In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 914):

ENS's comment caused Jake to look thoughtful -- clearly, the easterner was much better at explaining things with words than the rifleman himself was.

"No offense, Travis, but I think that the Perfesser has got hisself a good point."

"Think about it for a moement. If'n the ship comes a night early, we'll have missed our chance to free up them wimmin. We're all oper-aetin' on a schedule that works up to us bein' in poe-zishunn tomorrer night."

"If'n it happens tonight instead, we'll have missed our chance. Nuthin' we can do about it, 'less -- like the Perfesser is suggestin', we all want to show up over at the Albion half-cocked -- an' mayhaps tip off them highbinders that sumpthin's in the wind if'n nuthin' truly happens tonight."

Jake puffed out his cheeks and shrugged, as if all this thinking was putting a strain on him. "Seems to me that we oughtta just ass-sume that our oh-riginal informaeshunn 'bout a delivery tomorrer night is coe-rect, an' all work along them lines."

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 915):

OK

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 916):

Very well then... we meet back here at 10.

ENS gets up and gathers to gather a few items:
   his Colt and the shoulder holster
   his coat and hat
   his compass and binoculars, which go into a coat pocket
   and his ever-present notepad and pencil, also pocketed
This message was last edited by the player at 00:13, Sat 18 June 2016.

Charles Conway nods at what sounds to him as if a consensus has been reached. He completes his own note-taking, and like Professor Ringgenberg, he slips his writing utensils into a coat pocket.

The neatly dressed man bids farewell to the other men, stating his intention to return at 10 p.m. with Mr. Coopwood.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 917):

Let's go professor.

To the brewery!

For Travis Sunday, it was the third time today that he had walked the western trail between the apartment and the Albion Ale and Porter brewery. He took better mental notes of things along the way this time, such as the Cowhide Saloon of which he knew that Cole remained fond. By now, the route seemed routine.

For ENS, who had used the trail a time or two but never walked its full length with a single purpose, it was an opportunity gauge the time and distance from the apartment to the brewery, as well as take stock of some of the ranches to the west. By the time they made the turn to the east, the professor had pulled out his notebook and scribbled the names of a few ranches as landmarks along the way, not to mention the Cowhide Saloon.

As the India Basin comes into view, with the Albion looming tall on a slope near the water, the professor gets his first glimpse of the brewery. It reminds him of descriptions he had read at the university, of small castles on the British isles with multiple stone stories, a courtyard and out-building below.

The aromas that rolled across the hills affirmed to the easterner that this "castle" was indeed the Albion brewery.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:50, Sun 19 June 2016.

When Cole and his pards had exited the apartment, the wrangler considered a couple of destinations. Making up his mind, he led JEB and Jake towards the Driscoll's clothier, telling them he needed to check in on one of sources that he had mentioned earlier at the apartment. So it wouldn't be a mystery, Trayne told the men where he was headed, and reiterated that he hoped to learn something about the goings-on with the tongs and slave market, from a seamstress named Kate Driscoll.

The men wend their way to the merchant district without incident. The Driscoll establishment held a modest place among the various artisans, craftsman and merchants along the thoroughfares and side streets. The sun was beginning to dip behind the western hills, still providing better illumination than any street lamp could promise but signaling the onset of this Saturday evening in the city.

As Cole Trayne approaches, he sees Kate concluding her business with a well-dressed gentleman upon the porch of her uncle's establishment. A glance askew from Kate demonstrates that she has noticed Cole's approach, after which she seems determined to push the gentleman along onto whatever subsequent business he had on his agenda this fine April night. Just in time, the man departs and Trayne is able to make his approach without concern for the man's lingering presence.

For JEB and Jake, who had never met the woman, the sight of Kate Driscoll is pleasing. Her attire proves nothing fancy up close, but it seems to have taken a liking to her form, tailored for both comfort and -- perhaps -- appeal. Although her face appears stern as she eyes the approaching men, it remains comely and confident. Before Cole can speak, Kate does.

"These men your friends, Cole Trayne?" she asks, more in the way of seeking confirmation of a fact than trying to start a conversation. When Cole nods in reply, she turns into the shop without further word.

Now, even with neither Jake nor JEB having any experience with Kate Driscoll, they can't shake the feeling that Cole might have his hands full with such a woman.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:28, Sun 19 June 2016.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 920):

Travis handles the business in hand.  Upon arrival at the apartment he unwraps his old  binoculars which he took from his saddlebag before departing.  He removes his pocket watch and places it with the field glasses on a table next to a chair by the window.  Then Travis surveills the bay.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 921):

A smile played about the corners of Jake's mouth once the redoubtable Miss Kate Driscoll had spoken to Cole and turned away.

"Followin' yer lead here, Cole," he remarked in an undertone to the wrangler, with a slight chuckle.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 922):

Seeing Travis go straight to business, ENS follows suit, pulling out his own equipment. He looks over the bay close by in an effort to determine likely anchor points for a ship and assess any other ships already anchored. He also looks over the beach to look for signs of earlier landings and offloads.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Tue 21 June 2016.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 923):

Cole glances in Jake's direction, a slightly sheepish look on his face.

In a very low voice, he replies to Jake.

Kate is a woman of conviction. Makes her a might complicated.... But, worth every bit of it...

Motioning JEB and Jake to give him a second, Cole takes off his hat and follows after Kate.

Best let me talk to her alone...

He takes a few steps away from his friends, moving towards Kate.

Kate, I need to talk to you...

