::Cough:: Well, yes this is roleplay, and probably in very bad taste, but if this doesn't fit, you can remove it. ::Cough::


Lord Bunkersfield, 2nd Granger Cuirassiers (Household Cavalry).
Killed in dismounted melee atop the Great Heron Battery. Struck in the breastplate by two pound canon-ball. Heavy casualties on both sides sustained, though battle ultimately lost.

Lord Cornsbrook and Simon Smithstandish, Son of Lord Cravensbough, commanding the 1st and 3rd Harmonian Hussars respectively.
Killed by heavy artillery from atop the Battery in an earlier, aborted cavalry assualt. Most of force captured or killed.

Lord Haversham of the 6th Rifles.
Crippled while skirmishing across ford on Doe River ahead of Infantry force destined for an assault on the Battery, both legs sheared of at mid thigh by inprovised mine in riverbank.

Lord Kintyre, (Clan) Radcliffe Highlanders.
Blinded while unit fought in a local graveyard, successfully deflecting Heron sneak attack on main Harmonian base.

Lord MacTavish, (Clan) Watson Highlanders.
Killed in successful Heron assault upon outer defenses of Harmonian Base.

Captain George McGiure (Commoner), 16th Fusiliers.
Killed upon ramparts of main base fending off force of enemy grenadiers scaling the walls. Cause of death is, unsurprisingly, a grenade.


And if anyone is curious, we're the ones in the Pumpkin orange and Forest green uniforms, while the Herons and Choco's are in the Red and Dark brown uniforms.

Anyone else got any casualties I missed, either aristocratic or common? We'll need it for the roll for the big, gaudy Mass State Funeral. Gun carriages and everything.

Well I'm no war expert, but I do sometimes use the war analogy when thinking of this battle.

We know that Harry and Hermione were taken as POW's by the enemy and have not been let go since the war ended in July as far as we know. Their whereabouts are unknown.

I myself was almost fatally wounded but I have been brought back to full health and am surviving.

There have been quite a few deaths of our most highly esteemed comrades. They were our strongest recruiters. (People like Gwendy and Kate J. Don't know what happened to them) They were killed during the Battle of the Half Blood Prince and the Battle of the IoD. They will be sorely missed.

HMS Harmony is officially shot down, but luckily all survivors are taking refuge on HMS Fandom. Many thanks to the members of that crew for their hospitality.

We are curently rebuilding our ship from scratch and will set sail immediately after rebuilding is complete.

Oh, and just out of curiosity, where do those names come from? Do they have some kind of meaning?

Well... first i'll admit that Bunkersfield comes from a slurred pronounciation from the film "Muppet Treasure Island", where Tim Currys Long John Silver displays an unusual talent for fire-and-brimstone preaching after he's given the black spot by his own mob for leading them to an apparently empty cache of treasure. "Heatin' his pokers fer ya!" wherein the last three words were a bit... blurred to me, and I decided to use it.

The other neames and lordships were made to be A: Alphabetical and B: 'Nobbish' sounding.

Bunkersfield, by the way, was the only one of the fictional officers not to buy his commision, which I discovered was a major source of the unnessecary heroics in the Crimean theatre among British ranks. And to nobs, heroics means blood and massive casualties that count as glorious victories as long as at least one more of the other side gets conked then ours.

Also, the last name, Mcguire, is a take off on one of the Agents I'm writing for the PPC (Protectors of the Plot Continuum). He's going to be quite crazy, which is sort of an unwritten requirement and/or symptom. He loses a leg and an eye in the Heron's storming of the Main base after his bunkie and agent partner goes into Mcguires home fanverse and rescues him from the ramparts, earning the partner the Hermione Cross (takeoff on Victoria Cross) because he was in the uniform at the time (disguise generator on the portal).

And it is a strange bit of Trivia that The Radcliffe and Watson Highlanders are the only regiments in the army that are segregated in any form, in this case my sex, wherein the Radcliffes are male and the Watsons are female, and all are Dan/Emma 'shippers first.

Just to explain... oh, and I am regretful to say that the Emerald Otter was pretty much blown to pieces in the battle off the coast. Luckily, I was able to share a raft that the ships rats had prepared for just such an occasion. Smart little buggers.

Just don't ask where they are now. *Picks something out of top incissors*

i'm rather amused that those who call themselves the hamonious ship have participated in so much battle
casualities in my own group are unfortunately high, i'm afraid i lost my two of sisters- both scouts- to the herons, while i myself have found refuge among the forests of fandom

I feel your pain. My poor friend, once a great warrior, was brutally canon-raped and killed by the Herons and JKR...She will be missed....

i'm sorry for your loss, on the plus side there's still the future generation to bring up into battle, to quote john paul jones 'we have not yet begun to fight!'

You know... I think I have an idea where Harry and Hermione are.

The scene shifts to night, onboard a ship that looks suspiciously like the Black Pearl from the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie. It's crew rushes aboard hauling plunder from the longboats while, in the background, the cannons pound shot into a coastal fort. Two figures, bound and hooded, are being pushed towards the backquarters by a couple of over-eagers. Suddenly, the massive hulk of the bosun looms in the way.

Bosun: I didn't know we was takin' on captives.

Over-eager #1: These are special. We thought the Cap'n would want to see 'em personal-like.

Prisoner #1 (Male): And we demand that your captain cease...

The bosun twirls his pike and raps the figure where his forehead would be with the butt.

Bosun: You will speak when spoken to.

Suddenly, a hand grasps the shaft of the pike directly below the blade.

Captain Spartz: And you will not lay a hand on any prisoner what comes aboard this ship except under my order.

Bosun: Aye Sir.

The captain snatches off the hoods from his captives, revealing Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, otherwise known as Lord and Lady Potter, Harmonian royalty.

Spartz: Well now, isn't this interesting?

Spins around to look at his crew and back at Harry and Hermione

Spartz: Seeing as we have royalty aboard, we can at least hear their petition, can't we?

The crew nods their heads, although some warily

Spartz: As you were saying... your majesties?

Hermione steps forward

Hermione: Captain Spartz, we demand that you cease all attack on Fort Hallows and our soldiers.

Spartz: Well, that's the dilemma, queenie. The crew chuckles We were promised to be paid quite handsomly to sail here and blow your little fort to peices.

He ponders for a second

Spartz: But I believe that we've found something that will make up for any shine they deny us for leaving early, plus the ten percent cut of our swag they'll take.

He turns to the bosun.

Spartz: Turn our rudder to his hellhole and prepare to shove off!

Bosun: Still the guns and stow 'em!

Spartz begins walking away, to which Harry becomes agitated.

Harry: What about us!

Spartz turns back around.

Spartz: You, my lord, are the reason we are agreeing to spare your men. The money we'll get when we hand you over to the Weasleys will probably set us up for life.

Welcome to the Good Ship ™, your highnesses.

Detrius that is possibly one of the most intruiging things i have read in quite some time and now i've been bitten by a plot bunny and my mind is spinning with possibilities, i'm shivering just looking at it, please please let me have permission to use this in a possibly fic in the future!

Hang on, i'm a Redcoat, but also a Harmonian. Go Figure. XD

Sir Doober, Viscount of the Noodle's at your service.
And look, I even have a
coat of arms (Of sorts)

~Mart
Association of Crowned Forces
Got to love Re-enactment, eh?

Permission granted Crewman Nerd. It does a heart good to see roleplaying take on strange and interesting new twists.

