(Sounds like a plan. Wouldn't be fun to spend AGES on just getting a crew together. xD)
Ceres was done about 45 minutes later, grinning like she was very satisfied about something. "Dinner's ready! Too many bowls to carry so everyone come in and grab one yourself!" Each bowl was the same. Seasoned potato and carrot bits with a piece of pork in the middle, all topped with gravy. There was one exception though. A plate with the same ingredients, but with several pieces of meat instead of just one. The captain of the ship should get the best meal after all.
Taking one small bowl for herself and the large plate in her other hand Ceres headed up to the captain's cabin. She wasn't going to eat there, as Octavius clearly didn't want her there. But she figured he might want to. "Cap'n, dinner is served." She spoke as she held the plate in front of her. "Where would you like to eat?" The woman was acting a little odd, though. With a gentleness that you'd normally expect from a woman, rather than her usual rough self.
((To give you an idea:
Crew meals: http://www.foodasaurusrex.com/media/2010/09/pot-roast.jpg
Captain's meal: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--dl4SSFKPcE/TwInB3UOl0I/AAAAAAAACo4/EupW7BpkOhA/s1600/Pot+Roast.jpg ))
Sarpedon Chapter Master
Member
Seen
6 yrs ago
Octavius remained at the helm when he heard the cry go up for dinner. Questioning looks were met with an irritated wave. The captain wasn't about to leave his ship unsupervised now. He was on the hunt. So while just about everyone else on his crew set to eating, he waited patiently at the wheel, his head on a swivel. Soon enough, his first mate appeared, announcing again, that dinner was ready. He looked to her and nodded. "Eat. You can take the wheel when you're done. Then I'll eat." he spoke quietly, like a man not about to be argued with. Then he turned back to his work. When Ceres was done eating, he'd be more than happy to step away, leaving her in charge while he wolfed down his food.
Even now that he was willing to eat her food, he knew the woman wasn't going to be impressed. Captain Cuttlam wasn't one to sit around and savour things while he was hunting, so if she cared to watch, his first mate would get to witness the spectacle of the captain horking back his plateful of food like a starving man, and without ever tasting it, he would return to his post, more concerned about his quarry sneaking up on him, than anything else.
Not long after eating, the warlord closed his eyes at the wheel, and took a long, deep breath through his nose. Then he snarled, remembering it didn't work like that. He let his left arm transform, raining blood on the deck next to him, as his alter ego ascended a half-dozen feet or so. He took another deep breath, this time through daemonic lungs, and found what he sought. He shuddered a little, and let his arm shorten, that it might hover more menacingly, he supposed. The thing had a mind of its own sometimes. He was decidedly less concerned by that, though, and more concerned with the smells of fire, powder, and death on the wind.
"Go find the best helmsman on the crew and bring him here." he ordered Ceres. He had some complex tasks for whoever that lucky man was, and while he would normally do it himself, or have his first mate do it, both of them would be needed to do battle against the Powder Keg and unless he had lost what was left of his mind in the past few minutes, they were about to see the ship they had been seeking. So when Ceres returned with the man he sought, the pirate started giving orders right away.
"You're the best we've got, eh? Good. A ship's going to come into sight in a moment or two. I want you to keep us just barely out of cannon range of it. And I want us always broadside of it. Do you understand?" he knew this needed to be stressed heavily, so he repeated the instructions. "Just out of cannon range. Her cannons, not ours. She's only got twenty-fours. And keep us broadside. Broadside. I swear to all the gods man, if you screw this up, I'm going to devour you alive." he looked like he would do it, too. "Good luck. God speed." he added, before turning to the rest of the deck. "Where's my gunnery captain?" he bellowed, and the man appeared in a hurry.
"Here, Captain!" he sounded off, rushing over. Octavius was speaking before he could get anything else out.
"I want all the thirty-six pound guns we've got on the top deck. Port side. Go." he stated, and he started to inhale when the man hesitated. Few could have moved faster in that situation. He smiled, and then turned back to Ceres. "You'll be on fire duty. If those bastards manage to catch us on fire, we'll go up faster than a magazine, and I don't intend to die before I'm the king again." this man was clearly prepared. Knowing one's enemy was a great deal of help in any situation, but it seemed he had stacked the deck this time, however he'd done it...
((too much?))
GM
sanquin Metalhead Hippy
Member
Seen
3 yrs ago
(Nah it's fine.)
Ceres decided that she might as well. So she ate her own bowl first. Then she took over the wheel as she handed the larger plate to the captain. She didn't care about Octavius scoffing her meal down like it was dog food. A balanced diet was more important than enjoying the meal. He would come to enjoy it eventually, she was sure.
Though the calm didn't last long. As soon, the captain spotted something and immediately began giving orders. First, one to her. She had a basic idea of everyone's capabilities by now, so she rushed to find the right man and bring him over. It took half a minute at most before the sailor was standing in front of the captain. Ceres herself was out of the picture for a little bit. But she remained on the sidelines anyway, as she knew what her role would be. She would have to focus on fighting.
"I'll get my pipe~" she spoke, running towards the kitchen to get her weapon. She wondered how strong these other pirates were. Would they be able to even hurt her? Normal weapons didn't work after all. Though then again, even she had heard stories about the Powder Keg. Maybe the captain had managed to find himself some seastone bullets. Or maybe he could even use this mysterious power she had heard very few reumours of. A power that could allow you to hurt a Logia user like her with any weapon, even with ones fists. Then again...those stories were vague, and they all came from the Grand Line. No way anyone would have them in one of the four seas.
ceres ran back outside and back to what she had decided her post would be while not cooking. To the side of the steering wheel. As she wouldn't be surprised if Octavius decided to shove more tasks on her like issuing commands and making her steer the ship.
Sarpedon Chapter Master
Member
Seen
6 yrs ago
Octavius was pleased with the way things seemed to be going smoothly. His first mate decided she needed a pipe to do her job, but he didn't argue with her. As long as she kept them from catching fire, the captain wasn't going to complain. While she did that, the warlord watched things that were going on, and monitored the progress of the Powder Keg. It was a quick ship, all things considered, but he knew for a fact that it wouldn't corner well. Cyrus was never one for compromise, which was strange, considering that he would only ever pack twenty-four pound guns. Then again, the pirate wasn't about to question the man. He was still one of the best gunners he'd ever seen. Thankfully, the previous captain of this ship had been kind enough to grace them with half a dozen thirty-six pound guns. It was going to make things a lot easier, with so much firepower. And with the added range the top deck provided, they should have no issue standing off their opponent.
