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Hello! Welcome to The Blue Giant! A story I've been developing for some time now. This is a reboot of an earlier series with the same name.
This story will be updated once a week. Usually on a Friday. Any changes to this schedule and I will update this post. Please let me know what you think! I always appreciate comments and feedback. Chapter one will be in this post.
Table of Contents:
Chapters 1-5: Below
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Extra space... Just in case...
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Chapter 1: I
Journal Entry: April 1st XX25
I’m tired of the way things are.
But I don’t know how to change them.
…
Am I crazy? To not like the quiet?
It doesn’t sit well with my soul.
***
“I mean, it’s just two...” A young boy floated around a plush apple tree, he stretched out toward a branch with several apples hanging off it. His hazel eyes darted from one apple-to-the-next. Before he grasped one, a blonde girl grabbed his foot and yanked him away. He gently landed on the grass, kissing his teeth. They stood in a gated off-orchard, behind a large white mansion.
“You can’t take what’s not yours, Suta.” She shook her head.
“This lady has twenty apple trees like this. T-w-e-n-t-y. She won’t miss two!” Suta fired back.
“You don’t know that. She could literally have counted every apple and have a plan for each one.” The girl pursed her lips, raising her head. Suta rolled his eyes. “Promise me you won’t fly back up there and take an apple from that tree.”
“Deal.” Suta grinned. He cocked back his fist, as the wind suddenly picked up. It began to form, swirling around his arm. He punched toward the apple tree, sending the gust through a branch with two apples. Suta ran under the tree as the pair of fruit fell off and into each of his hands. “Hey, Taylor! Good news!” Taylor stared at Suta, her right eye twitching. “What? It wasn’t me! Just the wind!”
***
Later that day…
“Well, if it isn’t my two favorite thieves!” A large, bulky man in a blue uniform walked down the sidewalk approaching Taylor and Suta. As the sun went behind the clouds, the man wiped the sweat off his forehead.
“Thieves? You mean thief!” Taylor exclaimed, “Single! One! It’s all been him!” She extended both arms at Suta as if offering him to the officer.
“Snitch,” Suta frowned. “You still ate, didn’t you?”
“Are you still hungry?” He put his hand inside his pocket.
“Not a big fan of jail food.” Suta shrugged. Taylor began smiling, immediately covering her mouth, and the man heartily laughed.
“Come on, dinner is on me.” The man pulled out his wallet and waved it at them.
***
“Ma’am. We’re low on supplies.” A man with half his face wrapped in bandages knelt before a woman behind a large oak desk. The bandages covered one of his eyes. He wore a torn up white shirt, with pants that had up to the ankles ripped off. The letter ‘K’ marked on the back of his raggedy shirt.
“Thank you, Gerald.” The woman slyly replied. She wore a silky red dress with a black sash in the middle, and frills at the bottom. The entire room was decorated in art and tapestry. “May I entrust you with a few men to go gather them from a nearby town?”
“Yes, ma’am.” The man kept his head down, not making any eye contact with the woman.
“Gather twenty-five.” She ordered, “You’ve until tomorrow night to return.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The man replied.
***
“Now listen.” The man in the blue uniform held the door open for Taylor and Suta as they walked out of a restaurant. “You guys aren’t going to be knuckleheads forever. The troublemaker stuff goes from cute-to-criminal quickly.” They walked down the street together, few cars were left on the road. The street lights illuminated the city streets. “You guys are young adults. It’s time to get your act together. Pirates, bandits, and the like, are not a good look, anymore.”
Taylor sighed, “Yeah. You’re right.” Suta looked away. “Come on, Suta. Let’s get going. Thank you, officer dad!” They walked across the street as the officer waved goodbye.
“You guys are never just going to call me Douglas, are you?” He rolled his eyes.
“Suta.” Taylor waved her hand in front of him, Suta kept looking away. “Quit ignoring me. You know he’s right.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Suta softly conceded.
She looked onward, then to the night sky. “I can’t be a binary star by myself.”
“A what?” Suta finally turned toward Taylor, they walked past the sidewalk, into a forested area.
“It’s in a book I read,” Taylor admitted. “Binary stars are where two stars orbit each other.” They both stopped walking, as they looked up at a large tree, with a platform of strung-together logs being held up by its hulking branches. “They need each other to survive.”
Suta began floating toward the platform, he looked over the small island and out to the ocean. “Do you really want to stay on this island forever?”
“I don’t know,” Taylor admitted as she climbed up the tree and onto the platform. “It’s a small island, but it’s always been peaceful. We’re the only trouble here you know. Why not enjoy a quaint life? Besides. I think you like it here.” She chuckled. On top of the platform were two sleeping bags; one blue, one red. The red one had a bunch of books next to it, a flashlight, with a small metal box. The blue one had a few bags of snacks, bottles of water, and an upside-down black hat, with a small book and a pencil laying inside.
“What makes you think that I like this place?” Suta pursed his lips.
Taylor shook her head as she got in her sleeping bag, “You. Can. Fly! You can literally fly through like a bird. Yet here you are.”
Suta yawned, “Whatever.” He ran his hands through his hair, “You’re my only friend, I’m not gonna just leave you here alone… But it is peaceful here. I do really appreciate that.”
“Get some rest, Suta.” Taylor took a breath, then closed her eyes. “We still have plenty of time to figure this out.”
***
“All ready, Knight Gerald.” A man shouted aboard a large ship, the moon and the distant stars were the only sources of light.
The bandaged man walked onboard, “Thank you, Rook Charles.” The crew of the ship all bowed to him. “Did you pick your twenty pawns?”
“Yes,” Charles replied, “Per your request.” He bowed down to Gerald. “I am not questioning you, Knight, but weren’t we given twenty-five total?”
“Heh,” Gerald licked his lips, “It’s just some dumb fishing village. You and twenty pawns should be able to burn the entire island to the ground.”
“May we?” Charles responded.
Gerald walked toward the front of the ship, “If they piss me off, feel free.”
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“Suta? Suta!” Taylor stretched her body as sunlight peeked through the forest and reached their tree platform. “I hope you didn’t actually fly away!...”
“Still considering it!” Suta yelled. Taylor looked below the platform to find Suta sitting underneath the tree. “Still too hungry for that at the moment. Whats say we visit our best friend, rich-apple-lady?”
“I don’t think she appreciates us stealing her apples…” Taylor retorted.
Suta stood up, “She can’t be mad at us if she doesn’t know we exist.” Taylor slid down the trunk of the tree, and the duo began walking through the forest.
