Jade and Cattle log, 6/9/2006

[leticia]

Brian says "So! What are you guys doing right now/first?"

Phoenix Maiden is going to be trying to pick a different port to sail to. Though I'm not really sure what port we WERE sailing to. :p And then have us a little chat with the officers, brainwash the crew, and get sailing!

Aidan still has a headache from all the Avoidance Kata discussion, and so will likely go find a clear space on the upper deck to meditate for a bit. Unless one of his circlemates has need of some muscle.

Kanfi is going looking for the captain's maps, to see if he can make heads or tails, and find a new port.

Diamond Borealis has reconnected.

Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: in theory, a little port somewhat south of Kirighast.

Phoenix Maiden will want Aidan present for the actual discussions and brainwashing, just in case there's more hidden enemies, but with no urgency until then.

Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: We're planning where people are going right now. Aidan's going to be on the deck for a while, then following PM, and Kanfi is studying charts. Speaking of which...

Brian [to Kanfi]: Perception + Sail and Essence + Sail rolls, please. 1 point stunt on both.

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 6 dice: <1 1 2 4 8 9> for 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 5 dice: <1 5 8 10 10> for 5 successes.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Per+Sail, Ess+Sail respectively."

Brian [to Kanfi]: Oookay. The charts seem more or less normal to you. No hidden traps in -them-, at least not in your route, and it does look like he was faithfully taking you home-- if somewhat ... close... to Realm patrol routes. However, based on the route you've -taken-, you have the strongest sense that he did something, not to the route, but to the context of the journey itself.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Context?"

Brian [to Kanfi]: It feels to you like Essence was used to futz around with the ...for a lack of better word... Fate of the Journey; deliberately wefting it into _something_.

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis is still looking over his rooms. I'll keep 10 Magis. Eyes and Judge's Ear up as well

Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: Hrm. How many successes did you get last time?

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Can I come up with another good port within a reasonable distance?"

Brian [to Kanfi]: Sure. One in Harborhead or one in the Varang?

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Harborhead, I suppose."

Brian [to Kanfi]: Sure. Closer to the border, closer to Harborhead, what?

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Mmm... Where were we originally landing?"

Brian says "The rest of you-- What are your specific plans for the crew and officers, here? Speech, then interrogate, or...?"

<<OOC>> Liu says "Liu will spend willpower to help Diamond tortureinterrogate people if it's really important to. I doubt it's important to. So for the most part, Liu will entertain Swan Dragon, tend to Midnight with Stars, or help anyone who asks her to with physical work -- most especially the ship's rigging if someone can direct her how to, to try and help boost the crew's morale."

Phoenix Maiden thinks a careful discussion with the officers - half interrogation and half indoctrination, probing closer to find out if any of them knew about the captain, and then exhorting them to personal loyalty assuming nothing shady turns up. Giving one of them command of the ship, probably (unless Kanfi comes and tells her he can Sail now), and then a speech to the crew in general.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Unless one of the officers has suspicions about a crew member, in which case deal with them first THEN the speech."

Brian [to Kanfi]: A lesser port, mainly used for service stuff and smaller freight/trade ships, about 50 miles south of Kirighast.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Then closer to Kirighast."

Brian [to Kanfi]: Hrm. About the only thing closer to Kirighast is, well, Kirighast itself.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Let's march the now Known Anathema with Wanted 5 through the city under the watchful eye of her Enemy!"

<<OOC>> Liu says "I know! We can disguise you as a woman! ... Wait."

<<OOC>> Kanfi sighs. Closer to the border, then, I guess.

Brian [to Kanfi]: Okay, there are three ports down that way. Maglrask, a major port on the slave trade, Thilmene, with has some commercial interests, but is mainly a Realm naval base, though not a very important one, and Tairconde, just a regular trading port, but it's the closest to the border, so your People themselves are often very... militant nearby the rich lands of the Varang.

Diamond Borealis has his charms up for helping PM and Hunter talk to the officers. At the least just listening to PM's chat with them, and chiming in if I detect a lie or other important line of questioning.

<<OOC>> Kanfi nods and decides to check in with his sister about the three choices.

<<OOC>> Liu says "No Sail."

Brian [to Liu]: Give me a Dex + Athletics -2 roll, then, please.

<<DICE>> Liu rolls 9 dice: <1 2 4 4 5 5 6 7 8> for 2 successes.

Kanfi stands up, rolling the map up and tucking it under his arm, heading out the door to find his sister. She's better versed in the lay of the land around Harborhead, and he doesn't want to choose a port without her. He wanders outside, peering around to see if she's on deck.

Brian [to Liu]: Okay, you do a decent, if not awe-inspiring job on the rigging; pose me abstractly how you'd like to deal with talking to the topsmaster while jaunting about. She's fairly suspicious, and the rest of her rigging monkeys are almost petrified of you.

