Voyage Prompt:

OOTD:

Lu Dahn looked outwards from his position on his ship, the Enforcer. What his eyes rested upon was the capital of Alabasta, Alubarna. If one lived under a rock, at first glance the city could be seen as a peaceful one. Even at the docks, there was bustling foot traffic, people out and about shopping, beautiful women in their culture's garbs. The sight was very easy on the eyes, but behind the veil was a Kingdom that was in turmoil. Nobles fled the palace every day. Some couldn't take the chaos, others went to establish new Kingdoms, and a few just wanted to get away from the palace, before their evil deeds caught up to them. For Nobles were just fleeing the palace every day. No. Some Nobles from the palace were dying every day. In the Kingdoms weakened state, some saw it as a chance to climb the ladder of power. May they be Nobles themselves or people looking to get a piece of the pie that seemed to be for the taking.

From the docks, Lu Dahn's topaz eyes lingered on the palace that was far off in the distance. "Sir." Lu Dahn calmly turned to his Ensign that was addressing him. For the first time since he embarked on the Fool's Gold campaign, he had company aboard his ship. His presence and activity on Sandy Island had been officially logged by the big wigs on Marineford, so he was sent back his original Unit, albeit some had been adopted into other Units during the down time. Forde, Orson, Mica, Lawson, and Hyde. These were his five Ensigns, last time he saw them they were all petty officers. He was happy to see that they had also been busy.

Currently in front of him was Orson. "The preparations are complete?" Orson nodded to him and Lu Dahn glanced behind the Ensign. The other four Ensigns were working to clean the deck of the Enforcer, but Orson had been working to set up for the Commodore's meeting. Two new prospects for the G-6 Unit. One was Ensign Emanuel D. Angelov. A gifted Navigator and someone said to have a curious nature for his habit of thumbing through Marine records. His talent as a Navigator made him desired by Lu Dahn, but also having someone on his side that could swim through records was extremely nice.

Next was Marine Captain Vane. A very promising individual who was best recognized for his fiery passion and his fiery Devil's Fruit. Lu Dahn needed a strong willed individual to help guide and mold his Unit. Currently he had Captain Uchis by his side as well, but as of late he was working on his own personal assignments. Ricchi had no qualms with this, but with another Captain, one with a strong character at that, assigned to his Unit, the leadership he could potentially bring would help carry them through the trials and obstacles that'd be in their way.

What Lu Dahn was plotting to build was something he projected to be great. This was a given though, for all things he put his effort into came out great. Nonetheless, no one had acknowledged his Unit yet. This wasn't because they were lack luster, but because they had failed to officially embark on an assignment or Campaign as a Unit. After bringing in all of these pieces, their debut would take many by storm. He knew in no time, they'd suddenly become a force to be reckoned with.

"It looks great. Thank you Orson." Ricchi smiled at the Ensign as he stepped passed him to approach the setup. For starters, the deck was spotless save for what belonged on it. It'd be a great first impression, but then the meeting area that had been setup was perfect. It was a classic wooden round table that one would see at a cafe. Three comfortable chairs were placed around it, one at the twelve o'clock position of the circular table, then one between 4 & 5 o'clock and another between 7 & 8 o'clock. These chairs were for the prospects of course and there'd be no doubt about for Lu Dahn had walked over and taken a seat in the 12 o'clock chair. Beneath the chairs and table was a decorative rug spread out. It was a regal looking piece that had cherubs resting and gazing towards the center of the piece where the table was. It may seem out of place, but it would do well to convey what type of person Lu Dahn was to both the prospects the moment they came aboard the Enforcer. Lastly on the table was a pitcher of water, three cups each filled with water, and a small floral piece.


