Aether Shanties RP (PM if interested/Started)

[Floris2123]

Garrett seemed very calm after he asked the question, though him fiddling with his shirt betrayed that he was a bit tense. "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. George nodded, he never betrayed anyone's secrets.

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

George smiled in response. "Thank you for trusting me with this information, and don't worry my lips are sealed I will keep your secret. And I could never really understand the imperial rules on this matter, they are just too formal sometimes. Still I have to compliment you, she is a very beautiful and intelligent woman from what I have seen." His smile stayed as he kept walking, he wondered if they were getting close to the engine room.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

"Thank you for trusting me with this information, and don't worry my lips are sealed I will keep your secret. And I could never really understand the imperial rules on this matter, they are just too formal sometimes. Still I have to compliment you, she is a very beautiful and intelligent woman from what I have seen." The smile that George had stayed as the carried on to the Engine Room, which was only a short distance further down the hallway.

"And thank you for the compliment. I can see the reasoning behind your comment regarding Imperial formality, they can be a little short sighted at times; not that I would say that in public. They could learn a thing or two from the other peoples of this world with regards to being a little more open minded, but sometimes you can't argue with authority." Garrett remarked with a shrug as they entered into the Engine Room itself, with each of the large engines being set to both sides. The two soldiers stood to attention as they saw the pair enter, but Garrett quickly signalled them to be at ease.

"Here we are George, the Engine Room itself, some would say that its the heart and soul of the ship, for without it, well lets just say things would unlikely be kept afloat." Garrett said, commenting on the nature of the room, before taking a look at a clock that was affixed to a nearby wall.

"It appears that I must be leaving you now for the moment George, there is a few errands I have to run before the Gala event tomorrow evening. Perhaps once I've returned, I can give you the remainder of the tour?"

"I would love that, don't let me keep you any longer now though." George said as he looked around seeing what engines the Invincible had; he looked as though he was going to enjoy it here.

"Thank you, I shall see you later then." Garrett said as he turned and left the room making his way back on deck, stopping by his room to pick up the money that was in his desk. He then went off the gangplank and into Helium City once again.

 

[Terratina.]

"Hm, I suppose I haven't before now." James shrugged and then said, "So, we can get this going soon, right?"

That was odd. Hadn't Ciel and company talked to the Rear-Admiral and had shown their pieces of paperwork to her? It would be folly to just let anyone in the depths of the ship, especially near the engine room. Nevertheless, the infirmary lay ahead. Vasco gestured for James to follow and began walking. He arrived and opened the door, glad to be in the familiar space. From a wooden draw he got some measuring tape and a notepad then put that in the metal trolley where his tools were kept. Vasco then pushed it inside the little office inside the infirmary. Shame it was close to the cold storage cabinets.

Dr. Roque replied as he turned to the wall-mounted sphygmomanometer and put on a stethoscope , "It will be over before you know it. Now please, roll up those sleeves of yours."

 

[Sehnsucht Engel]

Beth

"Well, Cap'n, you can count me in. After all, someone needs to go with you to watch your ass."

She thought that Sheska had asked Beth to show her proper respect, yet here she was making indecent innuendo's and touching her hat. The last wouldn't have bothered her, if it hadn't been for the first. "I can handle myself, thank you. Furthermore, I do not appreciate your innuendos and don't touch the hat." She said, and righted it on her head.

Maybe she was a bit on edge. She kept looking down in thought.

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Sheska-

She blinked when Beth righted her hat and replied rather harshly.

"I can handle myself, thank you. Furthermore, I do not appreciate your innuendos and don't touch the hat.".

Sheska stiffened and her eyes went cold as she turned to face her properly. "I didn't mean it like that Captain. But if you'd rather, I can stay on the ship while you go. You only need to say so, Captain Beth.", she said carefully.

She would have strode off at that point, but the fact that the Captain seemed off, and not necessarily because of her, made her stay. "What's wrong, Cap'n? Regardless of how you feel about me, you can tell me what's bothering you. I'll listen.", she said more softly.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Garrett found it strange that he was doing this. In all his life, he had never thought of the possibility of romantic relationship. But here he was standing outside a jewellers with the intent on getting a ring for Adrianna. It would be a mixture of a birthday present for her, and as a symbol for something greater. The sign for the shop read: Harrap's Artisans and Jewellers - Exquisite Pieces At Fair Prices. On the outside, it looked like a respectable place, a little higher class than the places where Garrett would normally go to, but perhaps spending time on an Imperial ship like the Invincible got him slightly used to places like this.

