[ audio parrot to everyone on the Coup de Chance ]

[pelagically]

[ Said parrot's wings are banded with seafoam green, and said message is delivered in the utterly relaxed tone of someone who could do this in his sleep. ]

This is a message from Captain Odair.

There's been a slight change in course. We will be attempting to dock at Nuevo Paramo at the next dawn. As we've all been informed by Commodore Shepard, this will be no easy venture. I want all capable hands on deck tomorrow morning so that we may graciously meet our welcoming committee.

I need not remind you that we are in pursuit of the Silver Sextant and will not rest until we retrieve it. Keep your eyes and ears open for new information; it appears to be everywhere these days. Any new knowledge is to be brought to me post-haste.

Godspeed, men.


Oh, one more item of note — if our navigator is correct, Dante, we'll be needing your services tonight.

Comments

[halfdevil]

[ and here he is, totally sauntering up on deck in a pair of old leather boots and enough no-shirt for everyone. there's a slightly persuasive yawn that might put the whole ship to sleep and then he speaks. ]

Yeah? You sure know how to wake a guy from his nap.

[johannamason]

Take me back already.

+1 Wizard

[raggedywizard]

I think I will just... find my own way once we dock- if that's all right.

What exactly do you mean by not an easy venture?

[pelagically]

Back? Take you back where?

[pelagically]

[ And this is why you're the captain's favorite, Dante ]

Many apologies. I wouldn't do it if it wasn't absolutely necessary. I'm afraid the winds aren't in our favor tonight, and I'm very serious when I say that we must reach Nuevo Paramo by sunrise.

[pelagically]

Come now, surely you don't think pirates will be welcomed with open arms by Her Majesty's royal lapdogs?

I suggest you stay below deck until the smoke has cleared.

[johannamason]

To land, idiot. This isn't funny.

[coinmover]

Bringing her to battle alone, when she's two guns shy of matching our broadside with two?

Good.

I'll need extra ballast if I'm expected to unbalance our guns.

[pelagically]

I assure you, we'll make it to land. What I don't understand is why you're so eager to leave.

[pelagically]

I like a challenge, Erik. You know that.

I'll see what I can do.

[coinmover]

Yes, and I know that if we put twelve guns along one side to match them -- not to speak of their crews-- our gunwale will be underwater.

I can give you ten, in two batteries of five. But they'll load faster. And their shot is heavier. What's our edge? Raking over a frigate's not like plucking Spanish merchantmen, or even our little rivalries.

Nonetheless, I'll bleed them for you.

[pelagically]

This is why we keep you around! Unfortunately, I think you've forgotten about our secret weapon. It's only natural; he spends most his time sleeping.

[johannamason]

Oh, I'd be happy to demonstrate on you since you'd conveniently forgotten. How did we even get here? Why are you acting weirder than usual?

[coinmover]

You put your trust in him; I'll place mine in iron. I know its breaking strain better.

[pelagically]

We set course for Nuevo Paramo five months ago, Mason. I'd expect any first mate worth her mettle to remember that. You're the strange one! Are you quite sure you're feeling well?

[johannamason]

Why would I suddenly be okay with a boat. What the hell is Nuevo Paramo?

[pelagically]

I think you need to lie down. Talk like that around the wrong people will get you hanged.

[johannamason]

We both know you wouldn't kill me. We played that Game already.

[pelagically]

Of course I wouldn't. I never said I would. Things will be fairly different when we approach our ever-gracious Commodore, to say the least.

[pelagically]

I place my trust equally in both measures. You've never failed me before. Why now?

[johannamason]

Who? Shepard? He's an asshole, but we already went over this- they don't even torture here. It's like Island Amateur Hour.

[coinmover]

I've no intention of failing.

If you can come in close enough, I'll send them case shot on a triple charge of powder. Flay the soldiers, burn the deck. It's a better chance than trying for an even exchange.

[halfdevil]

[ even if he looks a little distracted. ]

If you say so. You got the keg, then you got my best.

[bearnaked]

Aye aye captain! Teddie on desk and ready for anything!

[pelagically]

[ whatever, he gets the job done and looks good doing it ]

And what does two kegs get me?

[pelagically]

They don't torture here! I'd swear on this ship that you get cuter every day.

[pelagically]

As always, your enthusiasm and fighting spirit is appreciated.

[johannamason]

Last time you called me cute, they had to airlift you out on a medi-hovercraft.

Where's Annie?

[pelagically]

A long way from here. Why do you think we're in search of the Sextant?

[halfdevil]

Twice the fun.