Aether Shanties RP (PM if interested/Started)

[deathbydeath]

"That's quite alright Mr. Cynwrig but see to it that you get a timepiece. I expect all crew to start duty as soon as their shift begins; no excuses."

Drustan shrugged in an acknowledging manner, realizing that that would come up. "Will do, ma'am; I'll be sure to have one before we set off."

As Adriana rummaged through papers on her desk, Drustan adopted a more permanent stance, with his feet wider than normal and his hands behind his back.

"I like to know my crew Mr. Cynwring; to know what they can do and how they think. I have a few places that could use your aid, but I'd like to know where you think you should be placed."

Drustan nodded at her request. "Very well, Miss Lanester. On many other ships I've been on, my primary purpose has been for martial support, and for good reason I may add. However, I can be purposed to do just about everything, from manual labor deadly to the average man to assisting in engineering or construction. I have even acted as a bodyguard at times, but I'm fairly certain you have that covered already. Out of curiosity, what are the positions you have or need filled?"

 

[NinjaDeathSlap]

Zach looked at the tobacco, then up at Issac, and then shook his head. In truth, although Zach was careful not to let any such thing become a 'habit' of his, there were very few things he didn't partake in when they were on offer. Something held him back though, most likely his mistrust of Issac. Not that Zach was genuinely scared of accepting any consumables from him, it was more just on general principle. Issac was far more guarded the Sheska, and until Zach knew him better he wasn't going to grasp the other end of the olive branch. He compensated however by taking a rather large swig of rum.

"So, what's your story Issac?" he slurred, after letting the awkward silence continue for a while longer. After all, if he was going to tolerate the man's company, he wanted to be the one in control of the conversation, or perhaps it was just the drink loosening his tongue.

 

[blaze96]

"Well those of us who don't drink liquor most of the time find the water refreshing and are ok with the lack of taste." Samuel said jokingly as he took another sip. He wasn't about to press her on what she had dreamed, if she wanted to tell him she would.

"Now as for the favor, I will do what I can. Though of course I can't do anything that would be particularly dangerous to you or unethical." He replied sitting back.

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Sheska-

Sheska stared at Sam for a moment as he replied.

"Well those of us who don't drink liquor most of the time find the water refreshing and are ok with the lack of taste.".

"Ha! Tell that to Izzy. He drinks coffee like I drink rum. I hardly have ever seen him drinking water. Probably because he'd rather some taste over no.", she added with a soft snort.

Then she turned to look at him properly, but her expression was far from comfortable.

"Now as for the favor, I will do what I can. Though of course I can't do anything that would be particularly dangerous to you or unethical.".

"Alright. I need my ears pierced. Not sure if I ought to be telling you this, since the Cap'n didn't say whether or not the crew needed to be told, but... Its for some shindig. Not sure when, but its while we're here, and I need to look like a lady.", she said with a disdainful sneer.

"Oh, and I'll need a hand getting in the damn dress.", she added quickly as an afterthought.

 

[hiei82]

"...Out of curiosity, what are the positions you have or need filled?" Drustan asked, appearing genuine.

"We recently had an encounter with a Pirate vessel where we lost many of our Marines. Aboard The Invincible, many of those Marines pull double duty as Riggers - it keeps them in shape and active while outside combat. We lost our daytime crows-nest man in that battle and our chef as well. If you feel confident in your eyes, I'd like you to be our new scout in the nest, if you feel confident in your cooking I'd like you to be the chef, but otherwise you will be on rigging duty. Of course in all cases, you would still serve as a Marine." Adrianna said, explaining the needs of the ship.

"Of course, standard compensation applies." she added, just in case money was his prime concern; like most mercenaries.

 

[deathbydeath]

"Of course, standard compensation applies."

"Very well, it seems like rigging or scouting is the way to go for me, as the last time I cooked a meal, I think it incapacitated more fighting men than an Imperial patrol." Drustan chuckled at the memory. "Also, please bear in mind to stick me at the vanguard whenever conflict arises, greased with alcohol as well, if possible. Standard payment is fine too, by the way, as money for me is hardly of the same value as other members of my profession."

That settled, Drustan moved on to his next question, pausing before he started. "If I am allowed to know, Miss Lanester, when is this boat leaving port, and is there anything I should learn or take note of until then?"