And sniper.... (looks 'im over)... well, the equipment and pose are right , but the uniforms gotta be changed. If you didn't have white britches instead of brown, you'd be mistaken for a Heron in proper fifth book uniform!

Tricorns and light coloured britches were the standard dress of the OotP battle fields, replaced by stovepipe shakos and a slightly darker uniform overall by HBP.

DH, on the other hand, was a complete paradigm shift from the past, as the Crimean war was from the Napoleonic. Artillery was going in two directions: small field pieces that one horse would have no trouble towing, and immense battary guns used for blind firing at a general area. The percussion cap allowed more reliable guns, and rifling was almost universal. Ships were propelled by steam turbines turning side-wheels, and ranks of guns were replaced with immense cannons on mechanically rotating turrents.

After HBP, harmonian casualties were at record highs, mostly due to Heron usage of guerilla tactics. But... we never lost whole regiments. We won a few skirmishes, But I think this war made "the famous last stand" a matter of course.

Detritus (makes a salute to you)Lt. thewall28304 at your service. I was one of the brave soldiers who fought in the great war and didn't lay down arms despite the outcome of the battle of DH. I almost deserted after the battle of IOD until my captain had to slap some sense into me that I had to hold the fort at all costs. I offer my services in rebuilding our ship,so that we can recruit soldiers new to the cause. Despite loosing a number of casualties on our side,I'm glad to see the majority of our soldiers fought bravely and didn't surrender to the Good Ship. What's our next plan of action and how can we rescue Lord and Lady Potter from the enemy?

Very good question that.

First, Spartz broke the golden rule of shipper wars: "Leave the couple out of it." And as such, he has violated the 'Code'... meaning we can go after him with everything we can muster.

It's the mustering that's the hard part.

In alliance with the Fire&Icers and the Red Mooners, I suggest we make overtures towards the Viktor/Hermione and Harry/Luna shippers, stressing the values of respect, friendship, loyalty, and non creepy romantic interest in order to convince them to lend ships and men to a rescue effort.. and, when we find him, nail Emersons scaley hide to his own mizzenmast!

The ships will likely be old: old sail-powered frigates and ships of the line that have been decommisioned since HBP at least. It's crews made up of whoever will sign up to bolster our ranks of sailors; thieves and beggers like in the song. The large ones (ships) wil advance through a magically generated fog toward the Good Ship and make a show of cannonfire to keep them engaged. While distracted, one or two pirate sloops will pull up on the opposite side, throw grapels and planks, perform a boarding action, and with all luck rescue our Lord and Lady from a life of pleasure slavery and domestic servitude.

Actually... *puts on ratty tricorn hat with roses ringed around inside the brim* I'll volunteer myself and any interested lads for one of the sloops: The Secret Rose... guess what it's named for.

(performs salute) thank you captain detritus for your permission and i apologize for not introducing myself properly the first time
Private Kitty D. S. Nerd of Rappalaya reporting for duty
may i also suggest we open communication with the neville/ginny shippers? and of course some of the lily/james shippers may be willing to make sure that our Lord and Lady return home safely

(writes something on clipdoard)

(muttering) Prvt. Nerd... Rappalaya Regiment.

(normally) Well, that seems to be in order. Welcome to the [i]Secret Rose, the most prestigious Harmonian privateer ever to sail without colours... which was commissioned yesterday. In case you missed the innuendo, this sloop sails under the belief that Rose Weasley is not, in fact, a Weasley at all.

I was thinking about the name Mongoose, for the second sloop, an animal that looks like a weasel but isn't.

As for the other ships, it is under strong consideration.

Oh... (gives Nerd tricorn hat ringed with roses, hat is in slightly better condition than mine) All officers wear these, if you don't mind.

(Begins to worry)

Although I hope the Heron hasn't met up with them yet.

Didn't I mention the Heron? No? Well then, let me elaborate.

It's not an especially interesting ship... nearly identical to the Harmony before she had her back broken by some Heron admirals fascination with underater explosives... But to sink a ship made entirely of iron and teak, one 400 feet long , with a screw propeller to compliment her rigging, rows of breachloading rifled cannon and two turrents for "der BIG BOYS" up top, one has to wonder just what kind of explosives the enemy has in their arsenal.

But don't worry... Emersons craft is an old OotP frigate... wooden, sail powered, smoothbore guns. As long as we catch him before he makes the delivery, this should be easy.

love the hat and yes i understood the reference, are we to rescue the possible princess as well as our Lord and his Lady? or is that a bit beyond our resources as of yet?

also i need a physical description on what you want your character to look like, here's what i have in the story now- i tweaked your original stuff just a bit
Here's what i have so far


In a land so far away that almost no one knows how to reach it, there is a small country called Harmony. People of all ages, race and gender inhabit this beautiful land that ruled by a fortified town by the coast called Portkey. There the people all come together to engage in intellectual pursuits or merely have fun with each other and with people of other countries. It is the pride and joy of the country, a shining beacon filled with some of the most valuable treasures of Harmony.
For many years Harmony had reigned as one of the great powers but recently a terrible blow was given against the beautiful capitol city. Already the people of Harmony were attempting to rebuild but it would take time and until that time, they were vulnerable. In order to protect their land the Harmonians came together to build up a fort which they named Fort Hallows. They believed that they would be safe, that the strength of their fort would be enough to keep their enemies away.
But then they came.
Like a nightmare, a terrible ship with red sails and a rotting hull came out of the darkness and began to fire upon Portkey, trying to destroy its outer walls. The soldiers of the nearby Fort Hallows all eagerly came to defend their beloved city and they did their best against the many pirates who cut as swiftly and as silently as eels through the water until they reached land and the walls of the fort and the city.
Screams rang through the night as warrior after warrior was cut down by the monstrous invaders. The lucky non warriors who still lived were crying in the streets over the bodies of their parent, sibling or friend while others were taken captive and brought to a large red and brown ship that hung like a bloody phantom at the edge of the mists, firing again and again at For Hallows and destroying more good warriors.
As this chaos abounds it was almost too easy for a group of the pirates, led by a man with a pompous expression and a red and brown uniform, to penetrate the Great Library of Portkey, the most important building in Harmony. They began to take out all of the manuscripts and the pictures. The man, a highly ranked and overly decorated officer of his navy, looks at the carefully written stories and carefully crafted portrait and sneers,
“You know what to do.” He snaps and the sea bandits smile back with rotten and wooden teeth as they bring their torches to the paper and set them aflame.
The battle rages on and on the dark ship the crew rushes about, resetting the canons and bringing aboard the treasures they have plundered. Then, two figures, both bound and hooded, are brought aboard and for a moment everything freezes as the crew takes in this site.
“I didn’ know we was takin’ on captives.” grumbled the bosun of the ship, a great hulk of a man who could and often did crush bones almost past the point of healing them. In one hand he held a pike that most men would have trouble lifting, much less wielding, but he tossed it from hand to hand as if it were as light as a matchstick.
“These is special. We thought the Cap'n would want to see 'em personal-like.” responded the smaller man, a nasty gleam in his eye.
“We demanded that your captain cease-” began the male of the two captives. The bosun moved his pike like lightning and rapped the man on the forehead.
“You’ll speak when spoken too.” the bosun growled and suddenly and hand reached out of the darkness and grabbed the pike at the base of its blade.
“And you will not lay a hand on any prisoner what comes aboard this ship except under my order.” hissed a soft voice that brought chills to all who heard it. The bosun gulped and looked at the owner of the voice, a tall man wearing pure black except for his gray shirt and the gold trim on his three cornered hat.
He turned to the prisoners and snatched their hoods off of them and the crew began to murmur when they say the faces of the couple.
The man was stood straight and looked at the captain with piercing green eyes that were behind thin, round spectacles. He wore dark green robes trimmed in brown and atop his wild black hair was a simple gold coronet that was not enough to stop his hair from falling over his forehead, slightly obscuring his lightning bolt shaped scar.
Next to him was a woman who stood as straight and proud as the man beside her. She looked at the captain with stern brown eyes and wore beautiful green robes trimmed in black and atop her own brown hair that fought to escape the confines of its bun she had a delicate golden tiara decorated with emeralds and orange garnets.
They were two of the most well known people in all of Harmony and beyond, Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, the King and Queen of the land.
“Well now, isn’t this interesting?” Spartz laughs and he looks at the crew who all stare, as if frozen.
“Well, seeing as such important people have come so far, the least we can do is hear their petition.” Spartz smiles and many of his crew shiver though they nod. The woman stepped forward,
“Captain Spartz, we demand that you cease attacking Fort Hallows, Portkey and their inhabitants. We also demand that you return all captives.” Captain Spartz raised a brow and looked at her,
“Well now queenie,” the crew chuckled darkly but Hermione did no loose her resolve, “you see, we were promised to be paid quite handsomely to sail here and blow your little fort to pieces with a bonus if we happened to do some damage to your little town.” He paused for a moment and a nasty grin appeared on his face, “But I believe that we've found something that will make up for any shine they deny us for leaving early, plus the ten percent cut of our swag they'll take.” He turned to the bosun,
“Turn our rudder to his hellhole and prepare to shove off!” he shouted and the bosun performed a sloppy salute before he turned to the rest of the now active crew,
“Still the guns and stow 'em!” he barked and he continued to supervise the crew while the captain began to walk away. Harry and Hermione exchanged glances and Harry called out,
“What about us!” The captain turned back to them and again the nasty grin appeared on his face,
“You, my lord, are the reason we are agreeing to spare your men. The money we'll get when we hand you over to the Weasleys will probably set us up for life.
Welcome to the Good Ship ™, your Majesties.” Then he began to walk away again as the ship set sail, their red and brown flag waving high overhead, its sugar quill emblam gleaming in the sun.

