View source for 694/Pirates Be Problems

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/09/28
|Location=Moraby Drydocks - La Noscea, Eorzea Regon, Hydaelyn
|Synopsis=Pirates decide to show their displeasure for some new Maelstrom ships in progress.
|Thanks=Soundwave for playing as the Admiral
|Cast of Characters=27, 307, 548, 552, 560, 569
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The day is busy at the Moraby Drydocks. Crews are working on the construction around the area. New stone being placed in, wood being laid down, and what ships do come into port being tended too. As the once small drydock that over saw to so many smaller sailing ships of Limsa Lominsa is now making way to start to ready for larger ships -- even under such crucial rebuilding. After all, the seas stop for now man and thus man must ever ride forward.<br /><br />One such ship is being built right now, only a skeleton of her framework, but being done at the orders of the Admiral herself. The new class of ship that will one day sail the mighty seas and her name is that of "Victory".<br /><br />Yet not all desire to see such a proud ship one day set sail, for some-- she represents progress down a road of negative light for all whom sail. The ship that will lead to the shackles and binds that take away from freedom. That take away from the days of old when all who sail the sea with no bounds placed upon them.<br /><br />They will remind Limsa Lominsa that they do not own the waters and that they will not make use of the war that is starting to brew as a means to declare themselves over all. Yes--- in the shadows of Moraby Drydocks, there are those in waiting-- waiting for the right time to strike...<br /><br />Then for others this was just another peaceful days. Adventures and Outsiders alike who do come to visit will find themselves either being able to enjoy the ale at the local pub, even maybe give aid to some of the movement of the materials. A few of the "Yellow Jackets" are also standing about. Though one of them can be seen standing against one of the white stone walls, with his hat down over his face snoozing a bit. Long shift for him perhaps...<br /><br />As for Xau'ra Tayuun, the dark gray furred Miqo'te was in his white outfit, with hat on his head and red lens goggles over his eyes. He for once was actually aiding in moving some of the crates and though his bow was no where to be seen, his two swords were at his side.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Working, working, working on the Victory! Hoping to earn a little gil so he can buy some of the local food ingredients to experiment with, Shirou has been working with Xau. Besides, doing work is his way of living! Hauling crates is fine! He's right behind Xau, having adopted some clothes more suitable for the local environment and less stand-outish than blue jeans...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's a real wooden ship... where I'm from ship building materials moved way past wood. They're all made of metal and fiberglass and weirder things." He idly comments on the novelty of seeing an actual old-style ship in the making.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:569|Bitter Medicine (569)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>There's an Alchemical Exalted here, a dour fellow by the name of Bitter Medicine. Rumor has it this world is host to pirates. He's heard of them, however alien the concept of naval battles or even travel may be. Currently, he's loaded for combat--there are a lot of supplies here, and his job has taught him to always expect the worst. That way, even if he's wrong, he'll be pleasantly surprised. <br /><br /> He's currently standing beside said supplies, beneath the shade of an awning. He looks at home, glowering at suspicious individuals from the shadows. It's not that he doesn't trust the local guard--after all, they've been policing their world longer than he has. He just knows what he's built for, and strength augmentations aside, manual labor isn't his deal. <br /><br /> He might also be enjoying a cold drink, though his severe expression obfuscates any pleasure the beverage might be providing. No matter the weather or how much he might stick out, Bitter Medicine is wearing his Regulator uniform--black synth-leather trench coat, jumpsuit, jackboots, silver gear-shaped badge.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Allyn too is helping out with the moving of crates, actually being in his human form since he's here at the docks. It's not ideal for him, but it isn't easy to do such things as an animal after all. Well, it is a way to make gil after all. though he never keeps much of it for himself. He blinks at Shirou, "I thought all ships were made from wood. What is fiberglass? and if they were made of metal wouldn't they sink?" he shrugs some as he helps move crates.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...'Vict'ry', eh? Sounds like paintin' a target on your prow ter me."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is just a vague complaint, grumbled under the breath of an out of-place looking man. 'Out of place' because there's not a thing he's wearing that isn't black. In a bright, sunny place, that kind of stands out, even if he /has/ made an effort to fit in at least a little-- he's missing his coat and he's wearing a sleeveless shirt. He's still wrapped up from nose to waist, but hey... it was either this or he'd be walking around with the fire all sticking out, and that would /really/ make people nervous!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's sort of just standing there, probably near where Xau'ra and Shirou are. He's not trying to openly disassociate himself with anyone, but he doesn't quite trust those wrappings near water or heavy objects. Last thing he needs is for these guys to think he's Tempered or under the will of that primal fire thing, he'd get run out of town!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xau'ra takes one of the boxes from Shirou wants he gets himself into position and raises a brow, then nods to Allyn's comment, "I never heard of ships being made of anything but wood, even the airships-- though few they be are made of wood.. unless you look at the Garleans.." The male miqo'te then snorts. "..which use metal for everything.. probably even their seven hells underwear."<br /><br />Once he makes sure the items are in places, he hopes down and even gives Allyn a hand, he then brushes off his hands a bit once he does that and his tail twitches. "At least the weather is nice today.. be a the curse of the twelve if the air was stagnate."<br /><br />Bitter Medicine as he watches, may notice some-- odd behavior taking place off on the side of one of the empty dry-docks that is still under construction. Three men are talking and they seem to be pointing over at one of the hoists that is holding a piece of dark iron bracer high above. Two give one another a nod as they go to head off in different directions. The one who goes to left makes a motion with his hand.<br /><br />Which seems to be noticed by a few who give one back-- it would seem like a wave to the untrained eye, though a few finish what they are doing and start to head in that way. The other is heading into the pub itself. While the last one is going up the ladder to the old fashion crane.<br /><br />While Xau'ra takes another crate he looks over to Jonothon, "Mm? I am not sure why the Admiral wants to her name her Victory to be honest. I admit--" He then speaks an almost stage whisper, "..I'm not really an ocean fairing type." There was a grin on his face, before he hops back down and gets ready to make a new row. "I think-- we almost got all the crates. Thank Menphina for that.."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Right. Wooden ships went out of style when people realized that metal CAN float. Boats float because the water they push out of the way when you put them in it pushes back. So even metal hulls can float." Shirou explains. "And fiberglass is a kind of plastic material with glass woven through it. It's light but tough. It's only good for small boats though. Ones for a handful of people at most. ... Like the little fishing boats here." Shirou exclaims. He may suck at english, but he has a very good grasp of materials and construction, that's for sure.