Open The Docks Chained Sun - Foreign Pirates

[Tobin Hestra]

(Italics are a language that is not Vulpinsulan)

"Like this?" Tobin would force himself to look at the fox across from him who was holding up a set of flags as well as one of mice held up the book for them both to see the picture. Looking down at the damaged deck or ahead at potential death would help noone. Matching the final pose for the letter D before holding the flags crossed at his waist as the Fox did the same. Getting a nod from the Mouse.

"Aye. I think we got it." The fox taking a deep breath as he glanced down at his own belt and unbuckled it to let the cutlass thrust into his belt clatter to the deck. "They have surely seen us by now either from the Lighthouse or a scout ship."

"Cappn! Skew!" The former Slavemaster would call from the stairs leading down into the ship. "Waters coming in quick! We can't wait!" Tobin closing his eyes to try and steel his nerve before looking back at the fox.

"Nothing for it then. Blown out of the water or sink into it. We have to hope the Imperium is willing to listen." Holding up his left paw holding the flag as the fox thunked their fists together before they both moved up to the prow of the Chained Sun. Tobin looking over to see that the hatches were down and no canons were showing before he looked ahead. There it was...Bully Harbor. The dream of so many Tooth ships to get to where he was now with guns loaded and ready to blow apart the Empress and her little jewel. The oars below the hatches pushing them ahead at half speed so it would hopefully be clear that the Sun was not coming in to attack as the sails were rolled up. Coasting in on the oars.

Though the Galley would still be fairly evident to be a war ship. One that was at least somewhat well known for raiding and slaving. And also one that had recently been attacked by Imperium forces. And here it was again on a direct course into Bully Harbor. Sailing into its own death!

The badly damaged vessel now visible from the docks itself as the small shapes on the front started to gesture and hold flags in each of their hands in many different spots before waving the flags to the side and then starting again.

ATTENTION -- P-A-R-L-E-Y -- Y-E-I-L-D -- ATTENTION

It was hard not to look out at all the ships and shore born defenses that could be maneuvering and zero-ing in on their position. But Skew just tried to keep his eyes straight ahead as he continued the message to the best of his memory. From those looking at the ship the holes and bent masts would be pretty evident sign that the ship was in a bad way. And seemed to be slowly lowering in the water too. If it did not get to a dry dock or beached again it would likely sink. Water soon being thrown out of the hatches that the canons would normally peak out as well as where the Oars were positioned. Trying to keep afloat for longer as there was a ding--dingding--ding from a bell near the wheelhouse as the oars stopped rowing. Pulled up to near horizontal and pulled slightly inward. Waiting until they were given further instruction. Which could be 'sink and die Pirate scum!'

But Tobin sure hoped not.

( Woo semaphore )

 

[Duchess Dusk Rainblade]

Well, that was something you didn't see everyday.

Duchess Dusk Rainblade, Minister of Misanthropy, sipped at her tea as she watched the wounded vessel limping into port. From atop the fort near the mouth of the harbor, it was an excellent view of the day's disaster. She'd been invited up for a 'security and personnel review', code for her and a few choice agents digging through the files of everyone with access to sensitive technology and information, as well as making sure that anyone with any suspicious circumstances around them was clean. Their main method of doing this was repeatedly dunking them upside down in a tub of cold water. It was amazing how much dirt a good bath could bring to the surface.

She watched the flags moving on the ship, amused to realize that she'd finally met a code she didn't know. "Can you read it?" she inquired, directing the question to her husband. Her eyes traced the frame of the ship, noting the beasts struggling to bail it out. "If we rescue that crew," she noted, "I'll want to have my agents take a run at them. Far too easy to slip an operative in with a crowd like this."

 

[Duke Talinn Ryalor]

Talinn had accompanied Dusk on her little expedition to the fort at the Imperial Jetty, ostensibly as Minister of Innovation to check the state of the new coastal battery artillery and to ensure they were working properly and that construction was going along well, but mostly to spend a little time with Dusk. Ever since the…deal...with the Empress had been made, things had become frayed between them, with her preferring to sleep alone in her mansion rather than with him. He could not blame her, given the absolute humiliation it was to her, even if he had not really had a choice in agreeing to the matter. What was worse was that she had not even taken another todd, she was still loyal to him, as far as his agents had determined. The guilt weighed heavily like an anchor around his neck, and the usually staunch and fierce Duke that most of the Imperium knew seemed very submissive, even plaintive, toward his wife.