He could feel his heart pounding slightly inside of him, nervous about what he was about to do. Garrett found it a little funny, enough to make him laugh out loud; that throughout all the things he had done, this was the one thing that had him even the remotest chance of being scared. Still, he had to do it all the same. With a few deep breathes, he went pushed the door open and went inside.

The inside of the shop looked rather neat and tidy, a few other people, mostly women were busy looking around. There was another woman who was at the counter, currently serving another customer. She had long black hair that part of it was tied into a ponytail at the back, whilst the rest hanged loose which helped with framing her pointed face alongside a pair of rectangular glasses. The lady wore an elaborate black dress. Garrett went up to the counter, and began looking at the items on display underneath. It was after a few minutes that the shop keeper turned her attention to Garrett.

Spoiler: The Shop Keeper

"Anything I can help you with, sir?" The question caused Garrett to look up at the lady. He had to admit, she was pretty as well.

"Yes, yes of course there is something you can help me with." Garrett replied sounding desperate. He stopped for moment before continuing.

"Sorry, its my first time going into a place like this, you could say I'm a little nervous."

"It's understandable sir. Besides we don't often get many gentlemen of your style in here. So, what can I help you with then?" The shop keeper asked as she rested an arm on the counter, sounding intrigued. Garrett smirked at the comment made, inclined to agree with her.

"I guess you wouldn't see many pirates in a Jewellers. You see, I'm looking for a special ring, for a special lady close to my heart."

"Ah, romance then. Well you certainly have found the right place to purchase such an item. We here make some of the finest items around. I'm sure I can help find something that your lady will simply adore. Anything specific?" Garrett stood there for a few moments, his arms crossed as he thought. Suddenly he snapped his finger.

"Something that has a reddish pink colour to it, you see its her favourite colour. Actually, something like this." Garrett said, pointing out to one ring in particular that looked perfect.

Spoiler: The Ring

"Sir, you have fine taste for a novice jewellery shopper like yourself. Sorry, just my little joke." The shop keeper remarked with an elegant smile as she knelt down to retrieve the ring in question, and presented it to Garrett.

"This here is a 9ct White Gold ring with a Pink Sapphire gemstone. It is a ring that is suitable for any occasions, and your lady will certainly love it."

"Really, you think so? I guess you should know better, being the person who runs the shop. How much is it?" Garrett asked, taking out his money as he spoke.

"Hmm, let me see." The shop keeper said, bringing out a catalogue from under the counter, and began looking through the pages to find the one detailing the ring. "400 Helios. 25 extra if you'd like it gift wrapped." She then added as a finger rested on the correct page. Garrett was somewhat shocked at the price, but after examining the ring more closely, could where the expensive side of it was, the gemstone. He began counting out the money, it piling up onto the table.

After making sure it was the correct amount, the shop keeper took the ring from its display case, and went out back, returning a few minutes later with a small box about the size of the ring itself.

"Here you are sir. Hope your lady friend enjoys it." The lady said as she presented the ring box to Garrett.

"Thank you very much m'lady, you've done me a great service. I shall bid you good day." Garrett remarked with a smile as he took the ring, and placed it in the front pocket of his coat. He then made his way out of the shop to continue with his other purchases.

 

[Ruedyn]

"It will be over before you know it. Now please, roll up those sleeves of yours."

"Mhm."
James took off his jacket, throwing it onto the nearest thing, which happened to be a table. It was a tad bit chilly, but he would endure damnit! He didn't bother to look around, he was more worried with the suspicious glances the Doctor kept giving him. He might've already seen through the cunning ruse! Better not to draw attention to it, just continue with the examination, then start blending into the crew.
"So, doctor. Might as well get started."

 

[NinjaDeathSlap]

Zach considered the offer made over the intercom. He wondered what sort of occasion it would be. Zach wasn't normally one for formality, and yet mingling with folk of higher status than himself (and there were plenty) held a mischievous allure for him. When cleaned up and dressed up Zach could pass for a proper gentleman even under the nose of the stuffiest host. A natural progression from watching people down to every last detail, was learning how to mimic perfectly. However, Zach couldn't shake the feeling something was off about this whole thing. Perhaps he was just superstitious. He'd only just got on board so going ashore again so soon seemed somehow wrong. That wasn't it though, his instincts were telling him there was more to it than that, and he trusted them more than any other thing in this world.

