[IC] CassyK/Truepirate

[CassyK]

(Truepirate’s intro:)

"Grady! Slow down!" Elissa Bishop screeched as she was tossed about the cabin of her carriage. Her driver was going way too fast. "Grady!" The small window at the front of the carriage opened up.
"Sorry, milady, Grady took a jump at the last bridge. I'm yer driver now. This 'ere rig now belongs to the captain of the good ship Morgue." A grimy looking man slurred. He obviously lacked a proper education.
"I think not." She said, managing to get her footing. Elissa opened the carriage door, preparing herself to jump. She gasped as the door was ripped from its hinges as the driver scrapped the side of the carriage against a wall.
"You ain't going nowhere, dear." The pirate laughed.

After several minutes of reckless driving they reached the dock, several men were on deck. "Here's your stop, milady." He said reaching into the cabin and grabbing her arm. He pulled her out of the carriage and pushed her up the ramp and onto the deck of the ship. Her blue eyes were filled with rage. A strand of her red hair hung down in front of her face, her emerald green ball gown was the only thing that looked halfway decent. "Time for you to meet the captain," he said. "Captain! We have a captive!" The man known only as Rat pushed her over to the captain. "Show respect for the captain." He growled shoving her to her knees.
"I demand that you release me this very moment or you will face the wrath of the British Navy!" Elissa spoke boldly, trying to hide the fear that consumed her. She wasn't even sure anyone knew she was missing yet.

[CassyK]

Joseph awoke with a start, gasping inward deeply, usually, it felt like he’d been pulled up through the water, this time, and not uncommonly, he’d felt like he was drowning. The usual nightmares; one foggy childhood memory persisted, despite all the terrible things he’d done over the years, why did that persist? He grimaced to himself, and rubbed his face massaging his brow, before letting out a large grumbling sigh. He’d fallen asleep yet again on his sofa - a little too small, his neck had been positioned crooked to the side and his legs scrunched; he slowly and painfully unfolded himself to sit upright. He cast his eyes to the window whilst working out the aches - dark, but he could hear activity aboard the ship. Their day was soon to begin, and it was going to be a big day. They were here for the raid, under the radar of course - false documents and a friendly flag, the port authorities didn’t recognise the Morgue. Joseph had some scores to settle, especially after losing the Gallant - and the merchant responsible was going to pay dearly. He set about preparing himself and his crew for their impending assault on the town.

Later that night, under the cover of darkness, the chaos of the raid unfolded, Joseph and a group of his men set upon the merchant’s home only to find him absent, a carriage making a getaway; he sent Rat in pursuit whilst he instructed his men to make their way back to the ship with the goods - they’d have to depart soon.

Back on the ship the plan was coming together, Joseph marched along the deck ensuring all activities were in order to make their departure, “alright lads, finishing touches let’s get her moving! Once we’re clear it’s Bishop’s finest Scotch all round!” he hollered, grinning. He was just about to take his place at the ship’s wheel when the carriage appeared battering along the dock and making a stop at the ship, he heard Rat pulling someone from the cabin - Mr. Bishop he’d assumed, Joseph was greatly anticipating this moment, of course it was much to his surprise when a young woman in an emerald dress, red hair and furious - fearful - but absolutely furious, blue eyes was shoved onto the deck, Rat pushed her to her knees. Joseph blinked for only a moment, this wasn’t quite what he was expecting. He furrowed his brow and crossed his arms as Elissa threatened him, his green eyes examining her for a moment before he looked at Rat, rubbing his stubbled chin “is this how we treat the ladies, Rat?” he huffed, “my apologies Miss” he began, reaching out his hand to help her up - it was bejewelled with a couple of heavy rings, one was gold with a signet seal, which wasn’t clear unless upon closer inspection, there were tattoo markings on the back of his hand, these too were obscure. “So I’ll be saying you know Mr. Bishop rather well then Miss?” he smirked, looking to his crew he nodded to begin setting sail before turning his attention once again to his captive, there was something really quite striking about her, familiar perhaps - but really all these high society girls were fairly similar, that could have been why, he reasoned.

[Truepirate]

(I’m in! Now give me a moment to reply. Thanks for your patience.)

