Post by reddaddy on Dec 14, 2015 4:49:01 GMT -5
22 Years Ago, North Blue's Shivre Mountain
It was a sight of fierce battle at the main port of Shivre Mountain. Gunshots and the screams of men could be heard in the early morning. The rising sun and the heat it brought condensed the cold moisture into a fog that covered the coast of the island; the ports included. However not all of the clouds surrounding the area could be accurately described as just fog. Canon fire and gun smoke also added to the mixture in the air and gave off the all-too familiar smell that the people of the island had grown accustomed to in the past week. The "Gazelle Pirates" as they called themselves, a crew of 500 strong, had conquered the island about 2 months ago. After a week of intense fighting and the spilling of a lot of blood they were finally being forced off of the island with the Shivre Mountain Militia in hot pursuit. Two weeks ago this militia of approximately 230 men didn't even exist and they didn't have canons or firearms. However a man intervened and helped form the rag tag group soon after the pirates had taken the island and provided the new militia which was made up of mostly miners and blacksmiths with training and weapons sufficient enough to drive off the outlaws. The man who spearheaded this effort was a Commodore of the Marines named Albert Lisenberry.
The pirate's forces had been decimated. Though this particular pirate group was largest seen in maybe a decade and had a captain who had a 30 million beli bounty they still were forced to retreat. The simplest explanation why the militia was able to achieve victory was home field advantage. The militia may have been made up of normal civilians but they knew the town and its layout like the back of their hands. In the thick fog that permeated every area of the mountain but the caverns themselves that made up the interior guerrilla warfare tactics were utilized to their fullest; traps, ambushes, sniper fire, and sabotage. The marines under the command of the commodore would also lead the squads of civilians into combat giving them great tactics and a boost of morale. Since the attacking militia only moved in the cover of night or when the fog was thick the pirates had an idea that the locals were fighting back but had no idea the marines had taken the lead. Of course this too was all part of the commodore's plan.
On the port if one could see through the fog one would see the the pirates were in such desperate retreat they had abandoned their comrades just to get back to their ships and escape. The defeat was so pronounced that the militia were even pulling some of the pirates off of the ramps they were trying to run up to get onto their ships. 3 ships, roughly 142 men, were able to depart the port from an original fleet of 10. The wounded captain "Screw Beard" (so called because he had an iron colored beard that was shaped like a screw from the chin down) was on his ship yelling for his men to hurry and board to make a full retreat to the seas as blood poured from his chest wound. The ships pulled anchor and made their way into the seas that were covered in fog that was starting to clear. As the pirates started to breath a collective sigh of relief the captain made sure to scream loud enough so that all of the militia on the port could hear him,
""WE'LL BE BACK!! YOU HEAR ME??!! WE'LL COME BACK AND WHEN WE DO WE'RE BRINGING HELL WITH US!!"
One of the crew whom had climbed the crow's nest and looked out into the sea suddenly started yelling at the pirate captain,
"Captain!! Look ahead!! You've got to turn around and see this!! We're under attack!!"
Screw Beard turned to face the seas and at first could see nothing but more fog which he had come to hate so much over the last week. As the fog rolled away he could see a horrible sight in front of him; 3 ships, all with the marine flag on them. 1 battleship and 2 destroyers made up the fleet in a straight lined formation, flanking the escaping pirates. The pirate captain pulled out his own looking glass from his coat and peered at the battleship that took up the front of the formation and saw a man staring right back at him in a white marine coat with a cape, a white and well maintained beard, and who looked tall and stocky. His hat and medals pinned to his coat suggested he was in charge of this fleet. Screw Beard didn't know it, but he was staring at Commodore Lisenberry. The pirate captain then saw the commodore say something into a den den mushi, and then suddenly the marine ships opened fire on the pirates.
Before Screw Beard could even issue a command he, and the front of his ship along with him, were blown to bits by the concentrated firepower that came from the marine battleship. The other vessels of the "Gazelle Grand Fleet" didn't last long either. In a matter of 5 minutes the marine vessels had decimated the ships. They went up in a conflagration of fire and smoke. The canon fire from the marines was so accurate the ships exploded into pieces before they even had a chance to take on water and sink. This was due to the spotter the marines had on the port giving coordinates on where the pirates would be when they cleared the fog from the port, and Commodore Lisenberry adjusting the formation of ships and angle of the canons accordingly. There would be no survivors to this slaughter. No sounds of stranded pirates in the ocean surrendering as they cried to be rescued. The only sounds would be the cheers of victorious marines and militia on the port as they celebrated their complete victory.
