Fantasy The Devil's Meridian (Closed)

[K0mori]

Meinhardt's expression hadn't changed, and yet Dos Santos knew that he was suppressing a furious outburst. Kuromaki looked on in fascination as she hadn't expected the Correntino to respond so decisively, but then she smirked again, as Mancinelli had just revealed something she already knew: Meinhardt was not a strong leader, and would not be able to control the ships in his fleet much longer. With tribalism slowly setting in, there would be less oversight, and that meant more freedom for Kortova, Kuromaki, and other 'like-minded' individuals.

"I realize, I have no other option but to accept your resignation from this fleet, as it is far from my intent to take your ship by force," Meinhardt replied, bitterly. "I wouldn't want to create a diplomatic incident between Alamannia and the Platene Republic. I'm sure you all feel quite empowered right now, making this stand of yours, but I have just one question for you: what happens if the other vessels follow your lead? How soon until factions form, tugging this fleet in two or more directions when we're already lost? It strikes me as more than a little shortsighted," he said. Then, he glowered at her. "And I will no longer regard you or your ship as equal peers. If you ever, ever point your guns at the Nixe or its allies again, make no mistake: you will be sunk."

Kuromaki held her tongue, wishing to see Dos Santos' reaction to the Commodore's terms.

 

[Infab]

Warren glared at Kortova. "...You sailed into this harbor, put your men at their battle stations, and raised your battle flag. That alone could have prompted these natives to do something rash. Yes. Captain Flint fought the undead. And we did see an island disappear. And apparently these natives have those among them that can do the same tricks as the commissar. What if they could do more than that? What if they could actually devastate our vessels with some magical attack or a curse? Or hell, a hidden god somewhere. We don't know what the hell we're dealing with here in this god forsaken place." he responded.

"And if they had attacked you or the rest of us, after being provoked by what you were doing, you would have leveled this settlement yourself or caused the rest of us to do it. One gun, in this modern age, can do a lot of damage to a primitive people. Ask the peoples of Albion, or even Flint and myself. Alleghenian history is full of clashes with natives." He paused, still glaring down at the horned woman. "I pointed the Jackal's torpedo launchers at your vessel out of precaution. To stop you from doing something stupid that could end the lives of others in this fleet, as well as these natives if they did something in reaction to you. I never intended to fire them unless I had to."

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Dos Santos wasn't surprised by the tone of the Commodore. She wasn't intimidated by it, either. There was something about Meinhardt that reminded Dos Santos of the young know-it-alls she used to talk to during her days in foreign universities. While he wasn't smug, nor acted with the same superiority complex that Kortova had, he seemed convinced that his way was the only way. Something that Dos Santos found funny, considering he just called the Correntino short-sighted. "Of course, Commodore..." Dos Santos offered her hand, still maintaining her serious face. "...for we are not warmongering monarchists. And let me remind you that we didn't aim our guns at you out of malice. But due to the fact you aimed at the Jackal, who clearly shares our interests in protecting the native population... If you have to worry anyone of this fleet, Meinhard... it would be Kortova. The woman does not realize this whole debacle violated standard procedures when dealing with uncontacted indigenous people written by the South Terranovan Council of Scientists, paragraph eleven on the first page. "Never act with hostility towards the native population. Especially when they seem extremely cautious or agitated." These things were written by scientists, not soldiers... So next time we find uncontacted people, trust your scientists. Not someone like Kortova."

 

[joshuadim]

As Kortova made her inerjection between Dobbs and Warren, with the latter arguing now with the so called 'Grand Captain' over what had transpired. He shook his head as Kortova attempted to make her case in regards to the Archangel training its guns towards the shoreline as well as raising a battle flag. "One does not raise a battle flag in 'preparation'... you raise a battle flag when you are ready to attack. What the bloody hell did you think would the reaction be from the fleet by training guns on natives we have no idea about? Especially without attempting any communication to the rest of the fleet? That just displays a level of incompetence on your part."

Dobbs felt as though he was reprimanding not a captain, but a riled up child who had broken a rule. He shook his head once more and waved a hand as he began to walk back to his own entourage, angry that all of this had transpired when it all could have been avoided. As Lonstray continued to observe Kuromaki from a distance, Dobbs approached Meinhardt along with Lt. Reid and a few of his men and saluted. "Commodore." he stated before lowering his hand to his side once more, "Once we establish relations with the natives, what then?"

