Alisa U Zemlji Chuda
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@benjimirthursby
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"Winds in the east, mist coming in, like somethin’ is brewin’ and bout to begin. Can’t put me finger on what lies in store, but I fear what’s to happen all happened before." - Children's book in the Thursby family library.*
Apologies to Pamela Lyndon Travers. (And Dick Van Dyke.)
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"See How They Run. (FFXIV Write Prompt #4 "Baleful." - The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor.
“Fate takes a deposit against one’s life. You get the deposit back afterward, or apply it to the next one.” - Katryn Vaunter, “Personal Logs.” The all consuming glow faded. The ground met Bandia’s feet. But the hand pressing on the small of her back remained. As the Aetheryte plaza in Ul’Dah came into full focus she instinctively turned to the right looking for this errand boy of Tatania brought her too, only he wasn’t there. “Madam Sulistian.” her escort said curtly to her left, startling Bandia enough that she jumped in fright. Recovering her indignity cast a baleful glare at the middleman. “Will you please. I have had quite enough of this.” She spat at the man. “Have you now? My heart bleeds. I weep for your inconvenience, and could you demonstrate more tact in speaking aloud than you do your mode of dress. Let us away from here and it’s many eyes and ears.” The man gripped Bandia’s arm with enough force to brook no resistance from Bandia. He lead her out of the Aetheryte plaza and towards the city gate beyond.
As they neared the gate their progress was halted by a caravan from the merchants' district departing under escort. The escort consisted of a pair of riders at the front and others interspersed between wagons, all making open show of the arms the bore. Many of these riders wore patches of a white tree on a black field. Volunteers and militia from the Scions of Numenor. Others displayed the more stylized winged sword and tree icon of the Thursby Company. The courier became agitated as the riders and wagons kept him from the Chocobo porter beyond. Bandia took no pleasure at the sight either. Her rivals had gained greatly as caravans escorted such as this and for her part she could not manage to secure contracts for escorting or the goods being transported. It was maybe the chief reason she had consented to working with the Umberbreakers. “Twinkinrykers.” Bandia muttered. To her surprise the courier nodded and his expression hardened at her saying the name. “Best not forget that either.” The caravan having passed, he continued with Bandia to the porter. “Where are you absconding with me to now?” She asked bitterly. “Noplace thankfully. I am returning to my duties. You however are to return to your business and make ready to assemble the next shipment of Linkpearl sets. I will return with to exchange the companies pearls for our own in a week. Good day miss Sulistian.” With that the courier turned for the porter from whom he rented a Chocobo and he rode away. Bandia considered if she had made a mistake in becoming part of these peoples plotting. But spying the lingering end of the caravan her resentment of her rivals in business was stoked again and she cast those reservations aside and returned to her quarters.
*******
Thirty miles north of Kugane and by design the caravans from the port split into several sections and rode toward different destinations. Each retained a mounted escort. Pitched attempts to extort the caravans, much less overt attacks, had almost ceased over the past year thanks to the efforts of contract escorts. The largest of the groups from the convoy to Kugane was escorted by the Sons of Numenor. The guards were newer, less seasoned and most felt their purpose had largely been filled when attacks by people had ceased. As such the normal routine of scouts and guards riding on ridgelines had fallen out of practice. Drunken Garleans were the most dangerous thing seen in months and easy to see coming. Sober raiders keeping discipline went unobserved. Such was the case again tonight. A pair of riders concealed themselfs, making careful notes of the composition of the escorts. They would break-off once the convoy reached the village ahead and report to their commander in Kugane. *******
Following dinner, Aubreen forsook the Bokaisen Onsen for the more exclusive, traditional Crystal Spring. A considerable walk beyond Bokaisen, it was still segregated by gender. Private suites afforded couples and the working men and women space for rendezvous. The springs themselves were cultured stone and built decades prior by a retiring warlord. The men and women’s springs each had views of the port miles below. The distance ensured the cliente were not the average sailors and relationships of situational convenience.
For the uninitiated an Onsen could be a condensed and unnerving experience. There were kindred experiences in other regions, and anyone serving in uniform learned to lose modest quickly enough. But the tradition steeped details and freedom from distractions could focus people on their insecurities. This began with bathing in a traditional open room with the female patrons. Katryn was far from a prude by any measure, but she never failed to feel more self conscious as she and Aubreen disrobed and placed their cloths in the small baskets which would sit in the dressing space outside the bathing room.
Women were similarly unclad and using the flow of hot water spigots to bathe before and after entering the hot springs themselves sitting on the small stools around the edge of the room. Aubreen and Katryn occupied two of these and as was common enough between them, washed each others hair. The Crystal Sky provided the customary towels to its patrons. The towels were little more than washcloths in size. Not large enough to fully wrap around a waist much less also cover one’s upper body. Each patron had their own traditions of using these towels according to their sense of modesty. Those senses ranged from preserving some modest with wrapping some of one’s body, to folding the town and placing it on ones head to keep it from falling in the water.
Aubreen and Katryn shared the practice of walking their towels in-hand, rolled. They took their time and selected a quite corner of the least occupied springs in the women’s half. Half or more of the women bathing moments ago had proceeded to couples suites. Only a few women had taken to the other spring pools. Aubreen observed Katryn looking around as they sunk into the water. “Were all of those women leaving? I did not think there were many suites here?” Katryn asked. “Guild women mostly, a few women of independent standing.” Aubreen explained. Katryn looked surprised. “Working women you mean, they have a guild?” she asked. Aubreen nodded. “I do not use the term but yes and there is a guild. They have considerable influence in the merchant and hospitality trade here.” Katryn pondered and shook her head. “I’ve never considered such work in the sense of being business, I couldn’t see myself doing that.” She said. “Of course not.” Aubreen said. “Because you have had a path laid before you since you were born. Mind your thoughts though. When you unjustly judge another's station in life, fate has a habit of booking a ticket to the same place.” she finished. Katryn nodded, her eyes focused on her lover as she spoke. But Aubreen’s eyes were affixed on something on the dark horizon. A great shape was dimly backlit by the crescent moon’s light. The airship was a massive, nonsensical mass in the shadows. “There is our mystery contact from yesterday.” Aubreen said. Katryn rose some in the water and looked out. “He’s not alone” She added. Aubreen stood and walked to the end of the spring pool. Like all of her blood, her sight was manyfold better than Katryn’s. “Gunships. The Garlean variety we have been seeing. Also, four smaller vessels, walker skifts.” Aubreen reported. Katryn could not see the could not see the smaller vessels and so sat back into the water her own eyes fixing on Aubreen as she turned and walked back to her. Intimate activities were expressly not allowed in onsens but she allowed herself the privilege of observation for the moment. Aubreen smirked and sat near her.” “Log and report it tomorrow. Where were we?” She said.
“You are saying we are fated to be what we are?” Katryn asked. Aubreen shook her head. “Sometimes, yes. I think we choose to live. In doing so we make a covenant with the great mystery and its sovereign.” Aubreen said. “So some have purpose but not all?” Katryn asked. Aubreen shrugged. “Some find their purpose, or make it. Others have it thrust upon them. Be it by happenstance or design.”
