Patchwork Universe

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

Larkin raised his mug and muttered "To Profit" under his breath, before taking a deep draft of his grog and setting the tankard back down. Pointing at the drink he said "Hey, thats some good stuff aye?" before tucking into his lobscouse with the others.

It wasnt long before Larkin had another question. "So where you good people from? Only if your gonna go through all them places just ter get home, you gotta be a long way away yer know?"

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

“We’re all in the Royal Navy, lad, so stands to reason we’re all English.” Brewer was looking at Larkin like he must be a bit touched in the head. “Even the Captain, despite the funny name. ’M from Newton Abbot, near Exeter, and Simpson here, he’s from somewhere up in Yorkshire.” Simpson nodded, and took another draft of grog. “Bunch ‘o’ cottages ‘round Cleveland way. Don’t even have enough folk for a proper village. I ran away to sea when I were just a boy.”

Michaels broke in “Me, I was born and raised in the stews of London, so I’m none too reputable – much like you, I’ll wager.” she winked at Larkin. “Most of us city dwellers aren’t. Me father was a sailor, and I married a longshoreman at sixteen, but my husband beat me something cruel, so I cut him loose and joined the Navy, once they passed the Marian Codes. Best thing I ever did.” She paused, for effect. “DeRainault’s strict, and she don’t suffer fools, but she’s no flogging Captain. You does your work, you get your meals and regular pay, sometimes a bit of prize money, too – it’s a good life.”

Michaels drained her mug, and the others were murmuring in agreement as they scraped their plates clean. Then, there was bustle as the plates, buckets, and tables were cleared away. One of the young female Lieutenants had come downstairs and was shouting something about clearing the decks. Brewer groaned and Simpson swore under his breath, but they trooped off forward, to join their gun crews. Michaels nodded at Larkin. “I expect the Captain will be wanting to have a word soon, so you’d best go up the stairs and ask for Old Temper, the Steward (but don’t call her that, of course.) You can stay here until they send, if you choose, but like as not you’d be put to work on a gun crew, so you’d best cut along.” She put out a hand. “I’ll see you if you’re about later, but if not, best ‘o’ luck, lad.”

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

Larkin grabbed the hand and shook it vigorously, having actually enjoyed the time he had spent with the small band of sailors. "Seeya Later" he said to the group before making his way up the stairs. Stopping at the top of the stairs he called back down "Dont ferget to ask yer about shoreleave back at the city alright?" before disappearing up to the deck.

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

Larkin had disappeared up the stairs, and Michaels joined the others in preparation for the numerous drills. While discussions and plans were made in the great cabin, sailors hurried to prepare and execute the drills for sail handing, fire, and boarding. Sailing Master Baker and Second Lieutenant Staves supervised the sail handing drill, in the absence of First Lieutenant Stafford. Third Lieutenant Erickson oversaw the fire drill, and the boarding drill was completed under the supervision of Captain MacFarlane of the Marines. The crew of the Justice was composed of experienced sailors, for the most part, and everyone moved with a smooth efficiency that was surprising in light of the number of bodies and the lack of space. But in the end, all drills were accomplished with much coordinated activity and effort on the part of the crew, and much shouting on the part of Lieutenants.

At last, it was only the exercise of the guns that remained, and everything was made ready – powder, shot and fuses. Two small barrels had even been prepared to serve as floating targets. Lieutenant Erickson turned to her superior, Lieutenant Staves, who had a pocket watch ready to hand. “Do you think we should send word to the Captain? Only she does appreciate watching the gunnery drills, and I expect that the foreign gentleman, the arms merchant, would be interested to see.” Lieutenant Staves considered for a moment. “Do you know, I think you’re right, Erickson. Mr. Langford! Run along and tell them that we’re about to start gunnery drills, and would the Captain and her guests be pleased to attend?” “Aye, ma’am!” Midshipman Langford sprang up and rushed off above deck to relay the message.

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

At the foot of the stairs, the Captain paused. Everything on the lower deck had been cleared away, and long rows of cannon lined the sides of the ship, each manned by its own crew. Lieutenant Staves, standing at attention, handed the Captain a pocket watch. “The targets have been prepared, and will be released on your order, ma’am.”

