Welcome Aboard [Closed]
Characters: Miles Edgeworth and Zechs Marquise
Content: The ship just landed in Bellcius, and Edgeworth shows their new quartermaster around.
Setting: The Victoria II
Time: Later afternoon, two days before Lunasa
Warnings: None
Zechs adjusted his uniform, making sure everything looked, well... Perfect. He smoothed some loose strands of hair down and then picked up his large duffel. There was already a messenger bag slung across his torso, important papers and belongings in it. He looked about the small room, making sure he had everything. With a nod, he stepped out of the room and headed towards where the Victoria II was docked. After a few minutes, he came upon the large ship. He stared up at it, his icy blue eyes unreadable. Taking a deep breath, he stepped onto the gangplank and walked up to the first deck.
Edgeworth stood on the top deck, arms crossed behind him, and watched the comings and goings in front of him. Out of the corner of his eye he saw someone coming up the gangplank: the newest member of the crew, one Zechs Marquise. He recognized the man from the description given when they first heard of his reassignment. Edgeworth had to admit, he was curious about the former pilot; he was interesting, according to both the rumors and the official record. He took the former with a grain of salt, and decided to hold judgment until he could see him in person.
The first mate walked towards him as he approached, and cleared his throat. "Commander Marquise, I presume?"
He spotted the first mate, Commander Miles Edgeworth. He had heard some rumors surrounding him. Honestly? Zechs didn't care. Rumors where rumors, except in his case. Some of the rumors where true, some of them where false. He just kept his secrets his own and didn't allow anyone to figure them out. He stopped walking and then looked them man up and down before nodding.
"Commander Zechs Marquise, reporting for duty sir." He gave a shap salute to the man before him.
He returned the salute, and said, "Welcome aboard, Commander. May I see your papers?"
"Of course Sir." He set down the duffel and opened the messenger bag. Zechs pulled out a folder and handed it to the first mate. "Here you are Sir. Everything should be in order."
Edgeworth took the folder and glanced at the papers inside, and nodded to himself. "So I see." He closed it shut, and added, "I'll sign these when I return to my quarters. For now, I'll show you where you're staying, and we'll go from there."
echs nodded and then picked up his duffel. "Alright then Sir." He slung the duffel over his shoulder and looked at Edgeworth.
He spun on his heel, and walked briskly across the deck. "First of all, do you have any questions about the ship or its crew?"
"How much to people gossip onboard?" He asked as he kept up with Edgeworth's quick pace. "And how well does the crew work together?"
There was a ghost of a smile on Edgeworth's face, and he said, "There's a moderate amount of gossip, and I have to admit, the crew has a healthy curiosity from time to time. However, it's nothing too serious - this crew is surprisingly sensible in this regard." Most of the time, he added to himself. There was that mishap over the network when they first arrived in Kropmork, but that seemed to be the exception, not the rule. "If you're worried about your reputation," he added, "you have nothing to worry about. Most people will stay out of your affairs, so long as you get your work done."
The hint of a smile was replaced by a small frown, as Edgeworth continued. "As for crew cooperation, I'd like to say we work well together, but we've had some problems in the past. Specifically, with the gunners, and a few hotshot pilots. Unfortunately, it's to be expected, considering some of the people that get assigned on the ship. However, those have been the only problems recently."
The frown vanished, and he added, "Despite the more colorful reputations some of our crew has, many of them have risen above it and proven themselves competent." Wisla and Seagill came to mind; despite their past with authority, they've both shown themselves to be capable in their respective fields.
Zechs nodded as he listened to Edgeworth's explaination. He walked with the first mate, taking in what he said. "I'm not worried about my reputation Sir... It's just, certain rumors that are about me. I'm worried it might make the crew... Excitable." he sighed, "And I can assure you, all the rumors that are circulating about me, are all false." The soldier nodded, "Sir, I used to be a pilot. If there is ever need for help in that area, I'm willing."
Edgeworth shook his head, and said, "I'll believe the rumors when I see proof of it. As for the crew, I doubt that most of them have heard about it, so you don't have much to worry about in that regard. If there's any curiosity, I suspect it will be short lived. If not, then I'll take care of it personally." He glanced back to him for a brief moment, before he headed below deck. "And I'll remember that, if we have any more problems."
