by Andrew Gates
“Hey,” he replied. His voice was soft. He sounded exhausted. “Just a few more days and we’ll be fighting in a battle.”
Ellen nodded her head and faced the floor. She hated to count down the days, but she knew he was right.
“Then we’ll be out of here, headed back home. You’ll finally find out what happened to your kids, to Mateo,” Dave continued. There was a slight tone of optimism to his voice as he said this.
“How can you be sure?” Ellen asked. She raised her head now and looked him in the eye. He stared back.
“Because that was the deal. The Governor, Ryan, whatever his name is, he said so himself.”
At times Ellen wondered if she would ever get back home. She worried that the mission would be for nothing and that the Governor would renege on his end of the bargain. After all, Ellen and Dave were putting a great deal of trust in a man who had lied to his people for over a millennium.
Ellen sighed and closed her eyes for a moment. Whenever these thoughts got too strong, she tried to put them out of mind. All she could do now was stay the course and hope that Ryan Lorde was a man of his word. She really had no other option.
Don’t worry, Yuri said, trying to sound reassuring. We’ll find a way back. There’s got to be a way back.
Ellen slowly nodded her head. She hoped he was right.
“Are you alright?” Dave asked. He grabbed onto her shoulder, prompting her to open her eyes again.
“Yes, I’m fine. Just a bit concerned about how this battle is going to go. When it comes down to it, I don’t think I can do it. I was a Marine, you know, the best of the best. I've been through a lot of tough situations and those sea scorgers have been through a lot too." She stopped for a moment to gather her thoughts. "To me, I see the sea scorgers and I can’t help but be reminded of my old unit. These scorgers fight together because they’re brothers through and through. There’s something beautiful in that. I feel almost guilty knowing that I’ll be tearing their family apart."
“Yeah,” Dave agreed. “I know what you mean.”
“The Navy can’t expect us to actually fight them, can they?”
“If we don’t fight, the Governor won’t help us. It’s as simple as that.”
Ellen paused. She hoped it were not as simple as that.
“But Ellen,” Dave continued, “know that I stand with you all the way. If you choose to back out of this, or if you want to change the plan, I’m with you. I trust you.”
“Thanks.” She smiled back to him. “It’s good to know I have you on my side.”
The two of them were silent for a moment, as if neither of them knew what to say next. The loud hum of the engine was all that could be heard. Eventually Dave paced a few strides and broke the silence.
“If you could be anywhere else right now, where would you be?”
“Anywhere, huh?” Ellen welcomed this change in conversation. It was becoming far too dreary for her taste. “It would have to be Sol. Specifically, Earth.”
Dave stared back at her with what started as a look of confusion, but slowly transformed into a wide smile.
“You had me going there for a moment,” Dave said.
“Did I?” Ellen chuckled. She could not recall the last time she had made a joke. “No, but seriously, I wouldn’t mind being back home on my porch with Destiny. I could spend all day sitting on my porch, watching the wind blow across the fields, feeling the warmth of Gamma Pavonis against my skin.”
Ellen imagined sitting there now, watching the day slowly turn to night.
We’ll get back there somehow. Don’t worry, Yuri said, trying to be reassuring.
I certainly hope so.
“How about you?” Ellen asked, shaking herself out of her fantasy.
“It’s funny,” Dave replied. He slowly lowered his head. “I always wanted to be part of an adventure. I thought it would be fun to visit an unexplored planet, to fight in a battle. Hell, when I first learned we were aboard a pirate boat, I was excited!” He lifted his head now. “But now that I’ve had some time here, now that I’m about to go to war, I’m not so sure I want to be in an adventure anymore.”
“Strange how a bit of perspective will do that,” Ellen remarked.
“It is,” Dave agreed, nodding his head. “I guess now all I really want to do is live a quiet life, like you had back home. Maybe I’ll find a secluded little house on Mateo and have a few kids. That’s what colonists are supposed to do anyway, right?”