“So we live more than once?” Katryn asked.
“We can, but do we? That again is a choice. In my races’ tradition it is possible but not obligatory. “ She looked at Katryn inquisitively, wondering what was pressing on her mind to be on about this now. “Your own race does too. Many faces, many names but always them.” Aubreen said.
“By that do you mean Benjimir?” Katryn asked Aubreen.
“It does.” She said.
“Does he know?” Katryn followed-up. “Not that he has demonstrated but I believe he has begun to suspect. He had despaired for years before Haydaelyn. No sense he would have a chance to contribute a chapter to the long Thursby story. That sat ill with him. But Dalamud. And over these past six years he senses his purpose for this life.” Aubreen said.
*******
Xyncalla approached Wayng Chun’Chunyt.at the ally near her rickshaw. “The tacky woman was taken. Ul’Dah if I had to guess but that is not my department.” She said. In his even and almost expressionless tone Wang nodded and commented. “Too many elements to reconcile. We need a primer to be able to read these tea leafs.” “I was able to learn the entire Onsen was secured for this evening.” Xyncalla reported. “Umberbreaker?” Wayng asked. “Scheer.” She told Wayng. He nodded. “Very well. It would suggest he commands the beast, it is putting into port as we speak.” He paused. “Return to the Onsen. Find favorable means to know whom is there tonight and what business is conducted. I am off to present my card to the Commodore. We may not have chance to meet again for a time.” Wayng ordered. Xyncalla nodded. “At once. Light’s path Wayng.” She said. “See with the Crystal’s eyes my friend.” Wayng said, bowing his head slightly.
******* The rented Chocobo trailed the caravan from Ul’Dah until it reached the first village beyond. Leaving it with the porter he withdrew his own mount from the village stables he resumed following the caravan studying it and the escorts protecting it until satisfied. He turned back for the village and by it’s Aetheryte plaza jaunted to Umberbreaker compound many miles away.
*******
Wayng sat quietly in the lobby space of the Onsen. As Aubreen and Katryn emerged from the change rooms he stood up and approached the women. With a slight bow he presented a small card with his name to Aubreen. “Well met mister Chu’chunyt. Captain Vaunter of the SNS Andustar.” she said to Wayng. Katryn clicked her boot heels with a smile and bowed. “Your servant captain.” Wayng said. “The beast has returned mister Chu’chunyt.” Aubreen said. “Yes commodore. My observer has made me aware of a gathering of officers and a member of the Umberbreaker clan in Kugane this night.” He reported. “Miss Duskarie?” she asked Wayng. And paused in thought and continued. “I would ask you to have her join us in Tondera Hall, but first may I ask you to have her see what more she can learn of this meeting?” “It has already been so ordered Commodore.” Wayng answered.
“Excellent. We sail for Ul’Dah at dawn, report to me aboard Andustar. We will await you there.” Aubreen said.
*******
Tatania Umberbreaker favored making her briefs with a certain amount of professional decorum and subty. An onsen bought-out for his officers were neither professional nor proper. If she knew he would not overstep his boundaries given her family name, Fleet Legatus Lucium Scheer was a creature who insisted on the full measure of entitlement his rank afforded him. Her orders were to return the Umberbreaker compound which had the function of ensuring she would not linger. However she did not have time to maneuver around this. Knowing this Scheer had ensured the customary separation of genders in the onsens did not apply as he held court
in the main spring pool with his officers. Tatania strood from the bathing room to the steps of the spring pool without any sign of self consciousness. Scheer and the commanders of the escorts accompanying the airship Ascendancy were already soaking in the pool awaiting her arrival.
The officers managed to suppress crass comments and cat calls but their lingering eyes conveyed their sentiments. “We are graced with your presence Lady Umberbreaker.” Scheer said with a smile. “Can your men breathe under water or do you stand periodically so they may kiss your arse Lucium?” Tatania said and walked into the spring pool to and sunk into the water to mid-chest depth, leaving her towel at the ledge. Tatania ignored the officers entirely and locked eyes with Scheer. She fenced with Scheer, arching her back or rising in the water daring him to shift his focus. Above them in an ornamental balcony feature, concealed by shadow and the night, Xyncalla looked listened intently the next two hours as Tatania and Scheer traded crass barbs between discussing dispatches and orders for the Ascendancy. She found it excellent theater.
*******
Some forty miles outside of Kugane the largest of the caravans escorted by the Scions of Numenor reached its destination. A small village, hit hard by the actions of the off duty Garlean troops from the consulate guard in Kugane. Merchants had only begun to restock their wares, trusting in the Scions to protect their orders. The eldars saw to the distribution of food stuffs sent gratis by the Thursby Company. The escorts remained mounted, circulating up and down the wagons. This had the effect of keeping off-duty Garlean troopers from nearing the caravan save for two whom newly arrived were sauntering toward a wagon when the hands of their sargent gripped their shoulders. A stern look and shake of his head sent them back to the pub entrance where several others chastised them as they approach, making off-handed gestures to the Chocobos and their riders.
*******
“Wayng is not a veteran of uniformed service and has not led a naval battle before. However his analytical prowess is extraordinary. “ Aubreen said to Katryn as she drew a large finely crafted wooden box from her sea chest. “He is to be commissioned then?” Katryn asked carrying the courier envelope to the chart table. “Yes,” she replied, taking the envelope and placing it atop of the box. “He has several bright prospects that could serve us well at need and Benjimir is adamant that we improve our intelligence stance.” A knock on the stateroom door concluded their discussion. Answering the knocks Katryn opened the door and welcomed Wayng Chun’nyte into the quarters.
“Good day captain,” said as he stepped in. Bowing his head he greeted Aubreen. “Commodore T’Subaki. Reporting as ordered.”
“Enter, welcome aboard the Andustar. Tea?” Aubreen offered as Wayng joined her at the chart table.
“Please. “ He answered.
Katryn stepped to the serving table near the main chart table. “Sugar?” she asked
“Yes, one lump please.”
Handing Wayng his tea Katryn joined them at the chart table.
“Xyncalla has resumed observations in Kugane, she will report as she learns more about the Garlean.” “Very well. It is well you are able to join us for this crossing to Ul’Dah there is work to be done.”
“Orders?” Wayng asked. Aubreen gestured to the box and courier envelope.
“Take these dispatches and report to Admiral Thursby at Tondera Hall. For yourself, take these. This is my personal set of wargaming pieces and such.” Wayng seemed surprised. He took a moment to open the hinged lid to the box and viewed the contents. Placing his open hand over his chest he bowed his head. “You honor me with this.” Wayng said. “You may thank me by making good use of them. From among your dispatches you will have returned to you scenarios which I want you to begin to work through. Report your results to the admiral, he will review them and complete your training as we have discussed.”
“By your command.”
Katryn flared her brow but chooses to discount the comment. “Anything further commodore?” Wayng asked. “Not at this time, we will speak further during the crossing.” Aubreen replied.
“I will take my leave of you then ma’am.” He said and bowed his head to Katryn. “Excellent tea.”
