Aether a beginning

[Ghost]

The professor stood dressed in a red duster tied closed by a simple leather string woven around the buttons in a corset lace like fashion, its sleeves torn away and sewn closed as neatly as the frayed material had allowed. The matching, slightly over sized, red leather hat bearing many tools of varying nature, did little to disguise the long hair that still trailed in a braid falling back and to the middle of his back. The trousers were of a deep gray with lighter gray stripping.
Despite a growing hunger for company the man's dark eyes did not fallow the tea stained undergarments of the women traipsing about the dock this day. Yet, The professor gladly would have traded the mechanic aboard his ship for one of these lasses or even for one of the steam powered automata walking the city if only he could have afforded the pay. Their was a shaded monocle glass covering one eye with lens from a pair of old glasses masterfully attached and currently swung down over the shaded lens allowing the Professor to review the list of items currently being unloaded into his rickety air ship on the dock.

'Hurry up...I want off this hovering rock in an hour, we have many better places to be." He barked at the loaders.

"Maybe if we had restocked at the last city rather then waiting captain...er... Professor." The chime like voice belonged to a small boy rather then a girl actually but the way the lad was dressed in ruffles you hardly would have known it.

"Shut it Sulk. I'll never trade with the Royalty or France, now mind that tongue before I'm forced to cut it off. Get your lallygagging arse back to the heights and keep watch for trouble. Bloody stow away you can earn your keep at least."

"Yes Professor...I just thought you looked a little...."

"If you so much as finish another word so help me I'll leave you here!" His temper was on the rise, they had been chasing ghosts of the past for months now with no real solid findings to at least say he was looking in the right place, his fingers brushed at a locket currently fastened to the leather hat band. Just a little longer....His attention was brought back to the list in hand as a large barrel was toted past eyes that had for a moment been lost in the past once again.

The city around the port was full of wooden shacks and huts small farms at the outskirts it was far from a healthy port merely a place for vagabonds, but the occasional classed individual could be found here, taken off their charted course for whatever reason by fate. All seeking passage home, a place that no vagabond would ever desire to return.

[Nightmare]

He'd taken one of the early air fairies out that morning, down to the sea at ground level. A morning of fishing and checking his crab traps. It was mid-day when Siegfried was done fishing and had returned to the air city. He normally called it quits during this time or his sister Luana would worry and scold him. Though in his mind it would anger him since he was of age, but he understood her concern and she did take care of him when he was injured and he let it be.

He was in the middle of walking back from his normal finishing trip as it left him feeling successful for he had caught a lot this time around. He look to the sky seeing the sun begin to go into hiding behind the elevated mountains. He let out a sigh and rub his head.

"Damn sis is going to rip me a new arse at this time... Well I hope she likes the bounty of fish I've collected this time!" He said proudly as he held the large sack of fish to his face and smiled. Hoping he was right and she would forgive him. He put the sack behind him and look to the sun set. "Beautiful though, I wish she'd go with me on one of my trips, I think she would love it!" He nods to himself and realizes the time. "Man, I need to stop all this and get my arse moving or she is going to hang me!" Picking up the pace he breaks into a solid run, as fast as he could back to the inn which was only a mile more away. He just hope he could make it back in time. Cold dinner was no pleasant welcome for a hard day of effort.

[Ghost]

Sulk was left to pout as prettily as the boy could manage as he trudged back up the plank to the airship and scurried up the ropes toward the air bag overhead as the Professor finished checking the cargo that was being loaded. He handed off the clip board to another man and pulled a set of brown leather gloves from his pocket. He began pulling these gloves on as the wind in the air began to shift.

"Storm is coming...pick up the pace!" He called to the crew who was already grumbling under the strain.

The sky had been clear as the sun set painting the skyline of the floating isle in gold and orange but as the sun dipped below the mountain ranges, shifting the shadow of the island to its living surface. The clouds overhead took on an ominous glow from the sunlight as the wind whipped the cooling moisture, thickening the air and chilling the skin as the darkness settled in.

