Captain Hass was still laughing when the looming tower-like fin of a submarine glided alongside their lifeboats. For years, a hijacking operation targeted yachts and small ocean liners resulting in stolen ships and victims abandoned in lifeboats. Scores of lives and livelihoods had been disrupted and ruined to the degree of bankruptcy and suicide however, … Continue reading Fish in the Water
"Now please take the lady for a chat at a table that isn't mine so I can eat my breakfast in peace." I exhaled. "Thank you." Still seated, Zvonko stared up at me. "Mesa," he said in a low voice, "what are you doing?" I lowered my voice, too. "Something stupid out of blind panic." … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 15)
I sleep well anywhere. My cot below deck aboard The Constellation was no exception. I woke instantly when a steward made rounds for wake up calls at first light. I dressed and ducked out into the narrow passageway. Lally stepped out of his own compartment and we saw each other as we secured our respective … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 14)
"I hate you," grumbled the priest, seated in a dusty corner and handcuffed to a pipe. "I hate you more," growled the gangster. Wearing clothes easily worth more than $2000, the gangster boss was also seated, handcuffed to another pipe across the basement. The Detective looked over from leaning over several maps spread across a … Continue reading Jail or Hell
The Bandit's captive surgeon Dr. Fourier knocked politely at the study door out of habit, earning yet another disapproving growl from the bull-like sailor guarding the door. The color drained from Fourier's face. "Apologies," he mumbled. He lowered his hazel-green eyes to the small cart of breakfast things intended for the prisoners being held in … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 13)
Mario was glad to have a moment alone even if it was in a dimly lit shower stall. According to Nathan, the dormicile for the human slaves commanded by the king was actually outside the main castle or palace or wherever they were---not inside, like he originally thought. A few of the passageways leading there … Continue reading The Dragon King’s Medic (pt. 9)
The Bandit was a proud vessel. Lined with guns down either flank, she gave every appearance of a navy ship until her colors bespoke piracy for which, proven nimble for her size, she was more than adept. Presently, The Bandit was anchored quietly in a private cove at the foot of the small island of … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt.12)
Lally made three attempts with his fork to spear a tender sea scallop in buttery white wine sauce without tearing his eyes away from the distant table just in case the rare event (aka Mesa's smile) should recur. He feared missing it a second time. "I've never seen him smile," Lally lamented. Attention arrested as … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 11)
Seated beside Nathan, Mario looked up from his hot tea when the door creaked open and the jailer's bright green bulk ducked in through the small doorway. Mario liked the big green guy and was happy he returned. "You're back." Cayn pulled up the only large chair, the one he had tried to use before, … Continue reading The Dragon King’s Medic (pt. 8)
The sleek luxury schooner The Constellation sliced through the open seas with full sails, as close to flight as the ocean-going vessel could ever be. From the moment the anchors were weighed until the sun plunged into the western horizon, Captain Gisela Koning maintained a grueling pace with the help of her first mate Mr. … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 10)
Duri Rolvsson 