|
Post by Carrow on Feb 16, 2011 18:28:50 GMT -5
The nervousness inside Carrow hadn't diminished all that much, despite the progress he'd made in that field over the previous few months. He'd always been a rater skittish rodent, deep down inside, and this was why he started when he heard Ladorak's voice. Trembling, he turned around to face the stoat Captain, standing to attention as best he could and inwardly cursing himself for not moving sooner. He knew he wasn't really in trouble but it was still embarrassing for him to be caught in such a display of hesitancy. He wasn't feeling as self-critical as he had been when he'd been (metaphorically) caught napping last year, but it still disappointed him. "Oh! Yes, sah, I know that; I was just checking in with Spender as quickly as I could. He seemed rather listless, sir, so I was going to ask him what the matter was, just quickly..."
He shuffled his footpaws anxiously. All this really could have been avoided if he'd been quicker off the mark. "I need to get going now though, sah. There's something I need to take care of down below, and then I'll... probably be patrolling the ship for the rest of my shift. There's nowhere else for me to go it seems, because I don't like high places and would feel much better with my paws on firm ground. Sorry, sah," the mouse murmured gently, smiling awkwardly. "Won't happen again, honest." He gave his best salute before turning and continuing down to the weather deck stairs. He really needed to get his skates on, so to speak, and he knew it, so he descended rapidly, taking the stairs two at a time. He had to know whether there was something waiting for him down in the Ship's Store. A knot of anxiety had begun to form in his stomach too.
Carrow was the kind of creature who was prone to a great deal of 'what if?'-ing, and this kind of disposition really didn't do him any favours when he was ruminating about things. He was gradually getting better at not doing it all the time like he had done for most of his life, but he was making progress, getting better but mostly in small steps. He reached the upper gun deck and quickened his pace further still. He was both impatient to reach his destination and to return to his duty. If he felt he wasn't doing what he was meant to do, then he almost always started to think he was letting everybeast down. He'd been set in his ways in this respect for quite some time and it showed little signs of changing. The anxiety issues he'd had in the previous year or so had appeared to calm themselves as of late, but he knew, in his heart of hearts, that he could never fully let them go. He would always be tense and nervous; at least, that's how he saw it.
As he went down another flight of stairs, heading down towards the lower gun deck, his paws began trembling visibly. They always did when he was excited, and even more so when he felt on edge. At this particular moment it was a mixture of the two. Something could have gone wrong after all. He was jogging at this stage, having decided he wanted to get this concluded about as quickly as he could manage. All-out sprinting wasn't an option because he had absolutely no faith in his physical ability. His back pain hadn't completely gone away, and if he pushed himself too hard he knew he might set it off again, and nothing was worth that. Besides, last time Elliot had needed to apply a poultice to his back, the beech marten had said afterwards that that one had been his last. He hadn't needed them for a while, so wasn't quite sure if Elliot had made a few more just to be on the safe side, but he really didn't want to inconvenience him again. He'd probably just let the Sick Berth staff pawdle it, if anything did happen.
One more flight!, he thought, as he sighted the steps leading down to the orlop deck. He took the steps at a more leisurely pace as he thought of how he'd never been to the Ship's Store to collect mail before; it had always been pawed out to him up above. He didn't mind the journey; in fact, he probably needed it to get his thoughts in order. Spender was on his mind. He wasn't concerned about the ferret, as such, more confused. He'd have to get to the bottom of that if he could manage it at all. The ferret wasn't really in the form for talking, though, and from the way he'd come off earlier - as listless and detached - he wouldn't be for a while. An idea was gradually starting to form in the field mouse's mind, however. He patted the pocket watch (Caden's gift to him for his 'fourteenth' birthday) that he carried around with him almost constantly. (Archie's one, the family heirloom, now spent most of its time safely stowed.)
He soon found himself on the ship's lowest deck, and found the Ship's Store without much difficulty. He paused a second before he knocked (reasonably certain the Purser would be within) as he tried to remember whom exactly it was he would be dealing with. He was a tad better at recalling faces, though, and eventually a mental image of the creature's visage came to him. Ah yes, now it's all coming back, he thought: he's a ferret - about the only ferret I've been known to get on reasonably well with, if I recall correctly. He knocked three times, rather timidly it has to be said (he was still nervous after all), but his efforts were enough to catch the attention of the Purser, who was indeed in his office.
"Yes?," the room's occupant called, He saw a mouse who clearly had a few things on his mind. Carrow stood trembling in the doorway a moment as he looked up at the ferret, his eyes wide, very anxious at this point. When the Purser spoke, however, his voice was soft and coaxing. Goodness, he looks like he's seen a ghost!, he thought. "Here, what's all this? No need to be afraid, young lad," he said soothingly. The mouse immediately transferred his gaze to the floor. "What can I do for you?" Now it was the Purser's turn to think of who the mouse might be. The ratio of mustelids to rodents on the ship was quite large; and mice weren't very well represented. Even the number of squirrels was larger. This made it slightly easier for the ferret to figure out whom it was he was speaking to. Eventually, he twigged it - or thought he did - but held his tongue so the shy-looking field mouse could speak up.