Back at the Inn the clients were gathering around the center stove to keep the chill away as Luana started serving the drinks for the evening and making sure their were enough rooms available for the number of clients this evening. Offering pallets for the few might be all she could do if they couldn't get free of the air ports before the storm finished rolling in. She could feel the dropping pressure in her bones even as the chill air sent shivers over her skin, she glanced out the window wondering where her stupid brother was. Hoped he was safely back on the isle and not still down ways on the sea...though perhaps at ground level the storms did not come so swiftly with the evening winds?

[Nightmare]

Siegfried was still running back to the Inn, when some of the drops from the sky fell on him. He slowed down, exhausted and nearly out of breath, but he kept moving lest he get another scolding. His wondering eyes looking up he sighed as more rain began to fall down on him. He shook his head breathing deeply, and began to run once more. He saw the Inn in the distance a smile spreading wide on his lips, his speed picking up to a sprint as he neared the inn.

Just as suddenly as he had started he came to a complete stop. Noticing the *Sky Sailors* still loading their ship, he raises a eye brow. "That's strange... Most sailors know to call it a day when a storm is brewing and to take shelter." he said in almost a whisper. He shook his head. "What am I doing?! I should be inside or MY sister is going to kill me!" Returning his attention to his task he quickly ran to the door.

Once he arrived he stood there for a second and placed a hand on the handle of the door. Raising his courage perhaps? Or just preparing for the worst? He closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he twisted the handle slowly and open the door with caution. He peek his head inside carefully looking for his sister.

At this time all he saw was a cast iron pan enter his vision, swallowing the room beyond. The flash of white pain as the object was removed but a moment later his hand grabbing his nose as blood began to flow out. HE tried to take a few steps in, His head tilting back as he pinched to slow the blood flow, shifting his balance and hitting the wall as he placed the other hand then on his head. "WHY?! OUCH! My poor nose!" One eyed close in pain and while the other leered at Luana with anger. "That hurt! Why would you do that?!" Shifting his wight he shut the door behind him still holding his nose to stop the bleeding, even as the back of his head throbbed from the contact with the wall.

Luana still looking at him, growled. "Maybe that will teach you a lesson laddie!" she barks, and points the pan at his forehead and taps him slightly. "I hope that teaches you... you know I worry. You should be a little more mindful of a woman's feelings on the matter."

He sighed trying to calm down. "Yeah, I know... You shouldn't worry to much... I'm able to care for myself out there." He walks to her and places a hand on her shoulder. "I did very well this time!" He place the sack of fish by her feet and smiled to her. "See?"

She smiles to him and nods. "I do, well put that in the kitchen and finish your work once your done eating... Which is waiting at the table... COLD!" She turned around and marched back behind the counter to take care of the other customers. "An don't forget to clean that spot of floor when your done, Don't want the establishment to start smelling of fish."

He rub the back of his head and sighed. "I saw that coming... Oh well, its time for some good eaten! and..." a sigh escaping his thoughts as his shoulders hung a little. "...then work." He walk to the counter where his food sat, seated himself as he grabbed his fork and began to eat. Trying to enjoy the cold food, The seasonings were excellent always, but Launa's food was always better hot then cold.

[Ghost]

The professor got both gloves pulled on and moved to the mooring lines checking them with a careful eye. They needed to be gone sooner rather then later, this storm would push back the Aether in the northern lands for a time, but if they arrived after the storm they would miss it.

"Tie down everything top side! Move double time to ready the balloon. Bleed off for a count of two burst from valve one, make sure the rear propellers are secure! I don't want the damn thing to turn when we lift till after I'm well an ready for it! Sulk get your arss below before the wind rips your scrawny skirted self over the side. Prepare for departure, an blow the ready whistles, let the dock masters know we are leaving!!!"

"Professor please!!!" "The storm is to close." "We can't let you leave the port, the wind will have you against the mountains..." "...before we can clear the altitude." The crew was obeying but their were a number of them calling down protests loudly in the growing rain.

