Patchwork Universe

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 151 Location: HMS Justice

Under cover of night, Captain DeRainault, Doctor Domenova, and Habbakuk approached Jones' Public House, moving with soft steps among the vegetable rows of the kitchen garden.

The Captain was clearly delighted with her plan, and had eagerly led the way, being careful to keep to the shadows and make no sound while the small party passed to the lee of the building, out of sight of the front door and pirate lanterns. The Doctor followed just behind her with a resigned air, and Habbakuk, the veteran of numerous stealth boarding actions, capably brought up the rear. A quick reconaissance had showed two entrances on this side of the building - one the door leading to an outhouse, which DeRainault remembered from her prior visit, and the other which must logically lead to the saloon bar or kitchen.

Now, as they stood before this back door, Domenova took a moment to catch her breath, and commented, (in a whisper). "It is an amazement to me why it is necessary to engage in all this bother merely to gain the satisfaction of a small advantage, especially when in context such behaviour appears almost - you will forgive me, my dear - piratical."

"Now, now, Doctor, consider it a ruse de guerre, so to speak. Good practice for future engagements. Besides which, you will note that we have now learned a great deal about the layout of this terrain. Should this Magpie break his parole, (which being a man of no honor, he may not scruple to do) we will be well placed to counter him, having the advantage of the territory." The Captain's manner was amused and indulgent, as she often became when Maria saw fit to opine on matters military. "But for the moment, let us see if we can gain access to the building without unduly disturbing the inhabitants. I have every hope that someone will still be afoot in the kitchens, even at this hour." So saying, she raised her hand and knocked softly on the wooden door.

Jones · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 2:25 pm Post subject:

There was a delay. Then just when the Captain might have given up and entered of her own volition the sound of feet stomping heavily towards the door could be heard on the other side.

With a crash it was yanked open and a face glared out into the darkness, declaring in ringing tones:
"That's like the third time today. How many times to I have to tell people... IT'S A PUB! You don't have to knock!"

It seemed virtually impossible that the pirates wouldn't have heard her. In fact it seemed unlikely that anyone in the patch hadn't heard her.

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 151 Location: HMS Justice

If DeRainault was taken aback by the shouting, she hid it well. With a covert glance at the Doctor, and just a hint of a sigh for her attempt at discretion, she stepped forward into the kitchen (for the room was, indeed the kitchen), and raised her hat to the surly young woman - one of the Miss Jones', no doubt. Oh, well - 'Never mind the maneuvers, just go straight at 'em,' as the Old Man might say.

"Good evening to you, miss. I do apologize for the misunderstanding - owing to the lateness of the hour, I had merely sought not to undly disturb the good Mr. Jones and his other guests." With a rueful smile, DeRainault paused just for a moment to let that sink in. "Nevertheless, I should inform you that there are a number of pirates outside your front door, who will doubtless be wanting to help themselves your rum, wine, or other alcohol - I doubt it matters to them, really. I, however, was hoping that I might avail myself of the saloon bar, as I have agreed to parlay with their leader, one Magpie. If I might have a glass of maderia for myself, one for the doctor, and a half-pint of burt ale for Habbakuk here?"

As she spoke, the Captain quickly reviewed the layout of the kitchen, and sighted the door that lead to the hall, and if she was not mistaken, the saloon bar. Taking in the sullen expression of the young woman before her, DeRainault resolved to make her own way there. A few brisk steps, and she was out of the room, followed closely by Doctor Domenova and Habbakuk. A last few words floated back over her shoulder, as she walked down the hall. "You might also want to inform your father, Miss Jones, as he will doubtless want to take steps to secure his property - "

Captain Magpie · Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 6:51 pm Post subject:

"Right you are! Wasn't entirely sure of the hour. There's several of us here - shall we give you a hand with the drinks?"

The bellowed words came through from the Public Bar in answer to Jane's shout. She didn't recognise the voice but Isobel and her crew had no such difficulty. The Captain muttered something under her breath, but perhaps no-one heard. Magpie had arrived.

Jones · Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 8:47 am Post subject:

Caught up in the rush as Captain Isobel and her crew launched themselves inside Jane was bourne back into the saloon bar by weight of numbers. From the other side of the bar she heard her father's booming voice asking someone what they'd have to drink.

Looking around the room she dodged past a navy officer and under the bar top of the small bar on one side of the room. From here her father was but a pace away through the conecting door and she could hear him serving what sounded like a large number of other people. She was longing to slip through and catch her first glimpse of the pirates but an indistinct that Isobel wouldn't appreciate being left high and dry had her reaching for the Madeira bottle instead.
"I'll get your drinks,... um, Captain. "And I'll go and tell the pirates you're here, shall I?"

