Patchwork Universe

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 186 Location: HMS Justice

Captain’s Log (Supplemental), HMS Justice – Moahu, South Pacific – February 2, 17--

Have interviewed both foreigners, and confirmed that they are citizens of unknown nations, both unfamiliar to these waters. As neither was judged to present an immediate threat to the ship or to British interests in this sector, both have been both provided with a meal and either assisted towards further travels or returned to their point of origin. Doctor Domenova and First Lieutenant Stafford, along with a party of marines and sailors, have elected to accompany one of the visitors; a man named Liason, to his home in order to gain more information about the unusual weather phenomena and related events. I also intend to lead a second expedition in the forenoon, which will return to the northern landmass, again in pursuit of further information and insight regarding our current situation.

Arms practice and supper passed without event, although not without some concern on the part of the Captain when the exploratory party did not return. She was, however, reassured by the appearance of the boat, containing half of the marines and sailors, who reported that the Lieutenant and Doctor had arrived at the eastern shore safely, passing into the mist, and that the watch had thus far been uneventful. They quickly supped, and exchanged watch with the other half of the boat crew. Taking coffee on the quarterdeck that night as the moon rose over the sea, the Captain was heartened by the sounds of music from the foremast, where the pipe, drum and fiddle sounded out a merry hornpipe, and the crew sang a rousing rendition of “Heart of Oak.” Noting the interest of the Captain, who had been whistling along in between sips of her evening coffee, Temper Samuels subtly signaled to the others, and the crew burst out into a round of “Brides of St. Vincent,” which elicited a smile as well.

Come morning, all was quiet again as the launch was again prepared and staffed with the usual crew of Hay, Rodgers, Brewer, Simpson and Habbakuk, although the Captain this time took no other officers, as Lieutenants Staves and Erickson were needed to remain with the ship. Once the Captain had given them the sealed orders, and repeated her instructions on treatment of castaways and engagement with the enemy, she stepped lightly down the ladder to the boat. There, once assured that the boat crew was appropriately armed and provisioned, with the signal flare wrapped safely in oilcloth, she gave the order, and the small craft slipped away from the larger vessel, all hands to oars as it headed north.

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 186 Location: HMS Justice

The Captain and the boat having left at eight bells in the morning watch, it was left to Lieutenants Staves and Erickson to supervise service of breakfast, and the piping up of the new watch. Nonetheless, all proceeded as usual, with sea chests and rucksacks brought above deck while cleaning continued below, and the messes set about the preparation of dinner. At a quiet moment, Carpenter’s Mate Michaels found Third Lieutenant Erickson, who despite her relative youth (or perhaps because of it) was a favorite amongst the crew. “Beggin your pardon ma’am, but me and some of the lads were wondering if the Cap’n might be willing to give us shore leave. Only, we spoke with the foreign chappie, Larkin, who said that he came from a big city what was hereabout, and it might be a fine place to visit, like London.”

Lieutenant Erickson looked concerned. “Well, Michaels, I know the Captain has had a lot to deal with recently, what with this strange weather and these strange people showing up, so I doubt she’d be inclined to let anyone go wandering about. I’ll ask her when she returns, though – if I get a chance. Perhaps you can go along on one of the exploratory missions, if you’re so inclined – might help your wandering instinct.” Such a maternal attitude was a bit ludicrous coming from a girl almost half Michaels’ age, but Louise Erickson was so earnest and serious that the older woman could not help but smile. “Thank you, ma’am. I’ll keep my fingers crossed, shall I?”

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 186 Location: HMS Justice

Lieutenant Erickson having been duly dispatched to the island, all was quiet on deck. The illusion of peace was shattered in mere moments, however, as a cry came from the foremast, and Lieutenant Staves hurried to the starboard bow to see the rapid return of the boat that had accompanied the Captain to the northern shore. "Hay! Rodgers! What's the meaning of this?" The men looked worried, and Hay was contrite. "Something's happened to the Captain, ma'am - or maybe it's that something's happened to that place, that pub. When the signal came, we were going to send Rodgers here along to give the word, but he couldn't pass through the fog! It were like a wall or something! I expect," he added darkly "there are sinister doings about, ghosts or curses or the like!"

