Jammers Summary: Chapter 2, Turn 17

----------- = Meanwhile, elsewhere...
*********** = Later...

Holland stops and says, "Italapate, could you please take us down again. Once lowered Holland helps tie off the Star again and then returns aboard.

Seguld raises his hand in a student-like fashion, "Oooh! I got a question!! Periander says we need to sail the ship in, does that mean we also have to sail the ship out? If so, I don't think we are going to be able to steal the ship. The departure time would make us sitting ducks for every pirate in the caves."

Holland says, "I don't see why the helmsman could not use the helm to 'sail' a ship in or out for that matter. It would not effect our entry or departure other than moderate slowing."

Seguld then sits with one hand on his chin and his legs crossed as he thinks things through. His eyes go wide with an idea. "What if we have a few people focus on procurement, the majority of us deal with the competition, and the remainder ensure clear lanes for product distribution." Seeing blank stares on a number of faces, he tries again. "Think about it this way."

Seguld wipes the deck area before him as if he is erasing a chalk slate. "First, we send in some of our more roguish companions. Their goal is to board the Flow Ghost and go after the chalice. Then the main force moves in. Our job is to remove their ships from active duty. We use flaming oil, fire magic, and any other tricks we can come up with. The fighting types - like me and the Big Guy here." Seguld gestures to Deigatt, "We focus our attention on maintaining a secure exit path for our retrieval team. Once the chalice is in our hands we beat haste out of the cave and head for Bral. If everyone does their job right we should be able to get out of there with minimal casualties while serving up enough damage to their vessels to prevent their immediate retaliation, and be off rock with our goal in hand."

Holland pauses and then states, "It would seem that the majority of those with an opinion believe we should seize the Ghost. Once we have the Chalice we can always let the Ghost drift off unmanned, best we worry about what to do with it once we have it."

Holland continues, "Kain had a good idea. Let me make this proposal: We leave a helmsman and 3 crew to work the rigging on the Star. The rest form the group to board the Ghost. Our two scouts move in first, we give them an hour to accomplish their jobs and then we enter."

"I'm.. ah.. open to suggestions as to what we should do to the Ghost," Kain's voice comes from a new area of the room. A small cup comes up off the table and tilts back as Kain, invisible still, takes a drink. "Oh, my, that's more difficult than I thought it'd be," he chuckles as the cup is set back down. "Do we want to.. ah.. disable their large weapons, the ballistae?" Kain asks. "Or look for their lone spellcaster perhaps?"

Holland replies, "Well, we would definitely need you to loosen the moorings, so Deigatt will be able to move the ship with no problems. As for after that.. It would probably be best for you two to scout out below decks, if possible. You shouldn't blow your invisibility spell, which will happen the first time you attack by the way, until we arrive and the attack starts in earnest. Place yourselves near the spellcaster or the captain, and use your one attack to its greatest potential. If you can foul their ballistae without them detecting and without losing your invisibility, so much the better."

"We'll have to.. ah.. see what we can do," Kain says. "Though I think it'd be best if we released the mooring lines just before the Star attacks, don't.. ah.. want to give them that much advanced warning. I didn't know the spell would end when we attacked, so, as you.. ah.. said Holland, we'll have to make that first strike count."

Holland says, "I would think that Billy, Leera and Ferric would make the best choices for remaining on the Star. Billy and Ferric could provide missile support and Leera could cast her illusions from a reasonable safe location. The rest of us board the Ghost. Deigatt would move directly to the helm," Holland adds with a grin, "dealing with any inconsequentials that may arise. Once the deck is secure everyone, except Talus and I, head below deck to finish securing the ship. Talus and I will use the magic at our disposal to give the other ship, the galley, something to worry about other than us."

Leera nods and replies "That sounds sensible. You and Talus will deal with the galley, then? If so, I'll do my best to deal with the crew of the galleon."