The only real problem, was getting to Cyrus. The rest of the Powder Keg could swim with the fishes for all he cared, but his gunnery captain was going to be very necessary if they wanted to survive the most terrifying place on this earth. Then, as he returned to the helm to give some last-minute tips to the helmsman he had appointed, Captain Cuttlam realized they were creeping into twenty-four pounder range. He felt like his head was ready to explode. The pulse pounding in his temples was like a bass drum, and he struggled to remain calm. "If you don't fix this in the next two minutes, sailor, I'm going to skin you alive and wear you like a cape, is that understood?" he growled, a miraculous amount of calm in his voice. The man seemed to understand immediately, and quickly set a new course, setting the Duchess Gambit on a path that would have them ringing their enemy's ship like a gang of twelve-year-olds on bicycles.
From there, the warlord returned to his current gunnery captain, who was observing the loading of the last cannon. "Fire at will, gunner. Shoot to sink her, leave the crew alone." he ordered, giving the man a reassuring pat on the back as he moved to stand between the cannons and the bow. It wasn't long before he noticed a few sailors standing around watching. Most of the watchers were prepared to repel boarders, which was commendable, but the captain hadn't ordered such a thing. "What. The. Fuck. Are you standing around for?" he used his loudest, most intimidating voice to call out those not working. "Make this ship go faster, or I'll flay you alive, and hang you up for a sail!" he added in a similar tone. Weapons were abandoned in favour of finding minute lengths of sail that hadn't been entirely stretched out by the wind. The ship didn't speed up by any noticeable amount, but any little bit counted. They were trying to out-run a fire-ship at this point, but it was a fire-ship that remained both manned, and hungry for blood...
GM
sanquin Metalhead Hippy
Member
Seen
3 yrs ago
(Sorry it took so long. And it's a bit short... ^^;; )
The other ship had noticed them already. So it was starting to turn to get the smaller ship into firing range. Cannons were being prepared, and...bows? Ceres could clearly spot several sailors on the other ship getting bows. But it soon became clear why. When the arrows were nocked, they were on fire. A dirty trick in her opinion, but definitely effective...against any ship but this one. Six arrows were fired, and came flying at the ship. But with two streams of water from her arm, three arrows were already stopped before they hit The Albatross. (you renamed the ship, remember? :P It's no longer the Duchess Gambit.) She then aimed her pipe, and with several small, but precise bursts of water the last three were also put out before they could do any damage. "Not going to happen..." She mused with a grin before turning her attention to the Powder Keg again.
For now things would be pretty boring for her though. The Albatross was too fast for the larger ship, so the cannons had trouble getting into range. And all Ceres could do was wait until either they did come into range, so she could stop the cannon balls. Or wait until they were going to raid the ship, rather than just circle around it. Putting out fires seemed to be all she could do until then.
The other ship had noticed them already. So it was starting to turn to get the smaller ship into firing range. Cannons were being prepared, and...bows? Ceres could clearly spot several sailors on the other ship getting bows. But it soon became clear why. When the arrows were nocked, they were on fire. A dirty trick in her opinion, but definitely effective...against any ship but this one. Six arrows were fired, and came flying at the ship. But with two streams of water from her arm, three arrows were already stopped before they hit The Albatross. (you renamed the ship, remember? :P It's no longer the Duchess Gambit.) She then aimed her pipe, and with several small, but precise bursts of water the last three were also put out before they could do any damage. "Not going to happen..." She mused with a grin before turning her attention to the Powder Keg again.
For now things would be pretty boring for her though. The Albatross was too fast for the larger ship, so the cannons had trouble getting into range. And all Ceres could do was wait until either they did come into range, so she could stop the cannon balls. Or wait until they were going to raid the ship, rather than just circle around it. Putting out fires seemed to be all she could do until then.
Sarpedon Chapter Master
Member
Seen
6 yrs ago
((when did I do that?))
Octavius grumbled as the Powder Keg fired arrows at his ship. They were all alight, and obviously looking to set the ship aflame. Thankfully, at least one member of the crew was paying attention, and Ceres put out the flames before they could do anything to harm their vessel. The captain dragged his attention from the woman as he felt the wind shifting around them. They were still turning, attempting to circle the other ship, but they'd be sailing into the wind in a moment, not a great way to keep going forward. Captain Cuttlam stormed over to the guns and pushed his gunners out of the way, sighting each cannon himself and yanking the ripcord personally, firing each of the massive guns on his own, since no one else seemed confident in their aiming abilities. That, or they might have been too weak to set off the charges in the cannons despite how hard they pulled on the rope. His shots weren't perfect, since he couldn't remember the last time he'd fired a cannon, but he managed to glance half his shots off the bow of his target, battering the neat angles of the things construction, and hopefully weakening it enough that the second volley might do the ship in.
"You fucking stupid or what? Get these cannons spun around and loaded. Move." he looked rather disgusted at his gunnery captain as he straightened from firing the last gun. He turned back to the helm, marching over smartly to the man at the wheel. "Swing us around. Keep us going with the wind, and keep us out of range." he demanded of his helmsman. His voice was achieving a kind of zen at this point. A harsh, unyielding zen, but it was better by far, than the violent gravel that normally spilled from his lips. The pirate steering the ship was smart enough to obey his new orders immediately, and the pirate lord moved back to the main deck, where his crew seemed to be struggling with the cannons. They had loaded half of them, and gotten the other half turned around. This was ridiculous. He shook his head and his left arm exploded, spraying the uncoordinated gun crews with gore. Then the massive mouth of his canine alter-ego bit down on the heavy iron cannons and began moving them itself, swinging the guns around and placing them on the starboard side of the ship to be loaded, or aimed, depending on what was necessary.
"If I have to do that again, I'll string up the lot of you." he offered when the sailors turned to go to their new posts. They looked suitably motivated, if upset that their captain was being rather tyrannical. Now was not the time for revolution, however, and if the men didn't like their situation, they would need to do the work they had been assigned if they wished to live long enough to try a mutiny. The Powder Keg was certainly a bigger threat than their captain, at least for the moment, and until their situation changed. The warlord was unafraid in any case. He was confident he could take on a shipload of mutineers, especially considering that those loyal to him included a talented swordsman, a woman more or less in charge of the seas, and the only man capable of saving just about anyone from just about any medical emergency. He ignored such a notion, however, as for now, he had an enemy to deal with, and an old friend to take back...
