#the nautilus crew

[charminglyantiquated]

9/25 update on the Nautilus, for anyone curious. Details below (long), but in summary: the damage is more expensive than we'd hoped. We will have to buy Nautilus back as salvage and repair her mostly out of pocket. We still do intend to repair her, but it seems now it will be over a timeline of several years. The fundraiser for her repairs has been raised to reflect the new estimate, and will remain up as long as we're working on her, for anyone who wishes to contribute. I'm so unbelievably, profoundly grateful to all of you who have helped us so far. Thank you so, so much.

Damage: a joint survey was conducted Tuesday between surveyors from our insurance and that of the other vessel. It will be another 3-4 weeks before we have the official paperwork, but the consensus was that the damage approaches twice Nautilus' value. In addition to the mast and all the attached rigging, sails, hardware, etc., the teak deck would have to come up in order to address the damage to the deck and hull. This means that rather than pay for repairs, our insurance company is almost certainly going to write her off as a total loss.

I am waiting for formal documentation before sharing any exact numbers. Once we have them I will be more precise. But the general process as I understand it right now is below, for anyone curious about how everything shakes out.

What a loss means with insurance: my understanding is that repair damages are only covered by insurance up to the point a vessel is totaled. Since the damages almost certainly surpass her value then she would be totaled instead. In this scenario, our insurance would give us the value the Nautilus was insured for, and then pursue the other vessel's insurance for their own reimbursement. Additionally the other insurance might give us the income we lost over the remainder of the season, but whether that will happen and what amount that would be is up in the air, with the three different attorneys we consulted agreeing that we'd be fortunate to get any amount. Anything beyond that is apparently unlikely, any other legal pursuit would possibly lose us more money that we might hope to gain.

On our end: we took out a loan to buy Nautilus in April, and still owe the majority of it. By the terms of the loan, with a total loss we would have to pay back the full loan immediately. Then, because this is essentially our insurance 'buying' Nautilus from us, we would have to buy her back as salvage. The salvage price would be determined by the salvageable parts of her, and the surveyor. Hopefully it would be less than five figures, but it depends heavily on which insurance company actually ends up with her, and how exhaustively they tally up the pieces of her that they could sell. The surveyors could not tell us at the time of the survey who would end up with her or what they would charge. For the next month or two Nautilus is in a kind of purgatory where we do still technically own her, but only until insurance gets through the paperwork, which makes it difficult to begin any work right now.

Financially: when the dust settles, once the loan is paid and we own Nautilus once more as salvage, I think that based on the current estimates we may have some funds remaining. But even in the best case scenario - low salvage price, and we do receive lost income - it wouldn't be enough to finance all the needed repairs. My partner and I will be keeping the fundraiser up for as long as we are working on her, for anyone who wishes to contribute to her repair fund. Any help from anyone who would like to see her sailing again will always be deeply appreciated, but we're both aware it's an absurd number. If we fail to meet it, we're both keenly aware it's not through any lack of generosity - I cannot possibly express how grateful we are for the help we have received already, and what a massive difference it has made over the last month as we deal with the immediate and long-term fallout, covering her haul-out and towing and bills over the months it will likely take to resolve all this.

Fixing Nautilus: my partner and I are still committed to repairing her, despite the cost and the time involved. The thought of letting her be cut up for salvage is too heartbreaking to bear. But at the pace things are progressing and with the resources we have, it's obvious now that it's not feasible to fix her fully over the winter; it will instead be over the course of several years. However, my partner and I hope that by doing as much of the work ourselves as we are qualified for, we can bring down the overall cost of repairs by a fair amount. Additionally, the broken mast was built only a few years ago by a gentleman who still has the plans for it and is willing to guide us through the process of building a replacement. There is a possibility we can connect with a local boat building school's fledgling restoration program. And a great many people have offered their time, advice, expertise, and contacts. The timeline has changed, but we are not giving up on her.

In the meantime: with the survey done, we now have at least a general idea of what the future will look like. Since working nonstop to get Nautilus sailing again by June is not on the table any longer, my partner and I are currently figuring out a long-term plan for ourselves, our little company, and the Nautilus herself. We have discussed a few ideas, which I'll share more about once we settle on anything concrete. Nautilus herself is finally clear of wreckage, with the pieces of her mast on sawhorses beside her, her deck swept clean, solar panel plugged in, and a tarp over the worst of the damage. She's as safe as we can make her for now; there's nothing else we can do except wait for the wheels to turn.