“That’s right.” Ellen felt herself smile again. “Though Mateo really isn’t much of a colony by now. I bet it’s as crowded as Mars or Venus back in Sol.”
“Maybe we can be neighbours when we get back.”
“It’s been a thousand years of wars. I’m guessing my house hasn’t lasted quite that long. I’ll probably have to get a new place,” Ellen said. “That won’t be fun. I don’t have a lot of money left.”
“I hope we still get paid for this mission,” Dave said.
Ellen chuckled again. She could not disagree with him there. The Governor still seemed to think Vexa was out there. If it was, then so was their pay… hopefully.
“I can’t wait to eat something that isn’t fish,” Ellen added.
“One thing is for sure: I will not miss this place.”
That was, if they ever got home.
An Unexpected Arrival
Earth Date (Revised Julian Calendar): 02.02.5673
Location: East Docks, Coral Cove, Taspansa, The Governor’s Dominion
Russell sat on the docks. His bare feet dangled in the water as rain drops pitter pattered against his head. He shivered, knowing full well that he would catch a cold if he stayed out here any longer. But still, he stayed. He could not find it in himself to leave.
The hour was late. Many of his sea scorger mates were already asleep, resting after another day of gathering troops for what was to be an all-out war against the Navy. Russell shuddered just thinking about it. He had been in battles before, but never a war. There had not been a war in Taspansa in generations. He wondered what that was like.
Footsteps bounced across the wooden dock behind Russell, prompting him to turn around.
“Mind if I join you?” For once in his life, Aiden appeared clean. He smelled of soap, his beard was trim and he wore a fresh pair of clothes that Russell did not recognize. A black tricorne covered his head. He wore a loose white shirt and a red jacket. His brown pants fit just right, ending before his bare feet.
“Yes, of course,” Russell said. He motioned to a space next to him.
Aiden sat down on the dock next to the boy and tossed a small stone into the water.
“You look good, Aiden,” Russell noted.
“Courtesy of Captains Rager and Spectre themselves,” he said, adjusting the clothes with a smile on his face. “But this rain won’t do much good for the cotton.”
“You’re breaking it in.”
“Aye, just breaking it in,” Aiden joked back.
“How much did they charge you for it?”
“Most of my share,” Aiden replied. He lowered his head and stared at his feet. “But I’m willin’ to pay the price. If this be my last day in this world, I want to look good.” Aiden turned to face Russell and slowly nodded his head.
The last day in this world. Those words made Russell cringe. Was it really going to be that bad? Were they really going to die?
“Can’t sleep?” Aiden asked.
“I’ve been up this whole time. I can’t stop worrying about the war.”
“Me neither.” Aiden patted him on the back. “This’ll be unlike anything we’ve ever faced. You best prepare for the unpreparable.”
“There are more sea scorgers arriving each day,” Russell said. “The captains are answering Azzorro’s call. Surely that must count for something!”
“Aye, our numbers be strong, but the Navy has resources we do not.”
“The steel ships, you mean?” Russell asked, turning to face Aiden.
“Well maybe someone has learned a way to defeat the steel ships. Maybe there’s a trick we don’t know!”
“You can bet, if one of em’s figured it out, Captain Azzorro will have em’ lead the way.” Aiden shook his head. “Honestly, I wouldn’t count on it, lad.”
Russell did not say anything back. He could not think of any words that could make this moment easier.
“I’m glad to be here with you, Russell,” Aiden continued. He placed his hand on the boy’s thigh. “I knew I was right to bring you aboard the Red God’s Gleam. I still remember the day I found you. I recall a young boy with a dead end. You had so much ambition and you craved adventure, but it was always out reach. I’m glad I could bring you the kind of life you’ve always wanted. I’ve watched you grow so much with the crew. I’m proud of you, boy, so proud. I only wish you had more time to enjoy this life.”
Russell felt tears form in his eyes. He wiped his face and turned to face Aiden. He sniffled.
“Aye, aye, it’s okay, boy,” Aiden said.