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 151 Location: HMS Justice

"Thankee Miss Jones - the Doctor and myself will be sitting over here by the fire." The Captain indicated the large leather chairs placed before the saloon bar fireplace, where Habbakuk was busy stirring up the embers and addding another log from the pile. "And yes, do let the pirate Magpie know that I'll speak with him (and his first mate, if he so wishes) directly. You may wish to let your good father know as well, as the matter may be of interest to him." Dismissing the girl with a polite nod, the Captain returned to her companion.

Doctor Domenova had seated herself comfortably in a chair before the fire, and having removed the inevitable notebook, was reviewing some of the pages and making further annotations. Habbakuk, having restored the fire to a warming blaze, stationed himself near the door to the public bar, prepared to repel any drunken pirates who might barge into the room. Seating herself next to the Doctor, De Rainault began to confer with her friend in a low urgent voice. Within minutes, each had caught the other up on the essentials of what had occured in their time apart. Now, as their voices reached a conversational pace and level, they began to fill in some of the details.

Jones · Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 3:06 pm Post subject:

Jane served the drinks hurriedly but, already a fairly hardened drinker at nineteen, didn't give scant measure or slop the bottle.

Serving the Doctor and the Captain their glasses of madeira and Habbukuk his ale, she kept silent. By the time she eft the room she was fairly dancing on the spot with excitement.
Pirates! She thought to herself. Now Jones' would see some excitement for a change.

[ooc note: Jane now moves to the Public Bar.]

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 151 Location: HMS Justice

Mug of ale in hand, Habbakuk remained on guard at the door separating the saloon bar from the public bar. He had been unhurt in the earlier scuffle with the pirate crew, and appeared more than ready to re-enter the fray if it should be required.

Meanwhile, over by the fire, the Captain and the Doctor continued to converse over their glasses of maderia, in increasingly animated tones. Although their voices were still too low for any not seated at the fire to hear, Habbakuk, at his station near the door, could catch the occasional word or phrase "...building an army...five of them, he told me...wonderful, herbs and flower essence, I believe...intentions unclear...had to depart suddenly...yesterday!...concerned for Stafford...Quickgrip...ship to the south, no northeast was it?" Head bowed over the notebook, the Captain appeared to be outlining a plan of some kind, while the Doctor took notes.

liason · Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 8:16 am Post subject:

Habbakuk saw a tall, spindly figure approaching the door. It did not take him long to recognise Ambassador Liason with a glass of Claret in his hand.

"Good day," the Ambassador bowed, "May I join the company here ? The innkeeper vouched for a better class of company within than without." And here Liason smiled, clearly amused by his own remark.

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 151 Location: HMS Justice

"Aye, sir." Habbakuk touched his forehead in the traditional salute. "A moment, the Cap'n 'ill be just with ye." The sailor crossed back into the room, and a moment later returned to hold the door open for Liason, before returning to his ale and his watch.

"Ah, Ambassador, do join us." Captain DeRainault rose from her seat to greet the new arrival, gesturing to the third comfortable chair near the fire. Doctor Domenova smiled and nodded her greeting, shifting her notebook (now turned to a clean fresh page) to her other knee.

Afer waiting a few moments for the gentleman to make himself comfortable, De Rainault continued. "Your affairs of business have gone well, I trust?" While the Captain's manner was exceeedingly cordial, it was ever so slightly cool, aware that she was of the fact that Liason had placed her officers in danger, however briefly or unintentionally. The account given by the Doctor suggested that *something* was afoot at the Foundry, and moreover, there was the man's curious behaviour just before the scuffle with the pirates had broken out. The Captain was a fair-minded woman, however, and determined to hear him out.

liason · Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 9:51 am Post subject:

"Good day Captain. Doctor. Regrettably no, events of late have not gone well for me. And indeed I expect matters to get worse before they get better."

Liason seated himself and sipped at his Claret as he considered how much to say.

"You will understand that my role as Ambassador requires me to advance the interests of the Imperial Foundry and to present a suitable public face for said institution. However, in the present circumstances I think it is already quite evident that all is not well at the Foundry."

None of this was really news to his listeners, so Liason continued.

"The situation with the prison of mists has caused the Foundry to be separated from the lands of the Illuminated Empire. Concerning what policy to pursue in this situation, there was a difference of opinion. It was my suggestions that were adopted in the first instance. Now, however, my lack of success has resulted in criticism and finally in open action against my policies. The Imperial Foundry is divided and as long as it remains so its very future is in doubt."

Liason, suddenly wearing again, lowered his head and gazed at his own boots.

"So it is that I am now heading back to the Foundry... with the intention of taking control of it. By force if necessary. I stopped here only to gather my strength for a few hours."

