed through with the K.O.S. order."
The explanation got an 'ah' reaction from Skyraider.
The next order of business was to claim their bodies, but that could wait till tomorrow.
Althea
"Commander, are you not going to claim their bodies?"
Yiski
"That can wait till tomorrow."
Althea
"Commander, you do understand any persons killed within the city are cremated within twenty-four hours? It was in place to conserve city space."
Yiski
"Flak."
Yiski hobbled as quick as he could to the radio in the back. He then set the radio frequency to Lauren's radio in her office.
Yiski
"Honey? Are you there?"
Lauren
"... Please don't tell me there are armed men inside the saloon..."
Yiski
"No, no, it's not that. I need you to run to the Administrative Building soon, or rather right now."
Lauren
"..Why?"
Yiski
"Well, we just got a message with Honeybadger's last wishes and he wanted to be buried."
Lauren
"Okay, so?"
Yiski
"His body is about to be cremated. Probably in the next few minutes."
Lauren
"And you care why?"
Yiski
"Because I feel slightly responsible. Skies, woman! Just go now!"
Lauren
"Alright. Alright!"
Lauren leaves her office and makes her way to the Admin Building. Luckily, it's next door to the building Lauren works in. She finds the receptionist and asks her where to go on those being cremated. Once the directions and office are given, Lauren makes her way to the office Retirement and Termination Affairs.
RTA Official
"Can I help you?"
Lauren
"Yes, I got a call from Commander Yiski to put a stop on a cremation on two individuals... Honeybadger and Dylan. It's requested the bodies be buried."
Shuffling a large stack of papers and folders, the official picks up a file.
RTA Official
"Here it is. Let's see now... ... ... ooh."
Lauren
"Let me guess, they've been cremated."
RTA Official
"It seems so I'm afraid, but you can claim their ashes."
Lauren sighed and agreed. The official handed her some paperwork in order to claim the ashes. She used this fetch quest as an excuse to end the day to head to the mortuary and back to the saloon.
When Lauren did arrive back at the saloon, Yiski saw her holding two plain-looking urns. He facepalmed.
Yiski
"Don't tell me..."
Lauren
"Yup. Say hello to Honeybadger," *lifting the right urn* "and Dylan." *lifting the left urn*
Yiski
"Well, at least we have something to bury."
-
Sky saw the two urns, and pulled a classic face-palm, he talked while his hand was still on his face.
Sky
"Just don't drop those urns, please. The last thing we could do to them is to ruin our floors... again... but with their ashes."
-
Plasma gives a sad sort of smile as he looks at the urns.
He shakes it off.
Plasma
"How unfortunate. Does this sort of thing happen often in here? Well..."
He glances around the room, and quickly counts the coin he has on him.
Plasma
"Wonderful! Everyone have a Hellfire on me. A reminder that some lives burn hot, even after they're gone!"
He slaps the money down and drains his drink, a process the quickly forces streams of salty liquid from his eyes.
He breathes deeply in the aftermath of the drink.
Plasma
"Helluva kick."
-
Afte roaming the city in his dream like state, BdrLine finally gets to the saloon. He walks over to the counter and takes a seat. He turns to look at Althea, but in return he sees two urns.
"Umm who are those?"
--Garden District--
Ny-Lee and Roland are out spending their day and thinking about living arrangements. As they walk past the memorial, they find a bench and takes a rest.
Leaning on his shoulder, Ny-Lee watches as people passes by and the clouds roll on in the sky. She turns her head to look at him.
Ny-Lee
"So, since we can't stay living in the saloon forever, where are going to live?"
-
--NARRATOR--
Yiski
"The urns? Can't you tell it's Honeybadger and Dylan?"
Lauren
"Anyways, where are we gonna bury them at?"
Yiski
"Dunno. No cemeteries in Anvala. Probably land somewhere on the field outside the city. We'll do it tomorrow."
Lauren
"Sounds good. The sooner the better."
With the burial set, Ny-Lee and Roland came in and the two didn't look all that happy. A first for them and the group watching.
Lauren
"What's wrong you two?"
Roland
"We couldn't come to an agreement on where to live. Not yet at least."
Ny-Lee
"Yes, it seems there are a lot of details and problems which we now realize exist."
Yiski
"Well, it's to be expected. I'm sure you'll figure somethin' out though."
Ny-Lee and Roland headed upstairs early, their argument though out the day tiring them quickly. Soon most of the saloon emptied leaving the usual group still together.
Zill
"How long you gonna be in that cast for Yiski?"
Yiski
"Docs say another three weeks, but I aim on gettin' rid of it much sooner. Bloody thing is startin' to get itchy. How are you holdin' up."
Zill
"Flak. I'm still sore all over."
Jun'ko then came and hugged her Admiral.
Jun'ko
"Aww... poor Admiral. Let's go. I'll make you feel better."
She gave an obvious wink and started upstairs. Despite his condition, Zill seemed to bolt after her. This left BdrLine, Lauren, and Yiski laughing.
BdrLine
"Yeah, I think I'm going to leave now." *leaves the saloon*
Yiski
"Skies. I could've gone the rest of my life without having to witness that."
Lauren
"Well, then I have something that might take your mind off it."
Lauren went into the back to wait for Yiski. Yiski limped and closed the saloon for the day. As he started his way to the back, Althea stopped him for a moment.
Althea
"You do realize the men who took you are still out there? Do you think it is wise to do this burial tomorrow?"
Yiski
"Yes on both accounts."
Althea
"Also another thing, I keep noticing your Yeshan friend keeps looking at me from time to time."
Yiski
"BdrLine? Well, let's just say he's been feelin' lonely lately. His little sister got married to my son. Zill has Jun'ko. I have Lauren. So yeah, he's feelin' left out. Speaking of which, you might want these."
Yiski hands Althea a pair of earplugs. Althea stares at them and at Yiski.
Yiski
"You know. If you don't want to hear us."
Althea
"Thanks, but it would make it hard to hear for any intruders."
Yiski
"Well, don't say I didn't warn you.
Yiski then opened his door, only to have Lauren pull him inside and shut the door hard. Althea gave a small chuckle.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 114--
-
--START OF DAY 115--
--NARRATOR--
It was early and the sun had just risen as Althea, BdrLine, Jun'ko, Lauren, Ny-Lee, Roland, Yiski, and Zill were on southern tip of the vast North Tundra. They arrived together taking the M'Naghten Returns On the small area they were occupying were two small holes dug and the urns occupying both holes. There were small markers signifying their location.
Zill
"Tell me again why I'm here?"
Yiski
"Respect for the dead."
Lauren
"So who is going to read the eulogy?"
Yiski
"Althea."
Althea gives Yiski a strange look, but is meet with Yiski's adamant look.
Yiski
"Well you did kill the supposed eulogy reader. Only fair I suppose."
Althea sighs in defeat. Yiski pulls out a piece of paper and hands it to Althea. During the claiming of the urns, Dylan's eulogy for Honeybadger was found among Dylan's personal papers.
The eulogy itself was very elegantly written for someone who hung around Honeybadger most of the time. It wasn't long or short. It wasn't underwhelming or dramatic. It was for all intensive purposes, a perfect eulogy.
When the reading was done, BdrLine and Roland shoveled the dirt and buried the urns. The group stood for a few more moments in silence before making their way back to the ship.
Zill
"Kind of think that eulogy was wasted on him."
Yiski
"What? Feelin' jealous yours won't be so nice? No worries, I'll have you covered."
Zill
"Flak. First, no thanks. Second, what makes you think you'll out live me?"
Yiski
"Because I don't take shots directly to the chest."
The two men kept bickering between each other causing their significant others to roll their eyes and laugh.
They then boarded M'Naghten Returns and returned to Anvala.
-NARRATOR END--
-
-Saloon-
Zill sat at the bar, sipping on a Hellfire and thinking about life. He felt on his bandaged torso and sighed. Jun'ko noticed his daze and nudged him.
Jun'ko
"Hey, what's buggin' yea?"
Zill
"Ah nothing. Thinking too much I guess."
Jun'ko
"Well you aren't the only one."
Zill felt a little selfish, never once wondering how Jun'ko was doing after recent events.
Zill
"That's right, you aren't really used to all this fighting or losing people close. I put up with this almost daily."
Jun'ko
"No wonder you were so depressed before me."
She sticks her tongue out and he smirks under his mask. She was right though. In his thought, he remembered something and went outside for a moment to catch a courier. He sent along a message to the city armory and came back.
Jun'ko
"Something urgent?"
Zill
"Experiments. Our enemies never sleep, so why should I?"
-
--Saloon--
Nidhogg steps through the threshold and heads straight for the bar, before taking a seat and removing the hood of his cloak, seemingly indifferent to the conversation taking place.
Nidhogg
"So, err... What does this place have in the way of beverages?"
-
--Saloon--
Althea sees Nidhogg in the saloon when he asks his question.
Althea
"So you are back."
Yiski
"Eh. You know him Althea?"
Althea
"His name is Nidhogg. He stopped by yesterday while you were resting."
Yiski
"Well, then. Welcome Nidhogg. Beverages might be a stretch term to use for my brews. I've got your local brews, but the main attractions are my personal brews which are found nowhere else."
Lauren
"You should be warned though, most of his drinks are potent and not to be taken lightly."
-
--Saloon--
Nidhogg
"Personal brews? That sounds interesting, and possibly suicidal, I'll have the most 'personal' of said brews you have"
He then gets up again and holds his hand outstretched to Yiski, seemingly with intent to shake.
Nidhogg
"It's good to have hospitality. Your..."
He takes a scanning look at Althea, before looking back at Yiski.
Nidhogg
"...Bodyguard, I presume, 'Althea', was hardly a patron of warmth upon my first entrance."
-
--Saloon--
Sky walks into the saloon and sits down at a table, he sees everyone as usual and greets everyone.
"Good morrow, so how was that burial?'
Sky also spots Nidhogg sitting at the bar.
"Ah, greetings to you? I'm afraid I do not know your name, care to tell us?"
-
--Saloon--
Nidhogg pulls back his hand and turns to face Sky.
Nidhogg
"Nidhogg is my name, but I know little of any of you."
He looks around in thought.
Nidhogg
"...Other than the fact that the bodyguard is either very untrusting... or wise, Yiski's brews aren't to be taken lightly, and apparently a burial has taken place recently. I ask not for details, just context."
-
--Saloon--
Yiski
"The burial went fine. The eulogy was something else though. Who knew Dylan was a poet?"
Yiski then makes a Hellfire for Nidhogg.
Yiski
"Let's go ahead and let you dive into thing. This is a Hellfire. Compared to other drinks, this will kick you to the ground. Compared to my recent brews, the Hellfire is a walk in the park. I hope that clarifies what you're gettin' yourself into."
-
--Saloon--
Nidhogg
"And also apparently Dylan is surprisingly eloquent."
He chuckles to himself, before grasping the Hellfire and holding it in front of his face.
Nidhogg
"In at the deep end I suppose."
He then takes a sip, and then a gulp, before downing it in one.
Nidhogg
"Great nimbus! Doesn't half vaporise your sinuses does it."
-
-Saloon-
Zill asked Yiski for a WSW and Jun'ko went over to test out the new piano. Needless to say, it worked very well. Zill hummed along and then turned to Nidhogg.
Zill
"Trial by fire eh? The best way to go in my opinion."
Zill tips his hat in good gesture and orders him another round.
-
Plasma breezes through the door. He smiles sympathetically at Nidhogg as he acquiesces to the potent drink.
Plasma
"I see I'm not the only one who finds that stuff powerful. 'ello Commander. Hello...ah."
He sort of salutes Yiski. More out of habit than anything else. He places himself next to Nidhogg at the bar.
He looks from Skyraider to Nidhogg and back.
Plasma
"I don't think I know either of you. But I think I've seen you both around the past few days... been a bit chaotic I guess. Anyway, I think I must be starting to like this place. I suppose I'll have one of those too."
He indicates Nidhogg's empty drink, now in the process of being replaced. He turns to the man.
Plasma
"You're not from around here are you?" he says carefully.
-
--Saloon--
Nidhogg
"Anvala? No. I'm from the Baronies, part of a fairly powerful house. I've been travelling around the Burren now for, what is it? A month now. I left because..."
He takes a swig of his new favourite drink.
Nidhogg
"...Because I err, technically I was exiled. Partly because of this."
He then puts down the drink, parts his cloak and draws his saber. He then holds it in front of him, running his hand along the non-sharp end from hilt to tip, before laying it down on the bar.
-
Plasma looks nonplussed. Taking a pull from his own Hellfire.
Plasma
"A sword? Granted it's a pretty one. Is it some kind of ancestral treasure or something?"
He eyes the object curiously.
-
--Saloon--
Nidhogg
"Ancestral treasure? No, It was made for me, for duelling, to settle disputes etcetera. Most of the time people duel with pistols but one can't deny the pleasurable act of twirling a fine blade through the air, or flesh, if need be. But I try to avoid such acts... Try."
He continues to take swigs from the Hellfire.
Nidhogg
"But enough about me. This doesn't just go one way. What are your stories?"
-
--Saloon--
BdrLine takes a seat closer to Althea, nervousness showing. While playing with his thumb, he tries to talk to her.
BdrLine
"So umm Althea, Bodyguard... Yiski. umm Ahh... I'll be over there then."
He stands up from his seat and moves to the other side of the bar with a hand behind his head and his face red. Ny-Lee sees this and finally piece why her brother was actin strange for the pat few days. She brings a. hand to stifle a chuckle and goes over to him.
Ny-Lee
"So, brother. Lady troubles I see."
Startled, he turns to her.
BdrLine
"What... Noo. Me and lady troubles, Ny how can you say that. I mean I'm 'BdrLine' for Gods shakes."
Ny-Lee puts on a smug face and rolls her eyes.
Ny-Lee
"Denial."
BdrLine goes on a little defensive and raise a finger in the air.
BdrLine
"D-d-denial. Now I wonder who is the sane one now."
Still unamused, Ny-Lee folds her arms and stare at her brother. Starting to sweat a little, BdrLine gets up from his seat and heads to the door. He calls out to Yiski and the others.
BdrLine
"Umm Yiski, I think I'm needed at the docks. Niko said that some of his ships are still broken. I'll be back."
He exits the saloon and heads to the tavern where is Niko is staying. Ny-Lee gives an exasperated gasp and goes over to her husband.
--Docks--
At the tavern, BdrLine enters and sees Niko holding a pencil and paper with his men surrounding him.
Niko
"Ok so that's 50 copper for five days for Chee. 15 silver for a week for my cousin. Ok anyone else?"
BdrLine raises an eyebrow and goes up to him.
BdrLine
"Niko, what's this?"
Niko turns around and sees his friend. Goes up to him, wraps an arm around his shoulder and shows the paper.
Niko
"Hey Bdr, you see the men and I thought it would be fun to bet on how lon it will take for you to get the girl you were talking about. So far a lot of people are saying that it be a month or so."
BdrLine face palm himself as Niko and he others laugh.
-
--Saloon--
After BdrLine left, Jun'ko and Lauren couldn't help but laugh at his immense awkwardness. Zill chuckled and Yiski sighed. Althea just stood there trying to take in what happened.
Althea
"So, did he just try and..."
Yiski
"I suppose he tried, and failed miserably. Ny, do you know if he's ever had any experience with a woman?"
Ny-Lee
"Back home? One or two, but I think it was more of a friendship than anything else."
Yiski shrugged, then turned to Nidhogg.
Yiski
"Our stories. Skies, we'd be here all week. To start, I was a Baronies Striker when my service was up. Fought in the Baronies-Guild Conflict."
Lauren
"I was a pilot for the Baronies during the same time, but I did go 'missing' for a time after the Conflict."
Yiski
"Yeah 'missing'." *Doing air quotes*
-
--Saloon--
Nidhogg
"I'm sorry, 'missing'? What happened"
Whilst he says this he puts his sword back in its sheath and removes his cloak, placing it on the bar.
-
--Saloon--
Yiski
"Yeah, that's a topic which neither of us are willin' to discuss at the time. Let's just say it caused some problems for us which are solved now."
Lauren makes herself a Hellfire and takes a gulp of it. Though she's getting used to the drink, it still sends shivers down her spine.
Lauren
"Yeah, I'd like not talking about it either."
--Unknown Building--
Man 2
"You sure we should continue the contract? Looks like he has 24/7 bodyguard."
Man
"Yes, our client was adamant about completing this and why we were given abundant resources to accomplish this. I also will not allow such a man to tarnish our flawless track record."
Man 3
"So, do we have a plan? I'd like to get some pay back on him."
-
As BrdLine approaches Althea, Plasma does all he can to prevent himself from chuckling. This involves choking on the first half of his drink, and entering a little coughing fit.
He's gunning high that one. Going after an Elite, and a stunning one at that. Good luck.
He shoots Yiski and Althea a reproachful look.
Plasma
"Not all of us can be so lucky in love, you two. Sometimes it takes practice. And a few slaps across the face."
He ducks the Elite's glare. And Yiski begins his 'story'.
Plasma listens with rapt attention. Almost forgetting about the drink in his hand.
He finishes it as Yiski concludes his little tale. Plasma finds that he only has more questions about the Mysterious commander. He bats them away.
Plasma
"Well, I'm a bit new around here. Technically, I'm subordinate to the Admiral and Commander, but it's in a sort of round-about way. I'm a Lieutenant in the fleet. Or at least, a branch of it. Until recently it's been quiet. Import/Export detail and guard duties. We shouldn't even be up for the guard, but recent events... Well, I suppose it was lucky I was. Anyway, I ship out tomorrow. Top Secret mission and all of that. But it'll be nice to have sky under my feet again. And I'm sure it's not nearly as dangerous as the Captain says... I've only just found this saloon you see. I'd like to continue visiting..."
He sighs. Asks for another Hellfire and sips it moodily.
-
--Unknown Building--
Man 2
"It seems the the guards have a detailed description of you and seem to be actively searching for you."
Man
"It is to be expected. As a weapon craftsman, he certainly does pay attention to detail. However, this works in our favor."
Man 3
"Are we going to use our alternate appearances?"
Man
"No, only I will. Based on the information, Yiski only managed to give a description of me. It should be easy enough to alter my appearance and voice."
Man 2
"You sure this plan will work? It does have a high risk."
Man
"They are a reactive bunch. Once I neutralize the bodyguard, I am counting on the rest of you to suppress his friends. Remember, no deaths as per our contract."
Man 4
"You know as well as I do that condition only increases our chance of failure."
Man
"Be that as it may, I would prefer not to make our client angry, given our past history."
Man 2
"Okay fine, non-lethal takedowns aside, when is this happening?"
Man
"Tomorrow morning."
-
-Saloon-
Two heavily armored guards march into the doorway of the Saloon, if they were armed they hid their weapons well. They stood at opposite sides of the doorway scanning the room. Naturally Althea was put off by this. The people who noticed thought it might have been Papa before they realized that the guards were Yeshan military. As the two men finished scanning the room, they knocked on the saloon door.
On Que, a Yeshan man who was adorned in fine fabrics and covered in medals strolled into the saloon with his head held high and his arms crossed behind his back. Then then whispered something to his guard and scanned the room.
Yeshan
"Alright."
He moves his hands to the front of his body and slowly takes both gloves off and puts them in his coat pocket.
Yeshan
"Who wants to tell me where he is?"
-
-Saloon-
Zill was back in thought, staring at his mug. This time it was Yiski to snap him out of it.
Yiski
"Don't think too hard grandpa, you might hurt yourself."
Zill
"Witty today aren't we? Too bad that glass couldn't of made you look better for Lauren."
Yiski
"Jokes aside, what's eating you?"
Zill
"You do know those guys will try again, I hope."
Yiski
"Well yea, that's expected. I want to know who they work for."
Zill
"Well once Althea finds them, she isn't asking questions."
Yiski
"Good point..."
Just then a courier brings a package for Zill, along with a letter. Jun'ko paws at it and looks inside.
Jun'ko
"Is that a bomb?!"
Althea jumped at the word and rushed over. Zill took the explosive out before she could snatch it, his pistol in her gut.
Zill
"You're pretty slow for an Elite. It's not going to explode."
Althea
"Well at least get that pistol off me."
He lowered his gun, and she backed up, sitting next to Jun'ko.
Zill
"Before any of you ask, it's an experiment of mine, and you'll do well to just accept that I have a bomb in my possession."
Jun'ko
"Any particular reason or are you just collecting them now?"
Zill
"Insurance."
Everyone turns to the Yeshans entering, followed by the one questioning for someone.
Zill
"Before anyone answers any of your concerns, who are you?"
-
--Saloon--
Nidhogg sits and examines the explosive from a distance and thought to himself.
Nidhogg
"And now I guess bombs. This rag-tag bunch seems to be more than meets the eye. Best I don't question minor things like explosives."
When the guards enter Nidhogg is not overly worried, as he is more concerned about his rapidly emptying drink.
-
The man glances over at Zill and gives a slight grin.
Admiral Qiao Huang
"I am the Admiral General Qiao Huang of Yesha. Now you can answer some of my questions, yes?"
He snaps his fingers and the guard to the left of him put a brown piece of rolled up paper in his hand. The General opens it up and looks at it, then turns it to Zill. The picture shows a wanted sign for a "Dylan Thackery and Honey the Kid." With the pictures of Honeybadger and Dylan on the front.
Admiral Qiao Huang
"I'm looking for these two men."
-
--Saloon--
Yiski
"Yeah, we've seen them. There's a plot just outside the city walls. Probably about five hundred meters north by northeast from Port Tar Barrel. In that area you'll find two burial markers with those names."
Yiski makes himself another Hellfire and takes a sip.
-
He raises his eyebrows.
Admiral Qiao Huang
"Are you saying these men are dead?"
He looks over at his guard menacingly, his guard shrugs and tilts his head.
He looked back to Yiski, completely normal.
Admiral Qiao Huang
"Could you maybe go into detail on how they died? I need it to report back."
-
--Saloon--
Yiski
"I can do you better."
Yiski heads into the back and moments later comes out with a folder in his hand. As Yiski got to the counter, Althea stopped him. She held out her hand. Yiski stared at her.
Althea
"Precaution."
Yiski relented and handed Althea the folder who then handed it to the Admiral Huang.
Yiski
"That is the official report of how he died."
-
He takes the report and glosses over it. He snaps his fingers and one of his guards pulls up a chair for him he sits in it and pulled himself up to the table.
Admiral Qiao Huang
"Hmm, just a couple of questions. Althea, who is he?"
He continues to flip through the pages of the report.
-
--Saloon--
Yiski
"You can ask her yourself."
Yiski then points to Althea standing next to him. He then turns to Lauren.
Yiski
"You good to watch the saloon tomorrow?"
Lauren
"You heading to the Armory?"
Yiski
"Eyup."
-
He glances at Althea, mentally rolls his eyes and continues reading.
Admiral Qiao Huang
"It says here that he was stabbed once but shot around 4 times, and then cremated earlier than normal. I'm not going to question you on that detail but what really interests me are the guards that carried him out and filed this report... Do you mind if I ask if you knew the guards who took them out personally?"
Instead of continuing to read the report, he looked hard at Yiski.
-
--Saloon--
Yiski started getting annoyed with Huang. The reports were reviewed and approved by him. Hell, they were approved by the Council.
Yiski
"If you'd read the report, you know that Althea, my bodyguard who was assigned to me earlier in the day, killed him."
-
He stares down Yiski hard, his bodyguards take one step forward.
Admiral Qiao Huang
"Did you. Or did you not, know the men who carried out Dylan and Mr. Honeybadger."
At this point he wanted to get out of here right now, the place smelled of must and he didn't like Yiski's tone toward him.
Admiral Qiao Huang
If I knew I was dealing with a mule I would have dug up their ashes and talked to them myself.
-
-Saloon-
Zill grew tired of Huang. He stood up and got in front of him, breaking his line-of-sight with Yiski.
Zill
"Who cares about them? If you're considering that their is foul play involved here, I'll take you to the grave myself and shove your nose in it so you can get a good wiff. I grow tired of your arrogance and general lack of intelligence. Take your peasants with you, and consider the two fools dead."
The rest of the saloon stood up and surrounded the group of three, practically pushing them out the door.
-
--NARRATOR--
With Admiral Huang and his bodyguards forced out by Zill and other annoyed patrons. Yiski looked at the group and scratched the back of his head.
Yiski
"Good thing we know people in high places in Chang-ning, or this would've come back and bite us on our blind sides."
Zill
"Flak, even if we didn't, I still would've done that."
Yiski sighed and soon the saloon was playing music and getting the unpleasant visit behind them.
Meanwhile, Admiral Huang was less than pleased with his exit. He mumbled a few things to himself.
The night went on and soon enough the saloon was closed. Althea took up a position behind the bar counter and took a view of the surroundings.
Althea
"You could almost use this saloon as a bunker."
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 115--
-
--START OF DAY 116--
--NARRATOR--
It was well before any light could be seen over the city's walls.
Four men were set up in positions around the saloon. Two sat on top of separate buildings which overlooked the saloon's entrance and windows. One stood at the corner of the saloon looking like he was waiting for it to open. The last wore a long cloak, which at first glance, wasn't unusual. However, underneath the cloak, hid two breaching charges.
The plan was to use the breaching charge and make their own surprise entrance. Afterwards, the two on the ground would toss smoke grenades to disorient anyone inside, grab Yiski amiss the confusion, and withdraw. The two on top would provide suppressing fire in order to prevent any pursuit.
The leader of the group was on of the elevated marksman. He raised his fist which singled the cloaked man to immediately set the charges. As the timer ticked down, each man counted down with it to time their entry.
"5...4...3...2...1..."
*BOOOOM*
The explosion rocked the saloon and blew down the door, the shock wave shattering nearby windows. After a second, the two on the ground each tossed a smoke grenade inside. Soon the smoked filled the saloon and leaked slowly out the doorway and windows.
The one watched the other enter the saloon.
*BANG*
Suddenly, the entering man had fallen back and the others noticed the entry man had been hit on his side. This caused one of the roof marksman to open fire as to give some cover. As the other on the ground tried to drag his injured accomplice out of harms way, he poked his head above a blown out window.
*BANG*
The next thing the two on high ground saw was another of their accomplice's head with a hole. Within seconds, the spies plan had already failed. Within a few more seconds, their leader knew why: He underestimated the parameters of the saloon itself.
A normal breaching charge should tear down any standard door without any damage to the doorway itself. The double breaching charges was meant to also send pieces of the doorway. Because the saloon was rebuilt to withstand explosions and medium arm fire, the spies needed to use at least four charges.
The second miscalculation came with the main floor's ceiling height. The saloon had a taller first floor ceiling to allow smoke and steam to rise high enough without bothering the patrons below. Also, the ceiling had a slight slope which helped with venting.
The third miscalculation came with the windows. Nearly all the front windows were shattered. While not large, they were situated where the sloped ceiling would draw any smoke or steam out the windows when opened. Even though the saloon quickly filled with smoke, the ceiling and windows made sure it left just as quickly.
The fourth miscalculation was distance. The initial shock of two breaching charges would have hardly reached the bar counter and would not have affected Althea.
Before the leader had time to issue a retreat, his last man was now under fire and taking cover. The leader looked to see who was firing. He then saw from the second story windows Jun'ko and Zill firing.
Last miscalculation: Zill's sixth sense. Zill didn't get a whole lot of sleep because of his sixth sense. When the breaching charges hit, Zill knew the main floor could handle itself. He knew what an Elite was capable of. He left his room, with Jun'ko's help and looked through the windows and found the one firing marksman. Jun'ko and Zill then started to return fire.
Their leader abandoned the area leaving one man pinned down and another bleeding out on the ground.
Zill scanned the rooftops to spot anymore high ground units. He then yelled down.
Zill
"Althea! We have one pinned on the roof, but the other roofs are clear!"
Althea then approached the injured man on the ground. Knowing he would be captured, the spy put a capsule in his mouth. Althea tried to pull it out, but it was too late. The spy's mouth started to foam as he gagged to death.
Althea
"Cyanide. Spies."
Althea turned back to see Lauren and Yiski behind the bar counter. The two had their weapons ready. Confident that everyone was alert, Althea then went to the roof Zill pointed out. Althea again found the same thing. The spy had taken cyanide and killed himself. Althea took another look around the rooftops and saw nothing.
Soon, Althea, Jun'ko, Lauren, Ny-Lee, Roland, Yiski, and Zill were on the main floor. Moments later, a contingent of heavy defenders and riflemen arrived to secure the area.
Yiski
"The hell happened?"
Althea
"Spies. I will have to make a report and authorize a full investigation as to these men's identity. Hopefully, it will lead to who was behind your kidnapping."
Zill
"Yiski, you think this was done by the same people who took you?"
Yiski approached the two bodies which were on the ground. One he couldn't recognize because Althea's shot had disfigured the face beyond recognition.
Yiski
"This one looks familiar. Can't tell though. I only got a good look at the one who talked to me while I was held. How many bodies?"
Althea
"Three. Two here and one on the roof which a few guards are retrieving."
Yiski
"Well there were four when I escaped, so there's at least that many."
Lauren
"What now? If this keeps up, we'll have to convert the saloon into a military bunker."
Althea
"Assuming these are spies, the fourth has probably already withdrawn from the city."
Jun'ko
"No way. Nobody could move that fast."
Althea
"Trust me, spies have a talent for quickness."
Zill
"Just another day, right Yiski?"
Yiski
*sigh* "Yup. Just another day."
--NARRATOR END--
-
--Nidhogg's ship, "Pallisarde"--
*BOOOOM*
Nidhogg
"Great nimbus!"
He was jolted from his sleep by the sound of the explosion, even on his ship. He quickly got up, suddenly alert to the sounds of gunfire. Making haste to change into proper clothes, he then noticed the gunfire ceasing. He made his way into a street, keeping a hand by his sword's handle, and saw a cloaked man dashing down the road. In that split second his mind came to a logical conclusion. He tried to stop the man.
Nidhogg
"Hey! What are you-"
He was shoved to the ground, but the collision caused the spy to trip and fall. Drawing his sword with swiftness, Nidhogg got up along with the spy, who drew a small knife from his cloak. The spy, suddenly realising the rather humorous difference in equipment, made a dash in his original direction. Nidhogg made a slash at the spy, but only catching him on the left arm, leaving a cut. But the spy was gone nonetheless, easily being able to outpace Nidhogg, who gave up the chase.
Nidhogg
"Blast!"
Where did all that commotion take place? Actually, where else?
He headed off in the direction of the Saloon.
-
-Saloon-
Zill came down with Jun'ko's help after the fight. His new bomb was on his belt, and he was glad it didn't need using so soon. He stepped on the broken door and smirked.
Damn thing never does stay up for long.
He walked over to the bodies and sighed, motioning toward Yiski.
Zill
"I lost too much sleep tonight for you."
Yiski
"Not my fault you have a sixth sense for bad things. It's amazing you sleep at all with that."
Zill
"I did ok before we started sleeping here."
Zill knew Yiski was about to say something and he patted his bomb. Yiski just grinned.
-
--Fleet dock--
The sound of the explosion echos out over the city.
Plasma stops in the middle of organizing the rest of the crew, and glances up in the direction of the rising smoke.
He frowns, calling over his shoulder to the other men.
Plasma
"Continue loading the ship. I'll be back when you're all done."
He jogs off down the streets. Intuition screaming at him. A man in a cloak with a slash on his arm passes him.
He cannot spare a glance for the man, but he notices the cut.
People should really be more careful around here.
--Outside the Saloon--
Plasma surveys the damage and guardsmen.
The bodies have been collected in the street, and a car is being pulled down the road.
He shakes his head.
They must really want the Commander. If they were able to blow the door, why wouldn't they follow up with more explosive? Or did they plan on taking him alive...?
He gives Nidhogg a nod as he arrives, moving through the wreck of the door and saluting the Admiral and Commander, observing the formality of his position.
Plasma
"Is everyone alright? It almost looks like they hit you with artillery. Got the bastards though? Guess this is an example of Elite marksmanship."
Jun'ko
"And Admiral marksmanship."
Plasma chuckles. Of course, he'd heard rumors about the Admiral. Impossible to surprise under the worst of situations.
He looks around the Saloon a bit helplessly.
Plasma
"I suppose there isn't much I can do, but if you need anything before I depart... I have to make a last visit to the administration building. I can forward a message if you like. I suppose there is no chance of a last drink?"
He shrugs, looking mildly disappointed.
-
--Saloon--
An hour passed before the saloon was cleaned up. Yiski stood out in the street surrounded by defenders, guards, and now other Elites. He took a look at his saloon and sighed in relief.
Yiski
"At least I don't need to rebuild it."
He sighed again knowing he'd have to keep the saloon closed today as he got new windows and a door.
Moments later a messenger flanked by two Elites joined the already large group.
Yiski
"Does the Council need to see me?"
Messenger
"No Commander. You have orders."
The messenger hands a letter to Yiski. Yiski starts reading the message and he immediately glares at Althea.
Yiski
"This your doin'?"
Althea
"I only suggested it and it seems the Council agrees."
Lauren
"What does it say?"
Yiski
"Effective immediately, I am to be relocated to the Southern Complex for protection until the investigation as to the identity of the spies and those after me come to an end."
Lauren
"What?! You could be there for..."
Yiski
*cutting her off* "years... I know."
Lauren
*Glaring at Althea* "Why would you suggest that?! Aren't we better off letting them come to us? It'd make it easier to kill them off and show them not to screw with us!"
Althea
"I suggested this because the Admiral and Commander are still recovering, lowering our combat strength. In addition, we came out on top this time because those spies did not have access to the saloon's schematics."