1 day later
The clean up of the port, town, and salvaging of the pirate ships, or what little pieces were left of them, was well under way. Medical treatment was given to the militia and the captured men of the Gazelle Pirates that didn't get killed in the city or weren't killed on their ships. The "Redeemed" division, under the command of Albert "The Redeemer" Lisenberry, assisted in all these matters but mainly in a supervisory capacity. It was the commodore's philosophy those who need help are best off when helping themselves. When the "Redeemed" division made port the crew were given a hero's welcome. Cheers for the marines that lead the militia to victory and saved the mountain island from despair were heard throughout the entire city. Outside of the effort to treat the wounded and clear the damage to the city work was stopped for the day as many felt the need to celebrate. For those that continued working the local restaurants and bars would bring food and drink so that they too could take some part in the celebration.
Albert was in the bar "Shivre Inn", which was the first inn one would come to if the entered the interior of the island's main gate. It was a rough establishment; dirty tables, broken furniture, smashed windows, and holes in the ceiling. Despite all of that it was still known as the palce to be when in town and the damage the pirates had caused to the place while they had their way in the city hadn't changed that. The commodore was having a chat with one of his officers at the bar when a short, middle aged man wearing goggles on his forehead and a tool belt on his waist interrupted the men from their drinking and chat.
"Commodore, please pardon the intrusion. My name is Dr. Gasbuu. I just wanted to thank you on behalf of the mayor and the council for your assistance in defeating the pirates that took our city from us. If there is any reward you would like to request for your men or yourself, I'm sure we can grant most any gift."
Albert looked down at the short man seemingly disturbed at the interruption. He then smiled instead and handed the doctor an ale. "Just restock our ships with provisions and we'll call it even doctor."
The doctor could hardly believe the response, and asked, "Are you sure that's all you want? From my understanding we have a deal negotiated with the world government to trade supplies and beli for our iron. We can sweeten the deal and drop the price of the iron or give away some for free. We can pull the iron from other contracts to make sure the government has more-"
The commodore interrupted him,"I take it you serve on the council?"
"Ahh. Yes, yes I do."
"Then you don't belong there. Stop and think for a minute before you go and spout off nonsense. The livelihoods of the people that live here depend on that iron. You drop the price and the people take a hit to their standard of living. Before you EVER show gratitude you need to consider the needs of your citizens. The people of this island make it what it is-THEY made it a marvel of industry and mining so that the iron is desired by the World Government and Pirates alike! Don't turn your back on them."
Dr. Gasbuu's face turned red as if he was highly embarrassed and frustrated as he began to shout back, "what's wrong with showing a bit of gra-"
Albert cut him off," RESCIND YOUR OFFER COUNCILMAN!"
"What- why?!"
"If you do not rescind your offer to me right now to my face I'll submit it to my command. They'll come back and take all the iron they want from this place and leave nothing but destitution. So you will repeat after me, "I rescind my offer on the account I'm a selfish fool who wanted to brown nose a marine officer and sell out his city." And then you walk your sorry ass out of here."
Dr. Gasbuu was now sweating, and even had a look of fear on his face. He looked at Albert's eyes and saw a strength and...viscous tenacity that he had not seen in another living thing. "I rescind my o... my offer." He then walked out of the bar.
Sitting next to the commodore was Lieutenant Fester Essex. A man of many skills, he was the commodore's shipwright AND primary chef on the battleship. He stood 6 feet tall and weight 135 pounds, but his thin frame disguised a kind of "farm boy" strength he possessed. He had black hair down to his shoulders, a white cap on his head, and shoulder tassels connecting a red cape to his shoulders. The rest of his uniform was standard white marine garb. The man was a very skilled combatant with a sword or a gun, and had taken down or captured many a revolutionary and pirate in his day. He should at least have been a captain by now except for one problem he had; no one could understand a damn word he ever said, except for maybe the commodore who had been around him more than anyone in the fleet. Of course even Albert was occasionally confused by Essex sometimes.