Talus comments quietly, "I have a Colour Spray and a Sleep spell memorized. It may be wise to have someone on deck who can use a bow. If a spellcaster comes out before we can leave that would be the best way to disrupt any spells." The elf grins and continues, "Of course I could always throw rocks."

Holland winds down by saying, "Once in place, Deigatt would begin moving the Ghost out of the harbor from his seat on the helm, this would be the signal for the Star to follow. Leera and I use our illusions to muddle the waters, so to speak, even further."

Holland concludes, "How does that sound?"

"I think it's fine," Kain adds agreeably.

Leera again nods "Okay, but we'd better coordinate our efforts. I can create an illusion 350 square feet in area. The opening of the cave is 300 ft wide. If I deal with one half and you deal with the other, we can together create a wall of fire that stretches across the opening and is two and a third feet high. That should discourage at least some pursuit."

Holland replies, "I can manage a bit larger illusion so if, like you say, we each take half, it should work out."

She pauses and then continues "Oh, speaking of illusions, remember that I'm likely to disguise myself in battle. Skeletons, huge ratmen, and figures in black armor are all likely." She smiles in anticipation.

Holland asks Periander, "For this to work, we need to know the layout of the Ghost. Please draw us a diagram of the ship, its different decks and label the rooms."

"It looked like a fairly standard small galleon," Kain says tiredly. "I've.. ah.. seen a few before so I'm going to go get some rest. I'll be on my bunk if anything.. ah.. comes up while I'm sleeping."

"Yes, it seemed pretty standard to me as well." Periander says, clearly growing nervous as the moment of the assault approaches. "The captain's quarters were in the stern castle, as were the priest who advised him. Below them, on the cargo level the mate's had quarters. The Chalice would be somewhere astern, I'm certain. Most likely in the stern castle. We were never allowed back there."

"Hoom, when we board, I am going to take up a position over the Captain's quarters with my bow. This should give me adequate sighting over both the stairs from below decks. Once we start to move, I will attempt the rigging as soon as I am able." Nilaroo looks around to see if anyone has any comments. "In addition, someone should guard Deigatt in the helmroom once we begin to move. He will not be able to defend himself and move the ship at the same time."

"The helmroom must be somewhere in the sterncastle," Periander says, "It wasn't anywhere else on the ship."

"I'm sorry hif I ham causing you worry, Cap- hum Comrade Holland," Deigatt says evenly. "However, I believe hit would be better hif someone helse were hassigned hum hinvited to run the helm has I would serve better by remaining habove deck hin case we have to repel boarders during hour hescape."

Holland nods and chews his lip for a second. After hearing Nilaroo speak he says, "Talus, how about you, instead of Deigatt, go for the Ghost's helm. Deigatt could then, as part of the boarding party, help neutralize the pirates. I will remain on deck with Nilaroo. Grigree, perhaps instead of you attacking and losing your invisibility spell how about if you could position yourself in the bridge as an invisible sentry for Talus. I think that would make everyone feel a lot better."

Grigree's rope says, "Was thinking of 'surprising' captain during battle, but your plan good too. I meet Talus in sterncastl'."

Holland summarizes, "That would make it, Leera/Ferric/Billy/Raken staying on the Star, everyone else boarding the Ghost. Talus and Grigree heading to the Bridge, Nilaroo and myself staying on deck, everyone else heading below decks to neutralize the pirates. Does that sound good to everyone?"

Holland nods and says, "You all get that? The Captain and the Priest are the priority targets. They need to be neutralized."

Holland continues, "We can let the scouts rest until around nine o'clock and then send them in. The Star will follow at 10pm. I think that Italapate needs to be replaced on the helm." Turning to Raken Holland asks, "Raken, would you take his place now, letting him get a few hours rest as well? Italapate can then be a part of the boarding group."

Italapate shakes his head. "Spirits! We need our spellcasters for emergencies, 'Captain'! Raken, I am plenty fine, and will be able to man this helm properly for hours after the planned attack. You are the only doctor we have on board! What do we do if someone gets hurt? Besides? Why are we waiting so long to attack? The scouts can rest a couple of hours sure... but half the day? Anyway... I assure you, I am fine. I have heard tales of helmsman running a ship for 24 hours!"