Lauren
"That's still not..."
Yiski
"Enough Lauren. I don't plan on goin' to the Complex anyways."
Althea
"We have direct orders."
Yiski
"Let me finish. If I'm goin' to to be stuck somewhere, it's goin' to be at the Armory. If the Council doesn't like it, they can shove it."
Althea
"I suppose the Armory is acceptable."
Yiski
"You honestly think someone is dumb enough to come at me when I'm surrounded by all sort of weapons? Also, Ny, Roland, you two are on the first ship to Chang-ning."
Roland
"What! You don't expect the two of us to leave do you?"
Yiski
"I do."
Ny-Lee
"You need our help."
Yiski
"No. I need you to be okay. You two recently got married. No point of either one or both of you dying. You two have a good future."
Ny-Lee
"I still don't like it."
Yiski
"Like it or not you're goin'."
Yiski then had a handful of guards escort the married couple to the docks.
Lauren
"You sure you want them away?"
Yiski
*sighs* "Yeah."
-
--Outside the Saloon--
Nidhogg had been lingering outside against a wall with the guards, pondering.
Nidhogg
So an explosion sends everyone their separate ways, and I still hadn't learnt all their names, ah well. One can't expect assassins to be courteous.
He then walked up to address Yiski.
Nidhogg
"So you're to lock yourself away in an armoury, better than a pub I suppose, but alas, still unfortunate."
-
-Saloon-
Zill saw him send away the young couple and turned to Jun'ko. She gave him the "don't you dare think about it" look. He mentally sighed. If anything happened to her, he would literally turn the world on its head.
Despite that, he had bigger issues. With Yiski being sent to the armory till mistress knows when, the saloon wouldn't exactly be open. He wasn't in the condition to do work yet. More mental sighs. Jun'ko noticed.
Jun'ko
"It's not so bad. You can go tinker with weapons with Yiski and me and Lauren can go do something. We can figure out sleeping arrangements later."
Zill
"You sure? Just don't go flying with her. I don't trust her to not crash into the nearest sand dune."
Jun'ko just kissed him and went over to Lauren.
Jun'ko
"So what do you think? Girl's day out?"
-
Oblivious to the mornings explosions as the tavern BdrLine was staying at was further away from the saloon, BdrLine wakes up and gets ready for the day. Once dressed, he heads down and pays for the room and goes out the day towards the saloon. Once he arrives he notices the damages and the guards around while the rest of the group.
He goes up to Zill and the others and ask.
BdrLine
"Okay did i miss another attack on Yiski, or is Spoon back and broke down the door? and where is N y and Roland?"
-
--Outside Saloon--
Jun'ko and Lauren agreed to their girl's day out and had left the group before BdrLine showed up.
Yiski
"I had the young couple on the first flight to Chang-ning. I couldn't let their lives get caught up in mine."
Yiski then turned to Althea and Zill.
Yiski
"Anyways, let's get to the Armory. Kinda itchin' to make somethin' deadly."
Althea, Yiski, and Zill headed for the Armory. BdrLine had opted to go back to the Port.
--Armory--
The smell of gunpowder and ordinances brought a smile to Yiski's face. As they arrived, a group of gunsmiths approached Yiski.
Gunsmith
"Good to see you again Commander. What are we making toady?"
Yiski
"Good question. Let's put some stuff together and see if it doesn't kill us."
A small shiver went down the spines of everyone who wasn't Yiski. Althea looks to Zill.
Althea
"Does he always have that evil expression?"
Zill
"You consider that an evil expression?"
Zill followed behind Yiski, eager to tinker with his own explosive. Althea just stood at the entrance trying to comprehend Zill's question.
-
--Nidhogg's ship--
I've stayed in Anvala long enough, and things have already started blowing up, best continue with my journey of... I guess adventure.
He looked around the ship.
Damn, still no crew.
He rummaged around in his pocket, but found only a small amount of coins.
And I can't hire a crew, I really shouldn't have drank so many Hellfires. Ah well, I guess I'll just have to be careful.
He then took position at the helm, but got the feeling something wasn't right. He wasn't alone.
A voice from behind
"No crew, interesting choice."
Nidhogg did not react with hostility for he knew the voice. Turning around, he placed a hand on the man's shoulder. The man was taller and some would say handsomer than Nidhogg, but he had the same long hair tied in a loose ponytail, only a much darker blonde.
Nidhogg
"Tristan, brother, it's good to see you"
They hugged each other in a brotherly embrace. Before separating.
Nidhogg
"Why are you here? Are you just visiting or- Oh, you're going to try to retrieve me for Father."
Tristan
"No, Father did not send me. I'm just genuinely worried about you."
Nidhogg
"As per usual, you worry too much for your little 'Nid'."
Tristan
"Haha, true, but I also need to talk to you, cast off and we'll chat."
And so Nidhogg disembarked on his ship with his brother into the sky.
-
--Armory--
Yiski and Zill had set up shop in different sectors of the armory. Yiski holed up mostly near the guns and munitions while Zill tinkered with all the bombs and mines.
Althea decided to stay close, but not too close to Yiski. At first, she would keep watch at near the two entrances. Later, she found herself closer to Yiski mostly to see what went on in his mind. When she first reviewed his file for the duty, she was shocked to learn the recent armament upgrades (tungsten rounds, new mercury, stronger plate armor, upgraded rifle rounds) were all done by Yiski. Even the rounds used in her pistols were rounds Yiski's had created a year ago.
Althea
"So this is what it means to be a Striker."
--Trading District--
Jun'ko and Lauren were having a good time. It would have been a better time were the two not followed by a group of five guards. Apparently, what Yiski forgot to mention from the rest of the orders where that any close friend, family, or associate of Yiski were to be guarded at all times.
It had been awkward having five guards following you everywhere, especially when the girls wanted to try on new clothes. Though a thought did cross the girls' mind. They looked at each other and whispered to one another.
Lauren
"Think we should get their opinion on some lingerie?"
Jun'ko
"Don't you think it's a bit risque?"
Lauren
"We'll just see how they react. Should give us an idea of how our boys' will react too."
Jun'ko
"Hmm... that does sound like fun. Let's do it!"
The girls then proceeded to enter a lingerie store. At first the guards hesitated knowing full well they were guarding the girlfriends of their Admiral and Commander. None of them wanted to even think about the potential nightmare if they found out.
Lauren
"Are you fellas coming in or not? Or are you going to shirk your duties?"
All the guards gulped and looked at each other. One said...
Guard
"This stays between us or we'll all screwed."
The nodded and entered.
-
-Armory-
Zill was tinkering with some bombs. More specifically, personal bombs. Sure, grenades were alright, but a handy bomb of either lethal or non-lethal goals would come quite in handy. His experimental one actually came from his book, though he would never admit that. He tweaked it for his own goals though, as this one had a nice tar surprise. By now he had a few done and wanted to test them.
He took it to the blast range, and much to the curiosity of the technicians of the range, told them to set up 10 targets. They did, and he told them to clear out.
They watched as he charged it, rolled it to the targets and took cover.
BOOOOOOMMMMMMM
The range filled with tar, and shrapnel could be seen in every target. Zill grinned, and the technicians groaned at the cleanup to be done.
-Trading District-
Jun'ko was the first to come out of the dressing rooms in a silky red robe. The soldiers were relieved to see it covered everything and agreed it was stunning.
She grinned and let the rob fall, revealing a black and red corset with laced panties. The soldiers eyes tripled in size and one tripped on his rifle, falling over.
Jun'ko
"Perfect. Thanks boys."
The soldiers shook the image from their mind, only to be met with Lauren coming out of the rooms. She didn't tease with a robe, and went for a tight black outfit. While technically covering all the parts, it wouldn't take much to show off more than anyone but Yiski had claim to. Again, the soldiers broke down, and eventually they turned around to gather composure.
Lauren chuckled and went back.
Lauren
"This really was a good idea!"
Jun'ko
"Yup! And this was only the first outfit. Those "poor" guys."
-
--Armory--
The thunderous, earth-shattering boom could be heard inside and it made everyone jump, minus Yiski who kept tinkering with some ammunition and Althea who kept a watchful eye on Yiski and his surroundings.
Althea
"Seems like the Admiral is having fun."
Yiski
"Uh huh." *Turns and looks at Althea* "Hand me your pistols."
Althea
"Commander?"
Yiski
"If you're gonna guard me, you might as well have the best equipment, right?"
Althea reluctantly handed her pistols to Yiski who quickly took them and started dismantling them. Althea watched was Yiski carefully cataloged each part and set it aside on the table. Yiski then went to work on the triggers by shaving a few bits of its hammers. Yiski then took each barrel. With an unsatisfied look on his face, he tossed them into the scrap pile. Yiski then took two alloy rods and machine worked them into new barrel which looked wider in diameter.
Two hours passed before Yiski finally reassembled the two pistols. Before handing them back, Yiski loaded a clip of the ammunition he was working on. Once loaded, he handed them to Althea.
Yiski
"Well given what I had to work with, this should do for now until I can make a better model."
Althea
"What ammunition type did you load into them?"
Yiski
"Well, that's a surprise. How about we head out into the range?"
Yiski limped with his crutch out to the range with a slightly confused and worried Althea close behind. Yiski sighed when he saw half the range covered in tar. He looked at Zill and Zill looked back. Yiski knew that mask had to hiding the biggest grin yet.
Yiski
"I'm not goin' to ask."
Althea and Yiski finally found a spot not covered in tar. A technician placed a few targets. Most were within a pistol's maximum effective range of about 40-50 meters. The other targets were set at about 80-100 meters.
Althea pulled out a single pistol. She hesitated for a moment.
Yiski
"Don't worry, it shouldn't blow your hand up."
Althea then fired the first shot.
*BANG*
Althea noticed an immediate difference with the recoil or lack thereof. Confident with the single shot, she quickly unloaded the remaining six shots into the targets.
Yiski
"Not bad. Try hitting the far targets."
Althea took her second pistol and held it at the ready. While she did have the basic rifle training, she was in no way as proficient in rifles as she was in handguns. Althea ignored the deficiency and fired all seven shots in succession. Only three of the seven landed. Althea sighed, but Yiski came from behind.
Yiski
"Don't worry about the long shots. Just wanting to see what you're comfortable with in range."
Yiski motioned for the technicians to fetch the targets and when they were brought, Althea's eyes went wide. Each target was the standard three inch plate. The targets which were in range had holes which could fit a rivets. The targets which were hit farther had fist-sized dents.
Althea
"How? There was no recoil."
Yiski smiled at Althea's amazement.
Yiski
"I the ammo you're usin' is a modified tungsten rounds. The pistol tungsten gives it decent armor penetration. The additional weight plus the slower velocity give the round massive stoppin' power. At probably twenty meters, you could probably take down a heavy defender with a few shots."
Althea
"What about the recoil?"
Yiski
"Well, the powder is still the same, but I machined on 'gills' along the barrel. It let's out the pressure as the bullet travels down the barrel. While it does slow bullet velocity, you notice there's no recoil."
Althea still looked at the new pistols with amazement. Given mere hours, Yiski improved the killing power and accuracy of her pistols. Zill came up from behind and gives a whistle.
Zill
"Flak Yiski. How many of your rounds are going to make armor look like a squid riddled with gat rounds?"
Yiski
"When those idiots stop thinkin' they can mess with Anvala."
Zill
"HA! As if."
-
--Docks--
As BdrLine leaves for the docks, he notices two guards following him. He notices them as both are not very 'discreet' or 'professional' grade guards, in fact both of the guards are the same ones who chases after BdrLine and Spoon on their maniac 'episodes'.
Guard 1
"Ok you see him."
Guard 2
"Roger, going behind the wall, once I'm clear, move to the boxes over there."
The two do their 'manuvers' as they follow BdrLine behind. He then gets a little irritated as he turns around and faces them.
BdrLine
"Umm mind if I ask what you two are doing?"
The two are surprised as BdrLine sees them. They both scramble from their hiding place and run into each other.
Guard 1
"Flak he sees us."
Guard 2
"Abort"
Guard 1&2
"Uppph"
BdrLine shakes his head and moves towards the, on the ground. He leads both his hands for them to grab on to. The guards accept and are lifted up from the ground.
BdrLine
"So now can I ask why you two are following me."
The two dust their uniforms off and 1 turn to BdrLine.
Guard 1
"Well, Commander Yiski has ordered for all friends, family, and associates of his to be under guard protection."
BdrLine gives a blank stare at bothe of them and utters a groan.
BdrLine
"Really, is ther.."
Guard 2
"Sorry sir, but orders are orders."
BdrLine groans and turn towards the dock entrance and waves a hand to let them know to follow him.
BdrLine
"Alright, come on then. I'm needed here anyways."
With that, the guards follow BdrLine as they go towards Niko and the other Yesahn mercenary's ships. As they approach, Niko notices the additional members and goes to his friend.
Niko
"Umm Bdr?.."
BdrLine puts a hand up to stop him and explains to Niko.
BdrLine
"To put it short, I need some protection while things are hot around here. So these two are my bodyguards, there names are...are...are? *turns to the guards* What are your names again?"
The two pop to attention and Guard 1 answers first.
Nelson
"Sir I'm am Gunnery Sergeantt Charles Nelson."
Bell
"And Sir I am Corporal Courage Bell."
BdrLine looks at the two and turns back to Niko.
BdrLine
"Niko meet Bell and Nelson."
Niko shrugs as goes back towards one of the Pyramidions, he calls back to them.
Niko
"Well if they are going to stay, I hope they can help with some repairs. Right now Bdr the balloon pump on this Pyra won't pump."
BdrLine looks at the two.
BdrLine
"Well you heard him, let's get to work."
He follows Niko behind as Nelson and Bell look at each other before following.
-
--NARRATOR--
As evening approaches, BdrLine, Jun'ko, and Lauren are escorted to the Academy grounds where the others were waiting. Yiski and Zill spotted their respective girlfriends had shopping bags. Over the top of the bags, they noticed a hint of lingerie.
Yiski
"Did you girls enjoy yourselves?"
Jun'ko
"Yeah. We got some new outfits."
Zill
"Guards didn't give you trouble did they?"
Lauren
*smirking* "Actually, they were quite helpful."
Both Yiski and Zill then glared at the guards. As best they could, they all kept a straight face, knowing if one of them cracks, they could expect a lifetime of cleaning and Gauntlet duty.
Yiski & Zill
"Really now."
The guards were getting nervous. They knew and Yiski and Zill knew it. Before ruining the guards' lives, Yiski remembered something.
Yiski
"Skies. I better find a radio and call Shen and Liu and tell them their daughter and son-in-law are on the way."
Yiski starts heading for the Academy's officer's barracks in which the others follow except for Zill. He stayed behind with the five guards. He stared at them a bit longer before turning to follow the others. The guards gave a sigh of relief, but as Zill walked...
Zill
"Did you enjoy yourselves?"
Guard
"We did."
Guards
"Crap. Almost."
Zill turned back around.
Zill
"Cleaning duty. Six months."
While the guards wallowed in their sorrow, at least they'll have the memories of what they saw today.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 116--
-
--START OF DAY 117--
--NARRATOR--
The sun rose over Anvala's walls and lit up the Academy and Armory. Of course, this didn't mean much since the Officer's barracks had very few windows. Despite the lack of sun coming in the barracks, Yiski woke out of habit. He rubbed his eyes and remembered he wasn't in the saloon currently. As much as he would have liked to sleep in a bit, once awake, Yiski typically stayed awake.
Yiski sat up in bed, staring at his leg cast and sighed.
"Gotta get this off soon."
He grabbed his crutch and started walking toward the Armory, only to remember he hasn't called Shen or Liu. Groaning, he slowly made his way back in the other direction to the Administration Building. Once finding a radio, he chanced the frequency to Shen's manor.
... ... ...
Maid
"Zhao Manor. Who is calling?"
Yiski
"Um... It's Yiski from Anvala."
Maid
"Oh. Hello Master Yiski. Please wait a moment while I get Master Shen."
... ... ...
Shen
"Hello friend! How are you?"
Yiski
"I've had better days."
Shen
"I'm sorry to hear. It's good to hear from you. You're not in Chang-ning by chance on another mission?"
Yiski
"Heh.. no. I'm still in Anvala. I'm calling to send you a heads up. Yesterday, I sent Ny and Roland your way. Should be arrivin' tomorrow."
Shen
"Oh. They're not still in Cathedral?"
Yiski
"Long story... anyways, I need you to do me a favor."
Shen
"Anything friend."
Yiski
"Convince them to stay in Chang-ning and not come back to Anvala."
Hearing the request took Shen back a bit. During all their interactions, Shen didn't believe Yiski to be a person who would want his 'son' to be permanently separated from him. Shen told Yiski he would agree, but on the condition Yiski would explain why. Reluctantly, Yiski told Shen about the attempted invasion and the recent kidnapping. After finishing, Yiski got a few moments of silence from Shen's end.
Shen
"I see. You want to keep them out of the conflict."
Yiski
"More or less. These problems are not and should not be their concern."
Shen
"I understand. I'll make sure the two will live comfortably here."
Yiski
"Thanks. Yiski out."
Shen
"Take care."
Yiski ended the transmission with a heavy heart.
Lauren
"You alright?"
He turned to see his lover standing in the doorway of the radio room. Yiski tried to grin, but even a forced grin seemed to difficult to make. Lauren approached him and gave him a hug, her head settling underneath his own.
Lauren
"At least they'll be safe."
Yiski
"I know."
They stood for a few moments when a cough caught both their attentions. Althea was looking at the two. Her expression was stern.
Althea
"It seems like we might get some answers."
Yiski
"So soon?"
Althea
"Yes, the Council received word a ship will be arriving tomorrow with a representative of those behind your kidnapping."
Lauren
"That makes absolutely no sense."
Yiski
"As much as I'll agree with Lauren, it's not till tomorrow, so we'll deal with it then."
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Academy room-
Zill woke to Jun'ko using him as a body pillow. He wanted to get up and stretch, but opted to remain still and relax while he could. He looked around the room and started gliding his hand along Jun's back. This woke her and she gave a smile.
Jun'ko
"Morning my admiral."
Zill
"Morning love. I take it it's too early to get up?"
Jun'ko
"A few minutes more..."
She put on the pouty face, and Zill just smirked. They enjoyed each other's embrace for a bit before getting up and ready for the day. Zill had made more bombs for himself. One normal and 4 mini. He didn't want the recipe getting out so he personally made them. Jun'ko was tinkering with some knives, and was interested in serrated blades. Zill had a nice recipe for knives with poison hidden inside, and he shared this with her. Soon enough they were working on a set of both daggers and throwing knives.
-
--Armory--
Yiski
"So, what type of gun to you ladies fancy?"
The sudden question caught Althea and Lauren off-guard.
Lauren
"Do you plan on making us new guns?"
Yiski
"Well, everybody's, but I'll start with you ladies first."
Althea
"I like my dual pistols, but I would prefer a heavy and light pistol combo."
Lauren
"I'll stick with a long-barrel pistol with a heavier caliber."
Yiski
"Done and done. I should get some prototypes out by late afternoon."
Althea
"Then I'll just stay..."
Yiski
"Nope. You're takin' a break today."
Althea
"Commander. You know I cannot."
Yiski
"Again I should mention I'm in the middle of the Academy swarmin' with recruits, guards, defenders, and Elites. Also, I'm in a weapons depot. I'll be fine if one Elite out of hundreds of defenders aren't watchin' me."
Before Althea could protest further, Yiski went inside and shut the doors in front of Althea who was still in a bit of shock.
Althea
"But..."
Lauren put her hand on Althea's shoulder.
Lauren
"Let's go. Trust me, if he's like that, no amount of reason, logic, or near destruction of the world is going to change his mind."
Althea
"Then I'll just maintain a perimeter near the entrance."
Lauren
"Suit yourself. I'll be out and about..."
Althea gives Lauren a stern look and Lauren sighed.
Lauren
"... with a few guards."
-
--Nidhogg's ship, somewhere south of Anvala--
Nidhogg awoke after another night beneath the stars on the bridge of his ship, while Tristan was sitting down on the main deck, gazing at the horizon. He looked at Nidhogg.
Tristan
"Good morning brother. I trust you slept well."
Nidhogg
"To be truthful I did not. No idea why."
Tristan
"Well, good, that means you're alert, which you need to be."
Nidhogg joined him on the main deck.
Nidhogg
"Why exactly? You said we'd chat, apparently last night wasn't good enough. What do you need to tell me."
Tristan removed his own cloak to reveal his own sword at his side. He then stood at the other side of the deck.
Tristan
"Can you still dance and talk at the same time?"
Nidhogg drew his sword along with Tristan.
Nidhogg
"I'm not getting sloppy, if that's what you're implying."
Tristan
"Let's see then."
They both held their sword in front of their face, before slowly advancing on each other and engaging. They fought with a sort of routine as they had all through their life, as they were both very familiar with the other's techniques. Nidhogg knew exactly when Tristan would strike right, or feign left. And visa versa.
Nidhogg
"So then"
The clash of swords punctuated his speech.
"... What do you need to tell me?"
-
--Armory--
While Yiski was tinkering and machining new weapons for Althea and Lauren, the two girls were outside the Armor. Lauren was sitting on a bench while Althea opted to pace around the entrance.
Lauren
"So what's your story?"
Althea
"Pardon?" *Althea stopping mid pace to answer*
Lauren
"Why become an Elite? I mean you're practically the only female Elite. Why did you go defender or airmen?"
Althea
"There was no particular reason. I guess I wanted to see how far I could go."
Lauren
"That's it?"
Althea
"That's it. While I could have been content staying as an airwoman, I believed I could do more. I guess you could call it pushing my limit. It's also why I became a bodyguard in part. Each charge has its own sets of challenges which cause me to adjust and change."
Lauren gave a small chuckle which got an inquiring and slighly annoyed look from Althea. Lauren regained composure quickly.
Lauren
"I'm not making fun of you. It's just you more like Yiski than I like to admit."
Althea wasn't so much annoyed anymore as she was curious now.
Lauren then explained how Yiski was much of the same, except with weapons and brewing. Lauren retold the tell of Yiski's first experiments which ended in blowing up many workbenches and a few small buildings. Yiski also had the belief that things could be constantly improved beyond the accepted limit. The same held equally true for Yiski's rifleman abilities. Lauren told Althea of his younger days where he would spends two days straight on a firing range with the only break from when he modified his weapons.
Of course, the result of all his time on the range and weapon shops was Blood Bolt, his pride and joy. Lauren explained how others compared the mercury rifles of the time to peashooters compared to his 'masterpiece'.
Althea
"I am surprised I was not assigned to him sooner."
Lauren
"Well, from what he's told me, it probably all happened when word got out of him being the Crimson Bolt during the Baron-Guild Conflict. That reminder seemed to bring back a lot of enemies."
Althea
"I have to agree from what I have read as well." *Looking toward the Armory door* "So, how powerful do you think our weapons will be?"
Lauren
"Heh... something like a heavy flak which can shoot like a gatling."
-
--Nidhogg's ship--
Nidhogg
"Who?"
Tristan
"The Wyrm. Eric Gallafell has sent him to kill you."
The two stopped the spar.
Nidhogg
"I'm not surprised, I killed his eldest son and daughter."
Tristan grabbed Nidhogg's arms.
Tristan
"An accident, but the Gallafells still see it as murder, and have even sent the Wyrm to bring them your head."
Nidhogg
"Is that name meant to mean something to me?"
Tristan broke off and stood at the bow of the ship, examining the main gun, before turning back to Nidhogg.
Tristan
"Yes. A year ago, a squad of bounty hunters successfully captured and imprisoned a pirate crew. Some other pirates didn't like this, so they hired the Wyrm. At the crack of dawn he entered their camp. Within an hour they were all dead."
Nidhogg
"Sounds... dangerous."
Tristan
"Not just him. At his command is an entire troop of highly trained mercenaries, as good as any standard elites."
Nidhogg
"Sounds... like I'm a dead man."
Tristan
"Maybe."
Nidhogg
"So is this the real reason father wants me home, so he can protect me."
Tristan
"Father's a fool, he thinks he can but he really can't. Our only chance is to keep on the move and find help if possible."
Nidhogg
"I'm not going to run forever."
Tristan gave a small smile and leant against the wall as Nidhogg took position at the helm.
Nidhogg
"There's a small hamlet in the distance, we should dock there."
-
-Armory-
Zill and Jun'ko worked tirelessly to get her daggers done. The serrated blades were fairly easy, but the hilts had to be special. Zill called on a few friends, and found a pair of dragon hilts. They were big enough to be hollowed out for the poison's storage. Once Jun'ko got over her initial excitement, she began to hollow them out, while Zill procured the poison ingredients, aptly named "Dragon Breath" once mixed. Upon contact with the skin, it would begin to seer and boil the skin and any organ it touched.
Jun'ko
"So if this gets on me...."
Zill
"I wouldn't test that out. These hilts defect any poison that may try to leak onto your hand. Gloves are still good though."
Jun'ko
"Ok. What about the throwing knives?"
Zill
"They will have it imbued in the blade. One time use though, so don't miss."
Jun'ko flipped her wrist and a knife dug into a test dummy sitting at the corner of the room dead between the eyes. Zill smirked and went about making the poison.
-
--Somewhere in the Academy--
BdrLine wakes up and readies himself for the day. During the night, some of the administrative officials found him a room to stay in near the machinist shop of the Academy. Exiting his room, he hears the sounds of tools whacking away and machines buzzing as Instructors are teaching the engineer cadets. BdrLine watches on as the newest cadets fumble with tools, bringing a chuckle to his face.
Hehe, man, if I were teaching them, they would be fixing the Fleet in no time. Hmm, sure I apply as an Instructor here..... Naw, I'm smarter than that"
Still chuckling, BdrLine moves towards the Mess Hall for breakfast. Inside he sees cadets waiting in line or sitting and eating, all arranged by their years and barracks. He goes pass them and heads toward the lounge and gets his breakfast there. After grabbing a plate and filing it up with food, he finds a seat and eats.
Once finished, BdrLine opt to walk around the campus, and find himself at the shooting range.
Hmm been a while since I shot, wonder if Mac is in?
He enters the range and inside are a row of shooters with rifles aiming down at targets. At the far end is Mac.
Mac
"Alright, load your weapon. *clicks* Safety off *clicks* , 10 rounds this time, Fire when ready."
Uneven sounds of gunshots fill the room. BdrLine stands in another room getting googles and ear protection on as he watches the cadets. Once they finishes firing, he enters the room and Mac sees him.
Mac
"Ahh BdrLine, I heard what happened. So I'm guessing you are here since you have nothing todo?"
BdrLine
"You know it Mac, so got an extra rifle."
Mac
"Right here, you can go with the next batch"
Mac then goes to a gun case and brings out another rifle and hands it to BdrLine. He takes it and goes over to an empty slot. As cadets in the room file out and the next one comes in, BdrLine readies his rifle to shoot.
-
--A small hamlet--
Nidhogg and Tristan were strolling through the street of the hamlet examining the run-down place.
Nidhogg
"Not much, but it'll keep us hidden."
Tristan was not so sure. Unknown to both of them was a man in body armour at a street corner, cocking his pistol.
Tristan
"I guess, but we should still be caref-"
BANG!
The shot went just between Nidhogg and Tristan's heads, just as more armoured men came out of alley ways and buildings, six in total, including the firer of the shot. Acting with instinct, Nidhogg and Tristan separated to either side of the street amongst the fleeing citizens, drawing their swords at the same time. Nidhogg instantly came across one of the men, who drew a pistol. Nidhogg tackled the man to the ground but struggled to keep him pinned down. The man who originally fired the shot took aim again at Nidhogg, but hit the man on the floor as Nidhogg jerked away.
Nidhogg
"BROTHER!"
He glanced over at Tristan to see him just managing to fend off an attacker with his sword.
Nidhogg
"RUN!"
Tristan heard this and, kicking his attacker to knock him back, started sprinting back to the ship along with Nidhogg. All the while the first attacker kept firing shots, and the remaining four in hot pursuit. As they were nearing the ship, a shot caught Nidhogg in the left arm, luckily not his sword arm. Tristan leapt onto the ship and held out his arm to Nidhogg.
Tristan
"NID!"
Nidhogg grabbed Tristan's arm, who, with his other hand, drew a pistol from beneath his cloak and shot the closest pursuer in the gut. Not a marksman's shot, but enough to slow him down even with the armour. Tristan lifted Nidhogg onto the ship and fired another shot which hit the same target in the head, killing him dead. Nidhogg ran to the helm and cast off the ship while the shooter continued to fire directly at Nidhogg. While the other men drew their own guns. At this point Tristan dashed to the port gatling and mowed down the pursuers. leaving all of them dead except for the shooter, who retreated to the cover of a street corner and fired another pot-shot at Tristan, grazing his knuckle. But Nidhogg cast off the ship and flew off back north to Anvala.
-
--Armory--
Gunsmith
"Sir, I'm not sure how to put this, but do you think it'll work?"
Yiski
"Of course it'll fire!"
Gunsmith
"We know it'll fire, but couldn't it possibly blow up in the user's hand? I mean, none of us have ever thought of using this caliber rounds in rifle, no less in a pistol."
Yiski
"Skies, haven't you fellas learned to trust in the things I make?"
Gunsmith
"Well, we have heard about some of your brews..."
Yiski
"Fine, trust in the weapons I make."
Moments later Yiski comes out of the Armory with two boxes underneath each arm. He hands one box to Althea and the other to Lauren. They open them and see their new weapons, or each other's at least. The two girls switch their boxes and get a small grin and chuckle from Yiski.
Althea lifts her two new pistol. Both pistols were same in size, shape, and had clips. Yiski quickly pointed out the differences in caliber. One pistol, which had a black grip, was a .357 caliber. It used modified charged rounds (not as much power as standard, but definitely more than a normal .357 round). The other pistol, which had a white grip, was a .50 caliber. It used the modified tungsten which Yiski had developed the other day.
Lauren's long pistol was a .45 caliber revolver. It also used the modified tungsten.
The two girls simply stared at their new weapons.
Yiski
"Well, are you goin' to stare it all day, or are you goin' try shootin' them?"
The girls looked at Yiski with an expression which screamed 'Why aren't there targets already out?' Yiski smiled and snapped his fingers which brought out a few technicians with targets. Once set the girls started tearing into the targets. All three guns fired perfectly and it brought an even larger smile from Yiski.
Yiski
"Now about modifying Blood Bolt."
-
--The hamlet--
The Wyrm marched down the street towards the remaining mercenary, followed by two others. His face was covered in scars and he had black, matted hair with a platted beard. He wore heavy clothes, a long leather coat with a fur collar, underneath of which was heavy body armour beneath a black waistcoat. He had a rifle strapped to his back, along with duel pistols and plenty of blades in his belt.
Wyrm
"You! You let him escape!"
Mercenary
"I'm sorry, the shot was more difficult than I imagined."
Wyrm
"Yes, I imagine hitting a slowly moving target at medium range in clear light with little distraction is a job only for the best. Let me show you."
The Wyrm then drew a pistol and shot the merc between the eyes.
Wyrm
"Lucky shot I guess."
He turned to the two mercs behind him.
Wyrm
"Get a ship ready. If he's smart he's on his way back to Anvala to seek help. We'll kill him, and anyone sheltering him. Ready a team of our finest. We strike soon."
-
-Armory-
Finally, Zill and Jun'ko had finished their work. Zill had a nice inventory of bombs for himself, and Jun'ko had a new dagger/knife set that would literally make any mercenary's blood boil. Satisfied with their work, they head to the practice arena.
Jun'ko
"Bet I can kill mine faster than you."
Zill
"You're on love. The stakes?"
Jun'ko
"Hmm. We can get creative later tonight."
Zill grinned under his mask and nodded. Technicians set up ten targets each, and a gunshot signaled the start. Zill cut his fuses short and lit three bombs, one large and two mini. As he rolled them into position, Jun'ko had thrown her knives, hitting eight square in the kill-zones. As she approached her final two close targets.....
BAAANNG BOOOOOMMMM BAAAAANNNNNG
Zill's bombs went off. His main took out the six rear targets, and the two minis took out the four remaining close ones. He shook the soot off his jacket, and turned, knowing he won. Jun'ko finished off her targets with the daggers, all her targets starting to smoke from the poison.
Zill
"Guess it's not just skin. And speaking of skin..."
Jun'ko
"Cute, my admiral. I have work to do tonight it seems."
The technicians were eating up the conversation, till Zill noticed.
Zill
"Might want to get the burning targets before the tar gets lit, gents."
Realizing the threat, the technicians scrambled, and Zill just laughed. They went to find Yiski and company after the competition.
-
--Academy--
After a few rounds on the firing range with Mac and the other cadets, BdrLine leaves and hears the sounds of explosions from the outdoor practice arena.
Zill must have finished with his project, hmm maybe I should make my own. Yeah it be better then the standard stuff, now to find the Armoury.
BdrLine then walks off to another direction towards the Academy's armoury. Once he reaches the place, he sees Lauren and Althea firing new pistols of some sort and Yiski in the background. He circles around the ladies towards Yiski.
"Yiski, mind helping me make a rifle for myself?"
While waiting for a reply, BdrLine watches as the ladies shoot their pistols. Moreso towards Althea.
-
--Academy Range--
Yiski looked at BdrLine after he asked for a new rifle. As such, Yiski saw BdrLine staring at Althea.
Yiski
"You sure set your sights high."
BdrLine
"What?"
Yiski
"Nothing. What kind of rifle are you wantin'? Light infantry, medium defender, or heavy like Blood Bolt?"
BdrLine
"Um... Is is possible to go between a light and medium?"