 

[Emperor Sagan]

"You sure like to make a lot of assumptions, don't you? This isn't about the settlement. I thought it was at first, but I can see you're just being a snake. It's about me, isn't it? You aren't even making any sense. Soldiers not allowed to defend themselves? You even acknowledge they could hurt us, but it's better to die without a fight, is that it? These people showed up with rifles as we showed up. Both sides were ready to defend their own, as anyone would. No one starts a fight without reason to, except you, I suppose."

She twirled her her parasol, and glared over at Dobbs as he spoke up. "No, actually, its you toy soldiers who don't know a damn thing about being in the navy. If you fools nearly mutiny over a flag change that is part of a standard procedure, then you're mice. All of you. Lazy and fat in your britches. I've been very keen to study Sokrovian military doctrine since the start of this expedition and I followed it to the letter protecting my crew. No wonder you both sail under the flag of failing empires. You can't even stand up for yourselves and cry when someone else makes you quake in your boots," she sneered, growing increasingly angry as Dobbs kept walking away, so she turned back to Warren. "You're the kind of idiot to walk into a cave without a lantern and gun, aren't you? Because why bother taking any precaution what so ever?"

"I thought this was all a misunderstanding, some... some minor mix up, some silly issue. No. You're just after me. You're tripping over yourself and neglecting your duty as a captain for some jealous vendetta. I was willing to look past this incident but it is glaringly obvious you would put the lives of your entire crew and ship at stake just to spit at me. You are the very worst kind of person. I hope to whatever god is out there that the Correntino didn't do so for the same reason, and for the Albion fat cats, I don't even want to know," she added hotly.

With a huff, she turned around and also left, going back towards the commodore and those gathered around him. She couldn't believe this insanity.

 

[Infab]

"I WILL NOT BE TALKED DOWN TO BY A SPOILED RICH BRAT WHO'S NEVER SERVED A SINGLE DAY IN THE NAVY." spat Warren as Kortova started to walk away. He was about to march after Kortova, but was grabbed by his own men and stopped. As he struggled to get free, Riddle spoke for him, marching past the group and continuing after Kortova on his own. "You're a pompous, self-righteous, entitled CHILD that had no business being in charge of any-fucking-thing. That's what you are." spat the Master Chief, stopping a few yards ahead of Warren. "You are the very definition of an armchair admiral! You spew this shit at my captain, which you have only read in fucking books instead of learning about first hand on the decks of a warship."

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Kortova paused in her steps, parasol twitching in her hands over her shoulder. Rich spoiled brat.... Well, I am rich. Spoiled? Certainly not. A brat? Absolutely not! She was going to shout back at Warren when she saw Riddle approaching her. Behind Kortova, her marines sauntered a little closer, but she couldn't see them.

Her face went red when called a child and she twirled her parasol unconsciously. "Maybe if your 'captain' read more books, he would still be a captain, hmm? I have more competence in my entire body than you people have in your pinky fingers. Had we stepped onto this beach and someone got shot, I bet you would all be crying that no one was ready to protect each other," she snapped. "I suppose that must be it. I was sent because I was competent. You all were sent because your navy wanted you gone."

 

[Infab]

Riddle looked a bit caught off guard by the backwards implication she made regarding her competence, but shook it off and continued. "We were sent because we're the best fucking crew and ship for the job. Just like Flint and his lot. Apparently you must have been the one they wanted gone, because you have a fucking made up rank to make you feel important." He then glanced past her, noticing her Marines moving closer. "Now tell your boys to back the fuck up before I show them how getting kneecapped with a forty-five feels."

 

[joshuadim]

Kortova's 'insults' barely registered with Dobbs as he could soundly ignore most of what the 'Grand Captain' had spewed out about Albion as he knew most of what she spoke of were falsities induced by a childish tantrum. But things soon started to escalate once more between the Alleghanians and the Sokrovians as now it seemed as though threats of shots being fired began to materialize. Shit, not again. Dobbs thought to himself as he watched with abated breath. The Albionian sailors and marines tensed up the moment the Alleghanian threat was made and practically everyone who was armed on the Albionians darted their eyes between the two parties, with some even taking their rifles off safety as a precaution.

Lonstray in the meantime, as spooked as he was from the rising tensions, managed to walk over to Dos Santos and whispered to her: "Perhaps we ought to not be in the line of fire, eh doctor?"

