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"They Rode to Perdition" starring Arcade's Gang (D&D/Boot Hill)
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 1992864" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 75, “Narrative of a Blockade Runner”, February 16th, 1882:</strong></p><p></p><p>Arcade introduces the other members of his party to Barnum and then asks, “What can we do for you sir?” Barnum replies, “As you may have read in the newspapers, I have recently purchased a large African elephant by the name of Jumbo from the London Zoological Society. I am seeking assistance in transporting him to America so that I can add him to my circus.” </p><p></p><p>The gang is momentarily silenced by the unusual nature of the assignment. Hank exclaims, “Are you sure that you have the right people? We’re a group of gunslingers not animal movers.” Barnum replies, “From what William Arcadiam has stated, several of your group have talents with calming and befriending animals. Those skills could be of use to have Jumbo remain tranquil during the long ocean voyage.” The druids Arcade, Morgana and Meagan exchange glances with one another and nod agreement.</p><p></p><p>Barnum then states, “And unfortunately some your other skills might also be needed.” “And why is that?” Sam asks with hesitation in his voice. The Connecticut businessman and showman replies, “My purchase of Jumbo has not been without controversy. He has resided her in the London Zoo for the last two decades and many consider him to be a national treasure. Protesters now assemble daily outside of the Zoo. There is also currently a petition before to the Queen to prevent me from removing the animal from the county. It would therefore be most expedient to move the animal before such a petition could be acted upon.”</p><p></p><p>“So you want us to steal an elephant?” Louie asks. Barnum replies, “I cannot steal what I legally own. I purchased the elephant for the sum of $ 10,000 and have the paperwork and documentation to support that. The London Zoological Society wishes has reluctantly admitted that they can no longer afford to feed Jumbo so also desire for the removal of him. What I need now are some people to help facilitate the transportation.”</p><p></p><p>“How are you planning to ship him?” Morgana asks. Barnum replies, “That piece of the equation is already taken care of. Are you familiar at all with a ship Captain by the name of John Wilkinson?” Hank is the only one who had heard it before and says, “Didn’t he serve with the Confederacy during the war?” </p><p></p><p>Barnum replies, “Indeed he did. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he served under Captain Farragut prior to the outbreak of hostilities. He commanded the Confederate blockade running ship The Robert E. Lee, which successfully broke through the Union blockades on twenty-one occasions. Following the war he lived in Nova Scotia for many years before eventually returning to his native Virginia. Five years ago he published a book, Narrative of a Blockade Runner, which became a best seller. With the proceeds from the book he was able to purchase himself a vessel and return to life at sea. When I learned that he and his ship were here in Great Britain I hired him for this assignment. Ah, there he is now, allow me to introduce him to you.”</p><p></p><p>The large man joins them in his early sixties. He has a round face and very full beard and mustache. His hair is primarily dark, but with enough gray strands to indicate his age. Introductions are made and Wilkinson displays the good manners of a fine Southern gentleman when addressing Morgana and Meagan. </p><p></p><p>The group is served an excellent meal, during which the conversation is primarily small talk. Towards the end of the meal Barnum makes mention to Wilkinson that Josiah Arcadiam and his friends are otherwise known in America as Arcade’s Gang. Wilkinson smiles and says, “Ah Phineas, the reason for this luncheon is now clear. These are the guards and animal handlers that you referenced?” Barnum answers, “Yes, they are known for being able to work quickly, which is I believe what we need.”</p><p></p><p>“Could you explain that in a little more detail?” Morgana asks. Barnum replies “Yes. It is imperative that we move Jumbo to the ship before the protesters can organize to prevent it. That would mean moving it at night, and to move him to a proper port facility would take far too long and require days of paperwork. That bureaucratic delay could allow for enough time for Queen Victoria to issue an edict barring me from being able to take Jumbo.” Louie says, “So I was right. You are stealing an elephant!” </p><p></p><p>Wilkinson says, “Actually, the lawbreaker would be me. My current ship is narrow and very maneuverable, originally a former Confederate blockade-runner. I propose bringing her up the Thames River until the bridges present an obstacle to passage. I should be able to get my ship most of the way to London and within five miles of the Zoo. The timing of this would need to be well coordinated with the team bringing the elephant to the ship, as an illegally docked ship will soon bring the British authorities. If I have not exited from the Thames by dawn the passage might be blocked by the Royal Navy.” </p><p></p><p>The group is intrigued by the prospect but also cautious. Morgana says, “Before we do this I need to see Jumbo.” “Why?” Louie asks. She replies, “To make sure that this is what he wants. I will not force a creature into a life of captivity against its wishes.” Barnum says, “He is already in captivity. He’s in a zoo!” She replies, “But after twenty years he would consider it his home. I need to see how he feels about the idea of relocation.” Hank comments, “That’s the Indian side of her talking.”</p><p> </p><p>Wilkinson says, “Well, go do that now then. I cannot remain in London that much longer because of other shipping obligations. I’ll also need at least a few hours notice to get my crew ready and the ship’s boilers up to full steam.” “So you’re looking to move the elephant tonight?” Angus states. “No time like the present,” is Barnum’s reply. </p><p></p><p>Barnum then says, “No as for payment.” Arcade cuts him off and says, “Let’s not be premature. We can discuss that after my wife decides we are willing to do this.” “Very well, I am staying here on the top floor in Suite Number Two.” “We’ll be back,” Hank states. They get directions to the zoo and head outside. Arcade states, “I didn’t want to talk about payment terms in front of Barnum. It sounds like he really needs us so we should be able to negotiate a good fee.” Sam comments, “It’s an elephant. Let’s see if we can get paid by the pound.