A
port city in Nahem, 1843-44
For
nearly four years the conflict that started in the year of 1840
dragged on. Many people thought it would only be a quick war between
the Vullanese Empire and her usual allies versus the Vestrisian
Union. By mid 1841 it was clear the war would last much longer than a
few months or a few years. The two empires of these aliens/foreign
invaders from the skies had joined on the side of the Vullanese and
her allies. Having these aliens join in this conflict caused some
paranoia forcing other nations to side with the Vestrisians.
Being
near these invaders gave non-warriors a good fright. As for the
warriors it proved to be a challenging group of opponents that turned
out to be a colossal of an army. These invading Gantronese and Nazdar
armies didn't just bring technologically advanced weapons, tools,
vehicles, and essentials they brought other races who appeared
vastly different and some similar to Calorn's own races of elves,
dwarfs, and other being humanoids. When they came down fifty or so
years ago everyone believed they would conquer Calorn within mere
months. Rumors spread that these invaders did not posses the weapons
to conquer them, which were false until more advanced guns were
invented among the nations resisting them. Truth be told these
invaders were locked in a few conflicts ever few years while trying
to expand their empires. It explained on the maps how so many nations
and kingdoms were prepared or fortunate. Some managed staying on the
map by backstabbing neighbors. Others were overlooked, and others
offered good trading deals in order to keep their sovereignty intact.
Among
all of these events piracy still remained at large. For thousands of
years piracy, raiding, and looting reigned across the seas of Calorn.
Very few pirates ever circumnavigated to the other side. Up north it
was cold, frozen, and covered in glaciers and tundra. Most pirates
came across others at the halfway point rather than make the long
journey across vast oceans. Other pirates and smugglers made it to
the other continents before other nations using the southern, eastern
and western routes. Even those routes were dangerous due to the
number of reefs whirlpools they had to avoid, dangerous behemoth
monsters, dangerous wind storms, and hurricanes.
Some
did make it to the other side through the routes across the vast
oceans. Those who made it back had stories to tell. During the half
decade of the invader's arrival they were beginning an industrial
revolution. Technology transformed, changed and improved thanks to
the work scientist, inventors, the more advanced races of Calorn, the
invaders whose craft either crashed or fell into the hands of locals
and of course other visitors from the stars. The age of the mast ships came to an end six decades ago. It was the dawn of new ships,
steam powered, or modernized and industrialized vessels. Many nations
chipped in to these new vessels diminishing piracy for a time. As the
invaders asserted control over parts of the world new technology fell
into pirate hands, and other gangs.
On
the southern beach of Nahem was a tavern-inn. There crew members of a
pirate gang that still acted as a crew. An elf couple sat at a the
bar area while crew members of their ship drank up, arm wrestled, bet
at games, mingled with whores, danced to playing tunes, and
socialized. Captain Jenere Omavern and his lover Sophine sat upon
stools facing a mirror recently installed. The previous one was shot
to hell no thanks to rival groups of pirates who had been fighting
and killing one another for ten years. A truce was forced on them by
the Kingdom of Nahem, Meze and the Vestrisian Union of the Vestrisian
Republics. Several weeks ago the Vestrisians sent out envoys, and
notices offering a place as privateers to all pirate crews. Close to
a few thousand or more pirates from all over the southern seas joined
the VUVR navy as privateers in exchange for modern weapons, and loot
from the enemy.
“You
could have picked a prettier mirror than this dirty patch of glass.”
Jenere said to the tavern keep who had a Vestrisian appearance well
mixed with a dark skinned Meze-Nahemine ancestry. This tavern keep's
name was not known but he is called “Kuwade”. As a large round
but strong looking man who wore modernized style clothing of the time
along with a traditional Meze scarf that hung over both shoulders.
“And
you should have signed on as a privateer for the Vestrisian Navy!”
Kuwade spat back cutting a small mental wound in Jenere's
argument. He picked up a clean mug he just cleaned and set in on a
shelf next to the mirror. Above the mirror was a mounted and stuffed
swordfish. Kuwade's tavern-inn stood at two and a half stories high
despite parts of it being raised. It had multiple doors that could be
opened to let the wind in. These doors made it appear like an out
door tavern and bar. Tables, chairs, game tables, barrels, support
beams dotted the place. He also had it decorated, modified and
extended as well over the years. Kuwade's establishment was decorated
in various items of the sea, ship parts, harpoons, sea shells, bones
of sea creatures, empty jugs, large bottles of various colors, older
weapons, and plenty of netting that held most of it. Just about every
inch of the walls, ceiling, and beams were decorated. Flanking the
mirror were shelves of mugs, glasses, and bottles of alcohol.
“Blast
you Kuwade you know Jenere is the rogue captain who goes on his own
with his own crew!” Sophine said in a drunken stupor meant to be
teasing that sounded sarcastic. She leaned against him with two of
her sand blonde braids brushing against him. Her clothing consisted
of a white plaid shirt over a ruffled shirt with the sleeves rolled
to reveal the ruffles sleeves. On her lower body she wore the modern
water proof khaki pants she died with stripes. The female elf left
her hair in dreads, braids, and bun. Her head donned a fisher man's
cap. She had the lean physique, small nose, diamond shaped face, and
(hazel or sea blue eyes).
