Terminus Part I: The Journey There (Draft)

Chapter 14: Aftermath of the Mistrial

It was only a few minutes until three p.m. James and his crew had arrived at the town square, and had stopped to rest and look around. They were at that moment, unaware that the two gangs were about to clash in their exact location.

"It will depend on the willpower of those affected... it's not very effective against strong-willed people," explained Crock.

Gumboot had woken up ten minutes after the crew had left. He woke up Persimmon and explained to him who those people were. His understanding was that these people cared about who was actually guilty. Knowing this, Persimmon made the decision to try and catch up with them.

Crock remembered what the girls were talking about. "So, do you know Efelgart Bridge?"

James answered for them. "Yes, they do. The three of us learned about him in a museum."

For a moment, James' answer had relieved Pat and Kans, but Crock didn't buy it. "Ah, but how do they know Lonny?"

"How do you know him?" asked James.

"I guess we can all share later," said Crock, dodging the question after realising that this was not the time for it.

The six of them heard loud rumblings in the distance. James noted that people were coming. They did not expect the gangs that showed up, however. It was now three p.m. and James and his crew found themselves between two rival gangs.

"It's nice to see you, Hedges," boomed Salvador.

"Don't give me that crap, Salvador. You tried to goad me into breaking you out of prison, but you had the ability to do so at any time," answered Hedges.

"We're in the middle of two different gangs," whispered Cameron to the rest of the crew.

"You're no moral authority, Hedges. I know you went looking for the parasite. I also know that Perkins faked the confiscation in order to get to those who would seek to get it back."

"Well, Salvador, it would seem we have both transgressed. Would you consider that both of us may pardon the other, so that we may find the instigator of all this?"

"I have no need to do such a thing. This was obviously a ploy by Barracuda to get us to confront each other. Tell me, has one of your new recruits gone missing in the past day or so?"

"I caught John Dory attempting to fly under the radar."

"Well, one of my new recruits, some bumbling rotten-breath named Kent, hasn't shown up since yesterday."

The guy that held me hostage, thought Cameron.

"So, who are these people in-between us?" asked Salvador.

"My name is James Baron."

"It's nice to finally meet you," said Hedges.

"Do you know of this man?" asked Salvador.

"Only from one of his crewmen."

"And who might that be?"

"A spirited young fellow named Cameron."

"Is that so? And which one of you is Cameron?" Salvador asked the Detective Pirates.

"I am Cameron Miles."

After Cameron had introduced himself, Salvador and Hedges gave a cheer, that was soon accompanied by the cheers of their subordinates.

"These people make me feel charitable," began Salvador. "I think that I would like to make a proposal."