***
Douglas took his gun out of his holster, “Hey! Hold it right there!” Two men were in front of him with large wooden crates, they stood next to a shop with the door removed and was placed on the side of the shop. “I know everyone in town, I don’t recognize either of you! Crates down, hands up!”
“You hear this guy?” The first man said. “He’s some kinda prodigy!”
“He knows the entire population of the island?!” The second man responded, “All ten of them?!”
Douglas tightened his grip on the firearm, “I’m not playing with either of you! Last warning!” The first man looked at the other, nodding. They both threw their crates toward Douglas and dashed at him.
***
Suta looked down at his feet as he and Taylor approached the large white mansion. “Hey… Were you being serious?” Taylor was squinting at the mansion but turned to her friend, tilting her head. “...About staying here. Because I was-”
Taylor put her hands up to her chest, “Woah, woah. That’s too much thinking, especially before breakfast.” Her gaze returned to the mansion, “There’s no incentive for us to leave, in my opinion. But that doesn’t mean I’ve made up my mind either. There’s plenty of time to talk about it, but right now… We have a bigger issue…” She pointed at the front of the estate, where a lady with a fur vest over a purple dress was waiting by the gate with a plastic bag. She was staring right at the pair.
“Good morning thieves!” She waved. Taylor glared at Suta.
“Morning mom!” Suta called out, “We were just taking our daily walk!”
“Oh, I’m sure!” She raised the bag over her gate, “I thought I’d spare you the trouble of flying over my abode today.” She opened her bag to reveal a bundle of apples, oranges, and bananas. The duo sped up to meet them. Taylor slowly took the bag from the elated woman.
“You’re… Not mad?” Taylor asked; the woman shook her head.
Suta grabbed an orange from the bag, “See. I told you she didn’t have a use for every apple!”
The woman put her hand in front of her mouth to giggle, “Actually I do! I count all my apples and make plans for them accordingly. ” She winked, “Sometimes charity is a part of those plans. Suta maintained unblinking eye contact with the wealthy woman, not turning toward a smug-looking Taylor.
“Hey! Nice place you got here granny!” Two tanned men walked up to the wealthy woman, Taylor, and Suta. Both men had knives in their hands, one lanky and the other chubby. “We’ll be needing some goodies. Like them kids got.” The lanky man twirled his knife.
“Pardon, I don’t know either of you.” The woman backed away from the gate. “My children, please come inside with me.” Taylor and Suta nodded.
“You’re not going anywhere!” Both men raised their blades, approaching the teenagers, but Suta grabbed Taylor, flying over the fence. All three ran inside the mansion then shut the door. “I’m staying right here. Go get some others.” A gunshot echoed in the distance, the man turned to the town behind him, “I guess they're having fun down there!” He ran his hands along the estate’s gate. “
***
Ten minutes later… A siren blared over the town.
“Douglas. Status.” Douglas grabbed the speaker that was strapped to his chest and put it in front of his mouth.
“Two incapacitated. Checking the town’s outskirts sir.”
“Proceed. We will keep the town on lockdown.” The speaker cut out. Douglas looked up the road and toward a large white mansion.
***
“Charles. Status.” Gerald walked off the ship and onto the wooden port to his subordinate.
Charles bowed, “Missing two. Five are at a nearby mansion, thirteen are onboard and ready to return.”
“Missing?!” Gerald’s hands began to shake. “Why. Are. We. Missing. Two. Pawn?”
“Local police force. Shall we depart?” Charles asked.
“What?” Gerald began breathing aggressively, Charles stopped bowing and looked up. “My pride is at stake! I did not become a Knight to lose men during a simple mission!” He sharply inhaled, “Give the order! The town will burn until my men are found!”
Charles shook his head, “Sir, we have the supplies we need, it would-” Gerald kicked Charles onto his back, planting his foot on Charle’s chest. The two stared at each other.
“A… As you command.” Charles laid there, waiting until Gerald walked back to the ship before running in the direction of the mansion.
***
Twenty minutes later…
“Charles! What did the boss say?” The lanky man asked as Charles walked up to the mansion’s gate. Charles did not respond. He drew one of many guns from his hip and tossed it at the grunt.
“The niceties are over.” Charles grunted, “Weapons free.” The lanky man gave a malicious grin, jumping over the fence.
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Charles pointed at the lanky man and the chubby man, “You two, take the left window. These two and I will take the right.” They went to the glass windows at opposing sides of the house. The lanky man punched through the window on the left. Charles punched through the right window. The five men entered the mansion. Their shoes left dirt stains on the white carpet.
“Remember. On sight.” Charles ordered. He motioned his gun up the stairs, the lanky and chubby man nodded.
***
“He better not screw up over there…” Gerald snarled, he walked toward the town with a group of men in front of him.
At the town, several police officers hid in alleys and behind carts and large trash cans. One officer peered over from the rooftops, his shaky hands holding a pistol. He let out a small whimper and gulped.
***
Upstairs, the lanky man and chubby man split up. The lanky man went left into the hallway. The chubby man went right. The lanky man saw a closed-door and kicked it down.
He walked in, gun up past his chest, “Hands up!” A gunshot echoed through the house. The lanky man backtracked from the room with a bloody hand. He hit the railing of the upstairs area. Another gunshot. The lanky man fell over the railing then went head first onto the floor of the downstairs area. The old woman came out of the bedroom, holding a handgun.
“Back off!” She yelled. The chubby man fired twice at her but missed. The old woman took cover back inside the room, peeking out to fire again. She hit the chubby man’s right hand.
The chubby man threw his gun with his off-hand at the woman, hitting her in the face and knocking her against the wall in front of the doorway. He charged at her. As he reached her, Taylor emerged from the room, kicking the man in the stomach. His momentum sent him into the railing. Taylor leaped into the air, kicking him again, in the face this time. The man fell over the railing, spinning as he did, falling onto his back. Charles and the two other men shot around the upstairs area. As Suta pulled the old woman and Taylor back inside the bedroom.
“The door’s busted, get up there!” Charles yelled.
***
“Ma’am.” A massively tall and tanned, hulking bald man stood in front of a woman behind a large oak desk, his head touched the ceiling of the room. He knelt down to her. “What may I do for you?”
“Thank you.” The woman had a map of the seas with a small island circled on it. “I sent Gerald on a small mission not too long ago. I’ve a bad feeling he either has, or is screwing it up. Please go check on him. Bring everyone back.”
“Is the radio not working, ma’am?” The man asked.
She put her hand over the radio on her desk, “Not a concern.” She replied, “Gerald was only recently named a Knight. He still doesn’t measure up to his contemporaries.” The woman leaned on the desk, “My instincts have not failed me yet. Go retrieve him and the rest.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The man carefully stood up, then left the woman’s presence.
