Breaking the Siege (SHIELD)

[thormundsson]

Floating just outside off the shore of Winchester island was a massive flotilla of marine ships, close to 20 ships, of all size and shapes, 6 of which were massive warships, floated calmly in the ocean. The flotilla had been gathered to take actions against the fact that the entire Winchester island had now been taken over by pirates and bandits. The chaos that had consumed the island had literally broken the back of the marines there and had literally swept across the island, eradicating the law in every corner of it.

So far accounts of civilian casualties were high and Marine HQ had sent word that every single ship in the region that was not already on a mission was to go there. This had come at the end of the War of the Summit, the death of Whitebeard had seen so many join the ranks of newly formed pirate groups that all the Blues were an uproar. That had culminated in the capture of the entire island by pirates. Thus the flotilla had been assembled and now the marines were preparing a massive counterattack. Reinforcements had been sent from HQ but thus far were yet to arrive and the outlook was bleak.

As the flotilla lay tied to a small anchorage a few miles off the coast of Winchester island, none knew the scale of what was to unfold.

------

Thor stood at the forefront of the Orca as it made it's way into the heart of the gathered marine vessels. The wind was still and it seemed that everything was quiet. The crews on each vessel had made ready and were at fighting stance but with no news from HQ it was uncertain how to proceed. He himself had just received the word of the situation and knew that they were waiting for the HQ reinforcements. Apparently the one who would lead the mission was amongst them, though no word had been given of who that was.

"Tell all the crew to get ready and stay at their posts, we might have to move in at any time" He said firmly as he turned to the captain of the ship, the man jumping to follow his orders and order his men to do their duty. As he walked away Thor also remembered another thing. "Oh and tell the trainees to get out here and join me at the helm, we'll be heading aboard the Shattering Wave, supposedly the HQ reinforcements will arrive there and that's where the commanders are gathering" He said a little louder than he would have like.

He turned back to admire the gathering of ships that had come, it was almost amazing to believe that this flotilla could have a hard time in defeating pirates but then again he had witnessed similar things in the past. He drew his coat close and continued to stare, seemingly waiting for the grain to fall and start the avalanche.

[Lord Bromosalino]

It had been less than a week since Isaac Saifer had been transferred from Rougetown to the famous ship; the Orca, headed by a much respected Captain Thor. The man was well known as a strong man with an even stronger sense of Justice and was even the leader and head of Shield.

As he had always done since Isaac had left Goa Kingdom, he was writing his weekly letter to his father and mother to let them know how Marine life was. He had been in the Marines for about three months now and was already enjoying the prospect of becoming a famous Marine known world wide. Of course he wasn’t on his own. His lifelong companion, Cerberus, was with him. This ferocious black dog named after the mythical guardian of the underworld was Isaac’s best friend and battle tag-team partner. As Isaac was finishing the letter, a fellow Marine came in with an order; Thor was asking for him up on deck.

“Must be about HQ’s arrival here.” Isaac thought to himself. They were off the shores of Winchester Island; an island torn between the pirate side of the island and the ever pressing Marines. Word was that HQ was coming for a war meeting and to decide who would lead the crucial attack. But for now, the twenty battle ships of the Marines were waiting. Whoever was chosen, Isaac just hoped he could build a bit of a reputation in this battle and come out victorious.

Waking up Cerberus who lay at his feet, Isaac quickly tucked the letter inside his pant pockets and pulled on his special shoes; shoes with hidden blades at the tips. Grabbing the silver watch that lay on his bed side desk, Isaac rushed upstairs. After all, Thor was not a man used to having his orders ignored nor delayed. “Come on Cerberus, we’re needed on deck.”

Upon reaching the main deck, Isaac was awed, as he always was, by the many different ships assembled by the Marines. Six of them were even the large battle ships that could dwarf any regular sized ship. Scanning for Thor, Isaac easily found him. Although a large and imposing looking Marine, Thor was rumored to be an overall nice guy. Walking towards him, Cerberus followed him. The two were inseparable, always side by side.

“Captain Thor, Isaac Saifer and Cerberus reporting for duty Sir!” As he threw up a perfectly executed salute, the standard respectful sign among all Marines, even Cerberus came to attention.

