The Return of Queen Anne's Revenge: Chapter 1: Another Ship on the Barbie (Closed, Started)

[Pandalisk]

Alberta sauntered into the VIP doors a wide grin spread across his face and a large beer mug clasped firmly in hand
"I propose a toast to all you wonderful people but sadly I'm not the captain so it isn't official. Cheers!"

"Ahhaha!" Alberta emphatically boomed across the VIP lounge over the calls of cheers and the knocking of shot glasses onto tables "Then let me make it official!" He yelled as he raised his glass and began to drink, the contents of the mug miraculously missing his overcoat and staining the carpet underfoot.

Alberta clapped the shoulder of the man leaning against the wall beside him, or he would, had he been able to reach the shoulder of this lumbering giant, instead he clapped his lower back and beckoned him towards the others by the bar tables.

"Come, come my friend! Captains orders!"

 

[Lefthandofgod]

Muhammad sat on the couch and nursed his drink while the others socialized. Everyone was happy, drunk, and, most importantly, getting along. It was pretty much the best situation he could have hoped for. He needed to make sure everyone was in as pleasant a state of mind as possible before Scott came in with information on the job.

The captain walked into the room and, from the looks of it, quickly won everyone's favor with a booming laugh and a toast to the room. Everyone cheered and took a great swig from their drink of choice.

He stood up quickly; it was an old trick he learned to gather all the attention in a room full of conversations.

"Well I suppose I best introduce myself before Scott comes in and tells you all that I'm a demon. My name is Muhammad Ibn El Sahra, I'm the gunner. This is my sword SamSam," He moved his jacket slightly to reveal his prized scimitar, "and we're the ship's acquisition experts, as well as the ones in charge of the ship's gun."

He poured himself another drink from the tequila he brought in, and raised it to the room. "Ladies and Gentlemen, here's another toast! to the glory of piracy!"

 

[Pandalisk]

"Ladies and Gentlemen, here's another toast! to the glory of piracy!"
"Ah, here here!" Alberta boomed loudly over the bar lounge once more before raising his mug and taking a drink

"I like the cut of your jib Moe!, truly I do! But piracy? I prefer to call it "adventure capitalism"! Ahha!"

Alberta raised his glass to take another swig of beer but found the contents empty

"Here, why don't you show your captain your "expertise" and acquisition me another beer?!"

 

[RandomMan01]

"Ahhaha! Then let me make it official!"

Will hadn't even noticed the captain walk in. He hadn't really been paying attention to much in particular to be honest. Other than introductions and a few toasts, nothing terribly important had happened. Taking a look at the man claiming to be the captain now, Will had to stifle a grin. The old-timer had the appearance of a sailor of old, but with a uniform and demeanor that made him look almost comical. Nonetheless, Will figured it be a bad idea to laugh at his captain, and instead just raised a closed fist-he did not have anything to drink-in the air, shouting a quick "Here, here," and going to get himself an actual drink.

As he walked back to his seat, the man who had brought the tequila in the first place, Muhammad, stood up to introduce himself, showing off his weapon in the process. This was certainly going to be an interesting voyage.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, here's another toast! to the glory of piracy!"

Will raised his glass into the air again, though with a little less fervor than was usual for him. It wasn't that he disapproved of piracy-he had done it before when he worked for IO-but it wasn't exactly his favorite thing to do. He took a sip of his drink, and before anyone else could make a toast, he stood up himself.

"Well, since we're all playing meet-and-greet, I suppose it's only proper I introduce myself. The name's Will McArt, and I'm the navigator on board this little project," he said, "Pleasure to meet you all,"

 

[NeoAC]

As people started to filter into the VIP room, Jewels was going to start trying to chat up a couple of the early arrivers, but more people arrived in quick order, and it was clear that if these people were all on the up and up, the ship was going to be filled with many boisterous personalities. Once alcohol was on offer, Jewels partook, not wanting to be completely out of place, but still maintained silence, waiting for the supposed eight other parties to make themselves known. Once satisfied, and during the personal introductions, she decided now was finally the time to speak. Just not going to let them know I'm the low girl on the pyramid just yet.

"Well, with everyone here, why don't we get this meeting officially started?" She stood up, intent on using her height to try and get attention, and at least make sure she would get listened to. "Since we're doing introductions, I'll contribute." She walked near the front of the room, where the music would normally boom from but for these purposes would be the like the central desk. "My name is Julia Crosby, but you all can just call me Jules. I am Mr. Viduka's representative, since unlike the rest of you, I'm actually on the payroll already. No doubt that you all are aware of what kind of business proposal is being offered tonight, but just to confirm that you are the chosen few being offered this opportunity, I would like to see you produce the actual offer sheets that you were given to confirm that you are all on the up and up, and not, I don't know, a government operative or something."

