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Post by notdomino on Sept 17, 2023 5:18:58 GMT
Secco slanted his eyes at the woman. She was an untrained dog to say the least... a wild mutt. In fact, she wasn't too far off from who he used to be. He couldn't quite say what kind of sailor she'd be. At least she was starting off as ensign. She'd fit right in with the rest of the strays. "Welcome." A dry but affirming head nod from him to her, before turning back to address the captain. Was the geezer thinking of taking him off the mission? Lucky enough his jaw felt just fine, only his hand hurt. "My jaw?" He'd give a strong jab to his own chin with a smirk. "You've punched me much harder than that before. I'll be fine." He'd raise his hand and close it slowly before opening it once more. "Even with a fracture, I bet I can still knock the beak off an eagle with one of my knives. " Notably, he talked about accuracy over throwing strength. At full power, he could knock a ship's mast down like taking a machete through a tree branch. He still had his other hand, and the way he threw... those knives might as well have been bullets. Combined with his hand-to-hand skills, it was more than enough to keep him aboard. Even if he couldn't throw with that hand at maximum effectiveness momentarily, he could still wield his rifle in the ship's bird's nest. That part of the ship was a sacred place for him. On days that were slow, being a lookout meant lazing about. On days that were action-packed, he was the crew's eyes. The crew had plenty of capable snipers, the Captain's right-hand man Jacoby being one of them. Secco wasn't going to give his Lookout position up! Leyte would have to pry it from cold dead hands. "It'll be back to 100% in a few days." He'd reassure the captain once more.
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Nile nodded to Jacoby. Of course, he'd bail and go get Kuschner... it was the Jacoby thing to do. Luckily they weren't the only ones watching. She spotted some of the strays standing around after the bout. "Fall in, crew." Her voice showing some proper authority. Scanning their faces, the woman sighed in relief. It was the least problematic strays of the crew: Marley, Vina and Prince Charles. She was a junior grade lieutenant and Jacoby gave her the go-ahead... SHE was in charge. Her sense of justice? - A steadfast Justice, always present and ready. An unwaveri- she flinched. Next to a crying bald man stood, Cassius, the crew's barber. Facepalming, Nile pointed to those who'd already lined up. With a sigh, she-"Fall in soldier, we're headed back to the ship soon." With a devilish smile, the man promised the weeping soul a fresh haircut when they would return before falling in line and standing at attention. "Er... Ensign, Cid was it? Once you're all suited up, find yourself in line. We've got an upcoming mission. We need all the strays present so Leyte can address us as a unit. And you, after you're done gather the others and tell them to report here as well. " She'd call out to El Cid while simultaneously shoving a clipboard into the hands of a grunt. The grunts could do the loading, and then line up behind the group of ensigns. They were still missing 1 more. If Jacoby was retrieving Kuschner, that meant they were accounted for. Secco was talking to Leyte... It left.... Largo, of all people. Whenever Cid got done getting changed and patched up, her place in line would actually be closest to Nile in the front. It was so they could talk. She wanted to get to know the newbie.
Largo....
That fool could be on any ship by now learning tips from other shipwrights and helmsmen. He could've been joy-riding test model ships. He was the slipperiest of the DOGs. He was a great asset to do pathwork on a damaged ship, but was MIA any other time. "Kid's gonna get us killed by the Captain." She groaned. She glared at Secco. Maybe he could find the last stray.
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Time
Moderator 
THE ONE PIECE! THE ONE PIECE IS REAL!!
Posts: 449
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Post by Time on Sept 19, 2023 5:35:25 GMT
Layete shook his head. "It's standard for a Captain to check on his crew. Regardless, well done for the most part. I saw you hold yourself back. Even if it was at my order, it's clear you've improved your control. Far better than the wild child I found in an alleyway.". Layete smiled, before giving him a powerful pat on the shoulder of his uninjured side. "Considering you're the latest ensign, that technically now means you're an Senior to Cid. Once things get settled down, show her how things work. Captains orders of course. Oh, and I kinda like her wild look. If you see our barber, make sure he only does bare trimmings.". Walking away, Layete had meant what he said. Honestly, he knew that while he could technically recruit anyone, they might not last long if tossed straight into military style life. Secco was a prime example. He had to be tempered multiple times before he got use to things, which meant that he was likely the best to establish a pecking order of sorts once Cid was given her colors.