“Sophine
I am sure he meant it as a jest. Am I right Kuwade?” Jenere said
with a cheerful bit of hope in his voice and on his face. The sea man
sweater felt comfortable and loose over his sea monster hunting
outfit. His pants were made from the layers of shark's skin mixed
with a lizard-beasts hide that proved to endure the rough seafaring.
“Oh
pig feathers Jenere you're a damned pirate...hic, a beastie
hunter...hic...a-hic...an elf who...loves to s-strew about...”
Sophine sputtered in her drunken state holding onto the bottle of
whiskey-rum she shared with him.
“She
needs to sleep. Take your lover or should I say drunk ass lover up
stairs!” A round man in the typical privateer-rough sailors
clothing said in a roughened voice.
Jenere's
gaze turned to his left to see Blanford “The Bull” Boneson.
Blanford was once a sailor who turned pirate then became a privateer
now he was a fisherman and brewer. Ever two seasons he'd go off with
a small crew aboard a Vestrisian craft, which explained the blue
jacket made from rain proof material. It seemed somewhat ridiculous
to wear the modern day clothing over a sea leather vest, and the
rough pants made from enduring but uncomfortable materials.
“He-Hey
old Blanfy-hic, how have ye been?” Sophie said in the drunken state
she was currently in. She winked or tried to wink at Blanford. The
large, round gave Jenere a cross look like a father would.
To
him it seemed strange for a man younger than an elf to treat him like
he was a young scoundrel who should know better. Some how Jenere
believed the man could be older then appeared. Instead of arguing
with Blanford Jenere grabbed Sophine taking the bottle from her grip
and escorted her up to some sleeping quarters they already rented.
The two hundred fifty seven year old elf carried the one hundred
seventy year old Sophine over to the bed. She seemed to have dozed
and passed out during their ascent up the stairs. He laid her down on
the bed then grabbed a cloak to drape over her like a sheet. She
curled up in the cloak oblivious to what happened and how she got to
the bed in the first place. Jenere kissed her on the cheek then her
forehead recalling the first day they met at a festival in Lheobethe.
Although it was a festival it was an attempt by the elders to pair
young elves up. Elves of Lheobethe were somewhat of a civilized,
jungle culture who managed to industrialize without much destruction
of their forests. They still held on to the traditional aspects,
culture, and beliefs while keeping up with the ages.
No
one expected elves let alone the ones of forests and jungles to
become modernized in a sense that wouldn't harm nature. Gnomes lived
among them as well as more civilized beings of the world. Much of
their technology came from them and other races who discovered
electricity. From tribe to kingdoms, confederacies of nations the
elves, gnomes and goblins united to create Lheobethe. Professions
included foresting, ranging, hunting, fishing, sailing, logging,
carpentry, basket weaving, plantations, and other craftsmanship. The
most prominent and required professions were warriors, soldiers, and
guards since Lheobethe was surrounded by enemies until late 1839 when
they united under the VUVR banners.
Even
though they revered nature they still hunted the more dangerous
predators of the seas and forests. As a young elf Jenere was
introduced to shooting, hunting, and harpooning while learning to use
a sword. The age of swordsmanship seemed to die a little when
gunpowder came six hundred to seven hundred years ago. However many
nations and cultures still practiced its use and encouraged warriors
and soldiers. Melee weapons use survived through out the centuries
until just fifty years ago, but is still used in combat these days.
Modern weapons nearly made melee weapons obsolete, but the soldier
still picked up weapons for close quarters combat.
Jenere
became a pirate about eighty years ago when a crew of pirates docked
at his home town. Both he and Sophine joined this crew eager for a
life of adventure. For decades they sailed across the seas, harassing
wealthy merchants, city-states, raiding, and looting as they pleased.
He sat down on the bed remembering the amount of glory he won among
pirates of all backgrounds.
His
own story, which was personal life was kept secret. Jenere made a
name for himself that kept disappearing due to larger events such as
the invaders, major conflicts, and discovery or the rediscovery of
some things here and there across Calorn. This up and down track of
fame suited him well better than some more famous pirates. Whenever
his name would get too big and attracted the navies he would go into
hiding or pick up a few jobs. Hunting Sharks, dangerous predators,
escorting explorers, and smuggler-merchants, some treasure hunting
for any scholars, and scavenging, picking up loose cargo were all the
many jobs he picked up. His days under a masted sail drew to an end
when he discovered a Gantronese Cargo holder/destroyer shipwrecked at
some reefs near the mysterious platform seas. He took his ship the
“Omacern” over to investigate. The pirate captain spent months
scavenging, and salvaging what he could of the cargo, weapons, and
ammunition. During his exploration of this vessel he found it only
needed a crew of 40 -50 to man it.
