Jammers Summary: Chapter 3, Turn 7
----------- = Meanwhile, elsewhere... *********** = Later...
While the ship is in dry-dock for two days, the crew enjoys their break, some shop while others drink and a few look for companionship of the opposite sex.
On the second night, Leera organizes a group to go see a play being put on by the Royal Theatrical Company. After the performance of _Starward Sail_, a musical farce about an inept pirate captain, everyone enjoys a nice dinner at the Golden Helm.
Nilaroo inspects the ship closely after the dry-dock has finished, and pronounces the work satisfactory. The Company then sets about fixing the remaining damage; replacing damaged or burned planks, sanding down rough edges, repainting, replacing shattered bulwark supports. The work is difficult, but Nilaroo is obviously skilled at this craft and the evenings are always free for those who wish to pursue other interests.
Only a few events stand out during the two weeks of work. On the 20th, a rather nondescript looking human gives Nilaroo, working on deck a small sack and says enigmatically, "What you were waiting for." The man leaves before he can be questioned, but inside the company finds 200 gold pieces minted in the elven realm of Celene on Oerth.
Deigatt works in the mornings, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., then, after a quick meal, he disappears into the city, returning about 10 p.m. He remains quiet during most this time, speaking to his comrades cordially but infrequently.
On some evenings Ferric leaves the ship to frequent a few of his familiar haunts. He always invites the others and takes those who join him to various inns and taverns of widely differing qualities.
Five days after the ship was returned to its berth, and no sign of Italapate. Finally, in the middle of that fifth day, he wanders back aboard the 'Star. "Sorry I'm late folks.... I had to... take care of a few things." He retreats to his bunk, and quietly thinks for the rest of the day. The next morning he begins chipping in where needed.
On the 28th Deigatt rises early, beginning his work on the ship by 6 a.m. At 2:30 p.m., he stops working and, without eating or speaking, heads into the city. He returns at 11 p.m. that evening. Instead of the brown leather vest he normally wears, he is now wearing one of crimson. It is also apparent that he has bathed.
On the 29th, after the final touches on the repairs are finished, Holland spends an hour at the desk in his quarters studying his spellbook. After which, he walks down to the hold to the copper statue.
The rest of the company lounge tiredly about the deck, enjoying the still night air of Bral while talking quietly and drinking wine. Nilaroo especially seems pleased since installing the dual medium ballista in place of the medium one went well, and the ship's resent brush with destruction is no longer apparent from her appearance.
When Ferric notices that Holland has descended to the hold where the copper statue is he follows. Once there he takes Seguld's old mace from the armory and joins the mage.
Ferric watches as Holland recites arcane words that seem to flow from the tongue. Holland lays his hands on the copper statue and electricity shoots forth from Holland's hand and vanishes, seemingly absorbed into the statue.
The statue's head suddenly turns left, then right. It bends at the waist, and then winks its cold, metallic eyes. It lifts and lowers first its left leg then its right one. It raises its arms above its head, and then its mouth moves and it speaks, "What vessel is this?"
Ferric grips the mace tightly and stands ready. The rest of the crew, aroused by the small noises the creatures movements made, crowd down into the hold.
Date/time: Early Evening 29th day of the 5th Month, 5049 OC