Cid would find herself being escorted to a room with jail bars, however, these bars were less for keeping people in, and rather keeping thieves out. It almost reminded Cid of Old Pawn Shops that had shady business, if she had ever seen such places. The sign over the clerk window simply saying, "Requisitions" and nothing more. The guards handed a duffel bag to Cid. "This Duffel Bag holds your shoes, hat, and uniform, as well as a badge of your position and taskforce number. There are no weapons or anything more than your necessities in there. We will now escort you to your commanding officer."
The equipment was more ritualistic than functional as something to protect one's self, but it didn't matter since Cid's nature didn't care. Being escorted, despite whatever she said, even if encouragement was needed; Cid would find herself standing in front of a dock, with multiple ships. Each one seemed marine like in nature, yet some had their own flair. The one she was escorted to had the emblem and number of thr DOGs Taskforce. The guards would wait there, as a lone individual would be working on the figurehead of the ship, and repairing any obvious damage. Soon, everyone would begin to prepare and line up, as base marines were loading the ship with their necessary supplies for their next mission.
It would take some time, so now introductions of the entire crew were in order.
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Post by Beriadan on Oct 3, 2023 8:05:55 GMT
El Cid needed little encouragement and didn't have much resistance, though the lack of weapons had her wrinkling her nose up. Still, if they weren't arming her now, that probably meant that the ship held better stock! As long as she got something to fight with... the uniform wasn't exactly a snug fit, and she didn't like the hat, but with minor resistance El Cid found herself standing before her new floating home. She twiddled her little finger in her ear, looking lax and a little bored. How long had it been since her last fight? An hour, or maybe two. Basically an eternity.
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Post by notdomino on Nov 1, 2023 6:05:24 GMT
Secco nodded. "I'm wondering how long it'll take until she figures it out. It's better that she is here rather than another task force..." In reference to the barber, Secco rolled his eyes. That guy was a stone-cold killer... patient and quiet. Though at this point a clean shave was the best he'd give someone unless specifically ordered to slit their throat. "I'll leave that to his discretion." He'd take the time to pick the captain's brain while the others prepared to sortie.
"For this mission, any ideas? The more I think of it, the more risky it seems..." In reference to some of the DOGs aiming to blend in. Corse and Nile were a bit too straight-laced. They'd stick out like sore thumbs. There were plenty others who'd fit the bill. The barber actually being one of them. Secco thought of the options. Cid seemed like a no-brainer pick, despite her wild tendencies. There was a straggler finally making his way to the group as they lined up. It was Largo. While a decent pick, he was just as unpredictable as Cid was. Asking to split up might not have been best since the working gears that kept everyone stable were the top 3, Leyte, Corse, and Nile. Secco felt like he was the piece in between before things got unruly, the domesticated wolverine...
As the last of the last finally lined up beside Secco and the Captain, Nile would introduce Cid to the crew. "As many of have seen her prove herself against Secco, we've got a new pup in the DOGs. El Cid is her name, and she will be one of our Ensigns. Those in the same rank ought to get her up to speed on how we roll. Those beneath her, give her your support as when she gains the tools, she IS your superior officer."
In unison, "SIR!"
Nile LOVED this. She hoped to be doing Jacoby proud. Hopefully he'd be back soon to retake the reigns, but the chance he was just enjoying alone time with his dog was VERY high. In her head, this big mission was just a way for everyone to move up. If they upped Leyte's rank again, they could each wiggle up the ladder. As a Junior Grade, being able to pick up in moments like these were nice. It let the newer folks understand the food chain, and also showed the higher ups she was no stranger to having a bit of authority. Of all the DOGs, Nile was never wild, nor needed to be tamed. Being a marine was her dream.
