Tunnel Rat

After a round of drinks, which Milo was forced to participate in, (and used his tail to swap his full glass of whiskey with Sledgemonkey's empty one whenever he could), the jovial group of Scavengers and Engineers began brainstorming crazy ideas about what they wanted in a base. Milo was expecting a lot more crazy ideas than were suggested. Captains had to deal with the harsh realities of sailing the seas and keeping their ships afloat, and that showed in some of the questions asked and suggestions made.

The security that the plan offered was a huge boon. More than once, Engineers or Scavengers had built small port cities and then had to defend them against people who valued their hard work but didn't want to pay for it. The vast cavern gave them a place to build, work, and relax without the need for a constant mercenary force and gunships tying up crew and using up money. With the only access through the lock and submerged tunnel system used by the ships, or through narrow underground caves, the small city would be safer than anything built up top.

Captain Cuda was happy with the plan but saw problems they had to deal with, sooner or later, "I like it, but we're a long way off from having access to my ship from down here. We're talking a complete overhaul to turn it into a full submersible. And you'll never do that to the Iron Orca. We're going to need to use our existing ships to haul the cargo we need. And that means dealing with the mess in Shadowport still."

Engineer Milo unrolled a blueprint, ready with a suggestion, "Yes, I considered those very valid points. We need your ships and crews bringing in the specialists and materials we can't source ourselves. Plus, we want to simplify the problems up there, keep some control, and work with the rest of the city. I propose we build a long jetty straight out into the bay, with one end at the center of the beach, and the other end at the edge of the drop-off. We then build along the edge of the drop-off in either direction. Just enough space for a half dozen large ships. They'll have deep water anchorage, and won't interfere with the ships using the docks. We can bring in cargo and run it across rails on the surface of the jetty and straight down the tunnel. That separates the docks into the area for the merchant fleet and the part controlled by the fishing fleet."

Annie looked at the plan. "I notice you have a large building planned at the end of the jetty. I'm assuming that it's going to house a few cannons. It sure would make a nice defensive position."

Milo nodded, "It certainly does. I'd like to suggest a mix of large bore guns, along with Steam Cannon, like you've pioneered on the Iron Orca. We'll build a three-story stone tower, with plenty of room to house the guns and the boilers. Anyone we don't want tying up at our docks can be sent to the bottom, and we can protect against another eel attack. The bottom can house a harbormaster's office and tavern."

Cuda liked it: "Quick unloading, and we can stay out of the shallows and head right back out, maybe after a bit of convenient drinking. My clan has repair shops and equipment scattered in a dozen ports. I can start hauling most of it here and then downstairs. It's easier to make new parts down here and have them ready for when a ship comes in needing repairs."

Goldtooth had her own ideas. "We need to build big. There's a lot of metal in these caverns. It's why the old city was here. We're not the only ones who are going to need a lot of parts. We could build basic boilers and cast cannons and make gears, pistons, and anything else that's in demand. Turn a pretty penny and support other clans at the same time. The big clans have always bought and sold parts and magi-tech to the smaller clans, but there hasn't been a big supplier in centuries, and the rare stuff has gotten rarer." She looked at the Engineers and smiled possessively, "Another reason why I'm happy to have a big group of spanner boys available to handle the tricky parts. I've seen more rune-work and magi-tech in the little I've been down here than before in my whole life."

"Aye, but while we're talking about 'tech, where the hell did the Sharks get that table? It's a fancy piece of work and the cards are beautiful. Can you imagine a ship built with that kind of stuff?" Cuda and the other Captains had all examined the Captain's Table in the next room over, marveling at the workmanship.

Narwhal said, wistfully, "I saw it on The Queen. It was beautiful. Didn't have a lot of time to do more than loot the first big treasure bin. But anywhere you brushed off the mud and grime you could see the glowing rune-work on the walls. There's so much more there to learn and loot. I'm going back, somehow, someday. I say we start strong and every ship we build gets our best work from armor plating to boilers, to magi-tech."

"Going to take a hell of a lot of magi-tech, and someone to figure out how that table was made and worked. No one has seen Abigail since Mako lost the cut of the cards. And Mako won't be talking for quite some time, even if we could find her. How long for your smart-ass lads to figure that thing out, Sledge?"

The Chief Engineer paused for a bit, thinking, "Well, really, it should be someone young and energetic with a unique way of looking at things and experience in novel new theories on both runes and magi-tech. Any ideas?"

Boom-Boom raised his hand, "No problem, Chief. I'll get right on it and have the project on the boards by tonight." Then he grinned, "And I'll appoint Senior Engineer to my staff. How long do you think it will take to figure out, Milo?"

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"Oh, I'm done looking at the table, it was easy to figure out."

Boom-Boom gave Sledgemonkey a thumbs up, "All done Chief, just split the points between my assistant and myself."

