[IC]Clockwork Voyage

[WriggleRid3r]

Jefferson North Dock, Skylands Republic

---

"Ba', 'umbug, at least 'alf t'e people in t'e military can't stand a c'ance against t'is lass." Olson grumbled disagreeingly. "I've been in Wolf'olt navy for 20 years and I can definitively tell ya t'at for sure! T'e men weren't even able to 'old t'eir guns properly!"

"Olson does have a lot of doubt about the government, and so do I. But If they're to find the treasure before anyone else does, so be it." Herbert responded. "In any case, sure you can have a look, as long as you don't touch the photos themselves. They're quite delicate, you see."

[Luna Pixu]

Jefferson North Dock, Skylands Republic

---

Miriah was having mixed opinions on what this sailor, Olsen, was saying. Sure, some people in the military may not be the brightest or the strongest. But the numbers and overall power of the Skylands was surely enough to outdo a single sheriff. And until Miriah saw as to who this person was, she was not willing to let this slip. And while Miriah couldn't say too much in defense of the Skylands compared to this Wolfholtan who had a lot of experience, it was Wolfholt. For all Miriah knew, Wolfholt sounded like a poor nation with a thirst for blood. Being holed up in mountains like barbarians. That was some of the things that Miriah used to hear from time to time. As to whether they were true or not was another question entirely.
"We'll see about that..." Miriah replied, her tone unchanging despite her stirring opinions and thoughts. "So, who exactly is this sheriff that you've been talking about?" Miriah rhetorically asked as she took a glance at the photo.

"Oh, bloody hell..." Miriah let out in shock as she recognised the person in the photo. When Miriah heard words of a supposed sheriff hunting for treasure, she thought of some greedy man who was boasting about his title. But this woman... Miriah knew full well who she was. In fact, it was hard to find a Skylander who was not aware of her. Sheriff Velvetlan of Piltover. A woman who is regarded as a hero to the people of Piltover and, to some extent, the Skylands. When Miriah was merely a child, at the age of 9, stories circulated of a girl who single-handedly hunted down and disbanded every pirate group lurking within Piltover. All at the age of 17. A feat that seemed highly impossible to many. And to Miriah, a feat that she wished to recreate or even best. To some extent, Miriah thought of Velvetlan as an idol. One of the few people that Miriah looked up to during her youth. But now... Velvetlan was hunting for the treasure of Captain Verdelion. This changed everything.
"You're telling me that... that Sheriff Velvetlan...? THE Sheriff Velvetlan of Piltover is hunting for the treasure?" Miriah asked the two in surprise but with a slight hint of fear. "This changes things..."

[WriggleRid3r]

Jefferson North Dock, Skylands Republic

---

"I don't think she is looking for the treasure for any ill intention. The last time I saw her, she was very concerned about the lifestyle of the citizens of Piltover. I don't know if you've ever been there during your flights, but Piltover, while in their golden age, is still being rebuilt after years and years of abuse by the waves of crime. Many citizens still live without basic utilities." Herbert responded to Miriah's surprised tone. His eyes were downcast, seemingly reliving the moment when he, Olson, and the sheriff, Caitlyn, looked around the outer circle of Piltover to find it still decimated. "In any case, Olson I will be going now. I have a report to write up by 5 and I don't want to miss my deadline. Gentlemen and lady, it was a pleasure having a conversation with you all."

"Alright. I'll see you later, 'erbert." Olson bid Herbert the scribe farewell as the robed scholar disappeared into the crowd. "So, w'at are you two gonna do now?"

[Major Mario]

Jefferson Docks, Skylands Republic - (@Wriggle and TRXD)

---

Troy listened to the young woman with blonde hair and couldn't help but smile. Just the way she moved, talked and looked filled him with a pleasant feeling, like being in the presence of an entertainer who cared about their patrons. Just about everything about this young woman was bubbly and content, as if everything was going her way. Such happiness was contagious! Yet, appearances were deceiving, and it seemed that this young woman wasn't as happy or carefree as she seemed.

