Island of Stars

In Star Island is a rather quaint Harbor Town of Royal Harbour. It is a Town of many much industries, Shipwrights, Blacksmiths, even trades of other basic goods. Primarily however it is home to several bottle factories of Star Colas. Owned by the Moore family, that owns the estate overlooking the small City over the Northern Cliffs. It is led by Levington Moore, its Patriarch, and his Wife, Marciana Moore, the family is said to have at least four Children, two Sons and two Daughters, but the fourth and youngest one is said to be sickly and frail, for her name is Mercy Moore. Yet despite the state of her body, her warmth and the happiness from her face, always brightens the spirits of anyone taking care of her.

Mercy has a Childhood Friend growing up, another daughter of the family’s close associate, appointed as her designated Handmaiden and in some ways Guardian. Her name is Brandi Starwick, unlike most Girls her age, Brandi does not show interest in frilly clothing or maybe the whispers about the aspirations of others regarding Men. For her arts are correlated to Fencing, Hunting, and though she has not disclosed it even with Mercy herself, Brandi yearns for the sea as well. For there is a World out there waiting to be unveiled, that she wants to see it for herself, yet she simply cannot abandon her duty to her friend and Mistress.

One morning, Brandi comes to Mercy’s room after she has heard her sickness has had an attack earlier…

“Mercy! I heard the News, what has happened!?” Brandi barrels through the double doors of the room.

She only saw Mercy there, writing with her Quill on her book, as per her usual activity.

Mercy just chuckles seeing the look on Brandi’s face, “It’s alright Brandi, I already drank the medicine for treatment, I’ll be fine.”

“You have a habit of giving us a scare like that, please, we do worry about you, do not neglect your treatment on time.” Brandi replies.

“Alright, alright, I’ll make sure to remember it next time…”

“How’s your Book coming along?” Brandi asks regarding the Book Mercy is writing.

“Finally made it to the half of the Volume, though it’ll be a while till I submit it to a publishing and printing Company back Home.”

“’The Lady Buccaneer’, I didn’t know you have quite the taste for adventure, young Miss.”

Mercy giggles, “Well, let’s say that I aim to prove that Women can write more than just soft Rubbish that you see in stores.”

“Well speaking of which, I have to go now, apparently there’s a visitor today concerning important matters with the Master Levington, and I have to assist him.” Brandi tells her best Friend.

“I’ll be seeing you later then…”

“Remember, take your medicine in Time…”

Brandi then leaves Mercy to her writing…

Meanwhile at the Harbour…

“These are the finest Pistols that have come recently, worth of your gears and bearings that one.” the Shopkeeper tells Jimmy who is browsing for some additional firearms for his two new Holsters.

“Hmm, alright, sold then I’ll take your word for it, Sir.” Jimmy then pays the sum of his newly acquired Guns.

Going outside the General Store, Jimmy sees the fairly industrialized town of Royal Harbour, echoes of working Machinery can be heard from where he is and everyone is rather jolly packing and unpacking crates of bottled Colas. While looking at the Townsfolk, he sees Reynard standing beside the Store entrance.

“Has it been a fine purchase Sir, your new Arms?” Reynard asks.

“They seem to be on working condition, from what I’ve observed this Town seems to be familiar with advanced machinery and the like, I would love to Tarry for a while before meeting my Quarry.”

“Shall I await my Station at the Ship, Sir?” asks Reynard.

“Yes Reynard, that would be ideal…”

The Automaton then makes his way back to the Ship, while Jimmy explores the Town on his own. While walking around he sees Constructs and other forms of engineering he has not seen before or in the Books he has read since he was a Boy. Including various forms of methods of motion as well as fuel and engines. It would seem that Dr. Livesey had other ideas and reasons why he had sent Jimmy on this mission.

May it be accidental or not, this new discovery shall help me in my future plans while sailing about, I should be keen on it.