"Let's give the ensign a warm welcome." Rather than another sound off the crew barks in unison. It was unclear when this started, but a joke turned into a tradition. One couldn't be a dog if they weren't barked at upon entry. Cid would find herself surrounded by a wide variety of personalities; some nice, some sour, and some downright unfriendly. Seemingly the fellow ensigns were happy to have her, while the lower ranked sucked their teeth. They wanted to move and be recognized just as bad. There was a rumor that Leyte had favorites. It wasn't true at all. Those who proved themselves did well and that was that. Those ranked low likely deserved it through work ethic or merit.
"El Cid, tell us something about yourself?" Nile would take initiative.
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Post by Beriadan on Nov 14, 2023 12:10:28 GMT
El Cid watched the faces before her, tapping the point in her hip that would be a sword hilt if they had given her one. She was slowly looking from face to face as Nile spoke, figuring out the expressions that stared back at her. Taking note of who watched warily, or angrily, or with a pleasant expression. A word made her neck snap up.
"Eh? Superior officer? Are ya sayin' I get to boss some of this lot around?"
She grinned to herself, then nodded lazily as Niles asked her to introduce herself. El Cid's eyes swung across the crowd again, and tapped a finger against the jagged scar that quartered her face with a grizzly line.
"I ain't here to make friends. I'm gonna fight anyone who crosses my path. I joined so that I could battle the strongest enemies around, and that means any of you too! Be on yer guards. I'll fight anyone, anytime."
She nodded at Niles, making it clear that she had ignored the Captain's words, or at least wasn't making it apparent. Perhaps it was a psychological move to make the lower ranks fearful or her? El Cid was already staring off into the distance, her little finger twiddling around in her ear.
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Post by notdomino on Dec 15, 2023 7:12:50 GMT
Nile flinched when the woman thought she was to lead less agents. "Wait wait wait." She already was declaring war on her crew. What a first impression! "You don't have command over them yet. We have to get you used to working as a marine. We go by duty, honor... justice." She had a feeling the whole justice thing would have to be instilled later. They could start a duty, since she seemingly had her honor as a warrior already covered. Hopefully she would learn to love her life as a marine and even gain some pride as marine, like how Secco had over time. By Nile's measure, Cid wasn't actually asking for too much. Technically this woman could get exactly what she wanted, an action-packed adventure with strong foes... BUT FIRST, she needed to become a marine... truly. It was one thing to just slap on a uniform, but another to take on a duty on the ship. For the people beneath her to respect her El Cid would have to find something or some way to contribute.
"It's important we find you a proper job. Being of use to the crew builds close bonds and a lot of respect among one another. We're all we've got on that big old boat." Nile tapped her chin. "Duty... duty... duty...." She looked among the mates, seamen, and choreboys. In a class of 50, most things were covered... Leyte commanded the entire crew. The first mate Jacoby was more hands on, and even tended to the snipers to keep them sharp. Sadly that meant a position like Lookout was already taken by Secco, the specialty marksmen with his knives. Then there was herself, a third in command. Nile rubbed her chin, Ensigns did indeed have command over the lower mates and chore boys, but where exactly would El Cid fit best? Her eyes scanned over more crewmates; Vina the medic, Mr. Himmer the murderous barber, Largo the shipwright and helmsman in training. Helmsman..? A horrific vision of Cid crashing into an enemy boat flashed before her eyes. No no no, something else. She scanned passed the pretty boy, Sharulous, and keyed in on Luna, a navigator and sniper trainee under Jacoby's tutelage. "Navigator maybe? ooooor..." She paused, realizing that she herself started in the armory. That seemed like a great fit. A dedicated and war ready Black Smith would do the crew some good. This also meant they could bond over weaponry... Nile would make her final suggestion. "OH, hey what about working in the armory? You ugh... like weapons right? ? You get access to all the guns, cannons and swords aboard. You can treat blades, keep rifles up to spec, and even buy or craft some weapons for your crewmates too! With a good eye for murder materials, I'm sure everyone will appreciate you. It's where a humble ol me started, and look where I am now! A junior grade Lieutenant. " She puffed her chest out proudly.
