Snippet #1320272

Elric looked at the bounty hunter. "Well, Mr. Thomas and myself were in a rather pointless discussion about signing up with the company. He couldn't seem to get it through his thick skull that should I sign up and die at sea, my father would likely blame the men on this boat. But, if I don't sign up and die, no one is none the wiser. Mr. Thomas however, seems to be either too thick, or was just trying to savor an opportunity where he might be able to tell a noble what to do. Then he ordered two marines to forcefully take me to the cells for no other apparent reason then the fact I made him angry. Some other things happened and now I have made the poor decision of taking a hostage." Elric pressed the barrel of the gun on the marine and looked at the Captain. "Captain, do I look nervous? This is the problem with soldiers. It seems you all have it in your heads that all nobles are rich, egotistical, and weak. Murderer?" Elric smiled and pressed the gun harder, the marine cringing with his eyes closed. "Captain, when I was chosen to possibly become the next King, I resolved to do anything. To save Heromi- the Princess, I am willing to kill anyone who sets themselves before me. So, let's not waste time on arguments of morals and codes. Much like my conversation with your thick First Mate, it will go nowhere."

"Now, back to the negotiations for the life of your man. Captain, I'm what you might call an idiot. I realize simply going with the men would be in my best interest, but to pretend that I would be forcefully taken and not have a problem is something that escapes me. I guess you could say its an utterly ridiculous flaw that will likely get me killed." Elric lightened his pressing of the gun. The Captain was different from him in a situation like this. Elric would way the cost of the hostage verse letting the hostage taker survive. If the risk was great enough, he would open fire on both of them. "I accept your terms on a few conditions. One, no one is to grab me forcefully again, or else a situation like this will likely arise. Two, my pistol and sword must not be kept around where common crew can take them. They took a long time to find and acquire. My final condition is that I must remain on the ship for the entire voyage, or at least until we find the Princess and she can be taken back. I will not let you leave me in some Godforsaken hole of a port. Chances are were you to do that, I will find another means of transportation and chase after her. Even if its a dinghy."