[thormundsson]

Thor turned his gaze towards the marine that stood before him. The man was impressively built, strong and tall, even coming close to matching Thor himself. A solid build and neatly dressed, he seemed to be every bit as good a recruit as Thor had read in the report that had arrive with him. The dog might have bothered many commanders, it was very unorthodox to have an animal with you unless you were of the highest rank but Thor didn't care even the slightest. If the dog was an asset and could help the man defeat the scum of the sea then he was free to stay, no matter what. If the dog was a liability then well.......Isaac would have to learn to deal with such losses the hard way.

"Breath in the air, marine, this is how justice should move; in absolute strength and power forward like an avalanche, striking everything down" He said calmly, his face never wavering from the stern look he usually had on him. He turned to signal the helmsman to bring them to the side of the battleship they had been approaching. The Shattering Wave was a massive warship, even larger than the others that had joined it and ever more so than the Orca. It's blue hull was painted in the image of a terrible tsunami; the source of the ships name and with it's bulk it was a very just name.

As they laid to the side of the ship he gestured for the young recruit to follow him. As they past the Lieutenant Mian he quickly reiterated his words that the ship was to be on full alert until further notice, they might be gathered in strength but they also presented a target and he was not going to fall to a random cannon shot from some pirate bastard.

As the duo and the dog emerged on to the deck of the warship they were greeted by a gathering of captains and commanders alike, all aligned around a massive, makeshift table from barrels and planks. On the huge piece of wood lay one of the biggest maps that Thor had seen and it showed the entire island of Winchester as it lay, with various marks depicting the locations of pocket resistance against the pirates and how much of the island had come under attack.

As they were greeted with silent salutes a horn sounded off not to far away. It was the horn of a warship coming from the east, signaling the arrival of the HQ reinforcements. There was a mutter amongst some of the men assembled, talks of a Vice Admiral or perhaps just a messenger to note them all of who would lead the attack and how it would be organized. As they ship stopped close to the Shattering Wave a large boarding plank fell onto the deck and a tall man walked calmly over to greet the gathered commanders. He wore a yellow coat and was wearing the large overcoat of a marine admiral. The men gaped as Admiral Kizaru came aboard, his face a quiet smile as he walked straight over to the map board.

Thor himself was as surprised as all the others but managed to hold his mouth from gaping and was fairly satisfied that Isaac didn't appear to have lost his composure too much. "Admiral Kizaru, it's an honor to have you with us!" he said, saluting as the Admiral stopped next to him to look at the map, the rest of them quickly followed his example. "With you on our side we cannot possibly lose this!" he continued, letting his hands sink quickly to his sides and waited for the man to speak.

------

"Weeeell, it would seeeem we are going to be overworked on thiiis mission" the tall admiral said as he viewed the map that was laid out in front of him. He viewed the scene with slight amusement and then began to point out the various locations of where the marines would strike and when, all the while smiling at the bemusement of the gathered marine commanders.


(OOC: from now on I'll include Kizaru in this, though he'll split from us soon enough, you'll see )

[Lord Bromosalino]

"Breath in the air, marine, this is how justice should move; in absolute strength and power forward like an avalanche, striking everything down" After saying these words, Captain Thor signaled Isaac to go with him. He wanted Isaac on the Shattering Wave to be there for the meeting. Never for a moment losing his composure, Isaac began to follow the Captain; noting that he himself was nearly as tall as the impressive Marine.

As The Orca made way for the Shattering Wave, Isaac was awed by the sight. The blue hull depicted a scene like that of a tsunami, no doubt the source of its imposing name. The ship itself was larger than even Captain Thor’s own. It was truly a beautiful sign of Marine power.

As they made way across the deck of the Shattering Wave, they were greeted by salutes all around by lieutenants, captains, commodores, and all other forms of high ranking officers. It pleased Isaac that Thor had hand picked him to go along to the war meeting. As the rest of the officials gathered around the large map of Winchester Island, Isaac stood off behind Thor and to his side. He was just a small time marine for now, he couldn’t compete with people like Thor yet. He had no right to even be there. For now, he was content with staying behind Thor.

