Scene #7753: The Ship With No Name

Owner	Pose
Midway	Pirate activity in this part of the Great Ocean dropped off very suddenly in the past month. Most recon and intel-gathering traces the cause to this location. A floating dock, disconnected from any dry land, anchored in place by chains affixed to an aging winch. The spaces formerly reserved for military personnel have been taken over and repurposed into housing and facilities. Storage for munitions has become storage for food. Water purifiers work diligently on the dock's power supply. People have settled here from all corners, now devoted to a life at sea. Some trappings of this floating dock's former life remain, graffiti and iconography of seagoing pirates that have yet to be removed, painted on a wall here, carved into the deck there. The main pier features a sign identifying the locale as Ryukyuden, though under this new label, the previous sign reads 'Keelhaul Quay'. What was once clearly a den of lawless pirates has somehow turned into a rather peaceful community on the sea. A modest-sized cargo ship has docked at the main pier, with various hands offloading goods and supplies. Some older men, too frail to be of much help with heavy labor, fish off the side of the dock not occupied by the transport while chatting about various mundane things. While not participating, a silver-haired woman in a black and green kimono oversees the offloading from a neighboring pier, her arms folded inside her sleeves. Overall, new arrivals get a polite greeting from denizens as they move about their activities. Things seem relatively peaceful here, but perhaps the main question would be 'why' or perhaps 'how' the previous, far more violent tenents got evicted in the first place. Is this a sign of a new ally, a fresh foe, or an exploitable neutral party?
Kotone Yamakawa	The recovery of the pods some time ago had Kotone thinking about them. She also thought about Midway along with this other group of ship spirits. At least she thought they were something like that. There was only one way really to get answers about this. Keep probing what's going on and maybe get some answers. The dock was an interesting thing what has driven out or killed most of the pirates? She was pretty sure she'd find out shortly one way or another. She was aware that things seemed to be improving under the new ruler so she would just arrive normally. She arrives by a small boat and hops off the boat. She'd made sure to tell Rei and Utsuho that she'd be going here and when. She took a moment to look about her arrival point. Then she would move on looking for anyone selling food, that would be a good place to go and start chatting about the place and the new management failing that she'd start talking to people asking questions about what happened and who's in charge now.
Captain Hook	"You know, I rather prefer Keelhaul Quary," Captain Hook observes. The good Captain isn't here to take part in a peaceful life. Indeed, if he'd wanted that he could've settled back down in England and chosen to discard the name 'Hook' once and for all. No, it could be said that Hook has come for one reason and one reason only: To case the place. Oh, certainly, curiosity plays some part. The sudden decrease of piracy and the rise of this little haven are obviously connected, and there's presumably some force backing it that might be good profit were he to play his cards right. And oh, certainly, he's been keeping tabs on local pirates solely out of habit, checking who goes where and who steals what on a semi-regular basis. It's good for learning trade routes and trade goods, and that's where money lies, and Hook is all about the profit. But mostly he's here to case the place. There's a pretty good chance he'll decide to rob it at some point. Peaceful little floating marinas with lots of cargo coming in are really just an excellent place to make some coin one way or the other. In his one hand is a proper gentleman's cane, tucked under his arm. The hook hand remains unoccupied. His blue jacket hangs off his back like a cape as he makes his way through the place, stopping to examine the cargo ship.
Hellwarming Trio	Utsuho: "I don't get it. Pirates are supposed to be bad, right?" Rin: "Yeah?" Utsuho: "So someone that's pushing pirates out of somewhere would probably be good, right?" Rin: "Yeah...?" Utsuho: "So... How come we're here?" Rin: "Because we dunno if whoever pushed 'em out might be worse! Or plannin' crazy stuff!" Although one of the two youkai tasked with coming out to investigate this region out in the Great Ocean doesn't seem as convinced about the merits of this job as her partner, both of them still eventually arrive at the floating dock as they glide around overhead. Letting Kotone head in first, the pair do a quick flyover of the area first, with Rin moving at a far faster pace than Utsuho and paying inversely as much attention to whatever's moving around below them. Well, until one of them spots a familiar face. Rin promptly dive bombs near the water when she spots Hook, not being particularly subtle about hiding before a two-tailed cat conveniently emerges onto the dock not too far from where she dove. The cat that's definitely not Rin starts tailing Hook from a distance, clearly suspecting him of something! Utsuho, meanwhile, quickly bores of just watching the dock and touches down to start chatting up the locals. She has her wings folded in against her back, at least, so there's not too much concern about bashing anyone by accident while she tries to get a better idea of how long this place has been peaceful, and if anyone's been bothering the people here recently.
