westwhere | the concord

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the concord

THE CONCORD

The vessel Concord of the Dawn’s Reach Trade Company once more appears in the horizon. She has learned her lesson from the previous scuffle and the minor charring her sails took at the hands of Sumeragi Subaru: she remains at a cautious distance from the pirate ships. Quicksilver Sam concludes the Concord’s reticence is unlikely to persist long term and asks a delegation of characters to deliver two gifts to captain Maximilian Hawk, in hopes of deterring further aggressions.

He entrusts the peace-bearing party with two items: an especially small scroll, rolled to the length and width of a thumb, and a modest, worn and a heavily locked wooden box to the size of a man’s palm. The scroll, if unravelled, only shows, 39.42116 N. The box cannot be opened, but weighs very little.

✘ OBJECTIVE: deliver the gift to Maximilian Hawk and retrieve his answer.

■ Travel by rowboats to the Concord, bearing large white flags. The Concord will not attack the incomers, but beware hungering, long-clawed mermaids and sharks within the Crossing seas.

■ Once within reach of the Concord, characters are welcomed by a small armed escort that insists all weapons must remain on the rowboats. They check that this instruction has been carried out. Those who refuse to give up their weapons are not allowed on the Concord.

■ The Concord is large, magnificently well attended, clean and armed with the most modern cannons and navigational instruments. The crew comprises trained sailors and graduates of a navy school — the Dawn’s Reach Trade Company’s own academy. Deck patrols and sails and cannon inspections are diligently undertaken every few hours.

■ You reach the Concord by noon. Marcos Diaz is received by first mate John Lattimore for an initial parlay (please wait for NPC thread). Lattimore introduces the newcomers as refugees from the Pariah to the crew.

■ Captain Maximilian Hawk is in deep strategic congress with his employers at the Dawn’s Reach Trade Company until evening. During this time, you remain under escort but can chat with sailors, enjoy a canteen meal, or take a tour of the ship’s deck. Characters also have supervised access to a guest cabin, the captain’s library or the medical bay, as needed. Use your time wisely to learn the lay of the land.

■ Noteworthy on deck: two sailors laundering uniforms and restitching membrane-thin diving suits that allow breathing underwater for two hours; a brawl that leads to four disgruntled men being taken down for jailing in the brig; several sailors carrying or taking tally of small boxes containing delicate, thin white powders (if they are inspected: opiates); two sailors drawing up a perfectly serviceable small steampunk boat to repair its rudimentary engine. Note: no further information or clues are forthcoming on any of these items — they exist as props for your getaway.

■ Come evening, Jim Kirk is finally received to present Maximilian Hawk with Quicksilver Sam’s gifts. (NPC thread link forthcoming!).

■ Discretion seems to have lost some value as everyone waits out the outcome of Jim’s talk in the captain’s cabin. It appears lips have loosened, and the crew has learned that the newcomers aren’t refugees, but representatives of the pirate ships, when a sailor recognises one of them from the Concord's previous altercation at sea. Several sailors spark a brawl, flinging accusations and demanding retaliation for the injuries they sustained when the Concord was singed. They progress from verbal to physical blows, which their superiors try but ultimately fail to calm down.

■ Smooth talk your way into being allowed a clean exit, or better yet, SOS Jim and run. Grab any weapon or valuable you can find, and jump either on the boat you came in, or on the partially fixed steampunk tanker that’s been set at sea. Row and shield to bide Viktor time and cover, if he’s up for tackling the last of the boat's engine repairs.

■ Beware cannons! And head back to the Pariah and Queen Zanyra, you delinquents. Marcos and Jim Kirk can share any learnings.

QUESTIONS

PLOTTING

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( They've disappeared the sun so it need not behold this abomination. Master Lattimore had begun the day's service with thoughts of efficiency — of how to bring the beauty, the Dawn Reach Trade Company's good Concord to a fine and noble steer. How to retain her on her course until the captain Hawk can re-emerge to take her in his custody.

Instead, Master Lattimore has been graced with the complication of... company. A white flag flown draws the inevitable cooperation. Despite their... disagreeable interlude days prior, these visitors present themselves as messengers, delivering a proposition. For all that, the men cannot know — there is a start and an end to their fine disposition that the Crossing has already begun to erode.

