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William Morgan III

"Shiver me timbers, it's Bosun Bill!"

0 · 1,218 views · located in Merrinia

a character in “The Lost Treasure of Arimathea”, as played by SadHatter

Description

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Pirate Alias || Pyrite, Bosun Bill (many more)
age: 24
sexuality: Demisexual
Faceclaim: Tom Hiddleston
hexcode: #64844c








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O U T S I D E || ----------------------------------

H E I G H T || 6'1''

W E I G H T || 173 lbs.

E Y E S || Eyes green like emeralds

H A I R || Dark brown

O D D I T I E S || A strange, unknown symbol burnt into his inner left forearm, another similar symbol burnt into his right collar and a bigger tattoo with the same strange symbols burnt into his back.

A P P E A R A N C E ||
William is a slender, flexible and tall pirate. He usually does not stand out from a crowd of swashbucklers, though his emerald green eyes and the strange symbols stand out. He is a master of deception, wearing different clothes, speaking differently and even painting fake scars on his face to conceal his identity, but his true appearance is a handsome pirate with a slim physique and short, dark brown hair. He usually wears the clothes of a seemingly poor pirate, though this is also to conceal his true identity. His trademark cutlass can be found on him at most times, it is easily recognizable with strange markings lightly engraved into the blade.





--------------------------| | I N S I D E
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L I K E S || āœ“ music āœ“ disguises āœ“ tricking people āœ“ destroying galleons solo āœ“ stealing treasure āœ“ disarming and taking an opponent's cutlass āœ“ grog āœ“ the taste of the sea in the air āœ“ hunting mythical creatures āœ“ pretending someone he's not āœ“ decorating ships āœ“ taking opponent's ship āœ“ duelling a talented duellist āœ“ finding ways out of inescapable situations āœ“ drunk singing āœ“ sinking ghost ships āœ“ giving orders āœ“ his cutlass

D I S L I K E S || āœ— being noticed āœ— excessive cussing āœ— raising the anchor āœ— bounty hunters āœ— landlubbers āœ— falling off Jacob's Ladder āœ— storms āœ— long, excessive treasure hunting āœ— chaos āœ— falling off the ship āœ— injuries āœ— failing āœ— bad merchants āœ— the brig āœ— chickens āœ— vomiting āœ— underworking, oblivious crew members āœ— lack of rum on board
Q U I R K S ||
-- Hums and sings non-stop
-- Knows all sea shanties that the world has ever seen
-- Usually sits on top of the sail when he's bored (yes, he sits on top of the sail, not the crow's nest.)
-- Always pranks others

F E A R S ||
-- Not being the usual two steps ahead of others
-- Failing to escape out of a situation
-- Getting caught acting like another person
-- Losing his crewmates

S T R E N G T H S ||
-- Duelling: William is highly experienced in duelling. He can easily disarm and cut down numerous average pirates and is a formidable threat to even experienced duellists. Together with his razor sharp, special cutlass, he has the edge in almost every fight he is in.
-- Resourceful: His cleverness and awareness of his surroundings makes him extremely agile and resourceful. He can find different ways to escape a situation, he can jump from a ship to another, he can organize quick transit to get his crew out of a maelstrom, a fight, an attack and is experienced in making his crew powerfully retaliate against any attackers.
-- Music: Bill is very talented in terms of music. He owns several stolen instruments, knowing how to flawlessly play them even if they are poorly treated and half-broken. Sometimes, his Sea Shanties gets the whole crew singing or is able to distract an opponent long enough for him to escape or incapacitate his enemy. He owns several instruments; A concertina, hurdy-gurdy, hautboy and drum.
-- Unpredictability: Bosun Bill has several tricks up his sleeve. From pulling out a small, unnoticed dagger out of his sleeve or ramming a spiked boat into an opponent's ship, his cunning resourcefulness paired with his wit and quick thinking makes him an unpredictable and dangerous opponent.


W E A K N E S S E S ||
-- Dependant: William is often a solo-player, taking down opponents and even sinking ships or stealing treasure without help from his crew, though he works exceptionally better when fighting alongside his crew members. When he is found, he is easily overwhelmable and will most likely die without help from others in a large operation. A large operation is also a difficulty for his Boatswain role, as giving efficient orders quickly in succession will eventually be a strain for him.
-- Impish: Whether it is hiding from his teammates, warning them about an unexistent oncoming galleon or pushing others off the ship, his jokes and trickery rarely are small gags and sometimes result in serious calamities.
-- Overambitious : Even though he is extremely resourceful, at times he never stops trying to get to his goal, even if it means death. This also applies to finding treasure, as not finding satisfaction or completion is nigh-impossible for him.





D E E PXD O W N | |--------------------
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| Loyal - Mischievous - Likable - Cunning|

Despite being a solo-player, William is Loyal. Since his birth he has been taught that his crew is always the most important in his life. He quickly gives efficient tasks and often tries his best to serve his crew. Especially his captain is the one he respects the most. Overall, William never cracks under pressure. His Mischievous and Impish side is often shown with practical jokes or gags, though in an emergency situation he adops a strong, hardened and serious exterior and his demeanor completely changes.

William has two sides to his personality. The Mischievous side is often shown when he is on a long voyage with his crew, finding ways to distract himself or play jokes on others to entertain himself. Not necessarily impatient or brash, Bosun Bill has a complex drive. He isn't greedy either, as treasure is surprisingly not his number one factor. He seeks to find his past, thus hitches a ride on whatever crew he meets. Even if often times he yells loudly into the night as he drunkenly sings shanties, William is a Likable fellow. He knows which gags make each pirate laugh, what the drive of the others are and he knows how to socialize.

Of course, his Mischievousness sometimes leads others to believe that he only wants to meddle with them, though that is far from the truth. Long, haunting voyages can rarely be entertaining with a half-filled tankard or simply socializing, so he resorts to playing jokes. This has been a habit of his, as tricking opponents has been proven easy by him. Along with his Cunning Resourcefulness, William often deceives opponents (or of course his crewmates) with puzzles, disguises or even short, confusing sentences that he shouts at his opponents to distract them.

In reality, his interior is far more complex. Losing his parents at a very young age, William has been a stray pirate for most of his life. Every crew he had died in a storm with him being the only survivor, which plunged a cutlass into his heart. He fears that this crew will also sink and is led to believe that his previous friends and family were killed because of him. Bosun Bill the extremely unlucky pirate. In hopes of getting enough money to cruise to land and stay there for the rest of his life, he tries to find the treasure with his current crew, though he has heavy anxieties that the mission will lead to the demise of his crewmates.




---------------------------------------- | | H I S T O R Y
Image Image Image William was a happy young boy birthed by Captain William Morgan Junior, a renowned pirate on board the 'Black Storm' with his wife, Abigail who worked as a Boatswain. At the age of 8, William endured a long storm that had destroyed his family's ship and his two parents had perished in the night where the storm had raged. He was stranded on an abandoned fort, eating bananas from barrels and coconuts for weeks until a ship came.

On board the fastest galleon of the seven seas, William felt like the 'Kraken' was his home. The crewmates weren't renowned, though they sank enough ships and found enough small treasures to get by.
Until it sunk when William was 16 years old. He doesn't remember much of the day it happened, though the water turned ink black and large appendages emerged before he was knocked unconscious. Before he knew where he was, a starved and weakened William was sold on a market. He spent 6 months working for a pirate lord, but he used his extensive knowledge from his past years on the sea to escape the ship.

He traveled to abandoned forts, islands with more skeletons than grains of sand, markets and stranded ships. He resolved to stealing, raiding sloops and sometimes galleons, diving into sunken ships as far down as Davy Jones' Locker and even selling a material he discovered that looked extremely similar to gold. 'Pyrite' made him a popular pirate. Every gold hoarder went to him to buy his seemingly endless supply. After numerous pirates discovered the material to be a fake, William was hunted. He adopted various aliases and disguised himself, avoiding bounty hunters and other pirates, until he discovered his current crew. Unsure whether he should join another ship, he discovered the crew was hunting for a treasure. A legendary treasure.

Thus he joined the crew. William Morgan The Third was a pirate who knew nothing about his strange burn marks and his cutlass that he carried from 5 years old, or even anything about his past, though maybe this crew would be his family. He didn't know if it would be his last, though.

So begins...

William Morgan III's Story

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Philip Walker Character Portrait: Tessa Locke Character Portrait: Valentina De la Torre Character Portrait: Pyon Sun-Ah Character Portrait: Rosia Hienrik Character Portrait: Meghan Cunningham
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M e g X| | XJ a m e s

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H e l l f i r e | | M i d a s

C a p t a i n | | P r i s o n e r

#e6b800 | | #B00000






XXXXCaptain Meghan Cunningham stood amongst the noble people of Astorium in the largest sitting room of Lord Chamberlin's estate, a glass of wine gripped in her hand. While she couldn't deny she looked gorgeous in her attire, she also felt ridiculous. It was hard to move her arms and even harder to breathe at times. Rosia had to lace her up tightly to get Meg the fashionable thin waist, and it was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. Her First was somewhere in the house, being her eyes and ears. Meanwhile she was stuck here, eyes on the man who owned the very thing they were here for-- the updated map of Merrinia. They needed this map in order to find the keys to the lost treasure of Captain Corso. And they need it to find Arimathea, the garden of Eden. None of these places are expressly marked on the map. Especially Arimathea. But it would get them close enough.

It had to.

Meg shifted her hips beneath her skirts so the dagger she borrowed from Vale, her navigator, wouldn't jab her in the thigh. She made a mental note to purchase one for herself the next time they were at port. While she preferred her twin pistols or her cutlass, they arenā€™t subtle enough to conceal on her person. Not well anyway. Meg needed this to go off without a hitch. She didnā€™t need the Land Kingā€™s navy sailing after them once they left. And she would like to return here at some point in the future. Besidesā€¦ she was only here to borrow the map.

For now, she was buying time. As she sipped at the wine in her glassā€”an expensive brand that still tasted like dirt to herā€”her thoughts strayed to the rest of her crew.

James, the former Captain of the ship was in her brig. She buried down the feelings of guilt deep down as she thought of the mutiny. He refused the journey, the search for Corsoā€™s treasure, and the majority of the crewā€™s wishes. She couldnā€™t let it continue. Not if she wanted to find that treasure. Not if she wanted to make her parentsā€™ deaths mean something. Rudy, their youngest by far, was keeping watch on the ship along with Tessaā€”her master Rigger and eyes and ears on the ship, Vale, Jackā€”the gunner, Billā€”her third, Philipā€”her helmsman, and Sunniā€”the surgeon.

Somewhere just outside the estate was Veraā€”their cook and tonightā€™s distractionā€”who was awaiting the signal for her entrance. Meg had to admit, when Vera walked out in her getupā€¦ her heart beat a little faster. The womanā€™s past made her the perfect person to serve as the distraction for the night. Meg did feel a little guilty about this as well. Vera was a person after all and having her play this part wasā€¦ not the best, but they had no other choice.

Her finger tips brushed the chain of the necklace she stole from the Lord and Ladyā€™s bedchamber. Not only will it aid in their distraction, but it will serve as the signal. It was such a simple thing, a necklace of diamonds and pearls hardly bigger than her pinky fingernail, but it was definitely an expensive piece. Although, this specific necklace was chosen because it seemed to be the least worn. It was buried under a pile of jewelry. All Meg had to do was loop her pinky around the end and gently pull it away.

All she needed now was the go from Rosia and their plan would be underway. Even if it was the last thing she'd ever do, she was going to get that map and find the treasure.




XXXX Mutinied Captain James Porter sighed loudly as he laid on the wooden floor of his prison cell. Straw crinkled beneath him as he shifted, staying far away from the corner where a chamber pot was chained to the wall. With the waves on the high seas, he couldnā€™t be entirely certain it was clean over there. Then again, this whole cell was more than likely no better than that chamber pot, but James decided to ignore this thought and stick to keeping from the corner.

He still couldnā€™t entirely believe he was in this particular position. His crew turned on himā€¦ over greed. He sighed again at the thought. It wasnā€™t entirely greed. He had denied them adventure, he denied them mysteryā€¦ and greed. James knew he was unorthodox as a pirate captain and that most on his crew didnā€™t mind. It seemed that his refusal to go on Megā€™s wild goose chase was the last straw with them. And here he was, in the brig when not even a day prior he was asleep in his quarters, dreaming of the wind on his face and sailing towards the horizon.

