Topic: Naval Guard Part I

Silver Starblade

Date: 2012-01-23 12:17 EST
"What the hell is a submersible?"

"I think it means it's submersed, like as in under water."

Silver's eyes narrowed as she looked up from the summary of the Council meeting. A single eyebrow shot up as she glared at the man across from her. He shifted uneasily from foot to foot before crossing his arms and staring back.

"I know what submersed means Marco, and I'm partially shocked you do too, but what is a submersible" Care to explain to me how a ship can sail underwater?"

"Davy Jones?" The man asked hopeful before shrugging his shoulders with a grimace. "I don't know."

"Didn't think you did." Silver shot back, dropping the paper to the desk. "So they gathered that naval unit patroling the docks wouldn't be such a grand idea, given the nature of things. Koy had a great idea about using existing people....but we'd have to be careful about who we chose." She paused, jotting down some notes before she continued to talk to herself. "Ships are already built. Race mentions something about things that work underwater...."

Silver's pen fell, her eyes rolling skyward before she swivled in her chair to stare out the window. "Why do I get the feeling this could turn into a disaster?"

Marco watched the Captain in half amusement and half sympathy. The poor woman seemed overworked and stressed, yet she was invested in this Naval Guard idea. (Though he secretly thought it was party because it would totally rub Captain Hargrove and his little Coast Guard band the wrong way.) Silver sighed, rubbing her temples as she tried to avoid looking at the stacks of paper on her desk. It seemed the amount of things to do continued to grow despite her best efforts. This was an extremely delicate effort, and if they just threw patrol ships in the ports, it could create chaos. However, some policing wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing....especially if she was in on it.

Silver turned around in her chair again and hastily scrawled out three letters. She folded the short notes quickly, before dotting each with a dark blue piece of wax and pressing her seal into them. In giant blue writing, she addressed them before handing them to Marco. "Find Ebon llnaren, Kruger and Race. Tell them I'd like to set up a meeting to brainstorm."

Marco snatched the notes from her hand with a nod and ran out.

Kruger

Date: 2012-01-26 22:57 EST
The messenger was sent back with a response. A letter with a seal bearing the impression of a fire lizard being carried in the claws of a diving falcon; the lizard was spouting flames up at the falcon. Around the edges of the seal were words written in Latin. Veneratio, Officium, Fidelitus vel Mortis. The words translated to Honor Duty Loyalty or Death.



To: Councilwoman and Captain of the Starstruck Siren Silver Starblade

From: Aristotle Kruger Allen Master Smith and Owner Kruger's Exotic Weapons Armor & Leather

Esteemed Councilwoman Starblade;

Your correspondence whilst unlooked for was welcome. If you but give me a time and date for such meeting to occur I will make myself available to you, absolute in the belief that much will be learned from our discussions.

Where it would be of greatest convenience to have a modest amount of advance notice on the time and date you would require me, I can be summoned with only a moment's notice. I realize the difficulty of clearing your schedule of the myriad important matters you must surely be besieged with on a daily basis. Therefore I bend to the whims of your otherwise impossible schedule.

Duty to Rhy?Din

Aristotle Kruger Allen

Ebon Ilnaren

Date: 2012-01-27 21:01 EST
Though he was exhausted, Ebon recognized the importance of the message from Silver. Thus he penned a response and sent it back with the messenger, Marco.

To Councillor Starblade, greetings!

I will be available at your convenience, simply send word. As you may be aware from the minutes of the last Council meeting, I have taken the initiative in commissioning a half-dozen vessels, and will provide details when we and the others meet. They can be brought to Rhy'din at any time, once we have crews to man them.

Yours in service, Ebon Ilnaren

Race Bannen

Date: 2012-02-04 18:23 EST
The Mogul reviewed the message from Silver and sat down to pen his response if a bit late.

"Dear Bubbles,

Not sure what help I could be in brainstorming about further defense to the docks considering some of the ideas previously presented I did not agree with. Choosing from individuals all ready working at the docks can be hazardous considering they may not be too quick to come to the aid of their competitors. However, if you feel I will be an addition then I will attend your meeting and see what we can work up.

Signed, Bunny.

Kruger

Date: 2012-02-19 17:37 EST
The flame flickered weakly in the smith's soul. It was a beginning; this process still seemed mired in endless debate, and paperwork. The mountain was moving though, the faith that had been dwindling from him seemed to have ebbed. Duty was heavy, especially when one is asked to do something that he has come to doubt.