Looking up from his tea which he had been morbidly been staring at in shame and guilt, he watched as wounded ship made its way towards the docks. He was not a fan of pirates, given that they had killed his mother all those years ago on the journey to Westisle and regularly threatened his home province, and he had half a mind to simply order the harbor chain between this fort and his own across the harbor to be raised for them to sink and die drowning. But a warship, even a galley like that, could be valuable if confiscated and brought over into the Imperium’s Navy, and perhaps it could even be a gift to his wife, but decided to leave it in her hands. He nodded at her question, responding respectfully if meekly.

“Yes, it appears they want to parley and to yield. Pirates, I think, although I have not been keeping up with the latest reports from the MinoWar since the preparations for Urk have been taking up most of my time. What do you want to do with them? We could raise the harbor chain and end it now, blow them out of the water from our forts, capture them on land, negotiate...many possibilities.”

@Duchess Dusk Rainblade @Faclan

 

[Duchess Dusk Rainblade]

Dusk rested her paws on the battlements, taping her claws pensively. Her husband, she knew, shared her perspective on how to deal with unknown variables. It was, after all, what had first brought them together. When given the choice between using something or destroying it, they both preferred to claim it for themselves. "Let's bring them into harbor," she decided. "Tow them to the imperial jetty. We'll want strong security presence, a cordon to hold and process the crew. If they've come to us, they must be desperate, which means they might be willing to trade intelligence for safe passage. If they're slavers, then freed slaves tend to make grateful workers, even when underpaid. I'll want to personally debrief whoever is in charge, though. Something tells me that there's an interesting story here."

She moved to a small metal cabinet nearby, pulling out a set of three paper rockets, one labeled "Pirates" in black letters, one labeled "Docks" in blue letters, and finally one labeled "Guard" in red letters. These she took to the battlements, sliding the stick mounts into holes drilled just for this purpose. She retrieved a match and lit them one by one, then backed away, covering her ears with her paws. With gusts of smoke and loud crack noises, each one launched into the air one after the other, exploding in clouds of black, blue, and red powder. Her ears still ringing, Dusk walked back over to her husband, shouting to be heard above the ringing in her ears. "You've got to work on a way to dampen that. I know the goal is to draw attention to the signals, but they're far too loud."

 

[Tobin Hestra]

Silence can be deafening at times. Especially when your heart is hammering in your ears. More and more ships and shapes were noticing the Sun. And their canons and hand weapons were being pointed at them. Hesta kept trying to do the flag stances as best he could as he glanced back behind the ship. No chain yet. The crew, a mix of Slaves and Pirates, who were on the deck trying to hang onto things as time seemed to slow down for them. This could be their last moments. A single order to fire and then they would be blown apart. Or nothing. Left to sink in the harbor with guns ensuring they did not leave the water. A few vessels in port even punting themselves sideways to face their broadside right toward them. Oh no...Tobins hands going white gripping the flags as he kept trying to keep the message in mind.
BANG BOOOM CRACK

Needless to say that was not really the sound many of the Suns crew were hoping to hear. Several of them jumping in fear, two of them jumping entirely off the vessel, as Tobin himself dropped the flags he had been holding. Unfortunately off the ship. Loot for the Imperium once their ship was splinters and corpses! The crew diving for cover as screams of fear spread out from the deck and interior of the ship. But there were no whistling cannonballs or cracking of wood. The rat peaking over the railing to see the remains of the smoke clouds slowly dissipating. That was not a signal he was used too.

"Wes gona die!" The Slavemaster would wail from the hatch to the lower deck as Tobin waved a hand back at him and tried to speak.

