GM says, “I'll give you the basic impressions you have of Mars so far. For someone from Europe, the first impression is the heat. Followed by desolation. Syrtis Major is a bustling town due to its size. But when you get a look at the landscape you see the fertile zone on either side of the canals. Not unlike the Nile. However the distance you see the never ending red sand. The heat of Mars is not like Egypt at least in the greenery of the canals and the city. However compared to Europe it is a near constant 29° Celsius[1]. The deep desert you've heard is much hotter.”

Syrtis Major has several European hotels. From 5 star down to hostels. Bertram Emsworth has been staying at the Syrtis Savoy for a month. The red sand or dust is omnipresent. The Savoy does about as good a job as any place can, but it takes a lot of work to keep it nice.

Gijsbrecht Corneliszn Leeghwater just arrived yesterday. He is staying at a hostel, for now

GM says, "The smells of Mars are nothing like Europe, again the Middle East or maybe the Orient come to mind. Street vendors, brightly dressed compared to European fashion are all over the place. The Martians are fascinating. Tall, an average 6'6", yellow as the rumors, only three fingers, huge batlike ears. Leeghwater is stunned by that Martians. Even the photographs in the newspapers do not prepare you for them

Europeans of all sorts and calibers abound. Gentlemen, nobles, soldiers, sailors, common folk. The lower class yields to the heat and go without collars or coats. The upper class, despite the stifling heat, wears the full celluloid collars, top hats, frock coats, and waistcoats. Emsworth, as is proper for a gentleman, orders another sherbet instead of unbuttoning his collar.

The comparison to the Middle East again comes to mind as the sing song sounds of Parhooni and the harsher sounds of the trade language Koline fill the air.

Dr. Allen K. Price enters the Savoy just as Emsworth is having lunch. He is a big, beefy, tall American who looks like he's ready for rough country. He peers about him with great interest, taking in every detail, his mustaches and side-whiskers bristling with excitement. Clearly he's not been off the transport from Earth for very long. It's a bit pricey at the Savoy, but Price is not without funds and at least for his first week, he thought he'd live in style.

Allen Price is used to the Dakotas, where it's a very bad idea not to carry weapons into the restaurant, but here he was asked to check his weapons in the lobby. Such is the price of progress.

Allen Price will go over to the bar and order, in a flat Yankee accent, a scotch-and-soda.

The bartender says, “Coming right up sir”. He looks at Allen a tad oddly for having such stiff spirits for lunch, but he is the customer and he is right.

Dr. Price puts a pound note down on the bar, orders lunch, and looks around for a place to sit down and eat it. He sees a very well dressed Englishman at one of the tables. It is Bertram Emsworth. He is a slightly overweight, extremely well-groomed, impeccably dressed young man in his mid-twenties. He looks the typical English gentleman of the more frivolous type.

Allen Price wanders over to Emsworth. "Good day, sir. You have the look of a newcomer about you." (Flat Yankee accent, almost-British courtesy. He's apparently traveled in the Empire.)

Emsworth looks up and gives Price a friendly smile. "Not at all, Sir," he says. "I've been here for a month already, so I'm an Old Hand by now. Won't you join me?"

Allen says, “Gladly, sir. Perhaps you can instruct me, then. My baggage and I only arrived on the liner Pegasus yesterday.”

Emsworth says, "Always pleased to give a fellow Earthman a hand. The name is Emsworth. Bertram Emsworth, of the Shropshire Emsworths. Pleased to meet you.""

Price says, “Ah. From Shrewsbury, perhaps? Visited the place once, on my way down from the Highlands to see Salisbury. Delightful shire.

---ooOoo---

Gijsbrecht Corneliszn Leeghwater has been on Mars for just a day himself. He is having lunch in a European mid priced hotel, The Royal Roogie, with Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam.