By sitting down, he felt he could mentally transport himself to the studies of his family's estate back on Water 7. Orson had just purchased the rug today from a bazaar vendor for the occasion, so it made it all the more special. Grabbing his pocket watch out his pocket, he flipped the piece open to read the time. 13:27 The two were told to arrive at 13:30 on the dot, not earlier and especially not later, so now Lu Dahn would patiently wait. His Ensigns were done with their duties, so they just mingled on the deck. Forde, Micah, and Hyde played cards on a table on the other end of the deck. Orson was reading a book and Lawson was cleaning his rifle. Lu Dahn was content with how this moment felt for he felt he recently was in a rather dark space having to deal with the entire Fool's Gold campaign by his lonesome. Emotionally he felt very drained, so during this interview with Emanuel and Vane, he was hoping their character had revitalizing qualities about it. They were aware they were being interviewed, but what they were walking into was probably completely different than what they expected.

@Misha @Vane

Lu Dahn's attention would be drawn as his Ensigns were naturally moved to the ladder of his ship. Someone had approached and judging by the time it was his prospects. His Ensigns granted the person access to board, then went back to their leisure activity as the lone Emanuel was left on Lu Dahn's deck. Quickly the Marine's eyes had found Lu Dahn and Lu Dahn offered him a gentle smile to ration him what comfort he could. Scooting out from his seat, he would stand up and approach the Navigator. He was awfully short to be 3 years Lu Dahn's senior. He liked being taller than this person, small things like that made Lu Dahn feel well about himself. That alone would tell someone the type of person he was, but it was evident that that is what he was thinking as he approached the Navigator.

The entirety of his short travel he had his smile on and when he'd come to a gradual and non-staccato stop, he'd offer the man his hand. "Commodore Ricchi. Pleased to meet you Ensign Angelov. A Marine Captain was scheduled to be joining you for your interview, but it seems that he has more important matters to tend to." Lu Dahn step forward one step while his other foot stayed in place, his weight leaned forward. This allowed him to look directly over the Navigator's head as he used his able hand to shield the sun's rays from his eyes. Only a few seconds were dedicated to this scan he gave the docks, before he leaned and stepped back to where he was before. His eyes shifted back down to Emanuel's and he put his smile back on. "Such is life I suppose." He gave a mundane shrug and the man who's name he couldn't even remember at the moment was supposedly forgotten.

After his shoulders dropped, he turned and simultaneously beckoned with his right hand for Emanuel to follow. "So how was your journey to Sandy Island? You weren't here until now correct?" His Ensigns were steady occasionally peeking up at Angelov. Not only observing him, but also chuckling to themselves for they each reminisced on their "interview" with Lu Dahn. Lu Dahn would look back at Angelov as he walked towards the table. Should he notice the man paid any mind to his Ensigns he'd address it after turning his attention back forward. "Allot them none of your attention. They're just excited to have someone new aboard. We don't get company often."

Approaching the table, Lu Dahn would motion to either of the chairs that were closer to one another for Emanuel as he'd walk to his own seat and sit down. Once Emanuel was seated Lu Dahn would take his glass of water in his hand and take a shallow sip. His focus was on the glass, as to not spill it. Setting the glass back down he'd lock eyes with Emanuel. His gaze wouldn't falter. His sharp bird like topaz eyes, would try to reach through Emanuel's own pupils to the depths of his soul. It would also be very evident that the stare Lu Dahn was giving the Ensign wasn't just a casual instance of eye contact. Even as he would speak, his eye contact would persist. "Do you believe in fate Ensign Angelov?" If the Ensign answered no, Lu Dahn's mouth would scrunch to the side in disappointment. He wouldn't hold it against him, but Lu Dahn always found it hard not to be a believer in fate and other superstitious things. "That's a shame, but understandable. What is it that you are looking to gain by enlisting as a part of my Unit?"

If the Navigator replied yes, Lu Dahn's gaze would soften and a blissful smile would develop. "Why is it that you think fate has brought you here?"

Lu Dahn was happy to hear that the Ensign walked a similar path as him when it came to Fate. It was important to align oneself with those who had similar values, so one could be honed to be their best self. While hanging with various colored individuals made one well cultured and versed, Lu Dahn liked all his colors to at least have one thing in common.