 

[hiei82]

"If I am allowed to know, Miss Lanester, when is this boat leaving port, and is there anything I should learn or take note of until then?"

Adrianna smiled wiry and spoke up. "First, that's Admiral Lanester to you; or Ma'am in a pinch. I don't care that you're a mercenary; you will follow the command structure and respect the officers of this vessel." It wasn't a terribly important element to her, but she knew Exeter and Annis would show him the harsher side of Imperials protocol if he didn't follow the marching orders.

"Second, very well Mr. Cynwrig; I will include you on the boarding party roster and you will man the crows nest. First to see, first to board." she said, giving him his orders. Then she answered his questions. "This ship will leave after repairs have been made, though not before the day after tomorrow. Some of the Invincible have been invited to a Gala for the Imperial-Helium Tripartite Agreement tomorrow evening." she said, informing him of the state of affairs.

Almost as she said it, it occurred to Adrianna that - given Drustan had been living in Helium for some time, his knowledge of Helium affairs might come in handy. "I will be adding you to the Imperial security detail for the Gala; your knowledge of the city may prove helpful. Be sure to wear something appropriate." she said, finishing her thought.

 

[deathbydeath]

"First, that's Admiral Lanester to you; or Ma'am in a pinch. I don't care that you're a mercenary; you will follow the command structure and respect the officers of this vessel."

"My apologies Admiral, I'll be sure to remember that." Drustan made a mental reminder to not get too close to this woman unless she herself did the opposite, which Drustan quite doubted.

"I will be adding you to the Imperial security detail for the Gala; your knowledge of the city may prove helpful. Be sure to wear something appropriate."

"Lovely, then. I guess of all the things I could be doing, searching for a cheap method of obtaining clothes to blend into high society with isn't the worst possible outcome, is it?" Drustan gave himself a chuckle at his own understatement. "Once again Admiral, I'd like to thank you for generosity in employing me on your vessel." Drustan replied humbly to her orders, with a bow for emphasis. "I have only two more questions before I go: One, can I go? And two: Is there any Imperial protocol surrounding saluting that I should be aware of?"

 

[blaze96]

"Well if that's all, that won't be a problem." He said with a smile.

"Though I will say piercings don't necessarily need to be ladylike once whatever it is you are doing is over. Though to be fair I find piercings look good on most women." Samuel said as he got up and got what materials he would need for a safe piercing.

"Do you have the rings you will be wearing? It will make this a bit easier. As for the dress, I wouldn't be a proper neo-victorian gentleman if I didn't help when asked. By the time we are finished you will look like you frankly belong with the uppercrust of this city. Though I almost wish I could be there, just to see how well mannered you can act." Samuel said with a friendly smirk as he turned back to look at her.

"Though I always hated those damn neo-victorian parties. So I won't bemoan not being invited."

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Sheska-

She snorted at his reaction, particularly his comment about piercings being attractive on most women. "Ha, just my ears, Sam. I can't imagine why anyone would want anywhere else pierced. Eyebrows, nose, lips, tongue. I hate needles enough as it is in my arm, I can't imagine why I would want any in my face, or got forbid around my tits.", she said, shuddering at the thought.

She stood up and sighed, reaching up to clutch at her head as it spun for a moment. Then she looked over and glared at what he said next.

"By the time we are finished you will look like you frankly belong with the uppercrust of this city. Though I almost wish I could be there, just to see how well mannered you can act.".

"Well shit, Sam, what the hell did I do to deserve an insult like that? Why would I want to look like the 'uppercrust' of this city? I hate high-class types. I just want to look like me, but, well, classy.", Sheska told him.

But, she shook her head, knowing that any insult was unintentional. Sam was probably one of the most inoffensive people she knew, and she couldn't remember the last time he outright insulted anyone, on purpose or otherwise.

"Anyway, I don't have them on me right now, and I wouldn't want to be pierced just yet anyway. I'll likely ask you to do that whenever I get ready for it. And I get the feeling you might be able to go. I know I'm planning on dragging Izzy with me if I can.", she said with a shrug.

 

[blaze96]

Samuel's eyes went up and to the left as he mentally pictured piercings in each place Sheska mentioned, and he couldn't help but chuckle a bit.

"They could work for you, though you are too much the practical type for it. They tend to be a hindrance in a fight. IF they don't become a target first."

He put the tools back on the table and laughed at the mention of being insulted.

