Guns Of Icarus Online
Community => The Cantina => Topic started by: Yiski on March 24, 2013, 10:27:23 am
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--START OF DAY 1--
--NARRATOR--
The team's preparation for their trip to Izumi as complete. All they had to do now was wake Yiski up and determine which ships to take and who was coming along.
Roland went and woke Yiski up. Yiski shifted around a bit before opening his eyes and yawning.
Is it that time already?
Yes, we need to join the others.
Roland and Yiski went outside the warehouse to join the others.
I'm guessin' everythin' was set while I was asleep.
Yeah, I just need to figure which ships we need to bring.
Well, as far as who's comin' along, it's everybody.
Roland had a look of disbelief.
Wait. Why am I coming along? I thought I would stay here in Anvala. Is that not why you taught me to shoot? For defense?
I did teach you for your defense, but Paradox's dreadnought only keeps ships away from Anvala, not groups moving by foot. Plus, you'd be safer with us.
Yiski looks back to Zill.
Now I know you're piloting a ship, but who's taking the other?
--NARRATOR END--
-
*BdrLine comes out of the radio room and hears the last bit of the conversation*
Well we need something to protect ourselves big time.
*He looks to the group and continues*
I finally got word from Niko. Reason he didn't respond to my calls was because he was in the hospital. ...Two days ago, he found the location of an old Birdmen building when it was formed back in Yesha. He and a squad of Elites went up there to find any more information, instead of information, the place was rigged to blow and they barely made it out in time. My guessing the Birdmen are on to us and may have more surprises to come
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-Narrator-
With preparation complete, Zill took stock of the situation. Again it was a chase, but this one was to be much more straightforward. They knew their enemy. They knew what was at stake.
He scanned the boats and looked to Yiski.
I think you'll be piloting your Goldfish, M'Naghten. Ill be takin' my Galleon. We need a show of force out there, and with the new engines, we will make good time. I see long range fights in our future.
You sure? Its been awhile since ive flown.
Yea. You can have the love birds and BdrLine to back you up. Ill take the gasbag mechanoid, Jun'ko, and Shink.
Zill looked up to his Galleon, Then It Was Fixed. The dual lumberjack on port side, modified to remove the safeties of arming time. The dual hwacha starboard gleaming in gold.
A memory started coming into his mind, but was quickly dashed by a hug from Jun'ko.
Well hey there.
Hey indeed. You look ready for a fight. *Smirks*
I am ready to pluck some feathers, my Admiral. *Chuckles*
BdrLine comes out with his news.
It certainly was on my mind. This backwater holdout could be the same thing, so we must be on our guard. that also means they have penetrated Yesha.
-
--NARRATOR--
Yiski took a look at his goldfish, the M'Naghten. Even though Yiski was a gunner at heart, he did have a knack for piecing things together and the M'Naghten wasn't any different. One glance and anybody could tell there were different types of metal keeping the ship together, but it was resilient and reliable.
The front heavy flak was modified, like the lumberjack to eliminate the arming time. Sure it was good when the enemy got close, but without the arming time, the explosion had the potential to take out its gunner. The M'Naghten side guns were a gatling, flamer combo.
Damn, didn't think I'd find myself pilotin' again.
*Roland walks up to Yiski.*
Are we ready to go?
Yeah, like Zill said, you, Ny-Lee, and BdrLine are with me. BdrLine, you're goin' to be the main gunner. Ny-Lee and Roland, I'll need to keep my ship sailin' smoothly.
Understood.
Gotcha.
So you want me on a flak with no arming time? Well, I guess it's time again to live up to my name.
Yiski and his crew get on board and check all the systems. Everyone called systems were green and Yiski called over to Zill on the radio.
This Skies to Admiral. I'm leaving port.
Yiski had the engines started and they started to roar. Soon, Yiski, Zill, and everyone else were on their way. Rough skies or raiders weren't enough of a deterrence for them.
--NARRATOR END--
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*Shink was staring in awe at the dual lumberjacks on Zill's ship.*
"ZILL! If Jun'ko didn't scare me so much, I would kiss you. These are the most beautiful pieces of weaponry I've ever seen... Imagine the destruction I could do with these."
-
--M'Naghten--
*BdrLine is over at the bow looking at the Flak Cannon*
Ahh no arming time, how I miss thee. Honestly why did they add that time anyway? Blah doesn't matter now, this thing will dominate anything that will come near
*As BdrLine eyes the Flak, Ny-Lee goes over to Roland who is standing over a rail*
*She hugs him around his waist and stares out into the view*
So, ready for this.
-
--M'Naghten--
*Roland sighs and faces Ny-Lee. He looks at her while the wind is running through her hair and gives her a quick peck on the lips.*
Well, I kind of have to be ready, especially with Yiski piloting.
*Yiski overhears Roland from the helm*
What do you mean because I'm piloting?
Because last time I recall flying with you we had a small group of Anvalan ships chasing and shooting at you.
That was a misunderstanding. Plus, their gunners can't hit the broadside of a galleon.
*Roland chuckled and Ny-Lee gave him a inquisitive look.*
He says misunderstanding, but I do not know how you manage from working on new ammunition to punching the fleet captain in the face. Trust me, it still confuses me as well.
*Ny-Lee chuckled and gave Roland a kiss. Roland thought, for a moment, he heard BdrLine gagging.*
*Yiski called over to Zill.*
Since your new engines can keep up with me without moonshine, we should manage to get to Faberia by nightfall.
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
-Narrator-
The two ships left Port Tar Barrel in formation. Dockmen below gave their farewell waves, and Zill took in a deep breath. He bowed his head and said his prayer.
By the Skies we fly this day. Off into the Sunset to give chase. May the Winds stay at our back. Our Dusty Mistress be appeased. Our Mugs ever full. Onwards ye' Dogs, Into the Fray.
He can hear Shinkurex below decks laughing with gusto. He would have all the firepower he needed to deter our enemies.
Ah and I expect plenty of destruction in the coming days my friend.
Jun'ko leans onto Zill at the helm.
Trust me enough to keep this monster in the Skies?
I do. Soak up the minutes while you can Jun. It looks like clear Skies today.
It sure does.
Zill kicks the radio to make it work, and hails M'Naghten.
Sounds good. Though you will have an easier time in the trees than I. Havnt been in the forest for some time.
-
--Gunning deck of 'Then it was fixed'--
*Looking at shink*
"Hell mate, looks like we got stuck on the sexual tension express... Gods damned love birds up there."
*He laughs*
"Better not leave em' alone to long lest we crash into something."
*When Shink and Paradox went top deck, Zill was of course being 'distracted' by Jun.*
"Oh, for flak sake! get off of each other we're flying straight towards a mountain ya unobservant twits!"
*Shink just face palmed*
"Thats it! we're separating you two! Jun's below deck with me, Shink you can keep the Admiral 'company.'"
*Paradox laughs*
-
*Disappointed that he could no longer admire the lumberjacks, Shink gazes out in the distance scanning for trouble. He notices Zill a bit grumpier than before.*
"Cheer up Zill. Paradox is just being Paradox..."
*Not sure what else to say, Shink just sits in silence, and gets lost in his thoughts*
-
--M'Naghten--
*Time passes as the M'Naghten flies through the sky*
*Yiski is still at the helm, while Ny-Lee and Roland are about the deck trying to pass the time*
*BdrLine is on top of the roof of the Goldfish with a pillow and a blanket apparently taking a nap*
*A few moments later, a sound emitted what looks like it came from BdrLine*
*Grumble, Grumble*
*BdrLine wakes up from his own stomach growling*
Oh man *holds his stomach* So hungry.
*He goes over to the side and calls down Ny-Lee*
Hey Ny, is there any food down there?
*She looks around where he brother voice is, until she looks up above Yiski*
What the? How did you get up there?
Doesn't matter, is there fooooood. Me hungry.
Get down from there and get it yourself.
*BdrLine rolls back into a laying position and yells over*
Don't want to, too lazy.
Why you... Don't make me go up there.
*Roland sees that Ny-Lee is about to go up to get BdrLine, he goes over to her to intervene*
Ny, come on I don't think you should hurt your brother for being lazy, we need everyone on this mission, and i don't think an injuring will do it. Besides, I think someone else is hungry as well.
*Ny-lee own stomach starts to growl as well, she turns away and blushes out of embarrassment*
*Roland chuckles at the sight and goes up and hugs her behind the back*
Come on, you can help me cook something for everyone.
*Ny-Lee turns around and pecks Roland on the lips*
Alright
*Both goes over to where they store the supplies and takes out a portable heat-plate and produce*
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Zill and Shink keep and eye out as they fly along.*
Its nothing Shink. I have something prepared for him.
*Zill calls down to PapaP*
Oi you grease monkey, check the starboard engine. I think its pulling.
*Papa mumbles something, and makes his way back.*
Looks fine you useless pilot!
*Zill throws the throttle in reverse and pop's some tar. It engulfs the back end of the boat.*
What the Flak?!?!?
*The rest of the crew are laughing. Yiski calls on the radio after the black burst.*
What on earth was that?
Just a little payback. PapaP is getting too big for himself.
*Laughing* Good times.
-
*Papa after just getting douced with oil, turned to Jun'ko.*
"It's time to teach him a lesson, love."
"Wha...?"
Papa ran at her, she cringed and feared the worst, Papa embraced her and began to waltz around the bottom deck, she had little choice in the matter so she followed suit. Eventually they waltzed up the stairs onto the main deck, a trail of oil being left behind them. Once on the top deck, Paradox danced for a bit, showing off to Zill, and the finale he spun Jun'ko, leaned her back and kissed her passionately. Either from sheer nervousness, intoxication or inhaling fumes from the tar, she fainted, Paradox dropped her gently, bowed, and ran as Zill practically charged at Papa. Papa however didn't tire and as Zill's willpower weened he tripped on the oil trail they left behind. Poor Shink was left to keep the ship steady.
"Payback, mate."
*On his ass wheezing and out of breath Zill retorted:*
"One day, you sonbitch, one day."
*Paradox winked at him.*
-
--NARRATOR--
The team manages to reach Faberia a little after the moon started rising into the sky. Faberia wasn't a large town, but still had a port. However, the port usually only took smaller ships. Yiski's M'Naghten was barely able to fit into a dock slot. Zill's Then It Was Fixed was forced to set anchor a little outside Faberia's town limits.
Consequently, being in port did little for the crew of the M'Naghten because the town did not have much support for overnight guests and Yiski, BdrLine, Ny-Lee, and Roland had to make camp on the M'Naghten.
Meanwhile on Then It Was Fixed, Zill and Jun'ko shared a room, and Paradox and Shink were sharing a room, but unlike Zill and Jun'ko, with separate beds.
The evening went on and the entire team was sound asleep.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 1--
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--START OF DAY 2--
--NARRATOR--
The sun rose over Faberia very quickly. Sadly, most the team was slow to get up. Faberia was further south than Anvala and thus much warmer than most of the team was used to throughout the year. The only member who was able to resist the very comfortable warmth of bed was Ny-Lee, given she only recently came to Anvala and Chang-ning's weather was a little warmer during this time of the year.
Ny-Lee rose out of the single-person bed and looked over to Roland and BdrLine. She walked over to Roland to admire him sleeping.
I know this is a little improper, but he looks cute when sleeping.
Ny-Lee decided to wake Roland up with a kiss on the cheek. At first, Roland fidgeted around, but still asleep. Ny-Lee then gently nudged Roland a bit. Suddenly, Roland grabbed Ny-Lee, again, and pulled her down into his bed. For the second time, Ny-Lee found herself sharing bed space with Roland. She giggled and sighed.
If this happens every time I try to wake him, I might start to like it. Hehe.
Roland finally opened his eyes to see Ny-Lee almost an inch away from his face. Unlike the first time where Roland was slow to react because of alcohol, Roland was a much quicker in realizing the situation and gave Ny-Lee a kiss on the lips.
Good morning dear.
You know, I could get used to this.
Roland blushed, but....
AHEM!
Both Ny-Lee and Roland turned their heads to see BdrLine standing at the foot of the bed.
Good, now that I've got your attentions, would you both mind getting up?
Roland immediately jumped up.
I... um.... BdrLineAzn... you....
BdrLine sighed.
I know you two are dating, but please be a couple when I'm out of sight.
Ny-Lee threw a pillow at BdrLine.
Prude.
When the three made their way on deck, they saw Yiski standing at the bow looking out into the world.
Good morning Yiski.
Without turning around.
You're up? Good. Let's get ready to ship out.
Yiski turns and goes up into the helm and radios Zill.
You up yet?
Yeah. Been up for a few minutes.
I looked at the map and if we decided to run moonshine we should get to Hole by late afternoon.
Sounds good. I'll let my engineers get intimate with the engines.
Yiski took the M'Naghten out of port and Zill raised anchor on Then It Was Fixed and soon their were on their way.
All smooth sailing right?
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Narrator-
Zill slept surprisingly well that last night. Despite PapaP's antics, the night had fully rested the crew of Then It Was Fixed. He attempted to get up out of the extremely comfortable bed but was grabbed by Jun'ko.
Just a few more minutes hmm? *Grins*
I certainly know that look.
They kissed for awhile and then she broke to say something.
Now I wont feel so bad when PapaP gets jealous again.
*Laughs* If that grumpy old bag of gears can manage jealousy, Ill grow a propeller out my tail end.
Zill emerged from the quarters to find a very quiet vessel. His mask around his neck, he took a deep breath of the air. He didnt much care for the smell.
Hmm, hint of kerosene. We arent alone this morning.
Shinkurex emerges from his room.
Ahoy Zill. Lovely morning eh?
Indeed. Make ready the guns and when PapaP gets up tell him the same. Ive got a feelin'.
Oh hell...
Zill was then greeted by radio static and then Yiski over the line.
I looked at the map and if we decided to run moonshine we should get to Hole by late afternoon.
Sounds good. I'll let my engineers get intimate with the engines.
And Yiski, keep your guns ready and a careful eye. We're being followed.
-
*Adrenaline pumping with the thought of combat, Shink hops down to the lower deck, and loads some of the specialty rounds into the lumberjacks. If there is a battle, Shink wants to be the first one to hit them. PapaP comes clambering out of his bunk*
"What in the Burren waste land are you doing Shink?"
"Get your guns ready. Looks like we got a tail. I'll take the front guns, you can have the back. I don't want Zill's tar messing up my armor"
*Shink smiles at the distasteful look Papa gives him at the thought of another tarring, But soon starts concentrating on the gun sights, and keeping a lookout for the enemy*
-
--M'Naghten--
*Yiski at the helm talking to Zill through the radio*
Follwed eh. Alright I'll tell the others to get everything prepped.
*He puts the receiver back onto the radio system and calls down to the three*
Got a word in from Zill. He says we're being followed. So BdrLine go and load up the Flak Cannon. Ny-Lee and Roland get the side guns ready as well and watch the engines, gonna use moonshine
On it.
*BdrLine rushes to the bow and starts loading the Flak*
*Ny-Lee goes up to the Gataling gun and starts to load that as well*
*To Roland*
Roland can you load up flame thrower? Once finished, I'll watch the bottom engines, can you watch the main.
*Roland goes over the the flame thrower and starts loading the liquid*
Already on it
*As all three guns are loaded, and Ny-Lee and Roland watching the engines, Yiski radios Zill*
All ready on my side. Hows it going on your end.
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Zill pops hydrogen to get above the treeline of the forest and makes a heading for Lookout.*
Jun, fix up that balloon and then head to main engine. Let me know when youre there. Shink and Papa, make your final touches and get to turning engines.
Aye my Admiral.
On it.
Yup.
Jun'ko relieves the stress from the balloon and heads to the main engine below deck.
Im here!
Poppin' Moonshine.
The Galleon lurches forward, steam billowing out the back. Zill gets word to Yiski on the radio.
Im making full steam for Lookout. The break in the trees will give us a good vantage and give me some breathing room.
Zill leaves the helm and looks off his stern. Smoke can be seen lifting up from the trees.
Knew they wouldnt leave us alone for long. Time to pluck some feathers.
-
--M'Naghten--
*Yiski sees 'Then It Was Fixed' rise above the treeline*
*Still on the radio*
I see you rising up, any spots on our feathery friends. *sees Zill in the open* ...You want me there besides you trailing in formation, or hugging the treeline and pop up behind them when the see you.
*Yiski turns away from the radio and to BdrLine*
Bdr get ready on the main gun, they may be closer than i thought.
*BdrLine gets into the gunner seat all shaken with excitement*
*With a smirk, sights in the Cannon*
Here we go, those feather brains won't know what hit them.
*Yiski turns around to the towards the stern*
Roland, Ny watch those engines, things may get hairy in a few minutes. And Roland, if i do lift up from here, watch the balloon, poppin' Hydrogen if we do.
On it Yiski
-
--M'Naghten--
*Before waiting for Zill's response, Yiski decides to stay low and radios to Zill.*
You know what, I'll stay low till we get to the clearing and pop up against any poor souls who decided to follow us.
*Yiski yells down to BdrLine.*
Get ready on the flak BdrLine. We're staying low till we reach the clearing.
*There was no message from Zill indicating any potential hostiles. Yiski eventually brought the M'Naghten into the clearing.*
WHAT THE HELL!
*CRACK*
*What just occurred was a shot rang across a mere few feet from the helm, followed by the shot's sound (think when you see lightning, then hear thunder; same concept). Yiski yells down to everybody and over the radio.*
A mercury shot just rang past my starboard side comin' from the west! Guys, I need a spot NOW!
*Three more mercury shots rang across the M'Naghten. All of them managed to hit.*
Roland! How's the armor?
The armor is still good. Wait. How is that possible?
*Yiski ignored Roland after Roland said the armor was still good. There was a reason the M'Naghten had piecemeal armor: He knew exactly how to combat armor piercing rounds. Being a gunner himself, Yiski knew the rounds used to take out armor and specifically used different types of metal alloys. The result: Instead of the standard hull armor of a goldfish to be destroyed in three shots by a mercury, it took a full 8 to do against the M'Naghten.*
*Long moments pass by without any further shots. Yiski radios.*
You see anything?
-
*Shink hears the Gunshots being fired from the enemy ships, and scans for any visual. He could see the glint of a pyramidion in the distance*
"Enemy Spotted! distance 3,000. Loading Lesmok"
*Shink loads his ammo, and aims his sights towards the glint, and pulls the trigger. The modified Lumberjack roared to life with an explosion that was deafening. Unfortunately the extra power caused Shink's aim to be slightly off. The round glances off the balloon armor*
"Dang. I love these things!"
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Zill was in the clearing with his port side aimed at the forest border. His spyglass in hand, he was tracing the shots when
two more rang out.*
Brace!
*This time they were targeting the Galleon. One went between the hull and balloons, the other clipped his bow. But they gave up their position.*
Spotted West, 1.4km out. Long shots.
*The lumberjacks lit up the sky into the forest. The top deck howitzer cracked into the first ship spotted, a Pyra. It dodged the lumber shots and came racing in.*
Pop it dammit.
Shes a slippery one.
I got 'em.
*The howitzer took out the starboard engines of the rushing Pyra, it leaned and give a better shot. Shink and PapaP didnt hold back. The explosion was rather large.*
Woo thats too easy.
Holy flak that was fast.
We aint done yet.
*Smoke billows from the forest and 2 Pyramidions make their way out the forest. Zill hails Yiski.*
How about that ambush buddy?
-
--M'Naghten--
*Yiski wanted to give Zill and deadpan stare, but being almost 500 meters apart, Yiski settled for rolling his eyes.*
Well, an ambush is only good if you take down your target. If I had to grade them on it, they fail miserably.
*Yiski pulled out his spyglass and got a good look of the remaining two pyramidions' guns. Both pyramidions were equipped with the standard gatling/flak combo. They were also roughly 1.4 km out, but were closing in.*
*Yiski turned the M'Naghten to face them and yelled down to BdrLine.*
Open fire!
-
--M'Naghten--
*BdrLine from the Flak Cannon*
*He puts the Pyra in his sights and a smile comes upon his face*
Was waiting for you to say that
*He fires the first shot, the round flies through the until it impacts the bow of the closer Pyramidion. Knocking out the helm and pilot*
*Not even a half second from firing the first, BdrLine shoots off the second round aiming where the gatiling gun is placed*
*The round hits effectively destroying the gun placement. Subquencly also destroying the balloon pump*
*Without the pump, the enemy balloon deflates immediately. As it quickly fall to the earth, BdrLine fires off two more salvos, all hitting the hull*
One down, turning to the next
*As BdrLine turns to the second Pyramidion, it closed the distance by half*
Oh a bad idea to close in on us.
*He fires both shot consecutively from eachother, one hitting the hull, the other hitting the the upper weapons deck*
*Since this Pyramidion was closer, the destructive nature of the round breaks the upper railing landing onto the deck*
*It's pilot startled by the power, turns hard to port revealing the open stardboard side*
*With the open broadside of the Pyramidion, BdrLine switches to charged rounds and in three salvos, rips apart the ship, blowing it out of the sky*
That's the last of them. Yiski is there anymore out there?
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*The destruction of the two remaining pyra's lead to a collective cheer. Jun'ko danced, Shinkurex fired a victory shot, and PapaP was at least mildly surprised at the speed they went down.*
That was relatively easy...
They underestimate us. Quite funny for a group so bent on uniting everyone under their flag.
Like Hell im going to join that. *Chuckles*
*Zill turns the boat toward their heading and radios Yiski*
Nice kills over there. Lets get back on the way. I hate being followed. *Smirks*
-
--M'Naghten--
*Yiski hears Zill message.*
Alright. Let's burn some moonshine! Everybody take an engine and become its friend!
*The engines begin to roar louder with the injection of moonshine. Both the M'Naghten and Then It Was Fixed started blitzing across the skies. Yiski laughed as he saw Then It Was Fixed keeping pace.*
Never understood why you'd use alcohol to boost engines, but seeing that galleon haul makes it worth the sacrifice.
*Yiski radios Zill.*
Let's see if they can keep pace.
-
--M'Naghten--
*With Roland watching the main engine on the top deck, BdrLine and Ny-Lee takes there own turning engine*
*As siblings mind the engines, BdrLine is in thought on why they won the skirmish fairly easily*
*He turns to Ny-Lee*
Don't you find this weird?
*Without looking away from the engine*
What putting alcohol in the engines as fuel, a little but it does speed things up.
No I mean if the Birdmen wanted to stop us and take control of everything, shouldn't this fight have lasted longer?
*Ny-Lee curious to what her brother is talking about turns around*
What do you mean?
Im saying that shouldn't they brought out their best ships and crew. What we just fought right now looked like they came out from training.
*Sputter, sputter*
*Both siblings turns around and quickly fixes the engines*
Maybe after being kicked out from Yesha, their recruitment died down as well
*BdrLine thinks about it and shakes his head*
An organisation that was that big wouldn't die out that easily. I have a feeling that we only scrapped the top of this thing. ...You know what I'll talk to Yiski about it later.
*Both retun back to watch their engines*
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*The terrain was passing by at a fast pace. They would get to Hole early at this rate. Zill left the helm as it was clear skies to the city. He spoke to the crew.*
You can take it easy on the engines. The time in between repairs with the new design is far greater than Yiski's. 10-15 minutes id say.
Whew. My arms were giving out.
*The crew gets a collective drink and toasts to the first victory of the journey. ZIll heads to the bow and takes out his watch, twirling it in his hand.*
At this rate we'll be there for dinner.
*He twitched as a quick image of the Tesla ships flashed in front of him. He shook it away. Jun'ko saw him.*
You ok?
Memories.
They haunt you?
Everyday.
I wish I could help.
You do everyday.
She grins and heads to the now sputtering engies.
-
After the toast, Zill and Jun had an intimate moment, which Paradox and Shink overheard.
*Papa looks at Shink*
"Shink, I love you, but I'm damaged, I don't know if this can ever work."
*Shink knowing Papa was being 100% facetious, replied*
"It's Ok, I love the dark and brooding type..."
"Sometimes, I don't know if I can carry on..."
*Papa starts to fake cry*
"We'll make it through together"
*At this point Shink and Paradox just start laughing*
*They turned to Zill and Jun'ko, still laughing*
"How do you two do this all day..."
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Zill overhears and doses the bottom deck with the extinguisher system, covering both in chem spray.*
Oh sorry guys. You were getting a little hot down there. Feel free to continue making out and sharing feelings.
-
--M'Naghten--
--NARRATOR--
The M'Naghten was leading Then It Was Fixed by at least 1 km. They maintained this distance in case of another battle breaking out. Yiski would attempt to distract, while giving Zill time to get broadside.
As BdrLine was having his moment wondering why resistance is light, Yiski was having the same thought.
Well, we didn't get a good look to whether those ships had the Birdmen symbol, but it's rare to see raiders with pyras. Even if raiders did use pyras, they wouldn't just rush in.
Yiski gave a sigh and shook his head.
Meh. We're almost to Hole. At least we'll we able to re...supply.. in..... oh for the love of the skies.
As the team approached Brigfern, the town before Hole, Yiski spotted the following: Two galleons, two pyramidions, and a goldfish. Yiski knew Brigfern was much like Faberia and this caused Yiski to examine the ships further with his spyglass.
Bloody skies, those ships has the symbol.
Yiski yelled down to the crew and over the radio.
I got five Birdmen ship contacts roughly 3 km South! I repeat. I count five contacts 3 km South!
Roland calls back to Yiski as he approaches near the helm.
Yiski what should I.....
Before Roland could finish, the pyramidions open mercury fire. Three shots rang by the M'Naghten. The fourth, hit a foot of the helm and on top of Roland's position.
The only thing Zill heard over the radio was...
ROLAND!
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Zill saw the shots on M'Naghten, and then spoted the 5 Birdmen ships*
PORT SIDE NOW!
*He threw it into reverse and swung the port guns to bare. Shink and PapaP started firing. THey immediately hammer away at the Galleons. Jun is on dedicated repairs. The flak coming in was sustained and was starting fires. Zill glanced at M'Nagthen and started getting worried. They were taking a lof of Howitzer fire. He made a brash move and blocked the incoming fire. He hails Yiski.*
Get repaired fast. I cant do this all day.
The hull is critical!
She'll hold.
*The explosions rang out on the town's outskirts.*
-
--M'Naghten--
*After the smoke cleared from the helm deck, Yiski ran over to where Roland was standing. Yiski found Roland lying on the ground. Roland gave a few coughs which gave Yiski a moment sigh of relief.*
Roland, get down into the hull now!
*Yiski yelled over to BdrLine and Ny-Lee*
BdrLine, get on the flak. We need some fire while I throw us into reverse. Ny-Lee, help Roland on the hull. Zill, I'm fallin' back to you. We need to get the hell out of here!
*Roland manages to get to the hull, but when Ny-Lee arrives, she sees him clearly shaken and unable to keep the armor.*
Roland... are you....
Guys! I need the armor back up five minutes ago.
*Yiski yells into the radio at Zill.*
We need to find a way out now!
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Zill could hear Yiski's pleas. He knew it wasnt good. *
Right, Go low, go fast! We're making a line for Truth Lake! Have BdrLine hail the town once we clear the flaks. I have some friends there.