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He turns to regard some of the ships in the harbor for a moment after geting that out. "Though I've always liked looking at the old style wooden ships with masts." He ALSO snorts at the Miqo'te's joke. "Come on, metal underwear?" Man. That would be so uncomfortable. Especially for a guy.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He shudders at the implications after thinking about it seriously.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah, it's a nice day... and I'm glad we're about done!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:552|Soundwave (552)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>A patrol of Yellow Jackets walk past the area where Xau'ra and company have largely gathered to lend their assistance. The leader, a dark-skinned Hyur clad with a more ornate version of the golden greatcoats worn by the rank-and-file, pauses briefly to appraise their progress. "Hoi and well-met!" The officer calls to the group. "I take all's well here?" <br /><br />In the background, one may start to notice a different group beginning to mingle amongst the Drydocks. Clad in similar styling to the Yellow Jackets, but colored red instead of gold. There are no signs of conflict or unrest, but interesting timing given a few seafaring folk taking their leave of the area just moments before...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:569|Bitter Medicine (569)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Bitter Medicine pays the Hyur a silent glance laden with the respect of a fellow officer of the law. "Yes," he says after giving a nod of acknowledgement. "But you might want a pair of eyes on that crane." The Alchemical points towards the crane and the worker approaching it. If it's just a dockworker, fine. No harm done. But given the sudden appearance of these red-coated guys, and the sudden departure of a few other workers, he's feeling more than a little suspicious.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jono looks up at the speaker answering him, who turns out to be Xau'ra. He looks a little sheepish that he was overheard, but does respond, "Ev'ry time they call a ship something 'epic', it ends up driven by a moron into an iceberg or other ship because he thought the ship was strong enough ter take the impact an' it ends up sinkin'." It's kind of a flat tone, less an actual 'these are life's lessons' tone and more a 'really now, this again?' tone. Then again, Jono's tone is usually that dry.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He quiets when the Not-yellow-but-Red Jackets starts to appear. To be perfectly honest, he doesn't know the difference, since he's not been in the world long enough to know what's a police officer and what isn't. Aside from Bitter Medicine over there. Even from another world, that guy's look just /screams/ 'I am a cop, do not eff with me'. However, he doesn't know much about the movements of seafarers either. All in all, Jono just shuts up when someone who looks like he's in charge starts talking to people that are working, since he doesn't want to get them in trouble for lollygagging.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Allyn has to chuckle at Xau's joke when he makes it and shakes his head and agrees with Shirou, "Yeah, I don't think I'd want to wear anything like that. If it was either that or nothing, I think I would have to go with nothing." he snickers and contineus helping moving the crates, pondering what Shirou said about the ships, "Well, I've never seen some as big as some of these here, since I never lived near the sea, but they are kind of interesting."<br /><br />He nods to the yellow jacket when the question is asked, "We should be done with these crates soon. At least I think so."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xau'ra chuckles at Shirou, "Well, it has to explain the reason why they are so bloody disgruntled all the right, righ'? I mean, seriously, picking fights all the time. I do such myself if I was wearing something that uncomfortable."<br /><br />The male Miqo'te takes note of the increased number of 'Red Jackets' and his tail lays low as his ears move back slightly, "..cripes.." he says under his breath. He goes to move the next set of crates and his mood suddenly seems to change. Yellow Jackets were one thing, sure more local law enforcement then anything-- but those guys...<br /><br />He looks over to Jonothon and smirks faintly, "No worries. The Admiral has her reasons I am sure and only a fool would go questioning it." He seems a little distracted as he goes to put one of the crates and it almost slips from his fingers, "Shiii." he manages to catch the crate however, but items inside can be heard roughly shifting around. Which catches the man's attention on the ship who whistles at Xau'ra and yells down to him. "Careful wi' 'at lad! Don't go breakin' nuttin'! Ye almos' done wi' it all, jus' a few more bags up 'ere." Which as he says that, a few on the ship go to toss some to Shirou for catching. They are not to heavy. Probably produce.<br /><br />As for the one who is heading up for the crane, he starts to move it quickly when the red jackets start to show up. The beam starts to move and it actually starts to swing the beam toward the Victory's skeletal structure. A few who are working on it take notice of it, "Seven hells man! What are you doing?!"<br /><br />Then from the higher up of roofs a few shots can be heard suddenly firing across the area, to stop any coming near the crane. That may get some attention from the law enforcement, including the dude who /was/ snoozing.<br /><br />Then a voice calls out from on top of one of the buildings holding a double barrel musket. His outfit was mostly a dark brown, almost black, with gold trim. Very pirate like really and a hat to match. He had slim form, but stood around close to seven feet. His ears were elf like and his skin was a very dark blue. With dark brown hair and red in it when the light hit it just right. Those eyes of his were red also in color. "Sorry for the interruptions! But with the sudden Maelstrom activity taking notice of us-- we had to move our hands a bit quicker! Now why don't all you lovely people go hide in your homes, you lazy Barracudas and sea serpent of a Maelstrom go back into your little coves.. while we-- the true freedom of the seas.. strip apart these gods awful eye sores at which /you/ all so desire to take and use to strip that freedom away from!"<br /><br />His eyes then narrow as his head tilts down slightly, "..and the first ship to sink will be that cursed.. Victory.."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:552|Soundwave (552)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Though already in mid-turn to follow Bitter Medicine's gaze, the group of Yellow Jackets freeze when the shots ring out. "Damn them to the seven hells," the dark-skinned Hyur hisses under his breath. Thankfully, not all have forgotten more turbulant times, and general townsfolk are quick to hide themselves for their own protection. <br /><br />"What's this, then? A Duskwight and his lot having a temper tantrum?" A female voice barks from high above, loud enough to be heard over the commotion. Anyone who looks upwards would find a very tall female Roegadyn standing at the edge of a very high stone wall, disapproval clear in her almost lumescent gold eyes. Her skin is very pale, ice-blue with a tinge of pink, and her hair is cut short and colored silverish white. She is clad in a black greatcoat that is cut low on the chest and reaches her knees, black sleeves with white cuffs and gloves, and two double-barreled flintlocks holstered on her hips. Her legs are fully clad with black leather boots, and both shoulders emblazoned with pauldrons bearing the insignia of Limsa Lominsa itself. <br /><br />"Short-sighted shites! I bust my arse to plot a course to Limsa Lominsa's restoration, and this is how you repay my efforts? PAH! May the Abyss take the lot of you!" She snaps one hand up, arm level with her shoulder straight out from her side. "Barracudas, ensure these curs encroach no further and use whatever force necessary to flush them from their holes! Commodore Reyner, have your Yellow Jackets arrest any who haven't the sense to retreat nor the will to die!" <br /><br />"Aye, Admiral!" The dark-skinned Hyur responds with a salute, then he and his men scatter to enact their commander's will. Those clad in red and gold greatcoats alike band together and spread out, intent to dig out the pirates threatening the Drydocks and the Victory besides. <br /><br />The Admiral's gaze then travels to appraise Xau'ra and the others. "You there, adventurers and outsiders. If you care to assist in rounding up these rabblerousers and taking back that crane, feel free. If not," she unholsters her flintlocks, raising them to rest against her shoulders, "then stay out of the way."