When morning came, and the kidnapping of their beloved monarchs was discovered, some of the remaining Harmonians were horrified and they began to make plans to jump ship.
The loyal Harmonians gathered together in the courtyard of the great library. A few cried over their manuscripts while others began to rant and rave over the unfairness of it all. A small number just raised a brow, glared at the attempts to reduce their stories to ash and began to write. Others who had yet to submit a manuscript to the archives, looked at the destruction and with a gleam in their eyes, they sat down to write out their own masterpieces for the Great Library.
In one corner though, a motley group gathered.

A thousand Pardons... let me introduce myself. I am the drunk what was yelling in the market sqare the day before the raid, and what was thrown in the forts prison for 'disturbing the peace'. You may remember me: 6 foot 2 inches, portly, dark blonde hair, rangy stubble, and wearing the same type of clothes as the kidnappers... meaning looking like I was from two books back.

It all, began, I think (the rums made it a little difficult, understand) with me waking up after the seabattle in which the Harmony was sunk, as well as the Frigate i was serving on, The Emereld Otter. I staggered along the beach I had washed up on, holding the first thing I had seen upon waking... a strange rosewood box built around a compass... a compass with a rose blossom painted on the backing, and, strangely, that didn't point north. I reached a port town, slept in a convenient pigpen, and then began wondering how much i could get for the compass if I slagged it off.

It was the antiqes dealer that convinced me to keep it, saying that:

1. this was probably a magical device, and he didn't touch magic with a cutlass tied to a ten-foot pole

and 2. There were rumours of these being given to the captains of certain of our ships... something that would always lead them home, or at least to their duty, it was said.

I did a little more research into these devices after I managed my way into the mayors library... through a poorly locked window. I read that these things were directinal locators, used to keep track of persons.

"But why would a harmonian compass have a rose motif?" I asked meself. And then... I found the epilogue. And it clicked.

I bought a little sloop and some old clothes... pinched some roses from a local garden , and followed the compass to Portkey.

maybe I shouldn't have drank all that rum that was hidden below deck of that boat.

Next theing I knew, I was standing atop a market stall, pounding out a speech like a revivalist preacher... but much more drunk. I slurred through the sad news of the Harmonies Sinking, but then I proclaimed that all hope was not lost... that there were clues and portents that all was not as it seemed.

And then some blokes in orange jackets, green pants, and false-front shakos arrested me and threw me in this cell.

But answer me, honestly now. These pirates.... outdated ship, ratty, archaic clothes and, most unusually, the fact that the bullets from your guards percussion rifles seemed to pass right through them without actually doing any damage?

(nerd seems to answer in the affirmative)

I see. Well... In this age of science and exploration and rational thinking, I have one question for you.

(pauses)

Do you believe in ghost stories?

i believe ghosts may be all we have to rely on at the moment

i believe i remember your speech before the raid, i had come to Portkey to relay the news of the Epilogue, to my brothers when a bit of ruckus, which i now realize you caused, caught my attention. If the alcohol has not completely blurred your memory, you may recall the rather short brunette in the green dress that one of the guards happened to trip by as he attempted to walk past. i believe i know of the compass of which you speak and if my hunch is correct then we most definately need to procure a boat, though i highly doubt any of the remaining army is going to let a disturber of the peace near any of the less damaged ships, they'll be using those themselves and no doubt getting lost or mixing objectives without a proper compass to point the way

Well... we could use my ship, although it needs a few more hands. Here's a picture.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Royal_N...muda_Sloop.jpeg

But I say to you, as I would say to those now in charge, that there is a very good reson why all their advanced weapons and training did not prevent an attack by one ships worth of pirates make an absolute slaughter of the most heavily fortified town on this coast.

And that is that you're not facing normal pirates; cruel, demented, vicious pirates to be certain, yes... but cruel, demented, vicious pirates that can not be killed. I don't know why... but I know that their motives for kidnapping our monarchs are not only rooted in gold.

There is magic at work here... though the magic of story or of the darker arts is unknown.

beautiful ship and i look forward to sailing on her
and i say this, even if these creatures cannot be fought by normal means we will find a way to fight them and though i would love to deal a death blow against them and avenge my sister i would be satisfied with finding a way to slow them down at least long enough for us to get Lord and Lady Potter back, maybe even long enough to get some room between us and them
i know nothing of dark arts but i am learning about the magic of words and it would take a very strong story to break the spell i believe they have, perhaps this and not only hate was the reason why they tried to burn the library

A spell... or a curse?

I think I'll put something involving Spartz, that Heron naval officer (who, I think, is present primarily as an intermediary between the throne and these scum), and the Potters. The technology gap should become clear, with Emerson and his crew being relics of the pre-HBP era (late 18th century) and the oficer being DH-compliant (1850s-60s or so).

My personal theory about their invincability is that they've mortgaged their souls to something very old, very aquatic and very, very fickle in order to gain the power to give "in-character" versions of Harry and Hermione to the weasleys. This is in order to replace what they (H and Hr) had degenerated to in the last books.

