Patchwork Universe

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

Captain’s Log (Supplemental), HMS Justice – Moahu, South Pacific – January 31, 17--

We have encountered an uncharted landmass of unknown size. Investigation continues, but appears to have a landscape and climate similar to England or other parts of Northern Europe. Needless to say, this is unusual given our known longitude and latitude. I have dispatched a portion of the boat crew to report and consult with Sailing Master Henry Baker.

***

Standing on the abrupt shore that had materialized just beyond the mist, the Captain gave her orders in a clipped, sharp tone. “Lieutenant Staves, you are to take Simpson and Baker and return to the Justice to report on our discovery. Once you have consulted with Lieutenant Stafford and Master Baker, you are to return directly to this exact location and wait with the boat.”

“Aye, ma’am! Shall we dispatch a second boat, in the case of your encountering armed resistance from the locals?” Lieutenant Staves was looking more than a little nervous at this strange development. “Unnecessary. I shall have Habakkuk remain at the shore here to guide the boat on its return, and guard against a possible retreat. Hay, Rodgers, Doctor, you’re all with me.” And with that, the Captain set off towards the group buildings just down the slope.

Approaching the cluster of dwellings, the two-story thatched building was the most prominent of the bunch. Scouting slightly ahead of the rest, Hay saw the hanging wooden sign out front and sang out, “Captain! I – I think it’s a pub!” Cocking her head and looking up, Isobel seemed slightly dazed but excited. “Well, I’ll be. Crew, weapons away – but be on your guard.” Casting a stern eye over Rodgers, she added. “And everyone be polite, on your best behavior.” With that, the small party entered the building.

***

Removing her hat, the Captain made her way to the bar. No staff appeared to be present, and the establishment was quiet, which she supposed, was not unusual for this hour of the morning.

Jones · Posted: 31 Jan 2004 12:17 pm Post subject:

The Captain had not waited for long when a young woman came out of the kitchen carrying a basket of bread, freshly baked from the appetising smell that wfated across the room. She blinked in surprise at the group of sailors but came quickly round the bar, dusting her hands off on her apron.

She smiled at the Captain in a cheery but impersonal way and said:
"Good morning, ma'am. What can I get for you?"

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

“Good day, miss. A glass of port for myself and one for the Doctor here, if you have it, and some beer for the men would be most welcome.” The Captain paused and cocked her head to the side. “That is, if you accept British coin, (“Or Spanish, I have a few pieces of eight from Rio!” came a faint cry from the other side of the bar, where the Doctor had seated herself and was taking out her notebook.) here in – well, wherever here is…”

The Captain paused for a moment, to look around the public bar, all warm wood and glowing light. It was indeed uncanny, like something out of her village youth, before she went to the Royal Naval Academy at Greenwich. T’was strange, indeed to find such a place here, ostensibly in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It would bear some thought, but not at the moment, perhaps. In the meantime, a drink would do her some good.

Just then, the oak doors of the bar banged again, as Habakkuk came rushing into the establishment, hurriedly making his salute. “Mr. Stafford’s compliments ma’am. The boat with Lieutenant Staves and the others went back to report, and were told that movement has been sighted on the island. The First Lieutenant sent the boat back for you straightaway, and begs you return.”

“God’s!” The Captain visibly bit off a curse. “I don’t suppose we could get a bottle of the wine to take with us?” she said hopefully, turning to the now rather surprised young woman.

Jones · Posted: 01 Feb 2004 03:32 pm Post subject:

The young woman had waited patiently at the bar for the Captain to finish her order and now smiled pleasantly at the new request.
"I'm sorry you don't have time to choose from our full selection... Captain," as she spoke turned to open a lower cupboard and looked back over her shoulder to smile. "Jones' Public House takes pride in catering to all our guests and your currency sounds very acceptable."
Taking two bottles, one of a dark red vintageand the other a greenish white, from the cupboard she placed them on the bartop.
"We have some small kegs of beer behind the bar if you think your crew would like to try some of our home-brewed? Compliments of the house."

Unlocking a small black cash box she added:
"The wine will be a silver piece of middling size each or whatever seems most equivalent to you."

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

"Thank you, miss. Perhaps my crew might come back later for the kegs of beer?" Reaching into the pocket of her breeches, Isobel extracted the proper payment and handed it to the young woman. "Habakkuk, bring those bottles, handsomely now. Right!" Turning to the Doctor and the rest of her crew, she continued. "Shall we be off?"

"Yes, off you go, ma belle. I'll join you back at the Justice in time for dinner." Doctor Maria Domenova looked up from where she was contentedly making notations in her book. "Doctor..." There was a warning note of exasperation in the Captain's voice.