Holland's fists clench to the point where his knuckles turn white and those standing close by can hear his teeth grinding together, "Italapate," Holland says very slowly, "I told you not to call me that." Holland then takes a few calming breaths and says, "If you notice it is currently around 6pm. I am talking about letting the scouts rest for 2 hours, not half the day."

Holland continues, "I haven't heard the same tales that you have, but if you think you can handle the helm for the next 8 hours, then so be it. It is just the lives of the rest of us that you are gambling with," turning to Leera Holland says, "Please be ready in case Italapate falters and you need to take the helm on the Star."

Holland adds to Raken, "It would make sense to have you with the boarding party, they are the ones that have the best chance of getting wounded. That is what I had originally suggested before remembering that Italapate had been on the helm since this morning. If it pleases you, please join us on the boarding party."

Raken nods. "Aye. I think my services will be much needed. Before we strike, I'll ask Celestian to bless our endeavor. And if we're going into the lion's den, might as well have a few healing spells on hand in case we get mauled." He smiles. "Periander, I do have a question. What armor does the captain or priest wear? Perhaps I can make it quite uncomfortable for one or the other indeed."

Periander sighs, regret for a missed detail etched on his face "I'm sorry, I never saw them in armor. But remember, we were never in a battle either. The ship was mostly used to carry the pirates goods to Bral for resale."

Ferric listens to the planning but does not add anything. Instead he quietly listens to each member as they put forth their ideas.

Looking around Holland says, "Okay.. Other than that change, everything else stays the same. Italapate and you four," pointing at Periander, Leera, Billy and Ferric, "will remain on the Star. Everyone else boards the Ghost."

Turning to Seguld, Holland adds, "You can board the Ghost with us or stay on the Star, your choice."

"Yes sir!" Seguld says as he salutes and giggles to himself. "But if you need any help just call me - I'll break their kneecaps!"

"Seguld," Jamila asks lowering herself to one knee, "would you like to assist me at the ballistae? We could supply a little backup, in case of something going wrong, until we board the pirate ship."

To Talus Holland says, "Periander said that the bridge, more than likely, is in the sterncastle.. Keep that in mind and be safe.." Holland lastly says to the air around him, "You two scouts know what to do, don't let your backs sprout any daggers."

Holland concludes by asking, "Does this sound okay with everyone? Any further suggestions or ideas?"

Talus thinks for a moment, then nods in agreement, "Sounds good. A color spray spell only has an area of 20 feet, so my only spell that would be of use against the pirates on the other ship would be a sleep spell. Deigatt would be better off quelling any resistance on the ship than sitting helpless on the helm."

"Actually.. ah.. I'll need until around ten on the clock to regain enough of my focus to make it back to the Flow Ghost," Kain says through a yawn. "I just tried to concentrate on my simplest change, and couldn't get anything out of it.

"Would our leaving at ten and the main assault an.. ah.. hour later be acceptable to.. err.. everyone?" Kain asks.

Holland nods and says, "I don't see a problem with extending it an hour. 10pm send out the scouts, 11pm the Star enters. Anyone have any objections?"

"La Holland." says Jamila shaking her head while she scratches an itchy cheek.

Holland says, "Okay, let's all get some rest and prepare ourselves."

Grigree grunts in affirmative and waits for everybody to leave the bridge before going out unto the deck. He then pulls out his invisible, enchanted sword and tries to sharpen it. He gives up after a few futile attempts. Putting his sword away, he goes down to the galley and gets a bit of food to chew on while he waits for nightfall.

The time passes fairly quickly, soon ten o'clock approaches.