"Its not cannons! Its a...signal." He did not sound sure at all about that. Because he wasn't. But he would be looking around trying to figure out what was happening. Before three ships unlooped their ropes and pushed off to be heading toward them. Hatches open and cannons primed. With a good contingent of sailors on the deck armed with longarms, lighting poles, and pikes staring at the Sun as they approached. Either they were about to be boarded or. Or what? Told to piss off? Told to go somewhere? Hopefully that. "Keep bailing! They are approaching without firing!" The crew on deck paying down ropes to pull up the two who had leapt from the vessel.

And soon the crew would get their answer as the lead vessel stopped about sixty feet away and the Captain, looked to be a stoat or similar, would shout over a megaphone. "Pirates!" Well he was right enough to say that. "You are now under arrest under the authority of the Imperium!" Thankfully Skew understood Vulpinsulan much better than he spoke it as he stood to make himself visible. "Identify who is the Captain! Or the one who is currently assuming the responsibilities of such!" The rat waving his arms and pointing at himself. "Clarify it is the brown rat!" More pointing by other crew as well. "You will be escorted off the vessel first to explain your presence in the harbor. Your crew will be kept under watch, slowly removed under guard, and the vessel secured to the Imperial Dock!" Skew glancing back as a megaphone was finally found to be given to him as he held it up and pointed at it. "Respond!"

Licking his lips the rat would bring the Megaphone to his mouth before attempting to respond. The other vessels now flanking his with their cannons very visible and loaded - they were close enough to easily see that. "Sah! Ta' Ship ess...m'ny hole! Ta' Ship g'nna senk!" He could see the confusion from here as he glanced around the crew before waving over the mouse who was still holding the book who took the Megaphone and responded in Vulpinsulan.

"My Captain is informing you that the vessel is badly damaged and taking on water. We will sink eventually!"

"That is not our concern Pirate. You will comply or be shot!" Skew taking the phone back as he could respond to that one.

"Yee! Unnerst'ad!"

"Confirmed. Move toward the southern most dock for processing!" The first vessel sailing out of the way as the bell at the wheelhouse went Ding-Ding-Ding to signal ahead. The oars returning to the water and soon moving the Chained Sun to the indicated dock where several soldiers were already massing for the processing. Chains and weapons held for the Pirate Scum.

 

[Duke Talinn Ryalor]

Talinn had, in preparation for the rockets, deftly put in some beeswax earplugs, having been around them extensively and having been around cannon for quite some time, but unfortunately forgot to mention it to Dusk. Sheepishly, after they were fired, he removed them from his ears and shook his head.

“Not much to be done about that, it seems, best we can do is some kind of ear protection which I...err...forgot to mention.” Talinn showed a rare sheepish moment of embarrassment. It was unlike him to forget such details, but being around his wife with the massive elephant in the room between them threw him off-balance. Regarding her request, though, she was correct. The Minister of Misanthropy had superseding authority over all other Ministries when it came to captives, only when they were done with them did anyone else have a claim, if they still remained alive that is.

“Of course my dear.” He nodded, signaling for a courier to make the necessary arrangements. The two then made their way down to the docks, accompanied by a platoon of their own personal household guard, more heavily armed with partial plate, poleaxes, longswords, and crossbows in the manner of the Stoatorian Guard, except with a blue and gold color scheme instead of the traditional red and gold of the Imperium. When they arrived, they were met by the 2nd Bully Harbor Company in full glory with the Empress’s Colors and a more varied assortment of weapons, keeping a watchful eye on the pirates. A not insignificant amount of Fogeys had also shown up, meaning that, in effect, if these newcomers did anything remotely hostile they would all be cut down or dragged off to jail at a moment’s notice.

Nodding at Dusk to tell her to take the lead, he stayed a little bit back behind her, hands on his katana if they tried anything.

@Aiken Brudenell @Faclan @Duchess Dusk Rainblade

 

[Duchess Dusk Rainblade]

Dusk stepped forward casually, looking over the group of scraggly pirates. She noticed immediately the raw and chafed wrists and ankles of many among the 'crew'. Her eyes narrowed, her mind piecing together the story as her gaze traveled across old scars and recent wounds alike. Her gaze scanned the group before she spoke up. "Who is in charge of your group?" she called to the group. "Please, step forward, so we can negotiate for your men's safety." How exactly that negotiation would go, she decided, would depend entirely upon who stepped forward and what state they were in. She'd had enough run-ins across the decades with slavers and other unsavory sorts, and she felt her heart turning bitter, cold, and sharp as steel as she considered what she would do with any who had willfully partook of it.

