Dark Continent

[Sith]

Dr. Murphy Heebruc climbed up the steps from the lower deck. He got out and smelt the salty fresh air of the ocean and felt well. At last he was going to be able to publish his theories, once he got prove of them. He saw the two girls playing with birds, if they weren't studying them it was a good way to loose time.
He approached them and after greeting them he said "You should get under cover soon. That darkness in front of us is clearly trouble, and some people say that this ship's design is flawed and it would break under it..."

 

[Moneytalks]

"Dr Heebruc I believe?" Lucinda's voice inquired. "I've read some of your articles... quite... interesting to say the least." She turned to Gaia... still letting her fingers run across the silky feathers of the owl. "Gaia... it's just too beautiful... but the Dr is right... the weather ahead doesn't look good... perhaps we should go back down to our cabins?"

Lucinda looked at the owl again... wishing it could come with them. Just then she noticed a movement and turned around. She saw the back of a uniform. Was that Miles? What was he doing? She frowned but quickly dismissed it from her mind as the good Dr. Heebruc held open the doorway which lead to the cabins.

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

lava

turning my head to greet a gentleman, "hello sir, pleasure to meet you." i turn towards the storm they are mentioning, it looks evil. waving my hand i send the bird back to the air, as not to disturb it's natural cycle of life. i turn it back to a seagull, and it flys away. "im sorry, there is plenty of time later, i can show you all the animals of the world. for now, i believe that your statement, sir, about the ship being unsafe is making me uneasy." putting my hand flat up to my lips, palm up, as if blowing a kiss, i blow slightly towards the brimming clouds, stirring them up, setting them back a bit. "it is strong, i can't vaporize it. i have set it back a few minutes, but it is the strongest storm i have ever encountered. i don't understand why i can't send it back." i mumble something about being rusty, and shake my head. "for now we better get under cover." i follow them, looking back i frown at the storm. nature isnt happy, i wave my hand in direction of the storm, hopefully i calmed it a bit. closing the cabin door behind us. mumbling a few words, i pull a small owl from beneath my skirt and set it to fly onto her shoulder. i see her smile.

 

[RoseThorn]

OOC: Sorry, I was hoping someone would knock on the door but...Well, I had make something up

IC:
A man stood on the other side of the door with a gun.

"Don't make a sound, step back inside or I'll shoot you." The man's voice was rough and she realized that while she could take care of him, it'd be best to play along for now. I stepped back inside.

"Well, Mr. Dark, I'm afraid that you won't be making this trip, I've been observing you for a while and I believe you're the most anti-social. They know next to nothing about you and I think I should be able to replace you quite easily." His face shimered and her eyes widened as it become more like hers, only more...masculine.

"I need to go on this trip...So I'm afraid you have to die." The gun was suddenly pulled from his hand by an irratated shadow.

"Sorry, but I'm not in the mood to die just now..." He snarled and jumped at her. He slammed into her, throwing her to the ground. Her hat flew off and the man's eyes widened.

"You're..." he choked out. Rose didn't wait, she moved, flipping them. The knife in her boot was at his throat in a moment.

"Hate to do this but...Actually I don't hate to do this, you trying to kill me and all..." Rose slit his throat, flinching at the blood. He choked and she watched him die, as she had too many times before. The shadows moved, wrapping around the body and absorbing the blood. They would drop him in the sea somewhere. She sighed as she stripped and and washed up again, quickly washing her hair in the freezing water to get rid of the blood.

The shadows dressed her again and she balled up her still wet hair in her hat with a sigh and curse headed for her meeting with Stephan.