She was affiliated with the military, so she alluded to. Guns, rifles, cannons, powder, all tools of destruction or deterrence. If she enjoyed her line of work, she didn't say other than how she enjoyed being in the open sky. She did take pride in her occupation and her people if the outburst against the sheriff was any indication. Troy could understand how one could feel upstaged by a relative unknown, but these two men, Olson and Herbert, had said that the sheriff was very famous. How livid the young woman would be at this revelation would soon be known in time, Troy feared.

To his surprise the young woman didn't react violently to the picture of the Sheriff Velvetlan as Troy had anticipated. Instead, the woman seemed rather shocked or pleasantly surprised, as if she had seen an old friend. Perhaps the two knew each other or at the very least were well-acquainted. Yet the way she said that the knowledge of the sheriff's involvement 'changed things' raised doubts. Either way, it wasn't Troy's place to inquire upon a touchy subject. He glanced down at the picture himself and rubbed his chin before the picture was taken away.

"Sheriff Velvetlan... What a strange name," Troy murmured with a raise of his brows. He looked up and noticed that Herbert was leaving and bid farewell to him before looking to Olson. "What am I going to do now? Well... I, like this sheriff, seek this treasure as well. But that is secondary to my journey. Nay, I seek to sate my wanderlust, and I'm hoping to secure passage on one of these airships so I can get closer to this treasure."

The monk turned to the young woman and looked down at her.

"Do you suppose your ship has any openings?"

[Luna Pixu]

Jefferson North Dock, Skylands Republic

---

As the other man, Herbert, explained, Miriah's guesses were true. It seemed doubtful that the sheriff would actually use the treasure for ill will. After all, what good was the supposed saviour of Piltover if she kept all of the treasure to herself? It wouldn't be good for either Velvetlan or the city of Piltover. Not that Miriah herself had really been there all that often. Outside of passing through in transit to other cities or taking the occasional break, Miriah never really took the time to get to know the supposed City of Progress. After all, if Velvetlan was as good as Miriah believed, the chances of a military patrol ship being stationed there were rather low. And Miriah didn't mind about seeing to the sheriff herself. And in turn, maybe persuade the military to let her join in on this little treasure hunt. Right now, Miriah had two goals set out due to this revelation. One, report to the Air Force and persuade them into letting her in on this treasure hunting mission. Two, get to Piltover and see to Velvetlan. How easily Miriah would able to accomplish it was greatly unknown. But it was worth a try nonetheless. If all went well, Miriah could see herself siding with the woman she had idolised for the last 13 years and do something other than just patrol duty.

As Herbert departed, Olson then asked Miriah and the other person about her plans. Similar to Miriah, it appeared that the man was interested in seeking out the treasure as well. A person that Miriah could bring along with her. It was an interesting thought and development. But the question that followed his explanation hit Miriah on her head. 'Her ship'? Miriah was lucky if she could even find herself in a permanent crew. But the Heisenberg was neither a ship that Miriah owned nor a ship that she would be easily able to board anymore. The captain certainly seemed like he did not want Miriah on board. So bringing a passenger, no, bringing a non Air Force passenger would be too much of a risk.
"The Heisenberg?" Miriah asked before bursting out into laughter. The thought of someone believing that Miriah owned a ship or had any rights to it amused her greatly. But what could Miriah know? After all, it wasn't as if every living being on the docks heard the captain's yelling. "No, I don't have any say as to who or what goes on the Heisenberg. And besides, I'm not going back on there so I won't even be able to bring you as a stowaway. Let's just say that I'm no longer welcome aboard that ship. Not that it matters because I wasn't going to stay in the Heisenberg's crew for long." Miriah explained to the robed man with a smile on her face. Unfortunately, Miriah was incapable of helping the man in this situation. For all Miriah knew, he would most likely have to take a ride with someone else or stow himself in a ship. But if it was an Air Force ship, the man would most likely get shot, thrown overboard, or held prisoner until the ship docked once more. But in her train of thought, Miriah realised one last thing. Miriah was in Jefferson. And if she knew anything, it meant one thing and one thing only.
"Actually... Now that I think about it. There is one man who might help you out. He has a ship docked in this city. If you don't mind sticking around with me, I can get you a ride on that ship. What do you say?" Miriah asked the robed man while reaching out her hand.

