Wilhelm Caruthers

(Wrters Note: This takes place well before Brenan, Winley and Tir's storylines, not sure when LanaKs storyline takes place in continuity.)

Aboard the Morning Star life was sometimes difficult. The crew numbered fifty six sailors and for some people of different dispositions it made thinking time difficult. And Wilhelm deeply valued his thinking time.

Wilhelm's outlook on life was centered on a man he learned about from a book at the Grand Library as a youth. A man named Thomas Jefferson. Statesman, soldier, and scientist all wrapped up into a single man. He knew seven languages, and not just speaking them, he knew how to read them all in time where people barely spoke one. He was self taught in architecture, one of his designs lasting until the fleeing of Old Earth. He loved cyphers and secret codes.

Wilhelm didn't think of himself as being an equal to Thomas Jefferson, but he liked to think he was on that path. Following in that great man's path. He read everything he could, built anything he could think of to perfect designs of...well...anything that took his fancy. And when not doing that he trained in the sword arts.

As the new ship Quartermaster, voted in by the crew, he didn't have as much time for that recently. Sure he could just get off at the next port of call, but the crew had entrusted him with making sure food, weapons and justice was kept aboard the Morning Star. It was an honor he couldn't easily refuse, at least until he could find someone he felt could be impartial and incorruptible.

Owing to his new position he was able to convince Captain Franks to take a nice easy charter until he could make full sense of the books, perhaps make the bookkeeping more streamlined.

It was now three days since the left Veetor with six passengers bound for Rivain. And...

"I hope I'm not interrupting, sir..." the cultured female voice broke his train of thought. He turned to look at the source. She stood to his chin, a respectable 5'7" with red brown hair to her shoulders. She had a slender but toned form. Aristocratic perhaps, but not lazy is how he saw her.

"No, you are not intruding, Ms. Sorens...correct?"

"You remembered my name Quartermaster? Should I be flattered? I'm sure the ship's whore treats you well."

Wilhelm raised an eyebrow, "This ship doesn't have a designated whore. Not anymore, it's a long story that involves an execution at sea."

If Wilhelm had thought that would stop Ms. Sorens curiosity he was wrong "Sounds interesting. Is there a short version?"

"This ship's captain has strict rules. He insists they be treated respectfully. Well six months back someone, to put it mildly, didn't. He was caught **** the woman, in front of her daughter. The was tried, convicted, and hung. The old quartermaster then retired and I got elected to replace him."

"What did you leave out?" Ms. Sorens asked, lightly.

Wilhelm smiled A lot. he thought, but instead said, "Not much really. Little details. Names obviously...why are you interested?"

"Just wondering about my competition is all. I'll see you, Quartermaster, in the morning."