The Lost Sea: Lovecraftian Naval RP - Thread 2 - Games

Fallensteller seemed unmoved by Yarah's reverence toward Calcifer, and after a moment to gather her thoughts, she explained why. "That's somewhat interesting... The Messenger didn't tell me Calcifer had been bound by Shalo, but he did tell me that he had broken the curse, and that he was free." She paused a moment to study Jäger's reaction at the mention of the Messenger. "That's right," she confirmed, savoring the moment. "I spoke with him again, and this time, it was in Raum's Cathedral. I traveled to the Abyss and back again, and do you know what I saw?" Mesahri looked on in total bewilderment, but was slowly beginning to see the grandiosity of the matters being discussed. "...Desolation," Fallensteller replied to her own question. "Raum lies in repose. He's only a boy, from the looks of things, and a hole is bored straight through His chest where His heart used to be. Some magic is keeping Him alive, somehow, and as the Admiral already told us, this great war in the Old World might restore Him to his former strength. This expedition is time-pressed to see His final death come to fruition. But what Calcifer didn't say is that his relationship with Raum is far more complicated than he would want you to know. The Messenger gave me a vision from the past..." Fallensteller revealed the details of the story: Calcifer carrying Raum in his arms to the home of Taurus, where he proclaimed the murder of a war god named Lucria, a murder that Calcifer himself believed was justified after some unspeakable injustice dealt upon Raum and his sister, Valentina. Farryn was there as well, apparently prepared to make a stand in Calcifer - and Raum's - defense. They spoke of injustice and instability, and how this blow would spiral into a war. "At the beginning, Raum had no followers, nor support of any kind except of course for the few fighters our dear Admiral could round up. The boy couldn't even move, he was immobile with shock. There'd have been no war if not for Calcifer."

Despite the many thoughts racing through his head Jäger maintained his calm. He glanced at Yarah briefly before looking back at Fallensteller. "So Calcifer and the others knew that war would break out and they simply watched as Raum did a predicted?" Jäger shook his head. "I would have expected the gods to have solved the situation without war, especially since Raum acted in defense of his sister." Jäger paused. "Is she still alive?" --- Fallstrom looked at Therasmus. "You may go explore the ship or head for the quarters, although I'm not sure Högborg have been able to ready one of the observatories just yet."

"If things are ill prepared I'd hate to disrupt things further with my presence." he states, gaze moving off of the soldiers as he took to examining his surroundings. "Ideally I'd like to speak with the captain in the meantime, but I can only assume prior engagements have left him... indisposed." Therasmus muses, still thoroughly curious what was taking place here. The fleet was indeed a source of many Abyssal tethers and connections, but he figured this ship must have the bulk of those tethers within it now. There wasn't much he could to act on them, so he would merely remain patient. "Nothing for it, however. He certainly seems to be a busy individual. Exploration... That sounds good, yes. You mentioned a library, correct? If you could point me there I'm sure I'll be able to find it without need of an escort."

"No... she's long gone," Fallensteller replied. "It was not only the slaying of Valentina, but the acts which were perpetrated against her when she was alive, which compelled Raum to achieve godhood in search of vengeance. His retribution was... more than they expected. But at that critical moment when the forces of the existing order would have brought their twisted vision of justice down upon Raum's head, Calcifer chose not to watch and do nothing. He chose to fight, as did Farryn, and from that genesis the entire war broke out and nearly destroyed the world. At some point, this alliance that brought war on the world collapsed. Raum's allies turned on him, perhaps because they feared his power and his coming dominion, and that betrayal resulted in his downfall." Fallesnteller paused a moment and took another bite of her food. "Now I need to ask you something, Captain. When Calcifer performed that divination ritual at Blackstone, what exactly did you see? I've only heard that it was horrible, the end of days. But knowing what you now know of Calcifer, how well can you trust his intent? Was he perhaps trying to scare you into line? To silence your doubt?"

