FLUFF: Jammers: Turn 9 Chapter 1 pt 1

The Past Adventures of my Jammers PBEM game.

For me, one of the joys of PBEM gaming is the ability to revisit the
old adventures by reading the turn summaries. I think they make great
fan fiction.

This game has been going on since September, 1997. I thought folks
might enjoy reading the old turns in order, as fluff fiction. I know
I post the current turns as fluff as well, but the past turns were,
well, six years ago and new list members, as well as some old, may
still enjoy getting the old reads in their mailbox once per week. If
not, let me know and I'll stop sending them.

To give folks an idea of how much is still to come, the game is now
in Turn 28 of Chapter 7. Chapter 1 has 30 turns...

----------- = Meanwhile, elsewhere...
*********** = Later...

IC:
Holland asks the Captain, "What does this sponsorship entail?"

"That's something you'll have to discuss with Lady Moune.  For now,  your
original contracts will stand until we return to Bral.  I expect she plans
to offer you a ship,  likely this ship,  as her end of the deal." the
Captain answers.

Holland nods in understanding, "What about those papers? What ship is this?"

"She's the WHIRLWIND,  captained by that half-orc,  Kleobis.  He didn't
keep any logs,  so we can't tell much else.  Sabbagh and Sands will be
questioning her crew so we should know more when we get to Finagle."

Holland nods again and asks, "Not to seem mercenary, but what about all
of the items that we found upon the Whirlwind?"

"Your actions earned some reward.  Decide what to do with these items
yourselves.  A test of teamwork,  if you will." the Captain grins evilly
(an impressive sight on a giff,  row after row of huge,  flat molars.)

After the Captain's speech, Raken gives a small smile.  "Brilliant.  If
we do well, House Moune gets a cut of the profits.  If we get in trouble,
who cares?  Aahh, just love those merchant houses!  At least they were kind
enough to allow us to use the eelship and her helm, so they can't be as bad
as some other merchants."  He then walks over to talk to his former
captain.
         It is not clear what the two are talking about, but Raken can clearly
be seen pointing at various parts of the ship and even makings some odd
motions with his hands.  He listens when she is talking, stroking his
goatee in thought.  The only thing that can be clearly heard is him asking
"so, will House Moune pick of the tab on the repairwork to the rigging?
We'll need a drydock to get that working again!"

"Repair it as best you can,  for now.  Otherwise you'll have to wait until
you meet Lady Moune,  assuming I decide you folks can work together."  the
Captain says.

Radick lifts himself up by the rigging as Raken returns from his
discussions with the Captain. "Well, well, well friends.  It is an
audition, and from the looks of it we have only completed the first
half.  We have proven that we can fight in a battle, but we have yet
to prove our ability to act as a team. Now first of all, we all know
that a team needs a leader, and since we will be running this vessel,
I suggest we keep in mind the abilities needed to complete our task."
He drops to the deck and begins to pace about.

Looking over the rail towards the Flowfish, he suddenly continues and
begins looking from person to person as he speaks. "But before we discuss
that, Holland, if you don't mind taking first turn at the helm, we can be
off and not delay our cargo and the Flowfish further. Nilaroo, why don't
you and Raken examine the ship to determine what repairs will be needed,
and which one's we can do while we travel. If I remember correctly we do
not require as many hands to run this ship as the Flowfish.  Grigree,
Talus, Deigatt, and Billy - man the lines.  Leera why don't you rest up.
You can be next to run the helm.  I will man the catapult. Kain get some
rest as well, you are still not 100%.  Italapate, let us see if you can
handle a kitchen on your own, now that cook is not around to keep you in
line."

Radick puts his hands on his hips and looks around, "There. Now as we all
handle these tasks let us think about how we can run this ship as a team.
Don't forget that we need to be ready for combat as well as everyday
travel. We can meet as a full crew in about 6 hours, and hammer out the
details then. Any objections?"

"Seems fair to me," says Billy. "I'm not a helmsman nor a navigator and
will leave that to those of you with that knowledge. Of course, the
selection of a captain  will have to be made collectively."

Not caring too much about who takes command -- for the moment, Grigree
gladly climbs up the ropes to do what he does best.

Talus listens as Raddick seems to elect himself Captain and starts ordering
everyone about.  The young half-elf watches sourly but makes no comment.