So, he meets a representative of the contingent under confined conditions, drawing Master Marcos within the most sophisticated guest's cabin, where Master Lattimore instructs him to one table seat, before assuming its counterpart. )

The captain will, of course, see you. As we have discussed, and I have pledged. ( He has not, after all, received this man and his cohort under false pretences. ) But... it would be good to glean under what omens I should be introducing your pursuit with him. I understand there is a gift. Is Master Samuel Vane finally prepared to reimburse his debts?

Edited 2022-06-23 00:26 (UTC)

( He is flustered, surfacing from his encounter with the masters of the Dawn's Reach Trade Company, cheeks ripe and eyes wild-white, gaze diffuse. There is always a softening of a man when he is flayed, vividly and unmistakably, in the company of his peers and his betters. That his vivisection takes place in a communicator array, rather than in the physical presence of his employers does little to preserve his dignity.

Hours of discourse, of reprimand, of scrutiny. An afternoon of spiteful anger. How he has born this, without losing control of himself and his senses, he cannot say — only that he deeply and wholeheartedly depends on his composure to close the day without ordering the next man who crosses his path whipped to the bone.

And then, first mate Lattimore delivers the news: messengers, from the Pariah. Under a white banner, carrying gifts. A chance to prove, if not necessarily the success of his action, then at least its indubitable and apparent finality.

He receives Master Kirk in the full, recently cleansed, spartan splendour of his captain's cabin, knowing full well that the luxury of order will awe far more sweetly after however many days this wretched man has spent at sea with pirates. Then, reaching out a hand to clasp Master Kirk's, when he enters: )

Come. Come, you honour us. If your companions haven't skinned you of the concept of honour yet, I suppose you might even understand what I mean. ( Laughter, shrill. His own joke. Delightful. ) No matter. No matter. What's this, you've come from Vane? Quicksilver himself? Surprised he could muster the wit. Is he well? They say he's taken ill.

1.

Licyn reversed his hold on his make-shift spear and stabbed at the eye of the shark surfacing alongside their boat, making a side pass before a charge, if the pattern held. The blood that follows is thick and black-red, left behind in their wake even as another shark and two mermaids turn and lay into the shark now thrashing and frothing as it struggles to escape its equally hungry compatriots.

He smiles in a twitchy way, grim.

"Really, that's the problem with predators, isn't it? Always on the searing hunt. Never for anything nice, either, though I suppose from their perspective, a full stomach is one day longer away from starvation."

2.

He nudges one of his fellows, nodding his head toward where two sailors are mending some odd looking material shaped like... he's not sure what it's like. Not body bags, that much he knows, formed to be something like a close-fitting gown, only with legs?

"Are you considering what I'm considering?" He doubts it, but if they can focus on getting some information on whatever those are, maybe they'll learn some about whatever the Concord likewise plans to do.

A - PRETTY BLUES

[Moran is never one to refuse the exploration of something new - exciting, things to learn ! Either he will find somethings out on his own, or if not be a sufficient distraction so that people with more skills can do so. He is, after all, quite good in drawing gazes to himself when he wishes too.

So he wears his royal blue robes with the flashy silver flower embroidery. he's not wearing a weapon but the person frisking him doesn't try to take his hairpin, so there is that.

And of course once on board, it's hard not to notice this ship is in much better shape indeed, and of course, certain recent conversations come to mind.]

... Someone mentioned one of the ships we are on is carrying opiate drugs. They are too. I wonder if maybe, our pirate companions might not have stolen some of that cargo for themselves.

B - BOOKS!

[I'm sorry, did you say library? As soon as that is mentioned, Moran will make a beeline for it and just... disappear in there.

You can find him sitting at a table with about as many books as it will support while groaning slightly, trying to make sense of what he is deciphering. The constant traveling is making it hard to keep up with the language studies, but some of the contents can be inferred from previous learnings...

If he feels a presence nearby, he won't even look up.]

Would you mind seeing about bringing some tea in here? Thank you.

C - ROMANCE IN TIMES OF PIRACY

[So if you've been around you probably know that Moran and Xunxian are as well as married. They did come on the ship together. but right now, just as Moran is engrossed in his readings, Xunxian is ... busy slutting it up with some of the sailors on deck, in plain view of everyone and without any shame whatsoever.

Do you want to be the person who goes tell Moran his husband is... well, maybe not being very faithful right at this moment? Gently, of course, you wouldn't want to make him too sad, would you?]

[ The anticipation of their meeting has grown exponentially with the hours passing, at least in their group. Jim isn't the sort to get nervous, and he is used to diplomatic scenarios such as this, but that makes this task no easier to handle, especially when he's unsure of what, or rather, who he is about to face.