[Truepirate]

Elissa frowned and she took his hand and stood. Once on her feet she wiped her hand on her dress to rid it of any filth that may have been on his hand. “Mr. Bishop is my father.” She said sharply. “But I hope you aren’t wanting to speak with him. He’s out of town on business and won’t be back for several months. Now if you will kindly let me go free I have business to attend to. You and your men interrupted my birthday celebration and I’d do like to return.” There was sarcasm in her voice. She had not been enjoying the evenings festivities and had actually been trying to leave when the raid had occurred.

“She still could be worth something, cap.” Rat said moving closer to the two. “I mean, look at that pretty ring on her finger.” He grabbed her left hand to force her to hold it out to show Joseph. Instantly, Elissa turned and punched the man in the face, breaking his nose. He fell back onto the deck, howling in pain.

“Kindly never touch me again or I shall have to break more than your nose,” she said calmly as if she were inquiring the time of day or making passing conversation. She looked back to Joseph. “Well are you going to let me go or not? I have other matters to attend to, you know.”

[CassyK]

Joseph had to refrain from smirking as Elissa wiped her hand on her dress; he hadn’t expected anything less from her. Huh, father eh? Well that sounded about right, she appeared to be as truly arrogant, entitled and utterly clueless as he’d expect from the daughter of the one Mr. Bishop - he had the feeling she didn’t quite fully understand the situation she was in, or perhaps she was trying to bluff her way out, in any case, she was about to experience a reality check.. he was just about to bring to light her particular predicament when Rat interrupted; Joseph observed the brief altercation with amusement and laughed loudly as the pirate hit the deck with a bloodied nose - a number of the crew were also entertained by this and teased from the side lines whilst they worked.

“I suppose he might have deserved that” he mused, drawing down his lips and nodding agreeably, “but I’m afraid you’re going to have to get along for the time being”, he smiled politely for but a moment, before his expression dropped and he gestured to a member of his crew - a middle aged rather burly, rotund man whom perhaps was not quite as unfriendly as the rest, “Pete, settle Miss Bishop in her quarters” he ordered, “aye aye Captain” the man confirmed, “GET HER OUT TO SEA LADS!” Joseph hollered as he turned away from Elissa, making his march once again along the deck to the ship’s wheel. The crew had already released The Morgue from her mooring ropes and pulled up the anchor, she was starting to move off. Pete took a firm grasp of Elissa’s arm and began to usher her to a cabin below deck.

[Truepirate]

“Joseph, don’t you dare walk away from me!” Elissa snapped as he walked off. She remembered him, but did he remember her? “I deserve and explanation as to why you want me and my father.” She fought against Pete. Elissa seemed to know how to fight, she aimed punches and kicks. “Joseph!” She was frightened and felt that she deserved an answer to what was going on.

Rat slowly stood up, holding his nose. He was furious that the crew had laughed at him and even angrier at Elissa for causing his humiliation. He would get even. He wiped his nose on his sleeve before walking over to Pete. “Let me take her.” He said, dodging as she threw a punch his way.

[CassyK]

The Morgue was a handsome enough vessel, deep in colour she was a moderate sized merchant ship (at least in appearance), however she was absenting a figure head, although it appeared she may have had one at some point in time. Inside she’d been converted to accommodate primarily cannons, crew and loot - she was capable of defence, but her strengths lay in her agility, her narrow hull and shallow draft allowed her to access waters out of reach of many larger (and more powerful) pursuers. Joseph however had no emotional attachment, The Morgue wasn’t his ship, in fact, he’d promised to bring her back in one piece (mostly), no, his ship had been (and always would be) the Gallant, a larger naval vessel which historically had been commandeered, she had come into his possession after the mutiny.

Joseph stood at the helm as they moved off, quickly leaving the port behind, the majority of the townsfolk had barricaded their homes at the sounds of the pirates’ disturbance simply waiting out the raid, Joseph and his men had plundered a few select locations, many of the crew took delight in brawling with the night watchmen and any civilians brave enough to challenge the pirates which provided a suitable distraction, along with starting a few fires. The pirates had hustled back to the ship quick enough before the town knew what hit them (or where the pirates had come from). Mr. Bishop’s residence had been Joseph’s primary target; for him at least Miss Bishop would prove useful for negotiations, for the crew they’d carried off enough booty and booze from the Bishop estate to make the assault worthwhile.

