Chapter 1
Liam Forrtuna woke up to the sound of water dripping on the floor and sat up abruptly. " Is it raining outside?? " Liam wondered staring around at his room. He was sitting on a hard bed with a thin mattress. His entire room was covered with some dark, grey bricks, making it seem as if he were in a castle.
As a matter of fact it could be in a castle for all he knew. It was only a few days ago that he had left Gretna Green the city of " runaway marriages " broken hearted after he had found out he had been left at the alter by his lover. " Well she was outta my league anyway's " thought Liam sadly to himself. Moments after exiting the London midnight bus , while walking on a lonely street with flickering steel lamposts he heard rushing footsteps behind him. Before he could turn around a strong arm coiled around his neck and another covered his face with a cloth with a sickly sweet oudor. It only took a few seconds before everything turned black.
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Chapter 2
Liam had second thoughts about being a pirate when his "suite room" only had a dirty old hammock and a barrel with an engraving, "Runnin'..... Marry...... Skyler.....?" Liam trying hard to read the illiterate writing.
And now here he is after waking up from a long sleep in some damp underground room illuminated with a short circular candle in a red plastic cup on a wooden desk. Liam stood up and started pacing around the room feeling his hand on the smooth and damp feeling rocks. Suddenly there came rattling of chains from outside the door. He moved up against the wall that he was feeling with his eyes fixed the door. He heard the chains dropped to the ground and watched the door knob turned and the door swung open, filling the room with piercing light and Liam shielded his eyes. From the gaps of his fingers he made out a figure moving towards him and soon it grabbed both his hands and started dragging him. Liam rooted himself to the ground, but felt a blow to his stomach and collapsed. He watched the figure and he was being dragged out of the room........
A calm wind whistled through Liam's ears. He felt light, as though floating to a holy place. Heaven, maybe. He opened his eyes. It was bright and all he could see in front of him were the all too familiar clouds and clear blue sky. "Indeed I am being brought to meet the Creator," was what he thought.
He sat up right. His hands felt the ground. Wood. "Flying carriage made by angels?" His head still throbbing. He looked below. The city of London. Big Ben. Buckingham Palace. A giant flaming rock headed towards him.
"A GIANT FLAMING ROCK!??"
Shocked, Liam moved back. Suddenly the whole "carriage" made a sharp left turn. The giant flaming rock zoomed pass them. Liam rolled off the wooden "carriage" due to the sharp turn.
"Ah. Well at least I get to experience terminal velocity before I die," being the last thoughts of Liam, he thought until someone grabbed his arm and pulled him back up.
"Now isn't the time for sightseeing!" said a person who wore a helmet (much like this one.)
Liam's conciousness became clear. He was on a flying ship (something like this but a little smaller and enough for only three people) and it seems like they are being attacked, not by giant flaming rocks but by a bombardment of 88m high explosive ammunition. (Probably shot by one of these.)
"Hold on tight, we are almost near the main ship!" said the person.
Liam faced to where the person was pointing to. A colossus ship. Liam also noticed something else: A jolly roger flag.
"PIRATES!?" shouted Liam's mind.
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Chapter 4
The flaming ammunitions continued to zoom pass them, some exploding in mid-air into a dense smog. The person in the helmet poised himself in front of the flying boat, rope in hand, but what was steering the ship? Liam looked back. There sat another man, one hand on the steering and another holding on to his tricone. He looked up, and straight at Liam, his face was almost made entirely of brass, with bolts embedded across his forehead and two holes for a nose. Just below his face, instead of a neck, it was a structure of metal and steel, faintly Liam could see gears and cogs spinning and turning inside, with an pressure indicator sticking out on the right side. A stream of steam blew out from below his face, and he yelled in the chaos, "What are ya waiting for!? Get out!"
Liam turn behind, they had already reached the main ship.
The person with the helmet grab Liam with such strength, easily tossing him across. Just then a 88mm exploded right between the flying boat and the main ship, propelling Liam further before he landed and rolled across the floor, before he felt a foot on him, halting his momentum.
Liam looked up. Liam saw himself in the dark frames of the goggle the man was wearing. He had a chin curtain beard. Liam stood up. His thumbs were tucked behind the straps carrying a sort of engine, waiting to greet Liam. The man was six feet and four inches, and the stove pipe hat he wore only exaggerated his height. He wore a suit, completed with a black bow tie and black long coat tidily buttoned. Liam could not keep his eyes off his hands, which wore pair of gauntlets, covering half of his arms, both connected by a tube to a mini engine he carried behind his back.
The man put out his right hand, "Captain Bacon, at your service."
Liam stared at the gauntleted hand before him, not quite sure what to make of it.
"It's customary to shake hands when a stranger introduces himself," The Captain's gruff voice snapped him back to his senses. "Especially if you're on his ship." he added.
"Sorry," said Liam as he grabbed the Captain's hand. "It's been kind of a rough day."
"I'm sure it was," grinned the Captain. Liam glanced down at his attire. He had been wearing his wedding clothes, which were, by now, barely recognizable as such.
"I'm sorry, but how exactly did I get here?" asked Liam, still bewildered and slightly overwhelmed.
"You truly don't remember? You were kidnapped by slave traders. They lurk around those parts, looking for runaways that nobody will miss. Lord knows what they would've done to you if we hadn't rescued you."
"I never asked to be rescued."
"That's right, you didn't." said the captain cryptically as he looked away.
An barrage of explosions came from behind, nearly missing the ship. The Captain remained unfazed.
'WHAT IS THAT?' yelled Liam.
Bacon laughed heartily and gave Liam a heavier than necessary pat on the back. "Relax, boy. That's simply her majesty's armada trying to discourage us from doing business at this port. A minor inconvenience."
Liam glanced up at the Jolly Roger, proudly, almost defiantly waving in the air amidst the explosions and chaos. "Why would they do that?"
"Well, myself and my crew, we are businessmen at heart, sort of like traveling traders. As a result, making profit is our goal. However, we sometimes have to resort to certain disestablishmentarianistic methods which are frowned upon by the current government, in order to keep our ventures afloat, if you catch my drift." Explained the captain.
"So basically, you guys are pirates."
"Essentially, yes."
Liam thought back to the events leading up to this point. Jilted by his lover, kidnapped by Slave traders, all because he appeared to be unremarkable; someone nobody would care about. Perhaps he needed a break from being ordinary. Perhaps he needed an adventure.
"Hey, Captain"
The pair of black goggles turned towards him.
"Think you have room for one extra crew member?"
The Captain slowly grinned, revealing a set of crooked teeth. He then began to laugh heartily, as pirates often do and wrapped his arm around Liam's shoulders.
"Welcome aboard."