Phoenix Maiden is near the captain's cabin - she's staying out of Diamond's way as he searches, but wants to be near at hand in case anything more is found.

Phoenix Maiden peers at Kanfi as he emerges. "Anything new turn up?" she asks.

Kanfi grins broadly at his sister and pulls out the map. "I've found the maps he was using. There's something weird about the path we've been taking, but we can worry about that after we choose a new port. There's nothing closer to Kirighast besides the city itself, so we should choose one of these three. You know Harborhead better than I do." He outlines the three choices briefly and unrolls the map to show her where they are in relationship to each other and the rest of the coast.

Diamond Borealis emerges from the Captain's Cabin. "I think we've found all we're going to find in there." He tells PM. He looks out over the desk, looking for the officers. "I think it's time we brought them in. All of them meet here at once, then talk to each one, one at a time." His Castemark still faintly glitters from the essence used to further the investigation. His jaw is firmly set, not pleased that they lost the slippery bastard.

Liu has climbed up into the rigging, which she's known to do, but seeing the crew at work, she decides to grab hold of a rope that two of the crew are heaving down to a point to tack the sail in. With her athletic ability added, the work is a good deal easier. After the job is done, she gives the topsmaster a sweet, humble smile and shrugs a little, "I don't really have anything to do right now... and I can't stand being useless. Do you think you could use me to make the work a bit easier? I want to help." She really is sincere in what she's saying... but she's deliberately trying to look small and harmless, even while looking highly physically skilled and athletic.

Brian [to Liu]: Hee. What's your Manipulation?

<<OOC>> Liu says "Well, 2."

<<OOC>> Liu says "Charisma 5! *puppy dog eyes*"

Brian [to Liu]: Sorry, this is Manipulation here. Manip + Performance + 3.

<<DICE>> Liu rolls 8 dice: <2 2 3 3 6 6 7 7> for 2 successes.

<<OOC>> Liu sniffs at the dice

Phoenix Maiden taps on the map quietly, eyeing the ports. "You're right," she says quietly. "Kirighast is out. Unless we want to go through the entire Realm garrison on our way through the city." She frowns, moving her fingers from port to port. "Really, I'm inclined to either Maglrask or Thilmene - they'd be good spots to start building an army, and we're going to need one of those. But I'm not sure which would be better." She nods to Diamond as he comes out. "I think we don't need to meet individually unless we get something odd in the group conversation. I'd rather deal with the crew as a whole than waste our time harassing mortals who don't know anything."

Aidan finishes his meditations, having finally put his thought about the Sidereal into some semblance of order. The disorder of having his memories rearranged had been causing him some distress. He stands up from his position on the deck of the ship and moves smoothly into some martial arts katas. His motions begin slowly, gracefully; gradually increasing in speed and violence until the Hawk's Talons begin to whistle as they slice through the air.

Kanfi looks down at the map thoughtfully. "I'm more inclined towards Maglrask, just because the Realm is a little more influential around Thilmene. Are you sure Maglrask's usual business interests won't... bother you?" Kanfi tosses his sister and uncomfortable look.

Brian [to Liu]: The Topsmaster is not completely fooled here. There simply isn't a -place- in you for smallness anymore. Subtle, you may be, but your power rises in you and will not be denied. She is, however, somewhat won over by your charm, and gives you a few gruff pointers on the rigging. Seeing you interact with the officers helps calm some of the men as well, though none of them will work too close to you, or speak to you unless spoken to first.

Phoenix Maiden's teeth show as she shakes her head at Kanfi. "Brother, where do you think we'd be getting the army?"

Kanfi groans but does see her point. "I suppose." His hesitance towards freeing slaves shows in his eyes, even though he tries to hide it and he looks away. "You've got a point."

Diamond Borealis sets his lips in a thin line. He folds his arms over his chest. He eyes Phoenix a moment, but says nothing. At Kanfi's reluctance, the line of his lips becomes a frown.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "It's a Harborhead thing, Di, you wouldn't understand."

Phoenix Maiden's eyes darken somewhat, and she turns her head aside, refusing to look at her brother. "It's going to happen, Kanfi. Whether we start there or we start with the so-called free - not that I think anyone in Harborhead has a claim to that, thanks to the Realm - it's going to happen." She jerks her thumb skywards. "My own feelings aside, it's what he wants me to do."

Diamond Borealis narrows his eyes at Kanfi. He seems about to speak to him, but decides that a contemptuous snort is all the self-expression he needs. "I'm with the Maiden, we go to Maglrask. We free the slaves and make an army. But before we do that, we need to talk to the officers."