Fallstrom and Gavrilov eyed eachother briefly. Gavrilov spoke up. "Sorry sir but we have orders to accompany you at all times untill ordered otherwise. Orders are orders." He gestured towards the hangar exit. "We'll take you to the library, once we're there Fallstrom and I can wait outside." --- Jäger grunted. "How unfortunate." He made a mental note to ask either Shalo, Farryn or Mannfred himself about Valentina when the time was right. There is more to this story. And who was this Taurus? Once Fallensteller asked her question Jäger frowned. "It was... grim. Eternal conflict ravaged the lands of the Old World. Demonic spawn disguised as simple soldiers stalked the burnt lands, ruthlessly killing anyone still alive. It was the end of our society as we know it. I can only imagine few places where one could hide from such chaos and death, but eventually fate would sink its claws into you." "I don't think he was scaring us," said Jägerbefore pausing. He sighed. "I will be honest with you Sabine. My loyalty lies with my country. Gothia above all. This-" he gestured outwards with both hands, "-is nothing but a dangerous and intricate game of deception, lies and magic beyond the scope of my imagination. For all I know Mannfred could be lying and Raum could be the true saviour. I will not choose sides, no, I will do what I need to do to secure a future for my people. A future free of oppression and fear from Pavlovia. A future where the genertaions to come will never need to learn what a bomb shelter is, how to evade military patrols or how to fire a pistol at the age of eight."

It was... grim. Eternal conflict ravaged the lands of the Old World. Demonic spawn disguised as simple soldiers stalked the burnt lands, ruthlessly killing anyone still alive. It was the end of our society as we know it. I can only imagine few places where one could hide from such chaos and death, but eventually fate would sink its claws into you. Something vaguely akin to sympathy appeared in Fallensteller's expression. "Is that so?" she asked. "And what sort of motivation would Raum have for creating such a world? His lone bastion of worship, that place Calcifer called Nadesh, is insular and unwelcoming, but there are many places in the Old World which are similar. Calcifer spoke of indoctrinated children as our enemies, not of demons or other monsters. Does that strike you odd? I can think of a better explanation for the vision you were given. Imagine a world where the ancient, slain gods were restored to their former strength. Raum, who is set to inherit the world upon his resurrection, would be forced to resume the war which destroyed this region all those years ago. That vision, therefore, is not the future Raum would bring. It's the future Calcifer threatens to create." I don't think he was scaring us. I will be honest with you Sabine. My loyalty lies with my country. Gothia above all. This is nothing but a dangerous and intricate game of deception, lies and magic beyond the scope of my imagination. For all I know Mannfred could be lying and Raum could be the true savior. I will not choose sides, no, I will do what I need to do to secure a future for my people. A future free of oppression and fear from Pavlovia. A future where the generations to come will never need to learn what a bomb shelter is, how to evade military patrols or how to fire a pistol at the age of eight. Fallensteller nodded. "I respect that, Captain, I really do. Sometimes I think about the Kingdom, and I wonder what's happening in my absence. I fear returning to a country which has become nothing but a smoldering, war-torn annex of Xinchau or Pavlovia." She looked off into space, shaking her head as if imagining it. "If I return from this sea alive, and my nation still stands, I'll be able to provide Teutonia with certain 'gifts,' courtesy of the Lord. The sins I've committed in the process are small compared to the absolute atrocity of war, and I feel that it's a fair trade: a few innocent lives in exchange for the destruction of our nation's enemies and their warmongering regimes." Fallensteller's lip twitched. Interesting angle, Master.

Therasmus frowned slightly before he cocked his head toward the hangar exit. "Hmmh... A certain, degree of mistrust, then? Fair enough. Whether it is misplaced or not I cannot truly say. Though I see no possibilities where I personally necessitate the precautions. Regardless!" he starts to saunter off toward the exit, even though he had no idea where he was going beyond that. "Do lead the way, good sirs!"

