Return of the Captain (Scene/Episode 2) Keltos

Keltos hurriedly leaves the meeting when dismissed. Not out of anger or frustration, but of excitement. He was not expecting the silent alert in the midst of battle but non the less the alert was received.

Returning to the Veritas Keltos removes his helm and a moment later a section of his artificial skull to reveal his living brain and an implanted mnemonic matrix. The tiny artifice, a fusion of magic the technology resembled a tiny iridescent jewel. A jewel that now slowly pulsed a vivid green indicating its algorithm had been fully trained and was ready to initiate.

"Initiate protocol BR549 Infinite Horizons, Authorization Keltos Gamma"

Tiny glass like threads blossomed from the jewel like a million legged spider before snaking deep into the grey matter of Keltos’ consciousness.

Oblivious to his surroundings Keltos shivered and seized, his mouth a froth while his mind soared. "Colors…..so many Colors…." Was all his mind could comprehend before the black….

Keltos’s fluttering eyes signaled his return, sitting upright and then standing Keltos stretched and moved through a series of exercises designed to test his manual dexterity. Satisfied he begins to visualize mathematical tables and probability matrixes…His minds eye calculating and recalculating faster than ever before.

The upgrade a success Keltos mood is lifted. Time to have a little fun. Topside Keltos addreses the ship and crew "Veritas on my count, open waters full speed. All hands brace for ramming speed on 10…9…8…7.."

"Captain. Permission to speak." Marcus stands ready and requests.

At Keltos granting, he says. "The crew and me have some concerns about taking the Veritas out of dock. When we arrived here last night, if it truly was night, we didn't steer her in. We all suddenly appeared in this small lagoon and were signaled to this dock." He points out across the waters toward the mouth of the small lagoon and the impenetrable wall of darkness that surrounds the entire area. "Using the glass, it seems the waters at the edge drop off into the dark of the nothing."

"Veritas, hold position" Pausing Keltos turns to the burly Bosun and gives him his attention, "You are right of course, I let the moment take hold. A wall of black you say? We are here for the mysteries of the multiverse. Lets take a closer look shall we."

"Vertitas, take us to the border and hold."

Once at the border/dropoff Keltos begins to examines the enigma, visually at first and then experimentally with long poles, flaming arrows and such. Lastly Keltos takes out his crystal ball and uses it in an attempt to pierce the inky black veil.

As a cartographer he also tries mapping the edge as accurately as he can. Does it follow the contours of the landscape... or does it follow a regular curve....can he even detect a curve. If he can detect a curve, then through math (Sage, Probability & Statistics specialty ) he should be able to calculate how big of bubble he might be in.

In game terms... are we inside of a bubble...if so how big is the bubble.

His demon of travel, Veritas, obediently positions itself close to the edge of the small lagoon and holds there. Keltos, Marcus, and those members of the crew on deck, can see that the water gushes over a drop, like a massive waterfall. The darkness that surrounds everything begins not far beyond the edge. Curiously, there is no sound of the water crashing below.

Keltos quickly determines that T'Lorn is within a roughly oval-shaped demi-plane. A rather large one, but a demi-plane none-the-less. He also, by the fact that there are at least a half dozen other ships in the harbor, that somehow these vessels may have a way to get through the barrier, if they are making runs outside of TLorn for supplies.

Most interesting…says Keltos "It is as I suspected of course. This is a Demi-plane. My concern however is how do we leave. More time will be needed to understand the laws that govern this place. Until then we may well be prisoners here. From earlier conversations I get the impression that one cannot simply come and go as they please. We might need a Key."

"I suppose sailing is not in the cards tonight. Lets get the crew some of that shore time I mentioned earlier."

Returning to the docks Keltos and crew disembark. He instructs the Veritas to lock down, patrol the tiny inlet avoid contact with strangers until their return.

Keltos believes the common men are the best source of knowledge when it comes to their city. Not lords, or courtly attendants but commoners. Where lords and ladies are the all consuming mouthpiece, commoners are the life blood a beating heart.

"Evening to you, Captain Keltos." Marsh greets the cybermonk. "Your goods have been safely housed in the warehouse."

"I see that, nicely done and my thanks."

"My visit here this evening is a less about cargo and more about shore leave. You see my crew and I are new to T’lorn. Obviously. Yes, I could probably be sipping wine and swapping stories with the council but what I really want is to experience the city unfiltered. I want to see the real T’lorn and hear your stories."

