Trinity Universe: The Lost Treasure of Sir Henry Morgan

[Asbjørn]

The sun is setting behind him as Thomas King stands staring out to sea. The palm trees around him sway a little in the breeze and cast their long shadows out over the gentle waves. A poetic soul would probably describe him as a man who belongs just there. He's in his early twenties, and his blonde, a bit too long hair almost gets in his eyes when the wind doesn't catch it. He's built like a swimmer, and has an olympic gold-medal to show for it. For a moment the young man considers going for a swim, but decides against it after a glance at his wristwatch. The other members of the expedition should be arriving shortly, so he'd better wait.

'There should be plenty of chances for that later' he smiles to himself as he turns and walks back across the beach to the Aeon Society's new chapter house in Miami. On the way he checks in on the guest bungalows, and satisfied that everything is in order he jogs up the hill to the main house.

Sitting by a table on the roof terrace is Ms Victoria Morgan, her hair made even redder by the light of the setting sun. She looks up from the crossword puzzle as the man comes up the outer stairs, flashing him the friendly smile that has helped her close so many deals lately. ::bigsmile "Restless? You have to learn to relax, kiddo. You won't grow old if you don't have the patience to sit still once in a while, you know." ::wink

The man pulls out a chair and joins her "I'll grow old soon enough, and there's no point in wasting the time I've got. Not everybody's got as much time as you, Vicki." He smiles at the thought of how many men have been romancing the attractive widow Morgan not knowing how old she really is. Looking at his watch again, he asks: "Is it just me, or are they late?"

- "It's just you. They'll be here soon. I'm not sure how many, though. ::confused Jake and Steven have been busy sorting through the people who showed an interest trying to find out if there are any... unwanted elements. Consequently, I'm not really sure how many they have invited here tonight. We'll see soon enough."

Thomas King sighs, but is not about to start the old discussion about the virtue of patience again. They do that more than often enough. ::rolleyes Instead they spend the time smalltalking about the days ahead, waiting for the visitors to arrive. Not long after, a young hispanic woman opens the terrace door. "Mrs Morgan? You have a visitor."

Sitting up, King answers before Mrs Morgan can even open her mouth. "At last! Well, don't just stand there, Maria. Bring him up here!"

[Archer21]

Ducking the doorframe as he steps onto the terrace, Sir Robert "Roughneck" Hawkshaw is an impressive figure. A bit over 6 feet tall, his massive frame makes him seem shorter. A bull-like neck and shoulders an axe-handle wide taper down to a surpisingly narrow waist; thick and powerful legs stretch to the floor. Dark, short-cropped hair tops a tanned and rugged face.

Known across the British empire for his heroic exploits in the name of the crown; his knighthood granted for saving his crewmates from certain death at the hands of pirates. His stunning good looks and restless nature have conspired to leave a trail of broken hearts along his many travels. ::wub

His clothes are nondescript, save for his trademark; a thick, high-collared and extremely weather-beaten leather jacket. A large gunnysack is slung over one shoulder; a bright grin creases across his face as he speaks.

" 'Ello then! Looks to be that I'm the first one to arrive. Where should I set my things?"

[Asbjørn]

The semicircular roof terrace Roughneck steps out on is the best part of the art deco villa so far. It's about thirty feet across, and has an absolutely stunning view of the Atlantic. To a sailor like him it feels almost like standing on the bridge of a ship, except for the palm trees he can see through the terrace railing.

\" 'Ello then! Looks to be that I'm the first one to arrive. Where should I set my things?\"

The young man is the first to get up and greet him, striding quickly over the terrace to meet the giant englishman. He offers his hand to shake and smiles as he introduces himself as "Thomas King here. Call me Tom. Nice to meet you! You're Robert Hawkshaw, aren't you? What a surprise! Nobody's told me anything about who's coming here tonight... ::sly I think it amuses Vicki to keep me in the dark some times. Come, let me introduce you."

While the young man bids Roughneck welcome, the woman gets up from the table. She's an attractive woman in her early thirties, of average height and build, and unlike most redheads she's got a healthy tan. Her green eyes and warm smile add to the friendly face, and by the time Tom gets around to introducing them her face shows no trace of her immediate reaction to the unbelievably handsome man who just entered.

- "Sir Robert Hawkshaw, this is Ms Victoria Morgan. She's the boss around here." ::biggrin

- "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Robert. Please, sit down with us. Shaking Roughneck's hand as firmly as any officer ever has, Ms Morgan gestures to a seat at the table. And don't let Tom scare you, I'm not that bossy. Just leave your things by the door, and I'll have Diego bring them to your bungalow."

The young woman who opened the door for Roughneck comes around serving coffee or tea or whatever he wants, including food if he's hungry. Her name is Maria, and she has obviously made it her mission to make sure that everything is to the gentleman's liking. While she fusses over the newcommer, both Tom and Ms Morgan appear to be smiling a bit at her behaviour. When she leaves, Tom leans forward and asks "So... have you ever been in the Caribbean before?"

[Archer21]

The semicircular roof terrace Roughneck steps out on is the best part of the art deco villa so far. It's about thirty feet across, and has an absolutely stunning view of the Atlantic. To a sailor like him it feels almost like standing on the bridge of a ship, except for the palm trees he can see through the terrace railing.

