Here I stood, upon HMS Courageous, a training officer who owned three of the guns on board. I knew that if I did not do my job properly, the next person could take what chance I had of making a living, and for someone like me... Without this, I would never get a husband, or someone who could depend on me for money, so quite literally, this was my last hope of all of that - of a life no less. I was the eighteen year old who had only gotten into sailing when she was sixteen, had exceptional sword and pistol skills, and naturally, people followed me for I was liked and respectable. My sailing skills weren't that great, but considering the time I had been using to train myself it wasn't THAT bad, and my wealth was an absolute minimum - so much for family connections. Even so, I could operate a cannon with relative ease. My skills were what made me - I was not too knowledgable though I followed a code of honour - one which many sailors took as they began their training.
My name is Anne Simmons, and this is my story - what's of it anyways.
Making sure the three sailors on the three guns of the ship were staying on the job and not slacking, I called to them the procedure of loading the gun. "Swab! Powder! Wadding! Clear! Shot!" Almost directly after I had ordered this, the cannons beside me went off, sending a thick rope right toward my feet. I managed to jump over it, with my fighting training this was one of the essential skills in it all - so that you don't lose your feet.
"Fire as they may bear!" The captain of the ship ordered, and I ordered my crew to start loading the guns and firing them, the batteries sure were fine pieces of work, though it would take more than these cannons to take the enemy - a Gaulish Frigate, something we could easily take with the Courageous. I continued my call, as our guns fired, the ringing in our ears became apparent, even though we were fairly used to it. Though, as the white smoke left the barrels, and in the middle of swabbing out one of the cannons, a ball of iron tore through the hull not ten feet away as the frigate gave us a full broadside. I heard a scream, as one had fallen overboard. Still, that was the least of my problems, as I spotted a giant splinter tear through Davies, a woman under my command, and the fragmentation of the cannon ball nearby tore through Fisher's right arm, another woman under my command, bone clearly visible and she shrieked from the pain of it all.
I cringed lightly, before Jones pulled me together and took my shoulders. "Anne! Anne! What will we do?! We have to tend to their injuries! To hell with the guns!" She was talking sense, I knew it, and as much as I wanted to get back to the action - those who served under me had the reassurance that they'd get through this alive, so I personally tended to their wounds. There was no denying, that I was a leader. I did not care how bloodied I got, I had to make sure my crew made it through no matter what. The battle between battleship and frigate ensues around me, as I run to Davies and Fisher. Their wounds were bad, I feared that they might die - but I had to do as much as I could. Taking out a first aid kit, I prepare some bandage, and tightly bandage them both up with the help of Jones. I knew that if they had any chance of surviving, it was with me and my initiative. After taking them down to the cockpit, for the surgeon to work on them, I return to the deck. My lieutenant wasn't impressed, a frown upon his features, but I really had no choice. Even though I was working under him, I knew he did not have the commitment I had for my crew. With a sigh, I simply place my hands behind my head, and then get back into the action before me.
While I was two down, another two had come to replace them, and now we simply had to load the guns and fire. "Swab the bore!" I call, and before long the gun is loaded, powder ready to fire. The cannon was rolled out, before the fuse was lit, and I flinch as the fuse reaches the end of the line, expecting the loud explosion to take place, though the cannon does not fire. I run to the gun, and as I do, a splinter slices a small cut into my left cheek, though it does not faze me enough to panic about it. The gun had already received the powder, and by swabbing the bore, it had become wet and unable to fire. I order my crew to clean the barrel manually, which takes a few minutes at best, but afterwards it was smooth sailing for my gunnery crew!
The battle rages on, those who do not make it are thrown overboard, and after three long hours, the Gauls finally gave their game up. I sighed with relief, as my commanding officer calls us over. "Well done, you have done Albion well. Now, we must board their ship, and execute those who will not cooperate. Understood?" While the order was fair enough, I felt a little off about it. Execute them? What were they? A different species? Regardless, I knew I couldn't bring myself to do that. With a gulp, I board the frigate, before walking over to their crew, a few of our own sailors were talking to them.
"We will never give our lives to you as slaves! We would rather die now!" The Gaulish captain called, and the first thing I could think of doing was talking this through, before the inevitable happened - Jones ran her blade across her throat, though it was not a deep cut, the captain of the enemy was to fall eventually. My eyes widened, witnessing the sight of blood, lots of blood, too much blood. I couldn't handle it. I screamed.
"Simmons! What's with you?!" The lieutenant walked over and placed his hand on my shoulder, though I did not look at him.
"Wh-why did you d-do that, s-sir..?! You know you would not show fear in the face of the enemy! Why! That's commendable bravery! In our country, you'd be given a medal for that if you survived! A bloody medal! Like hell it matters!" I could've sworn everyone was looking at me, as I shouted, even the captured Gauls looked on in awe. My adrenalin was working its magic, all while the lieutenant gazed at me with eyes holding both anger and fear.
