The Amethorian

For no more than a century they fought to maintain peace in this portion of the Galaxy. Their main enemies knew little of the world he was studying through the window. A beautiful world covered in white, blue, green, red, brown, grey, sand colors, and various shades of yellow. He could not necessarily describe the continents as anything but a huge land mass except some islands in its southern hemisphere. One large mass of water in the shape of a boot connected to a large land locked sea filled with islands. Through the white and gray clouds he counted two massive bodies of water that were landlocked. Each one were the size of a miniature ocean. All the rest were large lakes and small seas. It was hard deciphering the number of islands. More clouds hovered above the land masses covering them from view.

Through his visor he saw this world three moons orbiting. One was occupied by the Nazdar who were all slavers that hired an assortment of mercenaries for their campaign to conquer this one world. As for the others one had a small base for the Gantronese, another alien race bent on taking over this world. On the final moon five other factions set up bases, and outposts to keep an eye on events here. According to the reports both empires took over about a third of this world. In their own separate campaigns they ran into each other and resistance. Every encounter between them led to open conflict until someone or something made them forge an alliance. Such an alliance between two infamous conquerors, and slavers disturbed the Amethorian Galactic Peace Keepers. Amethorians had several branches of its military that included the A.G.P.K. which had plenty of volunteers. Many of his comrades joined right after a war, battle, or getting out of the hospital. As for him he joined the military aspect or correctly he was born into service. From age 4 he trained in all aspects of warfare, combat, weapons, tactics, strategies, and other tools of war.

His position within the Amethorian Military was that of commando. Sergeant-Major Wuun Agnors Vimachun kept his eyes focused on the planet called Calorn. In his militarized jumpsuit Wuun stood next to his commanding officer, Lieutenant Kovar Umok who donned a finer uniform decorated in medals, badges, and one constellation pin in the shape of a small crown. Like all Amethorians Kovar's skin had a different complexion and pattern. They grew up to be the same height, but with differences that varied on the skin. Some were orange like that of a salamander, or had colors such as violet, blue, light blue, black, yellow, burgundy, maroon, and milk white. Patterns on the skin included spots all over in various colors and designs, stripes that ran down the arms and legs. Some had birth marks in abstract and shapeless forms as if some tattered blanket or shadow had been stitched on them. Many of them did have pointed ears, others had holes in their heads for ears, whereas the rest had fin like ears.

There were other races or species of humanoid beings similar to them that have discovered this planet. Some similarities existed between them except for technology. It was vastly different from the other humanoid species whom get confused for an Amethorian or a cousin of its species. Wuun turned to Kovar Umok who wore the military cap of the Amethorian Officer Rank. It resembled a diamond shape that went over the head. The cap went over his forehead, and the back. Whatever the officer rank hierarchy did not shave off was covered by the cap. Kovar turned to his longtime childhood friend he knew since they hatched. Mating was much like a humanoid male and female however the female gives birth to an egg that holds up to two or more infants. Five days pass by before the offspring hatch from the soft skin like egg.

"Are you ready to go down their Sergeant Major Vimachun?" Kovar asked as his Commanding Lieutenant.
Wuun only nodded taking his focus away from the planet and the window. He approached the sliding blast door to the hallway he was in. The ship he was on board, SC (Space Craft) Vergraver, had a long corridor-hallway along the starboard and port-side. This elongated corridor had connected windows stretching across the ship. Wuun was in the central one and headed straight for the soldier's barracks aboard the Vergraver. He had to go through different halls, corridors, chambers, and go up one level to reach the barracks. At the barracks he passed troopers who lay asleep, resting, playing games, checking equipment, and preparing for their next operation. Wuun was a commando, which meant he had a special barracks with five or more commandos. The total number of commandos that can be in one unit at the same time was between seven and eleven.

Amethorians believed in unity, and strength in numbers. Units were often bigger than expected. His unit had six members, himself as the leader, a marksman, a medic, explosive expert, hacker/saboteur, and heavy weapons personnel. He approached their barracks that could house twelve. The team he had all looked up were in the process of donning their combat armor. His own combat armor rested on the skeletal mannequin they used to place their armor. As one the whole team stood up in respects to his rank.

"Listen up team, this next mission will be more a reconnaissance mission. So we need to be discrete no drawing unwanted attention. Am I understood?" Wuun addressed this team of commandos.

"Sir read you sir!" the whole team echoed.

Wuun nodded in approval and allowed his team to finish preparing. He walked up to his own set of combat armor. Pieces to the combat armor for the Amethorian Commando included a helmet with visor, chest piece, left and right shoulders, legs, arms, gloves, and gauntlets. It also came with a utility belt, and ammo belt with the pistol in the holster. The chest piece had a pack for ammo storage, and food storage with a kit for tools to fix the armor. Made from a mined alloy the materials used in its constructed proved stronger than steel. Each piece of the armor was constructed with another material invented in the labs. This extra material made it stronger and easier to mold. Like a suit of armor or space suit the combat armor served to protect the wearer and keep them warm, cool, dry, or hydrated. The visor covered the whole face and the helmet held it in place with the chin piece underneath it. On every piece of this armor a commando would find a shock knife, wrist paralyze gun, grappling cord, small blaster in a compartment-pocket, melee baton, spade, radar compass, handheld map/radio, flashlight, binoculars, and a personal log. For their main weapon of choice they wielded the GB-90 semi-automatic assault gun that can be modified for most combat encounters. Wuun looked at his armor that had the appearance of a Knight's Armor mixed with riot body armor. He had it spray painted different colors with patterns to fit his own personality. The Amethorian Sergeant Major put on his combat armor and prepared to board their landing craft.

