Re: Raconteur City: The Divine Pleasure (Luke, Lira)
(Luke) Luke was tired but he had a ritual before retiring, brushing his teeth, setting the alarm on his phone... His phone? It was off. He’d turned it off before going to visit the Vampire lair. He turned it on. Messages began to beep at him. One in particular got his attention. Tiger : Someone was sneaking around onboard our boat. I saw them but they jumped over the side before I could get a good look.? A shiver went up the back of his neck. Had someone marked him and even now a timer was counting down to extinguish his life? Luke wasn’t tired now. His blood was pumping with adrenaline as the thought of his boat blowing up around him flashed through his mind. He discarded his shirt and flip flops and emptied the pockets of his shorts and rushed out to the rail. He muttered an incantation then hurled himself into the dark water. It was impossible for him to see. The water prevented any night time sky from penetrating. He surfaced, snapped his fingers and a burning light appeared. He made a gesture and the light went into the water. He swam around the hull looking for the bomb he figured was there. But there was nothing. He left the boat and searched the bottom of the bay. It wasn’t very deep here. Plenty of fish found his light equally confounding and interesting. There was nothing down here of interest.? Curious. He got back on board and searched every nook and cranny but could find no sign of a bomb or any other foreign object. On his desk it did look like someone had gone through his papers and things. He could not tell if anything was missing. An idea occurred to him and he left the boat and walked back up the pier to the office. Inside he checked the security camera. It changed focused every fifteen seconds between the parking lot and the pier. He sped the recording back in time to early in the day then progressed past the time he’d left the boat. It didn’t take him long to find what he was looking for. He saw an image of Tiger walking down the pier. In the distance a shadowy figure could be seen on the “Divine Pleasure”. He couldn’t make much out of the photo. The camera wasn’t that great and the distance was extreme. Yet in the next frame his jaw dropped. An image of the prowler could be seen diving over the side. In what had to be a lucky circumstance the frame of the shot was precisely when the stranger was entering the water.? Those weren’t scuba fins, it looked like one solid caudal fin!? Needless to say it took Luke a while to go to sleep. A fish had been on his boat looking through his stuff. A fish?!? Not a fish per se but a merman.? Now he was really baffled. Why? He thought they lived much further away from the shore, especially one so developed as this area. He’d sleep on it and maybe figure it out later.
(Lira) The sirens had been patrolling the waters around the harbor for a few hours before sun rise. Lira had been keeping an eye on the Divine Pleasure. She knew that the man was onboard.
She would wait, then when he would leave she would follow him by sea or on land. She wanted to learn more about him.
Tag: Luke?
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Re: Whispers in the Dark - Scheherazade, Callum
?(Callum)
"The sheep are looking good this year," Callum said to Arowyn when their horses paused near the grazing grounds.? "And the barley fields are full to bursting.? It would've been a banner year all around if only..." His voice trailed off into silence. He looked long into the distance.? "What am ah to do, Arowyn?" he asked without turning his head, the weight of the world heavy in his voice.? "It's like she's lost all interest in life.... in me... in everything.? She used to have such plans for the place, for the gardens in particular.? Now she will nae even leave her room."
-Arowyn-
Arowyn Smiled as she and Callum rode along the countryside. It was so beautiful here. She always loved coming to visit. When they stopped to walk, she nodded as listen to Callum point out all the ways in which the keep with having a good year. It was good to hear the happiness in his voice. See him smile again. And then it all changed. His head dropped and the sadness return.
Instantly she came to him. Taking him into her arms again. Cooing softly at him. “It will all be alright. I promise. I am here and I am not leaving until l see you smile again.”
(Jaimie)
Jaimie was troubled as Callum and Arowyn rode off. He trusted his lord as any faithful young Scot would be wont to do. But Lord Callum was a man, and remained a man for all the misfortune that had been thrust upon him.? He glanced instinctively back at the castle tower and saw the lone figure in the window gazing to where Callum and Arowyn had gone, and he could feel the sadness in the way she stood.? He fidgeted awkwardly for a long moment, then made his way quickly back to the castle walls.
The stairs up the tower were long but soon Jaimie stood before the door to where the Lady Kirstene had retreated.? "Mistress Kirstene," he called out after knocking cautiously, "is... Is thare anythin' ye be needing?? Anythin' ah kin dae fur ye?"? He hesitated then added "Laird callum asked me tae check oan ye. He... He wis concerned."? It wasn't strictly true, the boy knew, but he was sure the lord would've asked if he'd have remembered to.
- Kirstene-
The door opened. Letting Jaimie know he could enter. She didn’t talk often anymore. And she never smiled. In the months following the death of the twins, if Mistress Kirstene left the tower at all, it was to visit the graves of the boys. She had buried them in the garden. She wanted them to be surround with pretty things.?
She had unofficially moved out of the room she shared with Callum about six months after she lost the twins. It wasnt done on purpose it just happened. Being in the tower allowed her to see the boys even when she just didn’t have the strength to go out to them.?
In the beginning Callum would go to the grave with her. He even would come to the tower with her and just sit. Now they barely saw each other. She...spending much of her hours in the tower, he doing what he did. For He wanted life to go back to normal. He didn’t understand that life would never be normal again.
“I am fine Jaimie,” she said as she stared out the window. the sadness in her voice heavy. ?The tray of food he brought her earlier remained untouched. ?“You can take the tray away,” ?She said never turning to him. ?“Is the Laird about? And Arowyn?”
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Re: Elusive Capture: Beaches. Andrew/Evone’
?(Andrew)
It felt so good, Andrew thought as he lay joined with his love, his rampant sex sheathed firmly inside hers, the heat of their bodies rivaling the heat of the island air around them.? His breathing was low and deep as he gazed into her eyes, feeling her legs rise to encircle his waist, signaling her desire and need to be equal to his own.? "Yes," he murmured, closing his mouth over hers, sealing their lips together as he began to move inside her. He shivered at the sheer pleasure of feeling her hot tight sex seemingly suckling at his length, urging him not to withdraw but to go deeper, harder.? Her hands roamed across his back, from his shoulders down to his muscled butt, coaxing him on, guiding his rhythm, gradually increasing his pace.??
His mouth moved across her face, licking and teasing her from her ears down to her neck, and his hands slipped around her back, pulling her close in a matching rhythm so that each exhilarating plunge into her depths elicited deep primal growls from him in response to her coos and cries, their passion rising between them.? He could feel his balls growing heavier each time he bottomed in her depths, filling rapidly with urgent seed, but he held the need back, wanting her to have her peak of pleasure first.
"My love," the captain of the Elusive grunted, his eyes locked on hers, wanting to see her fire with each thrust of his thoroughly swollen shaft into her spasming valley.? "Mine... yours... forever..."?
?- Evone'-?
As he toyed with her very wet sex, her body began to move in time to his manipulations. Riding his thick harder, deeper. Her eyes deepened in her desire. Now a vivid midnight blue. She wanted him so much. Needed him so much.?
He seemed to know what she needed because even as she thought she needed him deeper, he pumped deeper inside her. His movements increasing the feelings he was giving her. She was so close...so very close.
Her body shuddered as his hands toyed and played with her body. She was beginning to feel things she had never felt before. She rolled with the movements of his strong cock. What he was doing felt so very good.
“驰别蝉...测辞耻谤蝉...蹿辞谤别惫别谤...辫濒别补蝉别...
础苍诲谤别飞...”
_.
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Re: What Lies in the Heart. Mikayla/The Dragon
(The Dragon)
"Wait! Please!" The Dragon called out, grabbing the woman by the shoulder. Then quickly releasing her, staring at his hand, confused that it wasn't a talon.? He looked up at the woman's face, but it seemed fuzzy, even now.? And yet, it felt familiar.? The name again came to his lips.??
"Jerusha?" he ventured. Who was she?? Someone he'd known?? Someone who knew him?? He reached up to her face but stopped short of touching her, suddenly realizing that he was quite naked.? And human.? What was going on?? What was happening to him?? ?"Why are you here?" he asked, confusion coming out in his voice.? "Do... do you know me?"
?- Mikayla -
“I’m sorry I intruded,” she said quickly “I shouldn’t have just come in here. I...oh,” She blushed when she saw he was naked. His touched startled her, but felt comforting as well.?
At his question to why was she here, she blushed again. “I was lead here.” She knew it sounded ridiculous. “And when I stepped inside I felt such warmth and love and passion it over took me and I...” she looked down letting the words trail. She shook head. “No we have never meet before. And it seems I have intruded on your personal time. And I’m so so sorry.”
Tag
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Re: What Lies in the Heart. Mikayla/The Dragon
(Mikayla) ? Mikayla did not think about what she was doing to her body. She was entranced by the scents and the breeze and the feel of her hands roaming her skin. Her only thought was more...
This felt so good and she only wanted to feel more. However, the touch to her shoulder startled her, brought her back to herself. She blinked. Embarrassment filling her face. She was touching herself…out in the open. And he…“Forgive me,” she said to the handsome man before her. “I do not know what came over me. I should not be in here, I will give you back your privacy,” she said keeping her head bowed, fighting the tears her embarrassment was producing. ? She needed to get out of here now. She thought quickly stepping around him, quickly moving to the door.
(The Dragon)
"Wait! Please!" The Dragon called out, grabbing the woman by the shoulder. Then quickly releasing her, staring at his hand, confused that it wasn't a talon.? He looked up at the woman's face, but it seemed fuzzy, even now.? And yet, it felt familiar.? The name again came to his lips.??
"Jerusha?" he ventured. Who was she?? Someone he'd known?? Someone who knew him?? He reached up to her face but stopped short of touching her, suddenly realizing that he was quite naked.? And human.? What was going on?? What was happening to him?? ?"Why are you here?" he asked, confusion coming out in his voice.? "Do... do you know me?"
Tag - Mikayla
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Re: A Pirates Life (Khadashee and Draven)
(Khadashee) Khadashee moved to step into his arms. “My only preference is being with you. I don’t care where we end up. I just would like to have a little patch of land somewhere so I can have a garden. I always wanted a garden.”?
She said coming to rest her head on his chest. “I’m feeling a little better now. Not as sick.”
(Draven) "A garden. What would you plant?" Draven asked as he looked over at the Serenity. He noticed a few of his crew getting ready to swab the deck, he was glad they were keeping busy.
As the bucket of water was dumped onto the deck, a good portion went under the life boats, the stowaway let out a Yelp as he came crawling out from underneath to try and get away from the water.
The closet crew grabbed him and took him to Mr. Thomas, Draven's first mate.