"Fremy dakbuga. Tursa grem bem heggle". (Wow Commodore, you didn't have to be so tough on him), said Essex to Albert.
"You heard what that old fool had to say. He was willing to give it all up. We didn't take this place back for them to have it surrendered to anyone. The Government gets plenty of iron from this place at a damn fine rate. In exchange we are supposed to protect the island. We failed them when we let this place get conquered by those wannabe's. We were just redeeming the navy and that's all."
Essex frowned a bit. "Dremdy booka dur? Shema baka daka flak?" (Cipher Pol number whatever wanted you to take this place didn't they? So why don't you?)
"Like I said Lueitenant, we were just making sure to make up for our failures and that's all. That's what this crews about right? Formerly condemned men given a second chance at life to serve mankind?"
"Do Donna fen ga emine de. Dine lood da der. Dar ga hu? From otta deer fot ga ba.". (You don't need to remind me. I'm proud to serve. But why us? Some other fleet dropped the ball).
"Because we're the best!". Albert shot back in excitement. He then got right into Essex's face, not to intimidate but to whisper. "I don't know how much longer the " Redeemed" fleet of Albert Lisenberry is going to last. Maybe me disobeying orders is going to get us shut down. But if my legacy- OUR legacy is protecting islands instead of conquering them then we can be proud. I keep that in mind when some admiral, cipher Pol agent, or Garosei calls me and tells me to take a place we are supposed to protect and it never becomes hard for me to refuse them, ever."
Later that Day
There was much to be done before the Redeemed Fleet departed Shivre Mountain. Restocking the ship with supplies, food, and munitions and taking the 20 or so remaining members of the Gazelle Pirates would take some time. Albert was in his office on the battleship when he received a call on his den den mushi. It was the cipher pol agent he always hated to talk to.
"Commodore, have you successfully recaptured the island from the pirates yet?". The affect behind the voice was completely flat as if the words were coming from a robot.
Albert sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers as if he had a headache already,
"Yes, you will be pleased to know the Redeemed Fleet did a fantastic job of DEFENDING Shivre Mountain. The locals have been trained well and will be more solid in defending themselves next time. They are also more committed to assisting the government in the iron trade in the future. So mission accomplished."
The voice on the other end was silent for a few moments. Then the emotionless voice spoke,
"You know very well your orders were to take the island...we've had this kind of talk more than once, so I'm only going to ask you one last time...will you show your commitment to the marines and justice by taking Shivre Mountain?"
Albert's voice became intense with frustration as his anger made veins stick out from his forehead,
"I'm glad I only have to answer you once then, GO TO HELL."
"I'm sorry you feel that way Commodore. You'll be hearing from us on this matter soon."
The commodore slammed the receiver onto the den den mushi which made the snail cry. Albert patted it on the head as a way of apology, layed back in his chair while putting his feet on his desk, and lit himself a cigar while smiling,
"Another satisfying day for the Redeemed."
One Week Later
The Redeemed Fleet had been back out in the seas of North Blue for several days. Fully restocked with supplies and carrying the remaining members of the Gazelle Pirates in the brigg the ships were to return to head quarters. Their rotation was over and we'll deserved shore leave was awaiting the men of the crew. Their destination was only a day away. This caused morale amongst the crew to be very high. In the cafeteria of the battleship men were singing as they are lunch and paling around. Lieutenant Essex was serving everyone's meals. He passed by marines with treys of food on his arms and was smiling as he heard funny jokes and laughter coming from his comrades around him. One of his nakama held up his hand and gestured for Essex to come over to him.
"Hey Lieutenant, can you tell me what this is, I forget the word for it". He then held up an empty bottle and had a grin on his face. Fester had a strained look on his face. His whole head turned red and his lips and mouth contorted as he tried to announciate words ," bo-bot...". Fester's "friend" interrupted him, "look everyone! Hes almost got it! Hes actually gonna say what it is!" Everyone in the room starting staring at Essex. Fester kept trying ,"bo-bot...andew bur!!"
The entire room erupted in laughter. Some of the marines were even crying from it. The lieutenant slammed his food treys on the ground in anger, screamed something incomprehensible at the men around him, and then stormed out of the room. Having seen this the men laughed even more.