*He addresses the crew.*
Keep my engines up! Shink, keep firing. PapaP on engines. Jun on hull. Hold your stomachs!
*He dove the Galleon towards the ground. Flak fire burst above them as they dodged the fire. A Howitzer hit the starboard engine but there was no turning back. Shink got a lucky shot on the goldfish and it fell onto one of the Galleons. The ensuing chaos bought just the time they needed to get out of Flak range. The Howitzer's would still go off until they too stopped. They werent pursuing.*
Thank our Dusty Mistress. Everyone in one piece?
Im good. Holy Flak that was too close.
My head is burning! Am i on fire??
*Jun'ko's hat had caught fire in the firefight. PapaP put it out for her.*
Must I do everything?! Watch out next time.
You kiddin' me? I saved your metal Ass from exploding into dust.
MY WHA....Look here miss prissy huggles over Zill all day, this is war. There's no place for scrawny....
ENOUGH!
*The crew goes silent. Zill's voice commanded attention and he certainly got it.*
I will not have that on my boat! Now get your ass downstairs Papa before I load you into that lumberjack. Jun.....Fix something.
*The silence is broken by radio static. Zill Hails Yiski.*
How are we?
-
*BdrLine is on the flak shooting covering fire as Yiski reversed*
Ah Shoot, Ah shoot, come on come on
*Around the M'Naghten merc and flak rounds are flying at them from the remaning Galleon and the dual Pyra's*
hope the Gods this works
*BdrLine loads in lesmok rounds and starts aiming at the gun deck of the galleon*
*His shots are erratic as some hits the hull, or passes through the balloon*
*One shot was a one in a million, it hit the power magazine on one of the galleon's flak cannons. When it went off, it destroyed the port side guns*
Yiski Galleon's port is disable, can't say much on the sniping pyra's. I lost them during the retreat.
-
--NARRATOR--
Thanks to the cover fire provided by Paradox, Shink, BdrLine, the team manages to escape among the chaos and wreckage of the Birdmen's blockade. The team managed to slip away behind an incoming storm system.
When the enemy lost sight of the team, Yiski turned the ship and faced the southwest toward Truth Lake. Eventually, the M'Naghten caught up with Then It Was Fixed. Zill saw Yiski pull along and radioed to him.
Yiski? The M'Naghten doesn't look all that well? You think you'll be able to make it to Truth Lake?
There was a momentary silence before Zill got a response.
Yeah, my ship's definitely seen better days. How are you engines?
Took a good shot to the starboard engine. It's functional, but it'll slow us down a bit. Once we get to Truth Lake, I got a few friends who'll help patch us up.
Before Zill decided to maintain radio slience.
How's Roland?
Alive, but that's all I could tell. Dammit, I could have gotten him killed. Maybe I should've left him back in Anvala.
We both knew Roland would be in danger if he was with us or in Anvala. At least if he's with us, he'll have a better chance to survive. Alright, let's maintain silence till Truth Lake.
As the team limped toward Truth Lake, Yiski muttered to himself in response to Zill.
Maybe.
Meanwhile below deck in the M'Naghten's hull. Roland was sitting against the side, shaking uncontrollably with his eyes wide open. The mercury shot which almost hit him wasn't anything like what happened before. Had the shot landed a another six inches back, Roland would've died instantly.
Ny-Lee sits next to him and embraces him, but his shaking doesn't stop. It actually gets worse. Ny-Lee whispers into Roland's ear.
Roland, you're okay now. We're going somewhere else. We're safe now.
Roland couldn't hear a word Ny-Lee said. All that ran through his mind was how close he came to death within a short period of time.
I'm not ready. I'm not ready. I'm not strong enough yet....
BdrLine, joined the two below deck and looked to Ny-Lee.
How is he?
Ny-Lee only responded by slowly shaking her head in the negative. It was going to be a long night for everyone.
By the time the team reached Truth Lake, it was well beyond midnight. Fortunately, Zill radioed the port ahead of time and were expecting both ships to be heavily damaged. When the team did dock, Zill got off first and met with his friend.
William, it's been awhile. I kinda wish we would meet under better circumstances.
Agreed.
William takes a look at both ships and whistles.
Damn, looks like you two took a hell of a beating.
More so than you think. Did you manage to get us a few rooms? I'll pay more for what I usually do given our size.
No, the usual applies. You guys look like you could use a breather. We'll have both ships repaired by this time tonight.
Zill and William shook hands and Zill contacted his crew and Yiski's crew to hop off and head into town.
Truth Lake was a larger town, but not large enough to become a major city. It's greater town size could be attributed to the fact it was (and still is to some extent) considered a resort town. The fresh water lakes and rivers made it a moderately popular visiting site. Even though it was the dead of night, the team could see plenty of empty stalls and other shops and plenty of inns.
Zill lead the team into the inn which was prepared ahead of time.
Okay. Jun'ko and Ny are in a room; Paradox and Shink; BdrLine and Roland; and myself and Yiski.
In the girls' room, Ny-Lee was silent. Jun'ko approached Ny-Lee.
Ny? What's wrong?
Roland. I fear he may have seen death more times than he wants to and I have no idea how to help him.
Jun'ko sat next to Ny-Lee and gave her a hug.
If anything I learned from being with my Admiral is that you can only stand by him and give him support when he needs it.
Ny-Lee smiled.
Thanks Jun.
BdrLine attempted to talk to Roland, but Roland was already curled up in bed.
Damn, I'm not sure how much more the kid can take.
Paradox and Shink were restless in their room. Paradox checking on all his parts to make sure everything was in order and Shink was just pacing back and forth.
Calm down, you're making me nervous now.
"I don't see why you aren't moving as well. If you stay still any longer, you might rust."
The two threw verbal jabs at each other for most of the night. It was the only way to get over the feeling of near death and worse, defeat.
Yiski sat quietly staring out the window with Zill sitting at a desk and taking a drink from his flask. Zill knew Yiski's expression was of anguish.
Gold bit for your thoughts?
Yiski let out a small sigh and didn't respond.
Assuming the Birdmen didn't realize we ran this way, we should head to Whitesea then Albys or we could try for Troydon.
Still no response from Yiski.
You know this planning stuff would be easier if you weren't moping so much.
Nothing still. Zill got angry and quickly approached Yiski and went to grab Yiski by the shoulder. Yiski preempted Zill and Yiski grabbed Zill's reaching arm.
We don't know whether the Birdmen haven't already set up blockades at both Albys or Troydon. Even if those routes to the Guild haven't been used since the Baronies-Guild Conflict, they're still viable.
I'm aware of that.
So what? Rush head long and almost get blasted out of the skies again?
I got a plan. Remember when I said I had friends here? Some owe me some very large favors and I aim to call them in.
Tell me in the morning. We need our sleep.
Tomorrow would be a day for the team to lick their wounds and reassess their approach to Izumi.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 2--
-
-Start of Day 3-
-Narrator-
The sun rose quickly over the Skies of Truth Lake. Zill and Yiski were already getting themselves ready for the day ahead. They still needed a solid plan for getting past the Birdmen blockades.
Zill sat down at the desk looking at a map.
You ready to talk now or are you still broken from yesterday?
Yiski just sighed. This time he spoke however.
You dont understand what it was like seeing Roland like that.
Youre right, I dont. But I dont have time to worry about one person. We all need this to happen.
You really do sound heartless sometimes.
Commanding fleets can do that.
Yiski went over to the desk and they discussed awhile. Apparently Zill had an old captain, Nova, who owed him a lot from past endeavors. Her group consisted of three Squids and a Junker. Zill knew they were outgunned but they could fly circles around a blockade.
Zill wiped his face. It was a rough situation.
I can get a transmission to her and get her to recon Whitesea. Then we make for Abyss. We can make it to Starostrog but we'll need fuel there. We can let the kids get it since Im sure there is a wanted poster of us somewhere.
Yiski's face was fairly grim.
Not much choice eh? Its what we've got.
Meanwhile in the other room, Jun'ko and Ny-Lee were getting prepared as well. Ny was still visibly upset due to Roland's state.
Jun'ko gave her a hug.
Don't let it get you down. He needs you to be strong, even if you arent sure you can be.
Ny sighed.
I know. Just seeing him like that tore me apart. I felt helpless.
Its a new day. Maybe he's doing better.
In BdrLine and Roland's room, it was completely silent. They got themselves ready. Roland had stopped shaking but was still visibly shaken by his near-death experience.
PapaP and Shinkurex generally grumbled at eachother for bathroom space. PapaP took forever greasing his gears and Shink was rather impatient with it.
Our group left the Inn and headed to the Port. Zill found William and noticed the repairs on the boats.
They sure aint lookers but i have faith the repairs are good as new. You do good work William.
Anything for an old friend. Id be hauling tar barrels if it werent for your business. *Laughs.*
The two shook hands and the crews got on their boats. Zill hailed Nova and she agreed to assist. As luck would have it, they were already spending their spoils in Whitesea and could report no Birdmen ships. The group was relieved to hear it and set off.
-End Narrator-
-
--M'Naghten--
*Yiski was sitting at the helm as the team made their way to Whitesea. The trip would only take on hour to meet up with Zill's friends with moonshine and another two hours to reach Albys without to allow the makeshift fleet to stay together.*
*Roland and Ny-lee were working the bottom deck engines and BdrLine was on top. Roland was still silent. While his whole body didn't shake, he couldn't keep his hands steady enough to work the engines properly. Yiski noticed the slight lisp and radios Zill.*
I'm going to cut moonshine off for a bit. I'm going to have a talk with Roland.
*Yiski turns to BdrLine.*
Take the helm.
*Yiski makes his way to the bottom deck engines and sees Ny-Lee working both engines, while Roland sits against the railing.*
You want to talk about it?
...
It doesn't help to keep it all bottled up.
...
You goin' to mope the entire time and let Ny-Lee do all the work?
...
*As much as he loved Roland, Yiski walked over to Roland, picked him up by the collar, then slapped him across the face. The action surprised Ny-Lee. Roland was even more surprised and hurt. Yiski let go and Roland fell back on the deck.*
What... what was that for?
You think you're the only one having a rough time!? We're all tryin' here to end this knowin' what'll happen if we don't and you're sittin' around doing nothing, but feeling scared and sorry for yourself.
*Roland stood up and yelled back.*
I know we are all in this and you are right I am scared. Actually, I am terrified of dying because I am not nearly as strong to do this myself!
Alone? You really think you're the only one sufferin' from this? What about Ny-Lee? Remember how she reacted when you were shot? She nearly killed a man because of you! And me? I about decided to burn down Anvala because of you!
*Yiski grabbed Roland by the collar again and put his face mere inches away from Roland's and spoke softly.*
Plus, you don't have to solely depend on your own strength. This is why we have friends. Luckily for you, you have a girl willin' to kill any number of people in order to stay by your side.
*Yiski let go of Roland and started walking back up to the helm, but stopped and said one more thing.*
Roland, you'll learn everybody's weak and that we all need someone to help us.
*Yiski went back up to the helm.*
You think that got through to him?
We'll see.
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Since moonshine wasnt an issue for the Galleon, the crew were pretty relaxed despite past events. Shink and Papa were playing cards on the bottom deck. Jun'ko was just sitting on the bow watching the clouds roll by. Zill kept a hand on the helm, his mind wandering.*
What a mess this is. Its like the Council knew we'd be going into our deaths. I really wouldnt be surprised if that was the case.
*The wind shifted and Zill had to compensate. He took a deep breath and could smell the ocean. Coastal front was moving in. He hails Yiski.*
Be ready for rain when we hit Whitesea.
With these Skies? Youre drinking too much of your moonshine.
Just do it.
*Zill tells his crew to be ready for the coming weather. This could work to their advantage in Abyss.*
-
--M'Naghten--
*Before BdrLine leaves to check the main engine again, he turns back to Yiski*
Yiski, even though we're ways off from Guild borders, want me to radio Zankif when we get closer. He can help provide passes and supplies, heck even a fake story as why two Anvalan ships are in Guild territory. And don't worry about them, he and his men are not part of the military there, more like a free enterprise.
*Back on the lower deck with Roland and Ny-Lee, Ny goes up to him and embraces him*
*In a soft voice*
You know he's right about everyone being weak. After you got shot back at the saloon and yesterday, I broke down from the thought of losing you. And think about Yiski position, you are like a son to him, imagine how he felt when he lost both your parents. He only does this to help and protect you. If you need time alone, I be at the bow
*Ny-Lee breakes the embraces and walks towards the front *
-
*Shink was just about to win the last of Papa's "Gambling" money when the call to prep for weather came through*
What is Zill thinking? It looks clearer than an anvalian spyglass
*Regardless, Shink straps the lochanagar ammo down to prevent an accidental discharge*
"Should be all set down here! Not sure why you're calling for this there's not a clo--"
*Shink glances out the side, and notices a nasty storm system coming in fast*
"Well that wasn't there last time"
(OOC: Im changing you to blue Shink. Too confusing with Ny. ~Zill)
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Static came over the radio followed by a woman's voice.*
State yer business or I have a right mind to Blow yea to dust from here.
*Zill only smirked.*
Calm down Nova. Its just us. Good to see your eyes still function. Cant even see you all yet.
Well I do have the best recon this side of the Burren. Welcome to Whitesea, resort to pirates. Too bad you went military on us.
It has its perks. Tell your trigger-happy snipers to lay off. I can feel their eyes.
Always good to see you on the horizon Zill.
*Lightning cracked across the Sky as rain began falling on their approach. Zill hailed Yiski.*
I told you.
Yea yea. How long are we hold up here?
Just long enough to make nice with our new allies and gets supplies. The ocean jump will take awhile. They even have some ale here for us.
*Yiski laughed.*
By the Skies i need a drink.
I think we all do.
-
--Whitesea--
--NARRATOR--
Both the M'Naghten and Then It Was Fixed managed to make port. Whitesea used to be military base before the Great War and during the Baronies-Guild Conflict. Now Whitesea is used as a recon base in order to keep an eye on raider activity for the Baronies and other major cities.
When the team got of their ships, they could see a light show across the skies. It didn't seem like this storm was letting up anytime soon.
Looks like the skies don't want us to get to Albys anytime soon, huh? Of course, if you had your way, we'd probably just power through it.
Yeah, but we need supplies and Whitesea's status as a recon base means we'll get better supplies here than in Albys.
Nova stared at the two captains.
Let's go unless you wanna feel like wet powder.
The team made their way inside Whitesea's main building for operations.
So, what's the plan when we get to Albys?
--NARRATOR END--
-
*As Zill and Yiski is discussing with Nova in a room, the rest ot the team heads to the former base mess hall.*
*Inside, Nova's personal are scattered around the hall, people are at tables talking or drinking booze.*
*At the serving windows, trays of food are waiting to be eaten*
*Shink is the first to spot the food and rushes to get a tray*
BdrLine and Papa P follow suit close behind*
*Jun'ko, Ny-Lee, and Roland goes over to an empty table waiting for the others*
*Roland goes to the end of the table and thinks about what Ny and Yiski said to he earlier*
*Ny-Lee worried about Roland goes over to Jun'ko and ask her how she should handle things*
*They both chat with eachother, until Shink and the other two arrives with food and drinks for everyone*
(sorry couldn't have time to put in text chat, in a rush to class, if some wants to modify it to include chatter be my guest, but now in a hurry)
-
-Whitesea Operations-
*The three were standing in a locked room, a single table with a mp on it was the focus.*
Well i think we can assume they will be blockading Abyss. The question now is how do we break it?
Squids could run interference and give you time to bust through.
*Yiski shook his head*
They will expect that. And the long range gunners they have arent youre regular powder monkies.
Well, they are after us, not Nova and her gang. In order to blend in with everyone they cant shoot every boat flying around.
Your point?
*Zill smirks.*
My point is you can fly right next to them and disable them then. They dont know youre with us.
That might be crazy enough to work. Are they following us to Guild territory?
We cant. Squids wont make that without support vessels.
Better not to anyway. We dont need a fleet flying around Guild lands.
Then we do this at dusk. Low light will help us with the remaining long range fire.
We arent stopping at Abyss either. We go straight across.
*Zill sticks a knife into the map on Starostrog.*
Then we camp out and let the kids get our fuel.
*Yiski let out a short sigh.*
I still dont like that, but youre right in it being the only safe way.
*They departed the room to prepare.*
-
--Somewhere in Whitesea--
*Yiski and Zill were coordinating workers in the port to finish up any lingering repairs and resupplying.*
Zill, what are the chances you think the Birdmen haven't tipped off the Guild in tellin' them their two most hated enemies are stoppin' by for a visit?
Well, considering those feather-brains want us and everyone we know as allies dead, pretty high if not definite.
By the skies, have anythin' we've done ever not have problems?
Taking out the raider outpost in Cliffside.
Hmm... no, I remember out ship getting hit by a blizzard, and a lightning storm... within four hours.
*Zill scratched his head.*
Heh... that did happen. Well, I guess you're right.
So what's the plan when both the Guild and Birdmen come after us?
We'll figure it out once we cross the sea.
Fair enough.
--Whitesea Operations Mess Hall--
*Roland sat alone at the end of the table still thinking about what Yiski said earlier.*
I know Yiski is right, but I do not have the minimal training to do what they do. Even if the others do support me, I have never shot a gun until a few days ago, let alone have the ability to kill another. I think Yiski has too much confidence in me.
-
-Whitesea-
*The storm was getting worse. While it would possibly prove advantagious for them to fly through, it was also risking additional damage just before the sea crossing. Zill didnt like it.*
Might as well get comfortable, going through this into a blockade is going to get us killed rather than on our way.
*Yiski grumbled.*
You cant be serious. After all this preparation?
You know better than to second guess my knowledge of these storms. Its not going to pass till dawn, so we might as well rest and be ready for it.
*Yiski was getting impatient but it was understandable. The group wanted this done, including Zill, and to be held back was simply frustrating. Nova chimed in.*
Well if you guys need rooms we have a few spare in the old barracks. A few cots here and there. Not sure how many.
Thanks. We'll manage.
*They all went into the mess hall to grab a bite and relax for the rest of the night.*
(OOC: Im sorry but im diein over here and i cant fathom a fight tonight. Tomorrow Ill at least be prepared for it. ;/)
-
*After securing the weapons on Zill's ship, Shink decides to go to the mess hall and grab a bite to eat. After getting his food, Shink scans the room, and notices Roland sitting all by his self. Shink walks up, and sits down beside him*
"Heya Roland, how are things going?"
-
--Whitesea Operations Mess Hall--
*Roland see Shink.*
How do you do you... you manage to kill others? Even if I can shoot a pistol, how do you rationalize shooting another person?
--Whitesea Port--
*Yiski was frustrated at the delays.*
First, repairs were supposed to take a day. Now, they finish repairs early only to be delayed by a bloody storm. It still doesn't fix the fact we have to potentially fight our way through... wait a minute.
*Yiski had an idea.*
Zill, I got an idea which may let us get by the Birdmen and Guild altogether.
*Zill rasied and eyebrow.*
We know the symbol they use on their ships right? Why not brand our ships with it too and change some of the colorin' too?
-
-Whitesea Port-
*Zill wasnt convinced of Yiski's idea.*
So you think some crudely drawn symbols will be enough to just fly by? Thats a stretch at best.
Its all we really need. We wont need masks or anything. We could just be hired men.
And if it goes south?
I have a plan for that.
*Zill sighed.*
Well we will have Nova and her misfits for backup at least. Very well.
-
--Mess Hall--
*Shink stares at Roland*
"It's a hard thing to kill a man. At the end of the day, it's either me or him, and I'm not ready to go out just yet"
*Takes a bite of his food, and notices that Roland is still worried about killing*
"Look Roland, if I can, I wont let you go down the path I've been down. You let me do all the killing, and you just protect your Ny-Lee."
-
--Whitesea Port--
*After eating, BdrLine leaves the mess hall and explores around the base.*
*He is fascinated by the different equipment machines and weapons around the base*
*BdrLine has traveled to many different places before acquiring his own place and docks in Anvala, but when ever he is out of the city or see something new, he takes a mental note of what he is seeing and when he come back, he tries to recreate or improve on the design*
*Right now he is eyeing what looks like a sticky mine launcher.*
*One of the personnel notices Bdr's wondering eye and goes up to him*
A beauty ain't it huh.
*Still looking at it*
Yes it is *he turns to the man* If you don't mind, but as i was walking around, how come i only see this one? Why doesn't any of the ships around here carry one?
*The worker scratches his head*
Well you see... this here is only prototype. We are having problems getting the mines to stick. Plus the launching mechanism keeps jamming.
You know what, i think i can you you guys with it.
You sure? Isn't you and your lot leavin' soon.
Ahh don't worry about that, i can get it up and running in no time.
If you say soo.
*He whistles to a few people who come over, and BdrLine and the small group starts working*
-
--NARRATOR--
Yiski ran the idea by Nova as well. Though she shared the same doubts as Zill, the three recognized it would be best to avoid combat if possible. After all, the team's objective was to investigate Izumi, not fight every battle between here and Izumi. Yiski handed Nova's workers the parchment with the Birdmen symbol and they started work on it and disguising the color scheme of everyone's ships. If Yiski's plan actually worked it would tell the team two things: Birdmen can't tell which ships are theirs and, more worryingly, the Guild was aiding them.
While Yiski was coordinating with Nova as to where the symbols should be placed and the best color layout, Zill saw BdrLine helping some engineers on their ships. Zill did a mental facepalm and sighed.
Shink and Paradox had actually joined some of Nova's crew and started partying.
Roland and Ny-Lee sat together in a room. Ny-Lee was resting her head on Roland's shoulder and they were holding hands. Ny-Lee was gently rubbing Roland's hand.
Ny-Lee, have you ever killed anyone before?
Ny-Lee was quick to answer.
Yes.
Did you regret killing them?
No.
I see.
Roland was silent and Ny-Lee really didn't know what to say. All she could was keep Roland close to her.
By the time the storm let up, the day gave way to night. Nova, Yiski, Zill all inspected the new colors and Birdment logo.
Well... what do you boys think?
Hell, it should work.
And if it doesn't, it's not like we had anythin' to lose.
Hope you're back up plan works.
Yiski smirked and patted Zill's back and started walking toward the barracks for sleep.
By the clear skies, I hope so too.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 3--
-
--START OF DAY 4--
--NARRATOR--
Nova, Yiski, and Zill woke up early to finalize the plan and make sure the symbols embroidered on the ships would pass an inspection.
I have to say Nova, your workers do a decent job.
I'll second that.
Well, we're all set. Let's get everybody.
Nova walked over to a PA microphone with a lone engine next to it. Nova turned on the mic then turned on the engine. The sound of the roaring engine echoed throughout Whitesea Operations. Nova let the PA run for a good five minutes before cutting of the PA and the engine. Nova walked back to Zill with a smile.
I think everybody's awake now.
Damn that's effective.
Shortly after the end of the base's wake up call, Jun'ko, Ny-Lee, and Roland arrived. All of them seemed surprised and annoyed.
What was that Admiral? I feel like my ears were about to fall off!
Yes, I would've preferred a more gentle wake up call.
...
Roland was silent not because of the past events, but because he couldn't hear anything. Poor Roland was up already, but when the call went out, he was sitting right under on the loudspeakers. Nova was chuckled when Roland's gestures pointed to his ears.
Can't hear huh? No worries you should be able to hear in an hour or so.
Zill was looking around.
The hell are BdrLine, Paradox, and Shink?
Suddenly, BdrLine appeared from one of the ships.
I'm here. I just fell asleep on this ship last night.
What did you do brother?
Helping out the workers in getting this engine to function properly.
Everyone gave out a collective sigh. BdrLine and his obsession with engines.
Well, there's BdrLine. We still got two no-shows.
Eventually, Paradox and Shink slowly make their way into the port. Both were holding each other up and looked like complete messes.
The hell were you two doing last night?
Paradox and Shink both explain they had partied with Nova's crew and participated in a number of drinking games against Nova's people. The two had won every single time, most in part because the alcohol they drank was significantly weaker compared to Yiski's brews. They were in their current state because the didn't know when to stop drinking.
While Paradox and Shink slowly got on board Then It Was Fixed Yiski and Zill both facepalmed while Nova was laughing.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
-Narrator-
Zill kicked both Shink and PapaP onto the lower deck and told them if they barfed on his boat, they were cleaning it. He took a last glance at the symbols and cringed before heading to the helm. Jun'ko saw it.
Think it wont work?
That and its hideous.
Jun'ko chuckles. Zill fires up his engines and takes off. He says a prayer and makes way out of Whitesea. Static comes on the radio and he kicks it, then hails the others.
Damn thing....We all set?
Holdin' together over here.
Aye. We will make double time to Abyss. We will radio in once we are there.
Bad idea. They have traced our radios before. Whitesea has a jammer but once we leave its range we need total radio silence. If they know we're together itll get fishy.
Good point. What kind of ships you expecting?
Long range. A couple Galleons at least with sniper support. They havent shown an affinity for short range yet.
Hard to say though since we're just hitting up blockades. Short range blockades arent too effective.
Good point, but its what we have. By the way Yiski, if things get dicey and they try to pursue, I have a surprise for them. Just make sure youre in front of me eh?
*Yiski sighed.*
Flakin' tar. He never learns.
-End Narrator-
-
*Before leaving port*
*BdrLine jumps down from the ship and walks towards what looks like a portable gun*
*To Yiski*
If you don't mind, I'll be taking this with me. You see before I was helping on the ships, men and some of the workers finally got this to work. Before any of you ask, it's a portable sticky mine launcher. And it's perfectly safe, no need to worry for it to go off
*Ny-Lee facespalm at her brothers anticts*
And why do you go around helping make that... thing
In my defense, it was cool, plus you should really see this in action. Once it sticks to the hull of the enemy. BOOM
*BdrLine exaggerate the explosion with his arms*
*Ny-Lee just sighs*
Well it's your responsibility, I'm not going to near it
*BdrLine goes over to the launcher, picks it up and heads towards Yiski's ship*
-
*With a pounding headache, Shink sulks down on the lower deck. Papa is off in a corner fighting to keep his stomach from emptying*
I knew I shouldn't have drank that much. Here's hoping this clears before I have to do any shooting
*Since there was nothing to do yet, Shink takes inventory of the ammo supplies that they had, and notices some interesting barrels sitting in the back*
"Zill! did you order some barrels of wine last night? I haven't seen these barrels before..."
-
--M'Naghten--
*As the team made way to Albys, Yiski has Roland pilot for a bit while Yiski took a look at the sticky launcher BdrLine brought on board.*
Now you know I'm a fan of new gadgets and weapons, but that's when I'm involved. Typically when you're involved BdrLine, stuff tends to blow up on top of you. No offense.
None taken, but this is perfectly safe.
So there's no chance the sticky ammo won't get lodged in the barrel and blow us up, or not leave the barrel fast enough and still blow us up?
...Yes... more than likely.
*Yiski rolled his eyes.*
Fine, it can stay, but you're going to make a new mount for it because it's not replacing the gat or flamer.
