"Ill give her a Minutes Head-start, just because She's managed to Impress me." Arthur smiled rather mischeviously, leaning back in his chair.

He had it all planned out on his head, How he was going to catch her, and Everything beyond that point. He couldnt wait, He would be commended by most of the Code for finally catching a Pesky Pirate on the Fidelis' first Deployment since Karjala.

Nightfall, the best time to come into port when one wanted to avoid arousing suspicion. Unfortunately unless you came in at the dead of night you couldn't avoid those still working the docks. Such was the case as a transport skiff floated into the docks. To the workers such thing wouldn't arouse attention, if it wasn't for the fact this skiff was a military skiff armed to the teeth. As soon as the skiff docked the crew departed seven in total walking across the gangway to the dock. One man flanked by two women and mix of four armed men and women approached the assistant dockmanger, “May I help you?” He asked. The man leading them spoke first, “I'm am the captain this skiff and it's homeship. We are making a stop to resupply before continuing our journey.” The leader ship. The assistant dockmanager raising and eyebrow, “And your name is?” He asked.

“Who I am is not important but what I want and that I can pay is.” He said while giving the man a rolled up parchment while patting a bag jingling with coins. The assistant dockmanager took the parchment without pressing his question, considering the island residents it was not unusual for someone wanting to remain anonymous when doing business here. But the list almost had the manager's eyes popping out when he read the list. Mostly it was standard items you would find on a ship but there were also heavy duty military grade equipment listed here and in bulk. The manager looked at the man who had opened his pouch, “We would appreciate it if you would quickly have those supplies ready for loading soon.” He said with a smile as he pulled a gold piece out and placed it in the manager's pocket, “And how about we forget the name.” He added while patting the man's pocket.

The manager could only look at the man with consideration, he had to admit the man did make an impression. Suddenly the manager smiled, “Welcome to Muckingden Mr. Smith.” He said. Mr. 'Smith' returned the smile before the manager began barking orders to the dock workers, “Alika, Sandra.” Mr. 'Smith' called his two female companions who came closer, “Make sure our 'friends' don't try and swindle us.” He said. “No problem cap. Nice going with avoiding giving your name.” Alika said. The man chuckled, “Alistiar Galloway is a wanted man, even this far from the Empire. They say honor among thieves but always suspect someone's going to pull a fast one when dealing with them.” Alistair said. “Now lets try and do this quick, I don't want to keep D'Arcy waiting longer than I have too.” He said.

“Yes sir!” Was the reply he received as he moved to haggle with the manager. Truthfully Alistiar also didn't want to stay here longer than necessary to mitigate the risk. They didn't often use this port for resupplying but the situation required them to bring in supplies for their next raid. Hopefully they could avoid a confrontation this run, the last time Alistair and his crew had to fight his way out of a port it wasn't exactly a walk in the park.

Randall held the map away from her, far enough so she couldn’t take it but close enough to read it.
“Now now, Cora. I’m old, but I’m not stupid enough to trust a thief. You can see the map perfect from where you’re standing.” He looked in her eyes to see if she was registering disappointment.

Stagg chuckled to himself. An Old man such as Randall Stoker, outwitting Miss Artimis. It did indeed bring delight to his heart.

"Is this the negotiation? So much for Pirates Nobility-- Snatching the map out of the hands of an Olden Legend." Stagg scoffed, in a mocking sense towards Cora.

Randall squinted and slowly handed over the map.
"I would strongly recommend not trying anything, miss." He said as he held the yellowed paper out. He was confident the girl wouldn't take the map and run. He was fast for an old man, and even if she got to her ship, he'd be happy to strike a temporary alliance with the Code to catch the pirate. Randall figured he was ready for anything the girl would do.

OOC: Sorry, it took so long I had family troubles.

"Ahh Mr. Stoker. Lets not do that." Stagg sat up in his chair. He laid his hand on the table, which was firmly grasping his revolver.

"This Woman is a Pirate, letting her or her men run off with this map would be a Mistake. Your practically giving away plunder."

It was at this moment that Randall pulled his own pistol out of his jacket pocket. It was small, and not half as threatening as Arthur’s, but he felt it would get his point across. Rather than pointing it or setting it on the table, he inspected it, then placed it in his lap.
“Mr. Stagg, I only sell something of mine when I firmly believe I have no use for it. And I also firmly believe that once a deal is struck, ir should be carried out. If you must take action against me then so be it, but otherwise I see no reason I shouldn’t deliver this map to Ms. Cora’s ship by tomorrow morning.” He raised an eyebrow at Arthur, silently hoping Arthur wouldn’t fight him on it. His pistol wasn’t loaded, and with his ship still in port, he’d have no way of fighting or escaping the Code if they decided to take him into custody for aiding a pirate.

NOTE: She did not take the map.

