Further adventures of the Knights

JonPop · 04-01-2009, 06:38 PM

EPILOGUE of the Star Knights story

King Arthur and all those that had gathered to bid fair well to the knights as they set off on their journey to the planet Nib, were astounded to see it reappear in just seconds as they had just turned around to return to their homes.
The King surmised that there had been a change in plans or that something had gone wrong with the strange craft.
They could not know that with the capabilities of time travel, that the ship had allowed no Earth time to elapse on the return voyage.

The gathering at the Round Table was again somber. The bodies of Sir Uberschwanz and Sir Iguana were lying in state in the main hall for later viewing.
The Knights were questioned by King Arthur and the Knights that had not made the trip. They each told their stories and answered any questions that they had answers for.

Captain Slanker and all of the crew of the craft stood in the background listening to this adventure unfold.
Finally, when all had been said, everything recounted, Captain Slanker stepped forward and said, "King Arthur, please may I have a word?"
The King slapped his palm hard against the table's surface several times and said, "QUIET, we will now hear from Captain Slanker."

All attention turned to the Captain. He spoke from the heart saying, "Sir Knights, King Arthur and all of the Moderator Knights and people from the Kingdom of BetterMan and the PE Gym."

"The United Federation and all of us that are descendents of the people here on the planet Earth owe you a debt of gratitude that can only be partially repaid with wealth. Our true feelings are such, that mere words could do them no justice. That you have lost two of your own was an unplanned and unacceptable tragedy by us and by the grateful King Robert and all the people of the planet Nib.
We have deposited in both your Kingdom's treasury's enough gold bullion to ensure the stability and wealth of both your Kingdoms for many decades to come.
By directive, we are not allowed to linger here and must leave."

All of the crew and Captain Slanker snapped to attention and as one, saluted the Knights and their king, then turned and left the room.

The End.

JonPop · 04-01-2009, 06:40 PM

King Arthur and the Knights were startled, when Captain Slanker re-entered the room.
He had only been gone less than a minute, but appeared to have aged some 10 years.
He approached the King and the Knights still seated. He said, "I know this always catches you by surprise, but I have returned with some very good news.
When myself and my crew left, for what seemed like minutes to all of you, in actuality was over 12 years for me. When we left, we took the bodies of Sir Uberschwanz and Sir Iguana back aboard our craft. They had been in a state of preservation until 6 months ago, our time. During the last decade, a Federation team of rejuvenation scientists discovered a method to bring back to life, soldiers and very important people that had died or been killed in combat. We used this process on your two Knights and...(steps aside) I'd like to reunite you with your fallen Knights. Sir Uberschwanz and Sir Iguana stepped into the room with very large smiles on their faces.

They were heartily embraced by their brother Knights and there was much rejoicing.

But the mood was somewhat somber as the realization of what had transpired, begin to slowly settle in.
Even though the technology that enabled their brothers to again stand before them, there were still lingering doubts.

With the deaths of Sir Uberschwanz and Sir Iguana and their resurrection, the Knights of BetterMan felt uneasy and no longer invincible. Sir Uberschwanz said that although he was extremly greatful to Captain Slanker and the Federation, he would never again want to go through such an experience and was going to retire and live the remainder of his life in peace.

Sir Sonic Celt also decided he would leave the Knighthood and return to his home to spend more time with his family. Sir Marty and Sir Sikdogg echoed this and after a gala night of partying and sorrowful goodbye's, the four left their BetterMan brothers and retired from the round table.

JonPop · 04-01-2009, 06:42 PM

The night was dark with no moon, yet the stars were bright and twinkled, against the black background.
The salt spray was sharp to the exposed face and stung the nose.

Most of the Knights had spent the entire morning and day, draped over the railing of the ship being very ill.
Only a very few of the Knights had ever been aboard a ship under sail.

Twenty seven days earlier:

The Knights had been given a week to assemble at the round table and had straggled in one by one from all points of the continent. When they were all present the attendance was taken.

