high_seas | Let's do this

[Dirk's gathered the whole crew in the meeting room next to his quarters and asked them all to be seated at the table while he stood at the front of it. He could sit down, but somehow that doesn't seem proper at the moment. Time to see how well this is gonna go.]

Alright, everyone here knows my name but I don't think you've all been well acquainted with each other, so here's how this is gonna go. Each of us are going to take turns introducing ourselves, and telling a bit about who we are and what we can do. Any commentary or questions can wait until l we've all had a turn. We're gonna be stuck together for a while, and a ship's crew is supposed to be their family it's important we trust each other and get to understand one another.

No bullshit either, I'm gonna say it first. I don't consider myself a "good" person. I'm an asshole, I can be overbearing, a control freak, manipulative. A puppet master. However, I've recently learned that I really fucking suck at it despite my beliefs otherwise. I thought I could handle everything around me. I had absolutely no human contact my whole life until about five months ago when I met my three friends for the first time and learned that no, I can't control everything around me because people are too unpredictable. I won't try that shit with any of you, so don't worry about it. I'm not a total dick all the time.

I'm sixteen, and I like puppets, robots and horses. The concept of being a child is something I can understand only in a theoretical point of view. I raised myself and had to force myself through training and absolute control to make sure I wasn't killed by an alien bitch queen's drones. Speed, intelligence and badass swords skills were the only things I taught myself to do. Me and my friends played a game that gave us special titles that came with new abilities. Prince of Heart was mine, which I thought was really fucking lame until someone told me the literal translation of it was Destroyer of Souls. At first I could only splinter myself, creating other versions of myself be it in mechanical form or in someone else's dreams. I spent my whole life living in two places at once, my home and constantly having my dream self awake on the moon it resided. Another part of the game, we had two bodies so in case one died, we'd wake up as the other. However, one was always supposed to be asleep unless we were dreaming. I kept both awake at all times so I could constantly be aware.

Then came the God Tier, where I was killed on what was known as a quest bed and revived, which made me reach the full extent of my powers. Due to that I can rip out souls, fly, and have a conditional immortality bullshit. I can only die from a just or heroic death. Any other death I'll presumably revive as good as fucking new in minutes.

[Dirk pauses, not even needing to take a breath since he's used to talking a lot.]

And that's about it. You don't have to go into detail like I did, just a few base facts and your name are fine. But I'm the Captain here, so I decided you all had a right to know just what you're dealing with.

[And then he gives a nod to Ihrie.]

Ihrie, since you're the first mate, you go next. After that we'll just move around the table. And remember, introductions now, questions and commentary later.

[Some of what Dirk said Ihrie already knew. Some it she didn't. And none of it really bothered her. She'd been around a while and seen a lot. She also wasn't going to give a condescended version of her memoirs since she had no plans to tell the rest of the crew of her curse. Dirk knew and for now that's all that needed to know.

So the woman who looked a few years older than Dirk, and in some lights looked more like a boy than a girl with her manner, leaned back in her chair.]

That's me; I'm Ihrie, as the captain just said. I'm a ruin explorer. What that means is that I've spent a good part of my life in a band or partnership of some sort, exploring and searching the ruins of cities, fortresses and other such places looking for artifacts, riches and other salvageable goods. Back in my world, those ruins were hundreds to a thousand years ago from the magic kingdoms that pretty much wiped most of civilization out in their war.

So, the Piedra Roja? That's the kind of thing I'm used to searching for and have, back home, actually managed to collect with some others. Because of the ruins, I know traps, navigation, maps, getting out of seemingly hopeless situations and the sword. I've also traveled many a time by ship, have fought on one and know some basics sailing.

...I'm also trained in sorcery, but don't expect me to use magic much. The spirits and I have never really gotten along. And as far as anyone outside this crew is to know, I'm only knowledgeable of magic, not capable of it.

[The surly woman with her cleavage on display, wearing a weathered coat slammed her hand on the table to assert herself and grab everyone's attention, immediately speaking loud. No indoor voices from this woman.]

You can call me Rider, or Francis. If you give me lip, you can call me 'Sir,' because I am a seasoned sailor, explorer, privateer and knighted, high ranking officer of the British Navy. Hail Britannia, long live the Queen, and God damn the Spanish~

So! Given my considerable qualifications and accomplishments, which do not include humility or humanity, I will be impressed and surprised if any of you are even half the sailor or brigand I am.

Anything a person does on a ship, I've done it, I've taught it, an' I'm givin' lessons tomorrow morning, eh, after I eat breakfast.

I am a master with a pistol and, not even knowing what most of you are capable of, I am certain I will give any of you a run for your money in a fight, if not leave you like a wreck upon the sand.

... So I'm a good friend to have!

I also like drunken story time, cards and dice.

