Author's note: Thank every one of you for your reviews! They mean so much to me! I hope you continue to enjoy the story! I am sorry if it is proceeding on the slow side. Especially this next chapter, but I thought some introductions were in order before too much more happens. Yes, in answer to some questions, I know that some of my characters aren't exactly correct in their names (or in one case, gender) as I began this story before very much was known about the new characters. I'm doing the best I can to reconcile some of the differences, but some things cannot be changed this far into it. The story may be re-written at some point, but for now I'm just going to carry on, especially as I knew full well that this would happen as I could not possibly get everything right. It doesn't bother me anyway, as I think it's more fun to write it this way. As always please leave a review, I appreciate your thoughts very much! Some longer, more intense chapters will be on their way...
Chapter 8: Some Introduction is in Order
"All right! You heard the Captain! Lads, I'll introduce us." The boar assumed an even more official air with Gutt absent. His voice was rough, as if gears within his throat had to turn and grate each other as he spoke. Unexpectedly the tone was not unpleasant, rising and falling, adapting to his audience with a buoyant pulse, catching the attention in a way to obtain compliance without forcing it. It revealed its owner to be someone of experience in handling others, a sharp mind, someone who had seen much, survived much. Despite the charisma that exuded from the influence of the animal, it hinted a lower register, where it might casually slip any moment into a dark reservoir of cruelty.
"This is Silas Spi, but we're never that formal. Spi is the eyes and ears of this ship, a great shadow on the sea! Many foes have we vanquished from his ample warnings, and he is our chief navigator."
Spi remained unruffled by this praise, only nodding his head slightly at his introduction before flapping away. It was quite clear he did not consider this meeting to be of importance to him. Diego did not care for it much either. Ample enough warnings to capture prisoners too. No wonder the bird thought lowly of conversing so affably with the conquered. Sid made an attempt at introduction as the bird faded into the bright sky.
The attention of the hog moved on, calling out a gruff jackrabbit who went by "Chip." There was some commotion as a story behind the nickname was alluded to, but the rabbit, hard spoken and quick-witted, kept it at bay. In the verbal frenzy his rightful name was quite forgotten. Even as the next pirate was named, Chip was still on the alert, long ears bristling beneath crossed arms, outward physical protection for some nearly wounded emotion. He shot an excessively malevolent glance at Shira, still giggling and wrinkling her nose at him in some private joke.
Suddenly aware of her now awkward mirth, she leapt to a higher deck, with forced focus on cleaning one of her forepaws in a manner more dignified than her girlish laughter. Inwardly she chided the small spark of innocence she had let fly from her soul in the presence of both crew and captives. She hoped none would catch it, and she was unsure of what she felt when Diego's eyes momentarily caught hers. Her small slip fell through the cracks of the boisterous encounter, missed or forgotten by all save one. She decided this made her uncomfortable. As her name was uttered she continued with her furtive attempt at disappearing without having declare it with her absence. It seemed to work as the first mate did not embellish her role on the ship, and to him it was quite obvious that Shira was known well enough for the present. She did not even offer a side-glance as her tongue continued to traverse rough paths along her fur, knowing one pair of eyes was watching her all the same.
Tim did not wait for introduction, blobbing forward enthusiastically, childish nature forgetting all transgressions of the previous day. Indeed to his nature if the past didn't matter to him then all others should just as soon acquit it. The seal was not dimmed by the dark warnings of the captain. Lack of restraints raised the newcomers to crewmates, to be welcomed with the true spirit goodwill. Diego thought better of growling as he became enveloped in a heavy hug and Sid well nigh disappeared under the thick embodiment of convivial personality. Many attempted to remove his scowl as he backed away, thankful for being so large himself. A hoarse laugh came from the first mate.
"Here's Tim, chief of all nautical proceedings! And our best negotiator, though we rarely have cause for negotiation. He'll gladly make you feel right at home."
Sid was finally free to breath once more, but he appreciated having found a companion as outgoing as he was.
"Who's he?"
"Oh that's Sheldon. He doesn't talk much. But if you give him a bone, stick, or rock he speaks through his work, if you take my meaning. He's our go to for weapons."
The curious animal was hunkered down over a long piece of shell, a material apparently not recalled by the boar in answering Sid's query. Erratic ticking noises came from Sheldon's mouth as he worked, sawing with obsessive intensity at the shell with a rock file. His ears flopped to and fro with his busy arm, giant hind legs comfortably tucked beneath him. Content.
"Hey! Sheldon! Say hi! Be polite now."
A shy smile played on the features of what Diego now recognized as a kangaroo, a creature not known well to him. These animals generally lived further south than the tiger's favored climate. The face had a certain far away eminence to it, and the eyes looked past his companions, almost as if to some other world. Sheldon nodded rapidly, his clicks quickening their succession, his expression shone with naïve amusement, thinking they all had come to admire his labor. The half-finished shell dagger was proudly, tenderly held aloft as approving noises peppered the crew. Even Chip disregarded his mood, which was largely affected anyway, to give the marsupial a pat on the back and further examine the weapon.
"Good lad, Sheldon! Looks first rate!"
The boar now returned concentration to himself, where he considered it right to be.
"I am Raz, first mate of the Orlog, our glorious vessel! You report directly to me. Now! We'll get you some grub and set about assignments for the day. Captain Gutt has ordered extra food rations in welcome! Sloth!"
"Uhh…yes sir?"
"I think I'll put you on the food today. It needs to re-inventoried and rationed to accommodate our new crew."
"Does that involve math? I'm much better at interior design!"
"Just organize it…fit in interior whatever on the side."
"Aye, aye, sir! Food works well with me." Sid, gleeful at his good luck began to whistle a ditty learned long ago about the glories of food.
"Are you forgetting someone?"
"I was wondering when you would come down."
The herd was met by a mammal their senses had hereto disregarded. A thick accented badger dexterously made his way down the very mast they had not long been free from.
"I am Gupta, master of espionage-"
"Spi would disagree with that title," a voice piped in.
"Spi doesn't care what anyone calls himself, he has little time for such trifles," another corrected. Gupta resented his interruption, but masked it well, being keenly aware of presence and performance.
"I am Gupta, master of espionage. The very sight of me strikes fear into the hearts of many. For when they see me, they know the might of the Orlog is upon them. I too, serve as eyes for the ship. Spi and I work closely, and envy not each other."
The small beast strutted by, letting the white "flag" appearance of his strips upon his black fur impress the newest crewmembers. Sid pointed out the obvious.
"You do look like a flag!"
Gupta didn't mind, and whatever he said about envy began to be questioned by Manny as the badger soaked up all loose admiration. Like a sponge. Useful and satisfied when saturated, but wrinkled and ravenous when dry. Don't forget him, the mammoth noted. Manny and Diego both had been studying each introduction, sizing up the playing field with telling glances to each other. Watch out for him, or Ahh, that's his weakness. It now dawned on them how Gutt knew of everything they said, for it became obvious that Gupta rarely left the mast, enjoying the magnitude of being in high places. With so many sets of sense out to gather information, private conversation would be a rare commodity here. Exactly as it was intended to be by the ape that connived below deck, seeing nothing, yet seeing all. Like a great spider weaving webs in the darkness.