"Stow it!"

From inside the inn the regular patrons watched with interest as they all watched this strange man ready to depart with a storm bearing down on him. "Luara...you suppose this one knows something or is off his game?"
"...AS if I would know Lords of the skies, are mysterious..."
"Man should listen to his crew, must be greener around the ears then bog grass riddled by the Aethers."
"Ha, shows what you know sir, He's getting the head winds if he leaves before the air cools his bags and he looses all lift."
"What? In that thing you must be kidding....couldn't really keep air in a storm...could it?"
"Well course not, its tied together worse then that dumb dingy we had last week with that helium balloon."
"But then why does the rear section remain closed?...wouldn't he have to cut the masts away to make room for the balloon?"
"Oh come now its obvious he jointed a tall ship to some old second hand zeppelin missing its control cars."
"You've got a point....But then why...."
"He's just sellin' the image lads, if he don't try it then whats the point o' all the effort to clear the rigging away ta joint the quarter decks and balloon? I mean what else could he be aiming at but the old sailor image now movin' up the ladder provided by the sky?"
"Yer nutters to think any one would believe the sky lords anyhow."
"Come off the subject fellows, he'll be gone before it matters either way. Lets here some real tales of merit, an overcoming the sky."

The banter of the patrons carried on, some keeping up the conversation of the stranger, while others moved to talking about the new development in heavier then air travel through the Aether. Every month new theories were being developed and tested, as science struggled to develop itself past simple mathematics once more and re establish society in its prime, but to whom would the new world belong?

[Nightmare]

Siegfried during this time, went about washing the floor. Listen carefully to the conversation amongst the strangers. He let his mind drift, lost in the daydream of being a sky lord, traveling the world through the skies on wings of silk covered brass connected to a sleek ship of fine strong wooden planks. Discovering the hidden secrets that still lay within the strange substance called Aether. His knees and shins soaked with water from washing the floor. He shook his head, taking notice the floor being well cleaned. He stood up and grabbed the bucket, taking it back to the kitchen and placing it on the floor gently.

He moved to the sack left in the sink, bringing it to the cutting board and setting the sack down. One at a time scaling, cutting, generally prepping them for cooking. He was used to this, the smell and texture of it, it was practically his profession, He could do it in his sleep.

Thinking once more of being a great sky lord. He lets out a little sigh. "That...would be...amazing. Lord Siegfried War Flamberg." Smiling as he spoke. He looks to the fish. "...Better then doing this." He shook his head. "I shouldn't be so negative....its a very useful...practical profession..." He nods and continues his work. "Though such adventures...the fighting, the secret things waiting to be found. the fighting... might be even more fun." He let out a tiny growl. "But my sis... she probably wont admit it but I know she needs me here..." He nods trying to convince himself he is content and happy but he lets out another sigh without thinking. "Man I am so back and fourth."

He looked over the work he has done during the conversation with himself and notice with approval he was halfway done. "I've done this to long I think... I do good work!" He continues on with his work as he enjoyed the smell of fish and the sea. It seemed to put him at ease to sooth and relax. The sound of the ocean, the smell. he was...no, He is always excited to go back out and just listen to the soothing sounds of the waves, He loved the peace and quite of it. Though he knew he didn't want to settle here in the sky land, he wanted to travel the far reaches of the Aether. To see the people he would meet along his journey. This mind set just made him more eager to leave though... So he tried to ignore these thoughts.

Another sigh. "Oh boy I have problems." He nodded agreeing with himself as he continue on wanting to finish his work so he could bathe perhaps rest his head comfortably, Perhaps once more be taken away by the lord of dreams, where he was aloud to return to the sea.

[Ghost]

Their was gawking as the airship was loosed from the dock and began to rise unsteadily at first in the storm. Its captain still standing on the ground!

