Chapter 16
The Commander of Marine Base G-8
"ALL OF YOU, ON THE GROUND! NOW!" Dreak barked as marines swarmed around them. They were all holding riffles, ready to shoot at a moment's notice. Of course, neither Maxwell or Saga complied with that order.
"BLACK TALON SCHNEIDER! STEP AWAY FROM THE CIVILIAN!" Dreak yelled again. Schneider backed off, raising his hands as he stepped back towards Saga and Maxwell.
Schneider caught Mekao's eye and quickly winked. It was for the best, really. He didn't want to implement Mekao in their actions anymore than they had. Mekao had a family to think about, and could be arrested just for associating with them.
"MAXWELL TREVELYAN! SCHNEIDER KUROKIRI! SAGA OF SHIMOSUKI!" They were surrounded now, marines fanned out to all sides. "YOU ARE IN VIOLATION OF CODE 62 OF THE WORLD GOVERNMENT! SURRENDER NOW, AND YOU MAY YET BE SHOWN MERCY!"
"…You know, I've been hearing a lot of marines mentioning codes lately, whenever I'm accused of a crime," Maxwell said out loud, eying the formation. "Where would one go to learn all of that, Saga?"
Saga huffed, "The allied rulers are given a codex of all the laws during Revery. However, they have no incentive to actually share those laws with the people. You'd be surprised at what kings and marines can get away with."
"Really?" Maxwell raised an eyebrow, "They should educate people more."
"DON'T PLAY GAMES WITH ME MAGISTER!" Dreak exploded at the mage. "You chose to invade this island! MY ISLAND! Where we have our marine base! How stupid do you think I am!?"
Maxwell rolled his eyes, "Pretty stupid, honestly. Or perhaps a bit petty… You did sabotage my correspondence with the king after all." Those communications were a show of trust between himself and Cello. If the monarch didn't know what Maxwell was up too, he was liable to have him arrested.
"King Cello is a fool to let in pirates as he has all these years!" Dreak shouted. "The Treasure Wars… people think they're a sport, but all it does is invite calamity! Every marine puts their life on the line to protect the lives of their citizens! The kingdoms should be grateful for our protection!"
"Even when one of the marines is a traitor?" Saga asked.
"How dare you!" Dreak snarled. The stare of his fellow marines intensified, knowing fully well about Saga's background.
"Someone here has been taking bribes!" Maxwell addressed the marines. "Has been, for years, tarnishing your good name! He, or she, has been collaborating with with a small time pirate, one 'Count' Earl Battler." Maxwell then took the wanted poster he grabbed from the archive and held it up for everyone to see.
"They have been slandering nobility, covering up incidents, and has making a profit off the chaos he causes! They're also the reason Solona Helsing has been defamed so rigorously before the games started!" Maxwell's words actually caused a stir among the marines. Some of them bewildered and looking at each other. It seems many of the marines here were actually locals, hailing from the archipelago.
"Solona Von Helsing is a heretic," Dreak spoke reeling in his men. "It is only through the grace of the Celestial Dragons that she has remained as active as she has. Now she bites the hand that fed her, by plotting insurrection!" Clearly Dreak knew his men. Helsing probably wouldn't have been as important to them if they were from other countries.
However, as soon as Dreak mentions the Celestial Dragons, their mood soured. Yes, these marines were part of the World Government. But that didn't mean they had to like who was in charge!
"That doesn't excuse the traitor," Saga raised his voice, now seeing Maxwell had been playing the crowd. "A marine still collaborated with a pirate, even if was against another criminal. And who knows how far they've fallen! They may even be working with the Children of Nightmare!"
"What?" "No way…!" "Is he for real?" Now this caused a small outrage... A deserter was calling out another traitor, and a Child of Nightmare to boot! Even when they were supposed to be aiming their guns, the marines broke their composure.
"We know where they are hidden!" Saga yelled over the crowd. Even Maxwell turned his head, wondering what Saga was he doing? "I took a look at the evidence board Vice Admiral Jonathan constructed, that you ALL constructed, and saw a major flaw in it! Even when I was a marine, I knew Vice Admiral Jonathan to be an intelligent man! A thorough man! And a stout believer in Justice! He has calculated every possibility you marines could encounter, as you face the Children of Nightmare, and one of you has done him wrong! DONE EVERYONE HERE, WRONG!"
"Back in line!" Dreak shouted at his marines. He wanted to kill these three and be done with it! …However, even he wanted to know what they have uncovered. Unlikely, though it might have been.
"The cult is hidden in the one place you haven't checked!" Saga then pointed into the distance, "Creamy Mist Island!" Gasps and profanities filled the air as men looked between each other with wide eyes.
"They are hidden in the heartland of your kingdom! And no one thought to investigate those shores!? I call bullshit!" Dreak's eyes went wide, and more voices start to agree with the swordsman, accepting the logic. No one had ever brought up the volcano ever since the cult emerged in their kingdom!
