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And Back into the Storm, Chapter 8 |
| Written by Jonathan | |
| Saturday, 03 May 2008 | |
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Share it:      The crew escaped into town avoiding the guards. It was a clear afternoon with a bright sun pummeling the crowded market streets. Dust filled the air, with all the market bustle. The crew made their way through this market feeling at ease hidden among the noisy crowd. Scarlet motioned to a small pub and the other followed her in. They slowly entered the pub letting their eyes adjust to the darkness. Scarlet took a seat at a booth in the corner of the room and the rest of the crew joined her. The pub was quiet with only a few other patrons and the bartender seemed to be busy stocking his shelves. "Well, we're home free once we get the Mañana..." Scarlet started. "That's the trick though..." Yasac murmured finishing the thought that was on everyone's mind. "Aye, Grand Bahama is a really big port, we're goona have trouble just finding the Mañana," Chives remarked. "If it's even here," Revloc commented. "We still need a crew...remember the whole reason we came out here?" Ayafre stated, "All we've gotten so far is a wrecked ship and a prison visit." "Easy all, we'll figure something out. Right now I'd like to find an inn of some kind, and who knows maybe we'll find some more crew here, it's certainly big enough," Scarlet said cheerfully. "Recruitment while under search is goona be hard..." Yasac said, "We just blew out of their prison they aren't going to take that lightly. I'm guessing they are putting up wanted posters as we speak," "Speak of the devil..." Jane whispered as she hopped closer into the booth as several British soldiers were seen speedily marching by the pub. Yasac noticed the bartender eyeing the nervous looking crew. "We should go..." Yasac whispered subtly motioning to the bartender. Before anyone could get up the bartender hopped over the bar and approached the crew. Scarlet tilted her hat down and the rest of the crew tried their best to not notice. The bartender stopped at the crew's booth. "Soo can I get yas anyting," The bartender asked with a poor English grammar and a peculiar Jamaican accent. "A round of your cheapest please, we aren't too spendy at the moment," Scarlet answered. "Mmm gotcha," The bartender stated and walked back to the bar. As the man walked back Yasac noticed a tattoo on the man's upper arm, a black cloak with a pair of eyes behind it and a dagger stabbed into the cloak. Yasac gasped. "Ok now we really need to go," Yasac stated. "What's wrong, does he know?" Sally asked. "Yes and it gets worse. Ayafre remember when I was telling you about that underground coalition?" "Um...in Wexford? Kinda I guess," Ayafre remarked. "Well...I forgot to mention they have a price on my head. I...I made them mad. There's a tattoo on the bartender's arm. It's the mark of ranking members of underground," Yasac explained "The underground what?" Jane inquired. "Crime, extortion excreta but best known for mercenaries and an illegal fighting arena that includes fighters from all over the world, it's all just known as the underground coalition. It's the gang without a name, and without a leader, a crime alliance. If you've ever been around the pacific it's similar to the Yakuza, except the Yakuza have a much more organized syndicate. Not to undermine the underground though, they are dangerous, unstable and they are everywhere," Yasac illuminated. "Good to see du at least respect us Mr. Yasac," The bartender's voice said seemingly from nowhere. Yasac shot his eyes back to the bar and couldn't see the bartender anywhere. Suddenly one of the bricks in the wall at the booth slid back and a pair of beady eyes were see staring through. "Over here, we have much to discuss," The bartender said from behind the bricks. Yasac reached for his sword, when two swords burst from the bricks and were at Scarlet and Jane's necks. "Easy Yasac, dis isn't an assassination if du don't make it so," The bartender said coolly. "How did they do that the swords cut through it without knocking out the bricks first!" Sally