-
--M'Naghten--
*BdrLine goes down to the hold of the ships to see if he can find some spare parts*
*As he is walking away, he calls outs out to Yiski*
Alright, alright. I'll see what I can do
*In the hold, BdrLine sees what looks like a pile of scrap and parts*
*He goes over to it and starts tinkering*
*Moments later, he comes out with what looks like a locking plate attached to a gyro system. At the bottom of the plate holds a huge clamp*
*BdrLine goes over to the mine launcher and bolts it onto the assembly. He then goes over to the ports side bow and clamps it onto the railings*
*He calls out to Yiski*
There, now if we need just to move it, just unclamp it and put it anywhere on he ship
*Ny-Lee just shakes her head at her brother, and goes up to Roland*
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Zill smirked when Shinkurex asked about the barrels.*
Nope, unless you find that experimental tar has a nice aroma to it.
*Shink hears too late and opens up a barrel. The smell alone was enough to burn his eyebrows off. He immediately turned green and ran for the stern. Zill quickly realized one was open and ran down to cover it. He saw poor Shink hanging off the stern.*
Ah well. Punishment enough I imagine.
-
*Shink came and sat with Papa as they nursed their hangovers*
"Hey Papa, Roland asked me a question yesterday and it got me thinking... how do you manage to kill people?"
"Heh."
*Papa pulled out a lighter, and promptly lit it, the flame waved wildly, alive. He blew it out.*
"Ah."
-
--NARRATOR--
An hour passes and the team found themselves in view of Albys and another blockade. This blockade consisted of the same ship types found at Brigfern: one goldfish, two pyramidions, and two galleons. Because the team maintained radio silence, each captain had their own observations.
Those ships are bearing the Birdmen symbol.
I see a few of those guys looking at us.
Well, they haven't started blasting us yet. Maybe we'll get through this.
As the team approached within 500 meters of the blockade, there was no radio contact. Eventually, the team slipped through the blockade of the far right. The team managed to slip completely by until one of the pyramidions started to face Then It Was Fixed. The three captains noticed the pyramidion facing Zill and Yiski grabbed his scope from Blood Bolt and used the scope flash to send Zill Morse code. Zill read the message.
We are found. Have advantage. Destroy. Hell, after branding our ships... Well Yiski's right we do have the advantage.
And Yiski was right, only the pyramidion closest to the team turned to face, the goldfish and pyramidion were still facing north and the two galleons had their backs to the team. The team's fleet consisted of Zill's galleon, Yiski's goldfish, Nova's junker and three squids.
Zill spotted another Morse code from Yiski.
On you. Shoot or fly.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Zill knew it was now or never. He broke radio silence.*
Nova get your squids on them Galleons now! Rest focus on the others!
Aye! Go now you slugs!
*Zill saw the surprise in the crews on the Birdmen decks. It was time for revenge.*
Into the Fray. Papa, Shink, port guns! Spread the fire! Focus is pyra's! Jun on howitzer, take out the goldfish main battery!
*The crew and fleet snapped into action. Shink and Papa opened fire on the pyra's, popping the balloons in a flash. The squids ran for the Galleons, but not before the goldfish let fly a hwacha barrage. Most of the hits smacked Zill's boat but the spread lessened the effect. Jun'ko took three shots before smacking the main gun on the goldfish.*
She sure isnt Yiski...
-
--M'Naghten--
*Yiski yelled at BdrLine, Ny-Lee, and Roland*
BdrLine I'll let you use you're new toy, just don't kill us! Ny-Lee get on the flak! Roland get on the gatling and tear through all that armor!
*Roland jumped on the gatling and paused for a moment.*
It is now or never.
*Roland pulled the trigger and started tearing through the closest galleon's armor. Yiski then swung the M'Naghten around.*
BdrLine, Ny-Lee, open fire!
-
--M'Naghten--
*As Yiski turns to the Galleon, BdrLine fires off a few rounds around the gun deck*
*A distinct plop sound can be heard as each of the mines lands on the hull or the guns*
*Few seconds later, the mines explodes damaging all of the facing guns and furthering ripping of the armor.*
Ny take take the shot, i'll see if i can get the other ships.
*BdrLine unclasps the launcher and moves over to the starboard side, shooting at the goldfish*
*Ny-Lee calls out to him*
Don't have to tell me twice.
*She loads charged rounds in the flak, once loaded, she lets out a barrage of fire*
*It doesn't take long as the weaken armor and prolong shooting cause the galleon to explode. Its remains quickly falling to the earth below*
*Back to BdrLine and the goldfish he is shooting at, he manages to destroy one of the side guns and damage the armor*
*He notices that the main gun started to move again*
Shoot Yiski, they've got the main gun to work again, turn to starboard
*BdrLine continues shooting*
I see it, hold on turning us around. Ny-Lee start firing when you got angle
*As Yiski turns the M'Naghten, the enemy goldfish fires off two flak rounds hitting the ship*
*The M'Naghten takes some damage, but not enough to weaken the armor*
*Eventually the mines were able to destroy the main gun again and that Ny-Lee gets a good view of the hull and starts firing*
*Just like the galleon, the goldfish falls to a fiery death*
-
--M'Naghten--
Two down, three to go.
*Just as Yiski turns the M'Naghten to the other galleon, it had already turned its right broadside to them. The galleon had a medium carronade and hwachas.*
How did it.... phoenix claw. Everyone take cover and prepare for a hwacha barrage!
*The crew hit the deck when the galleon unleashed the hwacha barrage within 200 meters of the M'Naghten. Luckily like the first downed galleon, this gunner wasn't running heavy clips either and the M'Naghten's hull sustained only minor damage, but sadly the same could be said for the balloon.*
Roland! Get up here and help me with the balloon!
On it!
*Yiski hit the M'Naghten in reverse thrust and met with Roland at the balloon. The repair took seconds and Yiski rushed back up to the helm. By this time he managed to get out of the range of the carronade.*
You two down there better be lightnin' them up!
*Meanwhile, Nova's junker and three squids were making quick work of the pyramidion. All three squids were equipped with the same loudouts: light carronade front, light flak side, and a rear gatling. Nova spotted the pryamidion's crew through her advanced spyglass and called out her observation over the radio.*
The crew on the pyra are running around like chickens with their heads cut off. One second the balloon is down, then the hull, then the balloon again. It's kinda sad to watch, but they'll be out of their misery soon enough.
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*The pyra's fall and crash into the ground under renewed lumberjack fire. The prolonged fire from Zill and Nova's Junker finishes them off. The squids swarm the last galleon and harrass it into submission. The junker gets a flak shot on the power kegs in its hull and it explodes. The embers of the blockade smolder on the outskirts of Abyss. Each ship is having their own celebration.*
Ah about time the Skies were kind. Nice shooting down there.
It was awesome to shoot these things!
That did you expect? Plus mine exploded first.
*The two start bickering like it mattered. Jun'ko came up to the helm.*
Do well enough for you my Admiral?
Hell yes you did. Come here.
*Zill grabs her and slips off his mask a moment to kiss her. Shes surprised but doesnt complain one bit.*
-
--M'Naghten--
*When the last galleon fell, Yiski had a grin across his face and said to himself.*
A revenge victory always feels great though I don't want to make a habit of it.
*Yiski yelled down to the others.*
Good job!
*Yiski called over the radio.*
Well, the plan didn't go exactly as planned, but this wasn't too bad. Now how about we get ourselves across?
-
"I'm telling you Papa. you couldn't hit the broadside of a galleon!"
"Shink if you didn't load lesmok rounds, then you would be nothing! That first kill was mine!"
*The argument rages on, until it was decided that they would settle this by a shootout. The target was 3000 meters out, and the first to hit it wins. After 3 rounds, Shink hit the rock, which exploded into dust.*
"Ha! told you"
-
Papa and Shink were staring at each other from either gun, Papa flipped off Shink
"What, that not enough? Y'want s'more?"
*Papa flipped him off with his other hand as well*
"Sit on em, and twist... Here let me help you"
*His hands started spinning on his wrist.*
-
--M'Naghten--
*Yiski and the other noticed the firing going off onThen It Was Fixed. Ny-Lee laughed, Roland sighed, BdrLine shook his head, and Yiski facepalmed.*
I bet Zill is goin' to hang them off the back by their collars.
Yiski, what are we going to do once we get into Starostrog? I doubt the Guild won't overlook a small fleet crossing into their airspace.
*Yiski thought for a moment and realized the battle took a toll on everyone's ships. Granted the damage wasn't serious, but enough to warrant a stop.*
Well luckily, not everyone in the Guild wants me dead. I've got a contact who can help us out a bit. Roland take the helm. I gotta fetch something.
*Roland took the helm and Yiski went into his quarters. Inside the captain's quarters, Yiski pulled a box from under his bed. It had a label which read "In Case You're Crazy Enough to Come Back". Yiski opened the box and removed another radio and brought it up the helm.*
Why do you have another radio?
Because this one is set to contact only a handful of individuals.
*BdrLine came up and saw the other radio.*
I didn't think you had contacts Yiski.
What? You think I don't have a few hidden friends too? Now help me hook this up.
*By the time the team had crossed halfway over the Abyssal Gulf, BdrLine hooked up the alternative radio and Yiski made his call to his contact in Starostrog.*
There it should be operational.
*Yiski turned on the radio and started talking.*
This is Crimson. I repeat this is Crimson.
*Moments of static went by.*
This is Crimson. I repeat this is.... dammit Lance just answer already.
Shit. You're actually coming into the Guild? Well, we'll talk later. Where are you heading?
Starostrog within the evenin'. There's six of us total. Goldfish and galleon.
Really? You're giving me two hours to smuggle you in?
Yup.
*Moments of silence pass by again*
I'll get things set.
I owe you one.
No, this'll make us almost even.
-
--M'Naghten--
*While Yiski is talking to Lance on his special radio*
*BdrLine decides to hail Zankif as well*
*He goes to the ships radio and dial in Zankif*
Hellooo anyone home?
Damn Bdr you don't need to yell, so what do you need now.
Well myself and a few other ships are heading into Guild territory. We already have a way to get inside. But once we are in, we may need some supplies, fakes passes, and an escort to the craters on where you saw that factory with the symbol.
You actually coming over huh, well alright just tell me where you are docking.
Straostorg
Straostorg ey. Ok i'll get the things ready and i'll see you there.
Thanks Zankif
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Zill was enjoying the warm sea air. Its been years since he has flown over to the Guild. Jun'ko was with him on the helm, and he had to use the extinguisher system a few times on Shink and PapaP to keep them civil. The goodbyes to Nova were short. They never did get along over long periods of time.*
Thanks for showin' up for once. I knew you were useful for something.
Love you too Admiral. Dont forget us out here old hag.
*The flight over was peaceful. Zill's mind wandered the entire trip over. Some thoughts about the past, some about what was waiting for them on the other side. He couldn't be too bothered though. Jun'ko nudged him out of his trance.*
You hanging in there?
Yea. Old memories of times in the Guild. We did them no favors. *Smirks*
Yea I remember getting news about the fighting back when I was still in The Empire. Its why I joined the military.
*Zill turned to her*
Really? Small world after all.
And here we are.
*Straostorg lay on the horizon.*
And here we are...
-
--NARRATOR--
The team made their cautious approach into Starostrog knowing full well the consequences should the Guild realize both Yiski and Zill were within their reach. Luckily there were three things going for the team. First, it was the dead of night. Second, Lance had managed to secure entry for the team in an isolated part of the docks where few people went. Finally, BdrLine's contact Zankif would have supplies ready and waiting.
There was a downside though. Given their high-profile nature, Yiski and Zill could not leave their ships while the others were able to depart and rest up at a local in Lance found.
As the team approached the dock, Yiski spotted a pattern of five lanterns. Yiski called over to Zill.
Landing zone is a little off our 10 o'clock. You'll see a distinct pattern of five lanterns.
Hmm... got it. Alright, I'm going in.
Copy.
Yiski and Zill successfully docked their ships into their designated slots. Yiski slowly approached the side of the M'Naghten and saw a man waiting for them.
How many years has it been?
Not long enough if I'm back here.
Well, welcome to Starostrog and the Guild.
Yiski threw a bottle at him and Lance laughed.
Well, anything you need while you're hear?
I've got a friend's contact who's also nearby and he'll be bringin' us some supplies.
Well, I got lodging for your crew if they want it. Of course, it'll be best if you stay on your ship.
Yeah, yeah, I know the whole "kill the Crimson Bolt" thing.
So, who was crazy enough to follow you along?
Zill popped up on the side of his ship.
Hello again Lance.
Holy shit! The two of you are here? Damn the Guild would have a field day knowing their two greatest enemies were here.
Roland looked to Yiski.
Would it be safe for most of us to depart and take up lodging?
I'd say so. I wouldn't imagine the Guild knowing too much about us. If they did through the Birdmen, the Guild would've had a blockade set up before we reached here.
I could use a nice bath. While the sea air was nice, I can't get the salty feeling out of my hair.
Jun'ko looked to Zill.
I think I'll be staying with you my Admiral.
Zill shrugged and smiled.
Suit yourself.
Paradox and Shink got off as quickly as Lance had offered rooms.
Well, I'm definitely getting off. Don't think I could survive another night with those lovebirds' "activities."
I think this is the only thing we can agree on. Well, that and drinking.
As the others got off. Lance motioned to them.
Alright. This way. It's only a short walk.
Don't get too comfortable, once the supplies get here, we're out. I don't want to linger in Guild territory any longer than necessary.
Yiski nodded in agreement.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 4--
-
--START OF DAY 5--
--NARRATOR--
BdrLine, Ny-Lee, Roland, Shink, and Paradox all woke up before the break of dawn and made their ways back to the dock. They could already see Jun'ko and Lance awake and coordinating a group of workers on where to take the supplies and to repairs.
Morning everyone! Sleep well.
Yes, and you?
Jun'ko smiled.
It was nice with my Admiral.
On the Then It Was Fixed, Zill sneezed.
As the preparations were almost finished a strange man approached the team which caused Lance to draw his weapon and then caused the team to draw theirs, except for BdrLine.
Easy everyone, that's Zankif.
Hell of a welcoming party.
We you able to get the other preparations completed?
Affirmative, I've got your fake passes here, and the escorts will rendezvous at Orlovselo. The escorts are two pyras, one goldfish, and two squids.
Well, if everything is set, let's move out quickly before light hits Orlovselo.
Everyone nodded and the team boarded their respective ships. As the team left Starostrog, Yiski called over the alt radio.
Thanks for the help Lance.
Anytime, just don't get yourself killed.
--NARRATOR END--
-
*Shink yawns and streches. It was one of the only times he could sleep without hearing Papa's snoring. As usual, Shink takes inventory over the ammo supply. Taking care not to open any ominous barrels that Zill may have lying around.*
"Shink! Stop that scurrying about! Giving me a headache"
"I tried to tell you that you had, had enough. Does anyone listen to good ole Shink? Nope.... This is what you get"
*Shink finishes up his inventory, and goes to check the weapons. As he walks onto the gun deck, he notices a blinking red light.*
"BOMB!"
*Shink tears the device off of the bulkhead, and chucks it out of gun port just in time. The subsequent explosion damaged a bit of the armor, but nothing Papa couldn't fix. A little rattled, Shink grabs a flask of WSW he was saving for a rainy day and chugged it*
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*The explosion threw the boat nearly into M'Naghten. Shrapnel was all over the port side, but amazingly no one was hit. The radio static hit Zill followed by Yiski's voice.*
The Hell was that?!?
Apparently our friend isnt as friendly as we thought, or the Guild knew we were coming.
Lance wouldnt do that. Someone must of survived that blockade.
Most likely. Keep a watch up. Someone would of heard....
*Just then Zill caught a Squid in the corner of his eye. His spyglass confirmed it was flying away. It had Guild emblems on the balloon.*
Guild knows we're here.
*A long silence passes before Yiski responds.*
Moonshine?
Aye.
*They floor it to Orlovselo. Zill makes a pass with the crew to make sure they were all alright.*
-
--M'Naghten--
By the burning skies, a bomb on Zill's ship.
*Yiski yells down to the others*
Everyone, check the supplies and make sure there's not a similar "gift" on board.
*Roland and Ny-Lee head bellow deck and checks the recent supplies, leaving BdrLine to man all the engines.*
According to Shink, there should be a blinking red light.
*Minutes pass during the search.*
Anything?
Nothing so far.
*Ten minutes pass by and Yiski decides to call off the search.*
Alright, stop lookin' for it. If we had one too, it would've gone off the same time Zill's did.
*Eventually, the team found themselves within sight of Orlovselo.*
BdrLine, call your man and tell him we're near Orlovselo. We'll need to identify our escorts.
-
--M'Naghten--
*After checking the engines a final time, BdrLine goes over to the radio and dial in Zankif*
BdrLine to Zankif, you read me? We are nearing Orloveslo. Where are our escorts located?
*Static is heard, until Zankif voice comes up*
Yeah I hear ya. Alright the escorts will be flying a perimeter around the west of the city. Basically If you keep your heading, you'll see them in a formation.
Do they have any markings on them?
Yes they should have my logo on them. It's a wrench and a bullet round in a cross with a cog background
And one more thing. As we left port, one of our ships had a bomb planted on them. We suspect the Guild military is on to us. You think you can diverge their attention? We have enough already with these Birdmen.
Hmm, I'll see what I can do. it's going to be tough to acres the militay radios. But i do what I can.
Thanks Zankif.
*Static comes upon the radio as they disconnect the connection*
*BdrLine turns to Yiski*
Alright we should see the group flying around in a formation as we near. They should all have a wrench and bullet round in a cross on top of a cog
-
--M'Naghten--
*As the team neared the parameter of Orloveslo, BdrLine pulled out his spyglass and took a look for ships flying around. BdrLine managed to spot Zankif's escorts.*
Yiski, they're bearing is off to the West. Wait, I'm getting a Morse code signal. "Frequency 0-3-4-1-5".
*BdrLine went up to the helm and dialed the frequency on the alt radio to what was flashed.*
BdrLineAzn verification Alpha 9-1-3-8. Please confirm.
Confirmation is verified and accepted. Hello again sir. Is your team ready to move forward?
Affirmative. Destination is Izumi. Mission is reconnaissance, but be combat ready.
Affirmative. Making for correct heading and leading.
*After the team met with the escorts and made way to Izumi, Yiski whistled.*
You have some really nice connections. Glad you're on our side.
*Yiski called over to Zill on the regular radio*
Alright, just contacted our escorts and we'll be moving out to Izumi.
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Zill kicked the radio so it would stop with the static, then spoke to Yiski.*
Good. Sun will be out soon so watch yourself. This misfit crew wont be able to take on a Guild Armada.
*Jun'ko kept her zoom goggles on her face. She ran from side to side scouring the sands for any Guild vessels.*
I feel so exposed out here. I can almost feel the eyes on us...
Me too. If they are watching though, they dont know where we are headed.
Izumi is remote last I checked. If we have to double back they may block us in.
Im planning on them to honestly. If they dont, that would be more of a surprise to me.
I trust you.
*Zill only stared on their heading, but her comment was uplifting. He hailed Yiski on the radio.*
Make sure BdrLine tells them to hold all fire until told otherwise. I dont want to start a war. And whats youre plan for Izumi? Camp out till dawn and look or move in quickly?
-
--NARRATOR--
Together with the escorts, the team make a bee-line to Izumi. They'll reach the town by morning.
Along the way, Yiski gets a tingling feeling down his spine which extended to his limbs.
Soon.
--Narrator End--
--End of Day 5--
-
-Start of Day 6-
-Narrator-
The morning was dry and the wind was strong. Sand and dust blasted the fleet. They approached Izumi cautiously. The town itself wasnt much. It was once a powerful military outpost, but now all that remained was the town that had grown around it. The fleet got a good vantage point and scouted the surrounding area. No Guild or Birdmen to be found. The town itself was eerily deserted. Zill hailed Yiski.
I dont like this.
Me either, but there had to be something here.
The two squids made passes over the town. Not a soul. When they returned they did discover something.
Sir, it appears there is an access point to underground caves just south of the town. Maybe an aquifer. You could fit your Galleon in the opening.
Very well. Me and Yiski will fly in. The rest can remain out here in case of ambush.
Understood.
Zill and Yiski took their boats to the massive opening to the caves. Once inside, there was places to dock. After docking and meeting up on the massive platform, they decided to search the structure. It too was eerily abandoned. Upon searching offices and the control room of the structure, the group came to realize this was an old Guild Research and Development facility. It was decommissioned with the base at the end of the old wars.
The facility seemed to yield more questions than answers, until Jun'ko found a rather large book sporting the very same Birdman symbol they have all come to hate. Inside, they found hundreds of records of experiments performed by the Birdmen, and funded by the Guild. The experiments were, quite graphic.
By the Skies, this has to be the worst thing I have ever seen.
Biological experiments on prisoners. Why on earth would they want to do this?
Well since they want a united world, this must of been the ideas they had for dealing with those who refused. The fact its Guild funded means they wanted in on the world order. Seems the Birdmen had an ally the whole time.
This is worse than my ordeal. Mind control, chemical weapons, mutations. These make even me cringe.
Im beginning to dislike it down here, can we go?
Itll be ok. We need to find our next step.
Here. Lu Tower. All of the funds show that they were all transferred there after experiments were conducted.
Good. And take that book with you. We may need it later.
Static could be heard as BdrLine's personal radio went off.
Approaching ships! My god its an Armada! You guys need to get out of there now!
Very well! Guys lets go!
The group dashed to their ships, and the impending fight ahead.
-End Narrator-
-
--M'Naghten--
*Yiski got on to the M'Naghten, fired up the engines and left the cavern first. As Yiski got outside, he got a signal from the escorts.*
Sir, we've spotted three galleons, three goldfishes, and two squids incoming from the North. They're about 4 km out and setting up blockade and firing positions.
Can you see who they are and what they're equipped with?
All three galleons are equipped with hwachas and have harpoons. Two of the goldfishes have lumberjacks and the other has a medium carronade. All squids have carronades.
*A few more seconds pass.*
Enemy markings belong to the Guild and Birdmen.
*Yiski calls over to Zill.*
Remember when I said the Guild would greet us. Well, they did and it looks like they want us alive.
*Yiski called down to his crew.*
BdrLine, I'll need you on the flak. Ny-Lee and Roland, ignore the side guns and keep up in the skies.
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Zill hails Yiski.*
And I have just the thing. Use our long range advantage while I make their day a little less bright.
*Zill swung his Galleon out of the cavern. The wind was at their backs, and Zill smiled.*
Shink, Papa, get that tar in the engines!
*He created a cloud so dense it was like a black wall. The wind took it toward their blockade the faster ships lifted out but the Galleons were caught. The tar clouds ran through them and devastated their systems, and their noses.*
Alright, time for some supporting fire. Port side!
Ah here we go.
Flak em.
Lets go!
*Zill's boat fired the first shots of the engagement. They rang over, pummeling the chaos in the enemy's formation.*
-
--M'Naghten--
*As the tar clouds clear, all three enemy galleons are sitting out in the open*
*BdrLine gets on the flak and sees the damaged galleons*
This is gonna be a field day Loading in charged.
*Once loaded, BdrLine starts firing at the right most galleon in the formation*
*The other two galleons are being targeted Shink and Paradox, each having their own target*
*Eventually all three of the galleons fall from the prolong firing*
*From the helm, Yiski calls down to BdrLine*
Nice shooting Bdr, hold on turning to the next.
*From the radio, one of Zankif's escorts sounds in need of departed help*
This is the squid captain on board the Vice, we're taking heavy damage from the goldfishes. Requesting assi......
*Out in the distance, an explosion can be seen as the Vice is shot out of the sky by the twin lumber fish*
Damn, there's goes one
*Yiski turns to the radio and calls out to the two pyra's*
Pyramidion captains you think you can get those two goldfish.
Roger, heading towards the twin goldfish formation. Sal you're with me. We're heading in.
*As the two pyramidions rush towards the enemy goldfish, their lumbjack rounds bounce off the armoured plated balloons of the pyra's.*
*The two pyramidions gets into Gatling gun/small flak range, and the fighting changes from long range to short range as all four ships try to manoeuvr for positioning*
*Back on the M'Naghten, Roland spots the third goldfish and the squids heading towards the remaining four*
Yiski, we got three coming in from our 2 o'clock. I think the goldfish is heading towards to Zill
Yeah I see them. *on the radio to Zill* heads up, a blender fish is coming your way. The other goldfish and I will handle the squids. Remaning squid captain go and assist our galleon, we'll handle this
Roger, heading to assist
*As the friendly squid heads to Zill and his galleon, Yiski and the second goldfish turn to face the incoming enemy squids*
BdrLine watch your shots, these guys are going to be fast
I know, it's just going to be a pain that's all
*As the squids fast approaching, the two goldfishes open fire. The squids were able to react in time and lift up from the shots and closes in*
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Seeing the Blenderfish coming fast, Zill presented his starboard Hwachas. The squid dashed for the Blender and got behind it.*
Shink, Papa, fire!
*The Goldfish fired before the Hwacha barrage connected, taking out the balloon. Jun'ko quickly patched the hole, but not before the Galleon smacked the ground. Zill shot back up with hydrogen, the goldfish square in the sights.*
Fire!
*The squid behind it had stripped all the armor. The rockets ignited the Goldfish in a sea of smoke and fire. It fell to the ground, and Zill swung around to engage the incoming enemy Squids.*
-
--M'Naghten--
*Yiski swing the M'Naghten around with claw and manages to engage the medium carronade goldfish (or better aptly named blenderfish) before the blenderfish was in effective range. Yiski then swung the M'Naghten in reverse.*
You've got target BdrLine, knock that bastard out of my sky. Roland get on the balloon and Ny-Lee watch the hull.
With pleasure.
Roger.
Understood.
*BdrLine's first volley made contact with the blenderfish and set the carronade on fire. The enemy blenderfish, still rushing towards Yiski, immediately pops chute vent and goes under the M'Naghten. Yiski laughs and pulls forward thrust.*
Think you'll get behind? How about... no. Ny-Lee! Get on the flamer. I think our friend's a little cold.
Loaded!
*Yiski used claw again and swung the M'Naghten within arc and Ny-Lee let a stream of fire loose on the blenderfish. After a few seconds, the entire ship was engulfed in flames. Yiski concentrated for a moment and was able to hear the screams of the crew.*
Ah... music. BdrLine, time to put them out of their misery.
*Yiski gave the flak arc and BdrLine opened fire. Two volleys later the burning blenderfish could be seen crashing into a crater.*
-
--M'Naghten--
*On the radio, the teams second goldfish is screaming out of desperation*
Oh god oh god, we need help out here. These two squids are too much,they have us pinned and we're falling out of the sky
*On the radio, Yiski call out to the goldfish*
Hold on, help is coming
Roger... But we don't know how much we can hold out
*to BdrLine*
BdrLine start firing, by the looks of it, our goldfish might not be floating anymore
I see them, ...damn they are just flying circles around him
*BdrLine starts firing at the squids, but the speed at which they are going is causing the rounds to pass behind them*
*Bcak on the radio, the goldfish captain comes on again*
Barely holding still, we are watching our balloon to give us time, but their carronades are popping it too quickly. ...*panicking*We're 1.5 km from the ground, get them off of us!!