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jono moves forward a step or two when the crate shifts as though it's about to fall. He's not completely without the desire to help his fellow man, after all, even if said 'fellow man' happens to be covered in fur and obviously not human. He gets along well with Dr. McCoy, after all. his assistance turns out to be not necessary yet, and he steps back, but he's still there if anyone needs him.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then the guy on the building starts talking about 'sinking the Victory'. Jono sighs, his shoulders slumping a little, and his hand scrubs over what of his face still remains. "Bollocks, I hate bein' right sometimes," he mutters, the worlds unmuffled by his hand or the wrappings. There's a woman yelling something and Jono looks up from his facepalm to listen. "Aye, cap'n," he agrees, not really much caring about the title. He's offering help and not asking for payment, he gets to at least be irreverent about it. Besides. He's a teenager. Kind of part and parcel there.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That in mind, he 'calls' to the man atop the crane, "Gerroff there, yer stupid bell-end, before yer 'urt yourself! Or someone hurts yer!" He sounds more disappointed in the guy rather than angry or self-righteous. Thankfully he can broadcast his mental voice at normal volume to the man and still keep it audible to the others.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:569|Bitter Medicine (569)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The beam is going to hit the ship. The ship took more time to put together than the beam. The beam is an acceptable loss. Bitter Medicine's hand snaps to Voidbane, his gyroscopic chakram. His fingers slip into the grooves, and an Essence expenditure sets the weapon's machinery to work, the wicked-looking thing whirring to life and puffing little ribbons of steam. With a disciplined stance, he swings his arm out and lets the weapon fly. It soars through the air with a terrible, shrieking wail, buzzing over the Yellow Jackets' heads and moving straight for the chain holding the beam up. <br /><br /> Sounds like the Admiral wants that crane intact. "Oops." Technically, it will be--hey, the chain might even be fine if it's tougher than Soulsteel. He doubts it, though he is naturally biased in favor of the Great Maker's technology. Even so, the crane /itself/ should be fine. No matter. 'Any force necessary' is his favorite phrase. The Alchemical steps out into the sunlight, which casts his less=than-handsome features in fierce relief. His silver earrings shine in the afternoon light, and wobble from side to side as he activates his Plasma Thruster Assembly. Jets of purple-red fire erupt from his boots, leaving trails of ash and cinder in their wake as he takes to the skies. He's got his sights set on the man working the crane, and there's not a gun-toting pirate in Hell that's gonna stop him. Jonothon's right--someone /is/ going to hurt him.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou snatches the bags with ease! He's quite coordinated! And he only barely manages to do so without getting TOo distracted by Xau's joking around. The boy snorts again. "Wouldn't it be great if it was just something like that. Yeah..." He doesn't really understand the Garleans. But he hasn't met them either, really. But perhaps he should try to understand their motivations later?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Because this hostility needs to end ASAP, and fighting battles is the method least likely to save anyone from that hell. The only people you can save on the battlefield are the ones who survive.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Just as his thoughts start drifting off though... an almighty piratical ruckus shakes him out of the daze! "Wh---" A beam's going swinging at the Victory! Sabotage and a showboating pirate musketeer?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You've gotta be kidding me... the docks are under attack?! Xau, I thought you said the Abyssal Fleet were the problem..." Shirou eyes those around. Allyn, Jono, Bitter Medicine... man, he doesn't really recognize everyone and has no idea how well this situation can be handled.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Trace, on...!" Those with any magical senses will feel a tiny flicker from him. Like a guttering ember, or a candle flame, as opposed to the focused blowtorch intensity of most mages. But it is enough. He rapidly sifts through his memories, sorting through a 'weapon library' for something useful against a bunch of gunmen...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Golden light streams out from his hands. Kusanagi no Tsurugi appears almost instantly. A tiny expenditure of prana for Shirou, but a gain several orders of magnitude greater. The weapon he wields is an old-style black metal longsword with a crude leather-wrapped grip. Despite the somewhat menacing appearance it feels almost holy. Wind gathers idly around the blade as visible air currents, swirling, circling, and tightening...!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now that Shirou's prana supply issues are solved, he can afford to wield the weapon to its full potential.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'll give it a try!" He answers the admiral. "We've gotta stop the crane before they wreck the ship!" Off towards the crane he goes, pumping prana through his body. Reinforcing himself is no easy feat, so for now he doesn't. Instead, natural athletic ability carries him at great speeds for the crane's base!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Well, looks like there is going to be trouble, especially when the admiral asks them for help. Guess there wont be anymore moving crates for now, at least not until the current problem is dealt with. It's been a long time since he'd been in a fight in his current form and he reaches to unsheath his long-knife, ah to heck with it. He has been in this form too long here anyway, so he shifts becoming a large wolf as he bounds off the dock and into the streets, time to sniff out some bad guys it seems.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The male elezen pirate smiles as the Admiral makes herself know, "If it not be the cur of the waves herself. I'd hope I have the honor of you being here so you can watch your precious dreams run ashore." He then points his flintlock right toward her, "Now I can see to it that we will never have to embrace your whims again!"<br /><br />Sure enough as the Yellow Jackets and Maelstrom move out, they are quickly met with opposition. People who can't fight quickly go into hiding and the Admiral finds two rounds flying right from her as the Elezen opens fire, though he is equally as quick to go find cover.<br /><br />The Chakram comes around just as the pirate in the crane yells down at Jonothon, "Why don't you come and make--" he hears the Chakram impact the chain, his eyes glance up to watch it cut into the chain, "--me?"<br /><br />Then the pirate watches part of the plan go up in smokes from where he sits, as the beam goes crashing down and right into one of the piers not that far from Xau'ra, Jonothon, and Shirou. The Pirate in the crane sneers as he gets out to aim his own flint right for Bitter as he goes flying in and starts to open fire round after round.