Sir JonPop
Sir Remek
Sir Iguana
Sir Stud
Sir Bret
Sir Jayhawk
Sir Stillwantmore
Sir Robin
Sir Kudub
Sir Hairtrigger
Sir Loki
Sir Marty
Sir W.M.P (aka Sir Jim)
Sir Italiananglo (aka Sir Rob)
Sir Pegasus
Sir McB
Sir B'Man

Sir Robin had been Knighted by King Arthur after the battle to save the Queen, but said he would never don the armor of the Knights as he was a free spirt and the bow was his forte'.

Sir Marty had heard the call to assemble at the round table and being bored with the quiet life, had a change of heart and decided to see what his King wanted.

When all were seated, King Arthur stood and said, "It is good to see almost all of my Knights, once again before me. It has been many months since we last met. We have a new adventure awaiting us and this will be on a volunteer basis only. I will lay out the details of this quest tomorrow at mid-day at Nikki's brothel.
If you are intrigued by the prospects of excitement and glory I shall see you then."

The King dismissed the Knights and the adventure begins.

JonPop · 04-04-2009, 05:21 PM

As the Knights were leaving, Sir Stud pulled Sir JonPop aside and said, "Man, after what happened with Miss Betsy and all, I just can't bring myself to go back to Nikki's. I'll go along with what everybody want's to do, so if you would just fill me in when you get back.
I'm just going to hang around the castle and go see Merlin and get some more of that magical salve of his. I ain't had any sex with nobody since Miss Betsy and I need to do some PE."
Sir JonPop said, "That would be all right and he would explain to King Arthur."

Sir McB and Sir Pegasus arrived about three hours apart because of the greater distances they had to travel to get to the castle and were told by Sir Stud that everybody had gone to Nikki's to be briefed on some kind of new crusade, tomorrow at mid-day. Sir McB and Sir Pegasus decided they would spend the night in the castle and head on over in the morning.

JonPop · 04-05-2009, 12:17 AM

With 14 large Knights filling Nikki's dining room, (less Sir Stud) there wasn't much room left.
King Arthur, Sir JonPop and Sir Remik had commandeered a table by the bar and the other tables and chairs were arranged in a semicircle around them.

There was a man that had been sitting at a table by the door, that the Knights had been speculating about. Nikki had run off all the other patrons to another part of the brothel.

King Arthur stood and raised his hand for quite. The murmuring stopped and he looked fondly at the faces before him.
King Arthur spoke:

"Gentlemen, I have called you from your homes and most have traveled a great distance to honor my request to appear for this gathering." The King continued, "I would introduce you to Mister Kingpole the man that will explain why this meeting has been called."
The man by the door, picked his way through the seated Knights and came to stand beside the table and faced the King. He said, "Your majesty, you know all the details of this, so with your permission, I will turn and address the Knights gathered here."

JonPop · 04-08-2009, 11:33 PM

Mister Kingpole swept his gaze over the seated Knights and begin, "Gentlemen, I have a story to tell you
and I shall begin by introducing you to this." He returned to the table by the door, retrieved a large folder and a long scroll. When he once again stood before the Knights, he asked Sir Jayhawk, whom he had noticed was the tallest Knight present if he would assist him. Sir Jayhawk said, "Yes Mister Kingpole, what do you require?" Mister Kingpole said, "I would like you to hold up this map, high for all to see."

Mister Kingpole unrolled the scroll which was a beautifully done map. Mister Kingpole beamed with pride as he announced, "I have been a master navigator and cartographer, for many years and I have researched and changed this map many times until I now am satisfied that it is accurate to the last detail.
I was assisted in my efforts by the Federation and Captain Slanker to give me an aerial view that I might present you with the island of Lesbos."

The Knights looked at one another, with some shaking their heads. Mister Kingpole said, "I am aware that you probably have never heard of this island, the inhabitants are called Lesbians."
This will be our destination. I will now give you the details of why, if you accept, we will go on this mission." Mister Kingpole continued, "There is a petrified forest at the base of the Olympos Peak, the highest mountain on the Island and at the edge of the forest is the neolithic cave of Kagiani. This cave and it's secrets are what we seek."