Roger that *To BdrLine* Bdr take them out, its life or death for them now
*BdrLine has sweat going down his brow as he aims down the sights again*
*He leads the flak on one of the squids and fires both rounds*
*This time it connects with the hull, the first ripping it's armour where the second destroys the weaken frame*
*The remain squid saw thats it lost its partner bugs out*
*Not before firing off a last carronades volley destroying the balloon once more*
*The goldfish plummets one last time, hitting the ground. But with the lowered altitude, the crash wasn't too severe and the crew survives but the ship won't be able to lift again*
-
--M'Naghten--
*Yiski sees the allied goldfish crash land.*
Any casualties?
We're all hurt, but everyone's alive.
*Yiski sighed in relief.*
Need any help getting out?
No worries, since the radio works, we'll call in an emergency evac ship.
Understood. *Yiski yells to his crew and to Zill.* Runnin' moonshine to close and finish off the lumberfishes.
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Zill lines up his port side to the Lumberfish melee and Orders long range fire on to them. The fleeing Squid has also joined that mess.*
Just take what you can. Dont want to kill our guys too.
*Shinkurex lines up and fires three shots. They all miss by inches. He takes a deep breath, and fires three more. One misses but two hit the frantic Squid and it explodes next to one of the Lumberfish, knocking its guns off arc.*
Whew that was a hell of a shot.
This is a hell of a gun!
*PapaP takes his shots in one quick barrage. One connects with the second lumberfish and takes out its balloon just as Yiski arrives in optimal range.*
-
--M'Naghten--
*Yiski sees the shots fly by from his back.*
Can't believe he trusted Shink to shoot into this. Alright BdrLine, Shink took care of some of them, let's finish this can get the hell out of here.
*Yiski thought of a mere second. He noticed the sinking goldfish was badly damaged, the other goldfish was lining up again, and the last squid was making a run. A grin came across his face.*
Scratch that BdrLine. Everyone, prepare for a ram. BdrLine, as soon as we're through take shots on the remaining fish and squid. We're gonna have sushi tonight.
*Roland's stomach dropped a bit.*
Everyone! BRACE FOR IMPACT!
*Yiski dropped altitude and ran moonshine into the sinking goldfish. Luckily, Yiski estimated the damage correctly and when contact was made.*
*SHATTER* *CRASH*
*Yiski's ram obliterates the sinking goldfish. Its pieces scattering all over the M'Naghten. Yiski lets out a yell.*
Woo! By the crimson skies, that was fun. BdrLine, get on the gun!
-
--M'Naghten--
*BdrLine heads back to the flak after the ram, after checking if it wasn't damage, he hops on*
And i thought i was the crazy one On it, just dont do the again
*He sights in the running squid, and fires off 4 volleys*
*The majority of the shots hits the squids engines, with the damaged engies, the squid begins turning to the port*
*With an open shot, BdrLine fires off 4 more shots, ripping its already weaken armor and exploding out of the sky*
Well he's no more, time for that last fish.
*As Yiski turns to face the final Lumberfish, the two pyramidions that were engaging earlier focus fire thier front guns on it*
*Just like the rest of its fallen comrades, this goldfish explodes and fall to its demise*
*Yiski on the radio*
Good work you two. Now damage reports, how are you all doing*
This is one of the Pyramidions, we took structural damage from the close combat with the lumberfish. They had side mortars and damage our hull frame, don't think we would last in another engagement
This is Sal here on the second pyra, all system good on my ship. We have some hull damage but we can live
Squid captain on the horn, we have taken no damage and is good to go
Roger, so Zill where do head to now.
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Zill hails BdrLine and Yiski.*
Pick up all of our survivors and any supplies from the downed vessels. Do a damage assessment as we moonshine out of here to Isago. BdrLine take stock of any of the fleet staying or going. All wounded can go with any fleet vessels leaving. We owe them one.
Sure thing.
Lets get the Hell out of here.
*The quick salvage and rescue begins.*
-
--NARRATOR--
The salvage and rescue mission took a few hours. Getting the injured on board took considerable amount of time. Luckily, Izumi's remoteness made it impossible for the joint blockade team to get any radio signal far enough to hail reinforcements. Though it would've made little difference. The team was going to moonshine out of Guild lands as hard as their engines could take.
The injured were eventually loaded onto the team's escort ships and the escorts followed the team to the edge of Sabakumura, the last city completely within Guild influence, and scattered to their own directions. This left the team back to the M'Naghten and Then It Was Fixed. Their destination was now Lu Tower.
The night sky was clear and the moon shined brightly. Yiski had Roland take the helm for a while because Yiski had to think back on what he saw in Izumi's caverns.
Those things... weren't human.
Roland wasn't fairing any better. Within a trip, Roland's been almost killed, has killed, and has seen things which he believed will give him nightmares.
Despite the damage done to the ships, Yiski and Zill thought it best to moonshine through Isago and make port at Landmark. The two discussed Isago being safe enough, but realizing the length both the Birdmen and Guild are willing to go, the farther from Guild territory the better. Plus, Landmark is within complete League control and it's doubtful the Guild would risk war with the League.
The moon is a three-quarters across the sky by the time the team gets into Landmark. The team is exhausted and the ships needed a fresh supply of moonshine and a fair amount of repairs.
Needing the rest for the quickly coming morning, the team decides to sleep on board the ships and depart in the morning.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 6--
-
--START OF DAY 7--
--NARRATOR--
The team had only been asleep for a few hours except for Yiski who laid half-awake thinking about their next move. The Birdmen and Guild were planning something large. The two knew the Birdmen have a fascination and knowledge in pre-world technology and the Guild was the perfect source of funding.
Yiski's thoughts were interrupted.
*CLANK*
Yiski knew he didn't put down a boarding plank. He immediately grabbed Blood Bolt and loaded lethal rounds, but first chambered a non-lethal. Yiski also grabbed a flare within his quarters and slowly cracked his door open.
Yiski noticed four shadows running across the deck of the M'Naghten and later heard tool noises. Yiski sighed.
Damn scavengers.
Yiski lit and threw out the flare into the middle of the deck. When it popped, the lit up the M'Naghten like the morning sky. This caught all the scavengers to be clear targets.
Yiski immediately popped out from his quarters and shot the farthest target who was trying to dismount the flak. He fell crying out in pain. The others tried to scramble, but Yiski wasn't going to let them escape.
One tried to jump of the starboard side and managed to get just over the railing until Yiski shot the scavenger in the back of the head. Forward momentum caused the headless corpse to finish its advance over the railing and fall off far below the docks.
Yiski turned back front and noticed another scavenger trying to advance on Yiski.
Wrong move.
That scavenger also now was headless. Yiski scanned the deck for the last scavenger, but couldn't spot him. Yiski walked out onto the deck and approached his disabled scavenger.
Son, you just decided to loot the wrong ship.
The downed scavenger smiled at Yiski. Yiski knew then the last one was behind him. Yiski quickly turned, but the last scavenger was too close for rifle. Yiski braced for a shot.
*BANG*
But Yiski was still standing.
Both the downed scavenger and Yiski were confused. Next thing the two knew the last scavenger fell off to the side and behind him was Roland, holding his M1911.
Are.... are... you... alright?
I am now. Get some rope.
Roland went down to get rope and Yiski heard Zill yell across from Then It Was Fixed.
What the hell are you shooting at? Some of us are trying to sleep.
Well, how about bloody scavengers?
Scavengers? Oh, that's fine. Any left alive?
One.
You want me to interrogate him?
Naw. I got this one.
Yiski turned to the downed scavenger.
You and I are going to have some fun.
The downed scavenger saw was Yiski smiling. Then the flare died out.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Narrator-
Since the action on Yiski's boat woke up Zill and Jun'ko, they decided to double check the Then It Was Fixed and make sure supplies were in order. Yiski's fun was going to take some time. Knowing we were headed toward The Empire, Jun'ko was a little anxious. Zill noticed and tried to break the ice.
So, Empire. Must be nice to go home after so many years.
Yea...Itll be interesting.
You seem tense about it. Any reason?
Uh...No no no perfectly ok. *Weak laugh*
Among other things Jun, i know when people are lying.
She sighs and confesses.
Right...So I didnt exactly leave the military in the best way...
Define "not exactly..."
She kind of fake laughs and then...
Awol?
Zill's head sank.
Its a damn good thing you said something before we got there. Else we'd have that to deal with too. Youre going to need a disguise then while we are in Empire lands.
Well, at least all of my family supported me with it.
Yea, but lets not get into details at the moment. I need to work on a persona for you before we leave.
Zill goes off into the chambers to prepare. Jun'ko just looks up on the main deck.
Flak.
-End Narrator-
-
--Landmark's Port--
*It's morning. Lack of sleep and scavengers have put Yiski is a foul mood and the poor surviving scavenger knows it. Yiski waves the barrel of his rifle in the scavenger's face.*
Any reason why you decided to board my ship and take my stuff?
We noticed your ship making port in the middle of the night. Usually only merchant ships do that.
Do I look like a merchant?
No.
*Eventually, Yiski hails down some of the guards and have them take the scavenger away. When the guards arrive, they're surprised at the carnage caused.*
Sir. Do you realize who you've caught?
Nope.
This individual and his three man group have been wanted for multiple robberies within the past two months.
Well, it's just him now.
Well, we thank you for keeping him alive. There's a reward for his group dead or alive.
How much?
Seeing the result: one thousand gold.
How about instead of the money, we trade it for supplies and repairs to my ship and his.
That can be arranged immediately.
*The guards leave with the scavenger and minutes later workers start repairs and resupplying the team's ships. By early afternoon, the ships are repaired and supplies are on board. Before the team heads off, Yiski and Zill pass orders to inspect the supplies to avoid anymore "surprises." Once everything checked out. The team departed and en route to Lu Tower.*
-
*A bit disappointed that the scavengers picked Yiski's ship to raid and not Zill's Shink sit on the side of the ship scanning the horizon for enemy ships.*
*sighs*I wonder how roland is doing He seemed really concerned about killing a man, and after last nights events, I'm sure he must be conflicted
*To pass the time, Shink decides to play a prank on Papa, and reverse some of the tubing around in his mechanical leg while he slept. Shink hoped that it would cause him to spin endlessly in a circle until put back*
-
--M'Naghten--
*After leaving port, the two ship formation is cruising through the League skies*
*On top of the roof of the M'Naghten, BdrLine is laying down staring out into the desert thinking to himself*
Five years.... I'm finally coming home. Man I wished it was under different circumstances. Oh well.... Huh?
*BdrLine hears a nosie coming from somewhere near the stern and looks towards that direction*
*Coming up from the balloon pump is Ny-Lee, she climbs up the finally feet and goes over to her brother*
Figured you'll be up here. It took me a while but I finally found out how you get up to here. ...So you been thinking about home?
*She sits next to her brother*
*BdrLine looks back out in the desert*
Yeah, just wish I was coming back without all this. *Flair his arms out in front of him* The Empire being endangered, a group of pychotic bird people, and the thing we went through
Yeah I know how you feel. Coming back home from a vacation and we have to save it. But look at it this way, once we stop them coming back will feel much better.
*BdrLine looks at his sister*
I guess your right. *sigh* Lu Tower here we come. Just hope we are not too late.
Lu Tower... I just find that odd
*A confused look come upon BdrLine's face*
How so?
Well you should know that the three Towers are just that, giant towers guarding the entrance to Chang-ning. When you were at He Tower you remember that it's like a small community.
Yeah... where are you going with this?
Well shouldn't Lu be like that as well. A Tower with it's own small community. So where would you hide an organisation then.
*BdrLine takes a moment until realisation takes place*
Underground, just like Izumi. Maybe thats why there wasn't much activity in the Empire. They are still hiding out waiting for a chance to strike.
That's what I been thinking as well. we just have to find that entrance.
Well If they are still hiding out still inside the Empire, it will be pretty hidden
That is what I am afraid off, come on let's tell Yiski's and Roland about. it
*The two siblings hop down and goes to Yiski and talk to him about their obsevation*
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Zill was still working on Jun'ko's new persona as they made full steam toward Lu Tower. She approached him.*
Still mad at me?
*He looks up at her.*
Mad isnt the right word. Frustrated I suppose. And no, im over that.
...Sometimes I wish you would hear me out before getting that way.
Years of being the person people look to for direction can do that I guess. Short version?
*She sits next to the helm and nods.*
Ill try. So you know i was a respectable officer in the Yeshan Guard. What I didn't tell you about was the Hell I had to endure to maintain it. As a woman, it was only doubled. I assume you can imagine.
*Zill nods*
Well after proving to myself I could do it, I felt that i did not have to suffer for anyone's sake, and so I left with the support of my family. I went to find new pastures, and eventually found you.
Id of been screwed if you hadn't shown up. Those engines were cooked thanks to that useless greaser. He had the nerve to tell me moonshine was no good.
*Jun'ko chuckles.*
And here we are.
Well, since youre awol, you get a mask and the name Lilly Stephans. Youre an engineer out of Anvala, yet were born in Yesha obviously due to your accent. You can stick to the story that you wanted to see the world and found my ship a perfect fit.
Lilly huh? I kinda like that. Do this often?
I have many friends for many means. *He Smirks.* Nice talk too.
Its a start.
-
*After hours of continuous flying through League territory, the team finally sees signs of Yeshan influence*
*At around mid-noon, the two ship formation nears the checkpoint town in the Yao Ling Pass*
*As they near, they can see Empire Air Fleet ships conducting an aerial patrol*
*Three Imperial Gallerons fly in a line formation with a their port broadside facing out. Passing the opposite of them are a pair of Flak Goldfish, trailed by a lone Pyramidion and Junker*
--M'Naghten--
*On board the M'Naghten Yiski and Roland takes in the show of power from the Imperial Patrol*
*Roland whistle at the sight*
*Ny-Lee goes up to him*
A sight ain't it
Yeah
*As they near the checkpoint, a four squid formation comes upon the group*
*On what looks like the lead ship, a signal light comes on flashing Morse code*
*On the helm, Yiski decipher the message*
Shift ship into flanking speed, change radio frequency to 120 MegaHertz
*Ny-Lee calls up to him*
It's just protocol, if we comply they won't shoot
*Yiski does what the message says and lower his speed, he goes over the radio and dials in the radio*
*Over the radio comes a mans voice*
Ahh good, sorry about this, just routine. We are assigned to escort you in, any signs of resistance and you will be shot out of the sky. Once docked, we will do an inspection of your ship and crew. Finally welcome to the Great Yesha Empire
* The two ships comply and allowed the four squids to escort them in the docking bay*
*Back on Yiski Goldfish, BdrLine thinks to himself*
Man... it's good to be back home
-
Papa wakes up in the middle of the afternoon, he swings his legs over the side of the bed. His feet hit the floor and he steps up fine, but as soon as he went to lift his left leg his knee froze up and locked it in an impossibly awkward angle, Papa ate the ground.
Ugh, what the flyin' flak!
Papa fliped on his back, sat up and looked at his leg.
Oh, Shink, when I find you boyo...
He rewired it, it made hissing noises as he reattached it to its proper position. Shink was peeking around the corner of the staircase laughing to himself. He heard rapid decompression's which only meant one thing: Papa was running.
Oh, shi...
He made it past Jun'Ko before Papa got a hold of his collar.
Now listen here, laddy: Y'don't go messin' round with peoples mechanics, lest you don't mind them messin' with yours...
He took out his volcanic pistol, pointed it at shink's leg and cocked it.
Jun'ko took a large plank and hit Papa in the back of the head, he was completely inaffected. He spun around and looked at Jun.
As I was saying... But I love ya too much for that
He dropped Shink from a foot up, he fell.
As for you missy, I'm not sure what to do with you, you could've cause some serious damage...
He shot at the plank of wood which exploded in a hail of splinters.
Now someone wanna tell me 'bout them squids?
-
--M'Naghten--
*Yiski to BdrLine and Ny-Lee*
I understand protocol, I just would've figured the Empire increased security given the presence of Birdmen.
*Roland thinks to himself about earlier today.*
I willingly killed a man point-blank. It was different when It was firing the gating. But I had to or Yiski could have died.
*Roland mentally shakes his head.*
I can deal with that later. Given our closeness to Chang-ning, I hope I can talk to Ny-Lee's parents about marriage.
*The Yeshan patrol gives the team instructions to dock at a checkpoint in Yao Ling Pass.*
-
--M'Naghten--
*Before docking at one of the checkpoints, BdrLine ponders at what Yiski said*
Maybe they are trying to keep it covered up. With increased in patrols, it may make people paranoid that an invasion is imminent. And I'm guessing that the Emporer and his Concil are not fully sure that the Birdmen are making a comeback. He did cover that whole incident with the one you guys dealt with a month ago
What every it may be. Let's just go through this first, Azn you still have our family Seal on you right
*Goes though his pocket and brings out a gold crest*
Yup always on my side. I think of it as a good luck charm
Well that will speed up the checking process
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Zill went below and slapped Papa on the back of the head.*
The squids are escorting us to a military checkpoint for inspections. Stop flakkin' shooting while we're here.
*Zill goes to Jun'ko. Even with the mask, he knows shes nervous.*
Just be yourself, only as Lilly. Youll do fine.
*Zill tells his crew to simply call Jun'ko Lilly, no questions asked. He then radios Yiski.*
Tell your crew to address Jun'ko as Lilly Stephens. Long story short, shes awol from the Yeshan military.
-
*Shink picks himself off the ground*
"Geez Papa.... Can't you take a joke"
*Shink brushes himself off, and heads to the top deck for some air.*
-
--NARRATOR--
The team docks at Yao Ling Pass' checkpoint. When the team docks, Zill notices Jun'ko fidgeting a bit. Zill puts both of his hands on Jun'ko's shoulders.
You will be fine. It's not like the one person who'd recognize you would be part of this patrol.
Maybe.
Meanwhile, Yiski got the call from Zill prior to docking and relayed it to the others.
AWOL? I didn't know she did that.
I am sure she had her reasons.
Ny-Lee cringed a bit.
Roland's right. We all have reasons and secrets we keep from others.
The team docked and the Yeshan patrol came on board to inspect the team and its supplies. One of the patrolmen on Then It Was Fixed looked at the crew, but concentrated his efforts on Jun'ko. It made her nervous until Zill cut in.
You keep eyeing my lady and we're going to have problems.
The patrolmen gulped and continued his inspection with the others.
On the M'Naghten, things were a bit smoother. Apparently, the patrolmen struck up a friendly conversation with BdrLine and Ny-Lee.
Have you two been living away from Yesha for awhile?
I've been gone for a couple of years.
I've recently left to go find my brother. Ny-Lee points to BdrLine.
After an hour the patrolmen stop their inspection and give the ships an all clear. By this time day has passed and the patrolmen offers the team a room in one of the overnight barracks. The team accepts. As the patrolmen and team are disembarking from the ships, one of them notice BdrLine and Ny-Lee. He doesn't say anything, but slinks off into the radio room.
Sir. We have a problem. The targets have arrived much sooner than expected. Orders?
This was a possibility. Keep to the plan.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 7--
-
--START OF DAY 8--
--NARRATOR--
Sir. The targets have already departed for Lu Tower.
No worries. We shall greet our guests soon enough.
--NARRATOR END--
-
((Can we just jump in?))
-
--NARRATOR--
Despite the Empire's roughed terrain, the team managed to spot Lu Tower from 5 km away. The tower itself had seen some better years during the Great War (and lesser known conflict with the Birdmen). Since the Great War, Lu Tower became a ghost town and the tower itself had fallen into disrepair. From the outside, it was a surprise anyone would occupy it, then again, if you're a semi-secret organization hellbent on unification conquest, it'd make sense to set up shop.
The entire team pulled out their spyglasses in order to spot any enemy ships.
Zill, are you seein' what I'm seein'?
Unless they're invisible, then I got nothing.
Upon scanning the entire area, there were no signs of any ships, or life.
Do you think this is another trap?
Doubt it. It'd be hard to keep even a small fleet of ships without bein' spotted.
What's the call?
Call in some of your friends and have them keep watch for enemy ships. We'll land somewhere and make our way to the tower.
Yiski relayed the same over to Zill.
I don't like the idea of landing and walking into the unknown, but I guess it can't be helped. Zill calls over to Jun'ko, Shink, and Paradox. Get your weapons ready. We're landing.
BdrLine used the alt radio to call in some patrols. As the team came within 1 km of Lu Tower, a message came over Yiski and Zill's regular radios.
I see our favorite guests have arrived. It is a wonder you have managed to survive thus far.
There is a momentary pause.
I have to say you all have been frustrating our plans to bring about a unified world and suffice it to say, we are less than happy.
Suddenly, the team came under heavy fire when multiple light and heavy flak rounds are exploding around the M'Naghten and Then It Was Fixed.
Shit. That entire town is an anti-air bunker. Yiski we gotta pull back.
Both ships manage to back out, but not before sustaining heavy damage to their ships' armor.
That was too close Zill.
Yiski yells over to BdrLine.
You might want to send another message. This time have them bring the damn Yeshan fleet. I don't see us getting near the town anytime soon.
BdrLine sends a message, on the alt radio, to Zankif. BdrLine explains the current situation and discuss what to do next. After 30 minutes, BdrLine tells Yiski and Zill.
Well, Zankif can get a medium fleet together, but it'll take a day to gather them all and to get here.
Damn. Guess we don't have much of a choice do we? Alright, let's fall back to La Ferra. The Birdmen aren't going anywhere. Plus, we need repairs.
In two hours, the team reaches La Ferra and make port. The heavy damage to the ships will take the rest of the day to complete, so the team decides to settle for the day in a nearby inn.
Once inside the inn, the team splits up. Roland, Ny-Lee, and Jun'ko (now Lilly because of her AWOL status) head to the rooms. Shink and Paradox decide to play drinking games with the locals in the nearby pub. Yiski and Zill are sitting at the docks overseeing repairs and talking to each other.
I don't see why the Birdmen opened fire on us. They know we know they're in the tower and now the Empire knows it too. What reason could they have?
Zill stopped barking orders for a bit and thought. Zill turned to Yiski.
The only reason to use that much surprise force is to buy time.
For what?
Yiski and Zill both thought back to what they found in Izumi. The human experiments came to both their minds.
I got a bad feelin' about this.
I got a bad feeling about this.
-NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 8--
-
--START OF DAY 9--
--NARRATOR--
Roland didn't sleep well last night. Actually, since he shot and killed the scavenger, it's all he could think about and it's been weighing heavier on him since.
Roland approached the mirror in the room and noticed he had bags forming. He took a deep breath.
I killed a man. I cannot believe I ended another man's life.
Ny-Lee spied Roland staring at himself and she saw Roland's worsening look. She knew what was bothering him. She quickly walked in and hugged Roland from behind, catching him off-guard.
Wha...
You shouldn't feel guilty.
I know.
Then why do you?
Because I have never killed a person.
I've killed a few people if it makes you feel better.
For whatever reason, Roland chuckled at the comment and gave a thin smile. Though Ny-Lee was still embracing Roland, he managed to turn and kiss her. It was a long kiss. Long enough for a drowsy Jun'ko to stumble in on the couple and stare for a few seconds before it dawned on Jun'ko of what was going on.
Huh... oh... Oh.... um... sorry, I'll be back. You two take all the time you need.
Jun'ko winked at the two and left, leaving the couple red as a Dragon Pepper.
Maybe we should get ready and finally end this.
Ny-Lee nodded and they headed for the docks.
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Narrator-
Zill has had a couple rough nights since the military post and now the surprise at Lu Tower. Jun'ko's status was bugging him. He was less worried about why and more about making sure all this help they were to get from the Empire didnt happen to recognize her. At this point, he wouldnt be surprised if some random private remembered her from somewhere. "Lilly" noticed his restless nights.
Im sorry. Its probably me causing your restlessness isnt it?
Among other things, yea. Plus, i hate putting a mask over that pretty face.
Jun'ko smiles and kisses him.
Well as you said, no need to worry so much and stick to the story. I think im getting the hang of it.
Agreed. Lets get ourselves moving.
Zill and crew went to his Galleon to inspect the repairs. Over the course of the journey, the repairs have been making his Then It Was Fixed look like a tied-together Junker. He tweaked his howitzer to fire straighter for Jun'ko, and fine tuned the sights on the lumberjacks. Disabling that bunker wasn't going to be easy unless it was accurately at distance. After he was content, he went over to the M'Naghten to see Yiski.
How you holdin' up? Its been a rough week for us.
-End Narrator-
-
*Yiski sighed and grunted*
Well, the armor they put on is substandard, but it's better than nothing. Next, the heavy flak is mangled beyond repair and I'm having them put on a hwacha. Finally, the port maneuvering engine is being replaced.
*As the port crew were placing the hwacha on the M'Naghten, Yiski did crack a small smile.*
The only sliver lining to all this is I have a few crates of 'special' ammo for the hwacha.
*Zill lifted an eyebrow. He knew (as well as those close to Yiski) Yiski loved to make experimental ammo, especially for the hwacha. Yiski noticed Zill's eyebrow and laughs.*
Well, it's nothing new since it's been sitting on my ship since my retirement. You remember my phosphorous burst rounds right?
(Phosphorous burns infinitely unless you smother it in something with no moisture. It can burn underwater.)
-
*Zill shook his head.*
Yea my armor was hit pretty hard. Most of it is wooden now, but i have some spare plating to reinforce. Luckily my guns held up. Im putting a flamer on the back for good measure. After that display it would be my luck to have some prototype vessel stuck on my tail.
*He stood over the crates on ammo and smirked.*
I remember this stuff. One time you set us on fire and i had to land into the desert sands to put us out. I was so mad. Looking back now its pretty flakin' funny.
-
*Shink overhears Yiski saying something about burst rounds, and decides to snoop around.*
"Hey Yiski, mind if I steal some of these rounds, and modify them for the lumberjack?"
-
*Yiski thought for a bit.*
Well, I'll help you with the modifications. No sense in having you burn yourself alive and take the whole town with you in a never-ending wildfire.
*Yiski motions a few workers to gently and carefully grab a crate of the Phosphorous burst rounds*
-
*BdrLine and Ny-Lee are inside the docks radio room*
*On one radio, BdrLine is on with Zankif*
So how long until you and your fleet near the borders?
We are almost out of League territory, a few more hours and we would be nearing the Pass.
Alright, once you see sight of the patrol, radio me back. I'll let them know your with us, don't want some accidental fighting.
Understood, out
*During BdrLine and Zakif's conversation, Ny-Lee is also on another radio. She is with the High Command reporting them about the details*
So you confirmed that their location is at Lu Tower correct.
Yes sir, the team I am on were trying to conduct some recon, when they made contact with us. They opened fire once we were insight. Had to fall back to La Ferra
Can't believe they are back. ...I know that you and your family are respected citizens in the Empire, and that you went into the Academy, what is your current rank?
I'm a Lieutenant sir. If I may ask, why do you ask sir?
