Landing Party (Open)

[stranger]

Irvette has always loved the sea. Her mother used to joke, that if she didn't know any better, she'd swear that Irvette was a fish herself. At least, that's what Irvette believes she remembers. Truth be told, up until her "rebirth" she only vaguely remembers things. She was told to forget them, and forget them she did. Still, odd snip-bits slipped into her dreams now and then. The sea was her home and her crew was her family.

"Scrub those decks Gentlemen. I want them clean enough to eat off of."

Echoes of "Yes Ma'am", shuffling feet, and mild grumbles as her crew scurried to execute the order.
"Remember Gentlemen, we are docking, and it is our duty, to make the best presentation we can. Our clients expect nothing less, and as gracious hosts and benevolent friends, we must abide.
Everything starts with appearances. Sales, friendships, partnerships, or prospects.
You are judged from the very first moment you step within their eyesight. If you want to gain the upper hand, you make sure that you, are the best looking one.
Mr. Luckypaw, I expect full participation in the deck cleaning, less you would like to have the honor of doing it yourself.
We are the benevolent bringers of new futures. With our ships, we grace the needy, and bring salvation. We lead the children and adults, into a new world, and into a new life they will surely grow to appreciate. Their being, will blossom far beyond the capabilities that it could ever have. And we... we are those angels.
Keep it up, Ms. White, you're doing a fine job.
So remember, we present ourselves first. Gain the upper hand in the relationship, earn their trust. And thus, you shall never be in need."

She could already see the land, its ridges and forests, sands and ledges, mountains in the background. It didn't beacon her, but she knew that her crew must be allowed on land once in a while, less they lose their land-legs and grow weak. She could not have a weak crew. They must be stilled on the high seas, and upon the sturdy ground. Versatile, agile, adaptive. Anything less, and they mattered little. Fortunately for them, majority, presented no concerns. With the right supplies, and their store rooms resupplied, this should not be an issue.

Tensions seemed to grow by the minute as they approached land, her crew anxious to finally step on solid ground after 4 months at sea. They had a rough voyage, one too many storms this season. But, the cargo was sold, relationships made, and gold collected. Time to take a small break, and restock the cargo bay. Gold doesn’t make itself after all. Mare hours separated them from their goal now. Everyone anxiously occupying themselves less they jump overboard and swim.

Finally “Anchor down!” Someone shouted from down the deck, and the whole ship became alive. Shifts split, and the first group, along with Irvette, headed for the shore. Sand, fresh breeze, and a new adventure awaited them.
“Go forth, and explore. Remember to bring back anything good and be sure to memorize the landscape. Be on the lookout for opportunities” Irvette called out to the beast on shore, before dismissing them with a smile. She watched as the beasts disappeared from the shore. She herself glanced around, and with a smile, headed for the large rocks to the left, and stretched out, enjoying the sunshine and the sound of the sea.

Now to figure out where they actually landed...

[dancingmad36]

     Children always love to challenge their parents. It's a shame really; all that they do for them, the anguish, the sacrifice, the struggle. You would think they would show a little more gratitude. Yet here we have an upstart bat being given a new lease on life, and it expresses its thanks by stealing Tod and showing it to the captain. The little bat had been taught so well. It should have known never to threaten the captain... and never touch the knife of the first mate. A pained shriek shot out from the brig, echoing through the lower decks followed by a fiendish laughter and the closing of an iron gate.

     "Well I think you learned your mistake now, you have. HE HE! The only part of Tod you get to touch is the shiny part while I'm holding the other side! HE HE!" Franz cackled as he shot a final glance at the wounded bat hanging helplessly by its wings. The night before the foolish boy had snuck into Franz's quarters and taken his knife, Tod, thinking he didn't notice and thought it wise to try to stab the captain in her sleep. What the bat didn't realize was that Franz would be there waiting for him when he made his attempt. The look of fear when he was lead to the captain made it all the more rewarding, and the finger he was chewing on all the more savory. "Now now, Franzy! We mustn't make a mess. The captain would not appreciate a sloppy second!" he said, scolding himself as he scurried about, finally reaching the door to the main deck. He took a moment to cover his lost eye with a patch and lick up the blood from his teeth before finally walking out onto the deck. 

     Almost immediately, all crew beasts stopped briefly at the sight of him before returning to their tasks with increased vigor. Franz didn't notice for a second. He was too busy looking out on the horizon with a growing smile as dim dark shapes gradually became the clearer forms of trees and sand. This could mean only one thing. "Oh joy! We get to have some fun today!" Franz laughed once more. "All hands on deck and all but the ribs to the boats! It's time to make the captain proud!" At the sound of his voice, the command was spread throughout the ship and every beast began taking their position for landing. After a while, the crow in its nest shouted out that the ship had reached the shallows and Franz's grin stretched from ear to ear. "Anchor down! Drop the anchor!" he shouted as he made his way to one of the boats. He waited impatiently, fidgeting and spiraling at the stern of one of the landing boats as he waited for the captain to make it to the other. Once she was on, he knew it was time. "Lower the boats and let's make some friends!"

     It's amazing how much motivation a person can give with only one eye. His landing party made it to shore with enough time to beach and hide the boat  before the captain stepped foot in the sand.

“Go forth, and explore. Remember to bring back anything good and be sure to memorize the landscape. Be on the lookout for opportunities” Irvette called out to the beast on shore, before dismissing them with a smile. She watched as the beasts disappeared from the shore. She herself glanced around, and with a smile, headed for the large rocks to the left, and stretched out, enjoying the sunshine and the sound of the sea.

"You all heard the lady! Let's go let's go!" With a handful of the crew remaining behind to guard the captain and the boats Franz and the others looked about. Beyond the brush, a slowly climbing cloud of smoke rose up, likely from a coastal village. However, as he began to give his order to move towards it, he smelled a distinct scent of decay coming from further down the coastline. Not the fishy kind of rot, land rot, and land rot means beasts are around. Maybe... more are on the coast than in the village. Probably the only one actually willing to think of this he called five men to his side and sent the rest forward. The captain would be pleased with two collections in one landing!