Patchwork Universe

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

"Believe you me, sir I mislike it as much as you do. Moreover *God* is certainly not someone I would ever expect to meet, having been raised rather indifferently in the Church of England. And yet, " and here the Captain nodded at Doctor Domenova, who had taken up the diagram and was making further notations on it, "the Doctor, being an ethnographer..."

The Doctor raised her head from her writings and looked over her glasses "Only an amateur one, I fear!"

"...is our expert on such matters, and informs me that wandering incarnate deities are not uncommon amongst other peoples, and indeed that they are often thought to be benign, such that meeting one is sometimes a fortunate occurrence." The Captain finished her speech all at a rush. Before she could continue, however, the Doctor interjected.

"Take for example many of the tales from the Orient, which feature wandering gods, or some of the stories of indigenous trickster gods of the Americas and Polynesia, or ancient Greece - well, perhaps not ancient Greece, but - " and here the Doctor caught herself. "In any case, my source, the proprietor of the nearby pub, seemed reliable enough, and appears to have inhabited this place, which he calls the quilt, for some time. It was my proposal that we perhaps explore the area a bit further, and see if we might encounter one."

"The upshot of this is that I am planning to lead another party back to the northern landmass next forenoon, to speak further with the proprietor and perhaps venture onwards." The Captain looked at L'Iason, attempting to gauge his reaction. " You would, of course, be welcome to join us, or you could remain here. In either case, a demonstration of your small arms would be most welcome, as Mr. Stafford has spoken highly of them. Perhaps, based on this arrangement, you might be willing to provide some for our use?" Without waiting for an answer, the Captain drained the rest of her port, stood up and headed for the door, her enthusiasm increasing with each step. "We could arrange some targets on the quarterdeck, and you might want to view the exercise of the guns afterward - Samuels! My complients to Lieutenant Stafford, and could he join us on the quarterdeck in say, fifteen minutes." The Captain continued to plan animatedly as she left the room.

After a moment, the Doctor turned to L'Iason, and with a small smile and a shrug of her shoulders, picked up the paper and quill and followed her Captain out onto the deck.

liason · Posted: 16 Feb 2004 10:22 pm Post subject:

Out on deck, Liason stood as far from the targets as the available space would allow. Carefully, he checked and loaded his pistol. The salt water seemed not to have damaged it.

Looking at the faces of the crew - obviously expecting a show - he had a difficult decision to make. To what extent should he hold back on the capacity of his weapon ? To put on a display might be good for the reputation of the Foundry, but might also cause difficulties for him later.

But then - these people here might be some of the Foundry's strongest allies in the times to come. No harm in showing off a little.

"Captain, Ladies and Gentlemen," Liason bowed, "I have the honour of being permitted to demonstrate to you the weaponry which I carry with me. As some of you know I represent the Imperial Foundry of the Illuminated Empire. The weapon I use represents the peak of what the Foundry is capable of. Unfortunately we cannot supply you all with such weapons as I carry - it is one of a kind - but I hope to at least provide a little entertainment."

So saying, Liason took careful aim at one of the targets and fired. A sharp bang was matched by a brief corona of blue fire around the muzzle of the gun. A sound of splintering wood from the direction of the target suggested that Liason had at least not missed entirely... but a short while later exclamations of astonishment from the other end of the deck let Liason know that the rocking of the ship had not marred his accuracy unduly. Applause followed and Liason bowed.

He fired a couple more shots, then unfixed the clip and slid in a battlefield round.

"Stand well away from the targets please - I intend to fire a larger round and there may be some splintering."

Liason spent the better part of half a minute aiming, then discharged the round. He held the pistol's kick in check adequately, but the aether shock from the muzzle scorched his hand slightly, even through his glove. Hopefully the burn wouldn't show.

The round flew though the air - a bright bolt against the evening's gloom - and smashed into the centre of the target. It shattered and the fragments blasted out over the pacific, a few of them burning brightly as they fell.

There was far less applause this time. Instead, a stunned silence hung in the air.

"Captain ?" Liason cocked the gun open and replaced the clip, "Would you care to try for yourself ?"