 

[K0mori]

"Warmongering monarchists?" Meinhardt replied. "Last I checked the history books, war wasn't the exclusive contest of kings, queens, or Kaisers. You are a smart woman, Dos Santos. You should be able to tell the difference between the wars of nations and empires, and those of ordinary men and women overcome with aggression. And while Captain Kortova placed her ship in a battle-ready posture, I don't find her precautions unreasonable, given what we've already seen from our previous stops in the Meridian. I only fault her for failing to communicate her intent beforehand. And as for my actions, placing the Jackal in the Nixe's sights, I would remind you that my job, as it has been since I was appointed leader of this expedition, is to ensure that as many souls as possible return from this damned place. If two vessels decide to attack this fleet in the defense of natives, I will come to the defense of my fleet, even if we have, through error or otherwise, harmed innocent native lives."

Meinhardt quickly looked away, just for an instant, to catch a glimpse of the curious crowd still gathered at the harbor. There was pain in his expression, the look of a man caught in a serious dilemma. "And as for your standard procedures... you know that Alamannia isn't a party to that document, nor is Sokrovia. And even if we were, that document was not written with this place in mind. The rules of science don't seem to apply here, and so I don't see why scientists should have any more say over how we conduct ourselves than any of the appointed leaders of this expedition. Now if you please, this conversation has gone on long enough."

Meanwhile, Kuromaki was floored by the Commodore's opinion. Did he really just say that he would have supported Kortova, even if she had fired on the natives? No, it couldn't be true. Even if he had said it in such clear terms, the pain in the lines of his face and his tone of voice lacked the conviction. Meinhardt knew that the law would be on his side, and that siding with the Jackal against the Archangel would cause an international incident, just like attacking the Correntino would to enforce control.

The golden-haired man who looked so gallant in San Marino was nothing more than a puppet of laws and norms handed down by his imperial masters. Kortova and Kuromaki, meanwhile, had no such masters any longer. Maybe... maybe the Correntino is fertile ground for the Family, after all... She set her thoughts aside and tried to answer Dos Santos' question from earlier. "I don't know how I learned this language, doctor. You may learn it yourself, but it will require some help that I cannot provide you. You'll need to meet a being like Ishra to attain this gift."

That's when Lonstray appeared and turned everyone's attention toward the brewing fight.

"Kuromaki, keep the conversation going with the natives."

"Aye," she replied, as the Commodore rushed over to the scene.

Meinhardt quickly pulled the charging handle on his SMG and called out to the group. "SEPARATE, NOW!" he screamed in a thick Alamannian accent. "THAT IS A DIRECT ORDER!"

 

[Radley]

There had been some delay in making landfall from the Terror, as Flint had wanted to stand down when all other rushed in. As Meinhardt had docked right by the city's port and the natives had not attacked, it was decided to be safe to move in. In the two skiffs that arrived, Flint and Rourke had brought along a total of 18 marines. They were modestly armed with carbines and shotguns, their ammunition pouches hanging from their suspended belts. Sergeant Elleway had even brought his own scoped hunting rifle. They were not as well armed as the other crews, but they knew they could give as much as they would receive if it came down to a fight.

In his jacket, Flint had stored away the astrolabe. If anything they could find out to what exactly it was pointing too and if appropriate it could be shown to the natives to instate trust. Although, the inhabitants were clearly mutated, something Flints experiences so far would tell him was the effect of dealing with lesser gods or demons. He would hold off on revealing it to them for now.

Stepping onto the shore, The group from the terror could catch the end of a confrontation as Riddle threatened Kortova while Warren was being held back by his men. "I think you're captain is perfectly capable of speaking for himself, Master Chief!" Flint said in a raised voice as his party walked up the commotion between the groups of the Jackal and the Archangel. As they stopped a few meters away from Kortova and Riddle, Flints men gathered behind him while he used his thumb to flick the safety off his hand-gun. He looked to Warren with a glare. "Pull on the leach of this rabid dog, Bishop, before I have to put him down."

But the Commodore arrived directly after, making it crystal clear that he was also fed up with this bickering. Flint re-engaged the safety and gestured for his men to stand down.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

"I-it isn't made up its traditional!" She shouted, one hand balled up into a fist as she lowered her parasol and threw it on the ground. "And you say I'm the violent one when you act like some thuggish brute threatening to shoot people? As if you even could!"

Scowling, there was a click behind them and some shouting. She didn't recognize the clicking noise, but her marines evidently did, as they were already hurrying towards her when Riddle made his threat. Two were staring down the Alleghenian as they got between Kortova and Riddle, and the pair mirrored the positioning, except between her and the commodore as he ran over with his submachine gun. ["Captain, ma'am, we should depart,"] one of the marines said, gently tugging at her arm. She remained steady, a fierce glare still on her face as she held steady, peering over the soldier's arm at Riddle. After a second she stooped down to pick up her parasol and allowed the marine to pull her away, and they walked off with her between the four of them, one of the marines walking backwards behind her using his body as a shield as he made sure nothing was going to happen just as Flint and his entourage showed up to lend a hand. She glanced over her shoulder and caught wind of Flint getting a grip on the situation, and she heard him make a threat against Riddle. A fierce, smug grin crossed her face but disappeared behind the parasol as she turned, the umbrella covering her back as she looked away with a sneering laugh.