***
Charles was behind the two men as they went up the stairs. The two men raised their weapons at the door-less room. They remained in place, their hands quivering. Charles snorted, “It’s two kids and a grandma! Get in there!” The man in front puffed out his chest and barged in. The room was spotless. After a few moments, Charles pushed both of the men aside. “You! Check under the bed! You! The bathroom!” He waved his gun around frantically. His breaths were short and quick as his eyes darted around the room. As a breeze from the window strolled in, he closed his eyes, slowly exhaling. “Ah, I needed that. Can’t lose my mind over these three… Wait…”
“I don’t see them in here!” One of the men called out.
“Did they jump?!” Charles stuck his head out the window, but on the grass below, there weren’t even footsteps.
***
“Careful mom,” Suta whispered, “You too, Taylor.” Taylor tapped the roof tiles, while the older woman was laying on her stomach, grimacing as she gripped onto the roof. “I can carry us to safety one at a time if we’re careful.”
Taylor peered over the edge of the roof, then turned back to the elderly woman, “Are you okay, ma’am?”
The woman “Yes… No.” She gritted her teeth, “Scared of heights…”
“Suta. Let’s get down and we make a run for the city.” Taylor suggested. Suta nodded.
***
Douglas squinted; in the distance, two figures on the roof of the mansion and one figure floating. “...Please tell me you’re alright, kid.” He began jogging toward them.
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“Hey! Slow down, slow down!” Douglas put his hands up to a panting Suta and Taylor.
“You kids are really out of shape.” The elderly woman said, Suta spat on the ground.
“How… About… Th-” Suta gasped for air, he was bent over, with his hands on his knees “How about a thank you for- flying you down from your roof?!” The woman rolled her eyes, and Taylor elbowed him.
The woman put a hand on her hip, “Thank you. Now- officer, we need to get away from my house. It’s filled with intruders.”
“Similar story in town, ma’am.” Douglas tipped his hat in respect, “I’m not sure why bu-”
“There they are!” Charles yelled from the balcony of the mansion’s second story. Soon, his two men kicked down the front door and ran at the group. Charles ran from the balcony to make his way down as well.
“Okay,” Douglas took his firearm out to cock it, “You all head back to town. It’s not gonna be pretty here.” The old woman pulled her pistol from her waist then pointed it at the oncoming men. Douglas’ eyes widened as he watched the woman stand by his side.
“I’m old, not helpless.” She lined up her shot.
***
“No, please.” An officer in uniform squirmed to get away as Gerald picked him up by the collar and raised him into the air. “Don’t. Please!” Gerald took his rifle and shoved it under the man’s chin.
“Gonna talk?” Gerald asked. The man gulped, then nodded. “We’re going to play a game. I ask a question, you give me an answer. I don’t get the answer I like, a random building gets burnt down.” The man’s breathing was staggered, Gerald shoved the gun further into his throat.
The officer on the roof shakily took aim at Gerald. He knelt down taking deep, long breaths. “I can do this…” He whispered to himself.
***
The men pulled out their weapons- but the old lady was the first to strike. Right between the eyes of one of the men, he fell to his back, he did not move. Suta and Taylor looked at each other with mouths ajar, then turned back to the action. Douglas fired off two rounds, but was hit in the shoulder by the two men. He dropped his gun to grab his bleeding arm. The old woman fired again, taking out another bandit. Charles was the last remaining, he aimed at the old woman, then she again was the first to strike. Nothing came from her gun, this time. She shook her weapon, then kissed her teeth. Charles began to chuckle.
“Finally…” Charles began to laugh louder, he cocked his gun and shot the woman in the chest twice. She staggered, before falling on her back. Taylor screamed as Suta looked away. The two teens had not moved a step since the gunfire began. The old woman slowly moved her head to look at the two teens.
“Help. Please.” The woman coughed up blood, she began to stiffen up, “I don’t want to die!” She coughed up more blood, her lower body no longer responding. Her neck shook as she looked back up, Charles stood over her, pointing the gun directly at her head.
“No!” Douglas shouted, he cringed as he aimed his gun at Charles, blood still coming out of the wound on his shoulder. Charles quickly shot him in his arm, not far from where the first bullet struck. He fell forward, crying out. Charles looked over at frozen teenagers, then at the old woman. A malicious smile grew on his face. Again he raised his weapon at the woman. Suta was convulsing, his breaths were short, his upper body shaking. The wind began to match his breathing, a strong breeze would pick up, then immediately stop. As if there were no air where they stood whatsoever. Suta began blinking rapidly as his breathing got deeper and faster. A very thin white aura was on the very tips of his fingers.
“Stop!” Suta yelled. Taylor screamed again, she came to her knees and covered her eyes. Suta leapt at Charles with a cocked fist, punching the wind. Charles squeezed the trigger. A burst of wind struck Charles in the chest, consequently nudging the bullet to only graze the side of the woman’s face. She winced, closing the eye next to the wound.
“What?!” Blood came from Charles' mouth, as the woman kept her one eye on Suta. The wind swirled around him. Charles got up, he grabbed his chest. There was a hole in his shirt from where the wind struck him. “You’re going to pay for that, kid!” He raised a wobbly aimed gun at Suta, who balled up his fist then lowered his stance. The wind began to twirl around Suta, again. The white aura around his fingers was missing, this time. Douglas grabbed his gun with his off hand then fired at Charles, striking him in the chest. Charles fell to one knee, but managed to squeeze the trigger again. Suta punched in Charles’ direction again, then another, unending blast of wind came from his arm and met the bullet. The bullet slowly lost speed before going in the opposite direction. Suta leaned in as the gust picked up speed finally hit Charles, the bullet he fired flew into the arm he held his weapon with.
“Suta… Suta!” Taylor got up, her eyes darting around, while Douglas rolled over on his back. Taylor sprinted over to Charles, kicking away his gun.
“I heard stories about people like you…” Charles weakly pushed himself up to look at Suta. Blood poured from his chest and arm, “But I didn’t ever believe it…”
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Suta went down to one knee and began huffing, his entire body shivering. Douglas forced himself up with one arm, as he got up he looked at his bloodied arm. He made his fingers move, but his arm could barely bend. the elderly woman smiled from her blood stained lips. Taylor came over to hold the old woman’s hand. She weakly motioned with her hand for Taylor to lean in.
“I can’t believe this is it.” She whimpered. Taylor bit her lip.“Dying for two thieves...” Taylor’s eyes began to tear up, she raised the woman up slightly and cradled her, forehead against forehead. The woman pressed against Taylor, “” She slowly took in one last breath, “” She closed her eyes, her hand being held by Taylor went limp. Taylor wept.