Lastly: thank you all, more than I can say. I have been trying not to miserypost, but I have been having a very hard time dealing with this, as has my partner. It took us ten years to save the money we put into Nautilus, and the few months we were able to spend sailing her together were the happiest and proudest I have been in my life. We have lost the future we'd imagined, and regardless of how this resolves, we are never getting that time back. We are determined not to lose the Nautilus as well, but it has honestly been difficult some days to push through the grief. The one consistent silver lining has been the kindness and sympathy and outrage from everyone who has taken the time to reach out to us. I have been floored, over and over, by how many people we have rooting for us. I am never, ever going to be able to express my full gratitude to all of you. Without exaggeration, you have kept me going.

I will share more once we know more - exact numbers, exact damage, exact plans for repairs and the next steps. Until then, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

[nautilusgays]

Concept:

Aronnax, on his daily standing on the platform of the Nautilus, often yapping away to the Second Officer (while he scans the horizon) not knowing the man can fully understand French.

Sometimes Aronnax talks about his infatuation with Nemo because he wants to tell someone but Ned and Conseil aren't particularly pleased or receptive to it, and he thinks the man can't understand him.

So Aronnax is just rambling away at how handsome and impressive Nemo is while the Second Officer is like ��� and is getting invested in how it's playing out (especially after the Atlantis Date).

[dragonsgambitrp]

Me: -finds out Nemo's backstory-

Also Me: Oh so that's how he knows Millais

[t00thpasteface]

you seem too far from view

[ash--00]

Chapter 1: Freshwater and Giant Spider

He hate this island - no, hate is too soft of a word. He loath this island.  

Every nook and cranny seems to harbor a new threat. How many times has he told Blaster not to touch anything? How many times has he heard the boy complain after injuring himself handling the treacherous vegetation? Honestly, Nemo has stopped counting.

His bare feet are clogged with mud, and  itchy leaves cling to them, loosening their grip only for a few moments of peace. As for the nettles, they seem to have taken a particular liking to him, their incessant stings burning his ankles for hours. They're not about to leave this cursed spot, let alone find drinking water. A lake, a pond, something! How can an island be so arid?

Humility walks beside them, watching over the child with almost maternal vigilance, which deeply annoys both men. She goes on and on about her passion for discovering new species and her desire to be, once again, superior to the others. But neither Nemo nor Blaster find the energy to ask her to keep quiet. It's not them, but fate that finally silences her, as she suddenly rolls down a hill that's a little too steep. But what comes next is not the expected sound of falling on hard ground, no, it's the sound of splashing water, mingling with the song of cicadas and the murmur of wind-blown branches. 

Water. And too far from the sea to be salty - it has to be fresh water.

The next moment, Blaster, having glanced back to where Humility had fallen, almost exclaims with joy. Without hesitation, he launches himself after her, skillfully avoiding both ground and plants to plunge straight into the lake. The depth of the water is revealed when it takes him several seconds to surface. “Nemo! Fresh water! We can take it back to the Nautilus!” The interested party nods. Of course, he's delighted by this discovery, but he has to remain realistic: they'll still have to find the time and strength to carry enough water to last a month, maybe two, at most.

The lake is isolated, far from the beach, but Nemo knows that with careful organization, he can mobilize his crew to form an effective human chain. By optimizing everyone's efforts, he's almost convinced they can get enough fresh water to the submarine and ration the Nautilus in less than a day.

He continues walking, plotting the most direct route to the lake on foot. Once there, he's sure that with twelve men, the human chain to transport the water will be both competent and fast, provided everyone pitches in. By placing the company's traitor between Kai and Jiacomo, he hopes their presence will be enough to dissuade him from any sabotage attempts. With any luck, this strategy will secure the water supply without incident and-

“What are you pondering about?” Humility interrupts him in his musings, and Nemo shakes his head to refocus.

“To efficiently organize the rationing of the Nautilus. With twelve men, we should be able to supply ourselves with water in a day.”

“Provided we don't start now, right?” 