Rules of the Zhenrai for Learners and Apprentices

Mighgan's Codex-Grand Master Mighgan is a well known Zhenrai Master who founded the Order itself and set the rules, and training method for all beings who would become Zhenrai Knights

• always make time alone for meditation and seek solace within yourself
• don't charge into battle unless you are aided or have others near you
• be polite, courteous, humane, towards fellow warriors and you will not find yourself alone
• work alongside your fellow warriors no matter their differences and opinions
• never let weakness or troubles get the best of you
• speak the truth even if it gets you into trouble
• let the fear become courage in battle
• pay heed to all things around you and what you need to know
• remember your loved ones and ancestors  for their spirits will guide you
• accept, adapt, and embrace any changes going on
• stay active through sparring, training, dueling, fair brawls (not illegal ones), hunting, exercise, and athletics
• never let yourself be distracted or concerned with self-appearance
• have patience with things and time
• never trust your sight at times it could be deceiving or misleading
• bring justice without hesitation yet with intelligence
• your possessions must not become important
• practice skills and abilities with pure discipline, excellence, perseverance, consistency
• don't desire too much from anyone

Flag of Edal State

Edal is one of dozens if not a score or more of the Drasdal States. As a Republic Edal has acted strange according to her sister states next door. Deovna or Deovina to the north, and Vadan sitting on the eastern plus southern borders both seek to reclaim territory. Like her two neighbors this small republic lost territory to the invaders and a collaborating nation called Bedola. All three have managed to keep the invaders at bay. Edal is known for its bards, musicians, travelling merchants, entertainers, travelling carnivals that often turn into circuses. It is also well known for its distilleries, taverns, newly built pubs, wineries, breweries, culinary arts, companionship for hire, ascetic figures of mentoring, Body Healers, Animal Handlers/ Trainers, Synthesists, Drivers, Harness Making, and Interpreters. Among these professions the usual working jobs are still filled. Edal suffered from invasions over land, and politics. She is also invaded by her neighbor, Vadan, a more religious state. Every year an army of Wandering Pastors, Monks, and Priests try to bring their version or morality and spiritual guidance. This type of invasion led to open war several times until the two states made an agreement. All the religious zealots could guide the bad eggs, hooligans, outcasts, and the bad kids of every settlement. 

Stranded Horrors Part 2

On the stairs they prepared for the onslaught between them and what appeared to be 24 mutated humanoids. Each one growled, hissed, or screamed at the crew. He noticed one of them had long meats sticking out. This disturbed him a little as he gripped his pistol. Jenere was certain what that was. Without warning or any signal these mutated humanoids charged at them. In reaction Jenere and his crew opened fire. Eleven of the monsters fell dead before the rest of them reached the privateers. Jenere used his pistol as a club, bashing one over the skull then hitting another in the face. His crew stood by him with weapons drawn. They took down the rest of the feral creatures that attacked them. None of these mutated creatures survived the onslaught with the pirates. He looked at their handy work. More than a score of the feral mutations lay dead at their feet.

Using his elf eyes Jenere studied the mess and aftermath of their quick onslaught. Blood, guts, and bloodied corpses covered most of the stairs and the platform. Taking a closer look he noticed the mutant creatures had torsos much like a humanoid being, longer limbs with extra joints, grotesque looking heads with no hair, and some had bony complexions. Skin on their corpses appeared to have been expanded, stretched, sewn on, or beefed up in parts. A few had the heads of animals or some other wild beast with fangs. A handful of them had reddish skin tones, others either had a greyish or a grotesque olive tone. Bumps, scars, wrinkles, scabs, and some deformities covered each one. He began to descend the stairs when one of the crew grabbed the back of his shirt. Two more grabbed his arms.

            “Captain, we cannot let you do this! There could be more down there!” one of the crew members whispered to him.

            “It is our duty and mission to check out this ship! Therefore, we have to search every level!” he snapped at one of them.

            “With all due respect Captain those monsters could tear us all apart if we go down those stairs.” The other crew member stated, begging him not to go downstairs.

            Jenere closed his eyes in disbelief at his crewmembers, who only made up a small portion of his main crew. He pulled himself free, giving them the expression that said everything. Their fear had to be overcome. He was going down those stairs. Jenere crossed his arms disappointed in this one group. Jenere sailed with these pirates for years. How did they become so fearful of danger? Every time they went on a mission none of them showed a hint of fear.

            “Like I said before, it is our duty to this contract with the V.U.V.R. They hired us to check this ship out. We haven’t covered all the floors and decks of this ship. You men have been at my side in every battle, raid, voyage, and every adventure. None of you stepped down from that.” He barked at them, not caring about what heard him.

            Omavern turned around with his mind made up. He marched down the steps as any pirate would. Each foot fall landed in the guts and puddles of blood on the steps. Captain Omavern was unfazed by the blood, guts, and dismembered corpses on the steps. During his pirating career Jenere faced many dangers, and monsters on land and sea. Under his boots was the mess and aftermath of the skirmish. He would have slipped however he chose step where he found a firm balance. As an elf and pirate he had excellent balance. This allowed him to get down to where the poor wretch was. At the bottom he stepped all over the corpses, limbs, and blood. He had seen this kind of carnage before, but not in close quarters like this. Memories of a past battle came back to him. Its aftermath consisted of bodies strewn all over the sands of an island near West Koriv and Nazdar Territory.