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 186 Location: HMS Justice

The announcement that the Captain and her party were uncontactable, on the other side of the mist caused great consternation on deck. Straightaway, Lieutenant Staves began to question the two men, but their answers proved unrevealing. Her concern increased when the second boat, which had been waiting on the eastern shore for Lieutenant Stafford and the Doctor, returned with a similar story - upon receiving the signal, they had attempted to send one of the men to fetch the pair at the Foundry, only to find that they could not pass through the wall of mist - not even to contact the marines that were to have been standing guard just on the other side. What was to be done? The ship was already bereft of its two most senior officers, they could not afford to lose more. And yet, either or both away parties might be in distress. Staves was in a quandry. "Signal the island immediately. Have Lieutenant Erickson and her crew return at once. We must make a plan."

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 186 Location: HMS Justice

Captain's Log (Supplemental), HMS Justice - Moahu, South Pacific - February 2, 17-- Second Lieutenant Susan Staves reporting.

At two bells in the forenoon watch, a small rowing boat with a lone passenger was spotted, followed shortly thereafter by another, oddly decorated trading craft, again with a single occupant. Both craft appeared headed to Moahu, where the occupants each placed a respective sign on the beachfront, but appeared to take no other aggressive action. Lieutenant Erickson being duly dispatched to interview the strangers, and ascertain their particulars, word was also sent to the boats, which had previously departed. At this time, however, it was discovered that the boats were now somehow cut off from the landmasses beyond the mist, and no further contact is possible with those who have gone ashore. The parties containing Doctor Domenova, First Lieutenant Stafford, and Captain DeRainault are now effectively lost to us. I am now to consult with Sailing Master Baker and Third Lieutenant Erickson, in order to determine our next course of action.

Onboard ship, there was a pronounced air of concern, and all hands were on deck as Lieutenant Erickson and the boat came alongside. Although they had not been cleared for action, it was evident that the crew was wary of an attack or some other act of aggression, and preparing for any eventuality. As soon as she came on deck, Erickson retreated to the great cabin to conference with Lieutenant Staves, Sailing Master Baker, and the other warrant officers. They did not emerge for some time.

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 186 Location: HMS Justice

All officers remained closeted until just before eight bells in the forenoon watch. When they emerged for noon, it was with sober mien and heavy heart. As soon as dinner had been eaten, announcement came that the ship would be prepared as if for journey, and for battle - a crew to be dispatched to the island, to gather wood, water, and further supplies of greenstuff, while others were to prepare powder and shot. It was evident to the crew that an enemy attack of some kinds was anticipated, although what enemy, no one knew.

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 186 Location: HMS Justice

Four bells into the second dogwatch, and the sun was setting over the Pacific Ocean as the remaining crew of the HMS Justice kept a concerned vigil. With the Captain, the Doctor and the First Lieutenant absent and possibly in danger, the mood was serious, and everyone was on the alert.
Thus, it was that the signal flare, which exploded in the north was spotted almost at once, and upon verification, a boat was launched to the northern shore under the direction of Lieutenant Erickson.

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 186 Location: HMS Justice

[Continued from the Map Roon thread "Pirates!"]

The return of Lieutenant Stafford, Brewer, Simpson and the marines was greeted with great relief on the ship, and the officers of the gunroom were quick to gather in conference to discuss the developing situation. However, Stafford had only just time to assure them that the Captain, the Doctor and Habbakuk were safe, that they were at the public house, north and east of Moahu, and that there were pirates in the waters somewhat further north, beyond the mists, when word came from the foretop that yet another vessel had been sighted, sailing in from the south, and that it was now passing the lee of the island.

