Splintered Light
Chapter 3.5: Evasion

Viktor followed the discussion between his Captain and the preening Falcon from his position high in the Wave Rider's rigging.  As the argument heated up and the Tiger drew his weapon the Hare quickly but subtly made his way down to one of the lower booms, positioning himself in a vantage to provide aid if the threat of violence turned into an actual altercation.  Fortunately it didn't, but that didn't alleviate the Rigger's concerns... if anything, it brought up some new ones.

Much to Viktor's displeasure it appeared as though Alistair was giving in to the demands of the airship, which was most unfortunate.    It was true that the Hare didn't have as much experience at sea as some of the more seasoned members of the Wave Rider crew but he'd heard stories of captains losing control of their crew shortly after losing their nerve.  While Viktor didn't know if the rumors were true he was nevertheless confident that the sailors aboard the Wave Rider weren't the mutinous sort.  Regardless, the Rigger felt a pang of indignation that they were being forced to submit to whatever the UPU had planned.

After the exchange between Tiger and Falcon Alistair retreated to his cabin.  Viktor knew enough about the man to realize that it was not a normal thing for Captain Jacksoni to retreat after a heated exchange but it was too early to figure out what was going on.  The last order the Hare had received was to keep an eye on the situation so he put other concerns out of his mind; he would do as he was commanded.  That mindset bore fruit when he saw the Tiger glance at him before passing through the doorway; Viktor didn't miss the wink that suggested Alistair was up to something.

Using the spare ropes wrapped around the timber as finger holds, the Hare scrambled up the mast until he was at the same level as the rest of his team; they still had their pistols and crossbows at the ready and seemed almost as confused by the turn of events as he.  Nikolay, who was the closest was the first to speak up, and he did so in Mehnzilian for the benefit of the others.  "We are to do nothing?"

Viktor kept his answer simple.  "The Captain gave us our orders... we're following those orders by standing watch."

The next closest crewman was the only Human on the rigging team, Mr. Hatch.  He had a disgusted look on his face.  "They're executing women down there and we're just supposed to sit by and let it happen?"

The Hare responded simply and flatly.  "Yes.  The Captain has a plan and our part of that plan is to do as he says."

Viktor always found Human frowns to be an unpleasant expression and Hatch's turned into a scowl, which was even worse.  "I don't like it."

The lead rigger didn't relent.  "You don't have to like it, Mr. Hatch-- you just have to listen to orders."

Despite his obvious displeasure at having to observe without interfering, the Human was, nevertheless, loyal.  His response was not heartfelt, but Viktor felt it was genuine.  "Aye, sir."

While the rest of his team hung in the rigging and watched, the Hare was more interested in getting a feel of the rest of the crew.  That also meant getting closer to the events on the deck, and he was more than willing to take the opportunity to keep an eye on the men from the Joshew... especially when he saw another four of them descending on the lower hull lift... at least, he assumed it was; the Hare didn't know for sure if the bottom of a flying ship was still called a hull.

Catching sight of the Wave Rider's Foreman, Viktor did his best to hide his distain for the Goat and grabbed hold of a line that would take him to the deck.  Sliding down the rope, the Hare landed on his feet a short distance from Willem and, once he was noticed, approached.  "We need to talk."

Although it was an almost unspoken agreement between the two that a conversation beginning with those four words were usually cause for walking away from the instigator, the Foreman didn't move and, instead, turned to face the Hare.  "Yes.  We do."

Viktor glanced around the deck where the crew had backed away, giving the visitors from the Joshew room in which to move, but the Wave Rider's sailors were still watching them warily with hands, talons, and paws near their weapons.  "Your men aren't standing down."

The Goat didn't bother looking up as he made his own declaration.  "Neither are yours.  What's your point, Viktor?"

The Hare made another cautious statement.  "The Captain knows what he's doing... even if we don't."

Willem continued keeping any eye on the newest crewmen from the Joshew as they stepped off their lift and onto the Wave Rider's deck. "I never said he didn't."

Viktor still wasn't certain how his follow up words would be taken but he risked the comment nevertheless.  "I have the rigging crew watching our 'guests'.  If there's any sign that they might--"

The Foreman let it go unsaid.  "If something happens then the deck crew will be ready to support the riggers."

It was as close to an accord as the Hare could hope to reach with the Goat; neither much cared for what the Joshew's butchers had done but they also knew they were over their heads.  They were both loyal to Captain Jacksoni and would follow his orders but Viktor was fairly certain that Willem was of a similar mind: the Tiger was a wiley one and their best service to him would be to ready for whatever plan he was concocting.  The head rigger was content to close the discussion with that. "Good."