Yiski
"Hmm... well there's one way to find out, but you'll probably have to wait for tomorrow."
Yiski looked up to the skies and BdrLine followed. The afternoon had gone quickly and in a few hours the sun would sink below the city's walls.
Yiski
"But if I pull an all-nighter, I can probably get it by morning."
Lauren heard Yiski's suggest over the gunfire and yelled back at him.
Lauren
"You think you can still pull an all-nighter? You're not exactly young."
Yiski
"Skies woman! I'm young where it counts."
This got a chuckle out of both Lauren and Althea. BdrLine noticed and felt enthralled by Althea's small laugh. Noticing it, Althea turns back around to continue shooting and Lauren and Yiski shaking their heads.
-
--Academy Range--
Still looking at Althea, BdrLine sighs at the sight.
What a cute laugh
Then he turns back to Yiski.
"Mind if I help as well? I was thinking something along the lines of a semi-action, like the 1911."
-
--NARRATOR--
Yiski
"Well, my usual motto is the less hands workin' on what I'm workin', the better it works."
BdrLine concentrated to see if any of that made sense to him. It did.
Yiski
"But, hell why not. You girls can go ahead without me. I'll be up all night."
Lauren knew better than to argue with Yiski and headed for the officer's barracks. Althea, on the other hand, followed BdrLine and Yiski back inside the Armory. Yiski looked back to see Althea smirking.
Althea
"Don't think you can get rid of me that easily."
Yiski
"Frankly, I'd be disappointed if you couldn't keep up."
Althea kept to herself inside near the entrance while BdrLine and Yiski were in the back machining all the parts needed to make BdrLine's new rifle.
While they were working, BdrLine thought he stole a few glances at Althea. Yiski knew BdrLine was, but either rolled his eyes or shook his head which BdrLine didn't notice.
As the night dragged on well beyond midnight, the barrel, trigger, and stock were completed. However, there was a mountain of detailing and smaller parts which needed to be made. Yiski still noticed BdrLine taking a few looks at Althea. He seemed enthralled with the way she was handling her new dual pistols. Yiski finally broke his work and BdrLine's fantasy concentrations.
Yiski
"You could ask her out."
BdrLine
"Wha... who?"
Yiski
"BdrLine, everyone in Anvala would know you got a thing for Althea just by takin' a look you when you look at her."
BdrLine
"That obvious?"
Yiski simply nodded.
BdrLine
"But how am I going to ask her out when she's guarding you constantly?"
Yiski stopped to think about that for a bit. A few seconds passed before an idea came to Yiski.
Yiski
"Well, apparently some rep is comin' by regarding my recent episode, so I'll probably be tied up at the Council Chambers all day."
BdrLine
"You think she just won't sit outside."
Yiski
"Doubt it. There's about hundred-twenty Elites guarding and patrolling the Council Building alone. Don't even know how many inside. Skies, I'm sure I'll be safe."
BdrLine
"You think I have a shot?"
Yiski
"Skies, stranger things have happened."
BdrLine
"True."
With their conversation over, the two men went back to fashioning the rifle.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 117--
-
--Start Day 118--
-Narrator-
Jun'ko woke up on top of Zill. She grinned at the flashback of the past night. She thought it funny that despite his winning the bet, they both won something. Slowly getting up, she got herself dressed and ready for the day. With Zill still sleeping, she had a thought. Her curiosity was getting the best of her, and she slipped out of the room toward the council docks.
Accompanied by guards, she entered the docks. The engineer's recognized her, and allowed her back into Zill's bays. The galleon was looking more finished, but her aim was his Pyramidion. The guards stood back, knowing that was a good way to get mine duty. She slowly went under the large tarp, stepping onto the main deck. It was a well used pyramidion, but what was odd was that it didn't have any modifications. Knowing Zill, Jun'ko figured he stopped flying it many years ago.
I'll figure you out, my admiral.
Zill woke a bit later, and realizing Ju'nko was gone, figured she was playing with knives again. He got himself up and headed to the armory, only to find Yiski, BdrLine, and Althea.
Zill
"Oi, any of you see Jun'ko this morning?"
Yiski
"I've only seen this workbench for the night."
Althea
"How you continue to work is beyond me."
Zill
"You'll learn. Anyway, she wasn't in my room when I woke up...."
Althea
"She went out somewhere with guards. Want us to search for her?"
Zill
"If she had guards, I'm not that worried. She can handle herself." But where would she go on her own? Hmm...
-End Narrator-
-
--Armory--
Yiski had bags under his eyes. It was clear he hadn't slept at all since beginning work on BdrLine's rifle. The rifle was practically done, but it still needed some flair to it because right now it looked like a piece of scrap metal. Knowing the job is basically done, Yiski turned to look at Althea who, for the most fact, still looked fresh.
Yiski
"Do you Elites ever sleep?"
Althea
"Only when you are not watching."
"YISKI! WE HAVE A PROBLEM!"
Yiski looked beyond Althea to see Lauren rushing in and yelling his name.
Yiski
"Calm down now. I'm right here."
Lauren
"That representative is here and..."
Yiski
"Already? Who is he?"
Lauren
"I was getting there..." *takes a small breath* "The representative fits the description you gave."
Althea
"What? Why would the Council let him back inside alive?"
Yiski
"No clue, but I plan on finding out. BdrLine you can handle the rest right?"
BdrLine
"Yeah. Just gotta spruce it up a bit."
Before Yiski went off for the Chambers, he leaned in and whispered to BdrLine.
Yiski
"Don't forget what I said last night."
With that Althea, Lauren, and Yiski headed for the Council Chambers.
Minutes later Yiski sat in front of the huge double door leading inside the Chambers. The Elites acknowledged Yiski's presence and allowed him entry. As Yiski started in, he noticed Althea and Lauren were going to follow him in and he stopped them both.
Yiski
"Nope. You two are stayin' out here."
Lauren
"Fine. Just punch him for me will you?"
Althea
"I need to stay by your side."
Yiski
"Althea. How many Elites are stationed inside the Chambers?"
Althea
"Eighty."
Yiski
"Exactly. I'll be fine. Take the day off because I got a lot of things to discuss with this bastard."
Yiski walked inside the Chambers and the doors shut, leaving a very lost and confused Althea.
Lauren
"First day-off ever?"
Althea
"It is."
-
--Armoury--
While the group waited outside of the chambers, Tristan burst in, followed by Nidhogg, who was cradling his left arm, of which a torn piece of his cloak was wrapped around like a bandage.
Tristan
"Excuse me, but we're desperately in need of shelter. And apparently you and my brother were briefly acquainted."
He gestured toward Nidhogg, who had just caught up to him.
Nidhogg
"I'm sorry, but I'm in grave danger, meaning now you are too. I need help."
-
-Council Chambers-
Zill slowly walked up and overheard Tristan. Judging by their appearance, they were running from something.
Zill
"Two buildings down, you'll find my room on the 49th floor. Get yourself fixed up, and tell the doorman to keep me posted. He'll know what I mean."
He tossed Tristan a key, and made his way past the girls and Elites into the chambers. Yiski turned and just shrugged. Zill spoke before any council members could react.
Zill
"Surprised to see me alive? Yea I'm still guarding my city, so like it or not, I'm here as well for this act. Bring out the representative, in chains preferably.
-
--The roof of a distant building--
The Wyrm looked through the telescope at the council chambers, eyeing every person there. He saw Tristan and Nidhogg enter a building near the council chambers.
Wyrm
"The area is crawling with elites."
A mercenary next to him peered through his own telescope at the area.
Merc
"We should strike now, while he's vulnerable."
Wyrm
"Take another look. Broad daylight, extreme security, near a weapons depot. You fucking idiot, this the absolute worst time to strike. But we should act soon. Bring in another fifty or so of our best, more guns, more explosives, and the Wyvern."
-
Lockheart flew in re-aboard the Yeshan Dragon blending in with the other various ships that were coming in to port in Anvala. He docked his ship and walked slowly off of the gangplank, he walked with his hand on the hilt of his sword towards the telegraph office to see if any word of any assignments he may be given from the Firnfeld fleet. He entered the telegraph office where a young, worried looking teenager was manning the telegraph.
Lockheart
"Boy!, Good day."
Telegraph boy
"Yes sir, how can i assist you sir?"
Lockheart
"You can start by checking for any telegraphs from Firnfeld if you could be so kind."
Telegraph boy
"Yes sir."
The boy walks of towards a filing cabinet and begins to flick through previous telegraphs from Firnfeld.
Telegraph boy
"Military or Commercial sir?"
Lockheart
"Military, Look for any for Commodore Lockheart"
Telegraph boy
"Nope. Non here sir, are you expecting any?"
Lockheart smiled a bit and relaxed his posture a bit before replying
Lockheart
" Non that im aware of, although get a courier to send them to me if any come through."
Lockheart smile gets wider, then he tosses a pouch of coins to the boy.
Lockheart
"For your troubles."
Telegraph boy
"Thank you sir."
Lockheart walks out of the door and punches the air in happiness, then stops at the nearby garden district and stands, takes a deep breath and rests his hand on his sword hilt.
Lockheart
"Excellent, a nice little rest from all the chaos and injuries. Should be a while before they call me in."
-
--Anvala--
--Council Chambers--
Upon entering, Yiski noticed a lone figure surrounded by two Elites. The Council, noticing Yiski's entry, acknowledge his presence which cause the figure to turn and face him. Sure enough, it was the same man who led in his kidnapping.
Yiski
"Gotta admit you have guts comin' back."
Man
"If things had gone as they were expected, I would not be here."
(3)
"Commander. We understand your attitude against him, but he comes with information regarding why you were targeted."
Man
"Thank you. First off, let me introduce myself. I am Sebastian, former leader of the Shadow Veil."
Yiski
"Why 'former'?"
Sebastian
"Much of it has to deal with the nature of my last client. Let us just say the client was not to keen on keeping his end of our contract."
(4)
"Who was your client and what were the terms of your employment."
Sebastian
"As far as the terms, the client wanted my group to obtain, by non-lethal means, any weapon blueprints from Yiski. Per blueprint obtained, the Shadow Veil would receive twenty thousand gold. Should the contract fail in any fashion, our group and the client would merely part ways."
(6)
"And the client?"
Sebastian
"That is a bit more complicated. Only once had we met and it was a representative of our client. Any subsequent negotiations were handled through messages."
Yiski
"So you're tellin' me you have nothin' and you're wastin' my time."
Sebastian
"On the contrary, I do not like dealing with clients who hide behind others. Before my current situation, I managed to collect information regarding the client's identity."
(3)
"Do you know where you client is from?"
Sebastian
"Yes, by following the couriers to multiple locations, the final destination was Lord's Leap."
There was a silence in the Chambers. Yiski couldn't believe what the spy had just said. He served with the Baronies for years and had many friends who were now high-ranking officials.
Yiski
"Bullshit. The Baronies and Anvala have been on good terms for a long while. Why would any of them come after me?"
Sebastian
"Well, before I continue, I want assurances that I can peacefully live within the city."
Yiski
"Like hell, we're..."
(7)
"Your request will be considered."
Yiski gave a death glare to the Council. Yiski argued that Sebastian was bluffing, but the Council countered, even if the assertions are false, more information was needed.
Sebastian
"I suppose a consideration will do. Learning the location of my client, I sent a few men to report as to the nature of the job. Turns out the client were clients from the Baronies military." *Looks to Yiski* "Seems like a weapons demonstration about two-three weeks back caught their attention."
(2)
"Did you discover names?"
Sebastian
"Consequently, no. Anytime one of my men got close, they 'mysteriously' perished."
Yiski
"So what happened to your group?"
Sebastian
"It seems they were not keen on me potentially copying any of the blueprints and used the same method of tracking to find my base of operations. While highly trained, there's little we can do against heavy number of infantry and galleons. They were killed while I was here."
Yiski
"And why should I believe what you sayin'?"
Sebastian
"While my profession requires to me to lie and deceive, it also requires me to be honest assuming it benefits me. It would also benefit Anvala to keep me because I still have extensive contacts all over the world."
Yiski
"Sorry. That position's been filled already."
Sebastian
"While I can understand your urge to strangle me, I believe the decision rests upon your Council."
If there was a time when Yiski just wanted to say to hell with everything, it would have been now just so he could strangle the life out of Sebastian. Yiski saw the Council gather and deliberating Sebastian's fate. Hours would pass before anything was decided.
-
--Academy--
After Yiski and the others left for the Council Chambers, BdrLine is still at the armoury putting on the final touches on his new rifle. As of now all the metal components of the rifle are finished and are put together, all it needs now are some wooden guards around the barrel and metal stock. BdrLine looks around the armoury if they had any spares lying around.
Ok come on, come on. Where are they, I mean this is the armoury for Gods sakes.... Aha there you are.
In one part of the room are the many different wooden guards for the rifles. And BdrLine goes over and pulls out some oak wood guards and goes back to snap them on. He then goes to a wood engraver and places his initials on the wooden stock guard.
The final look of the rifle is one to look at; simple, rugged, yet still elegant in nature with the wood. Unlike the standard bolt-actions that the guards carry around, this rifle has a semi-action bolt which, after a round is fired, automatically loads the next round in place. It is magazine feed and can hold up to 14 rounds in the magazine.
Eyeing his new weapon, BdrLine smiles as he takes a shoulder stap and and adjust it on his rifle. He then slings it over his shoulder and heads towards his room to freshen up.
Inside his room, all that he is thinking about now is Althea and how to approach her.
Ok Bdr, just calm down, it's not like it's going to be the end of the world. Just ask her out on a date, simple right?"
Once dressed in casual clothes he starts to exit the saloon only to be met by Nelson and Bell. BdrLine groans as he forgot that he still need a guard detail.
Bell
"Going ou..."
BdrLine
"Yeah just come on" *sighs*
The three of them heads towards the Council Chambers. There he sees Lauren and Althea at the steps of the building.
Nelson
"Hey isn't that Althea?"
Bell
"Yeah, man look at her, got to be suicidal to try and ask her out."
Even BdrLine is know to be crazy, but he is sweating bricks at the thought of asking her out. Bell notices this and ask him.
Bell
"Hey BdrLine, you alright?"
Startled by this he turns to him.
BdrLine
"Yeah, I'm fine, Umm can you guys wait here, I got todo something."
He walks past the two towards Lauren and Althea, Bell and Nelson looks on as BdrLine walks towards more to Althea.
Nelson
"Is he?"
Bell
"I think so"
Nelson
"He's dead isn't he?"
Bell
"yup"
Back with BdrLine, he goes up the steps and addresses Althea.
BdrLine
"Umm Althea? Would you,,,Ahh. Mind if... ehh *quickly* Would you like to go out on a date with me?"
He shrinks back a little as for an answer.
-
--Armoury--
The Wyrm entered the armoury after he saw BdrLine leave. He eyed the room around him, full of weapons.
Wyrm
"Damn, there's enough firepower here to overthrow the Empire. Too bad it all has to go. Can't risk an assault with all these weapons about"
And with that he withdrew a bomb and timer from his coat and set it up behind a barrel of powder. Before taking out a pocket watch and setting the time.
Wyrm
"An hour should do it, I want a good vantage point from which to watch the fireworks. Hehe."
-
--Academy--
When BdrLine asked her out for a date, all Althea could do was stare at him. It wasn't because she found the request ridiculous or stupid, but because she was genuinely surprised by it. Of all her time training and improving her skills and abilities, she had not been asked once by any man for a date.
One reason was most men were off put by her physical prowess and few could keep up with her. Another, most believed, like BdrLine's guards, she was unapproachable which was untrue to an extent. Her unapproachable nature was a result of her bodyguard duty and since this was the first time she'd ever been given a day off, nobody has ever really interacted with her outside of that duty. Until today.
Moments felt like hours to BdrLine who just stood there and felt smaller by the second. Realizing the full impact of BdrLine's question, Althea gave a small blush.
Althea
"Ah well... I do have the day off. I was planning on training..."
The second line almost killed BdrLine's hopes. Althea stammered.
Althea
"But, Yiski has suggested I am far too stressed... so yes, I will go on a date with you."
-
-Council Chambers-
Zill is sitting in one of many pews looking onward to the council. Hearing Sabastian's testimony didn't phase him at all. Honestly, he wasn't surprised. With the council being so protective of itself, simply asking for the weapon blueprints would be an insulting waste of time, regardless of diplomatic ties. Getting that intel discreetly would be the easiest option, followed by invading Anvala. Old friends or not, the greed of nations was always stronger. Zill speaks from his seat.
Zill
"So lets assume you're telling the truth. You freely give all this information for us to take in and analyze, and this somehow benefits you."
Sabastian
"Correct. I honestly have nowhere else to go, and what safer place than Anvala?"
Zill
"Personally I could care less about your contacts. You gave us this information and I see no reason to see past the fact you still tried to carry out your deal with Baron representatives. Non-lethal or not, you kidnapped the commander of ground personnel and lead designer of military grade weaponry here in Anvala, breaking nearly every treason law we have. Plus I simply dislike you."
Sabastian
"Surely you do not suspect I have told you everything I know. Nor are my contacts to be ignored as mere spies squatting in some lonely village."
Zill
"Not a care of mine."
(1)
"Admiral, you will cease this hostility toward an informant."
Zill
"And for you, it's your fault we're in this mess to begin with. If you weren't so worried about your well-being, Anvala wouldn't have to defend itself on a monthly basis from invasions.
(3)
"There would also be no free city of Anvala."
Zill
"Free? You've got to be joking. We are prisoners to its defense. If it weren't for us, you and your city would be a pile of rubble, or part of another nation. While you sit here and deliberate the fate of a man we defend against every day, I bury good soldiers on the mountainside and ask myself why. So in your small, selfish deliberation, take that into account. Then also take into account how many will leave you to your well-deserved fates once you take it one step too far."
(7)
"It that a threat Admiral?"
Zill
"That is your truth, members of the council."
-Council Docks-
Jun'ko was rummaging though the old pyramidion all day. A few notes here and there but nothing to suspect why he stopped flying it, and hid it for so long. She sat there on the main deck, wondering what happened.
Just then, she suddenly felt cold. The feeling wasn't natural. It felt deathly cold. She looked around, but saw nothing. What sounded like a faint whisper came to her ear, but then it was gone.
She came to the quick conclusion that she would have to get him to fly it again before the truth would come out. With that, she exited quickly, leaving the docks with her guards following behind.
-
BdrLine is thrilled by the answer and is speahless for a few minute until Althea asks him.
Althea
"BdrLine, you ok."
Shaking his head to get back.
BdrLine
"Sorry, just, wow."
Althea puts on a small smile and blush and takes one of his hands.
Althea
"I think you should take me out now."
Now it's BdrLine's turn to go red as she touches one of his hands.
BdrLine
"Of course."
He then leads them towards the City Center. Not far from them, Nelson and Bell watches in amazement of the sight they saw. They look back between the two and themselves.
Nelson
"Really did he just..?"
Bell
"Do I need to say it. I mean we just saw what happen."
Nelson
"What do we do now? Do we follow or what? We are suppose to guard him."
Bell
"But he's with Althea, that's about 5 normal guards with him."
Nelson
"Wait, I got an idea, we go incognito and follow them at a distance, we still on the job if we do."
Bell
"You are the Gunnery Sarge, I'll just follow. But if this blows up in our face."
Nelson
"Let's just go."
The two then follows BdrLine and Althea.
--City Center--
As the two walks around the Center, it has greatly improved a, with the new resources the city has recieved, new buildings are starting to sprout. During their walk, BdrLine notices that she is quite relaxed.
BdrLine
"First time out and free?"
-
--Rooftop opposite the Armoury--
The Wyrm took the rifle off his back and pointed it in the direction of the Armoury door, waiting.
Merc
"Sir, I don't think it's a good idea to remain this close to the explosion."
Wyrm
"I like to live life on the edge. Plus, I can't risk anyone finding the bomb."
Merc
"I called for the Wyvern, it should be here shortly."
Wyrm
"Good, but keep it in the docks for now."
The Wyrm took out the pocket watch again and checked it.
Wyrm
"Soon."
-
--City Center--
At BdrLine's question, Althea gave another small blush.
Althea
"Embarrassing, right? I have never been given the chance or opportunity."
--Armory--
Lauren was bored. Yiski and Zill were in Chambers, still. Jun'ko ran off somewhere and Althea and BdrLine were apparently on a date (which she learned as she saw the two walking out).
Trying to figure out what to do for the rest of the day, Lauren decided she would practice with her new long revolver. Seeing the technicians still cleaning up Zill's tar bombs, Lauren went to go fetch her own targets and set them up on the range. Next, she realized she didn't have enough ammo to hit all the targets she set up.
She remembered Yiski telling her he kept the special ammunition for their guns in storage in a separate wing. While in storage, Lauren found the special ammo and took two boxes worth (about 50 total) with her. With ammo underneath her arms she started back, but heard something. Something which only a keen pilot's ears could pick up. It was ticking. Last time she checked with Yiski, nothing should be ticking. Ticking was a bad thing with all the ammunition.
She closed her eyes and let her ears to the tracking. As she made way to the source, the ticking got louder and louder. Soon she could hear the ticking at its loudest and opened her eyes to start searching.
She was 'rewarded' with a tiny bomb planted next to some powder used for ammunition creation. Looking at the timer placed, it looked like it was about to blow.
"Flak!"
Lauren knew what would happen if the explosive went off here. So, she grabbed the explosive, not knowing how much time was left, and darted for the range. She still saw technicians out and started yelling at them.
Lauren
"GET OFF THE RANGE NOW IF YOU DON'T WANNA BLOW UP!!!"
Thinking one of Zill's leftover bombs was unstable, all the technicians cleared in a hurry. Lauren then threw the explosive, but...
*BOOOM*
...it went off mid-air with Lauren still too close. It knocked her to the ground, the impact, knocking her unconscious.
Upon realizing it wasn't a tar bomb, the technicians rush to Lauren and called high-alert. Guards came and rushed Lauren to infirmary while a few double time to the Chambers, thinking another group was after Yiski.
-
A small muffled BOOM was all that could be heard from the garden district. But it still caused Lockheart to quickly turn his head which made a muscle strain too fast, his neck pierced with a brief pain. After rubbing his neck, Lockheart figured wherever there were explosions. His friends was sure to be there. He jogged towards the explosion firmly grasping his sword out of habit.
Lockheart
"I wonder who or what has suffered that explosion. And i worry for its health...."
-
--Wyrm's roof--
Merc
"Sir, you had the shot on that woman, why didn't you take it?"
The Wyrm placed his rifle back on his back.
Wyrm
"I didn't need to, and I realised I shouldn't. Better I remain hidden, and not attract people to the sound of my gun. This was just me testing the waters. She had the sense to find the bomb, it's good she's out if the picture, if only temporarily."
Merc
"But sir, you're testing the wrong waters, we need to kill Nidhogg. In Lord's Leap the Gallafells hired you to kill him."
Wyrm
"That job is really more of an 'if you can' affair. The Gallafells' real reason for employing me was, sadly, little more than to distract and harass the defenders of Anvala. I instantly took this on as an opportunity to have good ole' fashioned murderous fun. And that is what I intend to do. And if Nidhogg dies then that's a bonus."
-
--City Center--
As the afternoon rolls on, BdrLine and Althea are enjoying their time together. Without any responsibilities to worry off, Althea felt free. After a few more minutes, rumbles can be heard from both of their stomachs. This causes Althea to blush out of embarrassment.
Althea
"Sorry, haven't ate since morning."
BdrLine chuckles and takes her hand.
BdrLine
"It's alright, come on, I think there's a cafe near here. Let's stop and get something."
He leads her to a corner cafe where he opens the door for her. Smiling at the gesture, she walks in with him following. They reach the counter where a waiter notices them.
Waiter
"Hello and welcome. Table for two?"
BdrLine
"Yes plea..."
*BOOM*
Everyone in the room heard the explosion. Some citizens starts to panic and exits the cafe. Althea and BdrLine looks at eachother and exits the cafe as well. On the way out, they bump into Nelson and Bell.
BdrLine
"What the were you two following... nevermind. Come on, I think it came from the armoury at the Academy. *to Althea* hehe, some first date huh?"
-
--Council Chambers--
The explosion is heard very well despite the Chamber's thick walls. Yiski and Zill immediately draw their respective weapons and aim them at Sebastian.
Yiski
"This your doin'?"
Sebastian
"I am afraid not."
An Elite approaches the group and spoke directly to the Concil.
Elite
"There's been an explosion on the range. Technicians and weapon-smiths state the type of explosive is not one used by us."
Zill
"Any casualties?"
Elite
"Only one. Lieutenant Lauren has been taken to the infirmary."
Before Zill could even turn to look at Yiski, Yiski was already opening the doors. Zill quickly moved and forced the doors closed again.
Zill
"Are you insane?! The hell are you thinking?"
Yiski
"You know what in the blazin' skies I'm thinkin'! I'm goin' to murder whoever hurt Lauren!"
Zill
"You honestly think you can do anything while in your cast?"
Yiski grunted and Zill assumed he got through to Yiski. Next thing Zill realizes is Yiski shattering his cast with the stock of Blood Bolt and stamping his left leg against the ground.
Yiski
"What cast?" *Looks to the Elite* "Give the orders to set lockdown and I want the bloody batteries all active! I want all radiomen to verify all and any vessels approaching this city! If a vessel doesn't answer, make sure you don't miss."
Yiski then pushes Zill aside and opens a Chamber door. Watching the ground and rooftops, Yiski quickly makes his way to the infirmary.
Once there, Yiski notices a group of guards. They notice him and direct him into Lauren's room. He quickly notices Lauren, unconscious, in bed with a doctor looking over her.
Yiski
"How is she?"
Doctor
"Lucky. The techs described the bomb as an incendiary device with medium blast radius. The Lieutenant only suffered a few minor burns. Had the bomb been a fragmentation bomb..."
Yiski
"No need to say more doc. I get it."
Yiski leaves the infirmary with Blood Bolt sitting gently in his hands. The entire area was secure and Yiski turned his attention to the rooftops. Scanning, he notices a brief lens flare which could only be made by another rifle or sniper scope.
Immediately, Yiski drops to his right knee and aims Blood Bolt where he spotted the lens flare.
Yiski
"TWO UNKNOWN TARGETS ON RESIDENTIAL APARTMENT RED ROOF 100 METERS! ENGAGING!"
Yiski opened fire while guards and defenders rushed to the location.
-
-Council Chambers-
A soft explosion could be heard in the chambers. The council didn't flinch, but Zill certainly noticed. Him and Yiski pointed guns at Sebastian.
Zill
"You guys install a new doorbell?"
Yiski immediately bolted, thinking of Lauren. The council was quick to say something offensive...
(9)
"Commander, you don't have the authority to leave."
Zill
"And you simply don't have any authority at this point."
Yiski ran out. The council started mumbling, and Zill about had it.
Zill
"Instead of mumbling to yourselves about nothing, put Sebastian in a secured facility, and get your guard moving."
He lit a cigar from his jacket pocket and took a long drag. Then, he had some Elites secure Sebastian, and take him to the holding cells of the chambers. He shook his head and walked to the door. A council member stopped him.
(2)
"Admiral, if you continue to undermine our authority of this city, we will have no choice but to discharge you from duty and hold you for treason."
Zill
"Finally gave up trying to kill me off did yea? No guards while I'm out, yet Yiski and company is so important? That northern mission would of bee a snowy hell I bet. Or how about the tesla boats. That was clever.
He took off his mask, revealing his face to them.
Zill
"Make sure you remember this face. It'll be the one thing, that no matter how much you throw at it, will never succumb to your uselessness as leaders."
At that, he replaced his mask, and walked out with a trail of smoke following him.
-City Center-
As Jun'ko was headed back to the armory, she saw the explosion. Instinct kicked in, and she ran as fast as she could, followed by her guards. She got there pretty quickly, ahead of the others.
Jun'ko
"What happened??"
Technician
"A bomb from the look of it. Wasn't ours. The commander's girlfriend was hurt along with a few others."
Jun'ko
"Lauren?! Where is she???"
Technician
"They took her to the infirmary."
She then heard gunshots and saw Yiski firing on the rooftops. She saw movement on top and bolted for the building, the guard forced to follow. She got to Yiski and tapped his shoulder.
Jun'ko
"Are they pinned?"
-
--Rooftop--
Yiski's shot hit the mercenary square in the chest, penetrating straight through the armour and practically sending him flying off the rooftop. On the shot the Wyrm started to return fire. He was caught off guard but experience made him ready for the skirmish. He yelled out to the street behind him.
Wyrm
"Move in, cover me!"
Then from around a corner came around ten of the Wyrm's goons, armed with guns. They then fired upon the street from any makeshift cover available. The Wyrm then went into a crouched position on the roof and yelled at the ground forces.
Wyrm
"It's too soon for this! Hold the line! Cover me!"
And with that the Wyrm leapt straight off the roof into a dump, rolling off into the ranks of his men. He then pulled out his rifle and joined the fray.
-
The explosion had startled Sky, causing him to drop his work and head out. He managed to find Zill, before he could call out, he heard gunshots in the distance.
Sky
"What the hell was that? Zill are we under attack? First an explosion and now gunshots?"
Sky loaded his bolt-action rifle, and said one more thing.
Sky
"Whatever it is, fortune favors the bold. And right now, someone is either acting really stupid, or brave."
-
The four arrives to the area and are met with the sound of gunfire and ricocheting bullets. They all move to cover. Nelson and Bell takes out their rifles and start aiming at the mercenary's line. Althea takes out her duel pistols and yells to BdrLine.
Althea
"Bdr in need to find the Commander, I'm still need to protect him."
BdrLine
"Alright, but come with me to my room, my rifle is still in there."
Althea
"Ok, I give you covering fire then."
From her wall, Althea takes a deep breath and pops up and starts shooting. The modified pistols start to shred the cover the enemy is behind from. From his corner, BdrLine moves away and he And Althea goes towards his room near the machinist shop. Inside his room, he spots his new rifle and loads a magazine.
BdrLine
"I'm ready to go."
They two exits the room and back to the battle. There they spot Yiski and goes up to him.
Althea
"Commander"
BdrLine
"No rest for the wicked huh?"
-
Zill pats Sky on the back and rushes over to flank the mercenaries.
Zill
"Cover me Sky, I have something for em."
Sky starts to lay down some suppressing fire, and Zill lights two minis from his belt. He times it, and chucks them over their cover. They explode taking out four targets with the shrapnel and tossing tar over all of them. He smirks as he takes cover and more fire starts up at his location.
Meanwhile, Jun'ko recognized the bombs and quickly dashed to the opposite side of the building, moving around to flank the gunmen. She peeked around the corner, and then flipped a knife into one's back. He started screaming in pain from the poison, and running into oncoming fire. Yiski finished him off.
-
The Wyrm realised that he was surrounded and couldn't win. But he still had a trick up his sleeve. He took, from his coat, a flare and threw it into the air, while also dropping a smoke pellet. The smoke concealed him in the midst of battle while a call could be heard from within.
Wyrm
"BRING IN THE WYVERN!"
From over the buildings came the sight of a Galleon, soaring over the buildings and positioning its guns. The crew on board let down a rope from which the Wyrm grabbed hold of and was pulled up. The Wyvern fired a Flak shot at the ground where he was to cover him, while the Wyrm gave a one-handed salute to the remaining ground forces while being pulled up.
Wyrm
"This isn't the last you've seen if the Wyrm! Give my good wishes to whomever the woman was who got nearly blown up!"
And with that, the Wyvern pulled away to the north, out if sight.
-
---DLTC HQ---
Jen walked into Paradox's office, he had his feet up and was smoking a cigar.
Jen: "Did you hea..."
Papa: "Of course I heard it."
Jen: "Do you plan on doing anything?"
Papa: "Maybe, haven't decided yet."
Jen: "Well, the gunsmith's here, do you want to see him?"
Papa: "Send him in."
An old gentleman walked in holding a medium sized box, Papa cleared his desk and the old man placed it down. He unlatched the beautiful wooden box, and revealed the silk covered weapon. It was an ornate short side-by-side shotgun, gold accented the carbon steel, the hilt was ebony and had Ivory plates on either side of the stock, the entire weapon was meticulously etched with intricate designs. Few things could take Papa's breath away, but he sat there jaw open, enthralled by the piece of art.
Papa: "What do you call it, Ferdinand?"
Ferdinand: "Calliope, sir. One of the old Muses."
Papa: "Positively beautiful, another absolute work of art, she will whisper and sing to my enemies."
Papa picked up the holster that came with it, attached it to his belt, he opened the breech of the shotgun and loaded two slugs into the chamber, he then snapped it to attention and holstered it.
"I'm gonna go for a walk..." Paradox said as he put on his top hat and headed for the door.
-
--Anvala--
The batteries opened fire on the galleon as it cleared beyond the walls. A couple of good light flak shots landed. Heavy flaks did minimal damage due to the arming time constraints.
Yiski stood and waited for a defender to approach him.
Yiski
"How many?"
Defender
"There were at least fifty. We managed to eliminate fifteen before their escape. No casualties on our end."
Yiski
"Good. Send word to northern infantry recon to be on the lookout for a fairly banged up galleon."
Defender
"On it Commander."
Yiski turned and faced the others.
Yiski
"So... we're assumin' this is linked to me somehow?"
A general nod was made in the affirmative. Yiski grinned.
Yiski
"Anyone up for a chase?"
-
As the dust settles around the area, everyone met around Yiski as medics arrive to check for injuries. As a medic is looking over Althea, BdrLine moves towards her.
BdrLine
"Hey, you alright?"
Althea
"I'm fine just a few small scratches. You?"