 

[Tobin Hestra]

"Quarter speed!" Tobin would shout down the hatches as the dock was now very close as he did what he could to not look at the three ships escorting him and the others to the landing zone. They were still alive. Focus on that. Turning to look at the mouse who had been translating for him earlier, and seeing the welcoming party waiting for them all, he drummed his fingers on the megaphone he was still holding before opening his mouth. But the mouse beat him to it.

"I'll come and assist in the words." Unfortunately for Tobin the mouse was a former slave - like him. And while he was wearing a short sleeved shirt to cover most of the scars he still would have some visible on his forearms and paws. While Tobin also bore those he would only have the vestiges of them on his hands as the rest of them were covered by the blue sea coat. The coat of a Captain of the Fleet of Teeth. It was a shame he was far too high strung to consider taking it off - as were the others currently on deck trying to maneuver them into position and standing with ropes ready to throw so the boat could be moored. As well as the crews below deck working on trying to bail out the water. But the ropes would be thrown and anchor let down to try and steady themselves as much as they could.

"Thank you - I'm sure they will want explanations on what happened to the ship - to us." The mouse nodding and patting the rat shoulder.

"You'll explain it well. Come on confidence. This should be the easy part compared to getting us here right?" Hestra flexing out his arms as he nodded. He needed to put on a brave face even if his anxiety were still sky high. And they were docked. The voice of demands reaching up now as the gangplank was lowered down to the dock by the fox who had assisted with the flags. It was time.

The ship now easier to see as it was now much closer. A row of oars with two rows of canon ports above it. A true warship. One that was very thoroughly damaged. Hopefully the interior was in better shape than the exterior as a rat and mouse started to walk down the ramp. Both keeping their paws up and at shoulder level with the mouse two steps behind the rat. Both unarmed as the blue coated rat would stop about a fourth down the ramp and focus on the two who seemed to be in charge as he bowed down before them before standing up normally. Fully showing the emblem of the pirates on his back and shoulders.

"Aie Cappn. Taobin Hestrea," that was an accent and a half. "Pleeze. Ta ship eis vereh damaged. Ned repers befar senk." The mouse leaning to the side as he tapped his nose to the two foxes.

"I am here to translate Tobins words if you would prefer he speak his native language. He can understand Vulpinsulan well - just not speak." Not speaking the language of his slaves. Pah!

 

[Duchess Dusk Rainblade]

Dusk watched as a rat and a mouse came forward, the rat dressed far more finely than the mouse was. Her eyes scanned over them, noting the scars and signs of past abuse on the mouse's arms, and less discernable traces on the paws of the captain, light enough that Dusk doubted whether they battle scars or wounds from a past life as a slave. Even if this rat was a slave once, that didn't preclude him becoming a slaver. Sometimes the worst abusers were those recreating the same abuse they once suffered, externalizing it upon others. At least, she'd read that in a book by a shrink once. It sounded like projection to Dusk, speaking personally.

She listened to the accent, trying to place it. A number of different countries came to mind, none of which she spoke the native tongue of well enough to be of use here. She could call for an interpreter of her own, but that would take too long and honestly net her little advantage. If this mouse could translate, she would have to trust it.

"You may translate," Dusk stated. "My husband here, who is a talented polyglot, will listen and transcribe the conversation." She placed a paw on Talinn's shoulder, showing a confidence that was entirely unwarranted. She was certain that, whatever tongue this captain spoke, it was not one her husband knew more than two words of.

"The Vulpine Imperium will gladly assist in repairing your vessel," she noted, "though we will need to know the flag under which you sail, and which nation has chartered your vessel, in order to properly register it. I regret to see that the damage to your vessel has resulted in the destruction of your present flag. Perhaps you have a spare that you can show us? Or you can describe the design."

