Chapter One-Hundred Forty-Two

Chapter One-Hundred Forty-Two

Watching through Teemos eyes as the First Mate takes him around Hullbreak really helps put things in perspective, which makes sense, now that I think about it. Most of Hullbreak is still a work in progress, but we do identify something that he should probably work on himself: the location of his core.

Riding the First Mate, its not difficult for Teemo to spot the various merfolk around the kelp thicket that hides the small cave with Hullbreaks core inside. He told the dwellers, then?

The shark nods in her odd way, undulating her entire self up and down a few times. Yes. You said thatd be fine? she asks with a little hesitation.

Yeah, thats fine. The Boss likes his secret, but you do you. What are you going to do about delvers being around, though?

The First Mate freezes for a moment, and I can feel Hullbreak is blindsided by the question, too. Uh

Teemo chuckles as I get an idea, and pass it on to him. The Boss says it shouldnt be too big of a problem. Back in one of his first inspections, Tarl said his basement was off limits, thanks to the presence of the Bosss strongest stuff at the time. If you put strong denizens in and around, he could do the same especially if the merfolk act as guards, too. Strong denizens can sometimes draw delvers, rather than discourage them, but dwellers are a different story.

Would the merfolk be safe? asks the First mate immediately.

Not perfectly, but if they look official and have the backing of not only your strongest denizens, but also official ODA info that the area is to be avoided, theyll be as safe as we can make them.

Hullbreak isnt exactly thrilled with that answer, but his scion doesnt argue the point, and soon they continue on. The only other real place to take a look at is the gull island. The First Mate cant join Teemo on the land there, but he doesnt stray too far from the shore as he looks around.

So, whats Hullbreak think of building something here? he asks as he pokes around. The various gulls eye him, but stay out of his way.

He hasnt really thought about it. He doesn't have much that could build, points out the shark.

The Boss does, though. He thinks a lighthouse here could be a good way to give some traditional delving, and would fit the feel of the place. Teemo hops up on a large rock to look over the rest of the island, and the Quartermaster finally notices him. The albatros eyes widen and he scrambles from his nest of seaweed to stand at attention.

Nah, none of that. The fight wasnt personal, you were just getting ready to do something the Boss couldnt allow.

The Quartermaster squawks a reply that gets Teemo to sigh, even as the First Mate grins. Then at ease? As you were? Whatever I have to say to get you to sit down and settle down.

From there, he can see Telar working away at some paperwork or another, while Tarl is reading some ledger, looking lost in thought.

Heya Tarl, says Teemo, and the elf jerks in surprise before looking to the shelf and my Voice sitting on it.

Ah Teemo. I was wondering when Thedeim would want an inspection for Hullbreak, he says, sounding a bit hollow.

Maybe he just wants his own inspection? Or one for Violet? She just expanded, you know, tries Teemo, attempting to lighten Tarls mood, but the elf just gives a rueful chuckle and shakes his head.

Heh I can schedule those, too, but I know he needs Hullbreak cleared for general delving. He makes a lot of mana, but supporting Hullbreak means he cant do whatever other crazy things he wants to do. It might make for easier paperwork, but Thedeim isnt the type to let a problem like that sit, especially when the solution is so simple he trails off as he looks back to the ledger and sighs.

Even if simple doesnt mean easy.

You alright?

Tarl sighs again. I dont know? Your support at his grave helped a lot, but this going back? He closes the ledger and sets it down. Ive been back close to fifty times since then, for inspections. Each time, I take the small boat out, each time I think about that day on the long trip out there, each time I anchor just outside and each time, the First Mate tells me no delvers will be allowed in, that those few who do manage it will not be allowed out.

He shakes his head and stands, starting to pace. I almost want to be turned away again. Itd be easier to not have to confront the past like this. But he wouldnt want me to shy away from this. Not only is it my duty as an inspector, but this is the kind of thing Listor believed in. He was a Ranger before becoming an inspector, and he always said dungeons were part of life.

He stops and rubs his face. He was always better at explaining it than I am. My point is I dont even know what my point is, he finishes with another sigh, then looks to Teemo.

I guess my actual point is: no, Im not ready to do the inspection, but yes; Im willing to do it anyway. Thediem needs it, Hullbreak needs it, and I need it, too. His posture straightens, though his face looks tired and worn. Is Hullbreak ready for an inspection?

Teemo takes a few moments, then nods. Yeah. Me and the Boss just did a check of our own. Your fishing idea should be a great start, and theres some various nodes under the water, but no real intended encounters. Theres a no-go zone, but Ill let the First Mate fill you in on that once youre there. Its not something people should be able to just blunder into.

Tarl nods and heads into a room in the back, and Teemo follows. It looks like where Tarl keeps his delving/inspecting gear, because hes putting various things into a new bag of holding as he talks. Then Ill head down to the docks once Im prepared. He has his inspector face on, looking all business, but Teemo and I both can see hes still apprehensive about this.

Mind if I tag along? asks my Voice, stopping Tarl in his tracks. The elf gives him a blank look for a moment, before giving a small smile.

That would be most appreciated, yes.