Chapter 4
The man who stood in front of Esteban was gingerly built and chestnut-haired. He had a clear sharp gaze, and looked fairly likeable. Except for the detail that last time Esteban had seen this man, he had been in the armada.
"Wasn't it you who got shot down over Nasr?" the man asked. "Was it? I've forgotten your name but I'm sure you were in the scout-department."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Esteban mumbled.
"What? You don't remember an old colleague? Sure, we had a lot of field-jobs but…"
"I've never met you before, and I have never been in the armada!" Esteban said firmly.
"I see. Well, sorry to bother you then. I was so sure you were him."
The stranger walked away. Esteban remained where he was. He felt his blood rush, the veins along his forehead pounded, could almost smell the typical scent of the old barracks. Trying to take some deep breaths, he noticed his lips were shivering.
That time in the armada was not something Esteban wanted to dwell on. The only reason he had signed up to serve on a Valuan ship was to ultimately get a way to escape. He hated the old Empire. It was a regime which didn't have any scruples against slavery and warfaring. They had killed the two persons he had loved most in the whole world. In a way, they had killed him as well. All his life he would live on, always gazing backwards, wondering how it all could be if it all had turned out different.
With a heavy, solemn mind he started to walk to the harbour.
xXx
The day passed on. As soon as the gunpowder had arrived, every hand available had started to sort it into the cargo. They also prepared the cannons, just in case. The ammunitions were stapled, ready to be used.
Unfortunately, Brabham hadn't been able to make it that day, but he had promised that he would stop by tomorrow. Finding himself with a hole in his schedule, Vyse offered Nicole's crew lessons in fencing. Even Fina joined in. Mostly, Cupil did most of the fighting for her, but she knew she would have to be able to fight on her own. Which she could, but ever since the last time she had been in combat… Was this how it had felt for Aika?
They all went a couple of matches against each other. Vyse's chest swelled with pride when Fina managed to win her fights. She had settled for being the best Blue Rogue she could be, and when she decided for something, she didn't give up, just like Vyse. Chloe and Rodrigo had indeed been above average, but Nina and Pacco sure could use some more practice. The easiest thing would be to let them handle a handgun each, though Vyse didn't like those kinds of weapons. One could practice with swords all one's life, becoming one with your weapon, and still be gunned down in an instant by some drunkard who couldn't tell left from right. Almost like yesterday night.
Vyse had also challenged Nicole for a sparring session. It had been an even match, but it was clear that Vyse was the superior one. Vyse could almost physically feel his reputation soaring.
After that, it was time for dinner. Chloe and Urala had whipped up a nice meal which was served in the dining room. They had also prepared sandwich packs for those unfortunate enough to stand guard that night, like Esteban.
Aika felt more or less content with her day, but there was something she needed to take care of. She hadn't yet got a good opportunity to talk with Esteban, so she had better do that before he got on his watch-shift. Making her way to his cabin, she knocked on his door.
It only took a few moments before he opened up. He looked a bit drowsy.
"Hi," Aika said. "Did I wake you up?"
"Not yet," Esteban answered.
"Can I come in?"
Without words, Esteban stepped aside, giving space for Aika to enter. He closed the door behind her. Aika looked at his bed and saw that the sheets were slightly messed and disturbed. It looked like she had interrupted his nap. She sat down on the bed. Esteban came after and sat down next to her.
"What is it?" he asked.
"I thought… How do you feel? I mean, after the city and all."
Esteban turned her gaze away from Aika, let it wander across the opposite wall. From past experiences, she knew it meant he was thinking deep, or that she had touched a touchy subject.
"Pretty good, I guess," he answered. "It felt weird being back and all, but not in the way I thought it would. Actually… my… home isn't isn't anymore. But the worst was that I… when I was getting the transport, I ran into a colleague of mine."
"You mean from the armada?" Aika blurted. She was almost about to say 'How fun', but then her thoughts caught up with her. "Oh, really? How did that go?"
"I just told him he had got the wrong person."
They were both quiet for a while. Aika decided to try another approach.
"What do you think of the others?" she asked.
"Who? Oh, them." He shrugged. "They're okay, I guess."
"Are you sure?" Aika asked, having noticed the ever-so-slight shift in his voice.
"Well, as long as they tolerate me I shouldn't complain."
"What do you mean 'tolerating'!? Has anyone said anything or what?"
"No, but I notice it. I've helped their worst enemy, so it's just natural for them to hate me. Well, they haven't said anything, but I know."