JonPop · 04-08-2009, 11:58 PM

Mister Kingpole was interrupted in his presentation by the door opening and 3 Knights entering.
Sir McB, Sir Pegasus and Sir Bman bowed low to King Arthur. Sir McB spoke for the three.
He said, "We are sorry to be late your highness and fellow Knights. Sir Pegasus and myself got to the castle late last night and were traveling the road today, when we found Sir B'man on his way to the castle. We told him that the meeting was to be held here at Nikki's brothel and again, we apologize for our late arrival."
King Arthur said, "I am glad to see the three of you, please find a seat and Mr. Kingpole will finish telling us about our new adventure."

Mister Kingpole had Sir Jayhawk turn the map so the new arrivals could see and said, "This is our destination, gentleman, the island of Lesbos."

Betterman · 04-09-2009, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonPop

Mister Kingpole was interrupted in his presentation by the door opening and 3 Knights entering.
Sir McB, Sir Pegasus and Sir Bman bowed low to King Arthur. Sir McB spoke for the three.
He said, "We are sorry to be late your highness and fellow Knights. Sir Pegasus and myself got to the castle late last night and were traveling the road today, when we found Sir Bman on his way to the castle. We told him that the meeting was to be held here at Kikki's brothel and again, we apologize for our late arrival."
King Arthur said, "I am glad to see the three of you, please find a seat and Mr. Kingpole will finish telling us about our new adventure."

Mister Kingpole had Sir Jayhawk turn the map so the new arrivals could see and said, "This is our destination, gentleman, the island of Lesbos."

It will be difficult to penetrate the guarded "Valley of Labia".

JonPop · 04-09-2009, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Betterman

It will be difficult to penetrate the guarded "Valley of Labia".

Aye lad, this might become a very 'tight stretch' of the journey.

JonPop · 04-09-2009, 02:32 AM

Kingpole resumed his story;

"The island was named after King Lesbos who ruled in 800 BC. The Lesbian people speak Aeolian and Thessalian dialects which will be taught to you as it was to me, by Captain Slanker, while in induced sleep. This is the method that several of the Knights, including Sir JonPop, Sir Remek and Sir Bret, were given, to learn the language of the planet Nib.
You'll notice that the map is done in this language and when you have gone through the sleep/learning process, you'll be able to read the map. This was done because we will have to hire a native guide and the map must be in his tongue.

Furthermore, Captain Slanker and his crew have provided the expedition with a ship that to all outward appearances, is exactly like all sailing vessels of today.
The difference being, that this ship is impervious to todays cannon fire. The hull and rigging are made of what I was told is a composite material and that is all that I know.

The ship is well provisioned and well armed. I am told that along with a large store of fine Rum, there is a device that will convert salt water into fresh water for drinking and bathing. Captain Slanker said that at the conclusion of this mission, that the ship would be totally destroyed."

Pegasus · 04-09-2009, 12:07 PM

Rhum, rum, lesbian rhum it wil tan your insides and put hair on your tounge.

JonPop · 04-09-2009, 06:34 PM

"The Federation directed Captain slanker and his crew to journey in time to the period of Sappho. A poetess that was born in the town of Eresor, to retrieve some works that had not yet been viewed by anyone.
The meaning of the word lesbian derives from the poems of Sappho, who was born in Lesbos. The poems contain powerful emotional content directed toward other females and have frequently been interpreted as expressing homosexual love.

These works contained clues as to the location of a spring hidden deep within the cave of of Kagiani, the water of this spring is magical in nature and instantly restores vitality and sexual prowess to women that drink it. It is this water that we seek.

The Federation is prohibited from using it's advanced technology to do this search, so they have contacted myself and King Arthur to undertake this quest.
The island of Lesbos is located between Turkey and Greece in the Aegean Sea and will be a long and dangerous voyage.
I will be your navigator and will guide you safely to the island. There are many pirates that ply the trade lanes and hence the design of our vessel."