As everyone turned around at the sound of a plank being dropped, Isaac was in both awe and respect at the man HQ had sent to deal with this; Admiral Kizaru! The man’s legend went before him and even Cerberus started to wag his tail. Isaac knew of him, as did Cerberus, from years of admiration. After all, who didn’t know this man, a man that carried the power, respect, and honor of both the marines and the World Government. With Kizaru on board with this mission, they couldn’t possibly lose.

As he saluted to the man he so much respected, Isaac couldn’t help notice the relaxed air around him. “Guess with him as an Admiral and all, he can afford to be a bit more relaxed.” No sooner than he had thought those words, Kizaru began to go through the plans, the different locations each officer would be designated to, and the overall strategy they would be employing. Things were about to get serious now. It was time to shine!

(OOC: Ah, sweet! Coolest Admiral joins us!)

[thormundsson]

The gathering command of marines looked with great interest as the tall admiral began to explain to them how the mission was to be carried out. He assigned each of them a point of attack or a small town to take over on the marine side of Winchester island. It was obvious that they were going to liberate areas loyal to the World Government first and then move on to the other districts and towns of the island.

"Nooow, we are going to need a group of volunteers to attack the main pirate stronghold whilst the force makes it's attaaaack" Kizaru explained in his calm voice, his face a complete blank now, not showing much emotion at all. He turned towards the group, who had now been reduced to a handful of marine commanders, though all were known to be tough. Everyone of them seemed hesitant about it, such a mission could only be exceptionally dangerous to the ones who would carry it out.

As the wind blew past and the air became still Thor pushed himself through the men and stood in front of the admiral. "The Shield division will see it done, sir!" He said with remarkable firmness in his voice. As he glanced around he couldn't help but notice that the other commanders were sighing from relief or looking directly at him as if he were a madman. He cared not, it was the most important part of the mission and he would carry it out without fail.

------------------------------

Kizaru took a step closer to the commander before him. Commander Thor of the Shield didn't exactly have a clean record but at least he was known as an advocate of absolute justice, which meant he was perfect for the job. "Huuuuummmm, hoooow brave of you, commander" The tall admiral said as he laid a hand on his shoulder. "Buut I'm afraid your division is a few men short so I'll be sending one other ship with you on thiiiiiiis" He said slowly as he turned his head around, surveying the gathered men, those at least who had not run off to order their crews around. His eyes came to pass on an averaged sized man at the back of the group. "Captain Udyr, you and your crew will be accompanying the Shield on it's mission, make sure you are prepareeeeed" He finished and stepped to the board, pointing out the attack layout and where they would strike.

---------------

Thor wasn't paying attention to the words of the admiral as he pointed at the map, though he managed to pick up their general location and where they would be heading. He was more concerned with the choice of Captain Udyr as their second in command. He was not know for his bravery or decisive skills and indeed has earned himself a reputation for the most dishonest actions to be found, such as leaving other marines behind to claim the glory and so on. Thor made the mental note not to trust him and keep an eye out at each moment.

He turned back towards Isaac and gestured him along. "I believe we have our objective before us, let us return to the Orca and wait for the appointed time (roughly an hour) and then we shall get under way. I suggest you make any sort of last preparations or pray if that is your thing for I am not so certain we will be coming back, leastways not all of us" He said with a sense of grave importance in his voice. "We are going up against hundreds if not thousands of pirates in that town, we had best hope they are asleep when we arrive" He finished, walking back towards the Orca and signaling it's captain to get the men prepared.

[Lord Bromosalino]

"The Shield division will see it done, sir!” said the captain with absolute firmness and confidence. As he said these words, Isaac couldn’t help but smile. His captain was the only one of the commanders to volunteer for the job, that had to say something about this man Thor in relation to the others on the Shattering Wave. Isaac knew he had made the right choice in choosing this division over staying in Rougetown. His first major mission and he was already being thrust deep into pirate territory alongside Thor. If all went well, and he proved himself, he just might get promoted.

However, it seemed that they would be joined by another ship captained by a man Isaac was quite unfamiliar with, Captain Udyr. Isaac had heard little about this man, but what he had heard was definitely not noteworthy. However, if Admiral Kizaru approved of the choice, then who was Isaac to question it.