Esteban's words hit Aika like a cannonball. Exactly the way that his words had fallen that night on Crescent Isle. The night before he had taken the decision to sign up, and left his problems behind… or so she thought. She knew that people didn't change overnight just like that, but still… The first few days he had seemed so really different. And now this again…
"I see," Aika said mildly. "But just give them time, and they'll see how wrong they've been. Until then, you know I'll always trust you. Just like Vyse and Fina does. By the way, if anyone gets to you, just remind 'em you saved them from hitting the locker."
"Mmm," Esteban nodded. His facial expression gradually softened. "Yes. Thank you."
"Anytime," Aika smiled, and then stretched out and hugged him. "And it was very strong of you to come along with us, and nice for me."
All the lost love and friendship Esteban had never got to experience... for Aika it was a downright pleasure to make it up for him. She wanted him to feel appreciated and needed. Esteban snuggled his right arm around Aika and leant his head on her shoulder. She could feel his breathing against her cheek, light as the touch of a flutterfly. It was a heart-warming feeling.
They sat like that for while, until Esteban mentioned that he needed some rest before his watch-shift started. Aika let go of him, bid him a goodnight, and walked out of the room.
As soon as Aika had closed the door, she sighed deeply, to slight part of sorrow.
Sure, Esteban may have reasons to think the way he did about the new ones. But it was still so terrible when he said that he hardly was tolerated. As if it would be something obvious. "No one likes me and that's how it is". That was just how he had been before.
Would it've been better if he was sad about it?
Maybe he was just good on adapting himself. Maybe he just didn't want to be low about it now? Good for him, but it might mean he would have a hard time melding in with the others. He was in danger of being left out.
Oh well, better not dig in it too much. Like Aika said, there were three people he could call friends, and those three would always have his back. And anyway, he was really different now compared to the way he was when they had met him in Nasrad.
It would be alright. The others would realise that when they had beaten the snot out of the syndicate.
Oh yeah, those.
Aika wondered if she should get back to him and ask about the plans. Sure, he had written them out together with Vyse, of course he was sure about them, yet still…
Of course there had to exist Blue Rogues who fought for those who couldn't defend themselves. Sure it was dangerous and risky sometimes. She just wanted her friends to be safe.
xXx
Out in the mid ocean sailed a ship captained by Black Pirates. The ship's name was the Red Fury. It belonged to the Pirate faction known as Crimson Fear.
A few days earlier, the captain had pursued a Blue Rogue ship named the Azaela. The mission was to kill everybody onboard. Together with the Violen, it should have been as easy as stomping kittens. However, due to slips and tricks from the Rogue's side and technical difficulties with the engines, they had lost chase, leaving the Violen to go on alone. It should've been easy. They counted on finding the Rogue ship dismantled and its crew sky-fish bait.
They had followed the vector of the two ships, but the lookout hadn't been able to spot them. Either they had changed course, or the Violen was hopelessly ahead of them. More and more it seemed like they would have to go back empty-handed. This was bad news.
Captain Izenhof knew that. Few things in this world could make him nervous. Except the leader.
For the moment, he had withdrawn to his private cabin.
Only to be interrupted by his quartermaster Jack. He was carrying a rolled up paper.
"Captain," he said. "We've picked up message from the Violen."
"What is it!?" Izenhof snapped.
The quartermaster opened up the roll and read through. During his passage, he went from hopeful to direct fear.
"The Violen has been scuttled," he said. "It was Vyse of the Blue Rogues. None of the crew made it out alive. And the Azaela made it through it all."
"And since he saved that skank, she's more than likely to spill her beans about the syndicate."
"Aye. We should hurry back to Nasrad."
xXx
Nina and her friends stood on the bridge of the Delphinus. Today the previous engineer would arrive and give her a tour of the engines, show her how the ship worked. Nina was overjoyed at any chance she got to grow better. She still couldn't believe she served on Vyse's ship. If she had anything to say about it, Vyse would feel proud of his new engineer.
"Quite a fancy ship he has," Pacco said, with his hands on the steering wheel.
"Totally," Nina said. "And he stole it from within the Grand Fortress itself. How awesome!"
"And not too bad first mates either," Rodrigo grinned. "He's quite a lucky one."
"Don't forget Vyse is a bigamist," Chloe said.
Three pairs of very amazed eyes turned towards the chef.
"Is he!?" Nina exclaimed. "I've never…"
"Of course, it's only a rumour, or hearsay," Chloe said. "That I heard from someone who had been in his crew previously. Or that he 'had to be'."
"It would be a waste if not," Rodrigo said.
"Do you think so?" Nina asked. "They seem more like siblings to me."
"In a good way, you mean?" Pacco said.
"You happen to have the best big sister ever," Nina said. "So quit… Oh look."