“Good journey Wayng.”
“Safe journey commodore. Good night.” Wayng bowed slightly and carried the box and dispatches to his quarters.
Katryn replaced the tea cups for the cabin steward to take from the serving cart.
“You will not be training him further?” She asked Aubreen. “Not directly, I am aligned with Benjimir in that we need to build our own domestic source of skilled war and strategic planners. Wayng is part of that plan.” Aubreen replied.
Aubreen sensed the uncertainty in Katryn, another rising star within the chain of command might cause that. “Peace my dear. As we spoke of today. Yours is a different path and true to only you. Let us make ours for tonight to bed.” Aubreen kissed Katryn and led her to their quarters.
*******
Aubreen’s personal journal would later reflect that she fell into a deep sleep that night. In the early watches aboard Andustar her mind was filled with a dream. As her vision began she found herself walking down a green slope below a great hall of white stone. The grass was cool on her feet and moist with morning dew. The hall seemed to stretch beyond the horizon to the north and south.
The slope led her through trees and down into a morning haze until the great hall seemed to loom above her as if set on a cloud. Finally she came through the mists to the edge of a narrow stream. Beyond and high above the fog on the opposite bank was a hall of very great size but entirely different form. On the opposing bank a shadow grew in the fog. Slowly it emerged from the vail. The form was of a woman, dark long hair, limp in posture and head seemingly looking about. The face was yet undefined in Aubreen’s vision and if she thought she felt she recognized it, clearly it knew her. As form came free of the fog it’s shoulder stiffened and head rose at once. A hand rose, palm extended. It began to wave as the vision ended.
Aubreen rose in bed. Choosing not to disturb Katryn beside her, she drew her legs up and wrapped her arms around them. A gentle, contented smile formed on her lips, but also a slight tear in her eye. The dreams were visions of peace and beauty. However with the beauty came sadness. It meant her gift of foresight had returned.
******* https://archiveofourown.org/works/24865591
FFXIV Write Prompt #3, “Scale.”
The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor - “Pressure Bands.”
FFXIV Write Prompt #3, “Scale.”
“Osimira’s unchallenged purview was in matters of technocraft, engineering, Dossimir theory. I hold her in the highest respect as I would like to think is mutual. She recognized not all answers came by equation or through electromagnetic bonds. So she turned to me in compiling a base of information from historic records and journals. It was a successful project, but we began to discover more than we were looking for. It was not long before our research gave rise to the keeping of dream logs. Not all answers were to be found in history either.” - Tinifalas Thursby, “Stranger in a Strange Land.”
Bondermir arrived to find Wang, Vilnius, as Osimira, and Vaunter already assembled about the room. A chart table, rounds of drink and the plates of at least one meal already atop of it. Osimira and Wang were pondering numbers and such on a chalkboard. Vilnius and Maxwell were at the far end of the table gamefully discussing a small chart between them over cups of wine. For his part Benjimir was enraptured by his book. The title read “Thermobaric Physics in Application.” in inlaid gold pressed letters. “A bit of light reading?” Bondermir asked as he drew a chair up near his brother at the table. Benjimir lowered his book and adjusted his glasses on his nose. “Light” he spoke with emphasis, “is almost precisely the problem, ironically.” he said, pulling the bookmark between the pages and closing the book as he dropped the book between them.
Picking the book up and look over the title and thumbing through the chapter Benjimir had been reading. “There are alternatives to this. Simpler.” Bondermir said. “Again, no. Simpler to employ, more complex in the repercussions.” Benjimir said. Another round in a lingering difference of opinion began. “A lot has been….and will be sacrificed to make the moment possible. If this phase does not succeed it may all prove for nought. And for a matter of principle.” Bondermir replied but Benjimir was having none of it in this iteration of the debate.
“Sacrificed for these principles. Not because of them.” Benjimir said firmly and with a glare leveled into Bondermir’s eyes which made it clear the issue was closed. Bondermir nodded low and held his open palms up in supplication. Then he leaned back and gestured to the book and table charts. “And how goes it with this?” He asked. “It does not scale.” Benjimir said, shrugging and glancing with his eyes and a nod to Osimira and Wang who were gamefully drawing and counter-drawing on the chalkboard. On a smaller scale, yes, but the volume of space at the objective, not so much.” Bondermir nodded. “Fuel problem?” He asked. “Volume and chemistry actually.” Benjimir answered. “Ceruleum is well suited for the task. But how to transport the volume needed and the mix that will sustain the detonation.”
“The detonation won’t support itself even with Ceruleum?” Bondermir asked. “Within certain pressure bands, yes, but as the explosion expands it fills the space, the physics change, the ignition point to trigger the ceruleum changes. On a smaller scale different mixes can actually detonate as that happens and sustain the explosion. But then pressure builds, the physics change again, and so forth. Bonding the Corillium infused gas with third elements, mixed in fourth or fifth elements, that is nothing that has been done before.” Benjimir elaborated to the extent of his understanding of the matter. “Wang and Osimira are working the problem now. Until the delivery method is determined the rest is moot.” Benjimir said as he reached for another cup of tea. “What are we calling this phase, should it be included in the final plan?” Bondermir asked. Benjimir took a long sip and replied.
“Almighty.”
*******
FFXIV Write 2021, Prompt #2, “Aberrant”
The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor -
"The Weakest Link, The Harkening Walls."
FFXIV Write 2021, Prompt #2, “Aberrant”
"If in the absence of any plausible alternative explanation, the most evident solution will prove the correct one.”
- Dossimir’s Posit of Likelihood
The meeting had ended with a palpable tension which was unusual unto itself. Mounting losses and strategies inexplicably frustrated, had all created a sense of urgency within the Free Companies. Outwardly the leadership remained professional and confidant. Never the less there was an edge to Benjimir’s implicit ultimatum to Bondermir. “Fix this.” he had said to Bondermir. A tinge of anger was unmistakable. Perhaps not with Bondermir but maybe a helplessness Benjimir himself felt toward being unable to guide the companies into having the upperhand. Osimira’s forte was the technocraft and engineering challenges encountered. In her annex within the Tondera Hall workshop, she had become the purveyor of crazy solutions to impossible challenges. Determining the cause of breaches in operational security was new however. A technical failure, in design or construction was simple. This was qualitative however, not quantitative. A breach was a material fact in her mind. Not a matter of people, trust, and so forth. Therefore she resolved to review all within her domain for an unforeseen oversight or error. As Osimira settled into her room of workbenches and chalkboards she set her mind to what works she had engaged with since arriving in Eorzea. She quickly focused on projects which involved any effort involving parties outside of the Free Companies. For the moment she refused to consider a breach to be likely from within the Thursby or Scions companies. Tapping notes and dossiers she remained ensconced in the workshop for several days. Soon she was reminded of a report from the Fleet arm, summing repeated aberrant performance of the Linkpearls connecting water and air borne ships of the company fleet. “Surely not.” Osimira thought. The very principles of their functions and creation would make breaching their transmissions virtually impossible. Additionally, the links, or comstones as they were often called within the company were crafted within it’s staff. “But not wholly so.” Osimira realized. “Not any longer.” Her thought process continued. The components were increasingly sourced from a vendor in Ul’Dah. The cabinets holding the base stations, tone pushers, and relay boxes came from other local crafters. Local Lalafels assembled the final devices, a Hyur owned the contract to produce them, and beyond that little was known of external points of contact. “Not an antiseptic process.” She considered. The technical and theoretical manner in which the links could have been compromised was not clear, but that was not important. Under the current circumstance the risk that it could be done was enough to require validating it hadn’t or couldn’t be.
