It had been nearly a week and a half since the Eternal Wanderer entered Omnispace, and to date they had seen no signs of patrolling ships, trading vessels, or any other form of Spelljammers. Omnispace was known for extremely heavy spelljamming traffic lanes. Yet, since they first entered the sphere, they have not passed one ship.
It was nightwatch, and Onestar leaned way back in the captain's chair on the bridge. His hands pressed together before him, he contemplated their situation. The samurai expected an attack by Colicor's forces the very second they entered the sphere: to see nothing unnerved him. He tried to keep the crew at a battle ready state, but time and boredom has their ways of taking tolls on even the hardiest of crews.
The bridge had a standard compliment of crewmembers on her. Crystal sat on the helm, determined not to let Onestar out of her sight again. Whenever Onestar was on the bridge, she was bound to be manning the helm that shift. Onestar merely smiled at the thought of Crystal's constant presence. He too was happy to have her around.
Below, Normakon was looking over some starcharts. Since Li's passing, the samurai asked the beholder to assume the duties of assistant navigator. Many chuckled at the curious sight of a Beholder and a Kenku side by side checking charts and drawing maps.
Near Normakon, Phantom was in charge of bridge security. He tapped his fingers unconsciously against the chair. He seemed quiet, moody over the past few days, but many just guessed that he too was growing bored with the wait. Delvin, Brien and Iesia were also on the bridge, making small repairs, going over rosters, or just waiting. Sometimes, on journeys like these, boredom could be a more overpowering foe than the one you're waiting for.
At an officer's meeting the night before, crew morale was discussed. Onestar hoped to keep the crew ready for anything, but with each passing day, it became more and more difficult. Hall was having the spellcasters run through mock attacks, but it was rather difficult. The wizards were all using caltrops to simulate the attacks, so they ran the risk of not having Magic Missile spells at the ready.
Ville suggested letting the crew back into the rec room. Onestar had it closed before they entered Omnispace, but the chief of operations argued successfully that if the crew were permitted to relax slightly, they might stand a better chance of being less tense. A less tense crew, Ville said, might be better equipped to handle an attack.
So, the next day, the Rec Room was open and some of the crew did indeed come in to relax. Kath was there, showing Hall how to shoot pool. Belieth and Slyissia were watching something rare: a scro actually teach a half-elf, rather than slay one. Others were gathered, all relaxing on the chairs or gathering for light conversation. Ville stood behind the bar, making drinks and getting everyone to relax.
Shauna Fleetfoot used the occasion to introduce a new taste treat to the crew. She picked the recipe up while visiting Maztican years back, she said. She took tortiia chips and covered them in a zesty cheese sauce. Nachos, she called them, and the crew couldn't get enough. Sylissia fed one to Kath, and then wiped a little bit of cheese from his chin seductively with one finger.
"Tasty," Kath said to the lizardkin.
"Sssso it ssseemsss," she replied.
While the conversation was light, most everyone seemed to relax a bit. There was one, standing in a corner, who did not choose to join in. Taraq looked over the gathered with a disdained look. Father Armas noticed the gladiator standing alone and stepped over to speak to Taraq.
"It seems, son, you're not enjoying yourself," Armas said.
"Forgive me, Father," Taraq replied. "The captain said we should be battle ready at all times, yet everyone here is too comfortable. The enemy could attack at any time, especially now with our guard down."
"What would you have them do, Taraq? They've been ready for an attack for nearly two weeks. Surely, you would permit them time to catch their breath."
"That is exactly what the enemy hopes for." Taraq turned and looked out a portal. "If this was my command, I would not permit this. Truthfully, I am surprised Onestar let this happen. He seemed a sterner leader than this."
Armas smiled. "Onestar is an excellent leader. He knows the time to attack and the time to retreat. He keeps quoting from a book called 'The Art of War', something you might enjoy. I believe he referred to this as 'heavy terrain', whatever that means. Trust him. He knows what he is doing."
"I would feel better," Taraq replied, turning to look at Father Armas, "if I knew my part in all of this. Why was I removed from Tyr and brought to this place? Why am I here?"
Father Armas' brow furrowed. "Divination isn't my forte, Taraq, but perhaps we can find out." The cleric of Celestian turned to look back at the others. "Although I do hate to miss a party. Come, my son. Let's see what we can learn about you, eh?" With that, they quietly excused themselves and left the rec room.
Meanwhile, Ville handed Karamon a large mug of ale. The giff security officer took it, draining the ale in one quick drink. Karamon slammed the mug down so hard he nearly cracked the countertop. Ville smiled for a second, then closed his eyes in pain. He rubbed his forehead unthinkingly, and started to remove the apron he wore behind the bar.
"Karamon, can you take over back here?" Ville asked, stepping out from behind the bar. Ville walked, still holding his forehead, out of the rec room. He staggered up the hall, making his way toward his quarters. Once inside, he sat down on the foot of his bunk, trying to relax. His eyes opened wide as a shimmering image of Lord Tannenbam Colicor appeared before him.
"Sir?" Ville asked as he stood, then bowed before the image.
"My son, the time is right for the taking of this ship. Even as we speak, I am nearby. I will need your help, however."
"What do I have to do?" Ville replied quietly. Colicor pointed toward the bunk, where a small black velvet pouch appeared. Ville took the pouch, opened it and emptied the contents. There was a small chrome- colored orb, a black pill and a vial of pinkish liquid.
"You know what you must do, my son," Colicor said. Ville nodded, replaced all the contents in the satchel, and left his quarters.
