"We've hit, Captain!"
Sure enough, when he looked up the sky held trails of smoke as the damaged aircraft attempted to stay in flight, it was no use, the damage was too great and so it fell, hitting the ocean and causing the waves to rise high.
"The others are leaving, should we pursue?"
The Spaniard ship receive a heavy damage from the aircraft attack and Captain Kirkland's very own and so they decided to flee before the British Pirate put their ship down or worse, stole their treasure. The sea is once again quiet, the merchant vessel crackling as the fire eat its wood and it will soon sink into the belly of the ocean.
"No… Leave them be. And prepare the ropes! I want that lump of twisted metal on deck."
Ropes with barbed hooks, sent into the depths to pierce the already broken aircraft. It took the strength of all the crew to lift it from the waters, it would have been a magnificent craft is only it wasn't so broken. The Captain watch them adjust the yield, the cross section at the top of the mast that held the sail. The rope was draped over it, and soon enough the craft was hovering above the deck, being lowered slowly so no more damaged was caused to the precious vessel.
The crew struggled, understandable since the weight was great. But there were many of them… Strength came in numbers.
"We'll strip the wings first, port side's our priority at the moment. Any slacking off and you'll receive lashes!"
"Captain… There's someone inside." A person? Surely they weren't stupid enough to stay inside a doomed aircraft.
"Don't bother me with such petty things! Throw his body overboard, I have no use for corpses." He watched as they clicked the top open, struggling to move it but soon the water gushed out, dirtying the desk. Green eyes narrowed. That had better be clean by sundown.
"He's alive! Unless the dead have learned to rise." Impossible. Arthur marched his way down towards them, pushing one aside as he stared at the young man still secured in the cockpit. Seems he was half unconscious. His head was bleeding, probably hit during the crash but nonetheless his chest was moving up and down to prove he was in fact breathing- the man coughed out the remaining water inside his lungs and wheezed out to catch more air before he passed out. The shock was too much.
"A lunatic from the skies it seems… Tie him up."
It was reckless of him to remain inside his aircraft, he could have ejected before it crashed but for some reason he decided to remain inside until very end. Admirable but at the same time, stupid.
Arthur smirked to himself, it had been far too long since he'd had a prisoner. The last one had died so soon.
The crew pulled him out (some complaining about Alfred's weight) but they managed to drag him to the middle of the deck and tie him tightly to the mast. Poor guy, he's still unconscious but these bastards are already treating him like an animal! What will happen to him is unknown but, for now, the Aviator savoured his chance of sleep and recovery.
But of course these Pirates wouldn't wait forever, it was a good thing they were busy with repairs or Alfred would have been forced to wake right then and there without the luxury of a 6 hour sleep.
This opened them up to a number of opportunities. They could hold him for ransom, earn a good amount of money for handing him over or even bargain their freedom from the military. Sail without anyone else interfering. A long shot but it was a possibility. Or they could always keep him on board for their own entertainment… He looked young, and quite fit too. He'd be harder to break but a challenge was always welcome on this ship.
"Wake up!"
One of the crew kicked the man's leg to wake him, the action failed, which then led to them pouring a cold bucket of water over his head, which most certainly did the trick. With a yelp, Alfred snapped his eyes open, squirming as if he was ready to swim but the man soon discovered that he was on the ship instead of the ocean- Though at a time like this he would rather be struggling at the bottom of the sea. The crew laughed, clearly amuse at the reaction they received and a few made teasing remarks, none of which Alfred listened to. Bastards.
"Captain, he's awake!"
Captain? Alfred frowned, everyone went silent but that silence was soon shattered by the sound of boots landing on the wooden deck, getting closer… and closer.. and—
"—Woah, check out the eyebrows!"
Everyone gasped.
"Why you cocky, insolent brat! You're lucky I don't blow your bloody brains out for such a comment!"
His eyebrows were magnificent! And those that said otherwise were thrown into the sea to drown. The man tied up was in no position to crack jokes. He should be begging for his life or freedom!
Alfred winced at such harsh words. First day meeting this famous Pirate and he discovers the grouchy guy hates talking about his eyebrows. He'd remember that, maybe he could use it to his advantage and find a way to escape. Though… Escaping by insulting his eyebrows alone would truly be a miracle and a story worth telling at the dinner table.
"Welcome to my ship… The one you tried to take down with your little flying piece of junk!"
Which now sat sadly on deck, looking battered and unloved while some crewmen attempted to strip the layers of metal off for both repairs and sales. Strip a carcass of it's meat, that's how the Captain saw it.