"See that, he knows their doomed its murder he's committing." One of the crowd spoke but no one moved to stop the madness supposedly occurring. Their was no law that prevented it, nothing but common sense or decency. "Bloody coward he is."

"Tuck the rear fins!" The man was screaming over the wind, even as he pulled a pair of goggles from under the leather hat and pulled these over his eyes. The ship was swaying in the sharp bursts of wind but was slowly rising above the docking ports. "Drop the line!" Nothing happen. "Drop the line, or so help me I'll bring the wight to bear, Your lot will not clear the path alone."

"Your Mad, sir....the men they don't want to die, but your proposition is suicide."

"DROP THE LINE!" The command left no question, The voice was to be obeyed. A moment later a rope was dropped from the ship which was struggling already moving now despite great effort to resist the propulsion forward. The gloved hands grabbing the line and sliding just the toes of one foot into a loop at the end, even as he was being drug into the air with the climbing ship.

"What if you die out there sir?"

"Then we will never clear the isle, listen close and repeat my orders to the helm!"

"What the barking gales is he thinking?" The patrons called as the crowd around the window grew and some had even stepped out into the now pouring rain to watch the ship sail over the city. "Who's steering the ship then?" Another person asked, "Isn't that the captains job?"
"Are we sure that man is the captain?"
"Is what they registered at the port dock...." Called the daytime port keeper.

A whistle sounded as the ship announced its intentions of being under way though they were already free of the docks so their was little the few port guards could do to stop them. They stood watching in their slicked pancho's staring at this insanity.

Luara stood with her hands on her hips watching a moment. This was indeed insanity but they were chilling her inn to the boards for this stupid spectacle. "Have you all gone plum nutters?"

[Nightmare]

He stopped for a few seconds listening to the patrons as he nodded to himself. He began to think to himself. What would the captain be thinking? Why was he wanting to leave the port so soon? He was putting his sailors lives in stake. A storm like this could easily take a ship like that out of the sky without any trouble. With these thoughts rushing through his head. He stab the knife in to the counter as he growled. "This man speaks of nothing but suicide! Does he care nothing for his men?!" He grabs his knife, twisting it free of the counter and running out of the kitchen, he opens the door cold rain slapping him in the face. The cold air both stinging and soothing the injury to his nose, acquired from his sister's loving welcome with a cast iron pan.

The wind throwing open the door, bringing Siegfried to the ground landing hard on his butt. quick to recover his feet, he was up and sprinting to the dock, blocking his face from the harsh wind. The rain drenching him along the way. Each step was getting harder to keep up his speed. The storm trying to push him back. Himself refusing to be pushed back. He knew his sister would be upset with his actions but he had no choice. Someone had to stop this mad man! This was his goal... It was hard to see in front of him but he continue on.

He finally came next to one of the guards as he looks to one of them. "Are you going to just let him leave?! This is Suicide!!!" The guard looks to the boy and shakes his head. "There is nothing we can really do lad! We all know this is suicide... Murder to his other men." Siegfried growled. "This isn't right! Someone has to stop him!!!!" He shakes his head and looks to the ship.

Siegfried begin to run as close as he could to the ship and waved his arms hoping to catch the captain's, or at least someone's attention. "HEY! What do ye think your doing?! Your going to wreck your ship, and kill everyone on this ship! Stop while your ahead!" He only hoped his words did not go in vain and someone would stop this madness.

[Ghost]

The Professor did in fact take notice of this lad's concern, running in the rain through mud trying to warn him, but time was more important at this juncture. "Lad, nothing is gained without a leap of faith...." Being that at present the biggest risk was being taken by he himself dangling from a rope under the ship to be certain they cleared the obstacles. He offered out one gloved hand to the man chasing them however. "Your welcome however to come find out?" A stranger willing to throw himself into a storm like this would certainly be better then the hire on crew disgruntled as they were, obeyed only because he payed them.

