A New Proffesion

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.