Cruise Party (before battle)
The Lake...
When I look into its waters... I see my shimmering reflection.
Maybe I'm just as refracted and twisted like my reflection in the water. It doesn't matter which Lake we're on... I always look so warped, so unstable...
<…….>
I happened upon Ishmael's musings around the time we were on our way to the elusive Lobotomy Corp. Branch of the Great Lake. It had been a while since our last disastrous incident.
Maybe my distorted reflections were just... me.
Even from a distance, it was evident that Ishmael was gazing down at her own reflection in the water.
I rested my wandering feet and decided to watch her for a moment.
I... wanted to see what Ishmael was looking at. Together.
My hands were... peeling... bleeding...
Saltwater seeped into my gaping wounds. It hurt so much. So, so much that I thought I might faint if I didn't let go...
But I couldn't.
I...
What was I holding on to?
<…!>
Executive Manager, there is a matter that requires your attention! We are approaching our next coordinates.
<O-okay!>
I'll go see, too.
Ishmael woke from her introspection and straightened herself. She strode toward us.
What's up ahead?
The radar's caught something. We have visual on...
... A solitary ship.
And it looks like we have 3 hours to kill before we're allowed to move on to the next Lake. Unless...
... the Executive Manager would authorize us to weather the Waves once more...
<No, Outis.>
<The losses were worse than I anticipated... And remember what Ishmael said. We were extremely lucky the Waves that came for us was a relatively manageable one.>
Yes, Executive Manager.
Thanks to Outis, who quickly abandoned the idea, the Sinners and I could observe this new vessel with somewhat lighter hearts.
Ah, what a relief. That doesn't look like a pirate ship. That's...
OOOOOOOOOOOHHH!
LO! That is a Mini-Cruuuiise ship over yonder!
A veritable par-tay ship! A vessel of par-taying!
Even from this distance, I could see the colorful balloons and banners decorating the ship.
I! LOVE! TO! PARRR-TAY!
None shall be vexed, no matter how I frolic at a party! Naught will pay mind to how I leap and run and shout in there! What joy, is it not?!
Vergie... Go easy on the girl, why don'tcha...?
…….
But... mmm. I'm sure they sell local delicacies there, too... Liquor... Treats not found anywhere else in the City...
Rodya and Don Quixote both shot twinkling glances in my direction, then at Vergilius. Then back at me.
Vergilius shrugged. Whatever we decided to do here was none of his business.
<... Well... Maybe they can tell us something about the nearby Lobotomy Corp. Branch. Or maybe they know something about the LCCB Agents...?>
Hmm, hmhm~ Hm hm~
Don Quixote was rhythmically swaying her shoulders... Maybe she's trying to imitate the Marlin Dance she glimpsed back at the Club.
Heigh-ho!!! Allow me to ask thee and thy fine company a few questions!!
The faintly blaring music was the only response from the ship.
Maybe they can't hear us over the music. Boy, music these days... they're just too loud for me...
It'll be faster if we just head over there and ask them in person.
<......>
<I guess we can quickly stop by and ask them a few questions.>
We had three hours to kill anyway. Might as well make ourselves useful and collect some intel.
Ishmael shot a glance at Vergilius before staring at the floor wordlessly.
... I'd say it's a reckless idea to just row up to a random vessel we don't know anything about, like its owner or its history, but if the Executive Manager insists...
Sure. Let's 'stop by'.
Now that was a very Outis thing to say, innit?
... It's just the attitude I decided to adopt.
Now, this boat will come in useful.
Will this boat... not capsize?
Should I pack some life vests or a buoy?
By the time all 13 of us squeezed our way in, the skiff was absolutely packed and precariously swaying. Some Sinners' faces darkened with concern.
<Don't worry, guys. Even if you all drown, I'll bring you guys right back. All right as rain.>
…….
<J-just kidding...>
Right, then. Drink responsibly, everyone.
In a manner that was extremely out of character, Vergilius waved at us. ... Does he know something that we don't?