"So what do you say Marsh, close shop for a little while and show me and the crew a good time? Drinks are on me."

"You've got yourself a deal, Captain. I've been look for an excuse to duck out this evening." Marsh responds.

"JACK! Up front! Mind the warehouse! Heading out for the evening!" He turns to his left and yells out.

Moments later, his arrival heralded by a racket of shuffled crates and bangs of objects being moved around, Jack appears through the door in the back of the office.


"Sure thing, Bro." He replies.

Outside, Keltos give the crew instructions for the night

"Have good time but don’t overdo. If any of you are late for shifts I’ve given Charlie creative license to make sure it doesn’t happen again."

"Let me introduce you to Marsh. He’s going be our host. Remember we are guests in his city be respectful and follow his lead. We don’t want trouble and I shouldn’t have to remind you what goes for fun and games in one port will get you hanged in the next."

"Lead on!"

Turning left from the front of the warehouse, Marsh takes another sharp left down a narrow street and then a third left beneath a colorful blue banner draped across the avenue overhead. Continuing a short distance, he turns right. To either side of an open doorway are wall murals depictiing two mermaids entwined.

Over the threshold of the open door is a weathered sign that reads The Mermaid's Dalliance.

Stepping inside, Keltos, marcus and crew find a tavern with a distinct nautical feel. Ahead is a bar with a lone blonde wiping down the counter.



Directly behind the bar is a large cylindrical aquarium that rises all the way to the ceiling. Two medium-sized sharks swim about in the tank.




"Syrena, love! Evening to Yah. Drinks for our newest arrivals. They're on Captain Keltos, here!"

"Evening, Marsh, you Bastard." Syrena replies to the warehouse man, then glances at Keltos, Marcus, and the rest of the crew of the Veritas just entering the doors. "What'll ya have, ladies and gents?"

Glancing to Marsh for second before turning back "I'll have his usual, and one of yours. Ive never seen sharks in a tavern before. Did they come from around here?"

The blonde bartender waves all of her new patrons inside and starts pouring drinks. She looks up occasionally between pours and answers, "Beauties, those." She juts a thumb up over her shoulder. "Got caught in some fishing nets when they were smaller. A Captain brought 'em through a few years back and traded 'em for a couple rounds." She gestures toward the front doors. "Plenty of food out in the bay there to keep 'em fed proper."

Syrena slides tankards across the bar to the first up and keeps pouring.





Framed paintings, many featuring mermaids and other aquatic creatures, are scattered about the walls of the tap room. This one is hanging on the wall to the left of the bar.

"Speaking of the bay its bit crowded and I would like to strecth my sails a bit but Ive come across a navigational hazard. How does one actually find deeper waters around here."

Syrena

"You will need to speak with the Harbormaster." Syrena replies to Keltos. "He'll likely be round afore long. All approved vessels are fitted and modified with a beacon to allow them to pass through the barrier."

"I look forward to meeting the Harbormaster." Says Keltos between drinks "I saw some other ships in the harbor, are those merchant or supply ships? From what I’ve been told and from what I’ve seen so far, T’lorn gets very few visitors just popping in for a few drinks and then sailing off to the next port"

"All the ships in the harbor are owned and captained by locals who make their home here in T'Lorn." Syrena says. "They bring in supplies for the survival of the city and its people. Of late, the regulation of travel in and out of the barrier has become noticeably stricter. We're told that it is for our safety and that enemies are trying to breach the city's defenses."

"So essentially, we are like those sharks swimming in circles. What happens when they get bored?" Says Keltos putting down his drink, "There is a multiverse out there beyond that barrier you know. A million million worlds full of life and wonder. When was the last time any of you left the city?"

"You assume they get bored." Syrena replies, as she wipes a spot on the counter. "They are fed regularly and are taken out for long swims as well."

"As I have already said, the travel restrictions outside the city have only become as they are recently. Something big and bad is brewing out there. I have not left the barrier surrounding T'Lorn now for a couple years."

Keltos drops his line of inquiry and turns to watch the crew. Sipping his drink he waits for the harbormaster

End Scene



Into his third drink, Keltos hears the front doors open again, as they had several times since his crew's arrival at The Mermaid's Dalliance, and in walks a tall old Human male with a white beard and mustache.