What's this...some fool left behind. Wait..."Sig?" One of the patrons saw the boy running into the storm. "Hay...what does that kid think he's doing?" Luana dropped her tray rushing to the doors trying to push past the patrons entranced by this spectacle. "Blasted fools move Aside!" She pushed them aside. "Siegfried!"

Lightning jumped across the sky and the ship was now starting to rise higher. Siegfried had to choose in that intsance, to either jump and grab a hold of this mad man's hand and try to convince them to land while dangling under an airship with a complete st ranger, or he could remain on the ground...with his sister. but what if the man...didn't land, What if he died when they crashed...What if they really did clear the mountain though? What lay beyond this island and the ground below it?....

Your welcome however to come find out?......the thought rung like a echo, reminding him of a man sitting behind a desk with a pen in a air conditioned office with a picture set behind him showing a bunch of men in olive colored matching uniforms saluting some one unseen. An adventure waiting for him...just like now...but what was this flash...though familiar he didn't know any of these things, they were not familiar to him yet it seemed so.

[Nightmare]

His eyes became wide as he heard the man say "You welcome however to come find out?" His dream for adventure came rushing in. He knew his time to answer was running short. But... what about his sister, his life here? The people that needed him here... what about them? Then deep in his memory something seemed familiar a moment so perfect perhaps? A inner memory? He shook his head. He can find out later and besides he could try to stop this mad man from leaving. But did he want to? What if he did make it?! What if this man was not insane but a GENIUS! He could be the one to discover whats beyond the Aether, his dream could come true! Within these few seconds he made his final decision...

He looks to the man, and then to his hand. "Your right.... its time I take a leap of faith!" He smiles to him, and turns around and walk a few feet back. during this time he saw his sister running towards him. Tears in her eyes as her hand held out to him. He closed his eyes... everything going in slow motion his heart rushing... He only needed a second for his thoughts. He quickly turned around and ran directly towards the man. Going in full sprint as he jump off the ledge of the dock.

He reached for the mans hand, grabbing a hold of it. "Your insane sailor ! I hope you know this!" His feet dangling below him. As he closed his eyes and continue to say in his head. "Don't look down... don't look down..." He had a fear of heights. He never knew where he developed it but all he knew was he had it. then he began to think that all he needed was a good cigarette and some drinks. He nodded to himself knowing after a few he would feel so much better afterwords. He looks back to the man and saw a strange look in his eyes... like he knew something, and this look was not off a insane man but someone with a plan. This put him a little at ease but still put shivers down his spine then also made him excited all at the same time. He could not put a finger on this man nor this look. All he could do now was trust him.

[Ghost]

The Proffessor was hardly surprised to see the boy turn away, it was after all an intimidating proposal to leave behind everything....when he heard and saw the girl he figured that was the end of it but then the boy dug in his heel and ran straight towards him. The wight he took on was a little more then he had been prepared for but thankfully he'd learned a long time ago to hold on to a rope, the fall after all was far worse. He grunted with the disorientation as the rope spun with the momentum of the new wight and momentum, swinging wild a moment before he pulled the fellow up at last, trying to anchor him on the rope as well. "Hang on please, their is no way up till we are past the edge of the mountain range. Put your wight on my foot, or we'll end up swinging again." The instructions were issued against the wind but still given very clearly, the floppy leather hat served to keep the rain from his face. "You should know though, I'm no sailor....I'm a scientist."

"You son of an ungrateful..." That man was going to give her a heart attack Luana thought to herself. "Siegfried!!!....You better take care of yourself, I'll never forgive you otherwise!" His help would be missed but the innkeeper was no fool, she had always known Siegfried had unfinished business, question out there waiting to be answered.

The ship was steadily climbing now, ridding the wind across the floating isle, moving higher as if by magic at such speed, it seemed they had been sucked into a tornado only their was no funnel just the vacuum of air stealing his breath in that moment.

"Just a little further..." The Professor whispered next to him holding them both tightly against the rope, though the words were practically lost in the storm. "Pull LEFT and push the throttle, Level us down as we come over the range or the up draft on the other wise will scuttle us!" The Man yelled up into the storm praying to be heard by the man waiting on the deck or they were going to die as the mountain range loomed ahead in the darkness, coming up so fast it was almost like it had jutted up from the ground to attack them.

