Three Stooges; One Triumvirate 1/23

Maertock would take a thoughtful drag from his cigar as he at last took a comfortable seat at his favorite spot in all the Reef. The chair made firm with support by the aid of the towering ship's mast that served as an almost nation flag of the Deep Company's sovereign claim upon the coast.

In a way, they were a dying breed. Truly lawless outlaws without fear of consequences and unbound by morality or tradition, ushered forth in the pursuit of dark progress and freedom at the end of the day.

Freedom was all that mattered in the end; whether middle aged or ancient.

"I've thought greatly upon the Deep Company's future in Esshar, and it occurs to me that this is the best place for the worst sort of people in Esshar to assemble if the location was actually defendable. I think the Kraken can ensure the sovereignty of our claim while we build a larger infrastructure here."

The Captain would gesture with his massive hands at that, his flowing, inky shadows appearing to compel a small octopus to climb up his form in an ungainly, obviously necromantic manner to place a fresh cigar in his mouth while he kept his arms crossed against his chest.

The true synergy of pure, shadowy malevolence, laziness, and necroratsy. The ideal.

"At first, I only worked for this to return my brother to life. But in a way, if all goes to plan....we could ensure the establishment of a free territory for our dark arts and mad science for a hundred years to come."
(Maertock Reave)
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 There was a sigh from the elder Razuka. His hands stained in dirt as he held a chunk of blue mercury in hand. Upon it, scribed etched letters.

PEPPERJACK GUTTERRUNNER
1806-1823

The hooded Fleshcrafter barely responded as he stared at the stone, finally putting it away to look over at the Sirenian. A pause as he contemplated and debated. Over the words to say, over his own feelings. A thought upon all that transpired recently.

"Trik agree-agree. Achyon-city has failed Razuka-kin, put bounty on Peppy-spawn. Let-let some man-thing kill Trik grand-spawn."

Of course, there was no desire to bring her back to life. SHe lived and died, as many did before. Her rest was earned. The defilement of his art would never grace her form. Peppy had earned her rest.

"Trik think Cabal-cult should be made-created. Something to help-aid all that seek to learn-perform such arts. Far from hypocrisy-lies of surface-cities.

But first-first, Trik have to find-seek a killer and punish-torture."

A broken rat, with a heart of rage and fury. The hopes of a new generation dashed and the light gouged from their eyes.
(Trik Gutterrunner)
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Maertock would take a long drag from his cigar before deigning to speak, the necrosharkster clicking his rows of serrated teeth together with an almost mournful gesture. It was a difficult thing to manifest after Murtock's death, but the remnants of old sorrow burrowed deep with bitter nostalgia.

"They were always squares. Leibos knew that right from the start, and he was the keenest reaver this side of the goddamn sea. He knew Esshar was bad money, left while the getting's were good and he was only a bit maimed."

The Captain would dredge his clawed, gold ringed digits into the depths of the flowing, inky shadows that manifested his being, taking a long dreg from a dusty bottle of Valmasian brandy before emptying out entirely over the sand and stone.

"To Pepperjack Gutterrunner; may her path beyond give her peace as those she left behind find vengeance. The dead god's forte is retribution Master Gutterrunner, and you have served his aims without a single oath necessary. It will be done by his dark tides."

The Captain of the Deep Company would nod firmly at that, patting his master with a student's support for their old teacher, the shadow shark recalling a time when he was far younger in a cabin some two decades back.

"And you are right. We meet with Nidaz soon, and then I believe we must discuss the establishment of the Triumvirate. Us three; necromancer, necroratster, and necrosharkster, will ensure the next generation's mastery of the dark arts and determined, free whimsy to do as they please rivals none."

The shark would cackle as he leaned back his chair with tentacles of shadow supporting it keenly.

"This dreadful port will be the beginning of many dark legends, I can tell already."
(Maertock Reave)
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 It was hard to tell if Trik's mourning was over genuine sorrow at his granddaughter dying or at the loss of such a potent experiment. A gnaw upon the engraved stone as it was pulled out from his robes to sate his growing nerves.