            They even fought a war on the islands, which smugglers and raiders used. He could not remember what it was over, but he did recall their enemy at the time. An entity was a more accurate description. In his mind he got flashbacks of fierce fighting that occurred in the years before the two invaders arrived. Calorn has been races such as Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes, Goblins, Orcs, Kuruks, Troglodytes, Gnolls, Forsythans and mixed races. He did not rule out other types of elves and the hoofed races. Aside from the pest like races there were those who appeared undead, or mutated.

            Whatever those creatures were they had a similar appearance to the ones on this vessel. In battle they are feral monsters, and when they are not in combat these mutations had assertive control. Their height varied from that of a child to the size of a door. No one knew their true origins no what they really are. Jenere returned to his mind to the current events going on. He turned to face a hallway that contained cages, cells, and portions of the brig. Corpses, limbs, heads, guts, entrails, and blood covered the floor, decorated the walls, dangled from cages, doors, bars, and wound up on the ceiling. A few of these cages had been broken out of. Others looked to be crushed, and bent. Jenere stopped in the middle of the hall to see if his party caught up. All of them entered the hall not fearing the sight before their eyes and under their feet. Each one stepped into the mess all over the hallway. Lights on the ceiling were broken, ripped off, and out. In moments his party came to his side.

            “Is this some kind of prison vessel?” one of the party members asked.

            “No, this is a ship for experiments.” Jenere stated observing the cages. He spotted a torn lab coat and remnants of a shredded uniform. One year or two ago he raided a ship of the Gantronese. His eyes widened at the sight of prisoners, inmates, and fugitives bound for the larger continent. Their captors had them packed like sardines. This one was not even close resembling a prison ship. Gantronese prison ships were wider and had the appearance of barges.

            With his party behind him Jenere proceeded further down the hall where he found more carnage. In this portion he discovered signs of fighting and shooting. One corpse was torn in pieces. Another one wearing a lab coat had been clawed into, and a third one in a Gantronese uniform had its head missing. Just from the way its neck appeared something must have bitten the head off. A rifle lay on the floor next to some more stairs. How was this vessel even designed? Jenere thought inside his head. He pondered over this while studying the walls. Among the cages and cells were other rooms and ladders leading to upper decks. He could hear splashing, squishy, and smooshing sounds made by boots walking all over the mess on the floor. Jenere peeked inside one of the rooms discovering it had been barricaded from the inside. There was not much time for snooping around this vessel. His superiors would summon him soon. His party had to search this target and report to the Vestrisians. Pushing on the door a little he caused something to panic from behind. Before he could say a word of apology a hand popped out wielding a Gantronese pistol.

            “I saw you board pirate!” the voice of the hand’s owner yelled.

            “Are you trying to draw more of those mutations, creatures here?” Omavern questioned the figure who barricaded themselves inside.

            “If they can get rid of pirates like you, Androwson and that Omavern, then good!” the voice growled. The individual sounded tired, restless and half starved.

            “I am that infamous buccaneer Jenere Omavern himself. That I will tell you.” Jenere chuckled a little watching the hand start to tremble. Behind him his boarding party came up to join him.

            “Are there any bullets in the chamber?” One of the pirates mocked the figure trying not to laugh. The other party members only chuckled. Even Jenere found this amusing. Whoever this was they could not help but mock and ridicule in their own way.

            “Pull the trigger!” One of them egged him on. This made the rest laugh and slap each other on the back. Tables and Tides were turning. Jenere could feel it.

            Omavern watched this hand shake a little more from the realization of how sverxed he was. His party’s victim of mocking tried to grip the pistol in a hand that appeared infected. Was there a new infection going on? The seas were known to induce horrifying infections that could be treated, but far worse when left alone. Omavern was about to ask for this figure’s name when they heard banging noise from down the stairs and more noises coming from the ladders. He passed it all off as noises normally heard aboard a ship afloat on water. It was also assumed those noises were caused by more creatures. Gripping his weapons in case he began waiting for something to appear. Something did emerge from the stairs. It was huge, humanoid looking beast with strange handsome features, muscles, that bulged out of its skin. Its arms and legs appeared somewhat monstrous. Tentacles were coming out of its armpits and upper back. Its own dong was massive for a creature. Omavern tried his best to look at something else. He forced all his focus on the upper body as it approached them.

            Two of his own crew charged after this monster. Not caring about the noise, the pair attacked letting out a war cry. This thing received multiple blows before it reacted. Both pirates were grappled as they kept stabbing the humanoid monster. One of them cut this mutation using a cutlass. The other managed to sever a limb off. He watched the pirates take it down and cut it to pieces. Five more strange humanoids emerged from the stairs. The first one fell with the stab wounds and limbs cut off. In moments the newcomers attacked the pair of pirates (privateers). Their names came back to him, Naiban, and Oxir. Naiban being a half elf half human served as the best raider, showed his skills in combat. It’s a shame he never gave Naiban that rank of Swordsman Officer. Oxir was a robust half orc, half goblin who had the job of carrying heavy equipment. As a raider Oxir bulldozed through enemy ranks whenever they boarded a heavily manned vessel. Both of these raiders threw themselves a frenzy hacking into the other humanoids. Omavern gripped his weapons before charging to save the two crewmembers. He regretted not instilling more discipline into his crews.