BdrLine
"Oh just another battle to add to my list, but I'm okay as well. Some first date again huh?"
Althea just smiles at him.
Althea
"You know, we haven't had lunch at all today."
Picking up her change of tone, he looks up to her and smiles as well.
BdrLine
"Well I think all the restaurants are closed at the moment. Something about an emergency lockdown, but I know a special place at the Academy."
Althea
"Oh you do, do you."
BdrLine
"Yeah it's called Cafe de la Mess Hall."
He lends out a hand to her, which she accepts. BdrLine lifts her up and they go towards the mess. On they way, they didn't hear Yiski about the new adventure.
-
Sky managed to find Yiski, he heard almost everything Yiski had said.
Sky
"Haven't been on a chase in awhile, I'll up for a good flight."
-
--Academy--
Before Yiski had a chance to get any particulars of the chase, an Elite approaches Yiski.
Yiski
"Burnin' skies what do you want?"
Elites
"Orders from the Council. No further action is to be taken."
Yiski
"What? Why? We can easily take them out with the spots given by the northern recon."
Elite
"I'm sorry Commander, but the order stand and you are to abide by it."
The Elite left, leaving Yiski pissed.
Yiski
"Well flak, there goes the fun."
-
Paradox strolls up to Yiski, he was watching everyone run around like chickens with their heads cut off.
"Need any help, boyo?"
-
-Outside the Armory-
Seeing the action dieing down, Zill took a long drag from his cigar and sat down on a bench. Jun'ko came over to him and sat next to him, leaning on him.
Jun'ko
"New habit?"
Zill
"Old habit. Hope you don't mind."
Jun'ko
"I think I'll be ok. Miss me?"
Zill
"Curious where you went, actually. Care to share?"
Jun'ko's head sank and her eyes got shifty. She looked up at Zill and confessed.
Jun'ko
"Your pyramidion."
Zill
"Tomorrow."
Satisfied with that, they sat there on the bench.
-
--Narrator--
As a clean-up crew was sent in to cover up the mess after the skirmish, everyone in the group went their separate ways for the evening. Yiski, still thinking about Lauren, limp al the way back to the Infirmary where the doctors showed him to her room again.
Doctor
"Glad you are back Commander."
Yiski goes past the doctor and towards the seat nest to the bed.
Yiski
"So how is she?"
Doctor
"The Lieutenant will be fine, we gave her some pain relievers in her IV bag. She'll be awake in the morning."
Yiski just nods and the doctor takes it as his cue to leave. Meanwhile with Zill and Jun'ko, they both watch the day on while sitting on their bench. Eventually the two of them leave back towards their room in the Academy, as they ready themselves for bed, Zill dreams again of the night back in Sylka with Kyle.
For our two refuges brothers, Nidhogg and Tristan stay in Zill's apartment.
As of Skyraider and Paradox, Sky goes back to his warehouse and continue on his plane, whereas Papa P goes on his way still adorning his new weapon.
Finally for our two new love birds, after the battle, both BdrLine and Althea goes over to the Academy's Mess Hall for dinner. Realizing that it is their first time being alone together, besides the fact of the many cadets in the room, the ensuing awkwardness is that of something. Both stare down at their food as they eat, glancing at one another from time to time. It was until both their eyes met that they look away from each other with red faces.
Regaining his composure, BdrLine looks back at her.
BdrLine
"So umm Althea, you shoot well to..day." Oh man i bet i sound stupid right now,'you shoot well toady?' she's an Elite for Gods sakes of course she knows how to shoot.
Althea
"Yeah part of my training as an Elite" Is this how dating suppose to be? He sounds a little tense right now. Wait, what do i say now?Oh man, I am soo not trained for this. "So ahh BdrLine.."
He interrupts her and says quickly while putting a hand behind his head nervously
BdrLine
"Oh you can call me Azn if you find my nickname to be weird. *weak* hehe"
Althea
"Oh no BdrLine its just fine its.... um yeah." Years of training and everything shuts down because i can't spend an evening with a man? I wonder how he feels right now.
She then looks away and bite her lips as she puts her hands on her elbows. The two sits in silence for a moment deep within their own thoughts.
BdrLine
Come on Bdr, you have been through alot, you can handle a simple date. Just stay calm.... Maybe I should tell her that she is my first official date? No I bet she had been on tons of dates befor, and me telling her maybe a put off.
Althea
What todo, what todo, come one Thea, this has been the first time you had a break from guarding, and you are spending with a guy who was brave enough to ask you out.
After more silence, the two makes eye contact again and quickly looks away.
Althea & BdrLine
"I think I've have to go."
They both stand together simultaneously which cause one of their glass to spill its contents over and on to the floor. Without noticing it, BdrLine takes his plate and slips on the puddle, letting go of his plate and the food flying over and landing on him. The racket caused everyone to look at the general direction of the noise and gasps to see the sight. Althea puts a hand over her mouth and goes over to helps BdrLine up. He looks up to see who is helping him and notuces it was Althea and goes red from embarrassment.
BdrLine
"sorry about this."
Althea
"Come on, lets take you back to your room."
The two leaves the Mess Hall and back towards the BdrLine's room near the machinist shop again. They walk in silence the for the most part with BdrLine and his head low, while Althea looks at him. As they arrive to his room, the two stands outside the door, twiddling their thumbs and looking out at different directions. After a brief silence, Althea was the first to speak.
Althea
"Interesting day huh?"
BdrLine
"Well to be honest, this is slmost like a regular day to me."
Althea
"oh"
BdrLine
"So i guess I'll see you around still, you guarding Yiski and all th..at"
Althea
"Yeah, well good night I suppose?"
BdrLine
"Yeah good night then'"
They stand awkwardly as how to leave.
BdrLine
"Well I see you then."
He turns from her and opens his door and moves inside, BdrLine closes the door but has his hand on the knob and the his back leaning on the frame. He listens for a moment and hears foot steps walking away.
BdrLine
Wait, what am I doing? I need to tell her why I'm like this. I may never have another chances again.
He opens the door again and calls out to Althea who has walked a few yards away.
BdrLine
"Althea wait."
She stops to hear who it was and sees BdrLine going to her.
Althea
"Shouldn't you be getting clean?"
BdrLine
"Wait, just wait. The reason on why I was acting like that earlier was that... *scratches neck* you are like my first official date. And I was nervous ad didn't know what to do. Also with you and the way you look, I assume you went on tons of dates before and thought i was some weirdo or something."
Althea
"Umm BdrLine, I'm quite the opposite, you see this was my first as well. I never have been on a date until now, all I've done was train. So I was a little nervous as well. And I don't think of you as a werido,nI think of you as brave as you are the only one who asked."
BdrLine
"So is there maybe more to come?"
Althea
*chuckles* "Maybe"
A cold breezes comes upon them and both BdrLine and Althea shivers from it.
BdrLine
"You know you can stay in my room tonight, I can be on the couch while you have the bed. Its too cold to go where you are headed."
Althea
"I acept your offer, on one condition."
BdrLine
"What?"
Althea
"Take a bath first" She points and chuckles at the food still on him.
BdrLine
"Oh hehe yeah, come on lets go."
The two then walks back to the BdrLine's room where, as to his word, spends the night on the couch.
End of Narration
-End of Day 118-
-
---DOCKS---
In the midst of the night, the sound of engines can be heard throughout the darkness with the burning light of torches signaling an incoming airship towards the docks.
The ship, with it's hull and balloon painted in dark colors so that it blends in with the night sky, docks itself at a free spot, turning off it's engines and extinguishing the torches, effectively disappearing from sight unless you knew it was there, and goes quiet apart from the occasional chit-chat of the crew as they prepare her for the night, but soon that turns quiet too as they fall asleep.
What might this mysterious ship be, and why have they come?
-
--START OF DAY 119--
--NARRATOR--
Yiski spent the night at the infirmary sleeping in a chair next to Lauren's bed. While not completely comfortable, Yiski did get a decent amount of sleep. He probably got more sleep than usual because of the loss of his cast. It did start getting itchy again. He woke when he started to hear a little shifting and groan.
Lauren slowly opened her eyes. Not realizing where she was act, she bolted up and started yelling about the bomb. A nurse and doctor rushed in, but they saw Yiski sitting in bed with Lauren, embracing her.
Lauren
"Yiski? What happened? There was an..."
Yiski
"Take it easy now. Take a few breaths."
After Lauren calmed down, Yiski explained what happened yesterday afternoon. At the end, Lauren was relieved the situation wasn't directly about him. Yiski looked to the doctor.
Yiski
"Well, how soon can she leave?"
Doctor
"There were no complicating factors, so we can discharge her within the hour."
Lauren and Yiski were relieved. However, the doctor did take a glance at Yiski's left leg and noticed something, or lack thereof.
Doctor
"Where is your cast Commander?"
Yiski
"What cast?"
Doctor
"Commander, we reviewed your file. You had a cast placed."
Yiski
"It got in the way, so I got rid of it."
The doctor sighed and left. Moments later, he returned with a leg brace.
Doctor
"Wear this. It's not a cast, but I can't let you walk around without something giving support for you leg bone. Also, at least continue using the crutch."
Yiski
"Fine."
An hour passes and Lauren is cleared from the infirmary. As the two walk out, they're met by Althea.
Althea
"It is good to see you alright."
Lauren
"Thanks. So... how was your date with BdrLine?"
Althea
"Well... awkward... but pleasant."
Yiski
"In all honesty, I was hoping either he'd chicken out, or you'd shut him down."
Althea and Lauren both eyed Yiski.
Yiski
"What?"
Lauren sighed and shook her head. Looking back to Althea...
Lauren
"So, do you think you'll have another date with him?"
Althea
"While it was mostly enjoyable, I still have a duty to carry out and it come first above all other things."
Lauren
"Typical Elite mantra. ... Oh yeah, Yiski, what happened with the spy?"
Yiski
"He's in holdin' right now. I think Zill is going to spend a little more quality time with him."
--NARRATOR END--
-
--Zill's apartment--
Tristan and Nidhogg had noticed yesterday's conflict and, when glimpsing the Wyrm through the window, Nidhogg was simply confused, but questioned it not.
Today, they stayed indoors for a while discussing possible courses of action.
Nidhogg
"I don't understand, why would he attack the city guard in general?"
Tristan
"The Wyrm is known to be... missing a few cogs, if you see what I mean. He revels in violence and has little regard for any life that isn't his own. My guess, he just wanted to have fun, and any underling who questioned him would be told some lie to justify the actions. 'This was my real employment' etcetera."
Nidhogg
"Either way, he's suffered a major defeat, and won't be back for hopefully a long while."
After some discussion, they agreed that staying cooped up inside was not the best thing to do. So they went outside.
-
--Armory--
Lauren
"You really think it needs to be improved?"
Yiski
"Yes. It's been a while since I've done any major modifications."
Althea
"Your rifle is already considered the apex of weaponry."
Yiski
"Doesn't mean it's perfect."
Yiski had been doing some major overhaul on Blood Bolt. Sure, he's made advances in the utility, but only in the types of ammunition used. Yiski was looking to slim down the size the Blood Bolt. While he knew he would sacrifice some firepower, he would gain mobility, range, and accuracy. Lauren had some reservations on Yiski's recent spree of weapon making. This only occurred when some type of major battle was on the horizon. When Blood Bolt was made, a week passed before the start of the Baron-Guild Conflict.
Yiski
"I'll be here all day. You can head out if you want to Althea."
Althea
"After yesterday's incident, in addition to recent occurrences, I will be staying close.
Yiski
"Lauren, sure you don't want to rest a bit more?"
Lauren
"As I told you since we left the infirmary, I'm fine."
Yiski stopped tinkering and machining parts. He had both hands on the workbench as he sighed.
Yiski
"I... I know... It's just when I heard you were in the explosion... I didn't want to lose you again."
Lauren hugged Yiski from behind and rested her head against Yiski's shoulder.
Lauren
"I'm not going anywhere." *playful tone* "Don't think you can get rid of me that easily."
Yiski
"Who says I want you gone?"
Lauren held her hug as Yiski placed on hand on top of her hands which clasped together against his chest. Lauren broke the embrace and Yiski went back to work.
-
--Fleet Docks--
Plasma paces the dock, barking a few anxious orders at the men tinkering with the ship.
They reply with trepidation, skirting the poor mood of the Lieutenant.
This only cause Plasma to sour further, the way we often do when others refuse to be targets for our wrath.
He storms out of the dock.
Of course he had missed the battle. Worse, his own mission had nearly failed. The parts which did succeed were prohibitively secret. He stopped, slamming his fist into a nearby wall, frustration overwhelming physical pain.
A messenger comes up to him presently.
Messenger
"Lieutenant, you've been summoned by Captain Verra. She would like to see you as soon as possible."
Plasma glares at the innocent messenger.
Plasma
"Very well! I'm on my way then!"
His rage becomes motion, the world rushing past as he strides towards the Administrative Building.
--Administration Building B--
Captain Verra
"Lieutenant. I've received orders about yesterday's incident. I have been reassigned to the Intelligence, Reconnaissance, and Information Division, outside the fleet proper. I've requested you follow my command. You will retain your rank, but the paperwork will drastically decrease."
Plasma stares at her. The IRI division generally received orders directly from the council and admiralty, but occasionally acted of it's own volition. The mentality gravitated twos those who prefer to ask forgiveness, rather than permission. It also, strictly speaking, did not exist. A handy, but dangerous tool for any government.
Plasma
"I'm honored Captain, but I think I lack some of the essential training for-"
Captain Verra
"That is something that can be acquired. This is a chance to do so."
Plasma stares at the captain, but his eyes look past her. Espionage, intrigue. At least he knows he can stand up to a certain level of torture. He might have what it takes, and if not...
At least I'll retain my rank
His eyes focus, bringing the Captains grimace into clear focus.
Plasma
"I accept."
--Outside, Administrative Plaza--
Plasma sits near the fountain, lost in thought about his future.
He see's Nidhogg and Tristan walk up, looking a bit lost.
Plasma
"Hey, it's you. The exile, and, ah-"
He looks at Tristan questioningly.
Plasma
"I don't think we've met."
-
--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.
-
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.
-
--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.
-
--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."
-
--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--
-
--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-
-
--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."
-
-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--
-
--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--
-
--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--
-
--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--
-
--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--
-
--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."
-
-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.
-
-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?"
-
--Military Air Dock--
Plasma is kneeling in a pool of oil, glowering at a partially disassembled engine.
He glances at Lauren as she walks past, giving her a tight-lipped nod. Then goes back to tinkering with the metal monster. Clicks, curses, and jets of some fluid or another punctuate his progress.
He turns when he hears the click of a particular set of boots on the hard floor.
Verra looks nonplussed at the guts of the engine covering her lieutenant.
Captain Verra
"Will she be ready in time?"
Plasma
"Yes, she will. The new Mercuries on on their way now. I'll have this lump of metal working by the time they get here."
Captain Verra
"You could let the engineers deal with it. You didn't need to do it yourself."
Plasma shrugs, eyes fixed on the careful machinations, gently teasing them into place.
Plasma
"It helps. They outnumber us three to one. Even with the batteries, it's going to take a Miracle. I'd rather not be thinking about it at this moment. It's nice to lose myself in a machine."
He pulls his arm from the cog-filled guts with apparent satisfaction, and beings to replace the larger parts strewn about him. Verra, watches for a moment before leaping onto the deck and vanishing from Plasma's field of vision.
-
--Saloon--
Althea looked at Shink and rolled her eyes. Yiski laughed.
Yiski
"Opening, yes. For business, not exactly. Though gettin' in a possible last drinks wouldn't hurt."
The three walk in and Yiski makes himself and Shink a Hellfire.
Althea
"Am I not getting one?"
Yiski gives her a confused look.
Althea
"This could the last day I live."
Yiski
"True."
Yiski then hands Althea a Hellfire as well. Yiski turns to Shink.
Yiski
"So why are you here instead of on a ship?"
-
*Takes a swig of the Hellfire*
"Eh. I've been put on 'reserve' or whatever that is. I'm thinking of taking out Not My Fault regardless when the real action starts."
-
-Saloon-
Zill left the three to get the junker ready and headed to the Burning Skies. Despite his intentions, only those directly involved knew about it, and he felt he owed Yiski some insight. He pushed the metal door, the hinges creaking as it opened. He wore and old, dusty tricorn hat, his usual bandana mask with goggles, and a heavy dustrider jacket. He walked to the bar and sat among friends.
Zill
"A Hellfire Yiski. Flak me if I didn't get one before the invasion."
Althea
"You don't look like you normally do. Something's different..."
Shink
"New haircut?"
His humor wasn't received too well with Althea and she gave him a stern glare. Zill motioned toward the back room and Yiski nodded. They went back and closed the door, leaving the others to stare in curiosity.
Zill patted Yiski on the shoulder.
Zill
"So old friend, what are your plans after this is over, for better or worse?"
-
--Saloon Back Room--
Yiski sighed at Zill's question. Both men knew the recent activities and orders of the Council irked them and it seemed things would only get worse should Anvala successfully repel the invasion.
Yiski
"Not sure. Even if we manage to survive, I don't think I'll stick around Anvala. Council's gotten really paranoid about anyone comin' in and it's started hurtin' business. That and the Council bein' a pain in my neck for the last week or so."
Zill
"How do you plan on leaving? It's not like the Council's going to let you walk out."
Yiski
"Well, it's not much of a set plan. More like a work in progress. How about you? I know you know the Council's gettin' worse. You plannin' on stickin' around?"
-
--Firing range--
Nidhogg had just got his first headshot on the dummy, an achievement which he was extremely proud of, and continued to boast. This went on until Tristan brought over an Elite, who fired three shots, one in each eye and one in the forehead of the dummy, which shut Nidhogg up. Then, satisfied in Nidhogg's slight increase in ability to handle a sidearm, Tristan brought Nidhogg up to the battlements and walked together along the length of it.
Nidhogg
"I'm scared, I think I'm going to die."
Tristan, startled by this sudden expression of fear, stopped and faced Nidhogg.
Tristan
"Don't be, you won't. Or rather, I doubt father would let you."
Nidhogg laughed.
Nidhogg
"Well that's an encouragement lecture to be passed down through the ages."
Tristan
"I could try and be a lot more eloquent. I could quote prophets and philosophers 'till the cows come home. But at the end of the day, any man who doesn't fear death... is an idiot. Every man or woman here..."
He gestured to all the soldiers around them.
"... Is terrified, as am I, as are the enemy themselves. War is old men talking, and young men dying. Many will die, while few talk, and one king sits on a throne with a rod so far up his arse it's a wonder he could even sit on that thing in the first place."
Nidhogg laughed again, before patting his brother on the back and staring at the horizon.
-
-Saloon back room-
Zill stared at Yiski for a moment before speaking.
Zill
"I know that before this invasion hits, I'll be getting a long-winded letter from the Council demoting me from Admiral. They want to control it themselves, but they won't get it till after this fight."
He stared off at Yiski's brew tanks. His thoughts wandered for a moment before he looked back at Yiski and continued.
Zill
"I didn't invite Nova and the mercenaries back just for the invasion."
Yiski
"Where will you go?"
Zill
"The Burren has been calling for a long time. Easy to stay hidden, plenty of profit to be had."
Yiski
"You mean pirating and smuggling."
Zill
"Details Yiski. I'm not going to disappear forever, but I'll be damned if the Council ends me. I like Anvala as much as you do, but it's not worth it to me anymore."
Yiski
"Skies, they would rather hid me in a workshop making weapons for them for the rest of my life. I just want to run my saloon dammit."
Zill
"Well, Yesha is nice this time of year."
They continued their discussion...
-
--Outside the Saloon--
Walking down the path towards the Buring Skies from the docks, Niko and BdrLine are discussing about the upcoming invasion.
BdrLine
"Are you sure that you and your cousin's men are staying for this? You heard what we are up against, plus this is a city you guys barely know.
Niko
*smirks* "Hey you are the one who asked for extra ships to help out streghten the ones here. So by 'contract' we are 'required' to do so. And come on, it's going to be a good fight. "
BdrLine
"Yeah... a good fight... still, my friends and I know alot of people there..."
Niko puts a hand on his shoulder.
Niko
"It's war, that it is all about."
Sighing BdrLine just keeps on walking towards his temporary home. As the two arrives at the door, BdrLine's personal radio that he brought with him today started to beep.
BdrLine
"Who the Flak is this?"
He grabs it from his side and switch it on to hear. So far only static was heard until he heard a faint sound of Melin's voice.
Melin
"Bdr, Bdr, can you hear me???"
Surprised to hear his friend from the Baronies, BdrLine ups the signal for better reception.
BdrLine
"Yeah I hear you, but how? Aren't you with the incoming attacking force?"
Suddenlly a new voice comes on and I was that of Zankif.
Zankif
"Nope, after we hit Izumi, he and others that went with him here stayed to see if anyone tries to do conduct those experiments again. Once he heard the order for this new 'King' he was shocked and rushed back to my warehouse."
BdrLine and Niko listen as they both open the door to the saloon and find a seat at the bar.
Melin
"Yeah, when I heard that, I quickly called in my Division, the 13th well you know, and asked what the hell was going on. Apparently they said that a coup d'état has taken place, quick and silent. And the new King has convinced the public for expansionism."
BdrLine still a bit confused interrupts Melin
BdrLine
"Wait, wait, wait, how do they know all about this. The 13th is still part of the Baron Militaries."
Melin
*chuckling* "You for got how secretive we are and only the old government knows about us, not his new mock one. So far, the men in my division are trying to sabotage anything without hurting our fellow men. Also we manage to help rescue some of the leaders from the old rule."
BdrLine
"Ok, so where are you guys know?"
Zankif
"Well once we heard the news, Melin decided that you guys needed some help. So I mustered at least 12 ships of my men and are almost to Anvala."
BdrLine
"Thanks guys, we need all the help we can get, but why didn't you radioed me sooner."
Melin
"Our long range transmitted was busted and had to scramble fast to get into medium transmission range. So far we passed Cathedral I think. Oh and Bdr, you need to tell your Admiral and Commamder this, the first wave will be mostly made up of their old shipmates and are held under the penalty of death if they don't comply to the new reign. Also their friend Roy is somewhere on another ship, I don't know where but it's not the first ones that's for sure. But that's all I got from my spies before the fleet left Baron borders"
Letting all this information sink in BdrLine and Niko look at each other and how to tell Zill and Yiski.
BdrLine
"Thanks Melin, see if you can relay their battle plans to us as well."
Melin
"No problem, but Bdr, try not to kill many of them, they are still my people"
BdrLine
*deep sigh* "We'll try, out"
The radio then turns to static as he cuts the reception. He places a hand on his head and lays on the counter.
BdrLine
"Man I needed a drink"
-
--Saloon Back Room--
Yiski and Zill tossed a couple more mugs of Hellfire between themselves.
Yiski
"Yesha, huh? Does sound nice. But I was thinkin' more along the coast. I always did want to see Lauren in a swimsuit."
Zill
"Heh. I think Jun would practically jump me if I suggested we go to the beach."
Yiski
"Skies. Why'd you think I said that? Women love the beach. Somethin' romantic to them, but you and I both know our 'priorities.'"
The two laughed as they clinked their mugs and took swigs.
-
--Streets of Anvala--
A lone man staggers across the empty pavement, each step relying heavily on his cane as he slowly makes his way up the alley. His hair and beard is long and raggedly, covering most of his face, and beneath his tattered rugs, the hospital gown is now ripped and bloody. He feels his bloodied gown with his hand.
It wouldn't have had to come to that... you bastards
A pair of guards crosses the road ahead of him without taking notice, and he continues his walk throughout the city, stopping at each crossing, keeping out of sight of any guards walking past.
Were are all the people? And why are there suddenly soo many guards everywhere? *flinches at random* Something's certainly up here...
He stops and checks his cane. It's well and sturdy, wrapped in a layer of old cloth-rags, which is still keeping together. He then continues his walk.
-
--The Wyvern--
The Wyrm's newly repaired ship, 'The Wyvern' sailed through the skies along with the rest of the Baronies' fleet with the Wyrm at the helm. Although the Wyrm had essentially failed in his original task, he had been offered a chance for redemption by helping the fleet take Anvala, which the Wyrm did not complain about in the slightest. He ordered one of his mercenaries to take over before strolling onto the main deck of the galleon and pulling out his rifle. He took aim at a nearby bird and tracked it around the ship, before shooting it down as it passed overhead. The bird landed with a thump at his feet. He was then joined by a regal looking man in fur clothing. The man was Lord Eric Gallafell, a lord sent by the king to 'keep an eye on' the Wyrm.
Gallafell
"Was there any point in that?"
The Wyrm knelt down and examined the bird carcass.
Wyrm
"They say, in the olden days, sages could see the future by examining the entrails of dead birds."
Gallafell leant down to the Wyrm's level, looking at the dead bird.
Gallafell
"Oh really, and can you see the future in the body of a dead bird?"
Wyrm
"In a way, yes. This bird's dead, so too shall a lot of people be in the coming fight... But I don't need a dead bird to tell me that."
He got up and kicked the bird's carcass off the side of the ship, before climbing the steps to the helm and taking position there, adjusting course slightly so as to avoid collision with another ship. Meanwhile, Lord Gallafell yelled up to the Wyrm.
Gallafell
"And don't forget! You still need to kill that bastard Nidhogg and his fool of a brother if you must! He needs to pay for murdering my children!"
The Wyrm walked down the steps back to Gallafell.
Wyrm
"The way I've been hearing it, your fool of a daughter stepped in the way of a duel, taking a sword in the belly, which then took out your son, a partaker in the duel. Your entire family are full of fools and they brought about their own demise. It's all just natural selection. So don't seek revenge for an accidental act, and don't expect me to carry out you petty, vengeful endeavours. I'll wage war for the highest bidder, but I won't assassinate a particular man for the pleasure of an old fool. Good day sir!"
And with that he stomped back to the helm, leaving Gallafell to trod back to his quarters with his tail between his legs.
I've hated many cutthroats and mercenaries in my time, but I truly despise this one.
-
-Saloon back room-
An idea dawned on Zill after his last swig of Hellfire.
Zill
"Flak, why don't we take them to Truth Lake? I'm sure they will enjoy some beach time after all this, and no one will be looking for us there. Besides, I have to drop off William anyway."
He took a swig of Hellfire under his mask while Yiski thought on the proposal.
-
Lockheart was preparing himself aboard the Yeshan Dragon his modified Galleon. He had also managed to catch one of his families trading escort ships. A standard Pyra, but still able to contribute to the war effort. The ship happened to be containing a cargo of hand explosives and small firearms fresh from chaladon. He had opened a few crates of ammo, guns and grenades and put them on the walls for the soldiers. Lockheart himself sat at the captains table in his quarters on the Yeshan Dragon with his pipe in one hand and a glass of whiskey in the other.
Lockheart
"Damn, damn, damn. This may be it..."
He downed the rest of his whiskey and threw the glass out the window behind him. It shattered on the dock behind the ship.
Lockheart
"Ludvig, Get in here!"
Ludvig rushes in causing the door to slam the wall and bounce back to its original position.
Ludvig
"Yes sir?"
Lockheart
"Is she ready for battle?, oh and please take a seat and a glass of whiskey. It may be your last"
Ludvig
"Your orders sir"
Ludvig smirks and pours himself a glass of whiskey.
Ludvig
"anyway, she is as ready as she could be. The Extra Mercuries we had have been lined up on the top deck, the engine bearings greased, men prepped, rifles loaded and all the rest. I personally think we should send that boarding party of ours down to help the garrison"
Lockheart
"Good idea... Send them down now. First give then a pistol and a rifle each, then bring them up here in a hour for me"
Ludvig
"yes sir"
Ludvig saluted and walked out. Lockheart put on some light body armour and his war room jacket, before going to the mirror to do his hair.
Lockheart
"God i hope we survive..."
he put on his goggles, Yeshan sword, Family sword and 2 pistols and slung a bolt action sniper over his back. All the weight made him a bit slow, but he knew inside it would all be worth it. He set off to the Burning skies for a last proper drink.
-
The man is getting more and more tired, but keeps on going. Suddenly a pair of guards spot him on the street.
Guard 1:
"Hey you! What are you doing here? The whole town is under lockdown, why aren't you with the other civilians!
The man looks up in surpise, and with his last strength quickly dashes into the nearest alley.
Guard 1:
"Hey! Get back here!
Guard 2:
"Probably just a bum, ignore him. We got more important things to do than to chase after some old beggar."
After lurching through the alley till he's feeling safe again, he looks around him for a place to hide. Suddenly he lay eyes on a familiar building.
The Saloon... oh it's coming back to me... a bit
He sneaks up to a side window and takes a glance inside. The glass isn't too clear and the vision is muddly, but he seems to see some people in there. He sneaks up to another window and continues watching.
-
--Saloon Back Room--
Yiski
"A lake? Really? I was thinkin' more something along the Storm Coast."
Zill
"You know there's a reason why it's called Storm Coast."
Yiski
"Yeah, but it's not always stormin'."
Zill didn't respond and took a sip of his Hellfire. The two men then stood in silence for a bit.
Yiski
"You think we'll get out of this alive?"
Zill
"Dunno."
The two then heard a commotion coming from the main floor. Yiski and Zill drew their weapons and went into the main floor. There they saw Althea dragging Spoon to the ground and holding him in an arm bar.
Althea
"Commander. I saw him staring through the window. I was not sure if he was a saboteur or not, but..."
Yiski
"Stand down. It's Spoon. I'm actually surprised he's still alive."
-
Lockheart walks into the saloon, a bit nervous. He peeks round the open door of the back room and nods at Zill and Yiski, then notices Althea and Spoon, he raises a eyebrow and just walks and sits down at the bar.
Lockheart
"Afternoon gents, Anyone up for a round of drinks on me before we possibly die"
He draws his sword and starts looking over it before cleaning it with a handkerchief. He the fixes hi hair in the reflection.
Lockheart
"So, i don't believe I've met either of you"
He turns to face Althea and Spoon pointing at them with his sword.
-
--Saloon--
Althea let Spoon up and Spoon immediately walked over to the couch and fell over.
Yiski
"Lockheart. Althea, my bodyguard. Althea. Lockheart. The man on the couch is Spoon."
Lockheart looked over to Spoon and then back to Yiski with an inquisitive look.
Yiski
"Don't ask."
-
Walking through the streets of Anvala, Surette could feel a sense of urgency in the air. For the past day or two there had been whisperings of an invasion, and it was evident in the city. Areas normally bustling with activity were quiet and deserted, with a few people walking with their heads down. When he heard the rumors, Surette knew he couldn't sit idly. He couldn't get his mind off the Saloon and his acquaintances there. He knew they'd be preparing for the battle and he didn't feel right not going at least to see how they were doing, even if he wouldn't be able to assist.
As he approached the Saloon, he could see quite a crowd inside, which surprised him given the atmosphere in the rest of the city. "I suppose people want to have one last drink before it all goes to hell," he thought. Gently pushing open the door, he peered inside to greet the rest of the patrons. Walking up to the bar, he waved to Yiski, and introduced himself to the unfamiliar faces.
Surette
"Yiski, when I heard about what was going on I couldn't help but stop by the Saloon. I know we only met briefly last time, but I want you to know that I am ready to assist in any way I can. I'm not the best pilot, but I do have a ship, Serenity. From what I hear, the fleet might need all the ships we can get ahold of. Or if you'd prefer, I can make sure all of your ships are in top shape for the battle. It's been a while since I've been involved in something of this nature, but I'm an engineer by trade. At the very least, if you don't need my service, I'd love a Hellfire."
-
--Saloon--
As Niko watches the newcomers amused, BdrLine lifts his head off the counter and goes behind the bar and makes himself a Hellfire. He takes a swig and looks up at the couch at the mention of Spoon. Surprised by this, he places down his mug and to him.
BdrLine
"Is it really you Spoon? Last time I saw you was when the guards took you to the Asylum. What happened?"
As Niko sees Zill and Yiski exits the back room, he motions to BdrLine to tell them about the news about the upcoming attack. BdrLine sees the gesture and nods.
BdrLine
"Umm Yiski, Zill, I got some news about the Barons..."
He then goes on to explain about his talk with Melin and Zankif and the situation.
-
--Saloon--
Yiski hands Surette a Hellfire.
Yiski
"Well, I'm sure the Admiral here would appreciate the additional help."
Lauren
"As would I."
Lauren walks into the saloon and sits at the bar. Yiski hands her a Hellfire and gives her a kiss.
Lauren
"So what's the plan?"
Before Yiski could answer, BdrLine walks in. Yiski didn't like BdrLine's tone when hearing about news from the Barons.
-
--Saloon--
Tristan and Nidhogg entered the Saloon, looking for one last drink. Taking a seat at the bar, Nidhogg looked around at the crowd and spotted Lockheart with his sword drawn. He then pulled out his own to compare.
Nidhogg
"Mine's bigger than yours."
Tristan, meanwhile, ordered two hellfires and passed one down to Nidhogg, before taking a sip of his own, and putting down the drink.
Tristan
"It's an acquired taste I guess."
He said out loud.
-
Spoon yerks his head around in quick motions, flinging his hair around and looking rather deranged. Sitting up on the couch he leans forward with his hands on his cane. He observes the surroundings, Yiski and the unfamiliar faces. He eyes Althea with as much heed as his tired, semi-drugged eyes could bare.
Spoon:
"That's quite a strong one you got there Yiski *having a neck small spasm*, I don't wanna know what'd you have to do to get a bodyguard like that."
Turns to Lockheart and tries to stand up, only to fall back on the couch.