Well you are the only Officer who has combat experience and knowledge about the group. Plus your near proximity to them, we decided to give you a field promotion to the rank of Captain. We are giving you jurisdiction of the area and command of the fleet in La Ferra. We are also sending the Grand Fleet from the Capital and a fleet from W'e River
*Ny-Lee is speechless at the decision*
Why thank you sirs, I won't let you down. ...Sirs?
*Over the radio, chairs are heard scooting backwards and a new voice is heard in the background. After a few moments, more movement is heard and the voice comes on the radio*
Hello, Captain Zhao. This is the Emporer speaking and I want to say that we are grateful at what you and your team are doing.
Thank you, your excellence. We are doing all in our power to stop this madness
And because of this, I am personally coming with the Grand Fleet
*in the background*
Your Majesty are you sure? You know the Birdmen wants the throne, with you near the battle they will target you and your ship
Yes I know the risk, but I'm going to finish what my ancestor started. The full destruction of this wretched organisation.
Very well sir, Captain Zhao, you have one more assignment I'm afraid. You'll be personally guarding the Emporer and his battleship.
Yes sir, understood
Well may the Gods watch over us as we enter this battle. Captain, you are dismissed
Yes sir, Captain Zhao out
*Static can be heard and Ny-Lee leaves the radio and sees that her brother is done*
So how did it went.
Well I've been promoted, given command of the Imperial Fleets around the area, and the Emporer himself is coming.
*BdrLine is slack jaw at he information*
Wow all I have is that Zankif is on his way. But at least we have some more firepower
Yeah, just a little too much for me to handle. Think I need a little drink
Same, come on let's find the others. They might like what we have
*BdrLine and Ny-Lee leaves the radioroom and Sandra around the docks to find the rest of the group*
-
*Zill heads over to his boat when he see's BdrLine and Ny-Lee walking up. He approaches them.*
Well well how is the prestigious family members doing today?
*BdrLine and Ny-Lee tell Zill about the recent happenings.*
Flak me. Thats rather big news. Congratulations Ny. That will surely help with this final fight. I may have just the drinks for the occasion.
*Zill hollars to Shink and Papa to bring down a barrel in the hold. "Lilly" brought glasses for the group. Yiski and Roland hear the commotion and come down.*
What's the occasion? We got preparations to make and you want to drink!
Calm down. You are in the presence of a new Imperial Captain. *He gestures to Ny.*
Wow really?? Thats amazing Ny!
*Ronald embraces her, and Yiski is grinning and shaking his head. The story behind the radio calls are told to the group.*
The Emperor himself huh? Thats impressive. Risky as all Hell though.
Maybe, but I dont blame him. He wouldnt be much of an Emperor if he sat on his throne and let others fight for him. He isnt the Council.
*They all laugh. The drinks are prepared. It was a barrel of wine dating back to the Guild/Baron conflict. Zill got all he could while he was fighting them.*
A toast. To a new Imperial Captain, and to our finest hours against the Birdmen. May this be the end.
To Clear Skies.
-
*After congratulating Ny-Lee on her promotion, Roland began thinking about his marriage proposal and her parents.*
Ny-Lee is now a Captain of the Imperial Fleet and her parents are ones of high prestige.
*Roland begins thinking how he hasn't accomplished anything close to Ny-Lee's merits let alone the merits of BdrLine or their family.*
How would her parents react to someone like me asking for their daughter's hand in marriage?
*Roland is now confronted with knowledge he's kept on the back burners for awhile. Roland has no claim of merit and he's in love with a girl who almost has everything within her fingertips.*
*Yiski notices Roland's meltdown and separates them from the other by taking a walk outside the docks.*
Having second thoughts about marrying Ny-Lee?
*Roland was surprised.*
How did...
*Yiski stifled a laugh.*
Well, I saw your face when Ny-Lee got promoted and you're wonderin' now if you're good enough to her and to her parents.
*Roland was speechless and simply nodded.*
Roland, you have more to offer than military medals. You know what you're good at and you don't need me tellin' you what those are.
*Yiski took a pause.*
You come this far by your own initiative and some 'gentle' pushin'. You'll be fine and don't let anyone else tell you different.
*Yiski patted Roland on the back and proceeded to walk back to the others, leaving Roland standing outside staring off into the distance. Yiski meets up with the others.*
Alright. We should sober up some. Fleet should be here soon. Let's get ready and have the Birdmen join their first idiot who got in our way.
-
*Shink downs his drink in one gulp, and notices standing off to the side. Shink wanders over to him*
"Hey Roland. Look, I know we're not as close, but I just want to let you know that you did good with those scavengers. Killing is never easy, but if you had not done that, then we would be drinking in a different mood right now.
*Shink pulls out a flask, and fills his cup again, and offers it to Roland*
-
Papa was uneasy after hearing the emperor was coming.
The old codgers, gonna hang me... If I'm lucky.
Papa started laughing
"By the gods lads, my time is coming, I used to privateer for the Anglean Republic, they called me 'The Blight of Chang-Ning.' That old bastards gonna try and kill me."
Papa finished his drink
"Let em' try."
Ny dropped her glass and within seconds she was at Papas throat with a knife.
"You son of a bitch, we heard story's about you... how you pillaged our defenseless towns, raped our women, killed our children, YOU BURNED INNOCENTS!"
As with a terrible vengeance she was about to decorate the floor with Paradox's larynx, she heard a noise: a subtle click. Papa's volcanic pistol was in her gut.
"I suggest you put that down, lass. Lest we have two corpses 'pon the ground."
A coy smile crossed his face.
-
*Zill separates them both. Papa gets the hand pistol to his forehead and Ny gets iron knuckles pressed on her gut.*
Enough of this crap. Ny-Lee, you know better than to believe Yeshan Propoganda to its fullest, or at least I hope so. If you think our story's are blown out of proportion, Yeshan Propoganda is ten times that.
*He gives a stern look to PapaP*
I would highly recommend you two go to your boats. The Fleets will be arriving soon.
*Ny-Lee storms off with little more than a "Hmph". Papa wasnt so easy.*
Look here scarface, i dont need any help from you with my personal life.
Im not helping your sorry metal ass. Im ordering you onto that boat before i leave you here to deal with your personal life in the middle of the Empire.
*Zill cocks his pistol and Papa turns around and walks to the boat. Zill takes out his flask and downs it.*
This group is falling apart at the seams. He couldn't keep his arrogant mouth shut...
*"Lilly" sees his anger and walks up to him.*
He might be a pain but its all we have right now. Roland, id go comfort Ny. We dont need her making brash decisions given her new power.
Agreed. How on earth am i going to do that.....
-
--M'Naghten--
*Roland goes up on board and searches for Ny-Lee. Eventually, he finds her down below deck kicking the metal sides.*
Ny-Lee, you know Paradox says things just to bait people.
*Roland tries to embrace Ny-Lee, but she keeps him at arms length and kicks the side again.*
I don't see how you could even think his comment "just to bait." No, he knew full well my, no, our people's view of that monster!
Please, just...
No! You have no idea what our people suffered! Don't try and defend him!
*Ny-Lee keeps ranting, her anger only increasing with each breath between rants. Roland didn't have a clue as to how to calm her, except one.*
*SLAP*
*Roland made contact against Ny-Lee's face. It wasn't a hard slap, but just enough for her to stop her ranting and stare at Roland with complete awe. Ny-Lee's face began to tear up.*
Why d....
*Roland didn't give her a chance to finish and immediately brought her in for a kiss. At first, Ny-Lee wanted to break away and pound Roland for hitting her. Eventually, she gave in and reciprocated his action. A few moments pass by when Roland breaks the kiss.*
I am truly sorry I slapped you. I know you are angry with me and furious with Paradox, but you cannot let this anger take control of the Ny-Lee I love.
*Ny-Lee looked into Roland eyes and saw he was being, as always, sincere. She attempted to reconcile her spite for Paradox.*
What Paradox said is unforgivable, but Roland's right, I can deal with this later.
*Ny-Lee took a deep breath.*
I will try and keep this event behind me, for you. When I think about what that monster has caused, I can't help but feel angry and sad.
*The painful and sorrowful face Ny-Lee was putting on caused a pain in Roland's chest. He knew he couldn't let her keep feeling like this. Then an idea. A very hasty, impulsive idea.*
Well, I cannot stand to see you sad darling and I know what I'm about to do cannot possibly dispel all your sadness and hatred, but I consider it a start. I was hoping to do this properly, but there is no helping it. I will not let Ny-Lee be this way.
*Roland hugged Ny-Lee and sat her down on a nearby crate. Ny-Lee was confused and wanted to ask, but Roland put up his hand and stopped the question. Roland then dropped to one knee and reached into his pockets. He pulled out his mother's wedding band.*
Ny-Lee, will you do me the incredible honor of becoming my wife?
-
-Then It Was Fixed-
*Zill, "Lilly," and Shink made there way onto the boat. Papa was on the lower deck messing with guns. Zill couldnt be bothered with him and let him be. He kicked some of the replacement wood that covered flak holes in his vessel. Jun'ko comes over.*
Still mad?
It just pisses me off. What he did is on him, but boasting it while here of all places....
*He kicks the wood again. It splinters and reveals the hole. Zill just grunts.*
Crappy repairs too. Its just not my day.
*Chuckles* Well later on itll.....
*She stops when three Imperial Soldiers walk onto Zill's deck. One comes forth to Zill and "Lilly"*
Hello, we hope to find you in good spirits.
Could be better. What do you want?
We are actually here for her. *He gestures to Jun'ko.*
*Zill faces them now, and Jun'ko gets behind him. Shinkurex pokes his head out from the bottom deck to see what's happening.*
And why would you be here for her?
We have reason to believe her documents are fake, and we wish ask her some questions. She doesnt even have a photo on her ID.
She wears a mask for the same reason I do. Mine also has no picture for good reason.
I will have to ask you to step...
*Zill has had it at this point. He removes his mask, much to the shock to the soldiers.*
Evidence enough for you? Or should I simply render your face similarly so you too can be badgered about flaking documents?
*The other two soldiers draw stun batons. Zill smirks and doesnt budge.*
Regardless, force is not something we are above using.
Be my guest.
*They all stand there for a moment, and the left soldier makes a lunge. Zill grabs his baton and reverses it on him. He falls to the ground in shock. The other one grabs Zill and the third soldier shocks him. The baton's charge is spent and Zill takes advantage. Zill broke the arm of the one holding him, and threw him to the ground. He screamed in pain. The last soldier, the speaker, just stood in front of him.*
You do realize that....
No. You realize that you have two seconds to get off my boat?
*The last soldier moved too slow. Zill gave him iron knuckles to the gut, followed by a gun to his head.*
Get off my deck.
*The soldiers carry the stunned man off the Galleon. Zill unlatches the ramp and throws it on the docks. He's had enough of unwanted company. He sat on the deck and just held his head down. Jun'ko approached slowly and sat next to him.*
Thank you.
*He just sat motionless. Words escaped him at the moment. Jun'ko just embraced him right there, and she saw Shinkurex there, his eyes wide.*
Keep an eye on the docks. We dont need fatalities today.
Im on it.
-
*Yiski sees the events play out before him. Paradox pissing off the Empire while in the Empire. Ny-Lee about to kill Paradox. And Zill about to start war against the Empire for Jun'ko. Yiski can't help but sigh.*
And I thought I had problems.
*Yiski walks over to the M'Naghten as look over the armor repairs.*
Yup. Still shitty. Even a little drink can't make this look any better.
*Three Yeshan soldiers approach Yiski. He cursed to himself and addressed them.*
I swear by the skies if you even ask to see my papers...
No sir. We have orders to accompany the Captain for the mission.
I see. *sigh* As long as you don't mess with anything on the ship, I won't have to throw you off when we're up in the skies.
Understood.
*The soldiers nodded, saluted, and boarded the M'Naghten. Yiski eventually boarded too.*
Well, an approach by air seems unlikely. Gonna need these guys to push when we hit land.
-
--Docks--
*BdrLine with a hand over his forehead*
Why do we have to deal with this crap right now. We're going into battle for Gods sakes, and Paradox had to bring up his past.
*From his personal radio, Zankif voice can be heard*
Bdr, we are almost at the Pass, Think its about time to call the Patrol off, all of us are getting queasy from the guns aimed at us.
Alright hold. *sighs*
*BdrLine changes the frequency to the Patrol*
Imperial Patrol, this is Azn Zhao. Have you and your men stand down, that fleet is with us.
Oh yes sir, right away sir
*BdrLine changes back to Zankif*
Well, you guys are clear. How long until you reach La Ferra?
Thanks Bdr, I already see them turning away. It should be about an hour and a half or so, but we'll be there
Roger. *To himself* At least something good is happening.
--M'Naghten--
*Ny-Lee is speechless at the sight before her*
Roland, i don't know what to say. This is happening way too fast, I'm mean with the battle coming up and all and my new found leadership status, and how about my brother... or my parents will react to this
*She says this all quickly in one breath, nearing the end some Yeshan may have come out*
*Ny-Lee takes a deep breath and thinks to herself*
Come on Ny, why are you over thinking this. The man of your life just ask to marry you. and you over think IT.
*She gets down from the crate and lift Roland off the ground, she looks him into his eyes and kisses him hard on the lips*
*She breaks the kiss, still looking at him*
Yes, yes. I would be honored of bein your wife.
-
--NARRATOR--
Despite the shitstorm Paradox decided to create prior to battle, Yiski and Zill managed to get everyone's mind set on one goal: Get rid of the Birdmen once and for all.
Roland and Ny-Lee decided to keep their sudden engagement a secret until after the battle.
Within the hour, the Imperial Fleet arrived in La Ferra. Over the radio, Yiski and Zill heard the Emperor.
I am pleased to address the crew who have helped us in the past in dealing with the Birdmen and am honored to have you by our side when we end their madness. I have heard the report the Birdmen are expecting us, so I will not keep us here any longer.
Yiski and Zill departed La Ferra's docks and formed up with the Imperial Fleet. Despite only bringing in a medium sized fleet, the ships were no less impressive or deadly. The Fleet consisted of six pyramidions, six galleons, four goldfishes, and the Emperor's flagship galleon the Kaineng. Yiski whistled at the sight of it and remembered the reward from their last adventure.
Huh... probably should've taken door number one.
The Fleet and team made their way back to Lu Tower. This time at 3 km, everyone got a message.
Ah. I see you have returned again, and with more friends. Good. Good.
As with the team's first approach of Lu Tower, the entire fleet came under fire from the town below. However, the team and Fleet saw this coming and Yiski had a nice surprise for them. Yiski called over the radio.
Zill. Have Shink and Paradox load up my Phosphorous burst rounds into their lumberjacks and have them clear a path. I'll have BdrLine do the same on the hwacha.
Shink, Paradox, load up Yiski's rounds and fire on the flak positions. Get us some maneuvering room!
On it! Let's have some fun.
'Bout time I get to shoot again.
BdrLine, are you set?
Loaded!
On Yiski and Zill's orders, the gunners opened fire on the flak positions. Each shot was meant to clear a zone of landing for the team and the Fleet to land and infiltrate Lu Tower. The phosphorous rounds proved highly effective against the stationary flak positions. After the team fired shots, the Fleet would fire on top of the positions with heatsink rounds to douse the fires. It only took minutes for the team and Fleet to clear a large enough area for them to land on and luckily there weren't any heavy damages to any of the ships.
When the team and the four Fleet goldfishes were 500 meters away from the cratered landing, the anti-air fire ceased. The landing group paused in the air.
Zill?
I know. I don't like this either.
Yiski pulled out his spyglass to survey the area and saw two glints from the far end of the town. They were cannons, much like the nonfunctional one in the Firnfeld, but smaller and more concealable.
Shit! Everyone pop hydrogen!
Yiski managed to rise quickly, but not before one of the cannons fired and barely missed the M'Naghten. Consequently, the cannon round exploded behind the M'Naghten and tore the balloon to shreds and instantly took out three of the goldfishes. Then It Was Fixed and the remaining goldfish were heavily damaged. Yiski was sinking... fast.
Dammit! Deploying emergency chute! Everyone! Get ready for a hard landing!
The crew of the M'Naghten braced for impact which came soon enough. The landing caused everyone to fall and suffering minor injuries. Yiski looked to both radios and found them both out of commission.
Yiski! Yiski!
Zill yelled into the radio with no answer.
Jun, use your spyglass and see if you can see anyone alive.
Jun'ko looked at the downed M'Naghten and saw the crew moving about. She took a head count.
Zill, looks like they're okay
Zill heard a message from Zankif.
What was that?
Looks like the Birdmen managed to get their hands on some powerful pre-world weapons. The M'Naghten is down, but the crew is alive and all accounted for.
At that moment, the second cannon fired and the shot rang towards the Emperor's Kaineng. The round exploded taking out two pyramidions and a galleon. The rest of the Fleet sustained substantial damage.
Suddenly, the flak fire restarted and concentrated on Zill and the remaining goldfish.
Flak! We're going to get pummeled if we stay in the air in this condition. We've got to land.
Zill calls over to the remaining goldfish and together they make an emergency decent and land 50 meters away from the M'Naghten. The team disembarks with their weapons drawn and forms a perimeter around the ship.
Yiski! Status!
We've got some bumps and bruises, but nothing serious. Gotta say the Birdmen really want us dead, huh.
No kidding.
With the team finally assembled, there were 15 (4 from Then It Was Fixed; 4 from the goldfish; and 7 from M'Naghten) of them ready to take the tower.
Luckily, nightfall occurred when the M'Naghten hard landed. This gave the team the cover of darkness to reach the tower with no flak fire. When they reached the tower's entrance, Yiski and Zill looked at each other.
Go in loud?
Always.
The team then breached the door. What happens next would determine the fate of the world.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 9--
-
Start of Day 10
-Narrator-
From the heavy fighting yesterday, the La Ferra Fleet has sustained heavy damage. Our of the 16 ship formation, only 10 are left. What remains is the Emporer's flagship, 5 galleons, and 4 pyramidions. The Emporer has order the remaining ships to retreat. Luckily for them, it was nightfall when they retreated from the Tower, with the darkness they were able to slip away.
During the ship battle, Zankif and his fleet arrived a little too late as he saw the destruction caused by the cannons. Know that if he entered, he and his fleet would fall just like what happen to the La Ferra Fleet. Zankif hold position just outside visual range of the Tower, and by the next day, he spots the battle weary Imperial Fleet.
Zankif goes on the radio and tries to make contact.
Imperial Fleet, Imperial Fleet do you read me over. We are the second fleet of ships here ready to assist. We were requested by one of the Zhao family members, but when we arrived to the Tower. We decide to hold back as the massive fire power they had.
On the La Farra Fleet, the Emporer heard Zankif's call and promptly answer it.
Yes this is Imperial Fleet. Glad you didn't go into that barrage. Everything would be in vain if ship after ship tries to engage that Tower with it online. Right now, my fleet will be falling back, we have taken substantial damage. Don't worry, your will not be alone, from Wu River a troop transport fleet will be arriving and the Grand Fleet will come as well from our Capital. I advise you make a perimeter cap until they come. Oh from what I seen your friends has infiltrated the building before we left, watch out for that.
Roger that, forming a perimeter around the area
Once the two fleets went their separate ways, Zankif medieum fleet, which consist of 3 galleons, 3 goldfish, 2 pyramidions, and 2 junkers. Formed a perimeter around the area waiting for the rest of the Allied ships to arrive.
Inside the Tower is a different story. The 15 man team barged into the Tower with weapons drawn. The Tower's occupants, who are just celebrating their victory from yesterday, were surprised that anyone would have breached it defenses and immediately around 8 of them fall from the gunfire. Realising they were under attack, the Tower defenders quickly went for their weapons and returned fire.
On a near by radio, one of the defenders goes for it.
We have a breach, I repeat we have a breach. Imperial soldiers have entered the Tower sound the alarm and send in reinforcements.
An alarm has sounded throughout the whole building, and on the upper floors more defenders ready their gear.
With the new retaliation from the defenders, Zill and the group take cover behind some pillars and crates lying around. A soldier gets hit and killed trying to go for cover.
Yiski is behind a box of crates with Roland next to him. He shouts over to Zill who is behind a pillar.
If we don't clear this room, more of our "friends" will be coming. You have a plan?
"Lily" from another crate hears Yiski.
Well I do.
"Lily" takes off her belt five loch gernades, unpinned them, and lobs them over he crate. Five explosions come and dust engulfs the room. After a minute or so, the firing has stopped. The team looks over their cover and notices all the rooms defenders are dead.
They all get out from their cover and walks to the middle of the room.
Hmm nice work. ...Flak... Everyone split up!
As they were assessing the damage, a shot ranged out, missing the group. And down the stairs more defenders come charging in. At that moment, the 14 man group split off in two, Zill his crew and three Imperial soldiers goes off in one direction, while Yiski his group and the three guards assigned to Ny-Lee another.
-End Narration-
-
-Narrator-
The teams split to opposite sides of the room. Zill's was on the left wing, with Yiski's on the right. Zill yelled over the gunfire coming from the stairwell in front of them with men holding them back.
Yiski! Take your group to the cannons! When reinforcements get here, they cant be running! We will cover you and take out the flak grid!
Yiski only nods. Jun throws another loch grenade to cover the stairs. Once it explodes, Yiski's team heads out via the right wing. Zill and his team go through the left wing.
The tower was massive, rising 75 stories into the air. According to Jun'ko, the control systems for the Flak grid should be on floor 66. Zill and his team got to the elevators. They were guarded and another firefight broke out. The team took cover behind some pillars. The soldiers with them had smoke grenades. They popped two over to the elevator doors. Once the smoke filled the room, the birdmen started firing randomly. Once they had to reload, Zill ran up and took out two guards. More started coming from the opposing hallway, guns blazing. A few bullets grazed his armor. He hid near the doors. Shink and Papa were firing down the hallway for cover fire as Jun ran over to Zill at the doors.
You ok??
Yea just some grazes. How many loch grenades you have?
Just three more.
Save em. We need to get these elevators open. Find the keys on the guard.
The smoke was clearing as the two sides traded fire. Jun'ko found the keys and called the elevator. Zill pushed her from the door as it opened. Three guard were ready for the doors to open inside. Zill charged in, shooting the first guard. He punched the second guard, but the third guard got a shot off into Zill's armor point blank. Zill returned the favor to the unarmored man and kicked the last one unconscious. Moments later Jun ran in to see Zill kneeling down.
Skies one of those shots hit you didnt they?
Ill be fine. Get the others in here. We need to move before they shut these down.
Guys lets go!
The team pops more smoke and makes their way to the doors. A soldier is hit in the arm and Papa has a few bullets bounce off his legs. With everyone inside they pressed 66, and the doors closed. They could catch their breath and reload, but only for so long.
-End Narrator-
-
*Shink Catches his breath on the ride up to the 66th floor. He takes out dual pistols and preps for the eventual onslaught of Bullets. The Elevator dings, and before the first soldier leaves, Shink stops him and throws a specialty grenade.*
"Take Cover, and Gas masks on!"
*On impact, the grenade explodes in a cloud of tar choking the life out of the would be ambushers. Zill just looks at Shink*
"What? you're the one who gave me the idea"
-
--NARRATOR--
Yiski, Roland, BdrLine, Ny-Lee and the three Imperials assigned to Ny-Lee started down a long corridor on the main floor, heading in the direction of where the hidden cannons were. The group was making decent progress when shots were coming in front. Yiski managed to spot a makeshift bunker with a couple of soldiers firing at them. The team immediately took over behind a few pillars.
Everyone get to cover! Imperials, give me some suppressing fire and I'll get rid of that excuse of a bunker.
The Imperials looked to Ny-Lee at first.
Do as he says.
The Imperials then started laying down suppression fire which allowed Yiski to line up a shot. Yiski fired and his Sunburst round hit one soldier in the head.
Wait for it....
Suddenly, the sunburst round ignited and exploded giving off its signature red smoke. Instinctively, the Imperials rushed the position and took out any soldiers still disoriented by the round. Yiski and the others met up.
You Imperials aren't to bad to have around.
The team continues down the corridor until they come upon a large marble door. Yiski pushes the door, but it doesn't budge.
You fellas wouldn't have any breaching charges would you?
We each have one, but it won't be enough to breach this door.
Give me them anyways. I have an idea.
Yiski takes the three breaching charges and takes a few sunburst round out of his rifle's magazine. When Yiski started to work on an improvised explosive, additional soldiers appeared from the corridor and opened fire. BdrLine, Ny-Lee, and one Imperial were pinned behind a large statute; Roland, and the other two Imperials were set up behind two pillars; and Yiski was set behind another statue working.
Roland! Take Blood Bolt and open fire!
Yiski slides his rifle over to Roland who picks it up.
I have no idea how to handle a rifle!
Just aim it at them. The sunburst rounds should give enough suppression to help the others.
Roland took a deep breath and thought to himself.
I can do this. Ny-Lee needs me.
Roland popped up from cover and time seemed to slow down for him. Roland recalled the basic instruction Yiski gave him when he was pistol training. Roland took a shot at the group of soldiers closest to Ny-Lee. His shot missed, but the explosion and red smoke was enough for the pinned group to regroup and lay down return fire.
Good job Roland! Now keep it up.
It would be a few minutes until Yiski would be ready.
-
*As BdrLine, Ny-Lee , and the third Imperial regroup with the others, they take positions among the pillars.*
*All of their weapons are trained down the hallway as they wait for Yiski and his makeshift explosion*
*Aiming down his sights*
Yiski how much more time do you need?
*As soon as BdrLine finishes his question, two smoke grenades roll into the hallway*
Damn. Keep you head on a swivel people. Brother I don't think you brought you launcher with you?
Sorry, smashed when we crashed land. I would say that would be useful right now
*As the smoke fills the hallway, thumping can be heard as well as multiple foot steps.*
*Once it clears, two heavy soldiers are out in the open wearing heavy armor with 8 Birdmen taking cover behind some pillars. *
*The heavy soldiers are carrying gating guns and are firing at their position*
Yiski I think it's about time to OPEN that door now. Damn some one toss a gernade over there.
*one of the Imperial Guards unpin a loch grenade and toss it over*
*The explosion takes out 3 Birdmen, but it didn't put a scratch at the heavy troops*
Damn again
-
*Yiski finishes the new improvised breaching charge and places the charge against the door under heavy fire. Yiski then dashes toward the group.*
FIRE IN THE HOLE!
*The charge detonates and causes the both marble doors to come crashing down, causing a massive plume of smoke and dust.*
*The team manages to advance through the door. The Imperials set up behind the rubble and the other form behind either side of the archway.*
*The team, with better firing positions start returning their own heavy fire, but to little effect against the heavy troopers.*
Roland, hand me Blood Bolt. I got somethin' special for them.
*Roland hands Yiski his rifle. Yiski then changes the magazine out for a new one. The magazine had a different marking than the sunburst rounds.*
What rounds are those?
Piercing thermite. Watch and learn.
*Yiski fires two shots into two heavy troopers. The rounds manage to pierce their armor and within seconds their armors start glowing bright red. The team could hear the two screaming out in massive pain. Soon enough, the two heavy troopers fall to the ground and a small amoung of red hot liquid could be seen eating through the armor.*
Two down and three to go.