Larkin Quickgrip · Good Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 34 Location: The Slums

Larkin had arrived on the deck just in time to catch the last part of the show and was actually astonished by what he had seen. There was little he could do except mumble "Magic!" under his breath before remembering what Michaels down below had said.

Strolling upto the nearest sailor he tapped the man on the back and asked if he could show him where someone called 'Old Trouble' the Steward was, because he had to see the Captain.

While the sailor hurried off to fetch the woman Larkin thought about the weapon he had seen the stupid, pale merchant use. The contraption obviously borrowed heavily from magic and he wondered how it was done. A small plan began to form in his mind as to how to get a hold of this massively powerful weapon, but he decided not to think about it until later and waited for the sailor to return.

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

“Sir! I would be delighted.” The Captain’s eyes gleamed with interest at the evident firepower of these new weapons. Obviously the “battlefield round” was some special feature almost akin to a small cannon, but even under normal circumstances, a weapon that could fire multiple times without the need for reloading would present a formidable advantage. It would also give the Navy a major advantage over the enemy in boarding and hand-to-hand fighting when war came. Having observed L’Iason carefully throughout the demonstration, she accepted the gun with care, and weighed it in her hands for a moment before taking careful aim and firing. Used as she was to conventional weaponry, however, she instinctively overcompensated for the kickback, and the shot missed the center of the next target, although it just took the edge. “Extraordinary! It seems to have a much smoother firing mechanism that I am accustomed to.” The Captain did not seem displeased, however, and in a moment had adjusted her stance and took aim again, firing twice in quick succession. Both shots hit dead on, and there was a muted cheer from the other end of the deck. “But this is wonderful, Mr. L’Iason, truly a fine piece of craftsmanship! I have never seen the like before… Of course, I understand that it must be the cutting edge in your technology, but if you could see your way to even providing a few of a similar sort of weapon - I can tell you, it would be a great help.” The Captain fired twice more, marveling at the ease and smoothness of the mechanism. “Here Doctor – you must give it a try – with your permission, sir?” Gracefully, the Doctor moved over to take up the gun, removing her glasses and tucking them away in her jacket pocket. “There’s no need to compensate for the kickback, it’s quite smooth, and there!” After helping to adjust her friend’s stance, the Captain stood back as the Doctor made a clear and perfect shot. She fired once more, and the clip was empty. “It is most impressive, Mr. L’Iason. Most modern.” Handing the weapon back to L’Iason, the Doctor turned to the Captain. “What next, my dear?”

The Captain gestured for Lieutenant Stafford to join them. “Well, if you’ll spare me a moment, I think we should retire to the great cabin. Bearing in mind our aims, and those of our guest” and this with a nod at L’Iason, “I have considered matters, and I have a plan – “

liason · Posted: 18 Feb 2004 11:16 am Post subject:

Liason nodded and followed the Captain. Although still paying a vague attention to the activities around him, his mind was elsewhere.

An expeditionary force of elite troops. This England is no petty Dukedom - I have encountered a new great power. This could be the development the Artisans have been waiting for. Now if only we weren't imprisoned...

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

As the Captain, the Doctor, Lieutenant Stafford and their guest departed, sailors began to troop back to their posts, herded by the shouts of the other Lieutenants. Amidst this bustle, a heavy hand came down on Larkin’s shoulder, and he turned to see himself facing a grim, formidable woman in her forties. “You shouldn’t be-a wandering round the ship, boy. “ She frowned “Not proper. Follow me.” She led Larkin towards the Captain’s berth, and paused before the doors to the great cabin. “Wait here, while I announce you. Don’t touch anything. When you go in, you’re on your best behavior – respectful and polite, do you understand me?” Without waiting for an answer, she continued. “”I’ve got my eye on you, boy, so don’t try anything or you’ll regret it.” Surprising how a woman of average height and build could look so threatening.