Hiromi	Hiromi has hitched a ride on Hook's* ship. She, like others on her homeland, somewhere in the Great Ocean, don't actually do a lot of ocean travel, which hasn't led to many speedy options, making this the far more convenient choice. She's spent part of the ride over feeling the wind from the bow, part encouraging any idle sailor to teach her games of chance, and part telling Hook stories about old, mostly forgotten treasures. From the way she speaks, telling myth apart from recent experience can be difficult, leaving unclear which parts to take seriously. At least, it can be taken that her homeland is old enough to have buried a lot of its history. Hiromi, naturally, likes to dig. Once they've pulled in, Hiromi doesn't wait for anyone tie up before she leaps to the dock. No cargo to carry, and no papers to present, she's free of any responsibility beyond sightseeing. She sets to sniffing around, more literally than otherwise, but spares less attention to the cargo than she does to the woman in the kimono. In her experience, that garb and that lack of 'working with your hands' indicates someone of some authority, and that draws her interest in. It would likely be convenient if she turned off a lot of her 'presence' in moments like these, the way she hides herself while stalking prey, but that doesn't happen. She is very much a giant wolfwoman who speaks words and not-words that push meaning through the subconscious, with an aura that makes her surroundings seem less real by comparison. When she says, "I am Hiromi," it carries the full, unambiguous, layered meaning of her name and self, including her own claims to strength and authority. "Name yourself." She's curious. Though that's not exactly how it's necessarily taken, when someone like her shows curiosity. * Hook's claim to the ship may be less than legitimate, by some standards, but possession counts.
Staren	So should Staren be incognito, or-- Okay, yeah, there's absolutely no way she won't stick out like a sore thumb anyway in some pirate den. May as well embrace it, right? Staren beams down from her ship, if there wasn't an ally to conveniently link up with first to arrive slightly less showily. Today's Staren: She's got the 'battle labcoat' on, but with the upper arm belts now serving as mini-bandoliers for some kind of vials and a spare e-clip or two. Under it is a long red dress of some heavy, possibly slightly water-resistant material that looks like it could be a coat on its own, dress and coat both flaring out showily from just below the chest down to calf-height. Round glasses, black boots and a nice hat complete the ensemble -- The hat is sooort of like a wizard's, with a wide brim, but the cone is kind of short and swept back, like it was considering being a pirate hat but couldn't commit. A band loosely around the cone -- wide enough that it encircles her ears too -- has a big white plume stuck on the left side, and a piece of armor kind of like a knight-helmet's visor on the front of it above the brim. She a bit confused but she got the pirate spirit, right? Staren sends out a few camera drones to look around, but doesn't just manifest a big showy swarm of them just yet. Also, Hiromi is doing the talk and get attention thing, so Staren stands nearby and tries to look like an important member of Hiromi's group, with a serious, appraising facial expression which is undermined by her attempt to put her hand on her hip only to realize the flare of the dress makes that a bit awkward, and she can't decide whether to just go for it and kinda squish the skirt in on one side or rest the hand outside her coat, or maybe put it in a pocket, or...?
Captain Flint	"News from the Great Ocean." John Silver's prosthetic thuds against the floorboards of the captain's cabin. He is quite used to the subtle rocking of the Walrus, whether it is anchored, as it is now, or when at sea. A sheaf of parchment is placed upon Flint's desk, as reflections of waves dance across the walls and ceiling around him. Flint reads over the report with a furrowed brow, hand over his amber beard. His eyes glance up to meet Silver's. "Ready the men. It may be competition or a would-be authority. I would learn of it, in the event of the former, and disillusion any attempts to establish the latter." "And if it's something else entirely?" "Then it would still be wise to know of new neighbors." A PEACEFUL COMMUNITY AT SEA Ships approaching from afar tend to be difficult to identify unless one has a speciality for discerning identifying traits. The Walrus is a square-rigger of 18th century make, absurdly well-armed for its middling size. The men aboard it move about the deck in response to commands uttered by Flint and relayed by the bo'sun, Billy Bones. It flies no banner--for men of fortune only strike the black when they mean to. Instead, it anchors a respectable distance away (so as to make parley more easy) and sends a party, via a launch lowered into the water. The hard-eyed Captain Flint, his wavy-haired, crutch-leaning quartermaster John Silver, and the taciturn Joji form the greeting party. Aboard the Walrus, Billy Bones remains, as acting captain in the event of unfortunate communications breakdowns. "You and me both," says Flint to Hook, stepping off the launch to tie it to a mooring. "A pleasure to finally meet you in person." He's wearing a sword. They all are--but they're peace-bound. Staren may well have hitched a ride on the Walrus and its launch, if she'd like. A question, from Flint, addressed to the first person who greets them. "I am Captain Flint, of the Walrus. Who among you do you name as leader?"
