Patchwork Universe

The Janitor · Posted: 03 Apr 2004 09:31 am Post subject:

The image of the map cleared slowly, revealing a new and slightly larger arrangement.

liason · Posted: 08 Apr 2004 02:35 pm Post subject:

Liason moved very cautiously over to the map and examined it. Then he moved carefully towards the door.

"Captain deRainault, Captain Magpie," Liason retreated carefully, his sword point lowered but a sense of tension about his body, "there is much to be resolved here and it seems to me that I cannot become involved without overstepping my remit as Ambassador. The diplomatic services of the Imperial Foundry will be open to you both should you wish it."

So saying, he retreated through the door and vanished from sight.

Guest · Posted: 09 Apr 2004 10:58 am Post subject:

"I'll visit," he said to the leaving Ambassador. Magpie was thankful the stranger (and about the only unknown in the room) had left them

He stared at the map a little longer, . If all the Janitor had said was true then the changes in the miniature landscape of the map meant the world outside had also shifted again. 'Reorganised' - was the word he'd used. The crucial areas around them hadn't shifted much, neither his patch of blue or Isobel's was too distant and the drinking establishment was still looking to be neatly on his way back to the ship. He just had to make sure he got there...

He straightened and felt a movement just below his shoulder. Magpie's cat had been tucked inside his coat during the discussions of the map, sleeping off its breakfast of bacon. It dug its claws into his leather waistcoat to gain purchase and poked its head out, then scrambled up onto Magpie's shoulder and surveyed the room.

"Ooh, he's not gonna be happy. He hates guns being pointed at him." Magpie tensed a little and leaned his head slightly away from the black and white cat now staring at Isobel.

As if on cue, the cat hissed, pushed its ears back, and narrowed its eyes. It leapt from Magpie's shoulder, pushing him back a little as it jumped down to the floor towards Isobel. It stopped about half way between them and hissed at Isobel again.

The cat's jump had also dislodged Magpie's coat. As it slipped from his shoulder he shifted his arms back, letting it fall off both and drop to the floor with a healthy thud. As his hands came clear of the coat Captain Magpie raised them. Inexplicably, he now had a pistol in each hand, and very swiftly one was pointing at the other Captain, the other at her Lieutenant.

"Hold fast!" He shouted this to the room and used a very different voice, one of command and intimidation.

"No-one has a gun on me, save Isobel. And she won't be doing anything foolish." - his eyes locked on hers for a moment - "If only because I've got the other gun pointed at one of the men in fine jackets."

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 157 Location: HMS Justice

For a split second, all was silent, and then several things happened at once. Seeing that further negotiations would do no good, DeRainault fired her pistol point-blank at Magpie, although it was a shot aimed to wound rather than kill.

Magpie watched as Isobel's arm straightened to take the shot he expected. He decided not to be where it was pointed and snatched off a quick shot at Lieutenant Stafford as he threw himself to the floor. DeRainault's shot tore a hole in the wide brim of Magpie's hat, and lodged in the wall.

Meanwhile, Magpie's bullet struck one of the two pistols that Stafford was
holding, causing it to fall from his hand and clatter to the floor. Biting
back a curse, the Lieutenant dropped to the ground, rolling forward to come up in a fighting stance and fire his remaining pistol at the pirate Hugh who was now approaching him with cutlass in hand. The man screamed in pain and dropped his weapon, clutching his arm. The Doctor, who had calmly taken perfectly aimed disarming shots at the two nearest pirates, nipped in and seized the weapon, bringing it up to parry the blow of another pirate that was rushing at her with a machete.

Chaos broke out all around, as guns were fired, cutlasses flailed as the sailors and red jacketed marines closed with pirates in close action. In the confined room the smoke roiled.