"Cerinus Apodemus, sir," the mouse responded softly, "checking to see if there has been any post delivered with my name on it... er, I've been expecting something for the last while... I get letters from home on a regular enough schedule of about four months or so, and since the last one I got was around the middle of November, I thought I'd come down to see if anything had arrived. Would you... mind having a look there please, sir, and letting me know what the situation is?" Nodding, the Purser stood up, smiling at Carrow as he began to sort through the unclaimed letters. He was quite efficient at doing this (it was one of his many jobs after all) but even still there was a considerable amount to sift through. After about twenty seconds or so of searching, he spoke:
"Hmm, doesn't seem to be anything here for you, at least not from what I can see..." Inwardly, he winced, knowing that to hear such a thing would devastate the mouse, and as Carrow heard the news this was exactly what happened. Rendered momentarily unable to speak, his face fell and his whiskers drooped. What a waste of time all this had been... "Wait a second... what's this?" The ferret had found something after all!, Carrow thought, and his heart soared. The Purser read out the address. " 'Cerinus Apodemus, HMS Agamemnon'! Well now, seems I was wrong!" He turned around to give the item to the mouse. Carrow leaned over the counter and took it; he could see that it was not a letter, but... a package? Hmm, wonder what that might be?, he thought.
As Carrow stood there, he couldn't help but glance at the remaining items, and his eyebrows rose in surprise. There was a letter addressed to Selvis! He gasped softly and pointed to the object. "S-sir?," he stammered slightly. "S-see that letter there?" The Purser looked, and nodded. "C-can I take that one back up above on behalf of a friend? Far's I recall this is the first bit of post he's gotten whilst he's been with us, and he'll be delighted to receive it." Again, the ferret nodded, pawing the letter to the mouse, who was still leaning over, looking at the post - left dumbstruck by what he was now seeing: a SECOND letter addressed to Selvis! What in the name of mice?! "He's gotten a second one, sir - though I can't honestly imagine whom from." The Purser forestalled any request by passing the rodent the second letter. The mouse was astonished. "Thank'ee, sir!," he said, voice trembling a little before he saluted once again, turned and jogged off. Well, this was an interesting development! He wondered how his longtail companion would react - he'd never said anything about expecting any post from anywhere!
|
|
|
Post by bookity101 on Feb 17, 2011 23:12:56 GMT -5
“No, no I can’t imagine standing in front of anybody and answering all those questions… I don’t think I would be able to do that.” Elle squeezed his paw slightly again.
“I’ll be happy to help you prepare for the test though.” She turned to flash a smile at him before resuming her viewing of the distant ocean waves. “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.” She lapsed into silence for several moments, just content to stand and listen to the waves as they lapped the wooden sides of the ship as they floated along on the great blue sea. She was at loss as to what to talk about anymore, but she was simply content to stand with him, with only Selvis around to see, well anything really. Minutes passed in a comfortable silence, both of them sweeping the horizon for a sail in the darkness.
“Do you think that we’ll see something Caden?” She dropped his paw to rub her upper arms; it was a little cold from the wind up at those heights.
((I am so sorry, but I can't think of anything!!!))
|
|
|
Post by spender on Feb 18, 2011 1:11:21 GMT -5
Reisender sniffled as Ocean began helping put the paints away. It was no consolation to the young marten who had the right to tell him what to do—painting time was still over. He snorted with a grin, however, at the mental image of Willard going around with a rifle up his tail end.
"Shhh, shh, Rizzy," Tally whispered, petting the marten's head. "Ve vill finish paintink tomorrow, ja?"
"Gonna paint riflebum," Reisender said. He looked up at Ocean, eyes slitted. "Gonna paint 'im pink. Jill colours. Hah! Dummer weasel, dummer weasel, durr durr, no paintink!" The pine marten got up and began walking around with his legs stiffened, in a fair imitation of Willard.
Tally, meanwhile, finished gathering up the paints and, with head bowed, eyes on the deck timbers, shuffled closer to Ocean.
"Paints belonk to Jal Cielciosk," she said. "Mistress Molly say, Jal Cielciosk ist Kapitän's nephew, and Jal Sleet ist bruder? Mistress Molly say, I am dot-ter. Jal Sleet... ist you mein cousin? Vhere ist Jal Cielciosk's t'inks, to puttink der paints avay?"
Family was not something Tally knew much about. Having never known her parents, it did not seem all that strange that Molly would call herself her mother, claiming Tally as a daughter. Nor did it seem all that strange that Caden, Spender and Ocean were somehow all related, despite being completely different species. So far, her only knowledge of a proper family involved Keinruf and Reisender—the genetic link didn't yet pop out at her as being a key part to what made a family a family.
Spender blinked slowly. What a weirdo that mouse was. What was that all about? Did he or did he not want to talk to him?
Did not, the ferret decided glumly. He would have been surprised otherwise.
Dah, he was being yelled at again. Oh, no! It was the Captain! Yay, Unky Laddy! Except, wait, no, he always got smacked for something. Sheesh, he could even say he was sorry and get a smacking. What was that about? It was that word he kept forgetting to call officers. Officers... Officccccerrrrssss... Oh, yeah! That word. Ssssiiiirrrr...
By the time Spender remembered what the word was, he'd already pulled himself out of the opening and begun loping along the deck, putting as much distance between Ladorak and himself as he could without running into someone.
"'essirrrr," he drawled, as he passed by another seajack heading in the opposite direction. They gave him a funny look, but moved on. "'essssssiiirrrr, watchin' th'sea, seeeeee? F'r ships... like... wot 'm doin'... is watchin' th'ships... in th'sea..."