Italapate raises his hand.  "Yeah, I have one.... First off, now that the
tyrants are gone, I don't _have_ to man the kitchen.  I suggest we take
turns in the galley.  I don't want to do that continuously...Not to mention
Holland's obvious skill in the kitchen.  _And_, I should have a turn on the
helm.  I am the third spellcaster in this little pow-wow, and Leera and
Holland can't work 12/12 shifts.  Wilhemina was gracious enough to allow me
to train on the helm, so I am not unskilled.  I have no desire to lead this
group, as you do, Radick, but I will not be the red-headed step-child of
this group either. And... I consider everyone here peers... no more... no
less." It is obvious that Italapate takes this seriously.

"Just because I'm not giving orders,  that _doesn't_ mean you can start
taking liberties, you little punk."  the Captain seems genuinely angered at
being called a tyrant.

Billy responds to Italapate, "I agree. Though I may not be the best cook,
some have said that my gruel is not unapetizing... But everyone should have
a turn at kitchen duties."

Raken just shakes his head.  "I can see that we are going to have to hire a
full time servant to clean the latreens and cook for us."

Radick smiles at Italapate's response, "You have obviously mistook my
words. I meant only for the time being, but if you wish to try your hand at
the helm I have no problem with that."

He turns about to look at Holland and Leera. "Holland, would you mind doing
us the honors of one of your wonderful meals, and Leera if you would take
your rest nearby Italapate at the helm." He looks back to Italapate, "No
offense intended, but just in case you need some support." Radick's face
appears complete honest as he adds the end statement.

Leera replies to Italapate:  "Indeed, master Italipate!  I was not aware of
your skill.  Tell me, what type of spell casting ability do you possess?
Also, I believe you owe our friend Raken an apology; you are the fourth,
not the third
spellcaster."

"Surely," Deigatt bellows at Captain-presumptive Radick, "we har not so
desperate that mate Italapate need serve hon the helm? There's no telling
which star he'll be guiding hus by."

Italapate spreads his hands, and bows slightly to Raken, of  Celestian's
Order. "Apologies, indeed, to Raken. I made the same mistake I was
protesting.  I did not count those that receive their magick from their
Faith." Then he turns and stares hard at the Minotaur, "And as to you,
Deigatt, If I have a chance to avenge myself on those that killed my
parents, I will do everything I can to that end.  Besides, surely a
minotaur, who does not think in such linear methods as humans, would be
more appreciative of my.... unpredictability.   Still, I did not pilot the
Flowfish into a star, why do you think that I would do so with the
_Whirlwind_.  Which reminds me, I vote that we do not keep the name those
blasted slavers chose.  If this be _our_ ship, it needs _our_ name."
Italapate then looks around at the remaining assemblage.

Grigree raises an eyebrow at this, saying quitely, "I *like* the name."
With a shrug of his shoulders, he continues to listen.

"I do not question your habilities, Mate Italapate," Deigatt responds. "But
hit his your motives which har mysterious to me hand which worry me. Your
loyalty should be firstmost to the ship hand your crewmates, not to your
personal vendetta.  Methinks we should hurn the right to the ship before we
have hurned the right to rechristen hit," Deigatt suggests in low tones.

Holland sighs and then speaks up to be heard, "We have several spellcasters
in this group.  Myself, Leera, Talus, Italipate, Raken and perhaps others.
We could use at least four people to man the helm. That would mean six hour
shifts.  I will be one of the Helmsman, since I am rated as a Helmsman.
Italipate wishes to be another.  That makes two.  I am going to assume that
both Leera and Talus wish to be Helmsman as well.  That makes four.  If any
others wish to be Helmsman, speak now, in the meantime,"  Holland motions
to Italipate, "We are wasting too much time here.  Italipate, you have had
training.  Go below and get
us underway so we don't fall behind schedule.  We can figure things out as
we are moving."

Talus nods, "I have only sat on a helm for a short time on the ship that
brought me here, but I would like to serve a watch on the helm.  At least
while we are in open space," he ends with a grin. Moving over to the
rigging, Talus tries to work out how this ship operates and what to do.

Holland grins back at Talus and says, "I had thought you might..."

Leera speaks:"I agree with our friend Raken, here.  We may as well
get underway.
Holland, I would be grateful if you would stay with Italipate on the Helm.
I am burning to know how that illusion was designed." a pause, "If you
don't mind, I think it would be best if the helmsmen shared the two rooms
closest to the helm. Wilhemina, perhaps you would bunk with the rest of the
crew in the third room from the helm room?"