Esshar was truly an awful place. There was no hope for those beyond a lucky few. Mostly those that resided in ivory towers of their own hypocrisy. Osrona was ran by those that would oppress his ilk, and Achyon had clearly turned their back on his progeny.

A free port was his only hope. That or return to the depths of the sewers, crafting his own hidden city to reside and spend the last of his mournful days in.

"Yes-yes, to Pepperjack-spawn. Trik's favorite of all experiment-tests. Trik had considered-regarded a failure, left in bin with other failed spawn-tests.

Trik found after week-time, survived off flesh of weak-pathetic spawn-kin. Reminded Trik of young day-times. Let wander-roam to grow as Trik did but..."

A heavy sigh, a shake of his head. He knew that Peppy was in trouble, but the rat was unable to move in time to save her. To put forth schemes upon schemes to save her from what came.

And when he found the body?

He knew all he needed of the killer. Unfortunately, all corroborating evidence was with the Academy. A group that would rather kill him than ever help.

"A safe-secure haven for Razuka-kin and Fish-pirates. Much better than foul-wretched surface-cities."
(Trik Gutterrunner)
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 Maertock would whistle the mournful tune of Leave Her Murty as he leaned back in his chair, the fourty something shadow shark turning his icy blue eyes to the cold sky of Esshar. What a strange journey it had been; and yet he'd come out of it with barely a scar while the rest of them had died.

Perhaps he had been the bad luck all along. The omen. The dreadful thing that led to the rest of their dooms. But he wouldn't stop there; there were dues that requires taking, souls that requires sinking, and the Mori's debt was abyssally deep.

"A true survivor from the very beginning. They say you get tested all along life's long river, but everyone hits a bump at some point along the way. It sounds like Pepperjack went down fighting the same as she began; a true Razuka with a ferocious desire for life."

The Captain would nod lightly at that, taking another firm drag from his cigar as minty smoke rose from his dry, burn scarred gills as he grimaced with memory of his old rival Haruki.

"A place where they can grow as their own, free beasts. Not indoctrinated by the Cogs to be their walls of meat, not held up as shields by the nobility with declarations of hollow honor in hollow graves."

Maertock would spit upon the ground at that.

"A dark utopia, one might say. Not a true city, but a port with the ultimate defense. Devised by the finest engineers we can gather from those that will one day inherit this free haven."

The Captain would nod softly.

"It could be rather fun. The more hands, the more brains are remembering their work on this chironic, accursedly dreadful project."
(Maertock Reave)
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 Trik had his usual piece of blue mercury in hand. Well worn and jagged, he gnawed upon it once more. Dirt fell from his hands as he grunted at the Shark. It was clear Peppy had tried her best to survive.

And by her expression, it was clear the killer was well known to her. One might have considered this mysterious stranger a friend in her eyes.

And it made Trik all the more bitter. At least when he sought to betray and backstab, it was people he never truly liked. Friendship was all he ever had.

"Yes-yes. A fine port-city. Trik will have to bring-drag student-learners into this. The knowledge-secrets sought will only get in trouble with others. A new batch for the crew of fish-pirates."

A pause, considering he likely could guess at who killed Peppy.

"Trik need to make sure-sure student-learners understand. For Tri kto teach-show any more... must be willing to forsake surface-cities. To align-ally only the shape-molders of Flesh-meats.

To make sure only ally-friends are others. No betrayal-scheming... at least, none lethal-kill."
(Trik Gutterrunner)
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Maertock would nod lightly at that as he leaned old, rusty Saltspite over his shoulder. The dread blade had proven cursed nigh to uselessness in most of his battles; but as a master of curses and shadows himself he was certain that it was entirely possible he could reforge the curse with Duniya's aid in reforging Saltspite.

"That has always been our code. My crew is my family, and there's a lot to reave out of this world. When Mori and Blight take over down the line, they'll have plenty to work with to keep your people safe. The kraken will mock their false god in the coglands with a dead demigod of the deep."

That was easily the coolest alliteration Maertock was likely to ever make.

"You know your students best; I'm sure you'll convince them the benefits of freedom and organization over enslaving themselves to cogs and stars."
(Maertock Reave)
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 Did he know his students all that well?