The ferret frowned, brow furrowing in deep concentration. Did he just get in trouble for doing his job? Probably. Wouldn't surprise him. Wasn't doing it right, or something. Oh, well. He couldn't please anyone. It wasn't like he even had to try anymore. The crew hated him so much they even put spiders in his blanket at night. Stupid invisible spiders. He could almost feel them now, crawling up his legs and tail...
No! No more spiders. They couldn't get him if he was in the fighting tops!
Spender began climbing the ratlines, going slow as he liked. So long as he kept moving and it he wasn't under orders to do anything fast, he could take his time to make sure he was holding the ropes tightly, that he got his footpaw jammed in the right spots. Sometimes, it was almost enjoyable up here, when everyone else was doing gun exercises.
He stared straight ahead as he ascended. He had a good minute or three before reaching the platform where Caden and Elliot were, and absolutely no idea that the martens awaited him.
Willard had made a decision.
"Sir, excuse me, Captain, sir," he said, approaching Ladorak. The weasel's gait was perfected—each step the same length as the last, each footpaw patting the deck just enough to give presence without making too much noise; the arch of his back, the easy salute (but not too easy!), it all added up. Willard had mastered the art of being an underling. If he were a secretary, he could make the act of passing on the minutes of a meeting about finances seem as important and exciting as if the King himself had sent a letter.
"If it pleases you, sir, I would like to request that I be held on for Larboard Watch's watch as well, sir, before rejoining Starboard Watch to resume my regular duties, sir."
Willard smiled helpfully. His lips twitched... but just a little.
|
|
|
Post by Ladorak on Feb 18, 2011 14:51:59 GMT -5
Ocean snickered at the imitation that Reisender was doing of Willard. "That's very good Reisender. Quite like him indeed. You should DEFINITELY paint that tomorrow." the ermine emphasized, smirking now as he thought of that. Good riddance. Willard was the most annoying jack on board, in Ocean's opinion, even more so than his brother, because his brother he was actually used to.
He had to pause here to consider what Tally was asking him. "Uh...I think so. I don't really think any of us are related by blood. I grew up in Spender's household as an adopted son, a ward so to speak, same as how Ladorak is acting as Caden's guardian, because his mom and most of his immediate family are dead. His uncle's the only one left alive, but Caden keeps saying he's a good for nothing who wouldn't take care of him anyway, so he lives with Ladorak for now. I honestly don't know what Jis Serra is up to these days, but I guess if she says you're her daughter then maybe it's true." he replied with a shrug, realizing he'd processed all of that at the speed of a typhoon.
"His belongings are all below, on the lower gun deck. I'll go and take them down there. Just don't worry about it for now." he began walking away with the pots in his arms, heading for one of the companionways that led below to go and find Spender's bag and stuff it full of these odds and ends. He also had to be careful not to wake the sleeping crew below, as they would be lying in their hammocks right now, so he had to move quietly in order to get to Spender's sack.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ladorak did not hear a "sir" from Spender's mouth until he was a considerable distance down the deck. He narrowed his eyes again in suspicion, and realized something was physically wrong with the ferret. It was almost as if... but that wasn't possible, was it? How was he getting his paws on drugs? If he was operating under the influence of substances, he would be considered impaired and would have to be locked in irons until his mind returned to him.
He watched, aghast, as the ferret began climbing up to the fore top. Drug use was a serious offense in the Royal Navy, and Ladorak would not only have to keep the ferret locked up until morning, but he would also have to determine where the ferret had gotten such substances in the first place. Being drugged on duty was the same as being drunk... it required a flogging, and sometimes a court martial.
His eyes narrowed even more as he suspected Spender's source. Molly Serra... for hadn't she been "seeing" Spender from time to time, and on top of that, he'd always acted very dull of wit and slow as of late...slurring his words and the like. It wasn't alcohol...but it was definitely something.
He rubbed his forehead in agony. The love of his life...if she was in fact behind this, had betrayed him. She had betrayed him by helping one of his sailors violate the Articles of War, even if she meant well. "Midshipjack." He stopped one such fellow who was on patrol and helping the Officer of the Watch tonight.
"Sir?" asked the Midshipjack. "Fetch the Master at Arms. Tell him to place Spender Cielciosk under arrest and clap him in irons. He's not fit for duty. I'm going to try and get him down from the fighting top. If he refuses, he'll be dragged down at great risk of injury to himself by the Corporals."
"Aye sir." the Midshipjack saluted, and moved off. Spender could spend the night locked up, and Ladorak would interview him in the morning. He would have to flog him regardless, but if he could get him to admit to substance abuse, and how he had gotten such substances (certainly not on his pay), then he could get to the bottom of this and try and reform the youth before it was too late. And of course, he would need to speak to his perhaps no longer fiancee. But no...let's not blame her until we have all the facts. He desperately hoped in his heart that she wasn't behind this.
He began walking forward, heading for the foremast.
The Captain was briefly interrupted by Willard, who requested take the Middle AND Morning watches as well, without any sleep. He paused, still looking at Spender. "If you can make it without falling asleep on your watch Seajack Willard, then do so. But I warn you, falling asleep on duty will not be tolerated. Please get some sleep if you feel you need it." He continued on his way forward.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Maybe. There's a good chance we'll see some blockade runners." Caden suggested, really unsure of what they might run into tonight. "So far we haven't really encountered anything, so I doubt it, but you never...hey!" he exclaimed when he saw that Spender was joining them. "Spender, what are you doing? You can't be up here!" Caden reminded him, narrowing his eyes as he let go of Elle's paw and walked over to him.