Edited 2013-11-20 05:18 (UTC)

[Tsukuyo is standing next to the door, smoking quietly as everyone starts their introductions. Of course she's only standing there so the smoke can float out of the door, rather than bothering other people with it. It has nothing to do with this being a strategic position at all.

Everyone certainly seems accomplished. Good; it's a nice, strong crew they have here.]

I'm Tsukuyo, of Yoshiwara Shangri-La. Ever since I was little, I was trained by the best ninja of my world. [She can say that, now, with so much conviction.] For the past four years, I've run a group of roughly a hundred other ninja, dedicated to keeping our city safe.

When it comes to fighting, I can hold my own.

[Not quite mocking or teasing anyone ~~like Rider~~, but close enough, in the subtle way that's the full extent of Tsukuyo's sense of humor.

She has zero experience with life aboard ship, incidentally... but she chooses not to mention that in this context. It will become clear soon enough, and she doesn't want to seem too weak for a first impression.]

[There is at least one person in this group who has not been following Dirk's directions. Rider, sitting to her right, is her unfortunate victim, as the ginger gives her sidelong looks and occasionally leans in to whisper: ]

...Christ, tell us your life story, why don't ya...

...Ten coin says lady by the door breaks the rules and cuts in before it's her turn...

...Alright, next kid in line, tell the class how special you are...

[Rider steps in with just as much flamboyance as her appearance leads Codi to believe, and that is impressive enough to warrant a fun smile when she returns to a more neutral position.]

...Looking forward to 'drunken story time' later--I'll bring the booze.

...

...Dammit, what did I say about--I knew she was going to do that!

[Given how impatient she sounds, Codi somehow manages to wait her turn (though not without a pointed, backwards glare in Tsukuyo's direction), but it's only a matter of time before she, much like Rider, loudly cuts in before anyone else has a chance to interrupt the circle.]

--Alright, ladies, my turn.

[No corrections made for the handful of boys present--just wry smiles returning any quizzical glances they might pass her.]

My name's Dakota Perkins--you all can call me Codi. [Her eyes briefly drift to the ceiling as she recalls the bit of fiction she spun for Dirk when they met.] I'm CEO of Palmer Corporation's research division. No, I'm not some...

[She waves her hands and grimaces at no one in particular.]

...magical grave-robbing sorceress ninja or whatever. I've done a fair bit of traveling, I've been in some weird situations of my own--I can defend myself if I have to, but I know none of you care about that very much. All you need to know is that I'm willing to get shit done. We've been trapped here against our will, and we all want to figure out how to get back. I won't lose sight of this.

[With one last poignant stare at Dirk--yes, I can be useful for something, despite what some others seem to imply--Codi leans back in her seat and passes off the gauntlet to whoever is sitting on her left.]

[There aren't a lot of options left, but there Hachiken sits looking a little taken aback by the women in the room. They had all kinds of skills and experiences that may prove useful on a ship, unlike him.]

[Nervously he clears his throat and tries a smile.]

Hello. [He bows] I'm Hachiken Yugo. Hachiken is fine. I'm going to cook for all of you. I don't have a lot of experience, but I will do my best to make food that is delicious for all of you.

[He pushes up his glasses.]

Um, if you have any questions about or find any livestock I should be able to help with that.

[Up until now Amelia has been more or less quiet, one leg crossed over the other and her hands folded neat in front of her, simply listening quietly to everybody else introduce themselves. There's a moment where she just sort of quietly glares at Rider that begins when she mentions she's a brigand and doesn't really stop until she's done talking.

Brigands and Knights have never been the best of friends back home, her attitude certainly doesn't help matters.

Aside from that though there's a few other things she's managed to deduce, although most of Dirk's story is pretty much beyond her comprehension. She would have called him insane if he wasn't thus far the most level headed person she'd met, and for a moment part of her is just sort of wondering how she got herself into this mess. On the other hand there's good news as well, because thus far it sounds like everybody can more or less take care of themselves. And as it stands, she has no reason to doubt anybodies claims regarding their capabilities.

Not to mention moral differences aside, she has to admit to herself it's sounding a bit like Rider does know the most about seafaring out of them, and guns aren't something she knows how to use especially well. There's something she could learn there and she knows it. But whatever the case, sorting out her opinions on her crewmates can come later, it's time to introduce herself.]

That makes it my turn. My name is Amelia, I'm a knight from a country called the Grado Empire, a title I earned during a massive war back home. So when it comes to combat and working with others, I do know what I'm doing. [She doesn't feel like she has much more to add than that.]

[Of course, pretty much all of this information Dirk already knew. He picked them each out individually after all, so not much comes as a surprise to him.

Not even Codi not knowing how to follow simple orders and being rude as fuck. Great way to make an impression there, but he didn't expect anything else.

Dirk resists the urge to bring a hand to his head, even if he can already feel it's only a matter of time before she gives him a headache.]

Alright, cool. Now everyone except for Codi can feel free to ask questions, get to know each other and all that good stuff. Seeing as how everyone else knows how to be polite and listen when others are speaking instead of talking needless shit about someone you don't even fucking know yet.