Willem continued watching the events as they played out from his position on the deck and Viktor, while having no great love for the Goat, found no real reason to move and so they both stood passively while the six crewmen from the Joshew went over every inch of the top deck of the Wave Rider under the guidance of their bosun, the smug, self-confident Falcon that stood on the aft castle in the spot usually reserved by Captain Jacksoni.  Just when it seemed like their task had come to an end, Aescwin gave a new order.  "Head down below decks and look for any other Nordstern crewmen.  Bring them up for inspection."

The six grim Joshew crew did as directed without a word.  There was some commotion below decks but nothing seemed too out-of-the-ordinary for quick movement through a confined space... at least, until Viktor caught the sound of the ship's surgeon's unmistakable voice.  "What do you think you're DOING?!?!"

The response was muted, most likely spoken in a much more casual tone, but the sound of a minor altercation followed, immediately thereafter by the loud smack of fur-on-fur.  A hearty, low-toned growl proceeded, accompanied by a fleshy thud.  Viktor recognized the Gampr's voice but he spoke in Doelichian so the Hare didn't know for certain what was said.  Beside him, Willem, who was obviously listening in as well, chuckled.

Viktor glanced to the Goat.  "What?"

The Foreman's simple reply was vague.  "Apparently one of them has some manners... such that they are."

"What happened?"

Willem shrugged, having nothing more to say.  A minute and a half later, as the Joshew's crew emerged from below deck, Viktor was able to piece together the situation.  Alex and Davit emerged first, the latter carrying a crewman over his shoulder; the unconscious Weasel was wearing the Joshew crew uniform.  A moment later Dr. Brownell stepped out into the open, her hair disheveled; the Hare didn't miss that the side of her face was swollen and she was glaring at the unmoving muselid hanging from the Dog's grasp.

Aescwin, who was paying more attention to the Wave Rider's crew than what was happening below deck was quick to question the situation.  "What's all this then?"

Davit unshouldered the Weasel and tossed the limp, unconscious man onto the deck and motioned to him before gesturing with his muzzle over his shoulder back to Dr. Brownell.  "He struck the lady."

Tobias, who had been above deck during the altercation immediately turned to address the situation, clopping quickly over to the Mouse.  He started to say something but she pushed him out of the way, stomping past the Gampr and Human to shout up at the Falcon.  "How DARE you order these men to take my patients out of bed!  They are injured and need time to heal!  You can't just barge into a hospi--"

Aescwin held up a talon. "Doctor, I apol--"

She didn't relent.  "I don't care what you're here for or what you're after, but it is the sworn duty of any doctor to take the wellbeing of their patients into account and I will NOT allow you or your men to undermine my authority went it comes to what ha--"

The Falcon spoke over her.  "Doctor Brownell, I assure you that I--"

The Mouse turned right back around and spoke over him.  "You'll assure me more with action than with word, Mr. Lightfeather!  Call off your men and let me get back to my job with my patients in my sickbay!"

Much to the Bird's credit he held his beak for a time after Dr. Brownell had finished her tongue lashing and only once he was sure she was done did he speak up.  "There was obviously a miscommunication between my intention and the understanding my men had when it came to 'retrieve the prisoners and harm no one'.  You have my apology, Doctor.  It was not my intention to have you inconveni--"

The Mouse was not as courteous, and she dove right back in with fervor, motioning angrily back toward the other crewmen from the Joshew restraining the injured crewmen from the North Star.  "These men are PATIENTS, not PRISONERS, and as for your MEANING, I couldn't care less!  I will NOT stand for this kind of--"

Tobias finally stepped in and rested a hand on her shoulder, speaking quietly to her in what Viktor expected were calming words and pleas for a level head; the Hare wasn't completely sure if he wanted it to work-- it was far too enjoyable watching the Mouse pick the preening Falcon apart.  In the end, it was probably for the best that the scholar did manage to get Dr. Brownell to choose a different tactic.  Her next words were no less commanding, but a little less accusatory.  "You shall return them to me in good order."

The Falcon offered a smile. "You have my word, Doctor.  The Wave Rider is fortunate to have a Surgeon as spirited as you when it comes to--"

She pointed to the Weasel laying on the deck and spoke over Aescwin.  "And, if I am not mistaken, that man has broken accord by striking me."

Aescwin's feathers puffed up slightly.  "Then I assume you retaliated, Doctor?  You must be quite the pugilist if--"

The Gampr spoke up, his voice even and neutral.  "I did, sir.  She DID try t'stop him from his duty so he gave her a wallop... but y'don't hit a lady... it just ain't done."

The ship's surgeon looked like she was about to speak up again but the Bosun had moved next to her opposite Tobias.  With a Prong Horn on either side, Dr. Brownell received sound and sane council quietly and was ultimately convinced to remain calm.  Since Captain Jacksoni had locked himself into his cabin and Ash-Moon was nowhere to be seen, technically the Bosun was the highest rank officer available, and he spoke to the Falcon instead.  "It doesn't need to be said, Mr. Lightfeather, that your man attacking our Surgeon will not be looked upon favorably in any way."