Tag: Khadashee?
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Re: The Trouble Begins (Katya and Ashton)
(Ashton)
Ashton looked at her all nonchalant about her killing.? ‘Was it wrong that he found that sexy?’? He shook that thought away.? “Flesh Golem.? They are not cheap!? Magic wise, someone left it to stop us or kill us or both.? The fact that it was left in Arrow’s place meant it was there for a reason.? Some type of guardian."? But there was nothing up there, so what secrets?? Meaning it was a timed distraction.? He needed to find Arrow’s body in hopes of getting answers but with no coroner or investigation there was no telling where the body was.? So the trail would be cold.
“Three hours before I arrived.? Nice so it was inside, great!? Angelo?? A mousy little worm that Arrow often got information out of for a price.? I wouldn’t hold it against him to be playing both sides.? I think I know where to find him.? You need to shower princess or you good?”? He teased moving with her to the car, he opened the door for her, before moving to get in himself. (Katya) Katya looked around and spotted a hose.? She picked it up, turned the water on and rinsed herself off,? "nope, I'm fine." She said as she turned the water back off, scrapped as much water off as she could with her hands. She went to the trunk of the car and got out a bag. Without hesitation she stripped out of the wet top and pants and put dry ones on out of the bag. "Remember, always carry extra clothing, cause you never know when you will need a change." She closed the bag, tossed it and the wet clothes into the trunk, then got in the car.? "Okay, so let's go see this Angelo." She said as she wrapped her wet hair up into a bun. Tag: Ashton?
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Re: Troy Rising: Meanwhile, in Troy…
Jan cruised slowly around downtown. First she drove up to the new government HQ.?
“I think Zafiri has been spending plenty of time there,” Jan said. Guards still manned the parameter and she had a quick memory of Julian and his quick assessment of her.?
Jan pointed out various landmarks and other points of interest. She didn’t really know too much about Troy but was happy to cruise around.?
She turned a corner, “Look straight down this road and you can see one of the towers of Troy University. It has been well maintained. Attendance is not what it was years ago.”
She drove the little Chevy along one of the tree lined boulevards.? The graceful old buildings towered over green lawns and manicured bushes. She turned down Fraternity row and they gawked at all the different types of architecture that went into the old places.?
“I haven’t been down here in ages,” Jan said.
Several students milled about the outside of buildings and many still lounged in the thick grass under leafy elms.?
From the University area she drove north back to her mom’s house. The red brick house looked well maintained. The garden that extended along the side of the house looked fine from the front but Jan knew that weeds were springing up everywhere. There was no way she could spend the time on it like her mother did.?
The house was old and square but large inside. Two small bedrooms occupied the upstairs but Jan had already ruled out letting the old man climb those stairs.?
She showed them around. Things taken for normal like the dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine and dryer. “I’ll show you how to use these items. Very simple really.”
She led them into the master bedroom. Flowers in two vases sat on both sides of the bed. There were family pictures adorned all around. “Haran can sleep here. The bathroom is adjoined and it is just a few steps to the kitchen from here.”
“Zafiri, you and I will be upstairs in two smaller bedrooms. I hope you don’t mind the climb.”
On the stairs were more pictures including several of Janet in various military outfits.?
She turned to Zafiri at the door to her bedroom. “There is a basement. I keep all my magical stuff down there so you might be careful rummaging around.? Some of those bottles hold potent stuff. I’ll show you in a bit. This door is a small bathroom. It’s got a tiny shower but it works great.”
(Zafiri)
"I'd like that," Zafiri nodded. "I'm not sure if I'll understand your materials, however. From what limited information there is, there is considerable difficulty in deciphering alien magic systems. Of course, the last encounter with strange magicks was well over 700 years ago, and the remains are in a vault held by the Church of the Holy Twelve. As a result, it's unlikely I'll ever see those."
The Church had long declared those of Torquani descent as "unclean", and while they were expected to repent and take up their faith, they could never be a part of it. Only humans were ever allowed into the priesthood. Only those ranked bishops and above would be allowed in such forbidden vaults…
"Still, it might be worth studying," she said, tapping her chin as she pondered. "It could give me some insight as far as what is happening to you, Janet."
No, she hadn't forgotten the strange incidents. Not at all.
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Re: Disaster Cruise: Your ticket to adventure (Catherine, Marco, Valentina, Stan, Maya, open)
OOC: I put Matt's post above mine since he managed to post before myself :)? Matt, I hope that that is OK with you.
[All the passengers get a slickly made itinerary delivered to them via express delivery, which includes all the requisite tickets, the schedule, and this introduction…]
WELCOME ABOARD THE SEVEN SISTERS!
MORE THAN A CRUISE, AN EXPERIENCE!
The Seven Sisters is a hand-built, two masted gaff-rigged schooner, based off the legendary Baltimore Clippers of the 19th century.? These sturdy vessels were known for their speed and safety, proven time and again by rounding Cape Horn as they took adventurous souls to the West Coast for the California Gold Rush.? Belying her traditional lines are a state-of-the art galley, modern accommodations for up to 24 passengers, and a luxurious grand salon that includes satellite internet access.? Our fine vessel boasts the best in old world sailing and modern day amenities.
Most modern cruise lines isolate their passengers from the sea, whereas we offer the experience of the sea as it once was.? During our cruise you will have the opportunity to learn the ropes of manning this fine vessel.? During our various stops, we also offer lessons in dinghy sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.? Daily meals are prepared by our award winning chef using local ingredients, and the Grand Salon is open for simple leisure until 21:00 hours.
Your journey begins at Nassau, where the captain will welcome you aboard as you stow your luggage in your assigned cabin, and get briefed on all necessary safety procedure.? Your first dinner aboard will be served shortly afterward, and we will set sail that night or early Monday morning, as the tide lets out.
Your experience will include four stops at four of the rarer jewels of the Out Islands, which will include experiencing the local culture, tours and nature hikes, and enjoying some of the most beautiful vistas the Out Islands have to offer.? Our final stop will be the return to Nassau, seven days later.? At the end, you will have a week’s worth of experiences unlike anything modern life normally offers, made new friends among some of your fellow passengers, and have a story to tell others for the rest of your life..
Thank you for honoring us with your presence.? We look forward to setting sail with you.
(Catherine)
Cat squealed with excitement as she finished reading the invite.? She looked at her close friends, one of them was going with her and she couldn't be more ready.? "This is going to be great, Cece.? A seven day voyage for my 21st birthday!!!? This is going to be awesome."? Cece took the invite and read it over as well.? "Hang on a moment," she pulled out her cell and first Googled schooners, then Googled Baltimore clippers, "hm, interesting schooners and clippers are two different kinds of ships."
Cat took the invite back, "who cares, we are going to be on a ship for my 21st birthday!" she exclaimed and all of the girls squealed with her.? She couldn't wait for Sunday to get here and they all started helping her and Cece pack.
Marco Lastra?
Marco exited the Sandals Royal Bahamian and stepped into a waiting taxi. He tossed the small backpack into the seat next to him. His entire needs for a short voyage at sea amounted to very little.?
His short stay at the Sandals had been a welcome break from his business activities in the US. His last adventure in the Alps seemed a distant memory. He looked forward to diving in the Azure waters of the Carribean.?
He’d learned to Scuba dive in Portofino many years ago and had revisited the area several times over the years. Now he avoided Italy and decided to give the Carribean a shot.?
A colleague had mentioned a cruise that ventured to remote isles and celebrated one of the best undersea experiences.?
His week in Nassau had been uneventful. He’d spent two days scuba diving off the Schoolhouse Reef. The thrilling dives had left him energized and looking forward to more fun.?
The intimate confines of the Seven Sisters almost put him off but a reference to the human condition would not hurt him. He could behave himself for an extended time if the need was worth the adventure.
He had not had to worry about the paparazzi. His whereabouts had gone undetected so far and that made the trip that much more enjoyable.?
The taxi dropped him off at a large marina. It didn’t take binoculars to pick out the Seven Sisters. It loomed large at the extended pier.?
A steward greeted him at the gangway. Marco presented his passport and the golden embossed ticket.?
“Welcome aboard the Seven Sisters Mr. Lastra.? We do hope you enjoy the cruise.”
“We shall soon find out,” Marco replied. He looked down at the water that glistened below the gangway. It was clear and he could see some movement as multiple fish darted in and out of the shadows. The sun beat down on his sunbrown skin but a fresh breeze off the ocean kept him cool.
He climbed aboard the small craft and wondered again what he had been thinking. The vessel was tiny compared to the vast girth of modern cruise ships. The schooner was glorious in person and he spent a few moments just absorbing all the detail of rigging and polished wood surfaces.?
“This way to your cabin then you may be free to walk about the boat.”
Marco nodded irritably. “Okay, lead the way.” He ducked his head at the passageway entrance and smiled grimly, he’d have to watch his head on this rig.
The cabin was cramped, just what he’d been expecting. A bed, a small desk with a small chair and that was it. He did manage to have a small portal to view the sea.?
The sound of a large boat approaching came through the stout timbers of the Seven Sisters. The steward spread his feet wide as the schooner listed one way then the other at the big cruiser’s wake. Marco had just enough sense to grab a post before being tossed about his own cabin.
The steward nodded his approval with a small smile. “These rookie pilots don’t follow the speed requirements.”
He pointed towards the stern.?
“A community shower is down the hall sir you can’t miss it. Dinner at six. We will set sail as soon as all the passengers are aboard. A short introduction by the Captain will commence just prior to our departure.”
“Thanks,” Marco growled. He handed the steward a fifty. “See you on deck shortly.”
“YES SIR,” said the steward with a renewed bounce in his step.
Valentina Mendoza
US Army Field Base - Somewhere in Iraq?
Afternoon
It was supposed to be a random Op, nothing out of the ordinary. The recon team would have been gone for just a couple of days. Valentina enjoyed moments like that. Less people in the camp, more time to focus on the maintenance issues that needed to be addressed. There was still a sense of routine and camaraderie off course, but less of the pressure, less of the noise and the macho bravado.?
She wasn’t quite sure what happened to fuck that all up. There had been no telltale signs, no nothing. One minute she was working on the engine of a truck and the next, there was nothing but chaos, fire and hell. Everywhere around her there was ash and smoke. People were screaming but she couldn’t hear them, couldn’t hear anything but that insistent ringing in her ears.?
