Mordecai worked hard for the Boatswain for the next eleven days, moving plenty of crates, and cleaning plenty of floors. Mordecai had been piecing together the events that transpired that night they got on this boat. He didn't understand why there where so many guards chasing him that night, nor why this strange Captain should take them aboard when he already had more than a full crew. Mordecai remembered that necklace Jane stole from the office in that old warehouse building they broke into. Mordecai would much rather steal gold, cash, money, or food. Basically what he needed; and once in a while something nice. But Jane had to go stealing that rusty old necklace, that just happened to set off and alarm, and set what seemed to be half the guards in the city after them. Mordecai had been trying to find out what was so important about some rusty old necklace; that probably wouldn't fetch five coins. As for the Captain, he figured that he must be a Philanthropist or something.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:55, Tue 05 Oct 2010.

    That day, the smoke from the undertown became visible in the distance. By noon, they could see the tallest steeples, stacks and buildings of the small, thriving town; they smelled the acrid chemical odor of civilization. Soon, the crew was scrambling around preparing to dock, carefully dropping weights and using heat lamps to warm the flight-rock to get them to the appropriate altitude. The bos'n showed Mordecai all the steps of going into air-dock; then pointed out a few things he could help with, like holding a lamp to the boyant rock the ship was built around. The Captain himself was piloting, his hands flicking out to barely twick the levers surrounding him, guiding the helm with a sure, steady hand. The Cloudcutter eased close enough to the dock, one of the tallest structures in the town, so that Connor and Andrew could throw ropes to the people on the dock so their ship could be tied down. Once they were secure, Carson and Gunny lowered the gangplank.
    The undertown sprawled before them, grime and black tarnish covering every surface. Most of the buildings were made from brick and copper, plentiful materials, and scarcely was there wood used in the construction, only in the tallest buildings. Wood is a naturally boyant substance, and kept the impossibly tall buildings from falling over or collapsing under their own weight. A tall wall of iron-clad granite surrounded the town to protect against the roaming creatures of the Deep and Twilight Woods, which sometimes wandered onto the flat, wet plains where the undertowns were scattered, until it reached the Edge, were there was the rock gardens of Sanctaphrax, and the great academic city itself on the biggest flight rock ever grown.
    The deck shuddered as it tried to strain free of its moorings, even as they lowered all the weights and warmed the flight rock so that it was hot to the touch. J.J., Connor and Andrew all worked to set up space-consuming racks to hold the heat lamps to the rock so that the majority of the crew could leave the ship, leaving a few behind to keep watch.
    Brax had a list. He and Jane and several of the stronger crew members, including Mordecai, were going to go out and buy supplies as soon as Wesley had sold the cargo and they were done unloading. No doubt the undertown was thrilled to see them; it was not trading season, and the merchants would be running low on wares. The cold weather made flying dangerous, and storms all the more likely. But that was perfect for the Cloudcutter, modified storm chaser as it was. Lightning was the main item they had for sale stored in the hold.

Mordecai couldn't believe his ears when he heard Wesley mention selling lightning. Mordecai was mostly educated, but his years of schooling were not all finished before his father died. He could only guess why solidified lightning from the sky was such a valuable commodity. It certainly was heavy stuff beyond all doubt, moving those crates seemed much harder than it should have been even if the box had been filled to the brim with something less dense. He helped move everything that was to be sold up to the deck and prepared to leave with Jane to fill Brax's order.

   Jane stood with Brax's list clutched to her chest. She was waiting on the deck with her eyes on the busy port of the undertown. She was nervous, and that always made her jumpy. Mordecai was standing and waiting beside her. She felt short next to him, like always.
   She sighed and closed her eyes, listening to the hustle and bustle of the ship and the undertown without her eyes. The sounds overwhelmed her other senses, and drowned out even the sound her own breathing.