"Simmons, stand down. You have no authority here!" The lieutenant tried to get smart with me, and while it was true that I had no real authority, I couldn't help but feel human at this very moment. Unsheathing my sabre, I let my arm lash out with its extension, to cut into his cheek ever so lightly, with perfect control, while he ducked back at the sudden strike. This was when another sailor, Madam Mason, pulled me away from making a massive mistake at the very beginning of my career. She slapped me, and rightfully so, before Jones was forced to slit another Gaulish throat. I screeched, before Mason pulled me aside and began to send me back to the Courageous. I was certain that they'd kill all of them, that pigheaded lieutenant, thinking he was above everyone just because of his birth! I was furious, and as I tried to get out of Mason's firm grip, I cried and soon gave up the fighting which was hardly necessary for fate had already been set for those poor souls.
"He has no right, he has no right..." I mutter as the older woman let me seat myself, now comforting me as I allowed childish tears to stain my cheeks. She wiped them with a handkerchief, before nodding in my direction.
"I know, I know, but there's not much you can do, not now. Such an act could have gotten you hanged, and for someone so young, it would've put fear into the rest of the crew. I know how you feel, Anne, but you must control yourself a little better. You'll grow in power, and soon enough, you'll be able to do as you will. I'll make sure you're not punished, worry not." After Mason had done talking, I soon nodded and proceeded to stand up again, off I went to grab a much needed drink. The sight of the Gaulish captain and her slit throat was enough to put me off food, at least, but the rum was essential to survival around here. Watching the sun set while I drank away, I noticed my lonesome state, before sighing warily. Tonight was going to be tough to bear.
A call from another midshipwoman focuses my gaze on the rum I had been drinking, though I listened to her. "Captains compliments, you've been ordered to the quarterdeck." I nod afterwards, before hauling myself up - the image of the Gaulish captain and her bleeding throat still burned into my mind as if it were permanent, that no amount of amnesia would rid it from me. With a sigh, I reach the quarterdeck, before saluting.
"Ma'am, you called me here?" I inquire, before lowering my arm to my side, my gloved hand curling a little. I still had not cleaned up from the battle, though I could as soon as I could. Straightening my posture and my clothing somewhat, I simply wanted to make sure I wasn't that trashy in appearance.
"Madam Simmons!" The captain looked over at me, as did her subordinates. I gulp lightly, before looking down to my side. I honestly felt a bit too groggy - hopefully they didn't expect me to recite the Bible or something ridiculous. "I'm rating you as an acting-lieutenant. Take a section of twenty women across to the prize and assume command. Make any necessary repairs and set sail for any Abylonian port."
"Aye aye, ma'am! Thank you, ma'am!" I smile with a small kind of smile, before the captain stands up and walks over to me. Her gaze was serious, rather than cheerful, and I knew I was in trouble for hurting the lieutenant out of my own emotions.
"Let us hope that you do not let your emotions dictate your actions - you are a lady, act like it. Be thankful for my mercy, Simmons, else you walk a thin line." With her firm words out of the way, I made myself scarce before I rally up the crew I'd acquaint myself with for the next few months. With a look of astonishment and the feeling of relief, it seemed that all of the Gauls weren't executed, rather, they must have changed their stance on everything after seeing my daring to take on those above me. I picked five of the captured Gauls, making sure they knew that I was in charge and that any foul incident would see them killed. Afterward, I assembled the others, which included Jones, I would have picked Mason too though she was pressed to stay on board the Courageous.
I soon boarded the Gaulish frigate with my new crew, the fresh feeling of unfamiliarity something which I didn't want to deal with right now, especially since the stains of blood, while wiped somewhat, weren't completely gone from the deck which saw at least four Gaulish sailors and their captain executed. I gulp, before assigning my crew to their respective positions, making sure those better at certain jobs were accounted for accordingly. The Gauls, while being the enemy, were fairly cooperative with me, I had my bravery to thank for that. I had to acquaint myself with the design of the frigate, as it was fundamentally different to a battleship like Courageous. Other than the decks and the captain's quarters, the galley and dorms for sailors were located toward the middle of the ship, a smart thing to do if I could say so myself. They also seemed to have a second row of secret cannons below deck on either side, where the dorms would be on the Courageous.
As I settle myself down, Madam Bryce, the second lieutenant greeted me. "Well, well, well! 'Acting-Lieutenant' Simmons!" She says, grinning widely before she slaps me on the back, much to my own surprise. I stiffen my upper lip, just to cut the nerves for now. "You'll do well with your first command; I have the utmost confidence in you!"