It was strange, the things you tended to focus on in moments like that. There were a lot of casualties, without a doubt. So much death and destruction. The kind that should have paralyzed her but instead she tried to move, mind jumping into focus, training kicking in. She tried to get up, tried to move but then realized she couldn’t. It didn’t make sense at first. Not understanding why something that seemed so simple before couldn’t be done now. She just couldn’t do it and that was frustrating. Running on nothing but sheer adrenaline.?
It wasn’t until the second explosion went on that everything went dark again.?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It had all gone to ratshit so damn fast.
Coming in, the scene below them had been utter devastation, there was now a crater where tents used to be, he could see clear and overt areas of fire damage and mass destruction. As he would find out later, all caused by explosives inventively hidden and successfully deployed before anyone had time to discover them.?
Clearly people were still alive down there, they could be seen fire-fighting and hauling ass down below as the two HH-60M Medevac Blackhawks flew in to the rescue. Jack watched the soldiers move as the helos landed and he tried to assess the situation as best he could until given permission to put boots on the ground.
There was still fighting going on, the enemy insurgents having taken advantage of the initial chaos, but the core centre of the small base of operations (what was left of it) was protected now. They had a safe place to land, and a team already assessing casualties on the ground. They were ready, and the worst of the wounded were waiting.
---
Six casualties fitted into the Blackhawk, only two of those inbound were still conscious, and one of those was howling like a wolf. Jack settled him down first, checked his wounds were all patched and set him a morphine drip. When he was quiet, only then did he move over to his other waking patient.
Fuck. He knew this one. Hadn’t seen her for a good while, but he remembered her well enough. Valentina Grace Mendoza. Daughter of the renowned Captain Elias Mendoza, though that wasn’t why Jack knew her. They’d been through Boot together, nearly eight years previous.
“Hey,” he said, gifting a smile to the woman who was strapped securely into a stretcher and totally immobilized. “You’re gonna be okay, Vali. I got ya.”
He rested a calm hand on her forehead lightly, checked all her straps were tight and solid, and ensured she wasn’t moving anywhere when they took off. Then he set up the IV, morphine for the pain and checked her over carefully.
“You’re gonna be okay.” Her leg looked seriously fucked, there was blood soaked into every part of her and her face was charred, but yeah. She’d survived this far. Jack was confident she’d make it home, one way or another, and his voice implied the same.?
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Present Day
This trip had been meant as an escape. A way out. Valentina was used to travelling, she was used to seeing the world, but all of this? It was not her usual way of living. Staring out at the open water the young woman couldn’t help but wonder what the hell she was doing here, right now, in this very moment. Running away from her problems wouldn’t solve. It wouldn’t change how fucked up her body still was, even after all these months.?
She wasn’t the same anymore and would never be the same again so why even bother trying? It wouldn’t amount to anything and would end up making her even more unhappy. Without a purpose, a real goal. Before she had been trying to save her country, before she had made a difference. Going on? holiday it didn’t mean anything. It was random.?
Better make the best of it right? Use this as an opportunity to get her solid ground back again. But that was hard to do and while she was trying as hard as she possibly could, it wouldn’t be easy though.?
It never was
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Stan Kelley
“This had better be the best fucking vacay I ever took,” Stan muttered to himself. ?“Can’t be worse than the trip here…”
The last 24 or so hours had been hell.
His manager, after she had nagged him to take a break from the nonstop touring and promoting, finally arranged a cruise…of sorts.? This wasn’t one of those ginormous building sized monster ships that was part hotel and part shopping mall.? No, this was an actual sailboat.? It had room for only 24 passengers.? There was no shuffleboard, no casino, no high end stores selling overpriced garbage.? This was a real ship.? Cool.? Sounded great.? Right up his alley.
Everything fell apart as soon as he hit Montgomery, Alabama.? There was a computer glitch on their end, and suddenly they had no record of his flight.? Fuck!? He checked around, and there was no other flight available to Miami, from where he’d transfer to a sea plane to get to Nassau.? Fuckity fuck!
With no other option available, he called his agent.? It was godawful at night, so she answered with a garbled “Hello?”, which sounded more like “Dude what the fuck?”.
“I’m stranded in Montgomery,” he had said. ?“There’s no connecting flight to Miami, and there won’t be one until later.? What do I do?”
After the longest pause (where he had assumed she was plotting his demise), she finally said “Okay, gimmie an hour…I’ll see what I can come up with.”
Fine.? An hour, he could do.? He tooled around a bit, got a cookie from the airport knock-off of Starbucks, got some water to wash it down a little after that, scribbled some lyric ideas—his phone went off.? He answered.
“驰别补丑?”
“Okay, I solved the problem, I think,” his agent started. ?“There’s a chartered flight company that can make the trip on short notice.? One question: ?How do you feel about single engine planes?”
Everything in Stan’s body seemed to drop into his crotch.? From what he had heard, single engine planes were as INTENSE as it got in the world of flying short of fighter planes.? Not wanting to sound like a wimp, he of course had said “no problem.”
So he went to the part of the airport where you waited for chartered flights.? No metal detectors, nothing.? Just a “hey there”, and they took his name down, and confirmed his flight.? At least this sounded okay, so far.
Then he met Daryl the Pilot, and his wind-up prop-plane.
Daryl the Pilot was in a leather jacket, and wore a baseball cap with the word “Zildjian” on it.? Zildjian was a name familiar to him.? They made cymbals.? So, this dude had a friend in a band, right?
Wrong!? He was in a band, as a drummer.? A cover band…lowest form of life on the rock & roll food chain, and the first red flag Stan had about this guy.? Danger!? Danger!? Danger!
Then there was the plane…what was best described as a canoe with wings.? The door, unlike the vault-like seal-you-in ones real airplanes had, looked like it belonged on a golf cart, and would fall off the moment he opened it.? There was barely room for his duffel and backpack in the cargo bay.? He squeezed himself into the seat, and shut the door with a pitiful “click”.
The engine started with a cough, and it spun up to a lethargic buzz, as the plane started to tool around the airport.? Daryl looked like he was lost in midtown as he peered out of the cockpit.? Finally, after dodging larger passenger planes, they lined up behind some other small planes.? When it was finally their turn, they began their run.? Stan swore that he could walk faster than this plane was going, yet somehow—perhaps a stiff breeze at the right time—they were airborne.
Stan was grateful he had used the men’s room before takeoff.? This was terrifying.? The plane shook every time they took a course correction, and he was wondering what kind of pilot Daryl was, as he TOOK HIS HANDS OFF THE CONTROLS TO LOOK AT A MAP.? Then, about an hour or so into this nightmare trip, Daryl the Pilot uttered the one phrase you never wanted to hear from the pilot…
“鲍丑-辞丑.”
That sinking feeling was back. ?“What do you mean ‘uh-oh’?”
“Well…it’s like this,” Daryl said sheepishly. ?“I forgot to fuel up the plane back in Montgomery, and now we’re near empty.? We need to set down ASAP.? Don’t worry, I’m on this.”
“Sure…” Stan said externally.? Internally he was whimpering “ohgodi’mgoingtodie”.? And with that, Daryl the Pilot got onto the radio to cry for help.
Real passenger planes gently descended into airports.? Not this single engine suicide machine.? He swore that they went 90° straight down and came to a stop in the span of two parking spaces.? His stomach was somewhere else at that moment—probably still going to Miami.? He was now in some remote airstrip called Carabelle Thompson Airport in the town of Carabelle.? Population: ?2,700.
They had to wait for someone to come down to open the airport (I shit you not!) before Daryl could refuel the plane.? Of course there was no cell signal, so he had to wait for some lady to come down in her pickup and unlock the pump.
Stan took the time to go into this lady’s office and call up his agent with what had been happening all night.? Then she hit him with a bombshell…
“Stan…Daryl isn’t a pilot.”
Well, that explained a lot, he thought.
“I made a terrible mistake,” she admitted. ?“I didn’t call the charter place, but an aircraft maintenance depot.? Daryl has a training license, and he worked there.? He’s a groupie fanboy, Stan.? He must’ve heard your name dropped when I called, grabbed a plane, and…well, he didn’t even properly log the flight, and he’s in deep shit.”
“So…what now?” he asked. ?“You have a plan, right?”
“Yeah, I most certainly do,” she said. ?“Stay put.? Definitely do NOT get back on the plane with Daryl—”
“No shit,” Stan confirmed.
His agent continued with a sigh. ?“I’ve already contacted a real charter that can take you to Nassau directly.? They can be there in an hour.”
“翱办补测.”
Shortly afterward, Daryl came in, pleased as punch that he had managed to refuel the winged canoe.
He was rather crestfallen when Stan told him he wasn’t going anywhere with him anymore.
Four hours later, after a more comfortable two engine seaplane ride.? He was at the slip of the Seven Sisters and ready to board.? The scene looiked idyllic—almost like an Andy Warhol portrait.
After everything that happened to get here, he thought.? Well…at least the hard part’s over.
Maya Mononobe
When Maya received a letter from the the Seven Sisters cruise line, it was first picked up and examined by her guards.? Once opened, it had gone through several safety tests.? Was there any kind of powder on it?? Knock out scents?? Was the paper or the ink poisoned?? Who sent it, fake or real persons?? Any and all fingers prints that touched the paper in anyway were investigated, peoples' identities pulled up, all to ensure that it wasn't someone out to get Maya.? And oh, she had plenty of competitors who would've loved to be in her seat, so one could never be too careful.? In any case, being the Mononobe clan leader's only granddaughter, nothing was too far to ensure the safety of their baby girl.? So when the message finally reached her, it was one of Maya's guards who entered her room, only after Maya allowed them to come in, knocking with two heavy raps and three light ones.
"<Enter,>" an elegant, feminine voice called out from the inside.? The Mononobe daughter's room was lavish, a suite that was big enough to house a small office.? Her windows faced out into the ocean, the silken and gossamer like curtains gently swaying in the breeze.? The space was divided into several sections, one for private bathing with a hot tub tucked into a corner and hidden by a tall, bamboo privacy divider.? Another as an office with multiple computers and electronics expertly arranged in a semi-circle.? Third contained a library of sorts where various high level education and business books were neatly arranged by type, topic, and lastly by author.? There were volumes in multiple different languages, a par due course for someone who was internationally desired.? Then, yet another chunk of the room was set aside as bedroom space, like the bathing room, it had its own bamboo screens containing a king size bed with tons of pillows and cloudy, puffy blankets.? Aside from the cut and dry items, Mara's room was filled with natural bamboo, plants of various types, its greenery providing a type of serene-ness that the cresting ocean waves could not.? When the guard entered the room, however, that's where the fantasy began and ended.