\"Bloomin' marvelous, this is. Nice indeed!\" Dropping his bag with a thud by the door, he steps forward to meet Tom.

\"Good to meet ya mate. Yes, please, introduce me to the lady! ::bigsmile \" A bit taken aback by shaking hands with a woman, he tries not to squeeze too hard. Grinning at her, he replies. \"Beggin' your pardon miss, but you're by far the prettiest boss I've ever had! It's a real pleasure, it is.\"

Letting the maid take his order for some fish n' chips, along with a beer or three, he gives her a wink before she goes. ::sly

\"So... have you ever been in the Caribbean before?\"

"Not for any long time, no...though I've passed through quite a bit. Stopped in Jamaica once in a while, nice place for shore leave. Quite the night life!"

[Asbjørn]

Letting the maid take his order for some fish n' chips, along with a beer or three, he gives her a wink before she goes.  ::sly

Ms Morgan smiles a little apologetically and says \"I am truly sorry, Sir Robert, but I'm afraid you'll have to wait with the beer until you're out of US territory. Wether we like the prohibition or not, our current legislation makes consuming alcohol just another way of supporting criminal activity, and there's far too much of that as it is. Once the expedition is on its way, however, and you anchor on a caribbean island, I won't stop you at all.\"

\"Not for any long time, no...though I've passed through quite a bit. Stopped in Jamaica once in a while, nice place for shore leave. Quite the night life!\"

Tom nods like he knows exactly what he's talking about. "It sure is! We'll most likely be stopping by Jamaica, by the way. Maybe you'll get the chance to visit some of your old haunts again."

[ProfPotts]

The semicircular roof terrace Roughneck steps out on is the best part of the art deco villa so far. It's about thirty feet across, and has an absolutely stunning view of the Atlantic...

Those looking out to sea notice a growing disturbance in the water - as if some great beast of a sea-creature was surfacing from the depths. Soon enough the churning water parts to reveal the riveted metal hide of a gigantic man-made 'beast'!

The craft is unlike any submarine seen before - what can be seen above the water-line looks more like a wide metal island than a U-boat, although the more worldy observers may recognise the craft's silhouette as resembling that of a member of the Hypotremata family of cartilaginous fish (more commonly called 'rays'). The vessel appears to be fully as large as any luxury steam liner.

Moments later a hatch on top of the vessel is opened from within, & several figures (dressed in the short-sleeved shirts common to sailors in warmer climates) emerge. They look along the coast, one using a pair of binoculars, then wave at the group on the roof terrace when they spot them. ::smiley5

One of the sailors returns through the hatch. A while later a large pair of doors (still dwarfed by the overall size of the submersible) slide open at the rear of the vessel, on the water line, & a motorised launch emerges & heads for the coast. On board the smaller boat can be seen two sailors (one looks Asian, the other African), a young Polynesian lady (dressed in male clothes no less!), & an old man with a full beard wearing a long coat & a peaked cap.

Eventually the lauch docks near the house, the sailors move to secure it, & both the old man & the young lady hop out & head up the hill.

Soon Maria escorts the pair to the group on the roof...

... The young lady appears to be in her mid teens & is very pretty. Her masculine clothes appear tailored to fit her, & fail completely to hide her feminine features - the short-sleeved shirt tied under her bosom leaves her midrift scandalously bare, & the trousers she's wearing hug her legs tightly. She beams a bright smile at the group & seems very excited.

The old man appears to be in his sixties. He's a bear of a man, a shade over six feet tall (although in comparison to Sir Robert he seems quite the weed... ::smile ). His heavy eyebrows & full beard are a 'salt & pepper' blend of original black & age-produced greys & white. His skin appears quite weathered. However, his most distinct features are his shadowed, dark, eyes, with an unnerving glint of fierce light within. He's wearing a heavy oilskin overcoat on top of a captain's uniform (non-military), which is accented by the obligatory captain's hat he wears. Due to the heat he removes the overcoat & hands it to Maria, then pats his pockets as if looking for something. Unable to find what he's after he calls Maria back before she vanishes with his coat (his voice clear & powerful, his accent English), searches that as well, then finally produces a pipe, tabacco, & matches. He thanks the maid, & starts to fill the pipe as he turns to the others on the roof,

"Good day to you all. The young lady", he nods in the direction of the Polynesian girl, "is Minerva, my granddaughter. She insisted on coming..."

Minerva frowns at her grandfather, then smiles again at the group,

"Hi!"

The old man continues,

"... and, for those of you who don't read the papers - I'm Captain Sir Abner Park. 'Captain' will be fine though."

[Archer21]

Those looking out to sea notice a growing disturbance in the water - as if some great beast of a sea-creature was surfacing from the depths. Soon enough the churning water parts to reveal the riveted metal hide of a gigantic man-made 'beast'!

The craft is unlike any submarine seen before - what can be seen above the water-line looks more like a wide metal island than a U-boat, although the more worldy observers may recognise the craft's silhouette as resembling that of a member of the Hypotremata family of cartilaginous fish (more commonly called 'rays'). The vessel appears to be fully as large as any luxury steam liner.