Douglas looked over, then put his hat over his face. Suta stuttered over and came to his knees next to Taylor. He put his arm on her back and joined her in crying. No one spoke. The sun hid behind the clouds.
At a naval base…
“Are you alive? Kamau?” An elderly man waved his hand in front of a brunette haired woman. She slowly opened her light brown eyes and blinked twice, then looking around the man’s office. “Remind me not to tell you to get comfortable from now on…” He shook his head.
“I apologize, sir.” She corrected her posture, putting her hand over her mouth before yawning. “I’ve been sleeping poorly these last couple of nights.”
“I need you at your best, Captain.” The man folded his hands together, “I have an assignment for you.
“Yes, Sir.” Kamau bowed.
The old man slid a folder across the table, “In the southern sea, there’s an archipelago with several local warlords fighting for power. The last time this happened, the victor ended up becoming a very powerful man who we’re still having trouble with today. We’re sending a small expeditionary force there.”
Kamau browsed through the folder, the documents were full of names and pictures, “You mean my ship?” She closed the document, placing it on her lap.
“Actually. You’ll be getting three.” The man explained, he leaned back in his chair and stroked his grey mustache. “Additionally, another two captains will be nearby for backup. But this operation is all yours.”
“Are you sure two mere captains can handle this, sir?” Kamau maintained eye contact with the man, “This sounds like a higher force might be needed.”
“We did consider sending in a Commodore… But” The man chuckled, “Then we thought, why not send in the woman who has wrestled with us through every promotion she has ever received?”
“I didn’t want to be unfair to my fellow marines, sir.” Kamau smiled, “I was just trying to make up for some lost time.”
“Kamau, I’m far too old to hear that kinda modest crap.” The man stood up from his chair and put a blue hat on. “But I am glad we get to see you on a major assignment like this. You kept finishing all your other ones a little too quickly.”
“Just setting an example,” Kamau got up from her chair, “May I walk you to your ship, sir?”
***
Back on the island…
Douglas, Suta, and Taylor jogged toward town, where several gunshots were going off. “Don’t worry. We’ll give her a proper burial when this is over.” Douglas announced. “Let’s first make sure everyone else is alright.” Taylor and Suta’s teary faces nodded.
“Are you gonna be alright?” Suta asked.
Douglas held his arm, then let out a deep breath. “Those are questions for later, son.”
As they reached the outskirts of town, a few police officers were having a shootout with several bandits. Douglas pulled out his weapon, he led Suta and Taylor to some cover as he reloaded. As the gunfire died down, eight officers and ten bandits were on the ground.
“Nearly the whole damn department…” Douglas shook, the grip on his gun tightened. Only two officers and two bandits remained, of which the two bandits retreated. One officer poked his head from a pair of trash cans and fired on the bandits, but his gun had no ammo left. He shook his head and went back behind his cover.
“What a puny town… He’s still here?!” The bald, hulking man came off his raft and threw away his paddle. He rubbed the top of his head and walked off the pier toward the city. “Pathetic…”
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Suta went down to one knee and began huffing, his entire body shivering. Douglas forced himself up with one arm, as he got up he looked at his bloodied arm. He made his fingers move, but his arm could barely bend. the elderly woman smiled from her blood stained lips. Taylor came over to hold the old woman’s hand. She weakly motioned with her hand for Taylor to lean in.
“I can’t believe this is it.” She whimpered. Taylor bit her lip.“Dying for two thieves...” Taylor’s eyes began to tear up, she raised the woman up slightly and cradled her, forehead against forehead. The woman pressed against Taylor, “” She slowly took in one last breath, “” She closed her eyes, her hand being held by Taylor went limp. Taylor wept.
Douglas looked over, then put his hat over his face. Suta stuttered over and came to his knees next to Taylor. He put his arm on her back and joined her in crying. No one spoke. The sun hid behind the clouds.
At a naval base…
“Are you alive? Kamau?” An elderly man waved his hand in front of a brunette haired woman. She slowly opened her light brown eyes and blinked twice, then looking around the man’s office. “Remind me not to tell you to get comfortable from now on…” He shook his head.
“I apologize, sir.” She corrected her posture, putting her hand over her mouth before yawning. “I’ve been sleeping poorly these last couple of nights.”
“I need you at your best, Captain.” The man folded his hands together, “I have an assignment for you.
“Yes, Sir.” Kamau bowed.
The old man slid a folder across the table, “In the southern sea, there’s an archipelago with several local warlords fighting for power. The last time this happened, the victor ended up becoming a very powerful man who we’re still having trouble with today. We’re sending a small expeditionary force there.”
Kamau browsed through the folder, the documents were full of names and pictures, “You mean my ship?” She closed the document, placing it on her lap.
“Actually. You’ll be getting three.” The man explained, he leaned back in his chair and stroked his grey mustache. “Additionally, another two captains will be nearby for backup. But this operation is all yours.”
“Are you sure two mere captains can handle this, sir?” Kamau maintained eye contact with the man, “This sounds like a higher force might be needed.”
“We did consider sending in a Commodore… But” The man chuckled, “Then we thought, why not send in the woman who has wrestled with us through every promotion she has ever received?”
“I didn’t want to be unfair to my fellow marines, sir.” Kamau smiled, “I was just trying to make up for some lost time.”
“Kamau, I’m far too old to hear that kinda modest crap.” The man stood up from his chair and put a blue hat on. “But I am glad we get to see you on a major assignment like this. You kept finishing all your other ones a little too quickly.”
“Just setting an example,” Kamau got up from her chair, “May I walk you to your ship, sir?”
***
Back on the island…
Douglas, Suta, and Taylor jogged toward town, where several gunshots were going off. “Don’t worry. We’ll give her a proper burial when this is over.” Douglas announced. “Let’s first make sure everyone else is alright.” Taylor and Suta’s teary faces nodded.
“Are you gonna be alright?” Suta asked.
Douglas held his arm, then let out a deep breath. “Those are questions for later, son.”
As they reached the outskirts of town, a few police officers were having a shootout with several bandits. Douglas pulled out his weapon, he led Suta and Taylor to some cover as he reloaded. As the gunfire died down, eight officers and ten bandits were on the ground.
“Nearly the whole damn department…” Douglas shook, the grip on his gun tightened. Only two officers and two bandits remained, of which the two bandits retreated. One officer poked his head from a pair of trash cans and fired on the bandits, but his gun had no ammo left. He shook his head and went back behind his cover.
“What a puny town… He’s still here?!” The bald, hulking man came off his raft and threw away his paddle. He rubbed the top of his head and walked off the pier toward the city. “Pathetic…”
This story will be updated once a week. Usually on a Friday. Any changes to this schedule and I will update this post. Please let me know what you think! I always appreciate comments and feedback. Chapter one will be in this post.