--

Down the beach, Lieutenant Williams was watching nervously. He had seen - but not heard - the situation continue to spiral. Evidently something had prompted the marines and the commodore to rush in. That bastard Alleghenian must have been making threats.

["Keep your eyes on the Alleghenian's,"] he commanded to the skirmish line as they stood easy. ["There's something wrong with them. I think they are compromised. I don't know if it is just Warren's crew or Flint's as well, but Warren is unfit for command. Be vigiliant."]

 

[Infab]

Warren's head snapped about, looking directly to Flint. "If you shoot my Master Chief, Flint, I'll put you down right next to him." replied Warren quite angrily. "I've known you for a long time, Flint. But I will not hesitate when it comes to the men and women under my command. I trust Riddle with my life, far more than I trust you at the moment. And I'll let him speak for me if I damned well please."

He then looked back to Riddle, whom nodded at his captain before he took note of the men pulling Kortova away. "No balls." he spat in the Marines' direction, before looking to Meinhardt. "I have a sub-machine gun too. You're threatening no one." he responded, cocking his Annihilator. "Even makes the same noise." He then turned about, moving back towards where Warren was. The rest of the Jackal's sailors had already readied their own weapons, several weapon clacking. Charging handles racking amongst the group.

"Go ahead, Meinhardt. Take my commander into custody. Court-marshal him however you see fit. But if you do, you'll lose all trust and support from the Jackal. At least from the enlisted level. I'll make damn sure of that." stated Riddle, as he stepped up next to Warren. "I can't say the same from the officer level." He then cut Slater a look, whom had stepped away from them and was still holding her face in her hand. Rapidly shaking her head now.

Warren then stepped forwards, handing off his sidearm to the sailor next to him. He walked over, walking up to where Meinhardt was now standing with his SMG. "Here I am, Commodore." he said, glancing to Kortova as she was taken away. "Whatever you do from here on, Meinhardt, it's all on you. And I'll bet a year's pay that whenever something comes up, you'll still take Kortova's side over all of us."

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Dos Santos wasn't stunned by Meinhardt's words, but she was noticeably saddened by them. She had such high hopes for the Commodore, even thought that he was rather attractive back in San Marino. But clearly he was just another man in a uniform doing what he thought was best. "...I would have expected better from you Commodore. But somehow... a bunch of cowherders and fishermen show more empathy for the unknown than an educated man from the old continent." Once the two were done with their talk, Kuromaki finally had the opportunity to answer her. Explaining that she doesn't know how exactly she learned the knowledge to speak the language of the natives. But she attributed it to deity Ishra.

"Ishra?" asked Dos Santos. While she was saddened to know she wouldn't be able to learn the language from Kuromaki through normal means, the concept of learning it through other methods intrigued her. But for now, she had a scientific quest to learn as much of these people as possible. Dr. Lonstray was nearby, and the man pointed them towards the ongoing discussion between one of Warren's men and Kortova. "Oh... bother..." Dos Santos sighed while crossing her arms. "T-this is not the time damn it!" she shouted, while approaching Meinhardt and now an unarmed Warren. "...Warren, you can declare your autonomy now! That's what we did! But tell your men to lower their weapons! For God's sake, look around you! We are on their island, parading about our rifles! And... fast.... shooty things are not the right thing! It might give them a bad picture of us!"

 

[K0mori]

Meinhardt looked at the Jackal's crew with a mixture of bewilderment and despair. "You're right," he replied to them, more softly than they had expected of him. "It is all on me- to prevent you all from killing each other, which you seem utterly keen on accomplishing before this day's end." He lowered his SMG and took a deep breath. "I ordered the Archangel not to engage the locals. That wasn't good enough for you, and so you threatened them with torpedoes. Regardless of your feud with Kortova, I intervened on behalf of the Sokrovian sailors under her command, who I have sworn to protect, just the same as you all- not these mutants living in the husk of a fallen civilization. It was not a matter of personal favor. And now I'm accused of taking sides once again for ordering everyone to separate when they were threatening each other moments earlier. As far as I can tell, I don't have your 'trust' or your 'support,' nor any place in the affairs of your crew aside from the role of unwanted intruder" he quoted, practically spitting the words out of his mouth, "and so I have nothing to lose from you all."