When he woke to the nightmare that was the mutiny, he was shocked, angry, hurt, and most importantlyā€¦ relieved that no one had been killed. If his family didn't think him a fine captain, then fine. Let Meg squander her winning for a whileā€¦ Theyā€™ll be begging for him back. His stomach growled loudly and by the light leaking through the side of the ship, he knew it would be about dinner time. Vera was more than likely cooking something up in the kitchen for the crew. He wondered if heā€™d even be allowed to eat. Meg wasnā€™t heartless, but he couldnā€™t be certain of her treatment considering where heā€™s found himself. Maybe she was keeping him alive for his luck.

Or perhapsā€¦ his luck had run out.

Although, now that he thought about itā€¦ the ship was unusually quiet. He expected a party. Drinking, food, merriment on their victory of taking down Captain Midas. However, there was a noticeable silence. He knew they had docked somewhere, but that was the extent of his knowledge. Maybe he could get Bill to drink with him. Or Phillip. Maybe Rudy? He wished someone would bring him a drink. He needed one after today. And food preferably.

Whenever he closed his eyes, he saw the mutiny.

He was asleep in his quarters, dozing as was previously mentioned, when there was a commotion on deck. He didnā€™t think it was an invading party since no one had sounded for battle stations. There was shouting and the metallic clanging of swords. However, the commotion was missing the cries of pain that came with a boarding. He crew was never one to give up easily. Wellā€¦ not noticeably anyway. So he pulled on his breeches and a simple shirt along with his boots and his cutlass before heading out the door. Right as he emerged, Meg was there, her wild red hair blowing around her face in the breeze, shining in the morning son like a fire. Hellfire.

ā€Iā€™ve come to relieve you Captain,ā€ she said, fierceness in her tone, but an apology in her eyes. ā€Come willingly or face the consequences of your actions.ā€ Behind her were the few who opposed the mutiny, on their knees with pistols pointed at the backs of their heads or cutlasses at their throats. No one looked willing to be in this position, but Megā€”the treasureā€”was worth the sacrifice. He was no fool. He knew the treasureā€™s worth to each member of the crew.

Especially Meg. Her parents died in search of the treasure and to her it would be for nothing if she doesnā€™t find the treasure. For nothing, if she couldnā€™t claim it for her family name. For nothing, if she made nothing of herselfā€¦

So here they were. James standing in obvious surprise, Meg with a cutlass to his throat, and his crew divided. So, he surrendered. It was better to do so than to be the cause of any harm to his crew. He didnā€™t believe any of them capable of hurting the others, but they were desperate to cause a mutinyā€¦ how far were they really willing to go?

With his mind caught up to the present, he closed his eyes and let out a few soft notes before continuing through the song:

Safe and sound at home again,
Let the waters roar, Jack,
Safe and sound at home again,
Let the waters roar, Jack,

Long weā€™ve tossed on the rolling main,
Now weā€™re safe ashore, Jack,
Donā€™t forget youā€™re old shipmate,
Faldee raldee raldee raldee rye-dye-doe!

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Pyon Sun-Ah Character Portrait: William Morgan III Character Portrait: James Porter
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The manifest is set, release the mooring lines
From the top, from the nest, looks the perfect night

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So Iā€™ve gone out to sea
But this time itā€™s gonna be a burial for meļ»æ!

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Bosun Bill was on the mast, watching over the Stardust. The previous events flew by, and Bill was not a fan of the mutiny. Never. A crew was his number one priority, even if they would treat him like rotten fish. The night was quiet, so quiet that Bill could hear the waves and the bubbles they made each time they bumped up against something. The Stardust was rocking from left to right and the laughter and booming activity of the mainland were heard at the dock. Listening to milieu wasn't Bill's favorite activity, so he slid down the mast and went to get his Hurdy-Gurdy.
The whole deck was hushed. The gunner crew and Leigh were the only ones active on the ship, emptying tankards of beverages on the forecastle deck, the only light provided from the silver moon. The pirates needed a break from the weight of the crew's division caused by the mutiny, so they decided to have a drinking party on the deck. Bill was about to interrupt their quiet gathering, and at the sight of an Officer, the pirates tensed up, slipping their tankards behind their backs quickly, hoping that Bill hadn't noticed.
"Ease up, lads. I need me some scallywags for me shanty." Bill then instinctively throws his concertina towards Rum, who barely caught it. Rum was one of the few on the ship that could aid Bill when he was playing his instruments.
"Aye." Ale replied while the rest of the pirates relievedly prepared their throats for some shanty singing.
Bill spun the crank on his Hurdy-Gurdy which was slung around his neck and pushed the keys with his left hand. The sounds were slightly scratchy, though they droned out a harmonic melody aided by Rum's long, airy tones of the squeezebox he held and rhythmically pressed before the 7 pirates sang in half-drunk harmony, a musical composition Bill had made and called Becalmed.

"Becalmed, becalmed, hold fast my friends,
We're far from journeys end.
Through trying winds and ocean 'pades,
We'll find our way again.
Though tales tell of danger,
We rule the waves."


The quiet sonances of the breeze and the sea accompanied and guided the song, which was euphony the ocean provided.

"Becalmed, becalmed, hold fast my friends,
The crest of the waves comes.

Sailing into the tempest,
Sailing through the shallows,
The wind has called our names.

The roar has silenced for us,
The birds fly free above,
And heavens have called us,
But we will not follow.
Until our tale is gold.ļ»æ"


The echoes of the pleasant end of the sea shanty filled the night as Bill joyfully proclaimed his trademark phrase when drinking;
"Drink up ye jolly lads, fo' the sun may never rise til we set sail fo' home again!ļ»æ"
Though other matters had to be done. Bill left his instrument on the ship and walked around the ship, putting his Hurdy-Gurdy in his quarters and descending down into the Brig. The deck quieted again.
"Cap'n. Or should I saw James Porter the filthy traitor?" Bill gave a hearty chuckle as he reached the rusted bars.
"I'll get you a drink, sir." The boatswain sarcastically termed James as 'sir', though he saw that his friend needed some grog. This was one of the first times Bill had seen his former Captain so dejected, though he couldn't help but crack a joke.
"Oh and just so y'know, Ye won't be in the brig for long. I never betray me cap'n." Bill went back upstairs to get his former captain a drink.
The deck was still quiet.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Philip Walker Character Portrait: Pyon Sun-Ah Character Portrait: William Morgan III
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T H EX N A M E L E S S XH E L M S M A N
HEXCODE: #1d906f

Philip was feeling a little buzzed, maybe from the pints of ale heā€™d left the Stardust to find, or maybe from the brunette boy whoā€™d smiled his way. Heā€™d had amber eyes with a mischievous shine and theyā€™d captivated Philip. Slipping back onto the ship, he stopped to taken in the smell of the sea and the rock of the boat. It was the feelings that reminded him that the sea was his home.

Philip easily found Bill getting musical with the crew, and he had no interest is yelling sea shanties across half the sea. So instead he snagged a tankard of ale for himself and disappeared further into the ship looking for someone else. Honestly, anyone else but Bill singing sea shanties, his pounded from the just the thought. He briefly thought about finding James, but he had no wish for Meg to return and find him down there with their ex captain.

Stumbling across a light under Sunniā€™s door, Philip barreled in, throwing the door open wide and knocking a few things around as he did. ā€œSunni, my lovely lass!ā€
Okay, so he was a little more than buzzed. He was absolutely foxed, and probably smelling like a brewery. He put a hand over her book and eased it down, as if his entry hadnā€™t already garnered her attention. ā€œIā€™m in love.ā€

ā€œOh, what ye got here?ā€ Philip asked, as if just noticing where he was. He took a few shaky steps over to her work space and started picking up tools and vials for inspection, plonking them down wherever, ignoring her obvious organisation. ā€œMeg wasnā€™t wrong bringinā€™ ye aboard. Ye really be knowā€™n ye stuff.ā€ Of course, as someone who was rarely part of any fighting, Philip hadnā€™t exactly had much reason to visit Sunni down here. The two of them got along well enough though, both of them knowing not to discuss the mutiny as they stood silently on opposing sides.

He sniffed, ending his inspection and swinging back around to face the doctor. Knocking over a few more things as he did. ā€œDonā€™t worry lass, itā€™s not ye I be in love with.ā€ He eyed up the Sunni, heā€™d once considered himself in love with her determined, capable, way of being. It had only been for a short while before he realized his mistake.

ā€œWhat kind of bedlam do ye reckonā€™ those lassies have gotten themselves into by now?ā€ He said looking in the direction he believed shore was. Philipā€™s friendship with James might have been influencing his opinion, but he didnā€™t exactly feel like he was in capable hands with Meg.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Philip Walker Character Portrait: William Morgan III Character Portrait: Timothy Rundell
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Jack of Hearts next, right?

Wait, what about the Queen of Diamonds here?


Rudy shook his head. ā€œOne day Iā€™ll get this. . .ā€

Furrowing his brow, he finally set the Queen of Diamonds atop the Jack of Clubs. The boat creaked again as the waves gently lapped against the hull. Rudy looked up, squinting against the light of the lantern. His eyes adjusted and he looked out across the deck. His corner wasnā€™t in the way, back near the helm of the vessel, perfectly poised so anyone entering would be forced to to pass through his view. Not to mention the other deckhands and their gambling going on just on the other side of the ship. With all the eyes up front, distracted though they may be, Rudy hoped itā€™d be enough. He just had to be sure to keep a strong vigil here. Reaching down, Rudy took a small chunk of the loaf of bread heā€™d smuggled from the pantry. He held it up to the night sky, letting the moonlight filter through the rough bread edges and crumbs. To be entirely honest with himself, he wasnā€™t even sure why heā€™d stolen it in the first place. Though, whenever he was playing a game like this, especially a job like this, heā€™d always needed a snack to keep awake. Something to burn so his mind wouldnā€™t shut down. He looked back at the cards before him, each one grubby, bent and warped from his pockets. Even a lot of the faces and colors were faded from the salt-sea air. But still, they were his, pilfered from his auntā€™s pockets ages ago. He drew the next card,

An Ace.

Rudy cursed silently. Patience was something he didnā€™t like playing, hell heā€™d only picked it up to have something to do while the crew was away. He was piss-poor at the game, didnā€™t have the foresight required to get any further than a single completed stack, anything else became a complete mess of cards and colors. He squinted at the cards, biting his thumb. He put the Ace atop the Ten of Spades, that set was dead now. Rudy shrugged, drawing another card.

A two ofā€” A heavy thud snapped Rudyā€™s eyeā€™s to attention. ā€Oi, whomever ā€˜at is better watch it!ā€ Muffled, amid the gentle zephyrs and gurgles, was the soft humming of Bill.

Rudy smiled in relief. Had anyone else seen him, they may have questioned his bowl of almost certainly stolen food. To be sure it was worth the trouble, he took a few more bites of the loaf. Thereā€™s no way this much starch would be good for him, nor would the absolute quantity of food. Still he ripped into the bread. Each bite getting harder and harder to swallow. Finally he stopped. His stomach sufficiently full and his game now almost completely given up, he opted to instead lay back for a moment. There was no way any intruder could sneak onto the ship without making noise that wouldnā€™t alert him or someone else. Besides, he just wanted to lay back for a minute, and stare up at the stars. Here, on the boat, he felt like he could go anywhere. Hell even those distant points of light didnā€™t seem so far away when under a set of sails. His eyes closed for a second, then fluttered open.

The haze of a full stomach on a lazy night began to creep in. Slowly the cries of inebriated merriment fell from the air, and it was only Rudy, the stars, and the teasing of the wind and waves. He raised a hand, as if to shake a hand with the starlight and his eyes closed for the last time.

By the time Phil drunkenly stumbled past, Rudy was sailing into the void amidst the waves of stars, cannons firing comets into the craters of the moon. Truly, Rudy thought, The Stardust has earned her name.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Philip Walker Character Portrait: Tessa Locke Character Portrait: Valentina De la Torre Character Portrait: Pyon Sun-Ah Character Portrait: Rosia Hienrik Character Portrait: Meghan Cunningham
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M e g X| | XJ a m e s

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H e l l f i r e | | M i d a s

C a p t a i n | | P r i s o n e r

#e6b800 | | #B00000






XXXXAs soon as the sole of Meg's boot touched the wood of The Stardust a calming sensation moved through her body, causing her muscles to relax. The Stardust might not be Meg's ship, but she was home. Ever since she laid eyes on the navy blue masts and dark wood, she loved her. She was her ship whether James liked it or not. She stuck out her hand and ran it over the wood of the side just as Rosia crowed from behind her, "Cap'n on deck!" She smiled softly, rolling her eyes just at a tad at the formality. Nice to have a first mate, She thought. She closed her eyes a moment and when she opened them again, the nostalgic Meg was gone and was replaced by Captain Meghan Cunningham.