Startled by the appearance of the strange-looking creature, Roughneck exclaims, "Bloody hell! That's a big fish!"

Soon realizing that it's a ship or boat of some kind, he flushes in embarrasment. ::blush Trying to cover his slip, he replies to the prohibiton comments.

"No suds? A shame, that. Well, not the first time I've gone without. How's about some tea, then?"

As Captain Abner introduces himself, Roughneck squints at him with a puzzled look on his face, before barking out, "Wait a minute! I know you! You're that crazy bloke who damn near crashed us into the reefs trying make port in that bloody storm!" Grinning from ear to ear, he sticks out his meaty paw for a shake. "Good to see ya again!"

[Asbjørn]

Those looking out to sea notice a growing disturbance in the water - as if some great beast of a sea-creature was surfacing from the depths. Soon enough the churning water parts to reveal the riveted metal hide of a gigantic man-made 'beast'!

Startled by the appearance of the strange-looking creature, Roughneck exclaims, \"Bloody hell! That's a big fish!\"

Hearing Roughneck's outburst, Tom rises quickly from his seat at the table. \"What the hell is that...?\" He walks over to the railing and picks up a pair of binoculars hanging there. Only a few moments of observation later he says \"Well, what do you know... Vicki, please tell me you didn't know this! That's the greatest, most advanced submarine in the world! That's the Nausicaa, that is!\" His face is lit up as he goes back to studying the vessel rising from the deep.

When Captain Park and his granddaughter come up the stairs and out on the terrace a short time later, Minerva does indeed look and sound like a cheerful and excited young girl. As soon as she sees Roughneck turn to face them, though, she suddenly goes very quiet as her jaw drops a notch or two... ::wow ::wub ::blush She desperately tries to take her eyes off him while her grandfather fumbles with his pipe, and doesn't really snap out of it until the old man mentions her name.

The old man continues,

\"... and, for those of you who don't read the papers - I'm Captain Sir Abner Park. 'Captain' will be fine though.\"

Ms Morgan approaches the old sailor, her manner as friendly and professional as earlier when she shakes his hand. "Captain it is, then. Welcome to Florida! I'm Victoria Morgan, and this is Thomas King..." - she gestures and smiles to the younger man by her side - "...who I believe have more than a few questions regarding that marvellous vessel of yours." Seeing that Roughneck recognizes the Captain, she adds: "I see you two have met before? Hardly surprising, I guess... I must say it's a pleasure to meet two of Britain's most celebrated heroes at the same time, not to mention actually working with both of you. I can assure you we're all looking forward to it." ::bigsmile

Thomas King nods his hello to Minerva and steps forward to shake the Captain's hand as well. "It's an honor to meet you, Sir. I've spent quite some time under water myself, but to explore the ocean depths in a vessel such as yours is something I have only dreamt of. So far, at least... ::wink Now, I know from that article in the National Geographic last year that you don't often let guests aboard, but I hope you'll make an exception and give us all a tour later."

After having put the Captain's coat away Maria returns with a pot of tea and a few cups, as well as the fish'n'chips Roughneck ordered. It's not quite the quality he's used to (bloody yankees don't even know how to cook...), and it's not hard to tell that Maria is a bit ashamed about that... ::blush She hurriedly excuses herself after asking the newcomers if they need anything.

[ProfPotts]

As Captain Abner introduces himself, Roughneck squints at him with a puzzled look on his face, before barking out, \"Wait a minute! I know you! You're that crazy bloke who damn near crashed us into the reefs trying make port in that bloody storm!\" Grinning from ear to ear, he sticks out his meaty paw for a shake. \"Good to see ya again!\"

The Captain seems to think for a bit, pipe pausing halfway to his lips, then smiles,

\"Ah yes - you must be one of those Royal Marines? Hawkshaw wasn't it? Earnt y'self a knighthood for that business with them pirate chaps, correct? Good to see you again too, lad.\"

He then lights his pipe, shielding the match from the breeze with his cupped hands like a true expert, & adding, after a few puffs,

\"And, if you recall, it wasn't a case 'trying to make port', but rather one of 'making port' - & without any injuries either. I'd like to see any man do better.\" ::wink

Ms Morgan approaches the old sailor, her manner as friendly and professional as earlier when she shakes his hand. \"Captain it is, then. Welcome to Florida! I'm Victoria Morgan, and this is Thomas King...\"

The Captain shakes the lady's hand,

\"Miss Morgan. A pleasure.\"

Thomas King nods his hello to Minerva and steps forward to shake the Captain's hand as well. \"It's an honor to meet you, Sir. I've spent quite some time under water myself, but to explore the ocean depths in a vessel such as yours is something I have only dreamt of. So far, at least...  Now, I know from that article in the National Geographic last year that you don't often let guests aboard, but I hope you'll make an exception and give us all a tour later.\"

Having shaken Tom's hand as well the Captain smiles ::sly & replies,

\"I could hardly refuse Aeon after ol' Jack got 'em to help out with her construction. I expect you'll be wantin' to talk to Mr Quick, our chief engineer, about all the doo-hickies & what-not.\"

She hurriedly excuses herself after asking the newcomers if they need anything.

