When Atom Met Oliver
As the ship rocked back and forth on the open seas, the crew hustled around the decks doing as their Captain commanded. Pulling ropes tight, making sure cargo is contained, seeing to the needs of the passengers, the whole ship worked like a well oiled machine. Even though Oliver called out orders with a commanding tone, she wasn't yelling. It was a team effort and you could hear it. A boat this size NEEDS many hands to make sure it can travel to its destination safely. But, how did they get to where they are now? Where did this ship come from? I think it's time you knew the whole Story. I'm Pogu'thalik Nelthor, but you can call me Pogu. While I might not have been born in this reality, I've come to call it, and this star, my home. My family is here and I'm starting to consider expanding this family a bit more than just me and Tinael.
Seven years ago, a Miqo'te woman with purple hair was sitting at a table with a group of others in the Drowning Wench. Chips were strewn across the table and cards were in hands. Looking at her cards, her stomach did a cartwheel but her face didn't move an inch. Her eyes didn't even twitch. The other people at the table had no clue what was coming. One by one, the others put their bets in and she just sat there, counting her winnings even before the cards were on the table. Finally, it was her turn. "All in." she says as she pushes her stacks of chips into the middle. The tension in the room skyrocketed. Voices fell silent. The sound of a glass shattering on the floor rang in the air.
Following that, one by one, the others folded... save for one, that is. A Lalafell man with a smile washing across his face. "All in, eh? Okay. I'll bite, but you might not like the result." This man was none other than Wawalago Momolago. Leader of the Fisherman's Guild and notorious womanizer. "You're a very pretty lass, but don't think your feminine wiles will distract me from a payday like this. Call." The woman and Walalago had a bit of a silent stare-down for a moment until Wawalago laid his cards on the table. Three Aces and 2 kings. "Full house, Ace over kings! I'll tell you what. I'll let you keep a couple hundred gil so you can buy a pretty dress so I can take you out for a nice dinner, just you and me."
The woman stared at the cards for a second and then glanced back at hers... Her eyes wide and mouth agape. Then, as Wawalago reached for the chips she cleared her throat. "I'm sorry, but you haven't seen my cards yet." she interrupted, placing her arm over his, preventing him from pulling the chips any closer. Her heterochromia blue and purple eyes met his as a devilish smile came over her face. Gently she placed her cards down, an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 of Hearts. A Royal Flush. Everyone in the Wench let out an audible gasp, everyone except for Wawalago that is, who looked at her cards in shock... "Sorry, Wawa, but I told you before. I wouldn't have dinner with you even if you gave me a boat. And now," the woman scooped her winnings toward her "You don't have to! I'll just buy one myself." Dumping the chips into a bowl, she got up from her seat without another word and walked over to Baderon Tenfingers to cash out. Once she had her sizable bag of Gil in hand, she casually walked out, the alehouse still silent as a mouse... frozen in shock.
Several hours later, down at the docks in Limsa Lominsa, the Miqo'te woman was talking to the Dockmaster. "I'm sorry, Oliver... That's still not enough Gil for the Ship." The dockmaster clearly felt bad for her. "Look, lass... I know you've been saving every Gil you could for this but, maybe it's time you consider g-"
A Midlander male walked up to them, his hair as white as Ishgardian snow. "A partner." he interrupted, reaching his hand out to Oliver. "Atom. I watched you stick it to old Wawa and I have to say, that was impressive! You must have a big batch of luck in you somewhere to pull something out like that." He turned to the Dockmaster. "How much does she need for the boat? Actually, never mind. Here." Atom reached into his jacket and handed the Dockmaster a piece of paper. "I think you'll find that more than sufficient to pay for the remainder." Atom looked over to Oliver with a suave smile as she looked at him with a mixture of confusion and awe.
Reading over the note for a minute, the Dockmaster nodded. "Yep, this'll more than do. You sure about this?"
Atom smiled at the Dockmaster and then to Oliver. "Well, what do you say? Partners?" Oliver smiled at him joyfully and nodded. "There you have it then! We'll take it." After a couple of handshakes and a few signatures, the Dockmaster led the two new friends and partners to their ship. Sixty-four feet long, twenty-two feet wide, four decks, three sails, and a wooden carved woman with tentacles from her waist down, wrapping back behind her on the ship as the figurehead. She was beautiful. "Looks like all we're missing is two more things! A crew... and Well, co-captain, I think she needs a name."
Oliver smiled. "The Kraken's Call."