One
day a group of six scientists, engineers, and inventors sailing their
own craft spotted him. They were goblins, gnomes and dwarfs searching
for ships and experimental opportunities. His crew nearly killed them
until they proposed an offer to mix the vessels together. At first
Jenere was skeptical, but after a year of this experimenting his mind
changed. These six beings and their science engineering combined his
ship with the Gantronese vessel. Jenere went up to the window and sat
up on the windowsill. From here he spotted formerly named Omacern,
which he renamed the “Abomination” sitting at the harbor of the
Gahn Diveros. His frigate was combined with the parts that could be
salvaged from the Gantronese Cargo/Destroyer.
Whatever
those engineers, and inventors did to his ship they had increased her
size. There was more room on her hull and three larger decks. It had
more room to place more guns, which he acquired from smugglers, other
pirates, the Gantronese ships holding turret parts. He scrapped a few
of his old cannons and culverins to craft advanced guns for the
lower decks. On the top deck the bridge of the GCD was placed in the
center while his own cabin was left at the stern. Along the top
starboard, and port-side he had thirty turrets ranging from flak
guns, AA turrets, tank turrets stolen from submarines. During those
months of his ship's transformation he and his crew spent time
learning how the modern ships and weaponry worked. Because of this he
recruited other sailors to join his crew and had three engines and
propellers added for speed and avoid becoming a sitting duck when one
was hit. The sails and masts were folded up in case the engines died.
“What
a beautiful beast you've become.” Jenere said in a low voice
admiring the mixed hull that was now covered in steel and stronger
materials. He even had the hull painted several coats of wooden brown
to fool the enemy and asked for the guns in the lower deck to be
modified to fire almost any time of round. It worked on some of them
but not all of them. Most of the cannon balls, chain shot, grapeshot,
bar shit and link shot were melted down for other uses and shells of
rounds.
“What
a beauty she is Captain!” cried a cheerful voice from nowhere.
Jenere was surprised and startled for a few moments until he realized
who it was. Sitting on the roof, Nimikos Blueleaf had legs crossed
while watching the ships and the water. Nimikos was another elf from
the southern parts of Lheobethe. Truth be told Nimikos was half elf,
but had more hair on his body than most humans. The crew nicknamed
him “Monkey Pirate” not only because he was hairy but also for
his climbing.
“Yes
Mo- Nimikos, she is a beauty.” Jenere agreed with the crew member
who was never afraid to climb any heights. His gaze rested on the
harbor and dock that was partially full of ships such as sailed
mast ships of various sizes and class, fishing boats, steam ships,
and plenty of small cargo ships. Jenere docked his pirate vessel at
the far end of the harbor.
There
were approximately ten to thirteen other vessels docked at the
harbor, which could host forty vessels at the most. It seemed big for
a settlement such as Gahn Diveros. The settlement did have roughly
over a thousand or more inhabitants for its population. A mix of
families, singles, workers, loners, elderly and all walks of life
filled the settlement. Yet it was more of a fishing and trading
settlement. Although it had a harbor the locals who fished set up a
dock for their own vessels to avoid clogging up traffic.
“Hey
Captain, Captain look over there!” Nimikos whispered loudly getting
Jenere's attention.
“What
is it Nimikos?” Jenere blindly asked the crew member.
The
hairy half elf climbed down to the window he was. Nimikos held on to
the top of the window with his feet against the roof ledge. This crew
member had keen eyes and could see in the dark which gave him a
position as a look out on the crows net. Ever since they modified the
ship Nimikos' position was enhanced with a radio, back up radar and a
pair of binoculars to clarify objects, neutral, enemy, friendlies,
and targets.
“Look
over there at the beaches.” Nimikos pointed down at the beach where
a group of shadows moved among the sands. Numerous longboats had been
dragged a shore. A large group of figures splitting up. One group
headed towards their direction and the other group marched for the
harbor. He barely made out a large figure with a bigger physique than
an average being. This large figure seemed as big if not bigger than
an orc. Jenere recognized the frame and shape of this figure. He saw
this type before several years ago when he was fighting pirate
hunters near the Unknown Lands. Then it hit him like a club across
the face. This large group of figures were pirate hunters. For
decades the Gantronese organized fleets of pirate hunters many of
whom sank to the bottom.
“Nimikos
those men are pirate hunters. Quick go run to the ship I'll rally
whoever is not too drunk to fight them off.” Jenere sent the crew
member to warn the other crew members of danger. The Captain himself
twirled around and went for his weapons on the small desk. A pair of
revolvers with Grussian hand grips, a war pick, curved dagger from
Vorcadam, a cutlass and a metal axe. These weapons were all on a belt
harness, which he put on over his sweater. Armed, but somewhat buzzed
Omavern turned to Sophine laying on the bed. He leaned over her to
kiss her head and face. She jolted awake turning her head to see him
about to kiss her. His lover grabbed his head and kiss him
vigorously. For several moments she kissed him before letting him go.
“I
love you Captain Jen.” she said sounding a little less drunk.
“Love
you too Sophine, I need to go kill some pirate hunters.” Jenere
said knowing that is not always good to speak in such a language as
violence with a lover.
“Pirate
hunters, here?” she cried out in disbelief. Sophine's face hardly
showed any signs of being drunk after hearing there were pirate
hunters nearby.