 

[Duke Talinn Ryalor]

Talinn was very careful to keep a completely neutral face as he quietly removed a stylus and a thick wax tablet collection held together by hinges which he kept on his person for personal notes when he had no ink or paper readily available. It was important when dealing with such beasts to never give away the game-he might not be talented at languages, but it was damn important that he appear to be around questionable characters such as this rat and his crew. He nodded at Dusk, stylus at the ready, while keeping a close eye on both the mouse and Tobin, since one of the things he was good at after years of command was reading beasts.

@Duchess Dusk Rainblade @Faclan

 

[Tobin Hestra]

The mouse gave each of the two a salute before stepping forward and to the side so he could more easily see and be heard by both sides. Giving Tobin a nod who phewed at the chance to not have to put his foot in his mouth with words he did not know. The mouse not bothering to translate as Tobin could understand just fine as he nodded along with the questions. Before he would turn and show off the needlework patch on his shoulder before speaking. The mouse translating as he went. The patch a large tooth with a chain wrapped around it - that was an older design before a recent basic rendition of a pike was stitched over top of it. Likely done within the last month or two.

"This ship was formally captained by the Otter Piketooth who sailed it in the Fleet of Teeth who to our knowledge was based in what you would call Port-a-gaol. Out in the North-West waters." Tobin continuing to speak as did the mouse. "I could not tell you if the canon battle that happened between Imperium vessels or the storm after it is what removed both the flag, the captain, several officers, and battered several slaves to death. As I was in the oar banks at that time." The mouse holding up his paws as he added. "Both Tobin and myself were." Before back to translating. Tobin taking the time to finally think about what image he was projecting as he unclipped the top button of the coat and removed it from his torso. Revealing many of the same types of marks and scars that the mouse had as he tried to smile at the two foxes. "The flag was very similar to this patch - white with a black background. And it was as the vessel was in danger of sinking and the Masters left," that likely wasn't a good word to use but too late now. "Arguing over who was in charge and what to do where I," the mouse pointing at Tobin. "Did what I could to take command. Death would come for us all regardless of chains or not. So we entered an un-easy truce to get ourselves to land. Any land." Tobin would squint as he turned to look out across the harbor before shrugging. "I have no idea where we landed but it was in your waters. With no food we had to just try to patch the holes we could before we all decided with a vote." Tobin pointing up at the fox who had been waving the flags with him who nodded at the tale. "To try to make it to here. To surrender if need be to try and survive." The rat dropping down to a knee as he bowed his head.

"So as acting Captain," the mouse moving to Tobins side as he frowned at this. "I surrender and take responsibility for us all. If booty would sweeten the deal that was one of the few holds mostly undamaged to buy supplies or leniency. Despite what the Masters did before they did help to get us this far." Well - that wasn't his decision to make.

(Guessing about nation states - hope its ok)

@Duchess Dusk Rainblade @Duke Talinn Ryalor

 

[Duchess Dusk Rainblade]

Dusk listened intently, paying far more attention to Tobin's body language than to the translation itself. Anybeast could fake contrition or humility; she'd done so plenty of times to get what she wanted out of her targets. What she was looking for was far more elusive: responsibility. So many beasts were allergic to it; they would beg and blubber, debasing themselves in seeking forgiveness. Very few would stand up and own their actions, and the actions of those beneath them.

Dusk pulled a claw file from her coat pocket and started to idly work at her dark vulpine claws as she considered what to do with the beast before her. "Piracy is a crime punishable by imprisonment or death in the Imperium," she noted, "as is dealing in slaves. Do you truly wish to take responsibility for the 'masters', as you call them? Certainly none here would blame you if you surrendered them to face Imperial justice. I doubt your fellow former slaves would resent you at all. And, if we do mete out justice upon them, well... As the one taking responsibility for them, you can imagine what judgment would fall on your shoulders."

 

[Tobin Hestra]

Keeping his eyes pointed at the ground Tobins ears would twitch at the information laid out before him. Taking a few seconds to breath as an unsteady quiet settled over the scene. The crew staring down at the officials and their acting captain from the deck and hatches as the soldiers waited for their orders. Before finally Tobin would nod and raise his head up to look at Dusk.