If they don't get the Potters to their OBHWF-perferred spouses, and especially if they don't destroy all sign that the epilogue marriages may not be the sugar-happy-gumdrop-fidelity filled-wonderland they seems to be, they not only get no gold... but they may lose what's left of their lives when the piper comes to be payed.

my own theory was that they had succumbed to greed, there is a spell that provides great treasure in return it asks for a sham of love, a broken heart, and the essence of your true life leaving you with as much treasue as you could desire but only a shell of a body to enjoy it with
but i know only of the magic of words, my knowledge of the creatures of the deep and their powers are equal to my knowledge of dark spells- pretty much nothing
so what will our first move be captain? will we set sail or do we wait for our allies to answer the call of duty?
(also, what's a name to call emmerson that's only semi obvious that its referring to him?)

I thought the gold was coming from the herons in payment for "fresh" spouses to ply with love potions to ultimately make thier Weasley monarchs happy again. Get rid of the old, dispondant ones, replace them with compliant fresh ones.

(And yes, this is the Heron Admiralty embarking on the hare-brained scheme of all hare-brained schemes.)

As for the spell itself....stemming from greed perhaps, or perhaps pride; a consuming, hungering sinful pride that refuses to even consider that the OBHWF marriages may not be sunshine and roses or concede that Harry and Hermione may have ever or ever will share any other feelings other than those fraternal or platonic. He may not even admit to himself that doing this may break hearts or produce sham marriages, but merely considers putting things in their proper place. Perhaps this emptyness... this, dare I say it, this undeath has developed slowly, growing more evident as it was shown how gut-wrenchingly hollow any R/Hr or H/G marriage would be.

But whatever the cause of Spartzs invulnerability, a ship needs to be crewd and allies need reaching. And seeing as how Captain Spartz (just Spartz, no first name, but you know who I mean) was so prepared as to heve his men blast out the underground telegraph lines, we'll need a crew qucikly to reach our allies. So qucik, go out into the poor quarter, gather as many applicants you can find... promise them ANYTHING to get them to sign on, tell them the King will reward them.

And for the love of reading, get me out of this blasted cell!

yes i know we both know who you're referring to when you say spartz, unfortunately so does everybody else, if i'm to use him in a story i'm likely posting on ffn then i need a name that harmonians will understand but herons won't get immeditely because i don't want to really insult them

anyway, tell me where to go becuase i'm afraid i'm rather new at all this
as to your cell, the one they put you in can be unlocked from the inside, that's where the put drunkards because they're generally too out of it to notice and it gives them a laugh when their captives realize it, my cousin was tossed in there a time or two and told me about it- i have a rather large family but i'm afraid that they won't be of much assistance unless we actually need to go into heron territory

From the inside?

(looks at lock, and lifts the latch experimentally. The door swings open.)

Boy, is my face red.

Now... just to get my affects.

(grabs same, including the compass)

Now, as for a pseudonym for our favourite Heron, I have several ideas. In keeping with the whole "Potc" theme that the original skit was copied from, I think that, like the treasonous Hector Barbossa, his given name should never be mentioned. As for the Surname, something shortened, like "Spar" or changed like "Spark" or "Sparks" could do, giving those in the know just enough of an inkling for it to be humourous, but not obvious enough for him to sue.

And, unfortunately, we will not be venturing into Heron lands in our travels, although I do feel that we will be needing sources of information as to the political situation inside Heronia: particularly among the royal court, the field marshalls, the Admiralty, the merchants, and the church. If we are lucky, we will not have to set foot on their shores, although we may come within sight of the shoreline.

Our main destinations on their side of the great sea will be to the capitals of the V/Hr and the H/L shippers, which I hope to reach with the help of the D/G merchant clippers conducting trans-maritime trade with the 'Viktormione' shippers. Our first stop should be to the court in the city of Rubidicus Lunaris, the Red Mooner capital. Hopefully we can send telegraphs to the courts of the Neville and Draco/Ginny shippers from there asking for assistance.

And as for a crew...

(pulls a cask upright and climbs on top of it in the middle of the street.)

(rolls eyes) you do remember that that's what got you arrested in the first place, and they won't toss you in the drunkard cell this time unless you slur your words a lot and if you do then no one's really going to listen, wouldn't say a bar or someplace be easier to find a crew in, and less likely to get you arrested? or maybe one of the trade islands?

as to contacts in Heronia, i am both ashamed and proud to admit quite a few connections, a few uncles in the merchant guild, an aunt in the church, a cousin who was in the navy and given permanent leave after being injured in the last battle and another cousin who plans to take his big brother's place, but no real connection to the court

no contacts in the viktormione kingdom, fire&icers or H/L areas either but a sister in the neville/ginny kindgom, a aunt and uncle in the Red Mooner kindgom, merchant guild specifically, and a friend in the colin/ginny colony

i did say i had a large family and i am, sorry, was a scout before the battle of the dealthy hallows

i did toy with the idea of sparks or something, i also attempted to squish emmerson and spartz into one name but in teh end i've decided on Hector Spazson i'm quite happy with the name

(looks down at companion)

Fine...

(hops down)

And by the way, nice pseudomym for the... well, you know.

Now, (looks around), bar, bar, bar... Ahah!

(Leads way into dingy drinking hole identified as "Lights, Camera, Chemistry")

Highlanders... loverly.

Under different circumstances, I'd offer to buy you a very small glass of Lord Radcliffes Finest, an earthy, oakey double malt from one of the finest distilleries in Harmonia, but like you said, no repeats.

(Gets up on unused table and whistles)

Gentlemen! Ladies! First of all, I want to say that this is not a Press Gang! I only desire a few able bodies to help crew a sloop of war. Our mission: to help rescue our monarchs. But before we go off with our guns blazing and swords flashing, we need to head to The Red Moon Capital. Now, I can't promise you anything, but I am sure that the King would be very generous. And to you Dan/Emma fans, I offer the, probationary mind you, rank of 'Highlander Marine'.

Now, we'll be signing people up outside, so come if you're interested.

You can count me in as one of your brave sailors for this mission,to return Lord and Lady Potter home to us. What will be our proposal to the Red Moon delegates when we see them? Will they offer some of their soldiers in our mission?

You can sign me up as well. *salutes* My sword skills are somewhat rusty but I am ready and willing to join you on the mission.

glad you approve of the name captain and thank you kindly for the almost offer but i don't drink,
welcome Lt. thewall28304 and fairycat would you mind helping me brush up on my swordsmanship? i have a feeling that every sword is going to be needed

Well, come on, come on the both of you. Wall, congratulations on your promotion and Cat, since I need someone who can manage rigging, I'm naming you bosun in lieu of any additional crew.

Now... anyone else?

(an old man looks up at the back of the bar)

Random Woman: "Oy, what ship is it you're chasing then?"

(I had really been dreading actually saying the name)

The ship... that we're going to be chasing... is..."

Old Man: "The Good ship."

(a chorus of gasps erupts from the patrons, followed by a flurry of whispering, snatches of which include such things as "...by the damned.." and "...spat him back out...")

(one man, however, isn't nearly as superstitious as the rest of the patrons)

Other man: "You crazy old fool, That old hulks' been rotting in Heron Bay for nearly 80 years! They keep our boys in it they've captutred!"

(a few patrons try to believe this, making agreeing noises)

Old Man: "Have any of you actually seen it there? No? Well, I've seen it, and it wasn't in no bay either. 40 years ago this month, I was the cabin boy on the Pumpkin Pie, a Hospital ship ferrying our wounded back from Heronia, from the Princes War! And it all started when the Boatswain declared..."


"Mary, Mudder a' God!"

