RolePlay onLine RPoL Logo

, welcome to Martian Connection

04:59, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars.

Posted by GM SteamRollerFor group 0
GM SteamRoller
GM, 164 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Thu 19 Mar 2020
at 19:59
  • msg #1

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

At Grimsby's urging, Petras takes the ship up to a higher altitude than originally planned, heads southeast away from the town to take the ship out over the Mediterranean Sea before turning eastward to approach Gibraltar from the sea and a lower altitude.

Although there isn't a specific aerodrome in Gibraltar (at least none that you can spot as you approach), there is an area that seems to be designated as a landing field, recognizable by the windsock it's flying.

As there is no known disagreement between the United Kingdom and Lithuania (that anyone knows; Hertzian waves are not so commonplace yet that communication is that quick between countries), one of the soldiers on duty spots the approaching airship and quickly summons a signal corpsman. He starts signaling the ship with nautical flags, which Petras reads as "welcome to Gibraltar... land here."
Catherine Harston
player, 172 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 20 Mar 2020
at 00:25
  • msg #2

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine remains on deck, basking in the unfamiliar experience of flying, although her veil is rather awkward in the wind. "I've never seen Gibraltar before... and definitely not from the air!"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 366 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 20 Mar 2020
at 01:14
  • msg #3

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 2):

Grimsby replies, "It is a splendid view --and a very valuable part of our empire, being a very secure stronghold. We are fortunate that a Lithuanian ship is welcome here --Britain sees Lithuania as a useful counterweight to our old rival Russia."
Felicity Van Horn
player, 92 posts
The American
Sun 22 Mar 2020
at 13:47
  • msg #4

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Felicity spent the time in travel working to find ways to make herself useful. She doesn't know much about sailing- and even less about flying- but she's sturdy and knows how to work a rope. When there's little to do, she sits near the back of the ship. When they're at an altitude where birds fly, its with rifle in hand. Mostly, she sites birds- lining them up for a shot, but never moving her finger near the trigger. Sometimes, though, she does let off a shot. A crack that leaves the bird tumbling through the air as often as not.

But as they close in on Gibraltar, her rifle is securely packed away. "I can't wait to get back on the ground," she adds in, cigarette freshly rolled.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 367 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 23 Mar 2020
at 02:19
  • msg #5

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Felicity Van Horn (msg # 4):

Grimsby says "I am glad you are not firing as we fly into Gibraltar. Your intentions may be hostile only to birds, but the garrison might not understand."
Catherine Harston
player, 173 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sun 29 Mar 2020
at 06:16
  • msg #6

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"I hope the don't expect us to speak Lithuanian" Catherine added with good humor. "It will be nice to do a bit of exploring on the ground."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 193 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 30 Mar 2020
at 00:55
  • msg #7

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 6):

OOC: making a few assumptions, here....

     Since hearing Petras' claim to have built the flying ship by himself, Joseph had suspected that it was both built to be operated with a minimum of crew, as well as following a number of non-nautical operational methods.

     In some ways, this unfamiliarity--as Joseph moves about the ship, assisting Petras and the others in various preparations for flight--brings back memories of his Midshipman's Cruise.  An almost idyllic six months aboard a Customs Sloop, patrolling the coast of the Gulf of Mexico--before he transferred to the heat, humidity and coal-stink of the more prestigious Ironclad fleet.

     So, as the ship approaches Gibraltar, Joseph decides that he is impressed.

     Standing beside the young Lithuanian at the ship's wheel, Joseph turns to him and says,

     "Captain Valois, I have some experience aboard modern Ironclads, and I must say that this vessel you've built is very impressive.  My compliments, Sir."

     "But I just have to ask--if it would reveal no great secret, of course--I see no mast or smokestack anywhere on your vessel, Captain, so, if I may ask, just what is your source of motive power, if not wind or steam?"
Petras Valois
NPC, 10 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Mon 30 Mar 2020
at 15:08
  • msg #8

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Well, it's not really a secret, since others are using the same thing," Petras replies, "but I suppose it isn't commonly known. And I doubt most people would even recognize it if they saw it."

"I utilize radium. Whether my system is the same as others, though, that I couldn't say. It provides the power, but lift and some of the propulsion is done by way of gravitium. You might know it as Cavorite. It's a substance... an alloy, I believe, that occludes gravity when properly aligned."

"After hearing tales of Professor Cavor and of flying cows in the farms of my country, I was able to deduce the presence of gravitium in the soil. Fortunately, I had notes on Cavor's experiments, so I was able to avoid the mistakes made at his facility, though I do admit there were a few instances fraught with peril! But, no one was injured, no one killed."

"And here is my ship. I did have some help with the actual construction from a few friends and relatives. My cousin Mykolas is a carpenter... only an apprentice, of course, but he knew a lot about ships."

Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 194 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Tue 31 Mar 2020
at 00:50
  • msg #9

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Petras Valois (msg # 8):

    "Raydee-um, huh?  Nope, can't say as I've ever heard of the stuff, Cap'n." Joseph says, after a moments thought, "I have a vague recollection of reading something--sometime back--in English newspapers of someone named Cavor.  And, as I now recall, the stories did have something to do with flight....I just don't remember any mention about gravity...."

     Joseph shrugs, smiling, "Then again, at the time, I was more interested in reading the horse racing results--they were running for the Goodwood Cup at the Glorious Goodwood, as I recall...."

     Joseph gives himself a mental shake, getting back on track,

     "So, anyways, Petras, just what is this radium stuff?  Some kind of highfalutin coal?" Joseph asks, then corrects himself, "No, wait, that can't be it--if you were burning radium you'd still need a stack....wouldn't you?"
Petras Valois
NPC, 11 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Thu 2 Apr 2020
at 04:13
  • msg #10

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Radium is a substance that emits energy," Petras replies. "It is found in pitchblende, along with uranium."

"The energy emitted by the radium can be harnessed to a more productive state, which is what I have done. The etheric propeller does not require much energy, but I have batteries on board as a back-up."

Felicity Van Horn
player, 93 posts
The American
Thu 2 Apr 2020
at 13:38
  • msg #11

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Well, er... Ain't that just fine," Felicity says, having found herself caught up in the conversation between her fellow American and the Slavic engineer-turned-captain. "So, it stays up cause of rocks. Got it," she gives a wink.
Petras Valois
NPC, 12 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Thu 2 Apr 2020
at 13:50
  • msg #12

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Not exactly, Miss Van Horn," Petras replies.

"It stays up because of a substance that I extracted from rocks. The gravitium was dissolved in a solution and then painted on to slats of wood. When those slats are vertical, they don't do anything. When they are horizontal, the occlude gravity, meaning anything above them becomes weightless. By carefully balancing how many slats are vertical and how many are horizontal, I can control how much buoyancy the ship has, how quickly it rises, and, some slight adjustment on the third axis, how fast it can move forward."

"In an atmosphere, that has an upper limit of about 25,000 miles per hour, which is the rotational speed of the Earth. The farther way from the gravity of the planet, however, the less effective the slats become. That is why the ship needs an ether propeller to travel between planets."

"I suppose, in time, I could have developed one myself, but with so much else going on, I found it more expedient to purchase one from the Armstrong Company."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 368 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 3 Apr 2020
at 02:57
  • msg #13

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Petras Valois (msg # 12):

"Quite an ingenious invention" Grimsby commented, "though since it is relying on wooden parts I suppose it is rather vulnerable."
GM SteamRoller
GM, 166 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 5 Apr 2020
at 18:35
  • msg #14

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Being able to fly like a crow, the ship doesn't have to follow the roads and hills and forests. Thus, in short order, the ship makes it to Gibraltar.

Petras brings it in slow, at about 200 feet... not an attack height nor high enough to be a bomb threat. Almost oddly, the ship is able to actually fly sideways!

So it approaches toward a clear area and close enough to request permission to land by calling down. It takes about 20 minutes before a reply is given and grants landing.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 369 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 6 Apr 2020
at 02:14
  • msg #15

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

As Gibraltar is British territory, Grimsby comes to the rail to meet any local official who might come to question the party.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 195 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 6 Apr 2020
at 02:23
  • msg #16

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 15):

     Joseph observes Petras during the landing and, especially, during the 'Done With Engines' process.  He assists with it all, as best he can.
Catherine Harston
player, 174 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 10 Apr 2020
at 03:23
  • msg #17

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine accompanies her guardian, eager to stretch her legs a little.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 167 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Fri 10 Apr 2020
at 19:21
  • msg #18

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

A Major Sutcliffe with a small force of 10 men arrive shortly to greet the new arrivals..

"Greetings! What brings the Lithuanian Air Navy to Gibraltar?" he asks.

The men with him are armed but are not presenting them in a threatening manner.

The fact that he recognized the Lithuanian flag is surprising. It's probably more surprising that he thinks Lithuania has an Air Navy.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 196 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 11 Apr 2020
at 00:45
  • msg #19

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

     Joseph leans--just a little bit--closer to Petras, and in a very quiet voice says,

     "Ahh...If'n I might make a suggestion...Captain...you get yourself right over there, next to that Mister Grimsby fella...he's some kinda British Government type...and I'm pretty sure that, at the moment, he's pretty much a friend of yours...so you git over there, with him, an' then let him do all the talkin...you just act all...y'know...Captain-y!"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 370 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 11 Apr 2020
at 02:52
  • msg #20

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 18):

Grimsby responds, "In fact this is a private vessel, though our owner, Captain Petras, is indeed Lithuanian. I am Grimsby Baskerville, of Her Britannic Majesty's Colonial Service; our party also includes my ward Miss Harston and several citizens of the United States. We hope to enter the port of Gibraltar for supplies. I would be happy to offer fuller explanations to the proper authorities."
GM SteamRoller
GM, 168 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Thu 23 Apr 2020
at 16:50
  • msg #21

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Since I decide who sees the 'proper authorities', that makes me the Proper Authority," Major Sutcliffe replies to Grimsby, clearly feeling slighted by Grimsby's words.

"Welcome to Her Majesty's Gibraltar. You can resupply your ship here. That's mostly what we do. And you can leave your ship right here. It'll be safe."
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 371 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 24 Apr 2020
at 02:22
  • msg #22

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby, sensing the major's displeasure, says more effusively than usual, "I am sure we are most grateful for your permission to dock and resupply here. I trust Captain Petras will see that our vessel docks wherever you think best." 
Catherine Harston
player, 175 posts
Proper Young Lady
Mon 27 Apr 2020
at 05:42
  • msg #23

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

It's not Catherine's place to say anything to an officer under the circumstances, but she curtsies to him and smiles beneath her veil, trying to smooth over her guardian's brief faux paus.
Petras Valois
NPC, 13 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Mon 27 Apr 2020
at 19:18
  • msg #24

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Petras looked around the area to find some place for the passengers to disembark, but nothing is... conveniently located.

"Looks like I made a slight error in not providing any means to descend from the ship," he says to the others. "Should we try to use one of the docks?"

"If we had floated in it, that might have worked, but I fear flying in will cause a security risk."

"How about if Joseph and Dr. Solar work on figuring out a way to make a lift to lower people to the ground. The rest of us can get provisions."

"I know what the ship needs, and I assume that Grimsby, Aubrey and Felicity will have a better idea of what to get for our trip."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 372 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 28 Apr 2020
at 02:09
  • msg #25

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby says, "If you can give me a list of the ship's requirements, I think I can compile another list of what our expedition will need in the way of stores. The rest of the party are welcome to share their suggestions."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 197 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 2 May 2020
at 04:55
  • msg #26

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 25):

     Joseph cast a puzzled frown at Petras,

     "'Floated it in'?" Joseph asks, repeating the young Lithuanian's words, "You mean 'floated' as in floating on the water?  Petras, is this ship seaworthy?  I mean, is it both watertight as well as balanced to float upright?  If it is, then yes, the easiest solution would be to relocate to a regular ship's dock and tie up there.  But if the ship won't sit right on the water, or worse, if she's just too heavy....well, forget that."

     "But, wait--when we found you, the ship was secured the way I've seen Germans anchor their dirigibles, when I was in East Africa.  It was tied off to a few trees, but was still floating--just with no forward motion.  We can do that here, yes?  The field seems large enough.  We hover just a few feet off the ground, then tie off to a pair of stakes driven into the ground at both the bow and stern.  Then we get one of those long gangplanks--the kind used by the big commercial steam liners to disembark passengers.  One of those should be able to get from the ground up to the main deck without too steep an angle, I should think."

     The frown returns to Joseph's face,

     "Actually, to get such a gangplank from a commercial line, we'd likely have to rent it.  Hmm.  Perhaps, Grimsby, we could, maybe, borrow one from the Royal Navy?  I believe such a gangplank as would be used for a Cruiser--or for a Battleship, if one is available."

     "A long gangplank, that is." Joseph smiles, "Not a Battleship.  I know the Royal Navy has several Battleships!  I just don't recall seeing one docked here, when we left."
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 373 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 3 May 2020
at 02:29
  • msg #27

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 26):

Grimsby responds,"Since this is an important port for the Mediterranean Fleet, I should think Gibraltar would have some spare gangplanks in naval stores --or at least boards that could be quickly adapted to serve. We should not have to borrow one from a particular ship."

Petras Valois
NPC, 14 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Sun 3 May 2020
at 02:47
  • msg #28

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"I haven't tested it in the water, but, as I said, my cousin helped me build the ship," Petras replies to Joseph. "And, as you can see, it has been designed as a ship. If nothing else, it would maintain a neutral buoyancy and float in the water just as if the water was air."

"Ropes staked to the ground was always the intent... to keep the ship from being tossed around by the wind. There are iron spikes with loops on the end to which ropes are already tied."

"Perhaps one of us should descend the rope ladder to secure the ship and try to find a suitably long gangplank, though perhaps some stacked crates would work for my gangplank."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 374 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 4 May 2020
at 02:27
  • msg #29

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Petras Valois (msg # 28):

Grimsby said, "If you decide you want a more formal gangplank, I will request one from the port authorities."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 198 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 4 May 2020
at 03:17
  • msg #30

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 29):

     "Perhaps borrowing one, for right now, would be best." Joseph suggests, "Then we should decide upon a more permanent solution before we leave Gibraltar, and make any needed purchases--or even modifications--here, where we have access to both supply and resources."

     "I believe the hardships of both space travel, as well as a completely alien planet, will be more than enough for the ladies, without the added difficulty of making them climb a rope ladder every time they wish to leave the ship.  Perhaps we could install a watertight door in the hull, down in the cargo hold?  The openness of the cargo hold is large enough that we could then store, there, a gangplank of sufficient length to stretch from the opened door down to the ground, or over to a dock, or other raised platform."

     "Could that be done, Petras?" Joseph asks, "If so, it would be best to take the time and do it here, where we have access to a shipyard.  Even if it would take several days--and I do allow that there is concern that Schilling might, yet, follow us--I feel this an acceptable risk.  If we can do it, that is."
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 376 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 5 May 2020
at 02:16
  • msg #31

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby responded, "Your suggestions are ingenious, Mr. Hunisett, but I will leave them to be negotiated between Captain Valois and the dockyard later, while for now I will see if I can secure a gangplank for present use." He moved over to the side and hailed the officials there.  "May we request the loan of a gangplank so our passengers may land more comfortably? Some of them are ladies."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:32, Wed 06 May 2020.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 95 posts
The American
Tue 5 May 2020
at 02:24
  • msg #32

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Are you suggestin' I don't know how to climb up a rope?" Felicity asks, looking to Hunnisett. She lifts the edge of her hat with a flick of her thumb. "Cause I'll bet you I can you to the ground awful fast, if you wanna give it a try," her tone mostly teasing. Mostly.

"Petey-" Felicity's nickname for the captain, arrived at during the journey after several attempts at pronouncing 'Petras'- some of them comical, all of them failures, "How long you reckon it'll take this thing to get out to Mars?"

She doesn't wait long for an answer before she finds a length of rope to toss overboard. Not content herself to wait for a gangplank to be delivered.
Petras Valois
NPC, 15 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Tue 5 May 2020
at 15:39
  • msg #33

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"I've calculated our course across several days since, as you know, the Earth and Mars are in constant motion," he replies to Felicity. "So the actual distance between them is always a variable."

"However, the distances are so great that as long as we leave within a week, it should take just under 60 days to reach Mars."

"Anchoring ropes are stored in these compartments under the deck, as is the rope ladder and the gangplank. The gangplank isn't long enough to reach the ground from this height, not even fully vertical."

"Hmmmm. Perhaps I could design gangplank that could also be used as a ladder. Or even stairs! Hey, Joseph! How long do you think a stepped gangplank would have to be to reach the ground? I know it has something to do with run and rise, but I wasn't paying attention when my cousin did it. And it's different on ships, anyway."

Catherine Harston
player, 176 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 8 May 2020
at 06:24
  • msg #34

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine nodded in agreement, blushing slightly at the idea of descending a rope ladder. "It would be awkward."

"Two months?" Catherine asked. "I hope we can find some good books here."
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 377 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 9 May 2020
at 02:14
  • msg #35

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby commented "Books are always agreeable. I daresay there are books to be had in Gibraltar. We could also play whist or -for the Americans -poker. If you desired something more educational, I could teach you one of the Martian dialects. It might come in handy once we arrive."
Felicity Van Horn
player, 96 posts
The American
Sat 9 May 2020
at 02:28
  • msg #36

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Felicity retrieves the rope ladder, rolled up in her arms. Carrying it to the edge of the ship. Eyeing the distance to the ground before unrolling it.

"Dang. You never tol' me you knew how to deal cards. Could'a been playin' this whole time," she laments, shaking her head.
Dr. Mathias Solar
NPC, 17 posts
Mad Scientist
Eccentric Inventor
Sat 9 May 2020
at 14:25
  • msg #37

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"I'm rather partial to chess myself," Mathias says. "I have a magnetic chess set in my wagon. I glued a sheet of metal to the board and then glued magnets to the bottom of the pieces. That kept them from falling all over the place when the wagon traveled over rough roads."
Aubrey St. Claire
player, 48 posts
Eccentric Inventor
Antecdents unknown
Sat 9 May 2020
at 14:36
  • msg #38

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Splendid idea!" Aubrey replies. "I do like a good game of chess."

"Perhaps, if there is enough interest in the various games, we could have a tournament for each of them. It would certainly pass the time."

"However, we must also figure out some way to do exercises. Games are fine for the mind, but they involve sitting at a table. Our muscles will grow weak if we do that for 60 days."

"Anyway, as I understand it, the trip should take between 58 and 63 days. Calculations through the ether aren't all that precise yet. Babbage's analytical engine should solve that problem. I don't know if he can make one small enough to carry aboard a ship, though."

"We must also keep watch on the ship. Two people at all times, port and starboard. There aren't many dangers in the ether, but one of them is a meteor shower. If spotted early enough, it should be easy enough to avoid it."

Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 199 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 10 May 2020
at 04:52
  • msg #39

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Aubrey St. Claire (msg # 38):

     When Felicity had moved to get the rope ladder from it's compartment under the deck, Joseph had also taken a few steps to stand and look over the gunwale, down at the British sailors, below.  Cupping his hands around his mouth, Joseph shouted down at them,

     "Ahoy, Lads!  Standby for our mooring cables!  Someone fetch a mallet for our anchor pins!"

     Joseph straightened, then jogged to the forward port-side, to where Petras had said the deck compartment for the anchor ropes was located.  Once there, Joseph quickly unsecured the hatch and opened it, seeing inside there a large coil of rope and an iron bar--also coiled.  Where Joseph was expecting to find a long stake or pole of iron, maybe wood, he instead saw what looked like a giant's corkscrew.

     ~~That Petras is quite the clever young man.~~ Joseph thought to himself, grabbing up the self-tapping anchor screw and one end of the anchor rope and quickly attaching the rope to the anchor with a secure sailors knot.

     Joseph stood, again, at the gunwale, and slowly lowered the anchor down over the side.

     "Belay the mallet, Lads!  These anchors just screw into the ground!" Joseph called down, as he lowered the anchor.

     Joseph repeated the process for the forward star'b'd side anchor, then the aft port and star'b'd anchors.  Once all four anchor ropes had been let over the sides, Joseph then returned to Petras.

     "All four anchors are let down and in the hands of the Ground Crew, Captain." Joseph reported, "Anchors are being secured in the ground as we speak.  You can begin to lower the ship whenever you're ready.  If I may I ask, Petras, with such an open, level field available, would you want to settle the ship down on the ground, or keep it floating a foot-or-so abouve it?"
Petras Valois
NPC, 16 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Sun 10 May 2020
at 17:34
  • msg #40

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"It's got the keel of a sea-going vessel, Joseph," Petras responds. "It can't land on the ground unless there's some sort of docking cradle. We never thought about making the bottom flat since we were expecting the ship to float constantly."

"I'll make a note of that for the next ship I build. Flat bottom like a barge."

"And, for the record, I don't believe those men below are sailors. They look more like army to me."

Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 200 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 11 May 2020
at 06:09
  • msg #41

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Petras Valois (msg # 40):

     "So, floating just abouve the ground, then." Joseph responds, as he looks back over the side of the ship and down at the ground.

     "Army?  Really?  Huh.  This field looks so much like the ones I've seen laid out in German East Africa, for their dirigibles--and, you know, the German Navy runs all their airships--I guess I just, kinda, assumed."

     Joseph looks back up with a sheepish grin on his face,

     "I suppose it's a good thing I haven't had a chance to mistakenly call one of them el hisopo." Joseph says, apparently unaware he'd said Swabbie in Mexican, "I'd have probably gotten a punch on the nose!"
Catherine Harston
player, 177 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sun 17 May 2020
at 04:18
  • msg #42

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine looked to her guaridan. "That would be agreeable. And I should like to learn."

She smiled at Doctor Solar. "How ingenious, Doctor!"

"Exercises? Well, I should look to purchase... well, perhaps not"
she said. "I know there are dresses for ladies to play some sports, and one could be useful for exercise. But it is doubtful they come in mourning... I would not want to act shamefully by looking like I was sporting and at leisure when my poor mother has passed away."

She looked interested at the process of landing.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 169 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 17 May 2020
at 20:00
  • msg #43

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

The ship has been hovering above about 5 feet above the ground now for a few minutes. It's inside the walled fortress of Gibraltar, not near the docks.

The anchor ropes get screwed into the ground, with the help of the soldiers. The soldiers seem to be reasonably friendly, since you clearly aren't 'The Enemy', though, these days, it's not really clear who that might be... and could change daily.

Some crates are pulled from a nearby storehouse and stacked up to form a set of steps, and the ship's gangplank can now reach that. Thus, Catherine can walk down the gangplank to the crates and then step down from one to the next until she's on the ground, gallantly assisted by the soldiers.

