Tides of deception ✺ Outlander/Stephen Bonnet Fanfic

♤46. Bloodshed 🕷⚠️

Trigger warning: This chapter might contain events that could trigger past trauma.

Stephen leaned against the rail, squinting at the horizon, while Justin approached, clutching a handful of sketches and parchment filled with notes. The man's face held a mixture of anticipation and determinedness as he glanced at Stephen, waiting for his attention. When Stephen finally glanced his way, Justin cleared his throat, extending his notes toward him.

"Been working on some ideas," Justin began, a touch of nerves in his voice. "Thought... well, with some help, they could maybe amount to something. Strategies, new techniques that might... change the way we approach fights, especially in close quarters."

Stephen took the papers, his eyes narrowing as he began scanning through Justin's plans. There were sketched-out tactics, with detailed explanations on the side, covering everything from surprise attacks in tight terrain to the use of natural elements as camouflage. Justin's ideas leaned into a guerilla style, something foreign to the formal military but ideal for those with limited resources, like privateers or small fleets.

"These aren't half bad," Stephen muttered, flipping through the papers. "You've got an eye for spotting weaknesses, the kind most don't see 'til it's too late." He looked at Justin, a spark of approval in his gaze. "Bernie might take interest in this, and through him, you might find the right connections in the Navy. It's a gamble, but it could lead you toward a different path in life. One less..." he smirked, "unpredictable."

Justin's face lit up, a mix of gratitude and pride flooding over him. "Thank you, Captain. Means more than you know. I didn't know if-"

Before he could finish, the sharp, urgent voice of the lookout cut through the air. "Ship on the horizon! To starboard!"

Stephen's gaze snapped up, his eyes narrowing as he peered through the midday haze. The ship approaching was unmistakable: Black Caesar's. Known for his brutal tactics and fearsome crew, Caesar typically sailed other waters; his presence here was an unwelcome surprise.

Stephen's mind raced. Someone must have leaked word of their haul to Caesar. They were carrying priceless artifacts, and if Caesar knew, it meant he'd stop at nothing to claim them.

"All hands on deck!" Stephen's voice thundered, cutting through the murmurs of the crew. The men sprang to action, readying the cannons, loading shot and powder, and taking their positions.

The air grew tense as Black Caesar's ship closed the distance, his crew a menacing sight on the deck, armed and ready. Caesar's colors flew high and unmistakable-a stark reminder that he hadn't come for a friendly chat. Stephen gritted his teeth, stepping up onto the quarterdeck to issue commands.

"Keep the cannons steady," he barked, watching as Caesar's ship veered closer, angling for an attack. "Aim for their masts. Let's make sure they're the ones struggling to float."

With a resounding boom, the first cannon fired, sending a shot ripping through the air toward Caesar's ship. Caesar's crew returned fire almost instantly, and soon, both ships were engulfed in smoke, the smell of gunpowder thick on the air. Cannons roared, the deck vibrating with each shot, and Stephen's voice cut through the chaos, barking orders to keep his crew in line.

The battle intensified as Caesar's ship moved even closer, their own cannons firing relentlessly. The sound was deafening, each explosion shaking the deck beneath them. Splinters of wood flew through the air as cannonballs tore into their sides. Stephen's crew fought back fiercely, aiming to disable Caesar's ship by taking out its masts, but Caesar's men were skilled, and their aim was deadly.

Stephen's focus shifted as a fresh volley of gunfire erupted from Caesar's ship, bullets cutting through the air. Booker was among those in the line of fire, and Stephen saw it happen in an instant-Booker fell back, clutching his chest, his face twisted in pain as he crumpled to the deck. Two other men nearby suffered the same fate, hit by the relentless gunfire from Caesar's crew.