[Nightmare]

He nodded to the man doing as he says... knowing he was expert in the matter. He held on to dear life as he looked to him and raised a worried eyebrow. "Not a sailor?!" His eyes became wide as he look into his... the next words made him lose a little faith. "A scientist?! One most be joking at a time like this... you act like no scientist I have ever met!" He only prayed this man was joking oh how he hope... But this was not the time to panic he needed to focus at the matter in hand as he looked up, and back to the man, hearing the man yell up to the crew giving them order and seeing him praying the others heard him made this moment even more nerve wrecking. He look around them to see what they can do, and at this time notice the mountains closing in... "Oh my...." he took in a big gulp. "There must be something we can do?! The mountains are closing in! We are going to be nothing but splatter goo!" He looks to him hoping for something.

He closed his eyes and begin to think for a moment trying to think of something they could at a time like this... It click for a moment and he hope this would work, he wanted to make it past though mountains no matter the cost. He open his eyes and look to the craze man. "We could always run with the mountains passing us by! If they cant hear us it could just be worth the shot! Don't you agree doc?!" He knew it would be challenging but what else could they do?! They were just hanging at the side of the ship only hoping for a miracle, he rather give something a shot then have none at all and just hope. He nodded to his self and ready himself for the next move. What else could he do?

The storm was picking up and they were running out of time, if the storm pick up anymore it would end up to be a hurricane! Meaning this would lead to there certain death and he was not going to die here there was so much he had to do so many questions he ask! His memory so lost to himself only remembering his name if that was his name at all... He needed answers and not just that... but his dream just begone! There was to much he needed to do to much experiences and challenges he has not yet dealt with! This was not his time and this made him have a certain look in his eye... he was ready for anything this time!!!!

[Ghost]

"Professor actually...not Doctor." The man offered as the ship lifted angling over the mountain. No explanations, or instructions just one arm wrapped around the waist holding him firm to the rope and consequently quite a bit closer then most men typically inhabit each others space. The rocks came into view, lower now then before but the boots of the man holding him could be heard scrapping the rock and the rope loop frayed, snapping a moment later when they cleared the peek, still the hands on the rope tightened in their leather gloves. "Patience.....its not over..." The wind hit them hard as they cleared the mountain range, slapping them in the face from below as they were exposed to the burst of air from the sea and the still glowing sun that had not yet sunk below the horizon of the ground? The storm covered only the floating isle? But why was it still light out below the isle and yet dark as night above? Siegfried couldn't have known these things for no fairies left the port docks after the sun set below the isle.

The ship over head was wrestling with the changing pressures and it pulled up hard then fell, the rope going slack as their anchor over head fell faster then the win pushing against them and then it was righting itself and leveling out. Their was a shout from over head, a younger voice then earlier. "PROFESSOR! Are you alright?"

One gloved hand releasing the rope as the jerking ceased to pull the heavy, wet, leather hat from his head so he could look up at the ship. "Aren't you suppose to be below deck Sulk?...." The anger in the voice unmistakeable. "You had better be there...by the time I reach the deck....Quarter....Get us top side NOW!" The muscle in the mans arm were straining, and it was clear his voice was already tired, but the rope was now being pulled towards the ship over head. The red leather hat returned to his head, hiding his dark eyes and long brown hair once more, and this hand remained holding the hat in place though he could have certainly used the extra hand holding on. His voice, softer now spoke to Sigfried in an tired whisper. "See....your still alive my friend."