"There's a ludacrious rumor floating around that I'm a member of the Peacecraft family from Erealia." He said with a small chuckle... It was true, but no one needed to know that. Zechs kept his secrets closely guarded. He looked at Edgeworth as he said that.
There was no amusement on Edgeworth's face, but there was no other reaction, either. "I've heard that," he replied, "I admit, I don't know much about the family, but it sounds like something from a cheap novel. 'The lost son of a dead dynasty' and all that." He sighed, and shook his head. "Then again, Erealia in general attracts stories of that sort."
"I can't believe how people even believe that stuff." He said without any humor in his voice. It pained Zechs to talk like that about his family, but it had to be done if he wanted to keep up the charade... He had to find the people that killed his family and seek his revenge. "So I've heard sir. I've never been to Erealia myself."
Zechs didn't sound amused himself, but Edgeworth couldn't blame him. He was probably sick to death of the stories by now.
Then again, he still couldn't help but wonder how the rumors started to begin with....
"I've been there a few times when I was younger." He paused, searching for the right words. "It's...strange, to say the least."
Exactly as Zechs remembered it then... "Maybe some day I shall go myself to make my own assesment." the blonde said with a shrug. He hoped that Edgeworth didn't pry too deeply into his past. The Khushrenadas had done all they could to keep his birth name a secret. But, there was only so much one family could do...
"You may get the chance, depending on our next assignment. Thanks to our captain's position, we find ourselves involved in more diplomatic work from time to time. Even if we don't go there soon, we'll likely end up there eventually." He led Zechs through the steel corridors, and paused at one of the cabins. "These will be your quarters, for the duration of your tour. Do you need to rest up or would you rather continue?"
"I would like to drop off my belongings and then I will be ready." Zechs replied. He knew he'd have to see the ship's doctor about his shoulder. It just didn't heal right, and of course being the stubborn ass he was, the former heir to the Peacecraft estates didn't let himself heal all the way.
"Very well, then." Edgeworth nodded, and waited for him by the door. He made a note to ask about that shoulder; he seemed to compensate for it well enough, but it would be best to prepare for any mishaps.
He stepped inside his quarters and dropped off the two bags. Zechs nodded after a quick glance about the room. Comfortable, livable. He turned and left the room, shutting the door behind himself.
Edgeworth glanced towards his shoulder, and said, "I hope it hasn't been giving you any trouble lately."
"Not particularly sir. Why do you ask?" Zechs glanced at the first mate, curious.
"I'm just curious. Considering how often it was used as an excuse to shuffle you around, it must have been some injury."
"It was. I was out of commission as a pilot for a good year after that." he replied as they walked, "I try not to let it bother me."
"An admirable attitude," he said. "However, the doctors may wish to take a look at it when they return, just to be on the safe side."
"I was thinking of doing just that Sir. I don't believe that my shoulder ever healed properly." Zechs commented clasping his hands behind his back.
"A wise decision," he replied, as they neared another room. Edgeworth stopped and opened the door, revealing something more than a mere cabin. The room was large and neatly organized, filled with maps and every manner of compass and technological device. Large tables and sturdy shelves filled the space, housing all the gadgets, charts, and tools necessary to sail the skies. There was no dust or mess to be seen, other than a cannister that was set haphazardly in the corner. Edgeworth frowned for a moment; he'd have to remind Bunansa about that later.
"This is the navigation room," he announced, as he stepped aside. "You'll be doing most of your work here with Sub Lieutenant Bunansa and Lieutenant von Karma. It may be a few days before you meet them formally, but if you wish, you should be able to get in touch with them beforehand."
He nodded and looked about the room. "Sub Lieutenant Bunansa and Lieutenant von Karma are the navigators, correct Sir?" he asked. It looked that there would be enough room for them all to work comfortably.
"That's correct." He stood to the side, and waited for Marquise to get acquainted with the room. "I assume they already gave their greetings?"
He walked into the room and looked about, examining things. His long blonde hair was currently in a tight braid down his back. "No, I've read over the crew list a few times." Zechs said.
So he was prepared. Not a bad trait at all. "What else did you read up on?" Edgeworth asked, as he watched the new quartermaster look around.