[Major Mario]

Jefferson North Docks, Skylands Republic - (@TRXD)

---

Troy should have known better when he asked a complete stranger if he could hitch a ride on their vessel. Not only was there the thought of the stranger declining the request, vehemently perhaps, there was the chance that the vessel wasn't even hers. Someone as young as this woman looked she couldn't be at the helm of a large vessel, this 'Heisenberg'. A deckhand at the very least or some kind of mercenary. She had plenty of experience, Troy knew that for certain, but because of reasons unknown to him, she wasn't willing to head back to the 'Heisenberg' anytime soon.

It all seemed like a forgone gambit before the young woman piped up again and looked as appealing as a blossoming cherry tree. She had an idea, a contact who could be of assistance. How wonderful that the young woman was willing to help Troy! And even better, she seemed to be doing this out of goodwill or mutual advantage. Either way, everything was going to be alright.

When the young woman extended her hand, Troy hesitated. He was unfamiliar with the greeting rituals of other lands, but he reached for the hand regardless.

"Troy Suchong, miss, and I thank you. I'll 'stick around' then."

(( Congratulations! Miriah gained a companion, Troy Suchong! Miriah gained the companion perk Hopeless Heretic! It does nothing but sound cool when said! ))

[Luna Pixu]

Jefferson North Docks, Skylands Republic

---

Miriah could see the hesitation in the man's eyes. Either he was uncertain about the proposition or was simply did not know how to shake a hand. From what Miriah could tell of the man's appearance, it could have been either. Not that Miriah was the one to judge or make such assumptions but it seemed like he was from a land where handshakes and such modern concepts were not known. Of course, Miriah barely knew the world so she could only resort to using stereotypes and assumptions. For her entire life, Miriah had been merely confined to the Skylands and its Airspace. She did not know of the other lands or cities. Only having read about them or heard from travellers during her plights and voyages. Right now, the possible idea of having an exotic person by Miriah's side meant that she could possibly learn about where he hailed from and of the sights that he may have seen.

A few seconds passed and the man, Troy, grabbed Miriah's hand and introduced himself. Troy Suchong. A very rare and unusual name. One that Miriah had most certainly never heard before. And his name only served to prove Troy's foreignness.
"Well, Troy, nice to meet you. The name's Miriah. Miriah Hartmann." Miriah returned before letting go of Troy's hand. With introductions done, Miriah then began to chalk up her game plan. With Troy at her side, Miriah now had to keep her promise and get Troy a ride. That part was simple. But as to how it could tie with Miriah's intentions of visiting Piltover and searching for treasure was another thing. After all, Miriah couldn't give up her Air Force duty so suddenly. Right now, Miriah just needed to put things into action and then deal with the finer things later.

"Now, about getting that ride," Miriah began to explain, "we'll need to head into the city to find the man we're looking for. Nice chap. Should be able to help us out. So, I hope you've visited this city before. Because from here, we're going to need to walk through the city to get to where we need to go." Upon finishing her explanation, Miriah began to lead Troy out of the docks and into the city. Before forgetting, Miriah turned around and looked at Olson's direction. "Take care, Olson. Hope to see you soon." She called out as the newly formed duo walked out of the docks and into the city of Jefferson. Their destination, the market.

[Kristia]

Air space

As the ship flew smotthly towards its destination, Liwa headed to the armory where most of her weaponry was prepared. The redhead sat on a workbench and put her sniper rifle on it, then she started working on the grenade bullets for it´s secondary shot, the highly explosive round was made with care and time so it would be perfect "We don´t want to explode ourselves when shooting you don´t we?" she asked the bullet and put it on a box that held more bullets

Next came her melee weapon, the sword looked battered and old as she started polishing the blade and sharpened the edge, it´s special mechanism was rewired for a better outcome as she pulled the trigger and the sword had that glow of blue and smell of hot air.