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Chapter 3
He sat up right. His hands felt the ground. Wood. "Flying carriage made by angels?" His head still throbbing. He looked below. The city of London. Big Ben. Buckingham Palace. A giant flaming rock headed towards him.
"A GIANT FLAMING ROCK!??"
Shocked, Liam moved back. Suddenly the whole "carriage" made a sharp left turn. The giant flaming rock zoomed pass them. Liam rolled off the wooden "carriage" due to the sharp turn.
"Ah. Well at least I get to experience terminal velocity before I die," being the last thoughts of Liam, he thought until someone grabbed his arm and pulled him back up.
"Now isn't the time for sightseeing!" said a person who wore a helmet (much like this one.)
Liam's conciousness became clear. He was on a flying ship (something like this but a little smaller and enough for only three people) and it seems like they are being attacked, not by giant flaming rocks but by a bombardment of 88m high explosive ammunition. (Probably shot by one of these.)
"Hold on tight, we are almost near the main ship!" said the person.
Liam faced to where the person was pointing to. A colossus ship. Liam also noticed something else: A jolly roger flag.
"PIRATES!?" shouted Liam's mind.
------------------
Chapter 4
The flaming ammunitions continued to zoom pass them, some exploding in mid-air into a dense smog. The person in the helmet poised himself in front of the flying boat, rope in hand, but what was steering the ship? Liam looked back. There sat another man, one hand on the steering and another holding on to his tricone. He looked up, and straight at Liam, his face was almost made entirely of brass, with bolts embedded across his forehead and two holes for a nose. Just below his face, instead of a neck, it was a structure of metal and steel, faintly Liam could see gears and cogs spinning and turning inside, with an pressure indicator sticking out on the right side. A stream of steam blew out from below his face, and he yelled in the chaos, "What are ya waiting for!? Get out!"
Liam turn behind, they had already reached the main ship.
The person with the helmet grab Liam with such strength, easily tossing him across. Just then a 88mm exploded right between the flying boat and the main ship, propelling Liam further before he landed and rolled across the floor, before he felt a foot on him, halting his momentum.
Liam looked up. Liam saw himself in the dark frames of the goggle the man was wearing. He had a chin curtain beard. Liam stood up. His thumbs were tucked behind the straps carrying a sort of engine, waiting to greet Liam. The man was six feet and four inches, and the stove pipe hat he wore only exaggerated his height. He wore a suit, completed with a black bow tie and black long coat tidily buttoned. Liam could not keep his eyes off his hands, which wore pair of gauntlets, covering half of his arms, both connected by a tube to a mini engine he carried behind his back.
The man put out his right hand, "Captain Bacon, at your service."
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Chapter 5
"It's customary to shake hands when a stranger introduces himself," The Captain's gruff voice snapped him back to his senses. "Especially if you're on his ship." he added.
"Sorry," said Liam as he grabbed the Captain's hand. "It's been kind of a rough day."
"I'm sure it was," grinned the Captain. Liam glanced down at his attire. He had been wearing his wedding clothes, which were, by now, barely recognizable as such.
"I'm sorry, but how exactly did I get here?" asked Liam, still bewildered and slightly overwhelmed.
"You truly don't remember? You were kidnapped by slave traders. They lurk around those parts, looking for runaways that nobody will miss. Lord knows what they would've done to you if we hadn't rescued you."
"I never asked to be rescued."
"That's right, you didn't." said the captain cryptically as he looked away.
An barrage of explosions came from behind, nearly missing the ship. The Captain remained unfazed.
'WHAT IS THAT?' yelled Liam.
Bacon laughed heartily and gave Liam a heavier than necessary pat on the back. "Relax, boy. That's simply her majesty's armada trying to discourage us from doing business at this port. A minor inconvenience."
Liam glanced up at the Jolly Roger, proudly, almost defiantly waving in the air amidst the explosions and chaos. "Why would they do that?"
"Well, myself and my crew, we are businessmen at heart, sort of like traveling traders. As a result, making profit is our goal. However, we sometimes have to resort to certain disestablishmentarianistic methods which are frowned upon by the current government, in order to keep our ventures afloat, if you catch my drift." Explained the captain.
"So basically, you guys are pirates."
"Essentially, yes."
Liam thought back to the events leading up to this point. Jilted by his lover, kidnapped by Slave traders, all because he appeared to be unremarkable; someone nobody would care about. Perhaps he needed a break from being ordinary. Perhaps he needed an adventure.
"Hey, Captain"
The pair of black goggles turned towards him.
"Think you have room for one extra crew member?"
The Captain slowly grinned, revealing a set of crooked teeth. He then began to laugh heartily, as pirates often do and wrapped his arm around Liam's shoulders.
"Welcome aboard."
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Chapter 6
"Aye. Yarr olde name be Liam. But we'll now call ye Runnin' Marry Skyler," said one of the crew members who was obviously drunk, swinging in his own hammock. "Why are you talking all funny, err.. neighbour?" asked Liam with a plastered smile, trying to befriend with his "dorm mates."
Silence.
The man had fallen asleep. Liam sighed and turned back. A hideous face was staring right back at him. Liam startled and fell on his arse. Wait, that is no face. It's a mask. Ah. It's the person from the dinghy.
"You seem to be falling off every time I see you, Mr. Skyler" said the masked person while offering a hand. Liam held on firmly and got up.
"Ah. No, I am just tired that is al- Wait, "Skyler"? No, my name is L-"
"Mr. Skyler is what you will be called aboard the HMS Avalon."
"What's wrong with Mr. Liam?"
"Nothing. But as a member of the HMS Avalon, a new name must be assigned by the Captain. And Runnin' Marry Skyler is yours."
"But why Marry?! That's a women's name!"
"Marry as in marriage. I understand that you were not the one who ran away, rather it was your ex-fiancée , but the Captain's orders are absolute. Do you understand, Mr. Skyler?"
"... Fine. And you said "HMS"? You stole this ship from the royal nav-?"
"Here, put this on. We don't want to be dirtying your wedding suit during dinner."
The masked person handed Skyler a new pair of ragged trousers, a pair of goggles with a slight crack on one of the lenses, an used-to-be-white shirt, a brown vest, a belt heavily decorated with pieces of brass and copper, a bowtie (because they are cool) a maroon scarf, "And you can continue to use your black leather shoes. We ran out of them. When you are done changing, come find me in the quarterdeck. Or should I say, "poopdeck". The Captain said I needed to act more pirate-like. There, I will bring you on an obligatory new crew member's tour around the ship."
"O..kay. Sorry but I never caught your name," said Skyler while fumbling with his "new" apparel, trying to keep it away from the moist wooden floorboard. (They just had it mopped
)"Pardon me for my lack of manners. I am Lieutenant Nikola von Dreyse. Glad to have you on board, Mr. Skyler." replied Nikola while hat tipping.