Maya was absolutely domestically challenged.? Her floor was littered about with clothes left where they were dropped.? Stuffed bears and various other plushes were strewn about as if a battle took place and one was now looking upon a place of utter carnage.? The bed was a mess, blankets falling off the sides, pillow likewise on the floor and throw into a corner, sheets in disarray.? To say the least, there was not a care in the world nor a thought spared in keeping anything in a nice orderly fashion, that is however, unless the matter involving said neatness had something to do with business and of that, she kept everything in a meticulous, OCD-like manner.? Not a single page was out of line when it came to documentation and business contracts.
So there she stood, arms crossed, looking through the windows in the ocean.? One could tell that Maya was tired, but only one who had the most intimate knowledge of Maya's life and guarded her with theirs.? She always stood rigidly straight, her head held high and shoulders back, her chest jut out in a full display of sex appeal and elegance, and of course, maximum level of confidence.? She seemed so focused on something outside that when the guard entered the room, closing the door, she didn't even flinch nor acknowledge their presence in any way except a side eyed glance in their direction, then back to the ocean.
"<Mayasama, you have a received a letter from X brand make up, giving you a complimentary seven day cruise in the Bahamas from your last modeling session,>" the woman guard said, one of Maya's most trusted confidantes.? She read off the rest of the letter, with Maya saying not a word nor moving until the woman finished speaking, finally turning around as a smirk made its way onto her face.? The woman took a deep bow, stretching out her hands above her head as she offered her charge the letterhead.
"<Hmph, took them long enough.? It seems they finally realized how much business the Mononobe name can bring to their business,>" she huffily said, running her right hand through her long, luscious locks, letting the strands fall back down like a waterfall.? Delicately taking the letter out of her guard's hands, Maya examined it, her eyes moving back and forth as she reread the contents.? The woman then offered her some pamphlets, as thoroughly examined as anything else, as Maya too scanned them through.? "<This is the best they could offer?? A tiny "schooner?"? How do they expect that canoe to travel on the ocean?? Ridiculous.? My smallest cruiser is twice is big.? Insulting.>? It wasn't until Maya finished that the guard raised her head and straightened out.? She stood at attention, her eyes unblinking and unwavering from her charge's form.
"<What shall I send back as your answer, Mayasama?>"
Maya sighed and rolled her eyes, loosening her fingers as she let the letter fall down to the floor.? She stepped onto it with her Stuart Weitzman diamond studded heels and rubbed it in, ripping and tearing the letterhead in several place.
"<What else?? If they weren't as reputable as they sell themselves as, I wouldn't even look twice,>" the heiress scathingly answered, harumphing as she turned away from the guard and looked back out into the ocean.? "<You know what to do.? Now get out of my sight.>"
--------------------
A day and a ride on the Mononobe private jet, Maya finally landed at the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau.? The wealthy socialite had stepped out into the sun, her Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses resting faithfully upon her nose.? She was clothed in a turquoise, short sleeveless charmeuse dress with gold printed flocked leaves.? On her feet, she wore diamond studded wicker woven D&G wedges, with a single 5 carat sapphire over each ankle strap.? Her hair, which she typically wore loose, cascaded over her back like a black diamond waterfall, its luster was thanks to various deep conditioning creams and masks that she used on a daily basis.
"<Ah, we are finally here...at last.? Now, where is this canoe that I am meant to board?>"? Without further adeu, Maya's bodyguards took their place beside her, each at her side, tons of luggage in convoy behind them.? The same woman who first presented the letter to Maya just a day ago, came out from behind and handled Maya's entry to the port, as well as arranged transportation to the schooner that was awaiting its passengers.? A couple of hours, after having to hire a single car for her carry-ons alone, the entourage had arrived at the dock to the Seven Sisters schooner.? As the socialite once again stepped out from the cool interior, she froze in place, one arm lowering her glasses as she peered at she was meant to board.? Just as she lifted her sunglasses back up, a ship stewardess had promptly arrived, immediately greeted by Maya's confidante.
"Good afternoon, and welcome to our port city of Nassau, Ms. Mononobe!? We are so blessed to have been graced with your presence.? Do you have your boarding passes in hand so that we can get you quickly checked in?"? Maya elegantly smiled, taking out the golden ticket out of her clutch, as the confidante and the two bodyguards presented theirs in tune.
"I am ready and prepared, Ms. Turner, and I am very happy to be here.? With so much business to take care, I felt it that I was overdue for a bit of a vacation.? Don't you think?" Maya answered in fluent English, handing the woman her pass.? "Ms. Saotome here will take over handling all of our checkins.? Would it be possible to be shown to my cabin now?? I've had a long flight and I would love to settle in before we depart."? The stewardness, now revealed as Ms. Turner, smugly smirked as she snapped her fingers twice and two bellboys appeared by her side, as impeccably dressed as she was.
"Boys, please show Ms. Mononobe and her lovely entourage to their cabins.? Make sure that she is settled in proper, and give her anything that she needs to be comfortable.? Now, hop to it!"? The youths bowed to Ms. Turner whose face returned back into a relaxed smile as Saotome started the check-in process for everyone.? Another several hours later, Maya was settled in whatever meager settings that they called a luxury cabin, having to spread her clothes out in all 4 rooms that she and her guards have occupied due to the sheer amount of clothes that she had taken with her.? One could never be too careful for any kind of event that could occur, even one that she was meant to relax in.? Once she was done, she stepped onto the deck, walking up to the bow of the ship, gripping the steel barrier as she looked out into the water.? As she turned her head to look over the port, a soft, warm breeze passed through, ruffling Maya's tresses as if they were curtains, like the ones in her Japanese home.
"<Well, I suppose we could learn to enjoy this trip.? It is, after all, paid for by the X brand.? Isn't that so, Higashisan?? What's the worst the could happen?>"? Maya looked to the bodyguard that was with her, a thuggish looking man with a scarred face and freshly shaven head.? He looked as if he could snap a tree trunk in half with his bulging muscles.
"<Yes, Mayasama.? I am sure that this is going to be a pleasant trip.>
<tag Catherine, Marco, Valentina, Stan, Maya, open>
|
Re: Disaster Cruise: Your ticket to adventure (introduce yourselves!)
[All the passengers get a slickly made itinerary delivered to them via express delivery, which includes all the requisite tickets, the schedule, and this introduction…]
WELCOME ABOARD THE SEVEN SISTERS! MORE THAN A CRUISE, AN EXPERIENCE! The Seven Sisters is a hand-built, two masted gaff-rigged schooner, based off the legendary Baltimore Clippers of the 19th century.? These sturdy vessels were known for their speed and safety, proven time and again by rounding Cape Horn as they took adventurous souls to the West Coast for the California Gold Rush.? Belying her traditional lines are a state-of-the art galley, modern accomodations for up to 24 passengers, and a luxurious grand salon that includes satellite internet access.? Our fine vessel boasts the best in old world sailing and modern day amenities. ?Most modern cruise lines isolate their passengers from the sea, whereas we offer the experience of the sea as it once was.? During our cruise you will have the opportunity to learn the ropes of manning this fine vessel.? During our various stops, we also offer lessons in dinghy sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.? Daily meals are prepared by our award winning chef using local ingredients, and the Grand Salon is open for simple leisure until 21:00 hours. Your journey begins at Nassau, where the captain will welcome you aboard as you stow your luggage in your assigned cabin, and get briefed on all necessary safety procedure.? Your first dinner aboard will be served shortly afterward, and we will set sail that night or early Monday morning, as the tide lets out. Your experience will include four stops at four of the rarer jewels of the Out Islands, which will include experiencing the local culture, tours and nature hikes, and enjoying some of the most beautiful vistas the Out Islands have to offer.? Our final stop will be the return to Nassau, seven days later.? At the end, you will have a week’s worth of experiences unlike anything modern life normally offers, made new friends among some of your fellow passengers, and have a story to tell others for the rest of your life..
Thank you for honoring us with your presence.? We look forward to setting sail with you.
(Stan Kelley)
“This had better be the best fucking vacay I ever took,” Stan muttered to himself. ?“Can’t be worse than the trip here…”
The last 24 or so hours had been hell.
His manager, after she had nagged him to take a break from the nonstop touring and promoting, finally arranged a cruise…of sorts.? This wasn’t one of those ginormous building sized monster ships that was part hotel and part shopping mall.? No, this was an actual sailboat.? It had room for only 24 passengers.? There was no shuffleboard, no casino, no high end stores selling overpriced garbage.? This was a real ship.? Cool.? Sounded great.? Right up his alley.
Everything fell apart as soon as he hit Montgomery, Alabama.? There was a computer glitch on their end, and suddenly they had no record of his flight.? Fuck!? He checked around, and there was no other flight available to Miami, from where he’d transfer to a sea plane to get to Nassau.? Fuckity fuck!
With no other option available, he called his agent.? It was godawful at night, so she answered with a garbled “Hello?”, which sounded more like “Dude what the fuck?”.
“I’m stranded in Montgomery,” he had said. ?“There’s no connecting flight to Miami, and there won’t be one until later.? What do I do?”
After the longest pause (where he had assumed she was plotting his demise), she finally said “Okay, gimmie an hour…I’ll see what I can come up with.”
Fine.? An hour, he could do.? He tooled around a bit, got a cookie from the airport knock-off of Starbucks, got some water to wash it down a little after that, scribbled some lyric ideas—his phone went off.? He answered.
“驰别补丑?”
“Okay, I solved the problem, I think,” his agent started. ?“There’s a chartered flight company that can make the trip on short notice.? One question: ?How do you feel about single engine planes?”
Everything in Stan’s body seemed to drop into his crotch.? From what he had heard, single engine planes were as INTENSE as it got in the world of flying short of fighter planes.? Not wanting to sound like a wimp, he of course had said “no problem.”
So he went to the part of the airport where you waited for chartered flights.? No metal detectors, nothing.? Just a “hey there”, and they took his name down, and confirmed his flight.? At least this sounded okay, so far.
Then he met Daryl the Pilot, and his wind-up prop-plane.
Daryl the Pilot was in a leather jacket, and wore a baseball cap with the word “Zildjian” on it.? Zildjian was a name familiar to him.? They made cymbals.? So, this dude had a friend in a band, right?
Wrong!? He was in a band, as a drummer.? A cover band…lowest form of life on the rock & roll food chain, and the first red flag Stan had about this guy.? Danger!? Danger!? Danger!
