Kids These Days (Solo)

[Gar]

Gar woke up earlier than usual. Unfortunately, it was way too early for the pirate to get started working. He rolled over and covered his eyes with his upper arm. As soon as he started falling asleep again he heard a banging on his cabin door. Typical. The young’ns haven’t gotten up yet. Gar stared at the ceiling from his hammock for a few seconds as he regained consciousness.. Sigh.. “Alright children were gonna learn how to tie knots today. Who’s excited?”

The newcomers always struggled waking up this early. Gar clapped his hands together a few times. “Hey now if you don’t wake up I’ll throw you to the Kraken. That thing is much worse than I am! Hahahar” The children woke up and slowly rolled out of their hammocks. Gar smiled at the children. “I expect you above deck in ten minutes.” If it were up to the captain it would be five, but Gar was fine with doing the extra work in exchange for a few minutes of sleep for the kids.

Gar was scrubbing the decks when the first new cabin boy came above deck. “Hey there! Ralph right? Talk to the captain to get the orders for you and your little friends.” The child grumbled as he walked away. Gar’s smile faded “Remember, the captain’s word is law here.” The other children felt the same way. They called the captain terrible, impatient and tyrannical. Gar shrugged it off. They’ll learn soon enough what it is like to be a true pirate.

Too many kids these days are trying to gain freedom by joining a crew. Little did they know, being a pirate is hard work. Turns out freedom isn’t free. No. Not for us. Gar smirked and welcomed the rest of the newcomers above deck. He reached into his sack and pulled out a few lengths of rope and tossed a few to the new, would-be pirates. Gar sat down and with a few quick ties he created a knot.

“You see this?” Gar said holding the newly tied knot in the air. “It’s called an anchor hitch. Common and important, now you try it.” Gar examined the children attempting to tie the knot. Gar shook his head slowly. “No, no, Its like this.” Gar tied the knot again slower this time. He noticed Ralph returning with his hand over his left eye. Uh oh, looks like things didn’t go well with the Cap.

Ralph lowered his hand to reveal a dark swollen circle of an eye. It seemed as if tears had been hastily wiped away from below it. “Um… Mr. Gar sir… tha cap’n Franco wants to talk to you.” “Aye” Gar tossed his rope to Ralph who reached out to catch it. He turned to the other children still struggling with their knots. “One of you show Ralph how to tie the anchor hitch.” With that he moved to the captain’s quarters.

Gar entered without knocking. “Howdy Cap’n. Sometin’ ya need done?”

The giant of a man turned to face Gar. Shirtless and muscular he nodded. “Aye. Them little lambs you got running around my ship… Tha lot’s more trouble than they’re worth. We have too many mouths to feed as it is. You’re either going to have to find a way for them to earn their keep or get rid o‘them...”

[Gar]

Gar knew this was coming. The captain never really tolerated sailors who worth their salt. Even so he hoped he would have a little more time to train them. “Aye cap’n. There’s only one problem.” Franco looked upset but allowed the grievance to be aired. “You see the navigator said there’s a storm coming so well have to set anchor for a day and a half. With that it’ll take at least half a week before we get to Badon.”

Franco’s response was washed in anger, partially because he was uninformed of the delay and partially due to their dwindling food stores. "Ya think I give a rat’s ass what happens to those kids? Throw ‘em overboard and be done wit ‘em. Most of your squad of barnacles were stowaways and driftwood to begin with.” Veins were popping out of Franco’s neck and his head was turning a deep red. Gar looked at the captain’s clenched right fist. Blood on the knuckles. I guess he did strike Ralph. I’m surprised the kids still conscious. I guess he’s tougher than he looks.

Gar responded calmly, as it wasn’t the first time the captain had lost his temper. "I gotcha cap. I’ll take care of it.” With that, Gar started making his exit until he was stopped by one last remark. “Gar, I don’t want you makin’ any foolish decisions on behalf o’ those kids. You’re one o’ my crew.” Gar turned “Aye aye Cap” Gar smirked and left. To the untrained eye that may have seemed like a lecture, but to Gar it was a plea for assistance. He knew the captain cared direly for his crew, and the kids were not yet his crew.