“You
are drunk Sophine you cannot fight in this con-” Sophine placed a
finger on his lips cutting him off. His lover gave him a careless
expression that says she knows, but didn't care.
“I
can fight just as well when I am drunk.” Sophine said getting up
off the bed while moving around him. She picked up her rapier,
machine pistol, and a flintlock pistol converted into a war club. The
female pirate armed herself quickly. As soon as both lovers were
armed they rushed down the steps to the bar area where their crew
members were. In the tavern-inn's bar and common area he counted a
few scores of patrons. Half of them were his crew. Their ship
contained a crew of ninety men who proved their worth countless times
at sea and in battle. Just about half the crew were in the common
area and bar. Thirty nine of the occupied much of the space in the
tavern-inn. He saw a few if not several whose names he knew well.
Johines a fiery half elf who appeared short and goblin like instead
of elvish after years of drinking and drunks. He was usually found
sverxing the prettiest adult face that was single. Sorvak, an orc
make he picked up at a festival along the coast. This orc was a large
and strong enough to pick up a cannon. Next to Sorvak was another Orc
known as Kordum a light brown skinned orc who naturally got women.
Kordum had one woman pleasing him with her mouth. Another crew member
he recalled was a Drow called Vuxerd who had a taste for blood in
combat, but more of the killer not the vampire.
“Listen
up you lazy bastards we've got pirate hunters coming! Now get up off
your asses and let's send them to afterlife!” Sophine roared
drawing attention from the entire room towards them. Some looked
confused, several non-pirate patrons appeared scared.
Every
pirate had their eyes on Sophine and their Captain. Then it hit them
as it was evident on their faces what was going on. Each pirate stood
up, some still drunk, and others were getting out of the drunken
stupor. At least twelve of them appeared sturdy enough to fight.
Knowing his crew the would fight any ways. Each one of them had heard
Sophine as they went for weapons.
“The
Pirate Hunters are on the beaches and have split their forces. Get
out of your drunken states and drive them off our tail or kill them!”
Jenere shouted with excitement shown on his face. His words excited
the crew who seemed eager and happy to go kill pirate hunters. For
them it meant a few hundred or scores less of pirate hunters, and
more equipment.
His
crew were armed with a variety of weapons that had been modified,
particularly the guns, rifles sub machine guns, and pistols taken
from bodies and ships of their enemies. As for melee weapons they
wielded boarding axes short swords, daggers, a variety of maces,
scimitars, cutlasses, some Falchions, and machetes. It probably
seemed quaint or strange to others that they wielded melee weapons in
a modern industrial age of Calorn. Technology in terms of
transportation varied depending on regions, and electricity was
available to most of the civilized peoples. Weaponry also varied
depending the nation, region, and contact with these invaders and
foreigners from the stars.
Jenere
beckoned Sophine to follow him as he made his way out of the tavern.
Sophine urged the crew members to join their captain on his way to
the beach. He exited the tavern with forty members of this pirate
crew who were unsheathing weapons and preparing their guns. The
Captain marched through the streets with his crew who did not appear
drunk for some miraculous reason. They proceeded through the
settlement taking a few turns, and short cuts around buildings to the
beach. On the beaches the pirates found over fifty pirate hunters in
their dyed sea clothing, rough vests over jumpsuits, striped long
sleeves, ocean proof pants and Gantronese style uniforms. Everyone of
them wielded short rifles, assault rifles, lever action, pistols,
modified guns, and various carbines. However these pirate hunters
still wielded melee arsenal were machetes, metal hammers, modernized
axes, spades, various knives, and crowbars. Some did wield katanas,
maces, and harpoon spikes.
Omavern
had his crew spread out and ambush these pirate hunters from various
positions. He did not waste time in springing the ambush on the
hunters. From behind rocks, tall grass, bushes, long boats, crates,
and debris his crew launched an attack on the pirate hunters. A few
of them fired their weapons as the rest charged in. It was not long
before the two sides exchanged fire. The ambush turned into a shoot
out as a skirmish ensued it was clear to the pirate hunters who was
attacking them. They fired back taking out several pirates before the
rest of them descended on them. Like ruthless raiders the pirates
proceeded in giving no quarter, showing little to no mercy. In a
clash of blades and bludgeon weapons the two forces fought
ferociously. Jenere and his pirates had the upper hand due to the
element of surprise. Omavern dual wielded his metal ax and war pick
on the battlefield. He struck and blocked many blows while using his
legs to kick a few enemies down. The elf pirate moved with swift
movements that hardly any of his opponents stood a chance. His lover
moved through the skirmish like a leaf in the wind. Sophine
maneuvered quickly and elegantly around her opponents taking them
down with ease.
The
skirmish ended with a few minutes of fighting and most combatants
dead, dying or wounded. Just about all the pirate hunters lay dead
whereas the pirates themselves lost twelve. Eight were dead and the
rest wounded. Those who still stood made quick work of killing the
remaining pirate hunters. None of the pirates had any sympathy for
these dying souls. For they had a huge vendetta against them for
hunting down fellow pirates and those “Associated” with them.
Gahn Diveros' beaches fell silent save for the waves crashing on the
beach.