"Now now, you forget my heritage. If I wanted to insult you I would have said you would look like the uppercrust of a Neo-Victorian city, and that's something I wouldn't say about even my own worst enemy." He laughed as he sat down and pulled out a bottle of whiskey.

"Besides, I know for a fact you got thicker skin than to be insulted by that." He said as he poured a glass, and taking the drink at the mention of being dragged along.

"Forgive me if I'm not excited at the prospect of going to something requiring we be classy. Had my fill of that but I'll go just to watch the looks on their faces when you pick up the wrong fork or spoon." He joked.

"But I'll be ready to pierce ya when you need it."

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Sheska-

The First Mate looked at him with a quirked brow and shook her head. "Sam, you're one of the very few people that have seen me naked on this ship. So please, don't imagine me with piercings like that.", she said, before frowning for a moment and nodding once, "Though I am flattered you think they'd work in my case.".

Then she turned and strode to the door, opening it and stepping out. "Thanks for the painkillers. Hopefully they'll kick in soon. I'm going to see where Beth is.", she told him.

She gave him an absent-minded wave before closing the door behind her.

Once she was out of his cabin, she sniffed the air and started to follow her nose.

 

[Floris2123]

"Why thank you for saying that George, I think you and I are going to get along well...You could probably make a few friends there." Garrett said showing a brief smile. George was happy to hear this, Garrett reminded him of the things he did miss about his home. He then listened carefully to his story, finding out more about your colleagues was a good thing.

"The senior officers are varied in their own way, but all loyal to the Empire, some more so than others...First Mate St. John has a skill for intimidation, some would argue that he enjoys it a little too much when it comes to interrogation...Misbegotten pet Capricorn, Exeter has him trained as an attack dog, which is loyal to Exeter only because he fears the punishment that would be brought upon him." Garrett remarked, showing his disgust for the man. George felt his stomach turning, keeping someone locked up like that was horrible. He made a note to watch his step around that man, types like him was what he hated about the empire.

"Second Mate Baker-Cromwell, otherwise known as 'Black Annis'; a resentful woman who knows her life hangs by a thread after an incident with a Misbegotten and a poisoned quill...Doctor Vasco Roque, a man who could be seen as cold and calculating who prides himself on his skill as a medicine man and on finding out all the details of his patients...There is also the new Quartermaster, Miss Heatherington-Portnoy, and our new Engineer, Ciel Kriebel. Unfortunately I do not know much about them since like you and a few others on-board, they are recent additions." It was always good to hear that there were a couple of new people, it meant he would be able to blend it more easily.

"Finally we have the Rear Admiral Lanestar herself, a woman who takes her position serious, and won't accept failure unless it has a good reason behind it...On her ships, she values a person's knowledge, skills, and actions; to her it is those qualities that earn you your rank; not that you were the heir to some highly influential lord. George looked very surprised, he hadn't except people like that actually existed within the empire.

"Whilst this hasn't been well received, it has certainly gotten her results. Lanestar likes to have every advantage to her disposal. Amongst all this, she is woman with a good heart, and if you do your job right, you'll see her good side. Though, I've seen a bit more." Garrett took a moment to pause and breathe. George looked at his new colleague, a smile spread across his face.

He wondered if he was misinterpreting but the way he spoke, especially the last sentence made him think he had something with her. "Thank you a lot for telling me all that, I will be sure to remember it. Though there was one thing that stood out from your explanation. So let me ask you one thing, in return for the story of how I lost my finger. Are you and the captain in some sort of relationship?"

 

[Evrant-Knight]

"Thank you a lot for telling me all that, I will be sure to remember it. Though there was one thing that stood out from your explanation. So let me ask you one thing, in return for the story of how I lost my finger. Are you and the captain in some sort of relationship?" George asked, a rather Cheshire Cat like grin on his face, no doubt realising the connection between Garrett and Adrianna. Garrett adjusted his shirt for a moment, deep down he had always felt a little nervous with regards to telling someone about the relationship, but for some reason he felt he could trust George, and remained confident on the outside.

"Sounds... reasonable enough George. Although you have to promise me not to tell anyone afterwards, especially St. John, I just don't trust him to keep things quiet." Garrett said with a stern voice, almost fearful. He then took a moment to calm down and relax.