Upon Gar’s return he saw most of the kids using the ropes as whips and hitting each other. Maybe the Cap’n is right these kids aren’t cut out to be pirates. But they are still just kids. Gar turned his head and saw Ralph sitting down with his back to the mast and his hands fumbling with his length of rope. Gar walked over and squatted down. He grabbed the rope. “Like this, Pay attention now.” Gar tied the knot and threw it back to Ralph. He patted Ralph on the head, the kid was having a rough morning.

“Oi Gar! Let’s grab some grub!” Gar straightened up and looked over his shoulder to see the young fighter who called himself Fang, most likely due to the one canine tooth that was bordered by two large gaps. Gar’s stomach grumbled. “Aight Fang, Yea I could use some eats.” Gar and Fang had grown close over the past months. Fang had been on the ship already when Gar arrived from the Western Isles. In time Fang became the first mate, but that never really went to his head. They moved together to the mess hall. “So Gar, how’s everythin’ hanging? Ya know with the shoulder n’ what not.”

Fang was referring to an injury Gar had suffered while protecting the ship from thieves before their most recent departure. The injury had kept Gar from performing his normal duties on the ship and was probably the only reason why the Captain tolerated Gar’s attempt at training the new cabin boys. “It’s great. Looks like that thief needed a bigger… Har Har… dagger.” Gar laughed heartily at his joke and flexed his right arm to show the scar near his armpit. Fang laughed as well and smacked Gar forcefully on the shoulder.

[Gar]

Fang and Gar grabbed their bowls of sloppy porridge, or stew, or fish, or whatever it was and sat across from each other with pitchers of ale. Gar took a healthy drink leaving the pitcher half empty and placed it firmly on the table with a sigh of pleasure. “I really needed that this morning.” Gar said with relief.

“What’s on your mind bruh?” Fang had a habit of calling people he wasn’t related to brothers. The actual terms he used to do so vary wildly. “These kids are slowly driving me nuts I swear. N’ now the cap’n is getting on my case about ‘em.” Gar shook his head and took another drink, this time followed by a spoonful of… food. Gar didn’t much like the taste so he took another swig of ale leaving the pitcher empty.

Fang stood up and grabbed another pitcher and Gar nodded his thanks. Fang held his glass up and clanged it against Gar’s. “How about a little match to cheer you up, if you’re feeling up to it of course. ” Gar nodded once again and smirked. “Don’t think you’ve got the advantage because of my arm. I’m still stronger than you, scrub.” Gar and Fang laughed. “Alright then, we'll fight on the moonrise. Oh and now that I think about it I got you something.” Fang reached into his sack for a moment. Damn Fang could cheer up a weeping willow. I guess that’s why I keep him around. Gar smiled “A gift huh? What are we going steady?”

“You wish.” Fang joked as he removed a necklace with a red stone in the center. “See this? It’s called a talisman. It’s supposed to help out against magic users, I know how much those skinny mages scare you.” Fang laughed at his joke much to Gar’s annoyance. Gar furrowed his brow. “Shove it! I’m not big on jewelry anyway.” I take back what I thought earlier. Fang sucks.

“Gar take the talisman. That’s an order!” Gar turned and saw that the captain had entered the mess hall. He turned back, snatched the talisman and shoved it into his satchel. He took another drink and was slowly starting to feel the ship rocking more that usual.

“Now First Mate, I would like my morning update.” Gar took another bite and fell silent during the conversation of the highest ranking members of the ship.

“Well we have heard from the navigator a storm’s coming and-”

“And were gonna be late to Badon I know already.” Franco shot a look at Gar who responded by taking another bite followed by yet another drink. Franco turned back to Fang “What else?”

“That’s all I can say in present company. But after breakfast I’ll meet you in your quarters to go over some other matters.”

“No, now!”

“Aye Aye. Later Gar.” With that, the two officers left Gar alone in the mess hall with only his drinks, his food and his thoughts as company. What was that about? Why are they keeping secrets from me? I’m super trustworthy right beer? Gar looked to his drink and tilted it to make it nod. Oh beer at least you never keep things from me. Gar took another drink.

[Gar]

Gar managed to enjoy the time remaining in his solitary breakfast. Gar took some extra time to ensure that he wasn’t too inebriated before he returned to work. After he regained some sobriety, Gar attempted to stomach the remainder of his food. He eventually finished the so called meal and ascended to the deck, which was significantly busier than it was when he left. The kids were dispersed throughout the ship, some pestering crewmates while others were offering a helping hand. A mate waved Gar over to help drop the anchor off the side of the ship. Gar walked over.