All of the horrors that someone serving aboard a hospital ship could witness: the blood, the puss, the bile, the gangrene of flesh rotting on the bone; none of these could compare to the sight of bodies bobbing in the water, highlighted by the light of a flaming, sinking ship.

The Captain shouted out his orders to the crew: rescue as many men as they could, and garner what information they could from the allied casualties. The head surgeon objected, complaining that the wards were already filled to capacity.

Some of the crew were sneaking terriefied glances into the thick, writhing fog that surrounded them, wondering what could have cracked a fully armed Fire&Ice merchantman in half like this. Sure, merchant vessals did run heavily armed, and it could have been an accident with the powder magazine... but, they thought as they spied the flag bearing a red flame on an ice-sheet bobbing on the water, you couldn't be sure.

On the ###### deck, a boy of thirteen continued mopping and swabbing the deck, knowing the the doctors would take any excuse to put you on report and have your rationes reduced so a bigger share could go to the patients.

Through the fog, he could see the retreating hulk of a ship, its tattered sails the colour of dried blood, whisps of fog condensing off its hull.

And its flag, a brown quill over a blood red field.

The bar sits in silence, digesting what they have heard.

Other man: "Oh, come on now. Everyone knows the Herons revel in psychological warfare. What would it cost them to make the old tub seaworthy for a few weeks evey decade, fit it with some mortars and attack a few ships with an ironclad or two in support?"

(He looks around for nods, but finds none)

I won't lie to you,

(crowd turns back to me)

Most of the rumours are true, I saw what they are myself when they broke in to the prison thinking it was the fort armoury. But what man here, for the love of fandom and couple, would not want to face creatures that show their true face in the light of the moon?

(lookas around)

While come on then. We need to pack the canned food, the water and the equipment. Come on you all!

First Stop: The Land of the Crimson Moon!

(follows others to the docks and stops)
captain, if that's your boat, we may have a bit of a problem

(two men in Heron uniform stand in front of The Secret Rose and one pulls out an official looking document)

first man: Good evening sir, ladies, by order of the Society of Canon, all ships are to be taken and refitted as appropriate for the true couples, long may they reign, and as this is the fastest ship left in the harbor, it is our duty to guard it until the changes can be made

second man: aye, and we're 'ere to talk to the cap'n of the ship, you wouldn' 'appen to know 'im, would ya?

This is a fanon land for goodness sakes! You have no right to do this! You shouldn't even be here!

second man: (grins) canon won missy, we go where we please now, so what do you think yer gonna do about it?

(Does a very poor Jack Sparow impression of cocking my head back, eyes wide, looking back at my crew, and back at the idiots)

(Leans back to Nerd and whispers) Get what's left of the garrison down here now.

(After Nerd leaves) Gentlemen. I am the captain of this ship, and believe you me, the ship does, in effect, support the true couple. Why, the very ship itself, this handsome sloop of war, is named in honour of the Weasley daughter featured in the Epilogue, Rose Weasley. Now, why would I...

(tries to board ship, but gets caplock revolver pointed at chest)

Like I was saying, Why would someone seeking to sail away from this place do so except to 'jump ship' as it were.

First man (with gun): "Nice try, Harmonian. (pulls hammer back on revolver) This sloop is headed for one of two places: Our capital or the bottom. But we'll let you choose."

Normally, I would reply to that bit of wittcism with one of my own. But instead, I'll give you a counter-choice. Either reveal how you got here, or face a citizens arrest.

Second Man: "Oy. Listen ta this 'ere eh. He's declarin' a cit'zens arrest. And may I arsk, "youse an' whose else?""

(The sound of caplock hammers fills the air as the better part of a dozen Harmonian watchmen, some bandaged and bloodied, suddenly appear and aim percussion rifles with spike bayonets attached at the two interlopers.)

You know, it's nice to have the law on your side for once.

(and I promptly get thrown back in a cell. A proper one this time)

The HELLS? I find two spies and I'M the one who gets locked up. Of all the incompetant, bullheaded over...

(noise drifts down the stairs, followed by a man dressed in the uniform of a modern Harmonian Commadore and several of what appears to be an entourage)

Oh I'm in the deep spit now.

Commadore Wesley: (To jailer) "Release Him"

(The cell door is opened, and I step out cautiously)

Commadore Wesley: Master Seaman Detritus, I am sorry for the misunderstanding. The guard was under the impression that you were an infiltrator along with those other two. Your First Mate has assured me of your trustworthyness, and we have obtained confessions from the spies that they accompanied the raiding party last night. Unlike the majority of the crew, however, they are very mortal."

So you know?

Commadore: "Of course I know. I was fully educated in maritime lore at the Academy, and this new development seems to confirm that the Herons have a new... or rather, an old ally. But I want you to know, that if you feel you can succeed in your mission, The Admiralty... or rather, what is left of the Admiralty, will fully support your mission in both its military and diplomatic aspects, as well as issue you an offical Letter of Marque in the absence of the King. (to self) By gods, we haven't issued one of those in over a century."

This may seem strange, but my strange fascination with mixing PotC with P came from a weird idea I had, which basically replacedWill with Harry, Elizabeth with Hermione, and Captain Jack Sparrow.... With J K Rowling.

Norrington: (pics up notepad from possesions) No additional discs nor paper... A PDA that doesn't work... (opens pen to see if it really is one) And I half expected it to be a crayon. You are without a doubt the worst author I've ever heard of.

JKR: But you HAVE heard of me!

Now, back to business. (unrolls map) Let me see.... Harry/Cho shippers? No, to far off course. But if we can send messages out from Rubidicus Lunaris, get responses, and then gain passage across the sea first to Vermione, then north up the coast to Leonis Lunaris... then, if we are lucky, we should be able to catch up with spar... I mean Spazson before he makes his first "delivery".

I should have suspected that the Heron Military would try something like this... but acts tantamount to slavery? And I have the suspicion that King Ronald knows nothing of this. They're probably trying to switch our queen for his under his very nose... I don't think the monarchs have been very congenial recently.

But Strawberry, one thing: Since Spazon and his crew now seem to be closer to Davy Jones than Barbossa on the supernatural spectrum... I'm begining think that we didn't merely rake the hull of the Good Ship back during the Phoenix War... I think we actually sunk it with all hands aboard.

But I don't think they liked being dead. And I certainly don't think this is greed or pride or anything nearly as practical as that...

This is just plain revenge.

JKR, really? interesting, i rather pictured draco or neville in the role of captain sparrow

they died while loosing in a war they were obsessed with, even if they hadn't made some sort of deal then i have no doubts they would have come back but as poltergiests, really annoying ones obsessed with flaming every hhr story they can find rather than monstrous warriors who destroy everything Harmony has worked to create. I really need to brush up on my sea lore

now then, the ship has been properly outfitted with enough to get us to Vermione, maybe a little further if we're careful and if it rains, but we'll have to stop there for at least a day to resupply

I agree about King Ronald, though he has a vile temper and rarely thinks about the consequences of his actions, he is not cruel. But I believe Queen Ginny has a hand in this, an attack on Portkey seems very much her style and if i'm right it might be prudent to find someone with experience in curing people who have been exposed to love potions. I shudder to think what our good king and queen have suffered already,

Don't worry,we'll catch Spartz and hopefully we'll be able to rescue our king and queen and sink his ship. I've heard our royal couple are both pretty handy with sabers,so perhaps they'll have to fight with us when we come to rescue them.