The report logged ships, including the late Andustar under Captain Vaunter’s command, dates, and the aberrant performance observed. Most of the details were summed as audio quality issues, cross-chat across links, latent “interference” which in theory couldn’t occur. Similar issues and worse had been logged about the White Fleet upwell years prior as the Red Moon progressed through its destruction. Shards embedded in the hulls of several ships, and others since acquired lead Osimira to spend considerable time reaching the shards, culminating in a unnerving demonstration to Benjimir as others nearly a year prior.
For the next week Osimira arrayed examples of Linkpearls from across the fleet in her workshop. On several chalkboards she began mapping possible correlations between comms traffic and subsequent encounters with Garlean gunships. Breaking down by those incidents with plausible connections by those vessels with Linkpearls produced in Eorzea, the charts began to craft an increasingly clear picture. Feeling she had the root of the breeches, she summoned Benjimir and Bondermir to brief them.
“How it is possible is a theory at this point. Except it is unlikely to be within the means of the set makers. There must be another that is enabling the sets to share what is said on the links.” Osimira said to Benjimir and Bondermir. “Yet.” She added thoughtfully, her next mystery being set before her, officially or not. “That his is occurring is more important than how for now.” Benjimir said, eyes fixed on the chart sketched out on the board before him by Osimira. Lines connected boxes, laying out the chain of communications and long curved lines from an incident back to box above a list of company vessels using the Linkpearl sets built on contract in Eorzea. “We can recall the sets, stretch our remaining comstones in their place……” Bondermir began to say but Benjimir was already shaking his head. “No.” Benjimir said, turning to his brother and Osimira. “Leave the sets in place, continue to order more. But do issue our own gear directly to the commanders. Our enemy has taken its time reeling us in like fish, we will let me continue to play with his rod while we change what is on the hook.” Bondermir looked grim. “The Linkpearls? Alright, that connects the results with the breach. But how they were compromised remains an open question.” he said. Benjimir nodded. “Aye, I leave that to you to “fix.” he responded. “Miegs, my compliments and thanks. Continue your work into how this was done. Bondi, set a meeting with Commodore Chu’nyt, Capatains Vaunter, Funderwhite, Hedges and Maxwell.” Benjimir said and took his leave of Osimira. Osimira returned to her work on the Linkpearl sets. Finishing her notes as she listened to signals traffic from the Linkpearl sets on a small speaker, her writing was interrupted as she became aware of traffic. The signals were from an old Linkpearl set brought to Eorzea with them more than six years ago, it had been logged due to incident reports from near to Dalumnd’s fall. She flipped her page of notes over and began to note the cypher traffic. A few moments later in the now guarded “Tondera Watch” room the duty watch deciphered the notes. On read the results Osimira thanked the officers and walked back to her workshop.
She paused briefly outside of her workshop. “That should not be possible.” She thought. “Yet.”
*******
FFXIV Write 2021, Prompt #1 "Foster."
FFXIV Write 2021 entry, prompt #1 “Foster.”
The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor “Fetch and Carry.”
“Boredom is the birthmother of frivolity. Given enough time a sufficiently unengaged people will give rise to the same trinkets and distractions and the craft which makes them possible.”
-Ossmira Miegs, “Technospectives.”
Ches sifted her way through the dirt with a soft brush from her kit until reaching solidly packed soil, hardened for a millenia or longer. She replaced the brush to her leather dig kit and withdrew a small rock hammer. The head was new to the handle, made of pure Mythril from the east. It was a gift of sorts from a close associate who was bound to a pack of private mariner soldiers for hire. There was as story, even a song about the broken hammer heads his kindred. They were foster children to a venerated woman named Mother Maxwell. Not unlike herself.
The hammer made short work of the condensed dirt and after further work she came upon her quarry. Drawing it from a pocket of soil, which had produced a form fitting pocket that protected it for until she found it, she packed her kit and wrapped the strange object in an oil rag and deposited it in her long leather duster. Satisfied her work was done, she adjusted the rim of her leather fedora, turned and spied a ring of men in the hall between her and the exit. “Chocopoo.” she muttered.
Baxter Twinkinryker IV, “The Quad,” as his kindred Lalafel dubbed him, favored a tweed jacket with leather elbow pads and a rust hued fedora favored by his compatriots. His broom like mustache was not common but seemed to complete the quasi academic look he favored.
He awaited Ches’ returned quietly outside the archway to the ruins. The fat chocobo he rented from the keeper in Ul’Dah cooed and pecked upward at the bait at the end stick riders would use to direct it along, hoping for a random bite.
At last the rapid footfalls from within the entrance faded as Ches came in a tremendous rush out of it. As she passed him and began to mount the Chocobo he asked, “Was it there? Did you get it there?”
Not stoping, She lept upon the saddle and reaching down she grasped Baxter by his tastefully matched tweed vest and flung him into the rumble seat behind her. “Yes it was, yes I did. We go home now” Ches said, pulling the direction stick from it’s mount, spurring the Chocobo and reeling it to the left. Baxter could hear the report of weapons and feet rising from the entrance to the ruins again as the great and fat bird lunged forward and away. At once there was a sharp crack, then another, and the arch of the entrance collapsed. Standing in his little seat behind Ches Baxter looked aghast at the runs all about seeming to fall pel mel. “What did you do?” he asked. “Making friends and influencing people.” Ches replied.
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The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor - "Breaking Faith.
“Our focus was always to secure specific details related to the Company. To that end I think we succeeded remarkably well. It was our downwell domestic activities that proved vulnerable to overlapping blood feuds and vendettas we had no knowledge of.”
- Bondermir Exidines, “Seven Stars to the Horizon.”
Bandia Sulistian looked at the rickshaw with the degree of indignation a child presented a strange unappetizing meal. “And I am to do what with this?” she said incredulously to Tatania Umberbreaker who impassively returned the woman’s glare and replied. “It is our means of transportation and our business is not suited for speaking of in open crowds. Please be aboard and let us tend to matters.” she said, her eyes tensing as she gestured again to the three wheeled rickshaw, its driver, a cloaked Xeala waiting astride the cart. Awkwardly Bandia climbed into the seat with an effort and Tatania sat beside her and pulled the carts overhead cover forward, affording them a modicum of privacy. With a click of her heel on the carriage seats foot rest the driver stood on her pedals. With a creak of strained metal the rickshaw edged forward. The driver turned the wheel and narrowly avoided collision with the innumerable people as she started out for the inner merchants district.