Then there was the plane…what was best described as a canoe with wings.? The door, unlike the vault-like seal-you-in ones real airplanes had, looked like it belonged on a golf cart, and would fall off the moment he opened it.? There was barely room for his duffel and backpack in the cargo bay.? He squeezed himself into the seat, and shut the door with a pitiful “click”.
The engine started with a cough, and it spun up to a lethargic buzz, as the plane started to tool around the airport.? Daryl looked like he was lost in midtown as he peered out of the cockpit.? Finally, after dodging larger passenger planes, they lined up behind some other small planes.? When it was finally their turn, they began their run.? Stan swore that he could walk faster than this plane was going, yet somehow—perhaps a stiff breeze at the right time—they were airborne.
Stan was grateful he had used the men’s room before takeoff.? This was terrifying.? The plane shook every time they took a course correction, and he was wondering what kind of pilot Daryl was, as he TOOK HIS HANDS OFF THE CONTROLS TO LOOK AT A MAP.? Then, about an hour or so into this nightmare trip, Daryl the Pilot uttered the one phrase you never wanted to hear from the pilot…
“鲍丑-辞丑.”
That sinking feeling was back. ?“What do you mean ‘uh-oh’?”
“Well…it’s like this,” Daryl said sheepishly. ?“I forgot to fuel up the plane back in Montgomery, and now we’re near empty.? We need to set down ASAP.? Don’t worry, I’m on this.”
“Sure…” Stan said externally.? Internally he was whimpering “ohgodi’mgoingtodie”.? And with that, Daryl the Pilot got onto the radio to cry for help.
Real passenger planes gently descended into airports.? Not this single engine suicide machine.? He swore that they went 90° straight down and came to a stop in the span of two parking spaces.? His stomach was somewhere else at that moment—probably still going to Miami.? He was now in some remote airstrip called Carabelle Thompson Airport in the town of Carabelle.? Population: ?2,700.
They had to wait for someone to come down to open the airport (I shit you not!) before Daryl could refuel the plane.? Of course there was no cell signal, so he had to wait for some lady to come down in her pickup and unlock the pump.
Stan took the time to go into this lady’s office and call up his agent with what had been happening all night.? Then she hit him with a bombshell…
“Stan…Daryl isn’t a pilot.”
Well, that explained a lot, he thought.
“I made a terrible mistake,” she admitted. ?“I didn’t call the charter place, but an aircraft maintenance depot.? Daryl has a training license, and he worked there.? He’s a groupie fanboy, Stan.? He must’ve heard your name dropped when I called, grabbed a plane, and…well, he didn’t even properly log the flight, and he’s in deep shit.”
“So…what now?” he asked. ?“You have a plan, right?”
“Yeah, I most certainly do,” she said. ?“Stay put.? Definitely do NOT get back on the plane with Daryl—”
“No shit,” Stan confirmed.
His agent continued with a sigh. ?“I’ve already contacted a real charter that can take you to Nassau directly.? They can be there in an hour.”
“翱办补测.”
Shortly afterward, Daryl came in, pleased as punch that he had managed to refuel the winged canoe.
He was rather crestfallen when Stan told him he wasn’t going anywhere with him anymore.
Four hours later, after a more comfortable two engine seaplane ride.? He was at the slip of the Seven Sisters and ready to board.? The scene looiked idyllic—almost like an Andy Warhol portrait.
After everything that happened to get here, he thought.? Well…at least the hard part’s over.
?
|
Re: Disaster Cruise: Your ticket to adventure (Catherine, open)
[All the passengers get a slickly made itinerary delivered to them via express delivery, which includes all the requisite tickets, the schedule, and this introduction…]
WELCOME ABOARD THE SEVEN SISTERS! MORE THAN A CRUISE, AN EXPERIENCE! The Seven Sisters is a hand-built, two masted gaff-rigged schooner, based off the legendary Baltimore Clippers of the 19th century.? These sturdy vessels were known for their speed and safety, proven time and again by rounding Cape Horn as they took adventurous souls to the West Coast for the California Gold Rush.? Belying her traditional lines are a state-of-the art galley, modern accommodations for up to 24 passengers, and a luxurious grand salon that includes satellite internet access.? Our fine vessel boasts the best in old world sailing and modern day amenities.
Most modern cruise lines isolate their passengers from the sea, whereas we offer the experience of the sea as it once was.? During our cruise you will have the opportunity to learn the ropes of manning this fine vessel.? During our various stops, we also offer lessons in dinghy sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.? Daily meals are prepared by our award winning chef using local ingredients, and the Grand Salon is open for simple leisure until 21:00 hours. Your journey begins at Nassau, where the captain will welcome you aboard as you stow your luggage in your assigned cabin, and get briefed on all necessary safety procedure.? Your first dinner aboard will be served shortly afterward, and we will set sail that night or early Monday morning, as the tide lets out. Your experience will include four stops at four of the rarer jewels of the Out Islands, which will include experiencing the local culture, tours and nature hikes, and enjoying some of the most beautiful vistas the Out Islands have to offer.? Our final stop will be the return to Nassau, seven days later.? At the end, you will have a week’s worth of experiences unlike anything modern life normally offers, made new friends among some of your fellow passengers, and have a story to tell others for the rest of your life..
Thank you for honoring us with your presence.? We look forward to setting sail with you.
(Catherine)
Cat squealed with excitement as she finished reading the invite.? She looked at her close friends, one of them was going with her and she couldn't be more ready.? "This is going to be great, Cece.? A seven day voyage for my 21st birthday!!!? This is going to be awesome."? Cece took the invite and read it over as well.? "Hang on a moment," she pulled out her cell and first Googled schooners, then Googled Baltimore clippers, "hm, interesting schooners and clippers are two different kinds of ships."
Cat took the invite back, "who cares, we are going to be on a ship for my 21st birthday!" she exclaimed and all of the girls squealed with her.? She couldn't wait for Sunday to get here and they all started helping her and Cece pack.
Marco Lastra? Marco exited the Sandals Royal Bahamian and stepped into a waiting taxi. He tossed the small backpack into the seat next to him. His entire needs for a short voyage at sea amounted to very little.? His short stay at the Sandals had been a welcome break from his business activities in the US. His last adventure in the Alps seemed a distant memory. He looked forward to diving in the Azure waters of the Carribean.? He’d learned to Scuba dive in Portofino many years ago and had revisited the area several times over the years. Now he avoided Italy and decided to give the Carribean a shot.? A colleague had mentioned a cruise that ventured to remote isles and celebrated one of the best undersea experiences.? His week in Nassau had been uneventful. He’d spent two days scuba diving off the Schoolhouse Reef. The thrilling dives had left him energized and looking forward to more fun.? The intimate confines of the Seven Sisters almost put him off but a reference to the human condition would not hurt him. He could behave himself for an extended time if the need was worth the adventure. He had not had to worry about the paparazzi. His whereabouts had gone undetected so far and that made the trip that much more enjoyable.? The taxi dropped him off at a large marina. It didn’t take binoculars to pick out the Seven Sisters. It loomed large at the extended pier.? A steward greeted him at the gangway. Marco presented his passport and the golden embossed ticket.? “Welcome aboard the Seven Sisters Mr. Lastra.? We do hope you enjoy the cruise.” “We shall soon find out,” Marco replied. He looked down at the water that glistened below the gangway. It was clear and he could see some movement as multiple fish darted in and out of the shadows. The sun beat down on his sunbrown skin but a fresh breeze off the ocean kept him cool. He climbed aboard the small craft and wondered again what he had been thinking. The vessel was tiny compared to the vast girth of modern cruise ships. The schooner was glorious in person and he spent a few moments just absorbing all the detail of rigging and polished wood surfaces.? “This way to your cabin then you may be free to walk about the boat.” Marco nodded irritably. “Okay, lead the way.” He ducked his head at the passageway entrance and smiled grimly, he’d have to watch his head on this rig. The cabin was cramped, just what he’d been expecting. A bed, a small desk with a small chair and that was it. He did manage to have a small portal to view the sea.? The sound of a large boat approaching came through the stout timbers of the Seven Sisters. The steward spread his feet wide as the schooner listed one way then the other at the big cruiser’s wake. Marco had just enough sense to grab a post before being tossed about his own cabin. The steward nodded his approval with a small smile. “These rookie pilots don’t follow the speed requirements.” He pointed towards the stern.? “A community shower is down the hall sir you can’t miss it. Dinner at six. We will set sail as soon as all the passengers are aboard. A short introduction by the Captain will commence just prior to our departure.” “Thanks,” Marco growled. He handed the steward a fifty. “See you on deck shortly.” “YES SIR,” said the steward with a renewed bounce in his step.
Valentina Mendoza US Army Field Base - Somewhere in Iraq? Afternoon
It was supposed to be a random Op, nothing out of the ordinary. The recon team would have been gone for just a couple of days. Valentina enjoyed moments like that. Less people in the camp, more time to focus on the maintenance issues that needed to be addressed. There was still a sense of routine and camaraderie off course, but less of the pressure, less of the noise and the macho bravado.?
She wasn’t quite sure what happened to fuck that all up. There had been no telltale signs, no nothing. One minute she was working on the engine of a truck and the next, there was nothing but chaos, fire and hell. Everywhere around her there was ash and smoke. People were screaming but she couldn’t hear them, couldn’t hear anything but that insistent ringing in her ears.?
It was strange, the things you tended to focus on in moments like that. There were a lot of casualties, without a doubt. So much death and destruction. The kind that should have paralyzed her but instead she tried to move, mind jumping into focus, training kicking in. She tried to get up, tried to move but then realized she couldn’t. It didn’t make sense at first. Not understanding why something that seemed so simple before couldn’t be done now. She just couldn’t do it and that was frustrating. Running on nothing but sheer adrenaline.?
It wasn’t until the second explosion went on that everything went dark again.?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It had all gone to ratshit so damn fast.
Coming in, the scene below them had been utter devastation, there was now a crater where tents used to be, he could see clear and overt areas of fire damage and mass destruction. As he would find out later, all caused by explosives inventively hidden and successfully deployed before anyone had time to discover them.?
Clearly people were still alive down there, they could be seen fire-fighting and hauling ass down below as the two HH-60M Medevac Blackhawks flew in to the rescue. Jack watched the soldiers move as the helos landed and he tried to assess the situation as best he could until given permission to put boots on the ground.
There was still fighting going on, the enemy insurgents having taken advantage of the initial chaos, but the core centre of the small base of operations (what was left of it) was protected now. They had a safe place to land, and a team already assessing casualties on the ground. They were ready, and the worst of the wounded were waiting.