Spoon:
"Well *cough* more new faces... Lockheart eh? *Eyes the sword* That's quite a elegant sword... Chaladonian?"
...
...
As Azn comes up to him, Spoon gives a short smile and makes another attemt to stand up. This time he succeeds.
Spoon:
"Azn, it's been soo long. Good to see you. What happened to me? Well, have a guess..."
Spoon lifts his rags a bit to show the ripped and blodied hospital gown.
Spoon:
"Them god damn bastards locked me up there ever since the "monsters" invaded Anvala. I've lived half my time either strapped to a bed, or in isolation together with some reeeal nut-heads. If I'm not mistaken *shivers* they put something in our food too.. to keep us calm... It's very kept down as to what's really going on there... but I think they're conducting some kind of experiments... *raises his hand to feel a square scar running down his back head*
...yesterday of all days, they suddenly cleared out. No one knew what the hell happened, but I took my chance *once again pointing to the bloodied gown*...
-
Turns to Spoon and raises a eyebrow.
Lockheart
" yes, it is indeed Chaladonian.. Spoon isn't it?"
*smirks* turns to nidhogg.
Lockheart
"Ah, bigger you say. It's the steel and the man holding it that matter."
*Lockheart sheathes his family sword and fixes his hair again before quickly judging nidhogg*
Lockheart
"And if its bigger you want..."
* Lockheart draws his longer Yeshan Sword and hands it to nidhogg*
Lockheart
"That better? *chuckles* is that a family signature on yours?"
-
--Saloon--
Nidhogg presented his sword to Lockheart.
Nidhogg
"Yes it is, the insignia of house Valtivere. The sword itself is designed more as a duelling blade, but it's seen it's fair share of combat."
He looked at the Yeshan blade.
Nidhogg
"But that is quite impressive, Yeshan I presume, based on the traditional design, and definitely looks effective. I imagine both will see action in the coming days for certain."
He raised his mug, before taking another swig.
-
All of a sudden, shouting could be heard outside the saloon. Guards were calling out. Sentries were alerting the entire city.
Rushing towards Anvala, its engines screaming from abuse that no engineer could possibly withstand, was a Pyramidion.
Everybody rushed out of the saloon to catch a glimpse of what was going on. The wall gunners, instructed to fire on sight, began taking shots at the approaching ship.
All of them hit, but the Pyramidion appeared completely undamaged. It came kerosening straight into the city walls, in a perfect position to cause destruction. Instead, it stopped short in front on the Burning Skies Saloon, paused, and chute vented into the ground, landing with a thunderous boom that still didn't manage to harm the ship.
Out of the HMCS Duck Pharaoh lept N-Sunderland, his flare gun glistening as always in his right hand, and his mallet at the ready in his left hand.
"I heard you could use an extra man."
-
-Saloon-
Zill had pulled out an old sawed-off shotgun before he realized Spoon was the only ruckus to be had. He put it back in his coat along his back and listened to what BdrLine had to say. He slammed his mug on the counter, breaking it. Keeping some lever of composure, he looked at BdrLine.
Zill
"Well then we disable the first wave. Knock them to the ground. It'll minimize the casualties, and make sure we have a supply of blue smoke at the walls. It was the old Baron way to signal friendly terms. Anyone else will get shot."
Just then, Nova, William, and Jun'ko came in. They found a table, and Jun'ko came up to Zill.
Jun'ko
"All ready for you to look over. You ok?"
Zill
"I've had better news."
He motions to Bdr who tells her the grim information as well.
Suddenly, a loud boom outside had everyone rushing for the door. When everyone realized it was Sunderland, they put their weapons away and welcomed him in.
-
As not being to stable, spoon came out a bit after the others.
Standing in the doorway he coughed and spoke:
now that man look familiar... Hrmm.. Urmm *eyes the flare gun* "Sund? Is that you? *cough* holy hell mate"
-
--Saloon--
Yiski
"Dammit Sund! First, we don't see you in months. Second, when you do show back up, you do it with your usual flair."
Despite, everyone else lowering their weapons, Althea still stood with her pistols drawn. Many of these new faces were not making her all too happy.
Yiski
"Althea. Sunderland, a crazy s.o.b. who probably started all this nonsense months ago. I swear, we should have never have gone after your flare gun."
Althea
"Any more friends you want to mention before I just shoot?"
Yiski
"I think that's all of them."
-
Sunderland glances at Althea. Reactions like that were exactly what he looked for from his over-the-top entries.
"Good to see you all, even if it isn't the most relaxing of times. I've been off on a lot of missions with my captain lately, missions that have kept me fairly busy. I had managed to gather some inside info on the Baronies a couple of months before this all happened, but guess what? Council didn't even give me a chance to come back. I told them it was important, but apparently wiping out some puny raider encampments on remote islands is a higher priority.
I'm ready for combat. Whether you want me slamming ships down with the Duck Pharaoh or keeping one of yours alive, I'll do everything in my power to keep this city away from the Baronies. I might not look the fittest to battle *glances at massive scar in right hand*, but... It's not like I ever used my right hand to wield a mallet anyways."
-
--Saloon--
At the sight of Sunderland and his entrance, BdrLine just smiles and shakes his head. He calls out to him.
BdrLine
"Sunderland, still crazy as ever i see. Well welcome back, I'm guessing you want some of that old black stuff before all hell breaks loose?"
He turns to go back into the saloon and sees Spoon on the door frame and places an arm on him
BdrLine
"Yup its him, but Spoon i think you need to take a seat, you're still not in 'prime' condition'. "
-
With BdrLine's help he staggers back to the couch
Spoon:
Aye *cough cough* thanks mate.
Sitting there his eyes gets heavier, and he gets more and more lethargic...
-
Sunderland steps into the saloon, noticing the black liquid leaking out of a pipe at the back.
"You know what I want, Yiski. I haven't had anything other than water to drink in months."
-
Plasma stomps through the door, Saluting Zill and Yiski. He breezes over to the bar. And slaps it.
Plasma
"Admiral. Commander. Looks like Verra and I on The Pointy End will be giving you long range fire support during the coming battle. Officially, I'm here to hand over our encrypted frequencies...unofficially, I could use a Hellfire or two."
He glances around at the familiar and unfamiliar faces in the Saloon.
Plasma
"Any port in a storm I guess! Cheers, and may we yet live to see the end of the week!"
He glances at Spoon.
Plasma
"Hey now. Are you alright?"
-
--Saloon--
Yiski gave Sunderland a 'wtf' expression.
Yiski
"Skies you poor bastard. Nothin' but water! Well, we sure can't have that."
Yiski then slides a Hellfire to Sunderland.
-
Sunderland pushes the hellfire aside.
"Surely you haven't forgotten, Yiski."
But that's enough blabber for now. I'll take the usual.
*Yiski hands N-Sunderland what appears to be a black liquid*
Still can't believe you drink this stuff. I swear you're the only one in this whole world who probably does.
"So I'd like some of the usual, please. I've never had a taste for hellfire."
-
--Saloon--
As everyone talks to the returned Sunderland and Spoon, BdrLine sees Althea sitting on a stool at the bar and goes up to her and takes a seat next to her.
BdrLine
"Hey."
She hears BdrLine and turns to him with a small smile
Althea
"Hey yourself."
BdrLine
"The calm before the storm, you ready for what's to come?"
Althea
"An Elite is always ready, as the saying goes."
BdrLine looks down at the ground at the warrior answer, after a moment he looks back up.
BdrLine
"How about being scared?"
As Althea is going to answer that she is not afraid and willing to die to protect the city, she sees the look on his face, the one which he may lose someone.
Althea
"I don't know, usually I would say I'm not, but..."
A silence ensues betweentp the both of them as neither try to make eye contact. After what seems an eternity, Althea has her eyes on the ground and sees his feet touch the floor as he gets off his seat. He takes a few steps forward until he stops suddenly, BdrLine feet turns around and turns and walks quickly to her again. Confused, Althea looks up and sees BdrLine place a hand on her chin which he lifts up and plants a kiss on her lips. After about five seconds, he breaks it and goes back to where Niko was sitting.
-
--Saloon--
Yiski remembers the black liquid which Sunderland drinks. However since his disappearance, Yiski hadn't made anymore of Sunderland's drink. Remembering that, Yiski rubbed the back of his neck.
Yiski
"Not sure if I have anymore Sund. Might've had some before the saloon got rebuilt, but since you were the only one to touch the stuff, I've never made more."
Lauren
"What did he drink?"
Yiski
"Trust me. You don't want to know."
Lauren
"Do you even remember how it's made?
Yiski
"Yeah. It wasn't hard.. wait..."
Yiski points his eyes upward and taps his fingers along his chin.
Yiski
"Give me a minute."
Yiski heads into the back and various sounds could be heard followed by black steam. Fearful of what was going on, almost nobody dared to head into the back. Althea attempted, but BdrLine grasped her arm and shook his head with a stern expression.
Minutes later, Yiski comes out with a pitch black liquid and hands it Sunderland.
Yiski
"Not sure if it's like the usual, but it should be close enough."
Yiski and the others then see BdrLine kissing Althea. Surprisingly, Althea didn't immediately throw him off herself. Nobody said anything, but Yiski did reach down and hand Lauren ten silver bits. Lauren smiled.
Lauren
"Told you not to underestimate awkward love."
-
Sunderland grabs the drink with glee.
"Ahhh....How I missed that stuff. Stuff of legends, Yiski."
-
--Saloon--
Niko looks on as he switches looking between Althea and BdrLine who was coming towards him, Niko mentally groans as he remember she bet he and his men made about the two
Agh, my cousin is going to be rich tonight. Man I knew I should have put in a week instead of a month.
BdrLine reaches him and sees his friend in sort of duress.
BdrLine
"Niko, bud you alright?"
Putting on a quick smile, Niko turns.
Niko
"Oh yeah I'm fine, happy for ya though Even though I lost 15 gold"
BdrLine
"What you say at the end? Didn't catch that."
Niko
"Just a cough." *puts hands up defensively*
BdrLine raises an eyebrow and goes to his drink again.
-
--Saloon--
Nidhogg and Tristan sat in the corner looking on at the scene of merriment.
Nidhogg
"Strange, you don't expect to see this much enjoyment before a battle."
Tristan
"Oh sometimes that's the best time for enjoyment. Fear is a motivator, a good one. But rememberence of all you love gives you something to fight for other than self preservation."
He gestured at BrdLineAzn.
"... What do you think he'll be fighting for, because I garuntee you it's more than his own life."
Nidhogg
"So love trumps fear. That sounds really cliche."
Tristan
"But true."
Nidhogg
"Ever the poet, as usual."
They both took a swig of Hellfire, which Tristan gulped down with an espression of endurance.
Tristan
"What even is this stuff?"
Nidhogg
"I really don't know, but it grows on you."
Nidhogg then gulped down the rest of his mug, before making a start on Tristan's. Tristan did not object.
-
-Narrator-
Zill met with every familiar face in the saloon, accepting help and buying rounds. Despite the harsh reality of war baring down on them, one wouldn't know it with the merriment at the Burning Skies.
Zill sat at the table with Jun'ko, William, and Nova. They talked about life. Catching up with old friends was something to treasure nowadays. Often were old friends buried in the wake of battles for land, for wealth, and power. These things meant nothing to the denizens of the Burning Skies. They had a city to defend, and each with their own agenda for doing so.
The battle to come would test everything they have come to know. Once thought of as allies, the Baronies come with thunderous fleets to conquer that which has been independent for so long. If Anvala fell, what would stop further incursions?
Slowly, the patrons all left to their various places of rest. The coming hours of sleep would be their last for what will seem like years.
-End Narrator-
--End day 124--
-
--START OF DAY 125--
--NARRATOR--
All available vessels were in the skies around Anvala. Final recon reports gave a breakdown of the ships the Barons were bringing: 20 squids, 15 goldfish, 15 pyramidion, 20 galleons, and 20 infantry transports.
Zill sat in the middle of the Anvalan fleet looking over the horizon and anticipating battle. Yiski sat in the saloon with Althea and other defenders keeping him safe. Yiski was hanging over the radio with Frank on the other side.
Frank
"How do you think they'll do this?"
Yiski
"Given the number of squids and transports, they'll use the squids to come in high-speed and take out as many batteries as possible. Have the mercs aim for the engines to slow them and have the flaks finish them. For the transports, use the lumberjacks to wipe their balloon."
Frank
"And the rest of their fleet?"
Yiski
"Don't miss."
Hours passed when all Anvalan radios got a transmission of the Baronies' fleet within twenty kilometers of the city. Within minutes the fleet was sitting at ten kilometers and in sight of Zill and the Anvalan fleet. Zill called over the radio.
Zill
"Yiski, looks like we got guests."
--NARRATOR END--
-
-But then it broke-
Zill looked onto the barren wasteland that was east of Anvala, his sniper side ready. The sun beat down on everyone with an eerie red glow. The salt and sand burned their eyes, and the waiting was tense. Zill, remembering BdrLine's intel, he radioed the wall guard.
Zill
"Pop the blue smoke."
Moments later, blue smoke began rising over the walls at each main tower. Zill used his spyglass to watch the Baron formation. Nothing twitched for a few minutes. Then, a lone galleon began moving forward slowly. It was slight, but caught Zill's eye. He watched as it inched forward, and then suddenly lurched into an all out sprint. Three pyramidions and two goldfish soon followed suit, all popping tar barrel and getting into formation to cover the galleon. Suddenly a rain of fire came down around the small formation.
Zill
"Everyone keep a trained eye on that group, but hold fire. If they pop blue smoke at 2km, they are friendly."
Everyone was tense watching them dodge the fleet barrages. Zill cringed when a pyramidion got hit and fell to the ground, exploding. A few shots connected but the remaining ships seemed to of finally gotten out of range. At 2 km, they slowed down, and still kept formation. The smoke wasn't there yet and Zill's radio sparked to life.
Officer
"Orders rea-?"
Zill
"Wait for it."
Moments later, each ship popped blue smoke canisters. Zill took a heavy breath and ordered all guns trained back on the fleet while they retreated back behind the wall to be briefed. He gripped a piece of parchment in his hand, crinkling it and gritting his teeth. The council had demoted him to rear admiral, citing insubordination and bringing danger to the city, among other long-winded accusations. They appointed a council member as admiral, to add insult to injury. If it wasn't for this invasion, he would probably be fighting off assassins. The last commanding admiral didn't fare too well against them.
It didn't matter though; not to Zill or any of those who knew he would be in charge of this fleet today.
-
--The Pointy End, 500m Above the City--
Plasma surveys the Baronies Fleet with a spyglass. Surprise turning to elation as the tar maneuver successfully cripples the front lines of the enemy fleet, preventing advancement for a moment.
The Pointy End's engines purr against the wind, gently countering their influence with a whispered, guttural rebuke. The battle plan squawks over the radio. Verra acknowledges, then commands the BreakPoint, and CounterPoint into a loose triangular formation, the other two listing slightly behind the Pointy End. A triangle of three triangles.
The Baronies kept the traitors advancing under a barrage of fire. The Pointy End began to dip, rocked slightly, then came to and abrupt halt. Smoke issued from the ships and the city did not fire. Plasma smiled. But it soon faded.
The tiny ships began to race forward over and under the Tar, staggering their approach, making it difficult to hit them all on the same plane of fire. Soon they were a mere 4 km off.
A word crackled over the radio.
Radio
"Point Wing, FIRE."
Verra echoed the order with sinister exultation. The weapons thundered in time. Projectiles eagerly racing each other through the air, rippling the suspended tar. They discarded streaks of burnt powder residue and screamed their joy before punching through the metal plating of the diesel engines on the approaching squids and, displeased with the abrupt halt, detonated. Their rage tore propeller, fuel lines, and drive alike.
But the Squids were fast.
Round after round issued from the powerful guns, but the transports were advancing behind the screen.
Soon the oncoming wave of ships would have their tentacles in the guns of the battery. But a new source of thunder shattered the sky. The heavy flak batteries on the walls and Galleons propelled the heavy projectiles towards the crippled Squids, their crews gazing in horror at the brilliant projectiles traveling lazily towards their immobile vessels, helpless.
The air was littered with shattered wood and metal. Yet still there were too many. The mercuries if all three ships were firing as fast as they could be reloaded. The last group of Squids would be within the Flak-Line soon.
The Baronies fleet had not been idle. Several answering reports sounded, and The Pointy End rocked, drifting off target. A few of the advancing Squids had managed to find their guns. Plasma glances up to both Mercuries, now smoking piles of ruin.
Damnit!
He flings himself up the ladder, almost flying in his haste, ripping the spanner off his belt and hammering the mercury in front of him with an urgency and aggression causing even his Captain to pause for a moment. And then it was firing again, propelling round after round into the Squids. Flak bursts and burnt powder were filling the air.
The Squids seemed happy to target the wall batteries, giving the Point Wing ample opportunity to aim for their guns and armor while the flak did it's work.
-
Lockheart got word of the Baronies fleet inbound on Anvala over the radio. His heart sunk in his chest after hearing the Ship numbers. Nonetheless he got up and put opn his body Armour, War Room jacket, 2 pistols, sniper and his 2 swords. Before Scrambling his crew and warning his extra ship. He quickly ran up to the saloon said a quick goodbye and good luck to Yiski, before dashing off to get the Yeshan Dragon into position. He then stood at the helm of his Galleon and addressed his crew.
Lockheart
"Lets show these men how Chaladonians fight!. Raise the banners!"
*Cheering from both Lockheart Ships, they soon raise the Lockheart family Banner and the Banner of Chaladon*
Lockheart
"Now, we may die here... But your one of the finest crews I've had... Ludvig! Get out my special reserve!."
2 Barrels of Chaladonian Wine and Whiskey fell from the top deck. The men cheered as they got tankards and filled them up to attempt to raise their spirits despite their impending doom.
Lockheart
"Damn!"
Lockheart shielded his eyes from the rising sun and walked down the stairs to the deck and got a tankard of Wine and Whiskey before throwing the barrels over the side. His crew boo'd but he simply pointed to the fleet in the distance. Their facial expressions sunk and the stampeded to their posts.
-
--Eastern wall--
Nidhogg and Tristan stood on the wall near the batteries and scanned the skyline. Nidhogg kept one hand over the hilt of his sword, and the other over his holster. Both brothers had been equipped with body armour and pistol ammo a'plenty. Their bodies and minds were ready for war.
Tristan
"I guess this isn't what you had in mind when you sought 'adventure'"
Nidhogg
"No, not really. And I think, if I survive, I'll return home with you, I'm not cut out for the frontier life."
Tristan
"I'm glad."
The two shared a last brotherly hug before the battle.
-
Spoon stepped up alongside a bunch of guards on the wall, looking out on the horison. They were far too preoccupied with the scene in front of them to notice him.
and so it begins...
-
--Dawn Break--
BdrLine is on board with Niko on his cousin's ship. It's the only galleon in the small five ship formation, the other four, two pyramidions and two junkers, are formed up on either side of the ship. As BdrLine goes to the port side of the ship with his telescope out, he notices the poped blue smoke coming from the defected Baron ships.
At least their friends are safe.
He retracts the glass and heads up to the helm where Niko and his cousin, Gang, are at the helm. As he walks up the stairs, BdrLine is wearing some light body armour for some protection. Over his shoulder is the rifle he and Yiski had made, while on his forearms he wears the extendable blades, modified to have metal bracing on the top. Finally a small pistol is holstered on the right side of his hip.
Niko
"How's it goes so far?"
BdrLine
"Well, a few Baron ships manage to defect and are going behind the wall for cover, I assume that majority are old friends of Zill's. But the majority of the Fleet is still there and their squids are attacking."
Gang
"Damn, well what are we waiting for, *he goes to the radio on board* Shogun, Fallen Leaf, bare port sides and fire away at the squids with the mercuries. *to crew on board* Alright get the flaks ready we're shooting as well."
The galleon and the two pyramidions then turn to port, and soon mercury and flak rounds start exiting the barrels of the guns. Rounds fly as they race towards the attacking squids, some manage to hit, but with the speed, majority of the rounds flew behind them.
As the Niko and BdrLine watch on, a beep on BdrLine's radio come to life. He turns to look and answers it.
BdrLine
"Zankif Melin, that you?"
Zankif
"Yup and looks like we arrived to the party, do what's the sit-rep."
BdrLine
"Before the attack, we manage to get some defector ships on our side, but now their squids are attacking. How about you guys?"
Zankif
"Well we are coming from the east side, so we may have a shot left and rear flank. For firepower though, we got two galleys, two hawacha and a lumber fish, three pyras, tow Junkers, and the two squids Melin came on."
BdrLine
"Speaking of Melin, you have word of their attacks plans?"
Melin
"Sorry Bdr, my men didn't have a chance to get on the command ship and hack their comms, they left port as they were about to get on. But we have other news, my men back in the Barons manage to find the old king, King Gregor, he is being held in a prison somewhere, they are making plans to break him out. Keep this battle going as long as you can, we can't have word of some ships returning to help stop this prison break out."
BdrLine
"Okay, so you guys are going for an attack run?"
Zankif
"Yeah, we'll try to disable some transports and fire ships, but no promises."
BdrLine
"Roger, out."
He radio turns silent as BdrLine looks to the east and sees rounds coming out of a cloud bank hitting the rear flank of the Baron formation.
BdrLine
Gods help us all.
-
--The Wyvern--
The Wyrm looked through his spyglass at Zankif's ship, emerging from a cloud into the rear flank of the formation.
Wyrm
"Watch out, looks like we got ourselves a maniac. Ready on port guns! I'm bringin' us back to the rear!"
He adjusted course to fly towards the rear of the fleet, nearly crashing into about a dozen ships on the way. Noticing some change in course, Lord Gallafell emerged from his quarters.
Gallafell
"What are you doing!? You're meant to stay in formation with the rest!"
Wyrm
"Screw the formation, I'm gonna save our asses!"
The Wyvern pulled up next to the exposed transports, shielding a few of them from the flanking menuevour, while letting off some hwacha fire into the attackers.
-
-But then it broke-
Shots from his starboard rang in his ears and Nova and Jun'ko took aim at the encroaching squids. The merc fired with deadly precision, and the artemis whistled into their weak spots. Despite the hits, only six squids had gone down to the batteries. Zill looked back at the main body of the fleet so see them at 5 km, still closing. Assessing the situation, he gave new orders over the radio.
Zill
"All batteries target the main body, with troop transports a high priority. All squids are to hop over the wall and engage the remaining squids. We need them off our guns."
Seeing a flaking run being commenced by another group of the Baron's, Zill tugs out a tar bomb, and lights it with a short fuse. He tosses it overboard. Moments later it explodes in mid-air is a large plume of tar. Shortly after, a mercenary unit of three junkers, two goldfish, and two squids rises behind a chasm in the mountains. They commence a bombardment on the main body with their long range, taking the baron fleet by surprise. Chaos was beginning to ensue, but they maintained a rough formation, and while damaged, weren't going down quickly.
Once over the batteries, Zill knew the fight was going to get bloody.
-
--Saloon--
Althea and Yiski sat inside the saloon with roughly ten other defenders inside as well. They were to keep an eye on Yiski and prevent him from taking any unnecessary risks. Yiski sat at the bar with the radio on top the counter and sifting through all the reports throughout the city and fleet.
Yiski
"How are the batteries holding up?"
Frank
"Some of the damn squids knocked out a few batteries, but we've taken down about five. Fleet took another five. One or two transports are down."
Yiski
"Why so few?"
Frank
"Can't expect veteran marksman to use a gun they've never fired on the ground."
Yiski
"Understood. Just keep the lumberjacks on the transports."
Yiski fiddled with the dial to the Kyllo's frequency.
Yiski
"How are things?"
Lauren
"Better once we bring down the remaining squids. WHERE THE HELL IS MY GAT FIRE! Sorry, I got about two... make that one squid on me."
Yiski banged his fist into the counter. This made a defender or two jump. Yiski then picked up his new Blood Bolt. By the time Yiski got up, Althea and the other defenders were around him.
Defender
"Commander, you have orders to..."
Yiski brought around Blood Bolt assault mode and aimed it right at the defender who spoke. The other defenders brought their weapons on Yiski which then in turned caused Althea to turn her weapons on them. Yiski chuckled at the standoff.
Yiski
"So this is what the Council had planned, huh? 'Bout time their paranoia got to them."
Althea
"Commander?"
Ignoring Althea, Yiski continues talking.
Yiski
"There are what ten of you versus two of us. However, I have a full auto rifle and she's an Elite. Do you really want to try?"
Defender
"But our orders..."
Yiski
"If you want to live, you'll ignore whatever orders the Council gave you."
Hearing stories of Yiski's merits and abilities and knowing what and Elite can do, the Defenders lowered their weapons and stood at attention.
Defender
"Orders Commander?"
Yiski
"Get me to the nearest lumberjack battery."
With that, ten Defenders, an Elite, and a Commander were off to the Eastern Wall.
-
Sunderland had been working for hours nonstop on the Duck Pharaoh. He had spare time, and he knew that maximizing the ship's efficiency would be key to defeating the Baronies. He began working at reducing its weight, making it faster and nimbler. He replaced the engines with stronger, more durable ones to increase speed and resistance to moonshine.
By the time he was done, it was as quick and manoeuvrable as a Goldfish, and it hadn't lost any hull strength.
Still, Sunderland was unsatisfied. He could have all the turning in the world, but it wouldn't make his guns any stronger. Not only that, but it was far too subtle for his taste.
So he attached a huge iron spike to the front.
The ship had lost all of the extra turning speed it had gained and half of the extra top speed and acceleration. But as Sunderland replaced his front flak with a second gatling and equipped himself with moonshine, he couldn't help but feel satisfied.
Sunderland cranked the accelerator up, lifted into the sky, got his gunners into position, and awaited orders to enter battle.
-
--Eastern wall--
The sound of gatling fire rung in Nidhogg's ears as he took cover just in time behind one of the wall's crenelations. As the squid passed right by the wall it killed two less fortunate soldiers, who fell at Nidhogg's feet. Nidhogg was pinned behind to the wall as the squid continued to fire it's gatling. The steady rattle of the gun continued for what seemed like an hour, until a loud BANG was heard, along with an explosion that passed over Nidhogg's head. He peered out from cover to see the wreckage of the squid fall below the wall as an allied goldfish soared over head.
Praise the skies
But his hope was diminished as he pulled out his spyglass and examined the Baronies' fleet, only to see a still approaching mass of ships of all kinds along with enough troop transport to carry an army, though still taking a lot of fire, was in no way surrendering any time soon, and growing closer by the minute.
This won't end remotely well
-
Lockheart saw the ships move into action and swung his broadsides round. He also aimed the top deck hwacha towards the fleet. Silence.
Lockheart
"FIRE!!!!"
The ships Flaks, Mercuries and Hwachas fired at the fleet, the shots almost deafened Lockheart. He then walked to the radio, while his ship rocked therefrom guns shooting.
Lockheart to The Pointy End
"Your doing good evading those shots, we will try to provide cover fire. Lockheart out."
Lockheart Jumped down to the main deck and picked up his sniper, and aimed down the scope at the captain of a goldfish by the galleon. He held his breath and shot.
It hit, and the captain fell off the ship.
Lockheart
"Got one!. Now its your turn men! ha haa"
"Gods have mercy on us all"
-
Sunderland
"I've had it with waiting back. I'm charging."
Sunderland cranked the throttle into maximum, began burning moonshine, and passed over the wall of Anvala. He saw a group of five Pyramidions approaching in a v-formation. He charged ahead at full speed, going straight into their gatling fire. He hit chute vent, ducked down below them, swooped up, and spun around with kerosene.
The Pyramidions ignored him and continued towards the city. Mistake number one. Their were flying in a V. Mistake number two.
Sunderland cranked his engines up again, and got at an angle relative to the Pyramidions. He kerosened to accelerate and position, then switched to moonshine.
The iron spike sliced through the first Pyramidion, heavily damaged the second one, and sent it into the third one, obliterating all three. The other two Pyramidions turned on Sunderland, but he was already on the hull armour, and wouldn't let them make a scratch. Unscathed, he returned into the city walls, with the two Pyras backing away to reform.
He stopped to listen to his radio, realizing that everybody had been shouting at him for a "completely suicidal charge".
Sunderland
"Three Pyramidions down"
Everybody else fell silent in disbelief.
-
--Eastern wall--
The squids' assault had eased up on the wall and left the troops there with some time to breath, which Nidhogg and Tristan spent observing the battle taking place.
Nidhogg
"Holy Flak! Did you see that?"
Tristan
"What?"
Nidhogg
"Some madman with a Pyramidion just took out three other Pyramidions."
Tristan pulled out his spyglass and took a closer look.
Tristan
"Well, at least we have the more skilled captains on our side."
Nidhogg
"The most suicidal captains also, it seems."
Tristan
"Let us hope that is not our downfall. And we should at no cost ever underestimate the enemy. Remember, in chess, players often lead with the pawns."
Nidhogg
"Or the knights."
Tristan
"Don't get technical."
-
--The Pointy End--
Lockheart's transmission cracks over the radio.
Verra laughs and shouts back into the device over the roar of rockets.
Captain Verra to Yeshan Dragon
"Ha! They shoot like drunks. Even so, it is appreciated!"
The mercuries continual thunder is almost rhythmic amid the chaos of other artillery. The shells arc towards the troop transports, embedding themselves in the armor and violently tossing the plates into the sky.
A curse comes from the helm as Verra picks up the radio again.
Radio
"Some idiot is charging full into them! Cover him if you can!"
Plasma watches with a combination of disbelief and horror as the Duck Pharaoh speeds towards the Pyramidions.
Then breaks through. He blinks. Pinches himself for a moment. Then stares in jealous indignation at the returning ship.
Plasma
"How in the world?"
The radio screeches.
Radio
"New orders. The Point Wing is to ignore the transports and other craft, disable the heavy weapons of the enemy."
Verra
"What? If those transports come through-"
Radio
"Those are your orders. From the Admiral."
Verra
"What? Zill would never-"
Radio
"Zill has been demoted Captain. You now serve the council directly."
Verra stares at the voice piece, mouth working, but unable to find sound.
A moment passes, and she slams down the device, scowling up from the helm. Her displeasure rakes the air as she shouts.
Verra
"New orders from the 'new' Admiral. The Point Wing is to separate from the fleet and attempt to flank the enemy... ill advised with their rush. If those transports get through..."
She twists the radio dials as if they had personally committed some great wrong against her.
Verra to But then it Broke
"Rear Admiral, we've been order to flank the fleet by our great new leader. Consider us out of action. We'll give you all the help we can from our new...'positions'"
She slams the throttle open. The Pointy End cuts high through the sky, swinging around in a wide, useless arc. The BreakPoint and CounterPoint follow. A few minutes (which feel like hours to everyone aboard) later, the ships grind to a halt. The percussion of the field guns begins again, disabling many of the weapons pointed towards the city, granting some small reprieve from bombardment.
Still the transports advanced.
-
--Dawn Break--
As the salvos from both sides continue, BdrLine has his glass out again and sees the ramming Pyra.
BdrLine
Sunderland, you crazy man. At least that's three more.
He then turns again to the east and sees another group of ships attacking while Zankif's group advance in more. He gos obis radio and hails him.
BdrLine
"How's it going you two?"
Zankif on his Pyramidion.
"Well we were attacking with sniper fire, but a galleon got in the way of the transport and blocking our shots, now it's aimed at my men."
Melin
"I see it, me and my other squid will go in and try to distract it. So far they are still holdin up."
BdrLine
"Flak, ok. *to Niko and Gang* We may need to move in, not that many ships are being shot down and sooner or later those guns will be aimed at us. *back to the radio* Melin Zankif, we are toning in."
Melin & Zankif
"Roger"
Gang from his helm
"Ahh, now for the fun, sniping is good, but up close and personal, I like it. *On his radio* All ships, we are going in to that hell hole, let the fun begin."
The ships then turn to face their front to the formation, and with a boost of kerosene, charge into it's wester flank.
-
--Eastern Wall--
Yiski's appearance at the Eastern Wall surprised a few defenders and Frank.
Frank
"Should I ask?"
Yiski
"Just know I hate the Council."
Frank
"Don't we all?"
Yiski went over to a lumberjack and had the gunner move off. Yiski then had a crew load in lesmok rounds. Yiski calibrated the sights.
Yiski
"Give me a mark on a transport."
Frank
"Four kilos. Think you can..."
Yiski aimed and fired a full five-shot volley at the marked transport. Four shots landed and it ripped the balloon apart and the transport quickly fell to the ground.
Yiski
"Next!"
Frank
"Five degrees to the right and about four and a quarter."
Reloaded and aimed, Yiski fired another volley and took down another transport. After this next transport fell, the remaining transports seemed to start going in reverse. The remaining ships also started disengaging and pulling back beyond Anvala's mercuries range.
Frank
"This normal?"
Yiski
"Not at all."
Yiski went to a radio to call Zill.
Yiski
"Zill. I hope you're gettin' the same odd feelin' I am." *turning to Frank* "Have all the batteries hold and keep an eye on the fleet. If any of them happen to drift in range..."
Frank
"Make them regret it."
Yiski
"Lauren, Zill, how you all holdin' up?"
Lauren
"Kyllo took a few hits, but the other squids were more concerned with the batteries."
Yiski took out his scope and spied across the horizon. The Baronies' galleons did little in the battle. Their squids were almost done in and had about five left. However, much of the goldfishes, pyramidions, and transports were still afloat.
-
--Eastern wall--
Tristan
"Very well done commander."
Tristan had walked over to Yiski's Lumberjack and was now examining the enemy fleet through his spyglass.