exclaimed. "Scarlet punch through those bricks," Yasac stated. "What!" Scarlet shouted. "Just do it!" Scarlet brought her fist up and the swords shot back into the bricks, and before she could strike, Yasac burst out of his seat, flew over the booth table and shot right into the "Bricks". The bricks were torn and revealed as a simple paper painting. Yasac tackled the bartender behind the paper wall and pinned him to the ground with Geshank to his neck. "How bout I do make this an assassination!" Yasac roared. Jane fell over in astonishment, into a completely different room behind the paper wall, it was all made of wood and torches lit the room. "Easy Yasac! We..." the bartender stammered. "No I'll be easy when you people keep out of my business," Yasac shouted. Revloc hopped from the booth into the room and trained his pistols on the pair of sword wielding thugs that strangely were not helping the bartender. "We...just wanna make a deal! Du noticed how friends ain't touchin you? We knew you'd be mad just...deer us out!" Yasac eased up on Geshank and eyed the two guards. "Your call Yasac we got the upper hand," Revloc informed as the rest of the crew spilled into the room and had weapons ready as well. Yasac then stood up awaiting the bartender's response. The bartender slowly got up and motioned to the thugs to sheath their swords. "Thank you...door comrades are wonderfully obedient Yasac," The bartender remarked. Suddenly Chives aimed his musket at the bartender's head in response to the bartender's remark. "You may not have the guts to kill this guy but I'll do it gladly Yasac," Chives shouted through gritted teeth. "It's alright Chives; this scum isn't worth a single one of your musket balls. Alright thug you got my attention now get to the point," Yasac stated. "Ahh Yasac du never change, our name is Chisar ambassador of da underground. We hear yer crew blew open da English prison here, berry impressive, of course the matter of your ship is impossible for you at dis time. When we heard Yasac was on his way to the Caribbean we were told to keep our eye out for du but us never expected du to come to us," Chisar explained. "It's not his ship anymore, I am the captain of the Mañana, Captain Hooknail Scarlet," Scarlet said formally. "Oh... seaweed do, Yes we were informed of you most esteemed pirate captain. Yasac du never could keep your sleeves clean," Chisar commented. "Stop talking like you know me. What does the underground want?" Yasac said impatiently. "Well seeing as how Yasac is now a pirate, we wish for an alliance to be made. We hear your ship is looking for a crew," Chisar hinted. "That's correct...an alliance for a crew?" Scarlet said interested. "No, we'll find our own crew," Yasac quickly stated. Scarlet and the crew all stared coldly at Yasac in surprise. "Yasac be quiet! They said they mean no harm now that you aren't a Spanish soldier," Jane said. "Oh...but dat wasn't what we was proposing, we know your history Yasac we would not give such a deal if we knew it was unappealing to du," Chisar stated. "I don't mean to be rude to Yasac but I am Captain of the Mañana now all deals would be governed by me," Scarlet said. "Yes berry true. Du would do well to take Yasac's advice as he knows us much better but, the offer we wish to make is this.Der is a ball tonight at the Capreso palace, the governor's very own party building yes? The main underground ambassadors will be der. I will be hosting dis event and Yasac, Scarlet and her whole crew is invited. There we can properly show you what we can offer and we shall see what we can work out," Chisar explained "I think that sounds just wonderful Chisar," Scarlet answered, "Yasac?" Scarlet inquired. "I..." Yasac started. "Alright we can go," Yasac said with a sigh. "Not that it was up to you but lovely!" Scarlet shouted "What about the soldiers looking for us?" Sally asked. "Oh...us almost forgot...well its one of the many perks of being one of our friends. Let's just say that if you are under our protection...the governments seem to forget you are there," Chisar said with a smile. "That would be great! No more running around towns and out of ports trying to avoid every