“The junction crystals?” Tatania asked tersely as the rickshaw move forward. Annoyed, Bandia pulled a long black container, which given her disposition might have been easily mistaken for a box of chocolates and thrust it to Tatania who tucked it under her cloak. Striking a firm business tone she look at Bandia.
“My liege approves of the result of your effort.” she said.
“Thank you, I am glad he values my contribution” replied Bandia.
“Do not thank me. The result of your effort met with approval. You contributed nothing but willing betrayal of a rival, to your own gain, and compliance with instructions.” Tatania said in a dismissive tone.
“Why I never! Do you treat all of your partners thusly?”
“You are not a partner, you are a tool. This was made very clear when we met. Continue to comply and produce acceptable results and you will continue to be remunerated appropriately.”
“Humph.” Bandia snorted, turning her nose up and leering at Tatania out of the corner of her eye. Unmoved Tatania sarcastically shot back. “I am sorry Ms. Sulistian, do you find the Gil insufficient? Do you feel aggrieved?”
“No.” Bandia said, backing down. Shrinking some into her seat.
“I should think not.” Tatania said, taking a moment to adjust her hood. Bandia was left with no eyes to look into as she asked, “Who are you people?”
“Your future, in success or failure, make your peace with that.” Tatania said, leaning closer to Bandia and sharpened her tone. “Success brings you the justice you seek against those whom you hate.”
“What will it bring you?” Asked Bandia. “It will avenge our blood and deliver recompense for an age of injustice.” Tatania said.
“And what exactly would that be.”
Tatania looked at Bandia and said simply, “An empire.”
Bandia’s expression went blank and turned her eyes fixed ahead on the driver. The sudden chill she felt working up her back overrode her customary incredulity for the moment.
Aubreen stepped aside from the oncoming rickshaw, pressing Katryn out of it’s turning radius. For the briefest of moments the driver's eyes met Aubreen’s before she peddled on as her passengers. “Rickshaw drivers, more dangerous than pirates.” Katryn said.
“Frequently, yes, but second only to hair stylists and bar tenders for information if you know a good one. Where do you want to eat Meldanya?”
“A steakhouse this time.” Katryn said confidently.
“Continental or Higoshi?” Aubreen asked.
“Teppanyaki.”
“Table or grill?”
“Grill.”
“Sushi?” “Cocktails.” Katryn said a bit too eagerly.
“The Fire Bowl or Benny Lala?”
“Which one does the fire trick with onion?” “Any of them. However you seemed most impressed with Benny Lala’s chef.”
“We have a decision then!” Katryn declared and the pair continued afoot towards the heart of the merchants district.
A flash of lighting silhouetted the mountains beyond Kugane. It was a sight easy on the eyes. Both Aubreen and Katryn shared a fondness for watching storms at sea. The morning was now little more than a slate grey sky promising some sort of rain. Thunder rumbled down the foothills at last, suggesting a few hours of peace before rain arrived.
The flash was hardly noticeable near the Aetheryte crystal in Kugane. It did not enjoy the same sort of elaborate courtyard as did those in some other major cities. The rickshaw slowed to a stop near a modest flagstone path leading to the base of the crystal. Tatania paid the driver in Gil while Bandia fumbled out of the back of the rickshaw. The driver peddled away without awaiting another customer.
Recovering her whits from Tatania’s absurd belief of what her people would gain, Bandia stared up at the crystal and broke her silence. “Where are we going?” She asked.
“To meet my courier who will return with you to Ul’Dah tonight.” Tatania told her. “I’m going back to sea tonight? I had expected to be able to tour Kugane?” Bandia whined.
“You are taking the Aetheryte along with your next set of master crystals.”
“But I’m afraid of that sort of travel.”
“You are not being offered a choice. These crystals must be on-hand to be consumed when you receive the order for new devices.“ Tatania said, growing annoyed with the woman.
“How do you know when I am going to get another contract?”
“The same way I retained your effort.” Bandia’s resentful glare could not conceal a hint of hurt in her eyes. Tatania put aside her growing personal disdain for the women for a moment. Tool or not Bandia took time to find and efforts she would rather not repeat to secure as a resource.
“Do not be resentful, this is about business. For both of us. It is not personal. I’ll understand if that is cold comfort.” Bandia seemed unmoved. Tatania grasped her shoulder and put more sincerity into her effort. “Hear me. They are taking your business away. One contract at a time. Like they take everything. We know. We understand.”
Bandia nodded reluctantly, focused again on her reason for going along with all this trouble. The pair walked on to the base of the crystal’s pedestal.
“Where is this man of yours, I want to be done with this.” Bandia asked.
“He comes now.” Tatania said.
“Ms. Sulistian.” a voice said. Bandia turned and another cloaked figure thrust a thick box like that she had given to Tatania earlier.
“Your delivery for the next order.” the man said. She turned to speak to Tatania but she had vanished.
Before Bandia could turn around, she felt a firm push in the small of her back and arm reach over her shoulder towards the crystal. The world seemed to vanish in a light blue haze. All she heard was the fading voice of the man.
“We go home now.”
From the entrance to a nearby alley the rickshaw driver reflected on the coming storm and drew her own hood higher over her pitch black horns. She contemplated the intersection of people and places as she watched her fare slip around the garish clothed woman and into a crowd as the man they met shoved her toward the Aetheryte and reaching for it himself jaunted them both away. She set out across the court and followed the cloaked woman’s path towards an onsen overlooking the port.
The port district in Kugane featured one of the richest selections of street food and cuisine in Eorzea. Yatai carts in neat lines sat in squares and streets. From late afternoon until the early hours of the morning the sizzle from grills, exotic smells of spices and sauces scarcely conceivable to those not native to Higoshi filled the air. A favorite for visitors, especially those on a budget was the “Promenade of Plenty.” A long and wide but gated ally it required several Gil per person to enter, for which patrons were given tokens. These tokens could be exchanged for all manner of street food. Rice cakes, flavored mashed potatoes pressed into hand-pies, sushi, Small kabobs of spiced meat on a stick adorned the hands of many, often couples which enjoyed the promenade as a walking banquet of appetizers.
At the end of this promenade was a favorite of Katryn Vaunter.
“Benny Lala, Teppanyaki Steakhouse and Bakery” did not fit into any particular culinary orthodoxy. An old style silver nitrate image of the founding patriarch graced the wall above the maitre d station. A mustached Lalafell stared out holding a knife and onion like a scepter and orb. The back of the menus told the story of Philbers Doeburry, who in the sixth astral age established the first Teppanyaki style steakhouse and bakery. It could safely lay claim as the only restaurant to offer a sushi cupcake and Flaming Onion soju.
Aubreen offered Katryn the last of the kabob from the Promenade as they entered the restaurant. The restaurant was empty, having only just opened and the surge of mid-day diners had not yet arrived. The maitre’d, a young female Lalafell with a cheery smile stood on a set of wood boxes, at the station just inside the door. Philbers Doeburry looked down from the picture on the wall behind her. She smiled and thrust her hands into the air and cried out, “HAPPY FOOD GO!” At once the servers as well as the Itamae and teppanyaki chef’s all followed suite and the restaurant echoed with “HAPPY FOOD GO!” in response. Katryn was gleeful, even Aubreen’s ordinary self constrained nature allowed for a smile. “Welcome to Benny Lala’s! How many in your party?”