But a pair of blue eyes went wide in horror, his aircraft! There she was, sitting at the far end of the giant ship.. She was broken beyond compare, missing a wing and the windshield was shattered and those louts, what were they doing to her?!
"DON'T TOUCH HER!"
This is the first time he'd show anger after unwillingly boarding the enemy ship, that aircraft meant a lot to him. That much was clear when he refused to leave her when she was falling. And he was even willing to die with her.
"I SAID DON'T TOUCH HER!"
Alfred twisted his arm, trying to break free from the bounds but such an action caused his wrists to turn red from friction. The pirates who were stripping the aircraft's metal ignored him and even laughed at the angry cry of the Military Captain.
"You are a hostage. And I'll use you and your aircraft in whichever way I see fit, even if it's keelhauling your sorry arse for my own amusement!" A horrible method of punishment, in most cases they'd drown or bleed to death before resurfacing. As sadistic as it was, his anger was horribly amusing; Arthur was enjoying the spark it left. The darkening of those blue eyes as they finally made an accurate judgement, had the fear finally settled in? "A prisoner on my ship is a prisoner for life… The military have given me enough trouble over the years. Ridding them of… A Captain?" He stared at the patch, his rank on display and Arthur's lips pulled into a smirk.
"They must have low standards. How else would someone as stupid as you earn such a high rank?" The crew laughed, Arthur continuing to poke fun and humiliate the foolish man who hadn't ejected.
Alfred didn't care if the Leader commented on his badge, he didn't care that he was making fun of his rank and didn't care that he was looking down at the skills he'd worked hard to build. All he wanted was to run to where his aircraft was and save her… Save her…
"I swear…. If you break her more than she is now, I will kill you all!"
"Tch… What are you going to do? Kick water at me?," There was a chorus of laughs from the men surrounding them, "Gilbert! Get your bloody arse over here and throw this mosquito in the brig! And remember to lock the door this time."
Said man appeared after being summoned. Apparently he'd just woken up from a nap, lazy man, sleeping on the job while others were hard at work.
"Ja, ja. I will watch over him this time.. Keh, its not like he will be able to escape the ship! It would be suicide to jump off the deck and swim, there were sharks and even giant octopus exploring the area, he would be dead before he found an island nearby or whatever." The Captain gives him a warning glare. "Scheiße, alright! alright, let's go Aviator, time to throw you in the— Whoa, whoa! Chill!"
Alfred wouldn't go down without a fight. He kicked and squirmed until five or more crewmen pinned him down to the wooden floor, he was still fighting despite his weakened body. The boy was strong… He'd give him that. Arthur watched with curious eyes as he struggled under those pinning him. He didn't give up, not once and even though he bled, the only thing he seemed to care about was that aircraft.
A Captain's attachment… It was something he understood but he wasn't going to pity him. The first mate was quick. He'd knocked the American unconscious by hitting his head with one of the smaller barrels that carried Ale. An ungraceful and quick defeat but they had the upper hand here.
Arthur stared at his limp form in distaste. "That's not going to help with his head wound. I'll be surprised if he's not brain dead after a hit like that… Carry on! And you lot, quit standing around! We've got work to do!"
By the time Alfred woke up, he was in a small jail cell and it was dripping wet, air musky and smelt like death. Morning, evening, he was unsure.. It was dark there in the deepest part of the deck and his only source of light came from the lamp nearby. It was cold…Fever? Damn.. He hoped not..
"..Hungry…."
"Finally awake…? You slept all night you lazy git. If my crew are lazy they suffer a whipping, maybe I should treat you the same way. Your back would look lovely with torn red stripes. All fear me eventually, even you… In time."
If Arthur had learned one thing about the prisoner it was that he slept for long hours. He'd checked twice and both times he'd still been fast asleep, sprawled on the damp floor. But the third time he'd approached the cell it was pleasing to find a conscious man. And now he could address him and strike fear into his heart.
"You're a mess… I'll have someone send in a few rags so you can clean the blood off. There's no point in killing you yet so you'll receive a meal." A disgusting one. "Then, I have an offer. A ticket to joining my crew… Your strength could work to my advantage."
"I refuse."
He said that without hesitation, clear blue eyes glaring at the British pirate with complete hate.
"I'd rather receive a hundred lashes than join your fucking crew- I'd rather embrace death than serve you."
This one was difficult, refusing straight away which caused a frown to form on the Captain's face. "A hundred lashes can easily be arranged. It'll rip the skin off your bones." And he'd bleed to death or die from infection. Cleaning a whip out at sea was an impossible task. It was caked in grime and dried blood.