It was a sight of fierce battle at the main port of Shivre Mountain. Gunshots and the screams of men could be heard in the early morning. The rising sun and the heat it brought condensed the cold moisture into a fog that covered the coast of the island; the ports included. However not all of the clouds surrounding the area could be accurately described as just fog. Canon fire and gun smoke also added to the mixture in the air and gave off the all-too familiar smell that the people of the island had grown accustomed to in the past week. The "Gazelle Pirates" as they called themselves, a crew of 500 strong, had conquered the island about 2 months ago. After a week of intense fighting and the spilling of a lot of blood they were finally being forced off of the island with the Shivre Mountain Militia in hot pursuit. Two weeks ago this militia of approximately 230 men didn't even exist and they didn't have canons or firearms. However a man intervened and helped form the rag tag group soon after the pirates had taken the island and provided the new militia which was made up of mostly miners and blacksmiths with training and weapons sufficient enough to drive off the outlaws. The man who spearheaded this effort was a Commodore of the Marines named Albert Lisenberry.
The pirate's forces had been decimated. Though this particular pirate group was largest seen in maybe a decade and had a captain who had a 30 million beli bounty they still were forced to retreat. The simplest explanation why the militia was able to achieve victory was home field advantage. The militia may have been made up of normal civilians but they knew the town and its layout like the back of their hands. In the thick fog that permeated every area of the mountain but the caverns themselves that made up the interior guerrilla warfare tactics were utilized to their fullest; traps, ambushes, sniper fire, and sabotage. The marines under the command of the commodore would also lead the squads of civilians into combat giving them great tactics and a boost of morale. Since the attacking militia only moved in the cover of night or when the fog was thick the pirates had an idea that the locals were fighting back but had no idea the marines had taken the lead. Of course this too was all part of the commodore's plan.
On the port if one could see through the fog one would see the the pirates were in such desperate retreat they had abandoned their comrades just to get back to their ships and escape. The defeat was so pronounced that the militia were even pulling some of the pirates off of the ramps they were trying to run up to get onto their ships. 3 ships, roughly 142 men, were able to depart the port from an original fleet of 10. The wounded captain "Screw Beard" (so called because he had an iron colored beard that was shaped like a screw from the chin down) was on his ship yelling for his men to hurry and board to make a full retreat to the seas as blood poured from his chest wound. The ships pulled anchor and made their way into the seas that were covered in fog that was starting to clear. As the pirates started to breath a collective sigh of relief the captain made sure to scream loud enough so that all of the militia on the port could hear him,
""WE'LL BE BACK!! YOU HEAR ME??!! WE'LL COME BACK AND WHEN WE DO WE'RE BRINGING HELL WITH US!!"
One of the crew whom had climbed the crow's nest and looked out into the sea suddenly started yelling at the pirate captain,
"Captain!! Look ahead!! You've got to turn around and see this!! We're under attack!!"
Screw Beard turned to face the seas and at first could see nothing but more fog which he had come to hate so much over the last week. As the fog rolled away he could see a horrible sight in front of him; 3 ships, all with the marine flag on them. 1 battleship and 2 destroyers made up the fleet in a straight lined formation, flanking the escaping pirates. The pirate captain pulled out his own looking glass from his coat and peered at the battleship that took up the front of the formation and saw a man staring right back at him in a white marine coat with a cape, a white and well maintained beard, and who looked tall and stocky. His hat and medals pinned to his coat suggested he was in charge of this fleet. Screw Beard didn't know it, but he was staring at Commodore Lisenberry. The pirate captain then saw the commodore say something into a den den mushi, and then suddenly the marine ships opened fire on the pirates.
Before Screw Beard could even issue a command he, and the front of his ship along with him, were blown to bits by the concentrated firepower that came from the marine battleship. The other vessels of the "Gazelle Grand Fleet" didn't last long either. In a matter of 5 minutes the marine vessels had decimated the ships. They went up in a conflagration of fire and smoke. The canon fire from the marines was so accurate the ships exploded into pieces before they even had a chance to take on water and sink. This was due to the spotter the marines had on the port giving coordinates on where the pirates would be when they cleared the fog from the port, and Commodore Lisenberry adjusting the formation of ships and angle of the canons accordingly. There would be no survivors to this slaughter. No sounds of stranded pirates in the ocean surrendering as they cried to be rescued. The only sounds would be the cheers of victorious marines and militia on the port as they celebrated their complete victory.