<br /><br />Xau'ra however watches the beam fall and glances over to Shirou when the boy states what he does. His ears go back flat as his tail almost bristles. "Welcome to Eorzea-- we got more bloody problems then a Dodo can lay eggs." The hunter miqo'te though lets out focus on the crane operator, given that the 'real' threat of it was eliminated, instead takes notice of some pirates heading for the Victory herself. "Oh no you don't!"<br /><br />He goes to reach for his bow and then realizes-- right-- he left it at the inn. "Arrrgh!" He then quickly goes to run up along side one of the pier walls, to leap over to a ship's mast and then kick himself up to one of the upper wall levels to try and make his way over. Only to find himself get knocked over silly at the top of the wall by a tall male pirate with a ball-n-chain.<br /><br />The pirates though heading for the Victory herself are using the others as distractions and they are caring barrels under their arms, more correctly-- barrels marked to be shipped to Ul'dah.. and those barrels are not that of wood, but metal...<br /><br />Maybe Allyn can stop them in time?<br /><br />Because the group heading for the crane will not only find the operator firing at them, but also some guys who have just made their way onto the street, though a few find themselves getting in a match with the locals.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kusanagi moves with precision beyond what Shirou can possibly manage or predict. It places itself in the path of bullets moments before muskets go off, neatly dicing the projectiles out of the air or just tanking them on its flat. Sparks fly from the rough meeting of metal on metal with such force, but the grass-cutting sword has the experience of countless wielders of divine blood and great skill. Arrows are no threat to it, so bullets are little trouble either. But poor Shirou's arms are getting wrenched awkwardly by the effort, and a few bullets do spear through to strike. One gets him just under the shoulder. Painful, but not crippling. Not with his strange regeneration, anyways. The wound bleeds, and staggers him slightly, but...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tch! He really doesn't want to kill these people. But they have no such compunctions against him. He'll give it just one try.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kusanagi's blade draws in torrents of wind, compresses them into a miniature tornado... Shirou pumps prana into the weapon, drawing on his now-superior reserves... and gives it a wide, horizontal swing.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Without calling its true name, the ability is much reduced - but the blade commands the winds, and sends a mighty gale towards his distant attackers. A wall of wind comparable to the gale of a tornado, compressed into a blunt 'slash wave' howls at them. It tears up some stuff alon the way, pulling debris, but the wind's impact itself will be fairly blunt and hopefully non-lethal!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Xau! Do you need a bow?!" he yells the Miqo'te's way. Apparently Shirou saw he was in trouble there. Although, a bow against a flail is not really that helpful, is it?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:552|Soundwave (552)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Admiral Merlwyb Blowefhiswyn allows a thin smile to flatten her lips. "'Whims', eh?" She leaps to the side and rolls, the pirate captain's buckshot peppering stone and wood in her wake. She ceases her momentum at a low crouch, returning fire at the pirate captain with one of her own flintlocks -- one roar of gunpowder, two rounds sent flying. "You lot are all the same. Crying about your impeded 'freedoms' on some 'ore-begotten mockery of principle!" She aims her other flintlock in a different direction, firing a few rounds to any other pirates who happen to get in her sights -- and her vantage point gives her quite a wide range. <br /><br />Those who cannot fight are long since hidden, but the majority of those who know how to use a weapon bolster the forces of the red-clad Barracudas and the gold-clad Yellow Jackets without being ordered to do so. This seems to turn what could've been a bloody stalemate into a slight advantage for the Maelstrom forces.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Allyn sees the pirates carrying the barrels towards the shi and tilts his head for a moment as he watches them. That doesn't look good, actually looks kind of suspicious. So he takes off as fast as he can here in the streets, dodging through people if there are any in the way. The others seem a bit distracted with other things to notice the barrels after all.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Truth be told, Jono didn't expect the moron on the crane to listen. But Bitter Medicine's chakram seems to have put an end to the threat that the crane poses. "See? What'd I tell yer? So jus' come down an' forget-- Agh!" Words are cut off as several bullets impact his torso. The astute will note they went right through him, and strike the sand not too far in back of him, digging little divots in the sand. He falls, hitting the ground with a muffled whump, eyes open and staring. He's still.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But there's something odd about him... there is an orange-red light shining through the holes in his shirt. It may be lost in the daylight, though. A few moments pass, and the pirates may be congratulating themselves on their first Elite kill. Except Jono's fingers twitch. His eyes close. And when they open, they seem to glow a white-orange color.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He sits up, then gets to his feet. "...Right then. I was tryin' ter be nice." He pulls at the wrappings until they loosen, and what looks very much like red-orange fire begins to outline the top of his face with a hellish halo of flames. "But I draw the line 'o bein' nice at bein' shot." That said, he fires a burst of those not-flames at the pirates. The attack won't burn like fire, though. It feels like a solid punch to the everything, mixed with the sensation of someone applying a rotary sander with 80 grit paper to their skin.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Somehow Jono still manages to sound disappointed, even when glowering angrily and shooting flames from his face.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:569|Bitter Medicine (569)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>'You are a /demigod!/ Fight like one!' The words of Bitter Medicine's sifu ring in his mind as bullets bounce off of his augmentations and rip through his center of mass. Typically, Exalted can do far, far more damage than they can take. This is as true for Alchemicals as it is for any other kind. These bullets hurt, sure, but he's not going to give the pirates the satisfaction of outwardly expressing pain. He grits his teeth and scowls, venom in his eyes. <br /><br /> The dour Regulator speeds towards the pirate atop the crane, making use of his boosted athleticism to roll aside. He snaps out his arms. <br /><br /> One arm catches Voidbane as it returns to him, moaning and shrieking all the way. The other grabs the pirate by the ankle. Bitter Medicine takes his new friend on one hell of a ride, flying through the air as fast as his plasma thrusters will take him. He banks and slows down as he approaches a rooftop full of pirates--certainly an odd unit of measurement. The Alchemical waits for Shirou's wind attack to strike true, then deposits (that is, chucks like a fastball) the pirate among his compatriots.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Shirou's blade wave knocks a few pirates right off their feet and a few into the water. Those that try to get back up find themselves being quickly jumped and knocked unconscious by a few Barracudas. Though when Shirou goes to look to find Xau'ra, he will find the male miqo'te is-- in a bit of trouble.<br /><br />Xau'ra is having to quickly hand spring away from a swing, then duck under another before trying to slide himself between the much taller man's legs. Then sprinting away, only to find himself hugging the wall's top when the cannon-ball on chain goes swinging over head.