Questionable but Trik didn't care too much about that. All that mattered was what could happen. What he could use to lure them forth. After all, opportunities were always present. It was just a matter of seizing them.

"Trik agree-agree. Never liked Barsburg-empire, like Achyon-city less. Just like Osrona-city, but with different paint-colors. Just need to teach-show more at Academy-building. Maybe build-make weapon to kill-kill gods... or steal-take powers."

A pause as he looked over the horizon.

"Trik might pay visit-trip. Just skulk-saunter into middle, demand to speak-chat with leaders about death of Peppy-kin. Shame all man-things for such... failure-weakness."
(Trik Gutterrunner)
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 Maertock would tip his cursed, whispering tricorn hat in salute to his mentor at that, clicking his rows of serrated teeth together as mulled upon all that had transpired in the two decades that had passed since their landing.

It had been a strange road. But never an unworthy one.

"Killing a god sounds like a perfectly reasonable idea for an insane rat. I'm in, the boys will be too. The Deep Company has no fear of sinking; the dead god favors the bold along with fortune."

The Captain would nod firmly at that.

"A good visit never hurts. I might try myself to go speak with Amelia. She did offer long ago to consider the matter..."
(Maertock Reave)
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 A visit? That would be something interesting. Then again, if the two of them walked into the Academy, all of Osrona and Achyon would descend upon them to end the threat they represented.

Especially together.

After all, almost all of Achyon's ills could be traced to the hunched Razuka. His mere existence an affront to the Moxtli and Osrona. The art he delved deep into? Something that all knew to be dark beyond compare, darker than the witches for nothing held his leash.

Only his own will.

"Trik plans to murder-kill Asena. Steal-take the power and use it to make all man-things Razuka-kin.

Perhaps if Trik not mention-say last part, many would help-aid for sake of murder-kill a god-deity. Might mention-speak of during next class. More to tempt-lure of student-learners."
(Trik Gutterrunner)
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Later that day
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Dear Master Nidaz,

It's has been far too long. Much has changed, and there is much to discuss. A project of grave import and immense potential for necromancy has come up, and I believe it's at last time for the triumvirate to assemble in full.

Master Trik mourns his granddaughter Peppy, but he lives in the cave beside my landing where our dark arts are best manifested in the shadows. I eagerly await your arrival, there is plenty to do.

Sincerely,
Maertock
 Maertock would await the arrival of his old mentor with patient countenance as he leaned back against his favored seat at the reef. The Captain of the Deep Company had many irons in the fire, but one set stood above all the rest at the end of the day. The dark calling that had beckoned for years.

"Master Nidaz, it is good to see you again. As handsomely dressed as ever; I have always thought all black properly represents one's necromantic insinuation."

The Captain of the Deep Company would chuckle darkly at that, shaking his head steadily as he gestured to an empty stool with a light hum.

"Before we discuss the matters at hand, how has the last decade in Achyon treated you? I admit, it has been hard to keep tabs with Matryona seizing control and kicking my brood out of town."
(Maertock Reave)
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After the speeches in the square, Nidaz was finally gone! Where thanks to his greeeet skills, he quickly reached the beach of the pirates, along with the group of undeads that accompanied him.

Just as expected.

Seeing his apprentice sitting alone there, the man quickly approached, descending from the air and extending his hand to him. Even though Maertock was one of Achyon's many enemies, he was not one of Nidaz's! After all, fleshcrafters help each other, they are a family..

And Nidaz learned to never betray his family.

"It is a pleasure to be able to see you again, my dear Maertock, unfortunately the policy of our due groups prevented us from meeting more easily.

But without further ado! We are here now.

I think we just need to wait for Trik now, correct?" He would say, smiling briefly as he went to sit on the stool.

His gaze would fall on the structure next to them, which unfortunately he never had the opportunity to see properly.. But not a problem right now!

"And well, so far everything is going well, thanks to my connections with Luca. I managed to work properly on my projects, but I must follow certain rules imposed to ensure the safety of the city.

As it was expected.