Octavius grumbled as the Powder Keg fired arrows at his ship. They were all alight, and obviously looking to set the ship aflame. Thankfully, at least one member of the crew was paying attention, and Ceres put out the flames before they could do anything to harm their vessel. The captain dragged his attention from the woman as he felt the wind shifting around them. They were still turning, attempting to circle the other ship, but they'd be sailing into the wind in a moment, not a great way to keep going forward. Captain Cuttlam stormed over to the guns and pushed his gunners out of the way, sighting each cannon himself and yanking the ripcord personally, firing each of the massive guns on his own, since no one else seemed confident in their aiming abilities. That, or they might have been too weak to set off the charges in the cannons despite how hard they pulled on the rope. His shots weren't perfect, since he couldn't remember the last time he'd fired a cannon, but he managed to glance half his shots off the bow of his target, battering the neat angles of the things construction, and hopefully weakening it enough that the second volley might do the ship in.
"You fucking stupid or what? Get these cannons spun around and loaded. Move." he looked rather disgusted at his gunnery captain as he straightened from firing the last gun. He turned back to the helm, marching over smartly to the man at the wheel. "Swing us around. Keep us going with the wind, and keep us out of range." he demanded of his helmsman. His voice was achieving a kind of zen at this point. A harsh, unyielding zen, but it was better by far, than the violent gravel that normally spilled from his lips. The pirate steering the ship was smart enough to obey his new orders immediately, and the pirate lord moved back to the main deck, where his crew seemed to be struggling with the cannons. They had loaded half of them, and gotten the other half turned around. This was ridiculous. He shook his head and his left arm exploded, spraying the uncoordinated gun crews with gore. Then the massive mouth of his canine alter-ego bit down on the heavy iron cannons and began moving them itself, swinging the guns around and placing them on the starboard side of the ship to be loaded, or aimed, depending on what was necessary.
"If I have to do that again, I'll string up the lot of you." he offered when the sailors turned to go to their new posts. They looked suitably motivated, if upset that their captain was being rather tyrannical. Now was not the time for revolution, however, and if the men didn't like their situation, they would need to do the work they had been assigned if they wished to live long enough to try a mutiny. The Powder Keg was certainly a bigger threat than their captain, at least for the moment, and until their situation changed. The warlord was unafraid in any case. He was confident he could take on a shipload of mutineers, especially considering that those loyal to him included a talented swordsman, a woman more or less in charge of the seas, and the only man capable of saving just about anyone from just about any medical emergency. He ignored such a notion, however, as for now, he had an enemy to deal with, and an old friend to take back...
GM
sanquin Metalhead Hippy
Member
Seen
3 yrs ago
Ceres rolled her eyes at how Cuttlam was treating his sailors. He was the one that insisted on bringing them after all. Though she didn't care much for it either. They were just stupid thugs, thinking they could quickly get to infamy by riding on the captain's reputation. Cannon fodder, at best. But if he planned on treating what his actual crew would be that way, he would have another thing coming to him. For instance, since they needed men strong enough to face the grand line, they could easily gang up on him, overpower him, and throw him overboard. And she'd be all too willing to take over the position of captain if that were to happen. But as long as he treated the future crew decently enough everything should be fine.
"Can't we just get closer already, captain?!" Ceres yelled over the sound of cannon fire as she approached the middle of the ship. "I could stop quite a few cannon balls with water, and you can just swallow them up and spit them back at them can't you? Or is that demon dog just for tearing flesh apart?" She had no other way to describe...whatever that beast was that came out of Cuttlam's arms. Plus, it definitely looked like some kind of demon. Ceres felt like they were being far too cautious at the moment, considering the several members of his crew could take on a dozen or two normal pirates with ease. And cannon balls were usually rather simple to stop if you had devil fruit powers like her and the captain.
"Can't we just get closer already, captain?!" Ceres yelled over the sound of cannon fire as she approached the middle of the ship. "I could stop quite a few cannon balls with water, and you can just swallow them up and spit them back at them can't you? Or is that demon dog just for tearing flesh apart?" She had no other way to describe...whatever that beast was that came out of Cuttlam's arms. Plus, it definitely looked like some kind of demon. Ceres felt like they were being far too cautious at the moment, considering the several members of his crew could take on a dozen or two normal pirates with ease. And cannon balls were usually rather simple to stop if you had devil fruit powers like her and the captain.
Sarpedon Chapter Master
Member
Seen
6 yrs ago
Cuttlam turned when Ceres asked if they could get closer, and after an instant where he stood frozen in confusion and amusement, he shook his head. "It's not just a name, you know." he offered in response. "That ship is a literal powder keg. If we get any closer without first putting several large holes in the hull below the waterline, its captain is liable to blow it up just to spite us." he figured he would explain, since his first mate obviously wasn't familiar with the people they were looking for. "And we're not here to loot the ship anyway. We're here to convince their gunnery captain that I'm still alive." he added with a shrug. "Hard to do that if he's blown up." The warlord then considered a comment that the woman had made. He chuckled at the idea and shrugged again.
"I have to be honest, I don't think I've ever tried getting him to eat the cannon balls and spit them back out..." he admitted. "I wonder if it could spit them out fast enough to kill someone..." he was tempted to give it a try the next time they attacked a ship. He didn't think it was possible, but at the same time, he did have magical powers that allowed a daemonic canine creature's head and infinitely long neck, to explode from any given limb or orifice. He didn't see why the thing wouldn't be able to manage to spit out a cannonball at the same velocity it was fired from a gun at. The experiment would have to wait, however, as he was not about to let such things distract him from his goal. Their ship was moving nicely once more, and the cannons appeared to be loaded. He was very pleased to watch the gunnery captain running his own battery for once, and the pirate left the gunners alone to do their thing, hoping they'd manage to put a hole right in the bow of the Powder Keg. That would be a glorious moment, watching the ship drown its own magazine with its lust for destruction. Then they could easily board the sinking vessel, take the one thing they needed, and depart for greater things...
"I have to be honest, I don't think I've ever tried getting him to eat the cannon balls and spit them back out..." he admitted. "I wonder if it could spit them out fast enough to kill someone..." he was tempted to give it a try the next time they attacked a ship. He didn't think it was possible, but at the same time, he did have magical powers that allowed a daemonic canine creature's head and infinitely long neck, to explode from any given limb or orifice. He didn't see why the thing wouldn't be able to manage to spit out a cannonball at the same velocity it was fired from a gun at. The experiment would have to wait, however, as he was not about to let such things distract him from his goal. Their ship was moving nicely once more, and the cannons appeared to be loaded. He was very pleased to watch the gunnery captain running his own battery for once, and the pirate left the gunners alone to do their thing, hoping they'd manage to put a hole right in the bow of the Powder Keg. That would be a glorious moment, watching the ship drown its own magazine with its lust for destruction. Then they could easily board the sinking vessel, take the one thing they needed, and depart for greater things...