*Yiski fires two more shots, taking out two more heavy troopers. Before Yiski could take out the third, the heavy trooper managed to fire a scattershot which graze Yiski's left leg. Yiski drops to a knee and BdrLine grabs him back behind the archway.*
I'm alright. Just a graze.
*Yiski knew it hurt much more than a mere graze, but he had to fight the pain. He got prone and shot and fell the last heavy trooper.*
-
*On the 66th floor, the gas from Shink's improvised grenade took out the ambush waiting for them. Jun'ko searched the bodies and found the key to the iron door before them. Zill caught her hand before she opened it.*
Ill do it. Guys take up positions. They are expecting us. I want the controls intact if possible. Id rather use them against birds than not at all.
*The team sets up and Zill turns the key. The iron door swings open and what was there couldnt be imagined. 6 normal guards, 4 heavies, and what can only be described as a biological nightmare. It towered over every man there, and had a beak made of razor-like metal on its face. Despite this, the team opens fire.*
Jun, toss a grenade!
I thought you wanted...
Give it to me dammit!
*Papa tosses it near the door and it explodes. 4 guards go down. The heavies are unaffected and it only pissed off the birdman. The heavies spend their gatling's ammo and come forth. One soldier gets brave and runs up. The Heavy soaks up his gunfire and grabs his head, snapping his neck. Papa pushes one Heavy down and uses his hand to crush the armor onto the man's head. Zill blocks one and finds a weakness in its neck armor. He takes a blow to the chest, but shoves his pistol on the opening and fires. Two down. Jun follows up and dodges her enemy's lunge, shoving a knife into the neck. The remaining two soldiers grab onto the last heavy, pulling his head back and exposing his chin. Shink takes aim and plants a bullet into the man's jaw.
This leaves the Birdman, and Zill motions to the group.*
Ill take care of this. Go get those guns reprogrammed.
*Zill cocks his pistol and shoots the bird in the shoulder. It only charges him. The team maneuvers around the fight, takes down the 2 remaining guards, and into the hallway to the control room.*
-
*Shink drops back and watches the scene unfold before him*
"You guys go on. I'll help Zill"
"Zill said to go on ahead"
"I never was one to listen"
*Shink Unloads his pistols into the back of the beast leaving no distinguishable marks. He tosses aside his weapons, and throws another 'Specialty' grenade Zill's way*
"See if you can't make him eat this"
*Shink then draws two wicked looking blades that are laced with some deadly poison, and rushes in towards the beast to cause a distraction*
--Control Room--
*Jun-ko and Papa enter the control room after some creative killing of the current occupants. Papa hurries to the center console, and inputs some commands in*
Access Denied
"Piece of crap computer"
*Papa Kicks The machine, and the room sparked to life ready to work*
"Now we're talking"
-
*Yiski and his group continue through the building. After a few minutes, they exit the Tower into the surrounding town.*
*At the far end, they see the two heavy cannons. But surrounding the cannons are two bunkers. flanking the bunkers are two Hawacha turrets and a squad of heavy infantry*
*The enemy, seeing that the group excited the building, opened fire*
*The group scatters as two burst from the hawachas hits the entrance, shrapnel flying everywhere*
*Smoke fills the air, and with it the group scatters to a building to catch their breath*
Any injuries?
Took some shrapnel in my arm. nothing too bad, I can still shoot.
*BdrLine has a hand over his left forearm, some blood ozing out*
*Roland checks all over himself*
I'm alright.
*The three Imperials check themselves*
*One tries to stand on his foot, but falls back down*
I don't think I can walk far with this leg.
Ok, well patch up any wounds you have. We might be here awhile. So how are approach that thing
*Outside on the perimeter, one of Zankif's men notices the flak grid powering down*
*He goes over and tells him*
*Zankif takes out his spyglass and notices it as well*
Yeah I see it as well. Standby still and hold the perimeter, we go in until the rest of the Imperial Fleet arrives and those cannons are eliminated.
-
The bird man rushes Zill and Shink, juggernaut charging them through two sets of doors and into the control room.
Once it had charged them through the second set of doors, they went flying and landed on their backs, speckled across the floor.
"Nice of you guys to join us, how's dealing with that giant, mutated birdman goin'?" Papa said still staring at the control panel.
"Zill!"
"Just fine you bucket of bolts." Zill said getting himself up off the ground, retrieving the grenade Shink gave him.
"Why the flak did I agree to this?"
-
*The birdman shrugs off Shink's first pistol barrage and charges into Zill. Its hands had razor claws and it swiped at Zill's armor. He punched it with iron knuckles to little effect.*
Battle of attrition. My favorite...
*Shinkurex drives his blades into the back of the monstrosity. Its skin bubbles from the poison. It turns around and swipes at him, barely missing his head as Shink ducks. Zill punched it in the side and then kicked its legs from under it, knocking it down. It flays around, catching Shink in the leg with its razors. He stumbles back. Zill kicks the blades still in the birdman's back deeper in. It lets out a hideous squak and goes for Zill again. It thrusts its beak forward, hitting armor. It then lets out a flurry of punches and scratches. Sparks fly off Zill's armor until it starts to pierce, scratching Zill's torso. He punches hard this time, knocking the beast back into the other room. The poison is beginning to effect the thing. The birdman gets in a violent swipe, hitting Zill's armor again. Shink unloads another pistol into the monster's back, and Zill punches it down to the ground. Zill opens the razor beak, the blades sinking into his hand. He yells, shoving the grenade down its throat. The gas emits from its mouth. It begins to gag and flail about until it finally stays down. Zill puts a bullet in it's head for good measure. Shinkurex's leg is cut and bleeding. He sees Zill's armor leaking blood as well.*
Dont you die on us from some bird.
Ive had....worse.
*They slink onto the control room floor. Papa has managed to get the Flaks turned onto any birdmen targets. They face toward the village and begin firing at unknown targets.*
Maybe Yiski has some friends eh? Either way this should be targeting Birdmen only.
Hope they are alright.
*Shink's leg doesnt look great, and Zill's armor hides much of his pain but not the blood. Jun and two soldiers rush over to help.*
Oh God what happened?!?
Biological....nightmare is what....happened.
Ill just say that better be the only one i fight today.
Hold still.
*The soldier injects Zill with something to stabilize him. They rest in the control tower. The third soldier tried to contact Bdr on his personal radio. The Flak was still firing and he wanted to know how they were doing.*
-
--Cannons--
*The team were pinned down in an abandon barracks. Luckily, it was built to withstand bombarding and could easily take the hwacha bursts and small arms fire.*
*Yiski noticed his bleeding worsened and tore his sleeve to prevent further bleeding.*
*Roland looked out in the opposite direction and noticed the ground flaks were no longer targeting the Fleet.*
Yiski. It seems Zill and the others have taken the control room.
That's good and all, but it doesn't change our situation here.
*Yiski checks his sunburst magazine and gets an idea.*
You guys think you lay down a diversion fire. With the sunburst rounds, I can mark their positions and hopefully get some support.
*The three Imperials lob smoke grenades and attempt to spread out and give diversion fire. The bunker opened fire into the smoke. Sadly, one Imperial didn't make it to cover.*
*The distraction was enough for BdrLine, Ny-Lee, and Roland to start return fire from the barracks. The distraction also let Yiski slip out and set up to another building next to the barrack.*
*Yiski loaded his sunburst magazine and opened fire on top of the bunkers. The rounds ignited, giving off there signature red smoke which quickly raised into the skies above.*
Hope we can get air support now.
-
*From the sky Zankif and his fleet sees the red smoke*
So that's where the cannons are hiding
*He goes over to his radio and to the three galleons*
All galleons open fire at that smoke. Approach with caution those cannons are still up
*From the radio*
Roger moving in
*All three galleons move from their perimeter and moves in toward the smoke. *
*Luckily for them the smoke covers the cannons view from them. *
*As they near the position, all three ships turn to port*
*Once all three ships are ready, all three open up with full flak broadsides*
*From the ground, the flak rounds hit into the remaining bunkers.*
*BdrLine and the rest watch the barrage from the building they are hiding*
Wow. Those cannons should be offline by now
*BdrLine were about to eat his words. As the smoke clears mechanical movements can be heard from the cannons*
*Both cannons fire on the three galleons, effectively destroying them*
DAMN
FLAK. Those things must be armoured liked hell
*Back with Zankif, new voices can be heard on the radio*
Allied Fleet, this is the Imperial Grand Fleet from Chang-ning we also arrived with the Wu River troop transport fleet. What's the situation
Imperial Fleet I recommend to stay out of sight from the Tower. They are carrying massive firepower, any air ship within it's vicinity WILL get shot down. Hold position around he area until they are offline, then you can send in the troop ships
Roger standing by
-
*Zill's group watch on as the Galleons are obliterated by the pre-war cannons. Zill cringes while hes on the floor. He motions to get up.*
Sir, if you keep moving you could die with the blood youve lost.
Wouldnt be the first time ive been warned about that. We need to go help them.
Well you arent much good to them dead are you?
*Zill knew that tone. Half was worry and half was anger. Just then a squad from the other levels came on the elevator and started firing. One soldier got hit in the neck. The rest took cover, firing down the hallway. The dieing soldier bled out in from of them.*
Flak!
Look out!
*Jun'ko tossed a loch grenade down the hall. It goes off and the gunfire stops. No one wants to see if anyone survived.*
We have to move else we'll get pinned here.
Well we need to hit an armory. Im getting low on ammo.
An armor....Jun is there an armory in the village?
Should be. That barracks in town would have one underneath it.
Get on the PA system. Relay this message.
*A soldier gets on the system and relay's Zill's message.*
Blood Bolt Blood Bolt...Barracks...Look under your feet.
Hopefully.....the bridmen wont get it until...Yiski gets the weapons down there. I imagine...they would be helpful in their push.
So how does that flakin help us!?
*The bullets came flying in again. Zill stood up, taking a smoke grenade from the soldier tending his wounds. He tosses it down the hallway.*
We're getting...out of here.
*Despite his wounds, Zill charges into the smoke. The group follows, sealing the control room behind them. One by one the remaining men of the enemy squad fall as they push toward the elevator. Jun tosses another loch grenade ahead of them and clears a path. Zill gets grazed on his pierced armor. He felt slow. He knew the blood loss was getting to him. 2 heavies stood between them and the elevator doors. Papa got next to Zill, and Jun'ko behind him. With no ammo left, they went in. Zill dodged a lumbering punch from his heavy, then gave him an uppercut, staggering him. Papa simply caught his opponent's blow with his hand. He ripped the armor off his chest and put his hand through him. The heavy just fell on his knees and died. Zill punched his opponent again, making him fall back. Zill knelt down and Jun lept over, stabbing the heavy in his jugular. She helped Zill up and they all got onto the elevator. The ride down felt like an eternity.*
-
-Cannons-
*After the destruction of the Galleons, Yiski and the others regrouped at the barracks*
*Yiski and the other two guards arrived back*
*Their entrance startled BdrLine and Ny-Lee that they almost shot them*
*Roland was searching around the floor looking for a hatch to the armoury*
Yiski you heard the PA right?
Yeah I know, come on everyone search for the way in
*The six person group sweeps the whole room, turning over cots and furniture*
*One of the Guards spots the hatch in the corner of the room*
You guys over here!
*The rest comes towards him as he turns the lock and lifts the hatch*
*One by one all six goes down the hole, one guard was the last one down and he seals it shut above him*
*Inside the armoury, Walls are lined with different weapons and ammunition*
I think I'm in heaven
*BdrLine goes over to a rack and takes down what looks like a Kar98. He goes under the shelf and pulls out a pouch and fills them with magazines. He also pulls out a scope and attach it onto his belt. BdrLine finishes by stocking up with loch gernades*
*Ny-Lee goes over to a rack as well and adresses to the group*
Come on, and follow what my brother is doing. Here Roland I think you should carry a rifle as well
*Ny-Lee stocks up on equipment as well and hands Roland a rifle*
*He takes it and starts loading up as well*
*At the end of the room, one of the guards notices a crates full of explosives*
*Besides them are rocket launchers, he goes over and takes one and loads his bag with the explosives*
Think these might help us blow those things up
*Ny-Lee notices*
Yeah, here everyone take as many charges as you can. We don't know how much punishment those cannons can take. ....Ssssh everyone quiet for a second
*Everyone stops what they are doing and listen to the noise Ny-Lee heard. *
*Footsteps and voices can be heard above them, all six ready their weapons for what would be a fire fight*
*New voices are heard as furniture are being moved and gunfire exchange*
*After what seem like minutes, everything goes quiet and the latch opens*
*All six ready their guns prepared for the worst*
-
*Zills group got ready. The elevator binged and the doors rolled open. One soldier popped a smoke grenade and they exited. They made their way to the main entrance and slowly on through the corridor towards the Cannons. They got to the doors leading outside and a shot rang past them. Another squad had come behind. They took cover and returned fire.*
Jun use that grenade!
Last one!
*She pops it over the cover and into the squad. Half of them are taken out by the blast. However this squad was larger. 10 men still remained to fire on them. Zill's team split their remaining rounds and made them count. Shink picked off 2. Papa shot 1 and 2 charged in. Jun got 1 in the back with a knife and Zill smacked the other 1 down, putting a bullet in his head. One soldier popped smoke and he and Zill went into it. A shot rang off Zill's armor and Shink picked the shooter in the head. Zill caught one off guard and he snapped his neck. The soldier found the remaining three huddled together. He took out 1 but was shot. Zill came up and punched one in the throat, putting him on the ground. The other one aimed and fired. A knife came by and planted in the shooters chest. Zill just stood there. Jun finished the last one on the ground and looked at Zill.
The last bullet went through his armor and through his side. It was a clean shot through, but Zill felt it. His body was getting cold. The last soldier injected him with something and he was awake for now.*
Oh God dont die on me. Dont you dare. *She starts crying.*
Dont...cry my....love.
*Jun'ko can only sit over him, tears falling to his blood stained torso. He picks himself up despite the soldier's pleas, stumbles on through the doors to the outside. He looks on and falls to his knees. Papa and Shink pick him up and they make their way to the barracks.*
Lets go big boy. Dont go bleedin out on my gears.
Oh yea, real classy Papa. He's close to death.
Im....not....unconcious you.....idiots....
*They all kind of weakly laugh and enter the barracks.*
-
--Cannons--
*As the six readied their weapons, three heavy troopers came dropping down. They were dispatched soon enough by Yiski's thermite rounds.*
Roland, Ny-Lee, and an Imperial to re-secure the top floor. I need the other Imperial to grab the mortar and set it up out of the line of fire. BdrLine, you're with me. We're gonna make some bunker busters.
*The securing team went back up and surveyed the area.*
Yiski, I do not see any other Birdmen troops approaching.
Good to know. Just sit tight.
*Yiski and BdrLine were tinkering with the explosives.*
How about we increase the blast radius?
That'll decrease the force of the explosion. We still need something to take out the heavy troopers.
How about I disassemble my thermite rounds and combine them?
Hmm... with the increased blast radius, the termite would spread and eat through everything.
That's the idea.
*A half-hour passes before Yiski and BdrLine meet up with the rest of the group with four specially made bunker busting and killing mortar rounds.*
Let's load up a few regular mortars and see where our aims at.
*The Imperial had set up the mortar 60 meters out. Yiski loaded the mortar with regular rounds to determine their aim. They fired the first shot. Roland was spotting.*
You are a bit far Yiski. Increase angle by 9 degrees and rotation by 4 degrees.
*The second shot landed right on top of the first bunker.*
Direct hit.
Alright, time to see what these babies can do.
*The team loaded in the special round and launched it. It hit dead on with the bunker. The explosion let loose a heavy mist of thermite which melted through the bunker within seconds along with the screams of those inside.*
*The team subsequently repeated for the next bunker and, soon enough, was out of commission.*
*With the path cleared, nothing was in their way of the cannons.*
Now let's see if we can't finally get rid of these.
*Before the team moved up, Roland spotted Zill's group going into the barracks.*
Yiski, Zill's team entered the bunker. We should group up.
*The team reentered the barracks and it wasn't good. The team saw Zill's condition.*
Dammit Zill. Jun'ko how bad are his injuries?
Not good. He took a clean shot through his side and he's bleeding.
*Yiski yells down at Zill.*
You better not die on me now!
*One of the Imperials in Yiski's team approached Zill.*
I can stabilize him.
*The Imperial pulls out some bandages and wraps them around Zill and tightens them. He then pulls out a syringe and applies its contents near Zill's wound.*
He should be fine until we get him to the medics.
-
--Cannons--
*After patching up Zill and securing the barracks. Yiski, BdrLine, Roland, and Ny-Lee goes with three soldiers through the destroyed bunkers towards the cannons. Shink, Papa P, Jun'ko , and the rest of the soldiers stay behind in the barracks watching Zill and for any more attacks*
*As they near the pre-war weapons, they noticed that the control room was heavily armored*
No wonder those galleons didn't put a dent in those things. Them Birdmen really wanted to protect that weapon
*To one of the soldiers*
You brought that rocket launcher right? Time for some fireworks
*The soldier takes position with a clear line of sight at the control room and fires*
*The rocket burst the door open, and the team rushes in, eliminating anyone inside*
Good work you guys, now to destroy this weapon. Everyone get out all your charges and place them around both cannons.
*All seven takes out the charges and any opening in the cannons, they place the charges*
*Once all charges are placed, the group return to the barracks*
*BdrLine and Yiski goes up to the roof where they set up the mortar again.*
*Yiski and BdrLine sets the mortar so that it is aimed at the general location of the cannons*
*They fire off a couple of rounds, until.....*
KABOOOM
*One of the mortars hit a charge and it sets off a chain reaction*
*After the dust settles, BdrLine takes out his scope and check the damage*
*Chuckling to himself*
Looks like we dont have to worry about that anymore.
*BdrLine gets out his personal radio and calls Zankif*
Zankif, you can bring in the Calvary, cannons are out
Roger, i spotted the explosion from here. I pass on the message to the troop fleet
*On Zankif's Goldfish, he calls the Imperial Fleet*
We are in the clear, move all ships towards the Tower and send in the landing troops.
Roger that, all units converge on the position
*The Grand Fleet, Zankif's Fleet, and the Troop Transport all head towards the Tower*
*From a landing zone, 7 Troop carriers land and out comes platoon of soldiers rushing inside the Tower and the surrounding town*
*Eventually, a squad of Imperial soldiers found Zill, Yiski and the others and escort them to a medical tent set up near the landing site*
-
--NARRATOR--
As the Fleet lands, a flood of Imperial soldiers begin securing the town and tower, cleaning up any remaining Birdmen troops. Hours pass by until the town was completely secure. The tower was mostly secure. During the securing phase, the Imperials set up a triage tent to tend to the teams injuries sustained during their crash and fight.
Yiski's leg was properly treated. BdrLine, Ny-Lee, Jun'ko, and Roland were given minor relief pain medication. Shink was treated for a few bullet grazes. Paradox was looked over by a few field mechanics. Zill was lying on a cot and given serious medical treatment for multiple gunshot wounds and a blood transfusion.
Zankif meets with the team.
We've done a full sweep of the town and tower. The town is secure, but there are reports of fighting still happening further up in the tower. Based on the notes, we know someone is still alive controlling the troops.
Strange, are you sure there are not any other hatches like the one we found earlier with the armory?
Based on the blueprints we found in the upper floors, there aren't.
What if it was intentionally left out?
Yeah, I can see those shifty bastards doin' somethin' like that.
Zankif dispatches a number of soldiers to scan the ground for any hatches. Many are found within hours, but most lead to empty rooms, or are just hatches. When a team executes a search in the tower, soldiers manages to find a hatch located under a statue on the main floor. A soldier goes down into the hatch and moments later comes back out.
There is definitely a passage and it's not on the blueprints, we could probably get a large group in there and see where it leads.
Well you're counting us in. We came this far. No point in lettin' you soldiers have all the fun. Plus, that last dead Bird standing owes me a new ship.
Zill suddenly appears in the main floor. He's coughing up a little blood and definitely shouldn't be standing.
I hope you weren't planning on leaving me behind. Like hell if I'm going to miss putting a round into the Birdman's head.
Zill stumbles a bit and Jun'ko rushes to his side and help keeps him upright.
Zill, please, you shouldn't be up.
Sorry Lilly, but you know I'm going.
He'll be fine. We'll just have some of the soldiers comin' with us to babysit Zill.
Jun'ko cringes at the thought of Zill still being up and not resting, but she knows she can't stop him. The team followed by another eight Imperials go down into the underground passage way. The only light was provided by lamps supplied by the Imperials.
Fuck. How long have we been walking for? You sure we ain't lost?
For the tenth time Paradox, shut it. Since we've only been walking straight, I can't see how we're lost.
Damn. If I knew the path was this long, I probably should've stayed in bed.
We could always go back.
Too far to go back now.
What you expect to be at the end darling?
I don't know, but whatever it's going to end.
To much of the team's relief, they find a large metallic wall. There's no obvious lock or handle.
Are you shitting me!? All this way for a fucking dead end? FUCK!
Paradox punches the metal wall with his metal hand. To his and the team's surprise, it fell over, revealing a normal set of door behind.
Huh... didn't see that coming.
As the team approached the door, they really didn't see what was coming next.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 10--
-
--START OF DAY 11--
--NARRATOR--
-Underground Tower Bunker-
The team of 16 stood at the door. It was highly ornate and bore the Birdman symbol.
Alright, everyone check your weapons and ammo before we end this party.
Everyone was set.
Paradox, use your metal body and break the door down. Everyone else, will rush in and find firing positions.
Zill coughed up a little more blood.
Zill and I will hang back.
Whatever. Paradox, you ready?
Fuck yeah.
Paradox quickly rushed and punched the door with all his might. The door stood little chance against Paradox's metal momentum and was easily knocked down. The team rushed inside.
There were no troops inside which baffled the team. The room was large and circular. The far end from where the team was sat multiple monitor screens showing all aspects of the town and tower. The team was fascinated by the visual monitors, ignoring the fact a lone chair was sitting in front of the monitors.
You are impressed, no. This is one of many pre-world technologies our organization has recovered. I have no doubt you met other lost technologies like our super soldiers.
The team recognized the voice of the Birdman who greeted them on their first attempt to enter Lu Tower. The chair swung around revealing the Birdman. Unlike the others the team had killed, this one's outfit was much more intricate and ornate.
By the order of the Imperial Emperor, you are under arrest for conspiracies and crimes against the Empire.
Foolish little girl, I am under no one's orders.
The Birdman pressed a button on his chair console. Suddenly, the monitors began showing a new wave of troopers engaging in firefights all over the town and tower.
No worries, your friends will meet their end soon enough to the hands of my army, but I would rather deal with you myself. For too long have you been a thorn in my side.
Okay. That's enough out of you.
Shink fired multiple volleys into the lead Birdman. At first, the Birdman fell back into his chair.
Well... that was a bit underwhelming.
Shit we did all this just for this fucker to...
*CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP*
The team looked on to the Birdman who was clapping. Shink's jaw dropped and Yiski and Zill were mentally saying "Oh shit." The Birdman got up and gave a grin.
I see you still have the habit of rudely interrupting us when we speak. As you can see I am unharmed by your petty attempts of violence.
This line set off red flags in Yiski's head. Birdman was showing the same resistances at the heavy troopers.
Shit, don't tell me you made yourself into one of those abominations?
As if on cue, the Birdman's body began to bulge out. He easily gained another three feet in height and tripled his size. His robe was ripped to shreds. His mask now on the side of his massive face. His voice was much deeper and distorted now.
No. Not like those weaker versions. THiS iS mUcH SUperIoR!
The Birdman slammed the ground with his fist, creating a small crater.
NoW. cOmE aNd fAce yOUr END!
--NARRATOR END--
-
*Zill looked on as the giant Birdman stood there waiting for them to approach. He then walked past the group and stood a few feet from the beast.*
Im almost insulted. You gain a few hundred pounds in feathers and think us inferior? I expected more from you.
FoLIsh mAN. THe woRLD ShaLL BE MiNE!
*Birdman lunged in head first and Zill pulled out his pistol and shot. It caught him in his left eye and he staggered back. This both hurt and angered him. Zill coughed some blood, and stared the Birdman down.*
There, that should make you realize your situation. Im not here to die, but im sure as Hell going to kill you regardless.
*Birdman simply lunged again and this time Papa joined Zill up front. The Imperial soldiers opened fire, throwing bullets into the monster at a rapid pace. He still charged and swung at Zill and Papa. They dodged to the side. Papa went right and Zill left. Birdman went for Papa. Much to his surprise, Papa caught his next blow, his arms feeling the stress from the immense strength. Zill kicked one of its knees out and the Birdman fell.*
-
*The Birdman laughed as he reset his knee back into place.*
pAthEtIC.
*Birdman then rushed into the middle the Imperials firing on him and swung both his gigantic arms. The four in the middle of them were sent flying into the wall, killing them instantly. Birdman then grabbed one Imperial who was knocked over, picked him up, and snapped his spine. He threw the limp body over to the side.*
You monster!
*Ny-Lee fired rounds into Birdman's back which only caused a minor flinch. Birdman turned and rushed Ny-Lee before she could reload.*
Watch out!
*Roland rushed past Ny-Lee and grabbed in an attempt to dodge the oncoming mass. Roland successfully got Ny-Lee out of the way. Sadly, the same couldn't be said for Roland. While dodging, Birdman's arm managed to clip Roland's right leg, crippling it. Roland and Ny-Lee were on the ground. Roland gripped his right leg and moaned in pain.*
Roland!
*Yiski opened fire on Birdman using his sunburst rounds. The rounds hit and exploded. The red smoke obstructing the Birdman's vision. Ny-Lee yelled over to the Imperials.*
I need one of you to go get back-up now!
Yes Captain!
*Ny-Lee pulled Roland over toward wall and propped him against it. She tried to inspect Roland's leg, but touching it clearly wasn't the best idea. Even though Roland was clearly in pain, he forced a smile.*
Go. *ugh* I will be fine.
*Soon enough the red smoke dissipated from Birdman's face, only for Yiski to fire additional shots causing more red smoke.*
yOU ThINk tHIs iS EnoUgh tO StoP mE!
*Birdman began rushing blindly into the walls of the room.*
-
*As one of the Imperials left to get back-up, BdrLine looks at Ny and remembered that she still had the dual blades*
*He goes over to her and Roland*
Quick Ny take off your braces.
*Confused by this, she begins taking them off*
Ok, but what are you gonna do with them?
*She hands them to her brother who takes them and begins adjusting them*
*Once finished, he stands up and says to her*
Something crazy *smirks*
*He rushes into the clouds and extends the blades*
*He sees the Birdman thrashing about trying to locate anyone of them*
*The Birdman has his back turn to BdrLine which he extends the blades and jump onto his back*
*He inserts them near the back of Birdman's neck*
Ah ha gotcha.... OHHHHH FLAKKK MEEEE
*The Birdman notices BdrLine on his back and try to buck him off*
InsUlAnte FoOl
*Holding out tightly on his back*
WOAH, AHH. DONT WORRY ... HAVE HIM DISTRACTED.... HELLLLLLP
-
*Zill and Papa get behind him after he crashed into a wall. They pull his legs from under him and he falls face-first on the ground. Bdr hops off and Papa works on dislocating his shoulder, and Zill calls to "Lilly."*
Toss me a knife!