Jäger grunted. "Your words carry weight. The visions could indeed be the visions of a war re-ignited, it is not an angle I have contemplated myself." "I also agree with you. I believe that all our sins will be but a drop in the ocean in comparison to what would happen if we let our nations annihilate one another. It is imperative that this fleet ensures the survival of our nations no matter the cost or die trying." Jäger then fell silent for a second before wiping his mouth. He then got up but signaled for the others to remain seated as walked up to a vintage record player on a nearby desk and turned it on. Classical orchestral music from all corners of the Old World suddenly filled the room. Jäger approached Fallensteller and offered his hand. "May I?"

As Jäger set the gramophone in motion, Fallensteller sat there a moment, dumbfounded. Is he not the least bit curious what I meant by gifts? she thought as he came to her side. No... I can't believe that he would still think of this as a date after learning what I've been up to. Suspicious of Jäger's motives, Fallensteller nonetheless took his hand. "Unfinished business from Campo Diablo?" she asked humorously, her gracious demeanor returning to her. It was abundantly clear that she could return to her stately guise at will. Mesahri sat awkwardly as all this was happening around her. First the captains had been talking about gods and holy wars, and now they were dancing as if there wasn't a care in the world. She focused on her food and avoided staring at them, while also wondering whether Yarah would be more conversational now that her secret was out in the open.

Jäger was no fool. Yes, he did enjoy the company of women and if he could he would always flaunt and brag in public. But this was different. If his suspicions regarding Sabine were correct she would be an immense threat and a incredibly valuable ally. She needed to plead to her human side. Work with her for a bit. Eventually she'd be in his grip, still believeing that she had the upper hand. Then a moment crossed his mind. I could end this madness right here, right now. No more killing. He smiled at Sabine charmingly as she accepted his hand. No. He needed to know. If there's a way to save Gothia this was the best option for now. Mannfred- Calcifer- would never share any power or knowledge that could alter the decades-long stalemate. As the two of them danced slowly near the gramophone Jäger whispered into Fallensteller's ear. "These gifts," he said with a calm tone. "What are they, if I may ask? I would also like to know how you were able to speak with the Messenger once more. Was it a dream?"

Stepping inside of those heavy metal doors the demon was greeted to a most wonderful sight, his hands clasping together as he rocked a bit in place as he took stock of the archives before him. "Absolutely splendid. You have the admiral beat, I'd say. Well, I didn't get to see the full extent of his ship's reading material but... This is an improvement, indeed!" he states before taking a random book off of the shelf, flipping it open as he skimmed through it. Or was he actually reading it all? It wouldn't be off to hazard a guess that his reading comprehension is as insane as he is. "Is there any organization to the volumes I should adhere to? I wouldn't want to leave things a mess for the poor librarian who no doubt painstakingly arranged these books as they are."

After a few minutes of dancing, Fallensteller found herself relaxed a bit. For a moment, the rest of her concerns were paused, and she could simply enjoy the presence of another. She remembered Silke and felt remorse that she wasn't sitting at the table as well. Finally, the questions began to come again, and she almost resented the moment slipping away. "Some are passive," she began. "I sense auras, and identified Yarah's connection to the abyss the moment I laid eyes on her. And I can see in the absence of light, just as Mesahri can. But the other gifts are more applicable to our cause. I regularly experience divine inspiration, knowing things I shouldn't know and saying things I hadn't thought of. If I'm in a difficult situation and I don't know the answer, I can trust the Lord to guide me to safety. "As for the rest..." she began, a playful yet devilish smile cracking her lips, "I've yet to test it, but I was given the greatest gift of all when I finally completed my contract with Raum. As I said, I traveled to the Abyss, to Raum's Cathedral, and that is where I spoke with the Messenger. It wasn't a dream. The way I traveled would have been a one-way trip, but that obsidian knife was imbued with magic when I received it. It allowed me to return to my quarters when the visit was concluded, but I'm not quite what I was when I left." She leaned in close, so that Jäger could feel the ice on her breath. "I've returned from the dead, Wilhelm. And when I master the latest gift, I'll be able to bring others along. I have reached a stage penultimate to immortality, and there is so much left to learn." She backed away, allowing the horrible truth to settle in. When she spoke again, she looked as unassuming as ever. "You've been taught to summon demons, and I'll have been taught to raise the dead. If we work together, Pavlovia and Xinchau will fall. Humanity will be protected from war by our magic, and great armies of mortal humans will no longer be needed. Peace on Earth, Wilhelm. Peace on Earth."