Outside, below on the deck, they saw one of Vyse's crewmembers. It was that quiet guy with the blue headband… Esteban, was it? He walked across the deck towards one of the lifeboats. Untying the mooring, he sat in, and sailed away towards the harbour.
"Wonder what he's up to," Nina said.
"Off for some secret little errand, I guess," Chloe said.
"Huh?" Pacco said. "You mean he's playing double?"
Chloe shook her head.
"No way. But…" Chloe seemed to have stuck, the others eyed her curiously. "Don't bring this up to anyone, but at the beginning I had some suspicious, but not anymore. If he's out to set us up, he'd be stupid."
"I trust him," Nina said. "Even though he's secretive and quiet."
"Sure thing," Pacco said. "I tried before to talk with him about Sailor's Island, maybe to see if we had met before, but he kept evading the whole issue and then he just left."
"Sounds like you, Chloe," Rodrigo said.
"… I had a good reason. And maybe he does too."
xXx
Esteban's little lifeboat had now made it the harbour. He moored it, then started to walk in to the city. He didn't quite remember where the plaza was, but after some asking around, and more walking, he managed to find it.
Stepping out of the same alley as before, Esteban walked up to the monument. He was not an admirer of art, but it was clear that the sculpter had done a good job. The moonstones depicted on the black metal looked their part perfectly.
The first time he had heard rumours about the Valuan destruction, he had dismissed them as lies. Falling moonstones sounded too farfetched. But when he actually learnt it was true… Sure, the palace had been hit, and the Empress had gotten a headache like no other, that was good. But all those people, like himself, who had been killed that day. Hadn't he escaped, he would've still been there when it happened.
But perhaps… Here around him stood other people who had survived. The thought made him feel better. Something had managed to rise from the ashes. Just like he had.
Esteban didn't care what Aika had said to him before. No matter that he had grown up in the Lower City; this world was an evil place. He had seen so much darkness. There were so many people out there who rather than help each other out, they profited on other people's misfortune. Like it or not, he had been a part of it all.
But… Esteban knew that few things were entirely good. Perhaps nothing could be entirely evil. People could, of that he was certain. But there was goodness left in this world, and he had found it. Being with Aika and her friends, now also his friends, was like a huge breath of fresh air after spending several years in the qualm basement that was his loneliness. He had won the highest prize in the lottery that's called life in a way that still felt strange. But he enjoyed every day of it.
With renewed strength, he promised himself that he would do his part. Even if it would cost him dearly…
xXx
It was afternoon. Fina was walking in the lower regions of the Delphinus. This was the underbelly which normal passengers wouldn't get to see. Still, being a ship from the imperial shipyard built for the prince himself, it wasn't as bad as other ships. She was searching for Esteban. Aika had decided they should all get together and eat the new cookies she had managed to bake.
Fina decided to try out the storage for the cannonballs. She went down the stairs to the cargo hold. Being such a big ship as the Delphinus, the cargo bays were plentiful, but they had set up one of the bays as the prime ammunition storage.
She reached the plated double-door. On the other side, she heard the rattling sounds of activity, and sound from conversation, but only one voice.
"So you're new, huh?" she heard Rodrigo say behind the closed door. "You haven't had time to put any moves on them yet?"
There was a pause, enough for a shoulder-shrug.
"Better late then never," Rodrigo said again. "Which one does you like most? Myself, I'd put my dibs on Fina. I mean, woooo, they just don't do girls like her anymore."
They sure didn't. Fina was after all the last Silvite. She may not have known what 'buy' meant, but she had learned what 'dibs' could mean, and so also in this context.
True, he had given her eyes previously, but was it any more than just that? If it was… She wasn't exactly new to this. During her work in Nasrad she had sometimes got strange suggestions. Good fortune Aika had been there, or else she might've… But Rodrigo seemed okay enough to not try something.
Should she come back later? Now seemed like a bad time to walk in. But first-mate as she was, a simple lookout shouldn't keep her away.
Fina stretched out her hands, and opened up the door.
Inside the room were Rodrigo and Esteban. They were in the midst of polishing cannon-balls. Judging from the dirt on their hands, which she could spot clearly, they had worked out a substantial amount.
"Whoa, speaking of the devil, if you excuse the saying," Rodrigo said.
"Surely," Fina replied. "As soon as you've scrubbed the deck for ten weeks."
She kept her smile for some extra seconds. Rod seemed to have fallen for it, and realised he had some hard work to look forward to. She'd let him know she hadn't been serious… eventually. Seemed she had spent too much time with Aika.
"Esteban, we need your help up at the bridge," Fina said. "Can you come along?"
"Sure," he answered, putting away the washcloth.