[hr]

Unbeknownst to everyone else, Viduka was listening behind one of the hidden panels that led out of the VIP section for the purpose of quick exits in case of a bureaucrat raid. Chroist Jewels. What are ya doing? Making it sound loike I'm puttin' up a company footie team or somethin'. This is whoi you're a bloody cook and not a captain.

 

[blaze96]

Jack drank at the toasts offered but didn't shout out as apparently the representative of their benefactor spoke up.

Well that's a shitty security method. Hell if anyone wanted to infiltrate this thing all they would have to do is either stop one of us on the way over here and take the thing, intercept one and make a copy of it, or best of all kill one of us and pretend be us. He thought.

Instead he kept his mouth shut realizing that those thoughts were probably best kept in his head. He reached into his right breast pocket and pulled out the piece of paper, opening it and holding it up so the writing could be seen.

"Alright so what is it you'll be doing on the ship, administrative duties? Cause you aren't on one of the positions needed to keep the ship moving through space, and you sure as shit don't sound like somebody who's been in a firefight." Jack said somewhat plainly. He wasn't trying to be rude, even though he most certainly was, he was just asking the obvious question to him.

 

[RandomMan01]

No doubt that you all are aware of what kind of business proposal is being offered tonight, but just to confirm that you are the chosen few being offered this opportunity, I would like to see you produce the actual offer sheets that you were given to confirm that you are all on the up and up, and not, I don't know, a government operative or something."

"Probably should have asked us for those when we came in," Will mumbled. Reaching a hand into his right pants pocket, he produced a folded sheet of paper, peppered with a fine black dust. Glancing at it, Will realized he had taken it to his last job earlier. Not exactly the smartest idea. Thanking his stars that it hadn't been lost, Will wiped the sheet on his pant leg, unfolded the sheet, and laied it out on the table, sliding it towards Viduka's liaison.

"Everything should be in order," Will said.

 

[Mr.Ivebeenframed]

"No doubt that you all are aware of what kind of business proposal is being offered tonight, but just to confirm that you are the chosen few being offered this opportunity, I would like to see you produce the actual offer sheets that you were given to confirm that you are all on the up and up, and not, I don't know, a government operative or something."

Langley patted herself down before remembering that she had put it in her jacket pocket. She went to her jacket and put it on then retrieved the paper that the woman had asked her for. Her demeanor slightly changed with a brief sense of professionalism poking through her vivacious nature. She put the paper on the table just like the others.

"Come on, what are the chances of that?" Langley joked before taking a sip of her drink.

 

[Athol]

"No doubt that you all are aware of what kind of business proposal is being offered tonight, but just to confirm that you are the chosen few being offered this opportunity, I would like to see you produce the actual offer sheets that you were given to confirm that you are all on the up and up, and not, I don't know, a government operative or something."

"Oh right...sure thing." Lacy muttered, rummaging through her jacket. Shit, which pocket did I...AHA! After a moment, she triumphantly pulled a mangled sheet of paper from an inside pocket. "Knew I had it somewhere." She said, presenting it to Jewels. Since no assault teams had burst through any doors yet, she slid a hand back to her sidearm, and re-snapped the tab on the holster. No sense in making the others think I'm waiting to spring on them.

 

[Mr. Omega]

"Ahhaha! Then let me make it official!"

Hamilcar didn't even bother to move this time, just finishing what he had. He took note of the captain by the rather large individual. The captain certainly wasn't what he was expecting, and Hamilcar was kicking himself for missing the big guy. Ok, no more drinks. I'm missing the obvious....

The gunner with the sword caught his eye next. "Ladies and Gentlemen, here's another toast! To the glory of piracy!" "Indeed. Hopefully that sword of yours can come in handy in a boarding party..." He said, not particularly loud but not exactly muttering. He was starting to run out of patience now. "So when exactly are we going to star-..." He was interrupted by the latest arrival.

"Well, with everyone here, why don't we get this meeting officially started?...My name is Julia Crosby, but you all can just call me Jules. I am Mr. Viduka's representative.

"Well it's about time..." Hamilcar muttered, this time making sure the new arrival didn't hear him. Last thing he wanted was to piss off someone working for the boss.

"...but just to confirm that you are the chosen few being offered this opportunity, I would like to see you produce the actual offer sheets that you were given to confirm that you are all on the up and up, and not, I don't know, a government operative or something."

"Right, right... not exactly the most elegant security method but it has its merits, I suppose." Hamilcar reached back into his pocket and pulled out a neatly folded sheet of paper, sliding it forward.

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

"Come, come my friend! Captains orders!"

"Well alright, f'you insist," Ray said to the man, smiling lightly at his appearance. The stocky man certainly had the most intriguing attire of the group, though Ray wasn't about to speak his thoughts on the matter. He set his thermos on a nearby table and took a few steps towards the center of the room to stand with his arms folded. Everyone was drinking and being merry, and Ray just took it all in, silently observing. Though he had some whiskey in his belly, he kept enough of his wits about him to survey the room comfortably.

