A Successful Venture

Writers: Devin, Noola
Date Posted: 10th March 2010

Characters: Jerroll, Chimel
Description: Jerroll accepts a new cargo.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 8, day 5 of Turn 5

Chimel leaned back in his seat, one foot propped up in the chair
across the table from him as he nursed his drink and kept an eye on
the front door. His table was lined up so he could see the door, but
not be seen by anyone coming in the door. He'd scouted the tavern for
just such a seat and once he'd claimed it, he let it be known that
anyone sitting there would find themselves evicted... from the tavern.
Of course, calling it a tavern was being generous, and there were
better establishments one could go to. Some of them even had clean
glasses. But this place suited his needs just fine. It was a great
fishing spot.

He was waiting to see if the line he'd cast would get a nibble. He'd
sent word out that he was looking for a ship with space in their hold
and a distinct lack of interest in what would be put there. A few
ships had landed today and he had a good feeling that at least one of
them would be willing to transport his goods.

Jerroll entered the unkempt building and scanned the patrons. He was
wary of taking a job from someone he didn't know, still skittish after
all the trouble they'd had. The person responsible had been taken care
of, but the whole affair had made him more paranoid than usual. Still,
they needed to take jobs to make up for all the marks they'd lost in
dumped goods and skipped ports.

Chimel saw the man enter and glance around. This might be a fish come
to nibble now. He gestured towards one of the serving girls who rolled
her eyes, but went to take the newcomer's order and direct him to join
Chimel at his table. He hoped they'd be able to come to an agreement.
His contact had wanted the goods delivered almost a sevenday ago, and
the more time passed, the lower his profit margins got.

"Hello, there," Jerroll said as he sat down across from Chimel. "I
hear you have a problem that needs a solution." He studied the man,
sizing him up.

Chimel returned the assessing gaze, "Might have." He leaned forward a
bit, "Are you offering a solution?"

"I have the means to provide a solution, if we can come to an
agreement," Jerroll said.

"Of course, of course." Chimel sat back slightly, adopting a
thoughtful look before nodding. "I have a certain cargo that needs to
get to a certain destination. If you provide a solution to this
problem, as you say, then you'll be paid a cut. Say...," he tilted his
head, considering. "Ten percent."

"Twenty five," Jerroll countered without a pause.

Chimel grinned, he'd expected a counter offer, of course. It was why
he always started low. If the other man had accepted ten percent,
Chimel wouldn't have done business with him. Only fools accepted an
offer like that and Chimel didn't trust his cargo with fools. Chimel
was willing to go as high as twenty. Course, that didn't mean that
Chimel had to just give it to him and. "Fifteen," he bartered back.

Ten would have been an insult. Fifteen was a little better. "Twenty,"
Jerroll told him.

Considering the other man, Chimel was quiet for a moment before
nodding. He leaned far forward then, "Some people in positions of
authority might look askance at my cargo. But, since they won't be
looking at my cargo, that doesn't matter so much, does it?" He paused
then, waiting on the other man's response.

"No, it doesn't. The only people seeing your cargo will be my crew and
whoever I'm delivering it to." Jerroll might have been offended, but
the other man didn't know him and was simply being cautious.

"Good man! I knew we could come to an agreement. Let me buy you a
drink and we'll discuss the details. Who, where, when, and such
things." Chimel waved toward the tavern girl again and leaned back
again, glad to have found a ship. If this worked out well, perhaps
he'd use them again. A man in his line of work could always use the
services of a trusty vessel. "Name's Chimel, by the by."

"Jerroll." He leaned over and offered his hand.

Chimel accepted the handshake, "Pleasure." He waited to continue until
the tavern girl had dropped off the two drinks and left, but as soon
as she had, he began explaining. "I've got sixteen barrels, thirty-six
gallon sized. They need to go to to a certain sea hold near Jade
Harbor. I'll give you a map. Best if delivery is made at night, I'm
sure you understand."

Jerroll took a sip of his drink and nodded.

"The man you'll be delivering to, his name is Quelek. He's a rude
sort, but don't let it bother you." Chimel grinned. "The cove won't
have a dock or pier, he'll meet you on the beach. Any questions?"

"Any authorities in the area I should look out for?"

"Not if you steer clear of the sea hold's pier. It'll be a beach
landing, at night. Shouldn't be a soul around cept Quelek and his
men."

It sounded easy, and he hoped it would end up so. "Alright. When will
you deliver to the ship?"

"Just tell me which berth you're in, and I'll have my lads deliver the
barrels this evening."

Jerroll gave him the information and lifted his glass. "Here's to a
successful delivery."

"I'll drink to that," Chimel raised his glass, silently adding the
hope this this would be the start of many more such ventures in the
future.

Last updated on the March 19th 2010

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A Successful Venture