“Looks like you need a real man to do the heavy lifting here huh?” The mate raised an angry eyebrow and growled slightly at Gar. “Damn mate, settle down, I was jokin’.” The man and Gar worked together to lift the anchor over the railing and lower it gently to rest alongside the ship. Gar began turning the crank to lower the anchor into the water, his muscles contracting and relaxing with each turn. Gar lifted his head to find the mate still standing there glaring at him. “We got a problem mate? Cuz I’m more than happy to solve it for you.” Gar glared back at the man who simply moved forward brushing Gar’s shoulder as he passed. The man continued to move across the deck where he crossed paths with one of the cabin boys. The man shoved the child to the deck with one strong arm and carried on as if nothing happened. Looks like Cap isn’t the only one who hates these kids. It’ll probably be safer for them on land anyway. Gar shook his head and returned his attention to the crank. A few more revolutions and the anchor settled snugly in the ocean.

After his task was completed, he called the children over to him once again. The children responded quicker than expected. Gar took up a length of rope and once again sat down. “Alright the second knot you’re gonna learn today is the bowline.” After a few swift movements of the rope, a knot formed.

“I’m sorry could you do that again sir?… I uhh missed it. Sorry.” Ralph interjected. Without a word Gar untied and retied the knot. “Now then you all do it, and no horseplay this time!” Gar stood and examined the knots slowly forming until something caught his eye. Fang was standing on an upper level looking down at the group of children. Fang’s countenance was rather serious, an uncommon occurrence. His arms were folded tight across his chest and his eyes were arrows, fired upon the group.

What the hell’s going on with him? Did the captain tell him we need to get rid of the kids? I’d better go talk to him. Gar moved to meet with Fang. He stood on Fang’s left and watched the kids alongside him. Gar was about to ask what was going on but Fang beat him to the punch, changing the conversation before it even started.

“You still up for that fight, Bro?”

[Gar]

Gar was distracted from his curiosity by the request for combat. It was a bit early; the moon was still faint in the blue of the sunlit sky. That didn’t concern Gar much though, he was ready to fight and maybe he could beat some information out of the first mate fighter. Gar turned to face Fang who kept his gaze locked forward, specifically on the children. His arms were still folded, but Gar decided to ignore the body language for now. “Ready if you are Fang.” Fang nodded and moved toward the stairs, Gar followed. Something was clearly wrong with Fang, maybe the captain told him something. Gar tried to push it out of his mind, whatever it was.

They had reached a chest that Fang kicked open. Inside were a number of training axes, all blunted as not to do any lasting harm. Gar picked up two, one for both hands, while Fang settled on a larger one that required both hands to wield. They strolled out to the training area, really just a corner of the main deck, and walked to opposite sides. Fang knelt down to fasten his boots in order to make sure he wouldn’t slip on the deck. Gar took this time to remove his bandanna from his head, revealing his matted brown hair. The wind blew through it, sending a feeling of refreshment through Gar. He then tied the bandanna around his upper arm. Fang rose from the ground and locked eyes with Gar.

“Hey check it out. Looks like Gar’s back in action, but the first mate doesn’t seem all to happy bout it!.” A crew member shouted. Soon they had acquired a crowd. Pirates get thirsty for entertainment out on the open seas. The crowd consisted of pirates, children, cooks, even the captain left his quarters to watch the two square off. The members of the crowd were shouting words of encouragement to their favorite and insults toward the other. Fang ignored this, Gar couldn’t. He turned to the group of children sitting near the fighter. “Take notes kids you might learn something.” Gar chuckled

“Let’s do this.” Gar finally said and got in his balanced combat stance. Fang nodded and took a few steps forward. This provoked Gar to close the distance and swing both axes at the fighter’s legs. The fighter jumped and with agility, attempted to drop the axe onto Gar’s head. Gar side stepped the attack and watched as Fang temporarily lost his balance upon returning to the deck. “Where are your sea-legs Fang?” Gar taunted.

This brought another attack from Fang. The fighter approached quickly and used both arms to swing the axe horizontally at Gar’s waist. Gar checked the attack with one of his axes and attempted to disarm the fighter by swinging his second axe at the man’s arm. The strike connected but to no avail. The fighter was too strong, and his grip too solid. Gar disengaged.