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 1992864, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 75, “Narrative of a Blockade Runner”, February 16th, 1882:[/B] Arcade introduces the other members of his party to Barnum and then asks, “What can we do for you sir?” Barnum replies, “As you may have read in the newspapers, I have recently purchased a large African elephant by the name of Jumbo from the London Zoological Society. I am seeking assistance in transporting him to America so that I can add him to my circus.” The gang is momentarily silenced by the unusual nature of the assignment. Hank exclaims, “Are you sure that you have the right people? We’re a group of gunslingers not animal movers.” Barnum replies, “From what William Arcadiam has stated, several of your group have talents with calming and befriending animals. Those skills could be of use to have Jumbo remain tranquil during the long ocean voyage.” The druids Arcade, Morgana and Meagan exchange glances with one another and nod agreement. Barnum then states, “And unfortunately some your other skills might also be needed.” “And why is that?” Sam asks with hesitation in his voice. The Connecticut businessman and showman replies, “My purchase of Jumbo has not been without controversy. He has resided her in the London Zoo for the last two decades and many consider him to be a national treasure. Protesters now assemble daily outside of the Zoo. There is also currently a petition before to the Queen to prevent me from removing the animal from the county. It would therefore be most expedient to move the animal before such a petition could be acted upon.” “So you want us to steal an elephant?” Louie asks. Barnum replies, “I cannot steal what I legally own. I purchased the elephant for the sum of $ 10,000 and have the paperwork and documentation to support that. The London Zoological Society wishes has reluctantly admitted that they can no longer afford to feed Jumbo so also desire for the removal of him. What I need now are some people to help facilitate the transportation.” “How are you planning to ship him?” Morgana asks. Barnum replies, “That piece of the equation is already taken care of. Are you familiar at all with a ship Captain by the name of John Wilkinson?” Hank is the only one who had heard it before and says, “Didn’t he serve with the Confederacy during the war?” Barnum replies, “Indeed he did. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he served under Captain Farragut prior to the outbreak of hostilities. He commanded the Confederate blockade running ship The Robert E. Lee, which successfully broke through the Union blockades on twenty-one occasions. Following the war he lived in Nova Scotia for many years before eventually returning to his native Virginia. Five years ago he published a book, Narrative of a Blockade Runner, which became a best seller. With the proceeds from the book he was able to purchase himself a vessel and return to life at sea. When I learned that he and his ship were here in Great Britain I hired him for this assignment. Ah, there he is now, allow me to introduce him to you.” The large man joins them in his early sixties. He has a round face and very full beard and mustache. His hair is primarily dark, but with enough gray strands to indicate his age. Introductions are made and Wilkinson displays the good manners of a fine Southern gentleman when addressing Morgana and Meagan. The group is served an excellent meal, during which the conversation is primarily small talk. Towards the end of the meal Barnum makes mention to Wilkinson that Josiah Arcadiam and his friends are otherwise known in America as Arcade’s Gang. Wilkinson smiles and says, “Ah Phineas, the reason for this luncheon is now clear. These are the guards and animal handlers that you referenced?” Barnum answers, “Yes, they are known for being able to work quickly, which is I believe what we need.” “Could you explain that in a little more detail?” Morgana asks. Barnum replies “Yes. It is imperative that we move Jumbo to the ship before the protesters can organize to prevent it. That would mean moving it at night, and to move him to a proper port facility would take far too long and require days of paperwork. That bureaucratic delay could allow for enough time for Queen Victoria to issue an edict barring me from being able to take Jumbo.” Louie says, “So I was right. You are stealing an elephant!” Wilkinson says, “Actually, the lawbreaker would be me. My current ship is narrow and very maneuverable, originally a former Confederate blockade-runner. I propose bringing her up the Thames River until the bridges present an obstacle to passage. I should be able to get my ship most of the way to London and within five miles of the Zoo. The timing of this would need to be well coordinated with the team bringing the elephant to the ship, as an illegally docked ship will soon bring the British authorities. If I have not exited from the Thames by dawn the passage might be blocked by the Royal Navy.” The group is intrigued by the prospect but also cautious. Morgana says, “Before we do this I need to see Jumbo.” “Why?” Louie asks. She replies, “To make sure that this is what he wants. I will not force a creature into a life of captivity against its wishes.” Barnum says, “He is already in captivity. He’s in a zoo!” She replies, “But after twenty years he would consider it his home. I need to see how he feels about the idea of relocation.” Hank comments, “That’s the Indian side of her talking.” Wilkinson says, “Well, go do that now then. I cannot remain in London that much longer because of other shipping obligations. I’ll also need at least a few hours notice to get my crew ready and the ship’s boilers up to full steam.” “So you’re looking to move the elephant tonight?” Angus states. “No time like the present,” is Barnum’s reply. Barnum then says, “No as for payment.” Arcade cuts him off and says, “Let’s not be premature. We can discuss that after my wife decides we are willing to do this.” “Very well, I am staying here on the top floor in Suite Number Two.” “We’ll be back,” Hank states. They get directions to the zoo and head outside. Arcade states, “I didn’t want to talk about payment terms in front of Barnum. It sounds like he really needs us so we should be able to negotiate a good fee.” Sam comments, “It’s an elephant. Let’s see if we can get paid by the pound.” [/QUOTE]
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"They Rode to Perdition" starring Arcade's Gang (D&D/Boot Hill)
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