Without
saying a word Omavern motioned with his pick for his crew to tend to
the wounded, loot, gather weapons, and pile up the corpses of the
enemies. Their pirate hunting enemies would be burned while they
would bury their brethren in the sands. Jenere crouched down to pick
up a decent looking club in the shape of a flintlock pistol. It had
been forged out of a mix of different metals. The color appeared to
be a bronze, gray, but it felt heavier than the metals mixed to forge
it. He slid the new prize into his belt to see about the wounded.
Johines, Vuxerd, and several others gathered weapons of the fallen.
They even stripped some of the corpses while looting them for any
valuables. Kordum, Sorvak, and a few other larger crew members picked
up the corpses of the dead pirate hunters. The rest lined up their
own dead.
Jenere
helped Sophine bind a wound on the leg of a thin brown haired
youthful looking deckhand with tan skin. This deck hand's name was
Jakent Badhorse from Evusia, but was born in Castaria. Omavern's crew
nicknamed him “Bronze Hide”, due to his complexion. Jakent was
stabbed gritted his teeth and sucked on them because of the pain.
Omavern held his leg as Sophine wrapped it up in a piece of fabric
torn from a clean shirt of a dead man. His hands brushed against her
arm as he rubbed them before going to the next wounded man. The next
wounded pirate was known as Brown Kelly A Lesdonian seaman who grew
tired of low wages. Lesdonians often wore their beards long and well
combed with a shaved head. In one part of Lesdonia at least. His
wound was on his side where he was shot just after killing two pirate
hunters. Kelly wore a Lesdonian style jumpsuit designed for
seafaring.
“Captain
sir we can take care of the wounded.”a crew member known as Makeen
said to Omavern. The captain stepped away from the wounded pirate
giving both of them a salute. He could not help but salute each one
that lay wounded. Some saluted back while others nodded to their
Captain.
Leaving
the wounded under the care of his crew Jenere silently gathered
thirteen of the least winded. He left Sophine in command of the rest
of the crew. With thirteen pirate crew members the elf pirate rushed
to port. In the partially lit night the Abomination's Captain and
crew passed several docks before coming to the port of the city.
There they found the rest of the pirate hunters. Sixty one pirate
hunters were spread out along the area of the first three blocks of
the port.
All
over the three blocks these hunters blindly searched behind crates,
in sheds, in vendor stands, large barrels, behind piles of logs and
planks. The inhabitants' own homes and shops were invaded in search
of the pirates. A few dozen people were forced out of their homes for
interrogation. From where they were it was hard to tell what was
said. With the way arms were moved, voices were raised, weapons were
pointed and some were shouting. Jenere saw an opportunity to strike
at the pirate hunters. Using the darkness of the night Jenere led his
crew through the shadows. Thanks to the darkness the pirates were
able to sneak upon the pirate hunters.
Taking
advantage of their location and the dark night over a dozen pirates
began taking their enemy out. Each take out was a swift but silent
kill. Without a word every corpse was hidden or tucked away as they
continued until they reached the first houses. Jenere crouched behind
a stack of barrels, and his crew behind structures, stands, bushes,
and a few houses. From his hiding spot he turned to his left spying
on his beloved vessel. He was sure his First Mate Elydark was
stirring Omavern's crew to fight.
“I
feel like my thanks should go to Nimikos.” He said to himself in a
murmur.
Lying
in wait the Captain watched the pirate hunters begin interrogating
the locals. Several of the locals argued with them and denied knowing
about any pirates. Counting just thirty seven pirate hunters in range
Jenere pulled out his revolver. The elf pirate Captain ordered his
men in earshot to use their guns and firearms. Cocking his revolver's
hammer Omavern aimed down the sites. In the darkness he could make
out a few of his crew members preparing to shoot. He knew his men
would not shoot or harm any civilians since these offered them
hospitality. They were also fortunate that the kingdom of Nahem was at
war with the Gantronese invaders.
His
sites rested on an average sized being wearing the typical pirate
hunters cap. Jenere hoped none of the locals would get caught in the
cross fire. If any locals were killed during this fight the pirates
would be blamed and possibly banned from the towns. Their best bet be
for all the locals to run for it leaving for their homes or another
part of town.
Knowing
he had waited long enough Jenere pulled the trigger. His first shot
was fired hitting his target in the side. The pirate Captain must
have shot the stomach as his target slowly collapsed to the ground
holding his side. Following the Captain's example the other thirteen
opened fire with carefully targeted aim. Over a dozen more of these
pirate hunters dropped to the ground. As he hoped would happen the
inhabitants raced back to their homes away from the shooting. Jenere
and his crew kept on firing on the pirate hunters until there were
none left. None of them relied on their surprise attack to force the
enemy to flee or win a battle quickly. Plenty of them fired back
creating a short battle in the mark place of the port.
When
the shooting ceased a group of the settlement's militia rushed into
the scene. Jenere ordered his crew to sheath their weapons and stand
down. He himself sheathed his revolver and marched over to the armed
militia who halted at the sight of him. These Nahemese or Nahemine
militia in the tropical tan uniforms and shark hide vests. On their
bodies and caps were the tribal tattoos and symbols.