"Tea is fine, thank you.", replies the Captain, settling into a chair. To the others he adds, "The lad's be wantin' to get a bit further out to sea for their rum rations - damn fool 'prohibition' you Colonial chaps have dreamt up. Whatever next? A ban on smoking in public?" ::laugh

[Archer21]

\"Ah yes - you must be one of those Royal Marines? Hawkshaw wasn't it? Earnt y'self a knighthood for that business with them pirate chaps, correct? Good to see you again too, lad. And, if you recall, it wasn't a case 'trying to make port', but rather one of 'making port' - & without any injuries either. I'd like to see any man do better.\"

"Oh, no offense meant, Cap'n! Just reliving the mem'ry."

Still wearing his thick leather jacket, he looks strangely comfortable, not seeming to sweat at all. Smiling at Maria as she brings him his food, he digs in, chewing happily and waiting for any more information as to why he's here.

[Asbjørn]

Having shaken Tom's hand as well the Captain smiles ::sly  & replies,

\"I could hardly refuse Aeon after ol' Jack got 'em to help out with her construction. I expect you'll be wantin' to talk to Mr Quick, our chief engineer, about all the doo-hickies & what-not.\"

Grinning from ear to ear, Tom says "I most certainly will! Maybe I'll just give her a look from the outside first, though..."

Ms Morgan is obviously amused by her companion's excitement as she interrupts his line of thought: "As I understand, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the Nausicaa later, Tom. According to Steven, he and captain Park have agreed to use it as our main means of transportation throughout the expedition. Isn't that so, Captain?"

Looking over at the old sailor her face takes on a thoughtful expression. "Of course, there are more reasons why that's a good idea than just the thrill of new discoveries for some of us." After a short moment of silence she adds: "But Steven will tell you more about that when he arrives."

Meanwhile, Minerva has been walking around the terrace and checking out the villa and the nearby bungalows. Dutifully sitting down next to her grandfather she picks up her cup of tea and says in an almost accusing tone "Granddad, how come you never told me you've sailed with Roughneck Hawkshaw? He's famous!" - She turns to the big man across the table, giving him a dazzling white smile. - "He never tells me anything..." ::bigsmile "Hey! Do you want to see the sub as well? I can show you around!"

[ProfPotts]

Ms Morgan is obviously amused by her companion's excitement as she interrupts his line of thought: \"As I understand, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the Nausicaa later, Tom. According to Steven, he and captain Park have agreed to use it as our main means of transportation throughout the expedition. Isn't that so, Captain?\"

\"Quite correct, m'dear\", replies the Captain, taking a sip of tea, then continuing to puff on his pipe, \"although I'm mostly in the dark about the details of this expedit'n m'self. Still - an adventure's an adventure - an' this ol' sea dog is ready for a few more yet!\"

Meanwhile, Minerva has been walking around the terrace and checking out the villa and the nearby bungalows. Dutifully sitting down next to her grandfather she picks up her cup of tea and says in an almost accusing tone \"Granddad, how come you never told me you've sailed with Roughneck Hawkshaw? He's famous!\" - She turns to the big man across the table, giving him a dazzling white smile. - \"He never tells me anything...\"  \"Hey! Do you want to see the sub as well? I can show you around!\"

The Captain raises a bushy eyebrow at his granddaughter's words,

"I don't recall the lad doin' much o' the sailing, Min...", he trails off when he realises his young descendent isn't paying any attention to him...

Park's stare flashes between Min & Hawkshaw for a few moments as he continues to sip his tea, then he fixes his Steely Gaze on the young hero & comments,

"You'll have to forgive Min's enthusiasm, Hawkshaw; she's very young, but most precious to her grandmother & me - I don't know what I'd do if anythin' happened to her..." ::sly

[Archer21]

Park's stare flashes between Min & Hawkshaw for a few moments as he continues to sip his tea, then he fixes his Steely Gaze on the young hero & comments,

\"You'll have to forgive Min's enthusiasm, Hawkshaw; she's very young, but most precious to her grandmother & me - I don't know what I'd do if anythin' happened to her...\"

Subconciously moving away from that gaze, Roughneck leans back in his chair casually, raising his hands in a mock gesture of surrender, saying with a grin, "Peace be, Cap'n. We can all understand the nature of youth, yeah? I'll assure ya, nuttin' will happen to lit'l Minerva if I've got a say in it."

Glancing over at Minerva, he speaks to her directly. "Don't worry little miss, I'll take that tour with ya. But a raincheck for now, yeah? You wouldn't mind if I wanted to talk to your Grandpa for a bit first? He and I got some catching up to do, anyways...isn't that right, Cap'n?"

[ProfPotts]

\"... You wouldn't mind if I wanted to talk to your Grandpa for a bit first? He and I got some catching up to do, anyways...isn't that right, Cap'n?\"

In an instant the more unnerving elements of Park's stare vanish, as he smiles ::smile , reclines in his chair, & puffs his pipe, looking out to sea,

"Aye lad, I reckon we do at that..." ::wink

He glances towards Ms Morgan,

"And will we be having the pleasure of many more guests on this little 'cruise', m'dear? I'd hate to start regaling you with tales o' me many exploits, only to be interrupted half way through..." ::sly

[Asbjørn]

Minerva knows very well to be a good girl when her granddad starts giving people the eye and becomes very quiet after the captain's silent outburst. When Roughneck speaks to her she just nods and leans back with her cup of tea.