stockman with a gun," Jane exclaimed. "Yes! Yes indeed, we did hear your crew has had a gruff beginning. Hopefully we can come to an agreement and end misfortunes like dat. Oh but for the ball...more interesting attire would be suiting. Help yourself to the storeroom upstairs." "Oh Joy!" Ayafre squealed excited for the ball. The crew went upstairs and found a large windowless room with an abundance of candles lighting dozens upon dozens of chests full of rich garb and jewelry, and plenty more smaller closets filled with more items of value. "A thief's horde..." Yasac remarked. "Oh who cares Yasac! We're going to have fun tonight! By tomorrow we'll have the Mañana, a full crew and our pirating careers back on track!" Scarlet exclaimed as she fumbled through the many dresses and clothing that littered the room. "Still...Yasac is right to be cautious. Just how big is that bounty they have on you?" Sally asked. "Honestly...probably even larger than the price for the entire Mañana crew we saw on that wanted poster in cork," Yasac stated. "What did you do?" Ayafre asked as she fitted a pearl necklace around her neck in front of a mirror. Yasac didn't answer. "Come on everyone Yasac is just afraid of big parties, we'll be just fine," Revloc quickly exclaimed and gave Yasac a wink. Later that evening the crew was ready for the ball and exited the pub and followed Chisar's directions to the palace ball. Yasac was seen strutting around in what appeared to be a rich India man's garb complete with turban and monocle. Scarlet was fitted with an outrageous purple and turquoise short sleeved gown that would have almost been suitable for a clown, if it weren't for her hair situated elegantly with a large silver clip and her long satin turquoise gloves extending to her biceps. Revloc assumed a rich Englishman's position including a lord's scepter, purple cape and silly feathered hat. Ayafre had on a silk dark blue elegant long sleeved dress with a golden amulet and decorative golden earrings. Sally chose a huge red and black dress with a crimson hat that was nearly four times bigger than her head. Jane was decorated in an orange sleeveless dress with matching silk gloves. And Chives much to his displeasure was left with a Scot's garb with highly decorated green kilt and beret. The decorated crew approached the grand ball while the moon was in the night air. They stared up in awe at the massive building, with huge windows and a giant chandelier with over forty candles. The crew traveled through a small garden to the entrance. They were greeted by a fashionable butler who let them in on sight. Two massive doors were opened for them they found themselves in a huge ballroom filled with food, musicians and plenty of well dressed people. They strode in to see the ballroom ceiling very high with many balconies overlooking the grand ballroom. The brightly polished marble shone in all the lights that danced around it. "Spared no expense..." Jane commented in awe. "I wonder where Chisar is at," Ayafre stated. "Most likely on one of the balconies, I'll go find him," Yasac said coolly. "Whoa, just hold on Yasac, you gota stay for this party...besides if one of these underground creeps recognizes you they may not follow orders...and you still got that wound in your leg," Revloc said while keeping his hand over Yasac's chest. "Yes, it would be more proper for me to meet with him, I'll find you before we do any real dealing," Scarlet said cheerfully with a wink. "Uh...alright fine," Yasac said defeatedly. "Don't worry Yasac, we'll protect you here, although I can't imagine anyone recognizing you with that crazy turban and stuff," Ayafre said with a big smile. Jane and Sally laughed, also noticing how different Yasac looked. Yasac let out a sigh. "Oh come on! Let's dance Yasac!" Ayafre said tugging on his arm. "Well hold on! I gota check out what food we got here," Yasac said worriedly. "Oh take me!" Sally exclaimed, "I didn't have much of a lunch at the pub," Sally said as she took Yasac's other arm helping Ayafre tug him along. Revloc scanned the area for a worthy prospect as Jane treated Chives to some wine she picked up from a wandering caterer.