[Amaterasu no Akane]

Airspace

Thomas was sitting down in the one of the bedrooms, and worked on loading the ammunition on his weapons. "This goes here, that goes there, oh, and which one was the explosives again?" he muttered to himself. He was only loading his pistols and his revolver, as he almost never uses his rifle. Right now, he's loading his primary pistol with large bullets designed to pierce and one-shot enemies, and he's loading his secondary pistol with explosive ammunition to get past obstacles and to clear hordes of enemies. "Oh crap, I think I should bring reloads with me too, single clips are always not enough..." he said as he finished loading the ammunition. He started to work on loading his spare clips, in case of a fight. He thought that the job would be finished up fairly soon.

[Major Mario]

Jefferson, Skylands Republic - (@TRXD)

---

A lot of people here in Jefferson had names that sounded strange to Troy's ears. Joe, Bob, Nancy, Olson, Dale, and Jimmy were just a few of them, but Miriah didn't sound too strange. Just the right amount of syllables and the right inflexions. Troy was pleased to know that he hadn't made a fool of himself in front of Miriah by taking her hand, even if in the grand scheme of things it wouldn't have mattered. First impressions were very important, after all. With introductions over and the plans laid out, Troy followed the young woman about and out of Jefferson's north docks.

Troy wondered about this man Miriah was leading the both of them to. While all of what Troy had seen of Jefferson was pleasant and filled with welcoming students and civilians, he knew that there was an underbelly that housed criminals and other shady types. He hoped that this man didn't enforce any prerequisites or discriminate against those who didn't have much in their pockets. Then again, Miriah did say that the man was a 'nice chap', and Troy had no reason to distrust the young woman. She knew the city better than he did, so she was as right as rain.

"This city is filled with so many students eager to learn," Troy remarked as he followed alongside Miriah. With how she looked and acted, he felt like he was accompanying his own sister on a trip! "Have you studied here at the university, or one of them?"

[WriggleRid3r]

Airspace

---

"Target sighted, captain!"

"Bearings?"

"South, around 30... no, 35 degrees, to the East."

"How does it look like?"

"I see nobody on, but the ship looks fine. Must be a transport ship for middle-class people. Doesn't look particularly like a warship from a military."

"Prepare the cannons, then. We're on a raid."

Behind Lia's ship emerged two zeppelin ships, about half a mile away. The fabric used for the zeppelin was black and patched. The figurehead of a gargoyle, mouth stretched open to breathe sulfur and brimstone, proudly perched at the front of the ships. A white-paint drawing of a jolly roger was splattered over the two ships' hulls. On deck stood menacing men wearing rag, their goggles on, their weapons: cutlasses, muskets, and rifles, armed and readied. The gun ports were open, and from that protruded the barrel of copper-plate cannons that fired bullet-shaped cannonballs.

Airship pirates.

"FIRE!" Their captain shouted, and the cannons began doing their work, launching cannonballs toward Lia's ship while gaining speed to ram their target. The ships were built for speed, with sleek, iron-tipped hull and flexible rudder. They were getting close, closing the distance between the two ships slowly but surely.

[Amaterasu no Akane]

Airspace

Rii was just about to finish off his work, until he heard a loud bang. "Crap," Rii thought, "Pirates!" Knowing that the others might probably know as the hit resonated through the entire ship, Rii quickly took his ammunition clips and ran towards the windows to locate the ships. Finding them in the back, he attempted to find an open window to be able to open fire on the ships. He couldn't find one, so taking a risk, he climbed the ladder leading up to the roof of the ship. He found a hatch, and opened it. The wind was fairly strong. He took out his rifle and aimed for the captain, in attempt to take him down. However, the moment he shot, the wind slightly broke his aim, making him shoot one of the pirates instead.

[wonderweiss]

Oceanside, Ravendale

---

Gale stepped outside to catch a whiff of the fresh(ish) sea water. He leaned on the wall of the hotel he was staying at. He took a deep breath, taking in the scent. He tipped his tricorn over his eyes. Even though it was severely outdated as a fashion and served no purpose, he liked to wear it around. He wore his casual attire, which consisted of a white tunic, black pants and a red coat hanging loosely on his shoulders. The only times he puts his arms in the coat is when he's stating authority.