Mister Kingpole paused, waiting for questions. When none were forthcoming, he said, "I and your good King Arthur, who will accompany you on this quest, would like you to volunteer for this mission, the rewards and glory will be great as will the danger. If you accept, please stand."

To a man, the Knights arose from their chairs and applauded. King Arthur stood and said, "Thank you my loyal Knights, we shall begin the adventure."

JonPop · 04-09-2009, 10:32 PM

By morning, the Knights were feeling much better. The sea was calm and glassy and they were making good headway under full sail.
The Knights were all speaking the Aeoliain and Thessalian dialects now and were surprised at how their tongues were able to shape the words perfectly.
While in "The Sleep" as they called it, Dr. Sweety had programmed not only the language of Lesbos but also everything they needed to know about the running of the ship and the use of the cannons and small arms. They bustled about doing the things necessary to maintain the ship at top speed.
Sir Bret told Sir Stud that he still spoke the new language with a southern drawl and laughed when he got pissed.

Several days passed with nothing but an occasional bird or fish to look at and the Knights spent the time sunning, exercising, or eating the fabulous food prepared by the master chef hired by King Arthur.
Their horses were in stables below decks and their stable hands would bring them up on deck at least once a day for fresh air and exercise. All in all, it had been a very relaxing voyage...so far.

Sir Kdub, up in the crows nest shouted....."I see sails dead ahead, lads."

JonPop · 04-10-2009, 02:36 AM

King Arthur hit the deck running, He had been in his cabin taking a nap when he heard the alarm bell sound. He yelled down to Kingpole to turn the ship hard to port and braced himself against the railing as the ship keeled over hard left. All the Knights were scrambling to the guns to prepare for what might be a pirate ship. The ship, that had been named "Far Search" was now broadside toward the fast approaching unknown ship. Within minutes, Sir Kdub called out, "Aye boys, it's a black flag with a white skull and crossbones on the mast." Sir Kdub scrambled out of the crows nest and down the rigging.

The pirate ship started to turn to come broadside with the Far Search and the Knights could see furious activity on it's decks. The gun ports were opening and cannon were being wheeled out. As the ship approached, the pirate captain yelled through a megaphone to surrender or be sunk.
King Arthur yelled below to, "Prepare to fire, on my signal." As the two ships came broadside with scarcely 100 feet between them, the pirate ship suddenly opened up with her starboard side cannons.

The roar was deafening. The cannon balls struck the side of the Far Search and to everyone's amazement the hull sucked up the balls like a fat woman eating grapes. King Arthur gave the order to fire and the Knights touched off their fuses and with a thunderous sound, the cannons roared. Sir Marty had aimed his cannon at the water line and blasted a gaping hole in the pirate ship.
The remainder of the Far Search's cannon found their mark and took out the entire side right at the line of cannons. They could see men flying everywhere and within just a few seconds, the pirate ship started to list, taking on water in big gulps as it was sinking quickly.

Kingpole turned hard to port and pulled away from the ship that had almost touched railings with the Far Search as it keeled over and sank. As it was, two men had managed to jump from the sinking ship and make it to the deck of the Far Search. They were quickly killed by Sir JonPop and Sir Stillwantmore. As the Far Search pulled away, the Knights looked back to see men in the water waving franticly.
King Arthur said, "They brought it upon themselves men and we take no prisoners, may the Lord have mercy upon their souls."
The Knights gathered around to look at the two dead pirates and saw some very thin, sick looking individuals with sores from scurvy on their bodies. Sir Remek said, "Throw these bastards overboard before we become infested with lice and wash yourselves after touching them. The deck was washed with buckets of water to remove the blood and the ship again settled down.

JonPop · 04-10-2009, 05:19 PM

The Knights were pretty restless that night. Lying or sitting on their bunks rehashing the events that had taken place that afternoon. They would say things like, "I didn't know I could do that," or, "I'm amazed that it all seemed so natural to me," or, "It was if I'd been in a hundred of these battles."