"Welcome in, Harbormaster!" Syrena greets the newcomer. "Your usual I presume?" She gestures across the bar to Keltos and Marcus. "A couple newcomers here have been awaiting your presence this evening..."

Keltos nods and tilts his cup in greeting. "Please join us. This round is on me Syrena"

"Yes..Yes..Evening dear girl." The old seaman directs in response to the blonde bartender. "Aye. The usual for me. please. A pint of strong kaff, a quick pour of cream, and a liberal measure of aged whiskey." He bellies up to the bar. "How's the Maid tonight?"

He turns to the cybermonk as he awaits his drink and a reply. "Captain Keltos. Much thanks for the drink. Glad to have finally caught you. I need to schedule a fitting for your vessel, if you intend to use it for much travel in and out of port."


"The Maid's in good spirits this eve." She says back to the Harbormaster, as she places the smoking concoction in front of him.

"Well Met Harbormaster," Says Keltos "I do plan on some travel however I plan on retiring the Veritas for one of her sisters. I would like to know more about this beacon and what would the fitting entail. The Veritas and her sisters are not normal ships. They are in fact Virtues and as much alive as you or I"

"I did wonder about the nature of your vessel, Captain. Seeing as it appeared in the bay upon your arrival here in T'Lorn." The Harbormaster admits and takes a sip from his steamy tankard. "There are two types of beacons, as you call them, that may be fitted to a vessel for traveling through the barrier. It is mounted upon the prow of a vessel or within its figurehead, if it has one. It would be best to make this fitting during the new binding; not before or after."

Intrigued, Keltos continues his query

"Unless the process is unavoidable, I would prefer the fitting After the binding. The level of integration you are suggesting would make it a permanent part of the ship. Would I be correct in assuming that to be so? Or can it be removed at a later date?"

"Yes. It is intended to be a permanent process to keep exceptional thieves and those who would wish to invade our little sanctuary from getting the means in their hands." The Harbormaster answers Keltos. "I suppose it could be removed, but it would be like cutting off one's arm, or your friend's. Why would you?"

"Simple really, the council has not yet earned my trust. I am willing to compromise however. I understand T’lorn values its security like I value my privacy and freedom of movement. I would be open to a creative solution. Perhaps a modification that allows me to leave T’lorn at will but requires an expenditure of something native to T’lorn to return."

"There are examples in both magical and scientific theory."

"In magical theory a connection between things can be referred to as sympathetic magic. Like a drop of blood connecting to its host no matter how great the distance. The advantage of a blood fueled beacon is that without the donor, refueling the beacon would be impossible"

"In scientific theory, higher dimensions, planes, whatever you want to call them vibrate with a unique frequency. In theory a precisely tuned sounding fork can created that will resonate with T’lorns frequency. With enough power the veil between worlds can be breached with a resonating field; in a way not so dissimilar to a fine crystal goble being shattered by a talented voice. Such a fork can be designed so that once a breach is created the fork itself is destroyed. If the fork is crafted from materials native only to T’lorn it would be almost impossible to duplicate."

"There are numerous other theories but these are just 2 examples that come to mind. Feel free to share my thoughts with the council"

"Should I pass along the reasoning behind your willingness to share these theories as well?" The Harbormaster questions. "That you lack trust in their motives and the security measure they have already put in place?"

"I’ve made those opinions known to the council in so many words, So I am sure that they won’t be surprised if you shared our conversation. If you think it will help my case please do. I am not so arrogant that I can't see their point of view. They don't know me, and I don't know them. Bridges however are not built overnight are they?"

"I once heard a bard string together some profound Lyrics that has stayed through the years. I won’t torture you with my singing voice so ill just recite 1 line."

If you cling too tightly, you're gonna lose control

The old Harbormaster listens and takes another drink. "I will convey your words to them, but don't expect any great change to the system already in place. They are not likely to make exceptions for one Captain and his ship over the rest."

Keltos leans back and surveys the crew, "It is what is it is I suppose. Regardless of the council’s decision I appreciate your help"

With that Keltos is pretty much done unless something else comes up that requires his attention.

As Keltos is finishing up his drink and his conversation with the Harbormaster, there comes a commotion of the front doors opening and quickly followed by a clear loud call of a feminine voice over the din of the patrons in the taproom.