Scarlet walked through a lavishly decorated hallway that extended to a similarly decorated stairway to one of the higher balconies. She lifted her dress a bit revealing her purple velvet slippers as she ascended the stairs. She passed a large group who were examining a painting situated in on the wall at the side of the stairway. "All of these people part of the underground?" Scarlet thought to herself, "Why was Yasac so hesitant to side with them? This alliance could mean the end of his bounty too. Isn't that's why he's been so paranoid, the bounty?" Scarlet reached the top of the stairs to another smaller ball room with carpet, where she spotted Chisar. "Chisar!" Scarlet hailed. Chisar turned his head to her and immediately smiled and strode towards her. "Ah du made it how blunderful! We are honored to have you here," Chisar said welcoming her. "Join us on the balcony, du brought door crew yes?" "Yes, they are down in the ballroom," Scarlet said with a smile. "We see, let us all discuss the possibilities of the organization," Chisar said. Back on the ball room Revloc was happily entertaining two ladies near the wine bowl as Ayafre and Sally took turns dancing with Yasac. Chives spurned Jane's attempts to dance and took up residence at the wall, as Jane made her way to Ayafre. "Ayafre..." Jane said tapping her on the shoulder. Ayafre turned to Jane with a strawberry in her mouth as Yasac and Sally ate from a table filled with confections. "You should come with me to fix those earrings of ours," Jane said hinting to Ayafre. Ayafre felt her earrings just to make sure, but she understood Jane's ruse. "Yasac I'll be right back!" Ayafre called to Yasac who was gorging himself on some pie. Yasac nodded. Jane pulled Ayafre into the hall along side of the ballroom along telling her of her woes with Chives. They made their way through a hallway that led to some of the back rooms as they continued to chat. "Big place...let's try not to get lost," Ayafre remarked. "Yeah alright we can head back," Jane said with a sigh. Just as the pair turned around to head back, a large man with an even larger halberd walked out of a door in front of them. The man eyed the two angrily. "Excuse us," Ayafre said as she started to walk around the man. The man suddenly swung his halberd down at Ayafre. "Ayafre!" Jane screamed. Ayafre quickly looked up and raised her forearm to stop it. Jane's eyes widened seeing Ayafre try to stop the halberd blade with her sleeve. With a loud clang the halberd cut into Ayafre's sleeve but was blocked. Ayafre suddenly let her hands fall into her sleeves and grabbed her bladed tonfas hidden underneath her dress sleeves. Ayafre whipped her free arm tonfa out of the sleeve and chopped the halberd's blade from the wooden pole. Ayafre let the halberd drop to the floor, while she spun her tonfas around tearing the rest of her dress sleeve as she glided away from the dumbfounded thug. "Those were very nice sleeves Ayafre!" Jane scolded. "I know I really wished this it would never come to this," Ayafre remarked back. The thug threw the broken halberd pole at the pair and unsheathed a sword and charged at them as several more similar looking thugs emerged from more doors behind them. Jane reached down and grabbed a pair of pistols strapped to her legs under her dress. She put her back to Ayafre's as the thugs surrounded them. "Can I barrow your hair pin if necessary?" Jane asked. "Just give it back when you're done," Ayafre answered with a smile. Jane suddenly shot one of the thugs in the side, and the thugs all charged in at the pair swords raised. Ayafre twisted around one man's attack and viciously mauled the man's sword arm with her dazzling tonfas. Jane dodged one man's swing and shot him in the kneecap, she then jumped up and kicked another before he could swing and she flipped her pistols in the air and caught them by the muzzle. Jane came down on the man's head with her two pistol butts. Ayafre kicked over the injured thug to see another grappling with Jane already disarming Jane of one of her pistols. Ayafre jumped at the man and stuck her tonfa in his shoulder. While Jane quickly grabbed the hair pin dagger from Ayafre's hair and impaled a thug getting ready to remove Ayafre from his comrade. Ayafre removed the tonfa from the man and jumped back as several of the thugs began to get back up. "We need to warn the rest, there is something very wrong with this ball," Ayafre stated. "Let's go!" Jane shouted as she and Ayafre retreated back out of the hall towards the ball room.
Back in the ballroom, Chisar continued chatting with Scarlet. "Yes, we could beberrian beneficial to each udder," Chisar stated. "But you still haven't answered anything about Yasac," Scarlet said, "What was it that he did that was so heinous to the underground that such a large price was put on his head?" Chisar didn't answer for a moment. "Du know, door absolutely right, wait right here we go fetch Yasac and everyting shall be revolved," Chisar stated. "Oh, alright," Scarlet said as she rested her arms on the balcony. A large man with a halberd entered the balcony behind her and the other guests left the balcony. "What's your problem?" Scarlet asked the man. "None, I have been instructed to protect you in my master's absence," The armed man stated.