Sparing just a moment to mutter something guttural over his sadly damaged hat, Magpie wanted to close on the Captain as fast as possible, and so tossed his unused pistol over to his First Mate, Kerry, who'd probably have more use of it. He rolled as he hit the ground, scooping up his cat, and flinging it at Isobel in the same motion. The cat obligingly extended its four legs and their terminating claws which raked towards DeRainault's face. Having dropped the pistol upon firing she now instinctively brought up her left arm to fend off the enraged animal while drawing her sword with her right. However, this crucial pause gave Magpie the time to draw his sword and get it alongside hers, and they came together with a crash.

Kerry had caught the pistol Magpie threw as she ducked a shot from a
marine. She fired back at the man's flapping red coat and at least gave him a scare and a bit of tailoring to do. She pulled her cutlass out from its
sheath, checked for stray gun barrels and launched herself at the marine, who was now advancing with his bayonet.

Parry, thrust, parry, thrust. Stafford and the Doctor were now standing back to back, holding off about four pirates between them with some careful swordwork. Others were doing less well – 3 were trapped in an isolated corner beyond the map, and only just keeping swords at bay. Simpson had fired his gun at one of the pirates, Cotton who
ducked the shot, but was hit by a large splinter of rock from the wall behind. Holding his head he looked up - thankful that a man's pistol only ever shot you once. Cotton grimaced and headed across to join the melee pausing just to hurl the masonry ahead of him, pleased to see it hit home.

When fighting broke out, Brewer and Habbakuk had each fired their pistols, threw them aside, and drawn swords. Brewer found himself closing with a female pirate, Kerry, who parried his blow and struck back immediately, letting the weight of the sword do the work. He managed to turn it aside a little but the flat of the blade still caught him on the temple. He sank with the blow, but managed to get his sword back up to stop the next one. Habbakuk, seeing his mate in trouble, managed to disengage from his opponent, and snatching up one of the discarded pistols, brought it down soundly on the back of the pirate's head, knocking her unconscious, at least for the moment.

As the fighting raged around them, Magipe and DeRainault reamined absorbed in their own battle. The Captain was faster, and certainly thought herself the better swordswoman, but the pirate was dreadfully imaginative, and was prone to making unexpected and unorthodox moves (and occasionally mistakes), at one point swinging on the door, later using a marine as temporary cover – bashing him with hilt of the sword and heaving his body towards Isobel. The Captain sidestepped neatly and didn’t even look discomforted as she moved around to check on Stafford and the Doctor. Seeing that they were managing quite nicely, she gave a quick nod, and then closed with Magpie again, seeking to force him into a corner.

At last, however, both groups began to tire, and seeing as they were evenly matched, the outcome of the battle appeared inconclusive. Making a quick mental calculation, DeRainault realized that even if her party could succeed in defeating the pirates, they would be hard pressed in keeping their prisoners under control long enough to return to the Justice.

Magpie had also been considering – this really wasn’t achieving anything and they both had bigger fish to fry – he really had to get it home to this Captain that she wasn’t just going to capture him and haul him back to Old Blighty. This was a whole different world. Coincidentally, it was at this moment that Magpie stumbled on the unconscious marine, and she relieved him of his sword.

"Hold!" The Captain's voice rang out in the small room, bringing the fighting to a standstill. With the tip of her sword pressed against his throat, she addressed Magpie thusly. "In light of the unusual circumstances, pirate, I propose a temporary truce. So long as you agree to take no actions
to rob, rape, pillage, steal or otherwise harm the inhabitants of this patch,
or that of Jones' Public House nearby, I will refrain from making a move to
arrest you and your crew while you are there. I advise you accept the offer, as you are not in a position to disagree." It was an unorthodox action, but such was not unknown for DeRainault, who had once infiltrated Tortuga as a Fourth Lieutenant, when she was both younger and prettier.

"Beg to differ, Isobel." Magpie returned with a smile. "Look down." The man was indicating the wicked looking dagger he’d pulled out of his boot as he fell, the one that was now pointed right at the Captain's vitals. Yet again, a stalemate.

"But, you've got a point - let's go down the pub, all friendly like, and have a chat."