Dr Sweety had given them the knowledge and memories of hundreds of the top sailing men when she had them in 'the sleep'. All the actions that they took were almost instinctive and done without hesitation.

Earlier in the day, after the battle, most of the Knights went below to check on their horses and found that the stable hands had managed to keep them calm due to the advanced soundproofing that the interior of the Far Search had.
They also wanted to see for themselves if there were any dents or damage on the inside of the hull where the pirate ship had fired their cannons. To their surprise there were several cannon balls that had rolled to the furthermost corner of the hold. One of the stable hands named Irish said that, "The walls had made a sound like, Phittooooie and spit out the balls like watermelon seeds." The hull was un- breached and in perfect shape.

Sir JonPop had volunteered to take the first watch from the crows nest as he wanted some time alone to
let his mind absorb the fact that he had killed a man without any conscience thought. Always before, when he faced an opponent, he had made conscience decisions about a mans weakness or strength and how to plan his attack. This was based on years of experience and many battles as a Knight.
But this had been different. His body had acted without any thought. He wondered to himself if this was going to be the norm, his mind being detached during conflict, with the sleep memories taking over? He gave a sigh and returned his gaze to scanning the horizon. Little did he know, that Sir Stillwantmore was wrestling with the same thoughts.

Betterman · 04-10-2009, 10:31 PM

By the will of Odin, may we have witnessed a Berserker?

JonPop · 04-10-2009, 11:00 PM

Hey Sir Bman, I witnessed all of the Knights going through that fire fight like a well trained drill team, including you. This might just be the survival edge that will get us through alive.
It's serving us well aboard ship, but how about when we hit dry land?

I thought that you of all people, would appreciate the introspective.

Betterman · 04-10-2009, 11:31 PM

Aye Deartháir {brother}, may we always have the 'winds in our sails'.

JonPop · 04-11-2009, 04:29 PM

The next two weeks were getting pretty boring for highly trained Knights, that were used to being able to move about the countryside freely. Several were starting to say jokingly, "Are we there yet?"

They spent many of the calm, bright days in mock combat, and again were surprised to find that the 'sleep' had given them skills in several of the "Arts" of hand to hand fighting.
Sir Jim, one of the smaller Knights, astounded everyone, when he was able to use several quick moves to pin Sir Jayhawk, the biggest Knight, in a hold he couldn't break. Sir Jayhawk at 6' 7" was a foot taller than Sir Jim and only Sir Bret at 6' 2" was close to his size.

Sir Jayhawk, after being released by Sir Jim, stood up with an embarrassed look on his face and said, "Maybe I need to fight someone my own size," and laughed.
Sir Bret strode forward and said, "How about me Jay?" The match was on.

The fight lasted a good 30 minutes with both the Knights being thrown about and neither really getting the advantage. Finally when they were getting so sore and bruised, they both fell to the deck in exhaustion and everyone piled on. There was much laughing and tickling. This was defiantly a bonding moment and a great stress reliever.
It couldn't have come at a better time.

JonPop · 04-11-2009, 05:58 PM

It was unanimously voted with much laughing and jest, that Sir Jim, (W.M.P.) would take the dinner watch in the crows nest for being so cocky after his victory over Sir Jayhawk. As the loser, Sir Jayhawk had the stern watch. Mister Kingpole, who was used to eating cold meals, as the helmsman, of course had the forward watch.

All the remaining Knights were sitting at the long table with King Arthur at the head, while waiting to be served by the stable hands, who when finished, would clean up and then retire to their own quarters to eat.

King Arthur was speaking about the journey being almost half over and going over the plans for when they reached the island of Lesbos.
He had watched from above, standing at the railing, the mock battles and fun his Knights were having, like a proud father watching his children at play. He had especially enjoyed the "Pile On" and the camaraderie shown.

The Knights were very hungry as they could smell the food from the kitchen below their feet. The first trays of food had just been placed on the table when the alarm bell sounded.
King Arthur stood and said, "Gentlemen, it looks like dinner will be a little late. To your posts."