Midway	Kotone quickly finds someone who sells seafood and vegetable kababs, making and grilling skewers as they're ordered, fresh and tasty with a few spices from around the Great Ocean. The seller is more than happy to oblige conversation as well, an elderly woman with a polite demeanor, "I was a slave here under the old guard. Kept running the tavern, filling tankards with cheap swill. When that woman showed up, everything changed." She lets out a raspy laugh, "Killed most of those pirates. The rest scattered like rats. Won't be coming back, I wager." Hook might overhear that in his own investigation, which also turns out that this place is clearly being repurposed into some sort of mid-ocean trade hub. There's more goods here than the population would need on their own, so logic suggests they intend to sell to passing ships who want to re-stock, or act as a neutral middleground between larger powers. By some of the goods, there might even already be some deals struck, given the large amounts of processed metal and fuel being offloaded on the dock right now. But, being Obviously a Pirate, Hook finds a good number of denizens give him a wide berth. If he looks the right direction, he'll find the kimono-clad woman's steely gaze fixed on him in an unmistakable glower. So long as he's not causing trouble, though-- Oh, she's been distracted. At a distance the kimono-clad woman is simply that. Getting closer already reveals a good deal more in context. She is quite tall, herself. The Archwolf's approach and address has her hesitantly pull her gaze from Hook's meanderings and Flint's arrival. When she speaks, there is an regal tone to her voice, but rough-hewn. A lord forged from raw materials, rather than born into it. "Generous Beauty. I have no name. Those here call me White Dragon, and that will suffice." Addressed again, and this time by one of the men who is clearly of piratical leanings, the White Dragon turns to face Flint directly. She glances across his entourage, evidently assuming Staren to be part of it, before resting her eyes on him directly, "I am this place's guardian. If there is leadership, it would be mine that guides those who now live here. As it was my strength which excised the rot that once lived here." Silver eyes narrow, "What business do you have on Ryukyuden? If you have come to reclaim it, you will find me less than amenable."
Captain Hook	"Likewise, sir!" Hook agrees jovially in Flint's direction, "I'd offer you a handshake but I'm afraid my grip's somewhat loose, and that's a poor look for a gentleman." He waves his hook slightly with a wry smile. Since he does not in fact have any supernatural senses, he does not notice the cat stalking him. He does, however, notice the White Dragon's stare, and doffs his hat with his hook-hand to bow in the manner of an early 1900s English gentleman. "I should never suffer the gaze of a beautiful woman without gladness, my lady," Hook says amiably, "Though I should hardly say that I like being called rot. I prefer to think of myself as an honest businessman, rather than a businessman who merely pretends to honesty - after all, my theft is quite above-board, and I don't need a board to approve my theft for me." He laughs and turns back to Staren, Hiromi, and Flint. Flint's distracted with the White Dragon, so Hook instead leans over to Staren's ear and murmurs, "Hand in the pocket, free hand hanging, my lady." Then he promptly pulls away and resumes his walk-about.
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa has enough faith in the two youkai to not make too much of a mess. She might end up being very wrong on that in the long run though. She will leave the pair to their own devices for the moment. She's catching sight of other notable sorts turning up here and she'll take it into account. She and the Duo would not be the only people who'd want to check this out. She does catch sight of Staren in her battle labcoat and she seems to be sizing them up for a moment. She's also been eying Hiromi and Hook for the moment but she's not moved too close she does see the drone following after Staren. <<You are having too much fun with this, Staren.>> She would also catch note of Flint linking up with Hook and the other Concord Partners as well. Kotone has lucked out as with this old woman she listens to her tale for a moment. She will buy some kababs handing the credits over as she thinks over the tale she's been told. "So they cleaned house and seem to be treating those who were not part of the Pirate crew well enough? Looks like you quickly got your business up and rolling. Not bad at all there. It is also good to know the slavers got busted up. Thanks for the food and the information." She'll head off with her order and has somewhat more of an idea about this white Dragon. Even with the Concord Partner's there she will make for the White Dragon. She'll wait for an opening to speak as to not interrupt anyone. "So you are the White Dragon? I'm Kotone Yamakawa I am with the Paladins. I heard the reports of someone clearing out the Pirates, so I came to look into it. If you have the time I have a few questions for you such as what are your plans for this place? The people seem to be in very good spirits from what I seen so far."
Hellwarming Trio	Both Rin and Utsuho hear quite a bit more than they were expecting from the people in this place, the former mostly consuming that information accidentally by tailing Hook and the latter getting a direct answer to her questions. Rin's attention is still on Hook at first as he and several other unknown parties approach the woman in the kimono, but she's not so blind as to miss everything that's being laid out right in front of her. The White Dragon sounds helpful enough, but she can't help but be wary of Hook after the last time they ran into each other. Luckily, being a two-tailed cat means she can just loiter by a barrel for a while instead of exposing herself to so many strangers right away. Unfortunately for Rin, Utsuho is all too eager to expose herself. Noticing the gathering of mostly unfamiliar faces near someone that looks fairly important already, she just heads right on over to greet the whole lot of them! Hiromi, Flint, John Silver, and Joji don't ring any bells for her, but Hook and Staren are recognizable enough, as is Kotone when she approaches as well. "Oh. Hey, you. You got called out here, too?" Utsuho asks of the lot of them, eventually turning to White Dragon with a rather relaxed wave in greeting. "Hey. Are you the leader here that booted out all the pirates and stuff?" She pauses briefly. "Are you cool? Like... Keeping this place from getting blown up or whatever?" Utsuho's not choosing her words particularly well, but it doesn't sound like she's really thinking about her words much or at all.