"Mr. Stoker, surely you--" The sudden squeak of the door interrupted him. His head twisted, and upon noticing her leave, he jumped up from his chair, nearly vaulting the table to get after her.

He Ripped the door open, and hastily descended the Ramp. He Caught Glimpse of the two, making their way down an Ally. He raised his Revolver and took aim.

The Loud, concussive shots from the heavy Pistol rang out through the stale air. Even amongst the common Harbor noises, the loud blast of a Gun was easily heard. The Rounds struck near Worra and Cora's feet as they ran off into the Ally way.

"Curses!" Arthur loudly exclaimed as he continued his trek down the Boarding ramp.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

After a Good bout of Sprinting, he slowed to his two Guards, who were waiting near the Fidelis' boarding ramp.

"Whats the Matter sir, Slow down a moment!" The Guards said, Recieving the Panting Arthur with a Salute.

Arthur said between his heavy breaths, "The Pirate Artimis is here, on Muckingden. She's just made off with a Map. I want you to relay orders: Dispatch a Garrison of Troops to every Ship on this God forsaken rock, and Find that Damned Pirate!" He exclaimed his final few words before looking around the Harbor.

The Guards, rather startled by his Staunch Officer-ing, made their way up the Boarding ramp. Not but a few Minutes later, near 50 men descended the Ramp and dispersed across the Harbor. Mr. Stoker's Boarding ramp was soon Guarded by a Pair of Tall, and Well armed Soldiers. Similarly, The Prydwen's Access was soon greeted by a Full Squad of men, who regularly patrolled the Stretch of Harbor the Prydwen was docked at.

Randall stood at the door and watched Arthur talk to his orderlies. He closed the door and walked back inside, and noticed a folded piece of paper on the small table he’d been sitting at. He picked it up and looked at it; it was the map. He chuckled before putting the map in his pocket.
“She may be a pirate, but an honest businesswoman yet,” he said to himself. Curious to see how things would turn out, he wlaked outside and down the loading ramp and watched Stagg’s men search, laughing to himself all the while.

Alistair had to admit, the assistant dock manager was a good haggler. Already they were out fifty coins more than what the supplies cost. But fortunately Alistair wasn't a fool and managed to get an extra crate ammo and two barrels of oil out of the deal. One thing you could always count on to even out a bad deal on your end was buying in bulk. Now if he could get those engine parts they might be able to bring two of the tanks back into operation. But the man wanted almost three hundred gold pieces per unit! Over three times the regular price, at that price they might as well have a brand new one made rather than bother to haggle for these. So with Alistair paid the manager for the negotiated items and passed on the engine parts.

Just after paying Sandra came up to him, “Hey cap, the dock workers just delivered the rest of the cargo. We should have it loaded in about twenty minutes.” She said. Alistair nodded, “Good,” He said while pulling out his watch and checking it, “Soon as we're loaded we ship out.” Alistair added. Sandra was about to speak with someone shouted, “Captain!” Both turned to see Alika running up to them, “Cap, there's a Code ship here!” She hastily reported. Alistair frowned, they had some tense encounters with the “Code of the Right” before. They hadn't been violent encounters but they neither side liked the other. Alistair would rather not have tempers boil over so it was best to be scares, “Great just what we need. Have everyone focus on their tasks and not give the Code a reason to get aggressive with us.” Alistair said.

Suddenly a gunshot sounded in the distance, Alika and Sandra had their rifle's slung from their shoulder's in a flash while Alistair had his hand on one of his pistols. The rest of Alistair's troops had also stopped what they were doing and had their arms up and ready. Everyone waited for more bullets to fly, even when silence returned to the world none of them moved, expecting this to be just the calm before the storm. But no shots followed and left the world waiting. “Now things are getting too tense. Get that cargo loaded quickly, and stay ready for trouble.” Alistair order. “Yes sir!” Sandra responded before she and Alika rushing back to the skiff. Alistair looked off towards where the shot came from, he had no doubt trouble was brewing and they didn't need to be here when it burst.

This was only reinforced when a few minutes later troops baring the colors and insignia of the Code began filling the docks. Alistair and his troops watched as they began going ship to ship as if searching for someone. There was no chance this was not connected to the gunshots a few minutes ago. The Onyx Knights were no friends of the Code and vice versa, but that didn't stop tension from rising even more on the docks. Question was would it simmer, or boil over?

The Guards seem to examine Alistairs ship with an odd fascination. They clearly recognized it, and even chuckled to themselves as they passed by. They had no respect for the disavowed Onyx Knights.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Guards around Cora's ship quickly turned to the child who tossed the rock at them.
"Why you dirty street rat! Ah'll 'ave your head for that one!"
He ran off to chase the child, in which his team followed to prevent him from doing anything rash.
A Second group of soldiers stopped by however, after the two had boarded. They curiously examined her vessel.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Guards at Mr. Stokers Vessel inquired at The Icarus, speaking of the Dangers Randall had dragged it through.
Their conversation was disturbed when a small child with a note approached them.
"Ah, another slum-rat. Whats that youve got in your hand?"