JonPop · 04-11-2009, 09:33 PM

The Knights scrambled through the doorway hurriedly, but in an orderly fashion, grabbing their swords on their way. The shouting was coming from the stern, from Sir Jayhawk who said, "Captain Arthur, there are two smaller ships trailing us about one kilometer directly off our stern."
Captain Arthur as he was now being addressed, said, "Sir JonPop, unlock the arms locker and pass out the pistols and rifles.
Sir Iguana, go below and fetch the stable hands and get them armed. Sir Bret take the port side guns, Sir Remek, cover the starboard side.
Sir Robin, go to the highest point on the bridge and equip yourself with extra arrows as I have a feeling that we are in for a fight." There was a shout from Sir B'man that he had sighted a much larger ship ahead and off the starboard side, turning in to cut off the Far Search.

Captain Arthur, shouted for everyone to stop for a moment and gathered his Knights around him in a circle and said, "When I was in the 'sleep' I was given information on tactics used by pirates that had been learned over many generations of ship captains.
This is one maneuver that was used very well to capture merchant ships and galleons bearing treasure.
This is what they will attempt....

JonPop · 04-11-2009, 11:51 PM

The Captain continued;

"The large ship is turning to block our path and will open fire at our bow with it's cannons, at our masts and sails when we get within range. This will do us no damage as their cannon balls will not penetrate our rigging or our sails, but I am afraid that cannon balls being caught by our sails and raining down on the deck might hurt someone.
The Captain of the galleon will count on our masts coming down to stop us dead in the water.
The two smaller frigates will then come along both sides and demand we surrender to boarding parties or they will fire and sink us. In theory, we would be boxed in.
I am sure that with the very large size of the Far Search, they think we are laden with treasure."

The Captain shouted, "Mister Kingpole, on my mark, turn the ship hard to starboard 180 degrees."

"Knights, grab something to hang on to and prepare for my command." The Far Search had been tacking against the wind for most of the early evening using the large jib sail.
Mister Kingpole was getting nervous as they were approaching the large ship quickly and said, "Now Captain?" "Captain Arthur said, "Wait for it....Wait for it...NOW!" Mister Kingpole turned the wheel hard over and the Far Search turned like a sports car, hard over on it's axis. It was now heading directly at the two smaller ships. They heard at the same moment, the roar of cannons as the big ship unloosened a volley of cannon fire that landed harmlessly in their wake. The Captain gave the command to run up full sail and as the wind was now at their backs the Far Search jumped forward like shifting into high gear.

"Man your guns men," was his next command. "Mister Kingpole, steer us between the ships."

With the speed of the two smaller ships and the breakneck speed of the Far Search now under full sail, the distance closed rapidly. The two frigates were about 300 feet apart when the Far Search zipped between them. Just as the bow of the Far Search came even with the bow's of the two ships, the Captain gave the order to fire.

Another of Captain Slanker's gifts to the ship, were exploding cannon balls, that would hit an opposing vessel and explode with the force of a stick of dynamite.
As the Far Search let loose they were directly broadside of the two ships and the cannons raked the ships from stem to stern.
The two frigates blew apart like a house of toothpicks. When the Knights looked back, the ships were already half submerged. Captain Arthur then turned his attention to the Larger of the three ships and gave the command to turn the ship, 180 degrees to port, drop the main sails and employee the jib sail.

As they were closing on the Galleon, Captain Arthur, looking through the telescope, saw the Captain of the pirate ship yelling frantic orders to the men below. He saw the pirate captain pick up his own telescope and look back at him with a look of disbelief on his face. The two stared at each other for a few moments as the distance closed.
The larger ship ran up all the sail it had and turned tail. Captain Arthur thought to himself, "I can only imagine the tale that will be told back at the pirates nest." And laughed to himself.