Brie and Felicity follow, with Aubrey and Dr. Solar bringing up the rear.

Even Petras disembarks, assured by the soldiers that they will guard the ship.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 201 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 18 May 2020
at 04:04
  • msg #44

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 43):

     Once on the ground, Joseph motions for Felicity to join him, then he calls Brie, Catherine, and Grimsby to join them.

     "Before we all go off in different directions, to gather supplies, I'd like to address a, uh, something of a, um, delicate nature." Joseph raises his right hand up to the back of his head, under the brim of his hat, and rubs the back of his neck.

     "Delicate for you ladies, that is," Joseph adds, nodding towards Brie and Catherine, "as it involves your, uh, your clothes..."

     "Now, we already encountered a gopher-hole in the road, back when we first tried to get aboard this, here, flying ship--that being, it's both difficult, as well as being a little, um, a little, uh..."


     Joseph suddenly swings his hand down from the back of his head, to slap his thigh in annoyance,

     "Dang it!  I'm saying that it's hard enough trying to steady a rope, or a rope ladder, and keep an eye on the person climbing up--but it's dang near impossible to do so, if the person doing the climbing up is wearing a dress!  It's both hard to climb in a dress--plus it's...difficult...for the person standing below!"

     "And the trip out to Mars will take a while--and I have some experience aboard ships, so take my word--moving around on a ship wearing, uh, frilly dresses and...such...well, it just ain't doneShouldn't be done, that is.  And, from what-all I've heard about the place, most of Mars is pretty wild--Grimsby, you'd be the one to speak on that more--but I reckon it can't be any worse than some of the places in Texas that me and Felicity have seen."

     "So, what I'm trying to say, here, is that it would be a fine idea, I think, for you, Miss Brie, and you, Miss Catherine, to, uh, maybe go with Felicity, here, and get yourselves some more...wilderness appropriate...clothing."


     Joseph turns and speaks to Felicity, "You know what I mean, right, Felicity?  Get 'em proper boots--one's made for walking around out on The Range--and fit 'em with some decent pants!  I don't know if there's any of them blue corduroy workpants from outta San Francisco, to be found here, in Gibraltar, but something like that.  Or, if nothing else, what with Spain being within spitting distance, at least load 'em up with those culottes that all the High Señoras wear.  And gloves--a decent pair of hard-wearing gloves--range gloves--not those light, fancy things....and at least one hat that'll actually keep the weather off'n their heads."

     "You know what I mean, Fel!  These ladies need to be outfitted like we was going for a run across Comanche Territory, back in Texas.  Right?"

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 378 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 19 May 2020
at 02:02
  • msg #45

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 44):

Grimsby appears to redden a little, but overcomes his embarrassment and says, "If the ladies plan  to stay within the immediate British colonial area, they could retain their present clothing, but it is true that if they wish to venture out into wilder parts of Mars beyond European control, they might find more practical styles useful."
Felicity Van Horn
player, 97 posts
The American
Tue 19 May 2020
at 02:55
  • msg #46

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Felicity listened to Joe stumble and work his way through with a slowly growing grin. Her hands came up, fingers joining together behind her head. Hat tipped up to let her expression be fully seen. There wasn't any sort of secret that she was enjoying the sight. Nodding along as he struggled, and refusing to come to his aid.

"I for one do not plan to head to Mars to meet a man from England. I can meet him just about anywhere else I would please to go," Felicity added, "I'll be headed into the bush, or near as they got, and bringing home something worth having a conversation about. Maybe two. That was half the reason to head to Africa, and a change in destination ain't changed the way the math works. Not that any of you have to accompany me. But best to be prepared.

"Ladies, I guess we're on an old fashioned trouser hunt."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 379 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 20 May 2020
at 02:32
  • msg #47

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Felicity Van Horn (msg # 46):

Grimsby remarks, "If you are looking for impressive hunting trophies, Miss Van Horn, I assure you that Mars can provide creatures that match or surpass anything Earth has to offer."
Catherine Harston
player, 178 posts
Proper Young Lady
Mon 1 Jun 2020
at 06:15
  • msg #48

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine blushed beneath her veil. "I am an English Lady. It hardly seems fitting for me to wear workpants! Especially while I am in mourning. I'll see if I can find anything suitable"

"I should like to see some of the Martian wildlife."
Aubrey St. Claire
player, 49 posts
Eccentric Inventor
Antecdents unknown
Mon 1 Jun 2020
at 17:23
  • msg #49

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Catherine, My Dear," Aubrey says, "I fear you have led too sheltered a life!"

"Felicity's Levis notwithstanding, women in active rolls have taken to wearing trousers from a practical point of view. Besides the riding breeches, adventurous women--such as yourself--who choose to go on hunting expeditions or exploring find it absurd to wear flouncy dresses that get in the way of nearly everything!"

"Why, it's become reasonable, if not yet fashionable, for women with babies to wear them if they have to climb stairs in the house. Otherwise, they risk tripping on the long skirts and tumbling down the stairs and injuring not only themselves but the baby."

"And then there's the trousers worn my women on the Isle of Capri. Someone has coined the term 'capris' because of that, but I've also heard them referred to as clam-diggers for when you wish to go wading in the sea sand to dig for clams."

"During the flight to Mars and for your time on Mars, you will thank us!"

Petras Valois
NPC, 17 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Mon 15 Jun 2020
at 02:40
  • msg #50

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Petras does not seem concerned about the security of the ship. He may have an innocent trust in the army men on duty or else he knows something the others don't.

He heads off into the town to buy supplies.
Catherine Harston
player, 179 posts
Proper Young Lady
Thu 18 Jun 2020
at 06:03
  • msg #51

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Well, I'm not digging for clams, and I certainly don't want anyone to think I have a baby." Catherine points out. "But I will look for clothes, if my guardian thinks it prudent."
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 380 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 19 Jun 2020
at 02:06
  • msg #52

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 51):

Grimsby says, "I should think it might be prudent to have something more convenient than full skirts, in case we do find ourselves in the wilder country. It will always be your choice when and whether to wear them."
Catherine Harston
player, 180 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sun 28 Jun 2020
at 04:31
  • msg #53

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine nodded obediently, although she was pouting a little. "Yes, of course."
Brie O'Malley
player, 211 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Thu 2 Jul 2020
at 18:05
  • msg #54

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Brie understood Catherine's attitude all too well, having experienced it herself when she was in London. Fortunately, Brie had other options to fall back on.

"If you're ready, Catherine, us ladies can head in to town to see what shops there are," Brie says.

"I've never been to Gibraltar before, so I don't know what we're likely to find. I'm sure there'll be at least one shop. Although it does occur to me that for any serious shopping, I'm sure the residents either cross the Bay to Algeciras or sail up the coast to Barcelona or Marseilles or even Monaco."

"Anyway, I'm pretty sure we won't find any clams on Mars. What Aubrey was trying to say in his usual man's-point-of-view manner, English woman are finally learning what most of the rest of the world has already learned--there are times when a more practical method of dress is not only advisable but required!"

"If nothing else, we can always make what you need! It's going to be long trip to Mars!"


She had to admit--to herself--that she couldn't believe she was actually going to Mars! Well, they hadn't left yet. And it could be a dangerous journey.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 170 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Mon 6 Jul 2020
at 21:13
  • msg #55

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

As I understand it, the group is heading off in three smaller groups.

Brie, Catherine and Felicity are heading into the town to shop for some 'sensible shoes'.

Aubrey, Mathias and Petras are off getting supplies for the long voyage.

Grimsby and Joseph are doing... what?
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 381 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 7 Jul 2020
at 02:11
  • msg #56

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

OOC: Unless Joseph has other plans, I think Grimsby would probably escort his ward Catherine in her shopping.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 202 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Thu 9 Jul 2020
at 03:52
  • msg #57

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 56):

OOC: Nope, you're good to go.  Joseph has experience in both provisioning a vessel for sailing, as well as outfitting an expedition--so I was thinking to have him go do some of that.  I just forgot to have Joseph ask how long the trip would take, and I've been trying to figure out how to get that info, now that Petra has left the ship.  I suppose I'll just fudge it ^_^
     And Joseph left a trunk in storage at the hotel where he'd been rooming, before we all left the city, that he needs to go and get (it's a steamer trunk--too big to strap to the horse he was riding ^_^)

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 382 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 10 Jul 2020
at 02:48
  • msg #58

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 57):

OOC: Very good.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 171 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Fri 17 Jul 2020
at 20:08
  • msg #59

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

So, the three women are being escorted by Grimsby. Don't worry, Grimsby... Felicity is there to protect you!

The other four men are heading off to get provisions, both the practical kind and the varietal kind.

Joseph's inquiry of Petras results in being informed that Petras's calculations indicate that the trip to Mars will take about 63 days. There could always be problems that extend it a bit and his calculations could be off, meaning it could also be of shorter duration.
Petras Valois
NPC, 18 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Fri 17 Jul 2020
at 20:26
  • msg #60

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"My intention... and the ship was designed around this... is to buy supplies for 73 days out and 73 days back, in case we find ourselves unwanted on Mars," Petras explains to Aubrey, Joseph and Mathias.

"The biggest problems will be air and water. We'll need about 11 liters a day per person; that's about 13,000 liters just for drinking. More for cooking and bathing."

"I have compressors on board that can compress the air into storage tanks. In addition, we'll need plants, which will all be inside in, essentially, a greenhouse. We'll use our waste to water and fertilize the plants."

"I was considering getting a cat to go with us, but couldn't decide if that was cruel. Certainly a dog wouldn't be able to go outside for two months!"

"Do any of you have other suggestions?"

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 383 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 18 Jul 2020
at 02:27
  • msg #61

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 59):

Grimsby gallantly escorts Catherine and Brie toward the market, keeping a wary eye out for pickpockets and similar riffraff. and trying to discourage any importunate beggars.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 203 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 18 Jul 2020
at 05:05
  • msg #62

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Petras Valois (msg # 60):

     After a minute of mental gymnastics--converting Petra's metric system numbers into ones he'd been trained with--Joseph nods in agreement.

     "Your numbers on the water requirements sound right to me, Petra.  Maybe even a tiny bit excessive--but then I was trained for provisioning vessels that were both crewed by professional sailors who are used to some privation aboard ship, as well as for provisioning vessels that, usually, weren't more than a few days away from a port.  But both my father and uncle were sailors, before me, and from their stories of sailing on long voyages, your numbers sound good."

     "Similarly, though we shall require a professional level of attention during this trip, I do not believe we shall require anything like a military, or even a merchant marine-like, level of discipline aboard your ship, Petra.  Normally, under such regulation, the meals of the crew are somewhat...basic...and consist of an established weight and volume of food per meal--for easy tracking of usage.  On naval vessels that I've...been aboard...there were large crews, split into several 'watches', or 'work crews', which worked multiple shifts during the course of the day."

     "Each meal worked out to be about one quarter-pound, to one third-pound--um, about...one-hundred thirty grams?--per meal, and maybe seconds.  If you could stomach it."


     Joseph pauses to grin, "Back in my Grandfather's day, the Cooks aboard ships weren't known for any great skill in the galley."

     "Things are different in most navies, today.  The Admirals have finally come to realize that a well fed sailor is a happy sailor, and that a happy sailor is more productive and less likely to mutiny."


     "But for us, on this trip, we can probably forego trying to optimize the ratio of needed consumable bulk versus limited storage space--there's just a handful of us, after all.  So we can be a bit excessive in our consumables estimates, if we wish.  Hmm...seventy-three days between ports, you said?  Then...say...plan on needing--just numbers, mind you, not specific items!--plan for three meals a day, with each person eating an average of half-a-pound of food per meal--that would be just over two-hundred grams?--for a total of one-and-a-half pounds of food per day, per person."

     "If we can swing a good deal with the Chandler, I'd even recommend going with two pounds per day, per person.  That way we can allow for luxury items."

     "We must get as much tinned, dried and smoked items as possible.  Of course we will get fresh food items, as well, but most of that will be consumed in the first ten days--that's about as long as fresh items can last, I'm afraid."


     "And, while I am trained to provision a vessel for sea," Joseph adds, grinning again, "that does not mean my cooking skills are anything to write home about.  I'm afraid that heating up beans, bacon and coffee--as well as charring a piece of meat over an open flame--are the limits of my culinary talents."

     Joseph then places his right hand, palm down, over his heart, and assumes a somber demeanor,

     "Now, as a Gentleman of Texas, I would not presume to say that Cooking is 'Woman's Work'--especially since I believe that Miss Felicity is a better Gunhand than myself, and I know that she is quite willing to express herself in the language of firearms.  However, if one of you Brave Gentlemen should wish to broach the subject with the ladies and, assuming you survive the encounter, receive a positive reception to the idea, then a list of specific items needed for specific menus, would be greatly appreciated."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 204 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 18 Jul 2020
at 05:32
  • msg #63

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

     "As for establishing a greenhouse on board..." Joseph shrugs his shoulders, "I'm afraid that while I was raised on my uncle's Rancho after my father died, I had known from an early age that I would follow in my father's footsteps--as well as my uncle's, incidentally--and find a life on the sea.  So I paid little attention to all things farming, as I grew up."

     "Although I do know the process for leeching potassium nitrate from a manure pile.  All of the Ranchos in--where I grew up, did that.  And supervising the processes was a chore I had to do, as a teenager."

     "Now, as for bringing a cat aboard--yes, it's a well known fact that many a sailing vessel has kept a cat, or even cats, aboard.  Even for long duration voyages.  Mostly it was merchant ships, though, because the cats hunted down any vermin that managed to get aboard--rats, and such."

     "But my uncle once told me that he had observed, as steam propulsion became used more and more, he believed that he saw fewer and fewer cats on board ships.  And that he never saw another Ship's Cat after the introduction of Ironclads into modern navies.  He never understood why--as the appearance of rats aboard ships never seemed to diminish.  He always thought it might have something to do with the vibrations from the engines."

Aubrey St. Claire
player, 50 posts
Eccentric Inventor
Antecdents unknown
Sun 2 Aug 2020
at 14:49
  • msg #64

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"All the great chefs are men," Aubrey points out. "I, myself, am a decent cook, even if I do say so myself, but I'm not going to pretend I could handle the cooking on a ship in space!"

"If any of us are utterly atrocious cooks, then that person can be excused from cooking duties, but I think a rotation... each of us taking turns preparing meals... is best for morale over such a long journey."

"Yes, I know that isn't the way it works on a ship at sea, but keep in mind that each position on a ship is recruited specifically. If a ship needs a cook, then they hire someone to be the cook."

"I suspect that most of us won't have much to do on the voyage. Petras seems to have things well in hand in that respect. What we can do, however, is learn to navigate space by the stars, learn how the ship operates, and all the rest."

"We'll also need to perform exercises. I noticed a few suits and helmets Petras has in storage, so presumably we could don those now and then for a stroll around deck. Or just a way to step out of the confines of the cabin, though I daresay they are meant for making repairs."

"Books! Yes! Most definitely! Learning will be more absorbing than reading for fun, but we can buy several of those, too. Each of us can then read it in turn."

"My main concern is about alcohol. I would suggest we avoid gin and whiskey and vodka. Not sure how ale will fare, but a couple cases of wine would be appreciated, right?"

This message was last edited by the player at 00:11, Wed 05 Aug 2020.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 206 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 3 Aug 2020
at 04:28
  • msg #65

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Aubrey St. Claire (msg # 64):

     Hearing Aubrey making suggestions for supplies and shipboard activities, Joseph ventures to offer up something he heard while in German East Africa.

     "Ah...Aubrey.  I think we might want to avoid anything that is fermented--possibly even carbonated, like sarsaparilla." Joseph offers, "When I was in German East Africa, a few years back, I got into a game of pinochle with some mounted Schutztruppen boys and this pair of Fliegertruppen Officers--well, anyway, one of the Fliegertruppen..."

     Joseph pauses to look around at those listening,

     "Um, the Fliegertruppe, that's...I guess you'd call it the Imperial German Army Air Service.  They fly Zeppelins for the German Army.  Anyway, one of these guys starts telling us this tale he heard from his brother, who was in the--what'd he call it?--the Kaiserliche Marine-Raumtruppe.  The Imperial German Navy Space Service.  This guy says his bother was aboard one of the big German Space Zeppelins, halfway to Venus, when a tiny meteor punctures the hull, and sucks all the air out of one of the crew sleeping compartments."

     "Now, the Germans, they can't open the door into this compartment until somebody goes outside in a suit and seals the hole the meteor punched through the hull, and that takes an hour-or-so.  When they finally get the hole patched, get some air into the room, and get the door open, they see that the two crewmen that had been sleeping in there were still in their beds...mostly.  The brother who's a Raumtruppe, he explained that when all the air is suddenly let out, it leaves with such force that it's almost like an explosion."

     "And that explosive evacuation of air is so powerful, it can suck a whole human body through even the smallest of holes, he says.  So the Marine-Raumtruppe equips their bunks with straps, which the crew use to hold themselves down in their beds.  The two crewmen who had been sleeping in this room were still strapped down in their beds.  But the way this guy I was playing cards with tells the story, his brother told him that something really weird happened, after all the air was gone from the room."

     "The lack of air must have killed the two crewman almost immediately, of course.  But after that, when the room was in complete vacuum, apparently the bodies of those two men started to blow up!  No, wait, that's not what he said--the word he used was...'aufblasen'.  That's 'blow up' like a balloon--inflate!  That's it!  The bodies had inflated like balloons, until they popped."

     "The Doctor aboard the Zep thought that it might have had something to do with gasses trapped inside their bodies, expanding when there was no air pressure pushing in on the men's bodies from outside.  My card playing friend said that his brother made the joke that he hoped the supply closet where they kept all the beer never lost it's air pressure--and that's when the Doctor got a strange look on his face, the brother said, and then the Doctor suddenly rushed off to find the Captain."

     "So, if there's any truth to that story, we might not want to be drinking anything that fizzes--because we'd just be putting extra gasses into our bodies, and that could be either uncomfortable or dangerous in outer space.  Maybe both."
Dr. Mathias Solar
NPC, 18 posts
Mad Scientist
Eccentric Inventor
Fri 7 Aug 2020
at 22:48
  • msg #66

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Well, aren't you just a ray of sunshine, Joseph!" Mathias responds.

"Not all ales have bubbles in them, and as far as wine goes, that's only true for champagne."

"I daresay, though, that if the ship loses pressure, we'll all be dead anyway."


He continues shopping, only slightly disappointed at the lack of selection to be found here in Gibraltar.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 173 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sat 12 Sep 2020
at 16:41
  • msg #67

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

When everyone is done with their shopping and heads back to the ship, you find a lot of busy activity going on around the ship.

Petras greets you when you arrive.

"Good news! Dr. Solar and I were discussing our projects," he begins. "I was as impressed with his freeze ray as he was with my ship! After a bit of conversation, we talked about the science behind our inventions."

"It turns out that our sciences are intertwined! And complementary, as well. I've already been making a few adjustments. With Solar's freeze ray science applied to the ether propeller, we can cut our travel time in half! I should only take us 30 days to reach Mars."

"I still have to work out the mathematics for the new velocity, since Mars won't be in the same relative position if we travel faster, but it should still be within a day or two of my estimate."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 386 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 13 Sep 2020
at 02:06
  • msg #68

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby replies "Excellent!The sooner I am able to resume my duties on Mars the better --and I daresay the rest of the party will find exploring Mars more exciting than sitting about on the ship."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:07, Sun 13 Sept 2020.
Aubrey St. Claire
player, 51 posts
Eccentric Inventor
Antecdents unknown
Sun 13 Sep 2020
at 03:01
  • msg #69

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"That is good news, indeed!" Aubrey says.

"I've never fancied myself going to sea for months at a time. I think 60 days in space would have been worse!"

"Is there anything I... we can do to help?"

Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 207 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 13 Sep 2020
at 05:39
  • msg #70

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 68):

     "That is good news, Petras!" Joseph adds, "From our discussion before I left the ship, I was assuming a trip of two months!  A long time, yes, but not so long that I felt we needed to stock the ship with the truly long-lasting supplies which sailors, everywhere, like to tell horror stories about!  No hardtack and Jerky!"

     "I made a fine deal with a Chandler I've bought from in the past, and have arranged for a couple of tons of foodstuffs to be delivered.  Flour, salt, and sugar, of course, as well as some beans and lentils.  Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, beets and such.  I felt that I could skip choosing any salted or salt-packed foods, for a trip of two months duration, and instead stocked up on dried and smoked meats, sausages, and--this being British Gibraltar--I even got a dozen pounds of kippered fish."

     "And, while I usually buy supplies for wilderness expeditions--which do tend to be both compact and of long duration--as we shall be comfortably aboard a ship the entire time, I also chose to buy several varieties of tinned foods from England and France--including tinned milk!  This shall be a new experience, for me.  In the past, the expeditions I was part of either did without milk, or we brought along a goat."

     "There are some relatively fresh items, as well--fruits, mainly--which we shall have to consume in the first week-or-so.  After that, I got a couple of barrels of apples, some Italian lemons--oh!  And it's harvest time for dates and figs in Morocco!  So I got plenty of those."

     "I believe I got enough coffee and tea--I got a dozen pounds each of Robusta coffee beans from Morocco, as well as Assam Black Tea from India, and, of course, Earl Grey Tea."

     "And my friend gave me a really great price on all of it!  Just, uh, just sixty Pounds!"

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 387 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 14 Sep 2020
at 02:05
  • msg #71

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 70):


Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 388 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 15 Sep 2020
at 02:29
  • msg #72

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby looked Joseph quizzically and remarked, "60 pounds? I have never had occasion to buy provisions in Gibraltar, but that seems extraordinarily low. Either Gibraltar is extremely cheap, or you have an extremely good friend."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Tue 15 Sept 2020.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 208 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Tue 15 Sep 2020
at 03:59
  • msg #73

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 72):

     Joseph makes a waving-off gesture with his left hand'

     "Oh, yeah, me and Savvy go way back..." Joseph responds, jovially,

     "Saveriu, that is.  His name is Saveriu." Joseph adds, then looks away, not meeting Grimsby's eye, "He's...uh...he's Corsican.  He runs a little Chandlery, down by the docks, where he sells stuff his brother brings in--a variety of things for sailors, fishermen, and...uh...well, he also sells to folks just looking for a good deal."

     "Savvy can offer such low prices because...um...well, you see, his brother is a...ship captain...who sails around the Mediterranean going after...uh...looking for...deals...for all kinds of...stuff...he always manages to come back with...lots of ship's stores.  Y'know--ropes, sails, patching tar, the occasional load of fuel coal, provisions--that kinda stuff.  Sometimes he even trades for stuff from around the world."