Meanwhile, in the great cabin, the Captain had seated herself, offered more wine to everyone, and poured another glass. She had retrieved the diagram and quill from the Doctor and was making notes as she spoke. “What I propose is this – Mr. L’Iason, although you are welcome to stay with us for supper, I expect you will be wanting to get back to your Foundry. Lieutenant Stafford can return you in a boat following our drills, or in the morning if you prefer. We should also send that other fellow back – Quickgrip, was it? Did he come with you?” The Captain cocked her head, suddenly remembering the other visitor. “If you will permit, I would also ask that you allow the Doctor to attend as well and perhaps give her a brief tour, as I believe that it may be helpful for us to have further information about your facility in order to discover how or why both it and the Justice were selected, so to speak. I further propose that in the forenoon watch, I shall lead a small party back to the northern landmass,” She said, tapping its location on her diagram. “There we will conduct further investigation into the causes and conditions of our situation. What say you?” But, before anyone could respond, there was a knock on the door, and Samuels stuck her head around the door. “Begging the Captain’s pardon, but the castaway lad is here, as requested.” The Captain looked up. “Ah, yes. Bring him in Samuels, bring him in.”

liason · Posted: 18 Feb 2004 03:19 pm Post subject:

Liason looked round at the new arrivals.

"No, Master Quickgrip did not travel with me. Indeed, I have never met him before."

He turned his attention back to the Captain.

"As to my departure. Directly following the completion of the drills would suit me very well. The Doctor would be welcome to accompany me, of course."

Larkin Quickgrip · Good Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 34 Location: The Slums

Larkin grumbled and cursed while the meeting went on inside. Putting on a high nasaley voice he said "Dont touch anything boy, best behaviour boy, Ive got my eye on you boy." Then falling back to his normal voice "What duz she think I am, some two year old, what cant keep his hands to himself." All of a sudden, the woman turned round and with quite an evil glare, to Larkins eye, grabbed his wrist and yanked him into the great cabin.

The young thief found himself facing a table full of people much higher in the wealth scale than he could ever be. Grinning and thrusting his hands in his pockets, Larkin quickly turned round and gave the 40 year old behind him a quick wink before addressing the small company before him. "Alright, you lot havin fun in ere? Only yer must be to keep a young man waiting for so long just to see the woman that runs this place."

Swaggering up to the table he sat down and took out his knife before removing leftover pieces of the lobscouse from his teeth and flicking them behind him at the astounded steward. "So" he said, in between flicks, "What can I do yer for?", before scratching his blind white eye with the end of the tablecloth.

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

The Captain cast a critical eye over the ragged young man sitting at her table. "Well, lad, I'd just like you to answer me a few questions - First, I'd like to know exactly how you ended up here in this bit of the ocean. Second, I'd like to know a little about this city you're from - Peerblind, I think you called it? And third, I'd like to know whether you want to be returned there or not." Nodding to L'Iason, she added "You see, we'll be returning this gentleman to his home after the drills this afternoon, and we can send you back just as well while we're about it. But, I believe I did mention my offer, which stands - if you want to sign the Articles, we can always use more crew - and you look like you could benefit from a bit of naval discipline."

Larkin Quickgrip · Good Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 34 Location: The Slums

Larkin thought about the offer to join her crew, but quickly decided against it. He remembered about the Slums back home and his quest. "Sorry but Im guna have to turn yer down on the Articles thing, I've gotta quest to do yer see and well ter be perfectly honest I have no idea bout how I ended up in this sea of yours. I just passed through this mist yer see and ended up ere."

Larkin stashed his knife in a handy pocket somewhere in his jacket before continuing "And as to yer second question, Peerblind is a very large city ter, I guess, the South of ere. It's seperated into two basic factions, yerve got the Heights and the Slums."

"The Heights I dont know much about, cept its full of Lords and Ladies and you have to born there to live there or even just ter go in there. All our food comes in through them as well, so they get the picks of all the best food while we're left with the crap that they let us have."

"On the other and I was born in the Slums so I know an awful lot bout it. Basically its full of thieves and beggers and, as yer would think, this makes it a very rough place indeed. The Slums practically lives off of guests, dont ask me why but they keep flockin to the city. They think there guna get a better life there or somethin. But it always ends with them losin all their money an bein unable to pay the leavin tax."