Bel's words had brought him to this place, asked him to keep an open mind. Silver was to be trusted according to Bel. He wondered if the Captain knew how far that went towards keeping the smith reigned in. The meeting had started with drinks, He wondered if any but Ebon noticed that he hadn't partaken of the rum provided. Race however seemed to know the Councilwoman on a level that may have border lined inappropriate for serious meetings.

Kruger ignored the obvious friendship between the two. Race was an interesting man tall but not overly concerned with staying in Adonis shape. He was knowledgeable, and this was the factor that redeemed him to Kruger, that and his willingness to help in the construction of a navy for the city. Kruger found that Race's opinion of the manning of these ships was very similar. Race it seemed thought of this from a businessman's point of view. He worried over placing the crew of one merchant over a ship meant to defend the port for all his competitors.

Silver was equally interest, she too was tall, a description that seemed to fit most people the short broad smith came into contact with. Her general appearance could be called crisp, wearing all white except for those highly polished boots. Her demeanor for this meeting however left the smith taken back. When she turned what Kruger could only see as venomous questions on his friend Ebon. It was all he could do to remain calm. These were dangerous moments for Kruger; if he gave in to emotional response it could easily cloud his ability to separate the subtleties of the politics in the room. He clenched his fists until they were white knuckled, and waited his turn.

Ebon seemed more practiced at this jousting match. He addressed the questions with that black eyed gaze of his and answered passively. Kruger admired the man's control. It was through this debate that he began to see a pattern emerging. The woman was questioning why measures were going forward when there had been no approval to begin such things. She questioned his intentions in an accusing manor. She hinted at his desire to set his own fleet as a means to forward his own interests in the region. Either that or Kruger was hearing wrong, it wouldn't be the first time he had that problem either.

When she turned her attention finally to Kruger, he had the idea of where this was going. He waited for the question that came regarding his involvement in this. Kruger responded curtly that he had been commissioned by Ebon to equip the crews with close quarter weaponry. He let her know that work had been started as early as two months previously. He added to the end of that a very sarcastic, "If your next question is going to be why, because at the time I had no clients. I have only recently reopened the shop. Ebon was doing me a favor and I was doing one for RhyDin. At least I thought I was, but your questions lead me to believe that I have worked in vain."

Silver's response to Kruger was unexpected. She actually smiled at him; he was lost now not knowing what had her softening. Perhaps it was that flash of anger from him' Had he given her some sign that she was looking for, or was he just a refreshing change of pace from the practiced responses that obviously come to a woman in her position' Kruger wasn't sure, but at this point the meeting went from suspicions to how to move forward. Kruger remained silent unless directly asked a question. He had little idea how to plan something of this nature, and was content to sit in his current role of consultant. That small flicker in his chest started to grow once again.

There would be more information at the council meeting to be sure. Kruger however still had one person left whom he had promised to meet. If Silver seemed tough as a council member, how much tougher would Fionna be as the elected governor of RhyDin?

Silver Starblade

Date: 2012-02-20 11:04 EST
Please be gentle with any typos. It's been a long week and this was a long log to work through. Thanks!

Kruger's wolf-branded face twisted into a confused look. He hadn't been to the docks enough to know where this Council Woman Silver's office is and all his inquiries to passers by got him a number of things...wrong directions and snickers mostly. Damn sailors.

"Sometimes I wonder how you convince me to go to these eateries." Silver smirked, glancing at her companion. "Now we're probably late and that's not a good example to be setting." She clucked at Race, shaking her head as the two of them rounded the corner and headed toward Starblade Shipping and her office. The sign, worn from the salty air but brightly painted, swung over the door, depicting a woman with dark hair on a navy blue background. In one hand she held a sword and the other was reaching toward a star. It was the same woman that was on her ship as the masthead and on the main sail.

It was the same sign that hung over the door with the plaque that held the woman's name. Kruger pushed through into the little lobby, stepped to the little desk and announced himself, but there is no one available. He sighed in frustration. "Is anyone here?" The hand that has been clenched since the last set of directions went bad squeezed harder to crumple the missive that was held there.

"Hey, it was close by....and I get a discount." Race shrugged to her, walking along side his former boss casually. Hair cropped professionally, almost militaristic, he wore a button down green shirt and black slacks.

"What a way to choose a place to take a guest to eat." She snorted, reaching forward to push open the door to her office and stopping short as she nearly collided with another male figure. A single eyebrow raised as she cleared her throat. "Evenin'. Can I help you?"

The man turned, the t-shirt he has on clearly says Hammer Time, and sure enough he does wear two light war hammers on his belt, above loose fitting slacks. "I hope so...I'm lookin for Silver Starblade."

"Then look no more" Race offered with a smile. "She's found you!"