     "Then, Savvy's brother passes all this stuff on to him, to sell.  See?"

Catherine Harston
player, 183 posts
Proper Young Lady
Tue 15 Sep 2020
at 07:26
  • msg #74

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Oh wow!" Catherine exclaimed. "Only thirty days! It's very impressive, Petras."

"I do love apples" she mentioned to Joseph.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 389 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 16 Sep 2020
at 01:05
  • msg #75

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 73):

Grimsby looks harder at Joseph and says, "Ship's supplies cheap, perhaps,sails and tar and so on, but it is strange that Savvy had so many of the items we need at such a price."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 209 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 19 Sep 2020
at 07:25
  • msg #76

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 75):

     "Well, from what little I know about travel between the planets," Joseph responds to Grimsby, "And everything I've heard about air travel from German friends, there isn't all that much difference between them and sailing a ship on the ocean.  As far as day-to-day operations go, at least.  I mean, except for needing to provide air, everything else remains the same--food and water for the crew, parts and supplies to keep the ship running.  As a former naval officer, I can tell you, this is likely very true."

     "So, if you think of it that way, it's not so unusual that a maritime chandler would have everything we need, is it?  And, as I...uh...said before...ah...Savvy's brother...um...sails extensively...around the Mediterranean Sea."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 390 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 20 Sep 2020
at 02:37
  • msg #77

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 76):

Grimsby shrugs and says, "I daresay he must sail quite extensively --perhaps without paying, customs?"
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 210 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 20 Sep 2020
at 09:15
  • msg #78

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 77):

     Joseph turns away, and rubs the back of his neck in an almost embarrassed manner,

     "Yeah, Savvy's always said pretty much that." Joseph allows, "It's sort of a...uh...tradition, around the Mediterranean, he says, to...uh...only pay customs when you have to..."
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 391 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 22 Sep 2020
at 02:53
  • msg #79

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 78):

Grimsby responds, "From what I have heard, Savvy is right about its being an old custom in these parts. I only hope he did not practice it on the British authorities in Gibraltar --we would not like to have our supplies confiscated. However, I doubt anyone here would much care if he violated the laws of Morocco or the Ottoman Empire, what's left of it."
GM SteamRoller
GM, 174 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Thu 24 Sep 2020
at 01:28
  • msg #80

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

The supplies that Joseph purchased begin showing up in short order.

Meanwhile, Petras has hired a carpenter to help him build the stairs he had in mind. The carpenter shows up with a cart full of lumber and soon gets to work on building the stairs.

Once he gets underway with Petras supervision, Petras lets him work alone.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 392 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 24 Sep 2020
at 02:06
  • msg #81

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

While Grimsby is not expert on all the kinds of supplies Joseph brought, he will do his best to quietly check the ones he can evaluate to ensure they are safe and of good quality.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 211 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Thu 24 Sep 2020
at 03:30
  • msg #82

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 80):

     "Oh!  Petras!  Have you got a moment?" Joseph calls out, separating himself from Grimsby (before that worthy should think to ask questions of a more...embarrassing...nature).

     "Petras, I have a question about water." Joseph says, catching up to the young inventor, "I've gone around arranging supplies for our trip to Mars, and that includes water supplies.  So I need to ask, did you design your ship with a central water storage tank, or do I need to get our water in sealed barrels?"



OOC: Joseph has dealt with his "friend", Savvy, on the up and up--Joseph is expecting supplies in an "acceptable" condition....however...anything which would be considered "ship's stores"--items used in the maintenance and/or operation of the vessel--will obviously have been "re-packaged".  And as for those commodities, foodstuffs and "luxury" items that Grimsby inspects--all of them will have Customs Stamps....but only about half of those are British Custom Stamps...and none of those are from Gibraltar...
     Oh, and the water will be delivered either by a water tank wagon (if the ship has a dedicated water tank), or in a dozen-or-so barrels (36 Imperial Gallons or 163.7 Liters)...and the price for the water is included in the price Joseph quoted ^_^

Petras Valois
NPC, 19 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Thu 24 Sep 2020
at 04:02
  • msg #83

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"It will take Ned a few hours to finish the stairs," Petras says to the others. "I offered to help but he said I'd just be in the way. Not that I disagreed with him."

"So, I suggest we go to a restaurant and enjoy a good meal. It will probably be the last we have for awhile."


At Joseph's question, he adds:

"Both, really. The ballast in the bilge is the water storage tank. We don't really need ballast, though, unless we land on water. It can't hurt to have a few barrels on board."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 212 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Thu 24 Sep 2020
at 04:48
  • msg #84

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Petras Valois:
At Joseph's question, he adds:

"Both, really. The ballast in the bilge is the water storage tank. We don't really need ballast, though, unless we land on water. It can't hurt to have a few barrels on board."

     Joseph opens his mouth to respond, then closes it, with a frown, and thinks about that for a moment.

     "O-o-kay, I can see the logic in that." Joseph responds, "A bit unorthodox for a nautical design, but it could work.  However, did you design your ship to use the water in that bilge-tank as potable water?  Oh, and I just thought of this--since you did think to put a, hopefully potable, water tank on board--does that mean you have running water on board?"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 393 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 25 Sep 2020
at 02:26
  • msg #85

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 82):

Grimsby finds that the assorted customs stamps confirm his suspicions about "Savvy's" sources.
He takes a quick look around to make sure no British customs agents are lurking nearby and murmurs, "Well, since these goods have made it safely onto our vessel without being seized, we should be safe enough keeping the unless the British suddenly order a surprise inspection. Fortunately, I am not a agent of Her Majesty's Customs, so it is not my personal duty to enforce the tariff laws." He does try to cautiously open a few of the more basic food items and see if they smell or even taste right (if he can break off a few little bites without being noticed).
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 213 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 26 Sep 2020
at 07:46
  • msg #86

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 85):

OOC: that would be GM's call.  I made this stuff up "in good faith" ^_^
Catherine Harston
player, 184 posts
Proper Young Lady
Mon 28 Sep 2020
at 08:47
  • msg #87

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Will we have enough water for bathing?" Catherine asked.
Petras Valois
NPC, 20 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Tue 29 Sep 2020
at 18:36
  • msg #88

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"The bilge tank is potable water," Petras responds to Joseph.

"One of the reasons I recommend a few barrels is that we can use them first and then use the empty ones to store waste water."

"Part of the bilge is a water filtration system. We can do a reasonable job of purifying water through that."

"I'm not quite sure what you mean by 'running water'. There is hardly room on the ship to deal with a high pressure system. However, we do have a pump and rubber tube lines that go to the kitchen and latrine."

"While I've taken into account washing up, Miss Harston, we shall have to wait and see how much water we consume. We have 8 people on board. While I have a bathtub on board, a bath once a week is probably doable."

"Keep in mind, no one is likely to get dirty or dusty while on board. Daily personal hygiene is necessary, but that can be accommodate with a sponge bath."


Even as young as he was, he clearly had enough sense not to mention recycling the water to the women.
Brie O'Malley
player, 212 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Tue 29 Sep 2020
at 18:43
  • msg #89

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Brie had kept to herself a lot, shopping for certain herbs and plants and chemicals in the town, not really expecting to find much.

She had spent considerable time with Dr. Solar on the off chance that he was the 'real deal' and actually had any of the things she needed in his wagon.

"This is certainly an adventure, Petras!" she said to the young Lithuanian, feeling he was too young to flirt with, emotionally if not necessarily by age.

"If you are sure that my presence is welcome and that I won't be putting an unnecessary burden on you and the others and the ship, I'd still like to visit Mars!"
Aubrey St. Claire
player, 52 posts
Eccentric Inventor
Antecdents unknown
Tue 29 Sep 2020
at 18:45
  • msg #90

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"The same goes for me, Petras!" Aubrey chimes in. "I suppose I'm the one that started this adventure, and I'd certainly like to see it through. Nor would I wish to miss a chance to visit the Red Planet."

"But, if you feel my presence would cause some difficulty, I am willing to forego this trip... and catch the next one!"

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 394 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 30 Sep 2020
at 02:22
  • msg #91

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby remarks, "As far as I am concerned, I would welcome all our present party on this adventure. Given some of the villains we have already met, the more on our side the better.'
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 215 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 3 Oct 2020
at 04:52
  • msg #92

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 91):

     "Well said, Grimsby!" Joseph adds in, "Come on Aubrey, old man, of course you must come with us!  After all, would you stay here, back with the fools who wouldn't listen, when you said there was something to the story of a Man Frozen in Ice?  Yet, you went in search of the truth, and proved them wrong!"

     "Now you have the chance to go to Mars--Mars, old fellow!--and look, yourself, into scientific marvels which your colleagues, here at Gibraltar, can only dream of researching!  Of course you must come!"

     "By the way, will you be needing to make a report, or anything of that nature, before you leave on this sabbatical?  Need anything from your lab?"

Catherine Harston
player, 185 posts
Proper Young Lady
Wed 14 Oct 2020
at 09:44
  • msg #93

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Oh yes" Catherine agreed. "It won't be right if you don't come along"
Petras Valois
NPC, 21 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Mon 19 Oct 2020
at 18:51
  • msg #94

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"It's settled then!" Petras sums up the conversation. "We're all going to Mars!"

"I see that the carpenter has done a most excellent job at constructing our stairway to heaven. Better than I even imagined!"

"So, all aboard that's going aboard!"


He lets the women go first, then the others, and finally brings up the rear.

Once everyone is on board, he pulls on the ropes fastened to the steps and they begin to raise even as the steps fold flat. Once it is horizontal to the deck, he is able to fold it over onto the deck. He then leverages it over onto the wall of the aft cabin.

He replaces the railing and heads for the helm.

Anyone who's interested can join him at the helm and he will explain how it works. The obvious wheel is for direction... port or starboard, but unlike on a ship, it doesn't spin all the way around. It takes only a little spin of the wheel to change direction. There are pins on the back side that keep it from going too far.

"The wheel mechanism inside the housing here is connected via wire to the lifting surfaces and the rudder," he explains. "In theory, the ship could turn on its central axis, but I hadn't worked out the mechanism for that yet. It could also turn 360 degrees on its Y and Z axes, but why would we want to fly upside down?"

"If you pull back on the wheel, the ship will go up. If you push forward, it will go down. I call it the 'yoke', because I got the idea from the yoke used on oxen."

"You see this gauge here? That's an altitude meter; it tells you how high above the ground you are. Well, technically, how high above sea level you are. If you were only 500 feet above a 6,000-foot mountain, it would indicate you are 6,500 feet above sea level, not just 500 feet above the mountain."

"That's because it measures air pressure. As I'm sure you are aware, the air gets thinner the higher you climb. This section marked in red is the danger zone. When we get that high, the air is to thin to breathe. We have to be inside the ship by then."

"You'll notice that it's mounted on a gimbal. If I pull this pin, I can rotate it around the pivot point till it's facing the other way, reinsert the pin, and then lock it down again with this leather flap."

"The entire yoke and wheel is mounted the same way. When it's time to move inside, I release the gimbal and this whole section of deck rotates upside down, putting it inside with us. So that it's facing forward, a second gimbal lets me flip the wheel upside down as well so that whoever is manning the wheel is facing forward. And the altitude meter can also be flipped right side up again."

"I know you were concerned about that, Joseph. There's a second air pressure gauge outside that will show us here inside the air status on deck. That way, we'll know when not to go outside."


He turns the wheel over to Joseph then as he roams about deck making sure all the lids of all the hidden compartments are securely latched down.

"Go ahead, Joseph... take her up!" he says when he returns.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 395 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 20 Oct 2020
at 02:19
  • msg #95

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Petras Valois (msg # 94):

Grimsby listened politely to the explanation but merely commented, "Very ingenious." Privately, he was glad to leave the steering to Joseph.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 216 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Tue 20 Oct 2020
at 17:10
  • msg #96

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Petras Valois (msg # 94):

OOC: I think I get how the "control deck" re-orients itself for atmospheric flight vs. interplanetary flight--although, the way Petras explained it, it sounds like you'd be standing on the deck, when it flips over... ^_^
Petras Valois:
He turns the wheel over to Joseph then as he roams about deck making sure all the lids of all the hidden compartments are securely latched down.

"Go ahead, Joseph... take her up!" he says when he returns.

     I'm taking this to mean that he also shouted over the side to have some British Sailors pull the 4 Ground Anchors out of the dirt--though whether Petras then pulled all of them up and stored them away, himself, or he left that job for some of us to do, as we rise up, I'm not sure of...


     Joseph had noticed the ship begin to wobble a little bit, as the Ground Anchors were released, and by the time Petras had returned to the Control Deck, Joseph was fully involved in holding the ship in a steady hover, just abouve the landing field.

     "Aye, Captain.  Taking the ship up." Joseph responds, then--just as he'd observed Petra do, on the trip here to Gibraltar, and without touching the throttle for the engine--Joseph slowly, gently, pulls back on the wheel....the 'yoke', as Petras calls it.

     With a slight sensation as if everyone were being gently pushed downward, the ship starts to rise straight up from Gibraltar....

     Well, not straight upwards--as soon as the vessel is high enough, it encounters a westerly wind that the bulk of The Rock had been diverting.  So, with a slight list to the right (starboard), the ship begins to drift to the east, while continuing to slowly rise.

     "Got it...got it..." Joseph grunts, as he spins the wheel to bring the ship around to point into the wind--but his old naval instincts have him do so with a subconscious expectation of the ship moving through the much thicker medium of water, rather than air, and so he spins the wheel 'hard about', causing the ship to rapidly turn into the wind--and he spends a few moments correcting his over-compensation.
Catherine Harston
player, 186 posts
Proper Young Lady
Mon 16 Nov 2020
at 09:28
  • msg #97

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine watched Joseph steer the ship, fascinated. She'd never seen transit between worlds before.
Petras Valois
NPC, 22 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Mon 16 Nov 2020
at 22:41
  • msg #98

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Petras had negotiated with the British soldiers to release the anchors when the ship departed, and with Joseph at the helm, Petras quickly pulled up the ropes and anchors with Aubrey's, Mathias's, and Felicity's help, and then stowing them in the compartments on the deck and making sure the latches were all secure and tight. Even though there was a double latch system, that was still no guarantee that the hatches couldn't fly open under stress.

As he stows the ropes, he informs the others.

"We should be good until about 10,000 feet as far as breathable atmosphere," he tells everyone. "It'll start getting cold, though, at about 5,000 feet, so we should bundle up if we want to stay on deck. Breathing might be hard, but as we'll be ascending slowly, we should adapt a bit."

"Just warning you all again. Venturing into space is still rather dangerous, especially if you don't know what you are doing."


He repeats this information to Joseph and Catherine, and Grimsby if he didn't hear it otherwise.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 396 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 17 Nov 2020
at 02:54
  • msg #99

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

After hearing this announcement, Grimsby went to his cabin and put on a heavy overcoat and a slightly bloodstained fur hat before returning to the deck to observe this next stage of the voyage.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 218 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Wed 18 Nov 2020
at 18:01
  • msg #100

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 99):

     When Petras swings by the ship's wheel to repeat his information about the concerns of higher altitude, Joseph gives the young Captain a concerned look,

     "Ah, yes, well, you see...I've spent much of the last few years wandering back and forth across Africa." Joseph says to Petra, "As well as some time along the coasts of southern Europe--and I've done very little mountain climbing in those places, so I haven't had much use for cold weather clothing..."

     Joseph suddenly winces, as if in pain,

     "Darn it all!" Joseph spits out, "I was so focused on Mars being a desert, I completely forgot that Mars is actually cooler than here, on Terra Firma.  I only purchased a few items of clothing of a rugged nature--I didn't think to purchase any dedicated cold weather clothing!"

     "Although..."
Joseph looks as if he's suffering a moment of panic, before he, again, merely looks concerned, "I do have an old woolen greatcoat in the bottom of my carpetbag..."

     "Um, Petras--just how long do we have to remain exposed to the temperatures at high altitude, before we can batten down for travel between planets?"

Petras Valois
NPC, 23 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Sat 21 Nov 2020
at 04:38
  • msg #101

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Oh, it's not that we have to remain outside at all," Petras replies to Joseph. "It's about how long we have to remain inside that's my concern. The sooner we batten down the hatches, the longer the confinement."

"I know... a few hours won't make that much difference. But, then again, maybe it will."

Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 219 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 21 Nov 2020
at 05:58
  • msg #102

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Petras Valois (msg # 101):

     Joseph looks a little pensive for a moment, then nods his head,

     "Yes, I see your point, Petra--I mean, Captain." Joseph agrees, "I've been aboard ironclads during foul weather, and the close quarters was something that pressed upon us all pretty quickly."

     "Well, then, would you take the wheel for a few minutes, Captain Petra, while I run and dig up my old wool frock coat from the bottom of my carpet bag?  Thank you, Sir."

     Joseph hand over the position at the wheel, then hurries off to the cabin where he'd left his luggage.  Once there, he pulls his watch-chain from the vest buttonhole he'd put it through--producing the set of three tiny keys he uses as a fob.  One of the tiny keys opens the small padlock on his large carpetbag travelling bag.

     Joseph digs down past his clothing to the bottom of the carpetbag, where he keeps several tightly bound, oilskin-wrapped packages.  Pulling the largest of these out of the carpetbag valise, he quickly unwraps the tightly folded jacket it contains.

     Shaking the jacket out, Joseph gazes at it sadly, for a moment, before throwing it over his shoulders and heading back up to the Ship's Wheel.

     When Joseph appears back at the wheel, he has slid his arms into the jacket's sleeves, and is just finishing the buttoning of the last button.

     The jacket he's wearing is a short-collared, double breasted frock coat of a steel-gray color, which hangs halfway down to his knees.  The jacket is made of a tight wool weave with a black serge lining, possessing two rows of six brass buttons, running from waist to collar, and a few belt loops can be seen around the waist, but no belt is on the jacket.

     The end of each sleeve has a wide band of black serge covering from cuff to halfway back to the elbow, with a pair of gold-colored braid bands circle the hem of the cuffs--the 'lower' band (the one closes to the hem) being a solid band of braiding, while the 'upper' band (the two braids being separated by but a half an inch) also make an uninterrupted circuit of the hem, but on the outside of the sleeve this band loops up to form a small circle, before completing it's circuit around the sleeve.

     A pair of buttoned-down straps, or epaulets, adorn the shoulders, each showing some slight wear at their outer ends, just abouve the points of his shoulders.

     "Thank you, Petras.  I have the wheel." Joseph says, before taking control of the wheel.

     "This isn't so different from sailing a ship on the sea." Joseph smiles, "I mean, as long as we're just rising straight up."

     Joseph turns a concerned look to Petras,

     "We are just going to keep going straight up--right?"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:59, Sat 21 Nov 2020.
Petras Valois
NPC, 24 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Sat 21 Nov 2020
at 06:18
  • msg #103

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"More or less. The ship should remain level all the way but we're heading forward as we rise," explains Petras.

"In theory, the ship could roll over, either left or right, and front to back as well, but I never installed the controls for that. Mainly because there'd be a problem with the gravity. If the ship rolled upside down, we'd all fall to the ceiling."

"I did consider the problem, but never worked out the details. Maybe on my next ship."

Aubrey St. Claire
player, 53 posts
Eccentric Inventor
Antecdents unknown
Sat 21 Nov 2020
at 06:28
  • msg #104

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"I look forward to that!" Aubrey says as he walks up. "Maybe by then the rest of the world will have caught up to you."

"I am curious, though: what would be the use of rolling the ship over?"

Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 220 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 21 Nov 2020
at 06:40
  • msg #105

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Petras Valois (msg # 103):

     Joseph--with a startled, wide-eyed look on his face--simply nods slowly, at Petras comments,

     "uh-huh...yeah, some of my German friends mentioned something about non-dirigibles doing that...flipping-thing...yeah." Joseph said, slowly, "You should work on that gizmo sooner, rather than later, maybe."

     Joseph gives himself a shake, then adds,

     "Hey, Captain, that brings up a question I've been meaning to ask--here on Earth, gravity pulls everything down!" Joseph points down toward the deck--and the ground rapidly falling away, under the ship,

     "How's that going to work when, you know, we've moved away from Earth?  Will 'down' still be back towards Earth, or what?"
Petras Valois
NPC, 25 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Sat 21 Nov 2020
at 23:20
  • msg #106

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"A good point, Aubrey," Petras replies. "I've yet to figure that out myself. The only usefulness I've been able to think of is to point the weapons at a different target. In the air and space, any battles can be fought in three dimensions. So, if one side of your ship gets damaged and you lose a weapon, you can roll the ship over to bring another undamaged weapon to bear on the enemy."

"That's the theory, at any rate. Not sure it's ever going to be practical."

"This ship can't do that because I didn't build the lifting device on a gimbal. So, the hull is always stationary to the lift device. That's why I said I'd have to wait until I build a new ship. The problem is the people and equipment within the ship that would get turned upside down. I was thinking the living quarters could be mounted within the gimbal. That way, we'd always stay upright regardless of how the ship spun about."

"Anyway, Joseph, as to your question. I pondered that for months before I finally figured out what was happening. Because the ship was built on earth with a downward gravitic force, it will remain that way until it encounters another gravitic force that's in a different direction. I'm not sure if it has to be stronger... or how much stronger, but that would realign the gravitic.... orientation. Don't really have term for it yet."

"Supposedly, if you build a ship out in space where there's no gravity, your ship wouldn't have any orientation at all. It'd be like there was no up or down on it."

Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 221 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 22 Nov 2020
at 02:37
  • msg #107

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Petras Valois (msg # 106):

     Joseph frowns in puzzlement for a moment, then asks Petra,

     "So...are you saying we will still have gravity, on the ship--that the Deck will still be our 'down'-- during the trip to Mars?"
Petras Valois
NPC, 26 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Sun 22 Nov 2020
at 03:08
  • msg #108

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"I think so. I'm not really sure," Petras answers. "I've never been in space before."

"It may not be true gravity. It just may be your perception of it. No, that's not quite right either. Whatever, I expect 'down' to be towards the bottom of the ship the entire way to Mars."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 397 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 22 Nov 2020
at 03:46
  • msg #109

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby eyes Joseph's coat with some curiosity and remarks quietly, "Puts me in mind of the one Captain Waddell was wearing when he surrendered the Shenandoah at Liverpool. But that is no longer the concern of Her Majesty's Government."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 222 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 22 Nov 2020
at 07:53
  • msg #110

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby H. Baskerville:
Grimsby eyes Joseph's coat with some curiosity and remarks quietly, "Puts me in mind of the one Captain Waddell was wearing when he surrendered the Shenandoah at Liverpool. But that is no longer the concern of Her Majesty's Government."