<br /><br />When Jonothon goes down, some pirates go to help their brethren out, only to find themselves coming to a stop when Jonothon rises, "..what in the name of the twelve.." of them mutters before he and the other two get knocked right over when the flaming fists of justice!<br /><br />As Allyn starts to make a move on the pirates, he will hear one of them make a sharp whistle. It is about the he may hear a 'bark' before a wolf hound goes to tackle pounce the outsider wolf. Eorzean wolf versus outside breed--- FIGHT!<br /><br />As for the pirate in the crane he goes for one hell of a ride thanks to Bitter Medicine and when he gets dropped off, he doesn't even move. Instead he just-- kinda twitches, making him easy to arrest it would seem.<br /><br />Now for the Admiral she may notice one of her strikes hit truth right into the Pirate leader's shoulder as he does to move. He winces and then looks over from his hiding spot. "Principle Admiral? Ha! Do you believe your principle is any better then ours? Pirate blood runs through your veins as much as it is in mine, yet you turn your back on your own, like a yellow belly fish!"<br /><br />He then goes to open another shot at her, before going to move to another location. "The Garleans be at our doorstep, you build your ships to tighten your hold on the waters, and for what?! Some blind hope that the Warriors of Light that some many speak of will return to save us?! You know why they hope that Admiral?"<br /><br />The Elezen steps out from behind where he hides and takes aim as he sneers, "..because you are a bloody coward, comforted by your seat of power-- and you don't care about our freedoms, or you already have those Garlean whores running back to the skies..." He then opens fire at her once more.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Allyn growls as he gets tackle pounced by the wolf hound, well it could be worse and he goes tumbling with the other canine for a few feet and yelps, not having expected to be suddenly tackled. He growls at the other canine and then tries to speak to it &lt;&lt;You should help me sister, I am your friend and they are your enemy.&gt;&gt; he bares his teeth at the canine, trying to intimidate it, if that can't get it under control, well, he wont have any other choice but to bite!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:552|Soundwave (552)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Admiral Bloefhiswyn spins in a duck again, shots meant for her chest bouncing off of a pauldron instead with a harsh series of 'TING's, scoring the ornate reds and black with angry slashes of silver. She fires back, her expression splitting into a scowling snarl. "You know NOTHING, scrag!" <br /><br />She stands, stalking the captain while being completely heedless to the lead flying around her. "I outlawed piracy to keep us from ripping each other's throats out in our darkest hour, and you take that as an impediment of freedom? Thal's balls, the Victory and my effort to rebuild the Crimson Fleet isn't to tighten my grasp on the title of Chief Admiral -- it is to restrengthen all of Limsa Lominsa in the wake of the Calamity, ye blooming idiot! You think sabotaging my efforts are going to help a damn thing with the Garleans breathing down our necks?! We could have had the Garleans on the run if idiotic captains like you weren't fighting me every second of every day!" <br /><br />She spits to the side, an arm snapping close as a stray bullet skims her side. "I have never forsaken my roots and am quite proud of my pirating ways, but I have always run a tight ship! Limsa Lominsa was a hellhole before the Maelstrom, a festering wart on the arse of Eorzea, a shame to the Navigator herself -- you would have us return to THAT?" She stops cold, her expression flat and stony as she steadies her aim. "We are better than that, and I will prove it -- without you, if need be." And with that, she fires.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The blast seemed like it came from where Jono's mouth should be, so one could be forgiven for thinking he'd breathed fire on the pirates who shot at him, even if nothing has actually caught on fire. "Right, that's your cue to pack it in," Jono growls. He won't attack unless they do. In fact, he'll try to reason with them!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If I know your jobs as well as I think I do, yer got a choice between runnin' back wi' your tail between your legs an' gettin' offed by your boss, gettin' arrested an' hanged for piracy, or gettin' offed fightin' me," Jono reasons. "I don't wanna kill yer. So stop now an' I'll try ter see that yer get mercy. Keep it up an' I leave yer for the Admiral ter 'ang by your own guts."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, if the Barracudas slay the pirates, then there's just no helping it. But he hopes they just tie them up or something. Hopes, anyways. Though, thinking about it, piracy often means execution in lots of places, doesn't it? Ow. Either way, he's got more pressing matters to deal with.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Like saving Xau. Shirou turns about to head over to the pier, but he sees the monstrous man swinging that flail around madly. And Xau's having serious trouble.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No time to think about it. He needs to attack from a distance, and if he uses Kusanagi he'll catch Xau in it too! A normal throw won't reach... he needs a bow. His mind immediately flashes to a bow he once saw in a shop.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a sizzle of energy, that very bow appears in his hands. It's a modern compound bow, complete with pulleys and dyneema and vectran strings. With a slight alteration to the design...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This is the CRAZIEST thing I've ever done... oh well. Here goes nothing!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou focuses on Kusanagi. The longsword elongates and thins out like spaghetti. the guard compresses against the grip until the whole thing has distorted and become...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... Yeah. He just transformed the legendary sword into an arrow. But its ability to manipulate the wind remains! Winds gather around the 'arrow''s tip. A cyclone forms at the tip, growing intensely as Shirou takes aim with this wild new weapon.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's not hailed as one of the best members the archery club had for nothing, that's for sure. He takes aim... and FIRES.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kusanagi Arrow screams like a gale, heading straight for the flail-wielder from the side on. Xau wll probably get blasted by the backwash uncomfortably, but it's harmless. The target, on the other hand, will probably be struck by a legendary sword that's gathered drill-like winds as its tip!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:569|Bitter Medicine (569)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Bitter Medicine grunts. He does that a lot. <br /><br /> The grim enforcer flies over to the ship, turning his plasma thrusters off--wood and jetboots don't mix, you know. He lands with a thud on the deck. Now it's time for /his/ reasoning. Bullet wounds leaking some sort of black stuff, he sets his jaw, looking like an ivory statue. "I am Bitter Medicine of Autochthonia. Resistance is futile. You will be incarcerated." <br /><br /> Having made an impassioned speech, he activates a nasty little charm the Alchemicals call the Chemical Fog Generator. Specifically, he uses the tear gas submodule. Clouds of smoke billow forth from exhaust ports in his palms, throat, and other areas hidden by his uniform. He stands at the gangplank, filling the ship up with an acrid white irritant.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&lt;&lt;"He has raised me since I was young! Do not call him my enemy when you nothing."&gt;&gt; The wolf hound snaps her own teeth at the other wolf. Those long ears falling back, as the fur bristles up along the spine. Those sharp claws dig easily into the rock. Then with another lunge, the wolf hound goes to try and take a bite at Allyn's throat!