  The other crew members waiting with them were Connor, Beau, and Carson. Brax was haggling with Wesley for the amount of money needed to re-supply the ships food stores. He finally showed up with a large bag full of coins, and while the last of the cargo was being unloaded, they all crowded into the basket that would lower them into the undertown proper. As they descended, Jane caught a glimpse of the Captain, watching them from the higher decks, his red hair vivid against the gray sky. But it was only for an insant before they sank out of sight of the ship.
  The rest of that day was spent wandering the various market squares in the undertown, watching Brax haggle and look for the best prices. Some of the coins in the pouch went into renting a small handcart that the boys took turns pulling. It slowly loaded up with sacks and baskets stuffed with food, and the boys not pulling the cart carried the more delicate foods; eggs, fresh fruit, ect.
  Brax tried to teach Jane about haggling as the day wore on. Jane's job was to cross off things on the list and read it aloud to Brax. "You should always try to get them to think they got the better deal. Never settle for the first price they ask for, it's always more than what it's worth...."

Mordecai was helping pull the handcart through town while Brax went on about haggling to Jane, he listened to trace parts of the conversation, but was far more interested in this town unlike the place he grew up in. He knew a bit about haggling, he often did it to get stolen goods off of his hands for food or coin. The cart just got heavier and heavier as he pulled his way along, looking back at Brax and Jane to make sure everything was ok. As an experienced thief, he knew exactly what to expect and when to expect it. At one point, Mordecai noticed one fellow in the crowd that seemed to keep shoeing up near the cart, and he was particularly interested in it. Brax and Jane didn't seem to notice, and the others were too busy carrying the more fragile wares. When the fellow began sizing up Mordecai, Mordecai pointed to the axe on his belt and gave the man a look that would freeze a lake. The man left in a hurry, apparently having better things to do. Mordecai was a little uneasy being in such an unfamiliar place, and kept watch for more pickpockets as he went pulling the cart.

   It was late that night before they all got back to the ship. The moon overhead seemed dimmed by the acrid smoke produced by the city, but it was still light enough to illuminate the tired looking crew members hauling the purchased goods on board.
   As they worked, Mordecai overheard Gunny and Carson talking softly as they held heat lamps to the flight rock. "What do you mean by that?" Carson asked.
  "I mean, that the Captain left this morning and hasn't come back yet," the blonde boy repeated. "No one knows where he is. Not even Brax."
  "That's not all that strange... he goes off on his own all the time."
  "Not for this long, though..."
  Their conversation petered away as they moved to the other side of the flight rock.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:37, Thu 21 Oct 2010.

Mordecai felt oddly worried about the captain. He didn't really understand why, he barely knew the man and was kind've being forced to live on the ship. Though when he thought about it, he probably wouldn't find better life in a town. When he finnished his work, Mordecai took the liberty of standing out on the deck after the sun had gone down to get some cool, fresh air.

   Jane finished putting all of the supplies away late, and quietly slipped up deck to throw some trash off the side. Once the bucket was empty and she had caught her breath, she noticed Mordecai standing alone. Silently, she walked over to stand beside him, "Hey, you okay?" she asked quietly, peering up at his face in concern.

Mordecai looked down at Jane with an almost serene but tired expression. "Yes, I'm fine. Just wanted to relax and think in the cool night air." He looked up at the moon for a moment, then regarded Jane with a somewhat quizzical look. "Do you have any idea where the Captain went?"

   Jane shrugged and shook her head, "I haven't seen him since this morning." she switched the empty bucket to her left hand, and fiddled with the necklace around her neck with the right, "Maybe he's playing a late card game or something." she stood in silence for a few minutes, debating on whether she should tell Mordecai about whats bothering her. After sighing, she looks up at him, "Want to know something weird? I haven't been able to take this necklace off. I've tried, but it will not come off no matter what I do."

Mordecai stared back at Jane, eyes as big as moons in surprise. "You can't take it off!? That old necklace you stole?" He couldn't believe his ears. What the heck is going on? Why has all this weird stuff been happening!?