Shrugging Larkin took a deep breath and carried on. "That was until, like, a couple a weeks ago when they just stopped. Same time as all this mist came down on us an all. So in answer ter yer third question Im guna say No. I'm not stupid yer see, no matter what I act an talk like I aint actually that thick. I can see somethins goin on here and I would like ter know what." Nodding at Liason he said "The merchant over there belongs here about as much as I do an yer crew below were goin on about all of these places I adnt even erd of. So are yer guna tell me or what?."

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

“Well!” The Captain seemed amused by the outburst. “I can certainly tell you a few things about your situation, and ours. And I do compliment you on your grasp of the problem.” With determination, she set her hands flat on the table. “The gist of the matter is this – for reasons unknown, your bit of Peerblind has been unmoored from your world, and has ended up next to our little patch of island and ocean. The same has occurred with Mr. L’Iason and his foundry. And none of us can go anywhere but into the bits of the other worlds until we find out who set us here and why. I expect that will explain why you have no new visitors to the slums, why Mr. L’Iason has no new customers at his establishment, and why I have no further Pacific Ocean to sail on, that I may continue on to Australia.”

At this, the Captain raised her head and looked Larkin straight in the eye – her expression was not unkind, but it was one that brooked no argument. “But you misunderstood me earlier, when I made my offer, Quickgrip. I give you this choice: I can take you to the edge of my patch of ocean, or you can sign the Articles and join my crew.” The Captain turned her hands palms up, like the balance on a scale. “ If you choose to leave, I am willing to take you east with this gentleman, should he consent; south from whence you came, or west as far as the edge of the mist – I do not know what lies beyond that, save for the flying thing we sighted earlier. I have my own business in the north, and I do not encourage interference with that mission. If you choose to stay here on the Justice, I’ll expect you to work for your berth - I'll suffer no wasters and layabouts. This is a ship of Her Majesty’s Navy, and every man or woman aboard is sworn to do his or her duty for Queen and Country. Now, what’ll it be?”

Larkin Quickgrip · Good Joined: 21 Jan 2004 Posts: 34 Location: The Slums

This was when Larkin realised that things were a lot more serious than he had formerly thought. This wasnt some petty squabble between cities, this was a major event in the universe. He found it rather unbelievable the whole idea of being seperated from his world back home, if it wasnt for the evidence shown to him today he wouldn't have believed it. "Wait a sec" he asked the captain "What unmoored the Slums in the first place? an why would it. Its hardly a place of miracles, if yer know what I mean."

However their was nothing that could stop his mild chuckle at the idea of joining such a ship as the one he was standing on. "Yerve gotta be jokin bout the articles thing though. Can yer picture me workin on this boat *all* of the time. Not bein insultin or nothin but I just aint a military kinda guy."

However this left the rather important decision of where he was supposed to go. He couldn't go back South with the Slums back there, he knew it was important for the people to know but he had promised to find some visitors and dammit thats what he was going to do. He had to find out why the place had been unmoored.

The North had been ruled out by the Captain already so that wasn't a choice. This left going with the pale merchant or going out to the final unexplored area. The only thing attracting him to go to the merchants homeworld was the mans weapon, however he obviously knew little about the mist as well, otherwise he wouldn't have ended up washed on that island. Larkin would simply have to aquire the mans possessions some other time.

All of this pretty much made up Larkins mind for him. The other direction not only contained the possibility of an answer but it called to his sense of adventure at the same time. Taking a deep breath he announced this to the Captain and men at the table, noting the merchants mild relief that Larkin didn't want to go with him.

