Zane will stay in the hold with the crate and watch for a spot where either it's just him and Vale (or others are distracted) to attempt and cast suggestion again.

Quietly to Vale, "I believe it's best to keep the crate closed until everyone has been paid. It would be so helpful if you could support that and help the captain see it this way as well. Only until everyone gets paid, that's all."

Quote from Legion4 >>

Quote from Tybard >>

Despite the beauty of the night and morning on the open ocean, Rel is tense.  As if flinching away from a blow that has not yet fallen.

"I am not one who often frequents taverns, Thren, but should we reach Port Damali safely with our situation with the crate and Vale's brother resolved, I will be right there beside you hoisting a tankard.  But we are a long way yet.  Six hours is an eternity when facing an unknown situation..."  She thinks back to how strangely quiet Menzoberranzan had been just before the rift to The Abyss had opened and the demons had poured out in their myriads.  An incursion without which Rel herself would never have escaped the city.  Escaped her mother.  The irony of that haunts her still.

Rel visits the galley to make herself a simple breakfast.  After eating, she paces the deck, eyes shifting from the horizon to the waters to the cargo hold as she steps partway down the stairs to glance at the crate.  She approaches Captain Flame on Water at one point when he does not look busy.

"It is good to hear we are not far off course, Captain.  You must know these waters well.  I have heard there are reefs and other hazards.  In your judgement, are we safe from these even though we are a bit removed from the typical navigational route between Port Zoon and Port Damali?  Speaking as a landlubber, I remember seeing the Twinward Isles and Mother's Sigh Reef on the map when last I looked.  Are we past them?"

 Thren hearing that seems happy and breaks a smile “rel you think Tex can drink as much as us two” 

Tex spends most of his time in the galley. He feels more comfortable when there is something between him and the vastness of the open sky, even if it that is just damp wood seemingly rocking to a discordant, silent tune. "I'm afraid, I wouldn't last long in such a competition," he replies to Thren's suggestion. "Drinks have been more of a luxury to me and I've grown fond of water, especially when it is clean." 

Quote from Winenose >>

Zane will stay in the hold with the crate and watch for a spot where either it's just him and Vale (or others are distracted) to attempt and cast suggestion again.

Quietly to Vale, "I believe it's best to keep the crate closed until everyone has been paid. It would be so helpful if you could support that and help the captain see it this way as well. Only until everyone gets paid, that's all."

As the early morning sun continues to rise, a boat approaches from the port side of the ship, a bit of a ways yet but seemingly heading towards the Dragonfly. "Oh hells what now" Captain flame remarks. "Move the precious cargo to the back and mix it in with the rest. Could be pirates. Let me do the talking yeah? All available personnel topside! Don't let them know there is anything aboard!"

"Oh no, pirates." Bellamy gets off his bum and makes his way to the deck to see what kind of ship is approaching

Rel takes her spot above decks, leaning against the doorframe to the stairs leading down to the cargo hold so she can keep an eye on both.

But just as the boat comes within hailing range, she walks up to Captain Flame on Water and places a hand on his shoulder, casting and concentrating Guidance for whatever Persuasion, Deception or Intimidation he tries.  (Then retreats back to the door).

"Good luck, Captain.  We've got your back."

During this, Zane, you wait for the moment that no one is below deck. Between Bellamy rushing up and Rel peering down, you find your opportunity to cast your spell on Vale. She shakes off the intrusive thoughts once before giving in. "Well yeah I don't see why we should keep you all from getting paid. Heck. My apologies.

Thren hears this and moves the boxes around then traps his warhammer “just what you want to wake up to in the morning” then runs up topside 

Zane says, "Thank you, Vale."

And then heads topside to see what's going on.

What does the other ship look like? Is it a regular shakedown type thing or are they in trouble?

"Captain, anything we should know about? Do you have agreements or affiliations with any of the ... groups around these areas?"

Tex had left Lizzy below deck to guard the cargo as before (obstructing access defensively) but wonders if he will need her up on deck in a fight. He'll be well prepared, in armour and ready to grab his shield and spear should they show any signs of aggression. "No good. No, this is no good," he mumbles, while he stands near the stairs down.

As the ship sails in closer, you can see the size of it being much larger than that of the Dragonfly. You can count six large sails of varying size and colors, no markings or other identifiable symbols on any of them. "Hmmm..." Captain Falme ponders for a minute "Could be Revelry, could be something else. Stay sharp everyone. Judging by how fast they are gaining there is no outrunning them. Did you get the cargo hidden away yet?"