Nemo is well aware of reality, and he doesn't need to be reminded. The sun is already beginning to set, and by the time they return to the beach, it may be dark. He sits down against a fallen tree to clean his feet, trying not to scratch the hives covering his ankles from the nettles.

[...]

Find out more on Ao3!

And here for a French translation!

[dying-suffering-french-stalkers]

greatly enjoying Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water so far

[dathen]

OHHHH SHIT THERE’S THE BACKGROUND REVEAL

DOWN WITH THE BRITISH EMPIRE!!!

[tenth-sentence]

The crew of the Nautilus could, therefore, be clothed at a cheap rate, without help of either cotton-trees, sheep, or silkworms of the earth.

"20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" - Jules Verne

[agnesandhilda]

they/them in a siphonophore way

[sinvulkt]

To all my mutuals—

JOIN ME ON THE NAUTILUS (aka 20k leagues aka Jules Verne obsession, bcs then i went to read the book) FRENZY

We made fics. And a server. And a uquizz. Come. It will be fun :3

October 24, 2024

Nautilus (2024):

SERIES PREMIERE TODAY!

GENRES: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Drama

NETWORK: Amazon

Description: Escape into the adventure. The origin story of the iconic Captain Nemo: an Indian Prince robbed of his birthright and family, a prisoner of the East India Mercantile Company and a man bent on revenge against the forces that have taken everything from him.

[lxgentlefolkcomic]

First page || Previous page || Next page

Start reading Episode 1

Dialogue transcripts:

Panel 1 Mina:  Captain Nemo asked for certain members of his crew to join us on Arthur’s ship, and allows that we may split our party to join him on the Nautilus. Jekyll:  I can see the advantage in that…but how will you communicate with each other?

Panel 2 Mina:  That’s a good point.  Perhaps Morse code?  But how to get a signal through when the Nautilus is submerged?

Panel 3 Griffin: I have the answer to that—Don’t look so surprised!  You know damn well I’m good for more than mere burglary!

Panel 4 Griffin:  The Nemo-phone’s a clever little thing, but this mission calls for more than one-way communication. Jack:  I can’t believe we’re calling it that…

Panel 5 Griffin: The solution… is THIS! Sound effect: BING

Panel 6 Jekyll: —The blazes!

Panel 7 Griffin: Pfffthahaha! The looks on your faces! Ahaha...Perhaps I should have given you protective glasses, too.

Panel 8 Irene: I suppose this will do more than simply blind us? Griffin (offscreen): Of course! These devices can be used to signal in Morse code; they can penetrate fog, rain, and up to 50 meters of water!  

Panel 9 Griffin: And I’ve just finished implementing the sound, allowing the receiver to listen rather than stare endlessly.

[charminglyantiquated]

Hi, guys. I try to keep my personal life off of here for the most part, but my partner and I have experienced a pretty bad blow, and I don't know what else to do. On Friday a private yacht backed into our sailboat, the Nautilus, with enough force to move the concrete dock we were tied to. The main mast was snapped in half, and we're still waiting to learn how bad the damage to the hull is.

We've worked on the Nautilus for years now as her crew, and this spring we put every cent we've been able to save over the last decade into buying her. All of our time has gone into sailing and maintaining her, and running our charter business - and now she's out of commission for the foreseeable future. Insurance will hopefully help, but we don't know anything concrete yet. The best case scenario is that with 8-9 months of work, we can have Nautilus sailing again by next summer - but in the meantime we still have the vessel's loan payments, and our own living expenses, and no source of income, let alone the repairs we'll need to begin sooner rather than later if we can hope to get her seaworthy by next summer.

I know things are hard for everyone right now, and I know we are incredibly lucky no one was hurt. One way or another Crow and I will get through this, and be okay, so please don't feel guilty for passing this by. But if you are inclined to help us get through the next few months, by donating or by sharing our fundraiser, I would be more grateful than I can express. I will be posting updates, photos, etc. on our Instagram page at nautilusmaine as we learn more, if anyone would like to follow along with what is hopefully the journey to rebuild her.

[laughingsquid]

The Crew of the E/V Nautilus Catches Their Very First Sighting of a Nautilus on the Final Dive of 2024

[elixir]

Piglet squid at a depth of 1385m near Palmyra Atoll as captured by the Nautilus crew.