"WHAT HO, Bitches and Scallywags?! Where be this newcomer the shitbirds are squawking about in the salty breeze this evening?"

Turning to locate the originator of the racket, there approaches two figures: A light-skinned blonde with a brace of pistols, followed a few steps by a slight figure in a white robe and wearing a blue and white mask.

Marcus turns away from the bar and takes a step forward toward the two approaching figures. "Who be wanten to know after these newcomers? I be one. Marcus my name be."


"This is Captain Vannacosta Drake of the BellaHarpy." The masked and robed being replies to the cyborg bo'sun in an emotionless tone. "My presence is referred to as Porcelaynne."

Curious to see how things play out with his 1st mate, Keltos leans back and takes a drink, but doesn’t actually say anything.

Keltos replays his memories of the Harbor, does he recall seeing a ship there named the BellaHarpy? If so what did it look like?

Keltos searches his recent memory and he has definitely seen a ship in port on the far side of the docks mounted with the figurehead of a harpy.



At a casual glance, he could tell that the ship was visually slightly longer than the Veritas and constructed of a dark wood and a strange vein-y bluish-black metal substance. It rides high in the waters in port and her sails are tied down. What he presumes may be mounted weapons on deck are covered in tarps.

"Well met Madame Porcelaynne. Capt'n Drake." Marcus gives them both a polite nod. "The Veritas be our vessel." He informs them and gestures with muscular cybernetic, open arms to indicate himself and many of the masked patron in the taproom surrounding them. "Is it business ye seek'n with the Captain or a simple hello and welcome to the port ye be wishing?"


"More the latter." The swaggering blonde answers and continues her slow closing to the bar. She raises two fingers high to get Syrena's attention. "Blood Reign and a Dark Harvest." She voices to the bartender.

"Coming right up." Syrena acknowledges Captain Drake's order and begins to prepare the two drinks behind the bar.


Marcus casts a quick glance back to his captain, who is still at the bar. "Fine vessel ye got there." He compliments to the blonde captain and her mate. "Noticed her whilst we was out in the bay earlier."

Clearly, to Keltos at least, his Bo'sun seems to be stalling...


Marsh, who has gone quiet since the entrance of Drake and her first mate, turns and puts his elbows on the edge of the bar to watch the show.

Keltos rises and intercepts Vannacosta at the bar. "You would be looking for me then. I am Keltos and the Veritas is my ship."

"Ah. There you are then." Captain Drake smirks. "Vannacosta Drake, Captain of the BellaHarpy." She gives the cybermonk a slight martial bow, keeping her eyes fixed on his. "Veritas? Truth? And..what may the truth be captain or should I say, Champion? What may be my truth and yours perhaps aren't the same reality."


Syrena serves up two drinks in silver-chaised glass chalices. "Here you are Drake. Blood Reign and Dark Harvest, as ordered."

One is the color of blood. The other, nearly black.

"That’s a puzzle I’m still trying to figure out." says Keltos between sips, "I will tell you this though. When you can no longer ask "Why" that is when you have arrived at the truth."

"As for this talk of Champions, I’ll admit I find the title weighty like an anchor. No…more like a hidden shoal that no longer hidden. Please just call me Keltos and tell me what in the realms you are drinking!"

Vannacosta takes up the chalice, swirls it around for effect. and then takes a swallow of the contents. "I call it Blood Reign." She informs Keltos. "Syrena came up with the current version on a challenge from me. It has quite a few ingredients, including scotch, cherry and chocolate liqueur, kaff, orange juice, and a rinse of blood."

"Blood? says Keltos looking at the Syrena, "And who exactly was judging your creation, Sanguinor?"
"One for me, and if you could make it slowly I want to see how this is done."

Syrena grins. "Sure thing, Captain Keltos."

She pulls another of the ornate chalices from a place under the bar, wipes it clean, and gathers up some of the ingredients for the drink requested, including an orange: A blood orange as its turns out, as she cuts it in twain and squeezes the juice into a shaker.


Porcelaynne reaches in and picks up the darker drink. Then, finds a space at the bar to watch.

"The Procurer had no hand in our challenge." Vannacosta tells Keltos. "The Dalliance wanted something special on my runs outside. I agreed, but only if Syrena could come up with a drink using blood in the mixture..that was pleasing to my tastes."

