Adventure
Sparrow on a Plank Chapter 14: Bribes and Paper Prisons
The inspectors had already come and gone, their pockets considerably heavier than when they had come aboard. The inspection was a farce, but luckily a quick one; there were goods that even a large bribe wouldn't protect, and a sizable number of those were on board the Hell's Wrath, waiting for pick up. It was fun to watch Rick go into his act as a first mate on a “poor cargo ship”, bargaining for the lowest bribe he would pay. The inspectors got into the spirit of things, and so there was the quick conflict of supply and demand, as the inspectors demanded what they could from the supply of funds that they had been given for bribes. In the end, thanks to a mix of Rick's bargaining skill and the inspectors' lack of recent entertainment, the bribes were half what they had estimated. Captain Taylor breathed a sigh of relief when the last so-called inspector left, with all goods still on board, and the remainder of the bribe money going into a party fund.
By Jamais Jochimabout 15 hours ago in Chapters
Sparrow on a Plank Chapter 16: On Not Becoming a Shrimp's Dinner
Sal and Hajime were walking down the pier as a group of merchants were running the other way. Some of them were covered in stew. They looked at each other and shrugged. As they came closer to the Hell's Wrath they saw Rick putting away the catapult and a couple of boys from the mess rubbing the big pot down. Rick saw them, and bellowed, “Heave to!” They rushed up the gangplank, past splotches on the pier, and it was taken in just as they hit the deck. Hajime kept moving to his quarters, where he quickly secured the book and shucked off the more confining of his clothes. He was down to tunic and breeches and then up to the crow's nest to help guide the ship out.
By Jamais Jochimabout 18 hours ago in Chapters
Emerald Flame
Was it still following me? It must have stopped by now. I glanced over my shoulder. The persistent creatures’ amber eyes flashed with fury as it struggled to keep up with me. For once I had no clue as to why it continued to chase me. It had kept within pursuit of me for quite a long while. Personally, I had hoped it would have turned and fled at the mere sight of me, but as usual, no such luck. I beat my slender wings effort fully, darting this way and that, trying to lose the creature, but to my bewilderment, it always managed to regain control and follow behind.
By Madison "Maddy" Newton2 days ago in Chapters
The Gates - Chapter One
The crevice widened into a vast chamber, its silence broken only by the faint hum of a glowing mark etched across an ancient skull. A brilliant blue light pulsed from the bones, shifting like reflections across a subterranean pool.
By Madison "Maddy" Newton3 days ago in Chapters
Tattoos and Rail Guns Chapter 14: Walker's New Blades
A few hours later, Lellend's steam head was a little more steamier than usual. He hated dealing with Deezle the Dork. He knocked and the door opened. No servant was there. Unimpressed, he walked straight in. The elder demon was at his desk, working on some sort of drawing. “So, Lellend, how are you this afternoon?”
By Jamais Jochim5 days ago in Chapters
Tattoos & Rail Guns Chapter 15: The Chipmunk Killers Prepare For War
Lieutenant Sawyer had just seen the arrival of an APC carrying four powered armor suits. Lieutenant Prowse was inspecting the one she was to pilot, making sure that all of the systems were good and that the ammunition was as promised. She ran it through some basic drills before signing off on it; she was, after all, responsible for the expensive piece of equipment. The armorer delivering got a chill from her as she signed off on it.
By Jamais Jochim5 days ago in Chapters
Corruption, Power, and Global Security Concerns
China’s Military Under Scrutiny: Corruption, Power, and Global Security Concerns China’s military, known as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), is facing increased attention after reports of investigations into senior officials. According to international media, including reports discussed by security analysts, China has placed high-ranking military figures under investigation as part of its long-running anti-corruption campaign. While China describes these actions as internal discipline, the developments have raised questions about stability, command control, and global security.
By Wings of Time 6 days ago in Chapters