Staren	Staren corrects her stance as Hook suggests, giving a quick nod of thanks and blushing awkwardly for having been caught looking foolish. After a moment, she decides to swap to left hand pocket, right hand free. And then jumps slightly, startled as a voice she hasn't heard in a long time comes in on the radio... No, that's local wireless cybercomms, not multiversal radio, her HUD clarifies. She looks around for Kotone and gives her a confused look. "Fun with what...?" And Kotone asks the questions up front. Staren could say, 'We're nosy, what are your goals here?' but why bother when other do it for her? Still... "It wasn't our to reclaim." Staren replies. "But we like what you've done with the place." ...Why does that sound vaguely ominous?! Staren tries to sound more friendly: "Just wanted to come by and meet the neighbors! Although, I guess we aren't so much geographic neighbors, as just wanting to find out what moving-and-shaking sort could accomplish such a change."
Captain Flint	Flint has to look up to meet her gaze--but it doesn't waver. Joji's eyes are forward, his body relaxed but in that specific way that suggests he's used to very suddenly not relaxing. Silver opens his mouth and attempts to play peacemaker, but is beaten to the punch. "That depends," says the captain, nodding his head towards Hook in silent agreement. "On the extent of your desire to be rid of 'rot' as myself and Captain Hook." The rings on his right hand glimmer in the sun as it rests on the guard of his saber. "If you've a desire simply to exist here and live off of what trade may come, then you and I have no quarrel." The silence afterwards implies that he -will- have a problem if she means to extend her influence, or otherwise rid the Great Ocean of pirates on a larger scale. "You will find that my men and I differ from your opinion on what constitutes 'rot.' Fortunately, you will also find that our coin spends as easily as anyone else's. There is value in an impartial third party, for men on the account," he continues, perfectly calm as the sea slaps idly against the pilings below. "And there is also value in a client that can secure dangerous or rare goods with deniability on the part of the buyer."
Hiromi	'Generous' isn't what Hiromi would usually be called, but it's shorter than the full reading, and she doesn't object to it. There are some measures by which it would fit, if only because there are many standards of generosity. "'White Dragon.' 'If there is leadership.' I see. 'Business,' you asked. Hunting of newness, curious things, this, others speak of. I, too. 'Reclaim,' I cannot. No claim. Sea-places, lacking earth, I've little liking. If you are wishing for islands, call to the Archwolf to pull them from the sea. But ships, no. Others," her vague gesture includes the present captains, "lead these." She walks a slow circuit around the woman in the kimono. Hiromi, herself, is more than tall, to the point of inhuman towering, but her head naturally draws lower as she moves, testing the air. "This place, is it named for you? For it, are you named? A serpent of heaven, I've fought, played with, but not called 'dragon.' How true are you?"
Midway	In his meanderings about the floating dock, Hook comes across something out of place. Amidst the crates and containers of cargo clearly meant for the residents or to be traded, there is a large cylender. Easily three meters in length and one meter in diameter, capped with metal and electronics on either end. The glass center is fractured, split open. The lower part pulses weakly with failing power. He might not know what it is, precisely, but this certainly looks familiar. The old woman lifts a hand in farewell after Kotone has bought her meal, before turning to the next hungry customer. "Legitimate buisinessmen," the White Dragon repeats with her eyes closed, "It is preying on the defenseless that I have and shall continue to oppose." An eye opens towards Utsuho, "Yes. I have slain or driven off the scoundrels who used this place as a nest for villainy. This new community is under my guardianship." Her gaze travels from Kotone to Flint once more, "If you have not come here desiring conquest, I have no quarrel with you. A man who would speak with words before swords is not the rot I speak of." "Should there be no threat to the people under my protection, your business is welcome. Were that to change, so too shall my disposition." As Hiromi circles her, the kimono-clad woman tilts her head forward, eyes following the movement but otherwise remaining still. There is no fear there. Readiness is clear. Her posture is best described as 'prepared'. She does not smell human, either. Steel, salt, oil. The scents of the pier. But not flesh. Not bone. Not blood. From the other residents, certainly, but not from this one. She lets out a simple "I see," following the wolf's rejection of claims to sea-borne things. "If it is a true dragon you seek, you shall not find one here. I am named for my skill and my blade. It is from that name that I rechristened this place. What else shall a dragon protect if not a dragon palace?" Her gaze at last moves from Hiromi to Staren, "I trust this answers your question." And then it moves to Kotone, "Speak your questions, Mountain River's Song."
Captain Hook	"Ah, the beautiful Miss Raven crosses my path once again! My good fortune is indeed boundless these days. How do I find you in this lucky encounter?" Hook asks Utsuho cheerfully, "Is your pretty partner about? I should think so; the two of you don't seem to go anywhere without each other." He taps the cane down on the floor with a little metal 'ting' to punctuate Flint's speech. It's one of those suggestive 'tings' that rings out through the bay whether it's loud or quiet, cutting through the noise of work or the silence of curiousity. "If that's what you oppose then you'll find more opposition among land-dwellers than you will pirates. After all, it's a fool ship that doesn't carry a cannon or an escort, but there's naught a man can do about taxes and tariffs." Hook's smile is dazzling. He is a handsome man and he damn well knows it. And then his eyes land on the cylinder and there's an 'ah, aha' moment. With the good cheer of a man out for a stroll, while the lady is distracted with Hiromi and Flint and all the others, Hook meanders over to the cylinder and leans over to inspect it with pursed lips. His fingers go to touch it thoughtfully on the glass center. "My, my, now isn't this familiar."
