Between the Iperantosi Islands, the Condor Isles his fleet was required. Their expedition or endeavor in the platform seas had to be shortened as the Gantronese were on the move again. Due to the intervention of other aliens the platform seas had to be abandoned. At the Iperantosi Isles, a small fleet was left. It comprised of the least worst ships available. Yet they still performed their jobs, the 11ships they left in control. His own fleet comprised of seven ships. Behind his own the Too Bad Fleet of 12 destroyers too their sweet time arriving. Looking through the window from the command bridge Admiral Kezef spotted the Steel Frigate Tall Bitch, Carrier Tall Queen, Ocean's Claw U-boat 1016 in port. Claymore Battleship Berserker Class sauntered towards the north, Patrol Boat Panther moved towards them. The Destroyer called Blue Flail trailed the battleship Emperor Stag. Docked at port Cruiser Frost Ape Glacier, Carrier Lead Golem, Destroyer Mistwalker made his skin crawl. As Vagi's replacement brushed past them, Captain Durnvire felt the stubbles of his back neck hairs start to grow a little more. Through the binoculars his eyes hunted for U boat 709, U-709 was supposed to be returning to this port. Running late this U boat was. He could not say the same about the Trawler/Cargo Attack ship, the Compass 33. Dwarves married off their black sheep, outcasts, disowned, vagabonds, scoundrels to female goblins, strict Gnome families, or former nuns. Piloting the Compass 33 so happened to be one of those Dwarves. Caleb McPhoaden-Ellog was married into a farming arcane family who lived along the borders of Castaria-Geverine. Piloting the vessel like a drunkard the Dwarf passed a Beach Club style Yacht run aground on the reefs. Getting that Dwarf's attention meant drawing his attention away from looking for U-boat 709. He knew U-boats would hunt solo or hunt in packs just like wolves. Durnvire referred to the ones who went solo as Sea Tigers.
Other countries involved in this coalition deployed portions of their own fleets. Most of the nations were wary of the threat the Gantronese posed while keeping an eye on the Evusians. As a captain he gained access to how much materials, equipment. The number of dead, wounded, prisoners of war, turncoats, active duty, on leave, sentry duty, occupation duty were in his brain now. Those numbers kept growing as this war continued. Placing a number on the civilian casualties proved difficult as finding the bodies was complicated. Numbers of people who fled did not help as more people seemed to have popped out of nowhere. An estimate of 103,539 Evusians drafted or conscripted for various professions involving the Calornese Coalition. As for the Calornese Coalition aside from the V.U.V.R., the Nevoran Federation on the other side a total of 154 million personnel. Most of them performed noncombatant roles required in a military. Behind them a fleet of 50 Medical Brigs come in alongside 50 container ships, 4 freighters. Above them another fleet of 50 or more airships maneuver along the flanks observing their movements. Bringing over equipment, personnel, medical kits, ammunition these vessels were bound for Iperantosi Isles, and the Condor Confederacy. Among the supplies the Coalition sent Amphibious Tanks with Trawlers, and Cargo ships. Behind them other fleets joined them. From their own allies, and other nations a fleet of 87 vessels or more assembled. This included a modified steel steamship with three masts just to use as transport for prisoners or observation. An easy target yes, but their designs and sailing path matched the route of the 900 or more merchant marine cargo ships known to pass through on a weekly basis. That came before the Iperantosi Invasion, their operations into the Unknown Lands, and recently these hidden platform seas.
Under Kezef's command their own fleet of seven vessels abandoned those platform seas. More factions from other worlds came down to face the Gantronese who were forced to abandon Iperantosi Isles. Durnvire could not help but wonder if they were going back. Just from a different route. Escorting a mobile dockyard the Tante Republic constructed and extra V.U.V.R. fleet of 20 vessels. One light carrier full of AA guns, Flak cannons, 10 aircraft took the lead. An attack cargo ship, a new missile frigate, aircraft gunship on the cargo ship, mobile command post, one battleship trailed behind the carrier. Alongside their flanks sailed 9 U-boats, one assault carrier, and battleship. Making up the rear when they shouldn't, sailed 4 sailing ships used to pick up any wounded, sailors who fell off, or castaways. Captain Durnvire screamed inside his head. Iperantosi Isles did fall to their coalition. Yet the war was not over. Most of their resources, and manpower went to the Unknown Lands. Having allies does help in conflicts even if they are conscripted. Getting Kezef's attention wasn't difficult. The Admiral nodded in approval of him leaving after the salute.