"... Know what?" Gale said. "We'll just not go out today. Take a small break."

He began walking to his ship harbored nearby. He climbed up the ship and saw his men scrambling, preparing to take off. He sighed and climbed to the quarter deck. He looked down on the men with crossed arms, preparing for an announcement. He cleared his throat.

"MEN!" He yelled out.

The entire crew dropped everything. They all saluted and answered "HOY, SIR!"

"Listen up... Stop what you're doing- oh yea, at ease, men." All of the men put their hands down and Gale continued. "Alright. Stop everything you're doing because... We're staying here for the night!" He announced with a smile. No one responded. He raised an eyebrow. "Bloody hell, I said at ease! Celebrate, we're taking a break on land!"

At that, the crew began cheering and whistling. Captain Winters raised his hand to calm the crew.

"Now then, first thing's first, get ready to sail tomorrow night. Otherwise, unwind a bit. Take your share and go spend it on whatever your heart desires. No stealing other people's share. If I catch wind that someone stole someone's share, well, they won't be expecting another payment until the end of the month, which is a ways to go. Don't go killing. We're trying to relax, don't alert people of our status as pirates. This is Oceanside! Gamble if you want! Go to a fancy restaurant! If you need to borrow a portion of someone's share, ask 'em. If they say no, deal with it. I won't stop you from asking others, but hey, it's your reputation. If you want to go to another hotel, feel free to. Actually, I encourage it. It may be a little suspicious that a bunch of men go to one hotel. We'd be at a bigger risk of getting caught. And finally, if push comes to shove, listen for the call. If you hear it, drop everything you're doing and head over immediately. If you leave something, deal with it. Rather to leave something replaceable than risk your own freedom. AM I CLEAR!?"

"HOY, SIR!"

"Good! Now then... GET OUT THERE!"

The ship was immediately deserted within the span of three seconds. Gale jumped off the quarter deck and pulled up a nearby chair. He sat near the entrance and pulled up the board used to walk in to the ship. He sat back, took out a bottle of rum he's been saving in his coat and began drinking up. He served to watch the ship for anyone who wanted to steal from the seemingly empty ship.

[SUSTIC]

Airspace

Mard was inside the cargo bay when he felt the ship shake after hearing the sound of cannons being fired. At this unexpected turn of events he stood up. "Oh my are pirates attacking? Well this is definitely unexpected. Should I go and check on my new acquaintances? It would surely be bad if something happened to them so soon... then again we are high up in the skies..." Mard said as he began weighing the options of whether he should go out and see what is happening, or stay in here where it is safe. If he goes outside he risks putting himself in immediate danger of the pirates attacking the ship, and even falling off the ship. However if he stays in here and refuses to help then his new comrades could potentially get killed and the ship will go crashing into the ocean... or worse, he gets captured by pirates and is sold for a high price to some shallow rich man.

Both options made Mard shudder in fear, but not he figured that the best course of action is to see what is really happening outside. "I swear if I go out there and there are bloody pirates on this ship, then call me a Monkey's Uncle..." He muttered angrily to himself as he left the cargo bay.

[Kristia]

Airspace

Walking calmly towards the piloting room, Lia looked at Thomas who was on the upper level of the ship "Tell me when you get the captain, but for the moment focus on the gunners, also strap yourself, there is a security belt close to the hatch" she said like if they were walking through a park.

Then the redhead got on her seat and strapped herself grabbing on the main controls "This is your pilot speaking, we have two pirate ships coming towards us and are trying to either take us down or capture us, please get ready to counter attack" she said through her microphone and then said more seriously "Thomas, Mard, I hope you are safely strapped, we are going for speed and attack" she spoke making a quick maneuver.

The ship made a quick turn to its right and headed between both pirate airships. Two turrets appeared on the right and left upper parts of the ship and started firing to the zeppelins.