   Jane nods, "Yes. It used to be able to go over my head, like when I first put it on. But now, it...shrunk." she says, confused and slightly annoyed at the same time. She pulled the small pendant out from under her shirt to examine, and it looked as plain and old as ever. She sighed, tucking the necklace back down in her shirt, "Well, we'd better get some shut eye.

   Just then, they both heard a scrambling sound over the side of the ship. A moment later, the Captain clambered over the rail of the ship, something held between his teeth. His long red hair was disheveled and he was breathing hard, his breath whistling around whatever was in his mouth. Before they could get a good look at it, he spat it out and tucked it into a breast pocket. He didn't appear to notice them, and he rubbed at his wrists absently as he gazed up at the smog-faded moon.

Mordecai beheld the Captain in surprise. "Captain Jackson!? Are you alright?" He moved to help the Captain timidly, not sure whether the Captain needed it or not.

   Jane silently followed her brother, her eyebrows drawn together in concern and curiosity. What had he hand in his hand? Why was he so late?

   The Captain turned to look at them in surprise, his body going stiff for a moment before relaxing a little. His alarmed expression quickly melted into a freindly smile. "Ah, Jane, Mordecai. Yes, I'm quite all right, thank you. Just a little tired. We should all get to bed now," he said, shooing them off. "We sail at dawn, kiddies. Mordecai, would you tell Raff, wherever he is, to meet me in my office please?"

   Jane was silent as Mordecai said he would do what the Captain asked, and then they both went below. Jane was too tired to really think about the Captain's odd behavior, and she went right to her tiny stoarge room bed, and fell into a deep sleep.

Mordecai quickly stalked the lower decks, keeping an eye out for Raff. He finally found him in the kitchen just talking to Brax. Brax himself seemed rather pleased with the fresh amount of food they had recieved, but Brax didn't seem so at ease. Both of their attentions were drawn when Mordecai stepped into the room. Brax and Raff looked at Mordecai as if he were covered in dirt, obviously wondering why he wasn't in the hammock but also what he was doing there. Mordecai mustered his confidence and faced Raff. "The Captain has returned, and would like to see you in his office straight-away."
       Mordecai felt reliefed as Raff's countenance seemed to take on the same feeling. Raff nodded to Brax, and started for the door quickly; Mordecai quickly moving out of his way. In moments, Mordecai was left alone with Brax in the kitchen and feeling rather awkward. Mordecai nodded to Brax as well and left promptly. He made his way to the crew's deck and quietly treaded over to his own bunk, past a whole group of snoring sailors. When Mordecai finally plopped down onto his bunk, he was so tired that he was asleep right after he kicked his boots off.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:33, Sun 07 Nov 2010.

     Raff hurried to the Captains cabin, knocking twice softly before entering without waiting for an answer. The Captain was leaning over something at his desk, the light of a single candle reflecting off the magnifying glass in his hand. He was studying something intensly, but he looked up as Raff entered, and took a few steps forward, hands clasped respectfully behind him.

     "Captain Jackson, with all due respect," he began, his bulk filling up the small space, "If you ever run off like that without telling me again, I will personally kick your ass."

     Such a threat from such a man would have cowed anyone else. Captain Jackson blinked once, and smiled, his eyes weary but twinkling with mirth. "Sorry for worrying you," he laughed. "I won't do it again."

     Raff seemed to deflate in relief. "Actually I was afraid you would do something drastic just because I spoke to you that way."

     The Captain laughed again. "No, I deserved it. I had no idea it would take so long. Or be quite so dangerous. Turns out the people that had this knew what it was worth." He turned around to face the desk again as Raff took another step forward, the light throwing deep shadows on his chisled face.

     "Dangerous, Captain?" he asked, his voice tense.

     "Yes, dangerous," he sighed. "The Patrol knew it was here. They were trying to buy or blackmail it off the Guild. So, the Patrol will know it is gone. But they won't know who stole it," he said with a smile in his voice, picking up the small item on the desk and tossing it in the air, catching it again with his eyes shining in victory. "This will get that cursed necklace off that poor girl's neck, and then I will finally be able to open the music box." Slumping into his chair, he ran a finger over the keyhole of the locked drawer on his desk. "Finally."