"Look, unless the people you find are ill or wounded, you're unlikely to need me. I'll just finish these notes, and explore a bit, perhaps - ask a few questions." The Doctor's eyes sparkled with excitement at the thought of more research. Before the Captain could object further, she added. "May I remind you I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself." (This was in fact true, the Doctor's status as an honorary "royalty" of more than one aboriginal tribe attesting to said fact.) "But, if you're at all concerned, you can leave Hay and Rodgers with me for protection. Send the boat for us once you return to the ship."

With a sigh, Isobel capitulated. She knew better than to argue with the Doctor when on a mission. "Well, *I* have to be getting back. We'll expect you at noon. Hay and Rodgers can carry the beer that the staff so kindly offered. And Domina?" Setting her hat back on her head and heading out the door, the Captain called over her shoulder. "Bring us back some of that bread..."

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

Once the Captain had left the bar, Doctor Domenova beckoned over the young servingwoman with a wave of her hand. "There, she's gone back to her ship. The Lord knows I love that woman dearly, but she can be a bit *intimidating* at times." Looking up at the girl over the rim of her heavy black framed spectacles (used for reading and writing), she smiled, "Now, I have an assortment of escudos and Spanish maravedis, and I would like to try something from that "full selection" you mentioned earlier - whatever the locals drink, if possible."

Nodding to Hay and Rodgers, who were doing their best to look alert, standing at the respective exits of the public bar, the Doctor said "I'll want half-pints of the local beer for those two brave souls guarding me - they'll also be carrying the kegs when we go. And a good half dozen of those wonderful smelling loaves, as the Captain so desires." Before the poor young woman could get another word in edgewise, the Doctor babbled on, most excitedly. "Oh, and when you have a moment, my dear, I'd like to ask you about your lovely smallholding here - What was it called, again? - How many of you live here, what your major industries are and so forth. You see," she added, with the same serious yet disarming enthusiasm that had opened the doors of the notoriously selective Royal Geographic Society. "I am a scientist, and my subject is the human condition."

Jones · Posted: 02 Feb 2004 12:08 am Post subject:

The bar maid kept her head half-cocked as she fulfilled the doctor's order. Before the doctor had finished speaking two halves of ale had been placed on the bar top and a glass of port has been slid in front of her, occompanied by a black leather folder.
"Our wine list," the young woman explained. "Lunch will not be served for another couple of hours but we can offer buttered toast or grilled mushrooms."
She paused in her recital for a moment before concluding:
"As for the history of the public you'd do best to speak to my father. And now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go ask my mother about today's lunch menu..."

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

“Yes, of course I mustn’t keep you. You must forgive me, I get a little carried away at times. No, I’ll not be wanting dinner, we’ll be back to the ship in an hour or two.” The Doctor looked quite contrite. Before the girl could leave, however, she couldn’t help but ask, “Only, might I ask your name, and that of your father? Is he the titular Jones of the establishment?”

Jones · Posted: 02 Feb 2004 12:22 pm Post subject:

"That's all right, Doctor." The girl used the title as comfortably as if this were Domenova's own local hostelry. "My father just goes by Jones now. He's the owner and the head of the family. I'm Jessica Jones but there a quite a few of us so even dad finds it hard to keep us all straight, I think."
She laughed and then edged the basket of bread across the counter towards the Doctor, in an inviting way. "I'll tell him you're here after I speak to mother. There's nothing dad likes better than a chat with a new customer."

And with that she whisked herself away through the kitchen doors.

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

Muttering contentedly to herself, the Doctor continued to make notations, sketching a rough map of the public house and nearby cottages as they had appeared on the approach. Occasionally, she took a sip of the port. It was of quite excellent quality, surprisingly. (Being half-Portuguese, she could claim some small expertise in said judgment. For similar reasons, she could say the same about good whiskey.)

Jones · Posted: 02 Feb 2004 12:49 pm Post subject:

For a while the bar was silent. The young woman's departure left the Doctor free to inspect at her leisure the furniture and ornaments of the public bar. On high shelves were the inevitable rows of stone tankards, but rather than falling prey to the spiders which might be forgiven for inhabiting the dustier corners, they shone softly with reflected light. There were a few paintings: a countryside scene showing a party of children dressed in their Sunday-best picnicking in a green field and paddling in the water of a brook; another was a flotilla of fishing boats bobbing on a large lake; a third of a red-headed woman looking at herself in a mirror while brushing her hair. On the wall behind the bar was a handsome barometer, nailed above the double doors was a brass horseshoe and in the deep windowsills were cheerful and simple arrangements of flowers.