"You are relieved Captain. I can handle things from here. Return to your quarters if you wish." Kezef commanded. It may not have gone over well in training days. Yet it helps bring out some modesty.
"Durnvire is required at his station Admiral sir. His position as Captain has required him to stand by the Admiral of the fleet." A Lieutenant insisted with a respectful salute to Admiral Kezef.
"We set up new ground rules ever since Vagi left us." Durnvire rebuked. The Lieutenant squinted their eyes at this. Something happened between them and Vagi as though they had something going on. Could he reveal this yes, would he not while the operation was still in effect.
"Oh you want to punch this bugger in the face huh?" Durnvire challenged the Lieutenant feeling a rise of fire inside him. He could see the Lieutenant did not like that.
"Well, what do you want him to do? Lieutenant?" Kezef snapped at the Lieutenant breaking up a tense moment that could break out into a brawl between them or just a heated discussion, or an argument. "Durnvire return to your own quarters. We will require your assistance tomorrow. Dismissed."
Making a quit getaway Durnvire exited the bridge-control room of the ship. As he exited his back could feel the glare of the Lieutenant. In the Captain's mind he envisioned some large, winged creature chasing a ship in the sea. How he pictured the Lieutenant's attempt to target him. Seven ships in Kezef's fleet. The Basilisk, a destroyer with a crew of 155 souls for sailors, 24 marines Captained by Weatherby. Rook, a Sloop that saw more action than it should with a crew of 188 souls, 10 troopers under the Captainship of Anitta Rocksallow. Anitta's rival, Captain Casktapper mastered the Sloop Casktapper's Wife with a crew of 196 souls, 10 troops. Both Captains nearly came to blows during meetings over succeeding Admiral Kezef, and himself. Kezef's Destroyer, Kaniima's Dagger housed a crew of 165, 12 Troopers, and a Captain Mahdiin from Badraan. Rumors spread about him grabbing up a nice treasure hoard then attempted to call himself a deity with a giant shiny crab for his coat of arms. Another Sloop, the Sal-Anisa was crewed by 191 souls,18 troopers, Captained by Ol-Haudi. Kezef's fleet included two Frigates. One them acted as his flag ship in the fleet. Turquoise Skull crewed by 228 souls, 31 Infantry, and Captain Gray Eye the dark skinned Castarian. Kezef's flagship the Frigate Hervornne housed 210 souls, 13 or more Guards. Co mastered by Admiral Kezef and Captain Durnvire himself. Returning to his own quarters Durnvire found himself face to face with a past photograph of three sailors on a Geverine Schooner doing poses. In his quarters Durnvire wondered about Vagi's condition after what she went through. She was one casualty out of a score or more this ship alone suffered.
Putting down how many personnel did not really make for a good story, but it helped keep in mind of a crew's size. One ship could not actually take on an armada lone. Checking one photograph on the wall with her in it made is heart sink. A hollow feeling is what he felt. If they only sent that Jenere Omavern pirate the world or other pirates, this world would be rid of a few more pirates. Vagi's presence was a morale booster until they sent her with those privateer pirates. Yet thanks to their interacting with new factions from other worlds they received some extra allies or turncoats. Kezef's own Lamia was enough to protect their Admiral. Sixteen female gunners hired to act as commandos, spies, assassins or rogues resided in their fleet. Their chatter could not be drowned out unless you were near the engines. What also drowned them out was the roaring of various aircraft coming in. Durnvire raced outside among the other sailors to witness air dropped supplies. Such a sight it was hundreds of aircraft from Tante, Ivodra, Alagen, Vestrisia, some Nevoran countries he could not name. There must have been over a thousand different aircraft dropping supplies for the population. A sight that would received mixed feelings. Some let loose close to 200 observation balloons. His fellow crewmates watched some get lost or fall due to deflation.