[Even if his eyes are hidden behind his shades, she's just getting a look. He doesn't appreciate bitching and trash talk during introductions, and that's exactly what he heard from her. Which defeats the entire purpose of everyone trying to get along.]

Codi, five minute time out where you have to keep quiet. If you're going to act like a kid in grade school, you're going to get treated like one.

Edited 2013-11-21 02:38 (UTC)

[Also unsurprisingly, Codi continues to be rude and sputters with laughter, rolling her eyes theatrically.]

Yes mom. Unable to take a joke as usual. [Then addressing the others: ] You heard him, children! I guess we're not allowed to talk during recess anymore. Sorry for the trouble!

[...At least she shuts up after that.]

Edited (continuing to fail at html) 2013-11-21 02:44 (UTC)

Everyone else is, you're the only one being immature here. I stated a simple rule twice, all you had to do was be fucking polite and not talk while others were talking, and you couldn't even do that much.

[He really hopes he didn't make a mistake bringing her on board, despite Ihrie already expressing doubts about it earlier. He's got some faith in Codi. Some.]

[Rider caught those looks from some of her crew mates, but she didn't care. If anything, during introductions Hachiken stood out the most among them for, well, being the most normal. But also for being the cook. A good cook was valuable, and wondered what kind of food he could make... but, paranoid as she was sometimes, well... perhaps the cook was the most dangerous person here. Just about any man could die to poison. Not that she actually suspected he'd do such a thing...]

[She looked at Dirk and Codi go at it though.]

Ahahah, Dirk... really? I'm not polite.

Pirates aren't polite. Now, no disrespect but I'm gonna have a talk with the scallywag lass.

[She started walking over to Codi in the corner and sat next to her.]

[He would never claim to be polite either, and would probably be more lenient if Codi hasn't been getting on his nerves recently. He's an asshole, but talking shit about people who you're supposed to learn to think of as family isn't cool. But what the fuck ever.]

Go for it.

[It'll give Codi something to do at least.]

[Hachiken leans forward a bit with his hands on the table.]

Um. What does everyone like to eat?

[Already with the lack of discipline... Well, the crew will learn, or they will find another ship. Or they'll plot a mutiny and possibly die a gruesome death at Tsukuyo's hands. In any case, the problem will be solved.

At least there are some useful people. For a random selection of new arrivals, Dirk hasn't done so poorly.

Ignoring the childish squabbling and pointed glares alike - it will take more than that to faze her - Tsukuyo focuses on the more practical discussion.]

I'm not picky. As long as it fills my stomach, I'm satisfied.

[And that might be high enough a demand, if they're forced to stay at sea for any length of time.]

[Ihrie almost snapped when Codi called her a grave-robber. She never went into tombs if she knew they were tombs. And when she figured out they were, she was able to control herself enough to leave the stuff there. Barely, but she managed.

Still, she decided not to react other than glare, still not understanding why Dirk brought her onto the crew. What the hell was a CEO anyways?]

I'm with Tsukuyo, though when we can afford to have fresh fruits, I like those. I'm used to being on a non-perishable diet aside from what I can hunt. I travel a lot.

[He's figured it's for the best if he just pointedly ignores everything Codi says for the next while, otherwise he'd just be starting up a pointless discussion. There's a lot of shit he wants to say, nothing he should. Food focus is good.]

Same here. Raised on fish for the most part, so I'm pretty damned happy with anything that doesn't come from the ocean, but I can deal with whatever.

[Considering he doesn't think this place has Doritos.]

[Rider is met with a smirk and raised brow as she approaches.]

Didn't you hear him? I'm a bad influence, apparently. You shouldn't associate with me--I mean, heaven forbid I stain your unblemished mind with my unfathomable rudeness.

I'm a bad person, so there's no need to worry about corrupting me.

Hey, anyone around here who doesn't have a massive pole shoved up their ass is fine in my book. [Codi folds her arms loosely over the table.] You sound like you know how to enjoy yourself. I can appreciate that.

[She leaned in to whisper with no regard for personal space]

My guess is the captain's jus' knockin' down whatever nail is standin' up 'cause he wants to assert his authority, set up that he won't take no guff. You ask me, I think you both should just pick your battles.

[Personal space? What is that, even? Codi not only leans in to meet her, but she also doesn't bother to whisper.]

No. A captain, being authoritative? [She chuckles with a casual air.] Look, if I didn't think Strider here wasn't capable of working a ship--and a crew--I wouldn't have accepted his offer in the first place. There's nothing to prove. I get it. Honestly, if he didn't make a battle out of this, I wouldn't be so tempted to fight him back! The poor kid just makes it so easy--how can I help myself?

Let's do this

17th evening - Meet and Greet

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Now in the right thread!

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join me in the time-out corner >3

with the right journal this time

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