 

[Jonas]

Stephen climbed to the bridge deck, the monkey still on his shoulder. The Captain was standing next to the wheel and granted permission for Stephen to approach.
"Good day Captain, how are we faring?" The Captain pointed to the bow.
"We fare well today, however that storm ahead means trouble. I was about to summon you. We can try to sail around the storm, but we will loose more than a week. We can ride it out, and stay on schedule. How's your courage Mr. Rosewall?" The Captain raised an eyebrow at Stephen, who laughed.
"Captain make all haste to Africa. If you trust this ship so do I."
"Good show Mr. Rosewall. Helmsman, hold steady with the wind." Stephen started down the ladder to the passenger deck, pausing a moment to look back at Lucinda. The monkey grabbed his ear and chirped.
"OK girl, were going."

 

[Jonas]

Cooky

Cooky watched amazed as the young man, or woman, dispatched with the thug. He jumped to the door of her cabin.
"Easy now lassie, I mean you no harm. This here piece of garbage, he worked for me, no, no, he got out of line. I didn't order this, let me take care of the body." Rose faced the man, her knife ready and wet with blood.
"Who are you?" She took a step towards him.
"Easy now, call me Cooky. I could use a good hand like you," Cooky hefted the body up on his shoulder, "I'd like to make you an offer..." Steps echoed from down the hall.
"I've got to go now, let's keep this between us...a lassie?"

Stephen walked up to the open cabin door finding Rose again dressed as a man.
"Thorn, there you are lad. A storm is brewing, we need to fasten down the supplies, it will get pretty rough." The monkey chattered at Thorn, pulling Stephen's hair. "Ouch!
It seems your making her uneasy." Stephen took the ape in his arms petting her head. She continued to hiss at Thorn.
"Oh well, come on lad follow me to the hold."

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

lava

unable to really stay so cooped up, i sneak away back outside while they werent looking. back up on the deck, the wind was blowing something fierce, and the rain was beginning to fall in light dewey drops, calm drops that i was sure would turn to heavy soaking rain. standing on the edge of the boat, hands on the rail. i began to just stare at the storm, making swirling patterns in the clouds, i realized i need to practice a lot more if i am to be of any use on this trip. when did i let myself forget so many things? pulling my arms around me tightly i just gazed at the storm my burgundy eyes clouding as if connected to the weather. my mother always told me she could tell if a storm was coming by looking at my eyes. i sure did miss my mother. i suddenly had flashbacks of her disapearance, and my father...i shuddered. focusing back on the storm i began to hum, it was so much more calming for me to be up here in the raging storm than cooped up in a stuffy cabin.the rain began to pour down, i quickly waved my hand and my new clothing disappeared, so not to ruin it, and my old robe appeared. it seemed that the louder i hummed the louder the thunder boomed, the wind whiped my damp hair around my body, and my robe was soaked. i tried continueally to push the storm back, managing only a few times to set it back...

 

[RoseThorn]

Rose followed Stephan, her mind awhirl. It seemed the monkey could smell the blood and didn't like it. Not that she did either. But the rule of the street was kill or be killed, so why did she feel so bad about it after all this time?

"Cooky...Wonder what he wants..." she muttered softly keeping close to Stephan.

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda stepped out of her cabin just as Stephen and the young boy Thorn passed. Stephen seemed to be consoling the monkey who seemed to have attached itself permanently to him. Lucinda giggled. Her own little owl had stayed with her and cooed softly into her ear as if joining her amusement. For the most part it snuggled against her neck sleeping. It was a warm and comforting animal and so beautiful.

"Stephen?" She asked as he and the boy were about to open entrance to the supply area. He turned and Lucinda couldn't stop her heart from hammering a little faster. She smiled. "I was wondering where the kitchen was? I wanted to make some sandwiches... and perhaps something for our animal friends. Also, could you tell me which cabin belongs to the Doctor. I'm a huge fan of his and wanted to pick his brains for a bit, do you think he would mind?"

