Paradise Traders Ranch

~ 1 ~ Trouble in Paradise

~Acel~

Money. Money. Money. That is all my life is. Fun introduction right? Well, at least it's true. I bet you're thinking I'm this big stuck up brat that is surrounded by money. Boy could you be wrong. Sure once upon a time I was a rich young lad all because of my father. However he cut me off after I decided to do something else in my life than be just some accountant. I can see your head spinning with the ideas of what had gotten me kicked from my former life. Well, after I had finished a four year business course, I went in a different direction than I was raised to do. I decided to become a trader. Not just a simple one. I traded anything that was of any value as long as it was for the right price. Call me a walking pawn shop. I bet you get what I mean by money now huh? I have to work out paying off debts and selling the items I buy as well as keeping my ship and crew in good condition.

In fact it was the reason I ended up docked down in Los Angeles, California. Although I usually go to San Francisco due to the fact I have a small ranch up around the San Francisco Bay Area, this was just a short stop to get my ship checked up and let the crew find their land legs again. Finishing up my paper work I went down to the lower section of my vessel. It has two walkways split into two different areas. One leads to the kitchens and quarters. The other leads to what makes this ship so special.

As I said, I used to be rich. I had gotten this ship when I was 16 as a birthday present. I didn't ask for it. It was given to me. See this boat is special as it is what is a mix between a multi purpose cargo ship and a cruise ship. Which is what leads me to what is down the path I'm walking now. You see when I was younger I was somewhat of an equestrian. So when this was being built, they had made a stables and an area for exercising horses. Granted it wasn't large, but it was big enough to keep the horses comfortable and for me to have a companion. I had lived my days down here learning how to keep the horses calm and enjoyable. We never go through any waters that is dangerous as we don't want to damage any of our cargo or horses.

I should stop with the horse talk. We haven't had a horse here in a month. Admittedly, I had sold my best friend that has been here for me for years. Her name was Missy. She was a simple Friesian mare that was quite obedient. Sadly, I had sold her due to her becoming too old to handle the waters. I knew that she would last much longer and she would have a good life in retirement. Any other horses we might have here would be given basic training and sold. I do specialize in selling almost anything.

I lean up against Missy's stall. There isn't a time when I don't miss that mare. She was the horse that got me through so much. I knew she deserved more than being forced to live on a boat till she died. Running my hands through my dirty blond hair I gaze at her empty stall. My eyes go right to her halter. Hmm, must have left it there. Silently I grab it it before deciding to just leave it. I sighed. I should probably go out and enjoy myself. No use staying cooped up here doing nothing.

Now anyone would think it's a bad idea to leave a ship unattended especially one like mine. For this ship as long as you got the keys you'll be fine. Why is that? Well the keys are what get you on the thing. You see there's a ramp that slides down at a touch of a button. As long as the ramp is up and everything is locked up, nothing can get damaged. Besides we have people patrolling the area.

I make my way down the port as I head towards the city. The crew is probably already drunk and wasted. Nothing much I can do about that even if I am the captain of this ship. Besides the deserve it. We had gotten stuck in a storm that came out of no where. Luckily, they all worked together and we survived unscathed. As far as we know that is. Which is why I'm getting the ship checked. I'd much rather spend the money to be safe rather than sorry.

As I'm strolling around I notice a poster. It had a picture of a flaxen liver chestnut horse. I cocked my head to the side as I read: