The Barrels

You look at the barrels. They are of middling quality, showing the signs of heavy use, and their flaws stand out even to your untrained eye. You formulate a polite answer, but the Cerulean Titan starts to laugh.

”Let’s not mince words, First Officer, they are worthless in most circumstances. I certainly couldn’t sell them anywhere in the City. But I happen to co-own a ship. Your ship, to be precise. Well – her ship. Your ship now.” He motions you to follow and leads you through the forest of dead, iron-bound wood. {if The One-Eyed Captain’s Health = 0} A hint of anger enters his voice as he offers his condolences. ”She was a great Captain. A great woman.” He masters himself. ”But we have to move on. The fires of industry need feeding, and there is money to be made. {elseif The One-Eyed Captain’s Health > 0} ”She’ll survive, that One-eyed Captain of yours. But convalescence takes time. And the fires of industry need feeding. There is money to be made. {endif}

"She has spoken highly of you in the past, and I am disinclined to trust any old wharf-side rabble. Which brings us back to my barrels. Supplying a Saltisle with water is not a project worthy of my time – under ordinary circumstances. But I happen to have all these barrels...” He gestures at them. ”And I happen to have a new Captain, unproven as of yet. What say you?”

You do the calculations in your head. The barrels, though numerous, would not fill the hold, and the margin for profit on such a venture is limited indeed. You tell him as much, and you note your uncertainty about the ownership of the Demeter – and of its current cargo.

”You are correct. And I am gladdened to hear you display a modicum of business sense. I will take possession of your cargo, and we will negotiate your stake in this enterprise only after your return. {if The One-Eyed Captain’s Health > 0} And when my other captain is compos mentis again.{endif} Northbeachisswamp is in alignment with Barenhaven. It should be a quick trip, and safe.” He clears his throat. ”That’s what the maps at the Navy headquarters say, anyway.”

You had spotted the Saltisle on the rippling silver, close and to the east, and you tell him as much. Travelling the open Sea has its dangers, but so do the waters close to the coast. As your last journey more than proved. And a second shift, though not unheard of, does seem unlikely. So you agree that the odds of a quick trip are good. What remains is the question of economic viability.

”Capital! You are quite right, First Officer. What I am giving you is just about enough to break even – if you count the pay for the last trip. I have paid out the crew and...”

He hands you a satchel filled with jingling gold.

You have gained 50 Talers

You now have 50 Talers

”Money well earned. I do not know the details of the arrangement you had with her, but this should cover what you are owed and more. And I do not mind you taking on additional cargo, in fact, I encourage you to do so. You may also secure additional funding however you see fit – and you may need to. The One-Eyed Captain, for example, did not think passenger transport a worthwhile endeavour, but you may wish to revisit that decision. The Demeter has the facilities for it, or so I am given to understand.”

You nod.