 

[Jonas]

Stephen had to brace himself as the ship rocked through the increasingly heavy swells. The monkey climbed back to his shoulder staring wide eyed at the owl who blinked back at her.
"Lucinda, a meal is a good idea, before long it may be to rough for cooking. The galley is one deck down at the foot of the ladder. The Doctor's cabin is just down from mine.
We'll finish up here, and meet you. Perhaps I should have the Doctor look over my Uncle's journal." Lucinda walked off down the hall bracing against the walls as she went.
"That's one special woman Thorn." The pair entered the hold and worked quickly lashing down the bundles. Stephen knelt down by several large bundles. "What's this? These aren't ours. Thorn, you ever see anything like this?" The lad shook his head, then gestured to a large basket across the hold. "My God Thorn, that basket, it's for a ballon, a large one at that."

 

[Jonas]

Sara

Sara staggered on to the quarter deck dressed in a long dark rain slicker and fishermans hat. She fell against the rail sea sickness over coming her. Looking up she saw Gaia.
"Oh, Gaia, please help me... I'm feeling a little faint, I'm...' The woman collasped, sliding into the rail and back against some barrels as the ship rolled and pitched.

 

[RoseThorn]

Rose looked around quietly before asking.

"A balloon? To fly in?"

OOC: That's right, right?, if not I'll alter....

 

[Jonas]

Stephen turned to Thorn, a puzzled look in his eyes.
"Yes Thorn, a flying ballon, but I didn't order it. It was not here yesterday when I inventoried. Who? Why?"

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

sort of pulled out of a trance i feel sarah grip me and fall to the floor. i tried to help her before she hit her head, but i think she may of bumped it, slowly easing her to the floor, i kneel over her, my hair dripping, and i think for a moment. thank god mother nature knows how to heal, or i wouldnt know how. i place my hands on her temples, and gently rotate in circles, the words of the earth flowing from my mouth once again. i know she isnt dead, thank heavens. i grab her in my arms and hoist her up. her small frame heavied with the rain. i mumble a few words and whatever had dexterity in their fingers appeared from my robe, i didnt pay attention. it opened the door, then disappeared. once i got inside, i noticed stephen and a few people further down the hall, their backs to me. i couldnt find words to talk, they all came out jumbled. so i kneeled down over her again, i felt dizzy from trying so hard outside to outdo myself with the storm, my anger over my skilLESSness lately angered me, and i had foolishly used too much energy. i used what i had left on her, she had a nice big bump on her head. i know that she isnt to blame that her society doesnt toughen their girls up, something like this wouldn't even phase me, however i reminded myself, this wasnt me, and i went to the task of healing her. once again i spoke the language of healing, as before, and began to feel the energy from my body fade into hers. a few days rest would cure me, but im not sure what this injury of hers will do to her. i felt the presence of the other two people from the hall. they were fussing over her and i had to push them away. with a small sigh, i let the last of my energy go, leaning back against the wall, i saw her open her eyes, i closed mine, and fell into unconciousness.

 

[Jonas]

Cooky

Cooky and Miles sat in the galley speaking in hushed tones.
"That bastard Binks got hisself killed boy." Cooky grabbed the youth by the vest pulling him close. "I tossed his body out with the trash. The little one killed him. I think he'll join us. Until then it's you and me." Cooky raised his head and listened to the creaking of the ship as it swayed in the swells. "This storm, it might be the perfect time to make our move. You watch for my signal. When it's time, you must get that journal. Do you understand boy?" The small man's eyes bored into the youth.
"Yes Cooky, don't worry I'll get it, I'll..."
"You'll do fine boy, just fine." Cooky released Miles and patted him on the cheek.

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda thanked Stephen and went unsteadily in the direction he had told her. As she turned the corner she saw a very ugly shortish man whispering urgently to that young officer... "Miles?" The young man looked up startled. The brutish man scowled at her. She felt a little frightened but rememinded herself that he was obviously staff and she shouldn't need to feel scared. "Miles, can you help me find the kitchen? I was wanting some sandwiches for myself and the others to take to the Doctor's cabin..." she smiled ignoring the other man who definitely made her feel edgy.