GM
sanquin Metalhead Hippy
Member
Seen
3 yrs ago
"Ohh...well, I guess that makes sense." Ceres mused as the man explained his plan. There wasn't much use to trying to capture a ship if it was going to blow itself up if you did. Though they were apparently after only one man. She hoped he was as good as Cuttlam thought though, as weak crew members would be useless soon enough.
And that's when disaster first struck them. The sailor at the helm made a mistake in his calculations, and the wind shifted. Now they were suddenly into firing range, and right away a dozen cannons were fired all at once. "Oh shit!" Ceres exclaimed, turning her attention back to the fight and putting up as large a water barrier as she could manage. But that only stopped about 7 of them. "We're going to get hit!" She exclaimed, though before anyone could react Ace suddenly jumped up into the air with his swords in hand. As if the cannon balls were made of wood, he cut right through four more of them within a second or so, making them lose pretty much all energy upon impact. That left one though. Which hit one of the cannons, smashing it to bits instantly. The two sailors operating it at that time met the same fate. "Guess I'll jump in and help a little as well." Ace spoke calmly as he landed on the deck again. "Can't any of you scum aim worth a damn?! Hit that damn ship already!"
Indeed, the sailors were a disappointment to say the least. Even Ceres figured she could have managed a shot in their enemy's bow by now. And things were starting to get dangerous very quickly. Especially now that the wind had changed, giving the Powder Ceg at least two good volleys before the Albatross was out of range again.
And that's when disaster first struck them. The sailor at the helm made a mistake in his calculations, and the wind shifted. Now they were suddenly into firing range, and right away a dozen cannons were fired all at once. "Oh shit!" Ceres exclaimed, turning her attention back to the fight and putting up as large a water barrier as she could manage. But that only stopped about 7 of them. "We're going to get hit!" She exclaimed, though before anyone could react Ace suddenly jumped up into the air with his swords in hand. As if the cannon balls were made of wood, he cut right through four more of them within a second or so, making them lose pretty much all energy upon impact. That left one though. Which hit one of the cannons, smashing it to bits instantly. The two sailors operating it at that time met the same fate. "Guess I'll jump in and help a little as well." Ace spoke calmly as he landed on the deck again. "Can't any of you scum aim worth a damn?! Hit that damn ship already!"
Indeed, the sailors were a disappointment to say the least. Even Ceres figured she could have managed a shot in their enemy's bow by now. And things were starting to get dangerous very quickly. Especially now that the wind had changed, giving the Powder Ceg at least two good volleys before the Albatross was out of range again.
Sarpedon Chapter Master
Member
Seen
6 yrs ago
((Did I seriously make you wait eight days for a reply? Holy fuck I am sorry. I thought I replied days ago.))
The first mistake was nearly their last. The Duchess Gambit drifted into the range of it's quarry's claws, and they thundered in response, a dozen guns volleying at the circling ship. Ceres was quick enough to stop seven of the shots, an impressive move by any standard, but not good enough. Suddenly the swordsman his albatross had brought along showed his own worth, swinging that blade of his like it was some kind of magic, and it even worked. He only stopped four more of the hurtling cannonballs, however. Captain Cuttlam only had the time to curse violently before the last shot crashed into the deck. A thirty-six pound cannon was gone in a flash, its crew dead with it. He growled. It wasn't supposed to go like this.
Now they were down a cannon, and a crew, and they still hadn't holed their enemy properly. No one seemed pleased with the gunnery skills of the only people in the fight at the moment. The warlord had to do something. He knocked his current gunnery captain out of the way and seized control of the nearest cannon. "The man on that ship could sink us in one volley if he wanted. He just doesn't know who he's up against." he growled in warning to the man he'd put in charge of his artillery. He produced his familiar, and had the beast latch onto the cannon barrel even as he watched a second volley hurtling toward them. He hauled the muzzle upward and aimed it carefully, before screaming "Fire!" as loud as he could, hoping the crew was still paying attention.
Thankfully they were, and the cannon went off just in time. The thirty-six pound cannon roared between the teeth of the monster, and the cannonball rocketed into one of the incoming projectiles, knocking it into another, and sending all three of them clear of the ship. Cyrus could have stopped them all. He just hoped Ceres and Ace could stop the others. Whether lead rained down around him or not, though, the pirate lord was moving to the next gun. Once more his canine daemon hefted it, and once more he demanded someone fire the gun. But this time, rather than aiming for incoming cannonballs, he sent the projectile into the hull of their target. And this time, the round thundered into the bow of the ship to good effect. It shattered its way through the hull right next to the keel. The forward motion of the ship would quickly flood the magazine and hopefully they'd be able to board the vessel before it sank. Not one to take risks like this, though, Octavius headed for the next usable cannon. He intended to ruin his enemy's ship, as there was only one person on it that he cared for...
The first mistake was nearly their last. The Duchess Gambit drifted into the range of it's quarry's claws, and they thundered in response, a dozen guns volleying at the circling ship. Ceres was quick enough to stop seven of the shots, an impressive move by any standard, but not good enough. Suddenly the swordsman his albatross had brought along showed his own worth, swinging that blade of his like it was some kind of magic, and it even worked. He only stopped four more of the hurtling cannonballs, however. Captain Cuttlam only had the time to curse violently before the last shot crashed into the deck. A thirty-six pound cannon was gone in a flash, its crew dead with it. He growled. It wasn't supposed to go like this.
Now they were down a cannon, and a crew, and they still hadn't holed their enemy properly. No one seemed pleased with the gunnery skills of the only people in the fight at the moment. The warlord had to do something. He knocked his current gunnery captain out of the way and seized control of the nearest cannon. "The man on that ship could sink us in one volley if he wanted. He just doesn't know who he's up against." he growled in warning to the man he'd put in charge of his artillery. He produced his familiar, and had the beast latch onto the cannon barrel even as he watched a second volley hurtling toward them. He hauled the muzzle upward and aimed it carefully, before screaming "Fire!" as loud as he could, hoping the crew was still paying attention.
Thankfully they were, and the cannon went off just in time. The thirty-six pound cannon roared between the teeth of the monster, and the cannonball rocketed into one of the incoming projectiles, knocking it into another, and sending all three of them clear of the ship. Cyrus could have stopped them all. He just hoped Ceres and Ace could stop the others. Whether lead rained down around him or not, though, the pirate lord was moving to the next gun. Once more his canine daemon hefted it, and once more he demanded someone fire the gun. But this time, rather than aiming for incoming cannonballs, he sent the projectile into the hull of their target. And this time, the round thundered into the bow of the ship to good effect. It shattered its way through the hull right next to the keel. The forward motion of the ship would quickly flood the magazine and hopefully they'd be able to board the vessel before it sank. Not one to take risks like this, though, Octavius headed for the next usable cannon. He intended to ruin his enemy's ship, as there was only one person on it that he cared for...
