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Splintered Light Chapter 9.3: Pre-Planning the Post-Planning Planning

Jacques generally preferred to do his tactical planning above deck where he could focus on the distant horizon and feel the wind on his fur but that evening turned out to be problematical due to the sheer number of sailors moving about and causing a ruckus. Although the Lynx had a pending meeting with the Captain, the Tiger was courteous enough to give him time to prepare and so Jacques chose to spend the time sitting in his room at his desk.

Not all officers aboard the Wave Rider had desks and certainly none of them were larger than the Tactician's; he'd told the Captain that he needed as large a one as he could get and the Tiger had certainly followed through by appropriating a drafting desk straight from the University or Progressive Understanding. As far as the UPU was concerned the desk was out of date and antiquated for whatever strange architectural methodologies they were cooking up but it was more than sufficient as a workspace for a tactician. Jacques, in fact, found that the ample space was fantastic for setting up his diagrams, notes, and flow charts; he was nothing if not through when preparing to act.

The Lynx spend the early evening considering the ship's approach to the island. The wind had shifted some hour past and it made the trip a little more difficult. The Wave Rider's crew did their jobs well and they had made excellent time tacking against the stiff breeze but when it died down to almost nothing it made travel more problematic. When he last left the captain, Jacques was under the impression that Alistair would have the ship continue on until midnight and then weigh anchor; if the wind didn't improve then he'd order the oars set out and use a combination of engine and sculling.

Personally, Jacques didn't much like the idea of relying on the engine for anything other than emergency. While the Wave Rider had yet to use its engine the Lynx was displeased with the noise it made and the smoke it sent into the air. Ideally he would make his case to the Captain before midnight and the Tiger would change his mind-- there was plenty to be concerned about and a few extra hours of travel time wasn't the primary one... or even the secondary one. It was Jacques' task to be concerned with the results of each and every decision made by the ship and its crew; he needed to limit the risk in an already risky endeavor.

There would be plenty of obvious threats to consider when approaching an unexplored island and even more of the not-so-obvious ones. Aside from the engine giving away their position to anyone able to take note of the Wave Rider it was also important to take into consideration that fuel was limited in supply and so far from civilization it would be nigh impossible to restock. It would be an oversight to use a limited resource, especially if it would make a difference if they were stuck with calm wind or worse, in battle.

Given that the Wave Rider was so far off of the trade lanes and the commonly traversed sea it was unlikely that pirates would be anywhere within hundreds of leagues of their location but it wasn't completely out of the question. Many pirates chose uncharted locales to call their bases and, despite Alistair being one fo the luckiest men Jacques had ever met it wasn't unfathomable to think that the Wave Rider might have taken a very unlucky contract; although the chances were slim, Jacques wasn't wiling to surrender the thought that they were heading right toward a pirate base. If that were the case then calling attention to their approach would be far worse than foolhardy; it was downright idiotic.

Assuming they took the situation into account, Jacques was confident that a pirate base wouldn't be insurmountable. Watches were posted for good reason and he knew with certainty that Gunner Jak was more than capable when it came to directing the cannons to optimal effect. No-- pirates would be unfortunate, but as long as the Wave Rider didn't approach the island in the wrong way it wasn't anything that they couldn't handle. It would certainly be less complicated than, say, finding the island to be inhabited by a native tribe.

It was another possibility, and one that could raise a whole different set of problems. Friendly natives meant that they would have support while exploring and resupplying but it would also result in extra days (or weeks?) in discussion as Mr. Len tried to establish rapport and the clergy aboard attempted their ministries, preachings, and other such missionary work. The Lynx continued writing his notes even as he made a disgusted expression; he could still remember the horrible joke he'd overheard Mr. Flax say to a fellow crewman. "Why do they call face-to-face sex 'missionary position'?"

The other sailor had obviously heard it before because he had the answer right away. "Because if you're doin' it right she'll be screamin 'oh god' in no time."

The two had shared a good laugh over it but Jacques continued on without any indication that he'd heard the abomination of humor... yet it continued to bounce around in his mind interrupting his plans. Setting down his pen, the Lynx stood up and went to the ceramic jug seated on the nightstand beside his bed. He poured himself a glass and returned to the desk. Yes, friendly natives was one thing, but there was also the possibility that they would be hostile. He picked up his pen and began another line of thinking in his spider web of problem-solving diagram. Hostile natives created their own hurdles... and brought some benefits.