He glances towards Ms Morgan,

\"And will we be having the pleasure of many more guests on this little 'cruise', m'dear? I'd hate to start regaling you with tales o' me many exploits, only to be interrupted half way through...\" 

Ms Morgan looks at her watch before she replies. "Well, we are expecting a few more people to turn up. And I think you'll have plenty of chances to share your stories later, Captain. For now, though... I'd like to tell you a bit about your next adventure."

Pouring herself another cup of coffee, she clears her throat before she continues.

- "I assume you've heard of Sir Henry Morgan?" Seeing that at least Minerva looks a bit unsure, she explains. "He was a welsh sailor who through loyal service to the Crown gained his knighthood and the position as Governor of Jamaica, as well as being an Admiral of the fleet, a brilliant strategist and, according to more than a few romantics, the most dangerous and cunning pirate who ever sailed the Caribbean. The last part is why he is of interest to us, of course." ::smile

"Before he was a governor he was a buccaneer, capturing ships, crew and resources from Britain's enemies, most notably Spain. One of his greatest exploits was his capture of a shipment of indian gold from Mexico to Spain, a cargo that not only contained immense monetary values, but also cultural treasures that now are lost to us."

"You can guess what happened, of course. Beat up as she was by the fight with the spaniards, heavy laden with gold and out in bad weather, Morgan's ship the Challenge went down somewhere between Cuba and Jamaica. The captain and most of the crew were rescued, but the loot was gone forever."

"That is, until now. Thanks to my late husband whose lifework this expedition was, we now know were she sank. And thanks to modern technology it is now within our reach."

[Archer21]

edited: double post

[Archer21]

Leaning forward in interest during the story of Sir Henry Morgan, Roughneck has a gleam in his eye by the end.

\"That is, until now. Thanks to my late husband whose lifework this expedition was, we now know were she sank. And thanks to modern technology it is now within our reach.\"

Clapping his hands together in glee, Roughneck excitement leaks into his voice. "Righto then! We get to do an honest-to-god treasure hunt!"

He smiles broadly.

Standing up, he walks over to the edge of the terrace, looking out at the sea. Turning his head to look back at Ms. Morgan. "Where does she lie? And beggin' your pardon, but what's new technology got to do with it? Is she real deep then?"

[Asbjørn]

Standing up, he walks over to the edge of the terrace, looking out at the sea. Turning his head to look back at Ms. Morgan. \"Where does she lie? And beggin' your pardon, but what's new technology got to do with it? Is she real deep then?\"

Following Roughneck with her eyes, she nods as she answers "Yes. Deeper than we have been able to reach before. Between Cuba and Jamaica, just south of the Cayman Islands, there is a deep 'canyon' called the Cayman Trench. Nobody knows how deep it is. Anyway, Sir Morgan's notes gives a position that is on the edge of the trench, and all the reachable depths have already been searched."

"Now, I'm no scientist, but the short of it is that the air we breathe up here is dangerous at higher pressures, like deep in the ocean. Recently important discoveries have been made involving mixing helium and oxygen, allowing safe breathing in the deep. The best submarines, like the Nausicaa, can probably go deep enough, but exploration like this requires the possibility of actually going out on the ocean floor."

[Ayre el KaBeer]

At the door:

A man in his early twenties has appeared at the door, as he is greeted by the Hispanic woman "Hola el fallo, lo puede informa Sra. Morgan ese David Harrington aquí la deberán ver." ::smile

(OOC: I used a translation website so bear with me if it's wrong, what was said was: Hello miss, can you inform Ms. Morgan that David Harrington is here to see her)

[Asbjørn]

- "Buenas noches y bienvenida, Sr Harrison. Sígame, por favor." Maria takes David's hat and jacket, if he has any, and leads him through the house and up to the floor terrace.

Stepping out on the terrace, he overhears the last part of Ms Morgan's explanation. Waiting until she finishes, Maria introduces him. "Ms Morgan, señor Harrison is here."

Ms Morgan greets the new arrival with a short nod "Hi, David. Nice to meet you again." Tom, however, gets up and walks over to the newcommer, gripping his hand in a hearty handshake. "Dave! Long time no see, pal! How have you been? Glad you could come along on this one. I've a feeling it's gonna be great!" Turning back to the table he says "This is Captain Abner Park and his granddaughter Minerva, and this gentleman is Sir Robert Hawkshaw. Gentlemen, let me introduce you to David Harrington, a good friend of mine and a man who has helped me out of more troublesome situations than I care to tell you about." ::biggrin

[Archer21]

Still at the terrace railing, Roughneck turns at the appearance of the newcomer.

Grinning broadly, he walks over to introduce himself, taking David's hand in a crushing grip.

" 'Lo there! Don't bother with that 'sir' bit, just call me Roughneck! You're David, yeah? What'll be your job on this little adventure?"