"To answer your question, yes, we are in relationship of sorts. The whole thing of me being a bodyguard to her, is sort of acting as a cover; though I was legitimately hired to protect her. The reason for all the secrecy, is that there could be some... complications, and potentially a whole lot worse if it was discovered that we were together, romantically that is." Garrett said, before a confident smile crept onto his face.

"However, the secrecy maybe coming to an end. Once we've ridden out this last storm, we can be free and together."

 

[3quency]

-Annis-

Annis stared hard at Wilhelmina. There was a pause as she fought her temper. It hadn't been meant as an insult, surely. Surely. Her eyes flicked to the automaton and the documents she had gestured to. Annis took them, providing there was no protest from the clanker.
"Of course. I am sure these are in order but it would be remiss of me not to check, you understand of course."

She thought for a moment.

"I suppose this can wait until you have finished getting your... things aboard the ship. I understand that you have done this sort of work before but I would feel more comfortable knowing that I had personally shown you the little things that make The Invincible different from other ships of its kind."
She turned on her heel and looked back at Wilhelmina briefly.
"I am retiring to my cabin, Miss Hetherington-Portnoy. I expect you to find me as soon as you are ready to begin your orientation. The ship is not due to leave for at least two more days so I believe I can forgive any... tardiness in that respect."

And off she went. Something was setting Annis on edge about that woman. She couldn't put her finger on it, but Ms Hetherington-Portnoy had a very uncomfortable air around her. Perhaps it was just paranoia on Annis' part but she didn't like it. Perhaps it'd be worth looking into, if she had the time and the discretion available.
She saluted as she passed the Rear-Admiral, addressing some merc they'd picked up to replace her- the ship's dead men.

She had some thinking to do.


-Isaac-

What's my story? Hah, glad you asked...

Isaac was used to this situation. If anything, he looked forward to it. Telling people about himself was one of the few times he was really truly comfortable talking to the other crew. And it helped remove that layer of suspicion from many of their minds, as befitted any pirate hiring an Imp.

"Hmm? Oh, IAN, as you probably guessed. I was a crewman aboard the Belinda, it went down... just over there-"
Isaac pointed out to a spot just clinging to the horizon.
"-actually, few years back now. Pirates picked us up, killed the officers and told us we had two options - defect and sign up or die like the officers. Didn't need asking twice."

Most of this was true, in a certain light. Isaac had indeed worked aboard the Belinda and it had indeed gone down. That both had been specifically arranged to provide him with a cover story back in the bad old days was beside the point.

"After that... travelled. Ship to ship, crew to crew. Learned navigation and here I am. Yourself? You're a trib- Neobedouin right?"

 

[hiei82]

"I have only two more questions before I go: One, can I go? And two: Is there any Imperial protocol surrounding saluting that I should be aware of?" Drustan asked in a way that almost seemed disingenuous. Adrianna gave him the benefit of the doubt however, answering in earnest. "The official Imperial Protocol is for the lower ranked individual to salute before and after a meeting with a higher ranking officer. The lower ranked sailor holds the salute until the officer replies in kind or until he or she leaves sight." she said, explaining how it worked. "I don't hold this protocol in most cases; after you board the ship, the protocol isn't followed." she finished, letting him off the hook.

"And yes, you may go." she offered, before returning to her paperwork.

 

[NinjaDeathSlap]

While Zach concluded that Issac was most likely telling the truth, he would have been able to tell that a lot was being held back even if he hadn't already taken Issac for an Ex-Ggun. Perhaps Issac knew less of what he knew as Zach had suspected, or perhaps he just didn't want to discuss it for one of any number of reasons. In a way, it was Sheska's fire that had given Zach the confidence to be direct with his approach. With Issac however, he felt that he would learn more by watching rather than speaking.

"In theory," Zach replied, sounding aloof to Issac's question. "but can you be a tribal without a tribe? That's the real question, and I guess it depends on who you ask."

 

[deathbydeath]

"I don't hold this protocol in most cases; after you board the ship, the protocol isn't followed."

Drustan nodded his thanks to her, justifying his claim: "Thanks for informing me, Admiral. The reason I asked is because assuming and not asking beforehand has led me to be on the wrong side of the whip once before. There's an amusing story behind that, if you're ever interested." He stopped after the invitation, letting her catch up.

"And yes, you may go."

Drustan emerged from his long-term standing position while heading to the door in one fluid motion. "Thank you for your time Admiral. I'll be back later today, assuming that I've got what I need for this upcoming social affair. I appreciate everything you've done, Admiral. You won't regret it." With this farewell, Drustan exited Adriana's office, gently closing the door behind him.