Aiden leaned in. They embraced for what felt like minutes. When they finally separated, the rain seemed to slow down. The pitter patter of drops had all but faded away. The clouds began to clear, displaying the Red God above.
“Thank you for all you have done, Aiden. I mean it,” Russell said. He knew the words did not do him proper justice. As far as Russell was concerned, Aiden deserved the world.
Suddenly a familiar humming noise echoed across the ocean. Russell nervously turned to face the water. When he saw the sight, he froze.
Far off in the distance, a battered wooden ship was making its way to Coral Cove. A steel Navy vessel was in quick pursuit, not far behind.
“The Navy,” he said, pointing to the horizon. He could hardly believe the words coming out of his mouth. “They’ve found us. They’re here!”
“No, no, no,” Aiden muttered as he stood up from the dock. “This is too early. We were supposed to take the battle to them, not the other way around! We have to alert the captain!”
Russell jumped up and sprinted across the dock, knowing that Aiden wouldn’t be fast enough on his own. He had to alert the captain. There was no time to waste.
The wooden planks trembled beneath his feet with each pounding step. His heart raced.
Within seconds, he was back on solid land. He made his way through the narrow alleyways, past tied up animals and closed doors. It was not long until he reached the inn. He pulled the door open with great vigour and made his way inside.
“Hello again, Russell,” said Henry, the man behind the counter.
Russell wasted no time. He darted past Henry and made his way up the staircase as fast as he could. His legs ached. His lungs felt practically empty. Once at the top of the stairs, he sprinted through the hall to the door on the opposite end.
Knock, knock, knock!
“What’s that?” moaned a voice from inside. Russell heard some shifting in the bedsheets.
“Captain, it’s me, Russell!” the boy shouted between deep breaths.
“Boy? What do you think yer doing?”
Russell could hear someone step onto the floor and walk toward the door. Russell moved back a bit, nervously awaiting the captain.
The door opened. Captain Azzorro looked as if he were still asleep. His hair dangled before his eyes. His clothes were on backwards. His expression was emotionless.
A naked woman sat up in the bed behind him. The lower portion of her body was still covered in bedsheets, though Russell could clearly see her bosom. The woman’s long curly hair dangled down over her shoulders and came to an end atop her rounded breasts.
Being on a ship, Russell rarely saw a woman in person. He could not help but stare.
“Well, what is it, boy? Did you wake me up just to stare at the lady?” the captain asked, bringing Russell’s attention back on topic.
“No, no,” Russell said. He shook his head. “It’s the Navy, sir. There’s a steel ship on the horizon. It’s coming here, to Coral Cove!”
The captain’s face was suddenly emotionless no longer. A look of horror shone from cheek to cheek.
“Here? Now? Are you sure?” His tone was focused. It was as if all his weariness had faded away in that instant.
“I am sure, sir. I saw it from the docks.”
“Who else knows?”
“Only Aiden. He was with me when we saw the ship.”
“You were right to wake me first, lad. Go awaken the others! Tell them to rally. They know where to go,” he explained. The captain slammed the door shut, barely missing Russell’s face.
The boy took a deep breath, then turned and began knocking on doors one by one. Soon enough, each member of the crew awoke and started waking others. Some even ran down to the docks to alert the crews of other ships.
It was not even a full minute by the time Captain Azzorro emerged from his room. His boots were laced up. His scabbard rested at the hip. His shirt was tucked in and on properly. His preferred hat sat atop his head. This was the captain Russell knew.
“Alright lads, there’s no time to waste!” he shouted, before promptly making his way through the hall.
The crew followed closely behind him, many of them still half-dressed. They grabbed whatever weapons they had lying around; knives, axes, swords.
It all seemed so surreal. Russell could not believe this was happening. The crew was rallying for war, an actual war.
Master Gunner Thomas leaned over to him and handed him a knife.
“Take this,” he said. “You may need it.”
Russell did not challenge the gunner. He accepted the knife and placed it in the inside pocket of his jacket.
A few seconds later, the entire crew was outside. The sky was clear. The air was dry. It seemed even the weather was off.
