Patchwork Universe

liason · Posted: 04 Feb 2004 10:56 am Post subject: Dressing for dinner

"Thankyou Lieutenant Stafford," Liason removed his cloak and draped it carefully over the rail. Of all his clothing, only the boots were in a fit state to be worn to dinner. He shook his head sadly.

The dry clothing he was offered seemed very suitable - not a perfect fit, but then his spindly frame was of the kind that generally required bespoke tailoring. Overall, he was pleasantly surprised with the results.

If Stafford noticed Liason's unusual physique, extraordinarily pale skin and hairless body he made no remark.

Liason then had a difficult decision to make. He was confident that his hosts meant him no harm, but did he dare leave his weapons out of his sight. Eventually he was forced to concede that his pistol belt and scabbard simply would not look right worn with this new clothing. Consequently, appearances required that he abandon them here.

"I should be obliged if I might leave my armaments here with my clothing ?" Liason ventured, "I feel I shall not have need of them this evening."

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 100 Location: HMS Justice

“Certainly, Mr. L’Iason, I can even put them in my sea chest for safekeeping, if you like. With your permission?” Reaching over, Stafford picked up the weapons carefully, almost reverently, and commented, “I must say, these are quite fine – we all have number of small arms, and the Captain keeps a set of dueling pistols, but I have never seen such detailed workmanship, nor such an unusual design.” Locking the chest, he stood up and continued. “It’s only myself and two of the midshipmen who share this berth,” he said, indicating the tiny, closet-like room. “So, there should be space enough for your things to dry. In the meantime, if you’d like to wash, we’re quite fortunate in having plenty of fresh water, there being a spring on the island.” He gestured to the ceramic ewer and basin in the corner. “I’ll give you some privacy, and let the Captain know when you’re ready, as I believe she’d like you to join her in a drink before all hands are called at noon for dinner.”

Stepping outside to wait, Stafford considered the unusual gentleman. Certainly the man was quite thin, and extremely pale, but that did not explain his extraordinary foreignness. (Like most sailors, Stafford had come to regard most landsmen as being on the pale side, and the occasional bout of half-rations near the end of a long voyage rendered all hands rather gaunt.) He wondered where the stranger was from – L’Iason sounded French to his ears, but the man did not look French. There was also the odd juxtaposition of his strangely archaic clothing and sleek modern weapons. Stafford resolved to ask the man abot his origins on the way to the Captain’s cabin.

liason · Posted: 04 Feb 2004 02:06 pm Post subject:

Having completed his preparations for dinner, Liason rejoined the Lieutenant. As they walked, he listened to his questions. One thing is clear, he thought, I am very far from the Empire now. The question of how best to reply was more difficult.

"I would not wish to bore you with irrelevant details of my own life. Suffice it to say that my origins lie within the Illuminated Empire. The Imperial Foundry itself is my base of operations - my home, if you like - but I have studied the six Provinces and the noble families of the Heartlands and know them all well."

"And what of yourself, Lieutenant ? Your speech is the educated tongue of the Imperial court and yet your mode of dress is... quite unfamiliar."

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 100 Location: HMS Justice

Stafford looked startled for a moment, as if surprised that the other man would take an interest in him. “Well, sir, I’m not especially remarkable. My uniform is standard for Her Majesty’s Navy,” he said, indicating the blue jacket with gold braid and the rather imposing hat “although I like to think I keep it in a good state of repair.” He gave L’Iason a hesitant smile. “Other than that, I was the second son of an alderman, so I joined the Service at thirteen as a midshipman. I was fortunate enough to see action in the last war as Third Lieutenant on the Intrepid, and was then assigned to the Justice.” Looking to see the stranger’s reaction, he continued. “Captain DeRainault has quite a reputation, you know. She fought in the last war, hunted pirates in the Caribbean, and has many more explorations than any expect maybe Coke. But,” he added, coming to the end of the corridor “I expect she can tell you about that herself.”

Stafford knocked on the door, and upon the brief command “Come,” opened the door and stepped in. A moment later, he was back, saying “Mr. L’Iason, the Captain asks if you would take a drink with her before dinner. It has been a pleasure meeting you, sir.”