GM
sanquin Metalhead Hippy
Member
Seen
3 yrs ago
Once again the captain had to take matters into his own hands. As the crew he had picked wasn't nearly up to par for fights like this, let alone against actual tough opponents. Ceres put up another wall of water, and Ace did his job too in stopping the rest of the cannon balls. But they wouldn't be able to keep up for long like this. As the other ship looked like it had room for several more cannons. Which were probably being readied already.
However the woman then noticed something. Once again they were moving closer to the other ship. Whomever the guy at the wheel was, he was pretty crap at steering a ship. As even with her little experience in doing so, she could do a better job. She rushed towards the steering wheel and pushed the man aside, taking it herself instead. "This is why I wouldn't want random thugs off the street on my ship!" She exclaimed, not really caring if Octavius heard her or not. She quickly brought the ship back on the right course, so they could keep their distance. Though the new course didn't last for long. As, probably by luck, another two cannon balls hit the other ship's bow. Close together, but it created large enough a hole for a lot of water to start gushing in.
Ceres grinned, suddenly making a hard turn towards the Powder Keg. As it was clear that well over half it's gunpowder would already be wet before they reached it at this speed. Unlike the idiot men in the crew she didn't need orders to know what was the right time to start preparing for boarding. "It's about fuckin' time ya dumbasses!" She yelled as she turned her attention to staying near the back of the ship, so cannons wouldn't be able to reach them until it was already too late.
However the woman then noticed something. Once again they were moving closer to the other ship. Whomever the guy at the wheel was, he was pretty crap at steering a ship. As even with her little experience in doing so, she could do a better job. She rushed towards the steering wheel and pushed the man aside, taking it herself instead. "This is why I wouldn't want random thugs off the street on my ship!" She exclaimed, not really caring if Octavius heard her or not. She quickly brought the ship back on the right course, so they could keep their distance. Though the new course didn't last for long. As, probably by luck, another two cannon balls hit the other ship's bow. Close together, but it created large enough a hole for a lot of water to start gushing in.
Ceres grinned, suddenly making a hard turn towards the Powder Keg. As it was clear that well over half it's gunpowder would already be wet before they reached it at this speed. Unlike the idiot men in the crew she didn't need orders to know what was the right time to start preparing for boarding. "It's about fuckin' time ya dumbasses!" She yelled as she turned her attention to staying near the back of the ship, so cannons wouldn't be able to reach them until it was already too late.
Sarpedon Chapter Master
Member
Seen
6 yrs ago
Octavius wasn't terribly concerned about the ship, not at this point. He was going to have to get his first mate a new ship, of that he was certain, but as long as this one worked enough for them to limp back to port, he supposed they would be fine. For the moment, they were making do, the few useful crew members carrying the rest. And what a weight it was. The helmsman was useless, but someone sorted that out in a hurry, and when the captain had time to look, he discovered Ceres dealing with it. Thankfully, it wasn't a big deal, since they managed to hole the bow of the Powder Keg before much longer, meaning that once the powder they had on deck was gone, there'd be very little left for the other ship's crew to do.
And almost as soon as the hole appeared, the ship started turning. Captain Cuttlam reacted accordingly. "Prepare to board!" he bellowed, and everyone made a mad dash for ropes, ladders, and weapons. All save a few, that he stopped with a glare. "Load those two cannons with shot. I'll give the command to fire." he instructed, not yelling this time, which surprised the gun crews, and sparked them into action even faster. As the two ships drew closer, everyone returned to the deck, ready to board. This was the critical point. They didn't have much choice to do anything but board the ship, so he just needed to get to his old friend before anything happened to him. And making sure that happened was just a matter of being faster than anyone else.
And being the sort of person who didn't much care about risk to his personal health in times like this, Octavius had no problem being the first one on the enemy deck. First, though, they were going to need some space. So he used his monster-head arm to heft one of the cannons as the ships drew closer. He watched as eyes widened in fear on the other deck. No one expected to be facing someone with a daemon for an arm, that could lift up cannons like it was nothing. "Fire!" he bellowed as he picked his target, and someone rushed to light off the powder in the cannon while he was still on target. And when the thing went off, a hail of shot ripped a hole in the press of pirates that had been preparing to board, and then he dropped that cannon, and picked up the next one. The warlord didn't want to take chances. The ships were getting closer together, and things were getting tenser. He aimed the second cannon, and again shouted for someone to fire the gun for him.
This time, though, he spotted the man he was looking for, just before the massive cannon he was wielding went off. He jerked it to the side in an effort to spare Cyrus the fury that had been loaded into the weapon, and instead sprayed another hail of lead and death into the same spot he'd fired at earlier. The cannon hit the deck, and then the captain's canine arm seemed to explode forward like it was some kind of magical grappling hook, latching onto the mainmast of their target, and suddenly yanking the man in charge of the ship from his deck, to the enemy's. He dropped to the deck, a shotgun in his human hand, and his canine arm gnashing its teeth violently. A solid half of the pirates turned to face him now, looking unsure as to what they should be doing with this obviously terrifying warrior invading their space. Octavius took advantage of this and moved toward his goal, wondering how the reunion was going to go...
And almost as soon as the hole appeared, the ship started turning. Captain Cuttlam reacted accordingly. "Prepare to board!" he bellowed, and everyone made a mad dash for ropes, ladders, and weapons. All save a few, that he stopped with a glare. "Load those two cannons with shot. I'll give the command to fire." he instructed, not yelling this time, which surprised the gun crews, and sparked them into action even faster. As the two ships drew closer, everyone returned to the deck, ready to board. This was the critical point. They didn't have much choice to do anything but board the ship, so he just needed to get to his old friend before anything happened to him. And making sure that happened was just a matter of being faster than anyone else.
And being the sort of person who didn't much care about risk to his personal health in times like this, Octavius had no problem being the first one on the enemy deck. First, though, they were going to need some space. So he used his monster-head arm to heft one of the cannons as the ships drew closer. He watched as eyes widened in fear on the other deck. No one expected to be facing someone with a daemon for an arm, that could lift up cannons like it was nothing. "Fire!" he bellowed as he picked his target, and someone rushed to light off the powder in the cannon while he was still on target. And when the thing went off, a hail of shot ripped a hole in the press of pirates that had been preparing to board, and then he dropped that cannon, and picked up the next one. The warlord didn't want to take chances. The ships were getting closer together, and things were getting tenser. He aimed the second cannon, and again shouted for someone to fire the gun for him.