Considering the size of most island dwelling savage populations, any hostile tribes were usually not largely numbered so the chances were that they wouldn't be sufficient in manpower to resist armed sailors; spears, throwing stones and axes simply couldn't stand up to guns, crossbows, and cannons. In the event that natives were both hostile and numerous then a landing party could simply retreat to the ship and then the Wave Rider could bombard the village with artillery until the savages surrendered, or were reduced to a manageable number for men to return ashore and finish the task.

It would be dangerous and/or time consuming, but eradicating a hostile village meant that the crew would be able to make use of the natives' supplies with impunity; no gathering and no trading and no hunting would be that much easier. Of course, that was only on the surface because the men of God aboard the Wave Rider would doubtlessly have something to say on the matter. Having to deal with the Reverend and the Chaplin sometimes gave Jacques a bigger headache than trying to explain his tactical planning to newcomers to the ship, and, rather than it being a week of adjustment, Fischer and Zoari were a constant problem.

Regardless, and no matter how Jacques figured the different variables of natives into the equation he came to the same conclusion: the Wave Rider had the advantage of weaponry, maneuverability, and the ability to chose the 'when' and 'how' of the engagement. No, savages were not really a concern as long as the Captain was smart about it; a much greater concern would be the presence of wild animals... especially large predators. If there were no civilized men on the island then the animals wouldn't know to fear them, and that could create problems.

The tactician used the corner of his large sheet of paper to begin outlining plans for the camp. Fire would be essential, since even animals not familiar with society would still know innately to fear fire. Jacques would encourage the Captain to approve walls-- even something simple like trees lashed together five or six foot high would go a long way toward dissuading any possibly dangerous predators from approaching. He would advise that sentries be posted at all times, especially at night; it would help on a number of levels. Forrays out from camp should be suitably manned and armed since more eyes and more weapons would decrease the chances of anyone being picked off by any wily predator.

Jacques finished off his notes and then set the pen down again. He took a sip from his glass and then rubbed the bridge of his muzzle between his eyes. It was a silly sentiment to over prepare, that much he knew. Early on in his training, his supervising officer had once stated that no plan ever survived the enemy so spending too much time on any one plan was a wasted effort. The Lynx had taken that advice to heart, and so he was preparing three... for each threat.

It was another hour before Jacques had his preparation done to an acceptable level; he had two full pages of drafting paper filled with notes, diagrams, and web charts. Yes, it was silly to overprepare, but the Lynx believed that a lot went into preparing just the right amount. The tactician rolled up his presentation and slid it into a large, wooden scroll case. From there he unrolled his undershirt's sleeves and went to put on the rest of his uniform that had come off for ease of movement at the drafting table.

He donned his vest and carefully buttoned it before pulling his coat off the rack. Finishing off the officer ensemble with his hat, the Lynx paused to adjust it. A good number of the officers aboard the Wave Rider preferred either a tricorne or no hat at all, but Jacques had always chose to go with a bicorne, worn front-to-back to allow room for his ears; the Lynx greatly detested any headgear getting in their way since the tufts of fur at the end were sensitive and he disliked the idea of having something tickling them all day long.

Jacques was of a mind that a hat could tell a lot about its wearer, and he found the quasi-science of identifying types of people based on their headwear to be a fine use of his time. Whether someone chose an in-style hat or something more traditional gave an indication to their values; someone who never wore a hat, even when one was called for usually had issues, either with authority, or with something touching their head. People might elect for a colorful hat or something more subdued-- something expected or something exciting.

The Lynx made his way out of his cabin, heading toward the stairs that led to the top deck even as the thoughts continued through his mind. Ever since he could remember, Jacques usually had no less than three lines of thought going through his brain, and the contemplation regarding hats was the third that evening, preceded by rehearsing his plans, and proceeded by different ways he could argue the importance of not relying on the engine when it came to approaching the island. Yes... the engine would make at least five of the possible six anticipated unanticipated complications worse.

As far as the unanticipated unanticipated complications... well... that would have required a fourth line of thinking, and Jacques was content to stick with three. He would have the meeting with Captain Jacksoni, and then he'd get to work thinking about what he hadn't considered. Even as he stepped out onto the deck and made his way following the railing toward the aft of the ship, he failed to avoid adding that fourth, and it started with a pretty important one: reefs, shallows, and shoals.