He looked at Captain Warren a minute, as if sizing him up. "Do you think you can keep these men safe without attacking my fleet, Mr. Warren? So you are aware, the Correntino has sent word to me that they will no longer participate in the chain of command and do only as they see fit. You and your mutinous crew will join them now, and I will not be surprised if the rest of this fleet joins you by day's end. I will continue to work toward the survival of those under my command, whoever that may be."

He then turned and started walking away as Dos Santos arrived. He looked wilted and weak, as some young men appear when they return from war.

 

[Infab]

Warren paused for a few moments, glancing back and fourth between Dos Santos and the Commodore as he quickly calmed down after Meinhardt's statements. Finally, he made a decision. "We're not joining the Correntino." responded Warren, looking to Dos Santos. "...Going off and breaking this fleet up is insanity. If we are stuck here, we need each other's assistance. I do not trust the Archangel and its crew in the slightest, but I will continue to work with the Prophet, Nixe, and Terror. I will even work with the Correntino, if they need assistance. But I will not have the Jackal break away from this fleet."

He glanced back to Kortova and her men, as they continued walking away, before looking back to Meinhardt. "One of the first dreams I had venturing into this place involved the Jackal breaking away from the fleet. We were sailing off to parts unknown, and were eventually wrapped up and pulled under by a giant creature. An octopus or squid or something." he explained. "...I will not have the Jackal and its crew suffer that fate."

He looked to his men, and motioned downward with his hand. Riddle and the sailors of the Jackal hesitated for a moment, before lowering their weapons and flipping their safeties on. "If you need to punish me, Commodore, do it." he said, looking back to Meinhardt. "But allow me to stay aboard the Jackal as a civilian advisor to First Lieutenant Slater. She needs help." He then looked to Dos Santos. "...We're only getting out of here alive if we work together, I think. Sail under your own colors, but stay close to us...the waters of the Meridian, I fear, will be your ship's tomb if you stray."

 

[joshuadim]

Dobbs did not envy the job that the Commodore had laid before him, to attempt to balance both the fleet's egos as well as maintaining the integrity of the fleet's structure... and it seemed to be falling apart any how. The Correntino no longer heeded command and it was very possible that the Jackal would follow suit. Thankfully, Warren's words seemed to indicate otherwise much to Dobbs' relief in these tense times. He gave an approving nod towards Warren and let out a tired sigh. Reid himself began to relax as planted his gun barrel down into the earth such that he could lean onto his gun and watch the scene. "Fuckin' hell, I thought we were 'bout to see action Captain." he commented to Dobbs in an almost nonchalant fashion now that things seemed to have settled down. "If my word means anything to this fleet, I'd rather not have bullets flying. Many of my boys got families and friends to get back to."

Lonstray in the meantime nearly puked from the tension that had been building up here and looked rather pale from the ordeal. Fortunately for him, no such danger would come to him on this day it seemed as he breathed heavily. "Now then... now that's over with... Dr. Dos Santos, would you be interested in helping record native speech? I have a phonogram with my assistants currently."

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Kortova went down the beach a little ways with her marine escort, back towards the sea, and met with Lieutenant Williams halfway while the rest of the sailors and marines remained further down the beach forming a ragged line, the men keeping an eye out on the crowd and city. Williams did not salute given that they were on an unknown shore and instead bowed his head slightly. "Grand Captain. I saw the... altercation from down here. I take it the situation is now under control?"

"No, I really don't think it is," she said sourly, her four marines spreading out a little to give her and Williams some room. "I think that Warren is possessed or something. Truly. There must be spirits whispering in their ears. I can't fathom why they are behaving this way. Ishra might have rivals that know about us and are poisoning the fleet. Flint and I have, possibly, and I would hope, a small understanding that would prevent any... tense situations. But he is an old mariner and I expect, and have seen, nothing but professionalism from him so far, aside from a few harsh words said at that last fleet meeting." Kortova took a deep breath and calmed herself for the moment, rubbing a finger against her right temple. "I'm sure the Commodore is handling it as we speak. As for the locals, they probably think we're maniacs after all that. At the earliest convenience, we should ingratiate ourselves with the natives. Have the men share some chocolate, maybe give them a pistol or a medal or something. Warren claims I was threatening the natives and I wonder if that man didn't knife the real Warren in the back and toss him overboard before the expedition started. I don't think he knows what a threat looks like, unless its me, apparently."