So, a night of entertainment, and a mystery to solve. How could Zach resist?

"What do you think Issac, in the mood for the party atmosphere?"

 

[blaze96]

Samuel heard the offer over the intercom and seriously thought it over.

'Well I have never been to a skyfolk party, perhaps it won't be as boring as a Neo-Victorian party. Lord knows I never want to go to another one of those things. It also does give me the excuse to see how this crew acts in a situation requiring some amount of tact and etiquette, should be a laugh a minute.' He chuckled to himself, thinking of all the moments he'd seen this crew celebrate anything. It all too often ended in drinking and a brawl set to raucous music.

He decided to grab his bottle of whiskey and a shot glass and walked up topside to once again get some air along with a decent view to go with his drink. Being a sailor had some advantages when it came to some of the views you got on a regular basis.

 

[Arcanist]

Jason strode into the mess hall, the smell of traditional Skyfolk cooking filling his nose. On the other side of the room, the ship cook, a burly man by the name of Morgan, was scooping ladlefuls of seagull soup into the waiting bowls of hungry crewmen. Jason felt a growl rise from the pit of his stomach, reminding him that he hadn't yet eaten today. He grabbed one of the bowls piled to his right and walked up to Morgan's station, offering it expectantly.

Morgan gave a brief nod of recognition before dipping his ladle into the pot. "Good afternoon, Mr. Aurora." He poured the contents into Jason's bowl before locking his gaze with Jason's with a small frown. "I can't help but notice you weren't here for first mess call."

Jason responded with a shrug. He wasn't sure when first call came - he was either asleep or working on replacing the shattered starboard propeller axle, he wasn't sure which. In the weeks since they departed High Tortuga, his days seemed to bleed together into a blur of stress, toil, and increasingly sparse sleep. Not that he was a stranger to any of those things, of course. "So? I'm a busy man, Morgan. Somebody needs to keep this thing afloat."

Morgan's eyes narrowed, giving his normally gentle, reserved posture an unsettlingly intimidating air. "...For the tenth time in two weeks."

Jason returned Morgan's expression. "Are you accusing me of something, Morgan? Because if working hard is a crime, then I'll show myself to the brig."

Morgan gave an exasperated sigh. Why were all of the Mermaid's officers so bent on self-destruction? "Jason, this isn't healthy, and you know it. How many meals have you eaten in the past week? Hell, how much time have you spent doing something other than working in that engine room?"

Jason scoffed. Since when was it anybody's place - least of all the sodding ship cook - to tell him how to do his job? "What are you, my mother? I know my limits, Morgan. I'm tougher than I look."

"Working yourself to death doesn't make you tough, Jason."

"Morgan, this conversation is OVER." His lips curled back to a snarl, his patience having reached its limit. Who the hell did he think he was, trying to order him around like tha-

"'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."

His train of thought was interrupted by Beth announcing over the ship intercom. He rolled his eyes. He was never one for the pointless pageantry and inane gossip that comprised such gatherings - a colossal waste of time, as far as he was concerned. He had better things to do - namely, just about anything else.

Jason leveled his attention back to his bowl, frowning when he saw it was still half-full. He offered it back to Morgan expectantly...

...Only to be greeted by his mischevious grin.

'Oh, this can't be good.'

"You're going to that party, Jason. And to incentivize you..." Morgan grabbed a lid to his right and placed it over the soup pot. "You're not getting any more from me until I have a promise you'll go. And don't bother lying to me - if I don't hear from the Captain herself that you went, you're not getting any from me for a week."

A shatter could be heard throughout the mess hall. Jason, struck dumb, had lost his grip on his bowl. But he didn't notice, nor did he care. He was rendered utterly speechless.

'Of all the... who the hell does he think he is!?'

A moment ticked by, the smug look never leaving Morgan's face. Jason eventually managed to regain enough of his composure to sputter a response. "Wha...what!? This had better be one sick fucking joke, Morgan."

"Is it? Your move, Mr. Aurora."

Jason rose to protest, but another growl from his stomach was accompanied by a sudden loss of feeling in his legs. It seemed his body was indeed reaching its limit, doing too much work on too little fuel.

'Dammit.'

"Fine. I'll go." Jason swallowed his pride, trying to ignore the look of triumph on Morgan's face as he went to collect another bowl. At least Morgan's seagull soup was decent...

 

[Cybele]

Whether the engine room had a intercom or not, Roy completely missed the captain's announcement.