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

“Very well.” The Captain brought her hands together with a snap. “As far as why any of us were selected and moved, I do not know. As for the identity of those responsible, that is something I intend to discover.” For a moment, the Captain's face took on a stern and determined look for that boded ill for anyone who stood in her way. Just as suddenly, her expression cleared. “And while I take no offense at your refusal, Quickgrip, bear in mind that military training does a man or woman no harm, and indeed can prove quite useful, depending upon the events one must face. Nonetheless, it is decided. We will take you to the eastern edge before proceeding to the western edge to deliver Mr. L'Iason and the Doctor to the Foundry. Lieutenant Stafford, please have a boat prepared and manned for launch at the close of gunnery drills.” The Lieutenant saluted. “Aye, ma'am. If the ladies and gentlemen will excuse me?” As Stafford opened the door to leave, a young midshipman almost fell into the room. Quickly making his salute, the boy gasped. “Lieutenant Staves' compliments, ma'am, but would you and your guests care to view the gunnery drills, which are about to begin?”

”A capital idea! Thank you, Mr. Langford. I will attend. Mr. L'Iason, would you care to join me? I am sure that our cannon are not to the standard of your own, but I believe that our crew has some reasonable skill with them.” There was a hint of pride in the Captain's voice - indeed, the crew of the Justice was known throughout the Navy for its aim and its speed with the guns. “Quickgrip, you may also come along, if you wish. Doctor - ” Doctor Domenova rose from her chair in the corner, where she been watching the entire interaction with some interest. “I think I will need to make some preparations for the journey, ma belle. But, not to fear - I will have all in readiness to meet Lieutenant Stafford at the boat in time for the last broadside.” A significant look passed between the two women. “Of course. Which reminds me, could you have Samuels fetch the clothing and effects for our guests? I expect they will be quite dry by now.” So saying, the Captain stepped out of the great cabin, and headed below to the gun deck.

liason · Posted: 25 Feb 2004 10:53 am Post subject:

"I should very much like to see the ship's guns fired," Liason bowed, "Having never witnessed naval warfare first hand, this will be a new experience for me. The skills and discipline of your crew have already impressed me greatly. Accordingly, I imagine this display will be quite worth seeing."

As the group filed out fo the room, Liason was pleased to note that he was becoming better adapted to the rocking motion of the ship. It still distracted him, but he was no longer so readily losing his balance.

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

Returning to the great cabin, Captain Isobel sat down with a sigh, removed her hat, and set it down on the desk next to her. It had been quite a long day already, and they were barely into the dogwatches. Strange lands, stranger guests, and advanced foreign weapons – it was all a bit much. There was also Maria to consider – they had engaged in the usual spirited discussion regarding the advantages and hazards of further exploration, and yet again, Isobel had lost. But despite her concern for the safety of her dear friend, she had to admit that the Doctor had no small experience of danger, and she could be relied upon to handle even the most outlandish of situations. She could was, however, still glad that she had managed to send Lieutenant Stafford along with the Doctor for additional protection. He was an extremely conscientious (if sometimes unimaginative) officer, and *he* could be relied upon to follow the orders he had been given. So long as the party was safe returned within three days, she would try not to worry.

Returning to her pile of notes and diagram, the Captain began absently reaching for the decanter of port when she paused. She had perhaps consumed enough liquor already this day, as the wines from the pub had been quite fine. Poking her head ‘round the door, she shouted “Samuels! Coffee!” and did not wait for the mumbled response before returning to her desk. The display of weaponry by their erstwhile ally, the foreigner L’Iason, had been most impressive, but was also a cause for concern. After all, if one man could be so well armed, who knew what he could be capable of producing were they ever to cross swords, so to speak? The “Battlefield Round” was an especial concern – it was practically a small hand cannon, after all. Muttering under her breath, the Captain began making notes and formulating a plan of defense should the ship come under attack from a small party armed with significant firepower. “One of the smaller guns, a nine perhaps? Have Staves get it moved above deck for easy maneuvering – not natural perhaps, but were a boat to approach – yes, I believe that will work. And a crewmember on topmast lookout at all times – for who knows what could come flying or swimming out of the mist next?” The afternoon was spent in a haze of tactics and hastily scratched diagrams, including plans for engagement with another ship within such limited sea as was available now. It was with a start that Isobel raised her head to notice that the sun was setting. Rising with a stretch, she wondered if there might be enough time to find the midshipmen and run them through some sword practice before supper.