At the very least the man seems pleasant and polite, if a bit flustered, but the approach draws an easy smile from him, as charming as his voice when he speaks to answer the man's greeting. ]

Thankfully honor isn't a thing so easily stripped from a man, [ he says as he takes Hawk's hand in a firm shake. ] James Kirk. And yes, I have. He's... recovering. Being out at sea so long tends to affect a man's mind considerably, don't you think?

Jim's own observation has been quieter, more discreet, not quite staring or watching any of the sailors as not to raise too much suspicion. He's been mostly thinking about what to say when he meets Hawk later anyway, exactly what kind of information he could try to get from the man that could prove useful to them.

Still, he looks up when nudged, glancing from Licyn to the sailors, then back to him. "Depends on what you're thinking. But if you're thinking of stealing that from them, then probably not."

I think, Mister Kirk. I do think.

( An agreeably man may broker peaceful negotiations with another. Charm over cruelty, this, every graduate of the academy knows. Better, when dealing with the unknown or the unexpected, to cut your losses before they begin. Not all wars need be won with a cannon.

Some begin with the gentle pour of fresh whiskey in the Captain's glass, then the cordial preparation of a second cup, raised towards Kirk to show its cleanliness of poison, and tipped once in silent invitation. )

But you'll forgive me for noticing Vane has been absent of all the senses I would have thought common and widely spread. He does not do as is reasonable, he does not do as he commits, he does not honour his word, in fact, he does not even violate it as often as a pirate might. He defies logic.

( A cough, light. ) But he has sent you here, so I imagine there has been a turning of his tides. I expect you have something for me.

[ He takes the cup offered to him without saying anything, letting his meet the Captain's before taking a small sip. He can't really say anything, neither agree nor disagree, but Hawk is right in that Vane doesn't seem to be acting like himself. For how little time he's spent here, he has seen how the crews react to his behavior. Suspecting, weary, distrustful, even his own men don't seem to follow or respect him as they once likely did. That in itself is a sign that he's not well.

But for now, he says none of that. In a moment, he'll try to poke at that topic, but for now he responds to the mention of gifts to set his cup down and procure both the scroll and the small box, handing them to the Captain. ]

I expect you'll know what they are better than I do?

[ The words are left with an open tone to it, a question he'd like to see answered. What are they? ]

Of course, of course.

( When he pours, it's with the generous of a man who sees gain within literal hand's reach. He allows himself another thumb's width of drink in his own cup, before gently settling the bottle to rest and anticipating Mr. Kirk's revelations.

All the same, he gasps when the gifts join the table, hands rushed and trembled when they round around the box, feeling out the blunt sides, the edges. Weighing it with fond reverence. )

Then, he had it. We suspected, but... he had it.

( And now it sits prettily in Maximilian Hawk's grasp, peacefully patient when his rattled fingers stumble on the latches. When he opens it, breath bated, it's — it contains...

...nothing. Not a damned scintilla of dust. Not a breeze. )

What game is this, Mr. Kirk? What is he playing at? And the... ( The scroll, unravelled quickly, almost hasty enough to tear it but falling short. 39.42116 N, inked beneath Hawk's nail. ) And the westward coordinate? Mr. Kirk?

[ It's been since Taravast that Marcos felt particularly useful to the group, so as soon as he hears about a diplomatic mission, he offers to go along without a lot of questions. He understands, in principle, what they're here to do, and he's made deals with less savory people before. There's a chance he can learn something while he's deescalating the situation, and if worse comes to worse, he doesn't need a weapon to protect himself.

So it's luck that he's the one picked out of the group to talk to the first mate. He barely scans the room he's brought to before taking the seat across from him. The man is making this all seem pretty formal, and so Marcos adjusts his posture and nods. ]

We appreciate your hospitality. [ No trace of sarcasm. How they've been treated upon boarding is really no different from what he's used to. ] The captain wishes to avoid further conflict. The gifts we bring are a promise of good faith.

( Gifts of good faith, presented under the omens of Samuel Vane. He thinks — shows, mouth souring — that perhaps there's an element of contradiction here, and this young man remains ignorant of the company he keeps.

Thinks, too, that no good will come of Lattimore's own open disapproval, and that the Captain Hawk would prefer him strategically circumspect and mindful of his tongue. He guards it, nodding along with the man's courtesies, neither dismissive nor invigorated. )

I can assure you Captain Hawk is a sensible man, possessed of every faculty. We have been, as you are... aware, pushed to pursue. And we will give you chase until the ends of the good earth, if we are required.

