The Revolution Came

Chapter 19: Battle of Cheapsake bay

December 5, 1932
Port of Hoppa

The port of Hoppa bustled with activity, its waters crowded with vessels preparing for the impending battle. Aboard The Jackdaw, Admiral Ertchin's flagship, the commanders gathered around a large map spread across the table.

Cody turned to Ertchin and Commodore Lystrum. "Admiral, Commodore, I trust you've both been briefed on the plan?"

The two men exchanged a glance and nodded.

"Good," Cody said, offering a faint smile. "But let's go over the key points one more time." He stepped closer to the map, his fingers tracing the strategic positions.

"Admiral Dorian, you and Commodore Lystrum will lead the naval assault. Your objective is to hold the enemy at bay until the French reinforcements arrive." He shifted his focus. "General Darlan and I will command the land campaign."

His gaze swept over the assembled officers. "Is that understood?"

A chorus of nods followed.

"Then may we all live to see the light of freedom," Cody finished, his voice firm with resolve. With that, the commanders dispersed, each making their final preparations for the decisive battle ahead.

________

On the deck of The Jackdaw, sailors moved with practiced efficiency, securing ropes, inspecting cannons, and making final preparations for battle. Ertchin stood near the helm, watching over them, his expression unreadable.

Footsteps approached. He turned to find Admiral Dorian, the French commander, standing before him.

"Monsieur Dorian," Ertchin greeted with a respectful bow.

"Monsieur Lystrum," the French admiral replied, offering a slight nod in return before getting straight to the point.

"I was promised a fleet of twenty warships," Dorian said, his tone sharp. "Yet, upon arrival, all I see is a merchant vessel past its prime... and a boy playing dress-up as an officer."

Ertchin's jaw tightened, but he kept his composure. His glare, however, did not go unnoticed.

"I assure you, Admiral, The Jackdaw is no mere merchant ship," he said evenly. "She carries enough cannons and mortars to cripple an enemy fleet. And as for me, " he took a step closer, "I let my skill, not my uniform, speak for itself."

Dorian studied him for a long moment before sighing. "For all our sakes, I hope the generals were right about you."

With that, he extended a hand. Ertchin took it, gripping firmly.

The battle ahead would put both men's reputations and their lives to the test.

December 5, 1932
Cheapsake Bay

Three ships sailed into port, their sails billowing against the salty wind. The crews stood at the ready, weapons loaded, eyes locked on the looming battle ahead.

"Set the sails to half speed!" Ertchin commanded from the deck of The Jackdaw, his voice carrying over the crashing waves. "Prepare the cannons, but hold your fire!"

The ships glided into the bay, where the Royal Navy had already taken formation. It was poised to defend the last remnants of the British forces on land. The battle was inevitable.

As the naval forces clashed, cannon fire erupted across the water, shaking the very sea. Smoke filled the air, gunpowder and salt mixing into the chaos.