Tristan
"It appears they have retreated out of range. But the question remains, is it a retreat, or a tactical regrouping? Either way, should the time come for them to land their troops, I'll be ready, I assure you."
-
Sunderland, via radio to Yiski.
"How many casualties on our side so far?"
-
--Eastern Wall--
Yiski
"It's a tactical regrouping if I ever saw one. They still have superior fleet numbers and a lot of infantry transports still operating."
The radio was cackling and Frank readjusted the signal. It was Lauren and Zill.
Lauren
"What are they planning Zill?"
Zill
"Either they'll try again later, or waiting for reinforcements."
Yiski jumped in on the conversation.
Yiski
"I'm goin' with reinforcements." *turning to Frank* "Call out to some western recons and made sure they're not gonna surprise us in the Gauntlet."
Frank nodded and went over to a separate radio.
-
Lockheart was sniping through his mercury at one of the 2 pyras that chased Sunderland, when a flak shot rang off the captain quarters.
Lockheart
"You better not have damaged my Feather bed! Those are expensive!."
Loclheart opens fire with greased rounds with one round already loaded in the muzzle, he fired all 3 shots at a pyra its hull armor flew off the ship in a array of splinters, scrap metal and bolts.
Lockheart
"That looked expensive aswell. Karl fire your flak at that pyra to the north east. Bearing 176."
Karl
"Heres a present from Firnfeld!"
The shot hit and the ship exploded and fell to the ground. Lockheart then received Captain Verra's Transmission.
Lockheart
"Well. its because they are drunk"
Gatling fire started to rake the top deck of the Yeshan Dragon, it caught a mercury gunner off guard and he had a line of bullet holed in his torso. A red pool began to emerge around him as he lay on the floor. Lockheart quickly ducked but a bullet whizzed past and singed his ear.
Lockheart
"You Rotter! I want that Pyra Gone Now!"
Lockheart walks to the radio.
Lockheart
"Release the White Whaler!"
A Pyramidion chute vented from behind Lockhearts Galleon, it then began to lurch, then Sprint forward towards the incoming Pyramidion.
Lockheart
"Edwin, we'll let of a hwacha salvo to help our comrade."
Edwin from the Hwacha
"aye sir, loading burst"
Soon the Top deck Hwacha fired, taking out the pyras front guns and one of its engines. The White Whaler swiftly approached the pyra and let loose its front guns. A harpoon fired off the front of the pyra and it ripped a Armour plate off but still latched on to the ship. The White Whaler went into full reverse and pulled the pyra back towards the Yeshan Dragon both ships fired at it and it immediately fell to pieces.
-
As the attackers regroup, Spoon checks the encampments around him. Most batteries are still standing but the frontline squids has managed to wreck a few, as well as incapacitating a good deal of guards unfortunately catched in a sudden gatling spray. Guards are running everywhere around him, tending to the vounded and pushing new ammo and shells into the batteries and stationary turrets.
-
--Dawn Break--
As the small five ship formation approaches the Barons fleet from the west, and Zankif and Melin's 12 ships approach from the east, BdrLine notices that it was quiet behind them. He looks to Niko as he notices it as well.
BdrLine
"Why are the flak batteries not firing?"
The two looks behind them to the city and notices that they are extended very far, they look forward again as they realized that they enemy are regrouping. Niko goes over to his cousin to tell he and the other four ships to turn around and leg it back to Anvala, while BdrLine is frantically on his radio calling both his friends.
BdrLine
"Melin, Zankif, get out off that attack run, they are regrouping and we are over extended, good thing they have...."
Suddenly mercury and flak rounds are going around the Yeshan mercenary group as two Baron galleons notices their position and fire upon them.
Niko
"Gang, we need out NOW!!!"
Gang
"I know, hold on tight going full reverse, can't risk our engines. *on radio* Fallen Leaf you know what todo."
Fallen Leaf Captain
"Yes sir, quick change out the side merc and bring them top side, we are providing covering fire."
--Zankif's Pyramidion Wardog--
On the eastern flank, both Melin and Zankif heard BdrLine's message and Melin and his other squid proceed to pop tar to help cover the other ten ships. As they are retreating back into the clouds, they notice the five other ships on the other side taking hits.
Taking out his spyglass, Zankif looks on helplessly as the five Yeshan ships are taking fire.
Zankif
Damn, just damn. *on his radio* "Melin its me, looks like Bdr is having it rough"
Melin
"I know, I see it as well, but we are way too far from them. Once we slip into the clouds, we need to find a quick route to the city's defenses."
Zankif
"Roger, I'll map a course."
--Dawn Break--
All engines on the five ships are on full reverse with kerosene on, on the Dawn Break the crew are working on the ships armor as the mercury shots are piercing it. Still on his radio, BdrLine puts in a new frequency and is linked to the Anvalan comms.
BdrLine
"Yiski, Zill, anyone! We are taking heavy fire, the majority of the Barons are targeting us, *boom* Flak, hows the armor"
Crewman
"Still holding"
BdrLine
"We need some assistance or cover, don't know how much...."
A mercury shot came and hit the mast of the galleon near the helm, knocking the three up there off their feet. While slightly dazed, Niko, Gang, and BdrLine gets up and sees if anyone was hurt. Out in front of him, BdrLine notices that his radio is now busted.
BdrLine
"There goes my comm."
Niko
"Be glad we still have my cousin's, come on, we need to help. The Dawn may not take another it like that."
BdrLine and Niko rushes down the stairs and are now helping the ships engineers trying to keep the ship alive.
-
--The Pointy End--
Plasma watches the retreating ships through his spyglass. The sudden muzzle flashes lick out from the Baronies fleet.
At the ships run the plea echos over the radio.
Captain Verra
"Flak, we're going to give them a bit of cover. Ready those weapons!"
The Pointy End surges in front of the rest of the Point Wing, leaving the two other ships behind.
As soon as it reaches weapons range the Mercuries thunder with terrifying vengence, shells arcing far and long into the Baronies weapon batteries.
Plasma turns to one of the gunners.
Plasma
"The improvements to these weapons are amazing. Remind me to thank the commander if we make it out of this!"
As the Dawn Break approaches, the Captain shouts at them over the radio.
Captain Verra to Dawn Break
"What were you fools doing!? You could have all gotten slaughtered! Keep your radio's tuned to Anvalan military frequencies!"
She throws the engines into reverse, still giving fire, retreating in time with the Dawn Break and altering course to rejoin the rest of the Point Wing.
-
"Yiski, Zill, anyone! We are taking heavy fire, the majority of the Barons are targeting us, *boom* Flak, hows the armor"
*boom* "We are taking heavy fire, the majority of the Barons are targeting us, *boom*
What?
Spoon turns around to just to see a radio in front of him.
Was that BrdLine?
He runs up to the radio and grabs it.
"BrdLine is that you?"
Radio:
*.... ... static*
Spoon:
Damn it
Picking up a spyglass he searches the sky, and after a while he spots the five ships under heavy fire. "Shit"
Looking around him he sees a un-attended lumberjack still standing not too far away. He drags himself over too it and loads a shell. He locks his view on the chasers, raises the altitude and squeezes the trigger. The round flies with great height, but the distance is just too far and it lands in the sand only two thirds of the wanted length.
It's just too far away dammit!
Displeased he looks around him, eyeing the boxes of ammo and shells scattered on the ground. His eyes then falls on a couple of the blue-smoke canisters.
Well they're much lighter... It might be worth a shot
He grabs a couple, loads them in the gun and sets his aim again. As he fires the rounds flies even higher this time, leaving a thin line of blue smoke after them. Sadly even this isn't far enough to to reach the pursuers. But as the canisters starts to drop they come closer and closer to the escaping ships. Suddenly they fell right on one of them, exploding and leaving a big cloud of blue smoke right on-top of the escaping ships. The ship vavers, but manages to keep itself in the air as they push through the covering smoke.
-
--The Wyvern--
The Wyrm stood on the lower deck watching over his gunners with a keen eye as they fire on the retreating ships.
Wyrm
"Keep firing men, we've got them in the bag."
But then the blue smoke erupted from the ships, obscuring them from vision and causing the Wyvern's gunners to aim roughly in the direction of the ships, often missing.
Wyrm
"Well I'll be damned, I guess we'll have to move closer.
Gallafell
"NO!"
Lord Gallafell appeared behind the Wyrm grasped his shoulder. Brushing Gallafell's hand away, the Wyrm glared at him with a stare that could melt metal.
Wyrm
"Ok."
He said rather softly, before going back to watching the gunners. Gallafell didn't exactly know what to think, so he trodded off back to the upper deck.
-
The moment Sunderland understood what was going on, he engaged moonshine and charged forwards. With every passing moment, the ships were taking more and more damage. By the time he got there, Bdrline's hull armour was down, and the Galleon's flak gunner wasn't going to miss. Plasma was providing support, but it wouldn't be enough.
The Duck Pharaoh slipped between them with moments to spare.
Sunderland to Bdrline
"Get the hell out of here. I'll soak up their fire while you run off."
The incoming merc fire wasn't enough to even phase an engineer like Sunderland. He dropped his piloting tools, ran to the hull, and held it together in a way that shouldn't be physically permissible. He worked away for ten minutes, long enough to let his allied ships escape. Sunderland then jumped back on the helm, rising up to avoid fire.
Then a merc shot hit, wiping out part of the rigging. The weight on the upper half of the ship became imbalanced, and the iron spike lurched forwards, blocking off the gatling guns and pitching the ship.
"Well, flak."
One of the Galleons was already approaching for a hwacha barrage, while the other held back to provide long-range support. With the tilt and lack of guns his ship had, Sunderland had no chance of taking that Galleon on normally, and even he couldn't withstand that much fire.
Sunderland's Gunner
"May I suggest retreating, Lieutenant?"
Sunderland
"Turning on enemy target!"
Gunner
"You can't be flaking serious! You're going to get us all killed."
Sunderland spun the Duck Pharaoh around and kicked in moonshine. He couldn't get a proper angle with the way he was facing... But the Galleon was still about 200 metres lower than he was.
"Ramming speed"
Gunner
"..."
Sunderland went straight forwards, hit top speed...
And chute vented.
He might as well have been going down a ramp at Mach 1.
He hit the Galleon, and in the ensuing half-second it went from perfect condition to a pile of scrap.
The Duck Pharaoh fell to the ground, and crash landed just out of the enemy's sight.
-
--Eastern Wall--
Yiski hears BdrLine's plea over the radio. Yiski pulls out his scope and spots BdrLine heavily overextended. Yiski then witnessed Sunderland's attempt. While the galleon didn't have a firing position, there were three pyramidions still following BdrLine.
Yiski
"Flak! Get me a range on those ships!"
Frank
"They're five, six out. Too far for mercuries."
Yiski
"Not using those." *turning to a loading crew* "Load lesmok in my lumberjack!"
Frank gives an astonished look.
Frank
"I know you're a Striker, but even that range is almost impossible."
Yiski ignored Frank sat down in the lumberjack. Yiski grabbed another sight from a nearby lumberjack because traditional lumberjack sights only measured out to three kilometers. Yiski would need to aim for twice the distance. Yiski managed to fasten the sight on top of the other and aimed for six kilometers.
Yiski fired two shots. The first sailed over Dawn Break and it's pursuers. The second shot almost hit Dawn Break.
Frank
"Yiski, I'm sorry, but I don't think you'll be able to save them. They overextended."
Again ignoring Frank, Yiski fired the remaining three more shots. The third clipped the pursuing pyramidion's engine and the fourth missed. The fifth landed on target.
Yiski
"Reload!"
With a fresh clip of lesmok, Yiski had the pursuing pyramidion locked in. Yiski unleashed a quick five-shot barrage. All five shots landed and within seconds the pursuing pyramidion crashed. The remaining pursuing ships reversed, but kept firing on Dawn Break.
Yiski
"Frank relay to Lauren to give BdrLine tar cover."
Frank changed frequencies and Kyllo blitzed to Dawn Break for a much needed tar cloud retreat. Lauren radioed to Dawn Break.
Lauren
"BdrLine! You still alive?"
Back at the wall, Yiski gets to the radio to see whether anyone one the Duck Pharaoh survived.
Yiski
"Sund! You had better not die on me! You still owe me a door and a lock!"
-
Sunderland, lying unconscious near the helm of the heavily damaged Duck Pharaoh, awoke at the sound of his radio.
"Unnghhh... I'm still here, but my back is aching pretty bad, and my legs are barely in fit condition to make me walk. My crew's in a similar state. Medical help would be much appreciated."
Sunderland then looked around him, studying his landing area.
"Scratch that. Hold the meds. I just realized that I'm in the enemy's blind spot. Give me two hours to get this thing into working condition, and I can pick off some ships from behind."
-
--The Pointy End--
Plasma stares at the downed Galleon. And then watches the Mortar rounds slam into the Pyramidion as the Pointy End pulls back further.
He pushes a gunner off one of the Mercuries.
We're close, this should be an easy shot!
He takes aim carefully at the retreating ship. Time seems to slow as the shot explodes from the barrel. The Burning Lochnagar powder tears the gun apart, throwing Plasma back. The burning shot blazes through the sky, consuming the air, and warping it. It slides easily through the deck and armor of a perusing Goldish, coming to rest in the fuel tank.
And explodes.
The tank ruptures from the bottom out, vomiting fire onto the balloon of the other Goldfish below it. The engines of the gutted ship struggle for a moment, then grind slowly to a halt as their life drains into the sky.
The deluge of fuel doesn't quite overwhelm the second Goldfish, but the crew struggles to put out the creeping flames.
-
--Eastern Wall--
Yiski
"Scratch that Sund. It's starting to get dark and I'm not going to waste ammunition firin' blindly into it. Also, we can't risk losin' any more ships than we have. Get fixed and get back."
When the transmission was over, a couple of Elites approached Yiski.
Yiski
"I'm gonna guess the Council's not happy with me."
Elite
"We have orders for your arrest."
Yiski
"Really? In the middle of a bloody invasion? If you want me, you better be ready to use force."
As the Elite reached for Yiski, Althea grabbed the Elite's arm and stared at him.
Elite
"Stand down Corporal. We would prefer not to have to arrest you as well for incompetence and insubordination. Now, Commander if you'd..."
The Elite stopped talking when he and his group found themselves surrounded by Defenders with their rifles and pistols trained on them. Frank and Yiski also had their weapons out.
Yiski
"Let's do this. You go back and tell the Council to fuck off. If and when we survive this, then you can come back and we can have this pleasant talk again. Until then, how about you let me try to keep us all alive?"
The Elite swung his arm to release Althea's grip and he and his group left. Althea and Frank then turned to Yiski.
Althea
"Commander. I hope you realize the implications of your actions."
Frank
"I'm with her. I hope you know what you're doing."
Yiski
"No worries. I do. Now let's turn our focus to what's important like stayin' alive for the night."
*Over the fleet radio*
Yiski
"Striker Commander. All ships need to fall back and regroup. Night is comin' fast and any forward assault will not have any fire support."
-
"Got it Yiski. I'll get back as soon as I can get the Duck Pharaoh working again."
-
--Dawn Break--
All of the crew on the five ships are running about making repairs and dodging rounds that fly over their heads. On the Dawn Break, Gang hears Captain Verra.
Gang
"Well we had an opportunity to cause confusion as my group was coming in rfom the west and another from the east, but what we didn't see was their ships going out off the batteries ranges. But thanks for the assist... The Flak is that?"
From his helm, he notices a blue smoke coming off of his junker on the right side, the ship staggers for a bit until it regained control.
Gang
"Sparrow you guys alright, and where in the Gods names did that smoke come from?"
Sparrow Captain
"The men and I are fine, it startled us for a bit, but i think it came form one of the Anvalan batteries, it didn't came from the front."
Out on the Dawn's deck, BdrLine sees the smoke and calls up to Gang.
BdrLine
"Did you see that?"
Gang
"Yeah, apparently someone on the wall shot it over here."
BdrLine
"At least we got some cover."
Gang looks up and sees that the blue smoke cloud did help them as the shots from the enemy guns start to miss a little. He gives a small sigh of relief until bursting out of the cluds are three Baron pyramidions and a galleon. As the galleon turns its broadside, the three pyras continue to rush them. Over the radio, Gang hears a new voice telling for them to get out. From the corner of his eyes, he sees a pyramidion with a huge ram coming at the galleon taking it down with her.
Out on deck, the crew hears the crash and sees both ships fall to the ground below. BdrLine then sees the distinctive ram he saw earlier and notices that it was Sunderland's ship. While he did help save their asses, BdrLine wonders whether or not he and his crew survives.
Gang notices that they are almost back over the batteries, but still has three pyramidions on him and his other ships and are still far out. He calls down.
Gang
"This may be the end, load weapons and prepare, I'm turning to face."
As he was about to stop and turn the ship, lumberjack rounds fly overhead and exploding around their and the enemy's ships. A few times, their balloons almost pop due to friendly fire, eventually the gunner has found his mark and pop two of the three pyras balloons and are hurdling down to the ground. Gang then sees a squid rushing in the front of them as it pop tar and surround the retreating vessels. Another voice comes on the radio and is asking about BdrLine.
Gang
"Bdr come up here, a miss is asking about you."
He hears Gang calling, and after checking the hull goes up the stairs and to the radio.
BdrLine
"Lauren is that you? Nevermind, thanks for the help, we would have been goners if it wasn't for you guys. And I assume that was Yiski on the lumber? Give him our thanks."
The five ships then limp back over the city and lands behind the wall as the crew wanted to check the damage dealt to them.
-
--Eastern wall--
Tristan
"I don't like this, the night is dark and full of terrors, come sundown the enemy can move freely without discovery."
Nidhogg came walking towards them from further along the wall.
Nidhogg
"I suppose the first skirmish was a win for us, we suffered few casualties and the enemy practically lost all of their squids. If we hold out like this, the battle is ours."
-
-But then it broke-
Zill watched on as the events unfolded. Lauren's tar block left the remaining pursuers retreating back to their fleet. He saw Sunderland's wreck out in the distance, but the enemy had no idea where they were, luckily.
He then thought of the council order undermining his. He quickly reeled over and turned his boat at the council hall. He popped kerosene and told William and Jun'ko to keep up. The groaning engines mumbled their confusion.
Zill came alongside the antenna used by the council hall to transmit its frequency on his port side. He silently went over to the port side and gazed down, looking for any men. Once clear, he got on his flak and fired two volley's of greased rounds into the antenna, knowing it off the roof and crashing to the streets below. By the time his crew figured out was was going on, the antenna was already a fiery wreck.
Nova
"What the flak was that?!"
Zill
"I will not have my tactics undermined by a diplomat in a comfy bunker. If we are going to survive, then I'm calling the shots."
William
"You put a lot of faith in your tactics..."
Jun'ko
"And I know first hand that they save a lot more lives than any council thinking would ever achieve."
Zill flew back to the wall, surveying the battleground. The city walls took the brunt of fire, holding nicely. The gun towers had sustained damage, and a few batteries were out.
Zill
"Wall: replace those guns with whatever you have that can shoot. I don't care if it's a flare gun. Station troops at the main gate, as well as .5 km behind the wall. We will need to be clever when they get in."
Officer
"You think they will breach?"
Zill
"It's not if, but when."
His grim sentiment could be heard over all the frequencies. Many wanted to prove him wrong, but others knew it wasn't going to be a quiet evening.
-
--Eastern Wall--
As the five Yeshan mercenary ships land behind the City's way, all of it's crew jumps off to assets the damage. As BdrLine and Niko deboards the Dawn Break they notices the amount of armor that has fallen off and the damage the actually hull has taken. As the two of them and the rest of the galleon crew inspect the ship, BdrLine notices a few ships bearing Baron markings.
BdrLine
"Niko look, must be Zill's and Yiski's mates. Glad most of them are alive."
Niko
"Yeah, I bet they hat the new 'king' held under the penalty of death if they don't comply. That's harsh. *He looks to BdrLine and notices something on his side" Bdr, what's that?"
Niko points to the spot that he saw and BdrLine follow his finger until he sees it. BdrLine places a hand on it and feels that it was wet. He brings it up to his face to have a better look and notices that it was blood. Niko sees it as well as he goes over to BdrLine and catches him as he faints from the blood lose.
Niko
"Oh flak, oh flak. *he then has a flashback to the moment the mercury hits the mast and realised that Bdr was the nearest and must have taken shrapnel* Medic! We need a medic over here!"
He calls out frantically.
-
--Eastern Wall--
BdrLine was in luck.
After the Point Wing had docked, Plasma made his way rapidly to the Eastern Wall with a Medical team, exactly for this reason.
He points the doctors to the frantic Niko.
Doctor
"It's going to be alright. Good thing you brought us here."
Plasma nods to him. He turns to Niko as the Doctors take BdrLine and check his injuries rapidly. Preparing a stretcher.
Plasma
"Is anyone else hurt? You all took one hell of a shelling. I want all of you checked, even if you don't think you're hurt bad, internal injuries can kill just as easily as external ones."
By now it was clear the Council was no longer giving orders. Not for lack of trying. Several messengers had reached the Point Wing. All were turned back, and the Council didn't have the resources to court martial the whole military in time of war. Plasma checks his radio and reports the condition of the ships and personnel.
He turns back to Niko, grinning unabashedly.
Plasma
"He'll be fine. You all are lucky your friends are such great shots!"
-
--Eastern Wall--
Althea and Frank watched as Yiski started barking orders over the radio and to Defenders in front of him for the evening.
Yiski
"I want regular hourly flares from all major angles from the city's wall. I do not want a bloody vessel to get even within three kilos of here. I also want flares along the Gauntlet."
Althea was amazed by the command and power Yiski held over almost all the military units in Anvala.
Frank
"Can't expect less from the man who wiped over three-quarters of the Guild fleet in the Conflict."
Althea
"You cannot argue against a man who can hit lumberjack shot from six kilometers either."
Yiski
*turning to Frank* "You think you can keep this rabble in line?" *Frank nodding* "Good. I'm checkin' up on BdrLine and his crew. You comin' Althea? Pretty sure you wanna check up on your boyfriend."
Althea
*blushing* "Com... Commander, he is not..."
Yiski
"Not yet and come on. You have to guard me right?"
Althea sighed as she and the Defenders guarding him earlier head for the Port.
-
--Eastern Wall--
As the doctors place BdrLine on a streacher and brought to the nearest medical tent, Niko stays behind as more doctors check over him and the rest of the crew. During the time he talks to Plasma.
Niko
"It just a miracle we got out of that alive. I mean were we so far and had so much guns pointed at us. Almost like we cheated death. "
He then sees Yiski and Althea coming over and a grim look come upon his face.
Niko
"Excuse me."
He stands up and walks towards them.
-
--Triage--
Yiski sees Niko approaching him as Althea rushes past them both to check on BdrLine. Yiski stops in front of Niko and spies over Niko's shoulder to see BdrLine in a bed. Yiski looks back to Niko.
Niko
"Thanks for the sa..."
*WHAM*
Althea turns to see Niko fall backwards to the ground and Yiski with his arm extended and his hand in a fist.
Niko
"The hell was..."
Yiski
"Do you have a death wish?"
Niko
"What? No!"
Yiski
"Then why the in the bloody skies were you so and your group so heavily overextended?! This isn't the bloody canyons of Yesha! We're on a wide open field last I checked."
Niko
"I'll admit we underestimated our engagement range and would have died without you and the squid giving cover."
Yiski
"Stray from the plan again and I'll let you die next time."
Althea was appalled at Yiski's declaration, but she knew from his expression that he was dead serious. Althea couldn't imagine letting airmen die intentionally. She really didn't want to imagine Yiski letting BdrLine die intentionally.
Althea
"Commander!"
Yiski
"Are we clear?"
Niko looked to BdrLine and looked back to Yiski and nodded.
Yiski
"Good. Once your ships are back in acceptable condition and find some replacement crew, you're on rear guard."
Yiski left quickly to head back to the Eastern Wall leaving Althea in the triage tent. Back at the wall...
Yiski
"Status."
Frank
"Doesn't seem like the Baronies are moving. We'll lose visual in about an hour though."
Yiski
"Just make sure the flares go off in regular intervals."
Yiski walks over to the radio and sets the frequency for But Then It Broke.
Yiski
"Zill how you holdin' up?"
-
Meanwhile, N-Sunderland flew the quickly patched together HMCS Duck Pharaoh into the city walls, landing it and immediately getting to work on repairing it.
-
-But then it broke-
The radio next to the helm cackled with Yiski's voice. Zill got up from inspecting the hull and went over to answer.
Zill
"Fleet is doing ok. I think they lost two or three for every one of ours. Still, we can't take that kinda loss. At least the council can't issue orders any more."
Yiski
"I saw. What do you need us doing?"
Zill
"Make sure you're ready for a breach. I'm expecting them to make at least two breaches, plus the gate. We have the better gunners."
Yiski
"Till then I'm sniping every last one of them I can."
The call ended and William came over.
William
"You sound like you want them to breach. Care to share your real agenda here?"
Zill
"You'll see. Have a little faith in me Will."
-
Before night has fallen, the twelve ship formation of Zankif and Melin lands at the docks of the battered city. The two exits their respective ships and roam around looking for signs of BdrLine or any of the Yeshan mercenaries. They spot Niko as he is back with Gang working on their galleon.
Melin
"Niko"
Niko looks up and sees the both of them and walks to them.
Niko
"Melin, Zankif, glad you guys made it out."
Zankif
"Yeah we were about to head in to assume the main body, but once we heard of Bdr's message we bugged out. Luckily a cloud bank was near us and were out of range of their guns."
Melin
"Speaking of Bdr, where is he?"
Niko looks away from them and towards the direction of where the triage tent was. Melin and Niko follow his gaze and was shocked to understand that their friend was inside it.
Melin
"So during the retreat, right?"
Niko
"Yeah. But we didn't noticed it until we landed. He looked fine when he was helping with the fixing."
Zankif
"Must be the adrenaline kicking, he must haves ignored the pain."
Niko
*sighing* "Yeah, but still, how did we not notice we drifted away so far from the city. We didn't know they were regrouping."
Zankif puts a hand on his chin and thinks for a second
Zankif
"Maybe it was the assumption during the initial attack, I meanthey were advancing in and we sort of disorganised them a bit from our sniper fire. That small time frame was maybe why you guys entered."
Niko
"Yeah maybe. But just, I almost had my men and my best friend killed."
Melin
"Well it's time for some rest then. I'll go and find the detectors, and see what they know."
The three then split off in their different directions to fill their own agendas.
--Triage Tent--
Inside the tent on one of the beds, doctors has placed a blood pouch and stuck an IV in BdrLine to replace he amount lost. Over on a table lay all of his equipment that they took off to bandage the wound. Besides the bed standing is Althea as she has one arm across her chest and a hand on one of his. She stares at his unconscious figure.
Is this what he ment about being scared? Afraid about losing someone close."
A single small tear form at the edge of one of her eyes as she grips his hand tighter.
-
--Narrator--
As the last light fade over the horizon, many of the defenders of the city take this brief moment of silence to rest after a prolong day of fighting. Many just lay back on the walls of buildings or slept on the decks of their ships. Others are awake anxious of whats to come in the morning.
The blackness of night continues only to be interrupted by flares set off on the walls to see for any movement. So far noone has spotted any signs of the aggressor which has regrouped back and out of sight of the city prepare for the second day.
In a commendered room just near the Eastern Wall, men are converted the once living room of a citizen into a makeshift command center. Inside, Zill, Yiski, and many of their trusted officers are around a table containing a map of the city's defense and the surrounding area. Throughout the night, the group spend their time discuss plans for the imminent attack.
Meanwhile, somewhere near the frozen northern border of the Baronies, a small squad of eight men creep through the snow and darkness towards a prison facility. The leader of the group uses quick hand signals which were registered by the others. One man goes up to a wall and places a charge on it. With a signal from the leader, the man detonates the explosive creating a hole which all eight goes through. Alarm sounds throughout the whole complex as guards scramble to the blast site. The eight men, all carrying tranqulizor guns, subdue any guard who come close and finally makes it to a cell to reuse the man they came for. After opening the cell door, the now nine man team races back to the hole where two squids are waiting for them. The squids then rises and flies off returning to their base of origin.
End of Narration
-End of Day 125
-
--Start of Day 126--
--Narrator--
The entire city is on edge.
The Baronies fleet had not been idle during the night. What damage the fleet had taken had been restored, save for the loss of a few ships. Some of the remaining Squids had tested the defenses of the city, launching answering flares back into the night, burning with a cold green glow, taunting the defenders.
The reports of damage were encouraging. Of the Squids, only four remained, one having flown too close to the walls during the night. Seven Pyramidion, eleven Goldfish, Eighteen Galleon and Fifteen Transport.
The rising light of day soon shattered that hope. Reinforcements had arrived. A new contingent of Goldfish, Squid, and odd looking Pyramidions, adding thirteen to the Squids, three to the Pyrs, and ten to the Goldfish. The new Pyr's seem to be modified, a new design. Almost as if the front point were thicker somehow. The squids seemed heavy, with no visible weapons, almost as if they were carrying great weights...indeed, they seemed to be crewed by a single pilot, if the scouts were to be believed.
But little of them had been observed, as they arrived during the night and the Baronies fleet had collected itself well out of range of the weapon batteries. They appeared to be floating in a great V formation, Galleons screening transport ships from fire like a great floating wall.
The first fingers of rising sun finally revealed the worst.
A voice cracked over the radio, to the military docks.
Lookout
"They are in front of the sun! The bastards moved in front of the sun!"
Spears of light began to lance from the rising orb. Blast shields and tinted glass were employed, but with the sun directly aft of the enemy fleet, it was a rather large advantage. Then the Goldfish inched forward. Their movements were unpredictable. Few, save the best gunners, manged to land even a single hit on them. Then the roar of rockets filled the skies.
Confusion rapidly spread through the batteries. They were far out of rocket range, what could the fleet possibly hope to achieve?
The rockets burst high, in a wide spread in front of the fleet. But there was little flame. No conventional explosive bursts issuing from the rockets. Instead a thick, dark smoke filled the air. Slowly drifting down, forming a wall which defied all optics.
Terror came in the form of dozens of engines engaging at once. The Baronies were giving Anvala no more time. They were coming.
--End Narrator--
-
Lockheart quickly scrambled his ships, and got them in the air. They were just behind the walls of Anvala. The Yeshan Dragon ready to provide its constant fire support, and the White Whaler was underneath it sniping with Mercuries.
Lockheart
"We just gotta keep them at bay until i can get re-reinforcements.... and a new radio that has a wavelength to go all the way to Chaladon and back... So it looks like no Re-reinforcements from father..."
The ships remained at their range supporting the batteries down below and occasionally hitting any squids that got too far out.
-
--Eastern wall--
Nidhogg and Tristan just stood there gazing at the ever approaching fog of war. Neither of them had even heard of this kind of tactic being used before.
Nidhogg
"My god, they're completely obscured. And the wind is pushing the smoke in front of the fleet."
Tristan
"It won't be long until the transports are close enough to disembark their troops."
Nidhogg
"At least our troops still hold a fortified position, and the home field advantage."
Tristan
"But I imagine the sheer force of the enemy numbers will no doubt be enough to overcome that obstacle. Only one thing's for sure."
He turned to Nidhogg.
"This will be a fight to remember. Are you ready?"
Nidhogg
"I have armour, weapons, and allies, I'm as ready as one can ever be."
Tristan
"Yes, true... But so are they, no doubt."
-
"Skies, is this really happening?" Surette wondered aloud, waking up and peering out his window. He had spent the previous day making final preparations--ensuring Serenity was in top shape and gathering together what few weapons he had. He knew there had been battling the day before--it was difficult not to, with all the noise and smoke in the air, but he didn't want to rush in to fight until he was positive he was ready.
"Well, it's now or never. I know I'll regret it if I stay inside any longer." He climbed aboard Serenity with two pistols and a combat knife on his belt and took off towards the Eastern Wall. He lowered the ship into a clearing nearby and jumped over the railing--his landing didn't have quite the same flair as Sunderland's landing in front of the Saloon two nights prior, but Surette was more interested in keeping his ship undamaged before the fight. He hurried over to the group of familiar faces, who were staring bleakly in the direction of the sun; after following their gaze, Surette could barely make out the outlines of ships, clouded in a black haze of smoke.
Surette
"Well, that's a little unfortunate," gesturing towards the cloud. "Sorry I missed the fun yesterday, was making final preparations, and truth be told I got a little nervous. I knew if I didn't act soon though, it might be too late. I'm here now."
-
--Docks--
As Niko, Zankif, Melin, and the others ready their ships, Melin is with the Baron defectors from yesterday with great news. He is in the middle of the group as he make his announcement.
Melin
"My brothers in arms, last night my men made a daring rescue mission back home. Rescue a man where our true loyalty's lie. Last night we have rescued King Gregor from prison and wants to regain his position. Now today he wants us to fight under his banner, the banner of the true King. Now who's with me."
An echo a cheers erupt from the group as they go back to their ships and strip any markings of the new reign and replace them with their original King's. Smiling, Melin moves back towards his squid where Zankif watches on with a smile as he prepares his Pyramidion.
--Triage--
As the battle comes even closer now, doctors are moving the wounded away from top side and incoming fire to down below into one of the underground shelters. Althea watches on from the entrance as doctors begin moving BdrLine down with the rest. Trying to regain her composure, she leaves the tent to find the Commander.
-
Sunderland stood on the prow of the Duck Pharaoh, watching the enemy ships arrive.
This wasn't the first time he had stared death in the face. For years he had protected Anvala, fought and beaten entire fleets, and been tortured in raider encampments. The battle scars had only made him stronger.