"Very well." The Captain was perhaps every so slightly discomfited. "But I
must therefore ask for your parole, and that you vouch for the actions of your crew. I shall hold you personally responsible for any violation on their
part."

With an exaggerated gesture, Magpie scratched his head. "Them sounds like an awful lot of words, but I reckon they tell it like it is. I can vouch for my crew, sure you can for yours. We have an accord, upon just one further stipulation."

DeRainault frowned. "And that would be?"

The pirate grinned. "You're buying the rum."

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 157 Location: HMS Justice

DeRainault rolled her eyes briefly heavenward. Pirates - always so damned saucy and impertinent. "I'll stand you a glass of claret, but no more. As for provisioning your crew, I suggest you speak to the good Mr. Jones, who has doubtless dealt with worse before. Now, if you will excuse me, I must speak with my Lieutenant."

With that, the Captain proceeded to the other corner of the room, where the Justices had gathered, the Doctor attending to a few minor bruises and scrapes. Seeing that there had been no serious injuries, DeRainault allowed herself a small sigh of relief. "Well done, lads, all of you. An extra ration of grog when you get back, I think - and I'll see if we can arrange more beer for the crew as well. Fresh rations should improve everyone's spirits." The group looked notably more cheerful at this news.

"Now, I believe I shall need to make further investigations into what's going on here, and I want to keep an eye on this pirate scum in any case. Doctor, I would be most obliged if you'd accompany me, and I think the marines should come as well, in case the rabble gets a bit unruly." Looking up from where she was tying a makeshift bandage, Doctor Domenova nodded, as this was not at all unexpected.

"Lieutenant Stafford!" At this, the younger man straightened and came to attention. "You will take the remaining crewmen south and return to the Justice, after assuring that all is secured here. Furthermore, you will see to the preparation of the ship, and...." Here the Captain's voice dropped to a whisper, and even Habbakuk, standing not a foot away could hear what she said. Stafford's expression grew serious. "...is that clear?"

"Aye, aye, ma'am." With a saulte, Stafford began organizing the remaining crew to gather up weapons and prepare to march south. The Captain, after setting the marines at ease, wandered over to the map to view it more closely. Noticing the Grey Man, who had seemed to fade into the background during the fight, she doffed her hat and gave a slight bow. "Good day to you, sir. I do apologize for the disturbance, but please rest assured that these ruffians -" Waving a hand to indicate the pirates "will no longer be troubling you."

The Janitor · Posted: 14 Apr 2004 12:49 pm Post subject:

The man in grey stooped to pick up a discarded hat, and gave it to a dazed looking pirate. He turned to the Navy captain.

"That's quite all right Captain, I'm just glad no one seems to be seriously hurt. I also recommend Jones' establishment as an excellent place for discussions."

He stopped to take a look at the map.

"Do note of course that it is now, err, east of here."

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 157 Location: HMS Justice

"Quite right, quite right indeed." The Captain studied the map for a few minutes, and after a pause, removed a bit of paper and a pencil stub from her jacket pocket. "How unusual - everything seems to have - moved - from their original positions, as I had chronicled them at least. And quite recently, if I'm not mistaken." DeRainault waved her bit of paper, upon which she had detailed the original alignment of patches around the Justice. "Doctor! Could I trouble you a moment?"

Doctor Domenova, having finished attending to the injuries, wandered over, absently wiping her hands on her skirt. "Yes, what is it?" She studied the map for a moment. "Oddly, my dear, this may not be the first rearrangement, as we may describe it. While the Lieutenant and I were at the Imperial Foundry, we encountered that young Quickgrip chap, and another young lady by the name of Merian. Based on that..." The Doctor fumbled in her coat for her notebook, and licking her fingers, leafed through to find the appropriate page. "...I surmised that the ordering of the world at the time, looked at least in part like this."