"I would like to see you produce the actual offer sheets that you were given to confirm that you are all on the up and up, and not, I don't know, a government operative or something."

Ray reached into his duster coat and into his vest, withdrawing the folded slip of paper Ms. Crosby had requested. He unfolded it, doing his best to return it to its original flat state, and politely handed it over with a nod and soft smile. "Ma'am."

 

[Lefthandofgod]

Muhammad shot a quizzical look to the girl's request. Viduka would be smart enough to have a better system in place than handing in a ticket. He reasoned that the girl was trying to assert herself and prove her worth. This meant that someone, maybe even the girl herself, was questioning her worth. He made a mental note of this.

"Here you go, young lady. Now please, everything is in order, I believe. Why don't you sit and have a drink?"

 

[NeoAC]

Jewels collected most of the sheets that were handed forward. It seemed a silly formality but it was one she was going to execute. "Thank you very much."

"Here you go, young lady. Now please, everything is in order, I believe. Why don't you sit and have a drink?"

It was tempting, Jewels did enjoy the vices, but she stood her ground. "It would be unprofessional of me to be drinking at this moment, since I'm running the meeting and everything."

"Then Oi'll step in now." Scott Viduka emerged from a sliding panel at the back of the room, carrying in another couple of bottles of alcohol. "For chraist's sake Jewels, lighten up! Besides, I'm the one in chahrge 'ere, you're the bloody cook so I think I'm more quoalified to be runnin' this shindig. So have ya a nip and take it easy, raight?"

The entry snapped Jewels out of her little power trip as her face turned red. "Yes sir. Sorry." Way to fuck it up, Jewels. She grabbed one of the bottles that Scott had placed on the table and grabbed an open seat, pouring out a generous portion in one of the free glasses. She took a long sip and wished for a cig to completely indulge so she could forget what just happened.

"Anyway, I don't give a koahla's nut 'bout the sheets. Either ya got 'em 'eere, or ya nicked 'em and are therefore better than the ones that got 'em in tha furst plaice. So well done on that. So what we've got 'eere is a lit'l praivate delivry company. We maight be delivrin' parcels, maight be delivrin' bullets inta skulls. Depends on who wants what. But I'll be buggered if them PGP wanks are gonna get the drop on me and moi business again!

Now, this ain't gonna be pretty, ain't gonna be a walk to the Opera House, but I chose yas because I thought ya lot would be the best ta handle whateva maight happen on these runs. Ya pay will be good, ya loot might be good too, cahn't guarantee nothin', but I figured ya all would be on board. So if ya ahre, I'mma take ya back, show ya what yare workin' with. Drinks kan come with."

 

[Athol]

After handing over her paper Lacy stood back and none too subtly, eyed the tall blonde. Good God woman. A voice said in her head. Have you no shame? Obviously not. Shooting Jewels a wicked smile, she continued to sip her drink.

"Ya pay will be good, ya loot might be good too, cahn't guarantee nothin', but I figured ya all would be on board. So if ya ahre, I'mma take ya back, show ya what yare workin' with. Drinks kan come with."

Knocking back what was left of her drink, Lacy moved towards Scott. "Well then, lead on boss. We're not going to make any money standing around here are we?"

 

[Mr. Omega]

Now, this ain't gonna be pretty, ain't gonna be a walk to the Opera House, but I chose yas because I thought ya lot would be the best ta handle whateva maight happen on these runs. Ya pay will be good, ya loot might be good too, cahn't guarantee nothin', but I figured ya all would be on board. So if ya ahre, I'mma take ya back, show ya what yare workin' with.

"You certainly have good tastes, my good man." Hamilcar said, getting up and taking a step out of the VIP section, taking a few steps to where he assumed they were going to go. "Let's take a look at the vessel, while we're at it." He knew Viduka had enough money to get a worthwhile ship, but he was strangely curious as to what kind of ship they'd be using.

"I do hope that you aren't going to charge us for the refreshments, eh, Viduka?"

 

[RandomMan01]

"For chraist's sake Jewels, lighten up! Besides, I'm the one in chahrge 'ere, you're the bloody cook so I think I'm more quoalified to be runnin' this shindig. So have ya a nip and take it easy, raight?"

So that's what she'll be doing, Will thought. That was all fine and good, but he still wanted to know who would be the pilot of the craft. Still it was good that Viduka had finally shown up, though he was significantly less professional than Will thought he would be. Still, Will enjoyed the idea of going back to the stars-preferably with less accidents this time-so he wasn't complaining.

