"Right. We need a complete overhaul of the engines for sure, and a replace for the 'Magnet, as well as… basically replacing most of the ship." he sighed in defeat, drumming fingers on the table out of nervousness. It was a job that could take weeks if not months, and times were tough. He wasn't sure they could make it that long.
"Look, Chimera isn't who she once was. I know that we banded together knowing we were going to be in the business for a while but…"
Lio's eyes flitted around the room, as if looking for an escape of some sort.
"We either need to be prepared to dock for a while, money tight as it is, and stay until the ship is fixed, or we need to spend gods only know how much money buying a new one. Or stealing a ship, even more of a hassle. I wouldn't be surprised if any of you wanted to leave, and I'd hope you do. I don't want any of you to starve under my watch."
"I would like some beer."
Andre frowned a little bit, one hand moving to twist the signet ring again as he listened to Lio's words. He scoffed at Allison's wanting of a beer, shaking his head. Was now really the time to want a beer? Then he returned his attention to Lio. "Understood." he said simply. "I didn't sign on for this expecting an easy time of it. I'll stay, if you'll have me." his wording was simple, his tone sincere, and his green eyes stayed steadily on Lio.
Rainy understood suddenly the conflicted emotions Lio was presenting. Of course, these weren't Chimera's glory days –she'd been old when Rainy first joined. She nodded at Andre's reaction, agreeing, "We're with you, Captain. We'll do what we have to."
Joining the ship had been a decision that Carsyn had heavily debated over and discussed with her family. It would be dangerous and have its low points, but it was something she chose. Starving was nothing new to her, and neither were tough times. The only difference was that this was something she volunteered to deal with, and Lio had earned her utmost trust. So, the girl reached over with a small smile and lightly squeezed her captain's shoulder. I'm with you, she wanted to say.
Andre frowned a little bit, one hand moving to twist the signet ring again as he listened to Lio's words. He scoffed at Allison's wanting of a beer, shaking his head. Was now really the time to want a beer? Then he returned his attention to Lio. "Understood." he said simply. "I didn't sign on for this expecting an easy time of it. I'll stay, if you'll have me." his wording was simple, his tone sincere, and his green eyes stayed steadily on Lio.
"I only want a beer so I have something cool to drink if I have fix the engines. You know how hot it gets in there?"
"Perhaps so, but let the captain finish talking and let the rest of us finish deciding whether we stay or go. Unless you weren't paying attention to anything he just said?" Andre arched an eyebrow. "There's also this thing of social awareness, which I do not believe you were exercising. There was no need to say that you wanted a beer while the captain was in the middle of saying something important."
(oof lol Allison needs to read the room)
(oof lol Allison needs to read the room)
(Lol I was typing it, zoned out and Forgot about it, then remembered. That should be read before the captain speaks.)
The crew's words filled Lio with a little more confidence, and Carsyn's reassuring gesture only served as an even stronger reminder of their closeness. "Right then. We'll be arriving soon, I want all hands on deck. Everyone to their posts, make sure the old girl doesn't fall apart before we land." he concluded, and his expression made it clear they'd say no more about it for now.
"Sorry for interrupting you, captain," Allison said as she went to her post.
Andre nodded a little bit, and headed to his own post, finishing up his coffee as he went to the navigational controls. "Captain, what port did you want, exactly?" he asked, moving to access the controls to tell the ship where to go.
Rainy rushed around and continued to check their supplies, making sure she'd written down everything they needed. She even kindly wrote down beer, knowing Allison's comments weren't ill-intentioned.
Shawn heard Captain Leo and ran out. He didn't really have a post so he just went to help Allison with what she needs and/or if Captain Lio told time to make other stuff or fix stuff, he'd do it. But for now he was free so he joined Allison.
"We're landing at Tauri, I'd recommend the southwest, around Morac. That's the King's territory, whoever they are we'll be safe enough and hopefully well provided for. I know a few people there, not drifting types and if it gets bad…" well, he wouldn't want them to loose their home. "We can repair the ship there, some of the best mechanics you'll ever see are there."
(That was to Andre, btw.)
"Yes, Captain! Anything for you! And the Chimera!" Jax ran out of the kitchen, only to be hit with heavy rain the second she stepped outside. She hurried to climb the mast to the crow's nest, being sure to secure herself to the ship with rope. Jax knew how small she was, and a strong gust of wind could blow her overboard.
(And also Lio is referring to the Pirate King. Not like, the people who actually rule things.)
"Sorry, 'aptain, I wanted to ask Rael something, be right back." Allison said as she went to where Rael was.
"Hey, Can I ask you something Rael?" Allison asked both sweetly and seductively.
(Happy One Piece fan noises)
Andre nodded a little, adjusting the maps and setting the destination. "Yes sir." he replied. He leaned back in his chair, blinking tiredly and rubbing his eyes with a hand. "Oh, and sir? Could we consider at some point investing in some more heavy-duty auto-controls?" he asked. "Because I'm exhausted every time we go through a storm, since I have to stay up and keep the ship in line."
Andre nodded a little, adjusting the maps and setting the destination. "Yes sir." he replied. He leaned back in his chair, blinking tiredly and rubbing his eyes with a hand. "Oh, and sir? Could we consider at some point investing in some more heavy-duty auto-controls?" he asked. "Because I'm exhausted every time we go through a storm, since I have to stay up and keep the ship in line."
"I'll see what we can do." he gave a smile that was meant more reassuring than genuine.
(Sorry again for the shorter responses!)
Carsyn nodded at Lio's command and steeled her nerves for the storm. She could do this, she's done it before hundreds of times. She hurried out to the deck, careful of the wet floor beneath her feet and the wind pushing against her. Rain stung her cheeks and eyes and plastered her hair to her face, but she ignored it in favor of keeping her eyes on her destination: the crows nest. Oh, how she loved climbing up the mast to be high above everyone. The thunder might've scared her, but as she deftly scurried up the mast with the help of the slick handles, Carsyn focused on the height and the song she hummed. The wind made her feel free.
Up in her nest, she swept her gaze over the sky, searching for where they were headed and what they might be getting into.
(I have to go to bed in a few minutes, so I don't think I'll be able to respond any more today! I'll be on again in a few hours, though!)
Quickly, he tried to finish his food without feeling sick. The cook placed his bowl and spoon beside the sink before glancing over at Lio. Rael couldn't help but look up and around the ship. Surprising how much it had changed and he'd only been there for seven years. Pulling out his rag, he pressed it against his eyes and forehead. "We'll make do with what we can Lio. We might just be stronger than the ship, that poor dear.", he nodded with a reassuring grin,"Let me know if there's anything I can do."
Rael glanced over at Allison and Andre with a shook of his head. There's better ways to deal with it, but there isn't enough time for him to make a comment on it. Instead, he went back to cleaning as quickly and efficiently as possible. He cleaned, packed pots/pans/utensils/supplies away, made sure that any leftovers were preserved or in the ice box, and checked on the oven. On the end of the counter was a pile of things he needed when they'd dock. A letter with an address, list of supplies/food needed, wallet, coat, and a little box wrapped in pink wrapping paper.