            As he charged up to save them, Naiban and Oxir killed another one. The pair went after a third one as they were ruthlessly torn to pieces. With the rest of the party in tow Omavern lunged at the other mutations. Their wrath was shown as they slaughtered each mutation. He turned around to see the other crewmembers breaking into the other room. Shooting and screaming could be heard from that room. None of the raiders were hit, which surprised him. Whoever was inside was armed with at least two pistols. Sounds of people wrestling followed by cries for help came from that barricaded room. Jenere approached the room where the armed figure was.

            He heard the click of a grenade then an explosion that sent two pirates flying against the wall. Their names were as clear as a cloudless day to him. Buffon, and Parison his half breed raiders were their names. Each of them would be labelled as Zedirians according to Calornese Biological, and Racial Science. The third pirate was an elf known as Butch who must have received the full brunt of the blast. A grenade like that could kill anything in close range. He became overly curious about the number of people inside that one room. If that was the person holding the gun then they were dead and splattered all over the room.

            “Men get over there and see if they are still alive! I believe this vessel is almost empty!” he barked out the orders. All five remaining members rushed to Buffon, Parisan, and Butch while Jenere slipped down to the lower level. It appeared to be the lowest deck of this Gantronese ship. From the looks of things, it was the hull’s shape that gave away his location. Ever Gantronese vessel had a certain shape to their lower hulls. More cages, big and small lined its walls. Several offices and quarters sat among the line of cages. All the big cages were opened including most of the smaller rooms. He was about to observe the carnage and destruction when some other noises drew his attention. Whatever the noise was it sounded like more than two people were involved. Curious he crept up to the rooms and offices. Checking each room, he discovered a group of beings performing naughty acts. A very curvy, desirable purple skinned woman was mingling with three large mutant looking beings. She had all of them with her. Her legs wrapped around one and hung over a shoulder. Both her arms were held back. Three large beings thrust ferociously, oblivious to Captain Omavern’s presence. His eyes widened in awe and held a smug look on his face.

            “Ahem, excuse me.” He said aloud. His voice came at her like a ghost haunting her and she had just seen it for the first time.

            Whoever this woman was she had the appearance of an elf with purple blue skin tone. Her body was sprawled on the desk wearing nothing but her legging and stockings. She wore a very fine-looking necklace around her beautiful neck. It had violet and purple spots on some parts.    She appeared tall, which explained some things about her own race and origins. Panicking she shoved them off and slammed the door shut. Jenere could not help but laugh at her reaction. His laughter echoed in the hold and reached other parts of the ship. When he was done laughing he checked to see if anything heard him. Three thudding sounds came from the room he found the blue-purple woman. Something happened and it drew his attention.

            “Excuse me madam is everything okay in there?” he asked knocking on the metal door.

            “Umm don’t come in pirate sir I , I need to…to. Oh just snoop someplace else!” The woman shouted through the door.

            “Tell me your name and I’ll leave you alone…for now.” He said to the woman who was likely a scientist or nurse aboard this vessel.

            “Oh, um, my name, um, ha ha. Give me your name first, pirate.” The woman responded in kind.

            “Captain Jenere Omavern of the Abomination and privateer.” He said folding his arms.

            “There I have given you my name now you give me yours.” Jenere requested. To him this was getting under his skin. He had little time to exchange words with others who survived the chaos that ensued aboard this vessel. Yet he could not help but ask if she was responsible for all of this carnage left behind for his boarding party to discover.

            “Assistant Nurse and Scientist Onna Vin Humars of the Sorry Gantron Organization. It is some sort of um, program the Imperial Gantronese began about ten years ago. They created strange experimental mutations out of um volunteers…” Onna replied to him sounding insecure about revealing any of this information. He knew if she returned to the Gantronese she would be killed as a traitor. Vestrisian Naval Officers may treat her as a prisoner of war. If they chose to imprison her, however she could have valuable information.

            “Okay Onna how many of these mutated experiments are on board these ships?” Omavern questioned Nurse Onna as she exited the room. She put on nurse outfit that appeared more like a uniform. Waiting for her to reply to this question reminded him of his past raids against the Gantronese. It had come to mind in his head as she pondered over numbers in her own head. Years before he raided Gantronese vessels he ran into a ship much like this one. It was more of a medical ship sent down by the heavens according to his crew and those who witnessed its descension. Tales from the seafarers say these ships picked up stranded sailors, castaways, and lost fishermen. Jenere looked around wondering if this could be one of those ships he heard about. Her voice drew attention back to her and away from his own thoughts.

            “There are close to one hundred forty-six or one hundred fifty on board these ships. Each vessel has a crew of 49-50 sailors, 37-40 troops, and a staff of sixteen scientists and nurses.” Onna explained to the pirate.

“Numbers do vary from ship to ship.” She added looking at him.

“Would you care to explain all that to my superiors and employers. They would be delighted to have that information along with whatever else you did not tell me.” Omavern said as if suggesting she do so for convenience sake. He still had his arms folded wishing the mission was over for now and he could get back to his cabin. This took Onna off guard. She was not prepared for this. Her shocked face made him crack up with laughter. Omavern had never seen such a fearful, concerning expression on a woman’s face like that in decades.