"That won't be neccessary," said a deep voice at the doorway. As Therasmus turned around he would see an older man, perhaps in his late fifties, wearing a worn Gothian uniform and holding a cup in his hand. The man was bald and had a grey beard going all the way to the bottom of his neck. He also wore a pair of glasses. The man approached Therasmus and extended his hand. "Lars. Librarian and cartographer with the Royal Gothian Navy. Pleased to meet you...?" --- Jäger barely reacted to the cold breath of his colleague. Instead he was a bit taken back by her words. "So in other words, you died? Sabine..." He frowned and looked a way for a moment. "How do you know that the Messenger truly serves Raum? What if it's some other being hoping to prey on those seeking a path of enlightenment. What if he controls your soul?" After hearing Sabine speak of peace on Earth Jäger paused once again. He looked at Sabine deep into her crimson eyes. He grabbed her hands. "You know I would like nothing more than that. If you believe that all of these powers can ensure the survival of our nations I would not dare to stop you as that would be to stand against fate itself. However, I need insurance. I need to know that this is your ultimate goal. These powers are great yes, but they also bring with the need for responsibility and immense danger. If it were not for a spell Yarah would've clawed my heart out from my chest and devoured it. We need to be careful, extremely careful, otherwise we risk unleashing beings more horrifying than war."

Cattapoli, Revenant "Your assessment is more or less the same as mine," Mannfred nodded. "I'm not pleased with contemplating fighting within the fleet, but it is a possibility that may occur. My knowledge of this region gives us an advantage of surprise. That is something to keep in mind." Shalo was enjoying her fancy feast while the other two spoke. "I also am unable to show you my proper form, given I have to keep it bound away. Physically and through sorcerous means. What happened after Dagger Rock drove me close to breaking my bindings and it was very painful. Farryn had to help heal me. Using powerful magic as I did then is something I try to avoid when I am in this state. Even in time, if I were to fully reveal myself to the fleet, it would be difficult to always existent in my real form for the simple fact that it is disconcerting to many mortals. My crew would be able to handle it, but not all I don't think." "That said, I hope you can understand more for why I have had to keep things secretive. This is all rather delicate work." Niakoma, Blitzwave Yarah sat in stunned silence as Fallensteller revealed a little more about Calcifer, essentially shedding light onto what amounted to folklore for her kind. There were so many speculations and stories about Calcifer, some outlandish and some more believable. He was the subject of several cautionary tales for children, even. But on top of all this, she had no idea what was true and what was lie or exaggeration. This woman was dark. She had seen such people before, and they were typically necromancers, lichs, and other dangerous sorcerers who immersed themselves in the dark magicks. The great cities of the Abyss that had once stood proud were full of people like her, peddling curses or purchasing slaves for experiments. Some even served on ruling councils or among warbands - even reaching as far as being court attendants to demon kings. Mortals were weak, but those which made it so far under such conditions were... phenomenal. She halfheartedly took a bit of the same biscuit she had choked on earlier as she continued to listen. Calcifer caused the war? That didn't seem right. She knew it started with the slaying of Lucria and then her warband, and Apocrypha was next. But all of that had been Raum and his Landeshi, she never heard of Farryn and Calcifer being there. Could they have been? The story about a ravaged land in the Old World reminded her of the war itself, destroyed lands haunted by demons and monstrous creatures. Society falling apart. There was only one thing she could thank Shalo for, and that was for keeping her palace out of the mess for as long as she did. Other less fortunate souls suffered far more when they got caught up early on. She knew nothing of the places being named - Pavlovia being the apparent enemy to Gothia, the land this ship and Jager sailed for. But what stood out to her most was Jager saying he wouldn't choose sides. So thats how he was. How many had made those very claims during the war? If another one was coming, it was better to choose the right side, and fast. She desperately needed to talk to him, but the more she thought about it the more her throat began to hurt. The damn binding collar, the black tattoo which wrapped around her neck. It knew she wanted to talk back to him. He had given her little commands to conform her behavior, but the nature of the binding was clear that she was to remain the servant. Of course she could give advice and was compelled to do what was best for her master, but if she didn't go about it correctly it would choke her more. With Fallensteller and Jager now dancing to some strange music, she turned her eyes to the bat girl. She gave her a somewhat predatory smile. "So, you have an interesting mistress. I've never seen animal people quite like you before. What is really your role in all of this? You don't strike me as a concubine, or warrior. Adviser perhaps? I don't see any sorcery about you, either. You're no witch or seer."

