Described, even by her enemies, as the most beautiful object to ever float, TEOTWAWKI; the time-traveling flagship of the Mind Pirates (rivalled only by the Jade Dragon JUNK of momadelouvre), received its gold hardware during a visit to an ancient Incan seaport, long before the cataclysm that created the Andes, and thrust the Incan Empire to the heights from which it finally left the planet. 

The agreement was mutual and extremely civil. No money ever exchanged hands. The Mind Pirates simply answered ANY question that the Incas asked in return for anything they themselves wished crafted out of pure gold. The understanding was that the Mind Pirates would NEVER reveal the location of the Incan seaport or the civilization they found there, and the Inca's would not be allowed to copy the TEOTWAWKI, or her technology, in any way. 

The legends of Varicocha and the strange bearded White Gods exist to this day, as do the reed boats that the Incas perfected on their own. 

 When queried about the excess of gold on an already heavy ebony and teak galleon, the Captain simply said: "You can never have too much gold". In fact, the 100 solid gold cannons were used to trade at various times; just one usually being enough to secure anything the Mind Pirates needed. The lifeboats were kept simple in order to allow the crew to go ashore and set up the deals without attracting unwanted attention. 

TEOTWAWKI never fired a shot in anger, but this was more the result of the telepathic spirituality of it's crew rather than logic dawning on outgunned opponents. The Captain loved to answer questions about the inevitable risk of commanding so valuable a ship. "Let them try to board us. Recruiting is what we do best. Consciousness is just a way of being... it's just the only way that works!". 

 Even the four anchors, rudder, and keel were solid gold. MogUr explained that the anchors would be the last to go, and that would happen only when TEOTWAWKI was beached on the glowing sands of Evermore; the hidden home of the Mind Pirates. Only then, would the beautiful ship be lovingly dismantled. The keel and rudder used as the start of a new treasure; hidden from the world... 

 ...just like the Inca's. 

Mind Pirates

Though WE may not believe our power limitless, 
we ENGAGE all who suggest it is not.