Table of Contents:
Chapters 1-5: Below
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Extra space... Just in case...
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Chapter 1: I
Journal Entry: April 1st XX25
I’m tired of the way things are.
But I don’t know how to change them.
…
Am I crazy? To not like the quiet?
It doesn’t sit well with my soul.
***
“I mean, it’s just two...” A young boy floated around a plush apple tree, he stretched out toward a branch with several apples hanging off it. His hazel eyes darted from one apple-to-the-next. Before he grasped one, a blonde girl grabbed his foot and yanked him away. He gently landed on the grass, kissing his teeth. They stood in a gated off-orchard, behind a large white mansion.
“You can’t take what’s not yours, Suta.” She shook her head.
“This lady has twenty apple trees like this. T-w-e-n-t-y. She won’t miss two!” Suta fired back.
“You don’t know that. She could literally have counted every apple and have a plan for each one.” The girl pursed her lips, raising her head. Suta rolled his eyes. “Promise me you won’t fly back up there and take an apple from that tree.”
“Deal.” Suta grinned. He cocked back his fist, as the wind suddenly picked up. It began to form, swirling around his arm. He punched toward the apple tree, sending the gust through a branch with two apples. Suta ran under the tree as the pair of fruit fell off and into each of his hands. “Hey, Taylor! Good news!” Taylor stared at Suta, her right eye twitching. “What? It wasn’t me! Just the wind!”
***
Later that day…
“Well, if it isn’t my two favorite thieves!” A large, bulky man in a blue uniform walked down the sidewalk approaching Taylor and Suta. As the sun went behind the clouds, the man wiped the sweat off his forehead.
“Thieves? You mean thief!” Taylor exclaimed, “Single! One! It’s all been him!” She extended both arms at Suta as if offering him to the officer.
“Snitch,” Suta frowned. “You still ate, didn’t you?”
“Are you still hungry?” He put his hand inside his pocket.
“Not a big fan of jail food.” Suta shrugged. Taylor began smiling, immediately covering her mouth, and the man heartily laughed.
“Come on, dinner is on me.” The man pulled out his wallet and waved it at them.
***
“Ma’am. We’re low on supplies.” A man with half his face wrapped in bandages knelt before a woman behind a large oak desk. The bandages covered one of his eyes. He wore a torn up white shirt, with pants that had up to the ankles ripped off. The letter ‘K’ marked on the back of his raggedy shirt.
“Thank you, Gerald.” The woman slyly replied. She wore a silky red dress with a black sash in the middle, and frills at the bottom. The entire room was decorated in art and tapestry. “May I entrust you with a few men to go gather them from a nearby town?”
“Yes, ma’am.” The man kept his head down, not making any eye contact with the woman.
“Gather twenty-five.” She ordered, “You’ve until tomorrow night to return.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The man replied.
***
“Now listen.” The man in the blue uniform held the door open for Taylor and Suta as they walked out of a restaurant. “You guys aren’t going to be knuckleheads forever. The troublemaker stuff goes from cute-to-criminal quickly.” They walked down the street together, few cars were left on the road. The street lights illuminated the city streets. “You guys are young adults. It’s time to get your act together. Pirates, bandits, and the like, are not a good look, anymore.”
Taylor sighed, “Yeah. You’re right.” Suta looked away. “Come on, Suta. Let’s get going. Thank you, officer dad!” They walked across the street as the officer waved goodbye.
“You guys are never just going to call me Douglas, are you?” He rolled his eyes.
“Suta.” Taylor waved her hand in front of him, Suta kept looking away. “Quit ignoring me. You know he’s right.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Suta softly conceded.
She looked onward, then to the night sky. “I can’t be a binary star by myself.”
“A what?” Suta finally turned toward Taylor, they walked past the sidewalk, into a forested area.
“It’s in a book I read,” Taylor admitted. “Binary stars are where two stars orbit each other.” They both stopped walking, as they looked up at a large tree, with a platform of strung-together logs being held up by its hulking branches. “They need each other to survive.”
Suta began floating toward the platform, he looked over the small island and out to the ocean. “Do you really want to stay on this island forever?”
“I don’t know,” Taylor admitted as she climbed up the tree and onto the platform. “It’s a small island, but it’s always been peaceful. We’re the only trouble here you know. Why not enjoy a quaint life? Besides. I think you like it here.” She chuckled. On top of the platform were two sleeping bags; one blue, one red. The red one had a bunch of books next to it, a flashlight, with a small metal box. The blue one had a few bags of snacks, bottles of water, and an upside-down black hat, with a small book and a pencil laying inside.
“What makes you think that I like this place?” Suta pursed his lips.
Taylor shook her head as she got in her sleeping bag, “You. Can. Fly! You can literally fly through like a bird. Yet here you are.”
Suta yawned, “Whatever.” He ran his hands through his hair, “You’re my only friend, I’m not gonna just leave you here alone… But it is peaceful here. I do really appreciate that.”
“Get some rest, Suta.” Taylor took a breath, then closed her eyes. “We still have plenty of time to figure this out.”
***
“All ready, Knight Gerald.” A man shouted aboard a large ship, the moon and the distant stars were the only sources of light.
The bandaged man walked onboard, “Thank you, Rook Charles.” The crew of the ship all bowed to him. “Did you pick your twenty pawns?”
“Yes,” Charles replied, “Per your request.” He bowed down to Gerald. “I am not questioning you, Knight, but weren’t we given twenty-five total?”
“Heh,” Gerald licked his lips, “It’s just some dumb fishing village. You and twenty pawns should be able to burn the entire island to the ground.”
“May we?” Charles responded.
Gerald walked toward the front of the ship, “If they piss me off, feel free.”
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Chapter 2: Us
“Suta? Suta!” Taylor stretched her body as sunlight peeked through the forest and reached their tree platform. “I hope you didn’t actually fly away!...”
“Still considering it!” Suta yelled. Taylor looked below the platform to find Suta sitting underneath the tree. “Still too hungry for that at the moment. Whats say we visit our best friend, rich-apple-lady?”
“I don’t think she appreciates us stealing her apples…” Taylor retorted.
Suta stood up, “She can’t be mad at us if she doesn’t know we exist.” Taylor slid down the trunk of the tree, and the duo began walking through the forest.
***
Douglas took his gun out of his holster, “Hey! Hold it right there!” Two men were in front of him with large wooden crates, they stood next to a shop with the door removed and was placed on the side of the shop. “I know everyone in town, I don’t recognize either of you! Crates down, hands up!”