How do you know that the Messenger truly serves Raum? What if it's some other being hoping to prey on those seeking a path of enlightenment. What if he controls your soul? "We are all ultimately in control of our own souls, how they are apportioned and shared. I believe the Admiral was the one who told you how a contract like mine is bargained, on the same day the rest of you met Farryn. I did not give any part of my soul to anyone, except Raum." These powers are great yes, but they also bring with the need for responsibility and immense danger. If it were not for a spell Yarah would've clawed my heart out from my chest and devoured it. We need to be careful, extremely careful, otherwise we risk unleashing beings more horrifying than war. Which is why I have to work towards mastery, starting immediately. The more control I have over my newfound abilities, the better I can prevent undesirable side effects. --- Mesahri perked up when Yarah began to speak with her. "Officially speaking, I'm just a translator," she replied. "Captain Fallensteller came to our village on Veranhal yesterday, calling herself a pilgrim, saying she followed 'currents on the air' or something. I thought it was all a bit played up, but apparently not... I don't exactly know what's going to happen, now. Maybe she'll teach me some magic," she added with a shrug. "What about you? The way our Captains are talking, you sound like a slave."

"That said, I hope you can understand more for why I have had to keep things secretive. This is all rather delicate work." "Yes, I do understand a bit better." said Krantz, with a nod. "Infighting amongst the fleet will more than likely happen. Especially with those like Fallensteller and her allies amongst our ranks. Its just a matter of time. And regarding your true form, I understand. Therasmus real appearance was a bit of a headache."

In a haste, Vunor left the consulate with a cloak wrapped around him, partly to conceal his worried state and partly to conceal his hastily bandaged hand, which did not completely bind his most recent wounds. As he walked from the Consulate in a haze of fear and doubt, small drops of blood pattered on the ground as he moved throughout the streets, making his way to the docks. If this was indeed some terrible omen or sign, perhaps he would need to venture away from his homeland and into whatever lay further in the sea for answers. He would need to risk everything in order to carry out his duty. He fought back the fear in his mind, giving way to a fierce determination masked by a now cooler appearance as he arrived by the piers. He scanned the docks before approaching a few marines that lounged at the shoreline. "I seek an audience with your Admiral. It is urgent." --- Lonstray stayed quiet for a moment. He leaned on one of the walls of Ackermann's quarters, formulating a response, or rather, trying to. "I... uh..." he began nervously, unsure of his words. Shit, I never really was good with people. he thought to himself. "Well, I wouldn't say that for certain... I... I won't pretend to know what happened in that meeting. But perhaps it wasn't meant to be? I'm not a very superstitious man, but perhaps the strings of fate made this so." He paused, breathing deeply. "I don't think the Vice Admiral would be one to give up to easily... on this issue... and on you. The man has conviction, and a strength, to fight for what he deems to be a righteous cause. The right people. He believed you for a reason, even when he had no reason to at first. Even if the outcome was not what perhaps you or the Vice Admiral wanted... you did put a spotlight on a suspect." He sighed, unsure how to continue. "It's best not to dwell on a failure. But to focus on what you can do in the future. That's my advice." He began to leave, clearly without much else to say to help Ackermann. He turned once more to the tortured man, eyeing him. "I hope the books are of some help to you." --- Felis' House of Wine had the usual customers within, though the vibe was different than before. The events of recent memory had been all anyone would talk about, the chattering of locals discussing the explosion at the docks, the firefights, and more. It was very unusual for these things to be happening, indeed. But one table was not talking about that. "And THAT'S why you should come with me onto the flying boat!" Nita finished her long-winded speech to an exhausted Kitta, who sat across from her with a hand in her face.