"Yes M'aam of course... this way... umm... Cooky." He inclinded his head towards the man before offering his arm to Lucinda. Lucinda let him lead her onwards down the hall but she could distinctly feel the other man's eyes on her as she walked away. It made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. She quickly glanced over her shoulder but he dropped his gaze quickly and shuffled off. She shuddered a little before allowing Mile's mindless chatter to distract her. He helped her inside the kitchen area and offered his help.

She was already regretting her earlier daliance with him. He seemed like he was doting on her and she really had enough complications to deal with. He wouldn't be put off however so she reluctantly allowed him to help her. She noticed her owl was looking decidedly weak. She was very concerned. She offered it some of the ham she was using for the sandwhiches but he seemed uninterested. Suddenly it fell from her shoulder. Lucinda was quick to catch him. She was terribly concerned. She left Miles with the food and rushed outside looking for Gaia. She didn't have to go far

Gaia was being picked up from the ground by two seamen. "What are you doing?" She cried. They turned to her. "Maam, she fainted, we're taking her to sickbay."
"You'll do nothing of the kind, take her to my cabin it's bigger and then go fetch the doctor..." her fierce expression warned both the men that arguing would be pointless. They took her to Lucinda's cabin and lay her down on the bed. She shooed them out impatiently, ordering them to find the doctor hastily. The girl was soaked and wearing... some strange sort of cloak. She quickly removed the wet clothes and dried her briskly with a towel. Then she pulled the covers over her. She frowned, worried for her friend. The owl seemed a bit perkier now that he was closer to Gaia but he clearly lacked energy. She let him rest on the pillow next to Gaia and waited for the arrival of the doctor.

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

(just thought i would interupt to say you all are some of the greatest writers i have seen on the board. the story is coming along nicely...)


ic:

as if arising from a dream, i opened my eyes, rubbed them sleepily and tried to sit up. ugh, it felt like i had taken one too many sips of wine. i knew what it was from, and i quickly searched around the room to see if sarah was alright, i noticed the owl next to me, bright eyed, a little dazed, but it was just staring at me, i laughed and ruffled it's feathers. i began to get up, but i notice i wasnt wearing my clothing. for that matter i wasnt wearing any clothing. i blinked my eyes, trying to adjust, i was searching the room for whoever was in here, i knew i heard someone.

 

[RoseThorn]

Rose hesitated, damning her delima, before sighing softly.

"Sir...I'm afraid I haven't been totally honest with you...." She pulled her hat off and for the first time looked him in the face. She continued before he could ask questions.

"I was attacked earlier and...the fact that my hat fell off gave me the time to get the upper hand that and a few other special abilities...I was approached by someone though..."She continued, telling him what happened and hoping she'd chose the right side.

 

[Jonas]

Stephen at first shocked, calmed as he listened to the girls story. 'Special abilities,' he thought,'after this Gaia there's no telling what that could mean.'
"You've done the proper thing. Your one of us now, can I count on you?" Stephen found her eyes, she returned his stare and nodded.
"Yes you can Sir." Stephen smiled and offered his hand.
"Call me Stephen, and..,what should I call you now?"
"Stephen, the monkey, it's falling." Stephen grabbed the little devil as it fell from his neck, passed out cold. He cradled it in his arm, checking for breath.
"It's alive, but I better get it back to Gaia post haste. Finish up the binding for me, then you had better grab a meal, the weather appears to have worsened. I'll see the Captain about this man who assulted you."

Stephen ran the ape up to the passenger deck, finding Sara being carried to her room by two burley crewman. He rushed to her side as they laid her on her small bed. Sara tossed her head and moaned.
"My dear sister are you ill? I'll get the ships surgeon at once. You just..."
"Stephen!" Sara's whisper was sharp and strong "Get out of here!" She whispered, nodding toward the big crewman and winking at Stephen.
"Oh I see...Men please take care of Sara, she needs a drink, get her a blanket, I must see the Captain." Stephen left her cabin and hurried down the hall stopping with a slide in front of Lucinda's open door. Monkey in hand he entered, moving to Gaia's side.
"I feared she might be ill when the monkey passed out. How is she?"