JonPop · 04-12-2009, 01:40 AM

Sir Hairtrigger and Sir Rob, were both hopping around on one leg and cursing.
In the heat of the battle, when they had fired their separate cannons, they both had the wheel run over their foot as their cannon had moved backward from the recoil. Both knew better, as in their memories many gunners had the same thing happen. Sir Stud was laughing at both their dumb asses and said, "That's what y'all get for being stupid."
Sir Robin came down from the upper deck, rubbing a large knot on his head as he had let go of the railing during the sudden turn to grab for his arrows that were sliding off the perch.

Suddenly, Dr. Sweety was standing amongst them and said, "Please Sir Knights, follow me." And led them into the captains cabin. When Sir Hairtrigger, Sir Rob and Sir Robin reappeared in just a minute or so, they were fine. But they had been gone for many weeks aboard the ship of Captain Slanker. There they had been in sleep while they healed and returned in time to the very moment they had left.

When they told the story of what had happened, the other Knights were astonished that no time had elapsed, but they felt reassured that if they were hurt, they would be fixed immediatly.

The rifles and pistols had been collected, counted and returned to the locked chest and the stable hands were once again tending to the horses. The master chef had to try and put something together for their dinner as everything had gone onto the deck during all the maneuvering.
Captain Arthur said to break out the rum to celebrate the victory. That and cold sandwiches, was just fine for the exhausted Knights. Sir Hairtrigger, Sir Rob and Sir Robin, took watch, as they were totally rested and the rest of the knights hit their bunks.

JonPop · 04-12-2009, 01:41 AM

Next, landfall and the Island of Lesbos.

JonPop · 04-12-2009, 02:53 PM

Going to take a break from writing the story, for awhile.
Any comments on the first half?

Anything you'd like to see when we hit the island?

Betterman · 04-12-2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonPop

Going to take a break from writing the story, for awhile.
Any comments on the first half?

Anything you'd like to see when we hit the island?

I'd like to see some extremely seductive women greet us with such enthusiasm and fervor. That they lead us by the hand to a beautifully serene escape, where we are shown a place to relax from our long, hard journey from the sea. Where good food and entertainment are in plenty.

I personally am enjoying your writings and thoughts. Keep up the Grand Imaginings.

JonPop · 04-12-2009, 07:09 PM

Gee that sounds awfully good, Sir Bman...But it could be a deadly trap.

The entire island is magnificent coastline, with white sand and beautiful, clear warm water.
Unfortunately, we are on a mission and want to keep our landing a secret.
Remember, the poems of Sappho were spirited away by the Federation.

Maybe after the mission is accomplished, we can come in from a different direction and come riding up the beach in full splendor, our armor gleaming in the sun, our colors blazing on our shields, and horses...Then bring on the lovelies. *Snirk*

Betterman · 04-12-2009, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonPop

Remember, the poems of Sappho were spirited away by the Federation.

Yes, I also remember how by just the reading of her poems. A feeling of allurement and tantalizing persuasion would arise in those within distance of hearing. An ambience of almost enchantment would be shared among the crowds. I recall how Alcaeus thus described her - "Violet-haired, pure, honey-smiling Sappho." An enchantress to say the very least.

JonPop · 04-12-2009, 09:26 PM

After the mission is completed, The Federation and Captain Slanker will return the poems to the same instant they were taken, so that they CAN be read.
By then, the Federation will have the Molecular structure of the "Water" and the clues in the poems, won't matter.
Because as history has shown, the spring was never found.

JonPop · 04-12-2009, 10:02 PM

Part two

Captain Arthur, (everyone felt comfortable with calling him that now, because of the 'sleep' training, it just didn't seem right to have a King as the master of the Far Search.) and Mister Kingpole, Sir JonPop, Sir Bret and Sir Remik, had been deep in study of the poem's of Sappho.

Mister Kingpole had been involved with the map making process for so many years, it was as if he had been to the island, in fact he had seen it from above.

With the reading of each sonnet, (The sonnet is one of the poetic forms that can be found in lyric poetry) the men were mesmerized by the flowing beauty of Sappho's writings and found it hard to maintain focus on the task at hand, which was to decipher the clues to the location of the magical spring.