1 day later
The clean up of the port, town, and salvaging of the pirate ships, or what little pieces were left of them, was well under way. Medical treatment was given to the militia and the captured men of the Gazelle Pirates that didn't get killed in the city or weren't killed on their ships. The "Redeemed" division, under the command of Albert "The Redeemer" Lisenberry, assisted in all these matters but mainly in a supervisory capacity. It was the commodore's philosophy those who need help are best off when helping themselves. When the "Redeemed" division made port the crew were given a hero's welcome. Cheers for the marines that lead the militia to victory and saved the mountain island from despair were heard throughout the entire city. Outside of the effort to treat the wounded and clear the damage to the city work was stopped for the day as many felt the need to celebrate. For those that continued working the local restaurants and bars would bring food and drink so that they too could take some part in the celebration.
Albert was in the bar "Shivre Inn", which was the first inn one would come to if the entered the interior of the island's main gate. It was a rough establishment; dirty tables, broken furniture, smashed windows, and holes in the ceiling. Despite all of that it was still known as the palce to be when in town and the damage the pirates had caused to the place while they had their way in the city hadn't changed that. The commodore was having a chat with one of his officers at the bar when a short, middle aged man wearing goggles on his forehead and a tool belt on his waist interrupted the men from their drinking and chat.
"Commodore, please pardon the intrusion. My name is Dr. Gasbuu. I just wanted to thank you on behalf of the mayor and the council for your assistance in defeating the pirates that took our city from us. If there is any reward you would like to request for your men or yourself, I'm sure we can grant most any gift."
Albert looked down at the short man seemingly disturbed at the interruption. He then smiled instead and handed the doctor an ale. "Just restock our ships with provisions and we'll call it even doctor."
The doctor could hardly believe the response, and asked, "Are you sure that's all you want? From my understanding we have a deal negotiated with the world government to trade supplies and beli for our iron. We can sweeten the deal and drop the price of the iron or give away some for free. We can pull the iron from other contracts to make sure the government has more-"
The commodore interrupted him,"I take it you serve on the council?"
"Ahh. Yes, yes I do."
"Then you don't belong there. Stop and think for a minute before you go and spout off nonsense. The livelihoods of the people that live here depend on that iron. You drop the price and the people take a hit to their standard of living. Before you EVER show gratitude you need to consider the needs of your citizens. The people of this island make it what it is-THEY made it a marvel of industry and mining so that the iron is desired by the World Government and Pirates alike! Don't turn your back on them."
Dr. Gasbuu's face turned red as if he was highly embarrassed and frustrated as he began to shout back, "what's wrong with showing a bit of gra-"
Albert cut him off," RESCIND YOUR OFFER COUNCILMAN!"
"What- why?!"
"If you do not rescind your offer to me right now to my face I'll submit it to my command. They'll come back and take all the iron they want from this place and leave nothing but destitution. So you will repeat after me, "I rescind my offer on the account I'm a selfish fool who wanted to brown nose a marine officer and sell out his city." And then you walk your sorry ass out of here."
Dr. Gasbuu was now sweating, and even had a look of fear on his face. He looked at Albert's eyes and saw a strength and...viscous tenacity that he had not seen in another living thing. "I rescind my o... my offer." He then walked out of the bar.
Sitting next to the commodore was Lieutenant Fester Essex. A man of many skills, he was the commodore's shipwright AND primary chef on the battleship. He stood 6 feet tall and weight 135 pounds, but his thin frame disguised a kind of "farm boy" strength he possessed. He had black hair down to his shoulders, a white cap on his head, and shoulder tassels connecting a red cape to his shoulders. The rest of his uniform was standard white marine garb. The man was a very skilled combatant with a sword or a gun, and had taken down or captured many a revolutionary and pirate in his day. He should at least have been a captain by now except for one problem he had; no one could understand a damn word he ever said, except for maybe the commodore who had been around him more than anyone in the fleet. Of course even Albert was occasionally confused by Essex sometimes.