“You hear this guy?” The first man said. “He’s some kinda prodigy!”
“He knows the entire population of the island?!” The second man responded, “All ten of them?!”
Douglas tightened his grip on the firearm, “I’m not playing with either of you! Last warning!” The first man looked at the other, nodding. They both threw their crates toward Douglas and dashed at him.
***
Suta looked down at his feet as he and Taylor approached the large white mansion. “Hey… Were you being serious?” Taylor was squinting at the mansion but turned to her friend, tilting her head. “...About staying here. Because I was-”
Taylor put her hands up to her chest, “Woah, woah. That’s too much thinking, especially before breakfast.” Her gaze returned to the mansion, “There’s no incentive for us to leave, in my opinion. But that doesn’t mean I’ve made up my mind either. There’s plenty of time to talk about it, but right now… We have a bigger issue…” She pointed at the front of the estate, where a lady with a fur vest over a purple dress was waiting by the gate with a plastic bag. She was staring right at the pair.
“Good morning thieves!” She waved. Taylor glared at Suta.
“Morning mom!” Suta called out, “We were just taking our daily walk!”
“Oh, I’m sure!” She raised the bag over her gate, “I thought I’d spare you the trouble of flying over my abode today.” She opened her bag to reveal a bundle of apples, oranges, and bananas. The duo sped up to meet them. Taylor slowly took the bag from the elated woman.
“You’re… Not mad?” Taylor asked; the woman shook her head.
Suta grabbed an orange from the bag, “See. I told you she didn’t have a use for every apple!”
The woman put her hand in front of her mouth to giggle, “Actually I do! I count all my apples and make plans for them accordingly. ” She winked, “Sometimes charity is a part of those plans. Suta maintained unblinking eye contact with the wealthy woman, not turning toward a smug-looking Taylor.
“Hey! Nice place you got here granny!” Two tanned men walked up to the wealthy woman, Taylor, and Suta. Both men had knives in their hands, one lanky and the other chubby. “We’ll be needing some goodies. Like them kids got.” The lanky man twirled his knife.
“Pardon, I don’t know either of you.” The woman backed away from the gate. “My children, please come inside with me.” Taylor and Suta nodded.
“You’re not going anywhere!” Both men raised their blades, approaching the teenagers, but Suta grabbed Taylor, flying over the fence. All three ran inside the mansion then shut the door. “I’m staying right here. Go get some others.” A gunshot echoed in the distance, the man turned to the town behind him, “I guess they're having fun down there!” He ran his hands along the estate’s gate. “
***
Ten minutes later… A siren blared over the town.
“Douglas. Status.” Douglas grabbed the speaker that was strapped to his chest and put it in front of his mouth.
“Two incapacitated. Checking the town’s outskirts sir.”
“Proceed. We will keep the town on lockdown.” The speaker cut out. Douglas looked up the road and toward a large white mansion.
***
“Charles. Status.” Gerald walked off the ship and onto the wooden port to his subordinate.
Charles bowed, “Missing two. Five are at a nearby mansion, thirteen are onboard and ready to return.”
“Missing?!” Gerald’s hands began to shake. “Why. Are. We. Missing. Two. Pawn?”
“Local police force. Shall we depart?” Charles asked.
“What?” Gerald began breathing aggressively, Charles stopped bowing and looked up. “My pride is at stake! I did not become a Knight to lose men during a simple mission!” He sharply inhaled, “Give the order! The town will burn until my men are found!”
Charles shook his head, “Sir, we have the supplies we need, it would-” Gerald kicked Charles onto his back, planting his foot on Charle’s chest. The two stared at each other.
“A… As you command.” Charles laid there, waiting until Gerald walked back to the ship before running in the direction of the mansion.
***
Twenty minutes later…
“Charles! What did the boss say?” The lanky man asked as Charles walked up to the mansion’s gate. Charles did not respond. He drew one of many guns from his hip and tossed it at the grunt.
“The niceties are over.” Charles grunted, “Weapons free.” The lanky man gave a malicious grin, jumping over the fence.
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Chapter 3: Them
Charles pointed at the lanky man and the chubby man, “You two, take the left window. These two and I will take the right.” They went to the glass windows at opposing sides of the house. The lanky man punched through the window on the left. Charles punched through the right window. The five men entered the mansion. Their shoes left dirt stains on the white carpet.
“Remember. On sight.” Charles ordered. He motioned his gun up the stairs, the lanky and chubby man nodded.
***
“He better not screw up over there…” Gerald snarled, he walked toward the town with a group of men in front of him.
At the town, several police officers hid in alleys and behind carts and large trash cans. One officer peered over from the rooftops, his shaky hands holding a pistol. He let out a small whimper and gulped.
***
Upstairs, the lanky man and chubby man split up. The lanky man went left into the hallway. The chubby man went right. The lanky man saw a closed-door and kicked it down.
He walked in, gun up past his chest, “Hands up!” A gunshot echoed through the house. The lanky man backtracked from the room with a bloody hand. He hit the railing of the upstairs area. Another gunshot. The lanky man fell over the railing then went head first onto the floor of the downstairs area. The old woman came out of the bedroom, holding a handgun.
“Back off!” She yelled. The chubby man fired twice at her but missed. The old woman took cover back inside the room, peeking out to fire again. She hit the chubby man’s right hand.
The chubby man threw his gun with his off-hand at the woman, hitting her in the face and knocking her against the wall in front of the doorway. He charged at her. As he reached her, Taylor emerged from the room, kicking the man in the stomach. His momentum sent him into the railing. Taylor leaped into the air, kicking him again, in the face this time. The man fell over the railing, spinning as he did, falling onto his back. Charles and the two other men shot around the upstairs area. As Suta pulled the old woman and Taylor back inside the bedroom.
“The door’s busted, get up there!” Charles yelled.
***
“Ma’am.” A massively tall and tanned, hulking bald man stood in front of a woman behind a large oak desk, his head touched the ceiling of the room. He knelt down to her. “What may I do for you?”
“Thank you.” The woman had a map of the seas with a small island circled on it. “I sent Gerald on a small mission not too long ago. I’ve a bad feeling he either has, or is screwing it up. Please go check on him. Bring everyone back.”
“Is the radio not working, ma’am?” The man asked.
She put her hand over the radio on her desk, “Not a concern.” She replied, “Gerald was only recently named a Knight. He still doesn’t measure up to his contemporaries.” The woman leaned on the desk, “My instincts have not failed me yet. Go retrieve him and the rest.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The man carefully stood up, then left the woman’s presence.