*She chucks one over to him. He catches it mid air and jabs in into Birdman's spine. He twists it in and Birdman can feel it. He yells, and throws Papa off him. Papa lands on his feet. Birdman then flails and Zill is thrown off. He doesnt land gracefully, and flies to the other side of the room. Shinkurex rushed over to get him up.*
Holy Hell Zill. You alright??
Get me back up.
*As Zill is getting back up, "Lilly" charges Birdman, digging two blades into his legs and slashing down, brining the beast to his knees. He roars and smacks her away. She hits a wall and lies on the ground unconscious. He watches the scene and assumes the worst.*
Unload your clip into him, give me a grenade, and go get Jun.
Ok.
*Zill was beyond done with this, and Shink knew something was going to break. He unloaded his rifle clip into the Birdman, catching his attention. Zill rushed forward and punched his face clean into the ground. Shink ran over to Jun to see if she was ok. She was beaten but still breathing.
Zill hopped onto the Birdman's back and sliced a hole into into his back. With all his strength, he shoved the now-armed loch grenade into the hole. The Birdman let out a gut wrenching screech. He grabbed at Zill but he held on, facing what was left of his armor toward the coming blast. It exploded, throwing Zill into the wall and back down to the ground. Feathers and flesh littered the room and the Birdman was nearly in two, though still alive.*
-
*Birdman used his one good arm to drag himself toward the team. Blood was gushing out of his blown out torso and blood leaking from his mouth*
*uugh* I *gurg* wIlL... nOT diE... *cough* I... LiVE... *gurg* FOREVER!
*Yiski walks over and jabs one of the blades in Birdman's shoulder to prevent him from moving. Birdman grunts at the pain.*
No, I think this has gone long enough. I'll be honest with ya. Had you not come after us in Anvala, you might've gotten away with all this. But no. You thought you knew better and look where it got you.
*Yiski smirked at the Birdman who tried to say something, but the blood preventing anything to be said. Yiski checked his ammo and he still had one shot left. Yiski raised Blood Bolt to Birdman's shot out eye.*
Now could you do us all a favor, and just die.
ARRGGHH....
*Yiski fired into Birdman's head and the shot penetrated into Birdman's skull. Soon enough the explosion occurred causing Birdman's head to expand slightly causing blood and red smoke to seep out his eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. Suddenly, the troopers on the multiple monitors seemed to stop moving and fall over.*
*Yiski turned and face the team with a weary smile.*
So, who wants to make sure he's dead?
-
*Shink draws his blades and walks over to the beast*
"I'll have that pleasure if you don't mind"
*Shink carefully advances on the corpse, wary of it springing up and attacking. He plant both blades into the ligaments, and checks for any sign of life*
"Dead, but I don't like the fact that there's still a body. I recommend we burn the heck out of this place. Yiski, I took the liberty to create a phosphorous burst grenade from one of the lumberjack rounds we created. Would you like to do the honors?"
*Shink holds out the grenade for Yiski*
-
*Yiski takes the grenade from Shink.*
Phosphorous grenade huh? Yeah, this'll do nicely.
*Yiski then places the grenade into the Birdman's torso. Luckily, there was a gaping hole left by the first grenade. Yiski yelled.*
FIRE IN THE HOLE!
*Yiski pulls the pin and rushes away from what was going to be a spectacular display of fire and body parts.*
*BOOM*
*Sure enough, Birdman's body is ripped to shreds and lit on fire by the grenade. Consequently, the blast was stronger than Shink thought it was and the team found themselves quickly dodging a rain of eternally burning flesh.*
*Checking to make sure nobody was caught on fire, Yiski turns to Shink.*
See, this is why I don't trust others to tinker with my stuff when I'm not around. Now, how about we get back up top and get Roland here come medical attention. Let's have the Empire clean all this up because I need a drink.
-
*Zill picks himself up off the ground slowly. He see's the remains and sighs, but then looks over to Jun'ko. He hobbles over to her and leans over. Blood drips onto her jacket as he just sits there looking on. He takes off his mask for some extra air, placing it at his side.*
Too close....
*He just sits there, blood still dripping from his mouth. She doesnt move. An Imperial soldier comes over and sits next to him.*
We have to take her back to the medical tents. Can i do that?
*A long pause as Zill just looks at Jun.*
Yea.
-
*Eventually the soldier who left for back-up returns with a squad of 15*
*After seeing the corpse spread around the room, the squad rushes to the others and administer first aid*
*Ny-Lee notices them and addresses them*
Come on, let's move the others and get out of this hellhole
Yes ma'am
*The squad helps Roland and Jun'ko on to a streacher, two soldiers goes over to Zill and helps carry him*
*Moments later everyone moves out towards the entrance, once at the hatch, they make a pulley system and lift up Jun, Roland, and Zill up. *
*The rest of the team climbs up the ladder and heads to the medical tent*
*Outside, smoke can be see from the Tower and the surrounding town as well as the bodies of the Birdmen army*
*At the medical tent, it was expanded as there are multiple casualties from the fighting from the new enemy's*
*At an empty tent, the group are escorted inside as medics goes over their wounds*
*From the south, engines are heard as a Galleon and two pyramidions head towards the Tower*
*The three ship formation lands and out from the galleon comes the Emporer*
*Abled body troops stand at attention at the sight of him. The Emporer looks over the damage and let the soldiers be. *
*He heads towards the medical tents*
*He comes by and sees the team in one of them and enters*
I see that the battle is done. I want to extends my and the Empire gratitude for what you have done today. If there is anything you need, I am happy to give. For your courageousness you are friends to the Empire and are always welcome here. I thank you again
-
*Yiski is sitting down with his rifle upright and against his shoulder.*
No problem. It's not everyday you get to completely annihilate an organization hellbent of world domination.
As with your assistance from your last run-in with the Birdmen, the Empire will be happy to reward you for your efforts and sacrifice.
*Yiski takes a look around and sees the team fairly battered.*
Well, we appreciate it, but I think right now we'd like to recover.
Of course, when you are ready, please do not hesitate to contact me personally.
*As the Emperor leaves, BdrLine and Ny-Lee and the other Imperials saluted the Emperor out. As the Emperor left, Zankif enters.*
BdrLine I have an order from your parents. I am to escort you, your sister, and your friends to Chang-ning.
-
*Despite doctor's "orders," Zill walked himself to Jun'ko's side. He was still spitting blood at this point, and she was still unconcious. He sat down in a lone chair next to her, and said his prayer under his breath.*
By the Skies we fly this day. Off into the Sunset to give chase. May the Winds stay at our back. Our Dusty Mistress be appeased. Our Mugs ever full. Onwards ye' Dogs, Into the Fray.
*He started drifting into sleep. The battle had throughly battered his body. His armor was pierced and gashed. Every movement was painful, but it didnt matter to him. A small pool of blood was forming under his chair. The doctors had no choice but to work on him there, trying to stabilize him. He held Jun'ko's hand and drifted off.*
-
After viciously flirting with the nurse that patched him up, Papa walked up to the Emperors galleon.
A squad of men pointed guns at him.
"Halt"
"I was on the team that brought the birdmen to their knees, show some fuckin' respect, boy."
The looked at each other, and lowered their guns.
"You may pass"
As Papa enter the Galleon he smelled the opulence: Perfumes hung in the air, as well as incense burning. Golden laced furniture, tapestry's, and carpets.
The emperor sat at his desk
"So the mechanical spectre... The blight of Chang-ning himself enters my chamber, tell me why I shouldn't have you killed you insolent dog."
"Because as much damage as I've done to your empire, albeit all deserved I..."
"Deserved?!?" The Emporer stood up furiously.
"Yes, deserved. One of your fleets killed my best friend... so I raided. Town by town, village by village... and to this day I still haven't been sated for his death."
"GUARDS!"
Two men rushed in and grabbed Papa's arms.
"Arrest this man for acts against the empire."
"You have two seconds to let me go."
Before they could even think, Papa's one arm dawned the hidden blade, amputating the one guards arm, before the other could react he had a blade at his neck and was raised a foot in the air.
Staring deep into the Emperors eyes Papa said:
"I want a full pardon. You can save this one's life, an opportunity I've never given until now."
"You son of a..."
"We got time now, why don't you write and sign that document now... Oh and before you even think about going back on this deal, remember I own the DLTC so unless you want a massive embargo on Yesha I suggest you adhere to it"
Papa let go of and brushed off the soldier, winked at him as he picked up the piece of paper. He left the Galleon unharmed and rejoined the group.
"Where the fuck have you been?"
"Making friends and influencing people."
-
*Yiski notices Paradox putting away a parchment and saw some soldiers leading a one-armed soldier to the triage tents. Yiski facepalmed.*
Dammit, I'm goin' to assume that was your doin'. As much as I don't care what you do, don't let it cause trouble for the rest of us. I've got a large enough target on my back as it is and don't need you makin' it bigger.
*Meanwhile inside a triage tent, Roland is lying on a bed after the medics reset his leg bone and applied braces to it. Roland attempts to get up, but Ny-Lee immediately pushes him back down.*
Oh no you don't. You're resting.
I am fine now. Plus, my leg does not hurt as much.
*Despite Roland's comments, Ny-Lee forced Roland back down, though she did give her new fiancee a kiss.*
Should we tell the others about our announcement?
I think it is best we wait for everyone to recover some.
Agreed.
*Ny-Lee gave Roland another kiss.*
-
*After stabilizing all the injured in the group, everyone was then transferred onto a medium transport ship*
*Roland, Jun'ko, and Zill were all being carried onto it by stretchers. On the ship, they were moved onto the beds on board the vessel*
*On ship Ny-Lee goes over and sits next to Roland on his bed, in another room Jun'ko and Zill are placed next to eachother.*
*A platoon of imperial soldiers are also coming on board to provide protection*
*Yiski and Shink are wandering about the ship having thoughts to themselves*
*BdrLine goes up to the helm and sees Zankif*
So we're ready to set off?
Hold on, i was told to wait. The Emperor said he wanted to speak to one of your friends. Once he finished we start leaving
*BdrLine goes to a window and sees Guards escort Papa Paradox to the Imperial Galleon*
*Sighs* Alright. Paradox what did you do now.
*Outside on the boarding platform, Papa Paradox was about to board the ship*
*A squad of Imperial Guards halted him*
What do you want.
Sir, the Emperor has a message for you. We are ordered to escort you to him, once finished you may return to this ship.
Very well.
*The Guards escort Paradox back to the Galleon*
*He is then taken back to his office again*
*The Emperor sees him enters and slides a document towards him, before Paradox retrieves it, the Emperor spoke*
Sit and listen. Yes these are the pardon papers, unsigned. I sign them once we are finished. But why should you spared that life when you already killed countless of innocent citizens in my Empire. Why did you keep killing just to justify for one death of a friend. We all lost friends, why is this one important to you, why go on a rampage on the innocents who has done nothing against you. And why did you stayed on this mission when you knew that it would come back here. I sign this document that it may bring justice for you, but I ask will it bring justice to my people? Just take it and once you finished your time here, leave and never come back. We will be watching you if you do return, we'll capture you and do more then how you received your limbs. Oh if you do place an Embargo, we are self-sustained plus you should know the largest company on this side. It's the White Lotus Trading Company, and i do believe its own by one of your friends a certain Zhao Family, you wouldn't want and target them. But i'm finished take your papers and begone with you.
*The Emperor signs the document and slides them to Paradox*
*He grabs them and looks over it, he gets up and leaves towards the transport ship, Zankif sees him board and he raise the ship into the sky heading towards the City of Eternal Tranquility*
-
*Jun'ko finally wakes from her ordeal. She finds herself in a room with Zill, who is sleeping. She isnt sure what happened, but doesnt panic. She looks over to Zill and sees the effects of the battle. All his gear had been removed. Bruises and cuts lined his torso, plus the gunshot wound. She just looked on. At first she was mad that him, but then was glad he was alive. She kissed his forehead and walked outside. She bumped into Yiski as she exited.*
Oh silly me, must be groggy still.
Good to see you awake. Zill was worried.
Worried? He doesnt get worried....
He does for those he cares about. He just never shows it until he ends up like this normally. He practically blew himself up protecting us.
*She remembers his comment at the tower exit. My love.*
Now that sounds like him, heh. So did we win?
Indeed. You took quite the blow there but its over for the Birds. We are headed to Chang-ning. Get some rest.
-
--NARRATOR--
Yiski exited Zill and Jun'ko's room and knocked on Roland and Ny-Lee's door.
Even if they're young, you never know.
Come in.
Yiski enters and sees Roland lying down with Ny-Lee sitting next to him on the bed. Yiski approaches the bed.
Huh... should've expected nothin' with these two. So, how's your leg feelin'?
It is feeling much better, but it does cause some pain when I shift it around.
Which is why I'm making sure he's not going anywhere.
The couple smiled at each other. All Yiski could do was sit in their aura of love. During the couples' stare, Yiski spotted a ring on Ny-Lee's hand. It was the wedding band he had handed to Roland. Yiski also saw the matching ring on Roland. Couple had slipped it on after they were in the room.
Well I'll be drenched in Hellfire. Well, I guess congratulations are in order.
Roland and Ny-Lee followed Yiski's eyes to their hands and the two blushed.
Thank you. Thank you.
I'm not goin' to ask for details, but I'm goin' to guess this was recent and BdrLine doesn't know yet.
Yes, well we were hoping to tell him on our trip. He turns to Ny-Lee. Also, this trip will give me a chance to meet Ny-Lee's parents.
Well, I guess this is the best time. Uh... give me a minute. BDRLINE! GET DOWN HERE!
Wait? You're calling down my brother now?
Well, you said you were gonna tell him.
Yes, but...
BdrLine came down and entered the room. He was covered in sweat, dust, and smoke. Yiski gave a grunt.
Engines?
Yup, but what is it you want?
These two here have something to tell you.
Yiski, wait...
What? He walks by Yiski and stands in front of the couple. Please don't tell me you two... uh... did... you know... when two people are intimate with...
Ny-Lee threw her knife at BdrLine barely missing him and lodging into the wall. Ny-Lee was flush from what BdrLine was implying.
Where in the world would you get an idea like that? I mean we haven't done anything... yet...
Roland heard the last word and became flush as well. Before BdrLine could ask Ny-Lee to clarify the last word was, Yiski stepped in.
Come on now. They're young, not stupid.
Well, what is it then?
Roland and Ny-Lee looked back and forth at each other and BdrLine. All the while, they stumbled over their words. Yiski laughed. Finally, the two took a deep breath and said simultaneously.
We are engaged.
We are engaged.
The couple showed BdrLine the rings on their hands. BdrLine stood in complete silence. Moments passed without movement and Yiski went over and tapped BdrLine in the shoulder. BdrLine then fell over and was out cold. The three stare at BdrLine.
Well all things consider, this was probably the best result of the things which could've happened.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 11--
-
--START OF DAY 12--
--NARRATOR--
The team still had a few hours before they arrived in Chang-ning. Yiski had carried BdrLine to another room and dropped BdrLine in a bed.
Heh... if he acts like this to the new, I can only imagine his parents' reactions.
Yiski leaves and heads back to see Zill and Jun'ko. He knocks and enters to see Jun'ko still awake and Zill asleep. Jun'ko greets Yiski with a smile and Yiski can see she hasn't gotten any sleep.
I thought I told you to get some sleep.
I can't. Not with him like this. I'm terrified that if I don't watch him, I'll lose him.
That maybe true. Zill is crazy, but you knew that already.
...
Yiski sighed and grinned.
You should get some rest. I doubt Zill will want to look at you as you are now.
Yiski's response was met quickly with a kick to his leg. Yiski dodged and looked at Jun'ko who was sticking her tongue at him.
I guess you're right.
Jun'ko then closed her eyes and was asleep immediately. Yiski chuckled to himself and left the two.
Feeling a little cramped below deck, Yiski decides to head top side and sees Shink lounging around and Paradox leaning against the railing. Before talking to either of them, Yiski yells up to the helmsman.
How much longer till we dock?
We should arrive around the afternoon.
--NARRATOR END--
-
*Shink Sees Yiski Heading his way, and starts to get up and moving*
"Hey Yiski... I can't wait to get back home, and have some good old hellfire at the Saloon.
*Exhaustion overcomes Shink and he stumbles a bit, and Papa stabilizes him*
"Careful boy, your wound have yet to heal completely"
"I'm fine. Just a bit tired... Yiski, how is everyone else?"
-
*Zill woke up slowly, the hum of the transport's engines greeting him. He looked around and saw Jun'ko. A short inspection of her face told him she stayed up all night. He sighed and thought of getting up.*
Well, she stayed all night, so ill stay awhile. She worries too much.....
*He tries to move and is greeted to instant pain. He grunts.*
And then again, I give her reason to....
*The fact she was still sleeping despite his movements meant she was out like a light. Despite the pain, he put a blanket on her. He saw his watch on the stand next to his bed and flipped it open. He fidgeted with it a little and put it back. Scenes from the battle flashed in his mind, followed by sharp pain again. He went back to bed and dozed off.*
-
-Top Deck-
*Yiski turns to Shink.*
Well, there's some business we have to take care of once we get to Chang-ning. First, Zill and I need new ships to get us back to Anvala. Though I'm sure the Empire would be more than happy to transport us back, there's nothin' like flyin' your own ship... with enough firepower to blow raiders out of the skies.
*Yiski walks over and leans against the railing*
Speakin' of Zill, he and Jun'ko are asleep. Roland and Ny-Lee are are okay, though Roland's still nursin' his leg. And BdrLine's well... indisposed.
*Yiski then walks around for a bit and notices his leg is still irritable, but not noticeable to Shink or Paradox.*
Damn scattershot. Docs probably missed a few bits of metal.
-
*An hour or so passes, and Zill wakes up again. Jun'ko hasnt budged. He gets up with much pain slowing him down. He tries stretching and that just makes it worse. A small blood stain appears on his bandages.*
I cant even flakin' stretch?? Its going to be a long day....
*He slowly sits on his bed and look at Jun'ko. He couldnt leave her alone in the room. She looked so peaceful as she slept. He laid back down and dozed off once more.*
-
*Yiski's leg was still bothering him. He decided to head back down below deck to rest. He went into the room where BdrLine was still out cold his shock from Roland and Ny-Lee's engagement.*
*Yiski decided to sit in a chair and started recapping everything that's happened.*
Go to war with a secret world-dominating organization and win: Check. Get shot: Check. Killin' the people who shot at me: Check. Paradox causing trouble: Double and triple check. Blowin' shit up: Always. Zill being badly wounded: Check. Roland and Ny-Lee gettin' engaged and seein' BdrLine's reaction: Priceless.
*With that, Yiski closed his eyes for a well deserved nap.*
-
*A few hours later, BdrLine wakes up and notices he is in one of the rooms of the ship*
*He swings he's legs over the side of the bed and sees Yiski sleeping on a chair*
*Figuring he is resting after the fighting, BdrLine leaves him be and exits towards the top deck*
*On top side, BdrLine goes towards the bow, and in the distance the he can see the skyline of the city*
Almost home. ...Now what to tell my parents about their daughter being engaged?
*BdrLine rest his arms on the railings looking out at the city, thinking on what to say*
*In Ny-Lee and Roland's room, Ny is having tue same thoughts as well*
*She face Roland onthe bed*
Roland dear, how should we tell my parents about our engagement?
-
*Roland sits up and puts his back against the bed's headboard and puts his hand to his chin in a thinking posture.*
Hmm... Well, first I would have to know more about your parents. Aside from that, the best time to tell them would probably be when we see them.
Shouldn't we wait before telling them? I mean...
No, no my dear. The sooner we tell them, the longer they have to accept our decision.
And if they never approve?
*Roland made a mental grimace. He knew there was a high chance her family wouldn't accept him because of his merits or lack thereof. He turns to Ny-Lee and forces a grin.*
I do not see why they would object to your decision and happiness. If the worse comes to pass, then I am positive we can work it out.
-
*Jun'ko wakes up this time. She sees Zill asleep and notices the blanket on her.*
I dont remember this. Did he wake up yet stay here?
*She sat next to him, and noticed the small blood stain on his bandages. She sighs.*
So you did move. I picked a stubborn one thats for sure.
*She yawns, and puts the blanket over both of them. In her mind, this would stop him from moving, surely. She falls asleep.*
-
*Back at the bow, one of the ships personnel goes up to BdrLine*
Sir we are about to arrive into the city and dock in around thirty minutes. We also received word that your parents send vehicles to pick you and your friends up for the Manor.
*BdrLine turns towards him*
How about medical treatment for us?
They expected that you would be healing and brought medical doctors. They will be there once your group arrives
Thank you, I'll let the others know
*The personnel nods and leaves*
-
--NARRATOR--
Hours pass by and the transport ship finally makes port in Chang-ning.
The city is the capital of the Yeshan Empire and has a completely different look and feel than Anvala. Aside from the vast difference in scale, Chang-ning is renown for its open stall markets which can be found all over the city and one can argue it holds everything the current world has to offer. The fashion and architecture draw heavily from pre-world orient compared to Anvala's (and by extension the Baronies) pre-world renaissance Europe.
The Emperor palace, or "Pride of Yesha" as its commonly called by its citizens, sits at the far end of the city. Built before the Great War, it's one of the few landmarks which survived and even fewer with all of it splendor and beauty.
Ny-Lee walks into Yiski's room and wakes him up.
Transports arrived to take us to the hospital. A prior emergency transport has already taken Zill, Shink, and Roland.
Ah... alright, give me a second.
Ny-Lee leaves and Yiski gets up and starts walking, his leg still feeling the same.
Definitely goin' to get this fixed. It's gettin' annoying.
Yiski arrives at the transport and sees the others are waiting for him.
You wanna hurry up there? I don't want to stay any longer than I have to.
Ny-Lee shoots a look to Paradox, but refrains from saying anything. Yiski gets on and the transport makes it way to meet the others at the hospital.
--NARRATOR END--
-
*Zill wakes up to a blinding light. After his eyes focus, he looks around and realizes he isnt on the ship anymore. Jun'ko isnt there either. He realizes its a form of hospital but doesnt know where. Not taking chances he gets up. The pain is quick to hit. He grunts and makes for the door. He opens the door and there is blood on the handle. Looking down, his bangades have started leaking blood.
At this point he just wanted out. The blood loss was making him dizzy. Not knowing where he was, he just looked for a near exit or elevator. Some doctors followed his blood trail and called out.*
Hey! You shouldnt be moving!
Who are you?
We're here to help!
Oh no..you dont....Get away....from me!
*Zill walks faster but falls over. The blood loss was too much. He passes out as doctors surround him.*
-
--Central Hospital--
*Yiski and the others arrive at the hospital. When they get out and head inside, they see a group of doctors rushing toward one part of the hospital. Ny-Lee turned to the entrance attendant.*
What is going on?
Well, we had just gotten a new arrival. I think he was in a sort of battle... Oh flak, don't tell me... anyways he seemed to have caused a ruckus.
*Jun'ko swallowed hard.*
Did he have a mask?
Yes he did...
*Immediately, Jun'ko went running of into the directions all the doctors were heading towards.*
I swear if you're not dead, I'm going to kick you so hard!
*The others were just left standing at the lobby. Soon enough, Yiski had to sit down and start rubbing his leg.*
Are you alright?
Mostly, kinda feel like I've got a few bits of metal in my leg the field docs missed.
*Before Ny-Lee could say anything the attendant spoke into the PA.*
Can I get a wheelchair and a nurse to the lobby please?
*Moments later, a nurse with a wheelchair came.*
Sir. We can check out your leg immediately.
*Yiski nodded and shifted himself into the wheelchair where he was whisked away.*
-
-Central Hospital-
*Jun'ko rushes in with the doctors. Zill has since regained conciousness and is fighting the doctors to keep him on the bed. She enters the fray and tell the doctors to back off.*
Get away! He needs to see a familiar face!
*Zill is breathing heavily, and bleeding still. His eyes lock with Jun'ko's. He calms down and just looks at her.*
Youre....youre here...
*He passes out again. She starts to slowly cry. She removes his mask, tears hitting it as she undoes the straps. Once its off, she slowly goes to the door. The doctos begin working as he is out.*
Take good care of him...
We'll do everything we can.
Dusty Mistress help you if you dont.
-
--Narrator--
At the central hospital, each of the members in the team are escorted in to different rooms for their injuries. In one room, Yiski is lying down on a bed as doctors remove the field bandages. At closer inspection, they can see leftover metal traces from the scattershot.
Great gods man who was the physician that checked your leg? I'm surprised that you aren't in pain because of this.
Lets just say that it was a quick patch up as he had others to attend to.
*sighs* Very well... Nurse can you hand me some pliers.
As the doctor works on removing the metal in Yiski's leg, Roland is in another room where doctors are checking on his broken ankle. Ny-Lee is also with him sitting on a chair besides his bed. The doctors check the brace that is on his leg, they see that it was properly fixed correctly, but decides to replace it with a medical grade brace. Once finished replacing the brace, they go and look over Ny-Lee and her injuries. She only received minor cuts and bruises from the battle, and with a few stitches, she is cleared to go.
After applying the stitches, Ny-Lee goes up to the doctors.
You think you can clear the room and give us some privacy, we would like some rest.
[Sure thing ma'am.]
As the doctors exited the room, Ny-Lee goes back to the chair and sits facing Roland.
My parents may come here tonight to check up on myself and my brother. You ready for us to tell them about our engagement?
Roland is lying in bed when he looks into Ny-Lee's eyes and holds a hand onto hers.
Yes we should tell them as earlier as possible. And no matter what their answer will be, we will go through this together.
Ny-Lee becomes warm inside by Roland's answer and goes up to kiss him on the lips. Roland kisses back, but is limited on how much he can lean forward because of his legs. Ny-Lee sees this and chuckles, she stands up and goes over and leans so that he can kiss her better. After a moment, Roland breaks the kiss as a yawn escapes his mouth.
Tired?
After a whole day of fighting for my life, ... a little.
Ny-Lee chuckles again and goes over and adjust his pillows.
I think we all need to rest after that, here just lay down and go to sleep.
How about you?
Don't worr, I'll be right next to you on this chair. Right now just rest.
Roland reluctantly agrees and makes himself comfortable on the bed. Ny-Lee goes back to her chair and lays her head on his bed. Both holds hands and soon they drift into a slumber.
Continuing on, in different rooms, Shink and Paradox are being checked as well. Well doctors are checking over Shink as Paradox in his room is flirting up a storm with the nurses.
In the cafeteria, BdrLine has already been check for his injuries. He sits at the table with a plate of food. What he doesn't notices is that his mother, father, and his younger brother has entered the room. Huan, Bdr's younger brother spots his older sibling and rushes over him rearlly tackling him off the chair.
BROTHER soo good to see you again.
BdrLine cringes a little from his wounds but hugs Huan.
Huan nice to see you as well. I noticed you grow that last time I saw you. What are you now 11, 13?