[short-honey-badger]

Doll 9

Pairings: Shanks x Female Reader

Summary: Time passes, and Shanks and the crew train your new abilities. And a surprise waits for you on the next island

Warnings! Mentions of torture, hurt/comfort, and panic attacks

Doll Masterlist

Your training goes about as well as Shanks imagined it would. He doesn't have much of a basis other than how Roger taught him, so on days when the sun is shining and the crew is feeling lazy, Shanks and Yasopp toss round, wooden balls at you. You acquire more than your fair share of bruises, but you never ask them to stop or slow down. Eventually, you begin to dodge them, your observation haki putting its work in and allowing you to “see” where the wooden balls would land.

When they weren't doing that, Benn was taking you aside and teaching you about the flintlock pistols that he favored. He explained the use of sea stone and how a single shot from one of his weapons could put down even a logia type user.

You made sure to spend time with each of the crew, learning all that they were willing to teach you. On days where they were busy, you would gather everyone's laundry and sequester yourself away in your room. Limejuice had taught you about meditation, and you did your best to practice after you hung up the crew's clothes to dry out on deck.

The days soon turned into weeks, and your relationship with Shanks bloomed. You slept in his bed every night and sometimes were able to sleep through the night without having a nightmare. Whenever you did have them, Shanks was always there to calm you down and talk you through it. Afterward, the redhead would hold you close, lips pressed against the top of your head and would quietly ask if you wanted to talk about them. You’d opened up a little about your past, but most of the time, you denied his request.

You’d grown comfortable enough that just a look from Shanks would have you shedding your shirt, tossing the fabric to the floor along with your pants. Your legs were a mess of scars, and you’d quietly admitted that the head of house’s daughter had thought it fun to pull you into her room and mark you with cigarettes that the girl would steal from the other slaves when she found them. He had spent an evening with you on your back, legs bare to him as he pressed soft kisses to every burn and scar that he came across.

That night was the closest he’d come to your aching core, lips hovering over your underwear before by passing them to lave open mouthed kisses up your stomach and neck, until he could seal his lips against your own. As much as he wanted you, every part of you, Shanks knew it wasn’t the time for that yet. He needed you to know that he adored you, scars and all.

Today was one of the lazy days where you pulled apart and cleaned Benn's pistols, then put them back together under his watchful eye. He looked on in quiet pride when you presented him a perfectly repaired weapon and reached out to pat your shoulder.

“Gettin’ faster, seashell.”

You huffed at the nickname, but it didn't truly bother you. Lucky Roux had started it when he caught you out on deck one day, placing each of your collected seashells by size out on the deck. The cook had grinned and handed over a tiny nautilus shell and encouraged you to keep growing your collection on the next island that they stopped at.

“Thanks, Benn,” you murmur and then lean back on your hands, face pointed towards the sun.

Shanks watches from where he is lounged on a barrel near the wheel of the ship, sipping sake from a small saucer cup that hits his grin. You've been doing so well these past weeks. He'd learned more about you, slowly, painfully almost, but it seemed like the more you spoke about what you went through, the better you got. They’d had a few episodes since that first panic attack, one so bad that your haki had sent him careening across his room to smack into a wall. You had cried over thinking that you had hurt him, and Shanks spent the rest of the night assuring you that he didn't even have a scratch left behind from the accident. Honestly, he’d been more excited over the fact that your abilities had grown so much that you could start defending yourself with them.

It was good seeing you so embedded within his crew. He had taken a risk in letting you come, even though he knew that there would be no leaving you behind all those weeks ago. How long has it been now? A month, give or take? Shanks didn't know, nor did he really care. He was simply happy that you were here with them.

It was also almost time for their next resupply trip, and the closest island was one much bigger than the one he had found you in. Shanks had considered having you stay on board while the crew went out to get what they needed, but it didn't sit well with him to order you around like that. You had just gained your freedom. He wasn't about to become your next jailer.

Shanks stands and lopes over to where you sit in the sun, and Benn gives him a nod before he leaves with a farewell pat on your shoulder. You grin when you see your partner, and Shanks has zero qualms about sitting on the deck next to you.

“We're going to be stopping at the next island soon. The closest one is called Moorboro Haven. It'll be a lot bigger than the last one, but not as big as Sabaody,” He tells her and watches as you nod, taking in everything that Shanks says.