<br /><br />The Captain Pirate continues to stand his ground with the Admiral his eyes narrow as he sneers slightly, "Like we should believe you?!" However any further protest he may have ends when the bullet impacts him square between the chest and shoulder. He staggers back by the impact, and he goes to place his hand on where the bullet had hit.<br /><br />He then takes a few more steps, before his boot almost goes off the ledge. He stares directly at the Admiral. "You know I wont be the last, Admiral.. There is no unified front nor are we a even sailing the same seas.. We gave to Limsa.. we gave to you.. and what have we seen in return?" With those last words he drops right off the edge, before a splash of water can be heard. Those his hat remains on the surface-- it doesn't seem he comes up.. which either implies he has drown.. or swam off out of sight.<br /><br />The group was making good head weight as they got to the skeleton of the Victory, the rested down the barrels and started to lay down some gunpower around it, well, at least until Bitter showed up and made his borg like impression.<br /><br />They actually gave him a funny look until the tear gas was used. They coughed and a few nearly went down to their knee. But one, one was stubborn enough to try and light the gunpowder.. and he sure enough did. It quickly started to trail its way to the wick and to inside the barrel itself. Soon the barrel itself in the opening then caught on fire, but instead of red flames-- blue flames washed out of the opening....<br /><br />Jonothon makes his statements and a few of the pirates notice they are quickly being surrounded, with a tsk they kneel down and seem to surrender, though one of them chuckles a bit. "..surrender or not, mates.. we are all about to be dead men.."<br /><br />Xau'ra gets the warning and quickly gets down low. The large man above him gets ready to slam the cannon-ball down on him, well, that was until Shirou's crazy stunt. Xau'ra then watches as the man gets not only impaled but knocked right off and falling to the ground below, crashing into several crates. This causing a wince from Xau'ra, but his eyes trail over to the barrels where the gas is. ..That light.. Those flames.. "..Seven hells.. Ceruleum! Get rid of it quick!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Allyn really doesn't want to kill the other canine, but he ducks his head, trying to protect his throat from getting bitten. It's a problem though, if it was a human he'd probably have no thoughts about killing it, but the wolf hound is an animal. He growls and snarls at the hound, biting back at her, but not hard enough to cause any major damage. &lt;&lt;"I don't want to kill you, submit to me. I am higher in the pack."&gt;&gt; He wrestles with the hound, trying to pin her under him.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:569|Bitter Medicine (569)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Bitter Medicine presses his palms together. The Essence expenditure from his Chemical Fog Generator has caused a slight anima flare--for those unfamiliar with the Exalted, it means that around him, the sound of a factory press can be heard, with jackboots on a catwalk beating a subtle tempo beneath the clangs and whooshes. He adopts a stance of industrial menace, the form of Thousand Wounds Gear Style. <br /><br /> As blue fire erupts from the barrel, the Alchemical wraps his arms around it. Tucking it against his chest, he shouts. "Rearing Crane Release!" Exalted sometimes do things just because they're cool. He isn't /required/ to shout the names of his martial arts charms, but the Design Weavers of Autochthon think it's cool. <br /><br /> The barrel is thrown into the air at an angle above Jono. Rather than descend after the peak of its trajectory, it hovers in the air. The Alchemical leaps after it, spending Essence once more to power his Parabolic Leap Overcharger. "Pirate Ship!" With a midair axe kick, Medicine sends the barrel down to Jono. Pirate Ship? What kind of a technique name is Pirate Ship? As it so happens, there /is/ a pirate ship on the horizon...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jono relaxes a little when the pirates shooting at him seem to surrender. How does he note these pirates surrendered? Ah-ha. Hats. He grabs one, to mark these pirates as 'surrendered'. However, their rather fatalistic attitude of 'we're all gonna die' gets his brows drawing down with confusion. Sounds like something he'd say, and he doesn't like that. "What d'yer mean?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he happens to notice the blue flames in his field of vision. And the talk over the radio just gets him cursing. "...Sodding barmy tossers! What are they tryin' ter do, blow up the slow city?!" Even as he's speaking, he's turning and heading in the direction of the ship. Then he remembers the pirates that surrendered. Skidding to a halt for just a moment, he points. "Uh... you lot stay RIGHT THERE!" And then he's off again. Completely forgetting about the hat, he just sort of drops it on his head to get it out of the way. The effect beats slow wicks under the hat of a thickly-bearded pirate, that's for sure.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the way to the ship with the burning barrels, he outlines an idea over the radio-- "'Ey! Bitter! Yer fling it inter the air, I'll use me own power ter propel it out farther. It's not fire, so it shouldn't make it explode." He closes the distance as Bitter Medicine flings the barrel down to him. Pirate ship? What does he mean by tha-- OH! Oh right! "Good idea!" Shifting so that he's angled with the pirate ship directly in front of him, he waits for the barrel to descend to the proper height, and then fires a blast at it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's not just blasting, either. He starts with just enough power to make contact with the barrel, and then increases the power, so as the blast isn't just a hard punch, but rather a hard /PUSH/. He makes to arc the flaming barrel back up, high into the air, so it will hopefully land right on that pirate ship.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou winces. He really doesn't like killing people. Hopefully that wasn't too lethal. But hey, getting arrow'd by a legendary weapon roaring with power probably is, for most people. There's one person at least who can't be saved, thanks to their own bloodthirst. "...." He wants to save everyone. Yet there exist people who are beyond his reach...?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kiritsugu often spoke of how in order to save many, one or two needed to be sacrificed. "That's wrong," Shirou vehemently exclaims to nobody around. "A true hero of justice wouldn't leave corpses behind them..." Yet if his tools are violence, what can he do BUT defeat his enemies?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I guess for now all I can do is minimize loss of life." Shirou decides after a few moments of thought.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then his attention's cuaght by the insane stunt Bitter Medicine's pulling. Holy crap, what kind of strength does that guy HAVE?!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He makes his way over to Xau quickly though. "... Looks like we've taken care of most of it. Do you still need the bow?" The hotblooded magus' emotions are frozen for the moment, so his tone is a little cold and straightforward. His mind is on overdrive with alertness, trying to take in the situation and see waht else needs doing so more don't die!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:552|Soundwave (552)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Chief Admiral just shakes her head as the Duskwight captain falls off the wall and into the ocean beyond, putting away her flintlocks. "Bloody fool." <br /><br />There isn't much she can do, in truth -- no amount of aetherical tampering nor Lominsian strength would have gotten those Cereleum-filled caskets out of the Victory's wooden bones and into the sea before they exploded. Therefore, she simply rests her hands on her hips and watches as Bitter Medicine and Jonothon Starsmore take care of the matter as only those outside of Lominsian bounds can. <br /><br />A wistful smile softens her hardened gaze. "I wonder..." She murmurs to herself. But she stays put for the moment at her place atop the wall, a keen eye not only observing the effort to remove the cereleum from the Drydocks entirely, but a sudden influx of Barracuda and Yellow Jacket forces to take the surrendering pirates into custody. Jonothon can be at ease, at least.