"Now, this ain't gonna be pretty, ain't gonna be a walk to the Opera House, but I chose yas because I thought ya lot would be the best ta handle whateva maight happen on these runs. Ya pay will be good, ya loot might be good too, cahn't guarantee nothin', but I figured ya all would be on board. So if ya ahre, I'mma take ya back, show ya what yare workin' with. Drinks kan come with."

"I hate opera anyways," Will said, standing up. He glanced over at one of the bottles Viduka had brought in and went to fill up a cup. If the guy was going to let them drink during the meeting, then he was going to drink.

Holding the cup in his hand, Will nodded to Viduka, "Lead on,"

 

[Mr.Ivebeenframed]

Langley raised her drink above her head once Viduka chimed in.

"Drinks kan come with."

Then Langley downed her shot before following Viduka to the ship. Hopefully the ship was somewhat manageable but that wasn't the issue with Langley. She could pilot almost anything either from experience or the endless simulation flights she took when she was bored.

"No thank Viduka, I like to see my babies while I'm somewhat sober. Get a feel for them, y'know? I mean I'm sure the ship's gonna be perfect with a person like you funding it but piloting's gonna be a bit tricky with me being more intoxicated than I already am. Whoops... I'm horrible with introductions." Langley looked to her fellow crew members.

"I'm the pilot by the way."

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

Well, little time for introductions, Ray thought as he collected his duffel bag and put it over his shoulder. He supposed introductions would have to wait, and he was in no rush of any sort. The lot seemed friendly enough for the most part, especially one woman in particular who seemed very fond of pretty much every other woman who entered her field of view. He knew a sultry look when he saw one, and he admired her boldness.

"I'm the pilot by the way."

"Howdy," Ray opened with, seeing an opportunity to make an introduction, as he extended his free hand. "Certainly a pleasure to meet the one's gonna flyin' us 'round the 'verse. Name's Ray."

 

[blaze96]

"Well pay is pay and I'm getting paid to do what I'm good at. So what the hell, no reason to turn it down." Jack said as he got up and threw his bag over his shoulder before following the others.

Not to mention the lack of reaction to what I use to be is a nice change of pace. Usually somebody would have been shot by now, all depending on whether the talked to me first or went for the proverbial rabbit punch. Thank god for modern medicine and rehabilitation or I'd be dead at least five times over.

 

[NeoAC]

"Raight, c'mon then," Viduka ordered as he swept his arm towards the door that he had used to make his entrance.

A lot of the enthusiasm Jewels felt for this new venture was scattered to the stars. Between her dressing down by Viduka and the pilot just admitting she was going to be drinking on the job, this introduction session was going great. Just what did I get myself into? I thought this was going to be a fun change of pace... She solemnly picked up her drink and followed as the group moved towards the back of the Snarl.

It was a short trip through the dark hallway as it snaked underground to a large hanger at the back of Viduka's property. The building was listed on company records as a maintenance wing for stranded vehicles, storage facility for extra kegs of beer and place where the "special sauce" for the burgers became special, but in reality Viduka planned to base the operations of his new enterprise out of here.

At the top of the staircase, Viduka opened the door to reveal the the small room that concealed the passageway. "Raight, through 'ere is where me baby lies."

Pushing through the entryway, the hangar was revealed. It wasn't lavishly decorated, cold grey dominating the view, with various machines acquired for general upkeep dotting there area. The centerpiece however was the ship [http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45630000/jpg/_45630214_f921faa8-7035-41fc-b7ca-68105cc5dee2.jpg], standing proudly in the middle. It looked inelegant, but it was powerful.

"There she be. Tha Queen Anne's Reveenge!" Viduka proclaimed with a flourish. "Tha name's got connotaitions, ya know? Blackbeard. Named 'is ship that. So we're gonna carry off the legacy a bit. Live up ta what he done. Maybe a little more 'bove board, but still. For now though," he produced a key ring with a couple of devices on them and pressed a button, causing a ramp to be lowered from a door in the middle of the ship. "Gwon up in 'er. Giver a look." He tossed the ring over to Langley. "Get ta know 'er a bit."

Spoiler: OOC

The basic layout of the ship will be posted in the Skype chat, but it can allow for some flexibility. For now, you can explore the ship a bit.

Basic Layout: Cockpit is at the front of the ship, standard controls with seats for the top 4 members of the crew. There is a protective section behind it where the main gun can be operated as a last resort, and where ammo is kept for the other gunners on the ship, primarily a staging area for defence. In the middle is the entry area for people, to the right on opposite sides of the hallway are the med bay, where treatment occurs, and the galley/mess hall where the food rations are kept and meals are served. This is also where the emergency escape shuttle can be found, in case everything goes tits up. At the back are the quarters. Each member of the crew gets a small room, with bed, small desk and storage space underneath. There a few extra ones in case passengers are picked up. Surrounding the quarters in that large ring is the anti-gravity storage bay, where all cargo is kept. The engines are on the back and will propel the ship forward.