"Right, okay. I will be seeing you later th-"
The ship rocked to the left, making Skyler lose his balance. His effort to keep his clothes clean had been wasted. Lieutenant Nikola stood there unshaken by the whole incident like a skyscraper in an earthquake.
"There you go tripping again. Are you perhaps smoking weed?" Lieutenant Nikola said jokingly and once again offered a hand.
"What was that?" Skyler questioned while getting off the wet floor.
"What are you talking about? Have you forgotten that we are still at war?"
"Didn't they stop firing at us a while back!?"
"Ah. You see, that was only the first wave."
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Chapter 7
" Whoa... hold your panties there Skyler!! You should'nt get panicky and all now. You ain't seen the worse of it yet!! Now go and choose a weapon from the store!!" Said Nikola while pointing to and armoured door on his left " When you've chosen your arm's follow this path straight , head up the staircase and meet me on deck!! "
And with that Nikola speed off towards the stair, pausing only a moment to unholster his pistol and open the door and leap out to join the fray. It was only for a few seconds before the door slamed shut but Skyler could hear gunshot's , screaming and see lots of dust flying around.
" Oh boy... this isnt good " thought Skyler to himself as he pushed open the door on his left
Out on the deck Nikola quickly scanned around to asses the situation. It wasnt that bad , but it was far from good. Evanthough the enemies battle ship were a distance away, it would take them around 4 minutes to be shooting range.
However those sneaky Navy soldier's had a small stealth ship come from a blind spot , from behind. The stealth ship was around the size of a small yacht carrying the maximum of 6 men and having only a light cannon very little ammunition. But the problem was that the stealth was fast, they fired a shot from behind and in the choas manage too hook on several grapling hook's on the avalon, and already there were 5 men on the deck and they had killed 3 crew members.
" Darn I need to find some cover " Thought Nikola as he started running towards some wodden crates. But the enemies spotted him, and started firing at him. One with dual pistol's , and another with an uzi.
Down below , Skyler was browsing through the stock of weapons. " Gun's , sword's ... ahh what should I choose?? " he wondered " This is my debut, I need to choose wisely... plus I'm sure they'll be doing fine without me " said Skyler to himself while smiling slightly.
Up above Nikola was running while firing several shots from his pistol. Bang~!! bang~!! bang~!! 1 shot grazed the arm of the person wielding the dual pistol's , onother went into the left shoulder of the one holding the uzi , and the last flew straight into the crotch of one of the enemy who was waving a sword in the air while rushing toward's Nikola's. The man fell down in pain groaning while clutching his now red stained pants attempting to somewhat damp the bleeding.
" Ohh... that's gonna hurt " thought Nikola, still running but at the same time grinning smugly
The two men shooting paused for awhile staring at their fallen comrade and then in a moment they snapped out of it and started shooting with more furry while shouting things like " DIE DIE DIE~!!" " YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT " " YOU ROTTEN SKY MONKEY " " FOR THE QUEEN~!! "
Suddenly, captain Bacon burst out from the top deck with two other crew member's while shouting " DIE YOU USELESS QUEEN LAPDOGS~!! " For a second the enemies all gazed at captain Bacon er.. amazed by his loud entrance.
Nikola took the distraction to his advantage. He threw down his pistol , his feet screeched to a stop, did a backflip and in middair twisted his body as so he could unstrap his Karabiner 98k scoped rifle and landed perfectly on the crates. He then twirled the rifle in his hand's , bent his knee's and positioned his target in his sight's , and before any of the enemies could react he fired!!
BANG~!!
And down went the guy holding the uzi with a hole directly in his forehead.
Nikola then droped to his side and rolled sideways evading several bullet's fired at him and fell down behind the the crates. " THANKS CAPTAIN~!! " he shouted
" BWHAHAH~!! NO PROBLEM YOUNG-LING~!! " Laughed captain Bacon while two of the crewmates with him lept down to join the fray.
Down below , Skyler was twirling around a hammer in his hand's. It was a silver hammer with a head shaped something like this :
only roughly about two times larger with a hole at the bottom of the thinner end and the head is silver in colour. It had a thin shaft and on the handle there where was a switch something like a pistol's hammer." It has a nice weight , a little heavy but a nice to twrill around and hit people on the head with " " but what's this thingy do?? " thought Skyler as he pressed the switch down and heard a soft click sound.
He continued twirlled the hammer around but nothing seemed to have changed. Then he accidentally hit one of the sheleves holding swords with the tip of the bulky end of the hammer.
BANG~!!
The moment the hammer connected with the shelf a loud explosion occured at the hollow end of the hammer's head. Skyler was so unprepared for what had happened that the shock of the explosion caused the hammer to smash into the shelves and fly a few feet crashing into another shelf with a few pistols on it
" WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT??!! " cried Skyler as he was sitting down flat on his ass a little dazed
He recovered soon enough from the shock and excitedly ran towards the hammer and picked it up. " That was sooo coool~!! " He cried taped another shelf lightly. But nothing happened other than a soft *Thuk!!* sound of metal hitting wood.
He tapped the shelf a few more times before wondering if he had imagined the whole thing. But there was still a slight burning smell in the air. He thought for a moment and then a smile lit on his face.
He faced the hammer's heavy end downwards above a small wooden crate and clicked the switch again. Then he made a made a light tap on the crate.
BANG~!!!
An explosion came out from the hollow end of the hammer again forcing the hammer down with such force that it smashed the crates to bits~!!
" HOLY COW~!! THIS IS SOO AWWSOMMEEE~!! " cried Skyler waving his new-found toy in the air . He twirled the hammer around and on the handdle engraved in gold was the words * S.t.Marie Fortuna *
" What?? The same sir name as me?? " Thought Skyler to himself " Could it be....... THIS IS A SIGN FROM THE GODS TELLING ME THIS HAMMER AND I ARE MEANT TO BE WITH EACH OTHER??!! " while hugging the hammer and laughing out load.
After a moment he came to his senses and remembered Nikola told him to go up to the deck after he had chosen his weapon.
" Ohohoh , lets see what this baby can do eh??!! " exclaimed Skyler to himself while laughing and running out the room , obvlious of what damage he had caused inside the weapon store room.
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Chapter 8
Skyler made his way to the deck, as fast as he could, in hand his new found weapon. The crew, the lieutenant and Captain Bacon were gathered around the 5 men that boarded the HMS, looking down upon them. 4 laid bleeding and one dead on the ground. Skyler spoke.