( A delicate smile, breaking. ) At least, that is the provision of our mandate. In truth, I don't expect we will mutually inconvenience each other more than a handful of days, if we simply go back to respecting the old arrangements. I was there, when Captain Vane first brokered it. I understand he's been... less civil since?

[ He's operating at a disadvantage, being a newcomer on the ship while there's obviously a long history here, but so were the others who Captain Vane sent to deliver the gifts. While Marcos hasn't spoken to him directly, the rumors that he's lost his mind are fairly widespread. Very possibly onto the Concord, but he doesn't see a benefit in perpetuating them. ]

I'd imagine if Captain Vane was been put in a position to defend his ship, he would. [ And has. The Concord seemed to be the aggressor the last time, not that he'll to mention it. ] I think we'd both rather avoid that. If he violated any arrangements, I'm sure it was unintentional or he wouldn't have sent us.

( Ah, they're to be gentlemen adversaries about it. Mr. Lattimore can manage that task, for all his patience thins. He assumes the pleasant mien of a man who negotiates the latest going rate of silks and cattle at the marketplace, or a particularly indifferent but intellectually stimulating point of abstract legislation.

He will not give this conversation the privilege of ruining his composure. Bad enough they waste tame, energy and Captain Hawk's limited availability on this course. )

There was nothing unintentional about fleeing a task he didn't complete, losing precious artefacts related to it and squandering every resource supplied to him for this undertaking. Without reimbursement.

( A smile, choice, gentle and free. ) But that's behind us now. You would like to end our little disagreement. And we would like to recoup our investment. We're all... agreeable individuals. Of course, minus the rogue Kreil. Has your captain decided how to tackle that particular loose end?

[ Marcos thinks about the compass Subaru mentioned, but he hides any confusion with a smile of his own. ]

I wouldn't know anything about that. If there's any misunderstanding with Kreil, the captain hasn't discussed it with me, but that doesn't mean I can't bend his ear if there's something he's unaware of.

[ He fully remembers Kreil being merciless to spies, so he tries to avoid insulting him, and he leans forward with a lowered voice. ]

This stretch of sea is dangerous enough on its own without adding more fuel to the fire, and most of us aren't a part of your rivalry. Our only mission is to get to our destination in one piece. If there's a way for us to help accommodate that, I think you'll fine that we can be persuasive.

( This, he should have, but did not anticipate — that a crew could propose the choice and sophisticated manipulation of its leader, for purposes Lattimore sees as valid, and yet somehow... unclean.

There is no honour among pirates. For all their occasional loyalties, he should remember that. All at once, his manner shifts, oilier if still as keen, hands clasped peacefully over the table's spread. )

You're suggesting a partnership to help... steer your captain in his moments of... doubt?

( In the end, what business is it of Lattimore's, if pirates look to sell their king? The Dawn's Reach Trade Company profits. )

[ It's a gamble, but he reads Lattimore's reaction as being open to some form of cooperation. He can tell that he's choosing his words just as carefully, and he only offers a slight tilt of his head to the affirmative. ]

I'm suggesting there's a scenario where we can all get what we want. I'm only one man, but I know our capabilities. I also know revenge will at best only be a waste of your time and more of your resources. [ He leans forward still, not breaking eye contact. ] So what is it? You have to have a better mission than chasing us to the haunted depths of the sea.

We continue on our mission in these 'haunted depths of the sea.' ( He parrots back evenly, at once amused and bemused by the presumption that 'Quicksilver' Sam's settlement of accounts can dictate the course of the great Dawn's Reach Trade Company.

There is more afoot in this strange, vulnerable world, than the fate of one lone pirate. More to explore, more to conquer, more to control. Man has made nothing of himself, if he does not progress. But carefully, after: )

Mr.... Diaz. ( As he recalls, on scarce introduction. ) Revenge is, more often than not, a waste of time. Now, retribution and restitution, the Company understand. It's a financial item. I cannot speak for captain Hawk, but I would imagine him... amenable to a mutually beneficial agreement.

( But there is a price, always a price: ) It won't surprise you that the quickest way to our success is... Samuel Vane. We don't require him, but having him would offer a significant guarantee towards the odds of our success. Can you deliver him?

[ Now it's Marcos' turn for something he should have seen coming. It's not enough to say they can talk the captain into something, they actually want the man himself.