Well, Harry at least should be able to handle a sabre, being the de-facto captain of the 1st Potter Cuiriassiers (though some would belittle them by calling them "little more than armoured dragoons"). But how that would translate into wielding a sailors cutlass... eh, a backsword's a backsword.

And... that is the thing... even the most vengeful spirts can't usually raise themselves and their ship from the bottom... to do this, and to provide a spell that would make them appear normal (except under moonlight), they'd need help... a wizard that the souls made contact with, maybe. And perhaps, in return for reviving them and perhaps, just perhaps, making them normal again or for releasing them, they'ed agree to help do something.

But who made the deal? (who do you think?)

But let me clarify: after our first stop at the court King Ronald and Queen Luna, we would negotiage rights tio accompany a convoy ofFire&Ice merchant clippers to make the crossing across some 3700 miles of ocean to the Viktormione Lands (what doesn't have a cool name like other people), a land that mixes Balkan and English culture.

Since neither The Loony Lions nor the "Brainy Bulggarians" as I would put it, are member states of the Treaty of Portkey, We will have to deal with tthem one at a time, either to secure their help in our mission, or at least to guarantee their non-interferance.

(ooc: I apologise to strawberry nerd if I seem to be dominationg the plot line, buit I just want to get somwething out of the way before we set off... involving our send-off.)

Alright then.... (takes up clip-board again) I want to brief the crew on the potential risk of embarkening on this mission. As most of you know, the Heron and Choco Penal codes have recently been amended, placing Harmonians somewhere between 'thief' and 'beggar' in eyes of the law. As such, our boys and girls that survived the Battle of Doe River have swelled Heronias' prison population, including military prisons, prison hulks and workhouses. Many are slated to meet the fate that petty thieves suffered a century ago... A short drop and a sudden stop. As such, it would be wise not to be captured.

On another note: we have recieved a letter of Marque, giving us the legal right to pillage, plunder, loot and basically pilfer from Heron Ships in the name of our 'ship. Well, maybe when we're done with this. An I would like to thank the guild of riggers and sail-makers for making us an official flag.

(points up to flag with red rosebud on gren backing)

Now... Let's get going, shall we? Nerd, I'd like to see how you write this, and how far along you are.

oh this is my own fault, i'm so sorry for not contributing more! it doesn't seem like your dominating the plot at all, if anything i'm just not doing my own part
anyway

The waters are clear and calm as The Secret Rose sails, its flag flying proudly.
On deck two women, both dressed in brown and green uniforms that have seen better days, are fighting with cutlasses, each taking care not to draw blood while a man in a hodgepodge uniform overlooks from the helm. His eyes narrow at the clouds that had been white and puffy just moments before. Now they were darkening and gathering together.
"Look sharp!" Detritus yells and the women stop fighting and look at the signs their captain had spotted.
"What is it?" asked Strawberry as the waters began to mirror the behavior of the sky. Of the starboard a large, dark shape came closer and closer to The Secret Rose
"Nothing good," thewall growled, holding her sword ready but she was proven wrong as the ship's flag became clear. It was a red crescent moon set on a field of orange.
"Of course, i've read about this, the Ronas excel in illusions. This must be one of their scare tactics, to ward off Herons and that's their flagship Wealsey King. Queen Luna might still be safe!"
Detritus raises a brow, "But we've seen these sorts of things before and the Herons have been stealing ships. They might not have gotten the chance to change the flag."
"Well we'll be finding out who they really are in a minute because here they come!" thewall snapped and indeed the ship had come very close while the other two members of the crew were distracted.
"Nerd, get fairycat and prepare the canons, just in case, wall, you're with me, get ready!" Detritus snapped as he unsheathed his own cutlass and turned to the ship. But Strawberry paused before she ran off and her eyes widened,
"BOB!" she screamed and the other two looked at her in confusion.
"Who is Bob?" thewall demanded and Strawberry turned pale. One of the figures on the ship was waving at them, as if trying to ward them off.
"Bob, Bob Pharrot is my sister and we want to get away from this ship, now" Strawberry started to run off but Detritus stopped her,
"Why? She's your sister, doesn't that mean they're allies?" Strawberry looked back with a sad expression,
"Normally yes, if it hadn't been for the fact that my sister is now a member of the harry/ginny ship. Queen Ginny has taken the Crimson Moon's flag ship and now i repeat, we need to get out of here now"

To quote the late, great Jack Sparrow
"Oh, bugger."

HARD TO PORT!

Cat, get on the back guns and load them with solid shot. And load them in the muzzle; I bought this boat on a budget, so the equipment is mostly Book 5 and 6 surplus! And don't get too cocky.. this is a sloop of war, a classless vessel of under 20 guns, so one shell from those breechloaders and we're done for.

There is an upside, however. We are very close to Rubidicus Lunaris, with the port just beyond the encircling reef. With care, we should be able to coast over the coral without any damage. Back in the day, if any ship larger than a figate went over those things, even clad in copper, they would get their hull ripped open. But with a large ship built partially of iron, the reef is likely to get ground down as the ship tries to force a path through with its screw propellor. And the sooner we can get into the city, the sooner we can alert the local garrsion that their flagship is not arriving home in quiet pomp like it was supposed to be.

(Looks toward land as a rocket streaks upward from the city and explodes as a blue firework in the evening sky)

Signal flares! They're expacting the proper colour rocket from the King as confirmation it's really them. Seems like they aren't so naive after all! And only the captain knows the right response.

And I know it's not the opportune moment, but Nerd, about your sister: captive, conscript or true believer?

Yes sir! (starts to leave and promptly trips over own feet) yeah, that never happened
As to my sister, true believer. she was taken in the Phoenix war by the Herons and apparently managed to escape, she hates Herons at least, but she does believe in the Harry/Ginny cause
(leaves to follow orders)
The Secret Rose makes its way along the oceans, the Weasley King right on its tail when another ship comes along. Unfortunately still too far away to see whether or not its friend or foe
"Let's just hope the Chocos are being as annoying to others as they are to us." I mutter as i continue to load the guns and prepare

(Looks at the new vessel with some degree of concern)

Mr. Wall, take the wheel, stay on course over the reef! Mr. Cat, hold the guns! Mr. Nerd... spyglass!

(takes telescope and looks at newcomer through it)

(begins to grin) By old Mouldy's Shorts... It's Wesley! He's come with the Hippogryph!

Nerd: "The What?!"

The last large warship in the fleet that can actually make sail! It was out of Portkey harbour when Spazon hit us!

(Looks now at the Weasley King, and notices it's plowed itself into the reef)

Circle us around, I want us to latch on the Kings portside and board it! Cat, go below and grab a few of those smoke bombs we loaded! Looks like we're going to use that letter they gave us!

(one dramatic and action-packed boarding scene later, the Hippogryphs marines are now boarding the King, and getting a little confused at what they see. Commodore Wesley also boards, and is surprised to see a handful of Choclan sailors with their hands up, with Mooner sailors holding them at cutlass, knife and gun-point while a certain newly-minted privateer helps himself to the Choclan's Valuables out of their own pockets)

Thank you... very nice... ooh, gold... sperm whale tooth (looks at it, hands it back to Choclan sailor)

(comes to Bob Pharrot) Now, Mr. Nerd... I believe that since she's your sister, you should have first grabsies at whatever she has.

Wesley: "Mister Detritus, what do you think you are doing?"