     Joseph gives Grimsby a sharp look--which quickly turns into a grin and a chuckle,

     "Heh.  Yeah, I guess it rather does, at that." Joseph says, letting go the wheel with his right hand, and running the hand down the front of the jacket, between the twin rows of not-quite-shiny brass buttons.

     "I, uh, bought it, back before I came over to Africa, because it sorta reminded me of my Father--I think I mentioned that he was a Navy Captain for Texas, during the War Between The States..."
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 398 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 25 Nov 2020
at 03:04
  • msg #111

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 110):


Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 223 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Wed 25 Nov 2020
at 20:01
  • msg #112

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 111):
GM SteamRoller
GM, 175 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Tue 1 Dec 2020
at 19:44
  • msg #113

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

The ship continues to rise, and everyone gets a turn at the helm just so they are familiar with how the ship operates.

Plus, everyone (except Grimsby) is astonished at the view of the Earth below them as it gets smaller and smaller. Small details disappear quickly, giving rise to views of rivers and mountains. By the time you are above the clouds the curve of the earth is clearly discernible.

And, of course, it starts getting colder.

All too soon, Petras signals it's time to retreat inside. For those who are interested (Joseph, Grimsby and Solar in particular), he shows them how the helm is designed to fold up, then fold down inside the ship. Everyone then goes below, and he shows how the locking pin is removed, the helm is then rotated 180 degrees and the pin re-secured.

Likewise, the periscope is folded down from the ceiling and locked into place. He explains how a series of 'deck' prisms are aligned to allow the periscope to view what's in front of the ship.

He's already made sure that all the deck compartments and hatches were firmly secured from the outside. He now makes the circuit of the interior and does the same.

He also shows how the solar mirror doors can be opened from the inside, the mirror raised and rotated so it's always facing the sun. As soon as that is done, the interior begins to warm up.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 399 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 2 Dec 2020
at 03:07
  • msg #114

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 113):

Grimsby comments on the folding gear, "Very ingenious. Quite unlike the usual pattern for space vessels that I have travelled on."
Petras Valois
NPC, 27 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Thu 3 Dec 2020
at 06:29
  • msg #115

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Yes. I had the advantage of having no preconceptions about ship design," Petras replies. "Or, more specifically, a spaceship."

"I did consider putting the steering in the front so you could see where you were going, but I felt it would be confusing with the rudder in back. That was before I realized that the rudder would only be useful in the water. By the time I worked out that the ship wouldn't be in the water very often, I'd already had the ship half built."

"It just didn't make sense to scrap what I had and start over. But I've made notes about doing that when I build the next boat."

Catherine Harston
player, 187 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 4 Dec 2020
at 08:08
  • msg #116

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine is totally fascinated by the view of the Earth getting smaller, and she only retreats when the cold starts to make her uncomfortable. "Perhaps I should have brought more winter clothing!" she joked.
Brie O'Malley
player, 213 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Fri 4 Dec 2020
at 17:21
  • msg #117

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Brie, also, was fascinated by the constantly changing view as the world below her got smaller and smaller. She'd known the Earth was round, of course, and that there were other planets, but to have it so emphatically presented to her in this fashion was mind-boggling, to say the least!

"I'm used to the cold a bit more, I guess," she said to Catherine as she retreated inside, "but it won't be long before I join you."

"Perhaps Petras has thoughtfully stocked some winter clothing, though I wonder if he anticipated having three women on the ship in his first voyage! The perception is always that it's a man's game."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 400 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 7 Dec 2020
at 03:07
  • msg #118

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby commented, "If you ladies do not have warm clothing with you, I suspect you will want to purchase some once we reach Mars. The nights, in particular, are apt to be quite cold. In the meantime, I have a coat or so I could lend Catherine, and maybe Miss O'Malley -- they would not fit very exactly. but they would be warm. However, I doubt any of us will be wanting to stay on deck much longer, so warm clothing can wait until we ae on Mars, or at least well into its atmosphere."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 227 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 27 Dec 2020
at 02:25
  • msg #119

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 118):

OOC: Grimsby's right.  I recall Petras saying he had a "Radium Engine" powering the ship--I'm guessing that means a glowing block of refined Radium is generating enough heat to boil water into steam, which then turns an electric dynamo.  But, no matter how it's probably working, that radium reactor will be generating some heat, and once we button the ship up air-tight, we'll be comfortably warm, until we pop the hatches on Mars...
Catherine Harston
player, 188 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sun 27 Dec 2020
at 09:10
  • msg #120

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Oh, it was just a joke, dear cousin" Catherine admits. "I'm sure I will be all right. I'm terribly excited for the journey"
GM SteamRoller
GM, 178 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Wed 13 Jan 2021
at 03:53
  • msg #121

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

The ship continues to rise into the sky while the Earth below gets farther away and grows smaller and smaller. It's a fascinating image of the planet. And still the ship continues to rise, although at some point it stops being 'rise' and simply moves away.

The ship's speed increases dramatically once you've left the atmosphere of Earth, but it's not really noticeable inside the ship.

When the Earth appears to be the size of a fist, you begin hearing faint taps that seem to be coming from the hull.


So now is when the words "MARS... 4 weeks later" appear on the screen to let you know that time has passed with nothing interesting having happened during that time.

If anyone has any idea for how to pass the time, feel free to post it in as much or as little detail as  you want. Alas, I still don't have enough brain power to come up with something on my own.
Catherine Harston
player, 189 posts
Proper Young Lady
Wed 20 Jan 2021
at 07:06
  • msg #122

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

During the time in between, Catherine eagerly bombards her guardian with questions on Mars, everything she can think of. If he's willing, she tries to learn one of the Martian languages, although she makes a bit of a mess of it.
Catherine spends some time trying to entertain the others, singing and playing games. She tries her hand at cooking, too.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 228 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Wed 20 Jan 2021
at 19:43
  • msg #123

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 122):

OOC: Joseph will jump on the Martian Language hay wagon, too!  He speaks a "smattering" of the Canal Martian "Trade Tongue"--though taught to him by a German Soldier who thought it was humorous to teach him badly...
     Maybe Grimsby can help Joseph to "speak better".

Double-Secret-OOC: Hey, Brie--I assume your facility with languages is because you are using your...abilities...to kinda-sorta "borrow" the skill from those nearby who already speak the language, da?  If so, perhaps you might assist Grimsby?  Maybe with two of you providing instrucion, we might stand a chance of actually learning something ^_^

Of course, it's been almost 15 years since Joseph's been taught anything by a Nanny...but I think he can deal with it ^_^

OH YEAH!!!!
     Joseph doesn't know much about Mars--but he knows enough to tell Cap'n Petra he should plan on landing at Thymiamata!!  Of course!  ^_^

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 402 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 21 Jan 2021
at 03:30
  • msg #124

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby patiently carries on teaching Catherine Martian -- specifically Canal Martian as being the most useful form, in the trade dialect common in Syrtis Major, the chief British colonial settlement.
 He also offers some polite corrections to what Joseph had learned from the German. In particular, the German apparently had thought it was funny to teach Joseph to use low expressions not generally acceptable in polite Martian society. Grimsby also had to advise Joseph on pronunciation, though it was not clear whether that was also a German joke or just the effect of Martian in a strong German accent.
Petras Valois
NPC, 28 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Sun 24 Jan 2021
at 18:54
  • msg #125

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Why Thymiamata?" Petras asks Joseph. "Admittedly, what I know about Mars is only what I read in the newspapers. I've yet to read any fiction about the planet that purports to be set in modern times."

"What are our chances of being attacked while we're flying around?"

Felicity Van Horn
player, 98 posts
The American
Sun 24 Jan 2021
at 19:08
  • msg #126

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

While not a high priority, it finally sinks in that she might be at a serious disadvantage on Mars if she can't speak the language, so she tries to get in on Grimsby's language lessons.

"If things go smoothly, I should never need to speak Martian, but as we all know, things seldom go smoothly, especially where others are concerned."

"It does seem a bit peculiar to me that Joseph and I might know a bit about Indian fighting and nothing about fighting Martians, while Grimsby probably knows more about fighting Martians than he does Indians."

"Now, besides going to Mars because we can, what other reason do we have for this Grand Adventure?"

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 403 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 25 Jan 2021
at 03:17
  • msg #127

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Felicity Van Horn (msg # 126):
Grimsby comments, "I've never fought a Red Indian, but from the tales I've heard, I should think fighting them would be very like fighting Martians, aside from the Queln, who ride flying beasts, and the High Martians, who can fly themselves --both very unpleasant characters to deal with."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 229 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 25 Jan 2021
at 07:08
  • msg #128

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

GM SteamRoller:
If anyone has any idea for how to pass the time, feel free to post it in as much or as little detail as  you want. Alas, I still don't have enough brain power to come up with something on my own.

     OOC: Pinochle!  4 Weeks of Pinochle! ^_^
     Or...Whist...if you damn Brits insist...
     Pressure Suit Badminton, out on the Lido Deck?


Petras Valois:
"Why Thymiamata?" Petras asks Joseph. "Admittedly, what I know about Mars is only what I read in the newspapers. I've yet to read any fiction about the planet that purports to be set in modern times."

     "Why Thymiamata?  Well...just...because!" Joseph responds,

     "I mean, from what I've read in the newspapers, myself, that city seems to be friendly towards Americans..."

     Joseph stops talking as he notices the looks he's getting from his mostly European companions.  Joseph gives a resigned shrug, as he turns to Petra,

     "On second thought, Captain, perhaps setting down in Syrtis Major would be the more sensible option."

Petras Valois:
"What are our chances of being attacked while we're flying around?"

     "Well...since we are going to Syrtis Major--which is under British administration--we should ask Grimsby!  I say, Grimsby...haven't I read in the papers that Syrtis Major and the other British protectorates in the region were at War with some kind of alliance of cities from the south, or some-such?  What are the chances we could be attacked?"

     Joseph gives Grimsby a smug grin.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 404 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 27 Jan 2021
at 03:01
  • msg #129

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby answered, a little testily, "Yes, it is true that Britain finds herself at war with what is called the Oenotrian Empire, though only because we were decent enough to rescue a pair of your Americans from a High Martian tyrant called Hattabranx. This led the Oenotrians to fear that Britain meant to seize control of the tyrant's liftwood supply --which we had no intention of doing -- so the Oenotrians went to war with  us. However, I can say that we British have roundly defeated their aggressions, and though the war lingers on, so long as our little party stays safely within range of Syrtis Major itself, or ventures out in a direction  away from the Oenotrians' boundaries, we should be safe enough."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:03, Wed 27 Jan 2021.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 230 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Wed 27 Jan 2021
at 05:25
  • msg #130

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 129):

     "Touché, Grimsby." Joseph acknowledges with a smile, "And quite right, of course.  I had thought to land at Thymiamata solely on news reports that the locals appeared friendly towards the Americans who were doing business there."

     "But, as as Grimsby points out, neither a city full of friendly natives--or even an entire Company of Blue-Belly soldiers--could properly protect Americans travelling outside the city."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 405 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 28 Jan 2021
at 03:55
  • msg #131

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 130):

Grimsby responded, "Honorably spoken, sir. As yet America has not had occasion to station its own forces on Mars in any quantity, but meanwhile, Britain will do her duty by her transatlantic cousins, as she did in the Hattabranx case."
Petras Valois
NPC, 29 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Sat 30 Jan 2021
at 18:24
  • msg #132

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"I think Felicity had a point," Petras adds. "I am going to Mars simply because I can, and so I can say that I've been there."

"Some people like to travel around the world to see that sights, such as the pyramids of Egypt or the Grand Canyon in America. I do not--yet--claim to be one of those people, but Mars is a horse of a different color, is it not?"

"So, what will we do when we get there? Are there sights to be seen on Mars? Are there significant differences among the Martians that we must 'see' them all? Or at least gather a souvenir from each of the different... tribes? Clans?"

"We stay for a week or two, have tea with a Martian King, and then fly back to Earth? Or do we visit another planet? This ship is remarkably fast, as I understand it, so it is possible for us to go out farther into the system. Alas, I don't believe the ship is large enough to support such an expedition."

"If we can be sufficiently resupplied, Venus and Mercury aren't out of the question."

"What say you, Fellow Travelers? Having stood upon the Red Planet, are there more worlds to visit? Or has the traveling urge now left you?"

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 406 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 31 Jan 2021
at 03:51
  • msg #133

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Petras Valois (msg # 132):

Grimsby replied, a little didactically, "As for sights on Mars, there are ancient ruins on Mars which I, for one, find quite interesting, especially those of the legendary Seldonian Empire which once ruled much of the planet.
There are several sorts of Martians: the Canal Martians, who are fairly civilized and becoming more so under our influence, whom you will certainly meet, the Hill Martians, who are more barbaric -- about on the level of American Red Indians -- and the High Martians, who are vicious savages. Fortunately, you ae very unlikely to meet that High Martians, or even the Hill Martians.
You may meet Canal Martians from several different city-states. Some would be traders and quite willing to sell souvenirs, though by now they have met enough tourists to have quite sophisticated notions of prices, alas. The local king, or prince as they call him, in Syrtis has lost most of his power to the British, and is unlikely to welcome Earthly visitors, though if you assured him you were not British it might make him more agreeable.
I may say you did not mention hunting as a pastime, but Mars has some quite impressive fauna, if you care to take the risk of hunting them."

Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 231 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 31 Jan 2021
at 05:35
  • msg #134

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 133):

     "I'm pretty much with you, Petras." Joseph tosses in, "I've got the itch to go see what's on the other side of the hill, as they say. And Mars has a bunch of new things I ain't seen yet--new deserts to cross, new mountains to climb, new exotic cities to walk through."

     "Plus I want to make sure that Doc Solar, here, is safely set-up as far from that scoundrel--Schilling--as possible."

     "And if, somehow, I can make a little money along the way...well. that's good, too."


     As Grimsby speaks, a thought occurs to Joseph,

     "Hey!  Canals!" Joseph says excitedly, "Petras, we should land in a Canal!  Uh, Grimsby...this Syrtis Major place does have canals, right--with water in them?  Well, Petras built this ship to also float in water--so we should land it in the water, and then we can tie up to a dock.  It would be easier than having to keep the engine running and hovering the ship over a field, wouldn't it?"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 407 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 1 Feb 2021
at 04:07
  • msg #135

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby hesitates and then says, "Well the canals near Syrtis tend to be quite busy, naturally, but of course there are established customs for finding a mooring. Landing on a canal might be simpler than finding a place at the airship field, which is smaller."
Catherine Harston
player, 190 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sat 13 Feb 2021
at 09:19
  • msg #136

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"I should love to see the canals, I hear they are quite a wonder. I'd like to go to... goodness, I just don't know, but imagine there's ever so much to see on Mars."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 232 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 14 Feb 2021
at 02:46
  • msg #137

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 136):

     "Well, then, let's be about setting down, shall we?" Joseph says, making adjustments to the ship's lifting system, and setting course downward--toward Syrtis Major.

     "Say, Grimsby--would it be ill-mannered of us to just drop straight down into that lagoon formed where all the canals meet, or do you think it would be better to land in a canal, just outside the city, and then sail into the lagoon?"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 408 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 17 Feb 2021
at 03:26
  • msg #138

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby said "Well, there are points each way. Of course the lagoon is the very busiest place in the port of Syrtis. On the other hand it is also the largest part of the port, so there might be more room for us. A canal might be less busy, but also narrower. I think I would advise that you keep a sharp lookout coming in, and choose whichever place seems to have room for us at the moment we are descending."

Catherine Harston
player, 191 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sat 20 Feb 2021
at 20:08
  • msg #139

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"There's one place where all the canals meet?" Catherine asks curiously.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 409 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 22 Feb 2021
at 03:39
  • msg #140

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 139):

GRimsby replied, "One place where all the major canals that run through Syrtis meet, yes. Of course, there are smaller canals running off the major canals, just as there are smaller streets running off the main thoroughfares in a city like London. But I should think we would want to land in the lagoon itself or in a major canal nearby."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 233 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 22 Feb 2021
at 06:41
  • msg #141

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 140):

     Squinting at the...periscope...that's showing the land far below the descending airship, Joseph asks,

     "Hey Grimsby!  How about I set down north of the city--in that canal that runs pretty much due north-to-south--and then sail into the city center that way?  Would that be okay, d'you think?"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 410 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 23 Feb 2021
at 03:55
  • msg #142

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 141):

Grimsby responds, "I believe that canal would be very suitable, providing the shipping currently in it leaves room for our vessel."


This message was last edited by the player at 03:11, Sun 07 Mar 2021.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 179 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Thu 4 Mar 2021
at 15:21
  • msg #143

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

The ship has to dip lower into the atmosphere here than on Earth before it is safe to open the hatch and step out onto the deck.

By the time it reaches that altitude, several flying ships have spotted you. Some were taking off from the ground and some were apparently coming in for a landing. There are two, however, that appear as if they might be guard ships.

All of them veer towards your ship, not aggressively, but out of curiosity, since there is nothing here that remotely resembles Petras's ship.

It appears to be about midday here at this city, so traffic in the canals isn't too busy. By the time you land on the water, the other ships have had their fill of the new ship and have gone about their business.

Except the two guards ships. They continue to hover overhead though at a distance.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 411 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 7 Mar 2021
at 03:15
  • msg #144

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby says cheerfully, "Well, here we are. Welcome to Mars! I see we have attracted the attention of the guard airships, so I expect either one of them or a guard canal boat will be long soon to look us over. Be polite, respectful and above all, look harmless (no flourishing revolvers or the like) and I expect the inspection will be a brief formality."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:16, Sun 07 Mar 2021.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 234 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 7 Mar 2021
at 08:09
  • msg #145

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 144):

     Joseph rests his right hand on the butt of his over-sized pistol--holstered to his right thigh--while using his left hand to tip his leather Schutztruppen-style hat back on his head.

     Taking hold, again, of the wheel with his left hand, Joseph gives Grimsby a confused grimace, before turning his head towards Felicity--who is likely similarly outfitted with a hogleg--and asks,

     "Jest what do you reckon Mister Grimsby, there, is meanin by 'flourishing re-volvers', huh, Felicity?" Joseph says in an exaggerated Texas Drawl, "Figger he might be a'talkin 'bout puttin flowers, r'somethin, on our shootin irons?"
Felicity Van Horn
player, 99 posts
The American
Sun 7 Mar 2021
at 14:28
  • msg #146

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"I sure hope he just means keeping them holstered," Felicity responds.

She looks around to see if she can spot anyone else walking around with weapons at their belts or else in hand. She suspects the natives might have swords slung from baldrics, but then she wonders if she'd even recognize a Martian weapon.

She tries to avoid staring at any Martian she sees but can't help herself. Hopefully the distance keeps that from being too obvious.

"I'd feel practically naked without muh guns!" she drawls in response to Joseph's accent.

"So, Grimsby, are all Martians the same? I mean, we Earthers could appear all the same to the Martians, but you and I can see a clear difference between an Oriental and an African and an Injun and a white man. Among each of those groups, though, it could be hard. You can't always tell a Pole from a Spaniard from a New Yorker... until they speak."

"But, I suppose, it all sounds like gibberish to a Martian."

"I think you may be right about that place--it's flying an Onion Jack. Kind of hard to believe we're such good friends with the British these days, what with the Revolution and the War. I guess it's true what they say--time heals all wounds."

Dr. Mathias Solar
NPC, 19 posts
Mad Scientist
Eccentric Inventor
Sun 7 Mar 2021
at 14:39
  • msg #147

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"I do believe you have the fastest ship in the West, Petras," Solar comments, "so now that we've actually reached Mars, I think going to Venus and Mercury and even the Moon sounds like a splendid idea!"

"It would give new meaning to the term 'world traveler', would it not?"

"Unfortunately, the ship's guns are showing, so maybe pulling up to the dock by the embassy isn't such a good idea."

"For that matter, what flag are we flying? I do hope it's not a Jolly Roger!"

Petras Valois
NPC, 30 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Sun 7 Mar 2021
at 14:57
  • msg #148

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"That's a relief!" Petras says as the ship settles into the water... and floats!

"It's nice to know that Martian water has the same buoyancy as Earth water. I was afraid it might somehow be less buoyant because of the lower gravity."

"Good point, Mathias! So, Grimsby, what flags should we fly? I was thinking Lithuanian, British and American. That should confuse them well enough!"

"But, yes, I was thinking of pulling up to the wharf rather than the dock. Less threatening that way."

"Are the docks and wharves free or is there a fee for using them?"

GM SteamRoller
GM, 180 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 7 Mar 2021
at 22:12
  • msg #149

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

As the ship descends to the water, you get a great view of the city of Syrtis Major, but it isn't until you actually land on the water and move to the wharf that it sinks in to those of  you who haven't been to Mars before--the buildings are huge!

They also have unusual architecture in that there are almost no corners. Nearly all the buildings are round or oval and appear to made of a single giant smooth stone. Domes and spires are everywhere, but it is the scale that astounds you. Some of the buildings rise to over 100 stories in height!

You can see a few balconies here and there but they aren't common. As you descended, though, you did notice that there were cruder buildings on the outskirts.

And then there's the color! Pastel shades in every color are visible, though white is still the most common.

You are still getting this ancient grandeur when  you get close enough to the wharf to see the Martians. While there is some variation in height, most of them appear to be around 6 feet tall, give or take an inch either way. They are slender with angular features and barrel chests. They all seem to have a uniform ocher-colored skin. The men have huge manes of brown hair in several shades while the women's hair isn't as bulky and seems to tend toward the auburn and reddish-brown shades.

Then there's the ears--tall and pointed that seem to move much like a dog's ears.

And they only have 3 fingers on each hand with no opposable thumb, and three toes on each foot, though it soon appears that they can grasp things with their feet as well as their hands.

Their clothing is reminiscent of Egyptian clothing yet looks somehow subtly different... probably due to the wide variety of styles and colors. Little jewelry can be seen.

About the time that you're getting over the appearance of the Martians,  you see the animals. Several of them roam the streets with riders or leaders and about the size of an elephant, but they have no trunks or tusks, but seem squatter and lower slung, more like rhinoceroses.

Martians and humans move along the streets without any undue concern for the others, though the Martians probably outnumber the humans at least 3-to-1. Some of each stop and watch Petras's ship pull up to the wharf.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 235 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 8 Mar 2021
at 03:01
  • msg #150

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 149):

OOC: Nice description, SteamRoller!  Clear, concise, and adequately descriptive--without bogging down in all the minutia.  And you gave a great accounting of the exotic-ness of it all!  Loved it!


     "Petras--you are the Owner and Captain of this ship, and you are from the Lithuanian Commonwealth." Joseph says, "You built this ship in Lithuania, yes?  Then you should fly the Lithuanian colors--just like we did when we flew into GibraltarYou flying your Homelands flag on your ship doesn't mean you are saying you represent your home's Government..."