Jimmy has always been a person whose interest in survival and machinery are one that crosses one another. He found old Books and Scrolls underneath the Cellar of the Old Admiral Benbow Inn, certain knowledge on how to constructs certain gadgets and even Tools that were used in the past before the Meltdown. In the new era, Academic Degrees hardly matter as Scholars were scattered when the World Sovereign was formed. Putting knowledge and survival, two key assets of life to be more important than ever.

Man, I’m thirsty and I am famished, maybe the nearby Tavern has something I can have.

After exploring for a while, Jimmy feels that his Stomach has begun to rumble. And so, he finds himself at the Town’s nearest Tavern. He has himself a simple serving of a Bread and a bottle of Cola. Having been around Taverns and Inns, Jimmy is no stranger to being in the companion among Scoundrels and even Drunkards, however a particular rambunctious lot has just arrived.

“Alright Gents! Pour up the Rum and all the Booze, it’s time to Party! Hey you Lady, give us a whole Crate, eh?!” one of the rowdy Men shouts at one of the Barmaids.

Meanwhile, Jimmy watches neutral on one side.

“Come on now, Bobert, ye haven’t even paid the tab of yesterday when you and your mates came drinking!” the Barmaid protested against the rowdy Man.

As Jimmy is watching, one of the ruffians notices him sitting, and sees his face.

“Oy Laddie! Have I seen ye from somewhere?” he asks.

“Must be a mistake mate, we’ve never met…” Jimmy answers, trying to not attract any attention aware that some of his friends have caught eyes of the Government.

“Yeah, I think we did, you were Mates with them Pirates down at Nestie Isle!”

“Listen here, shut your mouth or I’ll fill it with shot, ya hear me!?” Jimmy threatens.

“Ehe, James, is it?”

Having had enough of the taunting of the ruffian, and unable to risk his allies and their connections, Jimmy grabs the nearby Bottle and swings it at the Man, knocking him out cold on the spot. This in turn attracted the attention of the other Man bothering the Barmaid, and he swings at Jimmy who manages to duck in time. He then sweeps at the leg of the one attacking him, knocking him over, before quickly getting up and throwing a few punches at the last one standing. Because all four were so hungover from the Day before, they could hardly get up.

As he is still recoiling from the brief altercation, Jimmy catches a brief glint of a piercing strike. Which he guards against with his Bracer equipped on his arm, a little inch would surely have pierced his cheek if he was not careful. He sees piercing silvery eyes, and a bluish sheen under the sunlight, then he smirks…

“Careful there, Lassie, these Drunkards started this bout, not me.”

“You’re quite familiar with the Blade, I notice with the way you dodged that one.” the young Woman tells Jimmy.

“Thanks for the compliment, Woman, but point stands I’ve got no Quarrel with you, these ruffians were harassing that young Lady and I.”

“It’s true!”

“They were making trouble since yesterday!”

The others join in to defend Jimmy from the brief brawl that just happened.

“Very well then, seeing as you seem to be unwilling to draw Steel, at least state your name and business, Stranger.” the young Lady then demands.

“I’m here on a private correspondence, you wish for me to state my business, I must know who you are first and if you are of any authority to demand.” Jimmy retorts.

“Peace, you two, and Brandi, this good Sir is the man my father has been looking forward to meet.” another voice joins in, and Jimmy sees a red-haired Maiden in a wheelchair.

“Milady!” Brandi exclaims in shock as she sees her Ward and friend out of her Quarters.

“I am Mercy Moore, youngest Daughter of the Moore family, we bid you welcome, if you would be so inclined to come with us, so we can conduct our official business, Captain.”

What can go wrong after such an impression?

“After you then, young Madam…” Jimmy then follows the two while the Guards tend to the troublemakers writhing in pain.

Later on, the way to the Manor…

Brandi pushes Mercy’s Wheelchair while Jimmy looks around marveling at the factories owned by the Moore family at the Industrial Park of the Island. Though Mercy herself is quite curious about their visitor, though he dresses not formally, he does have sophisticated equipment especially for one that would be considered a Pirate. Long coats and vests and a practical Hat for one commandeering a Sea Vessel.