[Nightmare]

Siegfried felt as if he was sweating or if it was the storm and he just panic. When he felt how close the two males were physically he felt uncomfortable but he understood. Especially when they began to go through the mountains. He squeezed the man for dear life, his fear of heights did not help the matter as he panic a little. "Damn were coming in to hot! We are going to be squash for sure!" He closed his eyes for the rest only praying they were going to make it out in one piece and not a dozen! He shook his head, as he felt the storm push hard against them and he took a giant gulp. He tried to build enough courage to open his eyes but he just couldn't by this time. When he almost lost all hope... The sound of the storm completely gone, and he felt ease winds, the warmth of the sun against his wet and cold skin and heard the sound of seagulls around him.

He opened his eyes and saw the beauty of the open sea! They had made it over the mountains and away from the storm! He shook in laughter and a smile came across his face. "Yes! WHOA! We made it! I cant believe it we actually made it! Pure genius!" He shook even more in laughter as he took in a deep breath of fresh air. He looks up to the voice speaking, as he heard the voice called the man professor and realizing he had completely ignore the mans words he spoke to him. Though he felt personally fine... but then it hit him the Professor has been the one hanging on him and the rope!!! This worried him, knowing if he did this any much longer he might let go of the rope!

He heard Professor spoke to this Sulk character. After he was finish with the character and trying to get hold of another. He shook his head and was surprise even with him in pain and almost losing all his strength he was able to give out orders and scold his crew. Even though he understood they were worried about him.... Then he thought to himself was he the captain of this ship or is he just a high ranking officer on board. This spike a question in his head but this was not the time for such questions he could wait until they got top side. He felt the rope began to be pulled towards the top side of the ship and he sighed in relief. He heard Professor speak to him as he look to him. "Aye, and you are as well... I apologize for the extra weight on yea Professor." He nodded his head to him in respect.

Siegfried felt a pair of hands grab a hold of his arm and being pulled onto the ship. He did not fight nor struggle he in fact help get himself in board. He nodded to the sailors that help him on board. "Thanks." He turned around and help them pulled the Professor onto the ship. "We have officially made it Professor a proud thing!" He smiled and look around him. "Whoa this is amazing, and some... So Professor wheres the captain? I wanted to ask you before but then was not the time... are you a high ranking officer of this crew?" He felt the questions bursting out of his mouth but he also wanted to keep it short for he knew that the Professor must have been exhausted for what had happen... but he could not help it... he needed to know, and he only hope that the Professor and the crew understood.

[Ghost]

The Professor chose to overlook the boy's anxiety of the altitude as he was pulled aboard the open deck. His leading shoulder ached. His jacket was soaked, his hands hurt even from with in the gloves that had protected them. "I am no officer." He offered in reply. He was less then comfortable but he had no reason to complain, it had been cleanly accomplished. The sun was turning the sky in shades of orange and gold, the clouds behind them turning in a shade of violet as the thunder cracked within. The storm on the isle was already passing with the setting of the sun at ground level. The seagulls called to the ship ridding the winds next to them in question seeking any scraps they might offer their passing.

"Well...bringing on new men without notice....I suppose I should be use to your eccentricities by now Professor." Said a brawny looking fellow with deep brown bronze skin, He had been the wheel man pulling up the rope, taking the wight in while other men brought in the slacken lengths of rope. He assisted the Professor coming up then leaning him against the rails some forcefully. Looking now at the Professors worn and scrapped boots. "Break anything sir?"

"Just a sprain Quarter." He offered turning his attention back to Siegfried now. "So lad....welcome aboard The Looking Glass. I am sure we have suitable rooms and supplies available if your willing to earn your share. Quarter here," A sweeping hand indicated the dark skinned man dressed very like a silk clad dijin, "...can explain wages at your discretion. What would your name be?" He offered no further observance to the question of who was captain, and no explanation about the difficulty or not of their departure. The look on many of the crew mans faces were a few different shades of pale white and slightly green though each of them were steel faced enough to pretend all was well. "I'll be on my rounds to re-leave the wheel man then. Every one carry on with shift....Its a long way to our destination so we have plenty of time....." The men one deck including Quarter all saluted and moved off to their work except Quarter of course who stood patiently by waiting with his hands behind his broad back.