But it's not something that bothers me very much." He would shrug, looking at the Siren, "Besides, I intend to see if I can start a relationship with a certain noble woman of the city..

Which I admire for years.. But I will probably fail, like many times before. So.. Yes! Everything is going well.

What about you, have you been well my dear friend?" After talking a little about himself, he would finally drop a question for his apprentice.

Now, he would remain silent awaiting an answer.
(Nidaz)
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 Maertock would chuckle lightly at that, snapping a finger as his own ensemble of dessicated, bloated with rot sea creatures dredged across the ivory sands in a macabre march. The necrosharkster was nothing if not a showman at the end of the day; even being in his fourties couldn't change that.

"If things went my way, there'd have been no trouble 'tween us and the cogs. But Matryona usurped Luca's classy mantle, and tried her best to destroy my relations with the city from the very start. I fear Don Docro has grown too old to manage actual influence upon the city's ruling party; a shame as it might be considering our mutual love of fashionable dressing. A reminder that thick heads should have no bearing over great minds."

The shadow shark would click his rows of serrated teeth at that.

"But way I see it, only way Achyon will be the place we want it to be is when the old order's dead and gone. That'sthe kind of thing I can work on over the long term; steadily trickle our way to placing the necromancers back at the top where they belong."

The Captain would whistle softly at that.

"Or better yet, establishing a dark free haven where the limits of dark magic are not bound by the convenience of bureaucracy, not limited by resources or taboo."

Maertock would nod at that.

"The kraken's raising could be the key. I have a chiron shard still, and the titan awaits to be worked on. Us three could guide the next generation of dark magisters into free practice of the black arts; not forced to serve smug nobility's selfish aims."

The Captain would gesture to Nidaz at that.

"And this success would probably make any man at least fifty percent more attractive to all women from a dark lord scale."

A snap of his finger, and from the sand rose a sea of shadows that beckoned forth nothing less than a desiccated, yet well maintained by moisture colossus of a kraken corpse the size of a battleship.
(Maertock Reave)
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 Maertock Reave says, "Take a seat Mori."
 Maertock Reave says, "This is my old master Nidaz, a master necromancer."
 Mori Reave says, "I-....thought ya' were robbin' him ta' be honest."
 Maertock Reave says, "Shocking, I know."
 Maertock Reave says, "But there is much he could teach you."
 Crossing his legs and leaning against the table, the man would listen carefully to Maertock's words. Apparently, it wasn't just Nidaz who had thoughts relevant to changing the world.. Future projects!

Fabulous.

While speaking, the siren could easily feel the man's presence right at his side, which was something really abnormal, which would clearly send a chill down the spine of those present! Cosmic energy, but an dark and empty one.

It didn't looked like the presence of the stars.. But the space between them.

At the end of Maertock's speech, the man would nod and then take the time to speak, "Truly, I must agree! And I think that the changes will start very, very soon.

Mhm!

I have countless projects in mind, where I also have something to ask for your help.. Soon, I will venture out into the icy tundras to the north, in search of a colossal being..

A Dragon.

To be more exact, the body of one, which was really gigantic and died many ages ago! After fiding it, I will revive it and use its powers.." An smile would come to his face yet again, as he spoke, "And we can do that, as soon as we finish your project!

That is, revive your Kraken.

Clearly its resurrection can bring enormous renown, power and dangerous positions against us too, from those of Esshar. Can it get us into trouble? Obviously!

But nothing is changed without risk, correct? So yes, I will help you with this!" He would add even more, his voice sounding hoarse but firm in his words.

His eye would deviate towards the empty seat, apparently Trik would not come, at least not soon. Even so, Nidaz would continue the meeting, "Trik has already started his teachings for the youth of the academy, I think that soon we will be able to have new apprentices.

New Fleshcrafters!

The more, the better to help us." That said, he would nod firmly to Maertock, before remaining silent.
(Nidaz)
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 Where one would find the odd things of the night, The reef? In all its beauty was not empty. Sure, He'd have liked to poke more fun at the monsters of the mire but things did end up becoming...dull. Almost dangerously dull.