"Thank you, ma'am," I reply, a short smile to grace my features. Just at that moment, first lieutenant Blare rounds the corner, her older features prominent, an aged face was evident. "Madam Simmons," She remarks, somewhat stiffly, though I could not blame her. She was eyeing me keenly as I pulled my sword on the lieutenant. "Fine piece of luck you've had." Blare was certainly a piece of work, from the looks of her, she was the type to be an old hag. Despite my prejudices, I knew I had to reserve judgement for now. I turned to Madam Bryce shortly after.
"Luck has not a bit to do with it, I say!" Bryce counters cheerfully. "Well, go on then! You now are one of the leaders of the ship, feel proud!"
"Aye, but it would be better to refer to her as the captain - I must take my leave and join the others on Courageous. Good luck, Simmons. I shall see you soon." No sooner had the old crone left as I looked at Bryce - all of the women on board were older than me by at least a year older than me anyways, so... - anyways, the second lieutenant smiled at me before nodding and retreating to her new quarters. So, as it seems, I had become the captain of a Gaulish Frigate!
My first mission, set by the captain of HMS Courageous, was to sail the Gaulish prize to Abylonia, to make wealth and the like. It was a precarious venture, one that would a few months to complete. Even so, I had a crew of strictly women - something about men not being able to sail as we could was the word around the place - of course, I did not believe them, but I am sure that there were far more men within the navy than women, simply because there were more of them than us - but that's as if I'm implying we're completely different. We're all human after all. Though, that day when we executed a few more of the Gaulish crew... That really made me question that. Regardless, the next few weeks would be tireless sailing, not a single thing was notable, other than the comfort of the captain's quarters. While the Gauls were our enemy, they were certainly great at providing comfort.
After a month and a half at sea, another ship was in sight - its sails were tied up, as if it were just waiting for us, though I had to think otherwise if we were to get through this without too much loss of life. My attitude towards the mission was purely work-driven, I found a thrill out of sailing the high seas and manning the guns to defend ourselves. Even so, we were surprised when a cannon ball struck the deck of our ship, the sound of wood cracking evident. Two of the crew were struck and injured, both by the ball itself, and the splintering that resulted soon after. I had to go to their aid - my years studying would not be for nothing, not this time. I pull one out of the way of another cannon ball, before tending to their wounds myself. I ordered Madame Jones, my first mate, to get a few of the crew to man the deck guns, and strike back with our superior firepower. I wouldn't want to lose a battle, now that the stakes had been increased dramatically.
After tending to their wounds, I forced myself to man one of the guns - though something seemed off. We sailed close to the unknown ship, before a few of their crew boarded. Even though I wanted to fight them, I had to make sure our cannons worked - in case we had to retreat and return fire. Though, as I clean the barrel, the wet residue was reason enough to abandon them for now, for the cannons would not work in their condition, and took a long time to get in working order - too long. The sound of swords clashing erupt while few regrets run through my mind, I give up on the guns - though after ordering the rest who were manning the guns to not worry about it, those few regrets were worth it.
My sword slid out of its sheath with ease, before I crippled one of the evidently Gaulish women and advanced, jumping onto the ship right beside us. While we did not have operational guns, they too had the same problem. The odds were fairly even, even though they had less of a crew, desire the fact that their captain was a woman who was notable. She fought and killed two of my crew, forcing me to engage her in combat. While we were fighting it out, her crew was subdued and captured by our numbers, though I had a gut feeling, that if we both had equal numbers... I could not think like this while in the middle of a fight. Soon, I overpowered the disorientated captain and disarmed her, capturing her in much the same way her crew had been captured.
Now, we had another prize, though rather than another ship, it would be the hostages that would fetch a good price for our coffers. The sloop they owned was in poor condition, and while I wanted to blame the captured captain for it, I saw her crew, a bunch who needed a little more discipline. Though, I had a suspicion, that the Gaulish captain would be a bigger part of my life, in ways I could not describe while I gazed at her restrained form. Our two nations were soon to be in a peace, even though we had done what we had done today, I feel that we could get along, instead of this mindless fighting and waging war. I honestly felt a little guilty, having to capture these people just to line my own pockets a little. With a sigh following my thoughts, I untie their captain, and have her put on deck with her other captured crew.
"Greetings, Gaul. I am Madame Anne Simmons, and I am the captain of this frigate." I had pulled the Gaulish captain aside, and we exchanged greetings through form of formal gestures. The woman before me did not look much older than me, but she did have more experience, I could see it in her eyes, those lovely eyes. She straightens somewhat, to make sure her posture is spot on - it reminded me of when I had to correct my own posture, but hers was sublime.