This of course drew the attention of the Master's Mate, who was down below them. Ladorak was already by his side however, and shouting up into the fighting top. "Seajack Spender Cielciosk! I want you down on this deck now! You have twenty seconds to get yourself down here, and if you I don't see you standing before me at attention you will be removed by force, at great danger to yourself. Move it!" the cry came from Ladorak Fugate, and it sent a shiver down Caden's spine. Spender sounded like he was in quite a bit of trouble now.
"Seajacks Caden, Selvis, and Elliot. I would like to see you after I deal with Seajack Spender for an unrelated issue." He continued, calling up to them.
"Yes sir, Captain Fugate sir!" Caden called back down, throwing a visible salute over the edge of the top.
"Master's Mate, get two others up there to relieve them."
"Aye sir." the Master's Mate said, touching his hat and moving to call forward two other sailors. Ladorak could see the Master at Arms and a Corporal approaching out of the corner of his eye. Good. Enough was enough. He didn't want to see Spender fouling his ship up any further.
Caden looked at Spender in a pleading manner, and motioned to the ratlines. "You'd better get going before you get yourself in even more trouble mate. Go on." he urged quietly.
"Fetch a few Marines." Ladorak instructed the Master's Mate, who once more saluted, and began summoning a few of the redcoats over. "Oh and summon the Surgeon. Tell him I need him...and NO whining from him.."
"I'll get on that sir." the Mate reported, and headed off to relay the message. Ladorak honestly didn't need these kinds of headaches this late at night. Kasal would confirm if Spender was sick...or had taken something.
"Oh and uh..." he stopped the Mate before he departed. "Send somebody to fetch Seajack Apodemus. I need to see him as well."
|
|
|
Post by Carrow on Feb 19, 2011 9:10:12 GMT -5
Selvis had been listening to Caden and Elle speak all this time. He quite enjoyed listening to the pair of martens talk in this manner, as it was about as close to a private chat they could get on the ship. The weasel knew when to keep quiet, so he didn't interrupt the pair at any point. He was keeping watch at this point, while keeping an ear out for the ongoing discussion between his two companions - as well as an eye out for the possible return of Carrow. He was adamant that the mouse should only find out about Elle when she herself plucked up the courage to tell him. He knew only too well how others could react to being kept in the dark, after all.
He'd smiled as the pair had lapsed into a silence so comfortable you could have curled up and slept in it. They were clearly content just to be in each other's company these days, and neither needed to speak to ensure it. When Elle did venture a question, Selvis's ears pricked up. That was a good question, now he thought about it. There was little chance of them spotting much of anything out here, but he knew that the possibility couldn't be ruled out. He knew from experience that a creature had to expect the unexpected out here. The longtail had struck quite a nice balance between relaxed and alert - but the relaxed part of him rapidly disappeared when he saw Spender. It wasn't that he was displeased to see him - truth be told he didn't really care about the ferret anymore; he'd been keeping to himself so the weasel couldn't complain - it was more that he was quite incredulous about what it was he was up to.
So much so, in fact, that he had to rub his eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things - particularly because he could see the Captain heading right for the foremast. What the hell was Spender doing? And in full view of Ladorak too?! He wondered whether the ferret had his wits about him, and couldn't help but doubt that he did. Did he have a desire to be punished, or something? He wasn't meant to be anywhere near here, and Selvis knew well that this came under dereliction of duty. He was meant to be on watch, not going up to the foremast - and ESPECIALLY not playing daredevil and using the futtock shrouds to do so. That was a surefire way of drawing attention to yourself, and this really was the last thing Spender needed to do. The longtail let out a low whistle, sighing and shaking his head. Oh, Spender, you've really put your footpaw in it this time, and there's nobeast here who will be prepared to stick up for you. Why in Hellgates should we when you keep getting up to things like this? Then he heard Ladorak's voice. He sounded mad. He sounded like a creature who had taken all that he could stand of Spender and his antics. He sounded like Selvis had when he had exploded in Florence.
In the instant after he had given the order, the weasel realised that his instincts were right: Spender was going to pay dearly for this. He'd never seen Ladorak in this state before, and it was an awesome sight. His eyes widened in admiration of the ermine. He would deal with this, alright, probably quite harshly. Once again Spender deserved it, and once again Selvis couldn't find it in his heart to show him any sympathy. However, he held his tongue, declining to comment on what he saw as the latest in a series of screw-ups from the ferret. The only time he spoke was when Ladorak called up to them. He nodded, saluting from his position in the crosstrees. "Yes sir! Thank you for the reminder, Captain Fugate, sir!"
He appreciated the Captain jogging his memory about the planned meeting, as, while he certainly hadn't forgotten, he'd had his mind on other things for the last while, and in all honesty still did. He'd been thinking of his parents, wondering how they'd been getting on since he'd left. Had Trelio come home? How was Briga pawdling her injury? Had anything happened to either of them since he'd gone away? He hadn't been worried about them - at least, not recently - but he had passed much of the last while in pensive mood. He looked down at his friends, smiling a little. Well, this was an interesting development, and no mistake!