 

[Sehnsucht Engel]

Wilhelmena

She kept smiling to herself, when Annis left her. The second mate would need to be dealt with, though how and when were questions for another day. She wasn't happy about having to go through what made the Invincible unique. It was an imperial ship, they were largely the same. She found pleasure in flying, but the imperial ships didn't interest her that much. The skyfolk made fascinating airships.

"Come on." She said to the automaton, and went below deck. He followed behind her. They reached the cabin she had taken earlier, and once inside she made sure that nothing had been moved. She had taken to placing her belongings in the same spot, no matter how many times she used them or what the room looked like. There were similarities all rooms have a door and a bed, so those were of importance. The desk was used when she had been given a room, or cabin, with one.

She put the box down on the floor, and checked the corridor again, before she laid down on the floor and started to knock on the floorboards. Wilhelmena found a good enough spot. "Close the door and give me the crowbar." She whispered to Remmington's servant. He obeyed her, and she pryed the floorboard loose, making sure to stay as quiet as possible.

"Flashlight." He obeyed her again, and she got a chance to have a closer look at the empty space below her floor. It would do. She reached for the box Jennifer had supplied them with, and laughed inside her head. Bloody hell, second mate, I was afraid you might ask to inspect my luggage. She hadn't, and now she could hide it away until they got in the air.

She got back up, and put the floorboard back. "As good as new." There wasn't much else to do at the moment. Now she had to play the waiting game, until tomorrow evening. "You can put the rest down on the floor. If someone else than me steps inside this cabin, attack them. You are a bodyguard after all, should be easy for me to explain why someone got attacked if they intrude on me. Remmington didn't tell me when she wanted you back, but I guess it can wait. She has plenty of automatons."

He nodded in response.

Beth

She had stared at the facade of the tattoo parlor for a while, after purchasing her new clothes. A rose sealed in blood. It was a faint memory, something between a dream and a drunken haze. It must have been the latter.

Beth left when she got sick of her own thoughts. She needed to get back to the ship or find an inn to sleep in, but as she had bought new clothes; it would be another expense to rent a room. The captain may have more money to spend than her crew, but it wasn't supposed to be used on her alone.

She made her way back to the ship, even if she moved slower than usual. Beth wouldn't be going alone to that party tomorrow, but if he wanted her to be there, she would be. There might be imperials invited, but they were in Helium City. It couldn't be her group, some imperials and no one else. There would be neobeduin, skyfolk and the important people of Helium City as well.

It made her sigh.

Walking up the gangplank to the Mermaid, she headed for the wheel and pushed the button to the intercom.

"'Ello, boys and gals. I have been invited to a party tomorrow, by an old friend. Since I don't want to go alone, anyone who wants too is free to come along. I'm sure we'll have a swell time. There'll be booze and music. I don't know about other pirate crews, but some skyfolk, neobeduin and Helium City folk are to be expected." She considered mentioning the possibility of imperials, but didn't, believing that there'd be more willing to come with her, if she left it out of her message to the ship.

She went over to the railing of the ship, leaned over and looked down at the city.

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Sheska-

Sheska was on her way up from below when she heard the Captains voice over the intercom, making her frown as she stopped on the stairwell and listened.

"'Ello, boys and gals. I have been invited to a party tomorrow, by an old friend. Since I don't want to go alone, anyone who wants too is free to come along. I'm sure we'll have a swell time. There'll be booze and music. I don't know about other pirate crews, but some skyfolk, neobeduin and Helium City folk are to be expected.".

When the intercom clicked off, she shrugged and continued to make her way up to the top deck, before working her way astern. When she reached the helm, she saw the Captain leaning over the railing and looking down at Helium City's streets. Her outfit was different, though. Fancier, but more formidable. It had an air of both authority and class that made Sheska envious, and at the same time made her clench her teeth in frustration.

She was supposed to be getting over the damn Captain.

After looking at her back for a moment, she strode over and stood next to her, hand on her hip as she stared out herself. "Well, Cap'n, you can count me in. After all, someone needs to go with you to watch your ass.", she added with a forced smirk.

Sparing a glance, she reached over and gently tapped the front tip of her new tricorn. "By the way, nice hat.", she said lightly.