     Joseph pauses to cast a quick, puzzled look towards Petras,

     "You don't represent the Lithuanian government, do you?  You're not, like, a Baron or Duke, or somebody politically important, like that...?"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 412 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 8 Mar 2021
at 03:24
  • msg #151

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Petras Valois (msg # 148):

Grimsy comments, "Given that this is a British protectorate, the British flag will always be respected, but as the United States and Lithuania are neutral powers with no overt interests on Mars, their flags should do no harm."
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 413 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 9 Mar 2021
at 03:06
  • msg #152

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby added "If we can move just a little further along the canal, we can tie up beside the British Residency. I think I can guarantee that the Resident will be willing to allow us to keep our vessel there, and offer us the protection of the Residency Guard. Given that this vessel obviously incorporates potentially valuable technical innovations, I think it would be wise to leave it under guard while we may be out in the city or beyond."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:05, Wed 10 Mar 2021.
Brie O'Malley
player, 214 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Tue 9 Mar 2021
at 04:45
  • msg #153

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Yes, we all understood that, Grimsby," Brie responded. "Since we can't hide our guns, Petras was simply taking the precaution of not docking close enough to be considered a threat."

"Once you talk to the embassy... well, whoever's in charge, and convince them that we aren't a threat, maybe then we can move closer."

"I don't think we were all expecting to leave the ship at once. However..."

"Can it be locked up, Petras?"

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 414 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 10 Mar 2021
at 03:13
  • msg #154

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 153):

Grimby responded thoughtfully, "I believe you are right, Miss O'Malley. After all, Britain is at present at war with Oenetria, and this is a very singular vehicle. It would be best if I could assure the Resident that it means no harm to British interests, before it comes too close to the Residency.
Incidentally, although the Resident does represent British interests on Mars, he is rather more than an ambassador. In fact, these days he is really more the ruler of Syrtis Major than its nominal native Prince -- to the great dissatisfaction of the latter.
At all events, if Captain Petras can let me disembark soon, I can make my way to the Residence and explain our arrival to my chief there. He can put us right with the Resident
."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:09, Tue 30 Mar 2021.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 236 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 29 Mar 2021
at 03:09
  • msg #155

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 154):

     "Right, then," Joseph says, making an adjustment to the ship's wheel, "Putting in along side the big building flying the Union Jack."

     "Grimsby, obviously you should go ashore to deal with the Government types."
Joseph looks over at Petras, then back to Grimsby,

     "Should Captain Petra go with you, d'you think?  It is his ship, and we're flying his national flag, after all."

     Joseph steers the vessel--being much more comfortable operating the ship as a sailing vessel, rather than a flying vessel--to the side of the canal, next to the building Grimsby has identified as the British Residency.

     Unless he's waved off, of course...
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 415 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 30 Mar 2021
at 02:11
  • msg #156

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby said "I shall go ashore as soon as we are moored, and if Captain Petras chooses to accompany me, I shall be glad to introduce him to the British Resident and vouch him."
Petras Valois
NPC, 31 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Tue 30 Mar 2021
at 03:20
  • msg #157

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"NO!" Petras says when Joseph seems intent on  steering the boat toward the building flying the Union Jack.

"Over there! This is a gunship... maybe not intentionally, but it has guns. If you pull that close to the building they might think we are about to attack!"

"There's plenty of open wharf where we can dock."

"And, yes, Grimsby, it is most reasonable that I should accompany you. It is, after all, my ship. While it could be significant who I transport on my ship, it is best if assurances against transporting enemies should come from me."

Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 237 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Tue 30 Mar 2021
at 06:28
  • msg #158

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Petras Valois (msg # 157):

     Joseph yanks the wheel of the ship back from the direction he'd been steering towards, so hard, that the ship rocks back-and-forth for a moment or two.

     "What, those skinny Bow Guns?" Joseph cries, as he pulls the ship back under his control--lining the ship back up to sail down the center of the canal.

     "They can't be bigger than One-Pounders--and besides, they only point forward!  They can't bear to broadside..." Joseph's eyes suddenly go wide, as he looks to Petra,

     "Can they?"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 416 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 31 Mar 2021
at 02:32
  • msg #159

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 158):

Grimsby appears shocked, but he says, "Well if the captain prefers that we moor further away, I am willing, so long as he is agreeable to accompanying me to the Residency. The further mooring will only mean a longer walk to the residency." 
Catherine Harston
player, 192 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 2 Apr 2021
at 07:20
  • msg #160

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Oh wow!" Catherine cries out when she sees the Martian city, running to get a better view. "It's amazing! There's nothing like this even in London!" she says, very enthusiastic. She then blushes and pauses to adjust her veil; a girl in mourning isn't supposed to act happy. "Shall I accompany you, cousin?" she asked politely.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 100 posts
The American
Mon 5 Apr 2021
at 20:36
  • msg #161

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Really, Joseph!" Felicity chides her friend. "Do you see any cannons on the residency? Anything you approach it with is a potential threat. Besides, someone may have seen the ship fly in."

"As for walking to the residency, it might seem like a long distance to you, Grimsby, but for the rest of us it'll be like walking on air in Mars' lesser gravity."

"Yes, it would be appropriate, Catherine, for you to accompany Grimsby to the residency. After all, you are his ward--why would he so carelessly leave you behind?"

"Aubrey, Brie, Dr. Solar, Joseph and I can secure the ship quite handily, I should think."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 417 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 6 Apr 2021
at 02:40
  • msg #162

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 160):

Grimsby replies, "I shall be most happy to have your company in visiting the residency, Catherine. Given that British young ladies of good family --to say nothing of your other attractions --are very rare on Mars, and that the gentlemen of the residency staff very seldom have the opportunity to have leave on Earth, I daresay the junior members of the staff will be most happy to make your acquaintance. If you choose to do accept, I suspect you will be overwhelmed with offers to show you about the more fascinating sights of the city, and even beyond." 
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 238 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Wed 7 Apr 2021
at 02:39
  • msg #163

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 162):

     "Fine, fine--I reckon all'a you're right." Joseph nods his agreement, as he steers the ship to land just a little south of the Residency, but still on the Residency side of the canal.

     "Just a ghost of a habit for harbouring in Military Ports, I suppose."
GM SteamRoller
GM, 181 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Thu 8 Apr 2021
at 18:22
  • msg #164

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Joseph adroitly docks the ship at the wharf and Petras, Aubrey and Felicity secure the ropes to the exotic capstans and cleats.

The wharf is a bit higher than the deck of the ship (unless Petras 'flies' it to the correct height), so the gangplank stairs are deployed, making it easier to walk up to the wharf level.

From there, it's a fairly short walk to the residency. Not surprisingly, there are two guards flanking the front entrance to the two-story residency building. Even as you approached from the water, the exotic architecture caught your eye.

The walls of each story seem to be comprised of tall narrow triangles without bases, though it's not clear if this structural or just decorative. At the corners, the triangles wrap around it. The doorway is likewise triangular as it fits in the middle of one of the tall triangles, but the double doors themselves don't go up all the way to the apex.

If it was on Earth, the colors would be discordant, as every triangle and every space between them is a different color, either intentionally a pastel or centuries-faded bright color. Here, in the Martian light, it looks elegant and exotic.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 418 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 9 Apr 2021
at 03:12
  • msg #165

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 164):

Grimsby walks casually up to one of the guards and says quietly, "Is Mr. Basingstoke in?" (His usual security password).
GM SteamRoller
GM, 182 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Fri 9 Apr 2021
at 16:57
  • msg #166

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"No one here by that name, guv'ner," replies the guard.

"Colonel Smythe-Whittington is the Resident in charge, if that's who you want to see."

Clearly this wasn't Buckingham Palace, although the two privates (no insignia) wore the full scarlet dress uniforms rather than the khaki that had become standard.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 419 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 10 Apr 2021
at 02:45
  • msg #167

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 166):

"Very good," replies Grimsby a little testily. "Please let me see the colonel. Tell him that Mr. Baskerville is reporting in."
GM SteamRoller
GM, 183 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sat 10 Apr 2021
at 03:41
  • msg #168

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

The two guards seem a bit confused for a moment, then one of them just opens the door and says, "Go on in, sir."

Grimsby walks into a central foyer that extends through the entire building to the other side that faces on the canal. There's a large window there. A sofa, two chairs and two end tables have been placed down there.

At this end, just to the right of the door, is a free standing coat rack. A couple of paintings hang on the walls.

Along each side wall are three doorways, though no doors are visible. Each opening is typical of Martian architecture, at least in the cities--the doorway is wider at the bottom than at the top, thus producing a trapezoidal shape.

Grimsby can hear the sounds of a typewriter in operation coming from the first opening on the right. Going over to that opening, he sees that the room beyond has been set up as an office. A desk is on the left just inside the doorway. A middle-aged woman sits behind the desk and is typing. Just past the desk in the left-hand wall is another doorway, presumably into the next room.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 420 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 10 Apr 2021
at 03:48
  • msg #169

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby addresses the woman politely "Pardon me, I am here to see Colonel Smythe-Whittington."
Catherine Harston
player, 193 posts
Proper Young Lady
Tue 13 Apr 2021
at 09:55
  • msg #170

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine accompanies her guardian, trying to look inconspicuous as she peers curiously out from under her veil and takes in the sights of Mars.
She waits outside if the guards or Grimsby indicate she should.
Col. Rupert Smythe-Whittington
NPC, 23 posts
I have drunk
and seen the spider.
Wed 28 Apr 2021
at 17:25
  • msg #171

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

The woman doesn't even look up, she just nods in the direction of the open doorway.

The guards outside had no interest in Catherine, neither indicating she should stay out or go in.

When Grimsby enters the next room, the man behind the desk looks up.

"Ah! Grimsby! You're back! Splendid! Is that your ship out there? More splendid still!" the man says.

"Colonel Rupert Smythe-Whittington at your service!"

"I was just trying to determine who to send to deal with Krakas. On the one hand, I'd prefer a diplomatic resolution. On the other hand, I don't for a minute believe such a gesture could ever succeed with him. He wants to control all of Mars, no matter how absurd or impossible that would be."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 421 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 29 Apr 2021
at 03:31
  • msg #172

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Col. Rupert Smythe-Whittington (msg # 171):

Grimsby --in a way very unlike his usual self --seems a bit embarrassed, says "Of course if you feel I am the man for the job, I am always ready to do my duty, with the Krakas or otherwise.
But as it happens, I have arrived on Mars with a party of friends and my ward, Miss Catherine Harston. May I present Miss Harston?"
He gestures politely toward Catherine.

"I must confess I had thought of asking if I might tale a bit of time to show her something of Mars, but if you need me urgently..." His voice trails off and his face reddens faintly.
Catherine Harston
player, 194 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 30 Apr 2021
at 09:42
  • msg #173

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine curtsied gracefully. "A pleasure to meet you, Colonel. It's ever so exciting to be here on Mars"

"Oh, I wouldn't want to stand in the way of your duty"
Catherine says quietly to Grimsby. This kind of military and political talk was rather over her head.
Col. Rupert Smythe-Whittington
NPC, 24 posts
I have drunk
and seen the spider.
Wed 5 May 2021
at 01:37
  • msg #174

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Ah, so the ship isn't yours?" the Colonel replies. "A pity, that. I've never seen a ship like that, and I'm sure the Martians haven't either."

"It could be the edge to tip the scales in our favor, be they diplomatic scales or outright war."

"We've been getting signals that the Oenotrian Empire is losing interest in the war due to recent failures. Krakas apparently sees this as an opportunity to wrest control of the Empire from the Council of Nobles. We've gotten an offer from Krakas through an intermediary that he's willing to give us information on the Empire... for certain considerations. Of course, we have no way of knowing if the intermediary is valid or if Krakas is sincere."

"I was sending an emissary to the meeting place... the Ruins of Bordobar."


He stops talking then but it isn't clear if he's just pausing or waiting to see what Grimsby says.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 422 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 5 May 2021
at 02:09
  • msg #175

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Col. Rupert Smythe-Whittington (msg # 174):

Grimsby responds dutifully, "Since my ward has no objection, I am entirely willing to go to the Ruins of Bordobar. I agree that the ship I arrived in would doubtless be suitable for impressing Krakas. Since I do not own it, I could only ask its captain (and designer) Petras Valois, if he would be willing to undertake the mission. No doubt if Her Britannic Majesty's government was willing to offer suitable reimbursement it might induce him to cooperate. There are other travelers on board who might also be helpful if they chose to come along; they might also respond to suitable (though smaller) offers. If you could let me know what the Residency could afford on those lines, I would be happy to negotiate for their assistance."
Catherine Harston
player, 195 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 14 May 2021
at 05:42
  • msg #176

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine listened curiously to the conversation. A mysterious meeting with the envoys of an alien Empire was terribly exciting.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 239 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 15 May 2021
at 05:43
  • msg #177

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 176):

     With the ship tied up against the stone quay (or, at least what Joseph thinks is a stone quay), and all that needs to be done for this not-exactly-a-sailing-ship to be able to rest here, floating in the water--Joseph is out on deck, leaning upon the gunwales near the lowered gangway, looking out over the dockside activity of this foreign port.

     ~~ No, not foreign... ~~ Joseph thinks to himself, as he watches all the activity, ~~ It's truly alien!  This is no obscure port-o-call in some forgotten backwater on Earth.  I am on Mars! ~~

     A sharp-sounding, almost-familiar, 'whack!' sound comes from off to the right of Joseph--forward of the ship and down the quay several yards.

     Joseph turns toward where the sharp sound came from, and sees a short coffle of four of the tall, ochre-colored natives shuffling down the gangplank off a barge tied up just ahead of Petra's ship.  Joseph can now hear the sound of their ankle chains dragging on the gangplank, as they shuffle along, each carrying a large, filled sack on their shoulders.  At the foot of the gangplank stands another Martian, some form of uniform--with metal breastplate and a cap-like helmet--who is waving around something that looks much like a riding crop and shouting at the coffled laborers in some Martian language.  Occasionally, the shouting man emphasizes some point by cracking the...whip?...across the top of a nearby whicker basket.

     ~~ Even here? ~~ Joseph thinks, frowning at the scene.

     ~~ Wait....the British are supposedly running things in this city--and the British do not allow slavery--more or less.  A Work Detail of criminals, maybe?  I'll have to remember to ask Grimsby, when he returns. ~~

     As Joseph continues to watch, the chained workers step onto the quay, deposit the sacks they carry onto a nearby wagon, then return to the barge under the sneering glare of the overseer--to return a few minutes later, repeating the whole process.

     ~~ Or....maybe that ship isn't flagged in any British controlled city...?  It's, maybe, from someplace where slavery is still used...?  I have to ask Grimsby! ~~
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 423 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 16 May 2021
at 02:10
  • msg #178

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 175):

Grimsby says "If the mission is urgent, perhaps you could ask your secretary to prepare my orders, with some explanation of how the situation arose, since I have been off-planet of late. Meanwhile, I could return to the ship and seek permission of Captain Valois to carry us on the expedition, and perhaps see if my fellow-travelers would be interested in going along.
My ward could either accompany me, or stay here to see what might be seen by a privileged visitor to the Residency. I believe it has a collection of Martian curios and antiquities, as well as a garden of Martian flora."

Col. Rupert Smythe-Whittington
NPC, 25 posts
I have drunk
and seen the spider.
Tue 1 Jun 2021
at 03:36
  • msg #179

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Unfortunately, I can't offer any reimbursement at this time," the Colonel replies to Grimsby. "Things are tight right now because of the Oenotrians. I can't promise anything, but if your mission is successful, that could free up some funds."

"By all means, your ward can stay here if she so wishes. I can always arrange for her return to Earth, as well, should that become necessary."

"I have a report right here on the events in the last few months."


He hands a folder with several papers in it to Grimsby.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 101 posts
The American
Tue 1 Jun 2021
at 03:49
  • msg #180

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Slavery wasn't the first thing I thought of, Joseph," Felicity says as she joins Joseph on deck.

"A chain gang. The kind that built the railroads. But, you might be right. This is, after all, Mars. There's something just a little bit odd...alien... about everything we can see. It's reasonably familiar but with a kind of exotic, even unnatural flavor or twist to it."

"At first, I found it a bit intriguing. Now, I'm starting to find it... creepy. Like it's preying on my mind somehow."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 424 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 2 Jun 2021
at 02:27
  • msg #181

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Col. Rupert Smythe-Whittington (msg # 179):

Grimsby responds, "I will not require any special funds, provided that my companions will provide their airship for transport. If need be, I believe I could draw on a recent inheritance, but I hope that will not be required. I also hope that this duty will not so lengthy --or so fatal --that it will be necessary for you to arrange my ward's return to earth, though of course one never knows on Mars."

Col. Rupert Smythe-Whittington
NPC, 26 posts
I have drunk
and seen the spider.
Wed 9 Jun 2021
at 07:36
  • msg #182

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"I can't say that your return isn't fortuitous, Mr. Baskerville," the Colonel adds.

"Otherwise, I'd have had to send someone who probably wasn't... quite... as qualified as you."

"I don't mind telling you that we've not a good job here on Mars. We push the Martians too hard. It's not like Africa, where it's our God-given responsibility to bring enlightenment to them. Here... well, they are already enlightened in ways I don't think we can ever understand. For the first time in my life, I'm starting to think that there's another God... a Martian God."

"Oh, I'm not saying that the Martians haven't been aggressive, but did we really try hard enough to... make peace with them? Or were we blinded by their resources?"

"Anyway... the Oenotrians are the result of that policy. We push, they push back. I think we've both come to realize that there's no endgame that's beneficial to either of us. So, we want to diffuse it before an endgame becomes inevitable."

"Of course, not everyone sees it that way. They could try to prevent this meeting... or even any positive outcome from it. Be prepared."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 425 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 10 Jun 2021
at 02:31
  • msg #183

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby answers thoughtfully, "Having spent much of my leisure -- insofar as I have any here -- in studying the ancient Martian civilizations, I quite agree that in some ways they are, or have been, sophisticated in ways we do not yet understand. Yet at the same time, I believe that whatever sharing of knowledge may lie in the future, just now we have little choice but to teach the Oenetrians to respect us by an appeal to arms  -- though if my mission can contribute to moving to a less violent solution, of course I shall be glad."
Aubrey St. Claire
player, 54 posts
Eccentric Inventor
Antecdents unknown
Thu 10 Jun 2021
at 21:47
  • msg #184

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

While they waited for Grimsby and Catherine to return, Aubrey looked around at the Martian city from deck.

"So, Joseph, now that we're here on Mars, what are we supposed to do? Collect a few souvenirs and go home?" he asked, not just Joseph really but the others as well.

"Is this some place one should want to live? The south of France and Tuscany are great places, and I suppose you could live there nicely if that was your inclination. Frankly, I'd be bored to death! I'm all for a great bottle of wine, but I don't want to grow the grapes! Or pick them, or stomp on them in a vat."

"I suppose I'd like to see some of the native fauna. Do we really want or need to actually meet a Martian? Any of them? I understand there are several different types. I believe Darwin used the term 'species' to denote difference between similar animals. Not that I'm equating Martians to animals. But, well, Africans and Orientals and American Indians and Eskimos and Aborigines are all the same race--Human, yet they are different species, aren't they?"

Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 240 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 13 Jun 2021
at 06:29
  • msg #185

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Aubrey St. Claire (msg # 184):

     "Yes, of...course...they are.  All one, uh, Race, I suppose..." Joseph says, a little uncomfortably,

     "But, um, Aubrey, as for what the future holds--I really don't think too much about that.  I'm an explorer, a wanderer.  I'm happiest when I'm headed for someplace that nobody else has ever been, and then just...getting lost." Joseph adds, with a small grin.

     "Mars, for me, is an entire Planet of that someplace that nobody else has ever been!"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 426 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 14 Jun 2021
at 02:53
  • msg #186

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 185):

Grimsby explains, a little pedantically,  "Strictly, there are three races or species of Martians, the primitive flying High Martians, the nomadic Hill Martians, and the more civilized Canal Martians, like the citizens of the city where we are now docked. I believe our modern biologists like Huxley suppose that the two latter races evolved from the High Martians very long ago, but for many millennia of Martian history they have all been separate. To me, they are all fascinating subjects for study, though I am most interested in the antiquities of the Canal Martians."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:16, Sun 20 June 2021.
Petras Valois
NPC, 32 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Sat 19 Jun 2021
at 17:53
  • msg #187

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Now that Grimsby has returned to the ship, Petras, impatient to find out what the current situation now is, asks Grimsby outright.

"So, what is the situation? Can we leave the ship here? Is it safe? Can we stay in the Residency? Are there any nasty creatures in the canal?" he asks.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 427 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 20 Jun 2021
at 02:28
  • msg #188

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby replied, "You certainly may leave the ship here, Captain Valois, and stay in the Residency. The creatures in the canal are no nastier than usual -- in cities, we rarely see a water snake like the Green Koko or a sort of crocodile like the Cissawaan. Some of the smaller fish are carnivorous but they generally eat other fish, not people.
Setting that aside, I have received an offer from the British Resident which I must convey to you, captain, in particular, but also the rest of the party.  I have been asked to undertake a secret diplomatic mission on behalf of Her Majesty's Government, and by far the best way for me to undertake it would be to travel on this ship. If you would be prepared to transport me, captain, I can assure you that the British Government would amply recompense you  -- you may state your fee and I think I can assure you it will be paid -- and I should add that from the gallant support the rest of you have given the expedition so far, I would be very glad to have the help of all of you as well."

This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:29, Sun 20 June 2021.
Dr. Mathias Solar
NPC, 20 posts
Mad Scientist
Eccentric Inventor
Fri 25 Jun 2021
at 14:53
  • msg #189

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Mathias glances around at the metal ship and smiles when he turns back to Grimsby.

"I've heard of this type of diplomacy--it's called 'gunboat diplomacy', I believe," he comments."

"Well, you've all rescued me from... if not death, then certainly slavery, and here I am on Mars, so I am in your debt. If will assist you in any way I can."

"As you may have surmised, my freeze ray pulls moisture from the surrounding air to create the ice. I am wondering just how effective it will be here on Mars, assuming there is ever any need for it. There is water in the canals, of course, so it will work well in the city, but is Mars otherwise a dry planet?"

"I've heard of some of Mr. Tesla's ingenious devices, and others that he has proposed, including his 'death ray' as one journalist dubbed it. It may be possible to reverse the polarity of my freeze ray to produce a similar effect."

"Please keep in mind that my freeze ray was never intended as a weapon but as a medical device. A death ray might more aptly be called a thermal lance, and it would have a more practical use as an industrial device for excavating minerals."