            “Who…wh…who are…r...are your superiors?” She asked turning left and right expecting to see one of them in the hall. Onna then got a better look at him as she turned to see him again. Her expression changed from fear to suspicious.

“I’ve seen you before.” Onna then pointed at him accusingly.

“This very ship handed a rescued pirate into your hands.” Onna pointed at him.

“Oh okay so that was how long ago?” he asked feeling guilty and caught red handed.

“Over five years ago and close to six years ago.” Onna answered trying to recall how much time had passed.

“Where was I nearly six years ago?” Omavern asked himself. He had been many places in the span of six years. Many locations popped in his head.

Several of his own crewmembers came down the stairs and ladders with two Vestrisian Sailors. It disrupted their conversation. Their allies must have grown impatient forcing them to send some troops to check on them. Progress on this ship was considered fulfilled. Knowing his new allies they may have found more trouble, experiments, staff, crew and enemies.

“Captain Omavern the Admirals need you and the other pirate captains to check out the rest of the craft quickly. Our radars picked up enemy movement.” One of the Vestrisian Sailors said to him.

“What happened to the allies who were sent to investigate the other ships?” He asked them. He looked at the pair of Vestrisians. Both sailors glanced at each other bearing bad news for him and his crew.

“More than half their forces were killed and a quarter of them wounded. Some four hundred sixty are wounded to be exact, and one thousand eight hundred killed in action.” The Vestrisian said in a sincere tone he tried to mask his fear of a pirate’s wrath.

“So that just leaves three hundred soldiers left to search the rest of these ships.” Omavern pointed out. “By the way how many more of these ships are left? I’ve lost count.”

“No more than thirty-two of these ships are still afloat.” Onna answered as though the question was directed at her.

“Who are you miss?” one of the Vestrisians asked Onna.

“Nurse Onna, go ahead take her to the Captain’s Quarters.” Omavern ordered, pointing at the crewmembers from his ship.

“Yours or Captain Caniirs?” one of the Vestrisians asked Omavern in a sneering tone.

“Why don’t I just meet who’s in charge of this operation.” Onna suggested hoping to prevent a conflict between the allies.

“Good idea, escort her to Admiral Marshall Daysoul or Admiral Kezef, whoever is closer.” Omavern ordered both sailors and crewmates. He looked directly at one of the crew members of the Abomination whose name was Randall the Rat Pat. The name might as well have been out of some tale or Children’s story. It somehow fit the crew member.

“Randall gather some of the crew to board another craft. The rest of the crew can loot the place if they wish. I will gather up Onna’s things and bring them on board.” He ordered the crewmates who played his orders. Onna picked up there bags to follow them up to the main decks. Omavern grabbed up what he could shove in a bag then raced up the stairs. Ignoring the carnage and chaos he made his way to the main deck. One the main deck he found Vestrisians and his own crew on board. The routine which they boarded these craft made it clear there was something on board still alive. Onna stood next to the sailors who accompanied his crew. He was to contact their main Admiral in charge of the operation. Captain Caniir walked up to him. She appeared perplexed yet please with something. The female Captain slapped him on the back and nodded. He had done something right.

“Wonderful job clearing out the ship. I also heard what happened.” She said apologetically. It surprised Jenere to see this female pirate showing sympathy. He was sure it was about the men he lost on board this vessel.

“Cost me six of my own men.” He said not even looking at her.

“You’re not the only ones to lose people. Our allies had to switch targets at the last second. Their own superiors told them to help us and the Vestrisians. Thousands were killed on board and in the scavenging through the debris that followed us here.” She explained to him in some minor details.

“Don’t ask about it just go to the next ship. The rest of our fleet will keep their guns on them. Look at the debris in the waters.” She pointed down at the water showing him the debris was indeed moving.

Caniir sent him off with a radio to communicate with. Jenere took thirty of his own crew on large skiffs and longboats. A few other crews joined them into the debris. Cautious about the debris he kept his eyes on the floating objects as well as the ship ahead. He urged his men to have guns ready and harpoons prepared like spears. Knowing what they were up against they even brought some shotguns with them. Going through the debris put him on alert. Whatever was lurking under that debris caught their allies off guard when they came through. More than a thousand dead bodies should send signals that this was a trap. Omavern gripped his firearm with his eyes focused on the debris.

Their boats had to be maneuvered around the pieces of debris that was starting to spread out. How did a battalion of that size get attacked in the debris? Omavern looked around and realized what happened to that battalion of allies. The enemy had a brigade or more of aquatic creatures on their side to use on the battlefield. Just because ships were involved in the sea battles did not exempt the use of infantry. Among the debris he spotted crates, platforms, barrels, and pieces of plastig from ships. Plastig was a material these invaders brought with them. He pulled out the radio to contact Caniir to update their progress.

            “Zana how many enemies attacked the search parties?” he asked referring to the soldiers and volunteers. “Over.”

            “The rescue teams found more than five hundred humanoids killed when they arrived. As expected, they rescued the rest, over.” She replied to him. It did not answer his question one hundred percent, but he accepted it.

            “Wouldn’t they attack here next? Over.” He asked her.

            “A smaller target sounds nice, however that is not their goal. If the Gantronese are going to ambush an enemy twice it would have to be when we are on those ships. Over.” Caniir said in the radio.

            “Transparent, Over.” Omavern ended the talk over the radio right there.

