Ch 4. Hook, Line, and Sinker

[not_a_codfish]

[It's been some time since you've seen this guy. You've seen him in the town off and on, chatting with various townsfolk and businesses, but he's always seemed preoccupied with something or to busy to talk much. Now, however, his voice comes in over the journal]

Is there any among you with carpentry experience, specifically ship building? I have a project which may have need of your skills.

Filtered to Hook's Pirate Crew and friends:
Stop by the town at this address today, I think I've found the spot for our little establishment.

Filtered to Hank Henshaw
My dear Mr. Henshaw, how have you been? Busy by all accounts. I heard about the group you are putting together and I am certainly interested. However, I'm not sure how I feel about having to rub shoulders with every do-gooder and mercenary this place has to offer...

Filtered to Moriarty,
How are you doing, my friend? Have you been up to anything... interesting lately?

Comments

[waterproofed]

Ahoy, captain. Let me guess: you want a pirate ship, right?

[not_a_codfish]

You are, indeed, a master of deductive reasoning, sir.

[waterproofed]

You do know the pond's not really big enough for a pirate ship, right? Maybe a pirate coracle.

[not_a_codfish]

[A little chuckle. Hook seems bemused, and pleased as punch with himself.]

I would agree with you there.

[waterproofed]

I wouldn't mind lending a hand in building if you needed one.

[not_a_codfish]

Then come on down!
[Hook writes down an address into the journal]

[waterproofed]

You got blueprints or something?

[not_a_codfish]

I have designs for the structure, yes.

[waterproofed]

Cool, I can't wait to see them.

Pirate Crew filter forever

[onlyanapple]

...Fair enough.

[And, in his own time, Crowley will head over to that address, not really sure what to expect. It could be anything when Hook is concerned, really]

[not_a_codfish]

[Once there, you see a fairly large plot of land. It's clear that Hook has been busy. There are several workmen from the village bustling about with tools and lumber. There is what apears to be the skeleton of a very large sailing vessle taking shape in the center of it all. When Hook spots Crowley, he brightens.]

Ah, welcome! At long last, my little enterprise is taking shape. What do you think?

[onlyanapple]

[Oh mother of Someone he's actually building a fucking boat. Crowley stares at it for a moment, before turning slowly to look at Hook]

You remember what I told you about there being no seas, right?

[not_a_codfish]

[Hook taps the side of his nose with his hook in a knowing way.]

Aye, that is true, but this ship isn't for sailing. Remember how I said I wanted to build an entertainment establishment? Well, this ship will be the core of the structure. If I'm going to build a kingdom of vice and debauchery, it seems fitting for it to be in a pirate ship.

[onlyanapple]

Oh. So it's like a themed bar. [The demon tilts his head, considering] You know. That might just be an area of Paradisa buisness that has not been tapped into yet.

[not_a_codfish]

That was my exact thought.

I'm hoping to get some of the residents to help. It will make the construction go a lot faster and hopefully encourage an investment of interest from the rest of the community.

[onlyanapple]

... Investment of interest from the rest of the community.

Wow. You're really not paying attention to how residents behave here, are you?

[not_a_codfish]

Bah, I don't expect them to hoist me up upon a pedistal for my achivements, as a comunity leader. I just want some free advertisment. People are more likely to mention me if they had a hand in helping to build the building.

[onlyanapple]

Yes, but that would take convincing them to actually help build the building in the first place.

[pianoman]

[This question piques Brook's interest.]

I'm not a carpenter, but may I ask... for what purpose you're looking for a ship?

[not_a_codfish]

In a word, Ambiance. My enterprise requires the maximum amount of piratical flair.

[a pause]

But it can't hurt to have a worthy sailing vessle near by. Who knows when the castle may deside to throw a flood at us.

[pianoman]

[There's the magic word.]

"Piratical," you say? Are you a pirate?

[not_a_codfish]

[Is he a pirate? Sir, he is THE pirate!]

I am the notorious Captain James Hook! The most daring Gentleman of Fortune to ever sail the seven seas!

[pianoman]

I've never heard of you! How large is your bounty?

[not_a_codfish]

[Hook is agast that someone hasn't heard of him! THIS MUST BE REMIDIED!!!!]

How large? I stopped keeping count after it could have bought a small fleet. I have pillaged untold riches and plundered the most secure of ports! My deeds are told from the ports of England to the shores of America. [Hook sounds like he could go on like this for great length.]

[pianoman]

Are "England" and "America" a part of the New World? And if so, why haven't we heard of you?

[Explaining that he, too, is a well-known pirate with a high bounty seems moot to Brook at this point.]

Captain Hook

[jimfromit]

Oh you know, just been on the look out for new and interesting enterprises.

Anyway long time no hear from. How goes your particular project?

Filtered Forever

[not_a_codfish]

Quit well. I have begun construction of my facility. I'm hoping to wrangle some of the castle's more industrius types into helping to build it. Breeds an air of commitment in the comunity of they had a hand in bringing it to life.

Come and stop by if you have the time.

and ever

[jimfromit]

Very wise move...helps keep up the image of the good captain living to serve his community.

How admirable.

[He thinks about it...If he’s going to get involved with this project he should probably observe the premises.]

Ok then...later tonight though. Away from any prying eyes.

Later, that evening...

[not_a_codfish]

[It's dark in the town. Most of the residents have gone home for the night. You get to the address and see the skeleton of a very large sailing craft taking shape, along with the foundations for a building. Tools and materials are scattered willy nilly. The only light comes from some torches near a table. Hook sits at the table sipping from a glass of wine, surveying the quiet of the evening.]

[jimfromit]

[Moriarty turns up soon enough wearing his coat and blue Westwood suit. He's staring up at the sail as he speaks.]

Quite the hobby you've got here my good captain.

[samson]

Not really ship-building, but I've made some stuff. [Like ... bookcases ......... casually overstating his skill level through omission; he just really likes to take on projects, okay]

[not_a_codfish]

Oh, wonderful! I will need all the help I can get!

[Hook scribbles an adress in the town]

Stop by if you wish to lend a hand.

[samson]

Uh, yeah, sure. Right now, you mean?

[not_a_codfish]

If you are not otherwise occupied, by all means. The sooner I can finish construction, the sooner I can open for business!

[samson]

Open for business on a ship?

[not_a_codfish]

In a ship, yes.

[Hook seems to be in high spirits.]

[samson]

[Brock's just confused...]

So... where is the ship going to go?

[not_a_codfish]

Onto the foundations. Or perhaps the second story, the architects and I haven't quite worked that one out yet.

[Yes Hook is being vague on purpose. It's what he does]

[samson]

Oh. So kind of like a theme ... thing. Alright.

Filtered

[cheerupemoborg]

Unfortunately, that's the way it works. You're not about to be forced to work as an actual team, however.

Filtered forever

[not_a_codfish]

Oh? well then, I might have to give it a look. I'm sure I can find some way to be helpful.

[cheerupemoborg]

By all means, have a look. The more of us, the better, I say.

What would you say is your area of expertise?

[hard_talker]

Oh, so you're gonna be captain of the duck pond, huh? Impressive.

[DID YOU MISS HIM?]

[not_a_codfish]

[YOU!]

No, I am the captain of a ship.

[Is that a smirk you detect over the journal? Why yes it is!]

[hard_talker]

Right. And where's the only place for a ship 'round here, other than the pool, which is just dumb?

Duck pond. I rest my case, O Captain Quack.