***
Charles was behind the two men as they went up the stairs. The two men raised their weapons at the door-less room. They remained in place, their hands quivering. Charles snorted, “It’s two kids and a grandma! Get in there!” The man in front puffed out his chest and barged in. The room was spotless. After a few moments, Charles pushed both of the men aside. “You! Check under the bed! You! The bathroom!” He waved his gun around frantically. His breaths were short and quick as his eyes darted around the room. As a breeze from the window strolled in, he closed his eyes, slowly exhaling. “Ah, I needed that. Can’t lose my mind over these three… Wait…”
“I don’t see them in here!” One of the men called out.
“Did they jump?!” Charles stuck his head out the window, but on the grass below, there weren’t even footsteps.
***
“Careful mom,” Suta whispered, “You too, Taylor.” Taylor tapped the roof tiles, while the older woman was laying on her stomach, grimacing as she gripped onto the roof. “I can carry us to safety one at a time if we’re careful.”
Taylor peered over the edge of the roof, then turned back to the elderly woman, “Are you okay, ma’am?”
The woman “Yes… No.” She gritted her teeth, “Scared of heights…”
“Suta. Let’s get down and we make a run for the city.” Taylor suggested. Suta nodded.
***
Douglas squinted; in the distance, two figures on the roof of the mansion and one figure floating. “...Please tell me you’re alright, kid.” He began jogging toward them.
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Chapter 4: It’s Mutual
“Hey! Slow down, slow down!” Douglas put his hands up to a panting Suta and Taylor.
“You kids are really out of shape.” The elderly woman said, Suta spat on the ground.
“How… About… Th-” Suta gasped for air, he was bent over, with his hands on his knees “How about a thank you for- flying you down from your roof?!” The woman rolled her eyes, and Taylor elbowed him.
The woman put a hand on her hip, “Thank you. Now- officer, we need to get away from my house. It’s filled with intruders.”
“Similar story in town, ma’am.” Douglas tipped his hat in respect, “I’m not sure why bu-”
“There they are!” Charles yelled from the balcony of the mansion’s second story. Soon, his two men kicked down the front door and ran at the group. Charles ran from the balcony to make his way down as well.
“Okay,” Douglas took his firearm out to cock it, “You all head back to town. It’s not gonna be pretty here.” The old woman pulled her pistol from her waist then pointed it at the oncoming men. Douglas’ eyes widened as he watched the woman stand by his side.
“I’m old, not helpless.” She lined up her shot.
***
“No, please.” An officer in uniform squirmed to get away as Gerald picked him up by the collar and raised him into the air. “Don’t. Please!” Gerald took his rifle and shoved it under the man’s chin.
“Gonna talk?” Gerald asked. The man gulped, then nodded. “We’re going to play a game. I ask a question, you give me an answer. I don’t get the answer I like, a random building gets burnt down.” The man’s breathing was staggered, Gerald shoved the gun further into his throat.
The officer on the roof shakily took aim at Gerald. He knelt down taking deep, long breaths. “I can do this…” He whispered to himself.
***
The men pulled out their weapons- but the old lady was the first to strike. Right between the eyes of one of the men, he fell to his back, he did not move. Suta and Taylor looked at each other with mouths ajar, then turned back to the action. Douglas fired off two rounds, but was hit in the shoulder by the two men. He dropped his gun to grab his bleeding arm. The old woman fired again, taking out another bandit. Charles was the last remaining, he aimed at the old woman, then she again was the first to strike. Nothing came from her gun, this time. She shook her weapon, then kissed her teeth. Charles began to chuckle.
“Finally…” Charles began to laugh louder, he cocked his gun and shot the woman in the chest twice. She staggered, before falling on her back. Taylor screamed as Suta looked away. The two teens had not moved a step since the gunfire began. The old woman slowly moved her head to look at the two teens.
“Help. Please.” The woman coughed up blood, she began to stiffen up, “I don’t want to die!” She coughed up more blood, her lower body no longer responding. Her neck shook as she looked back up, Charles stood over her, pointing the gun directly at her head.
“No!” Douglas shouted, he cringed as he aimed his gun at Charles, blood still coming out of the wound on his shoulder. Charles quickly shot him in his arm, not far from where the first bullet struck. He fell forward, crying out. Charles looked over at frozen teenagers, then at the old woman. A malicious smile grew on his face. Again he raised his weapon at the woman. Suta was convulsing, his breaths were short, his upper body shaking. The wind began to match his breathing, a strong breeze would pick up, then immediately stop. As if there were no air where they stood whatsoever. Suta began blinking rapidly as his breathing got deeper and faster. A very thin white aura was on the very tips of his fingers.
“Stop!” Suta yelled. Taylor screamed again, she came to her knees and covered her eyes. Suta leapt at Charles with a cocked fist, punching the wind. Charles squeezed the trigger. A burst of wind struck Charles in the chest, consequently nudging the bullet to only graze the side of the woman’s face. She winced, closing the eye next to the wound.
“What?!” Blood came from Charles' mouth, as the woman kept her one eye on Suta. The wind swirled around him. Charles got up, he grabbed his chest. There was a hole in his shirt from where the wind struck him. “You’re going to pay for that, kid!” He raised a wobbly aimed gun at Suta, who balled up his fist then lowered his stance. The wind began to twirl around Suta, again. The white aura around his fingers was missing, this time. Douglas grabbed his gun with his off hand then fired at Charles, striking him in the chest. Charles fell to one knee, but managed to squeeze the trigger again. Suta punched in Charles’ direction again, then another, unending blast of wind came from his arm and met the bullet. The bullet slowly lost speed before going in the opposite direction. Suta leaned in as the gust picked up speed finally hit Charles, the bullet he fired flew into the arm he held his weapon with.
“Suta… Suta!” Taylor got up, her eyes darting around, while Douglas rolled over on his back. Taylor sprinted over to Charles, kicking away his gun.
“I heard stories about people like you…” Charles weakly pushed himself up to look at Suta. Blood poured from his chest and arm, “But I didn’t ever believe it…”
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Chapter 5: Recovery
Suta went down to one knee and began huffing, his entire body shivering. Douglas forced himself up with one arm, as he got up he looked at his bloodied arm. He made his fingers move, but his arm could barely bend. the elderly woman smiled from her blood stained lips. Taylor came over to hold the old woman’s hand. She weakly motioned with her hand for Taylor to lean in.
“I can’t believe this is it.” She whimpered. Taylor bit her lip.“Dying for two thieves...” Taylor’s eyes began to tear up, she raised the woman up slightly and cradled her, forehead against forehead. The woman pressed against Taylor, “” She slowly took in one last breath, “” She closed her eyes, her hand being held by Taylor went limp. Taylor wept.