Navigation wasn't really Jacques' area of expertise and regardless of how much time he'd spent on ships in his life he knew that wouldn't ever really be one of his strong points. What he DID have to say about approaching an uncharted island was that it paid to do so slowly and carefully, which was another point in his argument for avoiding engine use. Then again, the engine certainly offered some benefits for maneuverability over oars and sail, but that would mean they'd sacrifice the element of stealth on their approach. It was a toss up of benefits, and further complicated his other trains of thought.

The tactician knew that Captain Jacksoni hated the idea of sending the ship's chief engineer up into the air during daytime but, in a moment of inspiration, Jacques realized that Somus had the best night vision out of almost everyone aboard, save perhaps the Lynx himself. With a carefully placed suggestion, he was sure that the Captain would understand the benefit of having the Dragon scout the waters from overhead once the Wave Rider lowered their anchor for the night.

A carefully planned approach to the island meant that they would have a safe journey on approach, possibly have a good sheltered cove picked out, and provide the added benefit of being able to chart a course without relying on the engine for sudden navigational changes due to below-water hazards. As the Lynx approached the cuddy he raised a paw to knock, ready to explain his suggestion on how best to proceed. The door opened before he had a chance and the Lynx came face-to-face with the ship's First Mate.

Jacques had no particular love of the Jackal and many reasons to dislike him, but the tactician prided himself on being able to work with anyone... even a cannibalistic savage. He nodded his head courteously to Ash-Moon. "I am here to see the captain."

Alistair called from further within the room. "Please do come in, Misseur le Blanc. As you can see, I invited some additional brainpower to our meeting this evening. I do hope you've had the opportunity to take our options into consideration."

The Lynx stepped into the room after Ash-Moon moved out of his way; entering the gathering area, Jacques saw that, in addition to the Captain and the First Mate, the ship's Bosun was present as well. Unlike the First Mate, the Bosun was considered the tactician's friend and he trusted Rolf Severna as much as he did the captain. "Yes sir... I have considered all of the possible variables and I--"

Ash-Moon interrupted him. "Not all of them."

Jacques paused, then went to start again as if not interrupted, but he then stopped himself. He turned to the Jackal. "What do you mean by that... sir?"

The tribesman took a seat on the edge of the dining table; the fact that he was seated on a table at all was rude but the fact that he was wearing a loincloth and portions of his nether regions were exposed to the surface was nigh unbearable... but Jacques overlooked it regardless. Ash-Moon elaborated. "You cannot think of everything."

The Lynx flicked an ear. "Be that as it may--"

Ash-Moon wasn't done. "If you try, you never do anything... you just sit and think. Nothing gets done."

Jacques cleared his throat, eyes going to the Captain instead. Once the Tiger nodded, the Lynx started again, clarifying his stance. "Taking the most evident variables into account, I have come up with a large percentage of likely issues we will need to consider."

Captain Jacksoni nodded, and counted off several of the same issues Jacques had come up with himself. "Anyone else present, nautical approach, and haborage."

Despite the overreaching categories, the Tiger had done an excellent job at outlining Jacques' own topics of discussion. Rather than correct the Captain or try to expound on those concepts the Lynx instead used a much more diplomatic method for starting the discussion and agreed with him. "Yes sir. Precisely. I have addressed those very topics... let me present my notes-- Bosun, if you would clear the table, please?"

By 'clearing the table', Jacques of course meant that he'd hope someone would get the First Mate to stand up and take an actual seat, but it was also carefully disguised as a request for goblets and a fruit bowl to be moved. Thankfully, whether the Captain caught both meanings or not, he had Ash-Moon move everything to a counter off to the side, accomplishing both the direct intent and the implied one all in one go; the Tiger never failed to impress, and with that, Jacques spread out the sheets of drafting paper and went over the different topics he felt needed to be discussed, itemizing them so that they all coordinated in the way the Captain had identified the issues that were on his own mind.

The meeting lasted an hour, but by the time it came to an end, Jacques was confident that the Captain had all the information he needed to make a wise choice, and he knew that was precisely what the Tiger would do. Alistair was attentive and listened to the tactician and because advice is what he paid Jacqus to provide; the Captain never wasted money.