Staren	Oh hey! A tech thingie! Staren has a drone take a closer look, circling the object and sweeping sensors over it. Staren herself nods briefly to White Dragon and looks at Hook. "Well, you can be a pirate for one... but I suppose you need rather more resources than a single ship if you want to defend others from it." Says the one who pays her taxes like a good citizen. Although, now that she thinks of it, maybe she should have a Concord accountant check other options for her, in case her home ever deteriorates. ...And to know what less scrupulous rich people might be doing there. Staren looks curiously between Dragon and Kotone. "'Mountain River's Song'? What?"
Hiromi	"No, no dragon, here. Scents of... sea, armor, blade. No blood and meat, inside." Hiromi speaks aloud as she judges the nature of what's before her, her tone distant, remembering. "'Guardians,' yes. Not-ruling. I've known this smell, the presence, the absence. Old warriors, old made-things." She says a word that's not in any language anyone present is likely to have heard before, but the meaning of it is still, somehow, perfectly clear. "Artificial Spirit." That observation appears to satisfy Hiromi, as she backs off from her personal space violations. "You've no challenge for me, no need of land for den-making, yes? If no, I hear when called, answering, sometimes." 'Call if you change your mind.' She bounds off to check for 'treasure.' What that might be, she doesn't know. It'll smell different, surely.
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa grins at Staren for a moment "The fashion statement you're making today." She seems amused and there's nothing mean-spirited about it. She does however look at Staren for a moment longer with her comments. Hiromi now asking her own questions alongside Captain Flint as well. It may be of benefit to ask questions in a group like this. There are answers you get about things you might never think to ask. Which someone else would. She takes note of these questions. Kotone will shift the spectrum with her vision just as she talks to The White Dragon, as she looks her over. Trying to see how they match up with a human or something like herself. She'll keep talking at this point. There is a brief pause as White Dragon translates the meaning of her name and that does get a smile out of her and an honest one. "Few would know the meaning of my name and I'm flattered you do, White Dragon. As for my questions? What do the people living here intend do now the Pirates are gone and that they are under your protection now. Also so trade seems to be picking up here is that the intent to make it a local trade hub?"
Hellwarming Trio	"You are? Great. Guess our work here's done, then." Utsuho replies to the White Dragon with a satisfied nod and grin, looking rather proud of herself despite doing absolutely nothing as of yet beyond taking the lady at her word. "Doesn't look like anyone's gonna be causing trouble here, so... yeah, work's done!" The cylinder goes unnoticed by the raven, and she's already glancing around a few times while rubbing her midsection absentmindedly. "Guess that just means it's time to eat then, huh? Got any recommendations, White Dragon?" She asks while watching Hiromi in her circling arund White Dragon, absentmindedly starting to approach her to join her in that circling movement. Thankfully, she's stopped when Hook addresses her. A blank stare crosses Utsuho face at first as Hook turns up the charm and flattery, and then she laughs it off while holding a hand up in greeting. "Hey, Captain.... Guh. Captain..." She totally forgot his name, even if she remembers his face. "Damn right, you're lucky today. Well, you'd be luckier if anything was blowing up and you needed someone to fly around or blow something else up, but... You know." Still smirking, she tilts her head slightly when he mentions her partner. "Rin? Oh, yeah. She's..." Rin, meanwhile, has only a couple of seconds to figure out how to get out of this predicament while she's still hidden by the barrel. Hook didn't notice her in her cat form, but she can't just get her cover blown now while she still has that to rely on! With little room to maneuver, however, there's only one option left: She dives into the water, transforms back into her humanoid form (complete with four ears) and pops right back up to float into the air like some kind of sea goddess! If a sea goddess looked like a catgirl and was wearing a soaked, un-sea-worthy dress, anyway. "You were-phfp. Callin' for me?" She's trying way too hard to make it look natural, and she grimaces slightly when Utsuho starts laughing. "There she is."
Captain Flint	She opposes preying on the weak and defenseless. Believe it or not... "I once again find myself agreeing with Hook. You and I are of an accord, White Dragon. To commemorate a fruitful relationship, allow me to offer a warning: beware the powers of old Europe--sailing ships like mine, flying colors Spanish, English, or French. Trade interests them only so far as it is more profitable than conquest." Flint turns away, and Silver breathes a sigh of relief. The captain lifts an anachronistic walkie-talkie and clicks. "Billy. Inform the men they're welcome to bring their business aboard, so long as they don't forget their manners." One by one, launches ferry Walrus crew in threes and fours, until there's roughly a dozen men (counting Flint and his seconds). The rest of them remain aboard the Walrus as a skeleton crew, largely comprised of new recruits with a few seasoned souls left behind to supervise. True to Flint's command, they do indeed mind their manners, as much as seafaring men are able. The primary interest seems to be in weapons and ammunition, with food and drink close seconds. If there's a proper bar out here, they will find it, and they will make the proprietor very happy. John Silver essentially babysits them, to make sure they don't start any fights or otherwise make trouble. Flint, meanwhile, does much the same, but with an eye for rarer, more niche goods. This place was once under the purview of pirates. How ambitious were they? How formidable their vessels? If there is something here from one of those vessels--some weapon of war or clever invention, he would find the person which now means to sell it, and inquire with them as to its purpose--and price.