“Don't
shoot him it is only Captain Omavern. Our main concern are these
invaders!” an officer ordered the ten militia who were armed with
bolt action rifles and war clubs in their belts. Obediently the
militia stood down. Jenere was about to explain what had just
occurred, but the officer cut him off with a raised hand to stop him.
“Captain
Omavern, you and your pirates may be marauders, thieves, raiders,
killers and rebel brigands on the seas. However our mixed community
here know you are not our enemies.” The officer said to Jenere. He
looked at the pirate captain then at the dead pirate hunters. He must
have muttered the words 'pirate hunter' as Jenere saw his lips move.
This officer was about to continue when more shooting could be heard
from behind them.
“More pirate hunters?” both Jenere and the officer said as they
turned to face the source of the shooting. It came again and
continued telling them another fight broke out at the beaches.
“Komakai
warn the garrison that more invaders are here!” the officer ordered
one of the militia who rushed further into the settlement.
Jenere
turned to his crew members. In the dark he made out the shape of
gunner Syphos Minns. Syphos was an Elemani with some scar over a
tattoo on his side. Syphos was a bit of a spiritual, pious, and
superstitious pirate who was born and raised at sea before his days
of piracy. He worshiped a tortoise god and a mermaid goddess. This
explained his tattoos, which his vest and pants covered.
“Syphos
go back to the ship and tell the first mate to prepare the ship for
battle. We may have more pirate hunters coming.” Jenere commanded
the gunner sending him back to the ship.
Not
seeing that the gunner had taken the correct way Jenere rallied the
rest. With twelve pirates he rushed back to the beach. On the way
they ran into Makeen and eight others carrying the wounded. He
saluted all of them before leading the thirteen pirates to the scene
of the second skirmish here. The shooting became louder as they drew
closer to the beaches.
When
he arrived at the scene of the skirmish Jenere found the rest of the
crew with sophine had moved further in land. They set up a defense
behind a stone fence and a few overturned carts used as cover. He
hoped they kept low to the ground since the enemy had them pinned
down. On the beach exchanging fire with his crew was another group of
these pirate hunters with sixty five Gantronese troops. Behind this
force were 120 or so of these loyalists come to fight for the
Gantronese. They were just now landing on the beaches to assist
Gantronese master and hunters. Before he engaged this force he
noticed there were some Nazdar troops and their servants.
Jenere
did not hesitate to shoot into the mass of enemies trying to spread
out on the beach. He used up the rest of his shots in the chamber
before reloading. At his flanks the twelve other pirates he brought
opened fire. While reloading his weapon Jenere caught a glimpse of
over thirty Nahemine militia and soldiers arriving to engage the
invaders and a few enemy vessels in the water. This engagement
between forces grew intense as bullets shot out in all directions
causing the skirmish to break out into a battle. Bodies began to fall
at a quicker pace on both sides. Although the defenders appeared
outnumbered they still put up a fight against these invaders. Many
saw more casualties among these invaders than the defenders due to
cover and flanks being exposed. Each side exchanged fire seeing more
bodies fall each moment the battle lasted.
He
lost three more pirates before he maneuvered the rest towards
Sophine. From his position Jenere could tell the invaders already
lost nearly a hundred or so. Their numbers continued to fall as this
battle progressed. As he kept shooting into the invading ranks he
noticed more of these invaders were landing on the beaches behind the
first wave. He quickly counted over two hundred more landing,
bringing the invaders over five hundred. Behind him came more
pirates, his crew under Elydark, at the side behind militia, and
Sophine a few scores arrived. More than a score or more militia and a
force of thirty Vestrisians arrived to bolster the defenders.
Seeing
the Vestrisians here took Jenere by surprise. He thought no
Vestrisian based here or other nations outside the main factions
could not partake in this conflict. When a few bullets flew over his
head it hit him. Naem and the Vestrisians were allies, which
explained their presence. He and nine of his crew dug in behind
several obstacles and a dune. They each provided a decent amount of
fire power, which was dwarfed by the newly arrived forces. Several
minutes passed with the battle slowly coming to a close. More than a
huge chunk of the invaders lay dead, dying or wounded.
Reduced
to a smaller force the invaders began to retreat. A mix of
Gantronese, Pirate hunters, Nazdars, and their Grevaskii servants
slowly backed away shooting wildly at the defenders. Seeing an
opportunity the defenders increased the rapid fire eliminating what
remained of the invasion force. The late night returned to a silent
atmosphere as everything calmed down.
Because
of how late it was the three forces left the battlefield agreeing to
meet up in the morning. Jenere returned to the ship with sixty of his
crew to be greeted by the rest of them. Both he and his lover sophine
slept in his quarters until they were woken up by hard knocking on
his door. The two lovers forced themselves out of the bed. Jenere
sleepily made his way to the door as the knocking continued. He
opened the door revealing First Mate Elydark with the Mayor, and a
Vestrisian Lieutenant came for their meeting.
“Good
morning First Mate, morning gents! Apologize on my behalf for not
being woken up earlier and some what odorous.” Jenere said to the
trio, apologizing for his late morning and smell.