            This was going to be tough. Omavern’s crew were brave yet an unseen enemy can get to the hardest fighters. Turning to his left he spotted two more boats full of pirates and privateers. At full speed they were heading towards some other craft that appeared abandoned. Each of those crewmates now knew what was inside those ships. Jenere turned his attention to his right. He spies a ship heading to one of the ghost vessels with debris clumping up around its hull. Past that he could see the Vestrisian Navy heading this way in force. Returning his attention to their own target Jenere saw movement in the water. He kept his eyes focused on the water and the floating debris. It was not long after seeing the movement when a few scaly aquatic humanoids leapt out of the water and debris. Only six of these creatures attacked their boat. Using pole weapons such as strange spears, harpoons, and tridents the humanoids attacked them. Only a couple of men died as the noise trigger most reflexes. Each attacker was shot up. All this attack did was push them to speed up their boats.

            “Move it!” Omavern heard himself bellow out as he shot a few rounds at more movement. Blood surfaced followed by a corpse. Jenere searched for another target despite them speeding up. Despite their attempts to speed up the debris forced them to slow down at times. As they progressed further it was not hard to find targets or move around. Debris started to sink or drift apart paving a better path. His own boats drew closer to their target craft enduring more attacks. Even the other crews heading to the same ghost ship came under attack. Gunshots could be heard indicating the enemy attacked more boats in the water. He ordered for those in the back to watch behind them.

            As their boats came to the ghost ship more of those humanoids attacked them. Right along the ship’s broadside these humanoids surfaced. Like the rest of the attacks the aquatic hostiles lost many in their attack and retreated into the depths. Grappling hooks shot up and latched onto the ghost ship. A total of fifty privateers and pirates boarded this single ghost craft.

            Just as they climbed up the ropes a few more aquatic creatures made another attempt. It showed how relentless these new enemies were. Several hostiles died along with two more crewmates while they climbed up the ropes. Omavern snatched a sub machine gun from a crewmember to retaliate. Urging the crewmate to race up that rope Jenere opened fire on the water with small bursts. He aimed the weapon on every side of the boat hoping to kill or dissuade the enemy from another attack. Only a few more of these creatures died in his spray of fire. He prepared to shoot again when he saw six of their own ships sail towards them. Even the Abomination headed towards their rescue. A mass of splashing and squealing emerged from the water as the new enemy seemed to panic. That extra reinforcement must have scared them off. Omavern climbed up to join his crew to seize another ship.

            “Break those doors down if you have to!” Jenere barked out the commands as he set his feet on the metal flooring. Without hesitation his crew rushed to storm the inside of this next ghost ship. Once the doors were broken down or forced open Omavern joined them along with members of other crews and soldiers who joined the raid. They had four Ruhonthrans troopers, and eight Vestrisians join the raiding. All the privateers tore into this next target showing no remorse, no respect, or mercy. Among all the raiding, looting, and killing they made some interesting discoveries. As Jenere expected to find ninety-nine of those experiments were found dead all over the ship’s inner decks, 11 of the experiments are killed during the raid. No more than one hundred eighty Gantronese are discovered torn to pieces. For loot they managed to collect fifty-three crates, thirty-eight containers, and seventeen barrels in good condition. Even clothing get taken as loot. Approximately ninety-eight pairs of pants, eighty-four shirts, and one hundred pairs of socks are taken for cold days and nights at sea. It may seem like a ludicrous loot for a raid, but such clothing would go well for life at sea. Among the looting eighty-four rifles are distributed among the crews who partook in the raid. Gold, Silver, lockets, rings, jewelry, bracelets, prized daggers, and other trinkets were also taken as loot. Some religious looking idols were also nabbed. For an interesting discovery they find seven strange humanoids who could not speak. Each one are handed over to the Vestrisians and their allies. On the ship they discover twenty-two scientists killed, some get taken prisoner, and the rest fought to survive to no avail.

             They took everything that was in good condition and brought the look aboard their ships. Jenere observed the sea and the other ships afloat on the water. Dusk was coming as the sun went down. Their allies decided to keep their distance to avoid collisions at sea. Still on board the newly taken ghost ship Omavern watched all the other taken ships sail towards Ruhonthran Waters. As procedure every single bit of cargo was to be taken or cleaned out so the ghost ships could be pulled away. A small fleet of tugboats from twelve other nations arrived to pull the ships away to Ruhonthra. His attention went back to the debris which was being searched and picked up. Onna the nurse popped in his head making him aroused. His mind was clear, which caused his mind to think of those he desired or found attractive.

            She got stuck in his mind as he looked at other ships around them. Lights came on aboard each ship showing they were not done yet. One of the privateer ships made it around them to board another vessel. Out of curiosity he watched this privateer ship with the Vestrisian fleet halting. In the background he saw them weigh anchor in the middle of the ocean. Feeling a little bored watching he decided to take a stroll around the ship. Jenere took a right on the broadside when he noticed movement in the water. In his mind he knew the enemy was still under the waters waiting to strike again. Jenere would have assumed it was some debris or marine life if they had not fought a battle recently. A few of those aquatic humanoids climbed up one of the privateer ships.