Midway	"I have my ways," White Dragon comments to Staren. How she defends this place, and indeed how she drove out the previous inhabitants, isn't entirely obvious. She mentioned a blade; a swordswoman? Hiromi's assessment seems to confirm that, at least. Old warriors, old weapons, artifact spirits. However, she unfurls a hand to gesture as the Archwolf makes her departure, "Such an artifice would have a long and storied history. I do not have even a proper name. Such things are perhaps christened by history rather than the hands of men." White Dragon turns slightly, raising that hand more in a general gesture, "We have much seafood, our men spend their days fishing and gossiping. Please help yourself. A recent arrival, Goshozin, is quite skilled in the preparation of sushi should you desire." Her hand returns to the sleeves of her kimono, those steel-gray eyes closing, "Fish. Salted fish. Crab in abundance. Fresh water. This is what we offer on our own. In addition there is trade from coastal city-states which passes through here. A neutral arbiter. A 'trade hub', I suppose. That is our wish here on the waves, beyond all borders." "My guardianship is sufficient," White Dragon assures Staren, "I have nothing to fear from the common pirate, great or small. Even now my sight reaches far beyond this place on iron wings. Perhaps you mistook those eyes for birds as you approached. I shall not be surprised and it is quite unlikely that I would be outgunned. Ryukyuden is quite safe." Her train of thought halts when Rin makes her splashy appearance, and she remains silent for a good few moments. The 'treasure' is... It's technology, for sure, but it also seems to be digital. It feels and looks like metal, plastic, and glass, but instead of the expected metals and polymers Staren's drone scan turns up an absolute jumbled mess of computer code. As if someone mashed Python and C++ together, ran them through Java, then compiled it with PHP. And all of the apparent incompatibilities that implies. For someone familiar with code, it's simply painful to look at. Though it might just be an entirely alien coding language instead. It seems less 'designed' from an engineering perspective and more 'programmed' to do whatever it did before it broke. "Then we are in agreement. Your advice is accepted." White Dragon's response to Flint is rather formal, and she leaves him to his business. His crew finds the citizens wary, at least at first. Once it becomes clear they're here to buy and sell things, though... well, business is business. There do happen to be a few selling jewelry and the like seized by the previous pirates. But as Flint asks about things such as their ships, he'll be told at every turn at what ships didn't flee were sunk by the White Dragon herself. The most that's turned up are handheld weapons. Swords and handguns and the like, and nothing terribly rare at that. It seems these pirates succeeded by numbers rather than skill or ingenuity, with such commonplace weaponry. There is a bar here. The proprieter has a few kinds of common alcohols, plus something he's come up with himself that involves fermenting seaweed. The flavor is... unique. Not terrible, but perhaps an acquired taste. He's more than happy to offer it, since the other alcohols are tougher to get in bulk out here.
Captain Hook	As people start gathering around the machine, Hook drops his treasure chest and kicks it open. The cylinder vanishes. He clicks the chest closed with his foot and turns to doff his hat to Rin in that classic Englishman style that shitty fedora dorks think they can imitate. "Ah, there she is, the lovely kitten. I was hoping!" His smile is bright. "The beautiful raven and the lovely kitten once again. I see that if I keep heading about on the ocean I shall keep encountering the two of you, and I must say that I do enjoy encountering the two of you. A marvelous view every time." Again, the absolutely dazzling smile. He's letting Flint handle the pirate side of things right now. He's pretty sure Flint would agree that acquiring Treasure > politicking with a boat. He's also pretty sure Hiromi's in Predator Mode, and that'll probably keep the others busy, too.