    Raff looked uncomfortable, but the Captain was in a strange mood because of his success. His curiosity overcame his wariness, and he decided to chance a question. "Captain. You're the only one who's ever heard the melody from the music box. What is it like?"

    Captain Jackson sighed, slipping off his headband so his long hair fell over his eyes. He scratched absently behind his ear, laying the small, heavy iron trinket on his desk with an audible clunk. At first glance it looked like an old, pitted, shapeless hunk of metal that would easily fit in the palm of your hand. But upon further inspection, the lumps and curves took on new meaning. It was in the shape of a human heart, if you had ever seen one and knew what to look for. Incredibly thin veins of metal ran all across the dark surface, worn away in some places and pitted with age in others. But the shape was terrifyingly recognizable. Captain Jackson covered it with his headband before he spoke.

     "It's... very, very sad. The notes are light, and tinkling, like any other music box. But the feeling of the song... it would make the most cold-hearted murderer in this world cry." Leaning forward in his chair, he rested his elbows on the desk and clasped his fingers together, the yellow candlelight shining through his red hair, making it look like dark, hellish flame. "I think you'de better go now, Raff. We sail at dawn," he said, fingering the key around his neck. The tone of his voice left no room for arguments.

    Raff bowed his head and quietly left, once again mystified by the charismatic Captain of the Cloudcutter, a man he would die for, a man he would never understand.

    That night, when the soft light from the Captain's window had sputtered out, a terribly melancholy melody played, for the ears of one man, and one man alone.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:45, Mon 08 Nov 2010.

   Brax woke Jane early, to prepare breakfast for the men. They cooked some of the parishables, eggs, bacon, potatoes. The smell of coffee and food brought the men down to the galley in a rush of yells and the pulling on of trousers. They ate, and every time one of them complemented the cooking, Jane blushed and quietly thanked them. Soon, the whistle called them all back on deck, leaving Jane with a giant mess of plates, forks and pans.
   Jane rolled up her sleeves, tucked the necklace under her shirt and got to work.

Mordecai finished eating and cleaned his place. He set the dishes down with the rest, ready to be washed. He gave Jane a nod and a "Good luck." before he went to the deck to begin a day's work of Cabin Boy-ing. He did get to spend a minute in the shrouds as the ship took off before he was given a job, and did quite enjoy the thrill of flying through the sky; even though he was being worked hard at the same time.

A few more days were spent in relative calm aboard the Cloudcutter, as the Captain waited for the right conditions to use his trinket.

Jane and Brax were becoming accostomed to working together, and talked and laughed while they worked.

Mordecai and the other boys of the ship were developing strong bonds as they worked and slept side by side. The wirey bos'n began to appreciate Mordecai's talents and strength, and his ability to cool things down between the other boys with a few quiet words.

The brother and sister were quickly accepted and well-liked by the rest of the crew. Often during their break time or during a lull of the wind during which there wasn't much cause to be up on deck, the crew members would come down to the galley and talk and laugh with Brax and Jane. Connor in particular liked to sit and talk with Jane rather than work, and was often cuffed over the ear by Wesley or Alex for slacking off. Jane discovered that Andrew, behind his twitching, rather unattractive exterior, had a sharp and witty mind despite his stutter, and liked to tell stories. Gunny, the young, curly-haired blonde, was a breath of fresh air among the crew and was treasured by every one of them dispite their teasing manner around him. Always happy, his constant smile was contageous.

Carson, the michevious one, was usually by Gunny's side and was like a big brother to him. His happy-go-lucky, life-is-a-joke attitude contrasted greatly with Mordecai's view of things, but they got on alright.

J.J, the tallest and lankiest member of the younger crew members, had a childish way about him that was endearing yet odd because of his size.