---
Six casualties fitted into the Blackhawk, only two of those inbound were still conscious, and one of those was howling like a wolf. Jack settled him down first, checked his wounds were all patched and set him a morphine drip. When he was quiet, only then did he move over to his other waking patient.
Fuck. He knew this one. Hadn’t seen her for a good while, but he remembered her well enough. Valentina Grace Mendoza. Daughter of the renowned Captain Elias Mendoza, though that wasn’t why Jack knew her. They’d been through Boot together, nearly eight years previous.
“Hey,” he said, gifting a smile to the woman who was strapped securely into a stretcher and totally immobilized. “You’re gonna be okay, Vali. I got ya.”
He rested a calm hand on her forehead lightly, checked all her straps were tight and solid, and ensured she wasn’t moving anywhere when they took off. Then he set up the IV, morphine for the pain and checked her over carefully.
“You’re gonna be okay.” Her leg looked seriously fucked, there was blood soaked into every part of her and her face was charred, but yeah. She’d survived this far. Jack was confident she’d make it home, one way or another, and his voice implied the same.?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Present Day
This trip had been meant as an escape. A way out. Valentina was used to travelling, she was used to seeing the world, but all of this? It was not her usual way of living. Staring out at the open water the young woman couldn’t help but wonder what the hell she was doing here, right now, in this very moment. Running away from her problems wouldn’t solve. It wouldn’t change how fucked up her body still was, even after all these months.?
She wasn’t the same anymore and would never be the same again so why even bother trying? It wouldn’t amount to anything and would end up making her even more unhappy. Without a purpose, a real goal. Before she had been trying to save her country, before she had made a difference. Going on? holiday it didn’t mean anything. It was random.?
Better make the best of it right? Use this as an opportunity to get her solid ground back again. But that was hard to do and while she was trying as hard as she possibly could, it wouldn’t be easy though.?
It never was
Tag Cat, Marco, anyone
|
[All
the passengers get a slickly made itinerary delivered to
them via express delivery, which includes all the requisite
tickets, the schedule, and this introduction…]
WELCOME ABOARD THE SEVEN SISTERS!
MORE THAN A CRUISE, AN EXPERIENCE!
The Seven Sisters is a hand-built, two masted
gaff-rigged schooner, based off the legendary Baltimore
Clippers of the 19th century.? These sturdy vessels were
known for their speed and safety, proven time and again
by rounding Cape Horn as they took adventurous souls to
the West Coast for the California Gold Rush.? Belying
her traditional lines are a state-of-the art galley,
modern accommodations for up to 24 passengers, and a
luxurious grand salon that includes satellite internet
access.? Our fine vessel boasts the best in old world
sailing and modern day amenities.
Most modern cruise lines isolate their
passengers from the sea, whereas we offer the experience
of the sea as it once was.? During our cruise you will
have the opportunity to learn the ropes of manning this
fine vessel.? During our various stops, we also offer
lessons in dinghy sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and
stand-up paddle boarding.? Daily meals are prepared by
our award winning chef using local ingredients, and the
Grand Salon is open for simple leisure until 21:00
hours.
Your journey begins at Nassau, where the captain will
welcome you aboard as you stow your luggage in your
assigned cabin, and get briefed on all necessary safety
procedure.? Your first dinner aboard will be served
shortly afterward, and we will set sail that night or
early Monday morning, as the tide lets out.
Your experience will include four stops at four of the
rarer jewels of the Out Islands, which will include
experiencing the local culture, tours and nature hikes,
and enjoying some of the most beautiful vistas the Out
Islands have to offer.? Our final stop will be the
return to Nassau, seven days later.? At the end, you
will have a week’s worth of experiences unlike anything
modern life normally offers, made new friends among some
of your fellow passengers, and have a story to tell
others for the rest of your life..
Thank you for honoring us with your presence.? We
look forward to setting sail with you.
(Catherine)
Cat squealed with excitement as she finished reading
the invite.? She looked at her close friends, one of
them was going with her and she couldn't be more
ready.? "This is going to be great, Cece.? A seven day
voyage for my 21st birthday!!!? This is going to be
awesome."? Cece took the invite and read it over as
well.? "Hang on a moment," she pulled out her cell and
first Googled schooners, then Googled Baltimore
clippers, "hm, interesting schooners and clippers are
two different kinds of ships."
Cat took the invite
back, "who cares, we are going to be on a ship for my
21st birthday!" she exclaimed and all of the girls
squealed with her.? She couldn't wait for Sunday to
get here and they all started helping her and Cece
pack.
Marco Lastra?
Marco exited the Sandals Royal Bahamian and stepped into a waiting taxi. He tossed the small backpack into the seat next to him. His entire needs for a short voyage at sea amounted to very little.?
His short stay at the Sandals had been a welcome break from his business activities in the US. His last adventure in the Alps seemed a distant memory. He looked forward to diving in the Azure waters of the Carribean.?
He’d learned to Scuba dive in Portofino many years ago and had revisited the area several times over the years. Now he avoided Italy and decided to give the Carribean a shot.?
A colleague had mentioned a cruise that ventured to remote isles and celebrated one of the best undersea experiences.?
His week in Nassau had been uneventful. He’d spent two days scuba diving off the Schoolhouse Reef. The thrilling dives had left him energized and looking forward to more fun.?
The intimate confines of the Seven Sisters almost put him off but a reference to the human condition would not hurt him. He could behave himself for an extended time if the need was worth the adventure.
He had not had to worry about the paparazzi. His whereabouts had gone undetected so far and that made the trip that much more enjoyable.?
The taxi dropped him off at a large marina. It didn’t take binoculars to pick out the Seven Sisters. It loomed large at the extended pier.?
A steward greeted him at the gangway. Marco presented his passport and the golden embossed ticket.?
“Welcome aboard the Seven Sisters Mr. Lastra.? We do hope you enjoy the cruise.”
“We shall soon find out,” Marco replied. He looked down at the water that glistened below the gangway. It was clear and he could see some movement as multiple fish darted in and out of the shadows. The sun beat down on his sunbrown skin but a fresh breeze off the ocean kept him cool.
He climbed aboard the small craft and wondered again what he had been thinking. The vessel was tiny compared to the vast girth of modern cruise ships. The schooner was glorious in person and he spent a few moments just absorbing all the detail of rigging and polished wood surfaces.?
“This way to your cabin then you may be free to walk about the boat.”
Marco nodded irritably. “Okay, lead the way.” He ducked his head at the passageway entrance and smiled grimly, he’d have to watch his head on this rig.
The cabin was cramped, just what he’d been expecting. A bed, a small desk with a small chair and that was it. He did manage to have a small portal to view the sea.?
The sound of a large boat approaching came through the stout timbers of the Seven Sisters. The steward spread his feet wide as the schooner listed one way then the other at the big cruiser’s wake. Marco had just enough sense to grab a post before being tossed about his own cabin.
The steward nodded his approval with a small smile. “These rookie pilots don’t follow the speed requirements.”
He pointed towards the stern.?
“A community shower is down the hall sir you can’t miss it. Dinner at six. We will set sail as soon as all the passengers are aboard. A short introduction by the Captain will commence just prior to our departure.”
“Thanks,” Marco growled. He handed the steward a fifty. “See you on deck shortly.”
“YES SIR,” said the steward with a renewed bounce in his step.
Tag? Cat, open
|
Re: Raconteur City: Los Muertos (Sofia Luna, Diego, Antonio)
?Sofia
?
Fifty-five miles south
of Santo Cristo Mexico
?
The late evening sky was blistered by the rhythmic
streaks of lightning and the hollow thunder of distant storms.? Sofia
lounged by the pool watching the display with interest.
?
“It’s that time,” She said to those who attended
her. “Fredo thankyou for providing the girl.”
?
The man named Fredo tilted his head. “It is as
it should be,” he said in broken spanish.
?
Sofia stood and walked to the rear of the pool
area where a small brick walkway led off into the desert.? She wore her
crystal-beaded dress that cut just below her left hip. The dark blue low cut
gown accentuated her cleavage. On one leg a sheath held a dagger with an ornate
grip.?
?
She led the procession out into the open desert.
Some of those who followed carried torches.?
One hundred feet out they came to a shallow
ground that ran in a circle fifty-feet wide. Within the circle a stone pillar
stood erect and solitary. A young naked female was strapped to the stone. When
she saw Sofia she let out a low whimper.
?
Sofia crossed the short distance flowing down
the course and over to the monolith.?
?
“Hush child,” she said. She offered a wafer from
a pocket. The girl shook her head but the Witch took hold of her jaw with one
hand and forced the wafer into her mouth.?
?
Sofia began to chant in a strange language. Then
she slowed the pace and repeated in spanish “Tierra, earth take this gift. Give
what you have taken in return.”
?
Soft blue lights shaped like flower petals began
to dance from her fingertips. They floated in the air then began to collapse
onto the naked form of the girl.?
?
The girl seemed to change. Her fear had turned
to a soft murmur of pleasure. Her body moved to some silent music bound as she
was.?
?
Sofia knelt in front of the girl and took up
some desert sand with her hands then held them aloft and quoted the strange
words over and over.?
?
“This gift we give freely,” Sofia continued in
spanish. “Take and I shall gorge on your power.”
?
The ground beneath their feet shook
gently.?
?
Sofia drew her dagger in a swift movement and
sliced open the girl from sternum to bladder.?
?
A soft murmur arose from those who attended. The
girl seemed unaware still moving her head from side to side as her blood
dripped heartily into the stone at her feet.?
?
The ground shook again and a low humming sound
grew from all around.
?
Sofia began to glow in a white sheath of light.
Her words grew disjointed and profane.?
?
Beads of light started to shimmer and circle
around her body, they twinkled and sparkled like Christmas lights.
?
She spread her arms out wide and the lights
danced away in a hypnotic dance picking up speed and flying off into the
heavens.?
?
Sofia looked up at her retainer's, eyes bright
silver. Then she turned to the monolith and the disfigured body. Hands held
wide she brought them together with a loud crackle. Silver flame shot out from
her hands and engulfed the body. The body behind the flame melted and bled into
the ground like molten glass.
?
When the last glow faded Sofia turned and walked
purposefully back to her hacienda.
?
(Antonio)
Antonio
was not fond of death that he didn’t create and he was not always in a hurry to
do so.? He had seen this ceremony a few
times, it never ceased to fascinate him.?