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The female wolf hound gets pounced over and pinned by Allyn she snaps her massive teeth at him. But she eventually does submit when she can't seem to best Allyn. Falling in to his command.<br /><br />As Bitter and Jono do a combo, the Yellow Jackets quickly come in to arrest the pirates who are trying to escape from the gas. The others are also hand tied and then pulled back to the main square.<br /><br />Xau'ra gets back up on his feet and watches the canister rise into the air with impressive strength, then Jono slam it off into the distance, where he stares to so where they are aiming at-- huh-- a pirate ship. Though he looks over to Shirou as the young fight comes up to check on him. "Yes, I'm fine." He rubs his jaw about then. "I think I took a bit of a glance to the ol' jaw, but thanks for the save. I'll owe you in the future."<br /><br />Xau'ra then looks over to Shirou, before he looks back out over the distance. "..as for a bow, nah.. I think this fight is about over and my proper bow is back at the inn." He jabs his thumb toward a random direction behind him. "..Though I am sure the Admiral is going to want to speak to the lot of you, as for me.." He goes to then stand up. "..I'm going to go check those two other barrels and see where the seven hells they got those and avoid 'em reds like they are the plague."<br /><br />As for that barrel...<br /><br />Well...<br /><br />Two pirates are sitting on the deck playing a card game of some kind and some gil on the barrel they are using for the table. They both hear a whistle in the air, before they glance over, then up and they both quickly run out of the way as the barrel comes slamming down into the deck of the ship. "BY THE SEAS!!" One of them roars out as he goes to jump off deck.<br /><br />Just as that happens, the Ceruleum explodes with a loud BOOM off in the distance and a cloud of blue flame rises up and out, before the bloom of the explosion rises in the air with the color of deep, vibrant blue. That outta teach em!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Once it seems that things are mostly over, Allyn lets the wolf hound up and gives her a nuzzle, &lt;&lt;"Go on, you're free to go, just be careful out there."&gt;&gt; he bounds off towards the others once he's let the hound go. She'll probably be free to do whatever she wants anyway, even if her master is imprisoned or whatever happened to him. Once over towards Shirou and Xau he shifts back to his human form.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:552|Soundwave (552)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It doesn't take long for the Yellow Jackets to gather up the last of the pirates and drag them off, leaving the Barracudas to both gather up the dead and ensure order is maintained. Perhaps Xau'ra is wise to go while the gettin's good, though his slinking off isn't missed by the Admiral. <br /><br />The Admiral easily jumps down from the wall, a long drop that she treats as scarcely more than a little hop down a tiny hill. Commadore Reyner quickly rejoins her side with a concerned look on his face, his gaze drawn to the small gash in her side. The Admiral is quick to wave him off before he could utter a word. "Ne'er mind the scratch. I'm hale and whole, no need to fear for my welfare. Tend to yours, Commadore, and I will be along soon enough." The Yellow Jacket leader salutes and takes his leave, offering a nod to the outsiders on his way out. <br /><br />The Admiral herself approaches, one arm folded over her chest and supporting the opposite elbow, the hand of which cupping her chin in thought. "I am Chief Admiral Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn, leader of Limsa Lominsa and her Grand Company the Maelstrom. You have my thanks for your timely assistance, though I seem to not know your names."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou gapes at the distant explosion. he's never seen such color fire! Aside from fireworks, anyways. He cringes. Well, that'll... dissuade further piracy, at least. Probably?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou banishes his summoned bow, leaving him empty-handed. "Yeah. Thankfully this was over quick. Geeze, Eorzea's a really dangerous place!" Shirou vaguely complains, with the pirate ship sizzling way out in the distance.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He makes his way out to the main grouping just in time for the Amidral to arrive.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"My name's Shirou. Emiya Shirou! ... W-were those pirates?!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jono would laugh if he could. He can't hear the conversation out there on that pirate ship, but he imagines it's not sweet and pleasant when a barrel of blue fire crashes down on the deck. "Oi! Next time don't light your air biscuits!" he taunts, his telepathic 'voice' able to at least yell out that far. If it doesn't look like anything else is about to explode them, he'll relax, his shoulders drooping.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But then the admiral's coming over, and Jono makes to fix his wrappings so he doesn't look like his face is on fire and why the bleeding hell is he still wearing this pirate hat? ...Meh. Good trophy, anyway. Looks like it cost someone a pretty penny.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anyway, once he's got his wrappings back where they belong, keeping the fire under wraps, he faces the Admiral. "Jono," he offers when their names are asked for. He's not going to attempt to pronounce her name, it'd probably end badly for them both.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Allyn nods some as the Admiral approaches them and gives her a bow, though he eyes the others for a few moments, before looking back to the Admiral. "I'm Allyn, pleased to meet you."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:569|Bitter Medicine (569)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Bitter Medicine watches the ship explode. He has a variety of grunts, each with their own purpose, to help him avoid being overly flowery. For this situation, he chooses to use a 'safe for another day' grunt. Hrn. That done, he approaches the Admiral with a question burning in the back of his mind. <br /><br /> What's an air biscuit? <br /><br /> He files it away for later research, then gives the Admiral an Autochthonian salute. "Bitter Medicine, Chosen of the Machine God. Happy to assist, Admiral." He stands before her, eyes scanning over her uniform and surveying the damage from the fight. If all the multiversal mortals are as tough as her, perhaps there's hope for his world after all. He just needs to help everyone else with /their/ problems first. Eh, fair do. <br /><br /> The Alchemical pops a nutriment pill into his mouth and chews it idly.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:552|Soundwave (552)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Chief Admiral chuckles mirthlessly at Shirou's question. "Aye, that they be. Limsa Lominsa has always been a safe haven for pirates since the time of her founding. I myself am one, but it seems not all agree with my brand of leadership even if they can do little about it." <br /><br />She offers a shrug, her damaged pauldron making a metallic tinkling noise from the movement, before returning Bitter's salute with one of her own. "No matter. The ship is dealt with quite handily, thanks to you all, and the Maelstrom will deal with the captured dissidents in due time." Her eyes almost glimmer with a knowing smile. "I'll be sure to have a reward set aside for each of you back in the Drowning Wench in Baderon's care." <br /><br />Her sharp gaze is drawn to Allyn, though mostly towards the necklace he wears around his throat. "Ah, you have been to Gridania? I seem to recognize the Elder Seedseer's craftmanship." Her head tilts incrementally. "Probably not a mere trinket, but I shan't pry."