Andrilison

Lean to port

"Hold the deck!" shouted Captain Perlamo of the Rising Sun. Cracks and whistles of musket and cannon fire tore through the air. "Raise the sail. We can't afford it getting damaged." The crew yelled acknowledgement as some separated from the fray to fulfil the order. Bang! A stray cannonball launched through the air, hitting a large group of sailors in melee. Every man was blown apart. A few got up dazed and confused but others weren't so lucky. "Those not occupied shoot at the tugs!" There was a response of, "Yes captain," as men flew to the side of the ship to rain fire on some advancing tugs. Captain Perlamo dropped to his side as a cannonball shredded the rails and planted itself into the back mast. Snapping his head to the side he locked eyes with the opposing captain. Both knew this wasn't going anywhere. The pirates were boarding the naval galleon and each time being repelled. Silent prayers tenderly touched the Pirate Captains lips. He stepped forward and clutched the wheel firmly in his hands and spun it. The pirate vessel turned sharp on its ramming course. Waves were blasted at terminal velocities at their own tugs as they were sucked into the ocean by the downforce. The wood splintered and the men swam for their lives. In awe and shock at the suicidal bravado, Captain Perlamo barked, "Brace for impact!"

With a creak the pirate ship rammed the galleon. Upon contact their was a crunch and the galleon launched away into the water. Sailors slid across the decks and others were chucked overboard. A brief second astonishment swept the battlefield as stunned silence sat breeding with the frozen time. It was plain to see the damage done as everyone came back to their senses. The impact had shattered parts of the galleons hull and water was gushing in slowly, hesitating a second before sloshing in. On the other hand, the pirate vessel had come of undeniably worse. Parts of the font hull had caved in and the mizzen mast had broke and timbered down like a evergreen trunk in a forest leaving a mess of sail cloth enveloping the deck and crushing the people underneath. The water was filling their ship much faster. Through the numerous gaps the eye could see pirates frantically and futilely bailing the water.

Within a few hours the Rising Sun sailed to port for repairs as the last mast of the pirate ship was taken by the water. Life boats were rowing everywhere but the navy had no time for that let the other patrol ships take care of them, Captain Perlamo was happy with sinking the main ship. The crew could rest easy knowing one less ship was on the water causing harm.

By the time the Rising Sun reached port the sun had set and the moon cast its bright light over the waves. The ship was being towed in and had to be counterbalanced with stones to prevent damage from its lean. It was moored and drained in the dry dock. Carpenters and engineers set out to do the repairs and the crew went t the port tavern for a drink. Captain Perlamo wished he could join them but he was apprehended by a messenger stating he had to attend a briefing at the Mariners Guild.