Williams raised a brow. "... are we a threat to them, captain?" Kortova adjusted her hat to make sure it was properly in place. "We could be if we had to be, and right now it sure seems like it, but no matter my intentions, they really don't want to work together or be reasonable. He's either being led on to this rivalry or he is crazy. Even Dobbs had to chip in on his side, and we all know which way Dos Santos and her lot goes. That leaves only us, the Commodore, and possibly Flint if anything disastrous truly happens. The moment the grease leaves the pan, Warren and the Platine will go out of their way to leave us out to dry without remorse."

Kortova sighed again and looked out over the crowd. "I'm going back up there. Like I said, I think Meinhardt has this worked out. The translators will be doing their thing soon. At the all clear, make nice with the natives. As if we had planned anything else," she says with a shake of the head. "I'm sure the others will do their best to poison the watering hole here. Tell them not to trust or listen to us. Do everything you can to make that appear otherwise. In fact, go ahead and send a skiff back to get some of the orderlies and a doctor out here. We'll run a small clinic. Show these people what modern medicine can really do." Lieutenant Williams agreed and sent a messenger out to comply, and one of the boats rowed back towards the Archangel.

"And take three of these men with you. I don't need them hovering around, as kind as they are," she said, glancing over her escort. Williams assented and one assault pioneer remained, hefting a shotgun. Of the escort, he was the only one aware of the situation with the Grand Captain as far as Ishra and her powers went. "They probably aggravate the others too much. Then again, it probably doesn't matter."

With that, Kortova and her lone marine escort walked their way back up towards the group, approaching the Commodore and the others. She caught the last few words Warren said, something about someone sailing under their own colors, and she blinked around at the others, not piecing the matter together.

"I take it," she said, clearing her throat slightly, "that some manner of reasonable calm has returned and that we can focus on our mission now, thanks to Commodore Meinhardt?"

 

[K0mori]

Meinhardt ignored Warren, the latter giving his appeal a few steps behind as the Commodore returned to the scene near his own ship, where Kuromaki was now speaking rather casually with some of the natives, who obviously saw no problem in her appearance. When Kortova arrived behind both of them, finally Meinhardt responded to Warren in order to be sure he wouldn't be preempted in answering the young woman's question.

"On the surface, yes," he answered, numbly. "The Correntino has exited the command structure of the fleet; they're no longer under my command. It seems they view me as an imperialist and unworthy of their respect. As for Mr. Warren, he seems keen on retaining unity with this fleet despite lacking confidence in my ability to remain impartial, and his men openly threatening mutiny over a court martial for an insubordinate officer. Realistically speaking, the fleet is barely intact, Miss Kortova, and you partially to blame for that. Your words and behavior are regarded as suspect to the entire fleet ever since your encounter with Ishra. I have ensured that you would not face investigation unless there was concrete proof that you are working against our survival, and to this moment I do not see a shred of evidence to that nature.

"However, I must remark that raising a battle flag without informing the fleet of your intentions was a reckless and dangerous thing, one which led to many harmful assumptions. I am glad you eventually stood down for the good of the fleet, as did the others, but in the future, you must communicate ahead of time. ...Mr. Warren, as little difference as it makes, I am reverting your rank to Commander based on your conduct today. There will be no court martial, as the verdict would be viewed as illegitimate anyway. I will make no more attempts to negotiate your cooperation. Should there be another standoff, I will fire upon the aggressor. Understood?"

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Kortova listened quietly as Meinhardt finally spoke up, the young captain surprised at the sudden exit of the Correntino from fleet command. While he ascribed some blame on her part for spooking the others - which she glowered at, thinking that experienced navy men shouldn't be so jumpy - she wasn't about to start another argument, least of all with someone who was, by nature of this situation, on her side for now. In some ways, she was appalled that the Correntino would so decisively cut their ties, and it was either a mark of foolishness or conspiracy. If Warren was compromised by some entity, why not those on board the Correntino as well? The picture started to piece together a little more. Clearly, to her, those two ships had it out for her and she had done nothing wrong. It had to have gone beyond simple jealousy of her looks and abilities, though perhaps that was merely part of it all. Still, the unstable elements of the fleet isolating themselves could only be a benefit to her later on, she considered, since despite Meinhardt's condition and current dilemma, he and his crew still possessed a strong ship and knowledge of this sea. That, backed with Flint's collected and powerful authority, seemed the backbone of the fleet, with the Archangel naturally fitting in between them.

"Commodore," she said in neutral voice, "I appreciate that you remain clear headed and not subject to the emotional... stress... possibly afflicting other members of the fleet. I cannot for any reason or idea fathom why I would have any reason, let alone desire, to work against the fleet's objectives - especially its survival. I do not believe I have once acted in a manner to demonstrate that and I am glad you recognize these immutable facts."