"I am Madame Alexandria, pleasure to meet you here." She gazed at me somewhat, definitely holding a calm demeanour about her. I could see myself getting along with her, should our paths cross after this. "But I must ask you, of something no less. Could you resupply my crew with their possessions? Including my sword, if you will." While the request was a little... Off-putting, I nodded and agreed to it. We were both gentlewomen, and as such, I was sure that we had the honour to not fight another fight, and see more life lost, more blood shed. As the equipment and supplies were redistributed,
"There you go, Madame Alexandria, that is quite an odd name, though, I'm sure it's just because I'm from Abylonia." After a hearty laugh, there seemed to be no malice between both of the crews, including between myself and Alexandria. What an outcome, a pleasant one at that. I'm sure the Admiral would be pleased with my actions, he was the one I knew I had to impress.
"Ah, that it is, Madame Anne. I do thank you for your... Peaceful nature, dare I say," The Gaul laughed once more, before she was distracted by one of her crew, who had suffered a wound to their leg, causing agony. "Ah, I do regret to ask of you another request, but I must. Could you spare some medicinal supplies so that my fellow lady can be mended to health?" I raised an eyebrow, my fingers rapping against my rather metallic sheathe, though I nod afterwards and order one of my crew to grab the necessary supplies for Madame Alexandria. For now at least, my relationship with the Gauls was not pure, but it was good enough to considered 'friendly'. I sure do hope that a peace treaty is signed, so that the lives lost today aren't the wanted lives needed for tomorrow's war, but of course, war isn't something I would want between our nations any longer. Tomorrow's war can't be allowed to happen.
Into the night, we drank fine rum, but not to the point of blindness, at least. Retreating to my quarters, I found myself rather worn out - though I knew... My life was only just beginning in this exciting career of mine. My legs ached and my arms were sore, a few minor cuts and bruises accompanied my sleeves - heh, how weird of me, to consider my uniform a part of me, though I guess it was second nature to me.
I decide to read a little into the scrolls left aboard the frigate I was effectively borrowing from Abylonia herself, and what I read was extraordinary. Our two nations had been fighting for almost one hundred years, and never had they been this close to peace. It sent a warm feeling through me, and before I could finally begin to rest, I heard a soft knock at the captain's quarters. I wondered who would be inquiring me at this time of night, though, it was to be expected.
"Enter." I simply spoke, softly as to not alert anyone - even though the frigate was big enough for my quarters to be secluded enough - I treated it as if it were a smaller ship. Through the rusty hinges, entered Alexandria, which alarmed me to the point of placing the scroll I was reading down, and before long I had a loaded pistol pointed at her. "... What are you doing here?" I decide to move my finger off the trigger, Alexandria surely did not mean any harm, right..?
"I apologise, Madame Anne, but I must speak to you about something." The Gaul seemed a little tired, somewhat drunk, but I suppose, I allowed her to enter, I should hear out her story.
"Alright, be quick with ye." With a nod, I stand, slipping my exposed, rather pale legs out from under the covers I was beneath. Alexandria and I were almost the same height, and that could have been the reason we were reasonably matched in one on one combat. Such thoughts soon left me as she stepped closer.
"It's about... Well, it's about you, Madame. I... I was impressed, by your actions and your bravery today, it reminded me of my commanding officer. You sure aren't cowardly, though you look it." Huh... Complimenting me before mildly insulting me, eh? I'll let that slide... She had good intentions regardless. She took another step toward me, before looking down, her face and features masked by hair that was reasonably short, pulled back into a short tail, utterly beautiful in a normally long haired society. "I also must thank you, for sparing the lives of my crew, and myself, even though I... Took a couple of your crew..." While that was true... I could not deny that I would've done the same had I been in her position. With a sigh, I simply place my hand on her shoulder.
"Aye, it is alright, Madame Alexandria, I could see your intentions through your actions. We cannot help that our countries still fight, but we can at least ease the suffering of those we acquaint ourselves with." With another sigh, I nod before placing my pistol down, the gentle swaying of the ship made me a little uneasy though I could manage just fine. The woman before me looked up, her eyes bereft of any negative feelings.
"I am glad to have met you, rather than one who was not so open minded." The Gaul smiled at me, before she closed the distance between us. Just, hugging me, like that. I place my arms around her briefly, before pushing her away lightly.
"We may be at the brink of peace, but remember, you are still my hostage, Madam. I cannot let my duty run astray with personal desire - no matter how much I'd want to... To pursue anything with you, I simply cannot at this point in time. Please, understand this." With a tinge of regret still imbedded on my face, I look down to the side, before all of a sudden, Alexandria kissed me. A light touch of our lips, a forbidden touch of our lips, the same was the same. Though, I could not help but respond in kind, even though I wiped my mouth soon after. "Alright, alright... Begone with you. Don't get caught out there..." I turn her around by using her shoulders, though I linger for a moment too long, and she looks back at me before leaving my quarters.