...And why blood..." Ask's Keltos, his keen senses and intuition searching...

Is Vannacosta Human?

"Blood is life, Keltos." Vannacosta replies to his question. "And...I enjoy a good drink. Don't you?"

"Indeed" Says Keltos taking an experimental sip "So, you have my attention. What did you want to discuss"

"My Mate..." She hooks a thumb toward Porcelaynne. "..Observed the Veritas earlier making a circle of the harbor. Does this mean you've not had her fitted with the gatestone?" She says, with a side eye to the Harbormaster. "Are you planning to?...And are you going to be making supply runs regular? If so, what goods will the Veritas be porting in?"

"I’ve been here barely a day so I have not had time to consider any new fittings." (Without a key It could be a pain in the ass if I need to rip a hole in somebody's reality) "More than likely however I will release the Veritas for one of her more flexible sisters." (The Veritas, is fast, but I have a feeling I’m gonna need more than sheer speed). "What I do, can become quite expensive, so to answer your question. Yes" (Yup, gotta pay salaries, and experiments and such are not cheap). "As far as trade goods, I will trade in most things as long as it profitable." (For the sake of science sometimes you gotta crack a few eggs)"

"Typically I trade in common non-perishable goods, and fancy spirits. You know things that are welcome in most ports. If however my port of call will be an extended one, then I will look for a profitable niche route." (If I'm gonna be here a while, lets find out whats in demand)

"What is your interest, are you concerned about competition, or something else?" (What are you really getting at bloodsucker? Nope don’t trust you a bit. Your kind is dangerously ambitious.)

"So, your vessel is fast? Is she waterbound? A virtue then? Are you also considering additions to her armaments?" Vannacosta asks in rapid succession as she gleans details from Keltos' answers to her questions. She takes a large swallow of her drink and continues. "Our loads are often exotic goods to spice up the offerings available in the city and tease the palettes of the Higher Ups. I suppose an overlap in libations and liquid spirits will happen."

"Is there anything you wouldn't transport?" She adds with a grin.

Keltos isn’t sure how alcohol…blood infused alcohol affects vampires or the like but judging by Vannacosta enthusiasm it might do something. From the old tongue, In Vino Veritas. In wine there is truth.

Making eye contact with Syrena he then glances at Vannacosta’s empty chalice and subtly gestures for a refill.

Slowly sipping his own Keltos continues, "So many questions! You’re a little late to the party and you have a bit of catching up to do first!"

Keltos points at Marsh and each of the interesting personalities in turn, "How many you have had? And you? How about you? Look Even the Harbormaster has had more than you!"

"Now drink up! What kind of person would I be to let a fellow captain fall behind!"

(Lets see if she has a limit, Keltos is both curious and knows that people get pretty talkative when they are hammered. Drink lots, drinkem fast. Keltos does not ever intend on letting her "catch up" pointing to Charlie and asking him how many he has had whenever she thinks she has caught up.)

Vannacosta nods to Syrena after Keltos gestures for a refill of her chalice. "My thanks, Captain. And..what do you think of the Blood Reign?"

"I think it’s a taste that can be acquired." Says Keltos putting the glass down. "Without boring you with details, what I will say is The Veritas and her crew are more than capable of dealing with threats and hauling a few things when it aligns with our objectives."

"If however you are looking for warship or a vast cargo hold that’s not us. We have no real interest in fighting or hauling. We are primarily interested in exploration and research."

"I have no immediate need for a warship or a freighter. The BellaHarpy has all that we need for what we do." Vannacosta comments in return.

She finishes up her second drink and places the empty chalice on the bar. "Pleasure meeting you, Keltos. I am sure we will see each other again in the near future. Porcelaynne and myself have business to attend. If you will excuse us?"

Marsh watches Vannacosta and her first mate go and tosses back the last of his drink. "I should go as well and relieve Jack. My brother is a able, but sometimes his mind wanders if left on task for too long. Thanks again for the drinks and your company, Captain Keltos." With that, the warehouse owner starts for the doors. His step is a bit dodgy from his consumption.


"Wait up, Marsh." The Harbormaster calls out and steps away from the bar. He nods to Keltos and Marcus. "Pay me a visit at the lighthouse when you're ready for that fitting, Captain." He trudges after Marsh and takes him by the arm to support him and they leave the Dalliance.

End Scene