Ebon made his way through the docks, towards the location indicated on Silver's missive. He reached it just as she and another man—wait, was that Race" Yes, it was!—encountered Kruger. "Sorry I'm late!" Ebon announced, stepping into the lobby.

Silver grinned, shaking her head as she motioned to her friend. "This is Race." Her hand slid out toward Kruger even as her eyes slid to the other one bursting through the door. Kruger in return, gave her an appraising look, the kind you give to another fighter. Silver's smile widened at the entire situation as she lowered her hand back to her side. "Well, now it's a party. If someone can tell me who is who....I"ll be all set."

"Ebon Ilnaren, at your service." " "Ebon...I wasn't aware you would be here as well." Kruger visibly relaxed at the other man's entrance before he looked back to Race. "Pleasure to meet you. I've heard of you?once or twice."

"And I wasn't aware you'd be here. Yet here we both are!" Ebon shot back at Kruger, flashing an easygoing grin at the smith, then looked to Race and their host. "Good evening!"

Silver watched the boys club get acquainted before she turned, her boots stomping up the stairs to the second floor where her office was located. "If you'll follow me. I know there is another meeting going on soon, so it's best to get down to the point." The door that was labeled "Captain Starblade" was shoved open to a large office, with spectacular views of the ports below. She slid into a seat at a small round table near the windows, waving a hand at the other empty seats. "Please, sit."

Race followed the woman up the stairs, looking to Kruger. "I'm Race. Nice to meet you."

"Kruger." The smith replied. "Aye...and that leaves only the lady to be Silver...the dead giveaway had been the use of the word woman in the missive that was sent." He grinned at his own joke as he slid into a seat. Might as well enjoy himself. Ebon, never one to turn down a fabulous view, slid into another of the offered seat. Race, however, perched himself on the corner of her desk, a spot that appeared comfortable and well used by him in the past.

A bottle of rum was produced and a few glasses. The cork was easily removed before Silver set it on the table. "Help yourself. So, not to forgo formalities, but there is a lot of ground to cover in little time. " A slight, lopsided grin was flashed at her guests. "From what I gather, Race..." her eyes slid to the man on her desk. "You mentioned something about submersibles. I suppose we can get into that later. I know where you live after all." She looked back at Ebon and Kruger. "I also was informed one of you already had ships built, but Kruger...I'm not quite sure why the Governor recommended I contact you. I have not been informed as to your part or interest in the Naval Guard." Her eyes shifted between Ebon and Kruger as she reached forward to help herself to some rum while waiting for either of them to jump in.

Kruger looked to the side at Ebon, then turned eyes the color of dried grass on Silver. "The builder of the ships commissioned me for the manufacture and supply of the weapons they would need...Navy aint much of a fighting force without stout weaponry."

"Indeed." Ebon began. "Figuring it would be better to be prepared, I had commissioned Kruger to supply blades for the crews, for close-combat during boarding if necessary. Sidearms are a different issue."

Silver nodded, listening, her eyes shifting to Race before going back to the men at the table, particularly Kruger. "Are you outfitting the ships as well or just the crew?"

"I was commissioned for crew weapons, but the scale on which Ebon started me, may be too conservative now that we have a better understanding of the scope of the dangers out there. Tell me what you need. I will accommodate you."

"You are able to outfit ships too, then" Just so I"m clear on what?s being said."

"I will need schematics....materials necessary...if you are looking for cannons...you are better of going through bellfounders...they have the equipment for that already..." Kruger replied.

"Given the wide range of individuals within the city itself, might be better served with more advanced forms of armament, though a good blade always works in close quarters." Race offered in muted tones looking around at them, helping himself to a glass of rum.

Silver swirled the rum around in her glass, absorbing Kruger's words and acknowledging Race's. "I also have a few contacts that could help with that load, considering it's going to be a lot of work for more than one ship." With that, she raised the tumbler to her lips for a long sip of the rum before her dark-blue eyes slid to Ebon. "As for these ships.....it's my understanding you already had them built. Were these ships you built for yourself for other use and you are, for lack of a better word, donating to the Naval Guard, or did you build them with the Guard in mind?"

"The half-dozen ships I've commissioned as a possible start are being built off-world, so Kruger has not been involved in their construction to date. They were commissioned in hopes that they might serve the city, and not for myself," Ebon added, then looked to Race with a nod. "That was my thought as well. If this does go through, I thought of inquiring with Batten, but perhaps you have a better suggestion' It would be nice to have a major project that doesn't involve running to Ed Batten, after all, as much as I like the man."

Race scratched at his chin. The Mogul looked to them. "Considering the only two in this city with as large an operation as Ed is myself and Victor Kazon. I can have it looked into, since my research department has been looking at non-lethal weapons for various contracts."