"Look alive ye scallywags!" She yelled to her crew. "We've returned with the updated map and will set sail within the hour! Just in case we've got Land King men on our tails!" She looked at the near-empty deck, and her eyes narrowed. Where was her crew? "First Mate!" She turned to Rosia, "Find me crew and tell them all hands on deck. I want Philip on the helm and Tessa in the rigging. Have Vera make a nice dinner for everyone including that rat down in our brig." She started towards her room and paused. She turned back towards Rosia. "Oh, and tell Sunni I'll come by in a bit. I know she gets a tad lonely when we're out on land." And she secretly wanted to see what her surgeon thought of the dress. Not that she'd ever admit it to anyone.

Instead of going to her quarters to change, she made her way towards the ship's brig to visit their prisoner.

XXXXJames's wishes for a drink and company were quickly answered. Just as his song died on his lips, he heard boots coming down the wooden steps to the brig. The man had addressed him as captain and then a filthy traitor which made his hand curl into a fist but with a deep breath, he relaxed again. It wasn't Bill's fault he was in the situation. It was his own. "Aye. A drink would be grand, Mate." He paid little mind to Bill's comment on him being free shortly. If the pirate was daft enough to free him without the order of his captain, it could very well be his head. At least, that's how traditional pirating was done. James... he'd yell about it, but in the end, he probably would do nothing. Bill was family. This crew was family. They just... needed a reminder. They'll let him out. They had to...

As Bill's boots retreated back up the stairs he yelled. "Bring me rum you bilge rat! Not grog!" More quietly he said, "The stuff tastes like... well like you're kissing a lemon. A dirty, rum soaked lemon." There was a clanging as someone brought supplies on board. James swiveled his head to get a better look and spotted Vale, the ship's navigator, and Tessa, the ship's master rigger. Then again they were pirates. There should be no shame in it. Tessa's mouth was even worse than his own. Why the two were stowing supplies he wasn't sure considering both of their duties lie on the ship's deck. Meg would want them up there. That is... unless she was already failing at being a pirate captain. He gave a small arrogant smirk which was wiped away in surprise when Vale came bounding up to him with Tessa's hat in her hand. Inside the hat was a small bird.

He rose to his knees and moved towards the bars. He stuck his hand through and reached to touch the top of the bird's head lightly. It was soft and so very small. "It looks sick..." he said softly. He raised his eyes to Vale's and said, "Does Meg know you've brought aboard a bird?" He looked back down at the winged creature and whispered, "Even still. Best you bring it to Sunni. See if she can patch the thing up." He knew their ship's surgeon was more of a people person, it was possible she'd know what was wrong with the bird.

He heard the clicking of heels coming down the stairs and he looked over in confusion. As far as he knew, no one on board wore the types of heals that would make such a racket. Except maybe Vera, but it was uncommon. When he saw the redhead of Hellfire striding towards him, decked out in finery... he laughed. "Why Meghan Cunningham! You look like a wolf in sheep's clothing!" He guffawed. "My word what an outfit!"

Meg stood on the other side of the bars of James cell, watching him laugh with an unamused expression on her face. She had come down here to give the news about the map and to inform the former captain that... if he wanted he could be captain again he just... had to take a chance for once. His luck would see them through, she knew it, but now...

"Tessa." She said sternly, command hardening her tone. "Valentina." She didn't look at them, but when she felt their attention turn to her, she continued. "To the deck." With a seething glare at James, she added, Now. Before Vale passed she stopped her and said, "Wait here," She pulled the map from her garter and handed it to her navigator.

When they were gone, she stepped towards the bars... and in one quick movement, she had James by his shirt and pulled him towards her. His face nearly met the metal and he cussed quietly. "You will not make fun of me in front of my crew again, is that understood?" She said, her words laced with anger. "Is that understood?" James just nodded, shocked at Meg's sudden mood change.

"Good." She released him. "I came to tell you that we had the map and that your position was free to be taken back, but I think I'll keep it instead." She smirked at him, her eyes burning like the hair on her head.

James glared back at her. "You won't make it a week without me. You're a quartermaster, Meghan. Not a captain. This is my ship. My crew. And I'll be damned to Davy Jones's locker if I just hand it over to the likes of you."

A sadness spread through her core, dousing the burning fires of her anger. "You were my friend you know. I didn't want this to happen... you left me no choice you were--"

"In the way? Yes. I suppose I was."

"This treasure is my birthright, James. My parents--"

"Died looking for it. Yes, so I've heard. But are you really willing to sacrifice their lives for your... suicide attempt?"

"I gave everyone a choice. No one is doing this blindly, James." She turned from his cell. "I'll have Vera bring you a meal." And with that she flounced back up the stairs. Tears prickled in her eyes. She was so frustrated with him. She blinked them away, took a deep breath, and went below decks once more to find her favorite surgeon.

"Sunni!" She called right before entering the room. "There is good news and bad news! The good new is we got the map. The bad news is I had to wear this--" She looked up as she entered and saw her helmsman and her surgeon sitting close. Philip was drunk which was just fantastic. She crossed her arms, her frustration easily racing back to her. "Am I interrupting something?"

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Philip Walker Character Portrait: Tessa Locke Character Portrait: Valentina De la Torre Character Portrait: Pyon Sun-Ah Character Portrait: Rosia Hienrik Character Portrait: Meghan Cunningham
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xRosia ā€œJack" Hienrik


Everybody in the world knows

Everybody in the world knows
Everybody in the world knows
Everybody in the world knows

I'm a little twisted, twisted

I'm a little twisted, twisted
I'm a little twisted, twisted
I'm a little twisted, twisted
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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxThe Mate//#7C674A
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Rosia stayed towards the back of the three women as they walked back towards the ship, finally arriving after a short walk. Watching Meg and Vera step on board, a small but quick idea popped into her head, one she acted on very quickly. ā€œCapā€™n on deck!ā€ Rosia shouted, giggling a little to herself before pushing past Vera little to get a view of the deck. Well, she didnā€™t mean to really push past her, but the dress she was wearing didnā€™t exactly make it easy get by them. When Rosia looked around the ship she was surprised, by not what she saw, but what she didnā€™t see. She was honestly expecting the others to already be on deck waiting for them to leave, but there was barely a soul on the deck, though she did notice little Rudy laying about.

"First Mate!" Rosia heard Meg call for her, making her jump a little. ā€œAye!ā€ Rosia quickly responded, and listening to what Meg was saying to her. Rosia quickly nodded. ā€œWill do Capā€™n Hellfire.ā€ Rosia said as she went to start heading below deck. She stopped and nodded again after hearing a follow up to let Sunni know she was going to stop by. Rosia tore her tight shoes off leaving her barefoot, and headed towards the stairs, going past Bill and taking his grog out of his hand. ā€œTā€™anks for the drink Py. Hellfire wants all ye on deck.ā€ Rosia said with a smirk darting below deck, guessing Pyrite wouldnā€™t follow her after hearing what she said.

First Rosia ended up running into Julian and the rest of the gunner crew first, jumping onto Julianā€™s back, though it was more difficult than she expected with her dress, taking a sip of the drink she stole from Bill. ā€œEy Big Dragon, Capā€™n wants you anā€™ gunners on deck. Whole crew anā€™ such. See you upon top.ā€ Rosia handed off the grog Julian and continued throughout the ship to find the others, but next thing she knew saw Tessa and Vale coming up from the brig. ā€œEy? Riggknot, Tempest. Why were yeā€™ not on deck when we arrived? ā€˜Nyways, Capā€™n wants to part soon. I not need to say ā€˜ere she wants you?ā€ Rosia asked, she knew both of her crewmates knew their job, and she took off again, not even noticing the small birdie.

Rosia thought about getting food, but quickly remembered she was supposed to tell Sunni about Meg visiting her, plus she still hadnā€™t found Nameless. Sunniā€™s room was only around the corner so it wouldnā€™t be a long walk. Rosia opened the door and stepped in, surprised to see Nameless here with Sunni. ā€œHellfire will be ā€˜ere soon. Anā€™ she wants Nameless at the helm.ā€ Quickly after she had finished talking Meg walked in, talking about her dress. Luckily she snuck out behind her when sh was confused to see Nameless with Sunni.

After running around the ship in the uncomfortable dress, Rosia stumbled into Veraā€™s kitchen and snuck a small potato, equally exhausted and hungry from everything. Rosia assumed that she was probably changing since she wasnā€™t here in the kitchen. As Rosia went to sat down she made a little ruckus and knocked over a chair. ā€œI am goinā€™ to cut tis dress up!ā€ She shouted to herself as she put her snack down and started messing with her dress, almost looking like a feral animal.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Philip Walker Character Portrait: Tessa Locke Character Portrait: Valentina De la Torre Character Portrait: Pyon Sun-Ah Character Portrait: Meghan Cunningham Character Portrait: William Morgan III
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The manifest is set, release the mooring lines
From the top, from the nest, looks the perfect night

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So Iā€™ve gone out to sea
But this time itā€™s gonna be a burial for meļ»æ!

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Bill had just gotten out of the stores, hearing Meg's orders. He was just about to command the gunner crew and Leigh before he was interrupted by Rosia, who took his grog that he was about to serve James.
ā€œTā€™anks for the drink Py. Hellfire wants all ye on deck.ā€
Bill annoyingly called after her as she darted below deck. He didn't want to follow her, the ship was about to start sailing. She ran down the stairs barefoot, leaving Bill again wondering how a person as small and thin like her was so fast. She always seemed so tireless, yet Bill had the instinct to protect her since the minute he met her. She was like a little sister to him.
"Don't drink too much o' that, Rosie!"
Bill looked around, seeing the crew on deck getting ready, though calling the rest was still necessary. He naturally had a loud voice from singing and the occasional bellowing of orders, eventually taking a deep breath and shouting.
"Weigh anchor and hoist the Mizzen! Get the Stardust ready lads!"
That was enough to get the gunners and some of the crew going. Meredith, better known as Sharktooth, hurried onto the deck. She was carrying her spear and hastily approached Bill.
"Are we gon' start sailin', sir?" She seemed tense as she asked Bill.
"Aye. Call meh' Bill, though." Bill watched the Gunner Crew jump down from the forecastle deck, getting ready to raise the anchor. Raising the anchor was tedious, which was why Bill often didn't participate in the activity.
He quickly rushed down into the ship, passing several crew members. He was quick on his feet as he hurried to get another drink for James, noticing that Jules was carrying the tankard Bill planned to hand to James. The grog sloshed around in the tankard instead of the rum James had wished for.
"Get on deck. Crew needs th' arm o' th' dragon."Bill gave a grin to his friend before he eventually passed the crew's quarters and climbed down into the Stores. Like most other bottom level rooms, the Stores smelled like saltwater. Bill's soles were wet as he looked around in the cold and dark storage room. Barrels filled to the brim with cannonballs and some rations were kept here, though the part further back in the Stores contained some barrels of alcohol, where most of the crew would get their beverages from. Bill grabbed a tankard from a small table and tapped grog. The cup was half-filled with grog, and it had the typical smell and color of fresh grog.
But James had asked for rum...
Bill found the barrel for rum and filled the rest of the tankard with it. The beverage adopted the typical smell and color of rum. Bill held the tankard over his mouth and dripped some beads of the half-grog-half-rum beverage. Perfect.
It had the flavor of the 'dirty, rum-soaked lemon' but was perfectly disguised as a fresh, tapped tankard of amber rum. Bill quickly barged through, walking to the brig at the other side of the ship after walking along the hold. Sometimes, Bill would be isolated, resting in this bottom level of the ship. He had haunting memories from his past he hadn't shared with anyone. No one, not even him, knew anything about the strange burnt markings on his body and the same engravings in his cutlass.
He finally saw James and gave him the tankard.
"Enjoy, lad." Bill darted back up to the deck, not looking James in the eye in fear of him figuring out, though he realized that even if James did, he wouldn't be able to do anything about it.
Within the matter of a minute, he was back on the deck. He panted, trying to breathe steadily as he watched the Stardust release itself from the mainland.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Philip Walker Character Portrait: Tessa Locke Character Portrait: Valentina De la Torre Character Portrait: Rosia Hienrik Character Portrait: Meghan Cunningham Character Portrait: William Morgan III
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J U L I A NX| | XD R A G O N

| Master Gunner |
| #B02E04 |
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Julian tipped his head back and put the long cigar to his lips, looking up at the evening sky and listening to the sounds of port. These last two months had flown by, but each day seemed to drag on far longer than necessary, and to day was, for the first time in awhile, blissfully short. Jules was certainly not one for reconnaissance or stealthy work, he was much too conspicuous for that, so he took pleasure in his evening off by reclining on deck, watching the motley crew of hardened pirates and miscreats get sufficiently pissed after a week of surprises and mutiny.