As the commanders began to head off to their own ships to prepare the attack, Isaac took a last glance at the map. The island was so large, the siege would surely take time and cost them quite a number of men. As Thor signaled for Isaac to follow him back onto the Orca, Isaac motioned Cerberus to follow as well. With his back turned towards Isaac, Thor began speaking to Isaac after signaling for the men onboard to prepare. Isaac took the letter he had wrote earlier to his parents and was looking for the post master to have it sent before the attack would begin. "I believe we have our objective before us, let us return to the Orca and wait for the appointed time (roughly an hour) and then we shall get under way. I suggest you make any sort of last preparations or pray if that is your thing for I am not so certain we will be coming back, leastways not all of us. We are going up against hundreds if not thousands of pirates in that town, we had best hope they are asleep when we arrive"

Isaac wasn’t very worried, and he made sure that Thor knew he wasn’t one to cower in fear at the prospect of danger. “Well sir, that’s a risk each and every Marine knew when they signed up. However I would like to ask, with your permission, about Captain Udyr. I haven’t heard much of him in Rougetown, but what I did hear wasn’t always very pleasant. Do you trust him?”

[thormundsson]

Thor was fairly deeply entrenched in his own thoughts as Isaac asked him what he knew of Captain Udyr. He took a deep breath as he prepared to answer the question. But where to begin, the man was known for many dishonorable traits and had on numerous occasions done things which outright went against the greater good of the World Government and hampered marine activities, all to make sure he himself got further ahead.

"I'm afraid that the captain's actions have been many and most of those who know of him will not work with him. He is universally known for leaving marines behind and sacrificing men just too gain more glory for himself." Thor said with a heavy anger in his voice, he didn't like the man at all and it pained him to not be able to simply beat him down.

"His actions have in the past proved worthy of demotion or even dishonorable discharge but he is a fine warrior and a fairly competent leader of his own men but he's not exactly a team player and wouldn't hesitate to send men to their deaths for no reason at all. But this is the marines and being a valuable fighter has often proven enough to make sure that you aren't discharged" Thor continued, this time turning to look at the youn recruit who had joined him, who seemed to be listening to every word.

"Should you ever find yourself in a situation where it is only him to rely on you are better off stabbing him through and leaving him for the beasts rather than give him a chance to do it to you. Why the Admiral chose him to follow us I cannot guess at. I assume it is one of two reasons...." He faded out as he turned back towards the open sea, taking a lingering look at it.

"......either this is a chance to finally send the good captain packing or this mission isn't likely to leave many survivors, both occasions will make sure that Udyr doesn't return, sadly for us, it is most likely the latter part...." He finished and turned away from the young marine, drawing his overcoat in closer as some strange wind sent shivers down his spine.

"Use the next half an hour to eat or do some last minute preperations. Once we land on that beach we aren't going back on the Orca until we are victorious or......not" Thor said as he closed the heavy oak door on his own room. Once there in he took a seat in a large chair and grabbed a fruit from the neares bowl, it tasted sweet and bitter.

One thing was for sure, Udyr was not going to return from this mission, Thor was going to make sure of it.

[Lord Bromosalino]

"I'm afraid that the captain's actions have been many and most of those who know of him will not work with him. He is universally known for leaving marines behind and sacrificing men just too gain more glory for himself. His actions have in the past proved worthy of demotion or even dishonorable discharge but he is a fine warrior and a fairly competent leader of his own men but he's not exactly a team player and wouldn't hesitate to send men to their deaths for no reason at all. But this is the marines and being a valuable fighter has often proven enough to make sure that you aren't discharged.”

Isaac, although never outwardly showing it, was shocked. Such a man that Thor had described was worthy of death and at the very, dishonorable discharge. Isaac continued to listen t o Captain Thor as he continued to speak of the man that Isaac was growing to hate.

"Should you ever find yourself in a situation where it is only him to rely on, you are better off stabbing him through and leaving him for the beasts rather than give him a chance to do it to you. Why the Admiral chose him to follow us I cannot guess at. I assume it is one of two reasons....either this is a chance to finally send the good captain packing or this mission isn't likely to leave many survivors, both occasions will make sure that Udyr doesn't return, sadly for us, it is most likely the latter part...."