Yet he had a mission, to cook! But upon seeing his Uncle and another figure present, one that was apparently his Uncle's, all with fresh chocolate.

Though one of those chocolates seemed to just reek of sweetness. But that wasn't here or now....what was more apparent? Was the fact that Mori simply stared at the two of them.


Clear confusion and mouth agape. He almost forgot that his uncle had that...
"Da' fuck am I witnessin'..."
(Mori Reave)
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 Maertock would pour a tall glass of Valmasian Brandy for the pair of necromancers before sipping comfortably at his own, a fresh cigar placed in his rows of serrated teeth with a spark of flame as a long drag was taken. Minty smoke practically slithered like serpents in a bundle from his dry, reddened gills, and it was clear the fourty something fish was rather content with the option.

"That's why I always liked you Master Nidaz; you get what I throw at you without needing to repeat myself. Quite so, there's plenty a powerful association of reavers at a free port could do to aid and preserve your rise within Achyon. That time will come; there's already many apprentices of Trik's being instructed by him; I've helped in some lessons of his and I have no doubt the three of us can do more."

The Captain would gesturew with his clawed digits with another cackle of satisfaction.

"I've taken down the apex predator of the sea, seems only right we go after what was an apex predator of the sky. We're family Nidaz, and you're Deep Company. You've got my sword and my boys. Don't worry; let's call it unofficial membership so you can keep your cover in Achyon."

Maertock would whistle softly at that.

"I had a plan too for the infamy we'll bring down on our heads. You see, if we make this thing the ultimate defense, the greatest living fortress; we don't just make a weapon. We establish whatever we build upon this beach as a free haven; unassailable and nigh unsiegable. With Trik's Razukan students aiding with the artificing load, we'll be able to fit as many cannons as there are foot lengths of tentacles and beyond!"

Another loud bark of laughter at that.

"Naturally, my nephews are also on hand to help you in any of your dark pursuits. The cave behind us is a good place to handle work subtletly and meet others without worrying about leering eyes. But most importantly, family doesn't lack a place to crash."

A key tossed on a silver ring to old Nidaz with a flash of his wide, serrated grin.

"The old quartermaster cabin. It's yours now, feel free to make it cozy my friend."
(Maertock Reave)
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 Upon noticing the presence of one more person in the place, the man would wave to the young siren. Such a person who had already been seen by the necromancer, but which he did not interact much, beyond a few exchanging of glances..

Like most people who saw Nidaz these day, unfortunately.

In addition, apparently Maertock already had a number of things planned in mind, both to offer Nidaz and to deal with future problems, "I thank you for all of that, Maertock, where I intend to use the cabin! For sure." He would speak, taking the keys as they were flung towards him.

He would place these into his pockets, before continuing to speak, "Anyway! Since I was young, I have learned that family is everything and that we should not betray those who are part of it.

Never.

Therefore, I am willing to offer my knowledge and everything else which I have, at your disposal on an equal basis, as it is the least I can give.

I intend to continue with my position in Achyon and maybe in the future with the change in the leadership of the place, in this case, with the change of the Coucil members.. Which can always happen, I might be able to change our situation and also offer a place for you there.

If you want, that is." That said, he would nod to Maertock and his nephew, who seemed willing to help.

At least, by the captain's words.

"And well, if we can find the creature, bringing both the Dragon and the Kraken to 'life', it will be possible to complete such objectives.

Truly.

In addition to them, I also have my creation, my son.. Mistakes! He can be of help in the future." Concluding his speech, he would fall silent.

Unfortunately it seemed that Mistakes was in a state of deep numbness, but who knows.. He might soon wake up? Only time could tell.

And time was what Nidaz had to spare.
(Nidaz)
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 An ever so grimacing look of suspicion lingered on the face of the young pirate. Another Fleshcrafter? There were things he wasn't exactly proud of, but that? Was something truthfully beyond him. But seeing as he was being spoken of without truly being represented for? Then, and only then did he speak.