Alarms went off signaling they had sailors to rescue. Turning to attend to his duties he found a couple of the hired guns kissing. Culture clashes were frequent among the member states of the V.U.V.R. Yet the violence, squabbles, brawls were limited due to authorities pressing in quickly to restore order. He recognized two of them. Both from Syrianos these two were Clara Cuttcano, and Page the Thread spy. Cuttcano is described as a female demon with pointy long ears, horns from the side of her head pointing forward. Her light blue skin made her curvy voluptuous body the envy of some societies. A few burn scars on her back showed some parts of her past. Clara's bleach hair made her sea sweater darker along with the tight black pants that clung to her thighs. The band around her neck gave some red flags while her officer's cap with skull showed her rank. Page the Thread was also a demon humanoid with light blue skin. Before she even joined the crew as a guard she wore the typical office clothing without the ascot part. Not as desirable in appearance as Clara Page's bleach hair, organized attitude made up for it. Her clip board was missing. Durnvire was sure she left it in the fatty crevice of her former associate who watched her board this ship back in '42. Locked in each other's arms the two appeared engaged in some love making.
"Stop stretching this out. People are going to mistake you for a lesbian." Durnvire warned only to get a playful tongue at him in response.
"Is it wrong for females to be in love? Captain." Clara rebuked making a mock pout face.
"No, it would not be bad that you are. Just make your preferences clear." Durnvire bit his lip pondering the types of humanoids they were allowing to fight for the V.U.V.R. and their Calornese Allies. Thanks to the little expedition into the unexplored parts of their own world, blocked by a wall of shipwrecks they recruited other aliens. One battalion of 402 ex Order of the Beast, and ex C.SO. are allowed to fight for them. Something Durnvire was a little uneasy about except the Lamia Kezef hired as a bodyguard. Vagi entered his thoughts as he came to Starboard bow. Before his very eyes Durnvire spotted one of the older style sail ships brought over from the neutral states. His gaze observed the Mooring lines put up, the bow line coiled up, bow strings down with some netting attached. Centre Cleats of the vessel coiled in strong rope, stern spring left empty, stern line still had rope tied in knots. As outdated as these vessels became, they still proved useful. Turning his gaze to his right Durnvire witnessed one of their own rescue teams prepare lifeboats. Each of these sail ships present were equipped with four rowboats, one lifeboat.
"Move the life vests to the bow quickly. Those souls won't save themselves..." the leader nagged them. Ensign Gooding directed the rescue effort along with several other teams sent from other ships.
As one the fleet stopped in their tracks on the sea. Aside from their own vessels, and those who participated their allies sent additional vessels. To secure the Iperantosi Islands, and the southern coats of the Unknown Lands which have a name. Jurax was the name the locals called the land mass cut off by mountain ranges, swamps, rocky islands, quicksand, savage tribes, various beast predators. Durnvire could only watch for a few minutes as a crew of 235 souls lost their ship, cargo, crewmates to a number of cannon fire from an islet believed to be abandoned. One metal tower erected itself like a collapsible telescope equipped with ten or more cannons that fired before reaction came down on them. Just two minutes of turret fire reduced the tower to a smoldering ruin full of broken black metal. It took everyone by surprise forcing the entire fleet that arrived to halt steering north and south. Rescue teams rounded up fifteen survivors on their own boats. As Captain on Deck Durnvire moved to inspect who they brough on board.
An older Sailor known as Ano who sailed for forty years of his life. A lone carpenter recruited for repairs on ships such as the one they just lost. A trio of oriental looking Vorcadamnese. Two knights with stains on their family history due to their involvement in the Castarian Wars. An ex pirate with a parrot tattoo on their left arm. Four female sailors who looked to be from middle class families. Two guards whose coat uniforms had to be ditched. One fanatic with a black dragon tattoo wrapped around their body. Aside from their crewmates and ship they lost a cargo of 200 Thunder Guns brought over. Other rescue teams reported 35 other survivors while the rest were reported as killed in action. This infuriated Kezef at a meeting inside one of their rooms.