“Excellent, excellent. Starboard battery first, I think. Everyone ready? Target away!” The cry was echoed up the stair to sailors on deck, who released the barrel. “On my mark – Fire!” Again the cry of “Fire!” was repeated, followed in each case by a loud “Boom,” as each gun in the line was swiftly aimed, fired and reloaded. “One minute, five seconds! And we took out the target. Not bad, but perhaps we could be a bit swifter on reload. And again!” The exercise was repeated multiple times on the starboard and larboard, until times were well under a minute, and all present were thoroughly deafened.

The minute there was silence; the Captain’s Steward seized the opportunity to intervene. “The gentlemen’s effects, ma’am.” She said, thrusting forward her arms, which were filled with the cloak and doublet belonging to L’Iason, along with Larkin’s overcoat and other clothing. “Well, don’t give them to *me, * Samuels – let the gentlemen take their possessions and then direct them to the gunroom, that they might change.” Samuels stood on the steps expectantly with her burden. “Which is almost into the dogwatch, and with supper to be prepared, running around collecting clothing, I don’t know…” Grumbling to herself, she waited for the men to take their clothes.

liason · Posted: 25 Feb 2004 11:01 am Post subject:

Liason accepted his clothing with a nod of thanks.

"This vessel's weaponry is quite remarkable captain - not at all as I expected. Judging by the mounting of your cannon I can only conclude that your ship is designed to face other vessels similar to itself ? That is a harsh task indeed. Nothing is more terrible than conflict between two great powers."

The time for discussing military politics was gone, however. Carrying his clothing under one arm, Liason retired below to change back into it.

What would the Artisans make of all this ? Liason had an uncomfortable feeling that he already knew.

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

Larkin couldnt believe what he had just seen. Not only had the merchant some a magic weapon, but this whole vessel seemed to be *full* of them. Not only that but the ships were bigger and louder. Larkin had snatched his clothes from the steward just before it had all kicked off and was now changed leaving the borrowed clothes in the stewards arms with a mild snigger and "Take care of this would you steward, thanks muchly."

Relaxing into his familiar overcoat he felt a mild comfort from his knife slapping into its familiar place at his chest, remembering how he'd knicked it from that store back in the Slums and the amount of times he had bluffed his way out of fights with it and the amount of corners he had fought his way out of with it.

Larkin realised that he was going to have to act fast if he wanted to get the Slums back to its old place. Who knew when it would float off again without him?

Tapping the captains back he said "This must ave cost quite the bit of scratch ter get the wizards in ter sort all them tubes out aye? Course if yer'd seen me I coulda got yer a load of them explodin sticks for half the goin rate. Course I dont blame you fer that, what with all the mist an stuff. Now, errr, any chance of hurryin this along. Only Ive got a date with the unexplored."

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

“Well, Quickgrip I believe if you go up top, you will find Lieutenant Stafford waiting with the boat. And while I thank you for your offer, my ship is well supplied with powder and ordnance for the moment.” Turning to L’Iason as he returned from the gunroom, the Captain added, “Although I would welcome any recommendations you might have on improving efficiency of the cannon, I am sure. As a frigate, the ship is indeed intended for ship-to-ship combat – the larger vessels tend to be used in convoy or line formations.” With that, the Captain gave slight incline of her head – “I thank you both for speaking with me, and joining our crew for dinner. I am almost certain that we will meet again, but until then, Godspeed to you both.”

Samuels led the way above deck to the waist, and directed the two men to the ladder at the side, where a launch was waiting, with a handful of marines and Lieutenant Stafford in the bow. Doctor Domenova was seated in the stern, with a wooden case and an awkward looking rectangular parcel wrapped in oilcloth. “Gentlemen, shall be we be off?” The cry of “Boat Away!” was once more heard as the launch pushed off to the western edge of the patch. Nearing the wall of fog, the boat grounded with a slight “thump,” and the mist cleared enough for a tangle of jungle to become visible, with hills rising in the distance. From where she sat, the Doctor looked quite intrigued, and slipped her spectacles from her pocket for a better view as she peered ahead. “Here you are then, Quickgrip.” Lieutenant Stafford gave the young man a cheerful nod. “Good luck to you.”

liason · Posted: 26 Feb 2004 03:04 pm Post subject:

"I understand you are to accompany me, Doctor ?" Liason watched the wall of mist as it slowly faded from view, "I shall look forward to showing you the Foundry."