--
Unaware that he was needed, Carrow was in fact just coming on to the upper gun deck at that point. The consternation that was ongoing one flight above him was something else the mouse didn't know about, but at the pace he was currently setting, he knew he would get up there soon and reunite with his friends. The post he had received was still in his paw, and he'd been carrying it around with him as he'd scoured the ship from top to bottom numerous times on his patrol. He was visibly excited about opening the mysterious package and finding out what it was that lay within. It was clear that, this time around, Archie had chosen to send him a little more than just a letter. His interest had most definitely been piqued by this, and he was greatly looking forward to opening it and finding out what lay within, but knew he wouldn't have a chance to open it before he was installed in Ladorak's cabin.
He'd present Selvis's letters to him then, and not before... but he was feeling quite mischievous and was planning on having a little fun with his longtail companion before pawing the letters over to him. He was in even higher spirits now than he had been when he'd begun his shift. He was off duty now and knew full well that the next while would prove to be interesting. A little more interesting than he was currently aware of, actually. There was a spring in the field mouse's step as he continued on his way towards the stairs that would lead him to the weather deck. He'd hadn't thought much about Spender while he'd been on duty, but had made a few decisions about his plans for the ferret regardless. Little did he know that what he was planning to do was what Spender needed most... and that there was proof of this up above him.
|
|
|
Post by spender on Feb 19, 2011 17:19:34 GMT -5
"Spender, what are you doing? You can't be up here!"
"Huh?" Spender tore his gaze away from the shrouds (where he was making very sure he had a firm grip before proceeding) and looked up. "Why not?"
He reached for the next line, ignoring Caden. The pine marten just hated him, that was all. He was just trying to spook Spender into retreating. Well, that wouldn't happen! He had every right to be up there. It was his turn. He always went up there for this watch, whether in the fighting top or the crosstrees (he preferred the crosstrees; that way he was alone, and didn't have to deal with his fighting-top partner being annoyed.) It was so crowded below, and this way he could avoid the very creatures he was now heading towards—the ones who almost never went up here. Who was Caden to tell Spender he couldn't do his job?
The ferret flinched, though, as the Captain's voice rang out from below.
His paw paused, poised to grasp the next line... and then dropped to grip the one below instead. Twenty seconds... how long was a second, again? Was that the fast one or the slow one? Best not to take risks. As much as he dreaded facing the Captain, he knew the risks of keeping an officer waiting.
"You'd better get going before you get yourself in even more trouble mate. Go on."
"Yeah," Spender mumbled. His face was total misery as he looked up at Caden again. He completely missed the part where Ladorak had called for the other three as well, or else the idea that they were in trouble as well would have cheered him up. Misery loves company, after all.
He chanced a look down—doing so caused his footpaw to slip, however, and his leg shot through a gap in the shrouds. Thankfully his other footpaw was still clinging on, or else that would have been bad news for his nethers. Cold sweats began leaking out as he righted himself and, pausing a moment, looked down properly.
He gulped. What were all those marines doing, and the officers with the Captain? The sight of them shocked him, swept his mind out of the drunken gutters and gave him a wake-up slap. The haze he'd been in dissipated as he began to work out why all this was.
He couldn't fathom why he would be in trouble. He hadn't hurt anyone, had he? No. He hadn't said anything bad? No. He'd stopped loafing about when the Captain told him to, right? Yes. Was he in trouble for leaving his paints with Reisender and Bait? Maybe. That had to be it. It was all that stupid little marten's fault. He shouldn't have been nice to let him have a turn. Look where being nice got you, Spender!
At last he made it down and stood before the Captain, head bowed. He said nothing. His throat was dried up; all his liquids were coming to his eyes, hot and bothered. He couldn't help himself. As strong as he wanted to be, he knew this was just fate throwing him another rotten kipper for no reason at all. Why should he be surprised?
Spender's soul sank to the bottom of the night. Go on, he willed them. Hit me! Put me in chains! Whip me! Shout at me! I don't care anymore!
The ferret shivered from the cold and from fear. He hadn't seen this many marines clustered around him since he'd accidentally-on-purpose broken Caden's arm and been whipped. A sob tore from his chest unbidden.
|
|
|
Post by Ladorak on Feb 20, 2011 0:39:13 GMT -5
Caden climbed down with Spender, though slighting above him so as to let the ferret go first. He went down through the lubber's hole, not worrying about the futtock shrouds for the descent. He was just playing it safe tonight. He had been using the lubber's hole the past year now, and was steeling himself for the day he would regularly use the futtocks.
Ladorak was waiting patiently, as was the Master at Arms. Spender stood before him, a shivering ball of fur that couldn't seem to hold his tears back any longer. His scowling features started to slowly soften, and melt away. His brow was still furrowed...but then he heard the thumping sound behind him, that indicated that Doc Kasal was up and about.
"I HOPE this is important. I was having a very nice dream about..."
"I don't care." Ladorak cut him off. "Not in front of the kits. Now...take a look at him. Tell me if he's been on something...other than alcohol." Kasal thumped over, his cane hitting the deck each time, muttering things to himself.
Taking Spender's chin in his paw, he yanked the snout up to get a good look at the eyes. "His behavior's almost normal...except his pupils are shot...he's on something. What...I don't know...too tired to care."