"Just because he won a trophy after becoming champion doesn't mean he is fit for her. Is what I can say about this situation." Kezef warned the staff.
"Oi it is like we discovered ruthless Driders in the Vergud Nepas Mountains from Dark Elf legends." Blackbell put in giving his own metaphoric comparison.
"Over the intercom radio we overheard something that sounds like kill the kitchen staff as orders." Chief Officer Ace Strength another derivative of Strengithe his family original name. One way of saying strength.
"So much for having the Iperantosi Islands as a trophy I guess." Durnvire muttered more himself, but his words somehow reached their ears in the room. Blackbell turned his head to face Durnvire. In his uniform the human looked no different than the usual personnel serving the V.U.V.R. Yet his thick brows, boxcar like scabs from a fire incident covered his right cheek. Chief Officer Strength gave him a scowl with his mustache, square face, tannish beige skin tone, snub nose, auburn hair. Despite his movements around the ship, he still had some meat on him.
"Here! There is a trophy now get lost!" Chief Officer Strength snapped at the Captain. Pointing at one of the trophies they scavenged from a Gantronese vessel they sunk.
"Easy Chief Officer! I know you just lost your brother in that wreckage and cousin in the first battle against the Gantronese. Assess the current damage see to the castaways, survivors. As for the rest of you tend to your teams. Captain Durnvire go ashore and see what our forces have been able to organize. Ensure supplies flows in. In a timely matter." Kezef ordered breaking up the meeting. Though short it still produced some results.
Gathering a squad or team of ten sailors Durnvire came ashore to the Iperantosi port city of Nakour Cay. One of the locations for their landings. Using up the beach and cleared areas from the bombings or fires they organized at least 925 War Chariot (Armored Anti-Infantry Cars), Rocket Cars, Mobile Artillery. He witnessed a shipment of four large landing craft carrying 3 jeeps, 18 soldiers, 2 artillery pieces on each transport. Durnvire checked with the cooperative locals who were not injured, imprisoned, or keeping their distance. Coming in from the left a group of Iperantosi wearing tribal, and modern clothing mixed together. Although there was a coalition in control of the islands the air did not feel right. What he did not want to hear was their population was fearful of all outsiders. Most of the women were pregnant. No children could be seen as they were told to stay hidden from foreigners. At first he believed they came with some complaints or grievances. He was wrong. In a broken or barely touched upon language called Eisin the locals spoke to them. Their main language was Unbari they warned Durnvire, another Commanding Officer about a few Gantronese ships still in the area.
From better translations he learned of some possible holdouts, abandoned ships. Hints of Gantronese reconnaissance from a distance to the south. How this did not reach their ears before arrival got under his skin. A Battleshio, a Gantronese style battleship with the appearance of an elongated scarab-eel mix spotted at port in the southern part of Iperantosi's main island. Gunboats, mainly a Gantronese vehicle used for patrolling coasts, rivers, or islands were spotted roaming. Scattered all over the Iperantosi Islands these locals reported modified vessels. One Sloop, Frigate, Destroyer, carrier, battleship, stolen mine clearer, steel attack brig were found abandoned. Still at port these vessels sat idle, unused. Durnvire only got the descriptions of these along with the news of zero Iperantosi sailors available to man them. Training them would take up a single year. Getting acquainted with these people who lived in exotic structures.
One sexy glamorous looking oriental with sand blond hair short black dress with cleavage showing walked up to him. Called an Akim this one was more language skilled. Known as Triple Black Hearts this Akim covered herself to look decent while hiding her chest from prying eyes. His own thoughts went to Vagi who still slipped in his mind at times. Vagi's features were enough to distract the crew at times. Kezef's own age kept him from staring along with his marriage. Durnvire sort of hated her for it. In clear Unbari this woman let him know the whereabouts of other Gantronese vehicles left behind. Among Gantronese gunboat vehicles were the Y-45 Tolo Reconnaissance in the shame of a circular raft installed on a hovercraft. About 925 were given to the Iperantosi as a gift for their allegiance to the Gantronese. According to a bloated looked female Iperantosi in a custom fit flowery yellow dress that draped over her entire body. It somewhat suited her in a pleasant way. The glamorous woman patted her on the shoulder as a thank you while seeming irritated. Other types of Vehicles still in the area included the XI9 S Scoundrel Security Vehicles. Somehow the Nevoran Federation on the other side weaseled their way into trade routes with the Iperantosi. Not being at war with the Gantronese helped them. Yet plenty of their own citizens or comrades joined the fight as mercenaries or privateers. NF Sea Arachnid1408s with harpoon and grappling hook guns.
