Piotr clears his throat before speaking. "We did hear that commotion. It seemed like some brigands, I don't know, since we were busy dealing with the guards at the gate. We managed to clear the gates, anyway, before too much occurred," he finishes. "It's unusual for bandits to take on a city of this size. What has been going on to stir things up like that?"
I will be traveling to Switzerland, starting Saturday and returning the following weekend. No access to the boards during the week.
Piotr continues to wring his hands, perhaps even more quickly. He glances about in apparent nervousness, but is really trying to gauge the distance and determine if the guards pursuing his companions are within range of a Fireball. And, more importantly, whether his companions are in need of rescue.
"I suppose we must," grumbles Piotr. "I feel like a loose bundle of rags after riding as fast as we must." After a pause, he continues,"Although a bundle of rags wouldn't be sore. Corb, you have a good memory - add create flying device to my list of projects!"
Ray, do you have enough guns and ammo for your suicidal assault to distract the guards? Ray, can you hold the parasol so that I don't get burned by the sun? Ray, when I said to pretend to be an unlettered barbarian, I did not intend for you to use the centuries old vase as a spittoon! Enjoy your holidays!
Jerry listens to Hteleitoirl, trying to understand the man.
"If I may impose, could I ask something of you? We are ... new ... to this business. I am having to learn as I go, in order to keep my friends and crew alive. I have been studying military tactics. Would it be too much of an imposition to discuss some things with you?" "The learning software is certainly comprehensive but ... well, it lacks emotion."
"Good question, Ray," responds Jerry. "Let's find the dockmaster. Steph - this might require some negotiations. You can I can handle that. As for the rest of us, keep watch for anyone who might also be interested in the luggage. If there is a lot of luggage, someone might need to fetch the marines to help move it." After waiting for questions, Jerry sets out in search of the dockmaster, ready to do battle with the petty bureaucrat and release their passenger's luggage.
Jerry should be studying Tactics, but there is a need to keep the passengers entertained and out of trouble. After a stern lecture about the dangers of Jump Space and touching things that they known nothing about (or, which Ray is in charge of cleaning), Jerry organizes "Captain's Hour". This is an impromptu session after the main meal of each cycle, where Jerry entertains the passengers with tales of his dashing companions and their adventures. Sprinkled, of course, with reminders of how dangerous the crew-members are when challenged in their authority.
Jerry is showering, humming off-key to himself, while trying to clear his head after the celebratory dinner. The combination of the nif'alaq and the bourbon has left a taste in his mouth that reminds him of the aftereffects of some of the diplomatic dinners. The shower is definitely helping with the headache. He has just lathered up his hair when the shower suddenly runs ice-cold, then scalding hot, before stopping entirely. He fiddles wiht the shower control for a moment before realizing that it has stopped working. Jerry steps from the shower cubicle, wiping suds from his eyes while groping for the towel. Still dripping suds, Jerry finds his communicator headset and fumbles with it. "Engineering! The shower isn't working. Can someone come and fix it?" |