"Someone has been playing you all for fools!" Schneider shouted, throwing his support in. "Letting men, women, and children get hurt as cultists infest these islands! Their leader, Sliep, is planning to summon a demon into this world! You might scoff, but the magic is real! And your archipelago is ground zero for this invasion! ARE YOU JUST GOING TO LET THAT HAPPEN!?"
The navy soldiers collectively shouted. "NO!"
"ENOUGH!" Marines flinched as the lieutenant commander's voice bellowed, thundering like a hurricane!
"MARINES! BACK IN FORMATION! DID YOU FORGET THAT THESE MEN ARE PIRATES!?" Dreak scolded them. They were marines! Upholders of justice! How could they get so wrapped up in these villains' words!?
"ONE OF THEM IS A TRAITOR, WHO KILLED 100 MEN UNDER HIS COMMAND!" The Asuka Island Incident was a tragedy, but people forget that marines died too on that island. Shichiseiken's curse hadn't been unleashed for centuries, and the usual failsafes had been sabotaged. The curse made everybody fall into maddness, resulting in a bloodbath of marines not only killing civilians, but each other as well.
"ANOTHER ONE IS FROM AN UNALLIED NATION AND THEREFORE HAS NO RIGHTS UNDER THE WORLD GOVERNMENT CHARTER!" Which was true. Rights and privileges of the World Government were reserved for citizens of the allied kingdoms. Schneider, when he first arrived, may have been greeted warmly, but now he was a pirate. And thus worthless in the eyes of the navy.
"AND THIS F*****—!" Dreak pointed at the Magister, "DEMOLISHED OUR JUDICIAL ISLAND! OUR ENIES LOBBY! AN AFFRONT AGAINST JUSTICE AND THE WORLD ITSELF!"
"You did that to yourselves, you twit!" Maxwell retorted. "Or did you not hear about the illegal Buster Call and stolen snail?"
"SHUT UP!" This time, Dreak's voice shrieked as it reached a higher octave. "I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU WALKING AROUND THESE ISLANDS WITHOUT RESTRICTION, MAGISTER! YOU ARE A CRIMINAL AND HAVE NO SAY IN WHAT GOES ON IN THIS KINGDOM! YOUR WORD IS USELESS! YOUR ACTIONS, POINTLESS! TODAY IS THE DAY YOU DIE, TREVELYAN!"
"[Are those words your professional opinion, commander? Or are you scared that they might be telling the truth?]"
Huh?
Everyone looked back at the entrance, wondering who spoke up. There was Toma, sitting in a wheelchair with his medical packet hanging above him. He was accompanied by Dr. Kobato, pushing a tray containing Karasu's pet carrier, and a den-den mushi!
…Right, Maxwell had left Karasu in the library when he raced to find out what was causing those demolition noises.
However, it wasn't Toma, Kobato, or Karasu that spoke out. It the transponder snail.
"V-Vice Admiral Jonathan!?" Dreak blustered recognizing the voice. "I thought communication was limited because of Portgas D. Ace's execution!"
"[They were.]" The mustached snail replied. "[However, young Toma here got in contact with his own unit and asked for me at Marineford. .R.D. members never were big on protocol, and I was quite surprised to see what he uncovered.]"
"W-What do you mean?" Dreak asked, confused.
"That you are the goddamn traitor here at G-8!" Toma couldn't help blurt out. He held up a folder and threw it onto the ground, letting the contents spill out of it.
"I followed after these criminals, even when I should have stayed in bed!" Toma pointed at the trio. "And what should I overhear, but a possible marine collaborating with a pirate, framing a noblewoman." Toma pushed his wheelchair forward, "I spied on these three! The old man may not have found anything, but the Magister and Saga were correct! Someone was working against us from inside G-8. And these documents implicate you, Lieutenant Commander!"
"What!?" Dreak's eyes widen and immediately looked down at the papers.
"I found them in your office," Toma said with distain, "in a safe, behind a portrait of Fleet Admiral Sengoku. You have been covering for Battler since he decided to settle here in the archipelago! And I took a look at your log books two! 7 trips to Vacation Island!? That island nearly takes a seasonal budget to visit on shore leave! Do you realize how much of a breach in protocol that is!?"
"[Enough!]" The voice of Vice Admiral Jonathan interjected. "[You've said your piece, Ensign Toma.]" The young swordsman glared at Dreak and rolled back next to the den-den mushi.
"[…Dreak, Toma sent over a copy of these documents and they are damning. They prove a security risk that leaves us vulnerable to outside influence. Do you acknowledge that these documents are yours?]"
You couldn't see Dreak's eyes beneath his hat. His body trembled and didn't dare say a word.
