The Adventures of the HMS Harlot

Part 3: Connor Tempest, Scout

Keeping a steady pace back to the ship, it occurred to me that I never asked what went on back there with Eldon and the guards. Just as I was about to ask I was interrupted. 

"kak, kak, kak." "kak, kak, kak." Phoenix swooped in from of above and landed on my shoulder as we raced the filthy streets of the colonies to get back to the docks. His razor like talons clenched tight onto my right shoulder signaling me that something was up. 

"Roy something's up. Phoenix is either really spooked or is trying to warn me."

"Well we're almost back to the Harlot everyone keep their eyes open," he commanded Eldon and I. 

As we were coming back to the ship, we figured out that Phoenix was scared AND came to warn me. A huge battle ship was headed in our direction and not just any battleship, The Gabriel.

"Oh no. Roy we have to get back to the harlot now" I yelled as my constant jog quickly increased to full blown running. Everyone picked up the pace; Roy raced past me and Eldon; Eldon was trying very hard to keep up. He better had if we wanted to live to see another day. 

The Gabriel is a warship and not just any warship, it is considered one of the top three most dangerous ships in all of the Armada's fleet. It had the most advanced weapons as far the eyes can see. And I know from experience that it was at least two times faster than our precious Harlot, if not three. The Armada's flag waved high in the sky, and if they were to catch us we'd be lucky to only walk the plank. That crew hosts some of the most ruthless men and women to ever touch a cloud.

"That's the blimey Gabriel!" I shouted.

"You heard of it?" Roy inquired.

"Heard of it?" I said rhetorically. That ship is the reason I failed my last mission and the reason the Union's final assault was thwarted, I thought to myself as I relived those terrible memories of my last mission.

We arrived on the deck of the Harlot and Roy ran immediately to the helm of the ship. The sight of this monstrous vessel was enough to make any buccaneer quiver in their boots. Everyone looked like they knew exactly how much trouble we we're in, but somehow I sincerely doubted that. As we took off, everyone was trying to be useful. The captain was handing out orders in a panic mostly to Roy and Odessa. The Gabriel began attacking us, as we were maneuvering through the sky.

Fighting the Gabriel wouldn't have been my first choice, but I admire the Captain's decision to do so.

"Man the cannons! Everyone to their battle stations"

"Aye Aye" we shouted in unison.

After we traded balls of metal The Gabriel retreated and the crew seemed at ease. That never happens. I'm not sure what was going on, but there is one thing for sure; this isn't over. I fear for what's next to come. I looked across the deck and saw Otto and Witherford taking a drink. I smiled and took a sip of my personal stash.

"Enjoy men, this might be one of the last simple pleasures life may give us."

Until next time,
Connor Tempest.