She was a goddess to them and they sacrificed to her willingly.? He missed having that kind of powers but
family was far more important.? Besides
some had a tendency to frown upon missing family members, then having them show
up to feed on others members of the family.? So he didn’t devour them as his sire might
have, so he determined so much as take a little here and there from his small
herd.? He would love to devour something
a bit more substantial but nonetheless he would keep focused on the tasks at
hand.
The
ceremony didn’t last long, but the repercussions were felt deeply amongst those
there.? It wouldn’t last and they would continue
to bring her sacrifices till someone rebelled.?
He smirked.? ‘They hadn’t done it
in this long.? Some were satisfied to
remain, he couldn’t blame them honestly.?
The price for rebellion was hefty between Diego and himself passing
judgment, he would be loathe to rebel also.
Once she was done she headed back home, he followed from his perch on the roof
tops.
<Diego,
Sofia>?
|
Re: Troy Rising: Through the Sea of Trees, to the Well of Souls (RESEND) (attn Cal, tag open)
?(New)
?
The comely maiden
smiled coyly.? "We have many wares, good sir.? I'm sure there
will be something to your liking.? Perhaps you'll follow me to see some of
our rarer delights?"
?
She led him through a
curtain, back into the attached building.? Immediately, there was a
kitchen, where a large, hulking older man, clearly of al Shafah origin, was
painstakingly teasing out a layer of filo over a spread layer of crushed
pistachio, butter and honey.? If memory served, he'd repeat the layering
again and again, before baking.? He eyed Cal as he came in.
?
"Not to worry,
Father," she said, switching to Shafaiq (the native language of al
Shafah).? "I merely wish to show him some of our finer services."
?
"Of course, my
dear," he said, giving a small bow, and then to him.? "May you
find what you're looking for from our humble establishment."
?
They passed through a
solid wooden door into a small, windowless room.? It looked set up with an
old worn desk, and papers regarding the running of the store.? As she
closed the door behind them, he could hear "Father" (if he was that
at all) bellowing the name "Raffique", telling him to "get his
lazy ass out to the store front" before the door closed completely.
?
When she turned
around, the coy lady was gone, replaced with a more serious look.?
"So, how can I be of assistance to the Left Hand of the Queen?"
?
(New Cal)
?He couldn’t help his
heart belonging to another.? ‘I bet you
do.’? He thought of her many wears.? The man was making a dish that would
ultimately be his downfall, he was sure he would die by someone poisoning his
food.? He liked to eat good food but
sometimes his skills and magic betrayed him and he was left with such and
appetite.?
‘Father?’? He pondered
moving behind her as he caught sight of his surroundings.? He looked around and took in all of it.? He was making sure this wasn’t an ambush even
for him.? He was always ready for battle,
it was in his blood.? ‘Find what you
seek?’? He wasn’t concerned with some
strange man being in the back alone with his daughter?!?’? He would be a bit more watchful if it were
his own daughter but that is him.
The transition was humourous but he didn’t let the smile
slip.? He wanted too but it was nice to
see the change in the woman that was lovely in form and features.
“Status report…my lady??
What goes on here with all of this??
I need the most recent and pertinent information.”? He was glad she recognized him.
Tag
|
Re: Disaster Cruise: Your ticket to adventure (Catherine, open)
[All
the passengers get a slickly made itinerary delivered to
them via express delivery, which includes all the requisite
tickets, the schedule, and this introduction…]
WELCOME ABOARD THE SEVEN SISTERS!
MORE THAN A CRUISE, AN EXPERIENCE!
The Seven Sisters is a hand-built, two masted
gaff-rigged schooner, based off the legendary Baltimore
Clippers of the 19th century.? These sturdy vessels were
known for their speed and safety, proven time and again
by rounding Cape Horn as they took adventurous souls to
the West Coast for the California Gold Rush.? Belying
her traditional lines are a state-of-the art galley,
modern accommodations for up to 24 passengers, and a
luxurious grand salon that includes satellite internet
access.? Our fine vessel boasts the best in old world
sailing and modern day amenities.
Most modern cruise lines isolate their
passengers from the sea, whereas we offer the experience
of the sea as it once was.? During our cruise you will
have the opportunity to learn the ropes of manning this
fine vessel.? During our various stops, we also offer
lessons in dinghy sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and
stand-up paddle boarding.? Daily meals are prepared by
our award winning chef using local ingredients, and the
Grand Salon is open for simple leisure until 21:00
hours.
Your journey begins at Nassau, where the captain will
welcome you aboard as you stow your luggage in your
assigned cabin, and get briefed on all necessary safety
procedure.? Your first dinner aboard will be served
shortly afterward, and we will set sail that night or
early Monday morning, as the tide lets out.
Your experience will include four stops at four of the
rarer jewels of the Out Islands, which will include
experiencing the local culture, tours and nature hikes,
and enjoying some of the most beautiful vistas the Out
Islands have to offer.? Our final stop will be the
return to Nassau, seven days later.? At the end, you
will have a week’s worth of experiences unlike anything
modern life normally offers, made new friends among some
of your fellow passengers, and have a story to tell
others for the rest of your life..
Thank you for honoring us with your presence.? We
look forward to setting sail with you.
(Catherine)
Cat squealed with excitement as she finished reading
the invite.? She looked at her close friends, one of
them was going with her and she couldn't be more
ready.? "This is going to be great, Cece.? A seven day
voyage for my 21st birthday!!!? This is going to be
awesome."? Cece took the invite and read it over as
well.? "Hang on a moment," she pulled out her cell and
first Googled schooners, then Googled Baltimore
clippers, "hm, interesting schooners and clippers are
two different kinds of ships."
Cat took the invite
back, "who cares, we are going to be on a ship for my
21st birthday!" she exclaimed and all of the girls
squealed with her.? She couldn't wait for Sunday to
get here and they all started helping her and Cece
pack.
Marco Lastra?
Marco exited the Sandals Royal Bahamian and stepped into a waiting taxi. He tossed the small backpack into the seat next to him. His entire needs for a short voyage at sea amounted to very little.?
His short stay at the Sandals had been a welcome break from his business activities in the US. His last adventure in the Alps seemed a distant memory. He looked forward to diving in the Azure waters of the Carribean.?
He’d learned to Scuba dive in Portofino many years ago and had revisited the area several times over the years. Now he avoided Italy and decided to give the Carribean a shot.?
A colleague had mentioned a cruise that ventured to remote isles and celebrated one of the best undersea experiences.?
His week in Nassau had been uneventful. He’d spent two days scuba diving off the Schoolhouse Reef. The thrilling dives had left him energized and looking forward to more fun.?
The intimate confines of the Seven Sisters almost put him off but a reference to the human condition would not hurt him. He could behave himself for an extended time if the need was worth the adventure.
He had not had to worry about the paparazzi. His whereabouts had gone undetected so far and that made the trip that much more enjoyable.?
The taxi dropped him off at a large marina. It didn’t take binoculars to pick out the Seven Sisters. It loomed large at the extended pier.?
A steward greeted him at the gangway. Marco presented his passport and the golden embossed ticket.?
“Welcome aboard the Seven Sisters Mr. Lastra.? We do hope you enjoy the cruise.”
“We shall soon find out,” Marco replied. He looked down at the water that glistened below the gangway. It was clear and he could see some movement as multiple fish darted in and out of the shadows. The sun beat down on his sunbrown skin but a fresh breeze off the ocean kept him cool.
He climbed aboard the small craft and wondered again what he had been thinking. The vessel was tiny compared to the vast girth of modern cruise ships. The schooner was glorious in person and he spent a few moments just absorbing all the detail of rigging and polished wood surfaces.?
“This way to your cabin then you may be free to walk about the boat.”
Marco nodded irritably. “Okay, lead the way.” He ducked his head at the passageway entrance and smiled grimly, he’d have to watch his head on this rig.
The cabin was cramped, just what he’d been expecting. A bed, a small desk with a small chair and that was it. He did manage to have a small portal to view the sea.?
The sound of a large boat approaching came through the stout timbers of the Seven Sisters. The steward spread his feet wide as the schooner listed one way then the other at the big cruiser’s wake. Marco had just enough sense to grab a post before being tossed about his own cabin.
The steward nodded his approval with a small smile. “These rookie pilots don’t follow the speed requirements.”
He pointed towards the stern.?
“A community shower is down the hall sir you can’t miss it. Dinner at six. We will set sail as soon as all the passengers are aboard. A short introduction by the Captain will commence just prior to our departure.”
“Thanks,” Marco growled. He handed the steward a fifty. “See you on deck shortly.”
“YES SIR,” said the steward with a renewed bounce in his step.
Tag? Cat, open
|
Port Vega: Meet & Greet Dinner (Aurora, Lightening Rod, Mara, Devi, Photon, Random NPCs)
(Aurora) Aurora walked to the dining room in the Benders of Light mansion.? All was prepared for the new comers to be introduced to the group.? She was glad to have a few new comers, it was time to start moving forward with the team and start making themselves known in the town of Port Vega.
Tag: All members of the Benders of Light. (Aurora, ) (Put your characters name in the tag line once you post, then we will create a posting order.
|
Blood Feuds: Trying to Survive (Anais, Vincent)
(Anais)
The trio arrived at the party fashionably late. But there was a nice turn out. The music was nice and the cocktails flowed. Although Anais didn’t partake of anything other than a strawberry lemonade, she was happy she came. She got to speak to a few of Paris‘s elite and even managed to befriend a photographer who said she could come in and sit on a photo shoot he was having doing for French Vogue.
Surprisingly enough she was having a really good time. So, the last thing she expected was to feel lightheaded.??It was just before midnight. Her mind started to feel foggy. She had a hard time focusing on anyone or anything.??Anais realized all too late what kind of party this was. Just as she saw her friends go down she felt her own knees buckle...it was a cattle party.??And very soon they would all be tagged and sold into the European slave trade. Only her new photographer friend. The host of the party remained standing. He had betrayed them, she thought as her eyes closed.
(Vincent)
Vincent walked along the people that had all been chained by their ankles to various lounges in one large room.? He was waiting for them to start waking up.? He stopped in front of Anais, "well, you are an attractive lady for sure." He increased his hearing and picked up the baby/ies heart beat(s).? "Sounds strong and healthy, that is good."? He turned with a smile then kept walking to see his other catches.
Tag: Anais
|
Blood Bonds: Getting to know Paris (Draven, Theodosia)
(Draven)
He arrived in Paris just as it turned to spring.? He had made connections and even a few friends since his arrival.? He had been invited to a grand affair to be introduced to a few of the most powerful vampires in the city who also had the same cause as him.? Dressed in his best Italian black suit, he arrived shortly after 9 pm.