"Hmm... time to go is it," Kain yawns. Tromping noisily up to the main deck, so that his companions can find him by sound, Kain speaks to the assembled members of the Company. "We'll have about an hour. I think we will be ready for the attack," he adds. "So, you'll see me in an hour," Kain chuckles at his own poor attempt at humor. "Grigree, ah, once we're aboard the Flow Ghost, I think we should, well, locate all the mooring lines first," Kain suggests, "before searching belowdecks. I'm not really that good at.. ah.. sneaking about, so I'll.. ah.. most likely stick to the decks where my walking around won't be able to be heard that easily."

Grigree says, "We meet by sterncastl' too. May be locked. I no good with locks. I try cutting ballistae too."

Holland adds to the two scouts, "Grigree, remember, you will be the last defense between Talus and any attackers.."

Grigree grunts in affirmative. Grigree adds, "We need new sign for each other. Rope too obvious on open deck. Maybe we use small dirt piles? Get some on ledge we landed on before."

There's a slight pause before Kain says, "Good idea.. ah.. meeting on the ledge. The dust and dirt should work I.. ah.. think."

"I'm ready," Kain exhales.

Holland nods and calls down to Italapate through the voice tube for lift off. The Star rises into the air and circles around as before, a whoosh of air is heard as Grigree and Kain fly off the deck of the Silent Star and head towards the island below.

The Star returns to its berth, as the crew go about their final preparations.

As the attack hour approaches, Leera announces that she's finished rememorizing her spell. She and Holland walk down to 'Pate and watches as he brings the Star up out of the water and sends it speeding toward the cave mouth. The rest of the crew take their stations on deck.

As the Silent Star begins to move toward the cave, Italapate takes a moment to whisper toward Leera, "Leera, keep an eye on Periander. We can't overlook the possibility that this may be a trap and if it is, I'm the one he's going to go after first!"

Leera nods "I'd had the same thought. I'll keep an eye on him."

Holland replies quietly, "I 'scanned' him and he is clean. He will be staying on the Star, though it couldn't hurt to keep an eye on him."

As the Star approaches the cliff, Holland and Leera return to the deck and prepares themselves.

Leera loosens her darts in their holders and opens the drawstrings on the pouches containing her spell components. She then glances down at herself, shrugs, and undergoes a drastic change in appearance. Standing in Leera's place is a skeleton wearing a blood-red cape. Red fire burns in the skeleton's empty eye sockets, and small electrical discharges arc between its ribs.

Holland smiles at Leera's use of her spell and quickly runs his hands over his sashling making sure his spell components are in place and ready. With a grim face, Holland grips the railing and watches the water out in front of them, "Italapate, let's go! Places everyone. May the gods be with us."

At the appropriate time, Italapate guides the ship toward the illusory wall, setting the ship down in the water at the last possible moment before passing through the barrier.....

"I'll follow Deigatt over" Jamila says to those nearby, giving a slight nod to the big guy. "Keep away from poisoned jambiyas Holland. La kwayis you not learn from tavern fight." she adds with a wistful smile.

Smiling, Holland says, "How about you keep them away from me so I don't have to worry about any poisoned jambiyas and I will take care of the ajami business.. Deal?"

"Deal, o great ajami." Jamila replies with a bow towards the powerful ajami. Those close to her notice a large smile break out on her face as she is deep in her bow, though it's not there when she stands erect.

Tightening the last of her armor's straps, and adjusting the position of her cutlass's, Jamila moves to the ballistae to prepare it for combat.

Moments before the ship enters the cliff, the evil-looking skeleton that is Leera moves over to speak with Holland. A moment later, all are startled to see the skeleton kiss the mage briefly on the cheek before returning to her (its?) station at the railing.

Holland's cheeks burn a light red, his mouth partially open, as his right hand pries free from the rail to gently touch his cheek.

Glowing Skeleton Leera checks the darts on her belt and straightens her pouches.

As the ship approaches the cliff through the night sky, the cave mouth becomes visible as a dark shadow.

Date/time: 11:00 pm 2nd day of the 5th Month, 5049 OC