It hadnā€™t really taken Julian by surprise when Hellfire made her intentions clear, and as much as he respected Midas, he frankly had to agree with her. The thought of treasure, no matter how dangerous the journey, was worth it for the dent it would put in his goal. Yes, Julian knew, as he took a long drag of the cigar, this was the start of a journey he wouldnā€™t regret. With one last puff he stood and made his way over to the group of drinkers, standing just outside their circle to listen to Bill sing a shanty and give his usual rousing cheers to the crew. Jules raised his cigar in response and gave a thoughtful smile as he watched the other man make his way down out of sight, no doubt going to speak with the captain.

Loyalty was a funny thing indeed. He looked out portside and wondered how the lassies were doing with their land-legs, they were probably getting up to some sort of trouble for the sake of this crew, and he chuckled to himself, leaning back on the hull and continuing to watch the festivities. He spotted Rudy across the deck, playing cards, and looking up at the sky, and watched as Nameless too made his way across the deck, staggering a little in his buzzed stupor. Julian stood once more and made his way towards his quarters, running into two of the returned lassies on his way. He grinned at both of them and their barrel and continued down, entering his quarters to find his cigar box and replace the no longer smouldering cigar into its place. He sighed. It was too quiet.

Making his way out of his quarters again, Jules heard the telltale murmurs of a few of his gunner crew, and he found them drinking in the mess hall with the door wide open, inviting any and all to come and join them.

ā€œAye ya brutes,ā€ Julian leaned in the side of the door, grinning cheekily at his good friends. ā€œWhaā€™s going on in here?ā€The group cheered a bit at his appearance, and Mead waved him to a seat next to him. He entered the room and sat down at the pulled out chair, joining in their lulls of friendly banter and conversation.

After a while, footsteps sounded on the deck above them, and Julian figured that the daring rest of the lassies yas returned. He stood preemptively to make his way up to the upper deck when little Jack came running down the steps just outside the door. She vaulted herself onto his back and he turned away from her to let her get a grip around his neck.

ā€œEy Big Dragon, Capā€™n wants you anā€™ gunners on deck. Whole crew anā€™ such. See you upon top.ā€ she said, thrusting a mug of grog into his hands. He stepped back and she jumped of as Julian watched her continue to dash down the hallway, making noise as she went. He shook his head and turned back toward the gunners, motioning them out the door.

ā€œCā€™mon you lot, weā€™re need on deck.ā€ they scrambled up after him. He turned to go up the steps as Bill rushed down past him, grinning.

"Get on deck. Crew needs th' arm o' th' dragon." Bill jested, rushing past. Jules rolled his eyes and smiled after him.

ā€œAye AYE, Iā€™m goinā€™, Iā€™m goinā€™, good lord!ā€ he clambered up the stairs and set the mug of grog on a barrel on deck, then made his way toward the red hair of the current captain. The rest of his gunner crew scrambled down from the forecastle and he went over to stand with them as others joined them on deck.

They were off to the seas again, leaving this port behind for the next. Everything was ready and restocked, and Julian felt his heart swell in his chest. This is what he lived for, the open seas, ports fading off into the distance. He watched others join him on deck and waved Bill over to put an strong arm around the man as they waited for their Hellfire to tell them the news of their journey and results of their little conquest on land. He wondered where all of this was going, but he trusted the people in this crew. They would figure it out.

ā€œAlright there, Bill?ā€

Setting

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Character Portrait: Philip Walker Character Portrait: William Morgan III Character Portrait: Julian Bailey Character Portrait: Timothy Rundell
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"Alright there, Bill?" Jules repeated, turning to the currently ragged looking man to his right.
Bill panted, holding a tankard he had grabbed and filled with rum while on the way back to deck.
"Yeh... When am I not is th' question!" He chuckled, filling his mouth with the dark, almost ink black rum, before spitting out most of the gulp.
"KRAKEN RUM!? MORE LIKE KRAKEN'S PISS! SHIVER ME TIMBERS." He realized what he had just yelled, looking around deck cautiously. "Was th't too loud?"
Julian gave a bark of laughter and clapped Bill on the back, grinning. "Aye matey, twas a bit loud." He looked into the mug in Bill's hand, eyeing the dark rum. "Nothing we ave'nt heard before... Where th' 'ell is that from? Looks dangerous."
Bill shook his head.
"It's the darned rum from th' Stores. I'd much rather drink gro-" Alistair 'Scotch' Campbell, a part of the Gunner Crew, approached Bill and Jules after raising the anchor with his crewmates. "Shiver me timbers, I was noticed." Bill mumbled, before turning towards the gunner. "Sir Alistair of Dundee, may I be of service?" He gave an ironic bow as Scotch winced.
"What should we do now, sir?"
Bill narrowed his eyes.
"Why do all th' lads call me a sir? Here, look at meh, do I look like a damned sir?" He turned towards Jules, but left him no time to answer as he swiftly turned back towards Scotch.
"Na, I don't. Call me Bill, Alistair. Oh, and, ask ye Master Gunner if ye don' know wh't to do."
"Jules?"
Jules shook his head at his good friend and chuckled, patting him on the shoulder. He stepped forward and eyed Scotch up and down.
"Well, is all the work done that needs to be done?" He raised a dark eyebrow, and the commanding look was ruined by the soft smile on his face. Jules knew that Scotch understood his usual orders, and also knew that Scotch had likely completed every task with a skilled hand.
"Anch'r is raised and the cannons are ready. It's a matter o' time 'till the Master Rigger takes care o' the sails."
"Aye, Riggknot's arready on 'er way." He looked past Scotch towards the hatless woman who had passed him only moments earlier, scowl on her face. "Nothin' to do until little Hellfire graces us with 'er presence on deck."
"LADS! GET THE SAILS READY." Bill shouted orders once again. "We don't wanna piss Riggknot and Hellfire off." He mumbled loud enough for Jules and Scotch to hear. Most of the crew knew that Bill almost only used proper names and only used the pirate nicknames as a joke or when he was vexed or drunk.
Jules turned back to Bill at the mention of their current captain. He knew that Bill was uncomfortable with the whole situation, mutiny was not something to be taken lightly, especially in a crew as loyal and driven as this one.
"We'll figur' it out, Pyrite," He directed this reassurance with the nickname in response to the man's use of the others. "Somethin; will come of everythin' that's happened, whether it's good or bad, we'll see."
"Well, lad. All we can do..." Bill took a short dramatic pause (Jules rolled his eyes good-naturedly at his friend's antics), taking his tankard and preparing to take a huge gulp.
"Is drink!"
He drained the tankard, with his face visibly cowering in pure disgust.
"SHIVER ME TIMBERS, THAT'S BAD!"
Jules didn't hide his cackling this time and smacked Bill on the back again.
"Arright ye dogs," he announced, addressing the gunners who looked over at the exchange. "If Riggknot gives ye orders, listen to 'er, if Hellfire comes on deck, line up all serious-like." He waved them off back to their own jobs and conversations, then turned toward the helm, looking to see if Nameless and Rudy were making any headway at the helm. Bill looked to see Jules eyeing the two at the helm, peering around deck to see a crewmate coming up the stairs.
"Leigh!" The ship's carpenter was back on the deck after getting ready in the quarters, looking at Bill curiously as he called her name.
"Help Nameless and Rudy out at th' helm, will ye'? T'anks."
She nodded, making her way towards the helm. She was used to dealing with crewmates, especially drunken ones.
"C'mon then, let's man the sails with Ale, I think he needs help,"
Jules looked over at the one man who was doing their work for them and started heading over to help after hearing him.


"YES I FUCKEN NEED HELP, LADS!" Ale said with a visible strain.



ā€œOi.ā€

Rudy was a practiced heavy sleeper. Living on a boat chock full of loud, (and often drunk), pirates with heavy amounts of explosives always ay arms reach had done that to him. But with the light kick of a heavy boot, the hundreds of noises heā€™d been blocking out came rushing back. Meg and Rosia yelling. Vera stomping down towards her kitchen. The Gunner Crew finishing their supply and stocking runs just beneath his head. And most prominently, Phillip calling for him.

ā€œI be needing ye help. So come along boy.ā€

Struggling to his feet, Rudy rubbed his eyes. The various lights were too bright, and the shadows were too dark, melting the whole scene on the boat into one of a watercolor painting. Suddenly, his brain finally kicking back into gear, Rudy gathered his cards together and tucked the bowl, now full of crumbs, behind a nearby barrel. Shoving the cards into his pocket, he followed the staggering helmsman up to the wheel.

"See boy, I was a lad much younger than ye when I learned." Philip said motioning towards the wheel with his mug of ale, spilling a good amount of it as he did. "Get on with ye then, take the wheel."

By the time Rudy had been unceremoniously shoved onto the wheel, he was still blinking the sleep from his eyes. Still groggily tipping back in forth, he was more holding the wheel for support than for anything else. The swaying of the boat was only matched by the swaying of his new tutor. ā€œWhat exactly am I supposed to be doing with the wheel?ā€

Philip sighed and looked out on the waves, small as they were so close to the dock. This was where he truly belonged, at the helm of a ship, with wind in his hair. "To really be made for life on these seas ye got to feel it your guts boy."

ā€œA feelā€¦?ā€ Rudy looked over his shoulder. ā€œWhatā€™n the hell is ā€˜at supposed to mean?ā€

Rudy turned to fully look at Phillip, gazing off into the distance. ā€Ey! Nameless, ya damned fiend, Iā€™mma need some actual instruction erā€™e.ā€

He turned back to Rudy still manning the wheel and slapped him across the back. "What ye doin'? We want to be takin' this ship away from land. Not ridin' it ashore." Philip motioned for the boy to turn the wheel to the right.

Looking to the right, Rudy smiled. ā€œAye aye. Starboard it is, Mister.ā€ Giving the wheel a turn, he laughed. No wonder Phillip liked the wheel, the power. The control. While the pilot plotted the course, you were the one moving the ship. Even if that ship was moving rather slowly.



"It's not the first lover ye ever bedded. Ye don't need to play with it first."Philip said grabbing the wheel off Rudy and roughly wrenched the wheel around to the right with a lot more force than Rudy had been using. And the ship did indeed swerve the right, but the jerkiness of the movement resulted in an unaware Philip being on the receiving end of some glares from the deck.

"EASY ON TH' WHEEL, DAMMIT! NAMELESS IS THREE SHEETS TO THE WIND!"

"AYE, SAYS THE SAILOR SHOUTING SHANTIES TILL EARLY MORN!" Philip yelled back down the deck to his biggest critic. Then he turned to Rudy and slung and arm around the smaller boy's shoulders. "Let me be tellin' you boy. Everyone 'ere think they be doing ye job better then ye."

Stifling a laugh, Rudy avoided Phillipā€™s eyes. ā€œā€˜Specially when yeā€™ve been powdering hair for the last two hours. Youā€™re drunk as the damn rats at the distillery.ā€ Rudy whispered.

That was when Leigh appeared, taking the mug out of Philip's hand. He shrugged, agreeing that perhaps he'd had enough tonight.
"A drink while steering? Come on, Philip."
"Aye, I'm not steerin'. The boy is." Philip stepped back from the wheel and let Rudy take full control again. "And don't ye go spreadin' that name around. Would'n want Bill thinkin' his rumor was goin' to waste."
Leigh rolled her eyes, taking a short peek at Rudy, who was having a difficult time at the wheel.
"I'll take th' wheel. The boy needs rest, Nameless."
"Aye, but th' boys a natural. He's got it in his guts he has." Philip slapped Rudy on the back once more to be sure, unaware of how exactly how well his teaching had gone. He nodded to Leigh and headed away from the helm. "If Leigh's got the wheel then, why don't ye go fetch us some grub boy?"

Pride swelled up in Rudy, as he puffed out his chest. ā€Well aā€™course I am! Iā€™m a natural born at everything. Natural pirate, taste tester, powder monkey of course, and helmsman. Not a natural scholar, unfortunately. Neā€™er did get the hang oā€™ that one. But even then, Iā€™m better than you lads! You watchout now Mister Nameless, Iā€™ve gotchā€™er number and itā€™s your job Iā€™m coming for next!ā€ It was about here in his speech that Rudy realized nobody was listening.