Kanfi bows his head and turns his gaze on the map, instead of his companions. "You're right." He knows that Diamond doesn't think anything less of slaves. But Kanfi was still fighting with himself over what his sister used to be. Let alone those who were STILL slaves. And yet... he trusted his sister to know what she was doing. "Sorry."

Brian [to Kanfi]: You going to be plotting the course by yourself, btw, or getting an officer?

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Getting an officer. Preferably one who was being treated like a first mate or something. Someone with authority."

Phoenix Maiden shrugs. "We could raise an army anywhere. And it might be easier to sway the pride of Harborhead if we haven't already started setting the system on its head. But I mean to start as I mean to go on - and Harborhead has no other choice. It's us or the Realm - they can free slaves or be slaves."

Liu finishes up with what the topsmaster had instructed her in, and gives a bright, cheerful smile to the crew that were working near her. But she can tell when she's making people uncomfortable, much to her chagrin, and she flips backwards off the rigging, landing on her feet and one hand, and throws a jaunty salute to the topsmaster. Then she goes to find Diamond, and find him she does, with Kanfi and Phoenix Maiden.

Phoenix Maiden nods decisively to Diamond. "Yes. We need to have a chat with the officers, give one of them command of the ship, and then deal with the sailors. We should probably find the others in case there's another hidden agent in the crew." She glances up as Liu approaches. "Alright, we should find Aidan, then."

Liu jerks her thumb backwards, "I just passed him. He's doing some gorgeous kata. Want me to go back and get him?"

Phoenix Maiden nods to Liu. "Probably best. We need to gather the ship's officers, too." She glances at Kanfi. "Are you willing to do help me do that?" She offers her brother a smile - slightly stretched, but also slightly conciliatory. "Because the other option is to let him do it." She points at Diamond.

<<OOC>> Brian chuckles.

Kanfi tosses Phoenix Maiden an incredulous look, turning to scrutinise Diamond. "Of course I'll help you. I don't need him threatening to dump some poor officer overboard because they didn't answer him fast enough. We have enough problems without scaring them any more than we have to." He grins back-- it's strained too, with an apologetic edge, but still a smile!

Liu's grin deepens considerably, and she nearly skips back to Aidan. She stands there for a moment, watching him move through the strikes and lunges of his martial style, swaying slightly, and then she dodges into the arc of his strikes, standing in front of him while ducking and weaving out of the way of his claws. If he doesn't stop his motions as she jumps into his way, she continues dancing defensively just a step ahead of his pattern.

Phoenix Maiden nods. "I'll look belowdecks if you'll find the ones on deck," she says, turning slightly as she speaks to go and do so.

Kanfi nods in response and turns to survey the deck. "Where are we congregating them?"

Phoenix Maiden pauses. "In the cabin here, I guess?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden peers at Brian. Unless that'd make the cabin too full.'

Aidan smiles slightly when Liu joins his dance, playing along with her for a few moments. He then jumps in the air, flipping backward out of her range, and landing in a classic En Guarde. Despite the vigor of his exercise, he isn't even breathing hard. "Are we ready to begin, then?"

Brian says "There really aren't that many officers. Although it's a large ship, it's also not a naval vessel, and so not every slot is filled. The first officer, for example, is a tall blond man who serves as ship's navigator. The topsmaster, whom Liu has familiarized herself with, also serves as cook and carpenter and blacksmith, as well as being master of the ropes. There is no third officer, and the second officer is in charge of what security the boat has. First and second have been trading off watches on the wheel since the captain disappeared. Finally, the bosun is an athletic, wiry looking man with a stereotypical sharp temper-- he's -all- business and _only- his business."

Liu's grin gets just a touch feral; she licks her lips, and mimics and inverts his pose, losing herself in the moment-- but then remembers that she came to get Aidan, and sighs and lowers her arms. "Later. Definitely later. But Phoenix Maiden needs you to come down with the rest of us; we have decisions to make, and we need to talk to the Officers. Wanna come with me?" She takes the few steps towards him and punches his upper arm lightly, then walks back towards where the others are.

Kanfi nods again and heads across the deck to speak to the officers out there. The topsmaster, he saw a moment ago, talking to Liu. He goes to talk to her first, and then the officer at the wheel, to find out if he can get someone else to be at wheel while all the officers and their... passengers have a chat about the captain. If any of the other officers are on deck he'll try to round them up too.

Phoenix Maiden continues looking for any not currently on duty, then.

Brian [to Kanfi]: Second's on the Helm, first is off duty. Quartermaster is belowdecks.