As the second person in a row chooses to call her by her given name the
Captain explodes "MY NAME IS POST-CAPTAIN WILHELMINA,  I EARNED MY TITLE
AND 'PON MY SOUL THE NEXT ONE OF YOU GROUND POUNDING FOOLS TO INSULT ME BY
NOT ADDRESSING ME BY MY RANK WILL BE KEELHAULED!"  She takes great,  deep
breaths,  and the bright pink around her snout slowly returns to a more
normal hue.  "You are not off to a very auspicious beginning.  I will stay
in the hold,  there's more room for me there."

      "Oh!" Kain exclaims, jumping in surprise.  The captain's strong,
loud words having caught him somewhat unawares, he says, "Sorry Captain,"
in apology, thinking it best to apologize just in case he had done
something wrong.
      Paying attention to his surroundings again, Kain sees Talus working
on some of the rigging, and walks over to his friend.  Smiling, he speaks
to Talus for a few minutes, helping out with the ropes, and then makes
his way below deck.  "I'll...ah...see to cleaning up around the helm" he
explains as he walks down the stairs.

         Raken shots the Leera a quizical look.  "No offense, but I think
our former captain would be rather cramped down there, along with Deigatt.
The deck is not tall enough!"  He looks around the ship for a few moments.
"Prehaps we can string some hammocks on deck...After we clean this boat up
and add a few...modifications we should assign crew quarters to maximize
space and comfort."

Holland frowns, "The sooner we get moving, the sooner we can take the time
to figure out how we are going to go about things.  In the meantime, I will
get a meal going.  I don't know about the rest of you but I am famished
after that fight.  The rest should probably start repairs, especially to
the hole in the Helm Room and crew the ship."

"I will leave you, then, all of us with jobs to do.  But think about a
name.  The stench the slavers left is bad enough.  We don't need their name
as well." Italapate remarks.

Billy says "A new name would be better, though I don't find Whirlwind
unattractive... Once we are on the way, I will see what I can to to clean
up our new  home...Anyone want to help me?"

With that, Italapate leaves the deck, heading down the stairs toward the
shattered helm-room.  He brushes slivers of the broken portal off the chair
before taking his seat.  His awareness expanded, Italapate moves the ship
in line behind the _Flowfish_. "Ready when you are, Sabbagh," he says.

Leera asks Holland: "I'd like to go memorize my spells. One of us should
have something memorized in case magic is needed.  Would you mind if I
looked over the spellbook that belonged to that mage?  I'm very anxious to
know how that illusion was created.  Perhaps later we can attempt together
to discern the powers contained by these darts." She smiles fetchingly and
reaches
(hesitantly) for the book.

Holland smiles back and retrieves the book for Leera, "I haven't looked
at it yet, it may not even be the spellbook, but I would like to look at
it later," with that he hands the book to Leera.

Holland then heads down the stairs into the ship.

Nilaroo quickly makes his rounds of the ship, assessing damage and
assigning priorities for repair.  Soon after, the gromman approaches Raddick
and the two exchange words and then part.  Nilaroo approaches the remainder
of the group with a cheery "So, who here has skills with rope, wood, or saw?"

"I'm no builder, but I know which way those ropes are supposed to go," says
Grigree to Nilaroo.  "I'll help to sort 'em out."

Kain,  having just returned from cleaning up the bridge, watches the others
momentarily, then sure that he won't be cutting off anyone, he speaks.
"Ah, well, I'm pretty good with rigging and other ropes...though
ah...hmm...mostly I've worked on ships what sailed on the seas."  Noticing
that those on deck are looking at him, Kain flushes somewhat
self-consciously, one of his hands
holding together the rents in his vest as he falls silent.

"There is no dishonor in not sailing the skies. I myself have experience on
both the seas and the skies. I can teach you what you are lacking if you so
desire." As the Whirlwind gets underway behind the Flowfish, Billy moves
about the rigging expertly as is needed.

"Thanks Billy," Kain smiles.  "Before this eelship and the _Flowfish_
the only spelljamming vessel I'd worked on was a converted galleon."
Shrugging, he adds, "I've been around those all my life, so it wasn't
much work adjusting to sailing the stars in that.  But ships with fins
and...wings are new for me."

         Nilaroo jumps on this opportunity, "Ah, excellent, then the two of
you I can rely on to fix the rigging?  It is not different than the rigging
I have seen in those "sea ships" that have docked at Braal.

"Sure, I'll help out getting the rigging put back together" Kain says as he
looks around the upper deck.  "Shouldn't...ah, be that hard a task, should
it Billy?"