Another person stood alongside Joseph, short and petite in stature, they wore a baggy collarless cotton shirt, loose cropped breeches, tall leather thick cuffed boots, an embroidered navy waistcoat and a tricorned hat not unlike Joseph, they appeared to be holding pieces of paper, pointing and talking to him whilst he navigated. Elissa wouldn’t have been able to make out their their features, but they appeared to be the ship’s sailingmaster given their interaction with Joseph. The chilling spray of the sea gushed over the deck, it was still dark but dawn would be approaching in a couple of hours, Joseph had pulled on a long and heavy dark overcoat which he’d left nearby - complete with many round buttons and thick cuffs - across his shoulders to cover his loose collarless cotton shirt and embossed dark leather jerkin, he too like the sailingmaster wore cropped baggy breeches, and tall heavy cuffed boots, he had a cutlass stowed buckled around his waist to one side, a flintlock pistol to the other - a washed-out red decorative scarf provided padding from the belted articles around his waist. Joseph had wavy dark brown neck length hair, tied back and tucked beneath his leather tricorn hat, a gold oval hooped earring glinted from his left ear.

The noise of the ship’s movement, workings and crew aboard had drowned out Elissa’s cries, Pete restrained her firmly as she struggled attempting to throw punches and kicks, he knew what to expect and his large size was enough in itself to suppress her, he eyed Rat as he approached them and presented his request, “oh get off it Rat!” Pete boomed, shoving past him, “and you need to calm down Miss I don’t want to get physical” he warned as he escorted her through the flurry of ship mates to below deck and to her cabin. He did wonder how the lady happened to know Joseph by name, but figured Rat might have mentioned it during her abduction. Pete was a large, booming but seemingly (at least in pirate company) kindly man, he wore a simple loose outfit, overcoat and boots, he too had a pistol stowed and buckled around his waist, he wore a Monmouth cap and a full, dark brown connecting beard and moustache. The ship’s boatswain, Joseph had selected him especially for this task due to his character namely, Rat was good at ‘retrieving’ their guests, Pete was good at well, hosting them, if one could call it that.

[Truepirate]

“I deserve to know what is going on.” Elissa said, tears stinging her eyes. “I’ll have people looking for me.” She pulled an arm free from Pete’s grasp and drew a dagger from a hidden pocket. With the precision of a professional she threw it across the deck, landing it in the wheel of the ship, right where she aimed. It was a special dagger, Joseph had given it to her when they were children, in turn she had given him a ring. Inscribed on the dagger was, “To my dear friend, never shall I forget you. Joseph.” Elissa had always kept it with her in hopes that one day Joseph would come back into her life. Never in a million years would she have expected him to come back as a pirate. He’d been her only friend growing up and had also saved her many a time from the local nobleman’s son, Blayne Ashton. Blayne was two years older than Elissa and had taken to teasing her for her father’s profession. He’d bully her to tears.

“I have to talk to your captain. I have to talk to Joseph.” She begged of Pete when they arrived at the cabin. “Please. I deserve to know what is going on. I deserve to know what is going to happen to me.” Elissa knew she had to escape. Being captured by pirates was no calm matter. It wasn’t the worst situation she had faced, but it certainly wasn’t one she had expected. “I have to talk to, Joe.” She looked up at Pete with a pleading face. “This has to be a mistake. Why would he want me? Why would he want my father?” Elissa tried to pull away to hurry back up the stairs. Mentally she cursed the formal gown, it was proving to be a hindrance in her attempts to fight the giant before her. This was why she normally chose clothing deemed inappropriate for women, breeches and a button up shirt.

In her attempts to get away, Elissa didn’t notice Rat following them at a distance. Rat was waiting for his chance to get even with Elissa for his humiliation. He figured the sooner the better, knowing the captain would come and talk with the prisoner before too long. He had a pistol at his waist, loaded and ready. He no longer cared what the captain’s plan was, he had his own plan. Revenge was more important.

[CassyK]