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Allyn nods to the Admiral when she asks her question and eyes her for a few moments as he ponders over how to answer the question and what he should say. Well, she did say she knows the Elder Seedseer's work, so she probably knows about the problems there as well. He doesn't see it as prying so much. "I have been there yes. It's not just a trinket, no. It seems since I am close to nature and the wild, I am suseptable to the pain of the forest. She gave it to me to help lessen the affects. It has been quite a bit of help." he shrugs some.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thank yer, ma'am," Jono replies at the mention of a reward. It's not the only reason he did it, but it's always a plus. He also removes that pirate hat, but he's keeping it for a trophy. Even if Jubilee and Paige will probably give him no end of hell over it with that 'yarr harr fiddle dee dee' song.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Anyway, with the others gathering around the Admiral, Jono's looking between them, to make sure they look like they're reasonably in one piece. There's not a lot he can do for them if they're not, but it's still good to know the condition of one's allies.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Eh? ... You're not a pirate if you're an Admiral... aren't those two mutually exclusive?" Shirou bogglse at the Admiral's explanation, just... utterly baffled by that explanation.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"... Anyway... I'm glad that didn't get too out of hand... it would've been a disaster if the Victory's framework got smashed up. I'm hoping the pier and crane are are easier to fix than that would've been..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:569|Bitter Medicine (569)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Bitter Medicine holds up a hand and shakes his head. "Can't accept a reward," he says. "If you have to pay me back, give it to my people. Otherwise..." He casts a glance towards the crane. "Use it to fix that and spend whatever's left over on your city." He feels like the crane's his fault, anyway. Should've seen that conspiracy a mile away.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:552|Soundwave (552)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Admiral nods in understanding. "Aye, I'm familiar with the Twelveswood, even if I cannot hear it myself. So it groans and screams still in the wake of the Calamity, and it will not heal anytime soon if I heard correctly earlier about the Elder Primal Odin stalking the Black Shroud's depths." She frowns noticeably. "Very troubling." <br /><br />She does laugh a little at Shirou's befuddlement. "Ah, that not be the case with Limsa Lominsa. 'Admiral' is a mere leadership title here, and I have been leader only a scant few seasons. Even the Barracudas and Yellow Jackets were scant better than brigands themselves at one point. But never fear, I run a very tight ship." <br /><br />As the conversation turns to the damages caused by the attack, she seems to take that in stride as well. "The pier will be easily replanked, the crane's chain relinked even sooner. Even the sullying of Victory herself won't last long. Besides, 'tis not the hewn and forged of Victory's form that matters, is it? 'Tis what she represents -- the hope for tomorrow's clear skies and strong winds, plotting a course to a new future. And that, more than anything, is what that fool of a captain wished to destroy, simply because he believed 'tis my dream alone." <br /><br />At Bitter Medicine's reply, she lifts her hands as if to parley. "Would you at least accept a drink? Repelling enemy forces is well-enough reason to celebrate." She casts a look over to Jon. "Some of you will even fit in quite well."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jono looks at Bitter Medicine, surprised. "Eh? Yer wot?" Refusing a reward? That sounds strange. But then there are probably quite a few people who'd answer 'Our reward is that justice has been done' even in his own world, so maybe that's not too weird after all. Suddenly Jono looks rather sheepish at the look towards him and the mention that he might fit in. "Yer sure they're not gonna freak out over that whole 'had fire comin' outta me face' bit?" he inquires of the Admiral. "Sayin' I got a face like a bulldog chewin' a wasp is kinda an understatement." He'll leave the 'can't drink' part for later, once he figures out that he's not going to shot on sight.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Allyn nods to the Admiral, "It has calmed some, and new growth has sprung up, but yes, I think it will be a long while before it is fully recovered." he sighs a little at that. "I needed a little time away from there though, so thought I would see where else in this world needed help. Yes, it is true that one is stalking around. A celebration might be a good thing." he ponders and then shrugs a little.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:569|Bitter Medicine (569)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>A drink. <br /><br /> Bitter Medicine sighs. He doesn't believe in accepting rewards for doing the right thing--it's always struck him as unnecessary at best and inviting corruption at worst. That being said, the Admiral isn't trying to bribe him. She isn't trying to patronize him, either. There's no... /rule/ that says he can't have a drink, and it'd make the Admiral feel better. When he thinks about how to deal with other worlds, he thinks--what would an Orichalcum caste do? Or... really, any caste but his? <br /><br /> He can easily imagine them accepting the drink on the principle of being friendly. Literally any caste is better at socializing in general than the average Soulsteel, so with great reluctance, he eventually mutters his acceptance. "Yeah, sure," he says. "A drink."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou's still baffled. He gives the Admiral the most incredulous expression for a few seconds. "If you say so. man that's nothing like where I'm from... " Who'd ever hear of pirates being official military? yeesh.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, they didn't find it so easy to do. I can't believe it... there's problems everywhere in Eorzea..." How is it his home was so calm and peaceful in comparison? This is weird...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:552|Soundwave (552)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Chief Admiral Bloefhiswyn barks a laugh at Jonothon's apprehension. "Come now! Most men have faces they wished only looked like a hound with a waspin stuck in its craw, and similar ways of speaking bridges many gaps. As for the fire, I'm sure they'd be more interested in how you accomplished it than anything else." Her eyes gleam. "And finally, my word holds much weight." <br /><br />After getting confirmation that either her impromtu invitation has been accepted or at least considered, she nods in satisfaction. "Very well. Allow me some time to tend to me and mine, and we shall reconvene for that drink if any are still interested. Order what you like, none shall give you trouble if I have a say in the matter." She straightens and salutes, arm straight from elbow to fingertip and coming right to the corner of the eye, just like Earthen military. "Till the sea swallows all." And with that, she turns on her heel and departs.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, even if he doesn't order anything, Jono could probably use the company. If only to tell some of his dorm-mates that he actually hung out with real people. Though as he follows the Admiral to the bar, he does wonder if he could 'feed' his fire, like some kind of fusion reactor. It doesn't burn, though, so that's something to figure out.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's also still holding that pirate hat in one hand. Pirate trophies! And as much as he'd never admit it to /anybody/, he's still a young man from Earth. Pirates are cool, at least visually so, even if they're a right bunch of turds.<br> <br>


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