Task 5: Recovering Eros’ bow and arrow
OOC: Planning post is here if you still haven’t seen it. There’s no set order for this, but it would be nice to have all the characters involved in every ‘circuit’ of the para. Feel free to skip bits you feel are unnecessary – e.g. the next person could be sailing, or paddling. All I’d say is don’t introduce the monsters too quickly. I don’t want it to drag on forever, but I don’t want it to be done in two days flat. Start up new paras for interactions outside of the main plot, and have fun!
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The small boat lurched alarmingly under Max’s feet as he stepped inside, almost sending him over the edge before he could reassert himself. Falling at the first hurdle wouldn’t exactly inspire confidence in his leadership abilities. He edged his way along to reach the head of the boat. Max wasn’t going to lie – he had never liked the sea. Swimming pools he could deal with, perhaps even enjoy, but looking out on the endless expanse of grey did nothing but twist the knot in his stomach. A sudden jolt made him grasp the mast. Fearing the worst, he was more than a little relieved when it turned out only to be the others crowding on.
Moistening his lips, Max gave a short cough. “Listen to me.” His voice carried across the empty water, painfully loud. “You all know what we’re here for. Let’s get the bow and arrow, and get out. I think I can safely say that no one wants to stay longer than they have to.” He took a breath, straightening. “I need to make some rules clear, though. First, no one eats anything they find on the island. We have our own supplies and there are particularly nasty plants out here. Second, keep quiet. Whispers if you can. Whatever is out there won’t take kindly to us, and we don’t want to attract more attention than necessary. So if it doesn’t need to be said, I advise you keep it to yourself.”
The water slapped against the side of the boat as Max took a step forward. “Lastly, we stick together. No one goes anywhere on their own.” There were precious few of them as it was; the idiotic party had seen to that. Losing someone was not an option. “Pairs if you must, but I’d prefer it if we keep as a group.”
“That’s all I have to say, so…if anyone knows how to sail, now would be a good time to speak up. Or we’ll be paddling the whole way.”
Dustin waited outside the boat; he didn’t want to get knocked over in the hustle to get on. He watched Max carefully, sizing him up as a leader. Dustin had no problems taking orders he would just like them from a reliable source. He wanted to live and although he might be able to do it on his own it was easier with a team. The leader appeared hopelessly uncoordinated or overly jumpy, either one made Dustin slightly nervous. He didn’t want the leader to fall off the boat or trip on the island. That would just slow them down. Dustin wanted out as fast as possible. He thought everybody else might want the same thing.
By the time Max had begun speaking everyone but Dustin had gathered in the boat. He held the edge of the stern with one hand and gracefully pulled himself over with the other, barely rocking the boat. Although he had already been worried about Max’s coordination he found comfort in his voice not just the words he said but how clear they came out. They carried to every ear, no chance of misunderstanding.
Dustin also agreed with his rules and wouldn’t find it to difficult following any of them. He doubted any plants would be more tempting than their own food. Even if they lost all supplies he had read up as much as possible on exotic vegetation. That knowledge really wouldn’t protect him as this particular island had no specialty books or sites to study. Talking and staying together were easy. Dustin rarely spoke unless necessary, he enjoyed silence and time with his own thoughts, making friends wasn’t his priority. Surviving was.
Dustin stepped forward and stretched his hand out to Max. “Dustin Hoffman sir. We have met before and it is a pleasure to be here. I happen to have knowledge of sailing.” His dad had taught him on a trip in the Bahamas, the water was warm and clear. Easier than the ones they were on now but Dustin was confident he knew enough to get there. It was faster and easier than paddling. If they did that everyone would tire themselves out. “I’m ready to go if you are?” He directed at Max.