"It's over already?". Without turning to Skyler, Captain Bacon replied. "Hardly lad. This is not what you would expect of a navy that prides itself of organization and discipline." Bacon and Nikola both look at Skyler, the two fell silent for a moment. "Interesting choice," Bacon smiled and continued looking back at the wounded,"these were merely distractions, usually thieves or prisoners forced to carry out a suicide mission with promise of pardon from the queen. Which means..."
An explosion rocked the ship, forcing it to sway to one side. All on board stumbled. Captain Bacon, who managed to stand still with his hands behind his back, called out. "What is the status, Engineer?" On the ground a hatch opened, and the brass faced man emerged. "Explosive charges damaged the underside of the hull, current materials are insufficient for complete repairs. Safety system was successfully triggered, engines will be restarting in 5 minutes."
"THEM LANDLUBBERS ARE BEHIND US CAPTAIN!" Someone yelled from the crow's nest. All turned to look. 6 battleships, all the size of the HMS Avalon, accompanied 6 smaller ones, were slowly closing in.
"Hardly the clean escape I've hoped for." Captain bacon turned to Skyler. "What a way to start out your first day," he said smiling. "Lieutenant, you know what to do. Engineer, power up daisy, I'll be in my office." Then he shouted, "THE REST OF YER BETTER START LOOKING BRIGHT! KES WE GOT GUEST-A-COMIN!" And the crew responded with cheers and shouting.
Skyler looked at Nikola, confused. "What's Daisy?" Nikola dusted himself and adjusted his hat. "If you'll excuse me, Mr. Skyler. I am late for a meeting with Her Majesty's negotiator."
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Chapter 9
" Negotiator ?? " asked Skyler with a confused look " How do you know they want to negotiate ?? "
" Hrmmmm... can you see that green light flashing from that big ship over there?? " said Nikola while pointing at one of the enemy ship " That show's that their want to talk. "
" Owh... and I thought they were just flashing for fun....
"
" Well I guess your still a rookie " Said Nikola while sighing " Tell you what, as a treat I'll take you along to pick up the negotiator "
" Er... thanks, I suppose.....
What will we be riding?? "
" We'll be riding that, the Daisy " pointing to a rising ballon in the shape of a cow that looks something like this :
With a wooden basket/ship attached below which look something like this :
" Wha-... what in big ben's name is that??!!
" asked skyler in disbelief
" Heh... well it may look ... a little odd but it's fast and economical on fuel " said nikola while chuckling " Well lets get on "
" Okay..... " said Skyler although reluctantly
--------------------
on the daisy
--------------------
" Well it is comfortable I'll give u that " said skyler while lying back on couch of the ship
Nikola was sitting on the opposite couch also laid back while another pirate was piloting the ship. Suddenly Nikola spotted something and tensed up.
There on the deck of the ship standing on the plank ready to welcome the flying ballon stood a figure in purple.
" No way... not her again.... " said Nikola in almost a whisper
" Who?? "
" Stella Mattina, a vatican priestess who serves as emmisary between vatican and London " said Nikola gravely " She must be the negotiator this time "
" Why would a vatican emmisary be a negotiator for the queen?? " asked a puzzeled Skyler
" Well at first she was just a normal emmisary , until a certain incidient happened when she saved the queen's life. After that she began to grow closer to the queen and started doing more duties for her. But she's still a vatican dog so I have no idea why the queen keeps her so close...." said Nikola
" Well that explains something. But why are u so tensed?? She is afterall just a priestess... " commented Skyler
" If only she was just a priestes. She may not look like anything but she's extremely skilled and excellent fighter. I hate to admit this but she's one of the few people who I've failed to kill. So far anyway... " said Nikola " But it's alright she wont attack for no reason so your pretty much safe, for now.. "
Before Skyler could reply their ship docked with the other and the priestess hoped on. She had long dark red hair which was flutering in the wind
and was wearing a priest outfit which looks like this :
She had golden eyes which almost looked like it was shining when the sunlight hit them.
" Long time no see Nikola " Said Stella in a relaxed voice, and taking note of skyler she gave him a slight wink " Oh and here's somebody new. Hi I'm Stella, but I'm sure Nikola here must have already said some nasty things about me... "
" I'm Skyler, and not at all he- " began skyler but he was cut of by Nikola
" Well if your ready priestess I suggest we head back to the Avalon to begin negotiations with the captain " said Nikola coldly
" Ahhh.... seing that old fart again.. its enough to make any girl weep!! " said Stella while closing her eyes and giving a sour look
" Watch what you say about the captain , woman " said Nikola in a cold voice while unholstering a pistol and aiming it at Stella's head
" Sigh... what an uptight guy ... " said Stella calmly while droping herself on one of the couches " you'll never get a girl like that Nikola... you should never stick a gun in a woman's face. Plus you know what would happen if you shot me while I'm unarmed right?? " while giving a playful wink and Nikola
" Tsk... you sly fox " said Nikola and he holstered his gun and sat down.
-----------------
the rest of the journey was just a tensed ride back to the Avalon . Once back Nikola escorted Stella to the captain Bacon's office while Skyler followed silently behind
-----------------
" Yarr~!! Well if it isnt the priestess Stella " said the Captain Bacon when he saw Stella walk in
" Long time no see Captain Bacon. Well we know we both hate each other so lets just skip to the part where I tell you why those ships out there dint blow you and your crew out of the sky hmm?? " said Stella with a sharp look and a cold smile
" Hurr... fair enough. " Said the captain with an amused look " So what do you want us to do hmm?? "
" This " said stella while pulling out a picture and tossing it on the captains table. The picture was of an ornate looking metal sheild which look like this :
" Ho.... the sacred sheild of Jean de arc eh?? London's ancient relic... " said Cpt Bacon with an amused look
" Exactly. Unfortunately it was lost during the great war. And now its in the hands of some russian nobels. " said Stella with a sigh " and because it was found on russian land and also because of diplomatic agreements London cant mobilize any troops to get back the treassure so... "
" So you need us pirates to do the dirty work for you then " said Nikola
" Exactly~!! " said Stella with a smile " Of course you'll get paid and the queen will overlook certain of your... missdeeds "
" How would we know who we are after ?? We dont even know where to go in the first place " Said Skyler
" Hehe... well thats where I come in. I'll be your guide , I'll be an extra battle force , I'll help you stratergize....etc. " Said Stella while smirking " Since I'm just a vatican priestess I'm able to enter any country which I please , so basicly London cant be held liable for any crime I commit while in russia "
Skyler and Nicola " ...........
"
" Hohoho.... but little priestess.... whats to stop us from running away with the sheild and leaving you behind once we got it hmm?? " said Captain Bacon While laughing
" Hmm.... oh I dunno... maybe " and after muttering her last word she swept up her cloth covering her legs revealing a thick black rope coiled around her thigh.
" You fox~!! " shouted Nikola as he unholstered his gun.