Brian forgot the quartermaster, a stout, jovial woman who has changed from friendliness to outright glares since the captain disappeared.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden can deal with that.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden can deal with most mortal sulkiness, really. >_>

Aidan says "Indeed, we shall have to continue some other time." The Hunter can't help but be cheered by Liu's playful attitude. He turns to follow her to where the others have congregated."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Is going to talk to the topsmaster, the bosun and the Second, in that order."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Is the first belowdecks too, then, being off duty?"

Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: Hmm, yes, in officer country.

Brian [to Kanfi]: Anything special or just, "We'd like to speak to you all on a matter of importance?

Diamond Borealis leans back against the wall of the Captain. Arms still folded over his chest. He impatiently taps a foot against the decking, waiting for the officers to arrive.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Not really, no. No finessing unless they actually need it."

Phoenix Maiden will try to find them both, then, and politely, but with a no-other-option tone, invite them to come to the little talk. Like Kanfi, she won't bother with more unless one of them gives her difficulty.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Just straight out "We'd like to speak to you.""

<<OOC>> Brian says "Okay, so, just bringing them in? Anything else?"

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Not unless any one of them gives us trouble."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Resentful looks, stares, but that's about it."

<<OOC>> Brian says "The bosun is pretty much calm about the whole lot."

<<OOC>> Aidan will have his hood pulled back and his sleeves tucked up behind the talons. Not overtly threatening anyone, just visible.

<<OOC>> Brian chuckles. "Being Muscle? ^^"

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Ready for action if it happens, and making sure they can't possibly forget who we are."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Like /that's/ ever going to happen..."

<<OOC>> Liu will be cheerful and supportive. Kaylee-esque even.

Phoenix Maiden follows whichever she finds last back up to the captain's cabin, inviting all the officers there to take a seat. She herself remains standing - she fills more of the room that way.

Brian says "The Topsmaster is still, not really, buying it. She folds her arms over her chest as she watches the lot of you; the bosun is likewise passive. The First Officer is barely concealing his distrust, and the Second is openly resentful, whereas the Quartermaster's near-total hatred is barely constrained by, well, the presence of 5 Solars."

Kanfi finds himself a chair and curls up in it, taking upon himself the totally-unthreatening vibe. Hey, one of them has to. He smiles sheepishly at the officers.

Brian [to Kanfi]: Manip + Socialize + 2.

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 12 dice: <1 1 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 7 9 10> for 4 successes.

Brian [to Kanfi]: You manage nonthreatening well, though. :)

<<OOC>> Kanfi is small and cute!

<<OOC>> Kanfi is a pretty princess.

<<OOC>> Brian patpats. Yes, yes you are.

Phoenix Maiden keeps her body language unaggressive - strong, but not intruding on their space or violent, merely confident and strong. She begins with an announcement. "The man who presented himself as a sea captain was no such thing. He was a secret Exalt, working treachery; whatever plans he laid, he abandoned you and this ship rather than risk us finding out about them from him. I am sorry that you have been drawn into his machinations" Her tone suffers no doubt, as sure as a description of the path of the sun from East to West. Her eyes cross the officers, watching for any signs of doubt, protest - or more condemning, a lack of surprise or a desire to further deceive.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden is not a pretty princess.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Charisma + Presence or Performance + 2."

<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 11 dice: <1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 8 8 10> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "...Cripes, the dice are evil tonight."

Brian pokes the dice. You are NOT nWoD dice. These are Exalted.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "I mean, it's still a four, but..."

Brian says "The officers mutter to each other, clearly disturbed by your news. They quietly look back and forth, and whisper some; it's not positive, per se, and the Quartermaster looks like she doesn't -want- to believe you, but there are no outright denials."

Diamond Borealis pays little attention to what Phoenix Maiden is saying. Instead, he watches the face of every man and woman on the crew, eyes going from one to the next. Cool, impassive eyes searching for any sign of someone who seems nervous instead of shocked. He sees not just with his eyes, but with the power of essence that is his to command as a Chosen of the Sun.

Liu does not poke Aidan in the side to get him to spar a little with her here -- as much as she really wants to. But she does stand next to him, watching Diamond for tactical direction, and listening to Phoenix Maiden for strategic direction.

Kanfi tilts his face up to watch them curiously. Interested in how they'll take the news, but more alert for words or tones that might indicate, not deception, but mistrust of the Circle standing before them. He worries that one might not believe them.

Brian says "Diamond, Perception + Investigate +2; Kanfi, Perception + Socialize + 2."

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 11 dice: <1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 6 7 7> for 2 successes.

<<DICE>> Diamond Borealis rolls 8 dice: <1 3 3 6 7 7 8 9> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Diamond Borealis says "Gives me 8 Succs"

Brian [to Kanfi]: The quartermaster -really- doesn't like you guys, even with this news.

Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: None of them seem nervous, no, though the quartermaster still appears to be trying to convince herself it's not true.

