CH. 16: Homecoming

[HorizonsDream]

"Well, my plan, which isn't really a plan right now as more as a very vague idea is to try to handle this without having to fight them," Jocelyn says. "There is nothing wrong with having the cannon as a backup just in case it doesn't work out," she explains. "Seriously though, no one should have that much power in their hands because it will be abused."

[Chris1234]

Naras fills the two skins with fresh water, seals them, stows them safety on her back (or from her belt or wherever appropriate) and then swims after the others. When she catches up to Cye she adds, "Thanks for doing the water."

[Breila]

"In any case, we know now we do not need to use it at full power in a fight" Ouragana observes. "We effectively shouldn't. Because there are going to be people who want to take it from the Bullring at whatever cost." She turns to the bullring sisters. "You would soon be the hunted, not the hunter, if word of this cannon's power spreads."

[JadedDM]

Jocelyn, Ouragana, Baeros, Gallath and Drav (Quarter Deck, Bullring)
"I think we can handle the responsibility," Sierra argues with Jocelyn. "We're no strangers to danger or power, after all." Then to Ouragana, she says, "And let them come. We have the means to blow them out of the water." Annoyed, she turns to the three men who have yet to weigh in. "Well, what about you three? You're with me on this, aren't you?" she asks Baeros, Gallath and Drav.

Val and Naras (Undine Village)
After filling the bladders, Naras puts them away and then hops into the water. She never learned to swim, though, so just sinks to the bottom and walks on the ocean floor. This is much slower than swimming, but at least with the ring of freedom, she can move at the same speed as she would if she were on the surface.

It takes her a couple of minutes to catch up the others, who are all fast swimmers. They wait for her at the entrance, along with Val and Mist. "Are you ready now?" asks Serenna. "And can you keep up?"

[HorizonsDream]

"No, I really don't think you can," Jocelyn says with a shake of her head. "That is more power than you have probably ever had before," she points out. "And it will be too tempting to use it in normal situations to show off your power. You'll be the most feared ship on the water. Other ships will fear you, people living on the islands will fear you because it clearly can destroy islands, and you'll end up becoming worse than pirates."

[Nuke]

Val moves Mist close to Naras and leans out to grasp her hand and hoist her into the saddle behind her.

[Chris1234]

"Thanks Val. First time I've done this. It's awesome," says Naras. "When we're nearly there I'll need to cast an armour-type spell. I'm useless at dodging stuff."
She concentrates on staying on the 'fishy pillion'.

[BishGada]

"Don't forget this can amplify other spells too. So it can be used for good. I think we should use it. At least to scare pirates off. If they fear you they will behave themselves. This is good, all things considered."

[JadedDM]

Jocelyn, Ouragana, Baeros, Gallath and Drav (Quarter Deck, Bullring)
"Exactly," Sierra says to Baeros. "See, even this one can understand it."

"What about you two?" Terra asks the two elves who have been silent on the subject up to this point.

Val and Naras (Undine Village)
With Naras riding on Mist with Val, the group isn't slowed down nearly as much. But as Serenna pointed out, they are rather conspicuous with the orca, should anyone notice their approach.

They begin swimming to the east. "So...what is it like up on the surface?" asks Cye.

[Chris1234]

Naras replies, "Mostly green, would be a good way of putting it. And a lot brighter. Possibly more variation in conditions but I havn't been down here long enough to know for sure." She's pleased to talk to Cye, to practice the foreign tongue too, just she's not great with people. I had a very close friend, some years ago now, name of 'Silverfrond'. I often wonder what happened to her. Would you know, or have heard of, anyone by that name?"

[spyguy1503]

Gallath responds, after carefully weighing each option. "Are you willing to accept the risk of people from your crew selling you out or turning on you for this incredible item? I know you trust each other, but all of the crew? Also, does it need to wait between shots?"

[JadedDM]

Jocelyn, Ouragana, Baeros, Gallath and Drav (Quarter Deck, Bullring)
"My crew?" repeats Sierra. She looks pretty surprised; it's clear she had not considered that. The Bullring has a crew of over a hundred people. It would be impossible for anyone to vouch for the loyalty and trustworthiness of all of them.

She sighs heavily. "Alright, fine. You've all made your point. We'll get rid of the damned cannon. But without it, and since you're apparently not looking to destroy the pirates and therefore take their booty, that means we've lost a lot of coin ferrying you lot around this whole time. So...I say you should give us those gemstones you still have in the hold. You haven't even bothered appraising them yet, but hopefully they'll be enough to compensate us for all of this trouble."

When Gallath asks about waiting, Thaddeus examines the cannon. "Hmm, good question. It appears that it will take some time to recharge after that last shot. I'd guess...half an hour or so."

Val and Naras (Undine Village)
As soon as Naras says the name, all three undine come a complete halt and stare at her. They exchange some looks, before Serenna finally asks, "How do you know the name of our chieftainess?"

[Nuke]

As the situation develops, Val pulls back on the reigns "What in the hell did we do" she wonders aloud

[HorizonsDream]

Jocelyn looks to her group of people for a moment. "That seems fair," she says. "Providing everyone else agrees."

[spyguy1503]

"I didn't say we shouldn't use it, just that it is a tempting target. Also, you get one shot, and then recharge for a long time. Half an hour is ages during combat." Gallath says. Drav votes to keep it, but use it on lower power.