But just as he raised his pistol , stella in one quick move uncoild the rope around her thigh and with an expert flick of her wrist she whiped the gun out of Nikola's hand.
Before Nikola could take out his rifle, the coil of black rope turned stiff and hardened into a long black staff which Stella used to whack Nikola hard on the neck which sent him falling on the ground dazed.
" Nikola!!! " cried Skyler as he rushed towards Stella with his hammer raised " I dont like hitting a girl but...~!! "
" Hmmph... " Stella struck the staff vertically on the floor and with one swift motion she lifted herself of the ground did a spin reminecest of a pole dance and gave a flying kick to Skyler's face which sent him flying backwards , crashing on the wall.
and then she lept and flung herself on Captain Bacon pushing him back on his chair. And swiftly she pulled out a silver and black bracelet which looked like this :
and snaped it around captain bacons neck.
With that she slid of captain bacons lap , jump over his table and picked up her staff. Now Nikola standing was aiming his rifle at Stella and Skyler too was standing up holding his hammer , although with a slightly dazed look.
" Now now... there's no point in shooting me Nikola " said Stella calmly while coiling the now limp rope/staff around her thigh " That thing around your captains neck is a bomb which is strong enough to blow off your captains pretty head. "
" Hooo.... Insurrance eh?? " said Captain Bacon in a suprisingly calm voice
" Yes you geezer~!! Try removing it and your head will go POP~!! So just be good , do this mission and get back here within 4 days and the perhaps you'll keep your life~!! " said Stella in a rather high pitch voice while her face went red
" Gahh I cant believe I sat on that geezer lap..... aieee~!! " screamed Stella while tugging her hair
" Wait the bomb goes off in 4 days?? " said Nikola in shock
" Yes " Said Stella smiling again " so as long as you can get complete the mission and get back here in time for one of the tech's to remove the bracelet your captain will be fine. And we'll all get what we want. "
" What is the queen thinking... resorting to such methods " said Nikola angryly
" Hmmph... all's fair in love and war. Besides you guys are pirates anyway..." Said Stella with a passive look. And then she turned to Captain Bacon " So captain? What is your decision?? Do we have a deal?? "
" Huurrr, Why not?? This would be an interresting trip " replied captain Bacon while smiling.
" Hrmmmm... can you see that green light flashing from that big ship over there?? " said Nikola while pointing at one of the enemy ship " That show's that their want to talk. "
" Owh... and I thought they were just flashing for fun....
" " Well I guess your still a rookie " Said Nikola while sighing " Tell you what, as a treat I'll take you along to pick up the negotiator "
" Er... thanks, I suppose.....
What will we be riding?? "" We'll be riding that, the Daisy " pointing to a rising ballon in the shape of a cow that looks something like this :
With a wooden basket/ship attached below which look something like this :
" Wha-... what in big ben's name is that??!!
" asked skyler in disbelief" Heh... well it may look ... a little odd but it's fast and economical on fuel " said nikola while chuckling " Well lets get on "
" Okay..... " said Skyler although reluctantly
--------------------
on the daisy
--------------------
" Well it is comfortable I'll give u that " said skyler while lying back on couch of the ship
Nikola was sitting on the opposite couch also laid back while another pirate was piloting the ship. Suddenly Nikola spotted something and tensed up.
There on the deck of the ship standing on the plank ready to welcome the flying ballon stood a figure in purple.
" No way... not her again.... " said Nikola in almost a whisper
" Who?? "
" Stella Mattina, a vatican priestess who serves as emmisary between vatican and London " said Nikola gravely " She must be the negotiator this time "
" Why would a vatican emmisary be a negotiator for the queen?? " asked a puzzeled Skyler
" Well at first she was just a normal emmisary , until a certain incidient happened when she saved the queen's life. After that she began to grow closer to the queen and started doing more duties for her. But she's still a vatican dog so I have no idea why the queen keeps her so close...." said Nikola
" Well that explains something. But why are u so tensed?? She is afterall just a priestess...
" commented Skyler" If only she was just a priestes. She may not look like anything but she's extremely skilled and excellent fighter. I hate to admit this but she's one of the few people who I've failed to kill. So far anyway... " said Nikola " But it's alright she wont attack for no reason so your pretty much safe, for now.. "
Before Skyler could reply their ship docked with the other and the priestess hoped on. She had long dark red hair which was flutering in the wind
and was wearing a priest outfit which looks like this :
She had golden eyes which almost looked like it was shining when the sunlight hit them.
" Long time no see Nikola " Said Stella in a relaxed voice, and taking note of skyler she gave him a slight wink " Oh and here's somebody new. Hi I'm Stella, but I'm sure Nikola here must have already said some nasty things about me... "
" I'm Skyler, and not at all he- " began skyler but he was cut of by Nikola
" Well if your ready priestess I suggest we head back to the Avalon to begin negotiations with the captain " said Nikola coldly
" Ahhh.... seing that old fart again.. its enough to make any girl weep!! " said Stella while closing her eyes and giving a sour look
" Watch what you say about the captain , woman " said Nikola in a cold voice while unholstering a pistol and aiming it at Stella's head
" Sigh... what an uptight guy ... " said Stella calmly while droping herself on one of the couches " you'll never get a girl like that Nikola... you should never stick a gun in a woman's face. Plus you know what would happen if you shot me while I'm unarmed right?? " while giving a playful wink and Nikola
" Tsk... you sly fox " said Nikola and he holstered his gun and sat down.
-----------------
the rest of the journey was just a tensed ride back to the Avalon . Once back Nikola escorted Stella to the captain Bacon's office while Skyler followed silently behind
-----------------
" Yarr~!! Well if it isnt the priestess Stella " said the Captain Bacon when he saw Stella walk in
" Long time no see Captain Bacon. Well we know we both hate each other so lets just skip to the part where I tell you why those ships out there dint blow you and your crew out of the sky hmm?? " said Stella with a sharp look and a cold smile
" Hurr... fair enough. " Said the captain with an amused look " So what do you want us to do hmm?? "
" This " said stella while pulling out a picture and tossing it on the captains table. The picture was of an ornate looking metal sheild which look like this :
" Ho.... the sacred sheild of Jean de arc eh?? London's ancient relic... " said Cpt Bacon with an amused look
" Exactly. Unfortunately it was lost during the great war. And now its in the hands of some russian nobels. " said Stella with a sigh " and because it was found on russian land and also because of diplomatic agreements London cant mobilize any troops to get back the treassure so... "
" So you need us pirates to do the dirty work for you then " said Nikola
" Exactly~!! " said Stella with a smile " Of course you'll get paid and the queen will overlook certain of your... missdeeds "
" How would we know who we are after ?? We dont even know where to go in the first place " Said Skyler
" Hehe... well thats where I come in. I'll be your guide , I'll be an extra battle force , I'll help you stratergize....etc. " Said Stella while smirking " Since I'm just a vatican priestess I'm able to enter any country which I please , so basicly London cant be held liable for any crime I commit while in russia
"Skyler and Nicola " ...........