"Various things I could get my hands on. I don't like going into an assignment blind. I know where all the guns and pilot stations are. I've read the full history on the Victoria II." He replied before straightening the cannister in the corner. God that had been bugging him since he looked in.
"And your thoughts, so far?" Nothing could beat a first impression, but Edgeworth was curious about his expectations.
"The Victoria II seems to be like a tightly kept and run ship, very little room for mistakes. I like that, I value that in my work. I expect personally to be pushed to my limits and then some." Zechs glanced over his shoulder at Edgeworth.
Edgeworth looked at him approvingly, and nodded. "We have high standards on this ship, but those who are able to handle the work find their time here to be quite rewarding. Lets hope your tour proves fruitful, Commander Marquise."
Zechs nodded and turned to rejoin the first mate in the doorway. "I do hope that I fit in well with the crew."
"Only time will tell," he said. "However, the only problems I foresee from the crew are a couple of our boatswains."
Zechs frowned. "Why is that sir?" He didn't like trouble from the crew.
"Just some eccentricities on their part." Edgeworth stepped away from the doorway, and continued down the corridors. "You won't have to worry about Commander Quelis - while she's strict, she's also fair, not to mention competent. And Lieutenant Commander Hijikata ... he's experienced, but he's also overzealous, not to mention irritable. You'll learn quickly that some of the things he says are to be taken with a grain of salt."
"I've learned that the crew for the most part can be eccentric sir." Zechs replied, "Each crew has its own quirks."
Edgeworth rolled his eyes, and said, "His obsession with mayonnaise would be a quirk. His demands for ritual suicide, however, cross the line beyond quirk and into insanity." He paused, and added, "Most people tend to ignore that order, though."
Zechs frowned. "Ritual suicide sir? Isn't that a bit extreme?"
"Quite. Which is why he has to be reminded - often - about appropriate punishments. However, once you get him away from that topic, he's...tolerable. He's a diligent worker, and he tends to stick to his own affairs when he's not on the job."
"That's a good thing sir. But, why would he order people under him to commit ritual suicide? Kill off half the crew that way."
"That, Commander, is a question for the ages. My closest guess is that it's an unfortunate mix of high standards and some twisted sense of honor." Granted, Edgeworth had high standards himself, but there were still much more suitable ways to handle discipline.
He shook his head. "There are more suitable ways to hand out discipline sir." Zechs sighed a bit, "Honestly, I would expect more from the Lt. Commander."
"I suspect it's a bluff on his part," he replied, "But there's still no excuse. If nothing else, though, he's predictable. As for the other boatswains, there's Commander Vimes - cynical, but practical and reliable. Then there's Minamimoto." Edgeworth frowned, and his face darkened when he said his name. "He's kept a low profile, but you'll want to keep an eye on him."
"Is he someone that could turn on us Sir?" Zechs asked. One hand unconsciously went to the gun that he kept on his hip.
"I can't say for certain," he admitted. "While some of his behavior has been suspicious, he's acted relatively benign lately, past disrespect aside. Just watch out for anything strange from him."
Edgeworth eyes glanced towards Zech's hand, and arched an eyebrow as he looked back up. "And while I admire some degree of preparation, please, do try and relax."
Zechs tensed and then relaxed. "Forgive me sir, I'm used to being out in the field, being stationed on a ship is new to me." He said clenching and then unclenching his fists.
"I understand," he said. "You have good reflexes - not a bad trait at all, especially for a former pilot."
Edgeworth's pace slowed, and he asked, "Is there anything else you'd like to know about?"
If Zechs blushed, he would have from Edgeworth's compliment. "Thank you sir. Not at the moment sir. I would like to return to my quarters and get some rest before I begin my job." He said as he clasped his hands behind his back.
Edgeworth nodded. "Very well, Commander Marquise. If you have any more questions, feel free to drop by my quarters. I'll be here for at least a short while every day, at least until Lunasa proper."
He nodded. "I will do so Commander. Thank you for showing me around."
"You're welcome. I wish you the best of luck aboard this ship."
And with that said, Edgeworth turned around, and began to walk back towards the upper deck
Zechs watched Edgeworth walk off. He then made a sharp turn on his heel and headed for his quarters to get some rest and unpack.