Sunderland
"One mistake, and we die. No mistakes, and we probably still die. Now, are you with me?"
Gunner
"I'd follow you into hell, Lieutenant."
Sunderland
"Good, because hell's advancing towards us right now. But if I can hold a Squid together using a potted plant, I'm not backing down against this fleet."
-
Plasma watches with dismay from the top of the dock as the wall of smoke billows out.
The rumble of engines is loud, even at this distance. The flak and lumberjack batteries fire a few wild shots into the cloud, but it seems to be slowly advancing on the city.
Then something issues from it. A series of somethings.
The second rocket barrage streams out in front of the first, lifting high and showering a second thick sheet of obscurity into the air. It slowly drifts towards the city.
The engines grow louder. Suddenly a series of fast moving vessels punch through the smoke wall. Squids moving at full throttle, barely 5m off the ground.
Plasma grips his radio.
Plasma
"They are coming in fast and low, they seem to be unmanned, and I can see any weapons...oh skies. KAMIKAZE! THEY ARE FLYING BOMBS!"
The front four rush the main gate, the rest spread out, launching themselves at the wall batteries, pilots locking the helms and grabbing parachutes.
Plasma immediately seizes a Mercury, and fires at the Squids, but they continue to rush on loaded with deadly weight.
-
--The Wyvern--
As the Squid-bombs fly passed the smoke, the Wyvern continues to fly toward the front of the formation, travelling ever closer to Anvala, behind the wall of smoke. At this point the smoke was just starting to slightly dissipate, allowing the Wyrm, who was standing on the bow of his ship, to catch slight, rough glimpses of Anvala through the fog.
A smile cracked on his face as he went back to the main deck, beckoning at one of his mercs for his equipment. He loaded up with a rifle, several knives, more pistols than any sane person would deem necessary, and he strapped a studded iron caestus to his right hand. He kissed it and addressed his men.
Wyrm
"Soldiers, mercenaries, cutthroats, compatriots, hired guns. You see the colossal that flies with us, the army that will fight along side us. Know that you owe them no allegiance. You see the city beyond the smoke. Know that you owe them no mercy. Your allegiance is with death! And your mercy is with... err, no one."
He laughed raucously. His men joined in.
"Stop that! Back to your posts and ready the weapons. It's been far too long since I smelled gunpowder!"
-
--Eastern Wall--
Yiski was unleashing lumberjack fire on the approaching rush like a hail storm. Just as fast Yiski could fire all his shots, he expected the crew to reload at twice the speed. Yiski's main targets were the transports which were flying in a spread formation alongside the goldfishes and pyramidions making it hard to hit the transports without clipping the other ships.
Frank
"Yiski! Those transports are three kilos and closing fast! We got minutes before a lot of those land and start breaching!"
Yiski was still firing on the transports as he barked orders.
Yiski
"I want Heavies and Defenders to start finding cover along the gates! Structures, rooftops, boxes, I don't care! I do not want a bloody Baron to be able to take three steps without losing his foot!"
-
--Eastern wall--
Yiski
"...I do not want a bloody Baron to be able to take three steps without losing his foot!"
Tristan
"I'll mobilise as many as possible."
He pointed at a group of Defenders passing by.
Tristan
"You lot, with me!"
Tristan and the Defenders ran down the steps of the wall, calling out at other troops to join them. Nidhogg saw the group's movement and called to Tristan.
Nidhogg
"I'll stay up here, I doubt the walls will remain safe either!"
Tristan gave a nod and organised the troops into cover and in formations, using all the knowledge he had acquired from his days of military grooming.
Tristan
"I want Heavies in the centre, keep putting fire on the entrance! I want Defenders on both sides offering flank support! And I need a squad on higher ground, pick off any who get passed the wall of fire! GO!"
The troops rushed into position and set up cover. Now it was just the wait.
-
After getting Yiski's message, Sunderland immediately started equipping the Duck Pharaoh with longer-range weapons on the side. The banshee and flare came off, and a merc-Artemis combo went on.
"All right. Priority one is transports. Get those things down as quickly as possible. Priority two is to wipe out the main guns on those Goldfish with the merc, and the guns on the Pyras with the Artemis. If a single transport gets in here... You can guess what I'll do."
-
The batteries managed to take down a few of the onrushing Squids. Far too few.
The remaining vessels slammed into the walls, creating a moment of expectation before rending the world apart.
Stone, wood, iron, and steel shatter into the skies and city. Great crevasses force themselves along the wall, taking men, weapons, and structure with them. The four heading for the gates become three, then two, then one on the approach. But it only takes one. The structure is blown inwards, thrown into the city. The walls gape wide, gleefully exhibiting the city to the invaders.
The gun batteries wipe ships from the sky, sending them crashing into the ground, but still more come. The begin to divide between the holes in the wall, the obliterated gates, and top of the wall, Galleons soaking up fire meant for the transports, and raining fire and flame on the defenders within.
Plasma is nearly thrown from the wall under the impact. The Commander's orders whip over the Comms. He swallows and chambers a round into his rifle. He doubted the crippled walls could turn them back. There was one section still firing, launching round after round into the struggling transports.
The Commander is teaching them to avoid that side of the wall...heh
The corners of his lips twitch.
Time to earn my stripes, I think.
He watches a transport drift towards his section of wall, flanked by two Goldfish. The Hawacha's spark, and he throws himself behind the battlements. The top of the wall is ripped apart and the transport rushes into the vacuum. He braces his rifle on a nearby displaced chunk of wall as other defenders gather around him.
Plasma
"Alright men! Commanders orders: They go no further!"
-
--Tristan's gate--
The force of the kamikaze squid explosions sent disarray among Tristan's assembled troop. The gate was blown open many troops were blown back from cover. Tristan, who was previously behind the main cover with the Heavies, was thrown to the ground. But he didn't have much time to readjust himself, as just behind the squid came a transport ship, which managed to dock just before what was left of the gate and lowered a ramp for the troops.
Tristan
"FIRE!"
Gunfire cascaded from his troop into the transport, causing devastation in their ranks. But it was short lived, for Baronies soldiers emerged from the transport bearing riot shields in front of them.
Tristan
"Ah, that may prove interesting."
He ordered the troops to continue firing even as the Enemy entered slowly through the gate. They moved in formation, with shield carriers in a circle around their more vulnerable soldiers, who would occasionally let off shots between their compatriots' shields. It was like a moving fortress.
One of their shots took out the soldier to Tristan's left, who buckled over and dropped to the ground. Tristan steadied his hands around his pistol. Taking in a breath, he fired a shot that went through the seeing slit of one of the shields. The carrier of the shield took the bullet in the face and dropped to the ground with his shield, exposing a few soldiers behind him, who were quickly dispatched.
Tristan
"Need some help over here!"
-
Seeing the threat, Sunderland immediately sprang into action.
"Off those snipers! I want one man on the balloon, and one man on the engines."
Sunderland steered the Duck Pharaoh towards the breach, and positioned it above the advancing group of soldiers.
"This is gonna be tight."
He chute vented on top of the infantry, crushing them. There was hardly enough space for a Pyramidion to land, and indeed Sunderland damaged several nearby buildings. But at least the threat was temporarily reduced.
-
Spoon had taken shelter in a nearby building, treating himself for a rather serious leg injury when he was hastily rocked from his troubled slumber as the body of a heavy duty pyramideon came smashing down, wrecking the wall he'd been leaning against. With a scream he found himself falling out of the three storey building, landing straight on the balloon of the Duck Pharaoh.
Spoon *grabbing on for his life*
"Holy hell! Aaaaah
-
-Eastern District-
Zill stood over a radio, swapping frequencies and barking orders. He had placed the mercenary fleet at the back wall yet close enough to provide long range support, and moved in every ship left in the fleet to the east walls. As the initial squid suicide plunged into the earthen walls of the city, the fleet was to envelope the baron fleet in order to trap them there, cutting off another retreat. While working, he needed more vessels to provide the kills, and he simply didn't have them. The Baron fleet turtled up, and sat right at Anvala's gates.
He cursed the skies and looked around. Some heavies, along with Jun'ko, William, and Nova, surrounded him.
Jun'ko
"What's wrong?"
Nova
"Well I think that's pretty obvious.."
Zill
"I was just hoping to use this later, but....flak."
William
"Use what?"
Zill fumbled with his left torso. A mechanical click could be heard, followed by ticking.
William
"Is that a bomb?!"
Zill gave him a glare and went to the radio to hail Yiski.
Zill
"Yiski, get any defenders behind the wall back at least five hundred meters."
Yiski
"Are you crazy?? You'll let them into the city unopposed."
Zill
"Do it! You have two minutes!"
Zill cut the radio and beckoned his group forward toward the breaches, the ticking still going. What William didn't know was that while not a bomb, Zill had rigged a remote detonator to his side. It used his body at the antenna to carry the signal to the surprises waiting below the invaders.
-
--By the Duck Pharoah--
Tristan
"Err, I guess that constitutes as 'help'."
He gave a salute to Sunderland before ordering troops to other areas of the wall. The troops dissipated And Tristan took a break after the carnage and leant against the Duck Pharaoh, oblivious to one of the few survivors of the crash behind Tristan who had a gun pointed at him.
Nidhogg
"NOOO!"
In a daring move, Nidhogg leapt from the upper wall, drawing his sword during descent, and plunged it into the soldier's neck, before then withdrawing the blade and slashing another enemy across the face and smoothly turning it into a thrust move through the chest of a third. Tristan turned around in shock after hearing the sword strikes just in time to see all three of the soldiers hit the floor at almost exactly the same time.
Tristan
"Great Nimbus, Nid! Where'd you learn to do that?"
Nidhogg
"Adventuring. But never mind, We need to get away from the wall before it blows."
Tristan
"What?"
Nidhogg
"Just go."
He grabbed Tristan and pulled him back behind a building to wait for the explosion.
-
Lockheart had passed on the order to let the fleet no further. He had his galleons mercuries and hwacha take out the engines and let his flaks take the ships. He saw the troops were almost going to infiltrate the city, he ordered his 15 man boarding party on the Yeshan Dragon and the 10 man boarding party on the White Whaler gather.
Lockheart
"I want our pyramidion to level with our top deck A.S.A.P!"
The pyramidion levelled with the top deck, Lockheart and the men hop on and the pyramid sinks down again back into its firing position.
Lockheart
"Sunderland! I'm going to use your ship as a landing platform!"
The 25 men threw ropes over the side of the ship, they then lowered themselves on the ropes to the balloon of Sunderlands ship. From a distance it must if looked like a curtain of light blue cascading off of the White Whaler as the men in light Blue Chaladonian military uniforms, jumped onto then off if Sunderland's ship to the city floor, then finally Lockheart in his White uniform jumping off last. He gave a quick nod to Sunderland, Tristan and Nidhogg before drawing his sword .
-
-1km from the east wall-
Zill stopped his group and found a rooftop to see. Most of the defenders were back, still firing on the heavy amount of troops pouring into the breaches. A heavy sigh escaped him, before motioning everyone around him to back away.
Moments later the ticking from earlier ceased, and a small electric shock passed through Zill. He cringed and gritted his teeth, still watching the wall. All at once, the road separating the first city buildings from the wall exploded. The roar shook the entire city, and earthen debris accompanied by the flash of fire engulfed the explosion area. Men flew in every direction, and fire engulfed what was left of the walls. A few buildings collapsed from the force, and the entire first line of troop transports, accompanied by their defenders, were caught in the blast.
They may of lost the wall, but they gained a breath before holding the next wave from penetrating into the city center.
William
"You just handed the wall to them on a silver platter."
Zill
"And took out a wave of their current forces in the process with minimal casualties for us, while also creating a dead-zone between us and the wall."
Nova
"Remind me to never let you play with my explosives..."
Jun'ko
"Lets go. This isn't over yet."
Zill nodded and grouped up on a team of defenders holding a main street to the city center. They prepared for anything trying to pass the now gaping space between the wall and their position. Trench warfare had just become the deciding factor.
-
After almost getting squashed by Lockheart's ship, Spoon threw himself off the balloon. Sadly his left leg got entangled in the rigging and he ended up hanging upside down, struggling to get loose as the Caladonian soldiers jumped down.
Suddenly the world stopped as the air around them lit to flames. The sudden blast jerked him around and lunged him off the ship. He flew across the sky, flailing his arms around and screaming, just to crash right on Lockheart himself.
*Uffgh*
-
Sunderland lifted his ship out of the explosion as it happened. The Duck Pharaoh could take such a blast, and it only left him with a few burns. Years of injuries from engineering had essentially destroyed his nervous system, so they were far from painful. He retreated further into the city.
-
Surette froze in place momentarily as the ground next to the wall literally tore apart, before realizing Serenity would be lost in the blast if he didn't act quickly. Running back to his ship, he hopped aboard and pushed the engines to their limit, narrowly avoiding explosions as well as The Duck Pharaoh. He found a suitable clearing a few blocks farther back from the wall to land Serenity, and hopped out to group up with some other defenders. Looking ahead to the newly created crevice, Surette exhaled deeply.
Surette
"Things are starting to get serious..."
-
--The Wyvern--
While other ships were preoccupied at the walls and soldiers were being stalled by the road collapse, The Wyrm took the helm of his ship and burned kerosene, charging straight through the fight and taking several hits but staying very much intact. He rammed a defending Goldfish out of the sky on the way, before making his way further into the city.
Gallafell
"The battle continues at the wall, yet you fly into the city! This is yet more direct disobeying of orders!"
The Wyrm paused and for a few seconds there was silence. Then he drew a pistol and shot Lord Gallafell between the eyes.
Wyrm
"I've really had enough of your whining. And I don't need it now, I've got business to attend to."
He looked ahead of the ship and saw the Armoury.
I never did blow that thing up.
"Get some charges and be ready to disembark!"
--Eastern district--
Nidhogg looked up with Tristan and saw a Galleon pass overhead. Nidhogg noticed it had a strange sigil on the balloon, a rearing drake, being strangled by a serpent.
Tristan
"The Wyrm. Where is he headed?"
Nidhogg
"Oh no. He's headed to the Armoury for unfinished business. We have to stop him or half the city will go up in flames!"
And so Nidhogg charged off in the direction of the Armoury, while Tristan called over a squad of defenders and followed.
-
--Eastern Wall--
Defender
*over the radio* "We have multiple contacts coming through the southeast gate! We're taking them down, but we're getting pushed back!"
Lauren
*another radio* "Kyllo here and we're taking heavy fire from the galleons! They're too close for comfort!"
Hearing the numerous transmissions, Frank turns to Yiski.
Frank
"What's the plan? Those bombers did a number to a good number of batteries."
Yiski had been firing the lumberjack still and managed to take down a few goldfishes, pyramidions, and transports, but it didn't seem to make a difference. Yiski hops off the lumberjack and picks up Blood Bolt assault mode.
Yiski
"Well, they didn't take out any of the front batteries. Keep fire on the ships, but start diverting more men toward the gates. I'm not about to lose a district to them!"
As Yiski starts down, he and Frank hear yelling and screaming. They look down to see a few Baron troops had managed to reach the Eastern Wall batteries. Yiski aimed and fired a few quick burst at the Barons and they took cover and returned fire. Eventually, other wall Defenders opened fired and took out the few Barons which had made it to them.
Down from the wall, Yiski and a group of thirty Defenders made it to the southeastern gate. It was a absolute hell. Despite losing ground earlier, the Defenders managed to keep their positions and create a no-man's land around the breached gate. Consequently, the new defensive positions stretched the defense line thin and the Barons knew it.
Yiski
"Status!"
Heavy
"Commander. The Barons are holding position on the opposite side of the gate. We think they're going to rush at a single point to overwhelm our thin position."
Yiski quickly alternated to Blood Bolt rifle mode and loaded in a clip of sunburst rounds. He took aim at the gate opening and fired two rounds at each wall corner. The rounds hit and soon the signature red smoke started filling the gateway. The now visibly obstructed breached gate made the Barons hesitant to rush in blindly.
The Defenders took this opportunity to regain some lost ground. Yiski provided additional support fire by switching to sniper mode loaded with tungsten rounds and downing any unfortunate Baron who stuck his head a bit too high.
"DIE ANVALAN SCUM!"
Yiski quickly turned to see a single Baron about to impale him a rifle bayonet. Yiski couldn't turn Blood Bolt fast enough to shoot or defend. Yiski raised his arms in what seemed a futile attempt in defense.
Suddenly, the Baron fell over to Yiski's side. Yiski noticed a large fist shaped hole in the Baron's back. Yiski looked up to see Althea holding a smoking pistol. Yiski shook his head, but he was smiling.
Yiski
"I was wondering when you'd actually save me?"
Althea
"Well, it is a good thing I was assigned to you then."
Althea took another shot which whizzed by Yiski and hit another Baron who had gotten too close to Yiski. Yiski quickly looked at the Baron and back at Althea who was wearing a smirk. Yiski turned back and resumed sniper fire.
Yiski
"Smirk later, kill now."
Althea and Yiski then saw a rouge galleon pass overhead.
Yiski
"That can't be good."
-
After standing fairly heroically surrounded by his veterans, Lockheart then felt himself flattened by Spoon who had hit him at such a force he fell face first into the dust as the explosion went off. Been pressed against the ground meant that the explosion ricocheted in Lockhearts bones. He was assisted up by some of his soldiers who smirked ad he dusted himself off.
Lockheart
"Ahem... Er well ... Could've gone better.
Lockheart then noticed the gap between them and the walk and his 2 ships fairly alone on the other side. He radioed them to fall back further. Before picking up his sword again . Then Lockheart noticed the galleon fly overhead.
Lockheart
"Shit, * radios to Yiski * Yiski I might know a way we can stop that Galleon..."
Lockheart examines the galleon.
Lockheart
"I can order my pyra to harpoon it and slow it down, if you can find a gun battery and some time to shoot it down. My galleon is occupied holding the rest if the fleet up."
Lockheart kept his hand on the radio awaiting an answer.
-
Sunderland
"Awaiting orders, Yiski. Do you want me going after that Galleon or helping out at a wall?"
-
--Defensive Post Near Gate--
Yiski
"I want that galleon gone!"
-
As a moment of unconsciousness passed, Spoon reslised where he were and more importantly that his jacket was on fire. He quickly rolled over and threw it off him. Staggering to his feet, he watched the blazing inferno around them. Burning buildings and men alike, showing him quite a horrendous sight.
Luckily for them the ships had blocked parts of the explosion which meant they'd be able to survive. Looking around him, he picked up his cane and lurched back to Lockheart.
Spoon:
Well, if it isn't the Chaladonian eh?
-
Sunderland
"Roger that Yiski. Going in for the ram."
N-Sunderland swung the Duck Pharaoh over to the armoury. He moonshined in, focusing on the Galleon with his gatlings.
"Ramming speed! Let's make this a good one!"
The Pyramidion hit full speed and smashed into the Wyvern's side. The Galleon was launched off to the side and away from the armoury, but it survived, and its hwachas were pointed at the Duck Pharaoh.
Sunderland
"Flak! He was running impact bumpers! Get ready to take a hwacha barrage."
Sunderland to all
"Galleon's hurt and pushed away from the armoury. Should buy you guys time to try to finish him. Hwachas are pinning me down. I'll make it through, but the Duck Pharaoh's disabled for now."
-
Plasma dashes out of the wreckage. He'd almost been out of the blast zone when the ground shattered. Still, they were mostly alive.
He glances at Surette.
Plasma
"YOU! So I did see you at the saloon! It's been a long time hasn't it? We have some unfinished business, you and I."
He glances at the broken city behind him.
Plasma
"I suppose it can wait. I'll come find you when this is over."
He sprints off with his men in tow, running towards the military docks.
The Point Wing is already in the process of launching when he reaches it. The Pointy End is pulling away from the docks, retrofitted with Artemis rocket launchers.
Plasma jumps, somewhat gracelessly, though the air. Tumbling onto the deck.
The Captain glances back at him.
Captain Verra
"It looks like we'll make a Captain of you yet Lieutenant."
The Three ships burst out of the dock, sending rockets screaming into the side of the Galleon. Shattering the engines and weapons of the Wyrm's.
The Hawacha's were down, for the moment.
Captain Verra to Military Frequency
"Get out of it Sunderland. Let the heavy guns take it down! We'll keep them disabled for as long as we can, but we need heavy fire on it!"
-
--Armoury--
By the time Nidhogg and Tristan arrived with their squad, The Wyrm had already disembarked with most of his crew and were setting up charges. They took cover behind a wall and listened in. The Wyrm himself was standing outside the building with at least twenty men, yelling orders at others who were inside.
Wyrm
"Put charges all around the powder stash, I want the fireworks to be seen all the way from Aileron. And be quick, the Anvalan dogs are probably chasing the Wyvern now!"
Tristan whispered to Nidhogg.
Tristan
"You were right. He's gonna rig the powder stash and take out almost half the city. We need a plan of action."
Nidhogg
"How about, 'Run in guns a'blazing and kill all of them', we do have the element of surprise."
Tristan
"Look, I really don't think-"
Too late, Nidhogg was of dashing towards the enemy with both sword and pistol drawn. Tristan immediately followed along with their squad.
The attack was immediately a success. Nidhogg, mid run, shot one in the chest before stabbing one in the back. This was followed by Tristan, who kicked one of them in the chest, causing him to buckle over, before plunging his sword down through the targets neck. The Wyrm was caught off guard but was no less fast with his reactions, as he quickly pulled out a pistol and started unloading on the charging defenders, killing two, before throwing away the gun and plunging a knife in the gut of another.
The battle continued as more mercenaries flooded out from within the building. But numbers mattered not to Nidhogg, who suddenly went into a murder frenzy, using pistol and sword in flawless synergy. But heavy casualties were being suffered on both sides. And all the while the battle was punctuated by the sounds of flak shot hitting the Wyvern. Not before long the only three people left standing were Tristan, Nidhogg, and the Wyrm.
Wyrm
"Hey!"
He pointed at Nidhogg.
Wyrm
"Aren't you that prince I was hired to kill?"
Nidhogg
"Maybe."
Wyrm
"And his brother, Tristan."
Tristan gave a small nod.
Wyrm
"Well then, I'll enjoy killing both of you."
Tristan
"Don't count on it."
Tristan charged at the Wyrm with his sword raised, only to be shot in the head. The moment the shot was fired, time seemed to go slow for Nidhogg. He heard the sound of that shot reverberating in his head, along with the thud of Tristan's body hitting the floor. Words wouldn't even leave Nidhogg's mouth, no screams of rage, no murderous cries, just the paralysing shock.
Wyrm
"Yeah... That's what you get for bringing a sword to a gun fight. Your turn?"
If Nidhogg was previously in a murder frenzy, it was nothing compared to this. He charged at the Wyrm with such speed that he didn't even have time to raise his gun before he took a sword in the gut.
Wyrm
"...hey."
But then the Wyrm threw a massive uppercut on Nidhogg with his caestus-equipped hand, practically sending Nidhogg flying.
Wyrm
"That almost hurt."
Nidhogg got up again and charged the Wyrm. The resulting fight was like two savage dogs at eachother's throats. Nidhogg was swiping with his sword left and right, while the Wyrm was deflecting and sending punches with his iron gauntlet. All the while The Wyvern was engaged in a battle in the sky with the Duck Pharaoh. It fired a hwacha broadside that stripped the armour off of Sunderlands ship, until the combined attack of three ships disabled the hwachas, leaving the Wyvern vulnerable.
-
Lockheart radioed the White Whaler to harpoon the galleon. The spear flew through the air and the rope trailed behind it. The harpoon hit and the White Whaler went into full reverse and the galleon halted in its tracks.
Lockheart
"Yeshan Dragon ... FIRE!"
The galleon fired all 3 if its facing heavy guns at the galleon, its back was severely crippled and deformed. Lockhearts galleon then spun round and the dragon figurehead let loose its wide jet of fire on the wyrms ship.
Lockheart then radioed yiski, plasmorabo and Sunderland.
Lockheart
" now who wants to finish him?, a rifle shot to that exposed fuel tank should finish him "
Lockheart then turned to spoon
Lockheart
"Yes it is, I must admit I've never met a flying spoon"
*chuckle*
Lockheart then looks back to the Yeshan Dragon as it breathed fire on the Wyvern
-
Plasma chuckles over the radio.
Plasma
"I believe I will claim that honor."
He loads a charged round into the Mercury.
Takes careful aim, although there is little need, they are well within range, and fires.
The bullet takes it's time, meandering through the air as it seeks out the exposed fuel tank on the once mighty ship.
This is no burst round. It punches through the side of the tank, then ignites.
The fuel tank implodes, sucking itself in as the oxygen is consumed, and splitting apart, covering the lower deck of the galleon in dull red flame. Quickly threatening to consume the whole ship.
Captain Verra
"Sunderland, if you'd be so kind as to escort our flammable friend away from powder-filled areas, we'd be much obliged."
-
Sunderland backed the Duck Pharaoh up, before engaging the burning, dying Galleon with moonshine.
"Ramming speed! Let's end this guy!"
The Wyvern was obliterated on impact.
"Sunderland here. Galleon's down, Yiski. I repeat, Galleon down."
Sunderland's relief didn't last long, however. He glanced below him and realized that Nidhogg and Tristan were still down there.
"Tristan, status report please. Tristan, do you copy?"
-
Nidhogg ducked underneath one of the Wyrm's swipes and stung him again in the belly, to little effect.
What kind of armour is this?
Then, while the sword was still dug into his gut, the Wyrm grabbed the sword blade and held it in place, even with his unguarded hand. Blood started to pour from his hand, but he cared not. No matter how hard Nidhogg pulled he could not get it free. The Wyrm, with his other hand, pulled out a knife and stuck Nidhogg in the chest.
Nidhogg fell back, blood gushing from his chest. The Wyrm, dropping the sword, pulled out a pistol and pointed it directly at Nidhogg's head.
Wyrm
"How does it feel? Dying. Does it hurt? Have you accepted it? Well, if you haven't, you'd better do it now."
He cocked the pistol. But just then the Wyvern above them went up in flames, and then was destroyed by a ram. Pieces started falling from the sky.
Wyrm
"NO!!!"
Nidhogg started spluttering blood, but he still managed to speak.
Nidhogg
"How does it feel? Did you love that ship?"
Wyrm
"You know what? If the Wyvern goes, the whole city goes with it!"
He pulled the detonator from his coat and held it aloft.
Wyrm
"Let this be a baptism of flame!"
-
Surette nodded to acknowledge Plasma as he ran off before Surette was able to get a word in. Now that Plasma pointed it out, Surette realized it had been quite a while since the two last crossed paths. But that would have to wait for another time. He watched on as Plasma delivered a perfectly aimed mercury shot to the galleon's fuel tank. Surette realized now that more and more ships were coming over, he'd need to stay aboard Serenity if he wanted to lend any real support. He steered his way towards The Pointy End and asked his crew to tune the adjust the radio channel to await any orders.
-
The voice came out of nowhere.
"Yes, let it be so."
The Wyrm spun around. As fast as his reactions were, he had no time to react. Not only that, but the voice wasn't coming from behind him.
The Wyrm's face burst into flames. He dropped the detonator, and ran away screaming, before falling after a few seconds. His body lay on the armoury floor as the flames fizzled out.
Standing on the prow of a Pyramidion about 20 metres up...
...was N-Sunderland with his portable flare gun.
-
Nidhogg watched the Wyrm's death as he lay on the floor. He smiled as he saw the Wyrm crumple and die, but then turned his head to his brother's body. Even now, he still could not speak on the matter and tears started to fill his eyes. He turned his head again to his sword, laying on the ground a few metres away. At this point Nidhogg knew he would die, and he was afraid. And with what little energy he had left he hauled his body along the floor. It was only a few metres but it seemed like leagues. When he finally got hold of his sword he laid it along his body as he rolled onto his back.
I guess adventure... takes its toll...
He gave a tiny chuckle, before taking a breath, for the last time.
-
Spoon chuckled at Lockheart's comment as he turned to see the "fireworks" that developed over the armory.
"Well... *leaning on his cane* looks like they got em"
-
Sunderland to all
"Sunderland here. I got Wyrm down. All charges and the detonator have been removed and dismantled. Nidhogg and Tristan are dead, no time to pick up the bodies yet."
There was silence on the radio.
"Look, we'll mourn later. Right now we have a battle to fight. Yiski, where do you want me?"
-
Lockheart's radio:
" ....no time to pick up the bodies yet."
Spoon:
".....skies ... Wasn't that the other man with the sword in the bar last night?"
"HUZZAAAH!"
Before Lockheart could answer they suddenly got interrupted by a wave of war-cries, raging from the area around the wall. New lines of baron infantry could now be seen charging their position.
Spoon:
"Holy, we gotta fall back!"
As the attackers charged the remaining defenders drew back into a pacing retreat up the streets, keeping as much supressing fire as possible to slow the charging forces down.
-
--Southeastern Gate--
The fighting seemed never-ending. Wave after wave of Baron troops threw themselves against the Defender's line. While each wave ended in failure, the line lost a few Defenders. Still too many by Yiski's account. If the loss kept up at this rate, the line would break and the city overrun with Baron troops. The line was the last line of defense between the Barons and Anvala's batteries.
Yiski took additional shots killing a Baron for each bullet. After a few shots, the next pull of the trigger gave Yiski an empty click.
"Flak. Empty."
Yiski didn't have anymore sniper rounds and had one clip of both rifle and assault. Althea, too, was running low on ammunition. Everyone was.
Defender
"Commander! Many of us are running low. If this keeps up..."
Yiski
"I know."
Althea
"Orders?"
Yiski looked about the battlefield. Taking a few deep breaths, it seemed to start moving in slow motion. Defenders and Barons shooting, killing, dying. Yiski gave a hard gulp.
Yiski
"I... don't know."
--Harrowing Hawk Barons Fleet--
Roy sat at the helm of his galleon with two loyalists watching him and more down below watching his crew. Before departing, the loyalists decided it was best to keep Roy and his crew together to prevent any sabotage. The loyalist also stripped much of the armor off Harrowing Hawk to deter him from turncoat or kill him quickly should he do so.
Roy looked on through his spyglass and could tell the battle was against Anvala. Roy then felt a small poke against his back. It was a loyalist with a pistol poking him.
Loyalist
"Get going. We have orders for you to barrage the city and don't think about doing anything... hurk!"
Two shots rang out. One loyalist had a round put into his head. The one poking Roy had his arm shot and fell to the ground. The loyalist soon found himself surrounded by Roy's crew.
Loyalist
"What... you... you're DEAD TRAITOR!"
Roy kicked the loyalist's arm and he yelled in pain. Roy then ordered his crew to throw him over the side.
Joe
"You realize it won't be long before they'll shoot us down."
Roy
"Yeah, but not before we make their life miserable. I wanted the hwachas occupied five minutes ago!"
The crew of the Harrowing Hawk scrambled below deck and prepped her hwachas with incendiary and burst rounds. Joe came back to Roy on the helm.
Joe
"All loaded. Oh and captain *saluting Roy* an honor serving with you."
Roy
"Better me than our 'King'. Oh and pop the blue." *taking a long deep breath* "FIRE ALL!"
As Joe popped a blue smoke on the Harrowing Hawk's top deck, the rest of the crew fired the four hwachas on the other galleons in its formation. Roy could see the smoke and flames of busted guns, engines, and bodies of burnt and blown up airmen. Roy smiled. It lasted for two seconds.
--Southeastern Gate--
Yiski was on top of a rooftop which could over look the walls. He and anyone else with enough height could see the blue smoke as well as a sizable number of galleons on fire and smoking. Yiski knew the blue smoke had to be Roy.
"Damn Roy you sure know how to..."
Yiski's thought is cut short when he sees the remaining galleons, goldfishes, and pyramidions open fire and obliterate the Harrowing Hawk. Yiski stood for a few moments before Althea nudged him. Yiski then realizes Roy's sacrifice gave Anvala some breathing room. Anvala's fleet was now facing the backside of most of the Baron ships and Roy's barrage had caused a few ships to break formation.
Yiski called over the radio.
Yiski
"I don't think you need me to say that this is now open season."
-
"We've just seen a mighty captain go down."
Sunderland stood still for a few moments.
Gunner
"Lieutenant?"
Sunderland
"His sacrifice won't be in vain. Those Galleons are exposed. Let's make them regret ever coming near this flaking city."
The Duck Pharaoh charged into the weakened ships, obliterating them one by one.
-
As the defenders were pushed back even further they'd entrenched themselves behind the wrecked remains of a building, now shattered across the road. There they sustained heavy fire from the masses further down the road. Gunfire and rifle-grenades roared over them as they struggled to keep the line. Spoon was hunkered down behind a small piece of brick wall, picking off shots as often as the hail of bullets would allow.
Suddenly a rifle-grenade hissed right beside him as it exploded and threw him to the ground. Vision blurred and legs numned he noticed a flyer lying on the floor in front of him. When he looked at it he couldn't believe his eyes.
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE
DYLAN THACKERY AND HONEY THE KID
REWARD $500
His eyes fell on the right picture of what appeared to be a wanted poster.
Badger?..no...
When he got to his feet he could suddenly hear cheering. Looking up he saw the enemy Galleons had stopped their bombardment, and were now getting fought themselves.
Lockheart:
"Haha, finally a little luck!"
Seeing this, the defenders on ground started to try and push back down against the baronian infantry again, regaining a previous lost foothold.
-
Admits the confusion after Roy's sacrifice, Niko's, Zankif's, Melin's combined force of mercenaries and Baron defectors rises above the wall and into the middle of the Baron fleet. The twenty or so ships has gotten iside heir formation conducting hit and run tactics. Too close to one another, the enemy didn't have much time as they combined forces weave in and out of their formation.