He leaned back in his chair and stretched his back and sore shoulders. He now had a basic idea of how the mechanical arm worked and what measurements he would need to take before he could continue working. Stifling a yawn, he rolled up his papers - a good third of them were of a gun design - and placed them in the chest along with the arm. He then dug out a small notebook, pencil and the measuring tape from his numerous pockets, wrote down the measurements he needed and headed back up to the deck.

Roy sighed when he reached the deck and saw Sheska talking to the captain. He hated having to wait while working on something but there was nothing he cold do. He sat down on the deck with his back against the railing, turned to a new page on the notebook and started to scribble down more firearm ideas.

Hmmm...how best to store the ammo...Not really enough space for a magazine. Maybe a ammunition belt?

 

[3quency]

Isaac shrugged in response.
"Chances are if I don't want to go someone'll make me so what the hell, why not."

He knew attending the party wouldn't be safe. There'd be all sorts of people there and if his suspicions from earlier hadn't just been paranoia, there was a good chance that he'd run into some old acquaintances he'd rather not encounter. But... he didn't have much of a choice. Those old acquaintances would have just as much chance of recognising Sheska who would definitely be going, and he didn't like the idea of his one real friend being picked up by vengeful Ggun agents.

Not to mention the idea that if they did capture her (an unlikely but plausible undertaking), his own capture would not be far behind.

Attending was perhaps the most sensible, and most stupid thing he could do.

 

[Terratina.]

"So, doctor. Might as well get started."

The monkey threw off the jacket. Well that was one way of doing it. He strapped the inflatable cuff around the gentleman's left arm, making sure that it was at the right size for the subject and fitted snugly. He began to inflate the cuff, increasing the pressure on James's arm. Soon, it was at about the maximum that was bearable. Dr. Roque leaned in and listened with a stethoscope to the brachial artery at the elbow as he slowly released the pressure in the cuff. As usual, after a few minutes a pounding sound was heard through the stethoscope and Vasco grabbed the bulb tightly, ending the decrease of the the pressure. While he looked the dial, calibrated by himself nonetheless, he turned to James.

"So, engineer's assistant. May I know how you came to that position?" Vasco asked in an attempt to make some friendly banter.

 

[deathbydeath]

The upper deck of the HMS Invincible was as lovely as the breeze sweeping over it, as if the Skies were cleaning the ship as one might clean a dirty floor. The breath of the wind drifted by all on deck, murmuring sweet and gentle truths as the quiet clamor of deckhands and dockworkers weaved into a perfect harmony, forming a symphonic duet in which there was not a single dissonant chord.

Drustan Cynwrig emerged onto this marvelous moment and stopped, breathing it in. Drustan did not merely breathe the air, though, for it was not just the air that was perfect. No, Drustan breathed in every minute detail of the scene, for times like these were his air. Without these times and places, Drustan would stop living, reduced to a dead man walking.

At the time, though, Drustan was still walking, as he used that invaluable skill to exit the shipyard and emerge reluctantly among the bustling crowd that was Helium City. Peering over the shifting mass of human thanks to his abnormal height, Drustan waded through the living river off to a side street and began chatting with vendors. Despite his extended stay in the city, Drustan still relied on more permanent residents for directions and advice. He stood in an alleyway, sheltered from the thunderous population, having a nice chat with a rather charming used book seller at his stand. As their discussion meandered over recent trends in the fashion of wealthy men, Drustan browsed the merchant's library in case there was any stack of paper that would be nice to have while loitering up in the crow's nest of the Invincible. As his eyes danced along the lines of colors and letters, they were rewarded with something interesting: a faded light blue paperback titled in black letters, A Commoner's Guide to Upper-Class Etiquette and Mannerisms. Part IV: Ballroom Dancing.

"Huh." Drustan retrieved the book, flipping through its pages to make sure it was legitimate. The book was truly a miraculous machination; it had detailed summaries of both classic and contemporary dances, as well as diagrams and random tips. "There is a god." Picking up the other two volumes (I: Hats for those with Money, and III: Properly Conversing with the Opposite Sex) as well as some pulp adventure novels, Drustan wished the bookseller a good day and continued on his way.

 

[Ruedyn]

"So, engineer's assistant. May I know how you came to that position?"
James had more or less tuned himself out until he heard the good doctor trying to make conversation.
"Uh, I guess I just met the right people? I try not too think about that too much..." James gave a weak grin. Conversation was not his strong suit, but he didn't want there to be doubt. As soon as James could blend in with the crowd the better, but until then, his story had to hold up.
"Everything is... Correct, I assume?"