“You seem quite well equipped compared from what I’ve heard about Pirates that dresses in rags, Mr. Hawkes.” Mercy comments in observation.

“Oh this? I’ve got a little bit more Time to look after myself that’s how, let’s just say I’m more keen on metal and oil than I am with speaking with people.” Jimmy replies.

“How’d you know there’s a ruckus by the Tavern?” Brandi asks her friend.

“I heard from some children passing by, so I followed suit.”

“You left your room again…”

“Well, going for a little stroll wasn’t part of the agreement of confinement now, is it?” Mercy retorts.

Somehow, she guessed that I am her father’s invited Guest, quite perceptive of her.

“You are somewhat informed of my arrival, young Madam.” Jimmy comments.

“I have overheard my father looking forward to meet someone who is a tenure of seafaring and maritime activities, I perceived it’s gonna be you, Captain Hawkes.” Mercy says.

Jimmy chortles, “I certainly hope the Hangers and Charge-Locks didn’t give it all away…”

“Believe it or not for someone confined to a wheelchair, I can have several degrees of imagination.” Mercy tells Jimmy, “Now please go, my father awaits you, good Sir.”

Jimmy then leaves both girls alone on their own and enters the Manor’s guestroom. Now the Moore family are from a rather stable part of the Country in the Old-World continent. They came in the Atomic Seas as a trade venture to spread their products just as they did in their old Home. Levington, despite the status his family has accrued, has remained to be a fairly humble Patriarch, who has never forgotten where he was from. And there he stands Cane in one hand, wearing a brilliant powder wig with fancy clothes, as expected from a nobleman.

“When I heard Dr. Livesey’s Ward will be the one to meet me, I expected someone who works on the legal side of things, and yet here, I see you, a Pirate yet has an honest look in his eyes.” Levington turns to face Jimmy, “the World is full of surprises, Mr. Hawkes.”

“Someone told me long ago that what we can consider Truth is only what our eyes perceive as is, and certain Truths in fact seem to be less truthful than Fantasy.” Jimmy replies and then bows, “a pleasure to meet you, Sir Moore.”

“That is agreeable as a perspective, aye, and likewise Mr. Hawkes, pleasure to meet someone like you as well.” Levington sighs, “I will never get over the fact that I am at this status now, I used to work as a salesman for these fizzy beverages, now I am running the Factories that bottle them, can you believe it?”

“You had an official Signet from the Crown?”

“Yes, young Sir, I did, though it is mostly just for show…oh and can I get you something to drink?” Levington gestures towards the glass on his desk.

“Some Sarsaparilla root will do…”

“Very well then!” Levington gestures the Maids to serve them something to drink while sitting on one of the Benches in the room.

It is not a long wait either, as a moment later, the House Servants returned with prepared beverages for the Master of the House and their Visitor.

“My other children are with my Wife; they are currently overseeing a plantation we own for production of these drinks.” Levington states, “Coulson, Harold, and Rima, they take a more active role in the family business, which I raised them in.”

“The Doc said a Shadow looms upon your youngest, Sir Moore, and you’ve asked for protection.”

Levington’s expression then changes, looking slightly less cheery than he did previously.

“Yes, that is indeed, quite true…letter of Ransom was sent over to me by a pigeon, a Pirate going by the name of Pierot, if you too are familiar with the name.”

Not a name that’s familiar with those from Nestie Isles I reckon.

“Name’s not familiar, probably another terror at the high Seas.” Jimmy replies.

Meanwhile at the Courtyard outside…

Brandi stares at the Ocean, seeing the ships arrive and depart from the Docks, with Mercy by her side. Yet her focus is somewhere else, she imagines herself sailing in one of them tubs, perhaps even being a Captain of one. She once wanted to join the Crown Navy, yet her duties prevent her from setting off, with what she perceives as an everlasting debt to the family that took her as their Ward.

The Sea calls to me, yet I cannot depart, least not without paying for the reason why I’m here.