[Ayre el KaBeer]

The man who has been introduced, in a single breasted grey suit. He is about six feet tall with an athletic build, he has neat dark hair and brown eyes, with a squared off jaw and straight nose. Though not ugly, he's nothing to brag about either.

Ms Morgan greets the new arrival with a short nod \"Hi, David. Nice to meet you again.\"

\"A pleasure as always Ms Morgan\" He says in a British accent.

\"Dave! Long time no see, pal! How have you been? \"

\"I've been well, Uncle says hello in his last telegram. What about you Tom, broken any world records lately?\"

Glad you could come along on this one. I've a feeling it's gonna be great!

\"Ha! That's what you told me the last time. So what trouble have you lined up for us this time Mr. King?\"

\"This is Captain Abner Park and his granddaughter Minerva, and this gentleman is Sir Robert Hawkshaw. Gentlemen, let me introduce you to David Harrington, a good friend of mine and a man who has helped me out of more troublesome situations than I care to tell you about.\"

David nodding his head to the others \"Captain... Minerva... Sir Hawkshaw\".

\" 'Lo there! Don't bother with that 'sir' bit, just call me Roughneck! You're David, yeah? What'll be your job on this little adventure?\"

"err ::confused ... Of course Roughneck from that pirate incident, correct? ::bigsmile . As for my job on this adventure, I'm uncertain, I guess it's too keep him" gesturing towards Thomas "out of trouble" ::rolleyes .

[Asbjørn]

... As for my job on this adventure, I'm uncertain, I guess it's too keep him\" gesturing towards Thomas \"out of trouble\" ::rolleyes .

With a serious look and a hint of sadness in her voice, Ms Morgan replies "I'm afraid that might be more called for than you might think, David. We're not the only ones who seek this wreck." She pauses as she gets the men's attention again.

- "Like I said, my late husband searched for the Challenge for many years. And he was killed because of it." Here her cool, businessminded mask cracks and her voice trembles a bit. "I intend to finish what my husband started. It might be dangerous, which is why you gentlemen are a most welcome addition. We don't know who killed my husband or who our competitor is, but we have a pretty good idea. Tom will tell you what we know and how later. I... don't want to talk about it."

[ProfPotts]

\"That is, until now. Thanks to my late husband whose lifework this expedition was, we now know were she sank. And thanks to modern technology it is now within our reach.\"

Park frowns slightly,

\"I do apologise, Mrs Morgan, I had no idea you had been widowed - you have my heartfelt condolences. My first wife died young, so I have a certain sympathy for your situation.\"

He smiles in a reassuring manner ::smile ,

\"I'm sure the late Mr Morgan would be delighted to know that you're continuing his work. May I ask - was this a family matter for him? Was he, in fact, related to Sir Henry?\"

David nodding his head to the others \"Captain... Minerva... Sir Hawkshaw\".

The Captain stands & offers his hand,

\"Mr Harrison.\", he says (using the name Maria announced him as... ::wink )

Here her cool, businessminded mask cracks and her voice trembles a bit.

Park quickly passes the widow a nice cup of tea - that should sort her out! ::wink

"Forgive my continued questions about your late husband, Mrs Morgan, but was he perhaps related to the famed marine biologist Dr Morgan, who also passed-away recently? A son or nephew perhaps?"

[Asbjørn]

\"I'm sure the late Mr Morgan would be delighted to know that you're continuing his work. May I ask - was this a family matter for him? Was he, in fact, related to Sir Henry?\"

- \"Yes he was. Admittedly, it took him a few years of genealogical research to be certain, but my husband was descended from an illegitimate son of Sir Henry who none the less was given his father's name by his mother. Not as romatic as being the great pirate's legitimate heir, of course, but to him it was a personal pursuit as well as a scientific one.\"

\"Forgive my continued questions about your late husband, Mrs Morgan, but was he perhaps related to the famed marine biologist Dr Morgan, who also passed-away recently? A son or nephew perhaps?\"

- "No, captain. I can understand how you might be a bit confused on the matter, but Dr Frederick Morgan was my husband."

[Ayre el KaBeer]

\"I'm afraid that might be more called for than you might think, David. We're not the only ones who seek this wreck.\"

David gives Thomas an "I knew it!" ::glare look, before returning his attention to Ms Morgan.

[Archer21]

\"I intend to finish what my husband started. It might be dangerous, which is why you gentlemen are a most welcome addition. We don't know who killed my husband or who our competitor is, but we have a pretty good idea.\"

Roughneck frowns angrily at this statement. ::angry

"Right then. I promise you miss, those blokes'll pay in spades if they decide to cause more trouble."

[ProfPotts]

\"No, captain. I can understand how you might be a bit confused on the matter, but Dr Frederick Morgan was my husband.\"

Apparantly unfazed by this revelation the Captain replies,

"My apologies Mrs Morgan, it appears that either I've been incorrectly informed, or that you're remarkably good looking for y'age." ::sly

He chuckles to himself,

"Sorry. Maybe you're th' good Doctor's second wife?"