Back in the Baronies, King Gregor and the men of Melin's division ate formulating a plan to over take the new king and his government. As of last night breakout, a new resistance has formed towards the new reign as part of the population are helping in anyway the rescued King.
Inside one of the underground shelters where the wounded are kept. In one of the rooms, BdrLine stirs in his sleep and is now suddenly wakes up. Still under medication, he sits up and looks around his surroundings. Pulling out the IV, and getting out of bed, he stumbles as he tries to put on his armor and equipment. Holding his wound, he looks out the door to check for any of the medical staff and sneaks out top side. BdrLine notices the damage the Baron onslaught has made, and multiple times he had to duck from bullets. Once he finds a secluded building, he takes out his rifle and adds a scope and goes to a window. In an advantageous position, he over sees Yiski and the others on one side, and the Barons on the other. Taking aim, he unloads his 14 round magazine as he snipes the attackers.
-
--NARRATOR--
--Anvala--
Amiss the small chaos caused by Roy was critical. The Baronies galleons were either out of commission or out of position and majority of the remaining fleet were out of position. A chunk of the out of place goldfishes and pyramidions were an easy meal for the fair number of batteries and ships.
Without further bombard support, the Baron infantry were being driven back. When western recons report no ships incoming toward the Gauntlet, Yiski pulled all those batteries and troops to the east. Fresh batteries and troops reinvigorated the Anvala's fleet and defenders below.
Hours passed and it became evident the battle had become one of attrition, a battle Anvala was excellent at. However, to get to this point, many sacrifices were made, sacrifices which still put Anvala close to the edge of defeat.
The Baronies' fleet was heavily battered. Of their massive fleet, only a few handful of vessels were still combat ready. Their squids were decimated during their suicide runs. Most of the goldfishes and pyramidions littered the plains surrounding the city. Finally, only three galleons were still operational. They still had the advantage of a handful of infantry transports which sat far back during today's siege.
Anvala also took a heavy hit. Despite the overwhelming fleet odds, Anvala lost a third of her fleet. Her Defenders fought valiantly in repelling those who entered her on foot, but a quarter of her men were lost. Anvala's advantage was her vast ammunition storage. Ammunition which would have been scarce had Wyrm succeeded.
More hours would pass when nightfall arrived. The skies were clear and the moon was full giving plenty of light to see the remaining Baronies fleet pullback, but not retreat. Failure was not an option for the Barons fleet.
Given the well-lit evening, Yiski ordered rotating shifts for the evening. Those who were picked or volunteered were given strict orders by Yiski.
Yiski
"You see somethin' comin' in, don't bother yelling. Just start shootin'. It'll get all our attentions."
The evening would last for what felt an eternity, but Yiski (and everyone else) knew, by morning, it would all end in an instant.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 126--
-
--START OF DAY 127--
--NARRATOR--
The morning sun did not shine upon the remaining Baronies' fleet. Before dawn of the third day of the siege, they made one last rush in an attempt to force their infantry inside the city again. Consequently, with the arrival of the Gauntlet's batteries and troops, all of Anvala's batteries were replaced with a few extra placements. The remaining Baronies fleet could not handle the revived batteries, let alone the majority of the Anvalan fleet which had survived two days worth of hell.
Hours would pass before the sun touched the plains around the city showing the results of the three-day long siege. Heaps of twisted metal and tattered balloons along with countless bodies littered the plains.
Once recon units from all angles brought reports of no other sizable fleets heading for the city, the Council declared a victory and immediately ordered the arrest of Yiski for insubordination. A sweep was done by Elites to locate Yiski, but he wasn't found at the Eastern Wall or Southeastern Gate. They searched for him at his saloon, but only found a freshly written letter addressed to BdrLine.
Further sweep of the city, the Council learned a certain Commander, a Lieutenant, a squid, and its crew were missing.
The sweep also revealed a former Admiral, an AWOL Yeshan officer, a junker, and its crew had disappeared.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF THE END OF DAYS--
--EPILOGUES--
-
Plasma glances around the wreck of the city.
The victory had been hard-won, the loss on each side massive. Somehow, they had managed to beat them back.
He exhales, lowering himself onto a sizable chunk of debris, leaning on his gun.
Anvala wouldn't be the same after this. The defenses would have to be rebuild, and the Council would be in direct control of the military. It was time to leave. There were other places to go, and life as a Freelance pilot, or even privateer might not be so bad. But he needed to get away from this place.
He pushes himself up using the rifle, rips the badge off his shoulder, and walks to the Administration building.
--Later, Military Dock--
The pilots of the BreakPoint and CounterPoint nod to him as he enters the hangar, one smoking a thick cigar. He ignores them, striding up to Captain Verra.
Plasma
"Captain, I'd like to formally tender my resignation."
Verra glances sidelong at him. Her hands, which had been busy examining the damage done to the helm control systems, halt. She turns, scanning him with reproving eyes, and takes the folder he offers.
Captain Verra
"I'm surprised Lieutenant. I assume this means you're leaving Anvala?"
He nods, avoiding the eyes of the captain.
Captain Verra
"It appears I may be in line for advancement, assuming they continue to fail to locate the Rear Admiral."
She grimaces, the job historically offered little in the way of survival prospects.
Captain Verra
"I doubt very much you will be able to visit. Policy on spies being what it is, and probably will become. But if you do get the chance..."
She shrugs and Plasma nods.
--Later, Civilian Docks--
It wasn't much, but Plasma marshaled his savings an managed to purchase a Small vessel. A transport. His contacts in the military allowed him to pass with a cursory search. He sincerely hoped it would no cause trouble for those he was leaving behind. He chuckles to himself as his ship slips from the docks.
Plasma
"I think Cathedral is nice this time of year."
The wind dances as the engines sputter, then roar into energetic determination. The little ship and it's owner lift into the wide open skies.
-
--Fjord Baronies, Lord's Leap--
After the defeat of the usurper's fleet at Anvala, the loyalist movement, backed by many powerful lords, acted quickly to evict the usurper and reinstate King Greger. One of these lords was Harald Valtivere, a man around his fifties with rapidly greying hair tied in a loose ponytail, who practically led the assault on the king's palace. With most of his forces crushed, the usurper was powerless and surrendered immediately, his punishment to be decided on a later date. As he was pulled away by guards, Harald Valtivere led cheers of victory, before being addressed by a messenger. The messenger also carried, on his back, two long objects wrapped in cloth.
messenger
"My lord, I bring word from Anvala."
Harald
"Yes my lad, what of it?"
messenger
"The city held out for three days, taking many casualties, and destroyed the usurper's fleet."
Harald
"Haha! What a fool he was to assault Anvala."
Just then a servant came by offering glasses of wine, which Harald gladly took one of. he took a sip, before addressing the messenger again.
Harald
"Oh, by the way, have you received any word from my son Tristan, has he convinced Nidhogg to return home?"
messenger
"Well, that's the thing... I'm so sorry."
Harald's expression turned from joyful to inquisitive, then from inquisitive to one of pure shock and terror as he watched the messenger take the two objects from his back. He knelt down, placing them on the floor, before unwrapping them to reveal two swords, still stained with blood, and bearing the insignia of house Valtivere on their blades.
The glass of wine shattered on the ground, spilling wine all over Harald's boots, but he cared not for the state of his boots anymore. He gave a roar of rage and sorrow as he collapsed to the ground over the two swords, coddling them as, in the background, some servants carried in two body bags, and laid them on the ground.
-
--HMCS Duck Pharaoh--
N-Sunderland stood on the deck of his ship, busy returning it to prime condition and preparing to fly it away. As he finished work on the engines, a group of elites boarded.
Sunderland
"Well, it appears the days of 'Permission to board, sir?' are gone."
Elite
"We have orders to impound an Anvalan Pyramidion-class vessel matching this description."
Sunderland
"Bullshit. This thing isn't even Anvalan... And why exactly is it being impounded?"
Elite
"Lieutenant N-Sunderland, you are under arrest for sabotage, insubordination, and dangerous use of firearms."
Sunderland
"What the flak? Sabotage? Dangerous use of firearms? I just saved this city, and this is how the council pays me back? Well, there isn't anything I can do to resist."
Sunderland looked down to the sides of the ship. The elites had already tied the Duck Pharaoh down. The ropes were all attached to a point in front of the ship, minimizing manoeuvrability if he were to attempt an escape. He looked back to his deck, and eyed the cloth he had been using to clean the engines, sitting about thirty centimetres in front of his foot.
Sunderland nodded to his gunner, and began walking towards the elites.
Sunderland
"All right, I'm coming with you. It would be pointless to-"
Sunderland stepped on the cloth, pretending to trip and falling back. The elites didn't realize the ruse, and were momentarily distracted.
Sunderland's gunner tossed him the flare gun, and he fired it in front of the elites.
Elite
"Can't see a flaking thing! Lieutenant, put an end to this resistance or we will have to use force!"
Using the moments that followed, Sunderland ran to the helm. He couldn't get the ship off the ground with all the ropes anchoring it.
The flare was loaded with heatsink, however, and it had two more shots. Sunderland took aim, and fired at the two principal ropes that held the iron spike in place.
It fell off, wiping out the anchoring in front of the ship. Sunderland spun the ship around, knocking the still stunned elites off.
The HMCS Duck Pharaoh took off, heading up North to Kian.
-
Even though the fact that the attackers finally had been robbed of their air support they'd still put up a fierce fight. The remainding battle on the streets of Anvala had been horrenously merciless, bloody and brutal, and the events of yesterdays horrors still rolled before the eyes of Spoon as he walked up her streets. Gunfire, explosions, blood in masses, the sudden flashes of bayonnets, and the terrified screams of the unlucky ones caught on their recieving end.
He'd found his way back to the Asylum, and standing in the entrance he shuddered at the thought of him spending so manu of his days in the hell-hole. The place was still abandoned and after a whole lot of searcing he finally found the lockers containing inmates previous belongings at the time they'd been locked in. After grabbing his belongings, including his 'ol Dustrider coat, his sergeant cap, bag and other things he set out on the streets again. This time setting for the Saloon.
The place was deserted, but left unlocked as someone before him had breached the door (guards perhaps). After looking around he found a note, apparently adressed from Yiski to BrdLine. He decided not to open it, but instead to settle at the bar, grabbing a bottle of Hellfire and resting.
-
He couldn't be sure when exactly, but at some point Surette noticed the explosions had stopped. The roar of engines had subsided. The Baronies had been defeated, for now at least. The battle seemed like it had dragged on forever. He tried to force a smile, but he couldn't help but think about all that was lost--both in terms of lives and the city itself. He knew he wouldn't go down as a hero, but he was satisfied with the support fire he was able to provide. His contribution might have been small, but he felt proud knowing he did what he could to lend a hand to his new friends. He hoped they were safe now, wherever they were. He wasn't entirely sure which ones made it out alive.
In addition to his new friends, Surette's thoughts turned to his old friend. Plasma had mentioned something about Cathedral to him at one point, and he knew he couldn't stay in Anvala any longer. He hadn't lived there long, but looking around the city from the helm of Serenity, it was time. He stopped off at his small apartment to collect his possessions, what little they were, and took off for Cathedral.
"It's always nice to have a fresh start," Surette thought, as the wind blew through his hair. He hoped that he'd cross paths with the others again someday, if nothing else to thank them for some excitement in his life. He also wouldn't mind a Hellfire or three. "Full speed ahead," he yelled, as Anvala faded behind him and the skies opened up.
-
*thunk*
Spoon woke up of his slumber by hitting his head in the counter. He raised his head and once again looked around him. Next to him was the bottle of Hellfire, now empty. He once again took up the wanted poster he'd found the other night, studying the picture of his long lost brother carefully. If Badger had been here, could there be a chance that he was still in the city? He had to find out. Before leaving the saloon he took a last look around, remembered the note and, with great curiosity decided to take a look at it again. After reading it through he sat there for a moment, then grabbed a couple of bottles of Hellfire and White Steam whisky, and headed for the door. With a sort of smile on his face he was now ready to find his brother.
He headed out on the street and started questioning people and showing them the poster. Had they seen this man? Did they know where he was? Had they heard anything? No one seemed to know. After a while he got a bit annoyed, surely someone knew about this? But then again, as a wanted felon he might have a reason to hide. Spoon manned up and approached a pair of guards standning nearby.
Spoon:
"Hello good sirs, do you have any information about this man?" *Holding up the poster*
Bell:
"Hrmm *studying the poster* oh ya... wanted felon... *looking back at Spoon* Hey haven't we met you before?"
Spoon (now realising it's the same guards who took him to the Asylum):
"Err I don't think so... Eheh.. About the poster"
Nelson:
*looking at the poster* "Oh right, the commander issued a warrant for their arrest a few weeks back. Didn't take too long till they got caught. *turns back to Spoon* urm yeah, and during their capturement they endured various injuries resulting in... Well.. Death. I think they were buried somewhere outside the wall in that direction *pointing with rifle*
Spoon was speachless. Without a word he turned back, mumbled something to the guards and walked away. He hadn't seen his brother in years and had gotten used to not seeing family, but deep down he always thought he'd be back someday. A day when his history would be long forgotten and he'd be able to return home.
These sudden news pierced his heart as he staggered away in the direction that Nelson had pointed out. His mind flew wildly and the thought of his brother overwhelmed him. When he finally reached the graves he could enduringly realise the significance of the matter, and spent a few hours just sitting there, pondering over his life.
He didn't want to stay here any more, but needed to get out of the city. As he got back inside of the wall he went to the docks, and there he found a vessel willing to bring him with them, for a price of course.
As the ship took air and started it's flight to the south he turned back for a (perhaps last?) look at Anvala.
until next time...
-
--Somewhere in Anvala--
The sun shone through the building that BdrLine was hiding during the ground battle. After patching his wound from stray cloth that was lying around the building, he limps down the stairs and out into the streets. Just like the failed Guild attack, the whole city lies in ruins as smoke rises above the skyline and damage buildings can be seen left and right. All around him, city defenders are rummaging through the rubble and picking up the dead and wounded. nearing the docks, he notices that his friends have survived the battle are now inspecting their ships for a return home.
From under the main engine of the Dawn Break Niko sees his best friend limping towards his ship. Jumping down onto the ground, he whistles over for Melin and Zankif, who hears the sound and sees to where Niko was pointing at. The three moves towards him, as the four stands in front of each other, they all exchange pats on the back and shakes hands with each other.
BdrLine
"So this is now over. Can't believe we survived this, a whole Fraction against one city. So what you guys going to do now?"
Zankif
"Well, me and my men are going back to Vychtorg and my warehouse. I bet my dock workers are running around like headless chickens not knowing what todo."
This got a few laughs from the group. Melin then spoke next.
Melin
"Earlier I have received word from Lord's Leap. The resistance and my men has taken back the Capitol and Gregor has been reinstated as King. And here's the best part, for me and my men's participation and loyalty to him, he is reorganizing my Division to be his personal battle group. We are now the 1st Royal Honor Guard, job to protect the King and the Principles of the Baronies."
BdrLine
"That's great, so I'm guessing Niko that you and your cousin are heading back home as well?"
Niko
"Yeah, I already have my share of exploring outside the borders, no pun intended there, time to go back and sleep in my oversize bed."
Zankif raises a hand for a high five as Niko goes over and complies. BdrLine and Melin just shakes their heads.
BdrLine
"Hey before you guys leave, lets head to the saloon for a drink."
Niko
"I'm down, that whole battle got me rather quenched."
As the four heads out the docks and towards the Burning Skies, what BdrLine didn't notices a certain young female Elite down in the underground shelter where the wounded are kept looking for a certain wounded Yeshan. After searching through the various rooms, Althea worries for the worst and spots a doctor.
Althea
"Do you anything about a Yeshan that was brought in here yesterday? His first name is Azn but is usually called byt BdrLine?"
Doctor
"Yes hold on for a minute, let me check."
The doctor looks trough papers on a clipboard as he searches for the said person. As he near the bottom, he looks up to Althea with a confused face.
Doctor
"We had a soldier in here matching your description, but it appears that he has disappeared."
Althea
"What? He is not d-d-dead is he?"
Doctor
"Oh no, we would have record of his death as the staff makes rounds checking on the conditions of the soldiers. But somehow your friend just vanished."
Stunned, she looks at the doctor for a moment until he spoke.
Doctor
"I'm sorry, thats all I know"
The doctor then leaves Althea in the middle of the hall as he continues to check with others in the shelter. She leaves the underground for topside again as she is deep in her thoughts.
First the Commander, then the Rear Admiral, their respective crew are gone. Now the one man who, out of all odds, stole my heart is now gone. No notes, hints, nothing. Why, why, why?? *she goes to a wall and starts punching it* Its the damn Council's fault, if they hadn't have their heads up their end, now of these people would be gone. Now I won't tell him how I feel now.
Her rage starts to calm down as she lay her head on the beaten wall. Althea is now holding back tears as many important people that she knew, granted it was short, were gone. As she was about to walk away and help with the other guards and defenders, she hears a familiar voice, she turns around and sees BdrLine limping as he walks with three of his friends towards the Saloon.
Althea looks on in wonder as that he is still in the city, but is soon turn to rage as the emotions she had felt just for him. As the four enters the famed saloon, she follows quickly behind in anger.
As BdrLine and others passes through the door, they are laughing out of merriment as the reminisce of their old adventures and mishaps. The four going to the bar, they failed to notice an angry female entering behind them until.
*Whack*
Niko, Melin, and Zankif turn around as they see BdrLine on his knees on the floor rubbing the back of his head and an angry Althea cracking her right hand knuckles. Sensing the hostility was towards their friend, the three moves to the back of the counter for safety and for amusement. As Zankif and Niko watches on, Melin notices an open note addressed to BdrLine and picks it up and read it.
Back to the two, BdrLine gets up on his feet, still holding the back of his head, and turn to face Althea who has her arms crossed and tapping her foot.
BdrLine
"...OW.... What was that for? I'm already wounded as it is."
Althea
"Well if you had stayed with the medics, this wouldn't be happening is it now."
BdrLine
"I didn't want to miss the action, plus a lot of people I knew were fighting out there and I don't want to feel useless if anyone of them died."
Althea
"YOU were injured, you could have died out there, you would have been another lifeless corpse. *her voice starts to crack* You would have been gone forever, and I... I wouldn't have a change to say... to say what I felt."
She breaks down in small tears as BdrLine watches her onslaught. Having realized what she had said, he goes to her and embrace her in a tight hug."
BdrLine
"It's alright, there are time when you don't have to be an Elite. But I'm here now, I'm here now."
Althea
*Muffled* "First the Commander has disappear, then the Rear Admiral, also both of their crew. And when I heard you were missing as well, I couldn't take it, everyone I knew is leaving, and I here left behind."
From the counter, Melin finish reading the letter and a small smile appears on his face as he looks at the second document that were attached to it.
Melin
"Umm BdrLine, speaking of Yiski and the others, he left you a note."
BdrLine and Althea looks at each other confused, as they both walk towards the bar and receives the papers.
It reads:
BdrLine,
If you find this letter, then Zill and I are long gone from the city. Don't worry about us or about Jun'ko or Lauren, they are also with us. In short we are on vacation, a long vacation. We may not come back to Anvala with the Council and all that. But don't worry about us, you know that we can fend for ourselves anyway. It doesn't means that we are gone forever, we have means to stay connected, and I'm sure you'll find a way to contact us as well, don't, let us enjoy our new found freedom for awhile. Also, since you are the only one I know who would be crazy enough to stay in this city, attached to this letter is the deed to the saloon, it is yours. But if I find out that anything has happen to the place, I will find you and strangle you as it still has meaning to me.
Anyways, Clear Skies,
Yiski
As the two finish reading the note, they turn it over and sees the deed to the place. The five looks at the document in amazement as they couldn't believe that BdrLine has inherit the famed Saloon.
In a happy cheer, Niko goes over to congratulate his friend.
Niko
"Bdr, this is amazing. Besides your docks, you know have this place. So whats the first thing you are going to do?"
BdrLine
"How about a ittle vacation."
Everyone then turns to him and stares at him.
Niko
"A vacation, really, when you have a new place of business. Now I am wondering if you are sane."
BdrLine
"It's not like I'll be closing this place down, I'll have one of my mates, Tommy, Allen, or even John run this place while I'm gone. Won't have the same character without everyone, but this place has already gotten a name and will always have people coming in. Plus I think someone else needs a vacation as well."
He the eyes Althea, and soon the other guys follow his gaze towards her. She looks between the four of them and puts her hands up defensively.
Althea
"What?"
BdrLine
"Althea, how long have you been training and working?"
Althea
"Since the Academy... and?"
BdrLine
"And that gives you enough sick days to go on an extended vacation *awkwardly* with me... if you want?"
She ponders for a moment as she looks to the ceiling and BdrLine waiting in anticipation.
Althea
"I don't think the Council will.... *BdrLine heart sinks at the start, ahe puts a finger up to stop him* mind if I'm gone for a few months, I mean I do deserve it."
His heart soars at the answer as he grabs her around her waist and spins her around. The others cheer for the both of them until something came across Niko's mind.
Niko
"How about the Council, they will still be around and imagine the laws they will implement afterwards."
BdrLine
"Elections for their seats won't happen for a long time, and I doubt they will give them up... wait a minute I just thought of something, Melin see if in the back there is a barrel of Wild Wind Ale, and Niko see if there is also an empty one of Anvalen Reserve No.3. We will do a swichiroo."
Confused, they are do as they are told and brought out the respective barrels. going to the WWA, BdrLine pops open the top and ask help to lift it and pour it into the empty Reserve. As he and Niko pour in the contents, Althea watches on still confused.
BdrLine
"Before anyone of you guys ask, there is a paragraph that states 'if anyone of the members can't preform their duty, they are to be removed from their position and elections will be held to replaced the member.' This here will be a 'gift' for their outstanding leadership from the previous days."
Ohh's can be heard as the two finishes filling the Reserve barrel and topping it off. Then they hail a courier to deliver the barrel to them with a note stating that the men were 'grateful' for them.
The night goes on as soon the saloon is filled with cheerful men after the hard fought battle. Soon in the morning, BdrLine writes out a note for Tommy, Allen, and John stating that he is going on a vacation and that they will watch over his docks and work the saloon. On board the Dawn Break, BdrLine and Althea waves out to Melin and Zankif as Gang raises the ship out of the docks, as he and the four other Yeshan mercenary ships leaves for Chang-ning.
On the main deck, BdrLine looks over the railing as he watches his second home fade from view. Even if the city may feel different coming back, Anvala will always standout to him even with his other misadventures that may soon to come.
-
Shink is busy getting Not My Fault ready for a long voyage. Maybe a trip back to his Anglean village for some well needed R&R. He was a bit sad that he was leaving, but he felt that now was a good time. He says his goodbyes to those who remained (with as little property damage as possible), and heads out into the skies. as he is leaving, one of his engineers can be heard cussing loudly about the balloon. Shink hands over the helm, and goes to see what the problem was.
Shink
"What's going on over here?"
Engineer
"the mixture is strange. don't know if it's danger- STOP DONT TOUCH THAT"
Shink was examining the balloon component that handles mixing the, and decided to try his hand at seeing what the problem could be. This mixture was so dangerous, that the slightest spark would make the whole thing go up in flames. Unfortunately, Shink had some static electricity built up in his body, and that is all the mixture needed. The balloon instantly erupted in flames, and in no time Not My Fault was in a nose dive. Shink had just enough time to hear the engineer say:
"This is why we don't let you repair things"
Not My Fault crashes into the terrain. There were no survivors.
-
Days had pass since the failed invasion by the Baronies and nobody in Anvala knew where or how Yiski and Zill disappeared from the city.
Simply put, it was the easiest thing to do when you relocate the Gauntlet's defenses and have nobody watching the Western Gate. Lauren's skill with a squid made it easy for her to swing around to the gate without drawing attention and pick up Yiski. By the time the two had cleared the then empty Gauntlet, Zill and Jun'ko were waiting with his junker.
Now how Zill managed to slip away from the fleet was an entirely different matter and one which Zill never explained, much to Yiski's annoyance.
Eventually, Yiski and Zill followed through on their plans to take their girls to the beach. Initially, they went to the city of Talu along the Storm Islands. While the first two days were enjoyable, the next three days were miserable.
Zill
"Told you. There's a reason why it's called the Storm Coast."
Yiski
"I know, but we're on the Storm Islands."
Zill
"You honestly think that makes a difference? Plus, the island just makes the entire area a coast, so I'm still right."
Yiski
"..."
Once the storms did let up to allow for safe travelling, the four made their way to the city of Truth Lake.
--Weeks Later--
Eventually, Yiski and Zill went their separate paths to pursue a new angle on life.
Lauren and Yiski traveled all over the word (making sure to avoid the Guild and Baron held cities for obvious reasons) to visit cities which Yiski never got the chance to do since he's either been stuck on a ship or stuck in the saloon. Consequently, they couldn't stay in a given city for more than three or four days. Lauren and Yiski was wanted by Anvala for desertion and there was a hefty price for their return to Anvala.
Fortunately, whenever they were discovered, Lauren's ability to maneuver and pilot a squid made it next to impossible for any would-be bounty hunters to catch or keep up with her. Add the fact there's a mercury rifle on the back of the Kyllo and a legendary gunner, and soon bounty hunters would stop pursuing once they saw the rear of the squid... which was always.
Zill had taken a more proactive approach to life. Instead of actually relaxing and vacationing further, Zill became a privateer of sorts. The only ships which he would target would be Baron and Guild merchant vessels. Occasionally, Zill would target other factions, but avoid Yeshan ships like the plague. He knew he had good friends in Yeshan lands and would like to keep them.
--4 Months Later--
Zill's avoidance of targeting Yeshan merchant eventually led him near the northern Yeshan territories. The northern part of Yeshan lands were littered with canyons making it easy to get lost for many merchant vessels. The canyons along with the rolling clouds made it seem the canyon itself was alive and seem like the paths always changed. This made it the perfect hunting grounds for a pilot of Zill's caliber.
As a merchant pilot, Hampster the IV wrote in his journal,
I had a dream, more of a nightmare, where I was late for an important commitment. I wanted to take a shortcut that looked suspiciously like the Canyon map. As I approached the canyon entrance I get this premonition of danger, as if something terrifying and evil was lurking around the next bend. In spite of my tardiness I linger for a moment. I know Zill waits for me in the skies ahead. I know his gunners don't miss, I know his engineers will allow him to shrug off damage that would kill a lesser crew, and worst of all I know his tactical placement will be perfect.
Eventually the my fear of being late overwhelms my fear of Zill and his Merry Men. I push forward cautiously, my eyes searching for every ambush point, fixating every hint of the sharks I know lurk in this canyon. In spite of my diligence the first warning I get is the crack of cannonade smacking my balloon. Zill is on me, his guns tearing my ship to pieces. I try an wheel around to put up some sort of defense but Zill just dances to my blind side. I hit chute vent and throw my engines into full reverse, trying desperately to pass under Zill's guns and give my beleaguered engineers a break. My maneuver is for nothing, Zill is still on my blind spot, still shooting, and laughing at my feeble attempt to break contact. I feel like a bull in the final minutes of a bull fight. I lash out blindly trying to at least scratch my tormentors but every move I make is met by a masterfully executed counter. I feel my life blood leaking away but still thrash about violently hoping upon hope that one of these movements will catch Zill off guard.
I tell my self Zill is only human, he has to have a weakness, he has to mess up some time. This is a lie of course, Zill is a remorseless killing machine. Like a shark he is the apex predator of the medium in which he swims. He can smell weakness a mile away and has studied his prey to the point he knows how they will react before they do.
Death eventually embraces me and I am hovering over my shattered ship, Zill idly swims through the debris cloud, a casual flick of his tail swats aside a piece of wreckage. I look closer at this "wreckage" and realize it is one of my crew. His cold dead eyes stare into me as if he is asking "why did you lead us here?" and to that I have no answer.
Eventually, Zill's impressive capture and profiteering rate caught the eye of the Yeshan government who was willing to unofficially make Zill an official privateer for Yesha.
At first, Zill did not accept. Not because Zill rejected the offer, rather he mistook their military ships' approach to him as a sign the Yeshans did not want him. It took months before a fair Yeshan fleet could corner Zill and present him with the offer.
Zill's answer was simple: "Do you mind? I'm working."
--1 Year Later--
Jun'ko, Zill, or anybody else hadn't heard of any news regarding Yiski. Eventually, sightings of him were non-existent and his friends wondered whether he was still alive. This was especially true for Roland who wondered for the past couple of years whether he had lost another father. Luckily for him though, running the most popular saloon in Chang-ning didn't give him a lot of time to worry.
Years since his forced arrival in Chang-ning, Roland managed to use the money left by Yiski to open a large saloon and named it the Crimson Sky Saloon. The saloon was located in the always busy shopping district and was probably twice as big as the Burning Skies and had even more variety of drinks, except for the ones only Yiski could brew. Even Zill stopped by a few times to pick up the slack left behind by Yiski.
The lack of Hellfires didn't discourage Roland from attempting to learn the recipe himself though. Even after numerous failures and saloon evacuations, Roland still tried and still failed. Of course, it's not to say his failures were in vain. Each failed Hellfire brew turned into a new type of drink which always was a hit with his patrons.
After another failed attempted which filled his saloon with smoke and steam, Roland came out from the back and snapped his finger in disappointment. His wife, who worked alongside him, gave him an 'at least you tired' kiss on the cheek.
Ny-Lee
"I'm surprised we still have patrons given how often you fill it with smoke and steam."
Patron
"You get used to it and besides it gives us a lot more to drink!"
The patron, along with many others, raised their mugs and cheered. Ny-Lee and Roland smiled and cheered along with them.
Roland
"You know," *sipping on his failed brew* "I think I am getting closer. It is starting to get that kick."
Ny-Lee
"I'm sure you'll get it one day and I'm sure Yiski would be proud."
The thought caused a melancholy expression to wash over Roland's face. Knowing how much he missed Yiski, Ny-Lee hugged her husband tightly and getting 'awws' from the patrons. This caused Roland to laugh and Ny-Lee to stick her tongue out at the saloon.
During this exchange, Roland failed to notice a lone cloaked figure entering the Crimson Sky. The figure approached and managed to find a seat in the middle of the bar. The figure didn't bother Ny-Lee, Roland, or the patrons because this time of year, dust storms were active and it was commonplace to see a fair number of cloaked individuals. Roland approached the figure.
Roland
"Welcome friend. What can I get you?"
Figure
"A Hellfire would be nice."
Roland was surprised. Nobody in his saloon knew what a Hellfire was let alone have anyone ask for it by name. At first, Roland assumed it was Yiski, but a sudden realization came to Roland that Yiski didn't have a low, gravelly voice like this person did.
Roland
"I am sorry, but I have to ask. Are you from Anvala by chance?"
Figure
"Was."
Roland
"Were you a patron of the Burning Skies?"
Figure
"Been years since I've heard that name. I walked in here because the name sounded familiar. Thought I get a taste of my former home. Now about that Hellfire."
Roland
"I am sorry to say that I never learned the recipe from my father."
Figure
"Well, he sounds like a shitty father."
The sudden insult angered Roland and was about to request the figure leave. However, Ny-Lee and the patrons preempted Roland with her drawing her sidearm at the figure along with a few patrons.
Ny-Lee
"Do not insult my father-in-law. He was a kind and caring and would think you know nothing about him."
The figure slowly got up from his seat with the guns rising with him. The figure turned to Roland and sighed.
Figure
"Now is this any way to treat a shitty father who forced you to live here for the past eight years?"
Roland
"Wha..?"
The Figure took down his hood to reveal an older and rugged Yiski with sand and dust packed into his hair. Roland stood in shock as Ny-Lee rushed in for a hug and immediately getting sand and dust on herself. Yiski smiled and gave a loud whistle which was Lauren cue to enter. She approached Roland with a wave and a smile. Ny-Lee then jumped off Yiski to hug Lauren who was also covered in sand and dust. Roland was still standing in shock.
Yiski
"What? Don't tell me you thought I died."
Roland
"No, but how? I couldn't recognize your voice."
Lauren
"Just flew in an hour ago. It would have been tomorrow, but Yiski here wanted me to power through three dust storms."
Yiski
*clearing his throat* "Yeah, but you can't say it wasn't worth it." *coughing* "Now how about drink?"
Roland hands Lauren and Yiski glasses of water which the two down immediately. Yiski started speaking again with the tone Roland was accustomed to.
Yiski
"Ah. Much better. Now how about I show you how to make a Hellfire?"
Roland nodded and the two headed for the back. Lauren shook her head catching a giggle from Ny-Lee.
Lauren
"If it's not guns, then alcohol."
Lauren then was immediately pulled behind the bar where a very giddy Ny-Lee was staring at Lauren intently.
Ny-Lee
"What have you two been up to?! I want to hear!"
Lauren pulled her hands from under the cloak and started rubbing them. Ny-Lee looked at them and noticed a small band around one of Lauren's fingers. Ny-Lee's eyes went wide as she looked back to Lauren. Lauren smiled.
Lauren
"Well, to start, Yiski and I got married..."
--END OF EPILOGUES--
--END OF BURNING SKIES SALOON--
Well, cheers to the end of the most replied and most viewed thread on the forums. I would like to thank everyone who has supported and posted here for the last four months since the saloon's opening.
The Burning Skies will continue to live on (hopefully in Adventure Mode) or in the subsequent sequel thread.
To those who have kept up with all the posts, congratulations for staying with us and be happy (or sad) you have to read no more.
Thank you for reading and look forward to the sequel.