(turns around, just noticing the big show that the marines made while boarding) Just making use of my Letter of Marque, Commodore. By the way, we have rescued the crew from mind-slavery, recovered the ship in the name of the Fandom nations and are now attempting to find out where the King and Queen are. Which reminds me... (turns to Bob) would you know where King Ronald and Queen Luna are, by the way?

Bob: "I don't know... is it worth it to risk the wrath of my queen by bowing to a dirty pirate when pressed?"

Well, I ask this, in the nicest way possible: would you rather bow to one Privateer, or would you rather bow to a bunch of sailors with rusty blades and blunderbusses (motions to red mooners), or to a bunch of marines with guns (motions to Wesley and his men)?

Bob: (quickly assesses the situation) "They're in the cabin."

Thank you.

(as the marines rush away to secure the monarchs, and the rightful crew get back to the coal boilers to get off the reef, I wander to the flagstaff to see where they're taking down the flag to find out why the background is orange instead of royal blue. As full control is handed back to the crown of Rubidicus Lunais, the flags background slowly shifts back to a royal blue)

Nerd... I hope you're aunt and uncle have a lot of spare rooms when we make port tonight... I have no idea where 90 marines are going to sleep.

And just a question back... who was the short brunette back in the Portkey market square anyway?

Captain, I was able to find an inn that's larger than the Leaky and the Three Broomsticks combined to house our sailors. It's called "The Stag and Otter" and they're loyal to our cause of rescuing our king and queen. I was able to pursuade the innkeeper to let the sailors stay for as long as we need to.

*Half staggers out the door of the aforementioned pub*
'Ello again lads, I see you've found my local watering hole. Now, if you don't mind me, I have a fair bit of sobering up to be doing, so for the love of Harmony, keep the noise down.

*turns around, walks face-first into the doorframe and prompty passes out*

~Mart- Such a Lordly person I am.

Bob: What do you mean, 'who was the short brunette'? you're looking at her!
Bob points to Nerd who smiles sheepishly
"I rather thought i had made that clear. But anyway, Bob, what on earth are you doing actually fighting? I thought you were going to start an inn and act as a spy for the Chocolans."
Bob: Her majesty ordered a draft and all able bodied supporters were to go and start 'purifying the lands of delusion' *notices the angry lookes around her* hey, those were her words, not mine!
Do you know what's going on with Capt. Spazson?
Bob: *shudders* He's a Heron, i don't like Herons and he's the worst of the lot. Sorry sister dearest but i couldn't tel you anything about him.
Wall: Captain, we've reached the harbor!
Detritus: Thank you Mr. Wall, now-
A large scream interrupts him and as soon as the gangplank is down, a short woman with a baby on her hip pushes her way up.
lady: Bob! Strawberry! It's been forever!
Bob and Strawberry: Aunt Anna!
The two sisters immediately begins to fuss over the baby and talk to Aunt Anna. After a moment Strawberry pulls away
"Sir, this is my aunt anna. She's one of the local reporters and my uncle is a carpenter. They should have enough room for our crew, provided we don't upset the children. But most of the rest will have to stay at the Stag and Otter. According to Aunt Anna, the Stag and Otter won't be able to hold all of them but the "Gryphon" will hold teh rest easily."
Detritus looks warily at the woman who is still talking happily with Bob but before he can say anything Nerd adds,
"Her sheets are clean, the food is good and as i said, she's a reporter. We can have access to anything the Quibbler, and theier agents outside of the Crimson Moon, has written since the war began. But it's your choice where we stay captain."

*mistakely drops gun that she is holding and almost shots person passed out in doorframe*

Ummmm Oops.

*waves at Aunt Anna* Pleasure to meet you.

Alright then... let's rest up, Big day tomorrow. Nerd, I don't think we'll upset the kids, but if the begin pestering us...

(later, at dinner)

I must say Mrs... Anna, that this stew is fantastic. I can taste the gurdyroot, but I can't quite place the meat. Is it beef?

Aunt Anna: No, it's actually crumple-horned snorkack.

Snorkack... I thought those things were... you know... not real.

Aunt Anna: Then what do you suppose all those things pulling those drays out in the streets were? They were the animals that looked like a cross between a plow-horse sized capybara and a rhino. I don't know were you got that impression. Although this will be the last meat we can get for a while. There's a plague going through the Snorkack herds wiping out whole populations at a time. The Merchants guild is appropriating as many quarentined animals as possible for use as draft and plow animals. I admit that I'm no expert on Epidemiology.. but this is certainly suspicious. The entire Highland economy depends on raising them.

Certainly seems so. But what about the news... what exactly is happening in Heronia?

Aunt Anna: Well, as you have proably guesed, since the harmonian base was forced to surrender, their prisons have been full of POW's. However, noone is likely to be executed until they get a semi-fair trial. As to the royals, rumour has it that the King has been trying to temper his argumentative nature with his queen... but it hasn't gone very far. One of the pitfalls of an arranged marriage I suppose. There has been a bit of an increase in morale as to the Kings change in temperment.

Nerd: What about in Chocla? Bob said that the queen had sent out a call to draft and arms that sounds a little like some religious crusade, but nothing much more.

Indeed... What, if any pronouncements have come from King Harry... Chocla does have a king, or have the people forgotten that, Bob? (Looks at Bob sideways down the table, and gets a rude face in return)

Aunt Anna: That's enough! As to your question, the Choclan King hasn't been seen in the court from for the better part of a year, and His Queen rules in his stead. But even by the 6th war, he had lost interest in the runnings of government, content instead in gaming, quidditch, hunting and all in all acting like a jerk. (Puts hand up to stop Bob's inevitable rebuke) In His place, Queen Ginny has put greater local power in the hands of powerful mercantile interests, especially in their Highland regions. Couple that with the mass clearances of the highlanders to make room for sheep for wool, the resulting rebellions and the mass deportations to the Slash Islands that follow... things are not looking so good.

(later, before I got to bed, I at the open window, looking out to sea. I open the compass, and look at the needle, pointing out across the water towards the Good Ships course)

(Next Time: Dinner on the Good Ship)

Bob! You shouldn't have done that to aunt anna you know

Bob: Sorry Kit, i'll apologize to her too, but anyway what on earth are you doing here? I thought you'd be holed up in your library after those stupid Herons took control!

I explain to my sister what's going on, as far as i understand it, Bob's face turns red in anger

Bob: What the heck! I knew it! i knew that no good king of ours

Bob, don't go there.

Bob: fine, but anyway, how the heck did King Harry get captured in Harmony when he was in Chocla for the last three years? Oh, and you know i'm going to help you free Queen Hermione, don't you?

If the captain has no problems with it, but mark my words sister, if you betray us to your beloved Queen Ginny-

Bob: Our family doesn't betray one another, especially where her Majesty Queen Hermione Jane, is concerned, you know that. But if it makes you feel better, i swear i shall not betray you or the Rose to Chocla or the cursed Herons, may their ship sink and never rise again, as long as you sail upon it.

A baby's wailing can be heard and the two sisters are shocked as they hear the all too familiar calls to battle. Aunt Anna comes into the room, a little boy at her side.

Anna: Don't worry about it girls, that'll just be the Herons trying to cause trouble, they've been doing this since Harmony fell but we've been holding strong, get some sleep, i'm sure you're in for a long day tomorrow

Meanwhile, aboard a dark ship that lies just beyond those who are trying to penetrate the defenses of the Runa kingsdom, three figures sit at a table filled with delicacies from all over. One man gives a sick smile to the only woman at the table

Cpt. Spazson: You must try some of this roast snorkak your Majesties, the cook prepared it especially for tonight's celebration

Harry: Celebration of what?