This time, though, he spotted the man he was looking for, just before the massive cannon he was wielding went off. He jerked it to the side in an effort to spare Cyrus the fury that had been loaded into the weapon, and instead sprayed another hail of lead and death into the same spot he'd fired at earlier. The cannon hit the deck, and then the captain's canine arm seemed to explode forward like it was some kind of magical grappling hook, latching onto the mainmast of their target, and suddenly yanking the man in charge of the ship from his deck, to the enemy's. He dropped to the deck, a shotgun in his human hand, and his canine arm gnashing its teeth violently. A solid half of the pirates turned to face him now, looking unsure as to what they should be doing with this obviously terrifying warrior invading their space. Octavius took advantage of this and moved toward his goal, wondering how the reunion was going to go...
GM
sanquin Metalhead Hippy
Member
Seen
3 yrs ago
Ceres wanted to jump right after Octavius, causing her own mayhem on whomever the captain wasn't going after. As he was the only person who knew who he was looking for. But she stopped herself, deciding that she wasn't needed over there. The pirates on the other ship looked about as dangerous as the thugs they had picked up, so they could battle it out among themselves. She would stay and try to make sure that the ship wasn't sinking and was still ready to go when the survivors returned.
Ace on the other hand waited a bit for the ship to get closer, and them jumped after the captain. He landed just as Cuttlam started moving after his target again, moving in between the enemies and the captain as quickly as possible. "Sorry, captain's busy. You'll have to deal with me instead!" He exclaimed, taking out both of his cutlasses. The first pirate tried to attack, but was quickly met with his death by a simple parry and stab. A definite advantage of having two weapons. Two more attacked. But the swordsman whirled around, slashing one of them and ducking under the other's sword, while at the same time kicking him aside. The fight continued like that, Ace showing that his title of 'Strongest swordsman in the North Sea' wasn't given to him by accident. At the very least he was keeping the enemy at bay. So the rest of the crew could close in from behind. Thugs were just thugs, but put enough of them together and they could still do quite some damage.
Ace on the other hand waited a bit for the ship to get closer, and them jumped after the captain. He landed just as Cuttlam started moving after his target again, moving in between the enemies and the captain as quickly as possible. "Sorry, captain's busy. You'll have to deal with me instead!" He exclaimed, taking out both of his cutlasses. The first pirate tried to attack, but was quickly met with his death by a simple parry and stab. A definite advantage of having two weapons. Two more attacked. But the swordsman whirled around, slashing one of them and ducking under the other's sword, while at the same time kicking him aside. The fight continued like that, Ace showing that his title of 'Strongest swordsman in the North Sea' wasn't given to him by accident. At the very least he was keeping the enemy at bay. So the rest of the crew could close in from behind. Thugs were just thugs, but put enough of them together and they could still do quite some damage.
Sarpedon Chapter Master
Member
Seen
6 yrs ago
Octavius had obviously startled his enemies, and a shotgun blast into their midst seemed to deter them further, so he moved to track down the man he was looking forward to seeing again. Before he had to turn back and ward off the crew of the Powder Keg, though, Ace was kind enough to show up and start cutting people to ribbons. He could practically feel the man's talent radiating outward from his swordswings, and was glad he'd chosen to specialize in the scattergun. He'd yet to meet anyone who could use a shotgun like he could. And thanks to that, clearing a path to Cyrus proved simple enough. A hail of lead, fire, and blood lead the way, as the captain shredded a swathe across the deck.
He finally caught his gunnery captain trying to descend below decks for whatever reason. He tucked his weapon under his arm and grabbed the man by the bicep, stopping his progress. "Where do you think you're going, lad?" Captain Cuttlam scolded in mock anger, surprising his quarry, who obviously recognized the voice. He turned, and looked as if he might have jumped out of his skin had such a thing been possible. "You're coming with me." the warlord growled, and Cyrus had no argument. Indeed, he wasted no time in following his old friend away from the hatches, and back toward the Duchess Gambit.
"Fancy meeting you here!" Cyrus proclaimed as he shot one of his former crewmates in the back, obviously not terribly keen on the men he'd been serving with.
"I've been looking for you." Octavius replied with a chuckle. "You're a hard man to get to." he added as another enemy fell to his shotgun. He managed to reload only a single shot before another fear-crazed combatant rushed him. That was more than enough, though, as he managed to slay two men with the one shot. Then he stuffed another two rounds into the scattergun and moved to retreat to his own ship. "Fall back!" he bellowed as loud as he could. The roar of gunfire and the clashing of steel on steel was quieted by his shout, and anyone with any sense would be moving off the Powder Keg in a hurry. To set the example, the pirate used his daemonic arm to coil around his gunnery captain, before latching onto the mainmast of his own ship, before yanking the two of them across the gap, where he set down his newest crew member, and then looked to make sure that at least the people he cared about were around before they started moving away from the doomed vessel...
He finally caught his gunnery captain trying to descend below decks for whatever reason. He tucked his weapon under his arm and grabbed the man by the bicep, stopping his progress. "Where do you think you're going, lad?" Captain Cuttlam scolded in mock anger, surprising his quarry, who obviously recognized the voice. He turned, and looked as if he might have jumped out of his skin had such a thing been possible. "You're coming with me." the warlord growled, and Cyrus had no argument. Indeed, he wasted no time in following his old friend away from the hatches, and back toward the Duchess Gambit.
"Fancy meeting you here!" Cyrus proclaimed as he shot one of his former crewmates in the back, obviously not terribly keen on the men he'd been serving with.
"I've been looking for you." Octavius replied with a chuckle. "You're a hard man to get to." he added as another enemy fell to his shotgun. He managed to reload only a single shot before another fear-crazed combatant rushed him. That was more than enough, though, as he managed to slay two men with the one shot. Then he stuffed another two rounds into the scattergun and moved to retreat to his own ship. "Fall back!" he bellowed as loud as he could. The roar of gunfire and the clashing of steel on steel was quieted by his shout, and anyone with any sense would be moving off the Powder Keg in a hurry. To set the example, the pirate used his daemonic arm to coil around his gunnery captain, before latching onto the mainmast of his own ship, before yanking the two of them across the gap, where he set down his newest crew member, and then looked to make sure that at least the people he cared about were around before they started moving away from the doomed vessel...