“What’s this? Running are we?” Gar shook his head “No just making sure you’re ready.” “For what?” Gar crossed his axes over his head and brought them down quickly, scrapping them together as they descended. He closed the gap in a flash, planted his foot and pivoted violently. His two axes came quick, flying at Fang’s head. Fang blocked the attack with the side of his weapon, however the force behind the blow was enough to send the flat of Fang’s own axe into his forehead.

Fang collapsed to the deck, motionless.

[Gar]

Damn it fang wake up already I’m getting tired of sitting here. Fang had been taken to a private cabin after sustaining a head injury in the training match. Gar had his feet up on a desk as he waited by Fang’s bedside, making sure the fighter was alright. Fang had bandages that covered one of his eyes and the top of his head, making him look like some half mummy figure. Gar had a cask of fresh water by his side that he took a drink from. In reality the water was for Fang once he woke up but Gar figured he wouldn’t miss a glass or two. "Fang better be alright, that hit was nothing.

Gar stood and bent over Fang’s face to check his breathing. As Gar moved closer, Fang stirred and opened one eye to Gar’s incoming face. Fang shuttered as turned his head from Gar. “What the hell are you doin?! Tryna take advantage o’ me while I’m out huh? Shameful Gar! Just shameful!” Gar was in an initial state of shock, which quickly devolved into anger at Fang’s comment. “Shut it Fang! I was just making sure you were still breathing!” Gar said while jerking up and turning away.

Fang sat up gingerly. “Whatever bruh, you pirate’s gotta learn to ask first.” Fang joked. He looked out of the porthole window to see that it was well into the night. “Damn, how long was I out for?” Gar sat back down and filled a glass of water for Fang. “Few hours. Not too bad” Gar said handing the water to Fang. Fang accepted it and took a few gulps of water, allowing some to run down his chin. He sighed and wiped his chin. “So since you put me outta commission I expect you to take over my duties Gar.” Fang said rather seriously.

“Already taken care of Fang” Gar said smirking confidently. “No not those, it’s about the kids.” Gar’s curiosity was peaked. “What about ‘em?”

Fang looked to Gar “You know those thieves who attacked the ship at the last port? Turns out they weren’t thieves. They were assassins.” Gar’s eyes opened widely. What? Assassins ? what would they want with our crew? And what does this have to do with the kids? Gar’s mind was racing but he remained silent. “That’s right, apparently the captain has earned quite the bounty on his head. The assassins are coming to collect it.” Fang took another few gulps of water. “The kicker is that one of those kids you let stay onboard is a spy for them. Find the spy, gut ‘em and throw them to the sharks you here me?”

crap what have I done? At least this explains why Fang’s been acting so strange. Gar was upset with his lapse in judgement and how it put the whole crew at risk. He shook his head and ran a hand through his hair as he processed all that he had just heard. “Alright you can count on me, I’ll find the spy by tomorrow night. You just rest up alright?”

“Yea you too, you’ve been up all night.” Gar nodded and retreated back to his cabin, contemplating who the spy may be. In time he reached his room, laid on his hammock and promptly fell asleep.

[Gar]

Gar had a fitful sleep. He was unable to shake the awful feeling he had from inadvertently allowing a spy board their ship. He tossed and turned as his hammock swayed in his cabin. The ship was rocking with the waves of the ocean, most likely generated by a nearby storm. Suddenly a sudden bang fell upon Gar’s cabin door. His eyes shot open and he hopped from his hammock. He approached the door and attempted to open it slowly. This was impossible due to a mate of his bursting through the door as soon as it cracked open.

Gar caught the mate as he slumped against Gar’s body. Slowly, Gar recognized the mate was but a lifeless corpse with a river of blood leaking from a knife in his back. What… What the hell? Gar thought as he dropped the body to the floor. Gar stepped into the hall to find many of the cabin doors for the kids open. He checked the rooms one by one to find that the cabin boys were either missing or dead in their beds. This is terrible. We must be under attack.

As this thought passed through his mind, Gar was shoved against a wall and a blade was pressed against his neck. Gar shook off the blow and looked at his assailant; a hooded man, somewhat shorter and much thinner than Gar. “Where is your captain, pirate.” The man said.

“Who wants to know?” Gar said disdain and a seething anger.

