MARINES - A ONE PIECE story (ENGLISH) - Part I

CHAPTER CXVII - Seven days left

A large sign saying "Top Secret - Do Not Distub" (with the misspelling), had been hung on the hull of the Golden Ziz, whose entire deck was now inaccessible. Since his recovery, and although his motor functions were still considerably reduced, Zell wasn't sparing himself : he had patched up the hold floor with wood salvaged from the island's forest, made sure the ship was watertight and reattached the mast. He had heard the protests of Jane and Haru, one ordering him to be very careful with her ship and the other asking him to be very careful with himself, but he had simply replied :

- I can still stand, hold a saw and see more or less what I am doing. That is enough for the best shipwright to do his job !

He was helped in his task by Jorge, who never let him out of his sight. Although he would never admit it, he was very worried about his comrade.

- Why don't you go somewhere else, shaggy boy ? grumbled Zell as he was nailing down a board. You gonna wipe my ass after I'm done taking my shit, too ? I'm not a toddler.

- Keep joking, you dumbass ! I just don't want you to get hurt. If you do, you'll use it as an excuse the next time I have to beat the shit out of you !

- Even if I'd lost both my legs, you wouldn't be a match for me, man ! laughed the other.

And as his friend held him up his tools, Zell gave him a knowing look with his only eye left. He was glad to have someone to rely on in his renovation project.

...

Meanwhile, Arthur had gathered the rest of his team in the kitchen for a meeting to which Jane was also invited. On a large parchment, the young soldier had drawn a very detailed plan.

- So this is your G2 base ? asked Jane wearily. Was expecting better...

- Not a paradisiac place, we grant you that ! replied Arthur with a smile. The fact is that it is above all a military fortress considered impossible to take... but not for us ! As we spent our youth there, we know all its secrets.

He pointed to the large square on the North side of the base.

- This is the main esplanade. The execution will probably take place here. Usually, the bay is guarded by five or six battleships, so it will be particularly difficult for us to penetrate the base head-on.

- I've got my own idea about that, don't worry ! the young pirate replied with a wink.

As he was about to ask her for details, Jun moved to his side.

- Before we go ahead with our plan, are you aware of the danger this poses to you ?

- This is definitely a maneuver by Edward to capture you, Haru added. It clearly is a trap you are going to fall into, Arthur.

He looked at each of them in turn, shrugging his shoulders.

- Do you have a better idea ? Those poor souls are all going to be executed if we don't move. They were willing to give their lives for our salvation, we'd be poor vigilantes if we couldn't to do the same.

- However, Haru whispered, we ask you not to rush into anything. Consider all the possibilities before you act, please. You must not forget that we are talking about Edward.

- Don't worry, the captain agreed with a smile. And then Jane told us that she already had a brilliant idea, right ?

...

A completely different plan was laid out on the fleet admiral's desk. The one detailing the new hierarchy that had been approved and put away, and now it was the plans for a ceremony that were being carefully considered. Guests, food, orchestra, layout... Nothing was left to chance by the new fleet admiral. With his only hand, he spread the lock of hair that was falling on his forehead and carefully put away his pen, as one knocked at the door. A young woman walked in, her long officer's coat absolutely immaculate, and she spoke in a clear voice.