Teatam is a tall man in a long black duster style coat. He has a pair of matched Colt sixguns holstered in his belt. A wide brimmed Stetson is worn cocked to one side. He has pale blues eyes a thin mustache and an imperial style beard. Often he is toting a lever action Henry rifle around, more out of habit than paranoia.

Teatam. looks over the menu doing the math to see what he can afford. “Hmmm. What are 'bangers and mash'?”

Leeghwater says, "I'm not sure. Must be an English thing"

Teatam. says, "... I think I probably should have found a job before lunch at these prices. Ah thought I was fine till I converted my money into pounds. Bye the way, did you ever get yourself a pistol?"

Leeghwater says, “Not yet. I was thinking that you might help me ...uh... shop for a small pistol.”

Teatam. says, "That'd be fine. Sorry I worried you. I guess I'm not used to livin' in civilized digs. Kind of nice."

Leeghwater is slightly nervous to see people wearing guns “Where do you think I should look for a gun, Buff?” He asks. “Have you seen any gunshops somewhere?”

Teatam makes an inquiry of the waiter, and he suggests you try the Bazaar. Just about anything is available at the Bazaar.

Leeghwater says, "Excellent."

Teatam. says, "Believe me, you can find guns anywhere there's civilization."

Leeghwater says, "I'm not sure I know where to buy a gun in the Netherlands, I'm sure."

Leeghwater says, "Expensive, but good food they have here"

Teatam says, "Yes. I wonder why they gave such odd looks when I ordered a 'buffer' steak though?"

The meals at the Royal Roogie are much cheaper than at the Savoy, only 1 shilling.

Gijsbrecht Leeghwater says, "OK, Buff, Could you help me look at guns at this ...Bazaar?"

Bartolomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "Sure, we may as well, too windy to haul gravel."

Teatam leaves some money to settle up with a small tip. Leeghwater pays (with tip) and gets up to get his coat and bag in his room before heading out. Teatam retrieves his hat and duster and adjusts his gunbelt to sit right. He pulls on his leather gloves and is ready. As they leave the Royal Roogie, they spot a large placard outside:

Teatam eyes the placard curiously. o O (Didn't notice that before.)

Seeking Exciting Adventure? Voyage Beyond Syrtis Major....

Excellent Opportunity for Explorers! Fine Pay, Expenses Covered, etc.

Contact TE Grimes c/o Explorer's Club, Glasshouse Street, Moeris Lacus.

Teatam . o O (humph... Sounds like Horace Greely rides again.... Pay?)

Leeghwater says, "I wonder if that covers travel to the interior. Would be most exciting to see the canals "

Teatam says, "We could go see. But let's get you set up right for dealing with the savage hordes first... or the odd bandit."

Leeghwater says, "Agreed."

Leeghwater asks for directions to the bazaar and heads that way. The Bazaar is quite far from the British Quarter, so they get a Hansom cab to get there. The cost is six pence each. Leeghwater pays for the cab as it's his gun they are buying. The sight of a proper hansom cab arriving but not horse drawn, it's gashant drawn, very nonsequitur."

Leeghwater is a bit stunned by the long beak on the animal and wonders if it's dangerous. Teatam eyes the creature suspiciously.

GM says, "Gist is to save some time, Gijsbrecht can get his pistol, but the price is higher than normal. You want a light or heavy pistol?"

Leeghwater says, "Light."

GM says, "Ok price for the pistol will be double normal or a staggering one pound."

Leeghwater says, "Ack"

Teatam says, "Money does seem to go fast in these parts."

Leeghwater pays the pound and proposes to take a cab to Moeris Lacus.

---ooOoo---

For the two at the Savoy, they enjoy an excellent meal, and decide to take a look at the still fascinating sights of Syrtis Major. Lunch at the Savoy is a pricey 10 shillings, but as perfect a meal as they've ever had.

Allen Price pays the whole pound. He's not used to this funny money yet. The staff of the Savoy is known for their service and honesty, he receives 10 shillings in return.

GM says, "Well as soon as you finish your lunch and go outside, you will see the same Placard."