Diamond Borealis eyes the quartermaster carefully. He motions to Liu, waving two fingers for the Night to walk over to him. He lets his gaze continue to wander among the crowd. Still alert for any sign of a reaction that seems out of place; a lack of surprise for example.

Phoenix Maiden pauses briefly, then continues, if none of the officers have anything to say. "The lies the Realm tells paint us as fiends. If this was so, your captain - who should have repaid your service to him with his own loyalty - has betrayed his obligations to you by abandoning you to our power." She gives the gathered officers a reassuring smile and spreads her hands - a gesture of openness and acceptance... even welcome. "His betrayal of us is bad enough, but it is a fouler deed that he was willing to betray you, who worked for him and gave him your trust. He had a responsibility, and he betrayed it - no more acceptable for the fact that the Realm lies. I will offer you a better deal than the deceptive traitor who played your captain ever would have - I will offer you loyalty for loyalty and trust for trust." Her left hand turns palm up, reaching out towards the officers. "We are quite likely sailing into a trap - set for us by your 'captain', but which will close on you as well. We will not abandon you to it, if you will work with us."

Kanfi is not terribly surprised by the quartermaster's reaction, and makes a note to talk to her after their group conversation is over. He lets his gaze continue to roam over the officers, though, smiling wryly when they look at him. He IS sorry about the trouble, after all.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden Zeniths virulently. >_>

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden glances over PM's Charms thoughtfully.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Tell me OOCly when you pose if you're going to- yeah. :)"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "I shouldn't NEED Charms to deal with this, but the dice..."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Give me just a minute to see what I have. I'll probably be using something, but I'm not sure if I actually have anything acceptable."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "All her presence diebuyers are for one on one."

Liu trots over to Diamond, behind the officer's backs, and comes to stand next to him, splitting her glance between giving him a querying look and trying to give the officers a reassuring, confident smile.

<<OOC>> Brian nods. Tell me when you're ready to roll.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "So I guess she has MRP or TaoG."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Bleh. No. Other than "DO WHAT I SAY" Charms - and she needs to convince them, not just run over their minds temporarily - she has no applicable Presence Charms."

<<OOC>> Brian pats gently. Cha + Perf or Presence + 2 roll then.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Hrm. Wait, Performance? >_>"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden has a Performance diebuyer.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Either one, yes."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Okay, 9 motes of personal on Celestial display. ;)"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Celestial Display, too."

<<OOC>> Brian chuckles +11 total dice then, and I'm assuming you're taking the 4 motes back?

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Dya."

<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 20 dice: <1 2 3 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8 8 8 9 9 10 10 10> for 12 successes.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "That's better. ^_^"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Ah, Zenithing. :P what's your Essence?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "4."

<<DICE>> Brian rolls 6 dice: <1 3 6 7 8 10> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian nods to himself.

Brian says "Nowww... are you guys doing this indoors or out, I forget which?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Indoors. In the cabin."

Diamond Borealis leans over to whisper to Liu while Phoenix Maiden gives her speech. He's assessing how the crowd reacts to her word, if there's even a hint of dissatisfaction with the idea he intends to pick up on it. He whispers into the Night's ear. "I don't really have anything to say. I just want them to think I do. If anyone is aware of what is going on...I want to make them react."

Brian says "Stupefaction and wonder come over the faces of the officers. The first officer's pale eyes go wide with further shock, and the second clenches his fists together. The Topmaster starts involuntarily and begins to murmur angrily again-- this time muttering things along the lines of, "Never trusted the smug bastard anyway," and "Run 'im from keel to bow the hard way!" Even the Bosun's aplomb breaks slightly, a snarl of rage going over his lips. The quartermaster, for her part, bursts into _tears_ and runs from the room."

<<OOC>> Aidan says "Didja *have* to hit 'em with the sledgehammer, PM?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Well, you got reactions..."

Kanfi stands suddenly, the smile disappearing. "I'll go--" He nods after the quartermaster, naked concern on his face.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden is a social sledgehammer, darn it. You want tact, use Kanfi. ;)

Liu nods thoughtfully at Diamond's words, glances at the floor, and then looks back across the officers, face going a bit impassive. And then her eyebrows leap into her hairline and her eyes get big and sad and bewildered as the quartermaster runs crying. She gives Kanfi a quick nod as he moves to go after the quartermaster, and a hopeful look.

Phoenix Maiden nods to Kanfi, and glances to Liu, a slight flick of the hand and tilt of the head quietly asking the Night if she'll go with Kanfi to look after him, as she moves forward towards the table, to seat herself - now that the inertia of belief has changed.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden is not sure the dangers are all gone! Loves her baby brother and doesn't want him getting lured off and ambushed. :p

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Hey! I can protect myself from ONE mortal. Geez."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Do you have any proof she's mortal?"