As Captain Thor finished speaking of the man, he himself went back in to his own room to do whatever it was that Captain Thor did to prepare. Being given half an hour, Isaac immediately sought out the post master. He had still not mailed the letter to his parents and he wanted make sure that it was done before they would be sent off. Wandering the decks of The Orca, Isaac found him in the kitchens. After delivering the letter into the possession of the Post Master, Isaac decided to grab a quick bite to eat. After all, they might not get the chance to eat again for a couple days, maybe not at all. No, Isaac shouldn’t think of such things at this time. Grabbing a plate of noodles and a bowlful of Takoyaki, Isaac made his way back to his own quarters. There wasn’t much to do, Isaac’s clothing was already neat and ironed. His shoes and the blades hidden within was well sharpened as well. However, Thor’s words kept ringing in his ear, "Should you ever find yourself in a sitand leaving him for the beasts rather than give him a chance to do it to you.”

Isaac began to ponder this thought, if it came down to it, could he kill Captain Udyr? After all, the man was a Captain just like Thor. As such, his combat ability must be on par with Thor's. Even Cerberus was on edge. The black dog continued to circle and pace around the room. Placing a caring hand on the beloved friend and partner, Isaac nodded and was able to calm him down. The two were always close. This mission would finally show the fruits of their work. Right now, Cerberus needed to rest though.

Well, best not to think about that. “Might as well get some shut eye. This is going to be a long day.”

[thormundsson]

After an hour the entire fleet had been organized and each ship was moving towards it's designated area. Three of the main warships were accompanying Admiral Kizaru as his vessel made it's way towards the main marine base, intent on capturing it and making sure the force had a solid base to regroup at.

The Orca was heading for a different place and was joined by another vessel, the strangely nicknamed Eel was a long vessel and boasted a cannon battery that would have shamed most other vessels. It was the ship of Captain Udyr.
_____________________________________________________

Thor found himself standing at the head of the Orca, letting the wind blow past him as he glared at the ship gliding next to them. He was sorely tempted to have all batteries fire broadside straight into the side of the Eel but he had no cause yet. He knew Udyr's reputation and despised him for it but he had never seen it in action and so could do little about it yet.

The two ships sailed silently next to each other, heading for the lawless part of an island already in the grip of chaos. The sky was growing darker as nighttime drew closer. The ships were well concealed, their sails had been covered in gray cloth to make sure they didn't stick out in the darkness and there was no light lit on either one. Thor couldn't help but feel that they were relying completely on the skills of their helmsmen and he never felt right when he didn't have some control.

"Find Isaac and tell him to come to the main set, I need to have a word with him before we begin the incursion" Thor said to an aide and the man went swiftly to his business. The ships were sailing in close now and the lights of the town could be seen not too far off in the distance. The crew moved to it's position and every man was getting tense, Thor could feel it as much as see it.

He checked the strap to his large sledgehammer on his back and made sure that it was locked tightly to his back, he folded his hands in satisfaction as he waited for Isaac to come and join him at the helm.

[Lord Bromosalino]

"Hmm? Captain Thor wants me?" Isaac had just been awaken by a man he had recognized as an aid and had often seen at Thor's side. Peering out of a porthole, Isaac was surprised to see darkness around them. Isaac had ask the aid how long it had been since the meeting till now, one hour. It certainly did not feel like an hour, not even half that time. Isaac hadn't slept well. Thoughts of battle filled his dreams. This would be the first real battle that Isaac would participate in, would he do well, would he fail, would he, would he, would he?

Silently nodding at the aide, Isaac seemed to say "I'm coming, give me a moment." Patting the side of the sleek black dog, Isaac aroused Cerberus as well and began to get dressed. First, the finely ironed black, dress pants and belt. Afterwards, his white dress shirt with the black overalls. Catching a look at himself in the mirror he couldn't help but smile. Yes, Isaac was good looking, but now wasn't the time to be concerned with things as trivial as this. Lastly, his boots. Checking the hidden blades within, Isaac was ready. Pushing his long, black hair in place, Isaac headed up to the decks.