While everyone else was laughing, Whale was staring at Sledgemonkey and then Milo, sitting next to him. "How'd you figure it out so fast?"

Milo shrugged, "Easy, I did what any good Engineer does before working on a piece of machinery: I read the manual. Black Eddie kept very good notes. Whatever got Edward Damyon black-listed as an Engineer, it wasn't his research and record keeping. His journals are fascinating to read. "

The Engineers at the table had never heard the name before. But the Scavengers all turned to stare at Milo. Black Eddie's handsome visage was on wanted posters in every port. Whale tried to keep her voice nonchalant as if the answer didn't matter. "Interesting. There was a rumor that the Sharks kidnapped a rogue Engineer who they kept working for them, somewhere hidden, in return for keeping him safe from the people looking for him."

Milo nodded, "Yes, the same fellow."

"And you've had dealings with him?"

"Oh, no. Not personally. He's dead and gone. The System confirmed that when I looted his extradimensional storage areas." That got the Engineers excited and pushed the Scavengers over the edge.

Two-Screws was drooling, "Get some good stuff? And about those Journals..."

The Chief outshouted the Senior Engineers. "Yes, happy to help with those Journals. Two-Screws is going to be too busy soon, what with all the projects about to be dumped in his lap, but I can spare some time." Sledgemonkey patted Milo on the shoulder and nodded paternally.

Captain Cuda smiled evilly, looking a lot like Mako when she did, "You found a hidden treasure, did you? I'm sure you know the rules regarding looting Scavenger Treasure, don't you laddy?"Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Captain Goldtooth was almost over the top with excitement, "Where did you find them? What else do you have in your little extradimensional pockets?"

Milo looked up, appearing calm. The Engineers were getting less calm by the second as the Scavenger Captains closed ranks.

"Nothing much that the rest of you couldn't have found, I simply found it first. There I was, taking a casual swim with an old diving helmet when I saw the strangest thing: Half a ship lying on the ocean floor. I was curious about it and quite surprised to find a lot of gold lying around in the stern. I put the gold someplace safe, then noticed a curious puzzle holding a vault door shut. It was simply a matter of applying the correct amount of force to pry it open. Luckily, I had my tools with me. I nearly died, too. All that gold fell on me and it took forever to get out. I nearly drowned. That would have been so embarrassing for Captain Mako to find me there under her gold. Well, my gold now."

The Scavengers were all staring at him as he casually related the story without a care in the world. "And imagine my surprise at finding still more gold inside. So many heavy bars. I had no idea what to do with them at first, but then I discovered the hidden vaults. I don't think anyone but Mako knew about them."

His eyes went to Captain Cuda, "And I very much doubt that Scavenger Code overrides Draconic Law regarding shinies. The amount of gold in that ship certainly counts as an 'Abandoned Small Hoard of Shinies,' and therefore belonged to the first person to claim them and find them a good home."

Annie's eyes lit up. "The holes in the back of the vault! I thought Mako was going to blow a blood vessel right then and there. She was insanely mad about that. Are you saying you hid all the gold in her Arcane Seachests? And then stole them?"

Milo shook his head. "That would have been convenient, but they were mostly full. Tray after tray of Magi-Tech components on one side, and the other held the notebooks detailing the construction and use of the Captain's Table and his decks of cards. I've got over 200 sets of blank cards that are made of mana-reactive foil. I'll have fun experimenting with those."

He made sure he was looking at Two-Screws as he said, "I found room in the Arcane Workshop that I looted for all the gold. Not quite as big as Sledgemonkey's, but then, I'm only a youngster. Sadly, I had to leave some of the gold lying in the ocean, but I think that worked out fine from what I hear with Captain Annie getting paid and Captain Mako using the rest to pay her debts."

Two-Screws was beside himself, "Dammit if you're going to make me beg? Alright, I'm begging. Show it to me!" All the Engineers were nodding.

He looked at Whale and the Scavengers, no longer quite so casual in his demeanor, "It's a great secret, and I could have had great fun never telling anyone about my little fishing trip. But we're all partners now, and we have work to do. What's in here will help with that work, but that doesn't mean I want this story to go any further. Captain's Honor."

Whale's eyes got large, "You're sharing a hoard of gold?" The other Captains struggled with the concept. The professor paying back the gold they'd lost was one thing, but they'd understood his desire to have peace with his fellow Captains. This...well, this just wasn't done.

Milo nodded to her, "I'd rather build a city than sit on more gold than I can ever spend."

Whale turned to the assembled Scavengers, "Captain's Honor, and dire consequences to anyone that talks." The other Captains and crew all swore.

Milo went to the wall and opened up his Arcane Workbench before Two-Screws exploded. The first thing he took out was a big roll of blueprints that he put on the table. "Time to get to work."