"Ayafre and Jane have been gone for awhile..." Yasac murmured to Sally. "I know, I just waved Chives over," Sally said as she tilted her large hat up. "Yasac! All the chicks are leavin!" Revloc exclaimed with a glass of wine in his hand. "Is Scarlet done with her little meeting yet?" "Leaving?" Yasac inquired as he looked around at the ballroom gradually getting emptier. Chives joined the three at the confection table. "What's going on?" Chives asked. "Dunno, anyone see Scarlet in one of the balconies?" Sally asked. "Ya she's in the third highest above us," Yasac stated, "Let's move to the middle of the ballroom to signal her," The four strode to the middle passing a group of cooks leaving the ballroom. "Something is really wrong here," Revloc whispered. "There she is!" Sally said pointing to Scarlet at the balcony. Yasac stared at Scarlet's balcony in surprise "Where's Chisar!" Yasac exclaimed. "I haven't seen him all night," Revloc stated. "No he was in the balcony with Scarlet now there's just that..." Yasac started, but Jane and Ayafre suddenly burst into the ballroom weapons in hand dresses torn and several men chasing them. "What's did they do!" Chives shouted. On the other side of the ball room Chisar emerged from another hall with a large entourage of musket armed men. "Chisar what's going on!" Scarlet shouted from the balcony as Jane and Ayafre joined the crew on the ballroom floor. Chisar chuckled to himself as the men chasing Ayafre and Jane surrounded the six on the floor, and the few final guests left the room. "Get dem!" Chisar shouted. Yasac sighed as he dug his hands into his turban. Yasac pulled hard on a loose piece of linen in the turban . Yasac tugged on the linen and out came his scimitar which was hidden within the turban.The rest of the turban fell to the floor as Yasac began to spin the scimitar with the linen like a whip around his head. "Never trust a bartender with bad grammar," Yasac murmured. Revloc eyed Yasac's new deadly looking weapon, "Made up for your injured leg I see," Revloc commented "Just don't get in my way," Yasac shot back as Revloc cocked his two pistols. Yasac rushed to meet the enemy swinging the scimitar in wide circles around him cutting down and pushing back the underground thugs. While Revloc tore threw the enemy ranks with his pistols, Chives beat down a nearby thug and quickly began using the man's musket. Jane and Sally continued into the fray as well, while Sally removed her large hat and began pelting the area with explosions from bombs hidden in the hat. On the balcony Scarlet grappled with the halberd wielding man. The man was easily overpowering her but she kept him at bay with graceful but deadly kicks. Scarlet suddenly flipped the man over her head while stealing the halberd. Scarlet was just about to run out of the balcony when several more halberd wielding men blocked her way out. Seeing no other way to escape Scarlet jumped upon the balcony railing. Scarlet jumped off the balcony just as the thugs charged at her. Scarlet raised the halberd in the air above her head as she fell. Just before she hit the floor Scarlet swung down with the halberd into the floor suddenly shooting her forward. Scarlet hit the floor skidding painfully but a much better end than a fall from the balcony. Scarlet rushed to pick the halberd back up and joined her crew in fighting for their lives. "Scarlet! There's too many of them!" Chives roared as he beat down a man with his musket. "Damn it Yasac I hate it when you are right!" Scarlet shouted "You hate it when I'm wrong too!" Yasac yelled back, as he shot his scimitar several yards forward, stabbing a musket man in the shoulder. Yasac tugged hard on the linen pulling the blade out and shooting it back to Yasac. "We should try to fight to those giant windows, it won't take much to blow them," Sally stated as she pummeled a man with her fists. Suddenly a loud shot was heard and Chisar fell to the floor immediately dead with a bloody hole in his head. "Halt!" A loud and terrifying voice shouted. The underground thugs backed off and the crew gathered in a circle unsure of what was going on. "Who shot Chisar? Chives?" Sally asked. "Bloody nice shot but it wasn't me, look highest balcony," Chives stated as he pointed to the balcony. In the