Joseph and the sailingmaster looked up from their documents as the dagger plunged into the ship’s wheel with a thunk, what in the…?; Joseph inspected the opposite side of wheel and dislodged the item from the polished wood, he read the inscription, slightly bewildered, but this, coupled with anger from the damaged wheel flung Joseph into a rage, “who’s is this?! Who has thrown this?!” he roared without a breath, he knew it wouldn’t have been any of his crew, but considered it impossible to have come from the girl - he looked over to see her making an astonishing resistance and Pete scuffling with her down to the lower deck. Joseph handed control of the vessel to the sailingmaster and stormed down onto the main deck, he re-read the inscription - it made no sense, he followed them below deck. Joseph met with Pete struggling to contain the woman, he really was too kindly for his size sometimes, and Miss Bishop was quite hysterical, “what exactly is going on here?” he snapped, “Cap’n, I…” Pete began, Joseph brushed past him and gripped Elissa’s wrist tightly, “ENOUGH! So help me don’t make me hurt you!” he growled, “this? What is this? Is this yours?” he pressed, almost rhetorical, glaring at her and waving the small dagger around, whatever she was up to Joseph was not going to stand for it, “you know what I don’t have time for these games” he snarled, wedging the dagger into some folds of cloth around his waist he then proceeded to drag Elissa to her quarters, once inside he released her roughly. The Captain forced out a breath of utter exasperation before removing his hat to draw his sleeve across his forehead, a scar across his right temple became evident, it disappeared under his hair. He stood, examining her for a moment, fury still filled his deep green eyes.

[Truepirate]

“Yes, it is mine! You gave it to me, you idiot!” Elissa snapped back as she stumbled over the hem of her dress and fell. A horrible realization his her. “You don’t remember me do you?” She asked softly, her entire attitude changing. She slowly stood up. “Joseph, it’s me. Elissa, Elissa Bishop.” Now she really was in trouble, if he didn’t remember her any hope of surviving long on that ship was gone with the ocean breeze. “The dagger...you gave it to me. You had it inscribed. I gave you a ring in return.” She was grasping at straws to make him remember her. “You have to remember me. You promised you’d never forget me. You promised to come back for me. Joseph....please.” If he didn’t remember her she didn’t know what she was going to do. “Why am I here?” She finally asked.

Rat ducked into the shadows when Joseph stormed towards Pete and the woman. He fit his namesake and was good at hiding and scurrying around nearly undetected. His real name had been long forgotten both to him and anyone who had known it. His plan for revenge would have to wait until after the captain left. ‘Oh this is interesting,’ he thought as he heard Elissa proclaim that she knew their captain. This information would prove to be valuable, he was sure of it.

[CassyK]

This girl was almost way more trouble than she was worth… but he had to get back the Gallant, that was the point of this. Elissa’s pleads had landed nowhere in Joseph’s heart or mind, he was sure she was simply shaken and hysterical from the whole ordeal, not surprising really he supposed - that thought in itself placated him a little. Why am I here? Well he could answer that, Joseph composed himself for his reply, “Miss…Bishop, we are holding you until such time your father arranges the return of or compensation for the ship he stole from me” he explained calmly, “my lady” he added with a forced smile, he glanced around the room, “I regret our accommodation may be lacking in all your usual feminine….amenities, but please try to make yourself comfortable” he glanced around the room - comfortable furnishings and basic hygiene facilities were provided, but it was gloomy despite the candles, there was a chest at the end of the bed and a wardrobe that was sure to contain an assortment of weather appropriate clothing. He withdrew and locked the door, passing the keys to Pete, “keep an eye on her” he instructed, before heading back up to the main deck.

The town was steadily shrinking into the horizon, the sun was beginning to break in the East. The air was calm and the ship rocked pleasantly, they were making good headway - wind and tide was on their side, for now.

[Truepirate]

Her heart sunk when he locked her in. “Joseph, please!” She yelled banging her fists in the door. “Father won’t do as you want. He doesn’t care about me.” Her voice broke as she began to cry. “He won’t care what happens to me. He sent me away once, he will be glad to have me gone for good.” She sank to the floor. “He won’t save me, neither will Blayne.” It was hopeless. She knew her father would be glad to return and find her missing. When she was sixteen he’d sent her to Bedlam, the asylum for the insane. That had been a miserable and horrifying year, Elissa still had nightmares from it. “Father will leave me to whatever fate you decide.”

Her father had wanted a son, instead he got a daughter and lost her mother when Elissa was ten, losing all hope of ever getting a son. Because of this he had grown to resent Elissa, leaving for business trips often and staying gone months at a time. Once Elissa was free from Bedlam he had her sail for his company so that she would be gone from his life even more and be making money for his company.

Rat cursed under his breath when Joseph put Pete to guard the door. It would make it harder to enact his plan. He stormed off back on deck to work. ‘I’ll just come back later claiming to be his replacement.’ He thought.

[Truepirate]

(Do you mind if Elissa stole her dagger back when Joseph drug her into the room? Maybe without him knowing she took it?)