“Two.” Katryn replied.
“Table or Grill?”
“Grill.”
“A name for the reservation?”
“Vaunter.”
“Very well, if you like you may sit at the sushi bar. It should only be a few minutes!“
Off of the main floor there was a long bar with stool seating. The bar had a narrow ledge suitable for only small plates and drinks in front of a glass protected refrigerated area in which sushi was prepared. Aubreen and Katryn took seats and took a moment to review the small menu. A Namasu waddled along the elevated floor behind the bar, bowed and in a gurggly, slightly sullen voice. “Happy food go. Welcome to Benny Lala’s. Would you like a drink or appetizer while you wait? Our Flaming Onions are on special.” The chef sounded as excited as a fish drying out on a beach. “A Flaming Onion.” Vaunter said. “Maki rolls please, and a soju.” Aubreen added.
Aubreen settled onto her stool. She took a moment to shift her personal sword from her right to left hip as she perched on the stool. Long, slender and curved, it was of a style native to her people which she had carried for ages.
“I have noticed the light swords warriors in Higoshi carry have hilt guards. I have yet to see one like your own in our time here.” Katryn noted.
“There are none I expect. Though that is no reflection on the smiths here. The Elezen people produce weapons nearly worthy of my own Kin, however that should be expected.” Aubreen said.
The Namasu delivered the bottles of soju and Aubreen’s sushi.
“Have you been able to spar much with it since the boardings trailed off last year?”
“Sparingly. Benjimir and I had occasion to renew our old lessons. However his preference tended to be the bow, but he still holds his on I have found.” Aubreen said.
She continued, “His technique is unrefined but you would be hard pressed to find somebody more challenging to best. He can stalemate you indefinitely.”
“I’ve never had a particular proclivity for the tactical arts. The operational arts, command, control, that was what I wanted to study. I was honored to become a protege of you and Benjimir.” Katryn said.
“Student dear. Protege speaks to something different.” Aubreen explained.
Katryn looked disappointed. “In what way do you mean?”
“A student and a protege are not one and the same. The former learns from you and what you teach. The latter is something more intimate, personal. It is someone you teach, surely. However a protege has a natural resonance with you, carries a bit of who you are with them, makes it part of themselves.”
“Vaunter, party of two!” The maitre’d announced. Aubreen and Katryn carried their soju bottles to the nearest grill. Taking time to place their orders with the Lalafell waitress, they resumed their conversation.
“So not I am not a protege, eh?” Katrwn said. Aubreen leaned toward Katrwn and lowered her tone for emphasis. “You are as fine a student as any Benjimir and I have ever taught. But Benjimir is a protege and the best of them. He always is.”
Katryn furled a brow.
“Always?” she said.
Aubreen nodded. “He comes by it honestly. I have guided and trained the Thursby line for nearly all of its generations. Benjimir is always my favorite protege.” she said. Katryn shook her head. “I mean rather how does one protege more than once?”
“Live long enough and you see everything once and again.” Aubreen said.
“You mean to say you have taught more than one Thursby named Benjimir?”
Aubreen paused and considered the question. “No. Rather I have taught many Thursbys named Benjimir, but only ever one.” she said.
Katryn smirked. “It is true what they say about asking questions of an El…..”
“Happy Food Go!” The Lalafell chef said loudly pausing their conversation for the moment. Visible by only the top of his toque as he approached the grill and climbed atop the wooden stand behind it. The waitress followed with a cart full of the chicken, shrimp, fish, rice and such to produce the orders. The chef began the classic typikaniki dinner by pour a goodly amount of oil on the already hot grill and setting it aflame. The patrons starting to be seated exclaimed their impressions even if most has frequently seen it. The chef continued to spin eggs and toss bits of shrimp and chicken around playfully as the meal cooked and assembled before Aubreen and Katryn. The meal complete and plated the chef retired to applause from Aubreen, Katryn and excited patrons seated nearby. With time to start their dishes Katryn revived the conversations along new lines.
“There was a considerable amount of talk in Tondera Hall about if the arrival of Benjimir and decline of opposition at sea were portents we may depart these shores and resume our journey. What do you see coming?” Katryn asked.
“I do not know more about tomorrow than the sun will rise in the east and set in the west. What foresight I had before we came to these shores has left me. And do not think I say that lightly.” Aubreen said. Katryn looked alarmed. “For how long?” She asked. “Since before the fall of the moon and ever since. Unnerving at first it did have some qualities I would not trade.” Aubreen said. Katryn tilted her head and asked. “Such as?”
Aubreen smiled warmly. “I would never have broken faith with my duty as I knew it and given into
your advances. Nor pondered experiencing this ages long life more freely.” Katryn returned the smile and raised it with a pair of flush cheeks.
*******
The Book of Thursby: Scions if Numenor - “Shotguns and Canned Goods.”
“There is no peace without a threat of war. There is no war without the promise of peace. All else is tyranny.”
- Aubreen T'Subaki, "Qalvanda"
In the pre-dawn hours the Andustar and her sister ships checked their speed and held station as the convoy proceeded on to the outer bay of Kugane. As the last vessel picked up a harbor pilot and made their way up the channel cut to the harbor they turned themselves for the Thursby Company shipyard.
Kugane featured a large port and anchorage. It was the gateway for trade and commerce on Higoshi. The city reflected the complexities of diplomatic and internal considerations of the time. The lords of the archipelago outwardly kept a policy of neutrality. Pirates, Grand Companies, the Alliance and the Garlean Empire surrounded Higoshi. Within Higoshi there was but one port officially open for trade, Kugane. This served several purposes. It contained foriegn trade to transiting a single destination. This normally kept diplomatic, commerce and forigene influence near to the city where it could be contained and more efficiently influenced or taxed. This aided in appeasing Garlean interests after the invasion of Othard. The situation was conducive to monitoring any rhetorical or material danger to their disputed sovereignty in the region.
Confederacy, pirates, local tribute demands made the flow of visiting ships sparse for years. This impacted the demand for shipwrights, refits and new builds. The two yards in Kugane had ceased operating for all but rare work. The arrival of the Thursby company six years prior went unnoticed to most for most of this time. As T’Subaki built her fleet elsewhere from the purchase of surplus tonnage and took to securing the sea lanes, it was presumed to be Malestrom which was, for whatever reason, asserting itself in the Ruby Sea.
Concurrently Bondermir effected orders from Benjimir to procure ownership of the dormant ship yards. Gil greased wheels, and kept transactions out of sight and mind especially since little transpired in the yards at first. Subsequent work at the yards were the assumed to be a function of Malestrom’s skirmishes and improving commerce.
By the time any might have concluded a pitched effort to open trade to Higoshi was under way, any means to challenge it was neither possible nor desirable. Tribute flowed was flowing from every direction to the lords of Hiboshi. Merchants through Kugane thrived more richly than in an age and were the envy of the islands. Even beyond the port city, Higoshi merchants found their wares in growing demand across Eorzea. Even then, Thursby company interests were obscured by the alliance with Malestrom and the flow of independent merchant vessels making port in Kugane.