"Aie do. Effen ifn aie onli been Cappn ah few dais mah rowwin' - chaice or nah - 'elped them. 'armed innecent folk. Eis my ideh ta sa'l 'ere. An' theey paert ah' ta crew. Like meh - liken us' al." Head lowering back down again. "An' as Cappn. Eis my jab ta t'em."
(I do, even if I've only been Captain a few days my rowing - choice or not - helped them. Harmed innocent folk. It was my idea to sail here. And they are part of the crew. Like me. Like us all. And as Captain. Its my job to them.)

The mouse beside Hestra biting his lips to not say anything as his eyes darted from fox to fox. The fox up on the boat still frowning down as he watched. He seemed to be in similar piratical clothing as Tobin had been so was likely one of the Masters before the collapse of the ship. But weather he was thinking of trying to speak for or against what was just said he held his tongue. Not standing up for it before he even ducked back to be out of eyesight of those on the dock. The bailing continuing but at least the lack of movement seemed to be helping the ship maintain its current level as the holes could more easily hold without the pressure of moving water.

 

[Duchess Dusk Rainblade]

Dusk nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Then I am holding you responsible to compel your crew to answer, fully and honestly, all questions my agents may pose of them regarding this 'Fleet of Teeth', including their leadership, tactics, and operations. As for you..." She glanced to her husband, raising her eyebrow. "Do you think you could make use of this one and his earnest little translator, husband dear?" The appelation was largely an excuse to tease him. She hadn't said those words with true affection in them in about a decade.

 

[Duke Talinn Ryalor]

Talinn dutifully scribbled down what was said, although he wrote it in Southern Fyadoran which he knew damn well no one on the boat understood in the unlikely event they ever got a glance at it. He deftly wrote the various strange symbols onto the wax stylus with a speed honed over forty years. He was a little interested by the rat, since he was sticking his proverbial neck out for this motley crew, even the former slave masters, since he was technically their captain, even if it was only of this pathetic vessel and only a few days. That indicated a sense of responsibility, which could be used, and, well, his Vulpinsulan could be rapidly improved by immersion and specific training.

Glancing back at Dusk, holding back a momentary flinch, he glanced once again at the two.

“A place could be found for them in her Majesty’s Navy, if you deem them of suitable enough character my dear,” he replied calmly, if a little sadly, “although he will have to relinquish his current captaincy, at least temporarily, as a beast cannot serve two masters at once. I do think that would be the best option for him and is crew if they wish to retain their vessel in their own name once it is repaired rather than it being incorporated into our Navy, given the rather large costs to refit and fix it and the quartering of the crew while it is repaired which will likely outweigh any ‘booty’ they have. A period of service for them all aboard the various vessels, their pay being docked for the repair of their ship, seems the most fair arrangement.”

@Faclan @Duchess Dusk Rainblade

 

[Duchess Dusk Rainblade]

Dusk, for her part, caught the distinction between speaking Vulpinsulan a little and speaking it well, taking no offense to Tobin's fumbling attempts at explaining himself. She nodded at her husband's point, then turned her attention to Tobin. "My husband makes an excellent point," she noted. "Your ship, if it is to be repaired and returned to you, would need to be repaired at your own expense, earned through servitude. After that time of service, you would be free to go, as would your crew... assuming, of course, that they would choose to stay. You see, the moment that you sailed into Imperial waters, they, and you, became subject to her Empress's law, which states that slavery is illegal and all slaves are freed beasts. Therefore each and every one of them is free to go their own way. If they choose to join your crew again after the repairs is complete, you will be required to pay them fully and treat them with the dignity required of free beasts." Of course, Dusk knew how cruel maritime law could be; many of the niceties of civilization fell away out there, and even free beasts, having given service to their captain, found themselves living under tyranny of a sort that would make the most despotic monarch blush.

"There is an alternative," she continued, looking over the vessel appraisingly. "You can surrender the vessel to the care and ownership of the Imperium, to be used for its own purposes. In particular, I can think of a number of ways in which having a small privateering sloop would be of use to my ministry." Such a vessel, after all, would be perfect for sailing operatives into and out of any number of hostile nations' territories. "The Imperium may see fit to commission your services from time to time; indeed, I have some thoughts on that which may require future discussion. In exchange, given your experience, I'm certain that we can get you and your translator placement aboard a navy vessel - perhaps even The Golden Hide," she suggested. "Competency is rewarded in our navy, and I'm certain, given what you've accomplished here, that you would be on the path to officer in short time. Your proficiency in the Vulpinsulan language might be a bit of a barrier, but I'm certain your translator here will be happy to accept a commission as your tutor. As for the rest of your beasts, they may go where they please. I'm certain most will happily never touch an oar again in their life, but there will always be plenty of work for beasts of able body."

