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Post by Brennon on Oct 22, 2020 20:23:54 GMT
"Courier duty", Captain Brennon replies with a straight face. "I have been chartered to bring an artist to the Court of Begma. One of your nobles wanted him to do some portraits. I also hope to be able to do some speculative trade with what I've managed to obtain as cargo-foodstuffs, cloth, and the like. We've never sailed into Begma's harbor before, so your pilot's escort will be welcome. Celessia has many powers, but shoals are to be feared by any ship. My first mate has the records here for you, and I would be glad to give you the tour. I hope you don't have much problem with strangers in port, sers? My crew come from some places far afield, and we've run into prejudices dockside on occasion."
The easy acceptance of the local authority, the reference to someone of authority expecting them, and the apparent concern for his crew's safety ashore, some of whom really do look very different from human standard, is of course all part of the game of smugglers everywhere. Depending on the man's answer, either bribery to overlook some cargo, or ignorance of such underhanded tactics while concealing the actual cargo value is the next move on Brennon's part.
Hammett and Pinky haven't been given any direction about where to be or what to do during the inspection.
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Post by Hammett on Oct 22, 2020 22:56:41 GMT
Hammett stays out of the way of the inspector and guards, but is available if they have any questions for him.
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Post by Admin on Oct 23, 2020 6:56:36 GMT
"I thank you sir," the inspector says, "It's not every free trader who understands the need for port administration."
He points the pilot towards Arthos then the marines to search the ship.
"I recommend that you keep your visit to our fine city brief, captain. The winds of war do blow, and if you stay here long, you risk being caught up in a battle or under a blockade. Though, I'm not sure what land is free from the threat of war now that the King of Amber has passed on.
"I will need to see this artist of yours before my inspection is concluded."
The man seems honest enough and not looking for a bribe. He may be the only honest port inspector that Brennon has ever met!
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Post by Hammett on Oct 23, 2020 18:00:18 GMT
[[OCC: Did you mean honest and looking for a bribe, or honest and not looking for a bribe?]]
Hammett hears the inspector's request and makes his way over to the official and Captain Brennon, waiting to be introduced.
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Post by Admin on Oct 24, 2020 20:29:31 GMT
[OOC: not looking for a bribe. Seems like my natural inclination towards corruption caused a Freudian slip there! I corrected it.]
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Post by Brennon on Oct 25, 2020 5:34:01 GMT
Brennon gestures at Hammett, and beckons him forwards.
"This gentleman, Mr. (...)" [ooc: Brennon gives the surname used in Wormwood's, but I don't recall what it is. They've known each other a while. Basically, he wants to give Hammett a chance to fake his name if he wants, but doesn't want to trip up on a name to give the authorities.] "is the artist in question."
Brennon lets the two men talk, then leads the inspector to the cargo areas and watches while he inspects the cargo. Since he hasn't had much experience with smuggling in Begma, his cargo is mostly legitimate, with a few things from further in shadow that may be questionable, but are generally legal in most of the Golden Circle, if they've even heard of sone of it. If the questionable goods are confiscated, it isnt a huge loss, and if he isn't allowed to sell or offload it while in port, it won't spoil.
He does insist on accompanying any inspectors, so that he can verify the integrity of the cargo to a seller or consigned delivery. And also to see how far they go towards searching for hidden compartments.
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Post by Hammett on Oct 25, 2020 6:45:35 GMT
Hammett greets the Inspector, "Hello, I am Hammett, owner and proprietor of Wormwood's, formerly of Kasaba. Your Ambassador to Kasaba requested I come as soon as possible at the command of your Prime Minister Orkuz. I believe he wishes to commission me to create some portraits of his family." He motions to Pinky who still stands by the railing, "And this is Ms. Pinky, my assistant."
If that is enough and there are no further questions or incident, Hammett will wait until the inspection is over and the ship begins to dock.
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Post by Admin on Oct 25, 2020 23:36:19 GMT
"Ah, you are one of the lucky few who managed to escape from Kasaba," the inspector tells Hammett. "The ambassador also managed to find his way out with the rumoured help of Amber's royal family. Word will be sent to him and the prime minister telling about your arrival."
The inspection complete, and without any trouble, the boarding party prepares to leave the Celessia.
"Truth is Captain Brennon, these days our searches are only for weapons that will be bought, or if a price can't be agreed on, confiscated to assist in the war effort. Anything else is just a distraction."
The Begman pilot guides the ship into port and now you are all free to go about the city.
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Post by Hammett on Oct 26, 2020 8:29:55 GMT
Before the Inspector departs Hammett asks, "Who do you prepare to go to war with? Is it the same forces that attacked Kasaba or another enemy?"
After getting a response and the ship berthing in the port, Hammett stands with Captain Brennon on the dock, "Thanks for ride, Captain. What are your plans now?"
Pinky stands close by carrying hers and Hammett's gear.
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Post by Brennon on Oct 26, 2020 20:09:00 GMT
"No real plans as yet. Sell some of this cargo, perhaps sniff around for someone wanting a consignment of weapons. If they're planning a war, mayhap I can add another letter of marque to my collection. Maybe I can get one for both sides, come to that. I don't like right proper wars, with pressing ships and men into service, you understand. I'll stay here 'till the cargo's gone, a week past that at most unless something else comes along. Not many other ships can make profit from an empty hold, but Celessia's one of them.
I've been here before, but I came in by land, and left the same way. Were something to come up to keep me ashore, Celessia's more than able to get herself out to sea, and pick me up along a river somewhere else, later. It's how I was planning to get back from that train, before the demons attacked it. She won't stay to be pressed, either. It's one thing to seize an automobile for a war effort, another to take a man's riding leopard." Which might make someone wonder where there are riding leopards, but shadow is indeed infinite.
"Thank you for the payment, by the by. Celessia would be interested in a set of cards for herself, if you have time in the future. She can use the tiny ones we have, but she has to peer at them, and she says it gives her a headache. So if I don't see you again in the next week, I might hear from you in the future."
Brennon offers his hand and forearm for a farewell clasp, unless Hammett has other ideas to share. He saves his roguish wink for Pinky.
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Post by Hammett on Oct 26, 2020 23:41:25 GMT
Hammett clasps his arm, "You are a good friend to have in a scrap, Captain. If you ever find yourself in need of work that operation I have running in Ceridin could use someone of your skills, and, needless to say, if you ever find yourself in trouble, just reach out. Or soon enough you'll be able to find me at the new Wormwood's. New and improved. If you keep an ear out you'll find a way there, pretty much no matter where your travels take you. At least that is the plan."
He lets go of the man's arm, "And I'll keep thinking of a way get Celessia her own trumps. That's a strange one, a ship that can use trumps..." He trails off shaking his head in wonder, then turns away, "Come on, Pinky. Dalton is here in town somewhere. Let's go find him."
He takes his bag from her and leads them both down the dock and into town.
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Post by Admin on Oct 28, 2020 3:20:12 GMT
"We do not know who our enemy will be but the dogs of war have been loosed in Shadow and we are preparing as best we can," the inspector says.
[OOC: Let's continue in Chapter 2 with a couple of new threads for you.]
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