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "She's crying, big sister. I how to handle crying women."

Uncrossing his arms, Diamond gives Liu a squeeze on the shoulder, patting her on the back to send her with Kanfi. "Bring her back up here. I want to talk to her." He walks over to Phoenix and pulls out one of the chairs at the table. "I recommend we get everyone back to work. Then once Kanfi and Liu bring the Quartermaster back up here, we can have a chat with her and find out what she knows."

Liu gives Diamond a quick look, almost as if looking for his assent that she should go with Kanfi, but not quite -- too much of a Solar to really be asking for permission. Just a courtesy. She gives Phoenix Maiden a big reassuring smile and then looks at Kanfi, jerking her head after the quartermaster. "After you, brave sir."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Are any of you going to be doing anything with the other officers while Kanfi and Liu head out?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden is going to be talking to them briefly.

Kanfi narrows his eyes at Diamond, but doesn't say anything, turning on his heels and following the quartermaster. He'd much rather handle the woman alone, of course, but...

Phoenix Maiden glances at Diamond warningly. "Probably nothing. There are plenty of other reasons to be upset." She smiles across at all of the officers, a rueful, sympathetic expression. "It's not easy to news to accept." She lays her hands on the table, and leans forward earnestly. "We need to talk to the rest of the crew as well - we prefer honesty and openness, not secrets and deception. But before we do, I want to ask you if you have any concerns about the crew, the situation, or ideas about what traps we might be dealing with."

Brian [to Kanfi]: You get out on deck just in time to see her dash downstairs-- and the resultant worried look amongst the sailors.

Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: The Bosun snorts. "There shan't be any problems with the sea dogs, ma'am," he says, putting a hand on his cat o'nine tails. "oi may be assured of that.

Kanfi gives the sailors an earnest look, just as worried as they are, before disappearing downstairs himself.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Does Kanfi know her name?"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Yanfa."

Liu stays well out of Kanfi's way, and does her best to not draw attention to herself; something she's actually sort of good at doing. She's not projecting her presence outward, but she's not really hiding either. She's just going to be there to watch Kanfi's back in case the quartermaster is secretly a third circle demon. You know, typical precautions.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Exactly! Liu knew what PM was worried about. Kanfi's just too naive."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden did just describe Kanfi as naive, yes. Next, she's looking to do the same for Diamond. ;p

Brian says "As the pair of you head belowdecks, Liu, Kanfi, you hear someone loudly, an semi-incoherently, shouting in very, very -badly- accented- High Realm."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Can I tell what accent it is?"

Brian [to Kanfi]: "poorly educated".

Diamond Borealis looks at Phoenix blankly. "If we'd done this my way to start with we have that rat bastard betrayer in my workshop right now, and our way to learning how to deal with the traps he set. So don't give me that look. She's probably just upset about the Captain because they were having an affair. I will talk to her, one way or another." His face is set firmly, then he lets a smile appear a she leans on the back of the chair. He grins at the bosun. "Anyone been acting strangely?" He looks around at the officers expectantly.

Phoenix Maiden resists the urge to point out that the captain vanished before they'd had a chance to do anything - it wouldn't do to start quarreling in front of the ship's officers right now. Instead, she glances around and waits for an answer to his question.

Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: The Second Officer looks rather embarrassed. "Other than, say, Yanfa, or, um, well, you?" she asks.

Kanfi steps quietly, listening to the words as he approaches. It always pays to be prepared. He rests his hand on the wall, pausing for a moment to get a clear sense of what is being said, a little bit away from where the voice is coming from.

Phoenix Maiden smiles at that. "Well, yes."

Diamond Borealis arches a brow at the Second Mate. Then gives her a trademark crooked grin. He holds a hand to his chest. "I'm a Savant and a Sorcerer. If I weren't acting strange, then I'd be acting strange."

Liu is near enough to Kanfi to leap after him and defend him if need be, especially now that she's heard upsetting-sounding hysterics. Instinctual, she rolls her shoulders backwards and prepares her body to dodge out of the way of anything, feeling Essence flow through limbs and tickle around her bones as she calls on the blessings of her Patron.

<<OOC>> Liu says "Flow Like Blood, please. :)"

Brian [to Kanfi]: In between sobs, you hear Yanfa's voice chanting out what you're -fairly- certain is an Immaculate Prayer of Protection.

<<OOC>> Kanfi ... sighs. Y'all are PARANOID.

Brian [to Kanfi]: It's sort of hard to tell; she might be calling you a "receiver" rather than a "Deceiver", and you're not SURE what that word she called PM was, but it doesn't even REMOTELY resemble 'blasphemous'...