 

[Tobin Hestra]

(May need to make a profile for the translator at this rate P: . Or a mini one as an addition to Tobins')

While Tobin wouldn't admit it to the two officials in front of him he was partly expecting to be stabbed in the back of his exposed neck. Or ordered shot once he claimed he would take responsibility. The downsides of being raised in a tense upbringing like he was - where 'accepting' anything tended to go poorly. A failure, an insult, hells even a promotion could quickly lead to your death. But when it was revealed that that wasn't coming the rat would lean back a little to end up squatting with his feet flat before the two of them as options for what would happen to him, the ship, and crew were laid out. Still making sure he was lower than the foxes as he listened. It was all more than fair to him really as would have been happy with prison for them all. But the chance to seemingly avoid that once they were processed was excellent. He was sure some of the old Masters would be in prison for awhile - especially the Slave Master - but they had all agreed to come here. Too late to back out now. Tobin glancing to the side at all the soldiers as well as what looked like some kind of judiciary officers waiting. If they wanted to still get shot that could easily still happen. So caution was still needed.

He was slightly put off when the female said how much use the ship would be in her ministry but then he shrugged to himself. At least she was honest. It was good that she was up front that she wanted it. Not just claiming that it would be used for the greater good or something before then taking it for herself later. He would rock back and fourth on his feet as he considered all that before standing up again. Holding out his wrists as if he thought he was about to be arrested. Glancing at the Mouse and muttering something as the Mouse 'ohed!' and turned to bow to the two foxes.

"Malcolm, Sir and Mam - apologies I did not mention that earlier." Before Tobin started to talk again and Malcolm worked on translating. "I," pointing at Tobin again. "Expected the vessel itself to be fully confiscated once we arrived without a choice. So thank you for giving me one. But with the lack of crew still active I think handing it over would be the best. I didn't have time to pay the crew, all of them, due to having to get to a port as fast as possible but I would have paid them all. With the booty you will likely take now." The rat reaching into one of the pockets of the coat over his arm and fishing around. "While I may ask that you factor that into the payments we will need to work out all I can do is ask. Its your port and laws if you just want to take it." Before he pulled out a handful of coins from Port-a-gaol. "The booty would be worth more than these in the waters we found ourselves." Well perhaps - numismatists would have something to say about that! Before he held his wrists out again. "I'm sure we will need to be processed as foreign arrivals and for you to enact your laws here. And very kind of you but I doubt I would make good officer material." Tobin would shrug. "I'm just good at rotating an oar," Malcolm stepping in.

"Come on Tobin you got us all here didn't you? Don't be so hard on yourself!" Before he blinked and epped a little as he looked back at the two foxes. "Apologies." Hestra just frowning, seemingly not agreeing with that.

"Rotating an oar and speaking at least well enough that we could all agree that we didn't want to die." A grumble from the stomach of Malcolm interrupting him before the rat would finish. The crew of the vessel now all mostly on the deck watching as they held their paws visible. "But the lack of food and losing many of our fellows helped make the decision a simple one." Taking a last look back at the ship before Tobin would add. "It was my home my whole life - but not a great one. I hope it's put to better use than it was before."

 

[Duchess Dusk Rainblade]

Dusk listened, considering the rat's request carefully. She could indeed simply jail all the slavers, but... Well, such unethical beasts, she found, could be quite useful in their own way. It she did indeed manage to persuade the other ministers to let her keep this vessel for Misanthropy's use, she would need a crew to operate it, one well familiar with its functions and without squeamish moral compasses that might compromise their effectiveness. As for how to deal with the payment issue...