Upon reaching the decks, Isaac took a quick glance around his surroundings and noticed two things. One, the silence. For an island at war with itself, one would never know or guess from the sound of it. Silent waves and plodding of the Marine's feet was all that filled the night sky. Secondly, the two ships. The Orca[/i] and the...here Isaac squinted to catch the name of the ship sailing alongside them, the The Eel[/i]. Captain Thor's own ship, as well as the other, had both taken down their usual white sails and had put up gray sails, probably for stealth purposes. But it was The Eel[/i] that had really caught Isaac's eye. It truly lived up to its name, long and awkwardly shaped, and in the night sky it was black as well.

No more than a few feet away from him, Isaac caught a glimpse of the large man, Captain Thor was waiting. On his back, a sledge hammer was strapped securely on. "So thats where he gets his nickname 'hammerhand' from." Isaac thought to himself.

"Isaac Saifer and Cerberus reporting for duty sir!" As usual, Isaac executed a perfect salute and waited for the Captain's order. He was ready.

[thormundsson]

Isaac seemed ready and willing, it was good to know that your troops were a capable force and Thor had the unsettling feeling that he and Isaac might be the last ones to walk way from this, if they did that at all. The black dog that seemed to follow the young man everywhere was calm but obviously trained for these things. It was just as good, a dog going mad under the fire of cannons was not what they needed at this moment.

Thor put a heavy hand on the young recruits shoulder and tugged him to the very fore of the ship. The wind blew past them and a slight shower of sea fell lightly against their face. "I'm afraid I'll have to level with you on this right here" He said with a stern look on his face. He was being completely serious and the matter at hand was no joke. Thor made sure that Isaac was paying attention before continuing on.

"Whilst we may be heading deep into enemy territory there are bound to be innocents there, women and children. I do not care nor want to know what you intend to do if you meet such people on the streets but you must heed my command. This is a dangerous mission and we are to see it through, do not hesitate to strike down anything that get's in your way or you might cost a good marine his life" Thor continued on, making sure that Isaac understood what he was talking about.

"Also, I will have both the Eel and the Orca keep up a continuous barrage of cannons on the town whilst we are there, we are here to cause chaos after all, not to win this place back. If you see anyone, an innocent, a pirate or even one of ours, do not stop to assist them too long, they knew the risks or are not worthy of risking your life for. We are Marines and absolute justice is our practice. Do not fail here for you may not get another chance" Thor said, his voice fading to a grave silence for a few seconds.

That's when the barrage started, both ships coming into range of the town itself and commencing bombardment. Thor raised a hand, signaling everyone to the boats to make ready to go ashore. Already the blazes were reaching high into the night sky.

"Come on, recruit, we have work to do!" He said firmly, walking towards the assembling marines already streaming into the boats.

[Lord Bromosalino]

Isaac, and Cerberus for that matter, were ready. As Captain Thor had turned towards them, he placed his arm on Isaac’s shoulder. It was reassuring to know that Captain Thor had not been unsettled by the company of Cerberus, not at first, not now. Isaac knew what bringing Cerberus might mean; disapproval from officers, the dismissal of Cerberus or even Isaac, or worse, Cerberus losing his head and going mad. And a time such as this was certainly no time for Cerberus to become unnerved by the sight and task that lay before them. Luckily for the both of them, Cerberus was a calm as Isaac was.

Returning his attention to Captain Thor as he led them to the front of the ship, Isaac noted a stern look upon the Captain’s face. All look of compassion, sympathy, or laid-back attitude was gone. Even the still and silent night was stiller, more silent. Even when some of the sea water had sprayed into their faces, Isaac hadn’t budged. He was far too concentrated on the Captain. As soon as the Captain said that he would have to “level with you”, Isaac immediately became tense. Was it the prospect of danger? No, it wasn’t that. It was a feeling that Isaac had to pay attention. That not only his life, but the lives of many others might be in the balance of the decisions and choices Isaac would make. That’s a hell of responsibility to put on a new recruit. “No, no, no! Easy kiddo, I haven’t even heard what he has to say. Don’t tweak out because he’s gotten serious. He always is, even if this is…different somehow.”

