The Wings of Icarus

"She's right, Id never work with a Pirate in all years of my life." Stagg leaned back, a bit offended at Mr.Stokers notion.

"The Code is dedicated to Hunting Pirates like Miss Artimis. Not working with them and Awarding them with Plunder."

At this Randall sighed.
“Well in that case, I suppose in this case something as simple as a head start would be gentlemanly enough. That’s not important, though,” he said as he uncrossed his legs and stood up.
“Young lady, you were interested in buying this map, were you not? That does seem to be the source of conflict here.”

He nodded. “That’s exactly what I like to hear.” He took the map out of his pocket and looked at Stagg, then raised an eyebrow.
“Good sir, do you have anything else to say, or is the hunt for Ms. Cora now on?”

"Ill give her a Minutes Head-start, just because She's managed to Impress me." Arthur smiled rather mischeviously, leaning back in his chair.

He had it all planned out on his head, How he was going to catch her, and Everything beyond that point. He couldnt wait, He would be commended by most of the Code for finally catching a Pesky Pirate on the Fidelis' first Deployment since Karjala.

Nightfall, the best time to come into port when one wanted to avoid arousing suspicion. Unfortunately unless you came in at the dead of night you couldn't avoid those still working the docks. Such was the case as a transport skiff floated into the docks. To the workers such thing wouldn't arouse attention, if it wasn't for the fact this skiff was a military skiff armed to the teeth. As soon as the skiff docked the crew departed seven in total walking across the gangway to the dock. One man flanked by two women and mix of four armed men and women approached the assistant dockmanger, “May I help you?” He asked. The man leading them spoke first, “I'm am the captain this skiff and it's homeship. We are making a stop to resupply before continuing our journey.” The leader ship. The assistant dockmanager raising and eyebrow, “And your name is?” He asked.

“Who I am is not important but what I want and that I can pay is.” He said while giving the man a rolled up parchment while patting a bag jingling with coins. The assistant dockmanager took the parchment without pressing his question, considering the island residents it was not unusual for someone wanting to remain anonymous when doing business here. But the list almost had the manager's eyes popping out when he read the list. Mostly it was standard items you would find on a ship but there were also heavy duty military grade equipment listed here and in bulk. The manager looked at the man who had opened his pouch, “We would appreciate it if you would quickly have those supplies ready for loading soon.” He said with a smile as he pulled a gold piece out and placed it in the manager's pocket, “And how about we forget the name.” He added while patting the man's pocket.

The manager could only look at the man with consideration, he had to admit the man did make an impression. Suddenly the manager smiled, “Welcome to Muckingden Mr. Smith.” He said. Mr. 'Smith' returned the smile before the manager began barking orders to the dock workers, “Alika, Sandra.” Mr. 'Smith' called his two female companions who came closer, “Make sure our 'friends' don't try and swindle us.” He said. “No problem cap. Nice going with avoiding giving your name.” Alika said. The man chuckled, “Alistiar Galloway is a wanted man, even this far from the Empire. They say honor among thieves but always suspect someone's going to pull a fast one when dealing with them.” Alistair said. “Now lets try and do this quick, I don't want to keep D'Arcy waiting longer than I have too.” He said.

“Yes sir!” Was the reply he received as he moved to haggle with the manager. Truthfully Alistiar also didn't want to stay here longer than necessary to mitigate the risk. They didn't often use this port for resupplying but the situation required them to bring in supplies for their next raid. Hopefully they could avoid a confrontation this run, the last time Alistair and his crew had to fight his way out of a port it wasn't exactly a walk in the park.

Randall held the map away from her, far enough so she couldn’t take it but close enough to read it.
“Now now, Cora. I’m old, but I’m not stupid enough to trust a thief. You can see the map perfect from where you’re standing.” He looked in her eyes to see if she was registering disappointment.

Stagg chuckled to himself. An Old man such as Randall Stoker, outwitting Miss Artimis. It did indeed bring delight to his heart.

"Is this the negotiation? So much for Pirates Nobility-- Snatching the map out of the hands of an Olden Legend." Stagg scoffed, in a mocking sense towards Cora.

Randall squinted and slowly handed over the map.
"I would strongly recommend not trying anything, miss." He said as he held the yellowed paper out. He was confident the girl wouldn't take the map and run. He was fast for an old man, and even if she got to her ship, he'd be happy to strike a temporary alliance with the Code to catch the pirate. Randall figured he was ready for anything the girl would do.

OOC: Sorry, it took so long I had family troubles.

"Ahh Mr. Stoker. Lets not do that." Stagg sat up in his chair. He laid his hand on the table, which was firmly grasping his revolver.

"This Woman is a Pirate, letting her or her men run off with this map would be a Mistake. Your practically giving away plunder."

It was at this moment that Randall pulled his own pistol out of his jacket pocket. It was small, and not half as threatening as Arthur’s, but he felt it would get his point across. Rather than pointing it or setting it on the table, he inspected it, then placed it in his lap.
“Mr. Stagg, I only sell something of mine when I firmly believe I have no use for it. And I also firmly believe that once a deal is struck, ir should be carried out. If you must take action against me then so be it, but otherwise I see no reason I shouldn’t deliver this map to Ms. Cora’s ship by tomorrow morning.” He raised an eyebrow at Arthur, silently hoping Arthur wouldn’t fight him on it. His pistol wasn’t loaded, and with his ship still in port, he’d have no way of fighting or escaping the Code if they decided to take him into custody for aiding a pirate.

NOTE: She did not take the map.

"Mr. Stoker, surely you--" The sudden squeak of the door interrupted him. His head twisted, and upon noticing her leave, he jumped up from his chair, nearly vaulting the table to get after her.

He Ripped the door open, and hastily descended the Ramp. He Caught Glimpse of the two, making their way down an Ally. He raised his Revolver and took aim.

The Loud, concussive shots from the heavy Pistol rang out through the stale air. Even amongst the common Harbor noises, the loud blast of a Gun was easily heard. The Rounds struck near Worra and Cora's feet as they ran off into the Ally way.

"Curses!" Arthur loudly exclaimed as he continued his trek down the Boarding ramp.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

After a Good bout of Sprinting, he slowed to his two Guards, who were waiting near the Fidelis' boarding ramp.

"Whats the Matter sir, Slow down a moment!" The Guards said, Recieving the Panting Arthur with a Salute.

Arthur said between his heavy breaths, "The Pirate Artimis is here, on Muckingden. She's just made off with a Map. I want you to relay orders: Dispatch a Garrison of Troops to every Ship on this God forsaken rock, and Find that Damned Pirate!" He exclaimed his final few words before looking around the Harbor.

The Guards, rather startled by his Staunch Officer-ing, made their way up the Boarding ramp. Not but a few Minutes later, near 50 men descended the Ramp and dispersed across the Harbor. Mr. Stoker's Boarding ramp was soon Guarded by a Pair of Tall, and Well armed Soldiers. Similarly, The Prydwen's Access was soon greeted by a Full Squad of men, who regularly patrolled the Stretch of Harbor the Prydwen was docked at.

Randall stood at the door and watched Arthur talk to his orderlies. He closed the door and walked back inside, and noticed a folded piece of paper on the small table he’d been sitting at. He picked it up and looked at it; it was the map. He chuckled before putting the map in his pocket.
“She may be a pirate, but an honest businesswoman yet,” he said to himself. Curious to see how things would turn out, he wlaked outside and down the loading ramp and watched Stagg’s men search, laughing to himself all the while.