Each of the men had a differing opinion, and so they struggled to come to a consensus on the interpretation of each passage that might contain a clue. Finally, after many days and late evenings, they felt that they had what they needed and would then have to wait until they were actually at the cave of Kagaini.

They were still many days sail from the Island, but the weather was beautiful, the sea calm and the wind at their backs. It was truly, (past battles behind them) a pleasant cruise.

Day 52 into the voyage. From the crows nest, Sir Stud shouted down, "Hey y'all, I see land, I hope there's some pussy on that place."

JonPop · 04-13-2009, 10:05 PM

From the poems of Sappho

These are some of the passages The Knights agonized over for clues.
There are many more....

1. And they passed by the streams of Okeanos and the White Rock

and past the Gates of the Sun and the District of Dreams.

2. ...they say that Sappho was the first,

hunting down the proud Phaon,

to throw herself, in her goading desire, from the rock

that shines from afar.

But now, in accordance with your sacred utterance,

lord king, let there be silence

throughout the sacred precinct of the headland of the White Rock.

3. One more time taking off in the air, down from the White Rock

into the dark waves do I dive, intoxicated with lust.

4. I would be crazy not to give all the herds of the Cyclopes

in return for drinking one cup [of that wine]

and throwing myself from the white rock into the brine,

once I am intoxicated, with eyebrows relaxed.

Whoever is not happy when he drinks is crazy.

Where it is allowed to make this thing stand up erect,

to grab the breast and touch with both hands

Betterman · 04-13-2009, 11:03 PM

Myth has it, that on the far side of the isle, there are caves of white rock. It is said that as time passed kegs of wine was stored there to age. May this be one of the clues in this sonnet?

JonPop · 04-13-2009, 11:17 PM

I think more, that the "wine" she is referring to is really the waters from the spring.
In #4. At least this is what the Knights surmize.
This cave is not to be easily found. There are great dangers surrounding this cave and the people of Lesbos do not venture there.

JonPop · 04-16-2009, 01:46 AM

Mister Kingpole said that the best anchorage would be in Kalioni Bay, but that would put them into the populated area of the island. Captain Arthur said that would not do and they must find a place that they could come ashore unnoticed. They turned North towards the High mountain, Leptymnos and the rocky shoreline where volcanic rock jutted out into the blue waters.

Sir Stud yelled down that, "I can see a clear inlet between those two rocky points and can see that there doesn't look like any rocks or reefs under the water." Captain Arthur, used the telescope to see what Sir Stud was referring to and saw that if they could anchor between the two points, that the spars would hide the ship and were high enough to hide the masts from sight.
He directed Mister Kingpole to turn into the inlet and had the Knights drop all but the jib sail.
They proceeded very slowly and even though they could clearly see bottom, he had Sir Bman take depth readings. When they had entered far enough that the Captain felt that they would be undetected, he had the Knights lower the anchor and prepare the boat for launching.

JonPop · 04-17-2009, 08:53 PM

They had packed the boat with everything to sustain them for a week, they had armed themselves with their swords, rifles and pistols and were wearing sturdy clothes and boots.
They had left the stable hands to care for the ship and horses and set out to row to shore.

Now, King Arthur, as he again wanted to be addresed, turned and removed a chain from around his neck. It had a small square device attached to it with two small buttons. He pointed the device at the Far Search and pressed one of the buttons, and got a responding beep, beep. The Knights were watching this with amusement until King Arthur explained, "Captain Slanker gave me this device and instructed me to use it when we left the ship. This puts what he called a "force field," around the ship that makes it impossible for anyone to board, or try to sail away with the Far Search. The Knights saw that indeed, there was a faint shimmering around the ship. King Arthur continued, "This shield extends from the bottom of the keel to the tip of the mast and will repel anyone trying touch the ship. Sir B'man asked, " What of those we have left aboard, will they be thrown off the ship?" The King answered, No, unless they fall overboard, they won't notice anything. Everything inside the force field will be normal."