Compared to the other wild child types, and obvious stray dogs, Nile was a military dog. This always had been and still is her dream... to chase after Leyte and to become a great and respected marine. Nile may have seemed like a wet noodle, but she was fun when she wanted to be. She was already planning a welcoming party for the newbie ensign. If Cid HAD to be here, Nile wanted her to enjoy it and get the most out of it.
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Post by Beriadan on Dec 28, 2023 11:50:06 GMT
El Cid frowned. No command? Hadn't that other guy said... something. She had forgotten, so she shrugged. A job... El Cid had never had a job before. She grinned, wondering what kind of work they would put her up to. Killing people? Cutting people? Slashing people? Maybe even stabbing people!
El Cid cocked an eyebrow at the suggestion. The armoury, huh. Well, she did like weapons. She'd never maintained or crafted them before, but the idea... it made El Cid smile.
"Yeah. Alright. I can do that. Hear that, recruits? I'm Lord of the Armoury now!"
She pointed at them all in a sweeping arc.
"If ya want a sword, ya gonna have to fight me to the death to get it!"
El Cid grinned towards Nile, nodding as if they were on the same page. El Cid was trying to figure out this duty, honour, justice thing. How did it tie in with fighting? She put a hand on her hip, peering across at her superior.
"So... where do ya get this... honour stuff. What's justice? An' duty... how can I have that without trustin' you and yer crew?"
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Post by notdomino on Dec 29, 2023 10:47:05 GMT
This woman was overwhelming. Nile remained on point, but she couldn't help but laugh when she addressed the unit. "Fight to the death for a weapon?!!? You're so funny!" She actually wasn't sure if it were a joke or not. "Honor? You consider yourself a valiant and strong warrior, right? You already have honor as a swordsman. I'm saying you'll soon feel that same pride and esteem as a marine... I hope." She said, pointing to the large marine logo on the back of Secco's jacket. "If consider him a strong opponent, consider it this way. He was a scrappy wimp when we found him. He holds his honor as a marine close to his heart, and that's why I think he's gotten so strong."
As for justice. This would be harder to explain. "Ummm... I'll let Captain Leyte teach you about justice. For now let's focus on duty." She flipped her hair. Didn't she not trust her prior crew mates either? Nile didn't know enough to make assumptions. "Trust is earned and I respect that point of view. Currently, we're regarded as one of the scummiest crews in all of the marines... It's becuase we take in strays that normally shouldn't be considered for marines. I promise you this though Cid... if your life is in danger, every one of us will come help you. You don't need to trust us yet. We'll help you because it's our duty. You're one of US now! We can show you far better than we can tell you."
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Post by Beriadan on Dec 29, 2023 11:17:26 GMT
Honour as a swordsman? El Cid cocked her head to one side, considering this. It was true, in a way. Was that what they all had as well? Honour as a marine... she twiddled her finger in her ear. Maybe. Perhaps it was something to work on. She looked at Secco, frowning. Honour made him strong, huh? Perhaps she needed some to get stronger herself. El Cid grinned at the idea.
"Hmm? Ya... promise?"
El Cid frowned again at this. Promise... she had always been alone. Always had to look after herself. Even her old crew had abandoned her. El Cid had no friends to speak if. No loyal allies. She stared at Niles with disbelief.
"Tchhhh... it's what they all say. I ain't had anyone watch my back, ever."
She looked away, pouting slightly, putting her semz behind her head. Trying to pretend to be nonchalant. Yet inside her chest was a strange feeling, foreign to El Cid. Fuzzy, warm... what was this?
"So... that'd be nice to think. But I ain't lettin' up my guard just yet. Duty... I'll see what that means when we fight somethin', eh?"
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