Cpt. Spazson: Why the celebration of when Runa finally falls

Both King Harry and Queen Hermione grow pale at Spazson's calm declaration

Oh this is not good.

(rushes outside in naught but my nightgown and boots... and of course my hat. I finally manage to grab a soldier rushing down to the beach)

What's going on?!

Mooner Soldier: It's the Herons! They've put troopships just outside the reef and they say landing craft are going to drop grenadiers within the hour!

(soldier breaks away and follows his regiment)

(Meanwhile, Wesley has also been woken after only an hour of sleep, and is organizing the Hippogryph to move out under steam only. As it moves out into the bay ringed by the reef, the Weasley King follows to provide fire support)

(on the beaches, Mooner soldiers in royal blue Jackets and red trousers take up postitions behind defensive barricades as horses pull artillery to the tops of the slopes. A double line of riflemen forms with anti-infantry guns on the flanks forms on the major beach)

(In the Captains Cabin, Spazson watches as the Heron officer eats and the Lord and Lady potter continue to pick at their food)

Spazson: Come now, your majesties, you must be hungry. After only two days with only hard-tack and water hunger must surely set in, especially for those so accustiomed to the finest.

Hermione: (With her face stoic) What do you want with us?

Spazon: It's like I said: The Heron Queen, my queen, your doppleganger, has turned into an absolute wreck. She has lost absolutely all interest in the scholarly institutions of our country which she once so lavishly financed. She does not respond to my kings attempts to woo her, to find common ground with her pet causes. In fact, the only thing which even brings her the remotest bit of happyness is... or was, the presence of the Choclan king, one Harry Potter. Which is your doppleganger (motions toward harry), your highness.

Harry: So we were right... and what do you mean, was?

Spazson: (gets up and begins circling the table) I mean that it was noticed by Queen Ginevra... who promptly locked her husband in a chambre, sedated him, kept him under 24 hour surveilance and has kept him there for around four months. As such, she desires a new version of her husband, one who can easily be plied with love potions, one who does not embarass her with bouts of drinking and stupid jocularity, and this notion has spread to the military of my own country, that they should have a queen that is once again intelligent and caring.

Hermione: You mean us, don't you?

Spazon: Indeed I do, your majesty... (bows) My future queen.

(the door flies open, into which one of Spazsons crew enters. he is walking strong and tall, and this would not be so unusual exept for the fact that there are about 10 bullet holes through his lower chest)

Pirate: Captain, two enemy warships have come up on our side, and the battle on the beaches is... well, theres alot of shooting and cannonfire.

(an explosion is heard close at hand, like an artillery shell hitting the water)

Spazson: Come on! (Grabs hermione by the arm and drags her out, with the Heron attache manhandling harry out onto the deck)

(next time... Spazon holds the royals hostage to make his escape, and the moon comes out, unveiling the face of undeath) Could you maybe handle that part nerd?

i'll do my best Captain

Seeing their captain in the streets, the rest of the crew of the Rose, and Bob, follow quickly, weapons in hand and hats on their heads.

Detritus: Get to the ship!

"Aunt Anna, take the kids and get out of here!" Anna nods and she rushes off to gether her things and saddle the family snorkak. The small screw runs as quickly as possible beofre they reached the ship and in record time, the Rose sails out to join The Weasley King and the Hippogryph

As the Rose added their own support fire, something caught fairycat's eye

fairycat: The Good Ship! It's getting away!

Detritus: Not whil we're here.

Detritus began a series of rather impressive maneuvers through the battle until he managed to flank The Good Ship and the Hippogryph close behind. Detritus, Bob, Sniper, and I began to board the ship as soon as Wesley's troops were ready.
A series of action packed scenes later, the Harmony warriors were begining to become exhausted while the Heron crew seemed to have an everlasting supply of energy. But we pressed on and then the moon, a beautiful crimson orb because of something in the Runa air, came out from behind the clouds and shone upon the battle.

I screamed

For the moonlight revealed what we had all suspected but had hoped was not true. The Heron crew had become living skeletons, draped with scraps of their flesh and the plants and creatures that had clung to their bodies when their ship had first gone down. Each Heron looked at their opponents, many with unseeing eye sockets though a few had eyes in various states of degration.

The battle begins again, the Harmony warriors fighting in earnest, trying to reach Spazson's quarters and hopefully their beloved monarchs. What no one notices is that one of the lifeboats has been released and five figures paddle away from the ship and the battle.

Finally Sniper accidently manages to get one of the monsters to fall over board and as it does, a strange black shadow creature grabs the struggling skeleton and pulls it into the depths of the water.

Sniper: Push 'em overboard!

Now that we had some sort of an advantage, the Harmony warriors fight with renewed energy and Heron after Heron is pushed overboard and grabbed into the depths of the sea. Bob is particularly vicious as she nearly hurls a skeleton.

Bob: For Hermione!

Finally, when only a handful of the Herons are left, they are captured and tied to the mast. Detritus and Wesley, as the highest ranking officers, take the honor of going into Spazson's quarters to release the King and Queen. The rest of the crew waits, all eager in anticipation. I begin to wring my hands as more time passes and Bob has begun to attempt to 'persuade' the prisoners for information on Queen Ginny and Captain Spazson's movements. Detritus and Wesley return, Wesley stiff and pale while Detritus is red in anger. They do not have the King and Queen.

Detritus: Bob, Cat, you and Wesley's group will guard the prisoners. Nerd, Wall and Sniper, go search the rest of the ship.

No one moves, until Detritus growls and snaps,
NOW!
Immediately we scatter away and begin to search the large ship. We find treasure and and very nicely made weapons. Wall comes across an especially nice short sword that began to glow blue as we came across a few of the cowardly Herons who had not joined the battle. Sniper 'escorts' them to join the rest of their crew. But no matter where we looked, we did not find our dear monarchs. I have the dubious honor of reporting this information. Detritus seems to be ready to explode but Wesley puts a hand on his shoulder and gives him a quelling look that at least calmed my captain down.

Wesley: Spazson probably didn't want to even take the risk that we might suceed in taking this ship. I will take my crew and we will discover where he has taken them. You will take your crew and report our victory to Queen Luna and then negotiate the rights to this ship. I want it properly outfitted to fight for Harmony.

Wesley doesn't seem to notice the incredulous looks that the Rose crew is giving him. He then barks a command to his own crew and they begin to leave the ship with their wounded. Detritus glares after them and turns to me.

Detritus: Status Nerd

"None of our crew has recieved any sort of wound that a day or so of rest wouldn't cure."

Detritus nods and then grins

Detritus: Well then, it's a good thing that we'll be getting at least some rest as we chase down that son of a

Bob: No cursing!

Detritus raises a brow at her but Bob only makes a face back

Detritus: As i was saying, we'll get at least some rest as we chase down that son of a dog and get back our King and Queen.

Haha, all this fighting and not a scratch to show of it. I must say those fencing and musketry lessons paid off. A pity it cost me all of my Lordly inheritance, but hey, there has to be some loot around here somewhere.

*nerd whispers in his ear*

...

You're kidding me. A frigging pirate ship without treasure? No wonder those Herons were just skin and bones. Ah well, we've got plently of prisoners to vent frustration on. All in the name of Harmony of course. *whistles*

Now, if you shall excuse me once more, I need to get the various body parts off me musket, those Heron's sure make a mess when you run em through.

~Mart