Petras Valois
NPC, 33 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Fri 25 Jun 2021
at 15:00
  • msg #190

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"As Mr. Solar has said, I am in you debt as well," Petras replies to Grimsby.

"Wherever you wish to go, I and my ship will gladly take you there."

"Presumably, if diplomacy fails, we can expect there to be war? Or at least fighting?"

Brie O'Malley
player, 215 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Fri 25 Jun 2021
at 15:13
  • msg #191

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"As exciting as the idea of going to Mars is," Brie chimes in, "now that we're here, it all seems rather anti-climactic. I wasn't expecting a marching band or anything, but what do Martians do for fun?"
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 241 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 26 Jun 2021
at 02:49
  • msg #192

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

[Aboard Petras' Flying Boat]

Grimsby H. Baskerville:
Grimsby replied, "You certainly may leave the ship here, Captain Valois, and stay in the Residency. The creatures in the canal are no nastier than usual -- in cities, we rarely see a water snake like the Green Koko or a sort of crocodile like the Cissawaan. Some of the smaller fish are carnivorous but they generally eat other fish, not people.
Setting that aside, I have received an offer from the British Resident which I must convey to you, captain, in particular, but also the rest of the party.  I have been asked to undertake a secret diplomatic mission on behalf of Her Majesty's Government, and by far the best way for me to undertake it would be to travel on this ship. If you would be prepared to transport me, captain, I can assure you that the British Government would amply recompense you  -- you may state your fee and I think I can assure you it will be paid -- and I should add that from the gallant support the rest of you have given the expedition so far, I would be very glad to have the help of all of you as well."


     "Sure, Grimsby, count me in." Joseph responds, "Ship, or no ship, it sounds like quite the lark."

Dr. Mathias Solar:
"...As you may have surmised, my freeze ray pulls moisture from the surrounding air to create the ice. I am wondering just how effective it will be here on Mars, assuming there is ever any need for it. There is water in the canals, of course, so it will work well in the city, but is Mars otherwise a dry planet?..."

"...Please keep in mind that my freeze ray was never intended as a weapon but as a medical device..."


     "Hey, Doc!  If your device is supposed to be used as a medical treatment," Joseph says, "but this Martian air turns out to be too dry for it to work properly, couldn't you just, y'know, drench the patient in water, before you turn on your machine?"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 428 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 26 Jun 2021
at 03:53
  • msg #193

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby holds up his hands and exclaims, "I welcome your interest, but please let me take your responses in order to answer them.

"Dr. Solar, I am not counting on the use of your freeze ray, though of course if we happened to find ourselves in need of it, it would be very useful, provided it worked. You know far more than I do about its capabilities, so I leave that to your judgment. It is true, however, that Mars is generally much drier than Earth nowadays.

Captain Valois, as I have said, I  believe your ship will be easily the best available transport to this rendezvous, and  shall be very glad to have your help.

Miss Malory, the Martians tend to be very competitive, and enjoy games which are often tests of martial skill -- the Queln, Hill Martians who ride flying beasts called skrill,  compete in games in which teams of both flying and foot warriors compete to capture a skull -- they are armed with blunted weapons but injuries are common. Most other Martian cultures have equally fierce games suited to their own abilities.
The wealthier classes among the Canal Martians also engage in very high-stakes gambling games, in which a single wager can bring a noble -- or his entire house -- vast reward or utter ruin. I do not recommend gambling with a Martian, unless your purse is long and your wits are sharp.

However, if you travel with us, you will be joining in political intrigue, which is the other favorite pastime of the Martian elite.

Mr. Hunnisett, I will of course be very glad to have a man of your proven courage and experience with us. I must refer the question about the freeze ray to its inventor."


At this point Grimsby lowers his hands and seems to relax.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:01, Sat 26 June 2021.
James Cochrane
player, 0 posts
English Archaeologist
Fri 2 Jul 2021
at 22:59
  • msg #194

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

While you discuss who's going and who's not, a man approaches the boat. He's human (as opposed to Martian) and is dressed rather casually... clearly not in a military uniform.

He calls out: "My name's James Cochrane! I may be able to assist you! Permission to come aboard?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 22:59, Fri 02 July 2021.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 429 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 2 Jul 2021
at 21:42
  • msg #195

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby glances at Petras and says "He looks harmless, but it is your decision, Captain."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:22, Sat 03 July 2021.
Petras Valois
NPC, 34 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Sat 3 Jul 2021
at 00:52
  • msg #196

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"With Felicity and Joseph on board, not to mention yourself and Brie," Petras replies, "I think we're reasonably safe from a single person."

He turns to the stranger approaching, and calls out: "Permission to come aboard, Mr. Cochrane!"
James Cochrane
player, 1 post
English Archaeologist
Mon 5 Jul 2021
at 06:22
  • msg #197

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Petras Valois (msg # 196):

"Thank you kindly Captain. I promise, you won't regret it".

Cochrane climbs on board and offers an oustretched (if somewhat curiously gloved) hand; first to Petras and the other gentleman present before slightly bowing to the ladies. He looks at his surroundings before venturing:

"My hat's off to you Captain, she is a fine vessel, even by the standards of what we're used to here on Mars."
Petras Valois
NPC, 35 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Tue 6 Jul 2021
at 16:26
  • msg #198

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Thank you. I built her," Petras replies.

He then introduces everyone, starting with the ladies.

"Miss Catherine Harston. Miss Brie O'Malley. Miss Felicity Van Horn."

"Over here we have Grimsby Baskerville. Joseph Hunnisett. Dr. Mathias Solar. Aubrey St. Claire. And I'm Petras Valois."

"Now, is your business with me, or perhaps with Mr. Baskerville?"

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 430 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 7 Jul 2021
at 02:25
  • msg #199

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby gives Cochrane a polite half-bow as he is introduced.
James Cochrane
player, 2 posts
English Archaeologist
Wed 7 Jul 2021
at 06:20
  • msg #200

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 199):

To Captain Valois:"Thank you for introducing me Captain, but my business is indeed with Mr. Baskerville."

Turning to face Baskerville: "Grimsby Baskerville, a pleasure to meet you. My contacts in the Colonial Office alerted me to your diplomatic expedition to the Oenotrions. While ending the war is an admirable goal, my interest lies in suggested meeting place. You see, I was part of an archaeological survey team, co-funded by the British Archaeological Society and certain private parties that unfortunately had to be abandoned when the current conflict errupted. I have been trying desperately to get back to the site and finish my work."

Cochrane shifts uncomfortably.

"I understand that it is a delicate and important matter, but I am willing to assist in any way that I can in return for passage as a matter of recompense. "
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 431 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 8 Jul 2021
at 02:19
  • msg #201

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to James Cochrane (msg # 200):

Grimsby replies, "As you may already know, Mr. Cochrane, I have customarily spent such leisure time as my duties permit me in studying Martian antiquities. Consequently, I am entirely in sympathy with your request. Do understand, however, that my primary mission is to meet with a certain Martian to discuss the Oenetrian War, and then return here to report. This means that as soon as my meeting with this Martian is concluded, I would have to return here at once to report the results of the meeting.

As far as I can see, this means we can offer you certain limited alternatives. First, we could allow you the opportunity to review the current state of your excavations while I am meeting with this Martian, so you could see what would need to be done to permit you to resume work once the war is over. That would be only a short visit which would not give you much time for real excavation.

Second, if you choose to take the risk, we could bring you to the site and leave you there to conduct such excavations as you can, by yourself or with the help of any others you can persuade to join you, with the understanding that this ship might return after I have delivered my report, to provide more support for your excavations to continue indefinitely.
I may say that I would be very interested in assisting you myself, provided Her Majesty's Government had no other immediate need for my services.

I should say that these proposals --especially the second --depend very much on what Captain Valois in particular and the rest of this party might choose to do."

This message was lightly edited by the player at 01:43, Sat 10 July 2021.
James Cochrane
player, 3 posts
English Archaeologist
Fri 9 Jul 2021
at 06:11
  • msg #202

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 201):

"Thank You Mr. Baskerville. I was told by my friends in the Colonial Office that you had a particular love and appreciation for all things Martian. I heartily agree to your conditions and shall make my decision upon surveying the situation at Bordobar. My former colleagues were not as eager as I to take such risks and as such I am ready to depart whenever you require. Though I must say, it is refreshing to be travelling with those who value knowledge for it's own sake, and whilst my time at the dig site was criminially short, I believe that we were close to uncovering something of monumental importance.  "

He shifts his position to address the rest of the adventurers: "I look forward to working with all of you and as Mr. Baskeville has suggested, perhaps we might get the chance to do so more." Turning back to Baskerville. "Conditions permitting of course."
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 432 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 10 Jul 2021
at 01:45
  • msg #203

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to James Cochrane (msg # 202):

Grimsby says, "Your decision is acceptable to me, Mr. Cochrane, assuming it is acceptable to Captain Valois and the rest of the party."
Petras Valois
NPC, 36 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Mon 12 Jul 2021
at 21:10
  • msg #204

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"It is perfectly acceptable to me," Petras responds.

"To be honest, I had no thoughts as to what to do once I'd reached Mars. I suppose, if I'd been asked, I'd have said return to Earth and resume my efforts... to build the next version of my ship."

"Now that I'm here, the thought of having an adventure is quite intriguing."

James Cochrane
player, 4 posts
English Archaeologist
Fri 23 Jul 2021
at 08:53
  • msg #205

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Petras Valois (msg # 204):

"Excellent Captain, when do we launch?"
Felicity Van Horn
player, 102 posts
The American
Fri 23 Jul 2021
at 23:00
  • msg #206

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Just how dangerous is Mars?" Felicity asked. "How dangerous do you think this mission is?"

"I'm just wondering if we need any other kind of supplies? More guns, maybe? Food? How about water?"

"Mr. Cochrane. You've been to this site. Do we need to take anything special? For that matter, do you have any supplies you need to bring aboard? Shovels? Buckets? Brushes?"

"You'll have to pardon me if'n I don't know much about archaeologists."

"What about you, Grimsby? On the face of it, this doesn't sound like a trap, since there's no way anyone could have known we were coming. Hell, we weren't even sure we'd make it, though it seemed like we had a good chance."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 433 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 24 Jul 2021
at 03:30
  • msg #207

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby replied, "Well, anywhere on Mars outside of the areas under direct European control may be dangerous --even in this city there are places I would not recommend going alone. Of course the ongoing war might increase the danger, if we met an Oenetrian force, though I have hopes this ship could escape them.
I should say all of us who are able to shoot should have whatever guns they think best, with plenty of ammunition --I expect the Residency can arrange to supply us. Just in case we had to stay at Bordobor for some time, we might want tents and the like, though my feeling is we would be safer continuing to stay on the ship.
If Mr. Cochrane has need of archaeological supplies, I trust he can obtain them, since this is not his first expedition."

Petras Valois
NPC, 37 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Tue 3 Aug 2021
at 05:09
  • msg #208

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Do you have any supplies nearby, Professor Cochrane? Petras asks the archaeologist. "Do you need any assistance in fetching them?"

"While Aubrey and Felicity assist him, perhaps Joseph and Grimsby can get a bit more ammunition."

"Do you know how to get to this Bordobor place? And what of your ward, Lady Catherine? Will she be going with us?"

"And we have six tents in storage."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 435 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 5 Aug 2021
at 02:20
  • msg #209

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby says, "I expect that Joseph and I and Miss Van Horn-- perhaps with the help the Residency staff -- can pick up as much ammunition as we need.
I would say that my ward is entitled to make her own decision on whether she will accompany us. If she chooses to do so, of course she will be under my protection; if not, I expect she can safely be entrusted to the care of the Residency."

Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 243 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Thu 5 Aug 2021
at 04:21
  • msg #210

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 209):

     "Oh.  That reminds me, Captain Petras," Joseph speaks up, being formal in front of the potential Patron, "The guns mounted on this ship, they looked like some kind of specialized cannon, when I gave them a quick look, days ago--but I didn't notice if they require a special ammunition, or if they take a standard shell?"

     "And anyone that needs bullets other than forty-four centerfire or twenty gauge buckshot, should let us know."

     "Hey, Grimsby,"
Joseph says in an aside, "Do you use a Webley?  They take forty-five calibre-or-something, right?"

     "Felicity, you still using a thirty-eight calibre Colt Lightning, like Belle Starr, or did you finally step up to a bigger hogleg?"

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:50, Thu 02 Dec 2021.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 436 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 6 Aug 2021
at 02:44
  • msg #211

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 210):

Grimsby says, "Yes, I carry a Webley; it is .455 caliber. There should be plenty of the cartridges here as it is used in the British Army."
Petras Valois
NPC, 38 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Mon 9 Aug 2021
at 01:44
  • msg #212

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Had I only intended staying in Lithuania," Petras replies to Joseph, "I might have used typical armaments available in my country."

"While I did not actually intend on going to Mars when I first designed the ship, as the build progressed, I did make a few changes so that it would be capable of such a journey. So, with that in mind, I was able to acquire British guns that use standard British ammunition. It just made sense that it would be easier to get more British ammunition around the world than Lithuanian ammunition."

"I did load 100 rounds for the guns... 50 each... they are hidden in the under deck."

Felicity Van Horn
player, 103 posts
The American
Mon 9 Aug 2021
at 01:52
  • msg #213

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"I use the new double-action Colt .45 mostly," Felicity replies.

"But I also carry a back-up, the Colt Frontier, chambered for the Winchester .44.40 so the same ammo can be used for rifle or revolver."
James Cochrane
player, 5 posts
English Archaeologist
Mon 30 Aug 2021
at 14:24
  • msg #214

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Felicity Van Horn (msg # 206):
"I too carry the increasingly ubiquitous Webley, though I don't put much stock in violence. Ever since I was a young lad, I've found my talents were far better suited for hiding rather than fighting, perhaps that's why I've always been so good at unccovering the hidden? Your concern for supplies is well-founded, once we have left the relative safety of the canal networks, water becomes increasingly rare and precious, it is has been known for the unprepared traveller to be set upon by bandits searching not for their money but their life's water. Even in the steppe regions, you might leave the canal in one direction, and circumnaviagate the entire planet only to arrive at the other side of the canal without ever seeing a drop of water.

But Mr. Baskerville is right, even in the cities with strong human communities are dangerous for a number of reasons and travelling without a guide is not recommended.

As for Archaeologists, it's hard to describe the field anymore, such a ragtag collection of fortune seekers and treasure hunters. Though to me, the past is not some wealth horde waiting to be plundered; with every passing day, more and more people fall to the residuary worm and if by some measure I can hold onto their memories, if only for one second longer by shifting through potsherds and dust so that they might be remembered and honoured, then I feel honourbound to do so.  "


In reply to Petras Valois (msg # 208):
"My tools are all packed away in my rucksack, I lack the funds and manpower to bring equipment for a large-scale excavation, but my trusty brushes have always served me well."
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 437 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 31 Aug 2021
at 03:06
  • msg #215

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby commends James, "I share your belief that the past is to be preserved, not plundered.
Here on Mars, in particular, there are vast eras that are still virtually unknown to human scholars.
I commend your readiness to set out on this expedition. If it succeeds, perhaps you can obtain more funding for another one. Meanwhile, I hope our support will offset the limits of your own funds." 

This message was last edited by the player at 03:06, Tue 31 Aug 2021.
Catherine Harston
player, 196 posts
Proper Young Lady
Wed 1 Sep 2021
at 06:23
  • msg #216

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"I've heard the Martians who don't live near the canals are very fierce" Catherine says.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 438 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 2 Sep 2021
at 02:36
  • msg #217

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 216):

Grimsby replies, "That is certainly true of some of them. The so-called "High Martians" in their mountain fortresses are flying barbarians of the worst sort --they may be willing to trade their liftwood with us, but otherwise their only interest in humans is plundering and enslaving us.
The "Hill Martians" are nomads on the drylands beyond the canals, living like the Red Indians on the American plains or the Tartars on the Asian deserts. Again, some might be willing to trade, but their instincts are warlike." 

Brie O'Malley
player, 216 posts
Irish
Stunning Beauty
Sat 9 Oct 2021
at 00:14
  • msg #218

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"I'm not really familiar with Martians," Brie commented. "I was steeped more in the hear and now and never expected to ever go to Mars."

"So, my question is how similar are the Martians to Humans? Is there anatomy mostly the same? Physically, of course, they qualify as... I believe the term being bandied about these days is 'humanoid'... that is, they have two arms, two legs, one head and walk upright. Do Earth medicines work on them?"


One of her talents was making potions... brews, elixirs. She was clearly curious as to whether any of them would work on the Martians, though, truth to tell, not all of them were medical in nature.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 439 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 9 Oct 2021
at 02:27
  • msg #219

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Brie O'Malley (msg # 218):

Grimsby answered cautiously, "It is true that the Martians, especially the Canal Martians, are humanoid. Regarding Earth medicines and other brews, I can only say that I believe their reactions might vary --some might cure them, some might intoxicate them, some might make them very ill or even kill them. If you wished to experiment with them, I would strongly recommend being very sure you had the formal permission of the Martian you planted to treat, if possible in writing and witnessed by clan elders, in order to forestall a quest for vengeance just in case something went wrong.
Of course if you were in a different situation -- captured by Hill Martians for instance -- it might be worth while trying to poison them without their knowledge."

Felicity Van Horn
player, 105 posts
The American
Thu 2 Dec 2021
at 03:56
  • msg #220

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"So, where we're going, Grimsby, do you expect we'll have to shoot many Martians?" Felicity asks.

"I don't know much about the political situation here, but I've seen what happened to a lot of the Indians in America. It'd be a shame for that to happen here, and I certainly wouldn't want to become involved in it."

"I came to Mars for adventure, of course, but also just to say I've been here! It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 440 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 2 Dec 2021
at 04:19
  • msg #221

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby answers "Well, Mars is not much like America or Australia, where white settlers are crowding in and taking the land from the natives, so fighting is almost unavoidable. It is more like India or the other Asian colonies, where there are just a handful of Europeans trying to rule over --or at least advise -- larger groups of natives, some under real European control, and others still quite defiant.

Right here where we are, the British have pretty well established their rule, though the former native prince is still unhappy about it. You should not have to shoot it out with the local Martians ordinarily, unless you run across one of the little bands of fanatics who still try to resist British rule. It is quite safe in the more respectable parts of this town, though like any city on any planet it has its more dangerous neighborhoods."

Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 247 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 4 Dec 2021
at 06:51
  • msg #222

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 221):

     "So, not much different than San Francisco -- or Galveston." Joseph adds, with a chuckle,

     "Well, either way, this ship just arrived, after a long trip from Earth.  We absolutely have to replenish some of our supplies, before we go anywhere."

     "I'm thinking that getting a larger supply of ammunition for our hoglegs won't be any issue, in this city.  I'm also thinking that we'll probably be able to find a decent supply of Earth-made supplies, tinned goods and other long-term preserved foods.  Grimsby -- you have more experience with local victuals -- you will have to make recommendations for what fresh local foods will be best for us, on this trip."

     "Thinking of local supplies -- what's the situation with the canal water, Grimsby?  We're in the middle of a large city, here -- can we trust the canal water, to refill our water reserves?  Or should we seek out a reputable water merchant?"

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 441 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 4 Dec 2021
at 23:56
  • msg #223

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby says, "Yes, especially as we are at war with the Oenetrians, there should be quantities of ammunition about --not the supplies intended for the British Army, but that intended for the free-lances such as the fliers called the Red Captains. Likewise, there should be plenty of tinned goods at the provision merchants.

 Much of the local food is palatable, but I would be careful of the canal water -- the Martians drink it, but they also use it for, um, other purposes, and while their bodies have had thousands of years to adapt to the local microbes, ours have not. It would be better to look up a reputable water merchant. We must remember that water is scarcer on Mars, so we must expect to pay a stiff price for it by Earth standards."

Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 248 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 5 Dec 2021
at 01:26
  • msg #224

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 223):

     Joseph ponders what Grimsby has said for a few moments,

     "That's a good point, Grimsby -- the locals use the canals more than do visitors from Earth.  Back at Gibraltar, we got away with using Naval Chandlers to outfit the ship, but, maybe here I should go over to the airfield.  What d'you Brits call it -- the Arrow-Dome...?"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 442 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 7 Dec 2021
at 02:34
  • msg #225

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby says politely, "I believe the term is aerodrome. Since the Red Captains base their fliers there, it is indeed likely to have the supplies we need, very likely of better quality than could easily be found elsewhere. You probably could not find a better place in this city to purchase the supplies, Mr. Hunnisett."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 249 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Tue 7 Dec 2021
at 06:30
  • msg #226

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 225):

     "Air-O-Drome..." Joseph repeats the word slowly, "Well, ain't that a word worth a Silver Peso!"

     "Most of my flying experience, in the past, has been with German Zeppelins, and they just call it an Airfield -- well, more accurately, they call 'em Flugfelde, which just means Airfields, in German..."

     "Okay, then.  Get supplies to outfit an expedition of ... nine people, yes?"
Joseph waves his hand to include everyone, "And we're going straight to this Martian city, you have to get to, first -- right, Grimsby?  And just how long does it take to get there?"

     "We double that time, for the round trip, then add, what -- one or two days for a quick inspection of Mister Cochrane's dig site, you think?"

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 443 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 8 Dec 2021
at 04:06
  • msg #227

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby says, "While I cannot speak for the entire party, I must say I would prefer to allow a few more days to examine to site. But then, I am something of an archaeologist myself in such time as I can spare from my duties. An opportunity such as this to combine duty with pleasure is all too rare in my profession."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 250 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Thu 9 Dec 2021
at 15:30
  • msg #228

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 227):

     "Well, we can always try to go back, after you've made your report." Joseph says, "Unless you are again called to duty, that is."

     "I have no objection, myself, to jaunting around Mars, adventuring in the interest of the British Government." Joseph adds, then lowers his voice and leans a little closer to Grimsby,

     "Though I'm not sure our young Lithuanian Captain has considered the possibility that he might gain a reputation from such activities -- or the consequences such a reputation might mean for him.  I mean -- just how are the relations between Britain and the Lithuanian Commonwealth, these days?"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 444 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 10 Dec 2021
at 04:07
  • msg #229

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby answers cautiously, "The Baltic's not really my line, but as long as Russia and Britain are still playing their Great Game against each other along the Himalayas, Her Majesty's Government will be looking for friends among Russia's foes, and the Lithuanians have always been committed to defending their independence from Russia, so I would suppose British and Lithuanian interests would coincide. Of course, the captain seems to be a bit of a freelance, so I don't know whether he really cares about the larger diplomatic picture."