The airships passed the western graving docks. They were mirrors of three newer ones built in an annex east of Kugane’s main piers. All were filled. The nearest dock in view held an unremarkable merchant airship nearing completion. The other two appeared unremarkable but to the experienced eye. Underway for over a year the lines of these ships prompted little reason to question vague descriptions of the projects as merchantmen of large size. Their owners were not known, save for rumors of rich Lalafells from Ul’Dah whose means to pay was unsecure and thus the lengthy construction process.
For its part, the Garlean gunships and tactical combatants were being widely engaged and remained scattered. Matters at sea were the interest of few in the Empire. The Imperial fleet was occupied supporting its forces ashore with smoldering conflicts across its territories. These conflicts fueled suffering which for some years the Scions of Numenor and Thursby Company had each, in their own way, been involving themselves in.
The convoy ships were debarking passengers into Kugane as the escort squadron tied-off. Longshoremen manhandled goods from ships to waiting wagons. The largest vessels boasted their own crains. From these pallets of goods were lowered off the ships onto wagons. Members of the Scions of Numenor sat at the reigns of some of the wagons. Others awaited on all manner of mounts. As the wagons filled they made their way to the service streets past the merchant district and onto their destinations.
Caravans under the Scions of Numenor banner or protection made their way deep into territory across the map. Goods or occasionally simply food and medicinal needs flowed into shop and stalls amidst the conflicts across the map. The Thursby Company fleet ensured those efforts were supplied and protected in ways that would not fit in the former's altruistic and honorable reputation.
Increasingly in the past year caravans debarked company ships at Kugane and made for whereabouts unknown. More so than the convoys at sea, the array of dangers on land was more varied and commonly encountered. The sum and success of the caravans were closely monitored in Tondera Hall. Beast and people encountered by caravans were categorized assessed continuously. When beasts were at issue, the Scions would send teams to hut. When the danger was people posing more persistent dangers the Thursby Company would engage but rarely to the knowledge of any but the Scions captain general.
Flooding the piers between the wagons, the crews on shore leave and passengers pressed their way around the organized chaos into the district beyond. Merchants with carts and trinkets awaited passengers and crews as they made their way into the city. Shop keeps had posted placards welcoming all and enticing them with specials and deals. Street performers were strumming instruments and the smell of food wafted thick through the air. Spa workers sought to draw customers with the newest treatments. Other women and men solicited clients with more timeless offers. To the crews enjoying shore leave it was an exciting visit to a favorite place. To the uninitiated it was an overwhelming bombardment on the senses.
A woman, dimly lit but imposing in a hooded cloak stood in front of a rickshaw outside the central path from the Harbor masters tower. She locked her eyes on a confused looking woman whose pace was slowed as she seemed to stop every second step to occasionally ask a question to somebody which drew confused looks in response. Or at least it could have been her comments the cloaked woman thought. This person's mode of dress bordered on the absurd. Garish colored couture cobbled together in an effort to assemble a coherent style, masking ill kept physical conditioning. Worthy she thought of the lesser districts in Garlemead where new money strove with more refined old money expressions of fashion, and usually lost. Just another lesser bastard of the Sulistian family she resolved.
Advancing on the woman Tatania Uberbreaker drew enough attention to lock eyes with the woman and extending an arm from under her cloak she gestured to the rickshaw.
“Mad’am Sulistian, welcome to Kugane.” she said.
*******
The Book of Thursby: Scions of Numenor. “Catch and Release.”
“Maelstrom had obligations to the Alliance and Grand Companies. Such were taxing its means to support the stifling presence Commodore T’Subaki had established against the Confederacy. Indeed, the slowly escalating conflicts ashore were forcing the Company fleet to stretch thinner and revert to tactics more prevalent in our first years. The risks were not what we remembered." - Katryn Vaunter, Personal Log.
The Scion Air Ships (SAS) Fairstar, Fairwind, Fairsea and Andustar (ex-Fairsky) comprised the four Saxton class airships in Company service. Andustar, Fairstar and Fairwind were escorting a long mixed convoy of surface and air ships toward Kugane. Ex-baggers, over several refits by the Company, the Saxtons had forsaken their lifting “air bags.” Replacing them were greatly enhanced Garlean style Corulium wheels amidships and lift plate along her conventional waterline. The class retained the masts support lines which added a grace while underway and utility in close action. But their profiles allowed them to pass for merchant vessels at a distance. Aesthetically the Saxtons resembled fat paddlewheel passenger boats in some respects. Only with gun casemates studding the sides rather than the passenger verandas.
The assorted gun mounts housed a mix of new and somewhat antiquated mid-caliber naval guns. Her main deck offered swivel guns and arms intended for boarding and repelling of boarders. Comfortable, well equipped and immaculately kept, the Saxton class were antique improvised compromises all the same. Leadership, tactics and the skill of crews made them into effective warships and Commodore T’Subaki had been at the root of that.
“Continuous bearing, decreasing range, time to track inception five minutes.” the ensign at the plot table said aboard Andustar. Her captain, Katryn Vaunter and Commodore Aubreen T'Subaki listened. "Azimuthal quad screw, wheels, no bags. Two gun decks." Vaunter reported as she used her hand scopes to view the contact.
Open piracy had not known a more miserable time at sea. Able to check the Confederacy and pirates on the open ocean for years, such had not prevented the would-be toll keepers and pirate lords from convincing privateers to challenge them. This was the third such challenge of the journey.
"Designate Privateer One." Vaunter ordered.
T'Subaki glanced over the plot table. "I have him captain."
"Commodore has the con." Vaunter said in turn.
"Signal Fairwind to proceed 15 points to port and advance to emergency ahead. Then bring us to a direct course abeam." T'Subaki ordered, peering at the makeshift commerce raider hardly more than a small dark silhouette.
Andustar and Fairwind turned from their positions within the convoy. Free trade was not the wish of the ruling men of Hingashi, but it was powerless to enforce tribute or escorted vessels from making port in Kugane. The Confederacy had presented a barrier to most trade until Maelstrom pressed independent pirates into compliance with it and the Thursby Company Fleet pushed the rest aside.
"Pennant flying." Captain Vaunter said over her shoulder to the commodore whose attention was now on the opposite side of the convoy. "Aye, Sunrise and sword on a purple background. I saw it." T'Subaki said.
"Plot, report all contacts." T'Subaki ordered, her gaze to the distance unbroken. The ensign glanced at his chart. "My only contacts are convoy and Privateer One." he replied, looking up and seeing the direction of the commodore's attention. As he did the sound phone buzzed. He picked the handset up and answered. "Plot.......right then" replacing the headset on its hook. He began to update his chart and announced "Con, new contact, starboard bow, unknown vessel type, range 18 kilometers. Bearing and speed undetermined." the ensign reported. "Con aye. Designate Ghost One. Mister Vaunter the con is yours, Take us in." T'Subaki acknowledged.