"I have a few others I could contact as well, but I am curious.." She swirled the amber colored liquid in her glass. "When did you commission these ships, and why build them off-world if you were hoping to use them for Rhy'din" Did you have a navy in mind when you built them?"

Silver Starblade

Date: 2012-02-20 11:05 EST
"I commissioned them when the suggestion for a coastal guard was first made, some months ago....as for why off-world, I have relationships with a shipwright company in my homeworld that had the capacity." Ebon's expression grew thoughtful. "Not being sure if the project would be advanced any further, I didn't want to upset anyone by building what would turn out to be a private fleet here, if the city didn't accept it."

"Private fleet?" She pressed, still unsure of why someone would build half dozen ships for the hell of it.

"A bit odd it was built so quickly..." Race puzzled. Even fully automated shipwrights take a few months. Silver didn't look at Race but was thinking the same thing. It was nice to know someone else in here was having the same thoughts.

"Well, if I had ships built and the city decided not to take them....I wouldn't just drydock them." Then, to Race, "They're not completed yet. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to give that impression."

Kruger shifted in his chair. This is where the operation could go south and all their hardwork would be for nothing.

Ebon continued. "They were, however, constructed for Rhy'din, and it is my hope that they might be of service to the city."

"So if we do create a Guard, are you going to allow the city to use these ships or do you want some say in where they go and how they are used?" Silver inquired further.

"They would be at the direction of whomever is chosen to head the Guard. I would claim no proprietary rights." Then he gave a little chuckle. "I have enough on my plate with a houseful of children and....other activities. I'll leave the command of any fleet to more qualified hands."

"Seems to me a bigger issue is who will be manning these ships" And how do we, " Kruger paused looking for the right word. ?"win their hearts and minds to tilt under our flag...as it were?"

"And speaking of which....these are not massive vessels. Six of them, each with a crew of only a dozen. Less of a navy, more of a coast guard." Ebon completed Kruger's train of thought.

"We have two key issues with the handling of this naval Guard." Race looked at them with the bit about the ships figured out. "We can look at who currently works the docks and pick the Guard from in-house, which has its own risks. Say one of the Guard is opportunistic and a merchant competitor comes under attack" I doubt they'd act too quickly."

She smiled at Ebon, setting her glass on the table, before looking at all three men. "We have to establish that Rhy'din is going to have a Naval Guard first, and what it's role is before we can start manning the ships. Smaller ships are fine. They can still be used as defense and in shallower waters, but if you want something patrolling out a bit further and another line of defense/offense, you'd need a few bigger ships. What ships did you build, if I may ask?"

Kruger gave a small smile at Race. "No worries Race....I share your concerns over who is trust worthy...though Silver is correct it hasn't been established that there will even be a Navy...my work will continue because the work on Ebon's home world continues."

Ebon looked at the woman across from him. "Just basic cutters, designed for harbor and near-shore actions."

"And how many, exactly?"

"Six." "I'm going to be completely honest here, " Silver began, leaning forward in her seat to cross her arms on the table in front of her. "It doesn't benefit anyone to beat around the bush. That, and I'm not one to play games with my words. I'm a bit wary of the fact you built ships at the first mention of a possible Guard, even though you say you would give them to Rhy'din and relinquish any control of them. It feels like I'm missing a piece of the puzzle."

Ebon leaned forward, steepling his fingers in front of him. "At the November meeting when the idea of a naval guard was first broached, Fionna asked for volunteers to help organize the naval guard. I was one of those, as you may or may not recall. In thinking on the matter, it occurred to me that it might be wise to have at least a few vessels controlled directly by the City, and so I took it upon myself to commission them. I knew that if Rhy'din did not need them, I could find uses for them."

Silver nodded slowly, still uneasy but she couldn't find fault with his explanation. "Understandable. There are very few residents as charitable. That couldn't have been a cheap endeavor."

"Ha! While I may not be in Race's class of wealth, I am a landed noble among other things, and have no small amount of funds....not to mention favors owed." Ebon chuckled. Kruger, on the other hand was doing his best to remain somber under the woman's gaze despite his own hackles rising. He wondered if she were baiting them on purpose.

Silver's lips curved into a small smile at Ebon. "I did not mean to question your wealth, only the charitable notion of such a big donation, especially for a purpose like this. I'd rather know all I can before agreeing to anything, as I'm sure you understand.

"So we have six cutters. Fine for patrolling the shallow waters of the ports. We'd need at least two or three bigger warships in case we did get under attack again." She looked at Kruger. "We'll get to weapons in a second, as I understand this is partly your expertise." Her gaze settled on Race. "What are these...subermisbles that you talked about?"