He watched the island as they passed it, looking for signs of life, but there was little to be seen.

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

Larkin turned around and stared into the mist as the boat slid away across the water. "This is it" he said to himself. Remembering that he was doing this for the Slums he took a deep breath and closed his eyes before stepping through onto the other side.

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

Having watched Larkin disappear into the mist, the Doctor turned to her companion. “Thank you, Mr. L’Iason, that is most kind of you. I also look forward to the experience, for as I believe the Captain mentioned, the research of peoples and cultures is something of a hobby of mine.” The Doctor smiled up at him over the edge of her glasses. “Your empire must be very advanced, to be able to create such beautiful yet accurate weapons. Are your natural sciences as advanced as your physical ones?”

liason · Posted: 27 Feb 2004 09:37 am Post subject:

"I am not quite sure what you mean by Natural Sciences, Doctor. Within the Empire, all modern philosophy is founded upon the principle of essences. That is: all things that may be contemplated are composed of some diverse mixture of essences. Pure essences of any variety are not found in nature - but one cannot study anything rigorously without discourse touching upon essences and aspects, even if only in passing."

"Perhaps," Liason tilted his head slightly to one side, "you speak of some sphere of study with which I am unfamiliar ?"

The wall of mist was now visible in the East. Liason could not help turning towards it. It would be good to return to the Foundry. All this strange newness was very draining.

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

“Ah, an elemental theory, yes of course. But tell me, Mr. L’Iason, how many of these essences are believed to exist in the world? Our ancient philosophers initially posited four elements, as we call them – earth, air, water and fire – but current science suggests otherwise.” The Doctor had reached into her other jacket pocket, and had removed the inevitable notebook and pencil for note-taking. “As for the terminology, I use the words “natural” and “physical” to distinguish those sciences that study the world it is unaltered state, for example, the island, its flora and fauna…” The Doctor gestured absently in the direction of Moahu, which was now well behind the boat. “From that which is created by the hand of man and woman, for example, the ship, its weaponry and the like. Is this distinction made in your empire?”

From the bow, Lieutenant Stafford discreetly cleared his throat. “My apologies for the interruption, Doctor, but we are now approaching the eastern edge of the fog.” And indeed, a moment later, the boat gently touched shore. In a moment, Stafford had alighted and carefully handed the Doctor out as the marines clambered ashore with her box and parcel. Offering a steadying hand to L’Iason, he added “If you will permit, sir, the Captain has requested that I accompany the Doctor while she remains here in your land. I hope that will not be too inconvenient?”

liason · Posted: 27 Feb 2004 02:12 pm Post subject:

"No inconvenience at all," Liason peered into the mist.

"I suspect, Doctor, that you know rather more about science than I. The Foundry has no philosophers within its walls. I myself have no idea how many essences there might be. And as to natural science... well, it sounds very interesting, but I confess I have never learned of it."

"Very well," Liason turned back towards the boat, "Please convey my thanks to your Captain for her hospitality."

"Let us proceed."

And so saying, Liason stepped forward into the mist.

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

“Marines, you are to remain with the boat and defend it as necessary until our return. If we have not returned by the end of the afternoon, you may divide into watches so that each group may remove to ship in turn to report and take supper. I shall however expect a presence here at all times. Is this clear?” Lieutenant Stafford was surprisingly soft spoken for a Navy man, but his tone brooked no argument. Receiving a nod of assent from the marines and sailors, he picked up the box and offered his other arm to the Doctor, who took it and gathered up the oilcloth parcel with her other. Together they followed L’Iason into the mist towards the Foundry.