Staren	Staren still looks a bit puzzled at Kotone. "Isn't the point of fashion to enjoy it...?" She senses she's missing something here... wait, how long has it been since she saw Kotone? But, Kotone also knows... does she? Come to think of it, Staren met Kotone around the time she 'decided' to not change back and forth much anymore, so maybe not. Well, now's not the place and time to explain anyway. White Dragon keeps her cards close to her chest, as well one should. Staren isn't going to be the one to suss out motives and goals... although, she will feed her recording of this encounter to the AI, to check that White Dragon is being completely honest and, at least, determine her intentions towards the visitors. An artificial spirit? Chosen by history? What would that even mean, 'history' as a force independent from people? Ears perk up at the mention of seafood. You have the catgirl's attention. She will try this local sushi momentarily. 'Iron wings'? Staren nods, and makes a mental note to have drones run more scans on the area, taking note of any apparent 'wildlife' such as seabirds especially. Perhaps things aren't as they appear? But right now... right now, there's another prize: An exotic machine to study! Staren has no poker face. Expressions flicker across her face from 'oooh, is this some sort of digital object from a Cyber Core type place? That's always fascinating' to 'what the hell is this, why, who would make this' to 'wait, was this made with a paradigm I'm completely unfamiliar with? What could I learn from it?' Further examination can be completed at leisure, though, as it seems Hook's snapped it up! The drone that was scanning it bobs in acknowledgement to Hook before flying off to help scan structure/wildlife for hidden tech, and goes to partake of the local food, asking the nearest restaurant for whatever the daily seafood special is. On the way, she stops by Kotone, flashing her Concord credit card and a smile of confidently knowing that SHE does not have to ask what 'market price' means on the menu. "Want to catch up over dinner? I'm buying."
Hellwarming Trio	At least White Dragon is awestruck! Clearly. Rin's haughty smirk returns for a moment, at least, as she touches down onto the dock while ignoring that she's dripping seawater all over the place. "Place looks pretty safe, yeah. But y'know, it could be way safer if you hired some Paladins to take care of any extra protection needs, yeah? Or maybe some junior detectives...?" She's not doing a great job at being subtle about it. "Junior detectives like me and Okuu here? Eh? Eh?" "Heh. Lovely kitten." Utsuho repeats after Hook, biting back a snicker and then just laughing outright when Rin turns to them with a flustered scowl. "W... Well, of course I'm lovely! But I ain't a kitten!" Rin snaps back while trying to look as intimidating as a soaked girl at a grand height of 5'6" can look while glaring daggers at both Utsuho and the (non-Flint) captain. "And us runnin' into each other's just a coincidence, you hear?!" Utsuho, still laughing at the whole thing and only looking mildly red at the blatant flirting, taps a hand on her chin idly. "I dunno about that. You /were/ the one that was all-" She goes into a fairly accurate impression of Rin "-'hey, Okuu, we gotta show up at this job 'cause it'll make us look good!' Even though... Uh." She glances around, gesturing vaguely at White Dragon and Staren and Kotone, then way over at where the Walrus is and where Hiromi's headed, and finally looking over at Hook to see how he's going to take her assessment of things potentially making his job even easier.
Captain Hook	"A term of endearment, madam, fondly intended!" Hook says cheerfully to Rin. Hook is good at being distracting with one hand while doing something else with the...hook. "Oh, I've no doubt with the two of you on the case it will be all the safer. You did a marvelous job defending the last place you found me at, after all, although in this case I've no cause for trouble, save causing trouble with you two. Tell me, would you care for something to eat again? I imagine you've worked up quite an appetite going for a swim, and as Miss Staren says, seafood would be delightful right now." Hook beams. He's got what he came for, after all. Might as well continue to make a habit of winning a little on the side.
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone gets some interesting readouts from White Dragon which are curious she seems 0o be more like Nagato or the other ship spirit but not quite she's something that's similar but something else. At least from this and she's good and well distracted with the talk here from what's going on with Captain Hook and the Duo. She hears talk about them selling seafood and the like. Also, there's a good sushi chef here. She'll have to look back here and also work to get some contacts here. "Sushi? That will be something for dinner I think. I think I shall explore this place a little more if I'm permitted to."
Captain Flint	FLINT "Strength in numbers, was it?" It seems to be the prevailing thought that individually, these captains weren't much, nor were their ships. "I see." But there is still something valuable that could be sourced here--a kind of intangible treasure. The last in the line of merchants that Flint has visited is also the luckiest. "Consider this an advance," he says, planting a clattering cloth pouch upon the counter. If the merchant but tugs on the draw string, it will open to reveal a small, but very valuable sum of black pearls. "You may consider the pearls an investment in the success of this community. In return, I ask that you contact me in the event that you come across any armaments of unusual make." There's a pause. "My personal frequency," says Flint, then procuring a folded piece of parchment from his black long coat, sliding it across the counter. "I have a community of my own to build, with rather quarrelsome neighbors." SILVER New experiences are a delight for the crew. John Silver, however, is here on business. Dark, wavy hair bounces at his shoulders as his crutch and prosthetic beat an even one-two-one. There's a crew member on hand to take the crutch when he's seated. "Just plain old port for me, thanks," There's a friendly smile that shines through his scruffy--perhaps even intimidating appearance. Gold coin from several countries of origin are clinked upon the table. It's a little more than the drink is worth. Before the proprietor can question it: "I wonder if you could tell me a little about how things have been, now the pirates are gone. That is," he utters, leaning forward with conversational interest, "Have you had much company since then?" Unlike Flint, Silver can carry on a conversation with strangers and not seem menacing or overly formal. He's trying to work the owner of the bar for information about the surrounding islands, the powers that govern them, and whether there are any troubling new developments since the pirates were removed. "And that handsome woman outside... I don't suppose you'd indulge me with a few rumors?"