“If you have to ask than you pirates are dumber than I thought.” The man readied his knife to slit Gar’s throat, but Gar had already devised an escape from the situation. He brought his knee upward, driving it into the man’s diaphragm. The man coughed violently and fell to the deck, dropping his knife. Gar unhitched his axe from his sash and dropped it, forcefully into the thief's skull. Gar removed the axe from the lifeless head and shook it to remove the blood and brain remnants that clung to it.

Serves you right you son of a – Gar’s train of though was cut off by the noises of battle coming from the upper deck. He quickly moved to the staircase, following the growing noise. As he ascended the stairs a battle scene was revealed. Gar’s mates locked in combat with thieves, shamans and even a mercenary or two. The crew was holding its own, but it seemed as if the assailants had caught them by surprise. The crew was fighting with training weapons, fists and anything they could find. Gar moved to the closest enemy and slammed his axe into the back of his neck, severing his spinal cord.

“Everyone, their after the Captain! We have to protect him.” This note seemed to inspire and enrage the pirates who began fighting with renewed vigor and ferocity. Speaking of protecting, Where’s Fang? Gar took off to the medical room in search of his friend. The thieves and pirates remained in a stagnant combat as Gar moved through the ship. He reached Fang’s door to find Fang and Ralph both standing alone in the room.

[Gar]

Fang and Ralph were locked in a type of standoff. Fang’s hands were empty, but Ralph was holding a small knife that was dripping with blood. What’s going on here? Is Ralph the…

“I had a feeling it would be you. No one is that incompetent.” Fang said breaking Gar’s chain of thought. Gar was still unable to act. He simply watched the events unfold between the two combatants. Ralph readied his knife and began to charge at Fang. Fang responded by side stepping the charge and throwing the child into a wall. Ralph fell to the deck and dropped his knife. “You are still a child.” Fang said “Not an assassin, just a little boy.” Fang walked over toward Ralph while Ralph struggled reclaim the knife and stand.

Fang struck Ralph with a bare fist in the same eye that the Captain had damaged the past morning. Ralph cried out and began backing up. Once his back was against the wall, Fang charged the boy, looking to end the fight. Ralph held up the knife and thrust it forward at the incoming attacker.

It was as if Fang didn’t notice, or didn’t care but he allowed the knife to penetrate his abdomen. He carried on, grabbing the child’s head and bashing it into the wall, again and again. The gruesome scene continued to unfold as Ralph retracted the knife and stabbed Fang once again. Both Fang and Ralph collapsed onto the ground. Fang rolled onto his back and held his gut. Ralph was bleeding profusely from the head wound he had received. Gar finally staggered into the room and fell to his knees by Fang’s side.

“Fang are ye.. okay?” Gar managed to ask, wide eyed. Fang coughed blood in response. “Go protect the captain. I’m fine. Go on” He coughed again and placed a hand on Gar to feebly shove his toward the door. Gar stood and walked to the door. “Don’t you go dying now. You hear me? I'll be back.” Fang nodded in a weak attempt to reassure Gar. Fang then closed his eyes, took one final deep exhalation and died next to his killer, in a mixed pool of their blood.

Gar nodded and took off in the direction of the captain’s quarters. His emotions were running wild in his mind, but he managed to steel himself before opening the door. The captain was on one knee with a huge axe in one hand. The other hand pushed off the knee and helped him straighten up. He looks like he’s getting his ass beat. Gar grabbed his axe and moved into the room. As he approached the captain, a figure emerged from the shadows.

A tall man of undiscernible build, due to his long, flowing black robes, stood with a book in hand. With only his eyes showing, Gar was unable to get a clear read on the fellow but, even so the man’s intent was clear, to kill, at any cost. Gar readied his axe as he stood beside his captain who was doing the same.

[Gar]

“Gar you shouldn’t be here. Go help the crew defend the goods.”[/b] Franco ordered Gar rather forcefully. Gar chuckled. “ I’m sure the mates have it under control. The only concern I have is with this guy.” Gar said gesturing toward the druid with his axe. Something about that guy gives me the chills. It’s like he emits darkness or something.

Just as Gar had finished the thought, the druid started chanting an incantation. What the hell is he saying? I can’t even understand him. Soon a pool of dark energy began seeping upward from the floorboards. The pool rose to become a sphere in the air which came together with an indescribable force. The sphere collapsed around the captain’s left arm, breaking a bone and causing the captain to let out a small show of pain.