Turning to David, Park asks,

"I'm sorry, Mr Harrison, but I didn't catch what it was that's y'trade? I don't believe for a second that it's nannyin' young Thomas here..." ::sly

[Ayre el KaBeer]

Turning to David, Park asks,

\"I'm sorry, Mr Harrison, but I didn't catch what it was that's y'trade? I don't believe for a second that it's nannyin' young Thomas here...\"

"You'd be surprised Captain. Though you are correct, I am something of a liguist, though I'm not sure I'll be much help in, where was it again Tom? The Carribean? Due to the immense diversity and combinations of tongues used there. No I get the feeling for this trip, it's probably my sword arm that'll be in demmand, just like every other adventure Mr. King," David mock bows to Thomas "has inviteded me on" ::sarcasm .

[ProfPotts]

[OOC: Is it Harrison or Harrington? David introduced himself to the maid as one, but she then used the other. Park has been using the name the maid gave, & hasn't been corrected yet, so was David mistaken about his own name? Or does he just have loads of Cipher?.. ::confused ]

The Captain smiles at David's words,

"Well, there's always a place for another good 'sword arm' on-board - even if we hope to not need it."

Gesturing towards Minerva he continues,

"Lil' Minnow here's a bit o' a dab hand wit' th' ol' languages herself - maybe she can give you a few pointers?" ::biggrin

[Ayre el KaBeer]

[OOC: Sorry, I didn't correct you because I thought you were joking, QUOTE Asbjørn: Gentlemen, let me introduce you to David Harrington, a good friend of mine and a man who has helped me out of more troublesome situations than I care to tell you about." ]

[ProfPotts]

[OOC: Yeah, you're right. Sorry I missed that. At least Park's old enough that he can be excused the occassional lapse... ::wacko ]

[Asbjørn]

\"My apologies Mrs Morgan, it appears that either I've been incorrectly informed, or that you're remarkably good looking for y'age.\"

- \"Why, thank you, captain. I am, aren't I? ::wink It's the strangest thing, but circumstances around Fred's death were very traumatic for me, and battling through them changed me a lot. In more ways than I thought possible, actually. I found myself again having the resolve and energy I had as a young woman, and amazingly this was also reflected in my phsique. It is a strange world we live in, is it not?\"

\"You'd be surprised Captain. Though you are correct, I am something of a liguist, though I'm not sure I'll be much help in, where was it again Tom? The Carribean? Due to the immense diversity and combinations of tongues used there. No I get the feeling for this trip, it's probably my sword arm that'll be in demmand, just like every other adventure Mr. King,\" David mock bows to Thomas \"has inviteded me on\"  .

Thomas shakes his head and laughs a little. "You make it sound like you didn't enjoy our little journeys at all! Granted, we've had a few close calls, but it hasn't been all bad, has it? And besides, I've saved your hide a few times, too. Anyway; You'll get a long way with english, french and spanish in the Caribbean, even if I guess we might have a hard time with some of the dialects. You'll be fine. Besides, most of the people we'll be dealing with will be long dead and at 600 feet under water."

While King is talking a phone can be heard ringing from inside the house. Moments later Maria calls Mrs Morgan inside to answer it. When she's inside, King leans forward over the table and says in a lower voice than before: "If that's the phonecall she's been waiting for, I guess we have enough time now for me to explain a little about the problems we might have ahead, and why this is a touchy subject for Vicky." He takes a sip from his coffee, and, making sure he's got everybody's attention asks: "Do any of you know anything about voodoo? Or a man called Mr Saturday?"

[Ayre el KaBeer]

\"You make it sound like you didn't enjoy our little journeys at all! Granted, we've had a few close calls, but it hasn't been all bad, has it?

David lets out a laugh \"No, you're quite right. I do have fun on our journeys together, I just find it odd that they always result in us having to get away from certain individuals ::sly by the skin of our teeth.\"

And besides, I've saved your hide a few times, too.

"And it's always been apreciated ::smile ".

[Archer21]

Anyway; You'll get a long way with english, french and spanish in the Caribbean, even if I guess we might have a hard time with some of the dialects.

Grinning widely at David, Roughneck arches an eyeybrow at him. \"Parlevous francais, monsieur? Bon, bon...betcha didn't think ol' Roughneck spoke frog, eh mate?\"

\"Do any of you know anything about voodoo? Or a man called Mr Saturday?\"

The grin suddenly wiped from his face, Roughneck grimaces into his cup of tea. "Can't say I know much about voodoo, but Mister Saturday I've heard plenty about. Was a time or two me and the lads had good times with some of the..." here he pauses, and looking at Minerva, coughs before continuing, "very friendly ladies in Haiti. We heard some wicked tales 'bout that blokes habits; s'posedly raising the dead 'n such. Everything I've heard points to him bein' a nasty customer indeed."

[ProfPotts]

"Hmmm...", muses the Captain, "...it's been a while since I've had cause to tangle with the walking dead. Reminds me of the Pike Twins - though indistinguishable by sight, the elder twin had a rasping high-pitched laugh that sounded as if he were choking. That fateful night, after we'd found the bloody cockerel, we heard the same laugh emanate from both men..."