            “Sound the alarm we are under attack! Sound the alarm, shoot at the water! Shoot at the water they are still there!” He shouted and grabbed up his pistol. Just like any insane person with a gun he fired at the humanoids. More voices rose up indicating the rest noticed the encroaching enemy as well. While the sun went down further whatever was left of dusk lit up with sporadic gunfire. All their search lights focused on the hulls of each other’s ships and targets. Jenere looked over the side to see scores of enemies climbing up. Several lights shined on the ship followed by a stream of machine gun fire. Many humanoids fell from the hull. Whatever these aquatic creatures were they did not scare as easily as they first believed. In waves the new enemies climbed up from different sides of their intended targets. More than a hundred boarded the ghost ship he was on. Darkness covered the sea as Jenere and his crew had to fight off these humanoids. Using his weapons, he started killing many enemies. The crews on board dropped what they were doing to fight a battle in the night. It grew fierce and bloody with corpses littering the decks. No man than five of their ships came under attack by the enemy. He heard Caniir’s voice give statistics and numbers through the radio. On the decks of these ships privateers, sailors and soldiers engaged this new threat. They hacked limbs off, and cut down foes everywhere using what was available to fight with.

            Like an endless wave they kept coming with claws and teeth for weapons. Other humanoids wielded spears, tridents, sea axes, swords, daggers, and strange spiked weapons. Forced to fight in the dark privateers, sailors, and soldiers used ship lights to find the enemy. All around him the enemy assault spread across the decks of six ships. Some of the untouched ships had crews who fired on the water and the hulls. It may have been a waste of ammunition, but what choice did they have? Depth charges took time to prepare and targeting any enemy that moves fast proved difficult. Jenere kept his footing and his ground allowing the enemy to come to him. Using his surroundings, he found a nice space to reduce the enemy numbers. In his head he tried keeping track of his own kills while they mounted at his feet.

            With his elf sight he was able to see the battle in the night. Blades clashed, yelling, and war cries pierced the night sky. His own combat skills gave him the upper hand. Allowed to have the advantage fall in his hands Jenere’s own fate was his to decide. Across several decks the battle raged on further into the night due to oncoming waves. The enemy just kept coming from the water. To the dismay of the attackers the crews had firearms on their side. Firearms made huge numbers appear useless. A variety of firearms rather than rifles and pistols gave the crews the advantage over the attacking humanoids. Jenere kept cutting enemies down creating a circlet of corpses around him. All the noise he heard included clashing blades, yelling, shooting, cries, screams, and shrieks from the humanoids. For his crews and allies it seemed the battle would last forever. Hour after hour it dragged on into the middle of the night as the enemy kept on coming like a swarm of ants. Amid all this chaos a louder shriek pierced the night causing everything to quiet down. It was followed by a horn being blown for nearly half a minute. The horn sounded like some strange beast from another world that gave an eerie feeling when it was heard.

            Such a sound sent his head spinning and caused some hairs to rise up with goosebumps. This horn sounded three more times before the humanoids retreated back into the depths of the ocean. Many of the privateers presumed firing into the water hoping to reduce the enemy ranks. Most of the officers barked out commands for them to cease firing. While the night grew silent for the first time all hands of every ship helped with the wounded and the dead.

            When they cleaned up as much as their bodies would allow the crews rested. Plenty of them rested right there on the decks while the rest found a comfortable spot or close to it indoors. At dawn Omavern woke up with another female crewmember in his bed. She immediately dressed and left her captain knowing she had duties to attend to. Wasting no time, he prepared for the day. Getting ready he listened to the sounds of the ocean through an open window. Jenere walked outside to a scene of cleaning aboard eight ships. Almost every crewmember cleaned up the mess from last night. He took position at the bow as a crewmate handed him a cup of coffee. A nice cup of coffee was all he needed to get through the morning for now.

            While sipping his coffee the captain observed the activity that went on. His eyes scanned the activity like a look on a crows nest. Jenere felt more like a guard on a watch tower, or an overseer at field work. He might as well have been some pair of eyes and ears for a company boss. No one gave him orders just yet. Captain Caniir had not contact him yet nor have any of the Vestrisian Commanders summoned him or notified him. So for now he was free to do as he pleased, leaving his crews and officers to give out the orders and work.

            For several minutes he watched the crews clean up the rest of the aftermath. There was not much to the cleanup. Either they pick up a body or limb then dispose of it. After or while the body parts are collected mopping up the guts and blood commences. Jenere recalled all those times he had to scrub the decks clean. It was after every battle. He would get down on the deck to help his crewmates. One this day he did not have to do anything. All there was to the activity were cleaning, collecting and patrolling until he saw one of the ghost ships begin to move on its own. It turned swiftly as if something or someone controlled it. Jenere was not the only one to notice this as more were coming alive. Voices rose up as the ghost ships made sharp turns then went straight for two of the closest ships. At full speed those ghost ships crashed into two of the privateer vessels.

            A few flashes and a loud noise followed by grinding metal against each other. There was not much of an explosion from the impact. Just a collision of ships that crushed the hulls of the vessels involved or targeted. He watched in awe as the privateers started to sink with fire engulfing one of them. One of them was hit in the center and cut in half with a fiery explosion. All of that brought these vessels down. Just as they came apart, they sunk into the ocean. It was not long before three more ghost ships began to make their move. Jenere’s eyes widened from witnessing more starting to move.

            “To Battle Stations! Get the guns ready and prime every other weapon! Step up on it you seafaring animals!” Jenere bellowed out in the loudest voice he could muster.