His ego bruised, he deflated. Canā€™t win ā€˜em all. At the mention of food, however Rudyā€™s eyes reignited, their spark returning. Vera! Donā€™t you men worry none. Youā€™re about to see a natural food-wrangler as well!ā€ Rudy took off from the helm, running into the depths of the ship, past the battery, past the quarters, straight into the kitchen. ā€Miss Vera! Iā€™m here to request food on behalf ofā€”ā€ The kitchen, while lit and full of piping hot food, was completely unattended. ā€Damn. Dogs couldā€™a gotten it ā€˜emselves.ā€

Leigh put aside the two planks she was holding and laid her hands on the wheel after Rudy had left. She often had a mundane task and uncommonly had to repair or board up the ship, and she would usually spend her time with the gunners or Bill and Philip.
They had been sailing for quite a bit now and the warm, gold color of dawn would eventually slowly overtake the dark, moonlit nightfall. Under the starry night sky, the silhouette of Hartford Island slowly faded.

"A beautiful sight that is, the shore fadin' away like a woman in th' night."

Unceremoniously grabbing a larger plate, Rudy poured the stew into several bowls, arranging each on the plate. He stood to leave, grabbing the collection. It was only just as he was about to leave, when he noticed the lack of spoons. Chuckling to himself, Rudy set the bowls down and grabbed a single spoon. He dropped the spoon in his pocket, grabbed the rest of the food, and made his way back up to the deck. ā€Itā€™s what they get. Makin me get the food, didnā€™t even get to run into Vera. Whereā€™d the hell she be, anyhow?ā€ Finally reaching the top deck Rudy called out, ā€Oi! Nameless. Bill. Getā€™cher arses here and grab some stew foreā€™ I eat myself or feed the damned fish with it!ā€ As his eyes scanned the deck, they landed on a girl. An unfamiliar one. A stranger. His voice dropping in pitch and volume, he asked; ā€Who the hell is this?ā€

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Philip Walker Character Portrait: Tessa Locke Character Portrait: Valentina De la Torre Character Portrait: Pyon Sun-Ah Character Portrait: Rosia Hienrik Character Portrait: Meghan Cunningham
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M e g
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H e l l f i r e
C a p t a i n
#e6b800

>Four Days Later<
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XXXXOnce they left the island of Hartford, Meg had requested that Vale set a course for the smaller islands off the coast of Snitinlos. These small islands were really part of the Guicona territory, but they were so far from the mainland that they remained empty. Well... empty of people. The islands were used as storage for the Land king's men as they sailed from island to island. They were also used by pirates. James's crew had been multiple times to stock up when they expected to be on a long journey across the sea. Or, like in this specific instance, they were being chased and they needed supplies fast.

The island typically contained alcohols, nonperishables, and barrels upon barrels of fresh water. Meg knew water would be the most important. You can go for days without food but not very long without water. And while they'd be surrounded by water on their journey, Meg knew that the ocean wasn't a water source. So, they were there for the water, some of the nonperishables, and whatever fruit, veggies, and meat they could find. Sometimes they found a few barrels of goods that were fruit and vegetables based, but they were only there when the king's men had dropped them off to be back for them shortly.

As she stood on forecastle, salty sea breezes blowing through her hair, Meg took a deep, relaxing breath. She so badly wanted to dive into the sea and swim for an hour instead of lug supplies to and from the ship. They had reached the island now and Meg decided she'd split the crew into two groups. Half would stay on the ship and keep a lookout for enemies and the other half would go on land to haul off goods. She wanted Rosia with her on land. As the first mate, she was technically Meg's second in command due to lack of a quartermaster. She wanted Tessa on the ship to keep an eye on the ship for her. While Bill was the boatswain, she wasn't sure she could trust him just yet. He was the one opposed to the mutiny. Vale would be good to have on land in case they came across any trouble. Bill and Philip she wanted on land with her. Both so she could keep an eye on them and so they could do some heavy lifting. She had a difficult time deciding whether or not to bring Jules. Primarily because he was excellent for heavy lifting, but if trouble arrived on the seas he would need to ready the crew that remained there. So Jules would have to stay. Rudy will be staying too. Meg wanted him up in the crow's nest to keep watch. They really needed someone devoted to lookout so Rudy could help Jules more easily. Vera and Eva will need to stay as well.

Meg felt guilty about having to leave Vera behind, but she wasn't sure Eva was trusted enough on land and they needed people watching the ship. She had enough people joining her on land. She'd have to look for something special to bring back for Vera. Maybe a sack of sugar if they had it.

As Eva came to mind, Meg realized she still hadn't figured out who had brought the girl on board. However... she was spending a good amount of time with Tessa. Meg's stomach squeezed a little at the possibility of her friend doing such a thing without even telling her after the fact. She would have to talk to her before they left.

Which reminded her... she needed to inform James of their leaving. Not to request permission or even because she was in the habit of informing her prisoners of her whereabouts. James was different. James had been a friend. And... maybe she could convince him that things were going to be worth it. As she made her way down to the bring, she decided that she'd give orders when she returned to the deck.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Philip Walker Character Portrait: Tessa Locke Character Portrait: Valentina De la Torre Character Portrait: Pyon Sun-Ah Character Portrait: Rosia Hienrik Character Portrait: Meghan Cunningham
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R o s i a X| | T e s s a | | XE v a

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XXXXEva smiled as she saw Tessa. She had unintentionally been hanging around Tessa more than she should have. She had been avoiding Vale like the plague. Evangeline didnā€™t want to get her dearest friend hurt by Meg. Since Tessa was with Vale when they met, she decided to stick to her. Eva felt like she could trust the blue eyed woman. It hadnā€™t clicked for her that if she hung around Tessa, people would think she brought her on the ship. Tessaā€™s back was to Eva, so it was easy for Eva to walk right up behind her. She went on tippy toes and stroked Mangoā€™s, the bird they had found, head with a finger. He was sitting comfortably on Tessaā€™s hat. The little fella, who they assumed was a fella, seemed to be doing better.

ā€œHello Mango, is Tessa being nice to you?ā€ she asked. Tessa jumped hearing the voice behind her. She was getting ready to punch whoever it was but stopped short seeing it was Eva and scolded her.

ā€œFuck do you want now?ā€ Tessa said, the scold on her face not easing up. Evangeline flashed Tessa a smile.The woman did amused her.

ā€œI just want to spend time with Mango. You seem to be hoarding him,ā€ she said playfully. Tessa turned to start walking away, looking at some nearby ropes.

ā€œIt isnā€™t my fault little birdie wonā€™t get off my damn hat,ā€ Tessa said as she walked.

ā€œWell...can I have your hat then? Iā€™ll give it back to you once I get him on my shoulder or something,ā€ she replied. Eva walked alongside Tessa to keep the conversation going.

ā€œFuck no. You cannot touch me hat. Fuck off,ā€ Tessa said, not sounding as angry as she would when speaking to others. Eva placed a hand on Tessaā€™s shoulder to try to get her to stop walking. ā€œPlease?ā€ she asked.

ā€œHmmm,ā€ Tessa stopped for a moment and looked at her. ā€œFuck your please.ā€

ā€œIf you said please when we met at the tavern, you wouldnā€™t owe me a drink,ā€ she replied, only risking the words as no one was nearby. Eva got on her tippy toes again. Carefully, but quickly, she lifted Tessaā€™s hat off her head. ā€œI am going to check on James. I donā€™t think he has seen Mango since I got here,ā€ she added before she headed down to the brig. As she walked, she placed Mango on her shoulder.

Rosia had just woken up from a small nap upon the crowsnest when she heard some talk below her. As she rolled over and peaked her head over the edge she watched as Tessa and the stowaway interacted. Tessa seemed to have taking a liking to the girl. She giggled to herself when she heard Tessa curse at the lady for asking to touch her hat. But when she heard the stowaway talk about a tavern, Rosia stopped giggling and was confused, The ship hadnā€™t docked for days, how would they gone to a tavern toge- Rosia interrupted her own thoughts with a gasp, realizing it was Tessa who had brought the stowaway onboard.

Tessa followed after Eva, trying her damndest to get her hat back. As she followed, she muttered curses under her breath. Though they were directed at Eva, she wasnā€™t expecting the girl to actually listen to a word she was saying. ā€œYa donā€™t need to grab someoneā€™s hat like that. Just take the fuckinā€™ birdie, donā€™t need my whole fuckinā€™ hat.ā€ Eva stopped in front of bars that kept James a prisoner. She looked away from him to look at Tessa.

ā€œI said I would give it back once I got him off the hat, but you refused to give me the hat,ā€ she replied, matter of factly. Her gaze returned to James. Tessaā€™s hat was held between her hands. She smiled at James. ā€œHow are you are you today James? I brought Mango down to see you.ā€

ā€œAhoy there, James,ā€ Tessa said with a small wave as she tried to grab her hat. Eva turned slightly, so Tessa couldnā€™t grab her hat. Mango was on her shoulder, but she didnā€™t want to give the hat back yet..

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James had been in the brig for four days. Well five if you count the day before they actually left port. He had been visited a couple times by the crew and by Eva. Apparently Meg hadnā€™t chewed her up and spit her out. In fact, it seems she had made her a member of the crew. It surprised him, but he couldnā€™t deny that he was glad. He rubbed at the stubble forming on his chin and continued his song, ā€Nobody knows the trouble Iā€™ve seen. Nobody knowsā€¦ me sorrow.ā€

He heard voices and footsteps coming down the stairs and into the brig. The first person to make their appearance was Eva, a familiar hat in her hands and an orange and green bird on her shoulder who was looking much better than when he last saw him. A smile formed on his face, but it quickly turned to one of distress when he saw the scowling woman stalking up behind Eva. Oh Tessa was angry.

Eva greeted him first. He was about to respond when Tessa interrupted with a greeting of her own. He gave a strained smile, feeling the tension in the air. James had known Tessa long enough to know two things: Donā€™t make her angry and never, ever touch the hat. Unless you were Vale. ā€ā€™Ello Eva. Tessa. What brings you to me quarters on this fineā€¦ā€ He glanced to the side of the ship where a small bit of light was peaking through. ā€Day?ā€

By the time Rosia roped her way down from the crowsnest, Tessa had already followed Eva downstairs, Rosia quickly followed after them below deck towards the brig. As she caught up to them, she overheard Tessa and Eva talking with James. Rosia had only come down here when she followed and helped Vera bring James food. ā€œOi! Riggknot ye turncoat! It was you that brought the stowaway onto the ship.ā€ Rosia said, announcing her presence to the others as she came down the stairs. ā€œCaptain Hellfire wonā€™t be likeā€™n this!ā€ Hearing the familiar voice, Tessa knew exactly who it was. She rolled her eyes and turned towards the voice.

ā€œOi now! Does it really fuckinā€™ matter anymore?ā€ As she spoke, Tessa made her way over. At the back of her mind she got the thought that she was lucky to always carry a spare rope around with her. ā€œLook at ā€˜er! Sheā€™s a fuckinā€™ kitten, for christ sake!ā€ She kept moving forward until she was a foot or so in front of her. ā€œDoes it really look like the girlieā€™s any harm?ā€

Rosia took a quick glance at Eva, who smiled and gave a small wave to Rosia, before looking back up at Tessa right in front of her. ā€œNay, but ye went behind the Capā€™nā€™s back.ā€ Tessa nodded at this.

ā€œAlright, if thatā€™s how yaā€™r thinkinā€™,ā€ Tessa said then cracked her knuckles. What proceeded was something that youā€™d have to see to believe it. Tessa seemed to pull what seemed to be an endless rope out of nowhere. ā€œEy, whatcha doinā€™ with th-ā€ The rope went through the air it what seemed like endless directions. There was cursing. There was kicking. There was a near escape then back into the rope hurricane that was Tessa, a mere rope, and her hands. ā€œTessa! Stop that right now!ā€ Eva scolded, crossing her arms under her chest. Tessa actually listened to this, but is was more because she was done. She stood up and Rosia seemed to fall a few centimeters onto the ground, now tied up completely with her arms bound behind her back, her legs bound, and a gag that seems to be a spare handkerchief. ā€œAye, I think that may be good enough,ā€ Tessa said showing that she may be a bit proud of herself.

James sat and stared wide eyed at the events unfolding before him. He raised an eyebrow at Rosiaā€™s accusation. So they didnā€™t know that it wasnā€™t only Tessa, but Vale as well. The fact that they had to guess meant Eva hadnā€™t told Meg. Interesting. When Tessa pulled out the rope, he honestly thought it was for Eva. I meanā€¦ she had touched the hat. He was thrown for a loop when instead she began to tie up Rosia. ā€What are ye doin?ā€ He asked them, more surprise in his voice than concern. It was the most bizzare thing to James.