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 151 Location: HMS Justice

Captain DeRainault paused to consider those statements for some moments, while attempting to hide her surprise. In her youth, she had often been given to speaking her mind without hesitation, but time, wisdom (and the continual admonishments of her friend) had taught her to curb her tongue. Besides, in this strange land, who knew what any man or woman might be capable of?

The Captain took a deep breath, and began. "If I may ask, Ambassador *how* exactly do you intend to go about re-taking the Foundry by force? I am told -" and here, she gestured to the Doctor, who was listening intently and looked intrigued "- that your facility contains some formidable defenses, and I would in any case expect no less from a munitions or ordnance factory. Do forgive my saying, but you are only one man, howsoever skilled. Are you planning to gather a force along the way? Or do you perhaps have some allies or troops that we were unaware of?"

DeRainault excahnged a look with Domenova, who could see that a new plan was forming in the Captain's head. Although she could not guess it outright, she had a sense of where this might lead. Sure, if nothing else some small contribution to this mission would cement an alliance, and perhaps give insight into the unusual workings of the Imperial Foundry (of which the Doctor had her own theories). And, she reflected, it would be almost certain that First Lieutenant Stafford would want to assist in any effort when he heard the news.

liason · Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 12:51 pm Post subject:

"Perhaps my choice of words impaired my meaning," Liason looked rapidly between the Captain and the Doctor, his manner of motion slightly reminiscent of a bird, "I meant nothing in the way of a military assault, but rather that it might be necessary to employ force in the pursuit of my aims."

"The Imperial Foundry could hold off an army of a thousand armed men without difficulty. However, to do so requires that the threat is identified from afar and the perimeter sealed. In this case I will be allowed into the fortified perimeter unchallenged. Once there, my knowledge of the place and its working should be sufficient to evade most of the defences, which were never designed to guard against such as possibility."

"As to gathering some force along the way. Whilst I confess I have considered the possibility, I do not hold out much hope. I have little coin with which to pay an army and would have no means to protect them once they were within the Foundry, as is the duty of any leader of men."

Liason paused and for a moment it appeared he had finished speaking as he sipped his Claret again, but then he added: "Lastly, there is the fact that my motivations are in many ways personal. I cannot say that any within the Foundry share my views and those without cannot be expected to take an interest in such affairs."

At this point, Liason's thoughts seemed to draw his attention so entirely that it was as though he had completely forgotten he had company in the room. He fell silent, slowly sipping his wine but otherwise so motionless that he could be dead.

Jones · Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 3:17 pm Post subject:

Into this silence the door from the corridor opened and Jennifer Jones entered carrying a tray.

Her husband had managed to comminicate to her Liason's desire for sustenance and it had been the work of a moment to place some slice of cold meat, some bread and a couple of pickled onions on to a plate.

Sensing the tension in the silent room, she didn't delay. She simply placed the tray of food on the table nearest to Liason, nodded her head at him and retreated back towards the door.

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 151 Location: HMS Justice

Noting that the Ambassador had drifted off into a reverie, Doctor Domenova took the opportunity to lean over to confer with her companion. She had been considering the situation, and while there was a certain element of risk involved in supporting a mission of this kind, but this was to be expected in any case - moreover, the Doctor was an insightful woman, and had gleaned more from her personal observations, and subsequent converation on the way to the Map Room, than one might expect. Few words were needed. "I think you should offer to send someone." she whispered to the Captain. "A single Lieutenant, perhaps, and a marine or two - simply make it clear that it is a choice. I am certain -" she added, thinking of Stafford " - that you will have at least one volunteer."

DeRainault nodded, she had been thinking much the same thing - the gentleman had as much admitted that he would be unable to protect any who assisted him, so she would not contenance sending a force of any kind. But seeing as it would aid erstwhile ally - and create an obligation - it would do no harm to allow participation, if there was interest. Moreover, it would give her an excuse to return to the ship posthaste, without further muddling about with pirates, and to proceed with her plan. The Doctor could doubtless take up any negotiations, being the better diplomat in any case. "You are right, Domina, as usual." With a small smile for the Doctor, she turned to the Ambassador, who had stirred upon the arrival of his food.

"Sir, your have been most forthcoming in detailing your situation. Seeing as you are an ally, allow me, therefore, to make the following offer. I plan to return to my ship at once, as I have matters there I must attend. Upon my return, I will ask if there are any volunteers amongst the crew who would be willing to aid in a clandestine action. I am given to believe, " she said, looking here at the Doctor "that we might be able to provide you with a small skilled force, of perhaps no more than one or two men. But this should at least improve your odds." Reaching over to open the Doctor's notebook, the Captain pointed to one of the squares on the newest map. "Assuming that you take the most direct route from this public house to your Foundry, we can rendez-vous here - although there is the small matter of when, as time appears to run strangely in this place." DeRainault looked resolute, and vouschafed a stern glance at the figure seated before her. "Now, do we have an accord?"