“Do
not worry yourself about that Captain Omavern for we shall dine in
your officer's hall. If you do not mind.” the Lieutenant replied to
the pirate Captain.
“Not
at all... I hope I will give me time to bathe first, Lieutenant?”
Jenere answered back wondering what the Lieutenant's name was.
“Lieutenant
Mortinson, we will meet you in the dining area in thirty minutes. My
commanding officer and Ambassador Vordens will also arrive for this
brunch meeting.” Lieutenant Mortinson said letting the Captain off
the hook. Jenere leaned against the door way as if he was propping
himself up. He was still groggy after being aroused from bed and just
now recognized .the mayor as Imua Witika al-Saba. A man with mixed
human heritage consisting nomadic roots, those who worship Al-Hana,
and the deserts. Witika al-Saba wore three robes that seemed thin,
colorful and comfy under a triple layered bone, bead and shell
necklace. The necklace rested nicely on his round large belly.
“Mayor
Witika al-Saba I apologize if I did not recognize your honorable
self.” Jenere said to the mayor who nodded to him pursing his lips
as though Jenere was drunk.
“See
you at the brunch Captain Omavern sir.” Elydark said wasting no
time in closing the door to allow the Captain some space.
Jenere
groggily turned around to find Sophine already up and a little
sprite. She rushed up to him and grabbed him by the arm pulling him
over to the Captain's shower. Here she stripped him of his clothes
and shoved him in turning on the cold water to wake him up. The
coldness of the water jolted him awake even more making it feel like
he was about to jump through the ceiling. Within moments it became
lukewarm. Jenere allowed Sophine to scrub him clean head to toe.
After cleaning him for four minutes she turned the shower off.
Feeling clean and smooth Jenere grabbed a towel from his lovers hand.
Drying off Jenere turned to his wardrobe where he had an assortment
of outfits he acquired. Sophine sorted through them before finding a
couple that would fit this occasion. He caught a glimpse of a
masquerade outfit between his gentleman's suit, and his green Evusian
style clothing next to his adventurer's and explorer's clothing.
There were ones for sea hunting, and piracy.
Sophine
picked out a Captain's outfit, and Lheobethan sea traveler's outfit.
As a Captain he nearly chose the Captain's style one. It may have
been girly to have this many outfits. However a Captain like Jenere
was well known to many nobles, and those of aristocracy aside from
all the dregs, peasants, and low's of societies. Jenere quickly put
the Captain's suit on to show his status as a Captain. They were
after all aboard his vessel, his Abomination. He straightened a few
pieces here and there before proceeding down to the dining quarters
of the ship. At the table sat Mayor Witika al-Saba, a Major, a
Colonel, and an ambassador in a fine dark green suit with the gold
Vestrisian pins. The Major had dark skin with green eyes, cropped
hair, a thin beard wearing a Vestrisian uniform with a marine style
pin and medals. Next to him was the colonel with his officer's cap,
colonel's pins, and medals. He also wore the Vestrisian uniform of
the marine's branch. The colonel had bronze skin like the Zemal Ilam
only he had light brown hair. He spotted Lieutenant Mortinsan with
three other Vestrisians. Against the walls stood his own officers and
Elydark his First Mate.
“Captain
Jenere Omavern may I introduce you to Ambassador Samidos Hapkins,
Major Ezun Bhodai, and Colonel Niristus Abovam. They are here with a
proposition.” Witika said introducing him to the other officials in
the room. He was about to introduce them to his officers when Sophine
came in from behind him. The elf lover shoved him towards the table
playfully before taking a spot with his own officers. Jenere took a
seat at the head of the table. In one of the more comfortable chairs
Jenere adjusted himself in a comfortable position.
“What
is your proposition Ambassador Hapkins, Colonel Abovam?” Jenere
asked the Vestrisian officials. The two higher ranking Vestrisians
glanced at each other. Both men had very pleased expressions on
their faces that showed they had him. Jenere had quite a bit of
experience with propositions even if he was a pirate. He had done
countless contracts raids, piracy and a bit of smuggling.
“Captain
Omavern as an ambassador I am inclined to offer a proposition to a
profession not so different than piracy. In case you hadn't noticed
thousands of pirates have joined the Vestrisian Navy and her allies
as privateers.” Hapkins said returning his gaze towards Jenere. The
ambassador clasped his hands together and rested his arms on the
table while keeping a straight posture.
“From
what I have heard these privateers, pirates, smugglers, and locals
hundreds of these brethren pirates are sent out at a time. They have
raided, sunk, commandeered, and basically looted the Gantronese
vessels. Close to five hundred seventy or so out of nearly two
thousand or more pirates are sent out against the might of the
Gantronese Navies.” Jenere pointed out recalling the rumors, tales
and what he himself heard. The calculations on how many pirates must
have been off since some said close to three thousand pirates joined
as privateers from all over their side of the world.
“While
it is true we have recruited thousands of pirates as privateers.
Those numbers are beginning to shrink. Although a couple a thousand
still fight for us we have lost a few hundred or more against the
Gantronese, heavy storms, some syndicates, and expired contracts.”
Colonel Abovam replied explaining the situation to the pirate
captain.