Content: The ship just landed in Bellcius, and Edgeworth shows their new quartermaster around.
Setting: The Victoria II
Time: Later afternoon, two days before Lunasa
Warnings: None
Zechs adjusted his uniform, making sure everything looked, well... Perfect. He smoothed some loose strands of hair down and then picked up his large duffel. There was already a messenger bag slung across his torso, important papers and belongings in it. He looked about the small room, making sure he had everything. With a nod, he stepped out of the room and headed towards where the Victoria II was docked. After a few minutes, he came upon the large ship. He stared up at it, his icy blue eyes unreadable. Taking a deep breath, he stepped onto the gangplank and walked up to the first deck.
Edgeworth stood on the top deck, arms crossed behind him, and watched the comings and goings in front of him. Out of the corner of his eye he saw someone coming up the gangplank: the newest member of the crew, one Zechs Marquise. He recognized the man from the description given when they first heard of his reassignment. Edgeworth had to admit, he was curious about the former pilot; he was interesting, according to both the rumors and the official record. He took the former with a grain of salt, and decided to hold judgment until he could see him in person.
The first mate walked towards him as he approached, and cleared his throat. "Commander Marquise, I presume?"
He spotted the first mate, Commander Miles Edgeworth. He had heard some rumors surrounding him. Honestly? Zechs didn't care. Rumors where rumors, except in his case. Some of the rumors where true, some of them where false. He just kept his secrets his own and didn't allow anyone to figure them out. He stopped walking and then looked them man up and down before nodding.
"Commander Zechs Marquise, reporting for duty sir." He gave a shap salute to the man before him.
He returned the salute, and said, "Welcome aboard, Commander. May I see your papers?"
"Of course Sir." He set down the duffel and opened the messenger bag. Zechs pulled out a folder and handed it to the first mate. "Here you are Sir. Everything should be in order."
Edgeworth took the folder and glanced at the papers inside, and nodded to himself. "So I see." He closed it shut, and added, "I'll sign these when I return to my quarters. For now, I'll show you where you're staying, and we'll go from there."
echs nodded and then picked up his duffel. "Alright then Sir." He slung the duffel over his shoulder and looked at Edgeworth.
He spun on his heel, and walked briskly across the deck. "First of all, do you have any questions about the ship or its crew?"
"How much to people gossip onboard?" He asked as he kept up with Edgeworth's quick pace. "And how well does the crew work together?"
There was a ghost of a smile on Edgeworth's face, and he said, "There's a moderate amount of gossip, and I have to admit, the crew has a healthy curiosity from time to time. However, it's nothing too serious - this crew is surprisingly sensible in this regard." Most of the time, he added to himself. There was that mishap over the network when they first arrived in Kropmork, but that seemed to be the exception, not the rule. "If you're worried about your reputation," he added, "you have nothing to worry about. Most people will stay out of your affairs, so long as you get your work done."
The hint of a smile was replaced by a small frown, as Edgeworth continued. "As for crew cooperation, I'd like to say we work well together, but we've had some problems in the past. Specifically, with the gunners, and a few hotshot pilots. Unfortunately, it's to be expected, considering some of the people that get assigned on the ship. However, those have been the only problems recently."
The frown vanished, and he added, "Despite the more colorful reputations some of our crew has, many of them have risen above it and proven themselves competent." Wisla and Seagill came to mind; despite their past with authority, they've both shown themselves to be capable in their respective fields.
Zechs nodded as he listened to Edgeworth's explaination. He walked with the first mate, taking in what he said. "I'm not worried about my reputation Sir... It's just, certain rumors that are about me. I'm worried it might make the crew... Excitable." he sighed, "And I can assure you, all the rumors that are circulating about me, are all false." The soldier nodded, "Sir, I used to be a pilot. If there is ever need for help in that area, I'm willing."
Edgeworth shook his head, and said, "I'll believe the rumors when I see proof of it. As for the crew, I doubt that most of them have heard about it, so you don't have much to worry about in that regard. If there's any curiosity, I suspect it will be short lived. If not, then I'll take care of it personally." He glanced back to him for a brief moment, before he headed below deck. "And I'll remember that, if we have any more problems."