DeRainault considered her map, the Doctor's, and the one that was now displayed below them. "Most curious, don't you think? I fear this shifting landscape could prove dangerous. Would you be willing to make a record of the current arrangement?" Domenova tilted her head in acknowledgement, and seating herself on the ground next to the map, began to sketch it in her notebook with sure and careful lines, making a few notations in the margins as she did. "And you, sir - " The Captain turned politely to the Grey Man. "I am given to understand that you are one of the deities of this - er - location. Might I ask first of all how you care to be addressed, and second, if you might be willing to vouschafe any information as to the purpose of our presence in this place?"

From where she sat next to the map, the Doctor looked up over her glasses. "I do believe we met at the Imperial Foundry, sir, and I mistook you for a colleague of Mr. L'Iason. If I recall correctly, you were kind enough to warn the Lieutenant and myself of the imminent rearrangement." Turning to address both the Captain and the Grey Man, she continued. "Perhaps the gentleman could also provide any insights into how and why such rearrangements occur? "

The Janitor · Posted: 16 Apr 2004 07:26 pm Post subject:

"Well, I'm generally referred to as the Janitor. I'm not really in charge of things around here, I've just been tasked with various maintenance duties."

"As to why you are here, that isn't really in my purview. You might have better luck asking one of the others. Kao Sheng is usually hanging around and happy to answer questions."

"However, if you have anything in particular that is troubling you or causing inconvenience, then I may be able to help."

Captain Magpie · Posted: 17 Apr 2004 11:25 am Post subject:

The pirates got to their feet where they had to, stopped menacing sailors where they had to, and turned to their Captain, as they all had to. He was looking a little dusty, but wearing that curious vitality that comes to a man who's been fighting hard, and thinking harder.

Without many words needing to be exchanged they checked over each other and the other fallen men, dishing out a clap on the back, a field bandage or a gentle word or two of banter - the fighting had been aggressive but there was no malice to be carried forward.

Magpie picked up his coat - a little battered and dusty buit nothing a gale and rainstorm wouldn't solve. The cat had returned to it and clambered up to his shoulder as soon as the coat was settled. He signalled to the crew he'd want a word outside and then turned to Isobel and the Janitor.

'Right, we'll be at Jones' Isobel. Be there soon... I know you're a little flustered at all the strange going's on round here but we'll put 'em straight I'm sure. Short term - we're on the same side, right?'

He didn't wait for the answer that probably wasn't going to come and turned instead to the man in grey.

'I'll see you before long I'm sure. If you could do me a favour and get in touch before the next reorganisation, it'd be appreciated. No sense being caught off guard, eh, Is?'

He definitely wasn't waiting for a reply to that, just quickly added 'Must go', and was true to his word.

The band of priates left the room, and after a quick discussion as to who was going where they split into two groups - one headed North, the other East.

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 157 Location: HMS Justice

"Much as I mislike any resemblance to that rabble - " DeRainault spoke in a low undertone, waving at the now departing pirate band. " I must agree that any prior notice of a forthcoming rearrangement to the the world would be most welcome. Doubtless, as a deity, you are familiar with the HMS Justice and my fine crew, and I believe that any of my Lieutenants would be pleased to receive any communications for me."

William Stafford, one of these said Lieutenants, was even now preparing to head south, as per the new map, to return to the Justice. Reflecting that it might be difficult to reach the ship without a boat being ready to meet them, he was pondering what to do, as at least one of the marines had confessed he was unable to swim. Walking back over to where the Captain was in conversation, he interjested. "Apologies, ma'am, but being unsure whether the boat will be present, I realized it might be necesary to contact the ship, and I was wondering if there were any signal flares remaining?"

"Flares?! Ah, yes, fo course." A bit more hunting, and DeRainault produced a selection of small, almost cigar like cylinders of different colors, and a box of matches. "Here you go, Mr. Stafford. A pity these don't have much the range that they might - we need a better way of staying in touch - perhaps flags?" From where she sat finishing her copy of the new map, Doctor Domenova looked up. "Carrier pidgeons, or other homing birds, I should think. You wouldn't know where such things are readily obtainable, would you, Mr. Janitor?" This last was directed at the Grey Man.

