[Post here first] Eastern Naval Checkpoint

ゴゴゴ  -Menacing-

Sailing from the East is a series of three ships. All of the ships are unremarkable, baring no naval weapons. They're rather large transport ships, no doubt for loading various imports and exports, with clean white sails, and an experienced naval crew.

Only one ship approaches the naval checkpoint, and an old man of some expertise hollers over from the side of the ship. "Ahoy there," he says joyously, "I am Dorman Bovar, here to speak on behalf of the Northwestern Trading Company."

Through inspection, nothing of note can be found. The only weapons on the ship belong to the skilled Varan warriors who work and maintain the trading vessel.

The sailors are allowed onboard but will find nothing worth note, other than the Varans' weapons. The Varan seaman stand tall and proud, very nordic, and are good hardy bunch. They're seafaring warriors from the lands of Asgeir, seeking employment with the NTC.

Dorman Bovar, being the wealthy business man he is, displays a brilliant composure in front of Sterling, shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you too, Mr. Navire," he says gleefully. "As I've said, my name is Dorman Bovar. I'm a representative of the Northwestern Trading Company. Our goal is to expedite trade all across the Overworld. We bring cultures together, spread ideas, and ship some of the finest goods from the furthest of empires. We're backed by the wealthiest clan in Asgeir: the Vinar, and are supported most prominently by the Kingdoms of Asgeir and Atlanticus."

Dorman continues. "This is how it all works. We build, or buy, a warehouse here in your lands. Goods are purchased in bulk from here, stored in the warehouse, and then transported to our other warehouses in the rest of the world. Likewise, goods from other regions are brought here, stored in the warehouse, and then sold to your own people at slighter higher rates, which is how we make our profits - a percentage of which goes to you."

Dorman motions for one of his seamen to come over. He's a tall, stout man, with long blonde hair and nordic blue eyes. "See Sven here? He's a Varan - like meself. Nowhere else in this world will you find such a strong, capable, young man. They're some of the greatest seafaring explorers the world has to offer, and are damn good warriors to boot. Honest, durable, and loyal. They've been exploring and colonizing the world for many centuries, and their martial spirit is highly sought after by the other kingdoms. Who better than to handle your wares?"

"Beautiful. Peaceful, quiet. Great progress lately," the captain said. "We're here with greetings from Medan. We have a diplomat on board who'd like to discuss trade agreements."

"Yosh, of course. Search as you prease, Cargo is theesaway." The man would go with someone to the cargo. Cargo included trade good such as Rice, Tuna, Ginger and a couple other goods and spices packed in crates or barrels.

The dead body had a sheet draped over it as an attempt to shield it from the flies buzzing around it. Upon searching the body of the young Katashiman man there'd be nothing hidden away. The cause of his untimely death seemed to be a nasty wound on the side of it head, as if something spiked through it. Another crew member was nearby reinforcing a damaged part of the hull, the guards could question them.

The man looks over to the guard while continuing work, spreading tar in the spaces. "Stupid kid. There was storm. He pay no mind. Hook swing wild, stab him in head."

The hook he referred to was the one attached to the fishing crane attached to the ship. It swayed from side to side in the wind on it's chain squeaking eerily.

ゴ    ゴ     ゴ

The first guy says to the guards investigating the cargo, "Everything all okay, yes? You say where our ship go."

"Ah nice-a nice-a, very nice-a. Arigatou gozaimasu." The man bows. The Katashiman ship would follow the schooner to port.

Hidden down in the cargo the ultimate insect, Aria Vespera, destined lady over all lesser creatures, lay in wait. Unknown to the Gaudlish men, all the crew on the Katashiman vessel were already dead; zombies under the control of Aria using her bugs.

The actual truth of what happened was all her. The young man who's body was under the sheet was in reality stabbed by one of Aria's spider-like appendages. All damage on the ship was cause of the battle against her. Aria was now on her way to a new country which she would bring a new era of fear.

<Exit to Bayonne Harbor>

Captain Navire looks down at the little skiff tied to the back of the Medanese ship.

"Oh, hello there. Yes, we'll tow you. Just a moment. We need to check your...uh...boat for contraband. Just a formality. Pull up alongside."

If Silva pulls up alongside Navire's schooner, the captain himself climbs down onto the little skiff and pokes about.

"So...what brings you here on such a tiny craft? Wouldn't it have been easier to pay for passage on a larger ship?"

Navire stares at the strange man suspiciously.

"Uh...sure. Whatever you say. We can't tow you in, we gotta stay here. Just row yourself or get towed by one of the other ships."

The captain hands Silva a stamped document and sends him on his way, scratching his head.

"The things you see in this line of work..."