 

[Jonas]

Cooky

Cooky shuffled with delight down to the hold. The ship continued to roll as the storm intensified. The weather was made to order; tonight they would steal the journal and make their escape. He smiled to himself envisioning the Malone woman trapped in the balloon's basket.
"Could be for a week," he laughed as he burst into the hold. From topside he could hear the bell sounding all hands on deck.

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda looked up as Stephen entered, but her reply was cut off as Gaia murmered painfully as she woke groggily. Lucinda's attention immediately returned to her friend who seemed a little disoriented. Lucinda leaned forward and whispered calmly, "It's okay Gaia, you're in my cabin, you seemed to have fainted. You were all wet so I removed your clothing. It's safe, I'm drying it out now as we speak." Lucinda watched the woman's face with concern. Gaia blinked and Lucinda turned to Stephen impatiently ordering him to pour the woman some water. Stephen gently let the monkey rest on the bed near Gaia and did as he was bid.

Lucinda had a habit of biting on her bottom lip when she was worried. She did this now. Gaia smiled tiredly as if to reassure her but Lucinda wasn't going to be satisfied until the girl was up and her usual chipper self. As Stephen returned with the glass. Lucinda took it from him and helped Gaia take a sip. Gaia seemed tired but lucid enough. Lucinda wondered if she was up to explaining what had happened.

Gaia regained her composure enought to tell them how Sara had asked for her assistance and had barely made it down into the hold before fainting. Lucinda looked to Stephen and asked with a concerned frown about his sister. Stephen smiled and reassured her Sara was well enough. Lucinda heaved a big sigh of relief. Then she scolded Gaia for exherting herself overly. "You'll stay in bed until I'm convinced you're 100% is that clear?" Lucinda intoned sternly.

"Honestly!" Lucinda shook her head, "I'm going back to the galley to collect the sandwiches and some tea." She ruffled the owl's feathers carefully to make sure he was okay before bustling out of the room.

[Edited by Moneytalks on 09-27-2000 at 02:58 PM]

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

whoops

.

[Edited by LAVA GODDESSS on 09-27-2000 at 03:03 PM]

 

[LAVA GODDESSS]

gaia

when i finally focused i found that stephen, lucinda, and a few crew members were by my side. stephen ushered them to get the doctor.
"no....im fine, just a little weak that's all." i noticed he brought the monkey with him. "oh dear, i should have remembered, Im so thoughtless." the small ape seemed to slowly become more alert. "you all are making such a fuss about me. I assure you im fine. now i must go and contend with the storm." i tried to get up, but stephen firmly put me back. "sir, i guarantee you that this storm is likely to damage the ship. if i can only get out there and work on it, im only a bit rusty right now, and with some persistance i believe i can help." a shiver runs through my body and i pull the thin covers around me, trying to draw in warmth. "I'm sorry about causing you so much trouble sir and ma'am, you should be having a grand time, planning your expedition and all. I was wondering however, are you sure sarah is alright, i tried to heal her. i...i..was just wondering if she is ok." my body wouldnt stop shivering

[Edited by LAVA GODDESSS on 09-27-2000 at 03:05 PM]

 

[RoseThorn]

Rose watched as Stephan left and quietly finished the binding. She wasn't fond of getting food now but...

With a sigh she fixed the hat and called the shadows to hide her a bit again. She quietly made her way to the ship's kitchen.

 

[Jonas]

Stephen smiled at Gaia, taking her hand in his.
"Gaia, please rest now, the storm will run it's course.
You have very special gifts, that will help us countless times on our journey. I need you to regain your strength. Don't worry about Sara, your healing worked. She seems quite randy today. Oh yes, please call me Stephen." The woman's hand felt cold. Her body was still shivering. Stephen covered her with additional blankets. He heard the bell sounding the call to stations.
"I must go on deck and see the captain." Leaving the monkey with Gaia, he rushed to the bridge.

[Edited by Jonas on 09-29-2000 at 06:04 AM]