“I
hope you are not using us as cannon fodder, Colonel.” Jenere said
folding his arms across his chest. He would not tolerate his men
being treated as expendable pawns of war. All of his officers and
crew who were present also crossed their arms. Sophine came up to
him pressing her breast against his face and resting on his shoulder
as an arm wrapped around him.
A
few moments of silence fell upon the room. The Vestrisians nodded to
him then to each other. Witika al-Saba contemplated this. Both high
official and superior went through the pages they placed on the
table. Hapkins and Abovam flipped through a couple before silently
talking to each other During the silence a few of the crew's chef's
came by with the meal. Five plates of shell shaped critters that had
the bodies in the shape of hard shells showing what time of shells
they once had. Every sailor, pirate, and island nation feasted upon
these delicious critters known as Chluds. Chluds have the appearance
of a mollusk and a slug combined with tentacles. This prolonged the
silence with a meal for the ambassador, Mayor, Commanding officers
and Captain. One of his crew members named Rochester 'The Marked'
served a large bottle of wine, which brought negotiations back to the
table.
“Our
naval ships are sent out with the privateers unless they vote or
choose to go in alone. Yet because of our contacts and business with
hem we have heard of you. What you and your crew did saved this port
and caught our interest. If you or your crew are interested in
joining us we have plenty of room.” Ambassador Hapkins went on,
continuing the conversation. Everyone else still ate, drank their
wine as the Ambassador presumed negotiations.
“What
I gather from what you are saying is that my crew and myself are
being offered a chance to serve under your flag as privateers. Is
there any catch or something you are not telling us?” Jenere said
going on the offensive . He knew he was speaking to a representative
of a powerful faction yet he still did not want to be enslaved by
contracts.
“None
Captain Omavern. All we ask or offer is an excuse to raid, pillage,
board, sink, loot, and attack Gantronese, and Nazdar vessels. Your
men should not worry, there are enough ships to loot and lots of
eager merchants, buyers, and companies willing to pay handsomely.”
Hapkins said motioning the sign for money. Jenere could see the eyes
of his crew light up. They were sold and so was Sophine who froze at
the thought of the amount of wealth they would attain.
“You
sound more promising than a king, queen or lord offering damned
pardons.” Jenere said relaxing a little more. “Give us at least
two days or should the decision be made now?”
“Um
Captain the crew have all weighed in on this, and voted to join the
Vestrisian Union's Navy.” Elydark said for entire crew.
“To
become a privateer.” Jenere said almost to himself, but at his
officers.
“Yes
Captain, sorry we did not tell you sooner and left you out.” Caric
Morlen his Second Mate and third in command admitted sounding a
little guilty for leaving him out.
“Our
ship is a democracy Caric your Captain is only in command when
sailing, and fighting.” Sophie snapped at the Second Mate for
acting like a child would when they were caught in a bad act.
“We
are all grateful for what you have done Captain, the Kingdom of Naem
would feel secure with pirates such as you on their side.” Witika
said slightly pushing him to join the Vestrisians.
“Very
well I shall take this offer as a new profession. My whole crew are
all on board to join with you.” Jenere accepted causing the room to
erupt with cheers from his crew.
The
Ambassador signed one paper before the Colonel did so on the same
one. He handed it over to the Captain. Jenere signed it as did his
officers and mates. Once the ambassador checked every thing he placed
the documents in a folder and put it away. He asked for the code book
of this ship's crew which Elydark passed over to him with Jenere's
permission. For a few days the pirates who were now privateers sat
idle waiting for a chance to go after more Gantronese vessels. The
officers, Captain, and some crew investigated why the port was
attacked by pirate hunters and the Gantronese. Interrogation of
prisoners went under way getting little bits of new information and
most of what they already knew. On the fourth day they all met in the
Town Hall. Inside the Mayor's office were Jenere, Elydark, Hapkins
and Captain of the militia.
“It's
obvious who the hunters were after. However the Gantronese were
sending out scouting parties. Those parties slipped through giving
information on us and our defenses.” Captain Zheeden went on with
rage building up on his face. He did not finish as the Mayor cut him
off before he said another word.
“That
did result in the invasion of our beaches. However that invasion was
thwarted by the pirates, militia, and the Vestrisians.” Witika
al-Saba said. “Hapkins if you please.”
“Thank
you, Captain Jenere you and your crew need to set you and patrol
these waters. From the port to the island and those rocks jutting out
of the ocean. That is the area of you jurisdiction unless you
discover any ships. Feel free to engage the enemy. On an island there
are Gantronese troops left over from the invasion. During your patrol
you can kill them, starve them out or leave them to the Navy or other
privateers sailing in the same vicinity.” Hapkins said to the
Captain Privateer. Just the way he said it showed he was granted
powers from the Colonel and the main diplomat to Nahem.
“So
you want us to keep an eye out for enemy movements while becoming the
predator.” Jenere replied with a hint of solemness in his voice.
“Correct
you may start your mission today or tomorrow.” Hapkins said
allowing the privateer to be dismissed. Jenere left the Mayor's
office and town hall to see his officers waiting for him outside.