"I, for one, would like to reaffirm my unbroken pledge - may it remain so - that I wholly intend to respect the fleet structure and command. The Archangel has no reason or wish to harm anyone," she said with a pleased, winning smile. "I am certain that under your command we will overcome any tribulations we may face."

 

[Infab]

Warren looked between Kortova and Meinhardt, giving the former a look of contempt as she smiled Meinhardt. She won't respect anything unless it serves her own self interests. And If there's ever another standoff because of her, and if I'm in the right and you fire on me, there will be hell to pay, Commodore. "...Understood, sir." he replied calmly, as he looked back to Meinhardt. "I'll speak with my men, and get them calmed down and under control."

A moment later, he turned about, moving back down the beach towards where his men were. When he arrived, he took his pistol back from the sailor he had handed it off too, re-holstering it on his thigh. He then looked to Riddle. "Thank you, Master Chief. I've been demoted back to Commander instead of court-marshaled." he stated, "But now I need to you calm down. We're going to try and work with the Commodore again, and try to prevent the fleet from breaking up. We've already had the Correntino break away, and they now sail under their own colors here."

Riddle looked surprised. "...Why didn't we go with them? Hell, they were the only other ones in the fleet that actually thought we were right and did something about it." he said, motioning towards Dos Santos. Warren shook his head. "If this fleet breaks apart, we're stuck here in the Meridian. We have to work together. We'll still support the Correntino, but we'll remain part of Meinhardt's fleet. Now, make sure the men and women understand this. We will have to occasionally work with the Archangel, but obviously keep an eye on them. They have done nothing to deserve our trust. If you see them doing anything that would have them working against the fleet, you let me know."

Slater soon spoke up. "Sir, if you keep this up, we'll either be forced to break away or we'll be sunk by one of the others." she stated, finally pulling her head from the palm of her hand. "All they've done so far is encounter some demon, and now they look strange. I'm starting to think that the encounter with Merphrau's done something to your mind. That or that damned shrine in the cargo bay." Warren looked to his first officer. "That's the thing, Lieutenant. I've only seen her once. She hasn't spoken to me since. The shrine does nothing but sit there and gather trinkets around its base, which I'm ordering now to stop. No one goes near that shrine but command personnel. Understood?"

Slater stared at her commander for a moment, before sighing and nodding. "Fine, sir." she stated, folding her arms. This is beyond ridiculous. Warren then looked back to the Master Chief. "Send a man back to the Jackal. Bring a crate of rations. We can offer the natives food as a sign of friendship." Riddle nodded, before turning about and pointing a man towards the skiff.

Warren then glanced back to where Flint was. "I need to have a good talk with my compatriot. I'll be back." he said, before moving towards where Flint and his men were standing. Meanwhile, Slater looked about at everyone as they waited for the translators to return. I need to talk to someone. Someone that isn't on the Jackal...maybe I can try and patch things up a little with the Archangel so we're at least on working terms. She sighed, before strolling across the beach. Towards Kortova.

 

[Radley]

Flint stood back and listened, like he usually preferred to do. By hearing what everyone else had to say before divulging his own opinion had served him well over his service in the navy. If he were alone against several opponents it functioned like a game of poker, where he would reveal his cards last for the winning sweep. Other times, such as this expedition, it would benefit him to know what every participant would be doing so that he could settle into the roll that suited his own goals the most.

Currently, the state of affairs were a giant mess, but Flint was quite unfazed by it. After meeting with Wulfera and having the revelation about what he was destined to do, his attitude that this fleet was on a science mission had become a mere facade at best. As the Commodore demoted Warren and Kortova made some assurance that they would not break with the fleet, Flint mulled over the current motives in his head. Kortova, now entwined with Kuromaki as either demonic servants or simply just demons themselves. Even though Wulfera had dismissed Kortovas demonic affiliations as some low-down version of sorcery only fit for parlor tricks, Flint knew not to underestimate her. She may be a pompous child with a title that grants her command, but it was what she commanded that worried him more. While Kortova was as inexperienced as she was delusional, Williams and the crew of the Archangel were not. Hardened sailors from the north would stand against many odds, and with the yes-man Williams at their helm Kortovas ramblings would be turned into actual maneuvers that suited her goal. Whether Williams were also influenced by some demonic powers he could not say, but he would not be surprised if he was.