"Search his belongings then." Ladorak stated, looking at the Corporal. "Bring whatever you find to me." The Corporal saluted and moved off to do just that. "Now then..." he knelt down in front of Spender. "Kasal...you can go."
"Yippee...absolutely twenty seconds of my life wasted..." he exclaimed, rolling his eyes and moving back down the deck. Caden had reached the deck by now, but waited as Ladorak addressed Spender.
"Spender..." Ladorak's voice was soft but firm. "I don't know why you keep breaking my rules. I feed you for free, I give you alcohol for free...I've ASKED you to repay me in kind, by helping me out, by being nice to Caden...by doing your job. This is a warship...the front line of defense for Welkin. I CAN'T have you acting out like this. Why do you keep doing this to me? Why? You realize that I'll only have to get harsher if you keep this up. You're now a year and a half behind on your promotion. That's halfway to three years...if you reach that point...I have to discharge you. Kick you onto the nearest shore and let you fend for yourself...and I'm sure you don't want that. You took something tonight didn't you? You ate or drank something that made you this way. What was it?" he placed his paws on the stripling's shoulders now, but eyed Caden standing a ways off behind Spender, near the shrouds.
"Caden...I'll deal with you and the others in a minute." he said, and Caden nodded understandingly. "Spender...I have my own rules to follow...we have rules because if we break down out here...we're dead. The enemy will kill us faster than you could blink, and that's why we need to be in top form. We're the best Navy on the planet, and have a proud tradition. I need to know what you took and where you got it. What did you have tonight that made you this way?" he urged, hoping for answers. He might just have to move the ferret aside and speak with Caden, Elliot, Selvis and Carrow first...whenever Carrow arrived.
"And don't lie." he added. "I'm already searching your things...I'll find out what it is. So I need to know primarily where you got it from."
|
|
|
Post by spender on Feb 20, 2011 4:59:02 GMT -5
It took courage and resolve not to panic when Kasal jackpawdled him around, but somehow Spender managed to hold still—he didn't even musk! He had thought for sure that the pine marten surgeon would slap him. That was the natural follow-up to someone grabbing your chin.
That or a snog. Which would have made him musk, come to think...
It took even more courage not to talk back to the Captain. Be nice to Caden? He was! He was doing his job! He wasn't acting out. Hadn't he stopped all that? He didn't shout at Willard for ragging on him at mealtimes, he didn't cuss and get into fights with Peskers for tripping him whenever she passed, he didn't moan and gripe when it was time to go on duty... He kept to himself, he kept quiet, he did his best to remember what he was supposed to be doing... He was still failing miserably in classes, but what could he do about that? Learning was boring.
Rather than try to explain all this, however, the ferret merely nodded silently, doing his best to hold back sniffles.
Then the Captain asked the hard question. The one there was no good answer to.
"I d-didn't 'ave any t'night... Wos this afternoon... I thought it wos okay, 'cos, 'cos I wos off duty. I d'no wot it is... I got it from Naples. There wos fights, an' I wos bettin' on fights, an' I won, an' somebeast asked me, an' I 'ad some then an' it wos nice but I d'no, next thing I knew, all my money wos gone an' I 'ad this stuff so I 'id it in my shampoo bottle, shampoo f'r fleas, an' I din' 'ave any at first, not f'r ages! But then my sparrow died an', an' I remembered it, an' I 'ad some an' it makes me 'appy an' not sad, so I 'ave a bit each day on break. I din' know it's bad... 'm sorry..."
It wasn't entirely a lie. There was enough truth to disguise the lie easily. There had been fights, and he had bet on them and won, and he had lost it all without really knowing how, and Peskers had been there, because Peskers was the one who'd found out where the fights were. And then everything after that was truth. He had forgotten he'd had it. Molly had been giving him some every now and again, but that had stopped when she simply decided to give him all of it at once and let him decide when and how much, and without the stoat jill to remind him, he'd stopped. Life had been, up until Christmas, good enough that he had no reason. There'd been adventures, and Peskers, and that battle, and chess, and Peskers, and chocolate, and a trip to Florence, and Peskers...
Spender glanced over his shoulder, watery eyes searching out Caden. Had the marten overheard? Probably. It didn't matter anymore. There was nothing he could do to make anyone hate him more than they already did.
Probably.
He turned back to face Ladorak, and found he couldn't. His eyes dropped down, unable to see through the stoat's pince-nez and face up to the judgment beyond.
"'m sorry..."
|
|
|
Post by Carrow on Feb 20, 2011 10:55:08 GMT -5
Selvis put a paw to his forehead, trying his hardest to take everything in as it was happening rather fast. OK, so Spender was definitely in trouble, but from what he could see it seemed he had done much worse than simply shirking his duties. There were a lot of higher-ups there now, so the mustelid couldn't help but wonder about the nature of the ferret's latest misdemeanour. All this pointed to something far more serious than just stepping out of line in that manner. Spender had a track record that was less than exemplary (to put it mildly), so perhaps there was a chance Ladorak was trying to scare him straight by coming down extremely hard on him for a light offence. He could see Kasal approaching from his position up in the crosstrees, though, and the sight of the grouchy pine marten made him think again. What could he possibly be needed for?, he thought.