Douglas looked over, then put his hat over his face. Suta stuttered over and came to his knees next to Taylor. He put his arm on her back and joined her in crying. No one spoke. The sun hid behind the clouds.
***
At a naval base…
“Are you alive? Kamau?” An elderly man waved his hand in front of a brunette haired woman. She slowly opened her light brown eyes and blinked twice, then looking around the man’s office. “Remind me not to tell you to get comfortable from now on…” He shook his head.
“I apologize, sir.” She corrected her posture, putting her hand over her mouth before yawning. “I’ve been sleeping poorly these last couple of nights.”
“I need you at your best, Captain.” The man folded his hands together, “I have an assignment for you.
“Yes, Sir.” Kamau bowed.
The old man slid a folder across the table, “In the southern sea, there’s an archipelago with several local warlords fighting for power. The last time this happened, the victor ended up becoming a very powerful man who we’re still having trouble with today. We’re sending a small expeditionary force there.”
Kamau browsed through the folder, the documents were full of names and pictures, “You mean my ship?” She closed the document, placing it on her lap.
“Actually. You’ll be getting three.” The man explained, he leaned back in his chair and stroked his grey mustache. “Additionally, another two captains will be nearby for backup. But this operation is all yours.”
“Are you sure two mere captains can handle this, sir?” Kamau maintained eye contact with the man, “This sounds like a higher force might be needed.”
“We did consider sending in a Commodore… But” The man chuckled, “Then we thought, why not send in the woman who has wrestled with us through every promotion she has ever received?”
“I didn’t want to be unfair to my fellow marines, sir.” Kamau smiled, “I was just trying to make up for some lost time.”
“Kamau, I’m far too old to hear that kinda modest crap.” The man stood up from his chair and put a blue hat on. “But I am glad we get to see you on a major assignment like this. You kept finishing all your other ones a little too quickly.”
“Just setting an example,” Kamau got up from her chair, “May I walk you to your ship, sir?”
***
Back on the island…
Douglas, Suta, and Taylor jogged toward town, where several gunshots were going off. “Don’t worry. We’ll give her a proper burial when this is over.” Douglas announced. “Let’s first make sure everyone else is alright.” Taylor and Suta’s teary faces nodded.
“Are you gonna be alright?” Suta asked.
Douglas held his arm, then let out a deep breath. “Those are questions for later, son.”
As they reached the outskirts of town, a few police officers were having a shootout with several bandits. Douglas pulled out his weapon, he led Suta and Taylor to some cover as he reloaded. As the gunfire died down, eight officers and ten bandits were on the ground.
“Nearly the whole damn department…” Douglas shook, the grip on his gun tightened. Only two officers and two bandits remained, of which the two bandits retreated. One officer poked his head from a pair of trash cans and fired on the bandits, but his gun had no ammo left. He shook his head and went back behind his cover.
***
“What a puny town… He’s still here?!” The bald, hulking man came off his raft and threw away his paddle. He rubbed the top of his head and walked off the pier toward the city. “Pathetic…”
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Chapter 5: Recovery
Suta went down to one knee and began huffing, his entire body shivering. Douglas forced himself up with one arm, as he got up he looked at his bloodied arm. He made his fingers move, but his arm could barely bend. the elderly woman smiled from her blood stained lips. Taylor came over to hold the old woman’s hand. She weakly motioned with her hand for Taylor to lean in.
“I can’t believe this is it.” She whimpered. Taylor bit her lip.“Dying for two thieves...” Taylor’s eyes began to tear up, she raised the woman up slightly and cradled her, forehead against forehead. The woman pressed against Taylor, “” She slowly took in one last breath, “” She closed her eyes, her hand being held by Taylor went limp. Taylor wept.
Douglas looked over, then put his hat over his face. Suta stuttered over and came to his knees next to Taylor. He put his arm on her back and joined her in crying. No one spoke. The sun hid behind the clouds.
***
At a naval base…
“Are you alive? Kamau?” An elderly man waved his hand in front of a brunette haired woman. She slowly opened her light brown eyes and blinked twice, then looking around the man’s office. “Remind me not to tell you to get comfortable from now on…” He shook his head.
“I apologize, sir.” She corrected her posture, putting her hand over her mouth before yawning. “I’ve been sleeping poorly these last couple of nights.”
“I need you at your best, Captain.” The man folded his hands together, “I have an assignment for you.
“Yes, Sir.” Kamau bowed.
The old man slid a folder across the table, “In the southern sea, there’s an archipelago with several local warlords fighting for power. The last time this happened, the victor ended up becoming a very powerful man who we’re still having trouble with today. We’re sending a small expeditionary force there.”
Kamau browsed through the folder, the documents were full of names and pictures, “You mean my ship?” She closed the document, placing it on her lap.
“Actually. You’ll be getting three.” The man explained, he leaned back in his chair and stroked his grey mustache. “Additionally, another two captains will be nearby for backup. But this operation is all yours.”
“Are you sure two mere captains can handle this, sir?” Kamau maintained eye contact with the man, “This sounds like a higher force might be needed.”
“We did consider sending in a Commodore… But” The man chuckled, “Then we thought, why not send in the woman who has wrestled with us through every promotion she has ever received?”
“I didn’t want to be unfair to my fellow marines, sir.” Kamau smiled, “I was just trying to make up for some lost time.”
“Kamau, I’m far too old to hear that kinda modest crap.” The man stood up from his chair and put a blue hat on. “But I am glad we get to see you on a major assignment like this. You kept finishing all your other ones a little too quickly.”
“Just setting an example,” Kamau got up from her chair, “May I walk you to your ship, sir?”
***
Back on the island…
Douglas, Suta, and Taylor jogged toward town, where several gunshots were going off. “Don’t worry. We’ll give her a proper burial when this is over.” Douglas announced. “Let’s first make sure everyone else is alright.” Taylor and Suta’s teary faces nodded.
“Are you gonna be alright?” Suta asked.
Douglas held his arm, then let out a deep breath. “Those are questions for later, son.”
As they reached the outskirts of town, a few police officers were having a shootout with several bandits. Douglas pulled out his weapon, he led Suta and Taylor to some cover as he reloaded. As the gunfire died down, eight officers and ten bandits were on the ground.
“Nearly the whole damn department…” Douglas shook, the grip on his gun tightened. Only two officers and two bandits remained, of which the two bandits retreated. One officer poked his head from a pair of trash cans and fired on the bandits, but his gun had no ammo left. He shook his head and went back behind his cover.
***
“What a puny town… He’s still here?!” The bald, hulking man came off his raft and threw away his paddle. He rubbed the top of his head and walked off the pier toward the city. “Pathetic…”
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