Thatā€™s when Meg made her way down into the brig. She stopped short at what she saw. Her first mate tied up. Tessa, the only one who couldā€™ve tied up Rosia, standing beside her. Eva standing off to the side, Tessaā€™s hat in her hand anā€¦ is that a bird on her shoulder? She thought she had heard chirping while visiting Sunni the past couple of daysā€¦ It appears Eva wasnā€™t the only stowaway.

And James just sat there and watched. Watched her rigger tie her first mateā€¦ shit. ā€What the bloody hell is going on!?ā€ She demanded, eyes simmering. ā€Me first mate is tied up. Me rigger the culprit andā€¦ā€ Then she remembered why she wanted to talk to Tessa earlier. ā€Tessa Locke. Were you the one to bring aboard the stowaway?ā€ Her eyes narrowed. Her plan had been to pull her aside and speak to her privately but the scene before herā€¦ and with James watchingā€¦ Sheā€™d have to punish her friend or risk the crew questioning her leadership.

Hearing her name - her full name - Tessa knew then that she had fucked up. She let out a long low sigh and turned to face her captain. ā€œAye thatā€™s the question, isnā€™t it?ā€
She sighed again, and looked over at Eva then rolled her eyes. ā€œAye, this is a fuckin mess,ā€ She mumbled, putting a hand to her forehead and sighing again. ā€œI guess there be no more reason to keep it a secret nor lie.The short answer to that, Captain, is yes. Yes, I did bring the girlie aboard,ā€ Tessa admitted. Then added under her breath, ā€œEven though I didnā€™t want to.ā€ Eva very slowly, silently, walked towards Tessa as she spoke. Once she finished speaking, she took a step to the side to stand in front of Tessa. Evangeline moved the hand with the hat behind her back to give it to Tessa. Her expression was blank as she stared at Meg.

James whistled in the cell beside them. ā€Ye fucked up.ā€ Megā€™s glare turned on him and he stepped away from the bars. She turned her attention back to the women before her. ā€Iā€™m listening.ā€ She took note of the fact that Eva now stood between them. The girl was going to get herself killed one day doinā€™ that. Tessa sighed once again. She took her hat, placed it on her head, and walked around Eva until she came face to face with Meg.

ā€œThe long answer,ā€ Tessa started. ā€œI was at a whorehouse and met this lass. The lass told me she had.. No family left. As you know.. I donā€™t have any family. But I found one here on this ship. I figured ā€™oi, this young lass could use some help.ā€™ So.. I helped. Stuffed her in a barrel and here we are now.ā€ She paused a moment for it to sink in as she hoped nothing about her gave away this this was only half the truth. ā€œIā€™m sorry I hadnā€™t told you from the start, Captain. But I knew where we were going and that we didnā€™t need anyone new,ā€ She added, then stood and waited for a reply. Eva just smiled as Tessa spoke. She gave the woman a quick and tight hug from behind once she finished speaking. Evangeline was grateful and now in debt to Tessa.Though, Tessa still owed her that drink.

Meg sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, the skin tight around her eyes. ā€If you had told me sooner, it wouldā€™ve been fine.ā€ She looked up at Tessa, their blue eyes meeting. ā€But you went behind me back and you hid her.ā€ She motioned down at Rosia, still tied up. ā€Now you go and do this?ā€ She sighed, her shoulders rising with command, but slowly as if they were pushing up against an invisible weight. ā€One hour from the mast.ā€ She said simply. Tessa had been the one to string ā€˜em up so many a time. She knew what the punishment was without Meg needing to explain.

She kneeled beside her first mate, pulled the knife from her boot Meg knew she kept there, and cut her loose from the ropes. There was no untying a rope Riggknot had tied. ā€I was planning on leaving you in charge of the ship. Iā€™ll have to leave Vera to that.ā€ She returned the knife to her first mate, handle out with one hand and helped her up with the next.

Rosia wiggled out of the ropes and stood up with the help of Meg, and putting her knife back in her boot, nodding her head and thanking her captain. Rosia looked over at Tessa. ā€œYe still a turncoat...ā€ Rosia said with a slight smirk, she wasnā€™t one to hold grudges, plus it would entertain her to see Tessa hanging from the mast. Meg shot her a warning look before walking back towards the steps and up to the deck to give orders.

ā€All hands to the deck!ā€ She yelled as loudly as she could, her voice edged with anger. They would know she meant business. Once her crew assembled, she began. ā€Weā€™re going onto the island for supplies. I will be going ashore with Rosia, Vale, Sunni, Bill, and Philip. Jules, Rudy, and Eva will stay on the ship. Vera will be left in charge. And Tessa.ā€ Meg paused. Upset at the words that were about to leave her mouth. ā€Tessa is to hang by her ankles from the mast while we are gone.ā€ While she didnā€™t normally explain her orders, she felt this one needed an explanation. ā€While I donā€™t punish me crew for small indiscretions such as bringing aboard a new crew member, Tessa did so behind me back and was found tying up the first mate below deck. Because of her actions, she must undergo this punishment. Alone.ā€

She pointed to the horizon. ā€We meet back here when the sun is three hands high off the horizon. Dismissed.ā€

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Philip Walker Character Portrait: Tessa Locke Character Portrait: Valentina De la Torre Character Portrait: Pyon Sun-Ah Character Portrait: Rosia Hienrik Character Portrait: Meghan Cunningham
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J U L I A NX| | XD R A G O N

| Master Gunner |
| #B02E04 |
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It had been a long four days. There was tension among the crew members, not violent tension, but tension nonetheless. Jules tried to stay out of it as much as possible, and instead woke up early every morning, did the usual morning gun rounds with the gunners, and stayed on deck, usually with a cigar, until midday. Then they did the rounds again, and Jules supervised his crew, especially little Rudy, to ensure everything was done professionally and quickly.

On the second day, Jules finally noticed the new young woman on the ship, somehow not noticing her at dinner the night before. He asked her questions about herself, and she called him Mama Bear teasingly. She was a polite girl, vaguely secretive, but werenā€™t they all. Jules hadnā€™t seen James all that much. Heā€™d delivered food once or twice, and the two had made some effort to talk to one another, but it was odd. Jules supported both Meg and James, each for different reasons, and he wasnā€™t quite sure how to express that to either person.

On the fourth day, he heard the call of land ho! from the deck, and looked out at the approaching island. He adjusted the black band around his arm. Two months, five days, and thirteen hours. He had no idea how long he would keep count for, but the guilt still ate at the back of his mind and he took a drag from the cigar in his hand. It was, at least, a sunny day, that made the guilt feel a little less intrusive. Steps sounded coming up from the brig, and Hellfire made her way purposefully on deck.

ā€Capā€™n on deck,ā€ Jules muttered under his breath, and put out his cigar between his calloused fingers and sticking it in his chest pocket.

ā€All hands to the deck! Weā€™re going onto the island for supplies. I will be going ashore with Rosia, Vale, Sunni, Bill, and Philip. Jules, Rudy, and Eva will stay on the ship. Vera will be left in charge. And Tessa.ā€ Meg paused. ā€Tessa is to hang by her ankles from the mast while we are gone. While I donā€™t punish me crew for small indiscretions such as bringing aboard a new crew member, Tessa did so behind me back and was found tying up the first mate below deck. Because of her actions, she must undergo this punishment. Alone. We meet back here when the sun is three hands high off the horizon. Dismissed.ā€

Julian raised an eyebrow and turned to Riggknot, eyeing her hatless form. That story was a bit unlike her, but Jules brushed it off and made eye contact with Eva, who was holding the little bird that the crew had taken a liking to, and Riggknotā€™s hat. Interesting. He gestured his head towards the usual place of punishment.

ā€Been awhile since weā€™ve had to string anyone up, ey?ā€ he moved up behind Riggknot after Meg was off and nudged her with his elbow. ā€Shame its gotta be you. But donā€™t worry, Iā€™ll do the tyinā€™ and I wonā€™t do it as tight as you do, Iā€™m not as skilled as you anyhow, none o' us are.ā€

As much as Jules wanted to stretch his land legs, he understood that it was important for the Master Gunner to stay on deck in case something were to happen or an attack were to occur. Heā€™d much rather a quiet day anyway, not sure that he could handle the business of trade and crew's rambunctious nature at the moment. He made his way over to the mast to start preparing the usual tie-up.

Passing Bill on his way, he turned to his friend and flipped him three silver. ā€Oy, pick me up some tobacco and leaves, Iā€™m runninā€™ low.ā€ Bill knew what he liked. Heā€™d tobacco habit a few years ago, after the militia, where most of the other men smoked. He had never invested in a pipe, instead using leaves to wrap makeshift cigars, something odd for someone who worked around gunpowder so often. Of course, he never lit one below deck , and only ever smoked on a clear day, over the gunwale above the water, to avoid any danger.

When he reach the yardarm, he reached up and began the tie, and then turned back the Hellfire, now prepping her little departure crew.

ā€ ā€™ow long is this t' be for, cap?ā€ Hopefully not too long, Jules wasnā€™t a punishment sort of mood. Sometimes, especially when Riggknot wasnā€™t the one being strung up, this whole process could be rather fun. But if most of the crew would be off-ship, and he had to do the tying, it wasnā€™t as nice of a process. He could only hope this wouldnā€™t be too long a punishment, Eva was a nice girl anyway, not that this mattered to Riggknot's participation in bringing her aboard, but Hellfire seemed to like her enough to keep her. He looked around at the rest of the faces of the crew, wondering which of the other members could have been an accomplice in the endeavor. Perhaps there was more to do today than Jules had originally planned. That was good, he supposed, despite his reluctance for punishment. It would keep his mind off Armand. An interesting day had begun.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Philip Walker Character Portrait: Meghan Cunningham Character Portrait: William Morgan III Character Portrait: Julian Bailey
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T H EXxN A M E L E S SXxH E L M S M A NXXX||XXXB O S U NXxB I L LXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXX.XPHILIP WALKERXXX||XXXWILLIAM MORGAN III
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"I swear an oath to ye. I saw more than three, over near the horizon."
Philip frowned and stared out at the open waters. He was convinced he'd seen a whole swarm of mermaids, even if Bill refused to believe him. He'd just been checking the roughness of the seas when he saw them, well, their tails. Well, what he thought was their tails. All he'd really seen was a few sparkly dots that looked like the mermaids the legends told of.

"Ye liar! Mermaids don' come up. They stay many fathoms below th' surface, Nameless."

The rowboats had finally reached the land. Bill's arms were aching and his sore muscles were bugging him the whole day, but he tried to ignore it. A pirate's sore muscles were a pirate's least worrisome problems. Bill dragged himself out of the rowing boat, adjusting to the hard surface beneath his boots. "Nameless?"

Philip slowly stretched himself out of the rowboat, already feeling the gloom of being on land. He was a child of the sea and would be for the rest of his days. "Aye Bosun Bill?"

"Hellfire wants us to carry the heavy things. We better get goin', lad." Bill frowned.

"Me and ye?" Philip asked eyeing Bill's lanky build, knowing that his own was no better. "The Cap'n would'a been better bringin the little lad along."

"Exactly, Nameless."

As they continued, they went through some trees and reached storage bunker.

"We're here for water mostly. If there are things we are in need of, make sure to take it, but don't take everything. We can't have them suspecting they're being robbed from. A few things go missing, could be chopped up to error. We take it all, and they'll move their stores."

"Aye Cap'n." Philip said without a hint of his earlier disdain, ever since that night the girls went to retrieve the map, Philip had been on his best behaviour around Meg. And he'd rather not question how he escaped any real punishment for his drunken behaviour.

"Arright, Nameless, let's carry som' very light barrels of water."

"Aye, maybe just'a tankard of water." Philip said once he was out of Meg's earshot.

"If ye do that, you'll end up with a rusted piece o' metal in yer arse." Bill joked, making his way into the storage bunker.

"Oof. Ye'd be knowin' how that feels then?" Philip asked as he found the barrels of water at the back. The lot of them looked big and heavy, Philip's back and arms ached already at the thought of it. "We be takin' back one between us then? Cap'n did say not to be takin' everything."

"What, Nameless, too weak to hold a barrel fo' yourself?" Bill chuckled as he tried lifting a barrel of water. It was slightly moist at the bottom and 'Water' was carved into its top. He strained, quickly putting it back down. "Ye, one barrel fo' both of us." He panted. The humid air around him and the heaviness of the barrel caused him to shortly sweat profusely. "WE NEED JULES HERE!"

Philip couldn't help a booming laugh at Bill's display of 'strength', and even slapped the barrel. "Jules be busy runnin' the ship. Notice the Cap'n didn't be leavin' ye in charge." Then Philip grabbed one side of the barrel, preparing for the tough walk back to the rowboats.