 

[Sehnsucht Engel]

Beth

She shook her head, and breathed in the air of the city below. It smelled better up here. "Nah, I don't want to go alone. The more the merrier."

When Sheska asked if something was wrong, she shrugged, there was nothing wrong at the moment. Something was bothering her, but she wouldn't bother someone else with problems, which could be the imaginings of a drunk mind. "I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me."

She was worrying about someone else, and it had nothing to do with her duties. She shouldn't let it affect her too much.

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Sheska-

Sheska slowly relaxed as Beth shook her head and told her that she didn't want to go alone. Smirking a little, she leaned against the railing and jabbed a finger in the Captains direction.

"Good. Because I had to go through the indignity of getting fitted for a dress. I'd rather not have wasted my gold.", she said jokingly, before she heard what Beth said next.

"I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me.".

She snorted and shook her head. "Too late for that, Cap'n. Romantically or not, I care about you, and you're still a close friend of mine. So that means I'm going to worry about you, just like I'll worry about Izzy when he's bugged by something. So just remember, if you need to talk, I'll be here.", she said, reaching over and putting a supporting hand on Beth's shoulder.

She nodded once, then turned to walk away, only to spot Roy standing a little ways away, writing down something in a journal. She quirked an eyebrow before putting a hand on his shoulder, turning him to face her.

"Now, what are you doing here? Shouldn't Jason be working you to exhaustion in the engine room?", she asked firmly.

 

[MortifiedPenguin]

Bored, bored, bored, bored, bored. For a pirate ship there certainly wasn't much to do, he had more excitement in town then on this dreary old rust bucket. He got one of his books out from one of the man pockets in his coat, so much for promises of adventure, as of yet all he had done was mope around on deck while everyone else was busy socialising. He flicked through the old, dog eared pages until he found the place where he had last read. In all honesty he could practically recite the pulp from memory, but where was the fun on that.

"'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." Blazed the Captains vioce over the intercom. Finnaly something more suited to him.

Hector leaped up and went in search of the Captian, if he was going anywhere like that, he would need some new clothes; perhaps a suit he hadn't sewn himself.

"Captain, I'd love to go to this party. The thing is my...usual attire might not be appropriate," He said, "Maybe you could lend me some funds to get something...nicer?"

 

[Cybele]

Roy hadn't noticed Sheska walk over to him and jumped a bit when she put her hand on his shoulder.

"Now, what are you doing here? Shouldn't Jason be working you to exhaustion in the engine room?"

"Oh he is, don't you worry about that," Roy said, smirking. "He put me to work on your new arm, to make a plan for all the necessary adjustments and such but I need to take a few measurements before I can continue," he explained and flipped back to the previous page where he'd written down the measurements he'd need to take.

"So, if you have a moment?"

 

[Texas Joker 52]

-Sheska-

As she watched him jump, she had to suppress a chuckle, and she saw as he flipped his journal to a different page and replied.

"Oh he is, don't you worry about that. He put me to work on your new arm, to make a plan for all the necessary adjustments and such but I need to take a few measurements before I can continue. So, if you have a moment?".

"Hmmm. I suppose. May as well see Sam about that too, he may have a few suggestions, seeing as he's going to be performing the surgery.", she said with a small grimace, motioning for Roy to follow.

She turned only to spot Hector running up to the Captain, and asking for funds for clothes. "Hector, what the fuck are you doing asking the Captain for a free handout?", she asked irritably.

She shook her head and sighed. "Well, you're a pickpocket, aren't you? Ply your damn trade on the locals! Neither the Captain or myself happen to be your mother, and you need to earn most of the coin you'll get, one way or another.", Sheska barked out, before adding, "And when you're getting those new clothes, go to Simmyns Outfitters. They'll sort you out.".

She strode away without another word, once again jerking her head to make sure Roy followed. As soon as they left the helm, she spotted Sam himself coming up from below with a glass in his hand, looking mildly amused with himself.

A moment they reached him, she impatiently introduced the two. "Sam, this is Roy, Roy, this is Samuel, the doctor on the Mermaid. So look, Roy here is on a job from Jason to get measurements for my new arm, and I figured you ought to have at least some say in it. You two have your talk, I'll be sittin right here.", she told them quickly, before making her way to a nearby barrel and plopping down onto it.