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Does it resemble any word in the actual language? XD"

<<OOC>> Brian says "Sort of, yes! It MIGHT be it..."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Might be what?"

Brian [to Kanfi]: Blasphemous. :P

<<OOC>> Kanfi laughs.

Brian [to Kanfi]: Her High Realm is REALLY bad.

Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: The Second mate looks kind of skeptical, but she shrugs. "Other than that, no sir," she tells you with respect, utterly replacing the resentment from before.

Kanfi sighs softly and rubs his forehead. Great. At least this means that she's not going to summon a demon of some sort or another. He pads quietly to the doorway and knocks, not coming in yet. Just smiling his usual sweet smile, and waiting.

Brian [to Kanfi]: You hear her yelp from inside and scrabble back and away, deeper into her cabin. The prayer grows louder.

<<OOC>> Liu says "She could summon the demon of poor pronunciation. He would like, cast us into a Pat of External Pins."

Diamond Borealis drums his fingers on the table, smiling to himself as the Second Mate sees the logic in his words. He leans back in the chair. "Anyone else? Have you noticed anything out of the ordinary at all? Places you might have seen the Captain go on board the ship that he wouldn't normally go? Talking to people in port that you wouldn't expect him to be speaking with? Anything like that which you can tell us about the Captain?"

Kanfi presses his hand to the door, and huffs out a frustrated laugh. "I'm not going to hurt you. You just seemed upset. Do you really think I'm horrible as all that?" He lets hurt seep into his voice, a little wavering quality that underscores his harmlessness.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Kanfi is an evil pretty princess. :p"

Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: They look from one to each other, questioning glances, a few muttered words of conversation. "No, actually," says the First Officer, acting as spokesman. "Not even with the captain. He-- everything-- really, seemed normal-- nothing unusual at all. Other than Yanfa's crush getting worse, but..."

Brian [to Kanfi]: You don't have Presence yet, right?

Diamond Borealis gestures toward the First Officer. "But what? I take it such a relationship is unusual?" He leans forward again, hands still drubbing faintly as he carries out the debriefing.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "No presence for me. Just lots of manipulation."

Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: The officers blink at each other momentarily and the First respectfully says, "Er, in a chain of command, sir? Usually it'd be squashed, right quick."

Brian [to Kanfi]: Charisma + Socialize +2 then. :)

Brian says "Diff is 6."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "... I hate you."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "There's no IC reason to use a Charm... ;_;"

Diamond Borealis stops drumming his fingers. He stands up, using his hands to lever himself upward. He looks at each of the officers in turn. "That's what I thought. So, did anyone say anything to the Captain? If not, why not? Why let something like that go? It could potentially put the entire boat at risk."

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 11 dice: <1 1 2 2 3 6 6 7 8 9 9> for 4 successes.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Damn."

<<OOC>> Liu says "There's always a reason to use a Charm! Your Solar Mandate!"

Liu watches Kanfi a little nervously, hoping that his charm will have its intended affect and that they can properly reconcile the officers to following her Circle's lead.

Brian [to Kanfi]: Unfortunately, it's no go as of yet. She's curled up in a little ball, rocking back and forth with her hands firmly planted over her ears. She's gone to total incoherence amidst the tears now.

Brian [to Diamond Borealis]: The First Officer chuckles. "He was the -Captain-," the man says, shrugging. "You didn't tell HIM what to do... ever.

Phoenix Maiden shakes her head. "Keep in mind, Diamond, we had no idea at all until Aidan joined us." She glances to the Dawn and nods, before turning back to the officers. "Thank you," say says calmly. "Because we'd like to try to avoid traps, we're changing to aim at another port - the change might be guessed at too, but... it's better than sailing where we can be sure we'll probably be sunk before we reach the harbor. Particularly as we have responsibilities." She smiles wryly and continues, "Which we take seriously. Now we'll be heading for Maglrask." She inclines her head towards the first officer. "I believe you are the most apt choice for captain, given the situation?"

Liu looks at Kanfi questioningly and mimics kicking the door in. She's volunteering.

Kanfi sighs softly and shakes his head, patting the door. He hardly wants to break down the door. He bites his lip, trying to come up with a solution to this. It would be so much easier if her could talk to her. Because if he can't, Kanfi is very worried that Diamond might want a try.

Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: The First officer straightens up noticeably, his chin coming up and his arms unconsciously going to his sides. "It is traditional for the next in rank, ma'am!" he says smartly.

Diamond Borealis shrugs his shoulders. "I don't think they would have noticed. But they might know something they don't know that they know. Apparently though, this guy has covered his tracks pretty well." He settles back down and leans back in the chair, hands behind his head.

