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17:30, 3rd May 2024 (GMT+0)

Adventure #2: Gibraltar to Mars.

Posted by GM SteamRollerFor group 0
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!"
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