"There's a ludacrious rumor floating around that I'm a member of the Peacecraft family from Erealia." He said with a small chuckle... It was true, but no one needed to know that. Zechs kept his secrets closely guarded. He looked at Edgeworth as he said that.
There was no amusement on Edgeworth's face, but there was no other reaction, either. "I've heard that," he replied, "I admit, I don't know much about the family, but it sounds like something from a cheap novel. 'The lost son of a dead dynasty' and all that." He sighed, and shook his head. "Then again, Erealia in general attracts stories of that sort."
"I can't believe how people even believe that stuff." He said without any humor in his voice. It pained Zechs to talk like that about his family, but it had to be done if he wanted to keep up the charade... He had to find the people that killed his family and seek his revenge. "So I've heard sir. I've never been to Erealia myself."
Zechs didn't sound amused himself, but Edgeworth couldn't blame him. He was probably sick to death of the stories by now.
Then again, he still couldn't help but wonder how the rumors started to begin with....
"I've been there a few times when I was younger." He paused, searching for the right words. "It's...strange, to say the least."
Exactly as Zechs remembered it then... "Maybe some day I shall go myself to make my own assesment." the blonde said with a shrug. He hoped that Edgeworth didn't pry too deeply into his past. The Khushrenadas had done all they could to keep his birth name a secret. But, there was only so much one family could do...
"You may get the chance, depending on our next assignment. Thanks to our captain's position, we find ourselves involved in more diplomatic work from time to time. Even if we don't go there soon, we'll likely end up there eventually." He led Zechs through the steel corridors, and paused at one of the cabins. "These will be your quarters, for the duration of your tour. Do you need to rest up or would you rather continue?"
"I would like to drop off my belongings and then I will be ready." Zechs replied. He knew he'd have to see the ship's doctor about his shoulder. It just didn't heal right, and of course being the stubborn ass he was, the former heir to the Peacecraft estates didn't let himself heal all the way.
"Very well, then." Edgeworth nodded, and waited for him by the door. He made a note to ask about that shoulder; he seemed to compensate for it well enough, but it would be best to prepare for any mishaps.
He stepped inside his quarters and dropped off the two bags. Zechs nodded after a quick glance about the room. Comfortable, livable. He turned and left the room, shutting the door behind himself.
Edgeworth glanced towards his shoulder, and said, "I hope it hasn't been giving you any trouble lately."
"Not particularly sir. Why do you ask?" Zechs glanced at the first mate, curious.
"I'm just curious. Considering how often it was used as an excuse to shuffle you around, it must have been some injury."
"It was. I was out of commission as a pilot for a good year after that." he replied as they walked, "I try not to let it bother me."
"An admirable attitude," he said. "However, the doctors may wish to take a look at it when they return, just to be on the safe side."
"I was thinking of doing just that Sir. I don't believe that my shoulder ever healed properly." Zechs commented clasping his hands behind his back.
"A wise decision," he replied, as they neared another room. Edgeworth stopped and opened the door, revealing something more than a mere cabin. The room was large and neatly organized, filled with maps and every manner of compass and technological device. Large tables and sturdy shelves filled the space, housing all the gadgets, charts, and tools necessary to sail the skies. There was no dust or mess to be seen, other than a cannister that was set haphazardly in the corner. Edgeworth frowned for a moment; he'd have to remind Bunansa about that later.
"This is the navigation room," he announced, as he stepped aside. "You'll be doing most of your work here with Sub Lieutenant Bunansa and Lieutenant von Karma. It may be a few days before you meet them formally, but if you wish, you should be able to get in touch with them beforehand."
He nodded and looked about the room. "Sub Lieutenant Bunansa and Lieutenant von Karma are the navigators, correct Sir?" he asked. It looked that there would be enough room for them all to work comfortably.
"That's correct." He stood to the side, and waited for Marquise to get acquainted with the room. "I assume they already gave their greetings?"
He walked into the room and looked about, examining things. His long blonde hair was currently in a tight braid down his back. "No, I've read over the crew list a few times." Zechs said.
So he was prepared. Not a bad trait at all. "What else did you read up on?" Edgeworth asked, as he watched the new quartermaster look around.