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 925):

Continuing into the Driscoll's place, Kate disappears from the view of JEB and Jake. She awaits Cole's entrance, standing near the small writing desk, busying her hands with her uncle's ledger. She glances at Cole, who sees that the interior of the clothiers is unoccupied aside from its female proprietor.

"Two times in one day, Cole Trayne. I am unsure whether to be flattered or frightened."

In reply to Travis Sunday and E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 924):

With the setting sun behind them, the professor and the gunslinger have a decent view of the waterways. Each man takes a particular vantage point, in an effort to cover as much area as possible with the receding daylight.

There is activity in the basin, with local fisherman winding up their business for the day. Stowing gear, collecting their day's catch and beaching their small rowboats for the evening.

No ships of any notable size are evident at this time. The two men settle in, passing most of the first hour in what seems more like three and realizing this exercise is one of patience, above all, as small points of light from lanterns dot the basin and sunlight yields to the moon.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:09, Wed 22 June 2016.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 925):

Jake's smile momentarily widened in response to Cole's comments. "Aye, I can see that -- an' be glad to," he replied to the wrangler.

The Texan waited for a moment for Cole to step inside, then crossed his arms across his chest and leaned his back against the side of the building. He scanned the street scene, eyes alert for anything that looked out of place . . .

OOC:

09:13, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 13 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 6. Spot Check.

09:14, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 4 using 2d6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 4,4. AP for Spot Check.

Spot Check Total: 17.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 928):

JEB turns a wry smile in Jake's direction, "Didn't know Cole had it in him."

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 929):

Jake glanced over his shoulder to make certain that both Kate Driscoll and Cole were inside the building and out of ear-shot before responding quietly to JEB.

"Could be it's a matter of what Cole's had in Miss Driscoll," the Texan dead-panned.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 927):


22:33, Today: Travis Sunday rolled 5 using 1d20+4.
22:32, Today: Travis Sunday rolled 18 using 1d20+4.
22:32, Today: Travis Sunday rolled 22 using 1d20+4.
22:32, Today: Travis Sunday rolled 13 using 1d20+4.

Spot Check (+4) Not including binocular bonus.

In reply to Kate Driscoll (msg # 926):

The wrangler allows a small smile to appear on his face.

Reckon with me, lately, it could be a little bit of both.

Cole pauses a bit, clearly something is on his mind.

Kate, I owe you an explanation. And, I promise, I'll give you one when things are all said and done. That is, if you're still interested in hearing it. But, right now, I'm a bit pressed for time. I came to check up on you and Ju. I'm glad to see you seem right. Have you seen or heard from him since earlier today?

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 932):

Kate's face does not belie her feelings. Cole has no doubt that she is worried by his words.

"No, I have not seen Ju Shen since he completed the deliveries." The seamstress pauses, looking up at Cole with deep concern in her eyes.

"Is he in trouble?" Kate asks, in a motherly way. Then, with a hint of alarm, she adds, "Is he involved with some of your business?"

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 931):

ENS settles in and scans slowly, giving all of his targets a good look.

Spot: 20 (Take 20 +0) on both anchor points and the beach.
14:47, Today: E.N.S. Ringgenberg rolled 4 using 1d6.  AP for anchor point Spot.
14:47, Today: E.N.S. Ringgenberg rolled 3 using 1d6.  AP for beach Spot.

Total for anchor points: 24
Total for beach: 23

Does not include minuses for distance or pluses for 10x binos
This message was last edited by the player at 20:52, Wed 22 June 2016.

Something that both Travis and ENS take in during the first hour is the fact that another wharf lies across this body of water. It is relatively young and situated near the railroad terminus of the incorporated city of Oakland.

A few miles distant from Hunter's Point and the Albion, Oakland's wharf resists the divulgence of any level of detail. It was only near the end of the first hour that the men even identified the area specifically, aided by the lanterns coming alive at the railroad and along the docks as the sun finishes its retreat.

Nonetheless, the vantage point of the brewery's top floor proves as valuable as Travis' contact had promised, with the men being able to see  a number of miles out over the water and even to the far shore. On the other hand, with such a vast area to survey the men realize that their task is no small endeavor.

EDIT: Minor typos.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:40, Sat 25 June 2016.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 928):

Jake keeps his eyes peeled as he waits for his pard Cole. He and JEB exchange whispers, and then fall silent.

Both men remember the time earlier this day, when they stood waiting for ENS outside of the Chinese herbalist's place. Not long after Jake had sung out loud and then engaged in a staring contest with the local laborers (one of whom had shouted out a warning--maybe a threat), the two men and the professor had encountered the boo how doy just a few streets away.

Hopefully, here in the merchant district outside of Driscoll's Clothier, the result of their wait would take a less perilous turn.

In reply to Kate Driscoll (msg # 933):

The wrangler inclines his head slightly.

I won't lie to you Kate, I asked Ju to keep his ears open. But, to keep his mouth shut and, above all, be safe. I'm trying to fix something and he might be able to help a bit.

After a slight pause, Cole continues...

Kate, I wouldn't have asked him if it wasn't important. I'll look out for him.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 937):

The seamstress, and acting proprietor of the Driscoll family business, sighs audibly.

"You had better, Cole Trayne." Although Kate Driscoll appears ready to continue the thought, she stops herself with another long sigh. In Cole's experience, this means she has more to say on the topic at hand, but she has decided against it . . at least until she has slept on it. Moreover, once Kate has decided on a thing, it is of little use to expend time or energy to change her mind.

In reply to Kate Driscoll (msg # 938):

The wrangler solemnly nods and turns to leave.

I will. And, I'll explain. Just, not now. Later.

Cole moves to re-join Jake and JEB.