“You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to.” Mercy wheels herself over closer to Brandi.

“Hm?”

“I notice how you look at them Ships, as if you’re pining for freedom, dearest sister, you always have that, should you want to.” Mercy adds.

“You know Merce, from the time we’ve been together, you’ve always got a good knack at reading what goes on inside people’s heads, I’m not entirely sure if you’re lucky, or it’s a talent of yours.”

Mercy giggles at Brandi’s reply…

“Brandi, I’ve got a lot of time in me Wheelchair, what else can I do but observe people? Especially you.”

“And yet you’re unbelievably interactive with others too…”

“Hmm, true, there are things that I wish I can do, given the condition I am in, yet I do find strength burning from within me to push forward head-on, despite what I am.” Mercy muses about herself, “tell me Brandi, do you believe in the story about Captain Flynt?”

“Mercy we are no longer children; that’s just a Fairy Tale made up for the Children born in the Atom Seas.”

“And yet you kept coming back for those types of stories in Father’s library, and you did say you like my latest work.”

“Alright, fair enough…”

“But what if by some miracle, by chance, one of those Pieces of Eight Silver is right within your grasp, would you take it?”

“We are just a couple of girls raised in a Sea Town, what would we know about the High Seas?”

“How can we know if we don’t try, right?” Mercy retorts to Brandi’s hesitation.

Brandi looks once more towards the Ocean, contemplating on what her friend said to her. Out of her sight, Mercy fiddles with what seems to be the shape of a Key.

Elsewhere around the other islands…

The Western Atom Seas attracted many visitors towards the prospect of exploring the New World and all its riches, ever since the Light Mushrooms soared the air two centuries and a half ago, and rained the Particles all across the World. Despite the World Sovereign holding governance over what is left of everything after the Meltdown, certain fractures remain between leaders and bearers of the crown that sought to explore forgotten corners of what Scathan used to be. First came the wave of Privateers, hired Sailors to compete with those seeking the fortunes of the Seas. But when Privateering and Mercenary work became insufficient to sustain the loyalty of Men, they turned to seek their own fortune amidst those lost in the waters.

Therein among those seeking new opportunities in the Far West, is the “Shanty Troupe”, an entertainment Troupe from the Old World and its countries sailing out West. But when they have arrived, they found themselves among the company of scoundrels, and other thieves prowling the Ocean. Soon after, it would not be long till they themselves became one of them, what became their parlor tricks soon devolved into deadly traps used to entertain their esteemed and noble guests.

Their Captain, a man who calls himself “Pierot”, the former knife thrower, now Troupe Master, meets with another man whose face is hidden behind a mask and underneath a hood.

“You are just in time, Mr. Klawz, the ransom demand is underway.” Pierot tells the masked Man who is only known by the name of ‘Klawz’.

“You and I both know that is not what we are really after, Captain Pierot, it was merely a ruse for them to give up the real treasure.” Klawz replies.

“Right, the real ‘Treasure’ as you say, tell me, why can’t we sell those crates of Fizz for an easy profit already? It’s how we make a living out here.”

“Are you not interested in a Piece of the Eight?”

Pierot scoffs at Klawz’s words, “You mean the tall tale they say around here? Why would you ever believe the promise of a scoundrel?”

“If you are not keen to it, then I do not have to share it with you, but just so you know…” in a moment, Pierot finds Klawz near him, right up to his face, “I can leave you all to drown here if my Brethren deems it so, so don’t cross me, don’t cross us.”

“I already expected the worst, Mr. Klawz…”

“Don’t disappoint me, Captain…” Klawz then disappears seemingly like a bubble into thin air.

Pierot then goes out to meet his Crew who are about drinking in a local Tavern. Gathering them around he announces to them…

“Alright lads, and lasses, we set our next course to Star Island, we have a shipment of fizz to catch.”

Unaware of what lies beneath the deal, the Crew who are none the wiser simply raised their mugs and cheered.

“Aye!”

[To Be Continued]