After Esteban had cleaned his hands, he and Fina left the room and Rodrigo behind.
"What is it about?" Esteban asked.
"The thing is…" Fina started, while she went back to close the door. "… that Aika has baked. It's prolonged break, but I didn't want to say it out loud."
"Sounds wise," Esteban replied, and smiled quickly.
They began to walk.
Concerning the previous day's stress it would be nice to spend some minutes together just the four of them. Four. She had almost thought 'three', but since a while ago, they had become four. It was important for Esteban to know that he was in their fellowship.
Often, he was a little hard to talk to. Maybe he had been lonely for such a long time that he had forget how to. But from what she knew, he hadn't ever had a real friend in the first place.
Still, Fina knew Esteban was compassionate and cared deeply for his friends. As soon he had signed up, he had been quick to apologise to Fina for that time he had snapped at her.
"By the way, I was thinking," Fina began. Esteban turned to her. "The plan. Will it work out?"
"Absolutely. If it doesn't work, nothing will. They can't afford to miss this bait."
"Be that so it may. I'm more worried about you."
"Asch," Esteban replied, and turned his face away. "I'm her only link to you; she can't afford to do anything."
Involuntarily, Fina glanced at Esteban's headband.
Her heart pounded with deep beatings. No matter how confident Esteban was, she still felt worried.
Now they had reached the intersection right before the stairs that led up to the ship proper. Distantly, they heard the sounds of talking and treading above their heads. Around the corner, two pairs of feet were heard. They grew louder in sound, as they came closer.
"Thank you so much for the tour," they heard Nina say, just around the corner.
"She isn't really easy to fix," Brabham chuckled. "But I've been over to them from time to time to have an overhaul. You'll have to learn your buddies. And Hans will help you too."
Fina saw how Esteban stopped dead in his tracks. She was just about to suggest a new way, but at that moment, Brabham rounded the corner.
"Well, hello, Fina," he said. "So, you've got new crewies I see."
"Yes we have," Fina said. "And very good ones."
She hoped that Nina heard it, provided she hadn't slipped away.
"True, she's a clever lass all around. In time she'll know the engine on her five fingers, or maybe ten. Speaking of the engine, I heard that something had gone astray with it."
"Slightly, yes," Fina said.
"'Slightly'!? Oh, Fina, you don't have to mind my feelings. It was a direct mistake, and I'll let Hans know it. I checked it out, and it shouldn't be any trouble with it, but perhaps you shouldn't use it again until we've managed to replace it."
Esteban decided to remain silent. That old man didn't really have a place in his heart. Far from it. But still… These past days he had encountered people far worse than this engineer. Now when he thought about it, he had been more outrageous than the situation had called for. And the very thing that had set Esteban off was something Brabham couldn't have a clue about. But even before that, he had behaved directly rude and been a pain in the arse.
"We really appreciate your help," Fina said. "Will you stay for dinner?"
"Ho ho, I never thought you would ask. See you later."
Brabham walked down the stairs and away, probably heading back to his beloved engines.
Esteban exhaled in relief. During the whole conversation, it had felt like when he had met that man from the old armada. Almost anticipating the crackpot to charge at him or something. If he did, Esteban had thought up several lines to rebuke with. Unfortunately, not even half of them were something to speak in a lady's presence, and he wasn't very fine-edged in the first place. No one had told him to watch his language.
Perhaps he should've taken the opportunity to show that he had changed? Maybe… even apologise? No. Not until screw-loose did. If Esteban apologized, it was because he had done something wrong.
"Are you alright?" Fina asked. "You look so…"
"Sure!" Esteban said, quickly and a bit harshly. "Sure," he said again, a bit calmer.
Fina hadn't exactly awaited a reconciling party between them two. But maybe they could meet half-way. Had Brabham's words that time cut his wounds that much, or did he hold long grudges?
Hard to tell. Aika was much better with this. She knew Esteban more than anyone else. In time, Fina and Vyse would too.
Hopefully.
xXx
"Really!?" Vyse exclaimed. "Were you also out for Daccat's treasure?"
"We were," Nicole nodded. "It was just before Nasrad was assaulted. We didn't have much to go on; only that Daccat had stayed in that town once."
Vyse and Nicole had just been through checking up the ship, going through the list of supplies and ammunitions for the assault. Now they were up at the bridge. Nina and Hans stood at the panels at portside. Hans went through the controls, and Nina gave him her total attention.
"I'd say it was just as well we didn't find it," Nicole said. "We wouldn't get much for it, apparently. Not as much as you did, eh?"
"I sure did," Vyse smiled.