[Asbjørn]

Minerva leans forward interested at Thomas' question, and her face brightens even more at Roughneck's words. ::biggrin "I know what those 'ladies' do... I live on a ship, remember?" Hearing her grandfather about to embark on a new story ::rolleyes , she interrupts and says "Big Jim says the mambos can speak to spirits, and they can bless and curse people too."

Smiling at her expression, as well as nodding seriously to the captain and Roughneck's words Thomas replies "Well, that's what they say. The voodoo priests have a lot of power in the Caribbean, particularly on Haiti, and that's probably the most dangerous part of it. Anyway: What's this got to do with us, you're thinking. Well. Dr Morgan came in contact with voodooists in his search for the exact location of the Challenge, and somehow the wrong people learned of his success. He learned the hard way that it's impossible to know who to trust when voodoo is involved."

"Mostly the different mambo's circles in the caribbean are pretty isolated, but the last few years some of them have become more coordinated. The bad ones. It's like you say, Minerva, believer's in voodoo say there's one light and one dark side. The warlocks of the darker side are called bokkor, and they say that the most powerful of them is Mr Saturday. He's taken his name from Baron Samedi, one of the loas, or spirits. His domain is death, and Mr Saturday has indeed cast a deadly shadow over the Caribbean. Nobody knows who he is, but there are plenty of rumors."

He hesitates a moment, looks at Minerva and then at the Captain before he continues: "I don't know why he's interested in the Challenge, but I do know that Dr Morgan was killed and questioned at length to reveal everything he knew about her. And yes, I do mean in that order."

Letting his words sink in, and judging their reactions, he waits a moment before he finishes his tale. "I wasn't there myself, but the reason Vicki doesn't want to talk about this, is that when she and Jake Hudson went to rescue her husband she saw him as a zombie, one of the walking dead. She put him down herself."

[ProfPotts]

Minerva leans forward interested at Thomas' question, and her face brightens even more at Roughneck's words.  \"I know what those 'ladies' do... I live on a ship, remember?\"

The Captain gives the girl a quick side-glance & adds,

\"Please don't take that th' wrong way, gentlemen - Lil' Min's been brought-up correctly (despite appearances)...\" ::sly

Hearing her grandfather about to embark on a new story...

[More likely an old story... ::wink ]

... she interrupts and says \"Big Jim says the mambos can speak to spirits, and they can bless and curse people too.\"

\"An' he cooks a mean pot-roast too.\" ::biggrin

He hesitates a moment, looks at Minerva and then at the Captain before he continues: \"I don't know why he's interested in the Challenge, but I do know that Dr Morgan was killed and questioned at length to reveal everything he knew about her. And yes, I do mean in that order.\" Letting his words sink in, and judging their reactions, he waits a moment before he finishes his tale.

The Captain just 'tsks' to himself, puffs his pipe, & mutters,

\"Don' y'just hate it when that happens?\"

\"I wasn't there myself, but the reason Vicki doesn't want to talk about this, is that when she and Jake Hudson went to rescue her husband she saw him as a zombie, one of the walking dead. She put him down herself.\"

"Good for her. Dead men should stay dead, that's what I always say..."

[Asbjørn]

\"Good for her. Dead men should stay dead, that's what I always say...\"

- "Yeah, I guess you're right. It's not the subject I'm most familiar with, though. Hopefully we won't run into any of the sort on this journey. I just don't want you to be surprised in case we do cross paths with them."

Minerva seems to be thinking about what he's said, and it's obvious to the captain that she's not sure what to think about it all. Serious discussion of magic and walking dead outside of his own or Big Jim's stories are just a bit out of the ordinary. She gets up and walks over to the railing in silence.

Thomas shakes off his serious look and lightens up a bit: "So. What we do is get aboard the Nausicaa, go to the Cayman Trench, find the Challenge and bring up whatever the great pirate Morgan liberated from the Spanish. If we're lucky it's that simple. If not, we deal with it. We've all been in tight spots before, right?" ::bigsmile

Suddenly Minerva's voice cuts him off. Looking out to sea she's mouthing words that the others hardly hear at first, like someone reading a difficult text out loud to herself "-o-n-b-e-a-c-h... Granddad! There are people on the beach!" Turning to face the same way as the girl, the sailors can see a light signal from the Nausicaa blinking a repeated message in morse code:

"G H O S T - B O A T - L A N D E D - O N - B E A C H"

[ProfPotts]

\"Yeah, I guess you're right. It's not the subject I'm most familiar with, though. Hopefully we won't run into any of the sort on this journey. I just don't want you to be surprised in case we do cross paths with them.\"

The Captain laughs ::laugh ,

\"Walking dead, voodoo dolls, magic, men dressed-up as giant bats... I've seen it all... It takes quite a bit to 'suprise' this ol' sea dog!\" ::wink

\"... Granddad! There are people on the beach!\"

Park stands & walks to the side of the roof to calmly assess the situation. He glances over to where his own landing-craft is, to make sure the sailors left there have seen the newcomers & / or the message from the Nausicaa (& signals then - with appropriate hand gestures - if they haven't). Placing a hand on his granddaughter's shoulder he quietly praises her,

"Good girl Min, well spotted."