"Sweet little Hellfire migh' as well demote me to swabbie. She hung Tessa up, promot'd Rosie to her second and THREW JAMES INTO TH' BRIG, but that's a discussion fo' another time, Philip." Bill grabbed the other side of the barrel, waiting for Philip to walk back as his back was facing the exit.

Philip started walking backwards, with his head turned to make sure he didn't run into anything. Bill would rather steer him into trouble than direct him away from it. "Ye know I 'aint got much love for mutiny." He sighed, Bill and him had this conversation a lot, even though Philip had never been the most vocal pirate on James' side, he had a lot of allegiance to his old friend.

"Me neither, la-" As Philip started walking, Bill was interrupted and the barrel tipped to his side as his friend had turned his head. The heaviness of the object caused a great strain on his arms as he muttered quiet curses, barely managing to hold up the barrel. "Fook, fook, fook..."

Philip swung his head back to look Bill with a confused, yet slightly worried frown.

"Ya tipped the god dam' barrel to me side!" Bill winced as he painfully tipped the barrel back, maintaining the balance.

"Mother of sea beasts!" Philip cursed and almost dropped the barrel. "I thought death himself was coming for ye." Of course, Philip didn't care much that he caused his friend harm, he was more angry that Bill had made his heart race for a minute there.

They would eventually get the barrel onto the rowboat. It creaked slightly as it gained more weight.
Bill blinked. His eyes were burning as sweat dripped into them and he panted: "Two more..."

"Two?" Philip cursed under his breath. "What manner of water guzzling beasts has Hellfire got us carting across the seas?" Nevertheless he wiped away his sweat, tied his hair back and headed back to the storage bunker.

"I don' fucken know, Nameless." Bill shook his head, spraying gushes of his sweat everywhere as he also made his way back to the bunker.

By the time they had all three barrels of water on the rowboats, ready to be carted back to the Stardust, Philip's muscles were aching and his clothes were drenched in sweat. "I may as well 'ave taken a dip in the seas," he said as he collapsed onto the sand.

Bill collapsed next to him, pure sweat covering his body. "Aaff....aaa..." He could barely push out words as the hot sand stung into his sweat-covered skin. "Aff..."

"Now I be rememberin' why I was wantin' to be a helmsman." Philip said, wishing he was at the helm of the ship not lying in a pool of sweat and sand next to Bill. He could almost feel the cool air rushing off the waves and ruffling his hair.

"Now I be rememberin' why I was Boatswain!" Bill wiped sweat off his forehead. "I order the lads to do the work." He coughed.

Philip hoped the other's were almost done collecting the rest of the supplies. He sighed and looked out to the Stardust, bobbing up and down on the seas. "We needed Jules."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Philip Walker Character Portrait: Tessa Locke Character Portrait: Valentina De la Torre Character Portrait: Pyon Sun-Ah Character Portrait: Rosia Hienrik Character Portrait: Meghan Cunningham
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xRosia ā€œJack" Hienrik


Everybody in the world knows

Everybody in the world knows
Everybody in the world knows
Everybody in the world knows

I'm a little twisted, twisted

I'm a little twisted, twisted
I'm a little twisted, twisted
I'm a little twisted, twisted
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Rosia followed her captain upstairs and stood off to her captainā€™s side as she gave out everyoneā€™s orders. Rosia gave Vera a slight smile when Meg said she would be in charge, a little surprised but still happy for her. It also made sense to have Jules back on the ship in case another set of sails came into view and wasnā€™t exactly friendly, and little Rudy could be a help to Jules or Vera around the ship to prep for the rest of the journey to the lost treasure. Rosia gave one last look and nod to her crew mates staying on the ship before climbing down the side and into the stiffs to get to shore.

When they arrived on shore, Meg gave some follow-up instructions and warning them to take too much or next time they come here there might not be anything at all. Their first trip here, James made Rosia put back a couple of barrels of supplies because he knew they wouldā€™ve noticed if they took too much, and Rosia not really getting at first that they canā€™t just take everything. Rosia watched as every split up into groups. Meg walked off with Sunni following her, Bill and Nameless went in one direction rambling to each other as they got a couple barrels, so Rosia decided to go with Vale to get some of Veraā€™s supplies. It made sense why Meg didnā€™t give the list to Rosia, it wasnā€™t exactly a secret that Rosia couldnā€™t read so giving her a grocery list of items wouldnā€™t be beneficial.

ā€œOi Tempest, what the list say for Vera? What we need to scavenginā€™?ā€ Rosia asked as the two women walked a little ways looking for some food supplies and whatever else the list would say that Vera needed. Rosia skipped ahead of Vale a couple times, stopping and waiting for her to catch up with her walking speed. ā€œAye, can you believinā€™ it though? Riggknot beddinā€™ the stowaway before being seduce to sneak her on? Wonder if ye wonā€™t be the only one allowed to hold ā€˜er hat.ā€ Rosia said spinning around and giving Vale a light smirk with her last comment. She knew Vale and Tessa were close and wouldnā€™t pass up a chance to tease either one, plus Vale was less likely to throw something at Rosia than Tessa.

As the two women talked they finally found some barrels that seemed to be marked with letters and symbols, Rosia finding an empty barrel and started loading supplies from other barrels into it for them to take. After finding some of the items Vale had listed off to find, Rosia started being nosy and looking through a couple crates before finding a bottle of a golden color. She held it up out of the crate to get some light on it and attempt to read it, but the only word she was able to decipher was one of the first words Rosia had requested Vera to teach her, rum. ā€œEy! Found some sort of golden rum!ā€ Rosia said as she ran over to Vale, handing the bottle over to her. A couple seconds passed by as she read what Rosia couldnā€™t, revealing not only was it rum, but some quality Spanish rum. Both girls were a more than happy about their discovery and pinched the bottle away for later before finishing up and started heading back towards the ship, Rosia carefully rolling a barrel.

The hike back to the ship seemed a lot longer than the walk to the supplies, though that was probably because now they were coming back with more than they arrived with. Rosia rolled the barrel the row boat she had arrived on and heaved it into it, almost tumbling herself over. As she got in the boat with Vale, they floated behind their Captainā€™s boat and looked towards the Stardust, Rosia quickly noticing something was. ā€œWhy isnā€™t Riggknot hanginā€™?ā€ Rosia asked out loud, confused but also worried. Looking towards Meg, and seeing she wasnā€™t happy. As the group reached the ship, Rosia quickly climbed out of the boat up and behind Hellfire to see what was going on and what Hellfire was about to do. Whatever was about to happen, Rosia guessed it wouldnā€™t be too goodā€¦

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Character Portrait: Philip Walker Character Portrait: Tessa Locke Character Portrait: Valentina De la Torre Character Portrait: Pyon Sun-Ah Character Portrait: Rosia Hienrik Character Portrait: Meghan Cunningham
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XXXXThe past four days have gone rather smooth, too smooth if you asked Vale. After discovering Eva onboard Meg let the lass stay which surprised Valentina but also gave her a sense of relief and a slightly different outlook towards Hellfire. There was no telling what would have happened if her captain actually tried something that day and Vale wouldnā€™t want to kill her other family. When Meg took her knife out the navigator's hand was already set on the hilt of her blade. She even almost got up when Rosia placed her hand on her pistol, they wouldnā€™t have known what hit em since Vale was behind all of them but she was glad she waited and let things play out.

Now she was sitting in her usual spot by the helm plotting a course, though she was basically done, looking over a copy of the map she made just in case. It wasnā€™t as colorful and was still in its rough stages, if you ask Vale. Then there was Eva who Vale felt was avoiding her. Smart on Evaā€™s part but Valeā€™s noticed her bothering Tessa a good bit which made her feel left out, especially since they took mango, her only source of company. At the same time Vale is still just glad to have her alive and well.

Valentina snapped out of her thoughts once the captain called out to her crew. She stood and grabbed her jacket, tucking the papers inside it and slipping it over her shoulders, leaving the front open. Vale made her way over, hand resting idly on the hilt of her blade. She was already becoming attached, especially since it was given to her by Evangeline. Upon hearing her name be announced along with the people who were going on land, Valentina felt relieved that she could go do something rather than stare at her maps and charts all day wondering when Hellfire was going to catch her off guard with the whole sneaking the stowaway onto the ship thing.

That relief didnā€™t last long as the next things to leave her mouth were "Tessa is to hang by her ankles from the mast while we are gone.ā€ It made Vale's stomach sink, did the captain find out about what they did? And If so why was Tess the only one being punished? She listened as Hellfire explained the charges. Guilt filled her as well as exaspiration for Tessa. It was stupid of her to not only take full responsibility for Vale's decision... but also for tying the first mate up. Vale made a mental note to apologize to Rosia when she saw her next. Hellfire went on to explain the reason for their stopping: a supply run on the island. Vale turned to return to her mapmaking, but stopped short when Meg requested she join her on land.

Before they boarded the long boats, Vale looked towards where Tessa stood stoicly in preparation for her punishment. She nearly jumped out of her skin when Eva came up with Mango and Tessa's hat. Vale smiled, gave the bird a pet, and thanked Eva before her friend, her sister, wandered off through the crouded deck. She waved the hat towards Tessa signalling she hat recieved it and would take care of it, but Tessa's attention was diverted. Vale ignored her feelings of guilt for now. It would distract from the task at hand and... she'd have to remember to talk to Tess later.

Once they arrived to the island, they set off towards the bunkers. Meg pressed a list of goods into her hand, apology written in her eyes. Vale simply nodded in response. Nameless and Bill went to work moving the larger things while Vale filled a sack with the things Vera had requested of them. Rosia was helping as well. She had brought over a bottle filled with golden rum, and Vale rubbed the dirt from the label so she could see properly. Grinning she replied, "Aye, but not just any rum. The finest Spanish Rum gold can buy." She smiled at her. "Good find. Lets keep it away from Bill. He'd drink the whole thing before anyone else."

As the sun began to make a descent, they began to finish up their supply run. Meg and Sunni appeared not to long after. Vale smirked. If she didn't know any better she would've thought they had gone off on a little shore fun. But Meg and Sunni were too insecure for that. Meaning, they didn't want to damage their friendship. The thought brought Tessa to mind and she gazed towards the ship. I'm coming, Tess. She thought. As they headed towards the boats, Vale felt the sand give a little beneath her feet and a creak rang through the air.

Curious, she dusted off some of the sand and found there to be another bunker. This one appeared untouched. Grinning, she lifted the lid, from a first glance, she noticed medical supplies. Herbs, bandages, pale alcohols for cleaning. Her grin faded, and she dropped the lid with a thud, as something pierced into her side. After a short search she found the culprit to be... a dart? Thing must've been booby trapped. She thought. She called out to Meg and Sunni about the medical supplies and then made her way to the boat.

As she walked, her steps started feeling heavier. Vale chalked it up to being exhausted from helping Bill and Nameless move goods. Once they were on the boat, however, her head started swimming. She couldn't possibly be seasick. She spent her whole life on a boat. Then she heard Rosia say, ā€œWhy isnā€™t Riggknot hanginā€™?ā€ Vale looked up. There was, in fact, not Tessa hanging from the mast. Vera must've let her drop early. She smiled weakly at the thought. Worry had dulled the joy. Hellfire might turn her blazing gaze on Vera next. Vale loved her captain, but the woman was terrifying when she was angry.

She had just barely made it to the deck, her head was spinning and her arms felt no more rigid than the rope they used. "Capt'n..." She slurred, "Somethings--" And then Vale collapsed on the deck.

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Character Portrait: Philip Walker Character Portrait: Tessa Locke Character Portrait: Valentina De la Torre Character Portrait: Pyon Sun-Ah Character Portrait: Rosia Hienrik Character Portrait: Meghan Cunningham
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XXXXMeg's smile was soft a first. Guilt at Sunni's having to stay in medbay so often while they were on land dulled the edges. She claimed their find would be worth it which made Meg feel just a little bit better. A flush crawled up her face as Sunni mentioned liking to look at beautiful things, with her gaze trained on Meg. She handed her one of the flowers she had picked and Meg brought it up to her nose to sniff it. It didn't have much of a smell, but it was beautiful. Meg's first instinct was to tuck it behind her own ear, but the red would probably get lost in the red of her hair. So instead, she reached out, brushing Sunni's hair back from her ear and sliding the stem of the poppy behind it. Her pulse raced, her heart beating so loudly that even with the birds singing, she was sure Sunni could hear it. Being here, surrounded by life and sounds, the sunlight streaming through the treetops like a spotlight on her friend. On the girl who undoubtedly held her heart. If only Meg had the guts to tell her. Her fingers paused on Sunni's cheek, her hand cupping her face. It took everything in her not to close the space between them and kiss her.