"Fremy dakbuga. Tursa grem bem heggle". (Wow Commodore, you didn't have to be so tough on him), said Essex to Albert.
"You heard what that old fool had to say. He was willing to give it all up. We didn't take this place back for them to have it surrendered to anyone. The Government gets plenty of iron from this place at a damn fine rate. In exchange we are supposed to protect the island. We failed them when we let this place get conquered by those wannabe's. We were just redeeming the navy and that's all."
Essex frowned a bit. "Dremdy booka dur? Shema baka daka flak?" (Cipher Pol number whatever wanted you to take this place didn't they? So why don't you?)
"Like I said Lueitenant, we were just making sure to make up for our failures and that's all. That's what this crews about right? Formerly condemned men given a second chance at life to serve mankind?"
"Do Donna fen ga emine de. Dine lood da der. Dar ga hu? From otta deer fot ga ba.". (You don't need to remind me. I'm proud to serve. But why us? Some other fleet dropped the ball).
"Because we're the best!". Albert shot back in excitement. He then got right into Essex's face, not to intimidate but to whisper. "I don't know how much longer the " Redeemed" fleet of Albert Lisenberry is going to last. Maybe me disobeying orders is going to get us shut down. But if my legacy- OUR legacy is protecting islands instead of conquering them then we can be proud. I keep that in mind when some admiral, cipher Pol agent, or Garosei calls me and tells me to take a place we are supposed to protect and it never becomes hard for me to refuse them, ever."
Later that Day
There was much to be done before the Redeemed Fleet departed Shivre Mountain. Restocking the ship with supplies, food, and munitions and taking the 20 or so remaining members of the Gazelle Pirates would take some time. Albert was in his office on the battleship when he received a call on his den den mushi. It was the cipher pol agent he always hated to talk to.
"Commodore, have you successfully recaptured the island from the pirates yet?". The affect behind the voice was completely flat as if the words were coming from a robot.
Albert sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers as if he had a headache already,
"Yes, you will be pleased to know the Redeemed Fleet did a fantastic job of DEFENDING Shivre Mountain. The locals have been trained well and will be more solid in defending themselves next time. They are also more committed to assisting the government in the iron trade in the future. So mission accomplished."
The voice on the other end was silent for a few moments. Then the emotionless voice spoke,
"You know very well your orders were to take the island...we've had this kind of talk more than once, so I'm only going to ask you one last time...will you show your commitment to the marines and justice by taking Shivre Mountain?"
Albert's voice became intense with frustration as his anger made veins stick out from his forehead,
"I'm glad I only have to answer you once then, GO TO HELL."
"I'm sorry you feel that way Commodore. You'll be hearing from us on this matter soon."
The commodore slammed the receiver onto the den den mushi which made the snail cry. Albert patted it on the head as a way of apology, layed back in his chair while putting his feet on his desk, and lit himself a cigar while smiling,
"Another satisfying day for the Redeemed."
One Week Later
The Redeemed Fleet had been back out in the seas of North Blue for several days. Fully restocked with supplies and carrying the remaining members of the Gazelle Pirates in the brigg the ships were to return to head quarters. Their rotation was over and we'll deserved shore leave was awaiting the men of the crew. Their destination was only a day away. This caused morale amongst the crew to be very high. In the cafeteria of the battleship men were singing as they are lunch and paling around. Lieutenant Essex was serving everyone's meals. He passed by marines with treys of food on his arms and was smiling as he heard funny jokes and laughter coming from his comrades around him. One of his nakama held up his hand and gestured for Essex to come over to him.
"Hey Lieutenant, can you tell me what this is, I forget the word for it". He then held up an empty bottle and had a grin on his face. Fester had a strained look on his face. His whole head turned red and his lips and mouth contorted as he tried to announciate words ," bo-bot...". Fester's "friend" interrupted him, "look everyone! Hes almost got it! Hes actually gonna say what it is!" Everyone in the room starting staring at Essex. Fester kept trying ,"bo-bot...andew bur!!"
The entire room erupted in laughter. Some of the marines were even crying from it. The lieutenant slammed his food treys on the ground in anger, screamed something incomprehensible at the men around him, and then stormed out of the room. Having seen this the men laughed even more.