Patchwork Universe

Father Michael · Posted: Tue May 25, 2004 9:26 am Post subject: In which things become different

Father Michael emerged from the mist, stopped, and stared. It wasn't so much that the sight was awe-inspiring, or even particularly odd, rather that it was totally unexpected. Michael had expected either to find the barrier impenetrable, or to find himself on the other side of it still on the main road. In fact, neither thing had happened. He was somewhere else entirely.

The road was still here, but it had changed. It was no longet a dusty track, but a paved surface. The countryside was different, too. It was greener, more temperate. The sun shone in the sky, but without the baking heat of San Pietro. Most striking, however, was the collection of buildings in front of him. Michel knew that the nearest village in this direction ought to be at least another two miles away, and it certainly didn't look like that.

Still, where there were buildings there should be people, and where there were people there would be some answers. Still holding his rosary, Michael set out to find them.

Patchwork Universe · Posted: Tue May 25, 2004 9:44 am Post subject:

The buildings were elegant, unfurnished and uninhabited. They were similar in character to the foyer of a grand hotel or public building. But none of them possessed so much as a reception desk.

So it was that when Father Michael heard the ring of voices, they were unmistakable. However, their owners were entirely unexpected. They didn't see him approach, as they were sat at the side of a broad pavement, gathered in a small ring.
"Three ladies and a knave with 'em, how do you like that," one swarthy figure declared ringingly.
"A shoal of fishes, three, four, five, six, seven," another replied.

The pirates had been playing cards for some time. When Captain Magpie had sent them back to the ship they had made their way confidently in the direction he had inidcated. Right up until they ran into a wall of mist. Surprised, they had retraced their footsteps, intending to acquaint the Captain with the problem. But another wall of mist had blocked their path.

But a band of pirates, even a small one, is not likely to panic. One had rum, another a pack of cards, all had a collection of coins, ornaments and other valuables. Now, they had all but forgotten the worrying mists, concentrating instead on the worry that Black Eyed Sue was about to fleece them of the pot.

Father Michael · Posted: Tue May 25, 2004 10:33 am Post subject:

While the appearance of the pirates was not at all familiar to Michael, he had no difficulty in identifying their type. Realising that he needed to tread the fine line between appearing unthreatening, while not looking like a potential victim, he decided to let events take their course.

Finding his own space on the pavement, he sat down where he would be in full view when the pirates looked up from their game, and waited to be noticed.

Captain Magpie · Posted: Wed May 26, 2004 6:03 pm Post subject:

A pause in the run of play and a glance cast sideways led to his being noticed and hailed ...

Can we help you sir? and if not, can you help us?

Got ourselves lost, chipped in another, and

Do you play cards - no need for gambling of course, added a third

You being a man of the cloth and all, finished a fourth.

Two hadn't spoken, Sue, who was too busy gathering winnings and Mad Jack, who had a niggling feeling they ought to be doing something, but was too refined to mention it.

Father Michael · Posted: Fri May 28, 2004 2:42 pm Post subject:

"Good morning. Peace be with you all!" Michael sketched a blessing from where he sat, and smiled. "My name is Michael. I suspect you and I have something in common. I, too, am in need of answers to questions. I am not exactly lost, in that I know how to find my way home (I think). However, I do not know where I am, nor what sort of place this is.

"As to cards, my friend, it is a long time since I played. It was before I put on this habit, and then it was only for money - cards are a serious business, as I am sure you will agree. Now, alas, my vows forbid me some of the inevitable consequences.

"Do you think we might be able to help each other?"

Captain Magpie · Posted: Fri May 28, 2004 9:19 pm Post subject:

"seems likely, helping's what your kind of man's famous for", said Sue. She smiled back at the Father - it was always sensible to help a priest, and accept their help.

"Time to finish the game boys?" Always quit when you're ahead, that's what the Captain said.

"We could try to head on, or we could go back to the map room... any thoughts?"

Father Michael · Posted: Sat May 29, 2004 4:30 pm Post subject:

"Map Room?" asked Michael. "That sounds interesting..." but he got no further. Quite clearly, from one of the nearby buildings, there came a shout.

"Hello! Is anyone out there? Does anyone live here? Are there any other visitors from other lands?"

"Clearly there are more of us here. I would say there is safety in numbers, wouldn't you?" He got up, dusted down his robe and smiled at the pirates. "I am going to see who we just heard. I would be honoured if you would join me." And with that, he turned in the direction from which the voice had come.

[OOC: Michael now joins the 'Missed Again' thread.]