“I want you to stay close to me, alright? Anytime you want to go somewhere or explore the island, you take one of the crew members if I'm not available.”

You nod diligently. You had no problem with having someone with you, especially while landbound, “I will, Shanks. I promise.”

Shanks kisses the side of your head in thanks, grateful that you didn't want to fight with him over the matter, not that he thought you would anyway. He was leery about leaving you alone, worried that someone would snatch you up, and he would never see you again. Not that he would ever let that happen, but it was still a thought that bothered him.

-

It was the next evening by the time the Red Force sailed into the bay of Moorboro. You clutched the railing, your hair tucked into a baggy cap and a red bandana tied around your neck. The docks were packed with all kinds of ships, and your mouth ran dry when you spotted one of the massive Navy crusiers sitting in the middle of the chaos. While Shanks wasn’t flying his jolly roger, his ship was still recognizable enough.

Your captain was busy shouting orders, making sure that his crew was getting what they needed off the ship and directing them in what they would need restocking on. They were an old hand at this, however, so it didn’t take Shanks very long to join you at the bow of the ship. His arm slid around your waist, and you leaned into him, “You’re not worried they’ll try anything?”

Shanks glances over at the Navy vessel and shrugs, “Nah. We came in with a white flag, and they’ll know better to start something when they realize that it’s us. Being an emperor comes with it’s perks.”

You snort with a shake of your head, “I’m sure it does.”

And you know it does. Even as closed off to the rest of the world when up at Marie Geoise, Sabaody was a hub of activity, and rumors flew like birds. The first time you’d heard about Shanks was when his bounty had gone up from 1,040,000,000 berries to a whopping 3,000,000,000 berri. He was the talk of the island at that point, and you’d heard everyone from your master to the slaves of other families talk about the redhead. There was a reason only the strongest of the marines dared to deal with Red-Haired Pirates.

The two of you make light conversation while the rest of the crew get the boat docked and anchor dropped, tying off the ship with this ropes to keep it still in the waves that crashed against the shore. Shanks fixes your cap when your hair threatens to fall with a concentrated look on his face. The light disguise would do well to keep you safe.

The port town was bustling with activity when the two of you left the ship, and you took care to stick close to Shanks. You were used to large crowds, but after having been around no one else but the rest of the crew, you’d grown to resent the opperissning feeling of bodies all around. Shanks kept your hand firmly tucked with his own, pulling the two of you along until they met up with Beckman on the outskirts of the dock. Benn nodded to his captain and fell into step on your other side, and the three of you weaved through the crowds of people until you found an inn that wasn’t stuffed full with people.

“Got ‘ere at a good time, youngin’s,” the innkeeper told them as Shanks paid for their rooms. He trusted the rest of his crew to find their own accommodations, but he wanted you and his first mate close.

“Yeah? Why’s that?” he asked and parked himself on the nearest stool. You followed his lead, sitting close to your lover as the old man set bottles of booze in front of the three of you.

“The fall equinox o’course! Biggest celebration of the year,” He booms, and you try not to wince at his volume. But your interest is still peaked, and you listen in as the old innkeep begins to explain.

“Shops will start linin’ up the streets soon, parades in the evenings to celebrate the start of a good harvest, and on the final day, we’ll have a firework show. That’s what you don’t want to miss.”

Shanks nods along. He doesn’t want to linger for very long, but when he looks at you, he can see the excitement dwelling in your eyes. He’s been here for the summer equinox celebration before, and the cities knew how to throw their parties. He wants you to be able to experience that, too.

“Glad we got here when we did, then,” He comments, and you look at him with wide eyes. You hadn’t wanted to ask your captain if they could stay, but you really wanted to see the fireworks. You can’t help but beam at him and have a hard time not throwing yourself at the redhead as glee shocks through your veins. He meets your smile and bends to press a kiss to your brow before pulling back, “We’ll stay until the fireworks.”

The rest of the evening is spent catching up on any gossip that the crew has missed while out at sea. It wasn’t until Benn asked for the most recent bounties that you grew tense beside the two men, nervous to see if you would be in them. The innkeeper handed over a thick stack, and the three of your began to leaf through them.