Allen Price hmmmms. "Explorers, eh? Wonder if they'll have a place for a medical man."

Price says, “Would you know where this Glasshouse Street is located?”

Emsworth says, “My man Wilkins will know. It might be amusing to go see what it is about. I'm getting a bit bored with things here. What say we toddle off and see what's happening?”

Emsworth asks Wilkins to fetch a cab.

Price says, “I'm for that. Lay on, MacDuff, and d----- to he who first cries 'Hold, enough!'”

Emsworth says, “Stout man! That's Shakespeare, isn't it?”

Price says, “Quite so.”

GM says, “You all quickly find that Moeris Lacus is some 400 miles east of Syrtis Major. Checking at the sky port you find that a skygalleon will be leaving in the morning.”

Teatam says, "Well dang. How do you get about with no trains?"

AllenPrice makes arrangements to buy a ticket. How much for a man and about 120 pounds of baggage?

GM says, "Cloud ship travel that is a little over a day and a half with the prevailing winds for 9 Shillings per person. For the doctor, we'll say 10 shillings total."

Allen Price chuckles, and pays with the change from his lunch. He has a lot of baggage. Obviously came prepared.

Emsworth asks Wilkins to arrange for tickets and luggage. He has to shell out a full pound for the two of them.

Teatam prices a ticket and hopes he has enough[2].

GM says, “Unless you have something special you like to do today. we can have you all meet aboard ship tomorrow morning.”

Leeghwater would like to ask around for a good company to sell his patents to. Or has he done that already?"

GM says, "So far you've made an appointment to see the Chief of Engineers, but you got the impression you would not get to see him anytime soon."

Gijsbrecht Leeghwater says, "Well. It seems that a job is in order while I wait for my appointment."

GM says, "Busy man you know. He doesn't have time to waste on every crackpot that falls off the ethership (Bloody foreigners)."

Gijsbrecht Corneliszn Leeghwater understands and buys a ticket to Moeris Lacus

---ooOoo---

In the morning all five humans make their way to the Highport (distinct from the water port of canal traffic) very early in the morning. Allen Price looks around, again taking a keen interest in everything. He thought that India was confusing.

On the way the Syrtis Star has a banner headline: Royal Navy raids Kraag Barrovaar!

Allen Price . o O ( Kraag Which? )

Leeghwater shakes his head at the expansionistic British

Teatam says, "I think I'll get some reading material for the flight out." He buys a paper from a newsie. The Paper reports that an American diplomat and his daughter had been captured by the High Martian King of the Kraag during a raid on a merchant ship. The American legation on Mars was much too far away in Thymiamata to bring any military force to bear, so with full agreement by the American Legation, The royal navy raided the Kraag with two gunships. Royal Marines fought their way into the High Martian strong hold and successfully rescued the two Americans. The article goes on the praise the audacity and skill of the navy and the marines. However, in a lower corner almost lost in the hype of the main article is the response by the Oenotrian Empire bordering the Crown Colony to the south: “The red men[3] have gone too far this time. A reckoning approaches.”

Teatam says, "I think a troop of Rangers would soon deal with these Kraag rascals once and for all... or even some Federal troops."

Leeghwater is sure that the whole issue is based on some misunderstanding

Emsworth says, "Misunderstanding? The misunderstanding seems to be that kidnapping people is acceptable conduct."

Leeghwater says, "Probably the Martians where not aware of our cultural aversion to physical restrainment."

Emsworth snorts.

Teatam says, "Our what? Where'd you learn to speak English like that?"

GM says, "Before you can really get into the second article you get caught up in the boarding process."

Teatam tries not to whap people with his saddle, roll and Henry rifle as he boards.

Allen Price looks around at his fellow passengers.

The five get aboard the "Krill" and try to get settled. They are the only humans aboard; there are three Martian passengers. The ship seems to have a crew of around 15.