"" Hohoho.... but little priestess.... whats to stop us from running away with the sheild and leaving you behind once we got it hmm?? " said Captain Bacon While laughing
" Hmm.... oh I dunno... maybe " and after muttering her last word she swept up her cloth covering her legs revealing a thick black rope coiled around her thigh.
" You fox~!! " shouted Nikola as he unholstered his gun.
But just as he raised his pistol , stella in one quick move uncoild the rope around her thigh and with an expert flick of her wrist she whiped the gun out of Nikola's hand.
Before Nikola could take out his rifle, the coil of black rope turned stiff and hardened into a long black staff which Stella used to whack Nikola hard on the neck which sent him falling on the ground dazed.
" Nikola!!! " cried Skyler as he rushed towards Stella with his hammer raised " I dont like hitting a girl but...~!! "
" Hmmph... " Stella struck the staff vertically on the floor and with one swift motion she lifted herself of the ground did a spin reminecest of a pole dance and gave a flying kick to Skyler's face which sent him flying backwards , crashing on the wall.
and then she lept and flung herself on Captain Bacon pushing him back on his chair. And swiftly she pulled out a silver and black bracelet which looked like this :
and snaped it around captain bacons neck.With that she slid of captain bacons lap , jump over his table and picked up her staff. Now Nikola standing was aiming his rifle at Stella and Skyler too was standing up holding his hammer , although with a slightly dazed look.
" Now now... there's no point in shooting me Nikola " said Stella calmly while coiling the now limp rope/staff around her thigh " That thing around your captains neck is a bomb which is strong enough to blow off your captains pretty head. "
" Hooo.... Insurrance eh?? " said Captain Bacon in a suprisingly calm voice
" Yes you geezer~!! Try removing it and your head will go POP~!! So just be good , do this mission and get back here within 4 days and the perhaps you'll keep your life~!! " said Stella in a rather high pitch voice while her face went red
" Gahh I cant believe I sat on that geezer lap..... aieee~!! " screamed Stella while tugging her hair
" Wait the bomb goes off in 4 days?? " said Nikola in shock
" Yes " Said Stella smiling again " so as long as you can get complete the mission and get back here in time for one of the tech's to remove the bracelet your captain will be fine. And we'll all get what we want. "
" What is the queen thinking... resorting to such methods " said Nikola angryly
" Hmmph... all's fair in love and war. Besides you guys are pirates anyway..." Said Stella with a passive look. And then she turned to Captain Bacon " So captain? What is your decision?? Do we have a deal?? "
" Huurrr, Why not?? This would be an interresting trip " replied captain Bacon while smiling.
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Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Both Nikola and Skyler were still stunned by the events that had just transpired.
Only the Captain kept his composure. "Well, don't just stand there. This thing goes off in 4 days." He said tapping cavalierly at the device around his neck. "Lieutenant, escort the priestess to her quarters and then set us on a course for the nearest Russian port. We'll pick up supplies along the way." Nikola stood up straight and gave a gruff, "Aye aye, Cap'n."
Just as Stella was turning to leave, the Captain held her arm firmly and looked her squarely in the eye.
"One last thing, Stella, since we've so kindly agreed to cooperate, I trust you'll not be causing us any more trouble on this ship."
Stella smiled, "Who, me?"
The Captain stared at her for another second or two and then released his grip. Stella then skipped out of room with Nikola following close behind.
Bacon noticed Skyler still standing clutching his hammer thingy. "Whatsamatter boy? You never seen a negotiation before?"
"I don't... How did she..." stammered Skyler.
"Look son, when you've lived as long as I have, nothing surprises you anymore. Whether you like it or not, we're all in the same boat now, and we have to find that shield."
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I spot a galley not four leagues off starboard." Said Bacon as he made his way to the door.
Skyler turned around and sure enough, behind him through the window was an airship in the distance. "Wait, where are you going?" asked an overwhelmed and bewildered Skyler.
The captain stopped at the door and turned to look at the boy still clutching his hammer thingy. "Why, the deck, of course." He gave a wicked grin. "Didn't I say we were going to pick up supplies?"
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Chapter 11
It was already 3 hours since the sailor took shift in the crow's nest, and the glowing crescent moon, the laughably weak breeze and the brewing storm cloud drifting idly on the right of his ship was no reason to raise the alarm.
"Isn't that storm getting a little too close?", came a voice from below. It was his relief that had come, he could finally get some sleep.
"That thing isn't going hit this ship. Besides, its been drifting parallel to our direction so far." The sailor climbed out and down to the deck.
"Right then," his relief climbed up into where he had left, "I'll see you in the morning."
The sailor heavily made his aching body to his hammock. 82 days he's been on this ship, he thought, he'd only wished he could go back to his bed at home, or something that wouldn't sway around every 2 seconds, instead of that sad excuse for a resting place.
Just when he was about to fall asleep, a loud sound of metal collision (KA TANG) came from what he thought was the hull. He jumped right out of his hammock, everyone else was woke.
"What the hell was that?" he asked out loud. KA TANG KATANG KATANG KA TANG The whole ship was awaken, the bell was ringing and all hands were being called on deck. KA TANG KATANG KA TANG KATANG KA TANG They grab their rifles and clambered on deck. "What the hell is going on?" , the captain was on the deck.
"There seems to be something metallic stuck to the right side of the ship, sir."
"Metallic?", the captain looked about, "Enemies near by?"
"No sir, not a ship in sight."
Suddenly the ship tilted to the left and everyone started to do the same. Those that fell were hanging on to anything to continue from sliding further. Everyone could feel the ship being drag towards the right, directly into the storm. "STEER HER AWAY! STEER HER AWAY!" the captain shouted, and they tried in vain. Up in the crow's nest, the relief stared in horror, as it seemed the giant storm had consciously come to devour them.
------------
There had been many incidents of supply ships being dragged into storms, and all that the crew had experience prior to that. The loud metal sounds, the lost of control of the ship. The survivors usually end up scattered, away from each other, waking up in individual escape boats not far from where they had encountered the horrific incident. Others that did not, were sometimes found in nearby ports or cities. Some less fortunate were never found. Survivors often recall the ship rocking violently once in the storm, and when asked what happened, said their visions obstructed by the dense clouds of the storm, and their senses blurred by the violent rocking.
Some, that were conscious enough during the whole incident claimed it was the doing of a ghostly crew that demanded offerings, commanded by a captain with a tall hat, with glowing eyes and arms.