As for Warren, Flint was not surprised what had transpired. During their service, he had always known Warren to be a bit of a loose cannon. For better or for worse. One of the reasons he was not also a Captain despite serving as long as Flint was because of his tendency to take decisive action in demanding situations. although the situation had led to tense relations and the sowing of mistrust, Warrens decision to remain in the fleet lifted a weight off Flints mind. Even if he knew that Warren was somehow involved with Merphrau, he wanted the fleet to remain as intact as possible so that there were as many eyes on Kortova as possible. After all, she was on a mission from Wulfera as well, but like him she was most likely going to disregard it for her own egotistic reasons. The Correntino breaking off came as both a disappointment and a expected outcome. As naive and trusting as Doctor Dos Santos could be, loosing her knowledge would cripple the fleets scientific abilities. The rest of the crew, Flint didn't quite care for. He had always viewed the southern sailors as rambunctious and rebellious. After the death of Captain Alvarado, the most rational individual on that ship, cohesion with the fleet seemed neigh impossible. It surely didn't help that the hot-headed Mancinelli were whipping them all into some kind of fervor of misguided independence. Breaking off from the fleet now served no real strategic advantage, But Flint decided not to interfere on that part.

Flint gave a vexing glance towards Kortova as she buttered up the Commodore. He felt like the talk of fleet unity was complete horse-shit coming from her. With what seemed like a fair amount of enemies in the fleet, it was natural she'd want to cozy up to the one that had protected her. How ever, this suited Flint quite well. If the Archangel stayed in the fleet, it would be much easier to keep her on a leach and under supervision.

Flint proceeded to step up next to Kortova to address the Commodore, "You have the Terror at your side, Sir. Rest assured, we are only as strong as the sum of our parts. Especially on this accursed ocean." He said, hinting to the fact that while he was somewhat fed up with this expedition, their survival would depend on cooperation.

Out of the corner of his eye he could see Warren approaching alone. Giving the Commodore a courteous nod, he signaled for Rourke and the marines to stay put as he went to meet with Warren. As he approached he also holstered his pistol. Both remained quiet until they were within such a distance that they could speak privately.

"My condolences on your demotion, Commander" Flint began with dry tone. Warren was somewhat familiar with Flints way of speaking. Although this could have been taken as a quip, considering Flints earlier congratulations, Warren knew it was more akin to a beratement.

 

[Infab]

"My condolences on your demotion, Commander."

Warren gave Flint a look. "Better than a court-marshal." he replied. He looked about at the others scattered about, making sure they were out of earshot, before looking back to Flint. "I apologize for before. You know how Riddle is, and you know how I am. We were both heated. I meant no disrespect to you, Flint." he said. He glancing towards Kortova, and noticed that apparently Slater was trying to speak to her now. Slater was always the more kind-hearted of the trio of Warren, Slater, and Riddle. She was probably trying to mend some of the bridges burned with the Archangel. At least to give them the illusion that they would work together. He turned his attention back to Flint. "We're going to bring some of our rations out to give to the natives. You got anything in mind that we could do?"

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Kortova noticed Slater walking towards her and she eyed the woman under the shade of her parasol. What now? she wondered. As far as she was concerned, the entirety of Warren's crew were a lost cause. Warren himself was a loose cannon and that Riddle wasn't much better. There was no telling how much worse it could be with the others, though as she considered it, she noticed that the woman had remained fairly reserved throughout it all.

Lips drawn tight, she glanced Slater over when the woman stopped by her. "What do you want?"

 

[Infab]

Slater composed herself, adjusting her greatcoat before speaking. "Grand Captain, I just wanted to apologize for how rude and vulgar Commander Warren and Master Chief Riddle have been to you and your crew. It is certainly no way to behave in times like these, especially with lives on the line." She glanced back to the Jackal sailors, before sighing. "They've all been a bit on edge lately due to these recent events. Undead, long forgotten gods, cursed artifacts...whatever that ice wall was and whatever happened to the island days ago..."

She looked back to Kortova, before continuing. "Commander Warren's encounter with Merphrau has likely bothered him, as he hasn't seen the goddess ever again. Even after bringing that shrine aboard. And he's trying to focus his frustrations on something else, I imagine."

After a brief look back towards Warren, she reached into her coat and pulled out her sketchbook. "Oh, I wanted to give you this. I sketched a picture of you after our last meeting with one another." she said, flipping through the book before reaching the page. She then turned the sketchbook about, showing Kortova the drawing. It was actually rather exquisitely done, drawn in ordinary pencil but remarkably detailed. Even Kortova's new horns were done perfectly. She tugged the page a bit till it came out of the sketchbook, before handing it over to the Grand Captain. "I hope you like it." said Slater, with a slight smile.