Alfred was a stubborn man for a good reason. The Military existed to bring justice to those who couldn't fight, to save the innocent people and put down those who dared to stand against the rules. Rules exist to be followed, to keep people in line and maintain the balance.
"…If you leave my aircraft alone then I will reconsider… I will do whatever you ask and even be your personal cabin boy if that's what it takes but I want you to leave my aircraft be. Don't touch her, no metal shall be remove and your crew can't lay a finger on her."
"Ah.. She's that precious to ye?" He looks well amused. Any man would laugh at such request but with Alfred's serious look they would be convinced that he had indeed gone mad. It was a good deal actually, Arthur would lose nothing and he would gain something— he had Alfred to do whatever he wanted, even kill— If given the order he'd probably be hesitant but would do it nonetheless. He's no longer a Captain now, one of Arthur's crew stole his badge but luckily didn't take his bomber jacket. Alfred couldn't go back to home base either, everyone probably thought he was dead after the crash.
"Captain." One of the crew opened the hatch to be heard. "Should we continue stripping the aircraft?" Alfred glared at the man then back to Arthur, daring him speak out his thoughts and to make his final decision. If he refused to accept their small negotiation then Alfred would choose death like any noble Hero would do..
"Decide now, Pirate…"
"An odd request, it was already broken when we hauled it up. That thing won't ever fly. Not without extreme repairs." And some new parts; what was the point? It would just be a pile of wreckage on the ship. A waste of space.
But was it a reasonable exchange? Leave the aircraft and receive this man's obedience in return? Of course it was. Metal only made the ship look tacky when it was used for repairs, and selling it would mean having to move it again.
"Leave it be for now, focus on cleaning the grime off the deck. It's disgusting…" With a 'yes, sir' they left, the two left in the brig with the lamp lighting their features. "There. That stupid eyesore will now sit on deck untouched. As you wanted, now… I get what I want. A cocky slave with a head wound."
How would he follow orders from inside a cell? There wasn't much he could do in there.
"You will address me as Captain Kirkland, or just Captain." He jammed the key into the rusted keyhole, unlocking it before it swung open. "Screw up and you'll be punished, screw up repeatedly and you'll be killed. Jump overboard and you'll die. Kill any member of my crew and you'll die. Refuse to eat what's given to you and you'll die. Understand? This isn't your base or wherever your from. There is no safety here… Now, get up there and help clean the deck. I'll call when I have another use for you, brat."
"There's no need to lecture me, you pirates want nothing but treasure and slaves to order around. Whenever someone stands against you or refuses to obey, all you do is punish them or kill…"
That's how they work. Pirates only existed to give pain to those who fall into their hands and make their life miserable but at least they treasure their words or vow like how this man agreed to leave Alfred's precious aircraft alone. He's right about one think though; the aircraft won't be able to fly in her state but its better this way than seeing nothing left of her— that aircraft means everything to him, more than anyone would know. Only Matthieu knows the reason why, the American even refused to replace her with a new model! Any Captain will accept such offer but not this guy— no one can take her place.
"I won't even be surprised if you stab me right in my back just because you're bored."
"If I stab you in the back it'll be for speaking out of line! Hush! You are to speak when spoken to." And work when ordered. He was going to be a lot of work for the green eyed man, that much he was certain of.
Alfred slipped off the wooden chair, legs a bit wobbly from losing blood and his head— he just noticed, was pounding like hell. It's like being hammered inside and out but he held his ground nonetheless, no way in hell he's going to show his weaker side to these bastards, he will show them that even if he turns into a Pirate slave, he's still a faithful man to his country.. A proud militia to the very end, the best Captain this world ever possesses.
"Hurry up!"
One of the crew dragged Alfred all the way back to the deck then shoved him to the wooden floor. They all laughed at him as if he's a clown, giving entertainment even though he had done nothing— they're probably crazy.
"Clean up! Clean everything until you're worn out! No breaks, no food until dinner." He was given a mop and a bucket of water to use… This will be a long day for him, seeing that this ship is ridiculously huge! It was more or less fifteen times bigger than his aircraft— that's right.. His plane… Alfred picked up the mop and bucket before making a beeline to his contraption and like what the Captain said she's in no condition to fly anymore or even be fixed using the scraps they have here. Left wing missing, a hole right on its tail, a missing tire, propeller broken and the windshield of his cockpit shattered. It was a painful sight and Alfred stared at her for a good long minute as if he was mourning over a good partner.