Niakoma, Bltizwave "Of course I am," Yarah said indignantly. "I'm a succubus. A demon. I was summoned to serve, and I will serve until released. I'm just rather surprised you aren't a slave of some sort yourself." She then leaned into the table slightly, speaking a little lower with a sly little look. "Of course, you will be eventually. I know your mistresses type. You're free for now. You should run while you can, otherwise you'll end up with a pretty little collar like me. But don't fret, my dear, I can help you out of course." Cattapoli, Revenant "Indeed. So now you know the circumstances," Mannfred explained, leaning back into his seat. "The Messenger dealt us a dire blow just by speaking for a few minutes. Had he not appeared, we wouldn't be in this situation. But that matters little now. Now, my question is... do you want to become a summoner? Jager already has such power," he said, glancing at Shalo, "so perhaps it may be wise to ensure that he isn't the only one aside from myself and Shalo." The goddess took a drink of the red wine in the little silver bowl, staining the white fur around her mouth red. "Oh, its not like I did anything bad. He was interesting. I had to give him something to go away. And besides, the succubus I gave him was one of my favorites," she chuckled. "I'm sure they're having a great time." "So, Captain Krantz, want a succubus for yourself? Or perhaps an incubus, hmmmm? I know the name of every demon I owned. There are plenty of others to choose from, don't you worry. I know cooks, guards, scribes, custodians, you name it. My palace had it all." Cattapoli, Felis' House of Wine The marine glanced Vunor over inquisitively, and then at the sailor smoking beside him. "Well, the admiral is at a private meeting currently. Not sure when he will be done. But you can take a skiff to the ship and wait for him to be finished." The sailor nearby stepped down into a small boat floating by the pier. "Well, hop on in then, shaman," he gestured with his pipe. --- "I... Nita... I can't just leave," Kitta explained, shaking her head with an exasperated expression. She had a tray in her arms with a jug full of wine and a plate of bread. "What would I even do on a flying ship? Serve food? Thats what I do here anyways and I get paid. The Sea is dangerous, too, you know. You should stay here." "And besides," she added, "don't you think the humans are a bit... crazy?"

So that woman with Jäger was a succubus? That explains her beauty, and how she appeared almost out of nowhere. This also means Fallensteller would likely exploit Jäger's summoning knowledge. He throught for a few moments, about weither to venture down that path. A succubus aboard the Eisenstrasse might not be a good idea. A guard does sound useful, really, considering what we're fighting. And helpful should someone attempt to eliminate me. "...A guard would prove most valuable, I think, considering what we'll be encountering moving forward. Knowing Jäger was given a succubus, its kind of funny." said Krantz, with a smirk. Since Jäger considered himself a ladies man, he'd certainly try and seduce the succubus at some point. "What do I need to do to summon one? Anything I can use to trap or banish entities would also be useful, since it is likely that Fallensteller will try and exploit Jäger knowledge." he finally said, sitting forward in his chair.

Jäger nodded. "Very well." "I will come to your ship tomorrow. We'll go over the battle plans one more time and I will svare with you some of the knowledge I've acquired." --- Kahleen marched past Högborg and a sailor standing right outside the bridge and into the room. One of the sailors notified the others that a commanding officer was now present. With decisive steps Kahleen walked up to the communications operator. "Any messsages sent by Karam Vaikar are to be written down and relayed to me. No other officers are to receive those messages." The operator nodded. "Understood, ma'am." Kahleen nodded. "I would also like for you to send a messsage to the Dawnbreaker. I request to visit Commander Ackermann." With that said Kahleen departed. As she left the comms operator was busy locating the Dawnbreaker's channel to relay the request.

