"Heinrich Hoffmann," he lied, giving the man a firm handshake. "I made some wise investments and came into some money recently, thought I would go see some of the world and have a few stories to tell before settling down." Another lie. Heinrich never intended to settle down. Not for one moment. That would be boring, and Heinrich had little patience for boring things. "You were army, eh, Herr Theindorf? When we get ashore, I'd feel honored if you let me buy you some schnapps. Always good to meet a fellow countryman," he said with a chuckle.

His expression darkened somewhat as they were interrupted by a common seaman. His father had always taught him to be respectful to such men- after all, the lowest sailor was still the backbone of the Herzog empire- but he had never seen the point of belittling himself for the sake of his inferiors. And they were his inferiors. Most people were. Still, he smiled and politely thanked the man for his missive. 

"A summons from the captain, eh? How strange," he wondered aloud to Theindorf. "I suppose we may as well see what the man wants." With a shrug, he began the leisurely stroll across the rocking deck to the captain's quarters. Despite his smile and easy manner, he still gently and slowly reached into his pocket, closed his fist around the small leather bag filled with lead shot. If the captain wanted to begin something, he'd answer to Heinrich's cosh. And no doubt he'd be grateful he hadn't answered to Heinrich's sword instead.