Hadn't it been for that treasure, Vyse wouldn't have ran into his lost friends in a long time, or maybe never at all. From what they had managed to piece together, they had apparently been pretty close to each other all along, but kept missing each other by seconds. Aika and Fina had just bought their ship and decided to leave Nasrad to try and find Vyse...
Both parties would've spent too much time looking for each other, which would've made them far too late to Yafutoma. Valua would then have the Yafutoman navvy at its disposal, and possibly Blueheim.
"Speaking of Nasrad," Vyse started. "We've made a good job with the ship, and we can do even more on the way there."
"You mean it's time to weigh anchor," Nicole said, extrapolating. "Absolutely. And don't worry about the Azaela. We can pick her up later."
"Good. By the way, they know that you know a lot. And if they find out that you made it through…"
"… Everything would be screwed," Nicole finished.
"Right. We'll leave tomorrow at noon. Spread the word around. If not, I'll let them know at dinner."
With that problem out of the way, Vyse went out from the bridge, down the stairs and in to the galley. Aika sat at one of the window-tables. She had put out cups, a kettle, and a brick with some brownies. Fina and Esteban had just arrived.
"I tell ya, I really made it this time," Aika chimed. "That batter tasted more than just yummy. I wish I could've served it as it was."
"Too bad it doesn't look as appetizing as the cake," Fina said.
"Well, eat it blind-folded then!"
"You shouldn't," Esteban said. "Not when Aika is around."
"Why you! And I almost had her! No seconds for you!"
Vyse shook his head, smiling. Strange, but those were his friends, alright. Daccat sure knew what he was talking about.
As captain, Vyse sure could get away with some slacking. He needed some calm, before the impending storm. Casually, he walked up to the table and sat down.
"I got some news for you," Vyse said, after they had enjoyed Aika's culinary workout. "Tomorrow we'll set sail towards Nasrad."
Three pairs of confused eyes were turned to Vyse.
"Really?" Aika said. "Just like that?"
"Well, there's nothing more we can do here," Vyse said. "It will still take some time to get there, so Enrique has enough time to do his preparations. Also, we should let the crew get used to the Delphinus before the strike. Speaking of which," Vyse turned to Esteban. "You know these lots better than us. When do you think would be the best time to make our move?"
"Well," Esteban started, slowly. "It should maybe take a while. I was thinking that it wouldn't look good if it seems too well-timed."
"Because we officially don't have any idea about your 'unofficial' plan?" Fina said.
"Yes. They might not have anything planned for the time being, so that they can take the bait directly."
"The sooner the better," Aika said. "I'd sure… Hey, what's the matter?"
Esteban had sunk his gaze. Aika looked at his hands, and saw that he was clenching them real hard.
"It's just… I just realised they might send me out for another job." His voice was so strained. "I got enough blood on my hands as it is."
Vyse knew what Esteban meant. He had told Aika and the rest about his jobs. Reluctantly, because he was afraid they would reject him. But it could be seen from long distance that he regretted himself, and that he wanted a new start. That was enough.
So what should he do? 'Just do the job, whatever it is'. No. That was did not rhyme well with the Blue Rogue code. But if Esteban would be in danger…
"You could always 'accidentally' make a mistake," Vyse said. "It's not your fault your victim slipped away, and they need you for this job."
"Perhaps they won't even use you," Fina said. "You're the key for both parts in this."
"Just do what you feel is right," Aika said. "And come back in one piece."
xXx
The Red Fury sailed steady. The course was set to Nasrad.
Izenhof stood up at the bridge, his gaze turned to the bow of the ship. His eyes told nothing of the storms that ravaged in his inner being.
To come back empty-handed was not congruous with staying alive. But perhaps this new information would appease the leader.
Hopefully.
What would've been Izenhof's forerunner's last mission was to pursue a small passing ship. Insignificant at first glance, but it had actually been Vyse's ship. It should've been easy. But it didn't take long before another ship had showed up. They had been two for the same prey. A battle started. The new ones, the Blackbeard II, had been victorious.
After the Red Fury had limbered back to Nasrad, the captain had been brought into the city. He was asked to report. He was eventually sent back… in separate packages. An enclosed letter declared that quartermaster Izenhof had then been promoted to captain.
It had indeed been a fateful day when the six captains had decided to join the syndicate. It was an oath for life. A blood oath.
Too much blood, even for a rough Black Pirate like him.
"Captain! Ship straight ahead!"
"Stand by," Izenhof answered. "Hold the course."
"They're in attack position. They're firing knipples!"
"Evasive action!"
That above everything. Having to escape from a fine booty like this. But they had to beat Vyse to Nasrad.
There had to be a way to end all this. But how?