Responding to Zane, "If it is part of the Revelry just let me do all of the talking ok. I have encountered them before."

Tex responds to the Captain's words, "I have an idea, I think the hold is too easy a hiding place. Maybe they won't search galley benches, now, would they?" And runs down into the hold. With help of Lizzy he moves the precious cargo into the mess hall and into a corner, then moves the tables so that one of them is just in front of the crate as if the crate is just an ordinary outcast crate now used as bench. For effect he soils a few rags and puts them over the new bench. Not much he can do about the magical aura, but he hopes that pirates wouldn't be so sophisticated. Lizzy is now instructed to watch the hold and just keep an eye on the galley. 

Rel dons her shield and maintains concentration on Guidance on the Captain.

(She leaves her black warhammer at her belt.)

Zane spends 10 minutes to ritually cast comprehend languages, but otherwise stays hidden, like in a doorway or something.

Bellamy takes the time to cast mage armor and then waits to see who comes.

As the boat now looms closer than ever. You can see the actual size of it is probably three times the size of the Dragonfly. As the ship slows and maneuvers itself parallel to the Dragonfly, a human man leans over the railings of the deck. Large cigar in his mouth, he has a very thick salt and pepper beard and a green beanie style hat. He wears light clothing the blows in the wind and heavy brown boots. "Oye there. What you folks doin' out this way? You traders? The route is back east a few miles aint' it?" 

Captain Flame shouts from the helm, "Big storm came through in the night, brought with it a swavain basilisk. Escaped by the skin of our teeth. Knocked us a bit off course. Heading back on the route to Port Damali. Sorry if we are interrupting your own route."

The bearded man rubs his head for a moment before saying "Oye, I know ya. Your ughhh...what was it again...?  Candle on a Lake? Piss in the wind? HAHA Oh yeah, Flame on the Water. Been a bit since we heard from ya. You still owe me for that job ya skipped out on. Fancy me comin' aboard for a chat quick?"

Captain Flame holds his hand to his forehead and says "Well the boats a bit full of water right now. Took some damage in the rough waters back there. Wouldn't want to put any of ya in jeopardy. Mind if I come over there instead?"

The bearded man laughs for a minute before agreeing. "Alright, just you though. We can't be trustin' anyone we don't know."

Captain Flame walks passed Rel, "Get Zandir up to take the wheel. I most likely will not be back. Once I am aboard and they are distracted enough with me, tell Zandir to slowly steer away back towards Damali. Whatever happens, make sure the lad in the box is safe. I trust you to do as I ask."

As the Captain commands her, a dozen objections tumble over each other for attention within Rel's mind.  She struggles to still and silence them.

But we... but they... but you... but I...

With the Captain Flame on Water done speaking, she calls for her father's angelic Guidance on herself now, then takes a breath and walks to stand next to Zandir, trying to appear as if she is just "back-filling" for the Captain's departure.  This is the second time the Captain has delegated directly to Zandir, so she can only assume he is First Mate.  Without turning to him she casts Minor Illusion to make the sound of her own voice whispering in Zandir's ear, telling him exactly what the Captain had told her.  Very subtly brushing his hand with hers as their arms both hang down so he knows it's her.  She explains to him that it is magic but she is trying to avoid the appearance of plotting.  If there is any way he can signal the crew subtly, he should do so.

She then uses Minor Illusion again similarly to whisper in turn to Tex, Bellamy, Thren and Zane, who should all know her voice by now.  Explaining what the Captain had ordered her to do, and that she has passed the information to Zandir.

Once hearing the news Bellamy seriously considers burning down the nearby large ship. I rather not lose the captain and It would be interesting to see it burn. Anyways these are not friendlies.

He can feel the beginnings of fire in his hand, but he keeps low. Bellamy watches to see what happens next as the captains moves over.

Tex is prepared to make a stand as he stands tense at the doorway to the lower deck. He observes the captain's interaction and listens to Rel's instructions and is left wondering why they all think that the big ship will not hunt them down again after they have their captain. Isn't it better to make a stand while you still hold a few cards? Tex tries to get a good look at the sailors on the other ship and how many there might be. Do they look well armed and with combat experience? Are they clearly pirates?

Once the other ship is closer and the bearded man is speaking, does Zane recognize anything or anyone based on his background?