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Arthur was stood atop the bridge of the Fidelis. He was subconciously marvelling at his own vessel. It dwarfed even the Onyx Warship in port. Its guns had the capability of tearing Pirate Airships apart in minutes, He had wondered how it survived Karjala, but its physique-- up close --explained it all. He then directed his gaze over the harbor, watching his troops comb out cargo, and extort money from the dock workers.

As the crew finished loading the last of the cargo onto the skiff Alistiar continued to keep a vigil over the port. At one point Code troops examined the skiff from a distance. Alistair could guess what they were saying or even thinking and he had no doubt it was anything but pleasant. He looked over in the distance to the Code ship in the port. Compared to their transport skiff the thing was a titan. The captain was bold bringing the ship into port Alistair would give him that. Alistair wouldn't have brought the Dark Valkyrie into this port, hence why they came in the skiff. He had told D'Arcy to keep their ship moored some distance away from the port and keep her hidden so as not to rouse anyone.

Looking over the ships armament Alistair couldn't help but snort. Sure the Code's ships 'might' be larger. But the Dark Valkyrie's weapons were much more deadly in comparison. If anything Alistair's ship had the range and firepower advantage if nothing else. Alistair didn't look for a fight or condone needless fighting but part of him would love to bring the Code down a few notches. But as much as he and a lot of his crew would like to do so, Alistair wasn't about to risk his people for something pointless as ego.

A sound roused Alistair and he turned in time to see several Code soldiers chasing after a boy who had thrown rocks at them. He was about to go back to his observations when he saw two figures rush to the ship and board her quickly. Alistair watched the two with a raised eyebrow until he lost sight of them. Smugglers, criminals, pirates, Alistair didn't care, it wasn't his business. But he did find it an interesting curiosity that he was tempted to investigate. When a new set of Code troops arrived to replace those who left their post in front of the said ship Alistair squelched such thoughts and returned to his post. They would have the cargo loaded soon so there was no point, just another mystery to remain unsolved.

Randall was only slightly surprised to see the woman’s airship begin to take off. He felt little obligation to go after her, especially if he could squeeze a little more money out of Stagg to give him the map. He smiled and walked over to what looked like Stagg’s airship, wheee two armed guards stopped him at the ramp.
“No, no. This isn’t a public ship,” one of them said. Randall laughed.
“Oh, don’t worry my boy. I’m only here to sell a product to Captain Stagg,” he said. When the man still looked sceptical, he said “he’s expecting me. Go up and get him if you don’t believe me.” The guard eyed him appraisingly. It was another coin flip of hope for Randall Stoker today.

“All the supplies loaded cap, we're ready to depart.” Sandra reported as the last of the cargo was loaded. “Good, lets get out of here before things boil over.” Alistair said as he and Sandra boarded the skiff. As they detached from the moorings and fired up the engine the ship next to theirs detached and began moving parallel to theirs. Alistair looked upon the ship leaving with them, it was a charming ship for it's size and reminded Alistair of the academy dirigibles the students would use as training and academy events.

Alistair could see the command deck from his place on the top most part of the skiff. Regardless of their background Alistair gave a courtesy salute to as they passed them. Currently their skiff was faster due to being able to hit it's max speed sooner. But he had no doubt theirs would eventually pass them once it hit the appropriate speed. “Set course heading 1134. Then change course heading 1187. We'll head for the Dark Valkyrie once we're sure we aren't being followed.” Alistair said. The helmsman gave a confirmation and steered the skiff on the heading leaving Muckingden.

The Guard Eyes Mr.Stoker Oddly. "Ah Surely an Old man such as yourself could do no Harm. Head on up, Cap'n Stagg is on the Crows Nest overlooking the Bridge." The Two Guards stepped apart for him to pass.
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The Guard at the Icarus held the Kid by his arm, to stop him from running. "Gimme the Note you Little Runt. Who is the Lady, What did she look like?"

As Randall walked through the airship, he couldn’t help but be impressed by the magnificence of it. The carpet was one of the softest he’d ever walked on, and the decorations on the wall we’re beautiful. “Such beauty for a man who’s made a life out of killing and capturing,” thought Stoker. At last he got to the captain’s quarters and knocked, then put his hands behind his back.

Cora Artemis | FC: Adelaide Kane | Hex Code: #400040

As Cora's ship raced away from Mockingden, the young child looked up to the guard and asked. "Are you the Owner of this ship?" they asked hiding the note behind his back. "The masked lady said to talk to the owner of the ship only."