"Y'know- Uncle ya' shouldn't just volunteer me on ya' own accord. That bein' said however...if he's becomin' family? Then Course i'm willin' ta' help. Just...let me know ahead of time ya' know?" A half shrug before a curt nod was given towards Nidaz. Did his Uncle mention his name? Probably not...

"Names Mori. And yes, I was named after da' deep one. But-...What knowledge do ya' have ta' offer anyway? I'm needin'....better lessons than da' academy is currently offerin'. Which is extremely little. Save fer how ta' not get murdered by a murderer." Another shrug before a glance was given towards Lenalla. Shark toothed grin given before nodding once again before snapping his fingers in truth.

"Oh! Uncle, da' ya' got anythin' special lingerin' in da' Sirenian capital? I'm takin' a few people I consider part of ma' crew ta' rob it in da' comin' months."
(Mori Reave)
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Lenalla had been doing her daily routines, wake up, float over to the table, probably find Maertock already asleep, then do so herself after having some drinks.

Now that her center of gravity was finally fixed, she could relax in pea...oh shit Blight! Did Blight ever get back? Fuck, best stay silent for now, especially when she saw that the captain had company.

A two finger salute was given towards Maertock, Mori, and Nidaz...wait Nidaz?! Lenalla spun her revolver and pointed it towards the fleshcrafter.

"Oi ya finally came our way ya salty skeever, ya know how long I've been waiting fer lessons? At least a feckin decade!"

Pausing, she realized this was either a family or business moment, so she awkwardly cleared her throat and took a free seat, awaiting what was to be said.
(Lenalla)
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 Maertock would chuckle at the responses of NBidaz and Mori, clicking his rows of serrated teeth together once more as he clapped his hands together with satisfaction. All was going to plan for the old men, of that at least there was no doubt.

"If we can take Achyon in the right hands, my brother in undeath? I'll make the Deep Company its goddamn navy. Long as we work for no one but our own aims and progress, ain't nothing can get in the way."

The Captain would cackle at that.

"You'll have all the support a family offers here at this coast. And your aims to seize the council will have our support too my friend. Welcome home, in a sense."

Maertock would whistle.

"That is all for now, I'll let Mori pick your brain."
(Maertock Reave)
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 The necromancer's almost mechanical gaze would stray away from Maertock, going towards the young Siren who spoke to him, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mori.. My name is Nidaz, Councilman of Achyon and Leader of the Fleshcrafters.

And well, my knowledge starts from more mundane things such as medicine, fleshcrafting and then things that go beyond the knowledge that even Osrona has about the stars..

Years of research and study.." He comments briefly, his gaze turning towards the night sky.

Then.. More people arrived!

And well, apparently not everyone knew about Nidaz's relationship with Maertock, because now this person came to them and pointed a gun at the necromancer! But well, that was a good sign, that the secret was being kept..

Even if there was a gun pointed at him.

He would look Siren in the eye and then calmly reply, "This is due to delicate policies, we don't always get what we want unfortunately!

But.. I think that now it will be something possible to happen, so we can now organize a day for your classes!

Don't worry." With the answer given, he would then look towards Maertock yet again!

"Not exactly.. 'Seize control', but just an improvement in management, as there are many who say they are open-minded, but it is very much the contrary.

This is what I intend to change.

In addition to other things, but which will take years of work! But one day I hope to see it finished.." When he finished speaking, he would fold his arms and then face Mori, to wait for his questions.
(Nidaz)
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 There was a slight pursing of the orca whales lips in truth before tilting his head. What things at the academy that they didn't truly teach? Then it dawned on him. One thing that was truly important.

"Ya' said ya' got Knowledge beyond what Osrona knows about da' stars...what type of knowledge would ya' have on that persay? Da' academy has no Cosmos teacher. And I refuse ta' learn hog-wash." Words picked up from a certain razuka but they still had the meaning of his tone.

"If Ya' got somethin' along da' lines of that fer knowledge? Then consider ya'self constantly buffed fer lessons on that. I need somethin' ta' hold ma' attention anyway...Bah."

Spitting into the grass as he nursed his own cancer stick before turning his gaze towards the ocean. He'd free em. Even if it costed his life.


The deep would be free.
(Mori Reave)