Selvis saw Caden heading through the lubber's hole, and once he saw the albino marten back down on deck and knew he'd be able to find some room on the foremast now that his presence wasn't going to make it feel crowded, he decided to move - and take the futtock shrouds again. There was no other reason he did other other than he felt like it. Such things as this thrilled him, and even though he knew he was taking his life into his paws he didn't particularly mind. Slowly and steadily, the longtail made his descent. He wasn't scared of anything happening to him, knowing that if he kept things going as they were, he would be alright, and the weasel was proved right. Soon, his paws touched the ground again, and he sighed gratefully, taking twenty or so seconds to rest before smiling at Elle. "That's something I rather enjoy, actually - I'll be doing a bit more of it from here on out!," he quipped. Not too much, he added mentally. Every time I go up or down like that there's a chance something could happen, and if it does... I don't even want to think about it.
The weasel wasn't afraid of heights in the slightest, but he didn't want this lack of fear to result in an injury - and it was one hell of a long way down from the futtock shrouds if you fell. "See you in a bit," he said gently. He still had a little bit to go before he was back on deck, so followed Caden's lead and went through the lubber's hole to save himself the extra strain another trip down the shrouds would bring. There was no point in wearing himself out after all. He hadn't been sleeping as well as he'd used to, and he didn't want this to have too much of an adverse effect on him. So this time he took the direct route and was on firm ground again in a moment. Better to be safe than sorry, I suppose. He jogged over to Caden, nodding and smiling at the marten, not really wanting to speak at the moment. He was too interested in the exchanges between Ladorak, Spender and Kasal. He was also glad to have some time to himself again.
He listened in, and his tail rose a little in surprise when Ladorak revealed the reason he was questioning Spender. He thought the ferret had TAKEN something? Something as in drugs? He realised that something like this was quite possible as regarded the ferret. He seemed really out of it, and it clearly wasn't just his fear of reprisal from the Captain that was making him this way. Then he heard the response from Spender. "But then my sparrow died an', an' I remembered it, an' I 'ad some an' it makes me 'appy an' not sad..." Wait! What was that?! Selvis had to do all he could to stop himself from gasping. Hadn't he mentioned something about a sparrow in Florence? Hmm, that was odd. Spender didn't really seem like the type to take care of other creatures. Selvis knew only too well that the ferret thrived on hurting others, physically or otherwise, and making them feel miserable. Then, suddenly things seemed to fall into place. He remembered the rocks Spender had been using in the snowball fight. There was a logical explanation for why he'd ended up with that sparrow, but thinking about it made him feel so angry that he didn't want to do so. Oh, Spender, he thought despairingly, you CAN'T have...
It was as Spender was confessing to the ermine Captain that Carrow came bounding up the steps to the weather deck. He was in quite a good mood at this stage - but the sight that met his brown eyes when he stopped to take it in left him quite confused. He started moving forward again, though this time his pace was a lot more measured as he searched the deck for the familiar faces of his friends, the post he had received still tucked under his arm. Something had happened here. Spender was clearly in trouble again. Carrow sighed. He was exasperated with the ferret once more, but not exactly surprised. Trouble seemed to follow that creature around after all.
He spotted Selvis and Caden, who appeared to be watching developments with much interest, and he padded gently over to them, speaking softly once he reached them, choosing to stand beside the marten. "Hello, mates! Er... what's going on? What's Spender done now?" He noticed the gently trembling form of Selvis. Whatever it was he had done, the weasel seemed to be irritated by it. Selvis looked, and smiled when he saw his rodent companion standing next to Caden. It wouldn't be long now before they found out what exactly it was Ladorak wanted them for.
The mouse had his post held in his right arm; that is to say Selvis couldn't see anything from where he was standing, and crucially didn't choose to chance a look behind him. "Hello, Carrow," he replied just as quietly. "Spender's been taking drugs, we just heard it from the ferret himself." Carrow's eyes widened in response to this, but before he could say anything, a silence fell over proceedings as Spender finished speaking. The mouse held his tongue. The three companions didn't say anything, all anticipating Ladorak's reaction. However, the rodent's mind was racing. So that explains it! That's why he was in that state when I saw him earlier! Oh dear... this isn't going to end well for him... and it looks like nobeast is going to help him. I'm certainly not. He doesn't deserve my help... not yet. He's shut himself away from all of us for the last while. I've tried to be friends with him, but neither has he done anything to show he deserves my friendship. Completely the opposite, in fact. All this is his fault, yet again, and he needs to start realising his actions have consequences... hmm, something tells me I've said that before.
|
|
|
Post by Ladorak on Feb 20, 2011 14:54:35 GMT -5
Caden briefly caught Spender's gaze, the ferret looking over his shoulder and searching the features of the albino. Caden's pink eyes met the ferret's, and he remained impassive. There was the briefest twinges of regret passing through his eyes, a hurt expression that suddenly sympathized with Spender in that second or so, but then the ferret had to look back at the Captain. Caden couldn't explain it.
Perhaps it was what Ladorak was saying that made sense to him. They were on the front lines of defense for their country, and they were all linked together now. Perhaps he finally understood what it was that Elle had been telling him back in Tunis, back of course when he thought she was still Elliot. They were a family... in a way. They all needed to have each others' backs in this, because they were part of a proud tradition defending their native soil.
There was of course a sticking point. If Spender couldn't move past himself and remain stuck in his egocentric ways, then there was no point in trying to get close to him. It would hurt too much otherwise, one way or the other. He simply kept his face impassive when Spender glanced at him, giving nothing away.
