Jammers Summary: Chapter 3, Turn 8

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

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.

Holland stays in place and replies, "You are on the SILENT STAR. We found you in a secret compartment, covered by a thick layer of dust, on the blackjammer FLOW GHOST. My name is Holland, I brought you back with a minor spell of lightning. I have more if needed."

Holland pauses slightly and then asks, "Have you fulfilled your Obligation?"

The metal man looks at Holland and actually smiles, "I am Veneficus Aenus Imago Struo. You may call me Vais. You have my thanks for returning my awareness." He cranes his neck around, glancing at the other Company members, "We are not underway, correct? May I ask where we are?"

"The space port known as the Rock of Bral," Raken says, "located in Bralspace, or Spiralspace on older star charts. What exactly are you? How did you get here?"

"What year is it, please?" Vais asks.

Holland says, "It is currently 5049 OC."

"I was constructed on Thessalys, in Greatspace by the artificer wizard Tremigistus. Fifteen years ago I ran out of energy while visiting Ginsel. That is my last memory, I am afraid." Vais' voice has a rather distinct accent to it.

Raken's face crosses with confusion. "Ginsel is known to me. It's a merchant world in Greyspace. Might I inquire your business there; it might help to find out what happened to you."

"I was pursuing my profession. I am a skilled helmsman, healer and diplomat. I speak Elvish, Common, Dwarven, Orcish, and Neogi." Vais answers in his cultured, metallic voice.

Holland nods and says, "What are your plans now that you are awake again?"

Vais thinks for a moment, "I am required to perform my skills for the crew of my ship. It would appear that this is now my home vessel."

Holland nods in understanding and asks, "Can you pilot this helm?"

"Assuming you have a standard helm, yes." Vais answers.

Holland asks, "Vais, are you able to determine your energy levels?"

"Can you tell when you are hungry?" the metal man replies.

"Point taken." Holland listens carefully to Vais reply and then asks, "You said that you were a skilled healer and diplomat. Are you speaking of non-magical healing? What other skills do you have? What have you done for previous crews?"

"My healing abilities come simply from knowledge; I can set bones, bind wounds, conduct minor surgeries and the like. I am naturally accomplished at understanding how one is to act in a given situation, in the past I have often acted as helmsman and translator." Vais answers, matter-of-factly.

Billy gingerly reaches out with a finger and pokes VAIS.

Vais looks down at him, "I can assure you I am not worth as much melted down."

Holland asks, "Do you normally serve an 8 hour shift on the helm or are you able to sit the helm for longer periods?"

"I may sit upon a helm for 12 hours before I require a 12 hour rest period." Vais answers.

Holland smiles and says, "Well, I am sure that you are still 'hungry', so with your permission I will use up the rest of my spells to 'feed' you, yes?"

"That would be very kind of you." Vais replies.

In rapid succession, Holland recites words with his hands lightly touching Vais. After each repetition Holland's hands glow with energy, which is immediately transferred into Vais. After the last spell, Holland wipes his forehead, "Whew.. Nothing like casting several spells back to back like that to tire oneself."

"Thank you, I feel much more energetic. On such a charge I can run for several months." Vais says, "Now, as I have been unaware for many years, it seems, may I see the town?"

"Sure, _Asgaya Covalai_, I can show you around," Italapate says, "I've been working too hard around here as it is. "We're on Bral, which I am sure you have heard about, if not visited before. I would like to hear about Owl, the totem on your chest."

"It is the symbol of the goddess Athena, patroness of my creator Tremigistus." Vais replies. "I thank you for the offer."

"I will haccompany you hand this device habout the city, Comrade Hitalapate," Deigatt says. "Perhaps we should provide it a cloak so hits nature his less hobvious. Agent Ferric, you will come has well?"

"Yes, if only to watch the trouble that may well ensue from this venture." Ferric says as he leans against the hull.

"Hey, Deigatt, you are always welcome!" Italapate rubs his chin. "Maybe a cloak might be prudent. On the other hand, this is Bral! We've seen _everything here_. And as long as Copper Man here isn't accompanied by Tinker Gnomes, no one should be too frightened... Uhm, no offense, Seguld."

Seguld shakes his head. "FunnyThatBral'dBeFrightened'aMe. 'TisNotMeWhoPitchedAnAllyOverboard - Ummm, No'fense 'Pate." Seguld says with a slightly dirty look. "'Sides, I'd'ExpectFew'dThinkTinker GnomesPutTogetherSuchAWorkaMagic - WeGenerallyPreferTheMechanicalStuff, 'ThoughMagicIsn'tUnknownT'Us." With those words Seguld waves his hand and the sound of a soft harp is heard.

"Fear not. The _device_ is not offended either." the copper man says in crisp, metallic tones.

"Ouch," Kain grimaces as Vais becomes offended. He quickly says, "Well, ah, if you're all going out into the city in the morning, would you mind delivering our.. ah.. payment to House Moune? Now that everything's settled, I've gotten all our payments together. And.. well.. once the excitement dies down tonight, I can give everyone their share of coin from our work so far."