You passed by the pirates that you didn’t recognize, though you did swipe the one of Shanks for yourself. It was too good of a picture to pass up. However, near the end of the stack, your throat closed up, eyes going wide as you stare down at a bounty, your face looking back up at you. Shanks swipes the thick paper away from you, dark eyes narrowed as he looks it over.

This picture had to have been taken a while before you’d escaped from Marie Geoise. You’re pale, hair lank around your face and cheeks hollow. There is a dead look in your eyes, so different from what Shanks sees when he looks at you now. Your shirt looks like it’d been tore open, your brand out for the world to see.

WANTED ALIVE, PROPERTY OF THE LA-MINNING FAMILY

BOUNTY 5,000,000 BERRI

[ash--00]

Chapter 2: Eight-legged Ghost, Eight-stage Fever

The days tick by inexorably, but the specter remains, just as Turan's fever continues to burn. They press on, determined to reach their goal, but under Benoit's orders, they stay close to the coast, ready to dock at any moment to offer Turan the care he needs on dry land.

The crew can't ignore what is becoming increasingly obvious, and Boniface is the first to perceive it: their captain hasn't been the same since the attack by the giant spider. His neck twitches frequently, and his hands frantically rub his legs, as if trying to chase away an invisible presence. He seems to be elsewhere, jumping at the slightest word spoken to him, and as soon as he relaxes his vigilance, his whole body starts to shake. Yet no one dares speak of it, and although concern for him is growing, the top priority remains to look after Turan.

☽◗ ● ◖☾

It's late by the time Boniface approaches Nemo, where he usually never is: at the helm. He stares out at the ocean, his face bathed in a cold, dark blue glow that accentuates the hollows in his features. His hands move ceaselessly, rubbing his legs, his arms, then his face, in a never-ending loop that never seems to end.

Boniface watches in silence, struck by his captain's condition. Nemo, usually so in control of himself, seems to be in an agitation he can't contain. His hunched shoulders bear witness to a deep exhaustion, an invisible weight that seems to crush his once proud stature. His usually piercing gaze is now veiled, lost in the black immensity of the ocean, as if desperately searching for something in the darkness of the waves.

The dark circles under his eyes have become darker, almost purple, contrasting with the paleness of his skin, which seems to have lost all color through exhaustion. His hair, usually neatly combed, is a mess, rebellious strands falling over his strained forehead. His lips, drawn into a thin line, betray the pain and anxiety he's trying so hard to conceal.

Nemo rubs his hands compulsively, a nervous gesture that's out of character for him. His fingers, once so assured, tremble slightly, betraying a nervousness he can no longer control. He repeats this movement over and over again, as if to convince himself that it's all an illusion, a mere momentary anguish. But deep down, he knows it's something else, something much darker, more dangerous, that's clinging to his mind.

Boniface, though concerned, doesn't dare break the silence. He knows that Nemo is a man who keeps his torments to himself, preferring to carry the weight of his burdens alone rather than share them with his crew. The captain has always been like this, an impregnable fortress, imposing with his quiet strength, but today, this fortress is showing worrying cracks.

“Captain...” finally murmurs Boniface, but his voice quickly fades in the heavy night air.

Nemo doesn't respond, doesn't even turn his head. He continues to stare at the ocean, his mind carried away by thoughts Boniface can only imagine. After a long moment, Nemo finally speaks, but his voice is weak, almost broken. “Don't worry about me, Boniface. It's nothing... nothing but a bad dream that refuses to go away. Keep looking after the crew, that's all that matters.”

Boniface nods, although he knows it's not that simple. He backs away slowly, leaving Nemo to his torments. Part of him would like to insist, to push the captain to confide in him, but he's known Nemo too long for that. If the captain says there's nothing to fear, then the crew has no choice but to trust him. Yet, as he walks away, Boniface can't shake off a dull worry, an intuition that something darker lies behind Nemo's words. Then he hears the captain whisper, in a voice so soft and exhausted that it seems to belong to an entirely different man: “And then, be the captain I can't be... Right now. I trust you.”

This sentence, imbued with an unusual fragility, unsettles Boniface. This is not the Nemo he knows, not the stubborn, fearless captain, always ready to brave storms and dangers without a word of doubt. Yet Nemo's tone is so sincere, so vulnerable, that Boniface feels his heart clench.

[...]

Find out more on Ao3!

And here for a French translation!