"Well... it's the same as being drunk while on duty...which is a serious offense. It impairs your ability to think. I mean just a few moments ago it seemed like you were in some daze. Even if it makes you feel 'good', it still impairs your ability to operate. I'm afraid that this will need to be entered into the Log, but for now..." the Captain paused here, looking up at Caden, and then around at the gathering crew that were clustered about him. He then glanced at the Master at Arms before shifting his attention back to Spender.
He needed to think... and he wanted to get the information out to the striplings that he'd wanted to talk to them about earlier. "I'll talk with you in a few minutes. Keep watch over him." he instructed the Master at Arms, rising back to standing, and the hedgehog moved Spender out of the way, ushering him over to the gunwale. So Spender hadn't gotten it from Molly. Ladorak felt a great inward rush of relief cascading over him. It wasn't her then. He wasn't sure why he had been so quick to suspect her. By chance it was his old nature coming back to the surface, where mistrust and suspicion lurked under the surface, like a pond that had a glassy, blue top only to harbor dark, murky water underneath.
"Caden, Selvis, Elliot, Carrow, please step forward." the ermine motioned for them to move up, and Caden wasn't slow to respond.
He had not gotten a chance to answer Carrow's question, but had managed to get a "Hey Carrow, Spender's just been at it again." in a low voice, spoken right into the mouse's ear so as not to interrupt Ladorak. "Yes sir. Reporting as ordered." Caden said, coming to attention before the ermine now, Ladorak professionally returning his salute, letting Caden relax a little. "You wanted to see us sir?"
"Indeed... I did. We'll be fairly busy over the next few days, and so I wanted to get this out now before we move into anything else. Now lads...I've wanted to talk to you about the upcoming campaign in the Atlantic. Word has crossed the ocean back to our nation that a very large grain convoy is being prepared from the western lands, primarily..." and here he paused, some bile entering his throat. "from the Imperium. It'll be around a hundred vessels and more... if you can even picture that. Thirty ships in line of battle is around six miles in length... so I'm sure you can guess what over a hundred must look like. The convoy will be bound for Rosferia... our enemies."
He looked from each of them as he spoke, similar to the manner he would do when he was teaching them history in class. They were learning about the War of the Ferlusanian Succession this week, and Ladorak always kept Caden riveted on the edge of his chair, as he rather loved learning from the ermine and his vast pool of knowledge. It was a bygone time, when the Ferlusanian Habsburg monarch had died without an heir, and had named the Rosferian monarch's grandson, Phillip, as his heir. As Phillip was also the Rosferian heir, Welkin had formed a large alliance with other nations to prevent a massive conglomeration being formed between Ferlusan and Rosferia where the two countries might meld together into the greatest superpower that the world had ever seen.
Caden found it all terribly fascinating, and always hung on Ladorak's every word, liking his lessons the best out of the numerous instructors he had.
As it was though, Ladorak continued. "Admiral Howe and the Channel Fleet will be putting to sea later this Spring in order to try and intercept this convoy and prevent it from reaching its destination. It's almost a certain thing that the Rosferians will deploy their Atlantic Fleet to protect the convoy... and thus... a fairly large battle is expected this year. Now here's how I see things. We'll be taking part in operations to take Bastia starting oh...probably soon, unless the Army delays." he muttered, rolling his eyes.
"After we capture the city, the Agamemnon is going to need another refit I'm afraid, as that storm that hit us did a real number on this old vessel, and I'll probably be taking her to Gibraltar for a good month or so. There won't be much to do in that time, so here's what I was thinking. This battle that everyone says will happen... it will involve both the Channel and Atlantic Fleets, roughly twenty-five ships to each side. Fleet battle in other words. Since I want each of you to get some experience in this type of large combat, I was wondering... would you have any objections to transferring to the Channel Fleet? It would only be for a month or so, and once the battle is concluded, you can head back to Gibraltar and re-board Agamemnon for our upcoming attack on Calvi. It'll be a lot of fighting this Spring and Summer, I realize that, but I would quite like for you to experience a fleet battle at least once."
He paused here, looking at each of them again. Caden seemed determined and steeled. "I have an idea that you could sail out to the HMS Orion, which is captained by an old comrade of mine. Captain John Thomas Duckworth. I served with him in the Western Mandates about ten years ago, and I know him to be a stout and steadfast character. I could probably arrange for you to crew his ship for a month or so before transferring back. The Orion is a good vessel, as it's even more spacious than Agamemnon, being a 74 and all. So how does this idea strike you lads?"
"I'm up for it. I've only ever read about fleet engagements and heard about them from you, sir. I think experiencing it, even if it would be intense, would sure be something, and a good way to introduce ourselves to combat of this sort. So my answer is yes, sir. I would definitely be up for something like that." was the albino's firm response. He wouldn't shirk from this. It scared him, yes, but it also excited him as well. Fifty ships! All fighting each other in a giant fleet action! It would be something he might not ever see again in his entire life, but if he could just get to experience it once... then it would be worth it, despite the risks.
Ladorak nodded, feeling he knew his ward's response before he even stated it. He looked to Selvis, Carrow and Elliot now. "And you three? What do you all say to that idea? You three came to mind as you're almost always with Caden, and I figured I would include you as well, to see if you'd like to head into this undertaking."
|
|