GM
sanquin Metalhead Hippy
Member
Seen
3 yrs ago
It didn't exactly take long for everyone to return. No surprise there. Normal people couldn't hope to do much against a devil fruit user most of the time. Let alone a devil fruit user, a top class swordsman, and a small crew of makeshift pirates. However not nearly as many returned as went on the other ship to fight. Together with Octavius and Ace only 4 sailors came back. To Ceres that was fine though. With a crew of 9, five of which were far above your average thug, they could still easily keep the Duchess Gambit going.
"Where off to now captain?" The woman asked, ready to start sailing off. Though immediately she got a very weird look from the man Octavius had brought with him. "Er, cap'n...there's a young female at the wheel...wuts goin' on 'ere? Spoils of plunderin'...?" Ceres sighed, shaking her head. "You're looking at your new vice captain, so show some respect asshole! Besides, I'm pretty sure I'm older than you despite what I look like!" Once again Octavius got some very strange looks from his gunnery captain. He knew some crews took on women, but to see Octavius have one as a vice captain was odd to say the least.
"Where off to now captain?" The woman asked, ready to start sailing off. Though immediately she got a very weird look from the man Octavius had brought with him. "Er, cap'n...there's a young female at the wheel...wuts goin' on 'ere? Spoils of plunderin'...?" Ceres sighed, shaking her head. "You're looking at your new vice captain, so show some respect asshole! Besides, I'm pretty sure I'm older than you despite what I look like!" Once again Octavius got some very strange looks from his gunnery captain. He knew some crews took on women, but to see Octavius have one as a vice captain was odd to say the least.
Sarpedon Chapter Master
Member
Seen
6 yrs ago
"The nearest port, so we can sort this mess out." Octavius replied when asked where they were going. He didn't much care where they wound up, only that they got somewhere that they could fix up all the damage they'd taken. Then Cyrus started asking questions. "She's not actually vice captain. I appointed her first mate, to keep her happy. Technically, this is supposed to be her ship..." he offered. His gunnery captain didn't look impressed. "And she's definitely not older than you." he added with a chuckle. "Plus she can manipulate the ocean itself." that bit of information seemed to intrigue the man they'd saved, and the next bit seemed to quiet his misgivings. "She also is the only reason I'm not still rotting in prison." the captain didn't sound super pleased about the fact that a woman had saved him, but Cyrus certainly respected her efforts.
"If'n she's a'useful as ya say, I guess Ah go wit'it den..." the older man agreed, before disappearing below decks. He was off to examine their armaments while his saviours figured out what they were doing. His acceptance of their strangest crew member was surprising, but not terribly so. Cyrus had never been a terribly prejudiced man, so long as he had gunpowder and lead to play with. So while he did that, Captain Cuttlam tried to whip the ship into some kind of shape, directing what few crew members they had left into getting the ravaged vessel back to port. Hopefully the nearest port would be somewhere they wouldn't have to worry about the authorities cracking down on them. Unfortunately, such things weren't up to him, they were up to whatever sea-faring god had decided to unleash the Shotgun Preacher upon the land once more...
"If'n she's a'useful as ya say, I guess Ah go wit'it den..." the older man agreed, before disappearing below decks. He was off to examine their armaments while his saviours figured out what they were doing. His acceptance of their strangest crew member was surprising, but not terribly so. Cyrus had never been a terribly prejudiced man, so long as he had gunpowder and lead to play with. So while he did that, Captain Cuttlam tried to whip the ship into some kind of shape, directing what few crew members they had left into getting the ravaged vessel back to port. Hopefully the nearest port would be somewhere they wouldn't have to worry about the authorities cracking down on them. Unfortunately, such things weren't up to him, they were up to whatever sea-faring god had decided to unleash the Shotgun Preacher upon the land once more...
GM
sanquin Metalhead Hippy
Member
Seen
3 yrs ago
First mate, vice captain...Ceres didn't care what he wanted to call her. But she'd be damned to settle for anything less than second in command. Her days of serving others were through. Well...kind of, since Octavius himself was still there. But it was better than being a ship cook and sort-of-mascot. "Nearest port it is!" The woman exclaimed, turning the ship into the general direction of where she remembered the nearest town to be. It wasn't the most friendly of places for pirates, but if they didn't cause trouble or stand out too much they would be fine. And since they didn't have wanted posters yet, apart from Octavius maybe, they should be fine.
"Get to the sails! Bring 'er back into the wind boys!" She exclaimed, Ace, Cyrus, and the few remaining other crew members moving to get the sails turned into the right direction. And once again they were off. Things were going relatively smoothly so far. If the captain's trust in his former crew mates was as justified as she hoped, they would soon be ready to head out for the grand line itself. Though there was still one very important person they were missing. A navigator. Well, and maybe a musician. But that one was less needed. Without a good navigator they wouldn't make it very far on the grand line. It was the most difficult sea of all to sail after all.
Once the ship was on it's way again Ceres ordered one of the crew to fetch the map. As she wasn't entirely sure if she was heading into the right direction. Ace, in turn, went back to what he had been doing for most of the trip so far. Resting against the rails and pretty much nothing else. Ceres already didn't expect the man to do much ordinary ship work. He was more a swordsman than a sailor. Luckily he at least took action when he was really needed. And they had a few of the idiot thugs left to scrub the deck and such.
"Get to the sails! Bring 'er back into the wind boys!" She exclaimed, Ace, Cyrus, and the few remaining other crew members moving to get the sails turned into the right direction. And once again they were off. Things were going relatively smoothly so far. If the captain's trust in his former crew mates was as justified as she hoped, they would soon be ready to head out for the grand line itself. Though there was still one very important person they were missing. A navigator. Well, and maybe a musician. But that one was less needed. Without a good navigator they wouldn't make it very far on the grand line. It was the most difficult sea of all to sail after all.
Once the ship was on it's way again Ceres ordered one of the crew to fetch the map. As she wasn't entirely sure if she was heading into the right direction. Ace, in turn, went back to what he had been doing for most of the trip so far. Resting against the rails and pretty much nothing else. Ceres already didn't expect the man to do much ordinary ship work. He was more a swordsman than a sailor. Luckily he at least took action when he was really needed. And they had a few of the idiot thugs left to scrub the deck and such.
Sarpedon Chapter Master
Member
Seen
6 yrs ago
Octavius, noting their lack of crew, pitched in to help those who were left with getting things back in order. Once things were going, though, he stopped trying to help, knowing that he'd likely just get in the way after spending so long running a ship, and not just a specific set of ropes. And with Ceres at the helm, the ship made decent headway toward the nearest port. Or at least the captain hoped they were making decent headway. If they weren't, he supposed some corrections were in order. But he noticed someone bringing the first mate a map, so he assumed she was sorting herself out, and relaxed.