A door over to the left banged suddenly, starting the Doctor and drawing the attention of the crewmen before two young children spilled into the room, laughing boisterously. A boy no more than ten years old and a younger girl ran through the bar room, brandishing wooden swords in the most bloodthirsty manner. Neither paid any attention to the newcomers and in a moment they were bounding up the stairs in a thumping fashion.

The Doctor barely had time to raise her eyesbrows when the garden door through while the children had entered, opened again to admit a sturdy looking man of middle age whom she needed no hesitation in identifying as the owner of the establishment.

He was no longer young but carried himself with the assurity of one who considered himself to be in the prime of life. Dressed in simple homespun clothing and a leather apron, his arms were as muscled as any prize-fighter and his skin as weatherbeaten as any sailor. His beard was still more pepper than salt and laughter lines as well as frown marks were etched into his face. His eyes were light brown and unremarkable, meeting the Doctor's with a flicker of curiosity which was followed quickly by a genial smile.

"Good morning to you," he said, cheerfully, going to the bar counter and coming along it's other side until he could reach over, an easy stretch for so powerful a figure, and extend a hand to the Doctor. "I see that you've been served already... I hope you find the place to your liking... Jones is the name..." Here he raised his bushy eyebrows in interrogation.

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

“Ah, yes. Mr. Jones, I am Doctor Maria Domeova, Surgeon on the HMS Justice, which is anchored just to the south of here, in what until recently was the Pacific Ocean.” The Doctor grasped his hand and shook it vigorously. “Now, I’m not so sure. But I digress - your port, sir, is of excellent quality – how do you come by it? And, forgive me for being so forward, but your daughter most kindly suggested that you would be the man to ask about the history of your fine establishment, and its relative location. I must admit to some small curiosity in the matter.”

Jones · Posted: 03 Feb 2004 10:51 am Post subject:

"I'm glad you find it to your taste," Jones had a firm dry grip and when he released the doctor's hand he drew himself a draught of dark ale, plainly setting in for some conversation. Saluting the doctor with his glass Jones took a deep gulp and sighed in satisfaction.
"Supply is sometimes a little difficult," he said, picking up the thread of the conversation. "But we have some friends willing to oblige us..."

His expression turned more thoughtful as he went on. "The Aitchemess Justice would be a sailing vessel?" he said as if not entirely sure. "And you and your companions there," he paused to nod at the crewmen "sailed to a shore and found yourself not far from my Public House? From the sounds of it you are new to the Quilt." He expression became wry as he added: "In which case, no wonder you're curious!"

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

“Yes, Quilt, did you say? Is that the name of this place? It is a odd name for a country, or even a village.” The Doctor hurriedly made a scribble in her notebook. “The Justice, as you correctly surmise, is a warship in Her Majesty’s Navy – my dear friend Isobel DeRainault, who is its Captain could tell you the exact size and class, but all I can say is that it is quite large." The Doctor paused here an took another sip of the port, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "We were in the South Pacific, headed for New Holland and thence to the East Indies when we anchored at a small atoll called Moahu. The next morning, a mysterious fog settled, and in exploring it we found your village. So tell me, what country is this, exactly? Are you a colony of the Dutch, the French, or perhaps the Spanish? For I cannot recall of such a place on any map or chronicle.”

Jones · Posted: 03 Feb 2004 08:51 pm Post subject:

"Ah, then," Jones paused to scratch his beard with a forefinger. "You see," he paused again and took a restoring draft from his pint. "Well... in truth the Quilt isn't a country exactly, although I can't rightly tell you what it *is*."

He looked at the Doctor with a glimmer of doubt in his expression. "I don't know how well you'll be able to understand this," he said. "And it might be best if I talked to the Captain herself when she next visits. But," he sighed and then shrugged. "I'll give it a try..."

"You see, Doctor, these ten miles hereabouts, those that include the Public House and the farm and such, right up to the mist that hangs about the edges... well, it used to be part of a very different place. I don't know these Detch and Franch and Spannasts of yours but you wouldn't know anything about my home neither. These ten square miles you see are all that's left of it."

He frowned at the Doctor's frozen expression of incredulity and then nodded. "Well, you'll find out the truth of it yourself sooner or later, that or your Captain will. But I'm telling you truly... whether you go north or south, east or west, you'll find no sign of the world you knew. All there is are little patches of ground, each different, lying this way and that way all about."

"Rain next to sunshine, land next to sea, nothing but air next to solid rock..." Jones shook his head glumly and half-turned away. "Well, like as not you'll have your doubts. But I don't aim to be a philosopher... that is aside from questions such as whether it's cheese or grapes that goes better with port..."

With that he drained his pint off and glanced at the Doctor's glass in a hospitable way.