Leeghwater is very excited to experience humankind's physical response to Mars. He reads a lot of books. Some even in English

GM says, "One obvious English gentleman with his manservant. (Emsworth and Wilkins). Two well dressed men that are not English (Price and Leeghwater). And one obvious American cowboy (Teatam)."

Teatam says howdy to the fellow humans and then to the Martians.

Allen Price goes over to the (other) American. "Good day, sir. Allen Price. You?"

Teatam says, "Hey. Bart Teatam of Texas. Call me Buff everyone does. Put her there."

Emsworth says, "Name's Emsworth."

Allen Price shakes heartily. "Ohio man, myself. But I spent a lot of time out West with the Army. Good to meet a fellow American here."

Gijsbrecht Leeghwater says, "I'm called Gijsbrecht Leeghwater, please call me Gisbert."

Teatam says, "Army? Who were you under?"

Allen Price introduces his acquaintances. "This is Bertram Emsworth, and Wilkins."

Gijsbrecht Leeghwater says, "How do you do, sir."

GM says, "The three Martians are friendly merchant types. Reeshaad Garshdepuk and his two sons, Kaapani and Kaashneek."

Teatam shakes with anyone not moving fast enough to get away, including Wilkins and the Martians.

Emsworth shakes hands all around (including the Martians).

Gijsbrecht Corneliszn Leeghwater dittos.

Allen Price says, "Hmmmm. We seem to be the only humans on our way this morning. Can it be that we've a common purpose?"

GM says, "You see the sailors move into the rigging and set sail. The ship lifts soundlessly, save for the creaking of the rigging and yard arms. Soon you're 500 feet above the city and tacking eastward, climbing quickly in the clear cloudless sky to 2000 feet."

Leeghwater looks around the ship and writes some notes down into a little book Allen Price looks around for birds[4]. Or bird-like creatures.

GM says, "Here in the city you don't see any birds. You see several other cloud ships though. Several kites, fewer screw galleys. [5]You all catch the glimpse of smoke in the distance and it resolves into the majestic Royal Navy gunboat the HMS Reliant, bristling with guns and armor, a very visible reminder of the strength of the British Empire."

Leeghwater looks at the gunship with some interest

Teatam says, "Isn't that a fine sight? Amazing what people can put together."

Emsworth says, "Now there's a flyer you could get some serious mileage out of...."

Allen Price says, "Very impressive."

Leeghwater gets inspired by the sight of the gunship and starts to write in his notebook

GM says, "While you just can't seem to drink in all the sights of actually flying, eventually you settle down and begin to talk amongst yourselves."

Buff Teatam says, “Anybody want to play poker?”

“Poker? Is that the game where everybody gets five cards?” Emsworth asks innocently.

Allen Price peers at Emsworth suspiciously.

Teatam says, "If they want to keep breathing, they'd better have five cards."

Emsworth says, “That reminds me of a joke. This cowboy has just shot a guy and his friend says: "But Jim, you're supposed to have eight aces in Canasta!"”

Allen Price chuckles.

Teatam says, "Canasta?" Leeghwater looks blankly at Mr. Emsworth.

Emsworth says, "Card game where you use two decks."

Teatam says, "Ah. Did the fellow die?"

Emsworth looks flustered.

Leeghwater says, “Sounds a dangerous game.”

Emsworth says, "Ah... eh... um..."

Teatam says, "We could play for matches and keep it friendly. I play mainly for the company."

Emsworth says, "I really prefer Whist myself, but I'm game."

Allen Price says, "I suppose that would be all right." He will keep an eye out for birds, though.

Leeghwater says, "We mostly play Hartenjagen, Klaverjassen and sometimes Bridge."

Teatam says, "Well I'll be glad to teach you, and try these other games as well. We must have at least a week of travel ahead."

Emsworth says, "A week? Where are we going?"

Bartolomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "Moe-ris Lack-us. Four hunnerd miles away."

The captain explains that the trip is only a day and a half because you are moving with the prevailing wind.