[CassyK]

On the main deck Joseph had returned to the side of the sailingmaster, he huffed and removed his hat once again, tucking it under his arm he proceeded to rub his face with both hands, groaning. The sailingmaster peered at him with brown eyes from under the pointed brim of her hat, smirking, “a bit of a handful?” she grinned, looking at him for a moment before looking back out to sea as she gripped the ship’s wheel. A bit of a handful… Joseph ran his hands through his curly hair which flexed back with a little bounce as it was released from the tie, which he pocketed, “aye” he replied, also looking out to the ocean ahead of them before scanning the ship and his crew. He’d heard Elissa’s desperate shouting and banging on the door of the cabin, but hadn’t made out her words at that time, the earlier exchange with her however did come to mind now that he’d calmed down - how did she know his name? She seemed to know him, too, but it could be a desperate, although unusual, appeal to his better nature.. and what about that dagger? He’d inspect it more closely later; a ring though? He’d a number of small articles he possessed since well…since forever it seemed, he couldn’t quite remember when or how he’d acquired them, but had stashed them in a trinket box which he kept in a drawer in his desk. His curiosity considered if it was worth a look. The sailingmaster could sense Joseph musing, “perhaps a little of that Bishop’s Scotch” she declared, and glanced at the Captain with a grin; Joseph laughed, that would certainly help.

Joseph had not noticed Elissa’s sleight of hand in retrieving the dagger from him - it wouldn’t be long before he noticed it missing of course, perhaps until the end of the day if Elissa was fortunate.

The Morgue was clear from any pursuit for now, the crew would need to eat and rest for a short while. The morning sun glimmered across the ocean, the air was fresh and the weather was fair and mild.

[Truepirate]

Elissa pulled the dagger from where she’d hidden it in her sleeve. She’d taken it back when he had drug her into the room. She’d kept it for this many years and wasn’t about to be separated from it now, especially if he didn’t recognize her. She slid to the floor and put her back to the door. “He doesn’t remember me. How could he forget his best friend?” She wondered aloud. This was a mess and there was no one but herself around to save her. Elissa was no damsel in distress and could take care of herself, but she found it nice to have allies around to aid her. “Can you hear me?” She asked, remembering that Pete had been placed to guard her. She wondered if she could pick the lock, if she could her first obstacle would be the giant outside after that...well she didn’t know.

Elissa had never been good at coming up with plans. She was a spur of the moment type person and tended to plan in the moment. Slowly she stood and walked over to the trunk to see if there was a change of clothes. She hated how hindering the dress was, the yards of fabric that made up just the skirt was nearly enough to put a sail on a small ship. She found a pair of breeches and a shirt. Elissa didn’t care about finding shoes that fit, she hated wearing them anyways. As quickly as she could she changed clothes before sitting on the bed to undo the elaborate hairdo that was still mostly intact. She sat the hairpins on the pillow knowing she would need them for when she picked the lock.

Rat waited nearly an hour before going back down to the cabin. “Hey, Pete. Captain said he needed you and for me to take over watch until you came back.” He said calmly. “Said he needed to talk to you about the girl since you brought her down and heard all she was carrying on about.” Rat could lie like he was telling the truth, in fact it seemed easier for him to lie than to tell the truth.

[CassyK]

Pete heard Elissa peep from the other side of the door, but considered it best not to interact with her, she seemed to be calm for the time being. He expelled a heavy sigh, crossed his arms and leaned against the cabin wall. He was called Peter, really, but the ‘r’ seemed to have gotten lost somewhere along the way with all who came to know him - didn’t fit a pirate he supposed. He didn’t like it when Joseph took hostages, not as though he was in the habit of it mind you, but there had been a few necessary occasions. She would need food and water soon, although she may well be resting after her ordeal he considered, she did seem a strange lass though, with all the nonsense she’d come out with.

Some time passed before Rat appeared; Pete had worked alongside him for a few months but didn’t entirely like or trust him, Joseph seemed to find him useful. His blue eyes narrowed slightly - he’d have to confirm with the Captain regardless, “hm” he grumbled and displaced himself from his post, “I think your face looks better after she smacked you” he gibed as he walked away, he jingled the keys in his hand to make it clear to Rat he would not however, allow him to gain access to the room.