Although the Captain began to talk, Isaac wasn’t really paying attention. Oh, he got the gist of it and had heard it all, it was just that, that, well things were truly beginning. This talk of “dangerous mission, cut down those in your way, don’t linger, don’t hesitate, others may lose their lives” was nerve racking. Outside of training with his uncle, Isaac hadn’t been in real combat. Outside of a few small cuts and bruises, Isaac had never been truly injured. Outside of knocking out a fellow recruit, he had never harmed, much less killed, another human being. “Do not fail, wont get another chance.” The words kept ringing in his ears like a bell that had been struck on a cool, chilly night. It had that spine tingling effect. But wait, Thor had personally chosen Isaac, Thor had faith in him, Thor believed in him. That reassurance broke through like a ray of sun through a dark cloudy night. When Captain Thor uttered the words “We have work to do”, Isaac was rejuvenated. All thoughts of failure and death no longer lingered inside his body, they were irrelevant, non-existent. He was the strong arm of peace and order, the protector of islands, he was a Marine damn it!

His mind clear from all other thoughts, Isaac was, perhaps for the first time, ready. Ready to deal with the threat of the island, ready to bring justice, ready to follow every command and succeed. “Let’s do this. Justice and freedom awaits.” Sure of himself, more than he had ever been, Isaac followed Captain Thor into the boats along with other Marines. They had work to do.

[thormundsson]

The boat lowered slowly into the ocean. At this time the wast emptiness of the water below them was crushing. The ocean always looks like the darkest pits of hell when night comes and at this very moment there was no better description of it. The blasts from the cannons roared like the screaming of monsters and the red flashes could be seen everywhere and as they reflected off the sea it gave the area an even more ominous glow.

The boat shook as they were lowered into the sea. Thor stood at the fore, his hands gripping the front railing of the boat tightly. He was in no mood to fall out now. There was wind in the air and waves of seawater got every man wet to the bone. The combination of the two made sure that many of the troopers were cold but even if they were nobody showed much sign of it. Battle always seemed to have the funny effect of rendering a man immune to minor annoyances.

The shock wave from the cannons on both ships could be seen as one looked at the ocean near each ship, it was like a thunderstorm was going on just next to them. The combined barrage from the Eel made it waddle about in the sea, rucking back and forth as the massive cannons bombarded the town without stop.

Then they were off, the small skiffs slid easily through the murky waters and everywhere men gripped their rifles tight and held on to their blades. This was no time to lose your weapon. The sea gave them little worry but the roaring that began off in the distance was another matter. Thor looked on in concealed terror as cannons from some of the pirate ships laying at the docks on the town began to fire at them. Most of them seemed aimed at the warships but some began to strike near to the boats.

Thor tugged his cloak in tighter as the vessel right in front of him got blown to pieces, men and wood flying everywhere and their shrieks chilled him to his very core.

"Get ready!! We're about to hit the beach!!" He shouted and made sure that the next two boats had heard him. "I want troops to seize the lighthouse as soon as we can and the rest are to follow me, two squads on the light, no more!!" he shouted as he turned back to the front, getting ready for the impact as the boats hit the beach.

[Lord Bromosalino]

Canons rang through the night, the flashes gave the men a source of light throughout the darkness, and a group of brave men were sailing into the unknown to bring swift justice along with them. It almost sounded poetic, unless you were there. In reality, it was deafening cannons that rang in the ears of all the men without end, red flashes that only reminded the men that war had begun and many would spill and lose blood, waves that continued to freeze the men in the boats, and that they were sailing with little light while enemy cannons threatened their small little boats. Although both of the warships were unleashing a relentless amount of cannons , enemy ships continued their own barrage of cannonballs. And though one would think that the large warships would be the primary targets, many of the enemies cannons had targeted the little boats. In fact, Isaac, who was on the right side of the boat near the front, had just witnessed a boat in front of them be blown into oblivion. Wood, bodies, and screams filled the night sky. Isaac watched Captain Thor to see his reaction. If he had any sorrow, he didn’t show it. Captain Thor was a pillar of strength and fortitude.