Stafford, having received his flares and his orders previously, saluted and left. Closing up the notebook, the Doctor stood and nodded to the Captain. "Would you care to join us in retiring to the public house, Mr. Janitor?"

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 157 Location: HMS Justice

Having gathered all weapons and arranged themselves in good order, Lieutenant Stafford, Brewer, Simpson, and the two marines departed the map room. By now familiar with the territory, the party proceeded at a brisk pace to the southern edge of the patch. Peering through the veil of mist, they were just able to perceive the outlines of the HMS Justice, anchored in the small protected bay off Moahu. A sharp eye would notice that there appeared to be a great deal of activity onboard. The cutter that had contained Hay and Rodgers was nowhere to be seen.

This was no more than expected, however, and Stafford duly set off a few of the flares, signalling the ship as to their presence. There was an immediate reply from the ship, and within moments, a boat was in the water, approaching the northern shore at speed. As it approached the edge, Lieutenant Erickson could be seen, seated at the stern, as a crew of sailors pulled away at the oars. As soon as she spotted the party, her face broke out in a smile of relief.

"Lieutenant Stafford, sir! Brewer! Simpson! It is good to see you all safe - we had received reports that you might all be lost, or in danger of some kind. But - " And here her face creased with concern. "How came you to be on the northern shore, Lieutenant? Did you not go to the Foundry with the Doctor? And where did you meet with Brewer and Simpson? And - where's the Captain?"

[This will be contined in the HMS Justice Forum, Foremast Thread:On Justice.]

Captain Magpie · Posted: 19 Apr 2004 07:59 pm Post subject:

The afternoon was drifting towards evening, and Magpie gauged the angle of the sun with mock care.

"Just over the yardarm", he declared, 'time for a first drink'.

He thought nothing of in until they reached the dark mist that marked the edge of the patch. Magpie hadn't crossed one before, and neither had any of his crew, but it seemed straightforward enough. Unfortunately the dark mist turned into a dark night as they kept walking.

"Strange", noted Magpie and insisted they all track back and forth a couple of times - sure enough, back through the mist it was still daylight but on the new side it was dark.

He sat and thought for a while whilst a light was made, but came top no useful conclusion beyond the thought that it was most definitely time for a drink now.

Lamplight guided them to the welcoming sign of the Public House but none shone within to welcome them further.

The Janitor · Posted: 19 Apr 2004 08:04 pm Post subject:

Answering the Captain's questions to an extent, the man in grey gestured over to the map again.

"If you are looking for particular species of birds, you might want to try the zoo. It's even quite conviniently located at the moment. I think they might be having some minor difficulties at the moment."

"As to the reorganisations, it can be a little tricky to warn people. That's the main point of the arrows you might have seen."

"I may catch up with you later in Jones' establishment, but I fear I have a certain amount of cleaning to do here."

The man looked forlornly at the remaining debris from the fight.

Captain Isobel DeRainault · Good Joined: 20 Jan 2004 Posts: 157 Location: HMS Justice

"Of course." Captain De Rainault nodded, and put her hat back on her head. "Well, good day to you, sir." Then turning, she offered her arm to Doctor Domenova, who had finished her copy of the map, and was even now tucking away her notebook and dusting off her skirt. "Doctor, shall we?"

"Yes, indeed. Goodbye, Mr. Janitor, it was quite a pleasure to meet you again." The Doctor inclined her head politely to the Grey Man, and taking her friend's arm, proceeded to the door of the map room. With a final glance around, to make sure the area was clear of pirates, Habakkuk followed the two.

Following the directions on the map, the small party progressed to the eastern edge of the patch, and passed through the mist into evening, and the land near Jones' Public House.

The Janitor · Posted: 22 Apr 2004 06:28 pm Post subject:

The man in grey watched as the visitors left.

From a previously unnoticed cupboard, he extracted a mop and bucket and began clearing away the mess.