Quickly Ensign Angelov had found himself too comfortable. Lu Dahn saw bits and pieces of his younger self in the Ensign when he fixed his mind to ask his superior such a silly question with his head titled to the side in a cheeky manner. His smile wouldn't fade despite being unsatisfied with Emanuel's question. Instead he'd listen to the Ensign's question, his brows raising in interest as it was spun together. A light head nod or two would be the cherry on top as it seemed he'd be considering an appropriate and fitting answer for the question he already knew the answer to. Then he'd steer the conversation elsewhere in such a manner that Ensign Angelov would surely understand what type of person Lu Dahn was. Or at least he'd have a clue.

He'd lead with a pondering hand brushing his chin, before the atmosphere would change from his words. "Pardon me, but as Commodore, I'll be the one asking the questions. And as a candidate for my Unit and an Ensign, you'll be the one answering." Lu Dahn's smile would persist for a moment until his focus would be drawn from the Navigator to his cup of water on the table. He'd grab the cup and bring it up, but not all the way to his lips just yet. "Please help yourself to both if you wish. It doesn't seem the second candidate will be joining us." Then he'd take his second sip of water and set his glass back down.

"Moving on . . ." His gaze would be lax and calm, the childish guise he put up before of being overly cheerful now in the past. He wondered how the Ensign would take to his previous lashing though. It was nothing major, in fact it was a test. Would he scramble to apologize and make up for his "mistake" and save face, would he take offense to Lu Dahn's actions and see him as an egotistic and rank driven clown, or perhaps he'd take another route. Lu Dahn's money was on the latter, nonetheless it'd be a fun time seeing how it panned out and seeing how Angelov ticked.

More than often, most were thrown off their game for the remainder of the interview. They'd scramble and overcompensate in apologies, some just fumbled over words and continuously second guessed their responses and when to respond. One has even crumbled from anxiety and broken down in tears in front of Lu Dahn.

It's true he's a pretty trivial person, but this was beyond speaking out of rank. It was about being able to keep one's own tempo and not be tripped up by speed bumps. Did this Ensign have the mental resilience? If he was like Ricchi predicted, the Commodore's past self, he'd be secretly writhing with anger and imagining how good his hands would look around the interviewers neck. He'd still flawlessly nail the interview however.

While saying "Moving on." Lu Dahn's eyes would have went downwards to the carpet that framed their small meeting setup. "Tell me. What do you like more. This carpet or this floral piece. I personally like the floral piece more." After mentioning the carpet, he'd look and move his hand to the floral piece that was on the table and in between him and Angelov. It wasn't anything too special, but it couldn't be said that it wasn't a beautiful arrangement of flowers. The colors blended well and were native to Sandy Island. Those not indigenous would surely be a fan, but the same could be said for the carpet. Lu Dahn's hand would be found underneath the petals of one of the flowers gently brushing it and bumping it up with a single finger. Something about making physical contact with flowers made him feel more connected with nature and the earth. His eyes would find their way back on Angelov, obviously curious to hear his response. I wonder if that was too obvious? He thought to himself.

All this wouldn't take as much time as it seemed. The situation would progress at a rather natural pace, not much space between two piece of speech, though much minuscule detail and thought was inhabiting and living in every moment.

Too gaudy for a ship? Lu Dahn shamelessly brought a hand up to his mouth as he chuckled lightly. He was humored by Emanuel's response. It was becoming clear running him down the beaten path wasn't going to show Lu Dahn much about his character. The Navigator had a good head on his shoulders and a mouth that always spoke what the mind thought. Lu Dahn was definitely enjoying the interview portion thus far. Seeing Emanuel's expressions as he retorted back to Lu Dahn was also something he enjoyed. While Lu Dahn wouldn't like to see the sass directed to him in the future, should this process result in Emanuel being taken in by G-6, for now it'd pass because Lu Dahn was giving him the same energy. "They're gaudy, but each of these pieces are catalyst in a way. They seem out of place, because they are meant to draw you elsewhere mentally. But that's a talk for another day perhaps." As he came upon his last sentence, his attention had gone from Emanuel to Orson who was playing cards. "Ensign Ravel." "Sir?" Orson looked to his Commodore, stood and approached. Before he could come all the way over Lu Dahn spoke again. "Have everyone get outfitted for the escort mission." Originally Lu Dahn's Ensigns were supposed to stay with him. The Marine Captain prospect and Emanuel before him would have been enough on paper since there would have been a Captain present. Since that was no longer the case Lu Dahn couldn't send this Ensign on the task by his lonesome.