"Those eyes." Vaunter thought to herself as she snapped her hand scope toward a small dot just above the line of the horizon. "Signal Fairstar to increase angels to fifteen hundred and maintain speed. Helm, advance to flank. Signals, send all ships to stand to quarters. XO, rig for boarding action." Vaunter ordered in a flurry that sent still more orders along their chains of command and duty. The increased altitude would make it clear to the new contact that the convoy was escorted if the new contact was hostile. The Andustar and Fairwind would still be obscured from it. But the privateer would know also. All the more reason to close the shrinking distance with it quickly.
The Andustar rumbled as her corilum powered furnaces surged and the power shunted to her thrusters. As her speed increated the inverted, or ramming bow created pressure which depressed it. Small thrusters in the bow and increased power to the Garlean designed lift wheels evened its pitch.
The Fairwind made her best speed away from the convoy. As Andustar closed within a kilometer T'Subaki retook the con.
"Signal Fairwind to begin her run and pull the hook in. Plot report changes, contact Ghost One?" T'Subaki asked.
The ensign replied, sound surprised, "Unchanged, holding at original position, now ten kilometers off starboard bow."
T'Subaki nodded and leered at the dark shape in the distance. The faint look of misgiving did not escape Vaunters attention.
"Trouble?" she asked. T'Subaki shook her head and turned toward the contact abeam.
"No, the Garleans are not disposed to raid commerce." she said.
Vaunter whose look of concern was followed by a quick look with her scopes.
"Garlean?"
"Yes, oversized, incoherent design. Gaudy, gilded details like a flying house of ill repute. " T'Subaki said with a tone of derision.
"But lets be about the business at hand."
The matter of contact Ghost One was subordinated to after action discussion. The women both turned to the plot table. Seeing Fairwinds position, T'Subaki raised her voice.
"Signals, send Privateer One, issue hostile challenge and order them to stand away from the convoy or it will be fired upon. Helm, reduce speed to ahead dead slow, come to starboard and present port broadside. All mounts to global control. And raise my colors. Execute." T'Subaki ordered.
Twice already this cruise from Limsa to Kugane, a motley assortment of vessels, some bearing no weapon more threatening than the smell below decks had challenged the convoy. As before T'Subaki deployed her ships to ensure their lack of speed and numbers did not allow for their escape.
"Action on the decks." Vaunter observed as the privateer waivered in her course as its crew scurried about. "They are preparing to fight." she added. T'Subaki nodded and shook her head.
"Their effort would be flattering were it not so ill advised and the methods amateur." T'Subaki said. It was not the futility of this would be raider but the unseen parties that must be driving them to try. Consulting the plot, she nodded again. "Signal Fairwind to engage. Then signal Privateer One to strike colors and prepare to be boarded."
As in the previous two encounters Fairwinds course formed a hook shape on the plot chart. Like a fisher the company escort would effectively catch and release the raider after a short fight, boarding and dropping ordinance over the side.
"Fairwind engaging." Vaunter said as from the ships forward most casemates flashes and delayed cracks announced a warning volley over the privateers bow. "Response from Privateer One?" T'Subaki asked.
"Negative, only latent coms noise on the link." the signals bosun replied. T'Subaki furled a brow. "The new link pearls or upwell set?" she asked.
The bosun shook his head. "New."
"Very well, log the issue after action. Signal, clear Fairwind to engage hostile, route ship-to-ship channel to the plot handset, link two." T'Subaki said. Vaunter spared a look. "Not worried we might miss a reply?" she asked. T'Subaki shook her head.
Aboard the privateer the scattered efforts of its crew finally produced a deck of loaded cannons. Either a fire order or fearful gun captain led to one firing, which led then immediately to the decks entire division to discharge. The rounds largely failed to strike save a few shells which burst against the improvised armor plates. These plates were used for protection and emergency ballast aboard the Saxton class.
"Not worried at all. The new links have not failed yet, if the quality leaves much to be desired." she T’Subaki told Vaunter as the vibration from the ad hoc barrage calmed. "Helm, ahead full." She ordered.
Picking up the handset at the plot table T'Subaki flipped a switch, "Control, Con, current track, Kill Gun, all mounts. Commence firing, fire continuous." T'Subaki flipped the channel selector to the next setting which connected it to the ship-to-ship Linkpearl box at the signals station. "Fairwind, Flag, weapons free, nav free, mind our solution and prevent Privateer One from egressing the engagement."
Within a moment, the full port side armement of Andustar fired. As quickly as each could reload the guns fired again. The vibration and noise merged into the engines surging to their full power thrusting the ship forward. Fairwind turned hard to starboard and released her own broadside.
Fairwind and Andustar circled the ship slowly. Their combined fire ripped through the air and into the privateer relentlessly. The engagement that followed was as lopsided as the contrast in combatants. In a matter of minutes the return fire had ceased, deck fires were prevalent and the ships propulsion and lift screws were destroyed.
Falling from the sky, the burning hulk shed crew into the water before drawling too much water the capsizing. Fairwind held station to recover survivors before rejoining the convoy. Andustar sprinted to resume her place near the front of the flock it escorted.
The convoy itself never stopped moving nor changed course. Fairstar resumed her cruising altitude and position within the convoy. Kugane was now a half days sail. "Fairsea, Orrostar and Cutlass put to sea this morning with the convoy to Limsa. Watch Tondera was advised of the downing and the Garlean contact. All ships are proceeding as before" Vaunter summed the watch notes in the officer galley.
The freshly offwatch officers were celebrating around them. No prize to be had, the privateer was not captured. All the same, after confronting and subduing two earlier assailants there was satisfaction in sounding hammering the third.
"Whatever the new Garlean ship was it never moved until the convoy passed. Then it drew east bearing toward Limsa." Vaunter added. T'Subaki sipped at her glass of a wine from Ul'Dah. And thoughtfully looked at her friend, lover and protégé. "In your written after action report, note the performance issues with the Linkpearl gear." She said, catching Vaunters eyes long gaze for a deliberately long moment before a mutual knowing laugh broke punctuated the moment. "Early morning dear, convoy putting into port. Shall we retire?" T'Subaki asked rising from her seat beside Vaunter.
"Very well. We can….debrief more then I hope." Vaunter said with a smirk tucking and arm about T'Subaki's waist as they walk to the exit.
*******
Intrusions of IRL.
I run my own consulting business, but the mainstay of my work is based on consulting as a contractor with the companies I’ve enjoyed being part of. When time comes to look ahead and prepare for a job-hop, my focus correctly shifts to real-life. That ties down what I am able to do in leading guilds, web design, video editing, and ultimately creative writing. Ultimately the story of the end of 2020 and start of 2021 is a happy ending. Maybe a best-case scenario as this week I was upgraded to a full-time part of the company I work for.
Good things to those that wait however. I recommence posting the Book of Thursby tonight. Without further delay, to refresh and preview......
The Thursby Company finds itself torn by it's self appointed duties and desire for revenge as it is beset from within and at large. The losses are grievous. The future of the Thursby family and the Scions of Numenor takes shape and bonds of trust are tested.