balcony was a well dressed man with a bald head and a most intimidating glare. On his bare head was the underground's tattoo in a much more exquisite form. Next to him was a dark skinned egyptian holding an elegant looking musket, with a trail of smoke coming from the barrel. "What now!" Yasac shouted up to the man. "Yasac, Captain Scarlet and crew, thank you for helping us uncover this traitor." The man stated calmly, "I am Maximilian Jortunde, true ambassador of the underground," "What? What's going on!" Jane shouted confused. "That slime Chisar wished to collect the bounty on Mr. Yasac's head, when we had instructed that Yasac be sought out. This whole event is a major embarrassment to the underground, we know the trust between us has been shattered and apology is not acceptable. However what Chisar said about an alliance was true. We wish Captain Scarlet and Mañana to join the underground." "Wait, so the underground leaders aren't here?" Sally inquired. "Leaders? No I am the only man of the underground with ranking in this whole port. The underground has no leaders, only ambassadors such as myself. I represent the major trafficking in this area of the Caribbean." "What do you want? And why should we care!" Revloc yelled. "I wish to carry out what was originally to be done here. I wish for an alliance. The Mañana represents a lost form of crime; pirates have become extinct and were a major part of the underground. We believe you may have the ability to resurrect the days of the pirate," Maximilian explained. "As for why you should care is an excellent question. My formal apologies are meaningless to those who nearly died because of a blunder in our security. So, I have already made preparations for your Mañana to be returned to your hands with all the items of value still aboard," Scarlet's eyes lit up. "You returned the Mañana! With all the gold as well?" Scarlet shouted excitedly. "It is so, you will find it in the center of the port, and not a single soldier will hinder your reclaiming of it. It is the best I can do to make up for Chisar's shortcomings. In fact I am also giving you all a rare honor, I will set up a meeting between you all and a formal council of the underground. Normally this council would come to you but because of this...special case we will give you the place it will occur and it will begin only until you arrive, which will be at your whim. We humbly wish to enter into an alliance with the Mañana pirates," "Excellent! Where is it?" Scarlet exclaimed "Wait Scarlet...fool you once shame on you, fool you twice...eh shame on me? Eh never mind, but really are you going to fall into their hands just like that all over again?" Yasac stated "No, but we get to come to their meeting at our leisure there's no way that could be a trap. This man sounds much more legit than that Chisar fool right?" Scarlet said. "Well, yes...just be mindful," Yasac said knowing his paranoia had to be kept in check. "Yes! We accept," Scarlet exclaimed, "Where is this meeting?" "Rome Italy, and there is no accepting or dealing until you arrive there. You are bound by nothing until that meeting takes place, which is whenever you choose to land there," Maximilian answered. "Wait, Italy? Scarlet we gota go though Gibraltar to get there," Revloc stated. "Oh...that's right," Scarlet murmured. "What about Gibraltar and the Spanish navy that is after us?" Scarlet inquired to Maximilian "You speak truth...the navy has always been more difficult for the underground to control since our loss in piracy. There is nothing I can do for you in the Strait of Gibraltar yet, it is an unfortunate but necessary hurdle. I apologize for it but the meeting cannot take place anywhere but the Mediterranean." "Very well Mr. Jortunde, we accept your terms," Scarlet answered. "Good, we shall meet again in Rome, If you wish take Chisar's pub for the night it is secure," Maximilian stated "Now I bid you all farewell," Maximilian exited the balcony and the underground thugs disappeared back into the halls, leaving the crew alone in the ballroom. "Well, back to the pub then? I'm ready to get out of this dress," Scarlet stated. "Aye me too..." Chives mumbled pulling his kilt down lower.
Copyright 2008 Jonathan |
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