Teatam tries to interest the Martians in his game, as well, or at least invite them. The oldest son Kaapani is willing to try.

Teatam says, "Say Allen, join me and Kaap for a hand." He deals and explains the rules. Out of habit he places his Colts[6] on the table.

Allen Price raises one eyebrow, but says nothing. He's been out West, after all.

Leeghwater is startled by the obvious intimidation tactics by Buff

Emsworth says, "I say!"

Allen Price says, "Ah, Mr. Teatam, you may want to put those away. I rather doubt anyone is going to try to out-draw you over a busted flush."

Teatam retrieves his guns. "Sorry gents. It is the custom back home."

Allen Price chuckles.

Emsworth says, "Come to think of it, there's just too much to see to waste time playing cards." He asks Wilkins to fetch his binoculars and goes out to the stern with them.

Kaapani noticed the pistols and thinks for a moment. “Nice weapon,” he says. “I think the Harpers Ferry model had a better ejection action, but those navy 36s have a smoother action.”

Teatam is far more interested in actual Martians than desert and scrub. He's seen plenty of that stuff. "Would you like to try them, Kaap?" he asks.

Kaapani says, “Truly? you would let me fire your weapons?”

Teatam says, "Sure. We should ask the captain first. I already got people thinking I'm from the Styx fer pulling them out before."

GM says, "You speak to the Captain and he says if you wait until we're further out in the desert and let him fire as well, it would be great."

Allen Price is trying to decide if these Martians are more like Hindoos or Lakota. The cities strike him very much as the Middle East. The lay out of the cities, the dress, the vendors hawking wares are very, very similar to the Middle East, or the middle ages. Which would make them Egyptians, then. But he has read about the Hill Martians and they seem very Native American.

---ooOoo---

Using binoculars Emsworth sees the length of Syrtis Major, the seven canals that made the city important in the first place, the crops along the canals. The city itself that expands in all directions, but is obviously only using about 60% of what it did in its prime. In the distance he sees the relentless red sand of the desert.

Leeghwater joins Emsworth at the stern and looks down at the ground a long, long way from the craft. "What are you here in Mars for, sir?" he asks.

“Adventure! Excitement!” Emsworth replies. “And the hunting, of course,” he adds. “haven't had any hunting yet, but I hope that will change. I have a very decent gun with me.”

Leeghwater says, “Hunting? What species are you most interested in?”

Emsworth says, “I'm not sure yet. I intend to ask someone with local knowledge when I get the opportunity.”

Leeghwater nods.

Emsworth says, “I had some very decent tiger hunting when I was in India last year.”

Leeghwater says, “I'm here to try to sell my patents to some local companies or governments.”

Emsworth says, “Patents? What sort of patents? Medicine?”

Leeghwater says, “One is for a small photophone. The other is a way of preserving food in a way to keep all it's flavor. Unlike canning.”

Emsworth says, “Photophone? What is that?”

Leeghwater says, “A Photophone is a way to talk in space by using mirrors and light. 2 huge ones are being used to talk between Earth and Mars[7]. Mine is smaller and its reach is not nearly enough to reach Earth. Yet.”

Emsworth seems to lose interest in the photophone. “That food preservation thingy sounds interesting,” he says. “Does it work on everything?”

Leeghwater says, “It works for most types of food, if that is what you mean.”

Emsworth says, “Caviar?”

Leeghwater says, “Yes, that should work.”

GM says, "You sail on making very good time due to the eastward prevailing winds, you soon leave the city and are in the deep desert. In less than an hour the only way you know there is civilization anywhere is the canal you are following."

Jon says, "As soon as the city disappears behind us, Price takes out his weapons and checks them. Winchester rifle, knife, and a very large sword."

Emsworth . o O ( Price is running around with a two-handed sword!!!? )

Teatam takes the opportunity to check his weapons out and load all the chambers after thanking the captain. He also breaks out the Henry and checks it carefully for sand or rust. He looks for some bottles or tins to set up on the rail. He eyes the other American's sword curiously.