She forced herself to pull her hand away and made her way out towards the others. "We should check on the others. Have to make sure Bill isn't drinking all the rum and Rosia isn't stuffing her pockets." It was largely a joke. She knew that Rosia would never go against her orders, but the thought of the woman with pockets full of different things she found only because they were things to take... made her smile a little. "How's the find?" She asked no one in particular. When she saw they had pretty much finished, guilt hit Meg between her shoulder blades. She hadn't been there to help them like a captain should. Like a quartermaster would have. Instead, she was picking flowers with her surgeon in the middle of an island jungle. She had responsibilities to her crew. She had to remind herself not to stray from them again.

As they made their way towards the boats, Vale had called out to them about a medical supply bunker. Despite her warnings to herself, she turned and grinned at Sunni. "Lets see what they have." The bunker was full of different medical supplies. Enough that they could take a quarter and it would probably still go unnoticed. However, Meg instructed Sunni to take what she needed. If something was too big or there was too much, Meg carried it for her. Once on the boats, Meg was full of pride. They had a good amount of supplies. Enough water to last them a good while. Medical supplies. Food. Each other... she thought, glancing at Sunni again. Meg warred internally with herself, debating whether or not she should finally tell her. Maybe it would help Meg stay in the right mindset when Sunni rejected her. The thought hurt. And the if Sunni rejected her, filled her with a buzz of nerves.

She was pulled from her thoughts as Rosia commented on Tessa no longer hanging. Meg looked up with a start. She was right. There was no Tessa hanging from the mast. Anger coursed through Meg as she wondered if Vera had even honored the punishment, to begin with. Meg was the first one on board, her fiery gaze searching for Vera. Once they landed on Tess, hatless and working hard in the sunlight and Vera working beside her. All the of the anger left her. Instead, she was left with a feeling of... emptiness. What good was a captain without respect from her crew? What good was a friend if she couldn't trust them? Instead of confronting them, she turned to make her way towards her quarters. She needed to be alone for a moment.

That's when she heard the thud. She turned, thinking Bill or Philip had dropped something. Panic and worry filled her at the sight of the unconscious Valentina on her deck. "Vale..." She whispered at first as the panic set in. "Vale!" She yelled, running to her navigator's side. The woman was pale, her breathing slow, and her skin was clammy. "Sunni! Tell me something! Anything." She touched Vale's face. Softly at first and then decided to see if one good smack would rouse her. She groaned but remained unresponsive. "Don't you die on me." She whispered so quietly that only Sunni would hear her. She thought back to the island. What could have happened? Was Vale sick before and just hadn't mentioned it? No... no she had been fine... right?

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Character Portrait: Philip Walker Character Portrait: Tessa Locke Character Portrait: Valentina De la Torre Character Portrait: Pyon Sun-Ah Character Portrait: Rosia Hienrik Character Portrait: Meghan Cunningham
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plague || the surgeon


Their moment alone, among the trees and the flowers and the sunlight, with Meg's hand on her cheek, made Sunni feel light-headed and breathless. It felt surreal, like a dream. There was a moment when Sunni was nearly leaning in to kiss Meg- and then reality returned as Meg moved her hand away and said they should check on the others. She stayed quiet as Meg checked on the others- but seeing the medical bunker they found made her break into a grin and made her good mood return. Taking as much as she deemed they could get away with, she carried it back to the boat with Meg's help.

Their discovery that Tess was no longer hanging changed the atmosphere. It suddenly felt like the hours before a storm, where everybody knows it's coming and nothing can be done. Meg would surely be furious, and a force to contend with. Juggling what she could, she started making her way down to the medbay, anxious to get away from the confrontation. But a thud, a sickening sound that Sunni instinctively knew wasn't just their precious stolen goods, made her turn, already running. Vale had collapsed, and Sunni's gut was telling her this wasn't good. She reached their navigator at the same time as Meg. "No-" she tried before Meg slapped her, before shaking her head. "Did she eat or drink anything on the island?" She asked, almost ordered, at those who had been around her. Meg's comment did nothing to settle Sunni's feeling of unease.

"Somebody, help me get her down to the medbay!" She yelled, already thinking. Vale had been apparently fine a few minutes ago, so this had to be fast onset. A weak pulse and weak breathing wasn't good. Then she remembered a conversation she'd overhead what felt like a long time ago, when she'd still been serving ale to rowdy sailors. The land king's men had made a rare stop off at the tavern, and had been boasting about all the ways they were going to catch and kill pirates. Traps. Nets and tripwires and...

Poison. She swore to herself in her native language, trying her best not to alert Meg. Trusting somebody would carry Vale down after her, Sunni all but sprinted down the steps down to the medbay, where she started opening books and searching through pages and passages. If she knew exactly what the poison was, she could cure it. But the symptoms were so generic, and so dangerous. Even Sunni felt unsure, and that wasn't good.

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RiggknotX| | XMaster Rigger
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With the dirty water poured overboard and sight of the boats coming back to the crew, Tessa was preparing herself for a word. She knew perfectly well that Meg - The Captain - would not be happy seeing her down from hanging already. That and she really hoped that Meg wouldn't need to punish Vera now too. Maybe I can convince her that I had talked Vera into letting me down? No no, somethin' tells me Vera wouldn't like that. Maybe we should just be honest..? Tessa tried working out how the confrontation will go in her head. She felt that either way, whether she honest or not, it's going to be trouble.

With Meg and all coming back aboard, she was surprised when she saw Meg turn the other way. Was she not going to confront them? Part of Tessa felt guilty about that. But that left her when she saw Vale come aboard. Tessa's eyes narrowed as she watched her. Something wasn't right. And not a full moment later, Vale dropped. Without a second thought, Tessa made her way across the deck hurriedly. She got there just in time to see Meg give her a good smack across the face. If it had been at any other time, if it had been anyone else, and if it hadn't been a clearly unconscious Vale, Tessa would have slapped back, maybe even go as far to beat said abuser unconscious with the words of "No one's allowed to touch her." But this was different.

With wide eyes and everyone gathering around like they were, Tessa just watched unsure of what to do, hoping Sunni would bring some ease. But hearing her yell for someone to help her take down to med bay however, Tessa got even more scared. Then Bill stepped up to carry Vale without a word and, though Tessa was grateful, she let out a soft mutter of "Please don't drop her," then she followed closely behind them as they made their way down. She hoped - no, she prayed that Sunni would be able to do something, anything to help Vale. But she couldn't help but think the worse. What'll happen if I lose her? She thought. No, no, I can't. I won't. This kept going back and forth in her mind as she walked, or ran, behind Bill with Vale in his arms. "You need to be okay," She said quietly looking at Vale just as they made it to med bay.

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Character Portrait: Philip Walker Character Portrait: Tessa Locke Character Portrait: Valentina De la Torre Character Portrait: Pyon Sun-Ah Character Portrait: Rosia Hienrik Character Portrait: Meghan Cunningham
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A few Days Later
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XXXX"Just. Fucking. Brilliant," Meg muttered under her breath as another wave bashed into the side of the ship. Her hands were already cramping from holding on to the helm so tightly. The salt water and force of the waves weren't helping. She gritted her teeth as she locked her stance in an attempt to be immovable. She had relieved Philip not too long ago. Can't have one man at the helm at a time like this. Too long and he could weaken and lose control. It was best to take shifts. It would've been better to have her navigator on deck but since the island... Meg shook her head and thoughts flew into the sea of her mind. She couldn't think about Vale now. She couldn't allow the guilt to gnaw at her bones.

Her crew needed her.

The storm had been raging only a short while, but it was one of the strongest--if not the strongest-- storms Meg had ever sailed in. "Bill! Make sure every man has a lifeline!" She called out to her Boatswain. "I don't want to lose a single crew member to the sea!" She grunted under the weight of the wheel and suddenly regretted her decision to take over. "Philip!" She called out to her crew, hoping he wasn't far and that the wind wouldn't cover her shout. "Either take the wheel back or find someone who can!" She wasn't about to voice her regret. "Julian! Stow the guns!" She tried to make a tally of her crew based on what she could see, but a wave slapping into the side of the ship sent salt water stinging into her eyes and she resisted the urge to rub them with her hands. After all, they were a little preoccupied.

She knew that Sunni was in the med bay working on a way to fix Vale. She hoped her rigger was out--already tied to the ship-- and finishing up on the masts before the winds tore 'em in two. Bill was on deck, she could hear him giving orders to the [NPC] crew. Philip had been relieved of his position temporarily, though Meg did wish he'd take it back. She wasn't sure where Vera was but prayed she was safe. Same went for her first mate, wherever she was hiding. She hoped little Rudy had been the first to be tied to the ship since he was so small. Her heart suddenly ached for her crew. If only she could lock 'em up like James so she knew where they were and that they were safe instead of this chaos.

James... the poor sod was still down in the brig. Meg ignored her wonderings--not for the first time, mind you--if their bad luck the past few days had been due to the fact that Midas was below decks as a prisoner and not above them and free. Which also brought to mind little Eva who had taken to following Vera around the ship. Meg still couldn't believe that Tessa hadn't told her about the stowaway and she also couldn't believe that Vera would disobey her orders like that. A bit of her hellish flame went out. No one was taking her seriously. Maybe she wasn't going to be the captain she thought she could be.

Without respect, how could she keep a ship in order and a crew from falling apart?

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J U L I A NX| | XD R A G O N

| Master Gunner |
| #B02E04 |
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Julian was ready to step forward to defend Riggknot at little Jackā€™s announcement. As much as he mothered the girl, she was quite loyal to Hellfire, something he wasnā€™t sure he was comfortable with just yet. He looked over to the non hanging woman and nodded his support after flicking the last of his cigar overboard. Then Vale fell, and fell hard.

He dashed forward with the captain and reached out as Bill grabbed the woman, and Jules placed a heavy hand on Hellfireā€™s shoulder. How much could go wrong in one day.

***

Jules leaned back and watched the pensive captain as she gripped the helm so hard her knuckles turned blue. She was angry and tired, and nothing had worked out as well as the rest of them thought it would. Jules had taken to calling her captain now, it seemed appropriate after the time had passed, and though he had visited James down in the brig, there had been no efforts that he knew of to overthrow Hellfire. Which he had resigned himself to willingly. Rebellion was too time-consuming. The angry water slammed against the ship, throwing several of the unaided crewmen towards Julian. He caught Mead in between his hands and steadied the boy. ā€Iā€™d wait for capā€™n, but she oughta tell us to tie ourselves off soon, stormā€™s cominā€™ in strong.ā€

As he left the boy to his duties, Hellfireā€™s voice rang out above the winds, and Jules heard her orders. The gunners maneuvered their way towards him, and he gestured at the remaining guns on deck, only eight. ā€Lifelines first ya scoundrels!ā€ He winked at Bill and they tied themselves off to begin heaving the guns down to the stores so they wouldnā€™t cause problems on deck. Each gun, especially the eight-pounders, took to crew members to roll and carry, but the process didnā€™t take too long with the whole gunner crew working together.

Julian made his way back into the wind on deck after the second to last gun was carried down and saw two of his crew, he couldnā€™t tell who at this distance, were already securing the wheels and dragging it towards the steps. The captain had a wistful look on her face and he figured she could use some guidance, or a hand, or a break, really. He glanced around, making sure everyone who he could see was secured to the ship, and then made his way toward the helm, shouting out as he went.

ā€Who needs aid? Riggknot, where are ya?! Capā€™n, need me to handle the helm? Iā€™m not sure where Nameless ā€˜as gone!ā€ He climbed the steps to the helm, and stood next to Hellfire, looking down at the deck below them. Everyone was carrying out her orders without fail, though he supposed that with a storm coming they didn't particularly want to be thrown overboard in the spray. He put a hand on Meg's shoulder and grabbed the helm with the other. "I've got this until Nameless appears, you go, deal wit' your crew now li'l lady. This is a good chance to show 'em yer strengths." He waved her off and looked down again, feeling a bit like a mother hen. He hoped Plague was handling Vale like she had been for the past few days, and wondered how James was feeling down in the brig. He looked out for Rudy, making sure the boy was safe before nodding him over. He supposed now would be a good time to learn about emergency ship mechanics. For a moment, when lightning flashed, he was certain he could see Armand's face flash on Rudy's body, but in a split second, the memory was gone, and all was as it was before, slick with rain and thunder. The ship tossed upon the waves, and the Dragon stood strong.