[Truepirate]

“You better leave those with me, mate, just in case cook brings her food by. I’m sure the captain won’t want her to be going hungry just ‘cause you decided to take the keys with you.” Rat said. He frowned at the comment about his face. “Shut up. She had no right to do that. A lady shouldn’t know how to punch that hard, she’s trouble. Mark my words, she’s trouble. Captain should be rid of her.” He gave a decisive nod. If Pete didn’t give him the keys he’d find a way to break in. The girl’s time was slowly ticking away. He’d have his revenge one way or another.

Elissa frowned as she heard Pete talking to Rat outside. This couldn’t be good. She barely knew the man and already knew his name suited him. If he opened the door she would make a run for it. Gathering the hairpins she went to the door and began trying to pick the lock, knowing that they wouldn’t hear her while they were busy talking. She cursed when the first pin broke.

[CassyK]

The sizely pirate locked eyes with Rat, he really was his namesake and he couldn’t trust him as far as he could throw him. Pete knew the consequences would be far worse if Rat decided to let himself in to Elissa’s room - there was no saying what he’d do, he didn’t know for sure, of course, he liked to believe Rat was at the very minimum operating under Joseph’s command…but was he?

“She’ll just have to wait then” he replied as he pocketed the keys and turned away from Rat, heading for the main deck.

[Truepirate]

Rat frowned, he didn't like Pete, the man was too by the book. Of course, Rat had always tended to do what would benefit him before doing anything else. With the keys gone he'd just have to find another way to break into the room. Before becoming a part of Joseph's crew, he'd been a thief, pickpocket, and lockpick. He had a bounty on his head in several countries, all under different names. Being a pirate combined all of his talents and he was loyal only to himself. If a better job presented itself he would easily and without remorse leave and/or betray Joseph and the crew just to further himself. After Pete left he turned to the door to figure out the best way to open it. He knew if he fired his pistol, he'd not only waste the only shot he had but also cause attention to be drawn to him and the cabin.

Elissa tried another pin and broke it. She was running out of pins and patience. It'd never taken her this long to pick a lock before. "Come on, you got this. Just take a deep breath and focus." She told herself. "You've picked harder locks with less supplies before. This one is nothing." With her little pep talk out of the way she took a deep breath and tried again, smiling as she was rewarded with the sound of the lock clicking open. Now to face the Rat. Elissa knew she was going to have to take him by surprise, so without waiting for him to realize she had unlocked the door, she slammed it open and ran, shoving him into the wall.

Rat fell backwards, wondering for a brief moment what had happened. He came to what little senses he had and realized that his quarry was escaping him. As she bolted up the stairs for the main deck, he followed, pistol at the ready. He waited at the bottom of the stairs and right as she reached the top he fired.

Elissa stumbled. It took a moment for her to realize what had happened, Rat had shot her. Lucky for her he had missed her heart and had hit her left shoulder. She collided with the deck, anger filling her. This man was worse that real rats.

Rat realized that he had missed his mark and reloaded as he climbed the steps. He felt a small victory when he saw she had fallen to the deck, already her white shirt was becoming stained red. "This is for punching me in the face." He said standing over her, aiming his weapon down at her chest.

Without thinking Elissa grabbed the barrel of the pistol and pulled down with her good arm, her left was numb and useless at the moment. Rat started to fall forward, until she brought both legs up and kicked him away, knocking the pistol from his grasp. He fell to the deck a few feet away from her, but didn't stay down long. She had just enough time to stand and toss the pistol overboard before he started to run at her. If it was a fight he wanted, it would be a fight he'd get. This wasn't her first time, fighting for her life and she doubted that it would be her last. Rat had the advantage, being able to use both his arms, but it didn't stop Elissa. Somehow she was able to hold her own.

"Captain! Captain!" The cabin boy, William, called as he ran up to the man at the wheel. "The girl, she escaped the cabin. Her and Rat are fighting! He shot her!" He pointed down to the main deck where the two were brawling.

[CassyK]

Joseph and his crew were startled by the weapon’s discharge, most of them considered for a moment if something had struck the ship. As Elissa emerged from the top of the stairs and collapsed on the deck with Rat in pursuit, their scuffle gained the attention of nearby sailors, a couple of whom took it upon themselves to intervene, pulling Rat away from the girl and grappling him to the floor. It was incredibly serious for him to have fired the weapon aboard the ship.

Oh holy hell… Joseph advanced to the balcony to see exactly what was going on, he witnessed Rat being subdued and the red staining Elissa’s garments heavily - he made his way swiftly down to the main deck. “Surgeon where’s the surgeon?” he commanded, as he gripped Elissa’s good arm gently to examine her.