"I was going to interview you for longer, but there's honestly no need to. Held in the light of an Ensign you show you're knowledgable beyond your rank. You carry yourself in a casual setting well and though I was a bit catty, whether you were bothered or not, you held your head.You're also not a yes man, something I personally can't stand to be around." Lu Dahn had come to a stand as he spoke. This time his smile at Emanuel was a more genuine smile. "There's still more to it than that of course, but I feel what's most important is that one has a good head on their shoulders. The last thing you'll be doing may be a curve ball of sorts, but I have an assignment for you." Lu Dahn slipped his hand in the inner pocket of his suit jacket and handed Emanuel a slip of paper.

Mission Statement wrote:G-6
Minister Foillinger and Baron Reis have called for the services of the G-6 Marine Unit to escort them and their families from the Royal Capital, Alubarna, to their ship on Nanohana. Alubarna has been the proving grounds of many pirates looking to accumulate bounty by committing crimes against what royals and nobles remain. For that reason the journey is dangerous and caution should be taken throughout the entirety of the travel. Once they board their respective boats, they are no longer your responsibility. Report back to Sail the Enforcer to Commodore Ricchi on Water 7 once your mission is complete.

"Originally a Marine Captain was supposed to interview with you, but it seems fate will have you face this trial on your own. Well . . . I shouldn't say on your own. Hahah. I'll be sending my five Ensigns with you and they'll be looking to you for direction. Consider it a test within a test I guess. Nonetheless. My goodness I'm speaking in rhymes." He laughed at himself, the whole time he was talking he was pacing the deck. Not in a hysterical manner, but as many speakers did out of habit. "But nonetheless, ensure none of my men are returned to me in a state they were not dispatched in." It was when he said this that he turned very serious for a moment. How he looked in Emanuel's eyes was an attempt to communicate there'd be serious consequences should this condition not be met. "Also, while on this assignment I want you to ponder on what your own duty to yourself is. We all serve the World Government as Marines, but a man should also serve himself and see his own personal desires fulfilled. Return to me on Water 7 using this boat since you are a Navigator and when we meet there, I'll be curious to hear what you've come up with as an answer." Lu Dahn would have stopped his pacing and would have been standing in front of Emanuel. He had high hopes for the Navigator, he just hoped he wouldn't be made a fool.

With timing that was guided by fates hand, after Emanuel said any piece he had to or if he didn't, after the speaking between the two was done, Lu Dahn's five Ensigns would come from below the deck outfitted and ready for the assignment. All five of them were lined up in front of Lu Dahn and Emanuel looking like the good soldiers they were. Three had sabers equipped to their hip and two had rifles bound by slings drawn to their backs. Orson had the addition of a suitcase in his hand. "Ah, you didn't forget. Thank you Orson." Lu Dahn approached Orson and took his suitcase from his hand. "Well, I'll be taking my leave." Lu Dahn would walk to Emanuel one last time, set down his suitcase, then extend a hand to him. "I'll be taking a Sea Train to Water 7, remember what we talked about." With a parting smile he'd grab his suitcase and take his leave, but as he got to the boarding ladder he paused. "Also, I've been hearing more reports than usual about the waters around here being brimming with pirates following the whole battle on Cactus Island. Those Nobles are bound to be attacked on their way out to sea. You aren't obligated to help them with that, but it ties back to your own sense of duty. I'll be excited to hear the details of this assignment once we rendezvous on Water 7. Ciao!" Finally, he'd take his leave by jumping from the deck of the ship down to the boardwalk of the dock. With one arm in a cast and the other hand holding his suitcase, using the ladder was out of the question anyhow.

[Exit]