"South? Isn't that where that vagabond chap, Quickgrip, came from?" Lieutenant Erickson suddenly remembered her conversation with one of the hands, who had mentioned the young rogue and his tales of a great city to the south. "Not any longer, Lieutenant." Stafford looked grave. "I fear I do not grasp the entirety of the situation, but suffice it to say that the lands and seas beyond the mist are erratic, and prone to change at any time. We must not trust anything that comes from the mist, nor trust ourselves to traverse it, at least not without we are ordered to do so."

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 186 Location: HMS Justice

[Continued from the Imperial Foundry thread "Into the Foundry 1:Reconaissance"]

The minute Captain DeRainault set foot aboard her ship, everyone swung into action, with marines and crew bustling about and the three Lieutenants, the other warrant officers, and Midshipmen summoned to the great cabin to conference, while Samuels, the Captain's Steward tried to get DeRainault to eat the sandwich and the milk punch that she had set aside. This same rather dour personage also found a quiet spot on the quarterdeck for the Ambassador to wait with a cup of coffee while everything was prepared.

First Lieutenant Stafford had been busy since his return, getting everything onboard shipshape and battle ready, but he too had found time to take a cold meal and a few hour's rest; so it was therefore unsurprising that he volunteered to lead the mission to aid the Foundry and its Ambassador. DeRainault had expected this, being largely approving, and after some further discussion, it was decided that two members of the regular boat crew should accompany the group as well, these being the most resourceful and trustworthy of the able seamen. Hay and Rodgers, who had returned before any of the others, were the the most rested and being the first to volunteer, they hurried to prepare weapons and a boat.

Meanwhile, DeRainault was making plans for her own mission, although these would be more complicated. She selcted Third Lieutenant Erickson to accompany her, along with Brewer, Simpson and Samuels. The lower deck watched with astonishment as the Steward went about gathering a log and lead line, a sketchbook wrapped in oilcloth, a dozen bottles of the Captain's claret, a cask of tobacco, three of rum, and various items of clothing, done up in packs.

Before long, all was in readiness, with First Lieutenant Stafford, Hay and Rodgers about to depart for the south in the company of the Ambassador L'Iason, and Captain DeRainault, Third Lieutenant Erickson, Brewer, Simpson and Samuels almost ready to leave for the west. Second Lieutenant Staves was to be left in command of the ship, with Doctor Domenova expected to return in the morning.

liason · Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 8:11 am Post subject:

For his own part, Liason simply stood silently on the deck, lost in thought. He could not deny that the assistance might be invaluable, but he had reservations about the possibility of one of more of those accompanying him coming to harm.

He was also cursing his own forgetfulness. Having purchased equipment to assist him from the Rag and Bone shop, he had accidentally left it in Jones' Pub.

Despite all his musing there was little in the way of conclusions. His coffee finished - a curious and aromatic drink - it was soon time to depart.

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 186 Location: HMS Justice

The mission to the Foundry was the first to depart. One of the smaller boats had been prepared, and now contained a small amount of water, dry provisions, extra powder, shot, and some rope. Into it climed First Lieutenant Stafford, Hay and Rodgers, all fully armed with pistols, swords, and daggers. The Lieutenant also carried some signal flares and matches.

Hay and Rodgers took their places at the oars as the Ambassador was handed down from the ship. Stafford saluted the quarterdeck in a gesture of respect, which the Captain returned. "Godspeed, Lieutenant. Ambassador, farewell." She had some misgivings about the mission, considering the danger as had been described by Liason, but then the Navy was a dangerous profession, and all expected some risk. She knew them all to be fine men, they would be fine. Besides, with any luck, they would return with some interesting information about the Foundry, and perhaps the world as well.

Despite the fact that there were only two at the oars, the boat moved quickly in the dusk of evening as it sped for the southern shore. A bright moon shone overhead, and the starts were coming out, reflected in the dark water. Soon, they had arrived.

[Ambassador Liason leaves the HMS Justice patch accompanied by Lieutenant Stafford, Hay and Rodgers. They proceed to the Imperial Foundry patch.]