"..You fought well…" He placed the mop and bucket down to touch his aircraft's cold metal. "I'm sorry that I failed you…. But I promise, I will do anything to fix you up, okay? So just sit there… It may take a while, buddy.. But you have my word.." A Captain's heart only belongs to his aircraft or ship.
"Hurry up and work!" Said one of the crew and with that, Alfred picked up his cleaning tools to start his very first day here in the Pirate ship.
It was obvious to Arthur the young man was holding a grudge. Or maybe his hate for pirates was drilled into him by the higher ups. He could never hope to understand pirates and the way they lived, he was a land dweller and probably had everything he wanted. Food to eat, money and a safe place to go. men like this were cast out from that safety, they were left to fend for themselves wince the world refused to help them. Pirates were broken men, all holding strong together to conquer what they could and find a place to call home. It was a family, a big one. But that didn't mean it was free of pain and death.
And now Alfred was the newbie, the one everyone would pick on till time had passed. He'd fit in one day, just another man enslaved to work till he died.
"There will be time to treat your wounds later. I can't have you bleeding everywhere all the time, it'll attract rats and they'll chew on you while you sleep." It had happened before, they were vile little pests that Arthur despised. When seen they were killed. Shot or stabbed it didn't matter, just as long as they weren't biting on anything anymore. His poor ship was not a chew toy!
Arthur took his position on the top deck, watching over the work that was being done. He could see the whole ship from here, see any mistake and keep an eye on the new boy… He should get a name later. Or perhaps it was better to keep insulting him. He'd learn his place that way, a Captain reduced to this. He was with that aircraft… Lips moving as though he were talking to it.
The Capitan made no move to stop it, he was more curious than enraged. But one of the crew barked an order, and he was forced to start his work which would take long hours. He'd see how well this man worked, see how much he could endure and maybe one day he'd grow used to this life, obey without question and forget about the skies. They could dump the craft somewhere in the middle of the ocean. To sink to rock bottom and rust and die, buried to never be seen again.
"Keep an eye on him Gilbert."
"What?! Why do I have to babysit him? Come on, Captain!"
Sadly the Captain ignored him, not listening to a word of his complaints as he made a beeline to his quarters. He needed to lie down, he was tired after two days of little rest. There was always work to be done, and always the fear that someone could be following.
Gilbert was the Captain's first mate, he was the very first man he trusted despite the albino's strange ways, no one understands this person really but nonetheless he's useful when it comes to combat. He had superb skills in swordsmanship and no one had ever defeated him.
Alfred did his part, he cleaned, mopped and even scrubbed the floor to remove all the nasty growing moss. It normally grows in the wooden ship such as this one and when left ignored, it can cause damage and even accidents!
The cleaning was easy, the Aviator used to clean the base during his cadet days and it was part of their training too— more like, part of their torture.
Not that the higher ups enjoyed pushing them to their limit, it's just that some people love abusing their power to make themselves feel better and Alfred, he never complained. He believed that every order given by his higher meant something and that it would serve him well in the future, such a innocent man he was until the present— and this is one of the reasons why Francis disapproved of letting Alfred take the lead. He was a Military dog, following their command without question— blinded by the rules and 'honour' which they displayed, false honour to be exact… Little did he know that Pirates experience the heaviest punishment in life, such as losing their family or being left abandoned, disowned, no one to come home to… Thus, they turned into a Pirate to have a home and to feel belonged.
Killing is still a crime though but the Military killed people too and they used 'justice' as an excuse. Is killing innocent people that are somewhat connected to outlaws reasonable? No… Alfred had yet to see that part, he's still young and inexperienced when it comes to the real world. He was too protected in the developed society and never once experienced poverty.
"You done? Clean the toilet this time."
He could feel his back aching and the blood on his shirt had since dried and now the material stunk of dead fish, the water they'd poured on him had come straight from the sea - he needed a bath and clean water to drink, bandages and disinfectant for his wound as well but it seemed like he wouldn't be getting any of that. He didn't mind but what he feared the most was catching an infection and he can't afford having that… Getting sick would make his body weak, that meant he wouldn't be able to work and not working would cause his dear life to be put on the line. The Captain said it himself earlier… And that grouchy man sounds too serious to be jesting.
After cleaning, Alfred didn't take a break. He went straight to aircraft to start fixing it and thankfully the engine is still in one piece. There are no lose wires, heavy damage— it will still work so the only problem with his aircraft is her body. "I just need some tools to use and some metal to patch you up… Wiring too.." Hammer, nails— great.. Maybe fixing her really is impossible—no! He must stay positive and see to it that this babe will fly in no time.
Go back to the sky where she belongs…