            His entire crew dropped what they did and raced to their stations. Every ship came alive as turrets turned on the ghost ships. One after the other they opened fire the moment the ships were in firing sites. Heavy fire power from ten ships hit the hulls of five other ghost ships. Dozens of turrets and scores of modern cannons ripped the ghost ships apart. Two of them exploded in a fiery blast. One of them was hit in the bridge causing it to lose control. It steered another colliding with that one. The collision wrecked both ghost ships causing them to sink.

            Omavern watched two ships turn into swiss cheese from all the shelling. The last one exploded when it was hit by thirty shells at once. All five of these ghost ships sank to the bottom. Whatever the enemy had intended they had prevented or at least put an end to their chaotic strategy of fire and shock. He counted at least seven or more other ships that were “ghost ships” still unchecked. Just several of them were missing from the original count. Moments after the ships sank everything fell silent again. Whatever damage was done to their fleet resulted in two privateers sunk, and hundreds or thousands of crews dead or stranded. Since they only needed a certain number of these ghost ships the fleet that arrived tugged the marked ones away from the scene. Omavern and Caniir took the opportunity to meet on board one of the ships closer to their lines. Zana claimed it so the tugboats would not take it away. Both Captains met in the nicest room they found inside its hull.

            “So shall we hand this over or keep it?” Caniir asked him curiously. She held up a hand as if shrugging. Jenere thought about it for a moment.

            “I guess we could however they will want it back or be back for it.” Omavern pointing out referring to the scientists, Gantronese and the fleet of tugboats.

            “Very true Omavern, however they need to consider losses and the aftermath.” Caniir said look at him. Her voice grew cold and angry yet some how subsided quickly.

            “How many died in the battle?” He asked her still feeling that cold anger of hers.

            “It’s a large loose of life. Three thousand three hundred thirty-three Aquatic humanoids dead from last night. Four hundred seven plus thirty-two of ours lost in the fighting and chaos. One thousand seven hundred eighty-four experiments killed, and ninety-nine scientists found on boats.” She said looking at him directly in the eyes.

            “There was a lot more than that going on. More bodies are certainly among those dead and found in the area.” He insisted believing her calculations were way off.

            “I have no doubt about that.” She agreed with him. They ended the conversation there planning to meet again in a few days.

A Bard Who Brings Carnage

Music filled the large tavern that had a chamber sized recreational room for events. Not a single soul was even a hint of sober as the Bard kept playing his music. His voice carried over in the chamber accompanied by all the patrons who knew the songs he performed. Alone on the stage he performed popular favorites such as Pretty Damsel and the Wizard, Good Chance, Violent School, That Fair Succubus, and his least favorite Pinch That. He knew a lot of songs and how to play them on the Lute, Mandolin, and Rebec. On occasions he would play some on the Shawn or Flute. Due to his music the gathered audience was in an uproar of excitement. Some ran around either half naked or full nude drawing some attention. Alcohol was splashed around and spilled. Scores of drunks tried dancing others made the attempts to sing. To his dismay a brawl broke out at the entrance.

"People! People please calm yourselves! I cannot perform while you-" a bottle flew towards him as the audience soon plunged into a quick fight that ended the moment a pistol was discharged into the ceiling.

In the far corner of the great tavern leaned a rogue looking figure holding a guitar. She wore the long duster of a rogue, and a bard's outfit underneath. Her weapons leaned against the wall next to her and her travel bags. Everyone in the room turned their attention on the female bard who began singing a tune. Her voice captivated everyone with patriotism. Feeling inspired he began playing it on his trusty Mandolin. It drew attention to him with an uproar of approval. Both bards sang the patriotic song of their beloved republic. Before he knew it the whole tavern sang this patriotic song even if their land was divided by different states. As he played the song of Drasdal United he realized there was an encampment of invaders not too far away. Among these invaders were off worlders and their servants of war. Patriotism filled the atmosphere of the tavern as flags and colors of the flag were waved around. While he sang he felt in his gut the urge to drive the invaders back. By the time he was finished performing this Bard could not hold it in any longer. With the whole tavern under his spell, and control he shouted.

"GO FORTH MY PATRIOTS AND FREE US OF THOSE INVADERS!" his voice stirred a sudden anger and patriotism. In a stampeded 256 patrons rushed out of the tavern armed with pistols, daggers, knives, broken chair legs, clubs, and tools. They disappeared into the night towards the border with the invaders. Shrugging his shoulders he went straight to bed not caring about the outcome. During the night he thought he heard shooting in the distance. He took it for noise that happened in his dreams. All his focus was sleep and performing in the next settlement the following night. Such thoughts and dreams made him oblivious to the present and current surroundings. All he could dream about was the amount of money he would be making in the next settlement. Keeping note of other bards he planned to reach this settlement before his colleague.

The oblivious, money craving bard was kicked awake by an angry boot. Stirred from his sleep the bard twirled around ready to hit whoever it was. His eyes wide open he saw the other Bard catch him before he hit her. Her facial expression was that of anger, distrust, and accusation. Something about her face said he was sverxed.

"What did I do?" he asked bluntly, rubbing one eye.

"You idiot! An army is on its way and it is all your fault! That drunk crowd attacked an invasion encampment! In their drunken state all of them were massacred!" She yelled at him.

"Did they win?" He asked.

"The invaders won whatever you crafted with your Mandolin!" She hissed through her teeth. "Get up, eat some breakfast and let's be on our way. Get going!"