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa shes looks to Staren as she offers a meal on her. "That would be great! We haven't caught up in a very long time now have we? I want to explore this place a bit first though. Could be fun as well, right?"
Hellwarming Trio	Rin: "Meh... Whatever! Not like it matters much to us whatever happened last time with the..." Utsuho: "Freaky boat lady?" Rin: "Yeah! I don't even remember why we were fightin' that time, anyway." Utsuho: "She paid him to... Do... Something? " Rin: "Oh yeah. Didn't want other people around, and we didn't take the deal fast enough." Utsuho: "Speaking of..." Hook says the magic words: EAT AGAIN. Utsuho's the first one to perk up at that, and she shrugs while crossing her arms behind her head idly. "It's been a couple of hours, sure. This place has got to have good stuff, right?" She asks without really asking, already accepting his proposal while Rin... Even Rin can't feign disinterest that long, especially considering how far they are from home. "Mmrgh... Fine! But before that." She turns to White Dragon, reaching into her pocket briefly to fish out a soggy business card! Luckily, Utsuho's on the ball, and she takes out a non-seawater'd one to hand to White Dragon. It's got their contact info on it! "In case ya need a hand protectin' this place or cleanin' up bodies, give us a call. We'll get it taken care of real quick, sis!" Rin explains helpfully, then clears her throat and shifts into a far more reserved/feigning disinterest tone while turning to Utsuho and Hook. "Alright, where're we headed?"
Midway	White Dragon seems entirely unaware of Hook making off with the damaged capsule, so surrounded with so many newcomers and addressing their inquiries. At last the rush of curiosity seems to be dying down around her, though, and she turns her eyes skyward at a faint buzzing sound in the distance. It promptly turns away, and she in turn shifts her attention back to the men unloading the cargo ship with their own machines. They're almost done, at least. The sudden arrival of a two-tailed catgirl went over fairly well and she's already rushed off about her business it seems. "Goshozin will welcome the business," the Dragon comments, re-folding her arms inside the sleeves of her kimono, "I understand he is a chef of some renown, on a pilgrimage to perfect his craft. It seems this is some tradition where he is from. Go in peace, Mountain River's Song." FLINT "Quantity is a quality all it's own, so I hear," the shopkeep remarks to Flint's out-loud thoughts, "But the ideal would be both, yeah? Heh." He pauses at the noisy pouch, leaning over it and checking the contents. Flint is given a look of disbelief, though the merchant leans back with his hands on his hips as he hears out the offer with a thoughtful expression, "Got your eyes on the rarer prizes, I see. Not too many weapons come through here, at least not yet. But I'll keep an eye out. Can hardly say no with this kind of reward on offer." He collects the parchment, giving it a read-over before folding it and tucking it into a pocket, "Molbano, at your service, sir. I'll set aside anything that seems unusual; you're welcome to inspect it before you accept it, naturally." SILVER "I've a bottle of that, certainly," the barmaid chimes, reaching under the bar. A bottle is slid free and she checks the label, before placing it before Mr Silver. Her eyes jump to the coins on offer and the request, and she props her elbows on the bar proper in a semi-bend, "The Dragon? I'll confess I moved here after she cleaned the place up. Moved here from the south coast, seekin' opportunities. You an' your men convinced me I made the right choice though." Straightening up, the lady sets about cleaning one of the glasses with a bleached rag, "There's some folks here who were forced to work for the pirate crews though. They're still around. Grandma Guff is one of 'em. She ain't related to nobody here, but we all call her Grandma. To hear her say it, the Dragon just appeared one day. Tore herself out of one of their ships. Might've been a prisoner they weren't sure what to do with, I'm not sure." Lifting the glass, she checks it with one eye closed, "She tore through the whole place with a sword taller than I am. Explosions where she pointed. Guns firing from everywhere except her own two hands. To hear Grandma tell it, the Dragon turned Keelhaul Quay into a battlefield in just a few hours. By dawn, every buccaneer was gone, in one way or the other."
Captain Flint	FLINT "Naturally," says Flint with a nod. Molbano is given a firm handshake. After, Flint departs for the bar. He arrives to find SILVER just wrapping up a little conversation with the barmaid. "The lady here was just regaling me with some stories of White Dragon," says Silver, as Flint takes the stool beside him. "Oh?" "Did you know," says Silver with scandalous intonation, "That many of the people here were formerly pressed into service of those same crews she ran through?" Flint frowns. "It's no wonder, then, that we should have been regarded with suspicion. Mr. Silver," he says in a more brisk, authoritative tone. "When the men have had their fill of our host's amenities, you may return to your post aboard the Walrus. I shall supervise the junior members upon their arrival. We'll return by nightfall, and set sail at dawn." Silver savors his port. "You'll have your hands full," he warns. "For some of them, it'll be their first time." "I'll have Billy with me." Silver snorts. "You're taking Billy and leaving me to handle these drunken twats?" It's uttered affectionately. "I daresay they're less likely to hit you than some years past," says Flint. He is, in fact, capable of making jokes. By dawn, the Walrus will be gone, leaving lighter, but certainly richer, in an intangible, but important sense.