The ominous fog seemed to cover the whole ocean. Even in the tall ship's tower the helmsman could not see more than a few feet ahead. The war had recently ended and despite the rebellion things were now under control. After the order was given for Fire Nation soldier around the world to disarm a few of the Captains had disagreed. The result was a large scale rebellion lead by Admiral Feng. After less than a week the rebellion had been utterly crushed, with less than a half dozen rebel ships surviving.
"Lieutenant, I see something in the fog. A ship maybe"
"What?" the officer rushed to the port side "Where?"
"Over there sir" said the soldier "It just disappeared"
"Hm, probably a merchant ship, nothing to worry about. I doubt any rebels would be stupid enough to wander this far into Fire Nation waters"
"Maybe we should wake the Artillery Officer. I think the men should be put on-"
"Shut up." said the Lieutenant with a grimace "I'm the senior officer here and what I say goes. You got that seargant?"
"Sir, yes sir!"
"Good. Now get down below and have a drink. I think the weather has gone to your head"
"Thank you sir!" The soldier happily walked to the galley forgetting about the vessel in the fog. Once he was sure the soldier had left the lieutenant created a small fire in his hand. He raised the fire twice in the air then extinguished it. Looking into the fog he saw a similar signal almost a league away.
"Damn it Shiru, I hope you know what you're doing" muttered the officer. And with one last glance he walked back to his station.
…
Seeing the signal from the corner of his eye Captain Shiru motioned with his hand to a soldier.
"Yes Sir?"
"Respond to that signal private." said Shiru "Lieutenant Durai will need to know we saw him"
"Yes sir!" The soldier ran to the starboard side and mimicked the signal. Their ship, called the Death's Hand, crept slowly through the fog. A tall man in his 20's with long dark hair and coal grey eyes walked onto the deck.
"Captain, we're past the blockade. What are your orders sirs?" said the man.
"Maintain the present course Seargant Oran. I hope we can reach land before this fog breaks, I doubt our men are in any condition to fight"
Shiru was by no means a coward, his military reputation was unmatched by any officer his age. His ship was one of the last surviving rebel forces still afloat. But his ship was in a sad plight. Of his original 600 man crew over 230 were dead, among them his Lieutenant, 87 were heavily injured, and the rest were exhausted from working double shifts.
"What a sorry sight we make" muttered Shiru.
"I'm sorry, sir?"
"Nothing Seargant, tell the Helmsman to maintain present speed. I want all able-bodied men to be in full armor in twenty minutes."
"But Captain, you don't think they're expecting us? Do you?"
"No but it never hurts to be prepared" said Shiru "What's the matter Oran, getting rusty are we?" Oran smirked and bowed to Shiru in the traditional manner.
"Will that be all Captain?"
"Yes, for now. Back to your station"
"Yes sir!"
Watching the Seargant walk back to his post Shiru scowled. With all of his officers dead or injured he was forced to rely on green soldiers. Youngsters fresh out of the academy, their lack of discipline and control appalled him.
'If we're to stand a chance I'll need professional soldiers. Not bumbling idiots. I'll have to drill them mercilessly. And then…then perhaps I'll have a crew'
That's the first chapter so tell me what you think. I'd like to hear your comments and criticisms. So please Review.