Price says, “Claymore. It belonged to my father. I thought it might come in handy.”

Teatam says, "Ah. Well it certainly won't run out of ammunition."

AllenPrice grins.

Teatam . o O (Yankees.)

Leeghwater says, “Shall we go over and look at Buff's demonstration?”

Emsworth says, "I say, Price, that's quite a toothpick you've got there. I used to take fencing lessons once. Gave them up after a few months. Too beastly much like work, don't'y'know. But I never tried anything like that!"

Allen Price says, "My Dad was something of a Highland barbarian before he joined your Army. Says his own great-grandfather used this blade in the Jacobite uprisings. . ." He picks up the sword, draws it, and whooshes it through the air a couple of times with no apparent effort. "Not something you fence with, I'll admit."

There is no spare metal to be found anywhere aboard ship. Glass isn't common. It seems pottery is what the Martians use to store everything in. Teatam sets up some empty pots on the gunwale and adjusts his gloves saying modestly, "You'll forgive me if I'm a tad rusty. I haven't slapped leather since I left Earth."

GM says, "Once you have half a dozen clay pots set up on the railing. The captain gives you permission to shoot. "

Leeghwater takes out his note watches the demonstration.

Teatam seems a little embarrassed to have so much attention. Ain't these people got guns back home? He draws his Colt and fans three shots off rapidly[8], impressing everyone by hitting with all three.

Leeghwater starts to scribble in his notebook

Kaapani says “You are very skilled, Buff.”

Teatam frowns. "Thank you. I knew I was getting slow floating in that cabin. Here Kaap. Take your try." He hands the smoking gun to the Martian butt first. Kaapani shoots three times[9] and hits three times. Teatam yeehaws, slapping the Martian on the back.

Allen Price chuckles.

Emsworth . o O ( Wow! That Kaapani is an excellent shot too! )

Leeghwater is stunned by the expert marksmanship of both gunners

Teatam says, "Give me a few weeks and I could make a pistoleer out of you Kaapani."

GM says, "Even Kaapani is surprised. He however took three deliberate shots. Not rapid fire."

GM says, "You see the Captain eyes you; he is obviously waiting his turn."

Teatam hands the Captain his other Colt, reloading the first.

GM says, “The captain lines up to shoot[10]. He has two hits, but you get the feeling he got lucky.”

Teatam wonders if yeehawing and slapping a Martian on the shoulder is breaking more etiquette.

GM says, “Going by what you've seen of the Garshdepuk family, you think a slap on the back would be acceptable.”

Leeghwater will not try his luck with a gun for fear of damaging the ship

Allen Price will sit down with Kaapani's father, if he's willing, and try to pick up a few words of the local language.

Reeshaad says, “Certainly. I think the trade language Koline would be a good start Mister Price.”

Allen Price is agreeable.

GM says, "Dr Price and Reeshaad move over and begin Koline 101 lessons."

GM says, "The cloudship moves on silently except for the sound of the wind and the creaking of the rigging. You all begin to settle into a rhythm and enjoy the concept of sailing through the skies."

Bartolomew 'Buff' Teatam starts to roll a cigarette, feeling pretty happy.

Leeghwater tries to engage the captain into a conversation about the possible ways to reach safe ground in case of an emergency with the cloudship.

The captain says "There is little hope if the ship's hull is breeched.”

Leeghwater says, “Surely someone is looking into it?”

Emsworth says, "Couldn't you tie yourself to a piece of liftwood and drift down?"

Captain says "I've heard that larger warships have something called a 'Lifelog.' It is a last ditch escape device, but from what I hear they are not popular.

Leeghwater says, “Ahhhh... Lifelog? Interesting. Thank you.”

The captain says, “If a ship comes apart the ship drops so quickly the blindest of luck might allow you to grab a large enough piece of liftwood. but it is luck.”

