hadriel | [video] a pirate's life for me

[much as he really should wait and learn more information generally, Law feels like he has enough to go on to make this...declaration. And question. Mostly question but there's some solid plans up in there too.]

Is there anyone present with the capability of building pressurized underwater vessel technology and passable engines from the parts we have at the lab? If not that, what about breathing apparatus for underwater exploration?

Without a submarine, at the very least we'll need a vessel capable of holding up to lengthy journeys and containing supplies for the trip. Curufin, Floki, it's time we got working.

[those who know him well might note the lack of his casual -ya on those names]

I'm sure our hosts will be on this soon enough, but I'm not waiting for them. I'm also not planning on taking the entire city on a pleasure cruise. When I form a crew it will be of the most capable and functionally useful sailors, fighters, and explorers only. And the position of captain is already taken. [S M U G] As is ship's doctor. I could use a navigator so long as their experience isn't solely a set of stars that don't exist here.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[touche...]

I'll have to see it in action but at the base level, I'd rather someone with experience on the sea than some rookie who wants an adventure without all the hard work.

I'd like to think that the three years I've spent on it would count for something.

[a wry smile]

Of course, I had been the Captain at the time...

Of course. But I'm the one recruiting here, that makes me the captain now.

Of course. Your ship, your rules. Your crew, for that matter.

Needless to say though, when you can control where the wind blows and how, it makes your travels a lot easier.

I don't disagree. Then, one way or the other I'm sure you'll be on my ship.

Then I would be happy to travel with you. It's only...

[Alucard hesitates, visually.]

I'm no stranger to a lengthy journey, and there are. People I have left behind before. It's not something I can do again. It's not something I will be forgiven for again.

...meaning what, exactly?

[he's really got no time for personal feelings]

Tell me more about this venture. Your plans.

[If Alucard is supposed to know from paying attention to the network, he doesn't. He's not very good at keeping up. If he could live on his own private island separate from all the shit that keeps going down, he would. Happily. (With a certain someone of his choosing, of course. And Esa. Best ship's cat anyone could ask for.)]

[there are a few things he won't say publicly, half of which he'll tell the crew when they set out but the other half are shhhhh....]

In short? Thanks to the Null's information we know that there are fragments related to the god they call the Door out there, in the deep ocean. We're going to retrieve them, so that others here in the city with the expertise can analyze and possibly reassemble them. That's it.

[although if they can pop onto other islands along the way to hunt, secure resources, and look for other secrets, well, even better]

[Sneaky, sneaky, Law...]

You know that they are out there. Do you know where they are out there?

[How long of a voyage will this be, exactly?]

Approximately four hundred kilometers and scattered in at least three places. Aside from that, no. That's information that we'll need to look into.

Still. Better than nothing, at least for making a decision to go and do it.

[Alucard makes a soft, thoughtful noise and offers the other man a nod.]

And how long until that decision is made? On your crew? On your voyage?

As long as it takes to get the ship completed.

[or, you know, it could be derailed by the gods sticking their fingers into the business but whatever whatever]

Even if I can get both of them on it, it's going to take a lot more than a couple of weeks to build a proper long-haul ship. In the meantime, I intend to collect more information, supplies, and so on. Anyone who's positive they want to be a part of this are welcome to assist.

[He really doesn't want to leave Rhy behind...]

Listen, I. May have another for your crew as well as myself. If he's amenable to the journey. You're going to need every set of hands you can get.

[If he has to lie about Rhy's capabilities he won't even bat an eyelash at it, so long as it means that he'll come.]

Oh? Any specialty, or just someone to haul rope?

[he's not being picky yet unless it's someone obviously thirsting for adventure]

Hauling rope, mostly. But one of the most loyal and decent men you could ever have in such a position. The most loyal and decent man I know.

[He's a bloody prince of his kingdom and his people love him for good reason, okay. He's never worked a day in his life but he can learn... And until Hadriel he had never set foot outside the palace without a guard so you had better believe he would jump at the chance. Once Alucard talks to him...]

[a tip of the head in concession]

If you vouch for him, then fine. But you know full well what it means to get on a captain's bad side. So long as everything stays on an even keel [HAH] then it's fine with me.

[Alucard flicks him another quirk of a smile at that, the sapphire stud in his eyebrow twinkling merrily in response to the jest.]

I know full well. Don't worry, Law. I vouch for him, and I will take the fall if I'm wrong. But I promise you that I won't be.

Granted, then. Should put our crew around ten or so, a respectable number.