Learn to Negotiate

Writers: Ainsley, Devin
Date Posted: 14th March 2009

Characters: Jerroll, Loki
Description: Jerroll releases Loki from restriction, but with a few conditions.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 2, day 3 of Turn 5
Notes: Silver Sails

Loki approached the First Mate with a certain timidity completely foreign to the boy.. "Uh, Jerroll? We're due to port in tha next day or so, I, uh, was wonderin'...am I still confined to tha ship?" After a streak of poor choices the boy had managed to stay out of trouble for some time now.

Jerroll studied the boy. "I suppose not ... if you can find someone to go with you."

"Go with me? Why?" Loki demanded, his displeasure more than evident at this development.

"Because you have a habit of getting into trouble when you're alone." Jerroll leveled a calm gaze at him.

"I ain't a baby an' I don't need no nursemaid," Loki insisted, his tone petulant. "I'm almost twelve turns. I ain't gonna get in no more trouble."

Jerroll crossed his arms. "I think I've heard that one before."

"Ain't no one gonna want me ta tag along whilst they're puttin' down pints an' tryin' ta git between the barmaid's legs," the boy argued after checking to see that Edele was not nearby to hear his crude language.

"Think about it. You're on a ship full of very respectable traders, aren't you?" Jerroll's tone was amused. "Why don't you make a deal with someone?"

"Ya mean not only do I have ta have a baby minder but _I_ have to foot tha bill as well?" Loki continued to complain, not willing to let his freedom to roam go without a fight. At the same time he was already considering who would be the best person with whom to make a deal. There was more than one sailor that he could wheedle into accepting the responsibility for very little compensation. He just wanted to make sure it was someone he could ditch while the man was distracted in the tavern. Again, there were quite a few choices and at least one or two wouldn't even notice his absence.

"That gentleman gave you a generous purse of marks, and I didn't divide it among the crew. You'll learn something about negotiation, which is a very valuable skill." Jerroll pointed a finger at him. "Now, remember. This person is to be with you at all times while you're off the ship, and I still want you back here before full dark. Your escort won't be giving up a chance for enjoyment, just postponing it, which should give you some fair leverage." The First Mate was trying to teach Loki, and test him at the same time.

Knowing he was beat, Loki gave a resigned sigh. Perhaps if he proved himself, Jerroll would grant him his freedom once again. "Outside of a firelizard egg, thar ain't nuthin' else I can't buy if I've the marks, right?" His sticky fingers while still free to roam the port Holds, a few well placed bets, and the generous gentlemen had left Loki with quite a few more marks than one would expect for a boy his age.

"Firelizard eggs, or female company." Jerroll winked.

The boy laughed at the First Mate's words. "Ain't never gonna pay good marks fer _thet_ enyway. It's a belt knife I've a mind ta buy."

Jerroll frowned. "If you do get one, be careful. I'd hate to see the fuss Edele would make if you cut yourself." And the scolding he would get for letting the boy buy it.

"I'll be careful," Loki assured him "I don't fancy tha fuss she'd make neither. An' Rainia would prob'ly accuse me of doin' it jest ta git outta lessons an put some awful smelly gunk on it," the boy shook his head. "Havin' adults aroun' sure does make things complicated. Not thet I'm complainin'" he flashed Jerroll big smile. "I like havin' three meals a day and a bunk ta sleep on." If he were truthful he liked having people that cared where he went and what he was up to as well, but that was just a bit too much honesty for the orphan.

"And the crew enjoys having someone around to clean up and run errands. So remember my conditions and don't make me toss you overboard." He knew Loki meant well, but the boy kept getting into trouble. If it didn't stop, they would have to have a serious talk soon.

"Aye, sir. Not a bit more trouble from me," Loki answered earnestly.

Last updated on the March 14th 2009

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Learn to Negotiate