Dirk was always confused, usually wandering about the ship with a wide-eyed look of being utterly lost. The others let him be most of the time, and sometimes Wesley would assign him to a simple task. But Mordecai usually saw him sitting in some corner of the ship, knotting a piece of rope and watching the others with his eyebrows drawn. He smiled whenever he saw Jane or Beau, and seemed to almost come down to earth when around either of them. The others treated him especially gently, and Jane heard a quick rumor from Carson that he had been in an accident, that he wasn't always like this, but that's all he, or anyone else, would say.

Beau rarely came down from above decks to join the group in the galley, and when he did, he just watched and never spoke. Sometimes his eyes would un-focus but still carry his look of utter intensity. Whenever the others tried to draw him into the conversation, he would think a moment before speaking, then answer shortly and with the same amount of intense concentration with which he did everything. But the others often went to him for advice, because of his uncanny ability to focus completely on one thing and see it from every approach.

Often, the quiet and amiable Doc Damien would join them. He had a hearty laugh and told grousome stories that the boys ate up about the other places he had served as a doctor.

Alex and Wesley sometimes sat in as well. The Master Gunner told fantastic stories about his adventures before joining the crew of the Cloudcutter, and some stories about adventures had while being on the airship. These always really interested Mordecai and Jane, because sometimes the other boys would chirp in to say something or explain something because they had been there. It seemed that life on the Cloudcutter was rarely dull.

Wesley always had something sharp and sarcastic to say for every one of Alex's stories. For while they threw sparks off each other, arguing constantly, the bos'n and the Master Gunner were actually old friends, back from when they first started following Captain Jackson, years ago.

And sometimes, Quartermaster Raff would join them, when he wasn't steering the ship. Usually when he would first sit down, the conversation would quiet and the others would look nervously in his direction, until they became used to his presence. Sometimes he would talk, but he rarely told stories. He seemed to just enjoy listening, but the others would always speak carefully lest he find something to report to the Captain.

Captain Jackson never joined them. He remained sequestered in his office with his official logs and maps and wind charts, navigating their way. He poured through old books of weather documents, trying to predict where or when the next storm would be. He read Raffs reports on the condition of the ship, Wesley's reports on the condition of the crew and cargo, and Alex's reports on enemy movements in the area that he picked up on whenever they made port. Occasionally he would make a personal inspection.

He also researched ancient curses, hoping to find something about the one on himself and the music box, and now Jane as well. He knew from his study that in order to remove the necklace from Jane without killing her, he needed to wait for a full moon. In three days, the moon would be full. He waited anxiously, watching the sky, instructing Raff to keep the crew on their toes and keep their eyes open for Patrol vessels.

Sometimes he joined them for the evening meal, and it was always a big to do. But usually he ate alone, or with Raff or one of the other senior crew members.
Because of this tightened discipline on keeping watch, the crew had deduced that something had happened in the undertown, but they didn't know what. Going off of something that Andrew overheard while Raff was talking to Wesley, they discovered it had something to do with Jane. Concerned, they waited til dark to run it by Mordecai, since Brax or someone was always with Jane and they couldn't get her alone to ask her, and it was against the all-powerful unspoken rule that they stay away from her room at night.

Gunny, who was in the hammock just above Mordecai's, leaned over the edge to whisper to him what they had heard, that Jane was in some kind of trouble. The members of the crew who hadn't known this earlier reacted in pretty much the same way Mordecai did; with concern and chagrin and the immediate desire to speak to his sister. Beau advised Mordecai to wait until his watch was over that night to ask Jane what she knew, since he was the only one who could go to her room.

Mordecai watched the night with silence for a long while. Worry and anxiety seemed to fill his mind though Jane's advent could be just gossip. When he finished his watch there was nothing to report but some dark clouds far to the east. He walked down to Jane's cabin and knocked quietly, listening at the door to see if he could hear any sound. He did hear some ruffling noises inside after a few moments, so she must still be alive at least. He stood back from the door and waited until it was opened.

   Jane cracked the door open to see who it was, and she smiled when she saw that it was her brother, "Mordecai, come on in." she opened the door fully and held it open for him.