Holland asks, "Vais, how old are you?"

"Perhaps 200 Olven years, if that is still the standard measurement." Vais answers.

"Hoom, one thing first. What is the nature of your obligation, Vais? We are not slavers here and we will not hold a sentient creature against its will," Nilaroo states in a tone that brooks no contradiction.

Vais shrugs his shoulders, a normal movement which somehow seems alien on his rigid physique. "It is similar to your obligation to breath. I simply must act a certain way, I cannot imagine acting differently. Please do not mistake this for slavery, it is not the same in the least. besides, I am not compelled to obey orders, but rather to perform my duties. There is a subtle difference." His head turns and he examines the rest of the crew, "Perhaps you could introduce yourselves? I feel I am at the disadvantage."

Ferric nods, "I am Ferric Gundson, an agent of House Moune assigned to this ship to watch over Lady Moune's investment. It is a pleasure to meet you Vais. I am sure we shall all come to appreciate your abilities in the future."

"And I am Tatric Aekhas, though I prefer to be known as Kain," Kain says quietly. "I.. ah.. have a question also, if you don't mind Vais. How strong might you.. ah.. be? I mean, there were stone golems guarding the gates of Calaunt, and there's the story of the golem that created the Anauroch desert on my home planet when his creator died without.. ah.. giving him new instructions." Realizing he is rambling, Kain stops short. "Sorry.. ah.. well, I mean, I'd always heard that golems were strong, and well.. you look like a golem, so I thought you might be able to lift heavy objects."

Vais shrugs, "I am strong enough. I can lift as much as a strong human. Very inquisitive types, you are."

"I ham called Deigatt," the tall minotaur says after Vais's response. "Hof Taurus..." his voice trails off for a moment, then he says, "I ham called Deigatt."

Pate reaches out, grasping Vais by the right hand and shaking vigorously. He winks at Deigatt, "He knows, you said that" Grinning he turns back to the 'golem'. "Me? I'm Italapate, the highest ranking shaman of Coyote on Bral... or in all of Bralspace for that matter. Good to meet you, sir...."

"Hoom, I am Nilaroo, journeyman of the Shipwrights Guild. I am glad your duties bring you no, hoom, onerus burden and I welcome you among us." Nilaroo concludes his uncharacteristically long speech.

Billy seems to regain some of his composure. Bowing low he says, "Billy Two-Thumbs at your service."

Talus responds, "My name is Talus, originally from Realmspace. I am one of the helmsmen on this vessel."

Leera is unusually reticent, "Leera Lightbender."

"Raken of Celestian." the Star Druid says politely.

Waiting until the others have spoken, Seguld moves forward to introduce himself. "Well, Mr. Vais, I'dliketa'establishaCommittee, sinceI'mtheonlyTinkerGnome'ere, I'llheadit, andaddt'othersasneeded. WeC'nStudyYa." He makes a pausing gesture, "ButOnlyIfYaLetUs. EitherWay, GladT'HaveYouAboard."

Holland is the last to introduce himself, "And I am Holland Wellhouse, the Spellmaster of this Company. Collectively," Holland waves his hands to include everyone present, "We are known as the Company of the Silent Star. If there are no objections, on behalf of the Company I would like to welcome you into our group."

Those going into town then depart, with 'Pate promising to show everyone the "real" Bral....

Talus watches the copper statue leave with a look of curiosity on his face, he murmurs quietly to Holland, "How is such a thing possible? I know of golems, but they are unthinking creatures, how is this one endowed with intelligence? Some sort of sacrifice?"

Holland replies to Talus aside, "I did some research, there is a _lot_ of magic involved, as well as some drawbacks. I'll explain what I know to you later."

Raken eyes the copper man as well, studying him. He walks over to Holland and whispers "Definitely was not constructed by priests of my order. I'd like to know more about that thing before we take it as part of our crew."

Holland replies aside to Raken, "From what I have learned, there is nothing to fear," Holland smiles, "Rest easy my friend."

Talus nods silently, however there is still a dubious expression on his face.

---------------------

'Pate is true to his word, and those going out on the town are shown a wonderful time. Fortunately, Ferric's dour predictions do not come true, though Vais attracts some attention, no one bothers the group.

Vais himself turns out to be pleasant company, though somewhat sarcastic at times. He regales the group with the stories of the amorous goings on among House Shambrath, ruling House of Greatspace, and recounts fanciful ghost stories.

Late in the evening the group returns to the STAR, and falls asleep. The night passes uneventfully, in the morning everyone gathers in the galley for some of Holland's famous Furyondian Waffles.

Deigatt comes down from his typical morning workout with a note in his hand, "This was left for you, Comrade Hitalapate, by a young boy." he says while sitting down and digging into the waffles.

Date/time: Morning 30th day of the 5th Month, 5049 OC