His tone doesn't change, and he only looks down briefly to consider how much he can get away with. So far he hasn't learned anything significant, but there's an opportunity he's not giving up on. With a heavy dose of acknowledgement that talking about this could put a target on his back, he presses on. ]

...You know, you drive a tough bargain. You haven't even opened your gifts. [ He shrugs lightly, neither in agreement or otherwise. ] You need him, specifically. And why is that? Are you after information he has, or something else?

I wouldn't presume to, before Captain Hawk has first right of refusal.

( Then, if the good captain does not deign to inspect these offerings first-hand, Mr. Lattimore will gladly undertake the proceedings.

But he cannot claim these gifts for his own, not with a superior officer present on the vessel, and so he only concedes the point with a wave of his hand. And, frankly: )

I begin to understand the criminal, Samuel Vane, has been... neglectful in the information he has offered you. Let me be clear: two years ago, he sailed with a ship provisioned by the Dawn's Reach Trade Company, with indications of the Dawn's Reach Trade Company, with crew trained by the Dawn's Reach Trade Company, and on the coin and assignment of the Dawn's Reach Trade Company.

( The contempt in which he drenches his words may just as well prove visible. ) He owes money, information, supplies and time that were all wasted, on this objective he was either unable or unwilling to see through.

[ The most interesting part of that story is that they seem to still want Vane alive, and think with him they'll be more successful in their unnamed mission if they have him. ]

Respectfully. If he's failed to pay his debts before, I'm surprised you think that he'll be much of a benefit to you in custody. [ ... ] You're right, I haven't been around long enough to appreciate your history, but I can understand the frustration.

You've been following us for a while now, I'm assuming you know what he's after?

( Samuel Vane in custody is better than Samuel Vane at liberty, alone. He is controllable. Better the dog you know leashed.

As for his meandering objectives — )

As do you. ( A pause, then pensively, tapping his fingers on the table: ) I hope, for your sake, you have not come to ask your adversary what your ally is doing.

( He dances the line, toes the need to laugh. Finally, mercifully — ) I'm afraid you won't find me so compassionate. What you should understand is that, if you are offering to give us Samuel Vane in exchange for safe passage... ( A moment's hesitation. ) I would want to confirm with the Captain Hawk, but on preliminary terms, I would name us amenable.

[ He might have shown too much of his hand, but he keeps his expression schooled, in light of what he may have inadvertently suggested. It hits him that backing out might not be easy, now that he's put it on the table, and the thought of betraying someone who gave them free passage doesn't sit well. Lorna is going to be livid with him.

It's not too late to take full credit for the idea, and at least not get the others involved. He's still thinking of an approach when he asks, for the sake of options: ]

So I have this straight. Are those the only terms you'd accept?

He snorts, chuckling under his breath and quirking a brow.

"Mercenary, love, not bandit."

Wrong line of work, and he's not going to fondly reminisce over a time where he'd been lightfingered, as a boy and young-not-quite-man. Today, he's all business!

In the business of nosiness.

"Do you know what it is they're mending? Large as they are, it's certainly no long undergarment that I'm familiar with."

[ Jim can't help his own curiosity, keeping close to watch Hawk open the box, see what he makes of that and of the small scroll.

He thought perhaps it would mean something to Hawk. Well, clearly it does, but the reaction makes it plenty clear that that's not what he was hoping for. ]

I'm sorry, [ He offers, stunted on what to say for a moment. The whole truth is probably not the best idea in this situation, but some truth might ease things, at least. ]

Many of us have been kept in the dark. There's a sense of distrust that spreads through the crews, when little is said about what our goal is. And Vane, he's... [ He trails off, then shakes his head. ] Not well. Like you said.

[ He gestures to the box as he continues. ] You recognized that. You expected something to be in there. Will you tell me what?

( There is a moment when they seem close to accord, to narrowing down communal interests. Then, like the tide, the man's intentions recede. And Mr. Lattimore finds he has no patience to treat grown men as children or as the incontrollable natural elements. )

Accept... to what end?

( He did not put this motion forward. He lacks, if anything, the preparation and authority that have only been awarded to Captain Hawk on this assignment. He cannot intercede with terms. )

Master Diax, you are the one who is coming with a proposition. You should have your terms clear. ( But then, of course, perhaps he does not only represent himself. ) Would you like an hour to congress with your people?

( ooc: happy to give this a short hold, if you want to do a network post / thread of any kind of feed into Marcos' further steps, btw! And equally happy to just carry on, will follow your lead. )

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the concord

marcos

kirk

on the way over, and on board the ship (not an exit tl, that'll be later)

Beitang Moran

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