Thomas had seen Draven enter the ball room and made his way to him, "Lord Draven, I am glad that you were able to make it.? Come let me introduce you to a few others," he said as he held out his hand to welcome Draven.? With a smile and a returned hand shake, Draven gave the man a smile, "Hello, Thomas.? Yes, thank you for the invite.? I am glad to be getting started here." He let go of the man's hand and took a glass of blood wine off of a passing tray.
Tag: Theodosia (spelling)
|
Re: Disaster Cruise: Your ticket to adventure (Catherine, open)
[All the passengers get a slickly made itinerary delivered to them via express delivery, which includes all the requisite tickets, the schedule, and this introduction…]
WELCOME ABOARD THE SEVEN SISTERS! MORE THAN A CRUISE, AN EXPERIENCE! The Seven Sisters is a hand-built, two masted gaff-rigged schooner, based off the legendary Baltimore Clippers of the 19th century.? These sturdy vessels were known for their speed and safety, proven time and again by rounding Cape Horn as they took adventurous souls to the West Coast for the California Gold Rush.? Belying her traditional lines are a state-of-the art galley, modern accommodations for up to 24 passengers, and a luxurious grand salon that includes satellite internet access.? Our fine vessel boasts the best in old world sailing and modern day amenities.
Most modern cruise lines isolate their passengers from the sea, whereas we offer the experience of the sea as it once was.? During our cruise you will have the opportunity to learn the ropes of manning this fine vessel.? During our various stops, we also offer lessons in dinghy sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.? Daily meals are prepared by our award winning chef using local ingredients, and the Grand Salon is open for simple leisure until 21:00 hours. Your journey begins at Nassau, where the captain will welcome you aboard as you stow your luggage in your assigned cabin, and get briefed on all necessary safety procedure.? Your first dinner aboard will be served shortly afterward, and we will set sail that night or early Monday morning, as the tide lets out. Your experience will include four stops at four of the rarer jewels of the Out Islands, which will include experiencing the local culture, tours and nature hikes, and enjoying some of the most beautiful vistas the Out Islands have to offer.? Our final stop will be the return to Nassau, seven days later.? At the end, you will have a week’s worth of experiences unlike anything modern life normally offers, made new friends among some of your fellow passengers, and have a story to tell others for the rest of your life..
Thank you for honoring us with your presence.? We look forward to setting sail with you.
(Catherine)
Cat squealed with excitement as she finished reading the invite.? She looked at her close friends, one of them was going with her and she couldn't be more ready.? "This is going to be great, Cece.? A seven day voyage for my 21st birthday!!!? This is going to be awesome."? Cece took the invite and read it over as well.? "Hang on a moment," she pulled out her cell and first Googled schooners, then Googled Baltimore clippers, "hm, interesting schooners and clippers are two different kinds of ships."
Cat took the invite back, "who cares, we are going to be on a ship for my 21st birthday!" she exclaimed and all of the girls squealed with her.? She couldn't wait for Sunday to get here and they all started helping her and Cece pack.
Tag: Open
|
Re: Raconteur City: The Summoning (Pyp, Kutsuki)
(Pyp)
"Careful, Eraisama," Pyp said, eyes glinting with mischief as he drew the title out.? "Arguing logic with a demon has been the downfall of many a mortal.? Especially one so new at it. And one who has an unfortunate tendency to forget the rules."? The demon grinned.? "First of all, I didn't _tell_ you anything.? I simply asked you a question.? What you might infer from that question is entirely on your head, not mine.? Secondly, you've apparently forgotten that I am no longer obligated to be entirely truthful when I tell you things.? I _could_ have been lying about the sex toys."? He let that thought linger in the air for a moment, then just snickered and shrugged.? "As it happens, I wasn't lying.? But I could have been."
"Beasophor," Pyp said, correcting his youthful summoner's pronunciation.? "Besophor is a much lower-level demon from a different circle of Hell.? Doesn't really have charge of anything, last time I talked to her anyway. A minor succubus specializing in Greek Orthodox priests, as I recall."
The demon caught the photo tossed to him and looked it over.? "Isolde Wymarc, eh?" he mused.? "Not bad.? I'd certainly fuck her if I got the chance.? And she's been dabbling in the forbidden?? That opens up _all_ kinds of possibilities."? He made a mental note as he tucked the photo inside his jacket.??
"Well, 'brain-scrubbing', as you put it," he went on, "is a possibility, long as it doesn't hurt her physically.? I could simply make her forget you even exist.? Of course, I'd have to do the same thing to all of her minions as well.? And go to all the places they live and remove any evidence they might have - photos, dossiers, pornographic doodles or whatever - to keep them from being reminded."? He sat on the edge of Kutsuki's desk, pondering the situation.? "But there's still the problem of her re-discovering you."? He looked to his summoner knowingly.? "If she became obsessed with you before, she may well do it again if you cross her path, memory or no memory."
"Or..." Pyp said suddenly, an idea coming to him, "I could simply impersonate you.? Make myself look exactly like you..." the demon hopped off the desk and did a quick twirl, and suddenly was Kutsuki's mirror image, not only in face and body but in clothes as well "...and then proceed to treat her like dog crap until she couldn't stand the sight of you."? He grinned and snapped his fingers, causing a duplicate of Kutsuki's chair to appear behind him.? He then flopped back into the chair and mimicked his summoner's exact posture and facial expression.? "Would that work for you, Eraisama?"
[Kutsuki]
As much as he disliked the impetuous imp, Kutsuki thoroughly enjoyed the way his name rolled off of Pyp's tongue.? Perhaps a lot more than he wanted to admit to himself.? The way it was drawn out was very seductive, yet forceful and laced with a hint of warning, but it was par due on course for him, so much that it actually made his skin tingle just for a bit.? He placed his hand thoughtfully against his lips, if only to hide the slightest rising curve of his lips, but once he took his hand away, it was if the beginning of that smile never occurred.
"Fine, whatever.? I don't care.? Keep my parents' sexual escapades to yourself from now on.? I am neither curious nor interested, understand?" he said, snarling a bit at the end.? When he was corrected on?Beasophor's?name, however, the white haired youth simply rolled his eyes back.? "Bee-sophor, Beasophor.? It's all the same to me when it comes to you lot.? Just make sure you know who it is when the time comes to it.? Now, as for Isolde..."? He leaned back, closing his eyes as he waved his hand dramatically in the air, keeping the other crossed across his chest and tucked into his elbow.
"That sounds like too much trouble, honestly, and a big waste of time.? I know what obsessions are like.? You can erase the memory from them, but a strong enough link will bring it back.? Unless I make myself cease to exist, which is not in the cards," he said, heaving a big sigh.? Before he could continue, however, Pyp's presence suddenly got close, setting Kutsuki's skin on pins and needles, but when Kutsuki's eyes flew open to command the demon to fall back, he was met with a mirror-like image of himself.? He froze.? It was one thing to think to see oneself in the mirror, yet never be able to see yourself as you are, and another to have your likeness sitting directly across from you, mimicking your actions just as if that was you.? It perturbed Kutsuki down to his very core, but before he even know what he was doing, he was up on his feet and in front of Pyp like lightning.
His breathing quickened, fingers twitching uncontrollably.? There he was, a Kutsuki clone, sitting in much the same manner that he was just a few seconds ago.? His hair, his face, his body.? His clothing.? The way he sat..? Everything was exactly the same.? It made the real Kutsuki restless, uneasy, but also electrified.? Shocked.? Excited.? Disgusted at what he was seeing, but also secretly...delighted?? No, it couldn't be...? The normally stoic and unflappable youth now stood slightly shaking, his snake-like pupils as big as the full moon was in the sky.? Raising one hand, he first waved it over the others' form, at first, from far enough distance but then strangely turned his hand to look at his palm, visibly confused.? Next try, he brought his hand closer to the fake Kutsuki, so close that he could feel the heat coming off that body, but then instinctively pulling his arm back as if he got stung, examining his skin once again.
"Strange...I don't feel it at all," he murmured, mostly to himself.? That feeling of pure revulsion...this...seizure-like sensation...it did not exist at all.? Was he imagining things?? Reaching out again, he at first gingerly touched Pyp's likeness of him, just one finger sliding across the cheek, again brought back just as fast.? Nothing at all.? But he couldn't stop.? Again, he reached out.? A couple of fingers, then more and more until his hands safely cupped the imp's face in his hands, fingers kneading the soft, white flesh.? Kutsuki could not believe it at all.? It was astonishing.? He ran his fingers through "his" hair, feeling how the strands moved out of the way.? Then he moved them down to the neck, feeling the curvature that joined into the shoulders and then coming back to the collarbone, structure jutting out as sharply as his own.? It was then that Kutsuki's eyes met Pyp's, a cloudy, stormy look of one who was absolutely caught up in the whirlwind of conflicting emotions, until his orbs moved down to Pyp's mouth, one thumb rubbing back and forth across the lower as he pulled it down and saw the same set of fanged, pearly whites.? When he finally removed his hands, he turned them palms up and examined them, turning them over and over as if he was looking for dirt.
"Disgusting," he whispered, a worse that he mouthed over and over.? His senses had come back to him, thank the deities.? Fascination gone as quickly as it came, Kutsuki suddenly slapped Pyp, right hand across across the left cheek, nails forcefully scraping the flesh, leaving behind giant, red welts.? That revulsion that was gone?? Now a full tsunami wave.? How dare that fucking imp allow himself to mimic what Kutsuki held most dear - himself!? He felt sick to his stomach.? "Get out!? GET OUT!? NOW.? Get the FUCK out, and don't come back here until the morning!"
[tag Pyp]
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Re: A Pirates Life (Khadashee and Draven)
(Draven)"Well, even this old sea dog needs to feel solid ground under his feet once in a while." He said with a chuckle at her comment about not living constantly on the sea.? "A nice little beach side cottage would be nice somewhere. Tell me, what part of the world would you like to live in?"
(On the Shiloh) The stow away had peeked out from under the life boat to see that the ship he was on was attached and under the power of another ship.? He pondered this while he laid back down under the boat.
Khadashee
Khadashee moved to step into his arms. “My only preference is being with you. I don’t care where we end up. I just would like to have a little patch of land somewhere so I can have a garden. I always wanted a garden.”?
She said coming to rest her head on his chest. “I’m feeling a little better now. Not as sick.”
(Ooc: I thought Draven’s boat was called the serenity.)
|
Luukasama
Cat
Scott