"The light is only one of the dangers. Maybe you could manage it if you wore a heavy cloak and dark goggles, I wouldn't know. You'd need a heavy cloak anyway, it's cold. But there's also- Trauma from horrible things that aren't light. Being rammed to death by a Cantankeri, or torn apart by Scrive-Spinster barbs..."

"We've never been attacked by a Curator and I hope it stays that way."

"I can also teleport, if it looks like I'm about to get into a fight. And it wouldn't surprise me if I turned out to be able to take on a Curator, if I was prepared to. Most people at home never have to worry about a fight like that, though."

"Hmm. Beware of fungus," she warns, and then it's her turn on the targets again.

"Most people here, too, but flying is about the most dangerous career."

"Even most travelers don't. What kind of fungus did she mean, do you know?"

"Most of it? You hear stories of fungus colonizing people."

-ew.

"Well, Remove Disease should take care of that."

"And some of it's smart."

"I'd still expect Remove Disease to cover it, but that's good to know."

"Plenty of horrible things to go around."

Eventually there is a hot picnic lunch composed of crackers, day old bread, hot sausage with gravy and eggs and a thick bean and cheese stew flavored with lots of salt and pepper. The crew praise the food, much better than usual engine fare. There is water and tea and beer.

Very tasty; his compliments to the chef. And then it's time to head back, presumably.

Yep, time to head back. The captain carefully accounts for all the guns and ammunition first.

He'll keep his guns for himself, of course, but mentions that Raafi can ask him questions about guns he's looking to purchase and he'll opinionate on whether it's a rip-off.

That's much appreciated. Does he have any recommendations for merchants?

"Well it really depends what you're looking for, there's a couple different places I would recommend for differeny things. A showpiece, a practical weapon, something cheap or something powerful or something reliable - a pistol or a rifle or a shotgun..."

"Something reliable that won't alarm people for me to have - a pistol, preferably, I think; I liked that shotgun I kept using, but it's a little conspicuous."

"Carrying around a long gun tends to put people on guard. Plus, they're heavy and they get in the way. Pistols are good for being armed at all times, and common enough that somewhat it's less of a statement of 'I am prepared to kill something very dead'."

He recommends a gunsmith in the west end for their quality pistols, but they might have shotguns and rifles too.

"That's the idea; I don't want anyone to think I'm going to start anything, I just don't want to be without the ability to defend myself. I'll check them out, thanks."

That particular gunsmith is still open. The shop is very neat and clean and smells of metal and oil, rather than the acrid stink of gunpowder. There are glass display cases.

A woman in an outfit that simultaneously resembles the fancy west-ender dresses and sailors' uniforms stands behind the counter. "Hello, can I help you?"

"I'm interested in buying a pistol - something reliable and not too hard to maintain."

"I see. We can certainly help with that. Have you shot much before? What sort of budget are you considering?"

"Very little; it's kind of a long story. And I don't have a specific budget in mind, but I'm looking for something practical, not a showpiece."

She shows him several guns. This revolver is mechanically simple and easy to clean or repair, with plenty of spare parts to be had. This modern semi-auto is regarded as one of the best sidearms ever made, though it does take a bit more cleaning than the revolver. This slightly older one has a reputation for power and for firing reliably, every time the trigger is pulled, in the worst conditions, even underwater - but it needs to be re-cocked for every shot.

He's obviously tempted by the semi-auto, though slightly torn between that and the older gun. How do the asking prices compare to his finances?

Pistols are not that expensive given how much he's been earning. Ammo and accessories bring the cost up a little more. He could buy all three and some ammo for about half of what he has so far. The modern semi-auto is the most expensive one.

He's not really interested in the revolver - its only advantage is being easier to clean and he has a spell for that - but he notes down the models and prices of the other two. "I want a second opinion but I expect I'll be back."

"Very well. I'll hold these two for now and hope for your return. Do note that we close at five, sir. We'll be open again on Monday, after the festival." She indicates a clock - it's about three in the afternoon already.