Each vehicle was described in detail according to some superstitious beliefs. Durnvire was certain these people weren't exactly literate as they gave off traditional superstitions in their sayings. Whoever the commanding officer was or the commander in this region gave the locals too much power in some opinions among those sent with him. Despite the V.U.V.R. taking the helm as the vanguard for the invasion the command over the coalition occupation force rested on the shoulders of a commanding Alagen General Gaidinne Numalle-Gael. Their own command included a seemingly cult like group of 454 Druid warriors called Llanowar Druids. Even though Alagen was more of an island these Elf Druids roamed the continents as part of their training managing to number 1,168 in membership. Dawning the original red tunic under his uniform which he allowed to stick out the General commanded an additional 1,100. He warned Durnvire the invasion or reclamation of the Condor Isles was going to require some extra manpower. So, he should find something to do. Organizing the 688 weapons they brought over would be something to do. While his Admiral and the gathered fleets pressed for waters hosting enemy activity.
Spending the night in one of the Gantronese barracks Durnvire reviewed a bit more of the fleet amassing to join their future engagement. Alagen's fleets assembled one U-boat, a Cruiser with upgraded pieces, frigate, 2 sloops, battleship, carrier full of dive bombers, 2 destroyers sent to patrol. Lybresan managed to send an aircraft carrier, small battleship, 2 missile frigates, 3 destroyers, attack transport, cargo ship, and submarine only meant for reconnaissance. Ivodrans already lost a bit of their fleets while committing to this conflict. Leaving the rest behind they gave 2 small battleships, 6 destroyers, 8 patrol boats sent to each island of the Iperantos. Rovantia's fleet went to the Condor Isles ahead of time with 2 destroyers, carrier, battleship, frigate. Combined with whatever was already over there would put a dent in parts of whatever armada the Gantronese would send. He felt like these aliens were just playing chess or a game by sending in small waves. Or were they seriously running out? Nahem's fleet put forward one Heavey Cruiser, and 5 destroyers that meant to hang towards the south of positions. Bound to the fronts Evusian sailors brought forth 12 destroyers, 7 combat ships, 2 small battleships to be sacrificed. Tante Republic assembled 2 battleships, 8 combat ships for defense over what they gained as a coalition. Meze being the neutral or half neutral state sent over 2 destroyers, and 2 small battleships while keeping the rest of the fleet around their coasts.
Durnvire felt a little ashamed of not being able to join in the fight that was to come. With his own group he toured/patrolled the islands watching over the construction of new lighthouses. Certain reconstruction was going smoothly Durnvire sat in the passenger seat of a newly constructed Jeep fresh off the line. Coming up to a village the Gantronese named Arel Thalore 24 shots go off in a town that is under threat of Vestrisian attack. Not the first time it happened since the Gantronese left these islands. Confident in reducing the casualties, diminishing the gunfire Durnvire hopped out of the armored jeep. A combined unit of Lybresan and Vestrisians launched their own siege on town suspected of harboring collaborators to the Gantronese. Under the command of a bald fat Lybresan Baron with levitation abilities a Lheobethan half elf of the deserts led 1,500 Lybresan-Vestrisians. Known as Efendi the half elf desert elf possessed a falcon as a companion. As a member of the VUVR he was allowed to arm himself with a curved dagger, and scimitar representing his culture. In his officer's V.U.V.R. standard uniform Efendi Vitae-Al Gume refused to give his rank.
