The ocean air was chilly, and every time the water crashed against the large fishing boat, those inside that weren't used to the sea prayed that the water wouldn't splash any higher and make the already cold deck all the more colder. For nearly an entire day the boat had been moving out, churning along, the flag of the Potenzan Merchant Fleet sailing above it. It wasn't a boat owned by the Mazzio Corporation - indeed, if it had been, its exterior would have been far cleaner and far more elegant. As it was, there was rust and some traces of barnacles, which showed the boat was probably as experienced at sea as its owner was. Giacomo di Montefor's wrinkles and squinted eyes betrayed a history of hard labor fishing at sea and working despite all weather conditions. He had worked mostly out of country, as many Potenzan mercantile vessels did, and the recent dual-authority shared with Potenza and Engellex at Caen had helped his business somewhat. Even then, he was always short on cash, and required extra help. This was where his aiding the Reformed Church of Potenza came in.
Paolo, the oldest missionary on the boat at 32-years, had heard through AP News that a possible famine was approaching Havenshire, and had inquired with his superiors about the possibility of leading a small mission to the island nation. No missionaries were active there due to the harsh conditions enacted by the Havenite government, and it wasn't believed that a large enough aide package needed for oncoming famine would be affordable to the church. Recent mission trips to Sakibstan, and the church's efforts in Solaren, were tying up most resources. Paolo wrote a personal letter to Duke Prospero di Cornaro, the leader of the only Protestant family in Potenza and the church's largest benefactor, asking for help. Prospero was intrigued by the idea of sending a team to Havenshire, and wrote back to Paolo that if he could make it work, the Cornaro House would fund what they could.
Barnabas, the second oldest at 31-years, was at the helm of the boat, looking out. He was the first one to notice that they were quickly approaching the Havenshire mainland. He had gone ahead perhaps a week before, and spoken with some Havenite nationals about paying for a truck that would meet them at the port and driving them out to the country. They planned to take up shop in a small Havenite town, somewhere in the rural areas, to avoid detection. On Giacomo's boat was a hefty amount of food for emergency supplies, as well as various other forms of equipment. Much of it was for farm equipment - handling breakdowns, what have you. They also had fluids such as antifreeze and other important substances. And, of course, they had the New Testament, with Psalms and Proverbs, in English - though those were hidden underneath the other supplies.
There were only two other missionaries, both young men in their early 20's, on the boat: Luca, who was originally a Tiburan Catholic and had converted thanks in part to the Holy Spirit and Paolo's witnessing, and was now his spiritual son; Timoteo, who had stopped his studies at the seminary in Treviso to go on this trip (for some university credit). Luca actually worked as an auto mechanic, and hence would probably be doing most of the repair work required. Timoteo would handle the worship services, which would be done privately in the evenings and on Sunday. Paolo and Barnabas acted as the leaders, though Barnabas had knowledge of agriculture and the growing of crops. Paolo had some experience with construction, which was expected to prove handy at some point.
"Sure this will work?" Timoteo asked Paolo as the ship drew closer to the harbor. His anxiety involved getting through the coast guard and customs that they would inevitably have to deal with. How would four people seeking to provide outside help and spreading the Gospel of Christ get through the front door of a nation that traditionally hated freedom of religion and unmonitored assistance?
There was one advantage: corruption. There was one extra bit of cargo on the ship, supplied by the Duke of Treviso himself. This cargo was a few bottles of wine made right in the vineyards of Venosa. Barnabas lifted up a bottle and showed it to Timoteo with a smile. He had already spoken to some of the guards at the port, and they guaranteed entryway if they provided the wine. That was pretty much their ticket in - they brought the wine, there was no problem. They didn't bring the wine, and everything was confiscated and the safety of those on board put into question.
Paolo, the oldest missionary on the boat at 32-years, had heard through AP News that a possible famine was approaching Havenshire, and had inquired with his superiors about the possibility of leading a small mission to the island nation. No missionaries were active there due to the harsh conditions enacted by the Havenite government, and it wasn't believed that a large enough aide package needed for oncoming famine would be affordable to the church. Recent mission trips to Sakibstan, and the church's efforts in Solaren, were tying up most resources. Paolo wrote a personal letter to Duke Prospero di Cornaro, the leader of the only Protestant family in Potenza and the church's largest benefactor, asking for help. Prospero was intrigued by the idea of sending a team to Havenshire, and wrote back to Paolo that if he could make it work, the Cornaro House would fund what they could.
Barnabas, the second oldest at 31-years, was at the helm of the boat, looking out. He was the first one to notice that they were quickly approaching the Havenshire mainland. He had gone ahead perhaps a week before, and spoken with some Havenite nationals about paying for a truck that would meet them at the port and driving them out to the country. They planned to take up shop in a small Havenite town, somewhere in the rural areas, to avoid detection. On Giacomo's boat was a hefty amount of food for emergency supplies, as well as various other forms of equipment. Much of it was for farm equipment - handling breakdowns, what have you. They also had fluids such as antifreeze and other important substances. And, of course, they had the New Testament, with Psalms and Proverbs, in English - though those were hidden underneath the other supplies.
There were only two other missionaries, both young men in their early 20's, on the boat: Luca, who was originally a Tiburan Catholic and had converted thanks in part to the Holy Spirit and Paolo's witnessing, and was now his spiritual son; Timoteo, who had stopped his studies at the seminary in Treviso to go on this trip (for some university credit). Luca actually worked as an auto mechanic, and hence would probably be doing most of the repair work required. Timoteo would handle the worship services, which would be done privately in the evenings and on Sunday. Paolo and Barnabas acted as the leaders, though Barnabas had knowledge of agriculture and the growing of crops. Paolo had some experience with construction, which was expected to prove handy at some point.
"Sure this will work?" Timoteo asked Paolo as the ship drew closer to the harbor. His anxiety involved getting through the coast guard and customs that they would inevitably have to deal with. How would four people seeking to provide outside help and spreading the Gospel of Christ get through the front door of a nation that traditionally hated freedom of religion and unmonitored assistance?
There was one advantage: corruption. There was one extra bit of cargo on the ship, supplied by the Duke of Treviso himself. This cargo was a few bottles of wine made right in the vineyards of Venosa. Barnabas lifted up a bottle and showed it to Timoteo with a smile. He had already spoken to some of the guards at the port, and they guaranteed entryway if they provided the wine. That was pretty much their ticket in - they brought the wine, there was no problem. They didn't bring the wine, and everything was confiscated and the safety of those on board put into question.