Phoenix Maiden nods encouragingly. "Excellent. One less concern. The ship will be in better hands, I suspect, for having less treachery in mind." She starts to stand. It's probably best to address the crew now; my brother will be trying to calm and reassure Yanfa, and after that, if we all remain alert, we will hopefully have a good chance of avoiding any lingering traps." She looks all the officers in the face calmly. "I want you to know that if you feel there is a problem, you can always come tell me. I am not a sailor, myself, and don't know what to look for. I will do my best to make sure to protect you and the crew from any unwelcome surprises we encounter."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Charisma + Presence + 2."

<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 11 dice: <1 4 4 6 6 7 7 7 8 10 10> for 8 successes.

Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: Given the burning, brilliant look of awe in his eyes, it's obvious you have the first officer's loyalty. The second and the topsmaster are less easy to impress, but they, too, seem to have forgotten anything but devotion to you and by extension, your circle. The bosun is nodding with the approval of a senior NCO to a not-too-wet-behind-the-ears new lieutenant. ;)

Kanfi sighs and again and tilts his head back, considering the problem. A moment later, in a clear voice, gentle as spring rains, he begins to chant another Immaculate prayer. He specifically chooses one that doesn't curse the Chosen of Sol Invictus. Instead, it thanks the Dragons for bringing life and joy, and protecting those he cares about. It's not the words that he's trying to get across, but his tone, tranquil and relaxed and insistent. Kanfi wants her to be soothed. To realize he isn't as bad as she thinks.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden smug.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Nice. Manipulate + Socialize + 3, but difficulty is 7. Going to use a dice-buyer?"

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "I think I will spend ten motes of personal for ten extra dice. Might as well double his usual pool."

<<OOC>> Brian chuckles. So a total of 23? Nice.

<<DICE>> Kanfi rolls 23 dice: <1 1 1 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 8 9 9 10 10 10 10> for 12 successes.

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "THERE. Happy now?"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "Oh yeah. Legendary success over the insane difficulty. You're the Eclipse."

<<OOC>> Kanfi says "Thank you, sister. <3"

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden wants to basically repeat the same address to the crew. Captain abandoned and betrayed you, really disgraceful, don't worry, we got your backs. :p She'll blow the Essence on it, too. Will pose in a minute if everyone's cool with that. :p

Brian [to Kanfi]: There. Within seconds of your prayer beginning, the sobbing has lessened and the screaming has stopped. In between gasps and shudders, she mumbles the words alongside you; her very -voice- is attuned to yours now, her accent softening and her horrible mispronunciations dropping away. As soon as the prayer ends, she grabs you by your shirt lapels and buries her round, otherwise strong face in your shirt and weeps soundlessly.

<<OOC>> Liu says "Aw. :( Poor abandoned mortal."

Kanfi jerks in surprise, but wraps his arms around the woman to steady her. He murmurs calming nonsense words and rubs her back, leading her back into the room, so he can find a place for them to sit down. "Ssshh, ssh... It will be okay..."

<<OOC>> Brian says "Go ahead and crewpose when you want to, PM."

Liu relaxes her guard a bit and follows Kanfi and Yanfa back to the room with the officers, and walks back to Diamond's side, giving him a gentle nudge in the side with her shoulder, similar to the reassuring touches she and Midnight with Stars share.

Phoenix Maiden nods to the officers as she reaches the door. "Your company would be appreciated, and probably help reassure the crew." She promptly heads for deck. As she crosses the deck to the bow of the ship, she lets herself move with all the presence and dignity of a Zenith - well, almost all; she reserves a little attention to the motion of the waves, in hopes of not looking like a fool and going down on her face - deliberately drawing attention and eyes; she wants all the crew to be waiting for what she's going to say, as she climbs up to the bow and turns towards the ship. The speech she gives the crew is shorter than what she said to the officers, but no less intent or sincere. Again, she finishes with the offer of loyalty for loyalty and good faith for good faith, her voice booming across the deck, and skipping across the waves beyond, with the trained power of a storyteller's lungs.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden will again spend the 9 on Celestial Display, if permitted. Also out of personal.

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "It's good to be a Solar and have a decent pool. :)"

<<OOC>> Brian chuckles. Cha + Per + 3 + 9. :)

<<DICE>> Phoenix Maiden rolls 21 dice: <1 1 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10> for 13 successes.

<<OOC>> Brian says "Yompin' Yiminy."

<<OOC>> Phoenix Maiden says "What did you EXPECT? :p"

Brian [to Phoenix Maiden]: Thankfully, fortune is with you. No-one actually falls off the rigging. But the whole ship... stops. Everything, every one comes to a stop. Those who can do so safely fall to their knees and cover their heads; the rest bow their heads and pray from the rigging. The entire -crew- is focused on you, with the burning, fervent loyalty of converted fanatics.