Therasmus held the book between his arm and body before he shook the librarian's hand with a good deal of enthusiasm, nodding his head quickly in tandem for a most jovial appearance. "Yes, pleased to meet you indeed! I mainly ask due to the fact that my studying habits can get rather... messy." he declares, withdrawing his hand to his side. "It seems like a most entertaining collection - so I am simply trying to be sure that I do not go sullying any work that has been put into its organization."

"You are most welcome to visit any time you please, Wilhelm," Fallensteller replied. "You may bring Yarah along, if you wish, but do make sure Kahleen stays far away. I don't wish to face another barrage of accusations." --- "I... didn't know that's how demons work," Mesahri confided. "This whole situation is pretty surreal, if I'm being honest, but that doesn't mean I'm afraid." She idly stabbed at a potato, deep in her own thoughts. "You know, there's a slave trade on these islands, especially on Veranhal. I think it's wrong, owning another person..." she said quietly. "I would help you if I could." It wasn't a joke. Yarah was tempted to berate her again for being so naive, but on the other hand, her ignorance could be highly exploitable. --- Ackermann sat silently, utterly dejected, as Lonstray tried to reassure him. Only when he began to leave did he get a response from the disgraced Commander: "Thanks." When he was finally alone, Ackermann picked up the literature and wondered whether fate was a real thing beyond people's control, or if there was some fundamental lesson he had missed. He began to read, intently, before becoming frustrated and impatient with the situation, tossing it aside in favor of the pagan teachings. Somehow, he felt like the moment was right for the old way to offer him something new.

As the commotion died down, but Neustadt began laughing and crying, another group entered the sickbay. It was Barns and two additional men by his side. He looked down upon the seemingly hysterical individual. "Whas the matter 'ere?" he sounded off with his deep and gruff voice, looking between the different individuals in the room. Marsh stepped forward, casting a glance Silke, "My patient is not feeling to well, Mister Barns. I think a night in the secluded room would do her good." he replied with a voice dripped in disappointment and confusion. Barns inspected the people in the room briefly before nodding slowly, "Aye, recon that'd be a fine idea." he puffed. "Jonesey, Briggs." Briggs and Jonesey hoisted Silke off the floor. Using her baton, Jonesey pushed her towards the door leading out of the sickbay. "Go on then, ya looney." she hissed. ---- As Fontaine returned the nod, Tobey continued onwards before turning around and steering him and his two remaining followers towards the captain. "Captain Reginald. A shame your proposal of the chemical warfare was so vehemently rebuffed." he said as he extended his hand to formalize the earlier greeting.

Reginald shook Tobey's hand. "A shame really. But I am not at the least bit surprised." He shrugged slightly "Morals and consciousness always start calling when the time for hard decisions comes around. Not everyone has the stomach to reach for the brass ring. But, I will stand by what I said. If any of the captains had a change of heart, they are more than welcome to ask for the ammunition."

"Oh I do believe we will end up using your munitions in some fashion or another. Logical and relevant points were made at the meeting, along with less logical perspectives." Tobey gestured down the lane of streets that lead to the harbour. "Will you walk with us? I feel a promenade might excellently set a acceptable stage for a first in-depth discussion as I do believe it's time to find ones allies in this fleet before coming events."

"Of course, lead the way captain." This was interesting. Reginald was looking to meet with Tobey ever since their small chat on Campo Diablo, but fate had come to prevent that to happen until now. He began to walk alongside his fellow captain as they walked down the street "I'll have my men transport a few crates over. Two of them will be trained to handle the sensitive cargo, given some time, they can teach others how to do it too."