OOC: In our world, in the 1880s, Lithuania was a (rather unhappy) part of the Tsarist Russian Empire, but I am assuming that an independent Lithuania in the game world would have policies similar to those of our world Lithuania when free of Russia before and after the 19th century. I am also assuming that Britain in the game world was still a rival of Russia in the 1880s as it was in our world. .
GM SteamRoller
GM, 186 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 12 Dec 2021
at 16:51
  • msg #230

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

An excerpt from the Turn of the Century Atlas of the Worlds Terra Nova Guidebook, Volume 1: Earth, Part 4: Europe...

"By the end of the 18th Century, the Common-wealth had been portioned by the Russian Empire, Prussia and Habsburg Austria, with the largest part becoming a part of Russia. However, after unsuccessful uprisings in 1831 and 1863, Tsarist authorities implemented a number of Russification policies, which ultimately failed due to an extensive network of books smugglers and secret Lithuanian home schooling.

After the Russo-Turkish war of 1878, German pressure enabled the wave of nationalism that was sweeping the world to take hold in Lithuania, and the area declared its independence. With Turkey, Sweden, and Germany nipping at Russia’s borders, coupled with Russia’s loss in the Crimean War, the Tsar wasn’t in any position to oppose it.

Reforming the earlier Commonwealth, a chancellor was elected. However, due to the number of royals still in power in Europe, it was decided that there would be an honorary title, Grand Duke. The title was thus bestowed on the heir to the last Grand Duke of Lithuania, Stanislaus II Augustus, and most recently to his daughter Katarina."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 445 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 13 Dec 2021
at 02:28
  • msg #231

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 230):

OOC: Thank you for this background information.

GM SteamRoller
GM, 188 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Tue 15 Feb 2022
at 23:26
  • msg #232

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In due course, the ship has been replenished with water and some food, as well as more ammunition.

After Petras has verified that everyone is back aboard, he lifts the ship up out of the water and heads towards what he's been informed constitutes 'southeast' on the start of their double mission.

Having approached from a different direction, the sights of the city are even more fascinating than when you landed.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 106 posts
The American
Sat 5 Mar 2022
at 22:16
  • msg #233

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"I take it that we need to keep watch from out on deck," Felicity asked the others, particularly Grimsby who had the most knowledge about the planet.

"Are we likely to be attacked by Martian ships, do you think? What about flying Martian critters? Skrill or something, aren't they? Can we scare them off? Or will they attack until dead? Just need to know how to conserve ammunition, that's all."
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 448 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 6 Mar 2022
at 02:04
  • msg #234

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby answers, "Our dangers will depend somewhat on how far we are from the British colony. Where we are starting, we should be fairly safe. However, the further we go, the more likely we are to enter skies where danger flies. The British are, at the moment, at war with the Oenetrian Empire, which has traditional Martian-style flying vessels. However, they would need to penetrate the British lines to reach us. Most other 'civilized' Martians would probably leave us alone.

The "Skrill" whom you mention are native to the highlands and are only likely to attack us there. However, the Queln are Martians who have trained Skrill as flying war steeds, and they raid all over the planet. There are other wild flying beasts such as the Great Kommota --so large it attacks flying ships by dropping rock on them --and the eelowaan, which are like flying snakes up to 20 feet long, which apparently may attack anything for the sheer joy of it.

Overall, there are several serious dangers facing flyers over Mars, and we must always keep careful watch for them, especially as we leave the 'civilized' canal region behind."

Brie O'Malley
player, 217 posts
Irish Rogue Witch
Stunning Beauty
Sun 6 Mar 2022
at 07:17
  • msg #235

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"As I am sure you are aware, Mister Grimbsy," Brie mentions, "there are any number of mystics back on Earth... swamis, fakirs, houngans, witches, shamans, Alistair Crowley's whole bunch, and dozens more. I'm not saying any of them are real, but are there any such thing up here among the Martians?"

"As you no doubt noticed, I'm not one for gunfighting, so is there some other threat we need to worry about?"

"I've studied a few of these mystical disciplines. I was just wondering if any of them might be effective against either the Martians themselves or those creatures you mentioned."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 449 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 7 Mar 2022
at 03:47
  • msg #236

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby answers, rather disappointedly, "I am sorry to say I know of no Martian mystical order equivalent to the more sophisticated ones on Earth. There is the Cult of the Worm, a vile lot who worship what they claim are "Living Old Ones," beings who have survived so long as to learn the utter futility and worthlessness of life. The priests of the cult say the only reason to live is that the time has not yet come to die. Their ceremonies include sacrifices of both Martians and humans, incidental murder and debauchery. Even granting their beliefs were true, which I devoutly trust they are not, I do not think you would have much in common with them. '

However, your skills might permit you to defend yourself against either Martians or the Martian animals. I do not know just what you can do, but if you could, for instance, read their minds, that could be very useful. Perhaps the minds of the lower creatures would be weak enough that you could control them."

Brie O'Malley
player, 218 posts
Irish Rogue Witch
Stunning Beauty
Mon 7 Mar 2022
at 17:11
  • msg #237

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"I wouldn't go so far as to say I can read minds," Brie responds, "but I've often gotten a sense of an impending action from another person or creature. In the case of a person, it may just be that her intent was clearly evident from her demeanor."

"With dogs... well, if you expect them to attack, they probably will."

"As for controlling someone's mind... my goodness, if that was even possible, I'm a long way off from being able to do that. But it's nice to know that might be a possibility! Only as a last resort, I guess."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 450 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 9 Mar 2022
at 03:03
  • msg #238

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby responds, "Well, I suppose any experienced adventurer can get some sense of another person's intentions by their eye movements and the like, even without mind reading. But if you could go a bit further, it could help a lot in a crisis."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 252 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sat 12 Mar 2022
at 04:33
  • msg #239

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 238):

     "Yep.  Do something like that in a Gunfight." Joseph says from a few steps away, as he strikes a match and lights a cigar,

     "You gotta watch the other fella's eyes.  The eyes'll always telegraph a fella's actions.  If'n you wait ta see his gun-hand start ta move...you're already dead."

     His cigar lit, Joseph steps a little closer.  He's 'dressed fer work', as he puts it--a white cotton shirt with a dark leather waistcoat (he calls it a 'vest'), dungaree trousers with faded black leather boots (Grimsby would likely note that the boots don't look like the 'cowboy boots' that have become ubiquitous with Americans, but they look more like a military style of boot known as a 'Jeff Davis Boot').

     His dark leather schutztrupper-style slouch hat, pinned up on the right side, rests on his head, and his heavy LeMat pistol is strapped to his right thigh.

     "Evenin' Folks.  Didn't mean ta interrupt, but I was looking for Grimsby, here.  Had a thought to ask him 'bout something I shoulda asked back on Earth..."

     "Now, I know we talked about pistols for your Ward, Miss Catherine, back on Earth, Grimsby, but I've been thinkin', since then.  Both of you seem to be Gentle Folk--Gentrified, I think you English call it--and that got me to recallin' that most English folk of that social set that I've met tend to take up some kinda sport shooting--even the women.  Fowling or skeet-shooting, that kinda thing."

     "And I also recalled that I never did ask if'n Miss Catherine might, maybe, be able to use a rifle or shotgun.  She might be better off totin' a carbine, or even a repeater, than slappin' leather with a hogleg..."

     Emphasizing his point, Joseph slaps his holstered pistol with his right hand.

     "The Good Lord knows, we could always use another sharp-eye with a rifle, if'n we run into Hostiles." Joseph smiles.
Aubrey St. Claire
player, 55 posts
Eccentric Inventor
Antecdents unknown
Sat 12 Mar 2022
at 23:40
  • msg #240

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Since everyone else was on deck anyway, Aubrey decided that was the place to be. Even as he stepped on deck, he scanned the skies around the ship, which made him realize something.

"Don't expect me to be doing any shooting!" he informed the others. "I've nothing against it, mind you, but it was never part of my studies at University. I always spent my time trying to invent something useful... somewhat like Dr. Solar. Unlike him, though, I haven't been successful yet."

"Anyway... two things just occurred to me. Petras, does this ship have any gun ports that we can shoot through should the need arise? And second, what about spotting a ship that comes up from beneath us? Are there portholes in the bottom that we can see through?"

"Speaking of which, Grimsby, how does the speed and maneuverability of Petras's ship here compare with Martian ships? It'd be nice to know if we can outrun them."

James Cochrane
player, 7 posts
English Archaeologist
Sun 13 Mar 2022
at 00:21
  • msg #241

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

The archaeology professor stood on deck watching the softly lapping water of the Martian canals fall away as the ship gained altitude.

”Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to violence. We should be optimistic that negotiations will be a success. Despite some stiff resistance the Oenetrians do seem interested in talk of peace, that is, if you believe the rumours going around the city. But the meeting will be held quite a ways away from Britain’s most formidable Martian strongholds,” he says. ”During our late expedition we saw the Martian sky galleons over Bordobar. I’m no sky sailor, but they seemed suitably intimidating.”

”Nothing against this fine vessel,” Cochrane added hastily, ”but quantity is a quality of its own.”
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 452 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 13 Mar 2022
at 02:36
  • msg #242

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby responded "Well yes, this is a good ship, but I hope she won't have to take on a whole Martian fleet singlehanded."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:37, Fri 25 Mar 2022.
Petras Valois
NPC, 39 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Sun 13 Mar 2022
at 05:18
  • msg #243

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Alas, no!" Petras nearly wails at St. Claire's questions.

"I did not think of those things! I will definitely remember to add them to the new design of my ship!"

"I wasn't really making a warship, just one that could withstand the rigors of interplanetary travel."

This message was last edited by the player at 05:20, Sun 13 Mar 2022.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 253 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 13 Mar 2022
at 05:43
  • msg #244

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Petras Valois (msg # 243):

     "No need to fret, Cap'n Petra!" Joseph says through a cloud of cigar smoke,

     "Despite my saddle sores and Texican Good Looks, I'm a Blue Water Sailor, myself!  I would never have thought to be putting portholes on the bottom of a ship to be able to see what's underneath it, either!  Just don't seem natural, somehow."

     "Maybe with your next ship, you put your wheelhouse up forward--in the bow, so you can see what's ahead and below--and, maybe, add some kinda telescope near the wheel that looks straight down...?"
James Cochrane
player, 8 posts
English Archaeologist
Wed 16 Mar 2022
at 02:13
  • msg #245

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Petras Valois:
"I wasn't really making a warship, just one that could withstand the rigors of interplanetary travel."


”It is quite a remarkable invention, Captain.” Cochrane said with sincerity ”You should be quite proud of your accomplishments. I know distinguished men three times your age who haven’t created anything so impressive as this.”

Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett:
"Despite my saddle sores and Texican Good Looks, I'm a Blue Water Sailor, myself!


”That is reassuring,” Cochrane says offering a handshake. ”By way of introduction, I am James Cochrane, professor of archeology. Where have you travelled sir?”
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 254 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Wed 16 Mar 2022
at 03:58
  • msg #246

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to James Cochrane (msg # 245):

     "Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett, of ... Texas.  At your service, sir." Joseph responds, suddenly adopting a more sophisticated manner than his current 'cowboy' appearance would indicate, as he takes Cochrane's hand,

     "In my early days I was a Naval Officer in a Mexican Gulf squadron.  After that I did a little saddle-tramping across Texas for a while.  It is then that I met Miss Van Horn, here, while working for her father..."

     "If you will allow me, sir?" Joseph turns to Felicity and begins formal introductions, "Miss Felicity, allow me to make you known to Professor James Cochrane, of England.  Professor Cochrane, allow me to introduce you to Miss Felicity Van Horn, of the Texas Van Horns ... where her father is a wealthy and influential Cattle Baron."

     Continuing the tale of his exploits, as Cochrane had asked, Joseph adds,

     "For these last couple of years, I've crisscrossed the African continent as a professional guide and explorer.  I fell into the company of my current companions while in Gibraltar--including a chance re-acquaintance with Miss Felicity--where we all resolved to assist Mister St. Claire in a scientific endeavor.  That assistance, in turn, lead us all to meet with both Professor Mathias Solar, as well as the young genius, our very own Captain Petras Valois."

     "After resolving some unpleasant business in Andalusia, we all resolved to accompany Captain Petras on this flight to Mars, aboard this interplanetary ship, of his own invention."
James Cochrane
player, 9 posts
English Archaeologist
Sat 19 Mar 2022
at 17:38
  • msg #247

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

”A pleasure Miss van Horn,” he replied tipping his bowler politely. ”You may find our travel in these Martian canals reminiscent of your experiences on the American frontier. I am by no means an expert either field of study, but in my time here I’ve seen that many similarities might be drawn between the American conquest of the Great Plains and Her Majesty’s colonies on Mars. Many say that Karakas fancies himself the Crazy Horse of his people, seeking to align the leaders of the Six Cities against the Crown Colony and the Boreosyrtis League.”
Catherine Harston
player, 198 posts
Proper Young Lady
Tue 22 Mar 2022
at 09:09
  • msg #248

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 239):

Catherine looked a little skeptical. "I fear I should look rather silly carrying such a weapon."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 255 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Wed 23 Mar 2022
at 03:51
  • msg #249

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 248):

     "I assure you, Miss Catherine, that nobody will think you silly to carry a rifle, especially if you do have any skill with the weapon." Joseph assures the young woman,

     "You've said, Miss, that your skill with a pistol isn't all that stellar, but if the case should be that you do not have any proficiency with the rifle or shotgun, then I'd be inclined to agree that you packing one of Colonel Colt's equalizers would be a good idea.  But if'n your ability to hit anything with a pistol is as poor as you think it is, Mis Catherine, then please do me a favor -- and only shoot at things right in front of you, okay?"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 454 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 25 Mar 2022
at 21:48
  • msg #250

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby commented, "When going into the wild, having some sort of firearm is by no means silly, Catherine. While as your guardian I would be bound to do all I can to protect you, it is always wise to be able to defend yourself if you must. Of course, a weapon is much more useful with training. I will do my best to give you some advice myself, but I believe Mr. Hunnisett and Miss Van Horn can also share their valuable knowledge with you. Miss Horn, as a woman, might be able to give you especially useful specific advice."
Felicity Van Horn
player, 107 posts
The American
Thu 31 Mar 2022
at 01:30
  • msg #251

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"That seems perfectly reasonable, Grimsby," Felicity responded as she kept watch on the skies, "but there's a serious culture disparity here."

"It always gets down to what you are willing to put up with. If a Martian was about to kill Grimsby, would you be willing to shoot the Martian to save Grimsby's life?"

"Would you shoot the Martian if he was about to attack you?"

"While you were traipsing around London, I daresay those sort of events weren't likely to happen. That's your refined culture. Nothing against it, but I wouldn't fit in there any more than you'd fit in with the dance hall girlies where I come from."

"I was raised on a ranch where I went out everyday and slopped the hogs, fed the chickens, milked the cows, and cleaned up the horse manure. When I wasn't busy doing that, I was learnin' how to shoot and ride and rope. There really weren't any injuns around by then, but there was outlaws and rustlers and gunslingers and rancher barons. Most of the time I didn't fit in there much either."

"Ma finally got me sent off to Miss Hunter's College on the Hudson River, New York, for Young Ladies of Good Families. The city was fascinating, but everyone kept expecting me to act like a girl. You can guess that I didn't take too kindly to that... kept getting into fights with the boys. Whupped them all! I managed to stick it out for about a year, but I saw the writing on the wall. If I didn't leave on my own, I was probably going to get kicked out anyway."

"It did teach me about books, though. I took a trunk full of them home with me. Read 'em all, but I still ain't no lady. No offense, Miss Catherine."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 455 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 31 Mar 2022
at 03:00
  • msg #252

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby remarked, "Your life has certainly fitted you better for venturing into the wild than most ladies, Miss Van Horn, and I would be grateful if you could share the most helpful lessons you have learned with my ward. Catherine, as you have seen, is intelligent and independent, but she did not grow up,er ....slopping hogs. Not that that particular skill is one she will need on Mars."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 256 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Thu 31 Mar 2022
at 07:38
  • msg #253

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 252):

     "I'd reckon that slopping Martian pigs would depend on just how much you wanted bacon with yer beans..." Joseph commented with amusement.
Catherine Harston
player, 199 posts
Proper Young Lady
Fri 1 Apr 2022
at 11:04
  • msg #254

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine listened respectfully. "I promise I will be careful with it, Mister Hunnisett"

"I haven't really thought about it, but I'm sure I would shoot to save Grimsby's life" she said. She blushed at Felicity's mention of the dance hall girls. "That would, um, probably be correct" She seemed to understand, though, and nodded deferentially to her guardian. "Then it would an honor if Miss Horn would instruct me. I will do my best to learn."
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 456 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sat 2 Apr 2022
at 01:45
  • msg #255

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby remarked agreeably, "I would certainly shoot to save your life, Catherine as well. I hope it will not be necessary for either of us to do it, but it is best to be prepared." He made a swift, smooth gesture, and there was suddenly a small but deadly looking pistol in his hand. He smiled, and then tucked it away again.
James Cochrane
player, 10 posts
English Archaeologist
Sat 2 Apr 2022
at 05:10
  • msg #256

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

”Truer words were never spoken Mr Grimsby.” Cochrane agreed, ”From what the civilized Canal Martians say of their more savage High Martian cousins, you can bet they won’t hesitate. It would do us all very well to be prepared lest we offend them or come upon a group of them unannounced.”
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 457 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 3 Apr 2022
at 02:00
  • msg #257

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby responded, "Yes, the High Martians are vicious savages, by all accounts. We certainly must be ready to deal with them if we meet them."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 257 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 3 Apr 2022
at 05:11
  • msg #258

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

GM SteamRoller:
In due course, the ship has been replenished with water and some food, as well as more ammunition.

After Petras has verified that everyone is back aboard, he lifts the ship up out of the water and heads towards what he's been informed constitutes 'southeast' on the start of their double mission.

Having approached from a different direction, the sights of the city are even more fascinating than when you landed.

     "So, Grimsby..." Joseph asks, pausing to take a last draw on his cigar, before tossing the stub over the side of the ship,

     "What can you tell us about this, uh -- Board-o-Bar? -- place where you're meeting with a fella from the -- whatsit? -- the O-Notarian Empire?  We gonna have any problems getting there?  Or once we actually get there?"

     "Just how much trouble should we be expecting?  Keep your pistols handy kinda trouble or Run out the Cannons kinda trouble?"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 458 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 4 Apr 2022
at 02:37
  • msg #259

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby says "Well, just what kind of trouble we might meet would depend on whom we met. Of course, the best result would be for us to slip in, complete our mission and slip out again without any trouble at all. If we met High Martians or Hill Martians, small arms should suffice to drive them off. If we met hostile Canal Martians in their own flying ships, which have rather crude artillery, then we would need bug guns ourselves."
Catherine Harston
player, 200 posts
Proper Young Lady
Tue 5 Apr 2022
at 07:46
  • msg #260

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine smiled at Grimsby. "I feel very safe."

"Is it true that High Martians can fly?" she asked curiously.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 459 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 6 Apr 2022
at 02:27
  • msg #261

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby said, "Yes, indeed. That is one thing that makes them so dangerous. They may be no more than barbarians, but a whole flock on them can descend on a flyer and storm it."
Catherine Harston
player, 201 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sun 10 Apr 2022
at 06:51
  • msg #262

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine looked over the side of the ship for a moment. "Goodness, imagine that. Just spread your arms and zoom through the air" she said, spreading her arms and twirling about.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 191 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Mon 18 Apr 2022
at 21:33
  • msg #263

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

About four hours out of Syrtis Major, Solar, who is on watch, though most of the crew are probably also out on deck, spots a couple dark specks in the distance, higher up in the sky.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 461 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 19 Apr 2022
at 02:45
  • msg #264

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby looks up and asks, "Do we have a telescope, or at least binoculars, aboard? I have a feeling Catherine's interest in seeing how High Martians fly may be about to be satisfied."
Catherine Harston
player, 202 posts
Proper Young Lady
Tue 19 Apr 2022
at 03:37
  • msg #265

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine yelped with fright and a fair bit of guilt, feeling her interest in the High Martians had somehow summoned them. "I... I think I'll take that weapon now."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 258 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Tue 19 Apr 2022
at 11:37
  • msg #266

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 264):

     "I think I recall a spyglass stored near the control wheel." Joseph replies to Grimsby, "Though I've never had occasion to make use of it."

     "I take from your comment, Grimsby, that it is not the plan for us to be met and escorted to your meeting, then?"

     "If that is the case, perhaps it would be best for Petras to take the wheel--he is the most familiar with the flying of this vessel.  I'll go ready the guns--as I have some small ability in the operation of breech-loading cannon, and their use in naval combat.  If anyone else has any experience with Gunnery, I could use the help."

     "Except for you, Grimsby!  You have the most experience, of all of us, in dealing with things Martian.  I suggest that you should remain here, on deck, where you can interact with whoever--or whatever--those are, that are approaching.  Should they be amenable to peaceful interaction, of course.  And if they are not, then you can direct our defense from up here, should such be needed."

     "Everyone else should arm themselves and return here to the deck.  Follow Grimsby's orders--shoot when he orders, and at what he orders to be shot!"

     "The guns are located below, and I shall await your order to fire, Grimsby.  Just know something I was taught as a Midshipman, many years ago..."

     Joseph gives a grim smile, "During battle aboard a ship, there is no such thing as yelling too loudly!"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 462 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 20 Apr 2022
at 02:39
  • msg #267

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby returns Joseph's grim smile and says "Just hand me the spyglass, and I promise to yell as loudly as I can once I can confirm these are High Martians."
Petras Valois
NPC, 40 posts
Lithuanian Inventor
17-yr old Prodigy
Sat 23 Apr 2022
at 22:05
  • msg #268

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Petras has seen how birds of prey dive down on potential prey that are flying below them, so he understands the advantage of height. As the others go about their business, he begins taking the ship up higher. If nothing else, these potential threats will have to come down to his level to attack.

He can't help wondering, though, how effective shooting downward or upward will be, so he decides to ask Grimsby.

"Mr. Baskerville, sir," he begins, "can these guns fire downward?  And how effective are they at firing upward?"

"It seems to me that any two ships would need to be on an even keel, as it were. Correct?"

GM SteamRoller
GM, 192 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sat 23 Apr 2022
at 23:11
  • msg #269

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

There doesn't seem to be any binoculars on the ship, but there is the spyglass... two of them, in fact, as Solar has one.

Grimsby uses the ship's spyglass to look up at the specks in the sky. He's just barely able to tell that they are small kite ships flying at high altitude, no doubt for observation purposes. Your ship is only at medium height.