Teatam says, "What's liftwood?"

Leeghwater says, "Liftwood come from a tree indigenous to a certain part of Mars. It has certain properties that aid to overcome the disadvantages of gravity"

Emsworth says, “Certain terrains, rather. Remote highlands.” Leeghwater nods.

Bartolomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "... okay."

The captain says, “The liftwood is what allows cloud ships to exist.”

GM says, "The magic of the flight fades somewhat as you get used it the idea and the day passes quickly. At night the crew lights a few small oil lanterns. You all sit down to a very simple but hearty meal."

Teatam brings out a small bottle of hot sauce during the meal.

GM says, "You take one bite Buff and your eyes cross before you start choking."

GM . o O (Imagine adding tabasco to thai food.)

Gijsbrecht Corneliszn Leeghwater goes cross-eyed too at the food, as nothing has prepared him for the spices.

GM says, "The Martians get a big laugh out of this, as all Martian food is very hot. And most humans have problems getting used to it."

Teatam grabs a beer and takes a deep slug, then continues to eat, slowly, eyes still watering. "<Huh-uh> Tasty[11]. Good thing I been down Mexico way..."

GM says, “Teatam notices a nod of approval between the Martians.”

Teatam keeps eating, sweating profusely. He winks at the Martians.

Leeghwater tells the story of his uncle's visit to Indonesia and how he mistook red peppers for green beans and took a huge helping at once.

GM says, "You all get through the meal and bed down for the night. Reeshaad and Emsworth have tiny cabins, the rest of you must make do with hammocks. The sway of the ship drifts you all off quickly and soundly."

Teatam says, "I'm sleeping on the deck. I brought my roll. I don't like sleeping in a hammock so high up."

GM says, "You all share your stories, cigarettes, and bed down. The following morning you are all refreshed and enjoy the simple meal. Which is a porridge and thankfully mild."

Wilkins will make sure there aretea, toast, and honey for everybody (using Emsworth's private supplies).

Leeghwater thanks Emsworth profusely

Emsworth says, "Don't mention it, old chap."

Bartolomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "Much obliged."

GM says, "Below the ship you see scattered villages."

Allen Price breaks out his binoculars to check out rural Martian life.

[12]Emsworth fetches his binoculars and goes out on deck.

Leeghwater will experiment try dropping things from the ship to the ground

Allen Price says, "Captain. Strange ship on the horizon. Four points to starboard!"

GM says, "Captain whips his spyglass up and mutters something unpleasant."

Bartolomew 'Buff' Teatam looks up from collecting his gear and rasies an eyebrow.

GM says, "Captain issues several commands in rapid fire Parhooni. You understand one word. Oenotrian."

AllenPrice watches the Captain for about two seconds, then goes for his rifle and cleaver.

GM says, "The ships heels hard over and tries to run."

Emsworth says, "Wilkins, break out my Winchester and stand by with the other two."

Leeghwater is mighty confused and grabs to railing to steady himself.

GM says, "You see the Martians not on the rigging begin to break out weapons."

Teatam calmly loads his pistols fully and checks his Henry rifle wobbling slightly with the rolling ship. "You best draw that gun you bought, Gisbert, and find some cover."

Wilkins brings Emsworth a Winchester Centennial carbine and an ammunition pouch, then fetches two double-barreled guns. They turn out to be an elephant gun and a shotgun.

Allen Price grins, displays his own Winchester. "Like your sand, friend."

Emsworth says, "I'm afraid I'm not very good with them. It took me three shots to bag my tiger last year in India. But one does what one can."

Teatam smiles back at Price. "We'll show these drygulchers what a couple of Americans can do."

Leeghwater rummages in his bag and brings out his gun, then rummages again for the bullets and loads the gun.

The captain says, “Bad news my friends. We will soon be fighting for our lives. That is an Oenotrian warship and we will not be able to outrun them.” To underline the captain's comment, the warship fires. The shot passes through the sail.