"Well, I hope not. Nilaroo, Kain... Let's get started. I think that the most
important thing to do is to fix the rigging and try to regain some
maneuverability... We smashed 'em up pretty good, eh?" Billy winks and give
the "thumbs up" sign. "Having the best knowledge, I will do as you suggest,
Nilaroo."

Six or so hours later, after everyone has had a chance to rest and eat, and
she's had a chance to look at the book and memorize some spells, Leera
rejoins the rest of the crew as they gather on the bridge according to
Radick's suggestion.  She carries with her a small piece of parchment, a
bottle of ink, and a pen. She goes over and speaks to Holland.  After a few
moments she moves to speak to everyone.

She says "Friends, *ahem* _Post Captain_ Wilhemina of the Flowfish, we need to
make some decisions. It seems as though our future depends on our ability
to work together. I suggest that we find answers to the most important and
pressing of these. I propose that we each answer the questions that we have
an
interest in. I will record the ideas that are presented and later we can
vote and decide in what way we will combine our ideas and talents."
  She then proceeds to mention a few things she thinks need to be addressed.
"I suggest that Raken take charge in battle situations.  <Looking at
Raken> You are too valuable in the aftermath of combat for us to risk
injury to you in a fight.  As for strategy, my only comment is that you
should expect me to change my appearance and create illusions in battle.
My illusions will be all the more effective if you seem to believe them.
Please try to use my illusions to good effect. If, for instance, I
create the illusion of reinforcements coming to our aid, take advantage
of the situation by ordering the enemy to surrender. It may work. <She
grins> Also, please be careful of whom you punch. <Leera rubs her side
and gives Wilhemina a glance>"
"I would suggest that a captain be elected.  Mate Italipate, I would
suggest that you be excluded from consideration. Your, uh,
unpredictability is interesting, but is not necessarily a desirable
trait in a captain.  'Pon my soul, I hope you are not too offended."
<She grins>

"Upon my soul as well, I have already said I do not seek leadership,"
Italapate says, "No one here would follow me out of a burning building.
Which reminds me... sometime when we are not busy, you must hear how Coyote
stole fire and gave it to man."

Leera says, "I believe we already heard that story.  Maybe later you'll
tell us one about pirates!"  It's hard to tell if she's serious.

Billy says "My experience in battle, other than basic hand to hand, is
limited to the  use of the catapult. I suggest that we keep the same
strategy as we did in the  last combat. Raddick and I man the catapult,
while the rest cast useful spells  or repel boarders. Oh, yes... I have one
talent that you may find useful: I  know how to fight in weightlessness. I
could teach it to anyone who is  interested..."

Leera replies: "That sounds like a good plan.  Who will man the ballista?"

Deigatt speaks "If Post-Captain Wilhemina has no hobjection, I would prefer
to bunk hin the cargo hold has well. The confines hof the eelship's
quarters har too close to haccommodate my size. I hagree with the woman
that we must develop sound strategies for future combat situations. Myself,
I have been fully trained to lead combat units hin land and sea skirmishes,
hand I feel confident I can hadapt that hability to coordinating hour
defenses hon this eelship. Hof course, I will defer to hany man who has
more happropriate hexperiences hin combat situations."

Leera replies to Deigatt: "I agree. We should wait until the ship is ours
before we rename her. As far as a battle leader goes, *I* certainly don't
challenge your experience."

Nilaroo speaks up in his hollow, rumbling voice.  "Although I was not
selected to be a member of your company by your employer, I certainly plan
to assist if we are attacked.  My skills, in addition to ship repair,
include the use of the catapult and ballista.  In closer range, my longbow
comes to hand.  I have no desire to be mistaken for any but a fellow
traveler, but you will have my loyalty as those who gave me my freedom."

Raken says "though I have never served on an eelship before, I know from
talking to other crewmen that the crew requirements for one is small,
prehaps no more than a half dozen sailors, prehaps less."   Raken looks up
from the sail he is mending. "I will not sit back when things get bloody.
Though I distest drawing
blood, I would rather draw the blood of our enemies than sit back and watch
as my shipmates are being butchered by their blades."  He then returns to
his work.

continued in Part 2
--
"...How shall a man judge what to do in such times?!"
"As he has ever judged," said Aragorn "Good and evil have not changed
since yesteryear..."
J.R.R. Tolkien, _The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers_

Paul Westermeyer,  pwestermeyer@????????.??.com