"Various things I could get my hands on. I don't like going into an assignment blind. I know where all the guns and pilot stations are. I've read the full history on the Victoria II." He replied before straightening the cannister in the corner. God that had been bugging him since he looked in.
"And your thoughts, so far?" Nothing could beat a first impression, but Edgeworth was curious about his expectations.
"The Victoria II seems to be like a tightly kept and run ship, very little room for mistakes. I like that, I value that in my work. I expect personally to be pushed to my limits and then some." Zechs glanced over his shoulder at Edgeworth.
Edgeworth looked at him approvingly, and nodded. "We have high standards on this ship, but those who are able to handle the work find their time here to be quite rewarding. Lets hope your tour proves fruitful, Commander Marquise."
Zechs nodded and turned to rejoin the first mate in the doorway. "I do hope that I fit in well with the crew."
"Only time will tell," he said. "However, the only problems I foresee from the crew are a couple of our boatswains."
Zechs frowned. "Why is that sir?" He didn't like trouble from the crew.
"Just some eccentricities on their part." Edgeworth stepped away from the doorway, and continued down the corridors. "You won't have to worry about Commander Quelis - while she's strict, she's also fair, not to mention competent. And Lieutenant Commander Hijikata ... he's experienced, but he's also overzealous, not to mention irritable. You'll learn quickly that some of the things he says are to be taken with a grain of salt."
"I've learned that the crew for the most part can be eccentric sir." Zechs replied, "Each crew has its own quirks."
Edgeworth rolled his eyes, and said, "His obsession with mayonnaise would be a quirk. His demands for ritual suicide, however, cross the line beyond quirk and into insanity." He paused, and added, "Most people tend to ignore that order, though."
Zechs frowned. "Ritual suicide sir? Isn't that a bit extreme?"
"Quite. Which is why he has to be reminded - often - about appropriate punishments. However, once you get him away from that topic, he's...tolerable. He's a diligent worker, and he tends to stick to his own affairs when he's not on the job."
"That's a good thing sir. But, why would he order people under him to commit ritual suicide? Kill off half the crew that way."
"That, Commander, is a question for the ages. My closest guess is that it's an unfortunate mix of high standards and some twisted sense of honor." Granted, Edgeworth had high standards himself, but there were still much more suitable ways to handle discipline.
He shook his head. "There are more suitable ways to hand out discipline sir." Zechs sighed a bit, "Honestly, I would expect more from the Lt. Commander."
"I suspect it's a bluff on his part," he replied, "But there's still no excuse. If nothing else, though, he's predictable. As for the other boatswains, there's Commander Vimes - cynical, but practical and reliable. Then there's Minamimoto." Edgeworth frowned, and his face darkened when he said his name. "He's kept a low profile, but you'll want to keep an eye on him."
"Is he someone that could turn on us Sir?" Zechs asked. One hand unconsciously went to the gun that he kept on his hip.
"I can't say for certain," he admitted. "While some of his behavior has been suspicious, he's acted relatively benign lately, past disrespect aside. Just watch out for anything strange from him."
Edgeworth eyes glanced towards Zech's hand, and arched an eyebrow as he looked back up. "And while I admire some degree of preparation, please, do try and relax."
Zechs tensed and then relaxed. "Forgive me sir, I'm used to being out in the field, being stationed on a ship is new to me." He said clenching and then unclenching his fists.
"I understand," he said. "You have good reflexes - not a bad trait at all, especially for a former pilot."
Edgeworth's pace slowed, and he asked, "Is there anything else you'd like to know about?"
If Zechs blushed, he would have from Edgeworth's compliment. "Thank you sir. Not at the moment sir. I would like to return to my quarters and get some rest before I begin my job." He said as he clasped his hands behind his back.
Edgeworth nodded. "Very well, Commander Marquise. If you have any more questions, feel free to drop by my quarters. I'll be here for at least a short while every day, at least until Lunasa proper."
He nodded. "I will do so Commander. Thank you for showing me around."
"You're welcome. I wish you the best of luck aboard this ship."
And with that said, Edgeworth turned around, and began to walk back towards the upper deck
Zechs watched Edgeworth walk off. He then made a sharp turn on his heel and headed for his quarters to get some rest and unpack.