"I presume that, on this ship, you have a log of everyone onboard, slave and slaver alike," Dusk noted. "I will require it, as well as custody of this 'loot' you mentioned. Fifty percent of this loot will be divided among the slaves, proportionate to their amount of time enslaved if possible. Consider it back pay plus interest. The next fifty percent will be divided among all the crew, slave and slaver both, divided evenly in payment for this trip. As for the ship, as a vessel of a hostile power, it shall be impounded for official use of the Imperium in what manner Her Grace's servants see fit.

"All of the former slaves are freed as per the command of Empress Amélie, First of Her Name." There was something slightly distasteful in the way Dusk said the Empress's name, though it might well have just been the harsh sea wind getting in her mouth. "We will coordinate with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Financial Security to help secure job placements for those newly freed, ideally in any roles in which their skills can contribute best. Those formerly slavers will be taken into Imperial custody, thoroughly debriefed, and will be offered a choice: either a prison sentence commensurate with the nature and severity of their infractions of Imperial law, or a period of paid employment on behalf of the Imperium and its ministries, utilizing their skills for its betterment." She would probably lose a few to the other ministries, but most, she was sure, she could recruit to MAUL's ends. The Ministry of Justice would likely have a fit about her generous offer, but she could deal with them easily enough.

"What do you say, Captain?" Dusk inquired, her eyes gleaming in satisfaction. "Do you accept these terms on behalf of you and your crew?"

 

[Tobin Hestra]

The face that Tobin had when asked about the log book would be one he had not really shown before. A mix of confusion and embarrassment. "Eugh...Aye t'ink so?" If they did have one of those hed never seen it. Then again even if he had seen the physical book its not like he'd be able to read it.

"We do!" The fox calls down from the deck where he had come back bearing a small chest. "Its in the Captains quarters. A little damaged but still legible. I'll be sure you get it when I come down." Setting the chest down and vanishing again as Malcolm would nod in his general direction and added some context.

"Sharpnose...unsure about his full name but I think his first is Raynor? Quartermaster." The mouse giving a little shrug. "He did often give us extra food when he could. Though I often overheard him say it was just to save costs later having to replace us." It was something perhaps. Tobin nodding along with that before back to listening to the deals they were being offered. It sounded way more than what he had ever expected to get here. The mood up on deck as the crew watched was starting to be more jovial as more of the deal was laid out and translated for those who could not understand Vulpinsulan.

If any of the crew noticed the disdain Dusk spoke the words with they didn't notice. Too busy being happy and psyched. Especially the slavers as Raynor got back just in time to hear what his options were. A book tucked under his arm. "Not only not executed but getting paid? Hells yeah cute brush sign me up!" That was rather dumb of him to say with her husband right there. Better hope he could claim he didn't know. Tobin smiling at the offer as he looked back up at the crew, both sides, cheering and looking very pleased they were now free or not going to be killed before he turned back to Dusk and bowed his head with his hands clasped in front of him.

"Ye. Veery Ye. Eis veery kend of yew Miss. T'ank ya." Malcom bowing as well.

"As he said Ma'am. Thank you so much for your mercy." The crew behind them on the deck cheering as well as Raynor opened up the small chest he left behind that looked to be full of Imperium coinage as he whooped. Sure their ship and loot was gone now but they had their lives and freedom*! Time to eat and live!

 

[Duke Talinn Ryalor]

Talinn returned to recording the conversation in Southern Fyadoran after his brief suggestion, nodding at his wife’s very fair offer. In most nations of the world, he suspected, the entire crew would have simply been written off as pirates and slavers and then strung up, and from their reactions, it was clear they knew that as well, so they should be comparatively loyal now that they had been effectively granted a pardon. Of course, the Minister of Justice would likely fume over what Dusk had done, but Misanthropy had the right to decide what to do with new prisoners before all others, so all they could likely do was whine about it. Interjecting at the at the last moment after the former captain and his mouse translator, he spoke up.

“My dear, I am heading to Urk on some business for my Ministry, and we still need some crew…” He stated carefully, then gestured at Tobin and his translator “do you mind if I borrow this one and his translator for the expedition? Of course they will be well-taken care of, and it will allow for Tobin here to rapidly improve his Vulpinsulan.”

@Duchess Dusk Rainblade @Tobin Hestra