They were nearing the beach now. Within a few minutes, they would be leading the first charge against the main pirate stronghold. Isaac looked around, every Marine gripped their firearm of blade until their knuckles whitened. Isaac had no weapon, just his legs and hidden blades. Without a word, a fellow marine that sat next to him nudged him and handed Isaac a standard pistol. Although this was war and he might need hit, Isaac wasn’t accustomed to using such weapons. He tried to give the firearm back, but the Marine refused and looked back towards the beach. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to have it, just in case that is. Isaac tucked the firearm in the back of his pants.

They would be landing soon, and Captain Thor wanted a group to capture the lighthouse immediately. Probably for the rest of the Marine fleet, Isaac thought to himself. Whatever the case, Isaac couldn’t lose sight of Captain Thor, especially since the earlier words of Captain Thor still lingered in his ears about the possibly treacherous and devious Captain Udyr. Looking out into the expanse of the sea, Isaac wanted to see if he could spot out this man among the dozens of boats that pushed towards the beach. If he could just stay away from that man, he would have no need to worry. Unfortunately, he couldn’t find the man. Whatever would happen though, Isaac would keep out a keen eye for the man.

[thormundsson]

The impact as they hit the beach was jarring, every man had to brace himself and hold tight to not fall over. The sand greeted them as they stepped off the boats. Only 7 out of 12 boats had made it to the shore, less than Thor had hoped for but something which he could do nothing about. Udyr's boat was nowhere to be seen nor had Thor seen him board a vessel. He made the mental note of asking any surviving men if they had seen him, if the unlikely happened and he was nowhere to be found.

The fact that they had come ashore further down the coast than the main harbor was what saved them. Thor could still hear the cannons on the ships in the harbor firing at their vessels. The noise was far less, though, as if the pirates had either been subdued or the marine vessels had drawn back out of reach of the cannons. Most likely the pirate ships had been sunk or heavily damaged enough so that their crews had to abandon them. This was a lucky break for them but it was a short one, the few vessels in the harbor that they had been firing upon were not the ones who he was afraid of, they had merely been small vessels, not something that the main crews on the island would be using.

His train of thoughts was broken as a man at the edge of the waiting group was taken down. Then another and another, so quickly did it happen. He had only wavered for a moment and it had cost 3 men their lives. Cursing himself and ducking he gave a shout for everyone to head towards the rocks close to them. The town could be seen just ahead, a glowing beacon of light in the otherwise dark surrounding. As the marines rushed to the cliffs he noted where it was coming from. The lighthouse, massive as it was, stood at the edge of town, on the top of a large hill. as the light flashed above them he noted a faint tint of gunfire from the top.

"Alright, squads 3 and 5 are to rush that lighthouse, take out whatever pirates may be hiding in there and secure it for our use!" He shouted with a firm tone as he pointed in soldier code at the building. The lighthouse was a big structure and was probably full of pirates now. What worried him even more was the shooter on the roof. Normal rifles did not have the drive nor the power to fire so rapidly with that accuracy. Whoever it was was a great shot and his rifle must be some sort of custom design. "Isaac! on me" Thor shouted as he located the young recruit close to him.

He pointed the young fighter at the lighthouse building and made sure that he had his attention. "You are joining in on the assault on that lighthouse, marine!" he said with a commanding tone. "I need somebody that I know has skills to go and take the fight to whomever is hiding at the top of that structure- take care, he seems to be a good shot and might hide some other talents as well" He finished his sentence just as another marine dropped from a well placed bullet. "You head the clearing team and when you do you bring fire support to the rooftop at the gates which I and the rest of the men will be attacking as you move against the lighthouse" Thor said, his eyes fixed on the young recruit.

A mumble of discontent came from one of the sergeants as he finished talking to the young man. "I'll have no complaints, you are most of you fighting your first main battle and I need somebody that HQ thought was capable at the head of this. Follow his orders like they were mine and bring long range rifles with you!" Thor shouted as the shooter on the roof was joined by somebody with a large mortar or a cannon. "If anybody has problems with this he can take it up with me during a sparring session after this mission...." Thor added coldly, the men who had been murmuring stopped immediately as had expected them to. The roaring of gunfire and mortar was droning out all other sounds.

"Goooo, noooooow!! the rest of you on me!!" Thor barked as he pulled himself up and whipped out his hammer, the man following behind him with grim determination in their eyes, leaving only Isaac and the two squads with him to move left against the lighthouse.