The Black Sail Of The Storm Hawks (Pirate AU)

Chapter Twenty Four - The Armada Arrives

After a long but calm voyage, the Condor and the Rex Guardian had finally docked at Atmosia. With the successful retrieval of the medicines, the pirate haven of Atmosia, the pirates began to engage in merrymaking. For days on end, the pirates celebrated. They had endured another challenge that threatened to end their experiment of a utopia free from the rule of Kings and Queens. As the Sun rose on Atmosia, Aerrow and Piper lay in bed together after a night of lovemaking. As they lay in bed, a knock came at the door in the hut they were sleeping. Aerrow got up and got dressed. When he opened the door, he saw a grim looking Harrier. 

Aerrow: Why the long face, Captain Harrier? 

Harrier: The Council of Captains is meeting. You might want to attend. 

Aerrow: What's wrong?

Harrier: I'll explain at the meeting. Tell your crew to stay ready and don't do anything aggressive. 

As Harrier left, Piper got up and got dressed.

Piper: What's going on?

Aerrow: I don't know. Tell the crew to get ready. And please emphasize the importance of staying calm.

Piper: Aye. 

As Piper followed Aerrow's orders, Aerrow made his way to the estate where the Council of Captains were meeting. On the way there, Aerrow looked to the shores of Atmosia and saw a blockade of ships. He soon saw Cyclonian flags waving high. 

Aerrow: Shit....

Aerrow picked up the pace and made his way to the estate. Once he made it, he met with the Council. 

Aerrow: Jesus, Harrier! You could've told me that the Cyclonian Armada was here on Atmosia! How did they find us? We covered our tracks! 

Harrier: They've had our number for months, Aerrow. It was only a matter of time before they showed up. 

Carver: Which is why we should've abandoned this place! 

Suzy Lu: And abandon everything we believe in? We all built Atmosia!

Carver: And Atmosia failed. We tried to build this utopias for scoundrels and rogues, but it failed. Now we have the Cyclonian Armada blockading the island. Anyone who tries to leave will be sent to the bottom of the sea. Perhaps it's time we took the Pardon.

Suzy Lu: I'd rather the sharks dine on my flesh and bones before I surrender!

At this point, tensions between Carver and Suzy Lu were fever pitched. This division threatened to destroy the Council of Captains. Suddenly, a voice called out from outside the estate. 

???: Harrier! Suzy Lu! Carver! Come on out! We know you're here!

Aerrow peaked out from the window and saw Dark Ace with Ravess and Snipe by his side. 

Aerrow: Shit. That's the Dark Ace! I can't let that bastard see me!

Harrier: He doesn't seem to know that you're here. He might not even be looking for you. 

Aerrow: I need to get out of Atmosia now. 

Carver: Did you not see the blockade of Cyclonian ships docked outside Atmosia? The only way you're getting out of here in with lead in your body. 

At that point, the situation became dire for Aerrow. He had no idea why the Dark Ace was here or if he was on to him. 

Harrier: The Council and I will meet him. If he doesn't know you're here, then you should keep a low profile. See if you can find a way past that blockade. 

Aerrow: Aye. 

Aerrow then exited the estate through the backdoor while the Council of Captains met with Dark Ace. 

Harrier: We are the Council of Captains. I am Captain Harrier....

Dark Ace: Save the pleasantries, Gentleman Pirate. I've come here to present you an ultimatum. On behalf of Admiral Cyclonis of the Cyclonian Armada, you and your gang of pirates are to swear your loyalty to the Cyclonian Armada. 

Suzy Lu: So we can be your slaves?

Dark Ace: We act in your interest. King George may offer you a pardon, but we all know that it won't be enough. The Pardon and the respectable life that comes with it won't last forever. You pirates always fall back into this life. 

Harrier: And what you have to offer?

Dark Ace: Purpose. You all have a talent for killing and raiding. Why not put those talents to better use? 

Suzy Lu: We chose this life because if offers us freedom. Why would we abandon our ways to join a life of servitude?

Dark Ace: Because if you don't, you die. You are a dying breed. How long can you keep this up? It's only a matter of time before your luck runs out. This life ends in death. I present a choice to you. You can continue this life and face total annihilation or you can join the Cyclonian Armada and find purpose. I will give you two days to come to a decision. My fleet will remain here as....precaution. And don't bother trying to leave. My men have been given strict instructions to sink any ship that attempts to leave. Consider my offer. Your life may depend on it. 

After saying this, Dark Ace left with Ravess and Snipe for his flagship. It wasn't long before Talons were stationed on the island and conducted patrols. In that moment, the pirate haven of Atmosia was now under the occupation of the Cyclonian Armada. The Storm Hawks as well as every pirate on the island were trapped. The blockade would sink any ship that attempted to leave Atmosia. It would take a bold and mad plan to successfully escape from Atmosia.