Ace seemed to have gotten the same idea even quicker. The man was a good fighter, but he didn't seem inclined to do much else. On a larger ship, it wouldn't have even been noticed, but when they were running a ship like this on a skeleton crew, Captain Cuttlam began to wonder if they were even getting any value out of the warrior. Sure, he had been useful in fending off pirates while they grabbed Cyrus, and he could slice cannonballs in flight like they were nothing. He paused at that. The man didn't even appear to have a fruit-given ability, but he could slice up cannonballs hurtling through the air. The man had some gods-given swords, and nerves of steel, if nothing else. He made a mental note not to complain any more.
The other few sailors they had were sure to be replaced soon, though. That, or they'd toughen up quickly. There were five on board he was sure of, including himself, and he wagered they would have another two if they could catch the Simurgh. That meant they would have little need for excess crew, he supposed, especially if they were going places that normal men wouldn't have the mental grit to go. And if he were honest, there was no more exciting place to be, than somewhere most couldn't even comprehend exploring. Plus, with all the treasure to be had in such places, it was pretty well a no-brainer. The trip to the nearest port passed quickly while the captain fantasized about attaining the top once more...
Ace seemed to have gotten the same idea even quicker. The man was a good fighter, but he didn't seem inclined to do much else. On a larger ship, it wouldn't have even been noticed, but when they were running a ship like this on a skeleton crew, Captain Cuttlam began to wonder if they were even getting any value out of the warrior. Sure, he had been useful in fending off pirates while they grabbed Cyrus, and he could slice cannonballs in flight like they were nothing. He paused at that. The man didn't even appear to have a fruit-given ability, but he could slice up cannonballs hurtling through the air. The man had some gods-given swords, and nerves of steel, if nothing else. He made a mental note not to complain any more.
The other few sailors they had were sure to be replaced soon, though. That, or they'd toughen up quickly. There were five on board he was sure of, including himself, and he wagered they would have another two if they could catch the Simurgh. That meant they would have little need for excess crew, he supposed, especially if they were going places that normal men wouldn't have the mental grit to go. And if he were honest, there was no more exciting place to be, than somewhere most couldn't even comprehend exploring. Plus, with all the treasure to be had in such places, it was pretty well a no-brainer. The trip to the nearest port passed quickly while the captain fantasized about attaining the top once more...
GM
sanquin Metalhead Hippy
Member
Seen
3 yrs ago
It took them until the next evening before the island Ceres had been sailing them towards came into view. The problem was that they couldn't just sail up and dock like normal sailors could. This island was more closely guarded than the last one they had visited, and pretty much every ship was checked for pirates. For pirates there was a different place to go ashore. A small lake in the forest, which was connected to the sea through a river. Ceres had heard of it, though hadn't seen it herself yet. So she started steering the ship around the island, which took considerable time since it was one of the larger islands in this sea. But eventually, when it was already dark, the river was finally spotted. Another few minutes of careful sailing while keeping all lights off, and they finally arrived. Two more ships had dropped anchor near the lake's beaches, though neither looked of any importance at the moment. And it was better to not try and steal from other pirate ships here either, since there was a kind of code on the island. Pirates had to keep a low profile, so they had to leave each other alone. If someone broke that rule, they would quickly have several ships against them if lucky. If not so lucky, the marines would join in too.
On the shore, hidden between the trees, there were a few small makeshift buildings and some small docks for row boats. The lights were fairly dimmed in each, and there were some people outside. Everything was peaceful, apart from a very faint sound of music coming from one of the buildings. "Sounds like they have a bar ashore, cap'n." Ceres spoke as she steered the ship towards a secluded spot on the water. "So what's the plan now? Wait for daybreak?" There wasn't much you could do in the pitch-black of night anyway. They could find the actual town tomorrow morning, after some proper rest. Something they hadn't really had since two days ago.
On the shore, hidden between the trees, there were a few small makeshift buildings and some small docks for row boats. The lights were fairly dimmed in each, and there were some people outside. Everything was peaceful, apart from a very faint sound of music coming from one of the buildings. "Sounds like they have a bar ashore, cap'n." Ceres spoke as she steered the ship towards a secluded spot on the water. "So what's the plan now? Wait for daybreak?" There wasn't much you could do in the pitch-black of night anyway. They could find the actual town tomorrow morning, after some proper rest. Something they hadn't really had since two days ago.
Sarpedon Chapter Master
Member
Seen
6 yrs ago
Octavius managed to wait patiently while they dragged their ship to the nearest port. It took them a whole day and then some to do it, since the nearest port was often overrun by the Navy, and while pirates still persisted there, they had to keep things much lower-key than normal. Not ideal for the man who claimed to be the greatest pirate ever known, but he supposed the element of surprise had aided him in such ventures more than once. The only unfortunate part about this time, was the fact that he didn't exactly command enough people to assault the Navy ships currently docked around the island. So rather than even consider such things, he was forced to do more patient waiting as it got dark. The sun was long gone by the time the Duchess Gambit made it into port.
The warlord sighed as they finally dropped anchor. Ceres wanted to know what the plan was, and suggested they wait for daybreak. "I suppose... Not like there's much we can do without a moon..." he agreed, sighing again. So close, and yet so far. He hoped the ship could hold itself together long enough for everyone to get to shore in the morning. "Let's do one sentry. Everyone else can sleep, have someone do up a roster, and I'll take the shit shift... Good night." he gave Ceres a gentle clap on the back as reward for her efforts, and then headed for his bed. There weren't exactly a lot of people left, by his count, so he didn't see anything wrong with taking the last shift before morning. Depending on how they set it up, it wouldn't even be that bad. For the moment, though, he was hoping a good night's sleep would help him formulate a real plan. He was going to need more than luck to catch the Simurgh...
The warlord sighed as they finally dropped anchor. Ceres wanted to know what the plan was, and suggested they wait for daybreak. "I suppose... Not like there's much we can do without a moon..." he agreed, sighing again. So close, and yet so far. He hoped the ship could hold itself together long enough for everyone to get to shore in the morning. "Let's do one sentry. Everyone else can sleep, have someone do up a roster, and I'll take the shit shift... Good night." he gave Ceres a gentle clap on the back as reward for her efforts, and then headed for his bed. There weren't exactly a lot of people left, by his count, so he didn't see anything wrong with taking the last shift before morning. Depending on how they set it up, it wouldn't even be that bad. For the moment, though, he was hoping a good night's sleep would help him formulate a real plan. He was going to need more than luck to catch the Simurgh...
© 2007-2024