"[Even if you are not a member of the cult, this enough for headquarters to initiate an internal review. We are not meant to meddle in the politics of our allies! That is for the Cipher Pol is for!Do you acknowledge that these documents are yours!?]"
Dreak didn't speak.
The snail sighed, "[…Very well. Lieutenant Commander Dreak, you are hear-by relieved of command of Navy Base Grand Line 8. You are expected to remain within its premises until I, or another high ranking naval officer, come to review and investigate this matter.]"
"[Furthermore, as the only commissioned marine present at G-8, Ensign Toma of S.W.O.R.D. will be in charge of the base until a supervisory officer arrives to investigate the Creamy Mist Archipelago.]" It said a lot, how the base was now being run by a teenager. There literally wasn't anyone else who could reasonably run this place. Everyone else was at Marineford!
"…And, the pirates, sir?" Dreak could barely get the words out.
"[Were they not King Cello's agents?]" Maxwell could see both Dreak and Toma sour at those words. Dreak's fists tightened and Toma could only glance regretfully at Saga. "[No harm is to come to them. Our arrangements with Creamy Mist and the Treasure Wars prevent their arrest... And sad though it is to admit, they did us all a favour. They exposed corruption within the marines. My only regret, is that it was you, old friend.]"
"[Ensign Toma!]" Toma stood straighter as Jonathan addressed him. "[The communication blackout to Marineford is still in effect. You are very lucky to accomplish even this much. However, the proko snails are still functioning. I expect daily reports on your activities until the war happens. I want to know the status of our base, and any progress against the Children of Nightmare. That is all.]"
"[MARINES OF G-8!]" the transponder snail shouted, and all marines stood to attention. "[DO YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR DIRECTIVE!?]"
"SIR, YES SIR!" they all shouted.
"[Remain vigilant. Vice Admiral Jonathan signing out.] —CLICK!" The den-den mushi sagged on its tray and the yard was suddenly quiet again.
"…Well," Maxwell was the first to speak up, "seeing as we are no longer wanted men at the moment. Ensign Toma, how do you foresee us working together under King Cello's banner?"
*BANG! TING—WAAAANG!*
Dreak stood there, pointing the smoking gun, "You think I'm just going to let this happen?"
Maxwell was just lucky enough to deflect the bullet with his prosthetic.
"I have poured my blood and sweat into following the navy. I was improving the lives of the people, and this is the thanks I get!?" Dreak started pointing the gun wildly at everyone, "Not one of you has the mettle to lead this company! We are the epitome of Justice! But when I look at you all, all I see are cowards!"
"I took charge of this base! I was using my connections to help the people! I deserve to—OOF!"
*WHAM!*
All of a sudden, something dropped out of the sky and landed on Lieutenant Commander Dreak. It was Buzz! The old dog had pounced on the marine in his hybrid form, looking like the massive winged hound he was. Buzz also had his teeth around Dreak's neck, growling at him to make a move! Dreak barely even realized what happened, shocking him stiff!
No one really knew what to make of it…
However, Schneider burst out laughing, "HAHAHAHAHA! GOOD BOY BUZZ! GOOD DOG!" and immediately went to greet his old companion.
"Okay Buzz, you can let the marine go!" Buzz growled and jumped like he was handling a toy. "Buzz, he is not a chew toy. Drop him!" The dog's tail wagged as he jumped again. "Buzz. No. Sit!" The marines slowly put away their riffles, the tension broken with Lieutenant Commander Dreak now acting as a chew toy
Maxwell watched the scene, even as he walked over to Toma. "You might need some handcuffs on him soon," referring to Dreak, still dangling in the eagle-dog's maw.
"This certainly won't reflect well on his reputation…" Toma couldn't help but agree, but the swordsman turned in his seat, "As to your question earlier. I can't, in good conscience, work around Saga. Even if he's under your protection, I fear I'll lash out soon, because of the proximity. My bandages are what keep me at bay, for the moment."
Maxwell looked over at Saga. He stood guard over Maji while they had yet to decide what to do with him. Saga also turned around when he saw Maxwell and Toma looking at him.
"Then don't."
Toma looked at the mage in confusion.
Maxwell explained, "I need someone to help me explain what happened with Karasu. And I need to report what I've uncovered with the Children of Nightmare. Having the new leader of G-8 could lend me some credibility, and help with the marine's investigation."
"Meanwhile, Schneider and Saga can interrogate Maji here in the navy base, and I'll play messenger. Do you think Saga will do anything nefarious if we left him here?"
"No… But first, you need to answer for all the marines you attacked here, Magister!" Toma looked him straight in the eyes. "If you want my cooperation, I want you to help heal my marines before we confront Cello. According to the reports, it is well within your capabilities! Do we have a deal?"
"SOMEONE GET ME OUT OF HERE!" "BUZZ, THIS ISN'T PLAY TIME!"