Both of the other men looked to Race, curious as to these submersibles.

Silver Starblade

Date: 2012-02-20 11:08 EST
"Submarines. The key concern is not to disrupt business and commerce. A naval guard floating around could have some residual side effects from sailors and merchants who'd feel hesitant to do business at the docks with such in sight. Ships that rest just under the tides, out of sight and out of mind, offer a way to assuage that issue."

Silver exhaled, reaching up to pinch the bridge of her nose for a moment. "Submarines?" She muttered something that sounded like 'bloody hell' before her hand dropped and her eyes settled fully on the man at her desk. "So these things operate under the water?"

Ebon jumped in. "Yes. They're actually fascinating vessels, and well-suited for stealthy guardianship of the harbor. I've been aboard one that was in a museum....U-505 or something like that."

Kruger shivered at the thought of being trapped in a boat beneath the water, and muttered quietly. "Count me out of that crew."

Silver totally agreed with Kruger on that one. "Fine. Race, would you be commissioning those or would you need funds, and same question as Ebon, would you want to command them?"

"I merely offered the idea as an alternative and can see about having some commissioned. We don't want to disrupt business but we need a controlled force in place to offer immediate protection."

Silver nodded. "A visible reminder of being policed will not go over well. The idea will have to be properly introduced." Silver looked at Kruger now. "As for outfitting weapons, that would be your domain I presume. Could you armor six crews of men easily' How long would it take you for that?" Kruger took his lower lip between teeth, he looks at her not knowing how to answer her without getting the same suspiciousness thrown at him. "I began making them towards the end of December, when Ebon first approached me. I will probably have enough to for the crews before you can get trustworthy men to use them...and since you will likely wish to know why?" He mentally scolded himself to stop with the sarcasm before continuing. " At the time of the commission Ebon was my only client...and I needed the work."

Silver arched a single eyebrow again, though a hint of a smile tugged at her lips. Sarcasm or not, she appreciated the man's honesty. "So we have six ships, possible submarines and weapons for the crew, should the need be. Now we just need to figure out the exact role of the Guard. Easier said then done." She sighed, leaning back in her chair. "I thank you all for coming. I have a better idea of what the Governor's notes from the last meeting were about and I can give her a more detailed report before moving forward. I will probably work with her to iron out the details of what the Guard's role is, but I would like to keep an open line of communication with you. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time with ideas, suggestions or just updates on your progress, and if need be, I will contact you as well with any questions or updates that need your input."

Silver Starblade

Date: 2012-02-23 14:35 EST
Silver had spent the remainder of the night writing down notes, any details she could remember, and her own thoughts. She had seen the sky turn from black, to dark blue, and now, shades of yellow and pink dotted the horizon.

She rubbed her temples, ink stained fingers falling to the desk as she tapped the papers beneath her fingers. This was an extremely delicate situation. The small contingency of Coast Guard that had invaded a few years ago had waned to all but a handful that were hanging on, despite the fact the Ports continued to stomp all over them.

The Harbor Master's men fared a little better, but mostly because they knew how to work the ports. If one read between the lines, it meant they were hired out, blackmailed or payed off. Those that tried to stay the high road found themselves few and far in between and with lots of enemies.

There was too much international trade and too many people moving in and out for any sort of Guard to keep track of. Despite the city's best efforts, there were multiple ways to get in and out of the Ports unseen. Putting a visual Navy on the waters would only insite anger, or worse.

Silver swivled in her chair to turn back to her desk, leaving the view of the open water behind her. She had to draft her thoughts and her notes in a summary to the Governor, and make it known she was all for attempting (that being her key word) to post a solid, permanent Guard, but it would have to be done with care.

~*~* Hours Later *~*~

"Cap'ain?"

"What?" Silver sat up on her bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She had managed to get a few hours of rest in between work at the office and waiting the Governor's response.

"This just arrived for you." The man handed over a sealed envelope. "It's from the Governor's office."

"Thanks." Silver swung her booted feet off the bed, grabbing the envelope from his hand as he exited. She tore open the note.

Councilor Starblade, I've reviewed your reports and the results of the public debates was especially interesting. I think we can safely proceed, observing the stipulations you listed in your remarks. As we organize, my one caution is to remember that this is a volunteer, not an enlisted, force. I trust your judgment. Keep me posted on your progress and let me know what support you need. Fionna Helsont al-Amat

Well. That was that. Silver rose from the bed, stomping up onto the decks of the ship. It was time to get things underway.

-Note, I will be posting this week in the playables for the story to begin! Keep an eye out!