Huan releases his hug and wraps his arm around his head
Oh haha, you know that I'm 18. And i can see your age showing.
Ok Huan, Huan, you're choking me. Can you please let me go, just got back from a battle and my body hurts remember? And how is 27 old, I think you're confusing me with dad.
Huan lets go of his grip.
Ops, sorry. I'm just glad you and Ny are back.
BdrLine parents eventually goes towards them. Their father hears the last bit of the conversation and laughs a little.
Hey don't you point old age at me, i still have ways to go. But speaking of your sister, where is she.
BdrLine see that his parents are here, goes up and hugs them both. He releases them and to his father.
Well she, and the others that I am with, are still being checked over by doctors. It may take awhile, only reason I'm here is that, besides a grazed forearm, i got no other injuries.
BdrLine's mother is the next to speak.
Oh is the boyfriend of her's came with you guys as well. I really want to meet him since you brought him up when we talked on the radio.
BdrLine gets a little nervous as he remembers that Roland and Ny are engeged.
Ahh yes Roland is here as well. He is being looked over at the momentl.
When you think we can meet him?
Yes i want to see the man who is dating my daughter as well.
Well it may take awhile as all of us have different injuries and such, some minor, some major.... *sighs* Ahh mom, dad there is something that i want to tell you. Roland and Ny.... I mean Ny and Roland.... jeez how do i say this.
BdrLine's mother puts a hand up to make him stop speaking.
Stop right there, they are engaged aren't they?
BdrLine is dumfounded on how his mother can deduce it that quickly. Even Huan goes slack jawed at the comment.
But, but how did you know, i didnt even tell you yet.
Just call it mother tuition plus this is almost how your father engage to me, without all the saving the Empire and fighting a secret organisation and others.
Say what now?
Well you see before my trading company took off and before you father became an important political figure. I was just a plain merchant ship captain and he was just a scholar. Well one day he accidentally came on bard my ship I think he was drunk when he came aboard, hmm can't remember. But when we first saw eachother somehow we were meant to be. Well he started to see me every time I came back to port. Eventually we started dating, but how he proposed to me is sorta similar to how your sister got proposed.
You mean that you were about to enter a life or death situation and that, no matter what you two will bw together?
Not exactly, my family didn't approve of him as they distrusted politicians and barred me from seeing him. You can guess that i got pretty angry and fumed all my anger at him as an outlet. Well he can see the hurt in my eyes and stop me in mid-sentence, drop on one knee and proposed promising that no matter what, we will get through it together.
BdrLine father goes up and hug his mother form behind.
And i'm happy that we did.
All four family members continuing discussing and sharing different stories, laughing and being happy that their family is back together.
But in the ER its a much somber tone. Doctors are around Zill's body trying to stop the blood flow. Outside the door, Jun'ko is sitting on a chair
Please Dusty Mistress, please don't take him away from me
Back inside the ER, doctors frantically running around.
Nurse can you apply pressure on that wound, too much blood is coming out. ...Can some one get me some clean bandages!?! ...Ok check his pulse again.
A nurse goes over and puts her hand over the open wound
Yes doctor on it
On the other side, another nurse goes over and gets new bandages as she takes and removes the blood soaked ones. She then quickly dries up the remaining blood that is covering Zill's body.
Another doctor then notices that the bleeding has stopped and addresses the head doctor, he them complies to check the pulse again.
He has a steady beat, all the blood has even stop flowing. He's gonna make it.
The head doctor gives a sigh pf relief.
Thats good, well lets stitch up his wounds. Ahh nurse can you bring me a blood bag, with the amount he lost, he will need a transfusion
As the nurse leaves to get the proper equipment, the remaining doctors stitches up all of Zill's wounds. Around his torso, they wrapped around bandages as to immobilize Zill so he won't open his new stitches and that if there is anymore bleeding, it will soak it up. The doctors then transfer Zill onto a gurney where they set up the equipment for the fusion and roll Zill out from the ER towards an empty room.
As the doors from the ER opens, Jun'ko sees Zill unconscious and is happy to see him alive. She followed them to a room, where she explains to the nurses that she is close to him. They agree to let her stay in the room. Once they left Jun'ko moves a chair and sits in front of the bed watching his chest rise and fall from sleep.
With the injuries most of the team has sustained, doctors recommend that everyone should stay over night to see how their wounds will hold up. Shink and Paradox are just in their rooms wandering when will they leave. Ny-Lee and Roland are fast asleep within each other embrace. In the cafeteria, BdrLine is chatting up a storm reconnecting with his family. And Jun'ko watches as Zill is fast asleep happy that he has survives.
-
(For the post befoe this)
-End Narration-
End Of Day 12
-
--START OF DAY 13--
--NARRATOR--
The a day passes from our team arriving in the hospital. Yiski, Zill, Roland, and Shink are each in separate rooms. Ny-Lee and Jun'ko stayed in their respective lovers' rooms. BdrLine and his family moved into the break-room and stayed overnight. Paradox, not wanting to stick around the hospital, left and started wandering around Chang-ning.
A doctor entered Yiski's room to check up on his leg.
Well, how is it?
You should be fine to walk now, but I suggest you don't put too much strain on it.
Yiski nodded as he got out of the bed to stand. His leg felt much better without the bits of metal. He left his room to find the others and saw BdrLine with a group of people around him.
Must be his family.
Yiski walked up to them and introduced himself.
Hey BdrLine, this must be your family. He turned to the two older member assuming to be BdrLine's parents. Pleasure, to meet you. If BdrLine hasn't said already, I'm Yiski from Anvala, owner of a nice saloon, and father to Roland, who I assume you already know is engage to you lovely daughter, Ny-Lee.
Yiski then proceeded to shake their hands.
Ah, yes. BdrLine has said much about you and your saloon. You seem a purveyor and creator of fine spirits.
Roland's father? According to BdrLine, I thought Roland's father passed?
Yiski chuckled at the first comment.
Well, I certainly know my alcohols, but calling my drinks 'fine spirits' is a bit of a stretch. I should really tell you the time when BdrLine tried one of my Wild Wind Ales.
Yiski turned just to see BdrLine's reaction. His face was pleading with Yiski not to horribly embarrass him. Yiski grinned and took the hint. Before BdrLine's family could inquire, Yiski responded to the second comment.
He did ma'am, but I spent so much time with Roland since this birth that I consider him my own.
Well, I'm sure with a full day's rest, our young couple should be able to field a few guests.
Hmm... speaking of couples, I'm going to go check up on Zill.
Yiski leaves the family and asks a nurse for Zill's room. Yiski's given the room number and knocks on the door.
Come in.
Yiski walks inside and sees Zill asleep and hooked up to a few gadgets and Jun'ko sitting in a chair pulled right up against the bed and holding Zill's hand. Yiski frowns.
How is he?
--NARRATOR END--
-
-Narrator-
Jun'ko stayed by Zill all night. To her relief, it was uneventful after the doctors worked on him. He was stable for now. She stayed up for a good portion of the night, but had fallen asleep next to him and woke a few hours later. She had his mask around her neck, and fidgeted with it when not holding his hand. She had since left her's off, not worried about anything but Zill. Yiski came in and his face could of been happier. She answers his question.
He's stable. Doctors say he lost a lot of blood. They werent quite sure how he managed to stay conscious for so long with his levels decreasing like they did over the course of the battle.
Well if we know anything, he's stubborn in everything else. Death looks to be part of that. How are you? You dont seem to of slept much.
She sticks her tongue out but nods afterwards.
Better, but still worried. Something is eating at me though. Youre probably the best one to ask about it too.
Whats that?
When he was shot, and on the ground at the tower exit, i was crying over him and he said to me "Dont cry my love."
He said that? I havent known Zill to love anything since....Uh....Hmm.
Yiski thinks for a second but comes up empty.
I cant remember him loving anyone outside of family. He never did have the knack for relationships. *Grins*
Cant imagine why.
Her sarcasm makes them both smirk.
I know you care about him a lot. I will say that the fact he's in this condition after everything shows he cares about you too. He wont let anyone close to him die without dieing himself, or at least taking the brunt. He got that early on i think by losing his best friend in a raid when he was young. He'd rather die than see another person close to him fall.
Its so foreign to me, yet I can see the twisted logic. I havent had experiences like this before. I just want him to be ok.
-End Narration-
-
*Yiski leaves Jun'ko and Zill to rest.*
Better go check on Roland and make sure his Ny-Lee's parents aren't eatin' him alive.
*Yiski learns where Roland is at and heads for his room. When he gets there, the door is open and he can hear talking from inside. He decided to listen in for a bit.*
*Roland had been fielding a few questions from Ny-Lee's parents about his parents, what he does for a living, and other general small talk topics. Roland wasn't feeling all that nervous until...*
So, how did you and my little princess get together?
Oh this should be good. Heh.
*The young couple lit up bright red which was impossible to hide. Neither of them wanted to tell that he was moderately drunken and emboldened to pull down her down into his bed and kiss her. Then a few moments later when they knocked each other over how he, then sober, pulled her down for another kiss.*
Well... um.. you see it happened when Ny-Lee was visiting BdrLineAzn in Anvala... and he wasn't feeling well so Yiski gave him something to drink. Sadly, I do not handle any of Yiski's drinks well so I went up to rest... and I went to wake him the next day... and and.. um...
*Ny-Lee's parents could see where this was coming from a kilometer away and decided for their sake to almost finish their thought.*
And you swept my sweet Ny-Lee into your bed for a little morning delight.
What? What!
*Roland and Ny-Lee both shook their heads violently.*
No, no, no, the first half is right, the second half I just pulled her down for a kiss.
*If the couple wasn't red already, you could probably see steam coming off their heads.*
Are you sure you haven't done anything with my little princess?
Trust me, at the risk of having her throw a few knives at me, they haven't done anything.
*Ny-Lee's father seemed to calm down while her mother held her hand up to keep her from laughing loudly.*
Well, what are you plans now?
Well, I will ask for your blessing to marry Ny-Lee.
-
*Having healed from the minor injuries. Papa and Shink decide to head to the closest bar, and Drink away some of the nightmares of the battles that had happened.*
"I'll have a Whiskey" *Shink says answering the bartender's question*
*Shink notice a couple of people playing cards in the corner*
"Hey papa. Wanna leave them nothing but the shirts on their back?"
*Papa just shrugs, and the pair wander over to the game and join*
-
After a couple bottles of Chang-Nings finest the two started to really game the table. Their were five of them at the table, Shink and Paradox included. The game was just heating up, Paradox dealt and there were calls across the board. Two sixes on the flop, Dragon and star, and a three of serpents. Call, call, call, call, and call. Four of serpents: Fold, fold...
"Jesus I've never seen more women with beards before."
Fold, call, Raise. Back to the husky man, who went all in, Papa called.
Papa smirked, having a Six of soldiers in his hand... all he needed was a little luck.
Six of serpents.
Get fucked Get fucked
Within seconds, the table was flipped and all five men had guns on each other.
"Listen here asshole, there's no fuckin' way that shoulda been possible."
"Ya ever heard of statistics?"
"That requires an education Shink, something which this man is obviously lacking"
"HEY!"
They all cocked their guns in unison.
A stray bottle from the onlooking crowd hit the aggravated local, guns were holstered, and brawling began.
-
-Central Hospital-
*Jun'ko was still next to Zill, playing with his mask hanging from her neck. She looked at him, his chest the only movement on his body. Then she thought he flicked his eyes.*
Zill?
*Zill's eyes started to open. He let out a low grunt. His pain was dull and constant. He started to move Jun'ko grabbed his hand.*
Dont move. For me. Youve taken enough of a beating for us.
*He stopped moving. When he spoke, it was low and weak.*
How....long have i...been out?
About a day. The doctors worked on you after your scene.
Serves....them right for...not telling me where.....i was.
Yea yea. They didnt know how you managed to stay concious so long with the little blood you had. It took awhile to patch all your leaks. *Grins*
*Zill just smirks with her. He see's his mask around her neck. He touches it, and then her cheek.*
Are you ok?
You worry me to near-death. I think i understand why you do what you do though. Its not you dont trust me or the others. You couldnt live with yourself if you lost someone.
Especially...you.
*She smiles. A tear rolls down her face and Zill tried to sit up. She pushes him back down.*
Now what did i say?
Well i dont...want you crying over....me.
Why? I cant show my feelings?
Well yes. But you....dont need to be sad.
These happen to be happy tears. *Pokes tongue out*
*Zill feels around on the bandages he's wrapped in and sighs.*
They immobilized me...on purpose, didnt they....
Can you blame them? You acted like you hadnt left the battle. Now rest. We are headed home soon and you need every ounce of strength you can get.
Home. Hell my home...was destroyed...back at the.....tower.
*She kissed him. Knowing he was ok, Jun'ko got up to stretch and went outside the room. She saw Yiski sitting outside Roland's room and went over to him.*
Zill's awake.
He's not moving is he?
Not on his life. *Smiles*
-
*Yiski felt he needed a little fresh air and decided to walk around the hospital's central courtyard found at the entrance. Yiski took a deep breath.*
Feels good not to inhale dust, smoke, or gunpowder for once.
*Yiski eventually took a seat on a bench overlooking a man-made pond. Off the corner of his eye, he thought he saw a few Imperials approaching him. Turning his head verified his assumption. Three Imperial soldiers stopped in front of Yiski and handed him a letter.*
I'm gonna guess this is from the big man himself.
Yes, the Emperor's orders were strict to either hand this to either you or your compatriot captain.
*Yiski took the letter and saw the soldiers walk off. The letter bared what he assumed was the Emperor's seal. Yiski broke it and started reading.*
I hope this letter finds you in better health than our first meeting. Again we cannot thank you and your friends enough in aiding us in erasing a dark relic of the pre-world. Had you not interfered, it would have been chilling to know they could have accomplished their goals. As I understand, your team has lost both its vessels during the siege of Lu Tower. And so as a start of repaying our bottomless debt, you will find a Yeshan galleon and goldfish waiting for you in our docks when you are prepared to leave. Just present this letter to the dockmaster so he can point out which ships are yours.
Eternally grateful,
Emperor Xi
*Yiski whistled at the letter.*
Hell, we should fight world-dominating organizations more often. Bet Zill would love to hear this.
*Yiski got up and headed back inside.*
-
*Ny-Lee's father goes up to Roland and puts a hand on his shoulder.*
Son, for all the things you had done. And that you showed your worth out there, we are glad to give you our blessing.
*Roland looks up to him and a small smile forms*
Why thank you sir.
*BdrLine's and Ny-Lee's mother squeal out of delight*
*She goes over and hugs Ny-Lee*
My daughter is going to be married, so how are we going to work this out?
*Almost being crushed by the embrace, Ny-Lee manages to loosen her mother's grip*
Well we still need to plan it all, but i think we should do the actually wedding somewhere in the future. That and i want to go with Roland back to Anvala.
Well alright, it can give you two more time to prepare. Just remember to invite us, we don't want to miss this. *To BdrLine* So son, when is there gonna be a special someone one into your life huh? *smirks*
*Ny-Lee turns and answer her father*
I wouldn't dream of forgetting to invite you all. My big lovely family.
*BdrLine goes red by his father's comment, his younger brother sees this and goes on teasing him*
Yes Azn, looks like Ny is going to have something over you.
*BdrLine then shoves his brother a little*
Oh haha, so how about you huh, you have a secret girlfriend or something.
Don't you go there, I'm ready to go dating when i feel like it. And what you have 9 years over me and still no one
Oh its on
*The two brothers go on bickering with one another, they don't realize that they are being directed out the door by their mother*
*Once she feels that they are out of the room, she closes the door behind them, the two can be heard outside still*
So how long are you going to stay here then, we are hoping that you and your friends can stay at the manor for a few nights. We can maybe host a party for you all.
That sounds lovely mother, but i think it depends on our friends Yiski and Zill.
*The four continuing to chat among each other inside the room. Outside, BdrLine and Huan realized that they been involuntary kicked out, stops fighting with each other and heads over to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat*
-
*Yiski knocks on Zill's room door.*
What?
*Yiski walks in.*
I see even death is no match for the mighty Zill.
*Zill wanted to laugh, but the substantial pain only allowed a few grunts.*
Well I've got some good news.
What is it?
We've got a ride back. The Emperor decided to replace our ships with the Yeshan equivalent.
Wow. Isn't that wonderful Zill? I mean sure it isn't your galleon, but at least we have a ship again.
Yeah, yeah, but doesn't good news follow up with some bad news.
*Yiski grinned.*
You're right, the bad news is we also get to keep our request for whatever we want from the Empire.
Wait... that isn't bad news at all.
Exactly. Seems like our luck is improving.
*Yiski was about to leave to head to Roland's room to give him the message, but turned back around to Zill.*
Another thing, how soon do you want to depart. Given your condition, I'd imagine you'd want to rest more, but having Shink and Paradox roaming the city can't be a good thing.
-
*When the table flipped, Shink Rushed the closest guy, and with two quick jabs knocks him to the floor. Shink spins around just in time to see a chair whiz by his head*
"Little help here Papa?"
*Papa was off in his corner causing wreckage wherever he went. Papa lunges into another group, and knocks them all out in quick succession. After all the patrons of the bar have been either been knocked out, or wounded so bad that they were no threat. At this time, a gunshot could be heard, and at the entrance to the bar was filled with peackeepers. All guns were trained on the pair (Maybe a little bit more on Papa)*
"Make one move that I don't like, and I'll riddle you full of holes. We're all going to take a nice trip down to holding cell"
"Well Papa...Got any bright ideas?"
-
*Zill grunts again at the thought of Shink and Papa making a rukus in town.*
I cant be......bothered about Papa....and Shink will be fine....
Plus the doctors dont want him moving, so might as well stay one night. BdrLine and Ny's parents would like that too.
True. As much as I want to get back to Anvala, I think Roland deserves some time with their family.
*Yiski lets Zill rest and leaves the room. Jun'ko looks at Zill.*
Guess we better get comfy.
You dont.....have to stay.
*She gives him a glare.*
Oh sure, so you can try to start moving while im away. Nice try Admiral.
*Zill sighs. He just tries to get comfortable in his temporary dwellings, and Jun'ko is there to comfort him.*
-
--NARRATOR--
Alright, I'll go run it by Roland.
Yiski leaves Zill's room and makes his way to Roland's. The door's still open and this time it's only Roland, Ny-Lee, and her parents.
Well, Zill and I have come up with a plan.
Are we going to leave immediately?
Naw, given Zill's condition we might be here for another day or two. Can't have Zill dying on us along the way home and Lilly's gonna stay with him. I'd imagine Shink and Paradox have landed themselves in a jail cell somewhere. Plus, I'd imagine you'd want to get to know your future in-laws.
Are you not going to come with us?
I'll probably head down to the docks and get some help refitting the goldfish armor to my specifications. Probably stay the night on the ship too.
There was a general look of shock on on the parents face.
No, no ,no... that won't do at all. I insist you come stay the night with us.
*sigh* Thank you Miss Liu, but I don't want to be a burden on you or Mr. Shen.
Nonsense, plus it will give us time to know each other. We'll be family soon enough and please call me Shen.
Yiski thought for a moment and Shen was right, Yiski was going to have to get to know them, at least for Roland's sake. Plus, Yiski did say they were staying a few days.
I guess I can always refit later. Okay. I'll come along.
Excellent. I believe our auto is still here.
Roland, are you okay to walk?
Yes, I should be fine.
Roland got up and attempted to put weight on his leg, but pain immediately shot up and he sat right back down again. There's a look of distress on Roland's face.
Son, you are in no condition to walk. Give me a minute.
Shen steps out into the hallway and hails down a nurse to fetch a wheelchair. Moments later, the nurse arrives with a wheelchair and Roland gets in. As the Yiski, Roland, and the family where heading out, Ny-Lee went to grab her brothers who were still arguing about who would get a girl first. The argument just made Ny-Lee roll her eyes at her brothers' idiocy.
As the group approaches the entrance, a doctor stops them.
I'm sorry sir, but he hasn't been cleared to leave yet.
Don't worry, I'll have a doctor waiting for him at our place.
Normally, doctors would still make a fuss, but almost everybody knew of Shen and Liu's prestige and influence within the capital. The doctor merely acquiesced and let the family proceed. Outside there was an autos waiting. It was surprisingly big for the average auto. Most autos could only hold four occupants.
Family must be big to need an auto this size.
A few minutes pass before they arrive at Shen's house, or to Yiski...
Dip me in Hellfire, this is a flakin' fortress almost!?
BdrLine chuckled at Yiski's apparent amazement. Yiski looked over to BdrLine.
How the hell did you give this up and end up at my saloon of all places?
The question made everyone laugh. The group exited the auto and there were a handful of servants waiting for them.
Welcome back sir and madam. Is there anything you need?
Yes, please call Dr. Yu and have him look after one of our guest. Also, please prepare BdrLine and Ny-Lee's rooms and two additional guest rooms.
The servants nodded and scurried off into the large manor. Shen turned to Yiski and Roland.
Please make yourselves at home.
Yiski mentally gave a chuckle.
Home, huh? To be home, I'd need a few barrels of Hellfire.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 13--
-
--START OF DAY 14--
--NARRATOR--
Roland woke up well-rested the next morning. It had been the first time during this whole adventure he'd been able to sleep without worrying about having to kill or be killed. He was especially more cheerful when he remembers getting Shen's blessing to marry Ny-Lee.
Roland yawns and stretches his arms feels and scans the room and becomes a bit lonely because Ny-Lee wasn't with him to greet him in the morning. He did spot, however, a pair of crutches and the wheelchair. Roland stands up and puts some very light pressure on his ankle. It still hurt, but manageable, so Roland decided to use the crutches.
Roland gets to the door and opens it only to see Ny-Lee walk right into him and taking the two of them down. Roland and Ny-Lee stare into each others faces for a few seconds. Roland gave a grin.
You know dear, we really need to stop meeting each other like this.
Ny-Lee giggles and leans in to kiss him. Another few seconds pass by before she breaks the kiss.
Then again, I think I could learn to love this.
I'm sure you would.
The two keep their positions for a bit until...
AHEM!
This caused Ny-Lee to jump up with Roland slow to rise, making sure he doesn't strain his ankle too much. They look at BdrLine with flushed cheeks. BdrLine gives a deep sigh.
For my sake, would you at least keep it inside the room and keep the door shut?
Ny-Lee sticks her tongue at her brother.
The three head downstairs into the dinning hall where they see Yiski, Shen, and Liu talking. Coming closer, the three can tell the conversation hinged around a little bit of small talk, but the bulk was on the engagement. Eventually, everyone was present with the exception of Zill and Jun'ko. Those two were still in the room with Dr. Yu looking over Zill's injuries. Dr. Yu had stated that Zill could potentially be fit for piloting within another day or two.
Another exception to the group were Shink and Paradox who, as Yiski guessed, were in a local guard barrack holding cell.
During the afternoon, Shen and Liu decided to get supplies to celebrate Ny-Lee and Roland's engagement and invite a few high-ranking guests. Yiski was "encouraged" to get fitted for a formal wear suit by Liu and Ny-Lee. After the fitting and alterations were done, Yiski looked at himself in the mirror.
By the merciful skies, I'm glad Zill's not here to see this.
Roland on the other hand took it all in stride.
My Ny-Lee, Roland does dress up really well. It's a shame I'm not a few years younger, or I may have gone after Roland myself.
Ny-Lee and Roland blushed. Ny-Lee more so from embarrassment.
Mother!
By the time the evening rolled around, preparation for the engagement party were set and ready. Guests from all over Chang-ning were entering. The whole spectacle made Yiski's head spin a bit. During this time, Yiski heard some laughter from behind him. He turned to see Zill sitting in a wheelchair manned by Jun'ko.
Ha! I never thought I'd see the day the "Legendary Crimson Bolt" wear a suit.
Yeah, yeah, laugh it up now pretty boy. Soon enough you'll find yourself in a similar position soon.
Zill scoffed at the comment and looked to Jun'ko to mirror his thoughts. Consequently, Jun'ko did share in Zill's mental process and instead was slightly blushing. Zill thought...
Women and the idea of marriage. Flak.
The night went on with music, song, dance, drinking, and congratulations given to the newly engaged couple. The couple were bombarded by a constant wave of people talking to them. For a while, Ny-Lee was worried Roland wouldn't be able to handle all these people, but it dissolved when Roland was able to field all the different topics. Working in a saloon had its advantages.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 14--
(Token post for Cogs today. Again, please come out and watch the Cogs' stream at www.twitch.tv/qwerty2jam today at 4 p.m. EST)
-
--START OF DAY 15--
--NARRATOR--
It was the morning after the engagement party. Yiski was the first to get up and stretch his arms out wide.
You know I could get used to sleeping in a bed like this, but nothin' will beat my saloon.
Yiski got dressed and left the room. Across the hall, he could see Zill and Jun'ko leaving the room too. Zill was still in his wheelchair, but could now manage to push himself to some extent.
Feelin' good enough to fly?
Even if I'm not, you think that'll stop me?
Nope, though I think someone else might think otherwise.
Zill looked up to Jun'ko who gave him a scowl look. Zill laughed.
Don't worry, I'll be much better once I'm up in air again.
The three then set out downstairs into to the main floor and found Ny-Lee and Roland waiting for them.
Are we heading out?
Seems that way. Where's BdrLine and your folks Ny-Lee?
My brother went to the docks after the party ended. He said he wanted to update our ships' engines to get us back to Anvala sooner. Mother and Father are out in town. They have an auto waiting for us.
Where's Shink and Paradox?
Well, Mother and Father got word the two of them ended up in jail. They were going to the jail to bail them out and meet us at the docks.
The sooner we get Paradox out of here the better.
Agreed.
The team arrived at the docks and saw BdrLine, Shink, Paradox, Shen, and Liu. Zill waved over to them as the approached.
The engines good to go BdrLine?
Yup. Everything is set. It should only take a few days to Anvala.
Liu went over to hug Ny-Lee.
Oh, I will miss you. Please contact us when you can, especially your wedding date.
I will Mother.
Shen approached Roland and shook his hand.
Take care of my little princess.
I will sir.
Liu then hugged BdrLine despite the fact he was covered in grease, dust, and oil.
Please, please contact us more often.
That's right son. Don't make your mother worried because she takes it out on me.
Liu gave her husband a sharp look, but Shen and BdrLine gave a small laugh.
I'll try.
During the goodbyes, Paradox was already on board the galleon when he yelled out.
Dammit can we please get going here. I don't ever want to come here again.
Eventually, Zill, Jun'ko, Paradox, and Shink were on the galleon, and Yiski, Roland, Ny-Lee, and BdrLine on the goldfish. Both ships named Then It Was Fixed Again and M'Naghten Returns, respectively. Yiski calls out into the radio.
Ready to hit the skies?
Always.
The captains then started their engines and left Chang-ning port. Soon the team could see the city in the far horizon behind them. It would only be a six day trip back to Anvala.
--NARRATOR END--
--END OF DAY 15--
--END OF PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE--
(Zill, when you can, please lock this thread and unlock the main thread. Main saloon thread will be opened tomorrow. Sorry for two token posts in a row, but I have a lot of work to do.)