Captain Durnvire stepped on his foot the moment he refused to salute and give rank. Some uptight offspring from Mezeen the half elf was also part Lheobethan who made it to Major in the ranks. Five years of banishment from Meze was what he was now enduring for his own protection. Iperantosi locals stood along the roads in their traditional fabric mixed with modernized clothing. Some looked scared others curious. Forced to explain the situation to a staff of Numalle-Gael the Major found himself demoted. Rumors spread that a group calling themselves the Dragon Mutants with a Mattel Assault Vehicle, some Wind Raiders, motorcycle-car mix, and lancer cycles held up somewhere in the town. Turning them in would end the siege for these people. This wasn't part of their plan in terms of occupying the Iperantosi. Since Iperantosi was to be left in the hands of allies and rebels a formidable force had to be left behind. He knew a brigade of 4,350 Coalition personnel would be stationed here. They would have an additional supply of 1,500 of each type of rifle, 13 artillery pieces, 2,560 submachineguns of various models. Four crates of Heavy Machine Guns came with the supplies.
At a meeting Durnvire sat through the Commanding Officers chewed up this Baron who clearly could have resolved this without a siege. Five days passed with some news about their fleets becoming victorious on the first few days. Apparently it transformed into a crippling draw for both sides. Yet with some prizes for them. A dozen different ships along with 400 Trawlers of Vorcadamn, Talus, Gora Via, and Retoriam. A few islands fell to them. Losing a quarter of their fleet with most of them damaged they came back with 400 GZP 0C Samurai Supply Vehicles. One looming dreadnaught began the second assault on their fleet on the fifth day. Half the day was spent bringing it down while the Gantronese moved southwest. Most of the ships required new shells, minimal repairs. Relying on their dive bombers the fleets hung bang at some mobile ports hauled over. It was also learned that a Steel Man O war can be manned by two thousand Natons, some term for half Goblin half Dwarf spawn.
Eager to settle the siege down to an end Captain Durnvire went to see for himself what these Dragon Mutants wanted. When he was allowed through, he discovered 828 Iperantosi driven away. A team of 16 members of the town police, service members to the Iperantosi assisted this group. It consisted of a few knights from the split island, eight police, one commander, doctor, acrobat, pilot, Gantron with mechanical eyes their personal thrall. This Dragon Mutants gang only consisted of 24 humanoids and monsters. Two of them were tall knightly looking figures. One was a large amphibian creature with a Eku-Kanobo mix. One cyborg like humanoid, a silver skinned winged demon, Gantronese human-spawn, some phantom looking dreg in tattered robes sat around a table. On it lay a rather tall High Priestess of snakes exposed to the air inside. Another female sat in a chair appearing very haughty and in charge in a dominating appearance. She appeared to be a dominating female with twelve other followers. A two headed ogre, pair of Molorcs, larger Orcs, two female archers, a pair of dwarves, two draconic like monsters, one humanoid with a horses lower body for legs, large aquatic humanoid, and Orc mounted on a reptilian beast appeared under her control. Expecting himself to be torn to pieces Durnvire raised his hands as he approached. Forced to get a translation Durnvire had a bone to pick with whoever let them back in town.
It wasn't clear to him exactly why they were still here. Yet they insisted of different stories. One story involved a desire to hold down a fort or small castle that was destroyed in a bombing run. Another had more to do with finding a restaurant or lounging spot. Othe reasons emerged in the conversation. Durnvire thought he heard enough. Offering them cuisines from different parts of the continents is all he could really think of. Negotiations between him, his superiors, the Baron's army, town Chiefs, these Mutant Dragons dragged for a few days longer than he liked. Pulling up information he quickly learned Calorn's Coalition brought over 1,300 or more cooks, chefs among the elf run states. Most were either recruits, seasoned veterans, conscripts, drafted or volunteers. Over a short period of time they managed to end the siege with cuisines crafted using a cart sized hog, tree fruits, edible leaves held up by bamboo made into a platform table. Satisfying these Dragon Mutant gang members like this wasn't part of their ordeal. It did get them to leave only a Talus Mask Opera performer became a meal for the frog mutant. This other female among them managed to get a shrine in her honor. Once these hold outs left Durnvire stormed over to the armored jeep and threw his cap into the ground in frustration.
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