The Joshew's Bosun nodded thoughtfully.  "Agreed." 

Viktor, like everyone near him jumped in surprise when the Falcon's talon dipped into his long coat and emerged with a pistol.  Before anyone could do anything the weapon discharged and the body of the Weasel on deck convulsed as a hole appeared in his head.  A moment later a small river of blood pooled out beneath him.  Aescwin returned the weapon to its holster.  The Bird's comment was cold and to-the-point. "Consider his capital punishment reparations for his lack of respect."

While the callous action was enough to halt almost everyone on board (Joshew crewmen and Wave Rider sailors alike) Rolf quickly worked past that, amazing Viktor with his follow up comment.  The Bosun spoke cleanly, clearly, and in as matter-of-fact a tone as the Falcon had used.  "It resolves the matter of his laying paws on our surgeon, but in your haste to make amends you've bloodied our deck."

Throughout the banter, Aescwin's eyes had been focused on the patients his men had brought up from the sick bay.  He dealt with Rolf's statement as if it were an afterthought, then immediately turned to regard Dr. Brownell. "Yes, of course.  Davit.  Alex.  Please see to the body and clean up the mess.  Now... Doctor... if you would be willing to answer a few very quick questions I shall release your patients back to your care."

The Mouse crossed her arms indignantly around her bosom.  "You could have questioned me WITHOUT disturbing my patients."

Undeterred, the Falcon started his inquiry.  "How many patients in total were brought to you for care?"

Dr. Brownell spoke the figures as if she were reporting to the Captain himself; she was quite professional in her capacity despite her obvious disdain of the situation.  "Three crewmen from the North Star and two of our own.  Five in total, though one of the men from the North Star could not be saved."

He nodded patiently. "I see.  Thank you.  And were any of your patients women?"

The Surgeon shot back a response without even seeming to give any care as to his reasoning behind the question.  "All men."

Aescwin seemed pleased by her answer.  "Thank you, Doctor.  I do very much apologize for disrupting your work and I regret any inconvenience.  You've been most helpful.  Mr. Augg, Mr. Blake, please escort the Surgeon's patients back down to sick bay."

The two crewmen from the Joshew maintaining their attention on the men from the North Star nodded, and about-faced the patients, bringing them back down below the deck.  Dr. Brownell glanced after them, then back to the Falcon before declaring with severity "The University is going to hear about this."

Whether the Falcon heard or even cared was left suspect, he simply changed the focus of his attention to the Bosun.  "Mr. Severna... I believe we are done here.  If you would please direct me to your Captain I will--"

Rolf stepped forward.  "Captain Jacksoni retired to his cabin and asked that he not be diturbed.  I will let him know you--"

Aescwin's beaky smile held a hint of authority to it.  "I insist.  After such a long afternoon together I feel it only polite to say farewell personally."

The Falcon turned to approach the Captain's cabin and Rolf was too far away to stop him but, the Bird ended up face-to-face with the Wave Rider's First Mate-- its face-painted, tribal, and very naked First Mate.  The Jackal's expression was pure neutrality and even though he was a few inches shorter than Aescwin there was no doubt that he cut an imposing, intimidating figure.  His greeting was short and to the point.  "Oani, keysa."

The Joshew's representative took a step back, glancing toward Rolf.  "Is... this-- this is a Tribal, isn't it?"

The Prong Horn remained right where he was.  "That is First Mate Ash-Moon.  He's from the Bone Tribe, but you don't have to worry... he's quite civil as long as you don't don't meet his stare."

Aescwin, who had been looking straight at the Jackal changed the focus of his gaze to the deck.  "Excuse me, my good man, but I need to speak with your Captain."

When Ash-Moon didn't move the Falcon called over his shoulder to Rolf.  "He DOES understand what I'm saying, doesn't he?"

The Jackal let out a snort, taking a step forward.  He spoke slowly and simply, far less refined in words than Viktor knew he was capable of. "Yes.  I speak.  Captain say he rest... you leave him."

The Falcon looked down toward Ash-Moon's feet, but that gave him an eyeful of sheath so he looked up toward the rigging instead.  "I would say my farewell in person and thank him for his hospita--"

Ash-Moon took a step closer and stuck his nose right into the plumage of Aescwin's neck before inhaling audibly enough that Viktor could hear it across the deck.  "Mmm... you smell good.  I never eat Bird before."

From there it was a quick withdraw for the Joshew's Bosun to the lift and he gathered up his underlings before addressing Rolf.  "Be certain to give the Captain my regards.  We should be finished with our report within the hour and then we can both be on our ways to whatever destinations lay ahead of--"

Nikolay's shout from the mast drew the attention of all parties.  "AIRSHIP!  STARBOARD BOW!"