[Episode] The Old Man and the Boat

The mooring ropes slid free of the cleats anchoring the vessel with a simple application of friction. The boat trembled in anticipation as Orion took its helm. He could feel his good cheer at an honest day’s work speeding his departure. Already, he could feel the current’s tug pulling the fishing boat out to sea.

The vessel was a fine reward for Orion’s labors. The Weird Science guys had even been kind enough to stock it full of food and drink enough for a month.. Orion silently thanked them for their thoughtfulness as he finished his cursory inspection of the ship and looked towards the distance.

Ah. The open sea and its gently lapping waves. The murky fog of Spider Miles miraculously ended at the edge of the pier where North Blue sang a siren song. It was a welcoming to Orion’s mighty ship as together they took their first steps into the wider world. Truly, Orion’s grand adventure started now—

[npc=bhun]”WHAT THE FUCK!!!”[/npc] Sofie screamed, raging in her shackles. Her voice carried over the wind.

Luka still worked hurriedly at removing Sofie’s bindings, but where she was sitting she had a clear view of Orion and the fishing boat floating about twenty feet offshore.

[npc=bhun]”What do you think your doing?! That isn’t yours!”[/npc]

Orion turned to look back from his position on the helm of his vessel and waved cheerily. It was kind of them to see him off on his maiden voyage.

”Thanks for the help, Luka! I couldn’t have done this without you. Sofie, this is a rather generous payment, but I’m not one to complain about good deals!” Orion had to cup his hands and yell. The ship had been caught in the tide and he was rapidly moving towards the distance.

Orion could barely make out a confused but swiftly shifting look to one of anger on Luka’s face. The man shouted something while waving frantically but Orion couldn’t make it out. He probably felt bittersweet that they wouldn’t be able to work together again soon. Orion got it, and he waved them off with good cheer.

”Take care, new friends!”


The horizon was calling. Orion could taste the freedom on the salty air.

[npc=bhun]”You pirate bastard!”[/npc] A wholesome farewell followed him over the wind before it was lost among the sound of waves breaking.

Yep. Freedom. Adventure. Knick-Knacks. A pirate’s life for Orion, indeed.

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