Maxwell briefly looked over to see Schneider chasing after his own dog. However, he still shook the young man's hand. "Deal!"
"Don't think you're off the hook with me either, mister!" Maxwell couldn't help but blanch as Dr. Kobato tore into him as well. "You got my father as well as this bird in trouble—!"
O O O
Two days later…
Both Maxwell and Toma stood in front of King Cello, explaining what happened in the last three days.
Toma reported how Dreak misused his power to interfere with Maxwell's investigation. How he had the Magister followed, and did not report the Eight-Legged or Second Dock incidents. Many of those pirates had been arrested, pending trial, and Lytton had disappeared before the marines could even question him. Toma formally apologized for Dreak's actions, including shooting Karasu out of the sky.
He also explained Dreak's rogue activities, sponsoring a pirate to become one of Cello's nobility. How he approved of Battler's methods to vandalize public property and pin the blame on Helsing. Earl Battler was also the reason Solona Helsing became so radicalized, feeling helpless as the world moved against her. Battler's endgame would have been to eventually become king.
And while Cello would have loved nothing more than to arrest Battler, the king also had some news to share with them…
Earl Battler was missing. And his last known location was at the docks as well…
Maxwell then went on to explain his own investigation. How Helsing's circumstances led her to course of actions, and that now Solona was missing. He described both of his encounters with the Children of Nightmare and that they were in fact using blood magic.
The mage also explained how he encountered Bearking and Honeyqueen, the people who ferried and were later betrayed but the cult leader, Sliep. Cello wasn't happy to learn of their involvement, but let Maxwell explain. Bearking and Honeyqueen had both been to the temple on Creamy Mist, and that Sliep was likely held up there.
Maxwell also explained the sudden words of the thrall he captured. How Dr. Ratchet was collaborating with the cult, building some sort of machine to help summon their demon overlord. Though, Maxwell held back a few details on the Eluvian… The less people knew of other worlds, the better.
King Cello took in a deep breath as he thought over everything that happened, pressing his forehead against his hands, as they joined at the fingertips. Karasu sat on top of his desk, looking mournfully at the king. There was a lot to process. Some of it was good, but more of it was bad!
His niece had been taken. His kingdom was on the brink of invasion. And all he had was a few select fighters to combat this crisis!
…But slowly, a plan did form in his head.
"Ensign Toma," Cello addressed the marine. "I want you to rally the base to invade Creamy Mist Volcano. Remain on standby, until the Magister completes his task."
"Understood, your Majesty!" Toma saluted.
"Trevelyan. Ratchet is planning to return here this afternoon. He fully expects me to sign a treaty, signalling my submission to his rule. This will not happen, and fully expect you to undertake this mission to make it so!" Maxwell didn't speak against it, fully knowing dealing the Ratchet meant dealing with the cult.
"Your team will do the following: Schneider will distract his son, while Saga assists as a bodyguard. I fully expect they should be able to take him down and lead them to the dungeons." King Cello fully expected there to be family drama. But that undertone ultimately meant nothing to him in face of Creamy Mist's security.
"Meanwhile, you shall commandeer Ratchet's method of transportation and fly towards Mecha Island. I want you to infiltrate the island and retrieve the documents Dr. Ratchet has pertaining to the cult. More specifically, I want the location and travel route of the Children's base, and the schematics to the machine Ratchet is building for them. Only then will we assault the Children of Nightmare. I intend wipe their presence clean, out my kingdom. Is that understood?"
Maxwell nodded, "Crystal, King Cello."
The king tidied up his desk, "I recommend you bringing Madam Roba with you to integrate yourself with the locals. No more further reports are necessary."
"Thank you, your Majesty." Maxwell bowed, if only to be polite. Internally though, he was ecstatic to no longer have overwatch.
Maxwell had no intentions of running. He was going to deal with the cult, one way, or the other!
O O O
…
…What do you hear when you see the sea?
What do you hear when the waves lap against the shore?
Is it the water churning as its momentum is broken?
Is it the foam that dissolves and soaks into the sand?
Or perhaps the wind, as it whistles a kindly tune?
A man should be able to feel all of these… But Mobambi did not.
No… He heard something different. His mind had wandered elsewhere. And his eyes were looking out, into the distance.
The usual nightmare of pain and suffering was gone. It had been empty. Finally quiet! And he ended up on this beach.
But what he heard now had broken the silence.
The sound of pain! …No, the sound of distress. A pain not of his own making. A woman crying out into the void!
Suffering… What had he suffered for? He hadn't had a chance to think, drowning in the misery of that cage. The only thing he could remember was his name, Mobambi… and Mobambi could hear her pain.
It stirred something in his heart. Something… strong. Tense. It floated in his chest, but still had weight.
He wanted to help… He should help!
And with that heart ablaze, he dove into the water! Mobambi will help that woman in distress!