Many survivors that were found long after the incident, claimed it to be pirates, which most simply laughed off.
Whatever it may be, no one is ever sure how, or when it happens...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Why........*gasp*..... did I load...*gasp*...... this ...cannon...*gasp*.....with giant magnets?" asked Skyler, who had finish lifting giant magnets off the ground, in a metal ship, into a peculiar cannon. "Where does one....*gasP* ...even FIND giant MAGNETS?"
"Nikola, if you would please explain the ingenuity of it," Captain Bacon, spun the explosive bracelet against his neck with one finger, like how a hoo la hoop would against a waist, while looking out into the vast open sky.
"First, we hide in a storm cloud till we're all drenched as dogs. Then we fire magnets to a targeted ship, pull it in, rock it till everyone on board is sick, all using this polarising cannon." Nikola explained using his gun he unholstered. "Then we jump on board, loot the ship, set the crew adrift and strip the ship bare"
Skyler just stared at Nikola. "What? Rock the ship?"
"Brilliant isn't it?!" Captain Bacon proclaimed. "I came up with it myself."
"And the fact that we once spent 3 days, trying to navigate out of a magnet mine(a mine where they harvest magnets) that YOU accidentally steered into, with 4 person throwing up every 5 minutes, had nothing to do with it?", Nikola asked.
"I WONDER WHAT STELLA IS UP TO?" And Captain Bacon step out of the room.
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Chapter 12
"Capitaine Bouvier, I trust your men are well disciplined?" said a man with a purple suit and had excessive jewellery around his neck.
"Certainly, Prince Boris Mikhailovich. My men will guard the castle surroundings and only my personal guards and I will stay with you at all times until the end of the week. As long as you stick to the contract, you and your shield will be safe from British hands," replied a tall man with thin moustache in a regimental uniform where a SPAS-12 shotgun was strapped around his back, a MAB PA-15 pistol holstered at one side of his waist and a "Grenadier a Cheval de la Garde" sword on the other.
"Yes yes, you will get your ₣10,000 once you drive those British bastards back. You French are always suspicious of others," said Prince Boris with a slightly disgusted tone.
"You can never be too sure. If you don't mind me asking, how did you know that the British will be coming anytime soon?" persisted Capt. Bouvier.
"We caught a British spy working as a servant here about two weeks ago. He had been working here for nearly two years now. Before his execution, we found out that he had kept regular contact and had sent photographs of the shield back to his mainland. We are in the process of transporting the family treasure to another secret family location, away from the motherland. This will take another three days. So this is why you and your men are appointed to guard the shield."
"Yes, yes. You do not need to brief me twice on this mission. I will be at your room entrance if you need me"
With that Capt. Bovier walked to his post and four of his men, all carrying a FAMAS-G2 assault rifle, followed him out of Prince Boris's room.
--------------------------
"Certainly, Prince Boris Mikhailovich. My men will guard the castle surroundings and only my personal guards and I will stay with you at all times until the end of the week. As long as you stick to the contract, you and your shield will be safe from British hands," replied a tall man with thin moustache in a regimental uniform where a SPAS-12 shotgun was strapped around his back, a MAB PA-15 pistol holstered at one side of his waist and a "Grenadier a Cheval de la Garde" sword on the other.
"Yes yes, you will get your ₣10,000 once you drive those British bastards back. You French are always suspicious of others," said Prince Boris with a slightly disgusted tone.
"You can never be too sure. If you don't mind me asking, how did you know that the British will be coming anytime soon?" persisted Capt. Bouvier.
"We caught a British spy working as a servant here about two weeks ago. He had been working here for nearly two years now. Before his execution, we found out that he had kept regular contact and had sent photographs of the shield back to his mainland. We are in the process of transporting the family treasure to another secret family location, away from the motherland. This will take another three days. So this is why you and your men are appointed to guard the shield."
"Yes, yes. You do not need to brief me twice on this mission. I will be at your room entrance if you need me"
With that Capt. Bovier walked to his post and four of his men, all carrying a FAMAS-G2 assault rifle, followed him out of Prince Boris's room.
--------------------------
The fog slowly parted to reveal an impressive vessel steadily entering the Russian docks. It was early yet, such that the light was barely strong enough to highlight the shadowy figure of the ship against the grey expanse of water and air. All was still except for the voice of a man standing proudly on the bow as he solemnly proclaimed, in gravelly tones, 'We've arrived.'
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Chapter 13
Skyler sat on the log near the fire place. It was late. The crew members were all busy scouring the woods and guarding the supplies and weapons. Skyler had to scrape burnt bits off the insides of pots, which he found refreshing, as usually he would have to break his back or come in contact with sanitary hazards. It also gave him time to enjoy the breeze and songs of birds in the woods, as he tried to make sense of his role in this whole new insane world he is now stuck in. He re-thought the rationality of being involved in piracy. What if Nikola lied to him? And there were never slave traders in the first place? He re-thought of the consequences of escaping, he thought if anyone would even notice his disappearance back home.
A shadow fell over the space in front of him. He turned and Stella was standing behind him, with her hands on her waist.
"Captain Bacon wants your scrawny ass in the master tent."
His mind were still full of questions, and he stared blankly at her. Stella raised a foot.
"NOW!" She kicked him off his seat. Skyler stood and immediately hurried off, with Stella pacing behind him.
------------------------------------------
"I've studied the footages from the dispatched nanobots. There's no way of fully mapping the entire castle in such short time." Nikola explained as he stood beside the captain's table. "And foot soldiers in different uniforms suggest the Prince increased defence. He must know something's coming."
Skyler and Stella entered the tent. "Mister Skyler. How kind of you to join us." Captain Bacon proclaimed from behind his desk.
"I'm flattered that you asked me to, sir." Skyler replied nervously.
Captain Bacon stood. He was not carrying the backpack engine that he usually carries, but still wore the brass gauntlets, the goggles and the stove pipe hat. "As you are well aware, this pesky contraption goes off in two days." he flicked the explosive bracelet around his neck. "And unfortunately my lieutenant has just informed me that time is not on our side." He paused. "What do you propose we do?"
Stella had already made herself comfortable in a chair in the corner. Twirling her hair and looking around in boredom.
"Sir, I think there's more that Stella isn't telling us."
Stella looked over.
"She wouldn't send a small band of pirates against the Russians without a confident plan, a trump card."
"My thoughts exactly." Captain Bacon slowly walked towards Stella. "It would be foolish for someone like you to count on a band of...misfits like us to win a battle against a force like the Russian Prince, even if my life was being threatened."
Stella sat up straight, she was smirking as her eyes were fixed into the captain's goggles.
"We're probably here in support of something bigger. For all we know, we could be little lambs..." Captain Bacon was now right in front of Stella. He bent his back, and their faces were an inch from each other. "prancing into the slaughter house."