"I appreciate that, Mister Fontaine. The men and women I have under my employ are quite skilled in the application of force, and I suspect they'll have no troubled adding another method to their merits." As they walked down the road they passed the shot up building from the night before. Tobey scowled at it, but as usual did his best to conceal what he was thinking. "In other matters, what is your take on todays wild accusations? I found it highly suspicious the Vice-Admiral presented the story of a treasonous officer and the accounts of moving stones as evidence." He paused and mused over the facts, "Then again, strange things are afoot in this sea. Weather or not the stones are to be trustedd is another issue entirely."

Neustadt cooperated as she was shoved back into isolation. As the pain dulled into a throbbing ache, her thoughts became more rational. She felt self-control returning to her, but it was somehow ill-fitting. She began to feel remorse for attacking Dr. Marsh, as the man was innocent of any wrongdoing and had given her only what she asked for. Why can't I stop myself? she agonized. Have I really lost my mind? It's not fair... all Sabine ever did was kiss me; how can she be so calm all the time? She tried to ignore Jonesey's insults- "loony" and "freak," and the prodding of her baton. At the same time she felt emotionally spent, like a blown firecracker, she felt a new toxic wave forming in the pit of her gut, another white-hot urge to lash out. Stop it. Stop touching me, she thought, silently grinding her teeth.

"I place very little stock in visions. In my travels, I've visited about" He paused for a second to recount just how many temples and shrines he had desecrated and for what reasons "About twenty one places of worship. Severa priests had offered a vision of my fortune in exchange that I leave them be. All of them were a variation of promises of wealth, power and eternal damnation. Pointless." "Dobbs is an idiot if he legitimately believes those stones as some concrete proof, or if what you suspect is true, if he believed that we would just buy that story with the only evidence to back it up is the ravings of a madman. But there is something about Fallensteller..." He paused for a second "I won't deny that there is something off about her. Her eyes only draw more attention to that and I doubt a woman in her position hasn't achieved what she has without spinning webs."

The Destitute Group of Cattans were enjoying a toast of varying strengths of alcohol at Felis' House of Wine, thanks to the money Lanzo had gifted Isidora. The eight vagabonds recounted the fascinating things on board the Eisenstrasse, the nice people, and what or whom they liked the most. Despite his weaker appearance, Eligius seemed very sober despite drinking the hardest liquor in the group, whilst the otherwise sturdy-looking Nikon and Zotikos were relative lightweights who were slowly getting tipsy despite drinking the weakest liquor. Whilst the vibe elsewhere wasn't cheery, the table of homeless people was absolutely beaming. Though getting intoxicated, Didacus was still sharp enough to notice another table that sounded as excited as they were, and Alma, who chose to abstain from the drinking, commented how she thought she heard someone say something about a 'flying boat'. Thaddaios cut in, drinking depressingly, saying that it's probably just someone commenting about the airships, but Ceres did grow curious over what they were saying, stating that she wouldn't tolerate someone mistalking about the Eisenstrasse and its good people. Alcohol did tend to make Ceres less tolerant, and now was no exception. Nikon put his arm over her and told her that things were, like, fine, whilst Eligius advised him to move his arm away, lest she do something to him. To avoid any drunken escalations, Alma reassured her elder sister that whoever was speaking of flying boats was likely doing so positively, but Ceres demanded she find out personally. Alma sighed, and looked over the group. Most were either tipsy or approaching drunkenness, with Eligius still standing firm, followed by her brother Didacus, and then Isidora. She asked Isidora if she could join her to check whoever was speaking, receiving a conscious nod from the goat lady. Alma turned to Eligius and Didacus and begged them to keep the peace while they went and checked. Alma and Isidora got up from their table and headed over to where the former and her brother had heard the apparent comments come from, finding a bovine and a feline. Alma did her best to push past her shyness, especially with Isidora by her, and approached the two: "H-Hello," the nervous lagomorph stuttered as a hircine stood next to her, "i-if I may ask, w-were you talk-king about a-airships just n-now?"