While they first appeared to be on a different course, they change course even as Grimsby watches. It's hard to tell if they are changing altitude, but they definitely seem to be heading for you now.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 463 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Sun 24 Apr 2022
at 03:07
  • msg #270

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby says, "Well, at least do not seem to be High Martians --they are small kite ships -- sail-powered vessels used by the Canal Martians. They have changed course to meet us, so they might be Oenetrian scouts looking for prey. Of course, they might also be friendly Martians just wanting to pass the time of day, but I doubt it. They usually have a crew of ten apiece, so we could probably fight off one, but two might be more of a problem."
Catherine Harston
player, 203 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sun 24 Apr 2022
at 10:10
  • msg #271

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine hurries to fetch a weapon, then returns. She watches the oncoming vessels. She isn't great at hiding her emotions, so the others get to see Catherine sigh in relief on hearing that they are not High Martians, gasp in fear when Grimsby mentions that they might be Oenetrian scouts, becoming visibly relieved at the idea they might be friendly then nervous again as he mentions that is unlikely. "I don't suppose there is anywhere we could head to for assistance..."
Felicity Van Horn
player, 108 posts
The American
Sun 24 Apr 2022
at 18:59
  • msg #272

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"It's about speed," Felicity offers as a bit of comfort to Catherine.

"If we're faster than it, never going to be a problem. Plus, I've got my rifle. I make no claims to being a marksman, but I ain't bad. How many do you think we'd have to hit, Grimsby, before they decide the prize isn't worth the loss?"

"For that matter, would they consider this ship such a prize? Would they even know how to use it?"

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 464 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 25 Apr 2022
at 02:21
  • msg #273

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Felicity Van Horn (msg # 272):

Grimsby says, "In general, Martians honor courage, so I suspect you might have to shoot a fair number to discourage them --perhaps four on each ship, but that is only a guess.

The Oenetrians have seen a number of British airships in action, so they might try to use ours, but assuming they were able to capture our ship, I think they would be more likely to loot it, take off surviving members of our party to hold for ransom or exchange, and burn it. However, we must hope to give then a stiff fight first."


After watching the distant fliers a little longer, he sys "If someone would like to take over this spyglass, I think I should go to my cabin and get my larger pistol. It does not have the range of Miss Van Horn's rifle, but it could be useful if Martians try to board us or ram us at close range."
Catherine Harston
player, 204 posts
Proper Young Lady
Mon 9 May 2022
at 05:30
  • msg #274

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine smiles at Felicity, rallying. "I hope we're fast." She readies her weapon-Catherine can't tell the difference between different makes of weapons so just grabbed whatever was available- and tries to take cover. "I don't fancy being taken for ransom."
GM SteamRoller
GM, 195 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 15 May 2022
at 19:09
  • msg #275

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

The railings on the ship would provide only minimal cover, and the gunwales would be somewhat better though only from one side of the ship. Probably the best cover would be up on the quarter deck between the stairs upward to the sterncastle and ship sides.

On the other hand, Dr. Solar's wagon is taking up a good part of the deck. Under it or in it would be good.
Dr. Mathias Solar
NPC, 21 posts
Mad Scientist
Eccentric Inventor
Sun 15 May 2022
at 19:17
  • msg #276

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"Damn it! Pardon my French, Catherine!" Solar says. "I never meant for my freeze ray to be a weapon, which is why it doesn't have much range. What would have been the point? Freeze your patient while you figure out to cure or heal him was my idea."

"Now that it comes down to it, if it's between us and them, well, I'd rather it be them."

"What sort of effect do you think my freeze ray would have on these Martians, Grimsby?"
he asks the Brit.

"I'd rather not kill them if I don't have to."

"Aubrey, might you be able to assist me in tweaking my freeze ray so it has a greater range?"

Aubrey St. Claire
player, 56 posts
Eccentric Inventor
Antecdents unknown
Sun 15 May 2022
at 19:24
  • msg #277

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"I'd be honored to assist you, Dr. Solar," Aubrey responds, "though I doubt my meager skills will be of much use."

"The science behind it still befuddles my mind! And I consider myself a learned man! I suppose I think more along the lines of practical inventions... how to harness steam in a different way, ways to use electricity, even mechanical devices to do tedious work."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 467 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 16 May 2022
at 02:38
  • msg #278

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Dr. Mathias Solar (msg # 276):

Grimsby responds cautiously, "The physiology of Martians is close enough to ours that I suppose a ray that can freeze us can freeze them. As they are less accustomed to modern scientific marvels, I hope it might frighten them more, especially if they believed their frozen comrades were dead rather than simply frozen."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:59, Tue 24 May 2022.
Felicity Van Horn
player, 109 posts
The American
Tue 24 May 2022
at 02:51
  • msg #279

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"There is that problem," Felicity offered. "If you freeze one of them, and they think he's dead, will they throw him overboard? Or will they have enough sense to wait until he thaws out?"

"From what I've heard of the Martians, they have some knowledge of the ancient wonders of their civilization, so they might not be so rash."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 468 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 24 May 2022
at 03:01
  • msg #280

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby comments "I've never heard that the ancient Martians had anything like a freezing ray, but there are hidden legendary wonders of their lost ancestors that might be better known to the Martians than they are to us."
GM SteamRoller
GM, 196 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sun 12 Jun 2022
at 19:24
  • msg #281

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

While Aubrey and Mathias start tinkering with his freeze ray, the others keep watch on the one ship they spotted as it drops lower and lower. Of course, everyone's keeping watch for other ships as well.

It's soon close enough to see that it is manned by Martians. The crew and ship appear to be preparing to attack.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 469 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 13 Jun 2022
at 02:35
  • msg #282

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby watches the approaching airship carefully, trying to decide if it is from the Oenetrian Navy, a rival city or simply some air pirate.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 261 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 13 Jun 2022
at 05:10
  • msg #283

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 281):

OOC: far as I know, it still hasn't been firmly established whether Boy Genius Petras included some means for the Gunner to sight the cannons from below deck ... or if the guns actually are "below deck" (I mean, heck, the Ship's Helm raises up and down, from on deck to below deck!) ... or if the Gunner has to communicate with a Spotter, up on deck (or just how they would communicate that info).  I'm writing this as location generic as I can--just in case it ends up that the guns are not below deck, but are up on the weather deck
OOC: reminder that Joseph spent much of the trip in space looking over these guns and their ammunition, and if there is anything "special" or "out of the ordinary" about either ("Red Ammo Rocks!!"), he would have had Petras explain it to him.  In this case, if Joseph has a choice, he'll load Explosive, Anti-Ship shells ... otherwise, he'll just load whatever Petras has (and hope it's not a paint-filled practice round).


     Approaching the cannons, Joseph removes his Stetson, then his greatcoat, and tosses both on the deck, into a corner, where they'll be safely out of the way.  After rolling up his shirtsleeves, Joseph steps over to the gun that looks most likely to bear upon the approaching ship and cracks open the breach then reaches for a shell in a nearby ready ammunition rack.

     Joseph slides the narrow, pointed shell into the breach, then levers the breach block into place and locks it down.  Grabbing the firing lanyard--but not yet pulling the safety pin from the firing mechanism--Joseph straightens up and shouts out words that he hasn't spoken in some years...

     "Gun Number One loaded and prepared for firing! Ready to target enemy, on your order!"

     A moment later, Joseph adds...

     "Whereaway, Mister Baskerville?  Is she flying colors that we shoot at -- or run from?"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 470 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 14 Jun 2022
at 02:35
  • msg #284

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

OOC: Grimsby will another Joseph's question as soon as he gets a clear sighting of the approaching airship. (i.e. when the GM tells him something).
GM SteamRoller
GM, 197 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Wed 6 Jul 2022
at 22:15
  • msg #285

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby was having a difficult time determining what flag the other ship was flying but finally realized what the problem was--it wasn't flying any flag!

He's not even sure what that means, since even the lowliest pirate wants to be known for his deeds.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 472 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 11 Jul 2022
at 02:59
  • msg #286

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby shakes his head in puzzlement and declares "The ship seems to fly no flag. That is singular. Even the most barbaric Martians, to say nothing of those skilled enough to build such a ship, are usually proud to display their colors. My first thought is that perhaps the ship was overrun by savages somewhere who had no understanding of the higher customs but were able to get the ship airborne by luck."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:04, Mon 11 July 2022.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 262 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Tue 12 Jul 2022
at 01:11
  • msg #287

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 286):

     "I suppose ... Maybe..." Joseph responds uncertainly, "That's always been my experience in The Gulf, and down off the west coast of South America, but..."

     Joseph pauses for a moment, trying to remember something he'd read in a newspaper, years ago...

     "Grimsby ... I recall reading something in the papers ... back in the Seventies ... something about a sea monsters attacking only ships which flew the British Flag ... and something about a strange, high-speed ship that flew no flag attacking an American Warship ... but then running off, leaving the American to limp home ... you must recall!  It was part of all that hubbub about Sea Monster sightings, happening all around the world..."

     "Could this ship-with-no-flag, maybe, be a part of all that, somehow?  Maybe we should consider firing first -- especially if we are no longer flying Petra's Lithuanian flag...?"
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 474 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 12 Jul 2022
at 02:52
  • msg #288

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby says, "My understanding is that the "sea-monster ship" turned out to be the instrument of an Indian Prince, Dakkar of Bundelkhund, who was nephew to the notorious rebel Tippu Tib of Sepoy Mutiny infamy. Dakkar, calling himself Nemo, sought revenge on the British for our suppression of the mutiny, but he is dead and gone now. Some of your Union prisoners found him dying on a Pacific Island after they escaped from Richmond.
However, I understand that there is an Irish Fenian rebel who has attempted similar piracy in Martian skies, and a French anarchist fanatic who does not, as far as I know, have any sky-piloting skills, but would be even more likely not to fly the flag of any nation -- I would expect the Irish rebel to fly his notion of a green Irish flag."

Catherine Harston
player, 205 posts
Proper Young Lady
Tue 26 Jul 2022
at 07:49
  • msg #289

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine shivers as the discussion shifts to various fearsome naval and ariel foes. "Could it be used by the High Martians? They don't have any flag."
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 475 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 27 Jul 2022
at 01:39
  • msg #290

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Catherine Harston (msg # 289):

Grimsby responds seriously, "I believe High Martians do not themselves have the knowledge to sail these vessels, but possibly they might overrun a ship and compel its crew to sail it for them."
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 263 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Wed 27 Jul 2022
at 20:13
  • msg #291

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 290):

     "So, then," Joseph calls from where he's standing by the cannon, "We just wait until they either start shouting orders or start shooting at us, eh?"

     Joseph lowers his voice a bit, and adds, "Just like with the Yanks, back in The Gulf..."
GM SteamRoller
GM, 198 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Thu 28 Jul 2022
at 01:23
  • msg #292

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

As the Martian ship gets closer, the Martians still seem to be ready to attack but then suddenly they stand down. They're still at the ready but no one's aiming any weapons at you.

It soon becomes apparent that they plan on pulling alongside. This is not a bad thing since that would expose them to your guns but not necessarily theirs.

As the Martian ship pulls alongside, though not close enough that a boarding action could be attempt, one of the Martians steps up to the rail of his ship and calls out.

"Hey-oh!" he shouts across the gap. You can tell by his look that he seems to be suitably impressed by your ship.

"Krakas sends his regards! We were sent to escort you to the meeting place!"
Felicity Van Horn
player, 110 posts
The American
Thu 28 Jul 2022
at 02:17
  • msg #293

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Maybe the closest thing to a marksman they had, Felicity did her best to keep out of sight yet in position to bring her rifle to bear on the 'enemy' ship... if that's what it turned out to be.

When the other ship didn't attack but made contact, she was a bit concerned. How the hell did they know we were coming? For that matter, how the hell did they know that's what we were here for?

She wasn't disappointed that there wasn't going to be any fighting... not yet, anyway. Sure, she liked shooting at targets... stationary, moving... but never like shooting people. Sometimes it couldn't be helped. And she only shot animals when she was hunting; she always ate what she killed... animals, of course, not people.

If anyone glanced in her direction, she just gave a wan grin and shrugged her shoulders. She always knew what was going on out west, but back in the eastern cities it was always confusing to her what was going on and how she should react to it. It was clearly that way here on Mars, too.

It was almost like the Wild West with the Injuns... just different in a strange way.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 476 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 28 Jul 2022
at 02:28
  • msg #294

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby carefully eyes the Martians as they draw closer, trying to determine their species and nation (e.g.Oenetrian or not). Hearing the Martian hail (I suppose it was in Martian --if it is in English that is interesting in itself), he says "It seems they want us to follow them --I don't know where. I suppose they must have been expecting some other Earthfolk. I wonder if they take us for gunrunners or other smugglers --not that it's legally smuggling outside the European colonies. I think we might as well follow them and find out what their scheme is  -- so long as they don't try to lead us into a krag or a hostile city." Unless someone in the party objects, he will call back in formal Martian "Our kind regards to Kratas. We will follow you."
Aubrey St. Claire
player, 57 posts
Eccentric Inventor
Antecdents unknown
Thu 28 Jul 2022
at 04:12
  • msg #295

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"It makes perfect sense to me," Aubrey suggested.

"If as the Colonel said Krakas is at odds with the rest of the Oenotrian Empire, it follows that the ship wouldn't have been flying Krakas's flag in case it was spotted by an Oenotrian ship, which would have attacked."

"Remember, too, we're being sent to meet with Krakas at his request, so he'd be expecting someone."

"While we may not be the only ship in the area or flying in his direction, let's face it--there's no other ship like this on Mars. Well, that we know of. Since were coming from Syrtis, it seems like a logical deduction that we would be the envoy being sent to meet him."

"I could be blowing smoke out of my... ears, but it makes me have a bit of respect for Krakas. He's clearly a smart cookie."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 477 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Fri 29 Jul 2022
at 02:14
  • msg #296

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby says, "I believe Aubrey has the right of it. I was not giving Kratas enough credit for the brains a Martian in his position should have."
Catherine Harston
player, 206 posts
Proper Young Lady
Mon 1 Aug 2022
at 08:17
  • msg #297

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine sighed in relief. "Travelling on Mars is rather stressful. Now I feel a little silly for worrying... why, this seems downright kind of Kratas."
GM SteamRoller
GM, 202 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Wed 12 Oct 2022
at 21:54
  • msg #298

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

It soon becomes clear that the other ship had been flying high so it could spot any ship approaching because it doesn't fly back up to that height but instead heads straight for the mountains. It doesn't try to fly too close to the ground or the mountainsides but cuts through a pass before heading south and descending to the floor of the plain beyond.

It isn't until you round a jutting crag that your destination comes into view.

The Ruins of Bordobaar come into view, rising up out of the Martians sands like a grasping skeletal hand. The ancient palace is enormous and foreboding and bears the scars of battles long
past. As you land beside the other ship at the edge of the ruins, skulls and skeletons are clearly visible littering the deserted streets. You get an unshakable feeling of being watched from the dark, gaping holes in broken towers is unnerving.

From out of one of those dark holes at ground level a male Martian steps forward. He appears to be a Steppe Martian, standing about 6' tall, golden skin, auburn hair on his head that blends into brown elsewhere. He has the fanned pointed ears of the High Martians but a more elongated face than what you've seen so far.

He's dressed in reddish-gray silks that would blend in with the sands, though he isn't wearing any shoes or boots. And he's armed to the teeth--a bandolier across his chest with a dagger tucked into it, two more daggers on his belt, a saber on his belt, and a holster with a revolver in it.

He holds up his hands, palm outward to show he's not holding a weapon.

"Who speaks for the Skylords?" he asks in perfect English.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 481 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Thu 13 Oct 2022
at 01:30
  • msg #299

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimby glances around at the others and raises his eyebrows, as if silently asking whether he is authorized to speak for the party.
Catherine Harston
player, 208 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sun 16 Oct 2022
at 08:15
  • msg #300

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine stares wide-eyed at the ruins, fascinated, and at the steppe Martian; she's never seen one before. She looks to her guardian, nodding slightly to indicate he can of course speak for her at least.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 264 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Sun 16 Oct 2022
at 11:15
  • msg #301

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

OOC:
Grimsby H. Baskerville:
Grimby glances around at the others and raises his eyebrows, as if silently asking whether he is authorized to speak for the party.

      I thought we were transporting somebody here -- a "Speaker for the Skylords" kinda somebody...?  Ain't that who Colonel Rupert Smythe-Whittington is?
GM SteamRoller
GM, 203 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Mon 17 Oct 2022
at 01:26
  • msg #302

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

OOC: My memory may be wrong, too, but you are transporting the archaeologist James Cochrane who had been investigating the edge of these ruins.

But Colonel Rupert Smythe-Wittington had asked Grimsby to go speak with Kratas.

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 482 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Mon 17 Oct 2022
at 01:29
  • msg #303

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to GM SteamRoller (msg # 302):

I have not gone back to reread the earlier posts, but my memory matches the GM's.
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 265 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Mon 17 Oct 2022
at 21:52
  • msg #304

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 303):

OOC:  Cool!  Then it's all on you, Grimsby!!

     Would you like a Blindfold?  Last cigarette, perhaps...?

     ^_^

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 483 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 18 Oct 2022
at 02:42
  • msg #305

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett (msg # 304):

OOC: Grimsby will face his fate without flinching, but he would not mind a cigar once the negotiation is over, if he survives.
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 484 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 18 Oct 2022
at 02:44
  • msg #306

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby responds to the question "I speak for the Skylords. We come in peace, seeking only knowledge of the Ancients. If you will aid us, we will gladly share what we learn."
GM SteamRoller
GM, 204 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Mon 21 Nov 2022
at 06:24
  • msg #307

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby finally realizes that Kratas uses the term 'skylords' to refer to anyone not from Mars--though mainly the British.

"That is as I expected," Kratas replies. "Please. Follow me to where we may speak in private."

He leads you back into the dark hole he came out of which you now realize is a large doorway. A short dimly lit hall leads to a large room. There appear to be several stones set around the center of the room apparently for sitting as a throne-like seat sits on one side of the circle.

Kratas takes the throne and gestures to the stones.

When everyone is seated, he speaks again.

"I do not agree with the Oenotrians. Yes, we have fought each other for a thousand cycles. Some of us have grown tired of it. Peace, however, eludes us. I think it can be achieved with the aid of you, the Skylords."

"Great treasures still lie deep within the ancient vaults of Bordobaar. They can be used to sway some of the Oenotrians over to our side and to fund your efforts for peace."

"I cannot get my men to enter the ruins because of the curse. Do not scoff--it is real. Foul creatures attack if we enter the ancient streets."

"You have mighty weapons that can stop the beasts and the curse. When you do that, Bordobaar will become the seat of my domain. It will impress the Oenotrians and grant you great prestige and credence in the peace negotiations."

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 485 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 22 Nov 2022
at 02:21
  • msg #308

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby answer cautiously, "Your proposal is very promising. In principle, I believe that the Skylords would be willing to aid you in gaining this treasure if you would guarantee to use it to buy the support of enough Oenetrian leaders to restore peace between Oenetria and the British protectorate. Before we undertook this venture, we would need to know more about the danger involved. Can you describe the creatures that haunt the ruins in more detail? How big are they? Do they have fangs, claws, even weapons?"
Joseph Rudyard Hunnisett
player, 266 posts
Navy Commander (Ret)
Wandering Explorer
Wed 23 Nov 2022
at 00:26
  • msg #309

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to Grimsby H. Baskerville (msg # 308):

OOC: they were speaking in English, right?

     Joseph opens his mouth to ask a question -- but he suddenly remembers some of the formal protocol training from his school days...

     Joseph turns to face Grimsby and assumes a reasonable facsimile of 'snapping to attention' (although, obviously, not in the British manner).

     "Sir." Joseph says to Grimsby, giving him a s slight bow, "Any information regarding possible locations within the ruined city where such -- resources -- might be found would be helpful.  Maps, would be better, but even just a half-remembered location of where the city's central palace is to be found would help us select a landing site, from abouve."

     Joseph then turns to the seated Martian and bows to him even deeper than he'd bowed to Grimsby,

     "Apologies, Excellency, for my intrusion into your discussion."
Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 486 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Wed 23 Nov 2022
at 01:53
  • msg #310

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Grimsby smiles slightly at Joseph's military pose and says, "No doubt such a map would be very useful once we know enough about the dangers to decide whether we will actually undertake this commission."
Catherine Harston
player, 209 posts
Proper Young Lady
Mon 5 Dec 2022
at 07:34
  • msg #311

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine hovers between excitement and fear at the talk of cursed cities, strange creatures and treasure.
GM SteamRoller
GM, 210 posts
Gearhead
Machinesmith
Sat 25 Feb 2023
at 22:45
  • msg #312

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"The creatures are Martians," Kratas explains, "but not any more. Once within the ruins, the Madness grabs hold of them, twists them until they are barely recognizable."

"Their faces grow longer and rows of vicious teeth appear. They grow larger and develop equally dangerous claws."

"They attack relentlessly if you get too near. They show no mercy. And while they display an evil cunning, they do not leave the ruins. They cannot be drawn out."

"And any who go in never come out again."

"I have no map of the palace or the ruins. Nor do I know of any significant locations within the palace where you might find the resources you are looking for. It has been over a hundred cycles since anyone was last in there and nothing survives in the memory of my people."

Catherine Harston
player, 213 posts
Proper Young Lady
Tue 28 Feb 2023
at 07:49
  • msg #313

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"This madness, can it affect humans?" Catherine asked. On the one hand, she was pretty sure she couldn't grow claws. On the other hand, the Martians did look rather like humans themselves. It was about the only thing that might make the mad horrors even more frightful.
James Cochrane
player, 12 posts
English Archaeologist
Tue 28 Feb 2023
at 08:28
  • msg #314

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

"It sounds like rabies," the archaeologist answers.

"And, no, it has never been known to cross species. But then, so few Humans have ever entered the ruins, one can't really make that as an absolute claim. It's always possible that if you stay too long, a different incubation period eventually sets in."

"Alas, I am foolish enough to risk it--the wonders we could find!"

"Who knows how intricately the Martian history might be linked to Earth's going back thousands of years!"

Grimsby H. Baskerville
player, 493 posts
A Colonial agent knowing
Mars past and present
Tue 28 Feb 2023
at 22:02
  • msg #315

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

In reply to James Cochrane (msg # 314):

Grimsby responds with scholarly interest "Indeed, there are many myths and legends on earth about visits by strange people from the sky, who might have been Martians in the great days of Martian civilization."
Catherine Harston
player, 214 posts
Proper Young Lady
Sat 4 Mar 2023
at 06:18
  • msg #316

Re: Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars

Catherine looked thoughtful, thinking back through her history studies and trying to imagine what the Martians might have influenced.
Sign In