Stella looked away giggling, with a hand on her lips while she raised her right leg, and softly pushed the captain away from her.
"Well done Captain Bacon. Well done indeed. But, yo-"
Before she finished her sentence she felt a cold metal touch her thigh of the leg she raised, followed by the sound of a click. She quickly looked over. Captain Bacon had slipped an exact explosive bracelet on her right thigh as she had around his neck. The bracelet beeped, and a timer displayed.
"Two can play that game, Miss Stella." Captain Bacon smiled while putting down her leg. "Now, I believe we have a business proposition to discuss." The captain continued, as he held out a hand to Stella.
"They warned me that you were a charmer. You dirty bastard." Stella smiled and took his hand.
A shadow fell over the space in front of him. He turned and Stella was standing behind him, with her hands on her waist.
"Captain Bacon wants your scrawny ass in the master tent."
His mind were still full of questions, and he stared blankly at her. Stella raised a foot.
"NOW!" She kicked him off his seat. Skyler stood and immediately hurried off, with Stella pacing behind him.
------------------------------------------
"I've studied the footages from the dispatched nanobots. There's no way of fully mapping the entire castle in such short time." Nikola explained as he stood beside the captain's table. "And foot soldiers in different uniforms suggest the Prince increased defence. He must know something's coming."
Skyler and Stella entered the tent. "Mister Skyler. How kind of you to join us." Captain Bacon proclaimed from behind his desk.
"I'm flattered that you asked me to, sir." Skyler replied nervously.
Captain Bacon stood. He was not carrying the backpack engine that he usually carries, but still wore the brass gauntlets, the goggles and the stove pipe hat. "As you are well aware, this pesky contraption goes off in two days." he flicked the explosive bracelet around his neck. "And unfortunately my lieutenant has just informed me that time is not on our side." He paused. "What do you propose we do?"
Stella had already made herself comfortable in a chair in the corner. Twirling her hair and looking around in boredom.
"Sir, I think there's more that Stella isn't telling us."
Stella looked over.
"She wouldn't send a small band of pirates against the Russians without a confident plan, a trump card."
"My thoughts exactly." Captain Bacon slowly walked towards Stella. "It would be foolish for someone like you to count on a band of...misfits like us to win a battle against a force like the Russian Prince, even if my life was being threatened."
Stella sat up straight, she was smirking as her eyes were fixed into the captain's goggles.
"We're probably here in support of something bigger. For all we know, we could be little lambs..." Captain Bacon was now right in front of Stella. He bent his back, and their faces were an inch from each other. "prancing into the slaughter house."
Stella looked away giggling, with a hand on her lips while she raised her right leg, and softly pushed the captain away from her.
"Well done Captain Bacon. Well done indeed. But, yo-"
Before she finished her sentence she felt a cold metal touch her thigh of the leg she raised, followed by the sound of a click. She quickly looked over. Captain Bacon had slipped an exact explosive bracelet on her right thigh as she had around his neck. The bracelet beeped, and a timer displayed.
"Two can play that game, Miss Stella." Captain Bacon smiled while putting down her leg. "Now, I believe we have a business proposition to discuss." The captain continued, as he held out a hand to Stella.
"They warned me that you were a charmer. You dirty bastard." Stella smiled and took his hand.
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Chapter 14
Chapter 14
The captain chuckled.
"A charmer eh. Should've also told you what a shrewd businessman I am." replied the captain as he sat down behind a large table.
"Actually, I expected nothing less from a scoundrel such as yourself." said Stella as she took a seat directly opposite the Captain.
"Now, now, flattery won't get you anywhere," said the Captain as he lit his pipe. "Shall we get down to business?"
"If you insist." replied Stella, nonchalantly.
"First of all, this blasted contraption around my neck allegedly explodes in 2 days. Yours goes off in 24 hours. Once mine comes off, so does yours. In other words, it is in your best interest that my neck is collar-free as soon as possible."
"First of all, how do I know you'll keep to your end of the bargain? It's not like I have another collar that I can snap on you."
"Oh no problem. We actually have a few to spare." Interjected Nikola. Bacon chuckled.
"Miss Mattina, honestly, what would I accomplish by killing a vatican priestess? Do I really look like the sort of man who takes pleasure in cold-blooded murder?" asked the Captain pretending to be upset.
After glancing up and down at the Captain cautiously, Stella relented.
"Fine. Your device is unlocked with a six digit code. I know the first three digits, and an officer aboard the main armada knows the last three. Truthfully, you would have probably gotten killed during the raid, and even if you didn't, having you out of the way would mean less to worry about, so we never really intended on unlocking your collar. No offense."
"None taken."
"But once we have the shield I can probably use it to bargain for the last three digits."
"So all we have to do is get the shield."
"Unfortunately, it's not that simple. A few weeks ago, one of our spies was caught. Our sources tell us they are planning to move the shield very soon. Unfortunately, they would have increased their defenses by now, making a full frontal assault impossible. The plan was to have you cause a distraction while I extract information about how they plan to transport the shield in order to steal it whilst in transit."
"Then it looks like we'll just have to move up the schedule. Instead of attacking it, simply infiltrate the castle quietly, get the shield and bring it back."
Stella laughed scornfully. "Your pirates? Infiltrate the castle? You lot are as quiet as a deaf donkey in labour. What makes you think they won't hear you coming from a mile away?"
"Not us. You. I hear you're quite skilled at these sorts of things." said the captain calmly with a deadly serious look in his eye.
Stella's eyes widened. "You must be joking. Infiltrate the castle alone? The place is crawling with guards. I'd have a better chance of survival if you detonated my collar."
"Be careful what you wish for." Said Nikola with a glint in his eye.
"No, not alone. That would be unreasonable," said the Captain as he got out of his seat and walked towards the exit. "Take Skyler with you."
"Wha- I'm sorry? Are you... I don't even-" Skyler, who this whole time had been silent and trying to comprehend the magnitude of what was happening, found himself being dragged into it.
Stella was similarly confounded. "The boy? What use is he??" She demanded angrily.
"That's for you to decide," Said the Captain. "He may not look like much, but he's got an adventurous streak in him. He may just surprise you. Besides, I think it's about time he got some work experience." Bacon turned his gaze toward Skyler who was still dumbfounded. "Ya didn't think we'd let you aboard fer nothin' now did ya?" And with a wink, he was gone.
Stella was still fuming angrily with her fists clenched tightly.
"Tick tock. Daylight's in a couple of hours. Or did you want to spend your last day on earth with me?" goaded Nikola.
Stella shot him a fierce look and then glanced angrily at Skyler. "Let's go." She said, and stormed out of the tent.
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