Gar’s eyes widened. How did he do that? What the hell is this guy? Some strange mage I guess. Franco Turned to Gar. “Get outta ‘ere Gar. You’ve never faced someone like this before.” This command annoyed Gar. I don’t care who he is I can take him. “Save your warning Cap. I got this.” Gar charged forward and struck at the druid’s waist. Gar thought he would connect with his attack but at the last moment it seemed as if his axe phased through the man, doing no damage. He lost his balance and stumbled clumsily past the druid. The druid began chanting again, this time targeting Gar. Gar was engulfed in darkness which began condensing about his chest. Gar braced himself for the impact. crap this could be it.

The damage was severe, crushing two ribs on Gar’s left side, but he survived. Gar had fallen to the deck and was holding his side. He turned his head to examine the wound. No blood had left his body but there was severe bruising. Gar noticed something else interesting, his satchel had ripped open and a red talisman was floating in the air. The talisman cracked and some dark energy spread from it into the air. The talisman… It must’ve saved me. Fang… Thank you.

Gar struggled to stand and face the Druid once again. “You are going to pay for this! Everything you’ve done to my crew, to my friends. You will pay!” Gar yelled at the druid. He charged in a blind rage at the druid. He stuck vertically at the druid's head. Meanwhile, Franco approached the druid from the back tossing his giant axe into the air. The druid once again phased through Gar’s attack but directly into the descending axe of Franco.

The druid was almost split directly in two, at which point his body seemed to be consumed by darkness and evaporated into the air in an unnatural screech. Gar and Franco were panting. It’s over. The two moved to the door and saw that the fighting was done. The lone survivor was a bloodied child, holding an axe over a mercenary. The boy saw the two exit the captain’s quarters and saluted them.

[Gar]

“You, whats your name again?”
“Liam”
"Liam huh? Well you look like you are pirate material to me, how about you come back to shore with us?" Gar asked as they moved closer to port. Liam nodded
__________________
Later that day.
Gar stepped on land. "Har Har Har, Look at me! Undefeated by assassins!! No one can defeat the almighty Gar!" Franco turned toward Gar with a stern look on his face. "You clearly don't recognize what we've lost recently."
Gar turned his head toward the sand beneath his feet. Fang... He did all he had to. I have nothing but respect.. even love for him. A role model! Better than I could have ever been. Gar and his captain made it to Badon in time to make their trades. Money was pouring from the pockets of the merchants. The spoils were split between the three of them. Franco, Gar and Liam. After the booty had been split up Franco turned to Gar. “We’re settling down.”

“Why would you do that? You're the strongest man I know! No need to stop now! ”

“I have other concerns. And I never want to bring such destruction upon my crew again.” Gar thought this was fair and respected his captain all the more for verbalizing the sentiment. The crew was obliterated. It required two weeks of hard work to make it to Badon in time for trading seasons. Franco...

"I want you to take this money." Franco said without hesitation. "Liam and I.... We will make a new life, outside of trouble and strife. We'll find a way to get lost from the bounty hunters." Franco paused for quite a while as Gar looked at him, not knowing how to respond. "We are gonna find somewhere where we can rest our heads. No more slaughter, no more piracy. But you... You have potential. You're strong, sensible, you know how to act in dangerous situations. Most importantly." Franco paused again as Gar awaited the praise. "You're smart. Smarter than you look!" Gar's face blushed a bright red.

"Thanks Cap. You better have a great life!" Gar said in reply. He turned toward Liam. "And you. You must be the strongest kid I've ever met." Gar watched as Liam's face turned a similar shade as his own. Franco nodded and turned to walk away. Liam gave Gar a hug "You taught me so much. I just wanted you to know how influential you were." Gar blushed again as Liam followed Franco outward.

Gar watched the mates leave and thought about his situation. Fang, Franco, Ralph... and Liam. All come and go as swift as the ocean breeze. I stand here all the same, pretending to be unaffected by their existence. Gar felt the sack of money he had recently acquired. Well, looks like I'm gonna have to find a new way home. Gar laughed aloud and tossed his coin pouch in the air. he caught it with one hand. I don't want to be bored but... His eyes tracked another prospect. Well then, looks like I have nothing to worry about. 


[/End Thread]