The sea scorgers darted through the streets and alleys until they arrived on the docks. Aiden was already waiting for them in his new clothes, holding a rifle in hand.
The steel ship was nearly there. In mere minutes, the enemy would be on them.
“Why haven’t they opened fire yet?” Russell asked to whoever cared to listen.
“I don’t know. Seems mighty mysterious,” someone replied, though he could not make out who had said the words.
Captain Azzorro stopped in his tracks and pulled out the monoscope from his jacket pocket. He held it still before his eye for a few moments.
“By the Red God, I can’t believe it!” he muttered to himself. The captain lowered the monoscope and turned to face his crew. “Gentlemen, we have nothing to fear,” he explained. “The steel ship is one of ours.”
“One of ours?” repeated Thomas.
“Aye, it bears the flag of the Scorger’s Fist. I know that flag well. If I’m right, that be no Navy captain at its helm, that be Captain Bergh, a savvy scorger he is.”
The crew members seemed to let out a simultaneous sigh of relief. Russell could not help but join them.
“Thank the Red God,” someone said.
“Thanks is right. My fucking gun wasn’t even loaded,” added Hector.
Russell shot him a curious glance.
“How did he manage to take the ship? It’s impregnable!” said Aiden. The man hastily walked over to join the group. It seemed he had heard the news.
“I can’t say,” Captain Azzorro replied as he turned to face Aiden, “but I’d love to find out.”
***
The wooden vessel docked first. It was in bad shape, but the crew was still able to bring her in. The hull looked as if it had been torn apart by a sea monster. Russell was surprised it even still floated.
The metal ship docked shortly afterward, though its crew was not entirely sure how to stop the thing. Crewmen heaved lines, trying to bring the ship about and slow it along the dock without hitting another vessel. The sea scorgers already on the dock jumped into action, helping to grab the ropes as they were tossed down. Men called out for news, other
s shouted quick words back here and there, though Russell could not make out most of what was said. It took several attempts to fully stop the steel craft. Clearly the crewmen were still learning how to sail this boat.
Once the boat was finally docked, one of the crewmen shouted down in words Russell could understand.
"Have Captain Azzorro meet at the gangplank!" he shouted.
Almost a minute passed before anything else happened. All the while, the sea scorgers waited in anticipation. Russell caught himself nervously tapping his leg. Finally, at long last, the door opened.
Captain Azzorro’s prediction proved to be correct. Captain Bergh of the Scorger’s Fist had managed to commandeer the enemy vessel. The Fist’s captain now made his way across the docks, hobbling with each step. He wore a red cape that dangled behind him. Russell quickly realized that this man only had one real leg. The other appeared to be carved of wood like a thick broom handle.
An entourage of sea scorgers stood at Captain Bergh’s back, including a boy even younger than Russell. He guessed his age was around 10, maybe 11 at best. Yet he appeared just as confident as any of the older men by his side.
Captain Bergh stopped as he met Captain Azzorro along the wooden docks. The two crews stared at one another, watching intently.
“Captain Azzorro,” greeted the one-legged man. He held his arms out, welcomingly.
“Bergh,” the captain replied. He stepped forward and gave a quick embrace. “My, what an entrance!”
“We be lucky. Our ship was badly damaged. We faced no adversaries on our way in. If we had, we may not have made it here alive.”
“Alive in both boats, perhaps, but surely your steel ship would have endured,” Azzorro debated.
“True,” Bergh agreed. “The steel ship is our newest catch, a prize we have stolen from the Navy. They call it the Governor’s Glory, though my crew has taken to calling it the Governor’s Bane.”
“A fitting name, to be sure. The Governor shall feel its might.” Captain Azzorro smiled to his new ally. “Thank you for coming.”
“I only just got your message. I hope to help in any way I can.”
“It would appear you have a lot to offer. The Governor’s Bane will surely be called upon during the battle,” the captain said. “And I would hope you can replicate whatever actions allowed to you claim this ship in the first place.”