“So, just around the outcrop?”

  “Yep.”

  “And that’s how you got past before?”

  “Yep.”

  “So they don’t patrol that area?” Aloette curiously asked, looking up at Bridget on the wheel.

  “They don’t need to. Just knowing the headquarters are nearby is enough to scare most pirates off.” Bridget reasoned, navigating through the few small land masses populating their path to their destination.

  “And you know for a fact they won’t check here?” Sadashi questioned, sitting on the other side of the boat, as Bridget stuck her tongue out.

  “Hey, fuddy duddy, I sailed by here last week. And the week before that. And a few times the month prior.” Bridget bragged, before lowering her eyes to Sadashi. “And for someone who exclusively hung out around the south of Nestell, I find you calling out my planning pretty rich.”

  Sadashi started gritting his teeth, as Aloette stood up.

  “It’s the best option we have, and we’ve only got so many supplies before we have to stop again.” Aloette reasoned, managing to convince Sadashi somewhat.

  “…fair point.” Sadashi admitted, deciding to lie back on his seat, still feeling some lingering weakness from his earlier food deprivation.

  Aloette grinned and proudly pointed forward from the bow of the ship.

  “Okay then! Onward we go! Captain decrees it!”

  Bridget smirked to herself. “I’m flattered, Aloette.”

  Aloette blinked, before pointing to herself. “Oh no, I meant me.”

  Bridget and Sadashi shared a glance, as Sadashi slowly sat up again.

  “You want to be the captain?” Bridget wondered.

  “Yes, of course!” Aloette insisted. “We’ve each got our role, after all.”

  “Aloette.” Sadashi started, rubbing his face. “…I really think I should be leading this journey. You’re still new to all this, and I’ve got…frankly, too much experience.”

  “Yeah, give it to him.” Bridget reasoned. “You’re still young. Just hang back and enjoy yourself.”

  “I will be doing no such thing!” Aloette insisted, stepping forward. “This may be the only time in my life when I get a chance like this! And I happen to make very good decisions in…captainey matters!”

  Bridget smirked, before covering her mouth. “You sound like…”

  She cleared her throat a bit. “…you sound like a kid.”

  Bridget took a second, before leaning over to Sadashi. “Actually, how old is…?”

  “Twenty.” He replied, as Bridget tilted her head.

  “…huh.” She let out, just as the outcrop in question started coming into view in the distance. “Alright, we’re nearby. Just a few stretches of land blocking us from prying eyes, and we’re onto Averole.”

  Bridget happily sailed the excited Aloette and cautious Sadashi closer to the massive outcrop, visibly stretching across the ocean for a while. She did her best to hug tightly to it, close enough to avoid detection, but far enough to not crash into the side of the rock.

  Despite nothing being around them, Aloette and Sadashi collectively held their breaths, worrying saying anything would jinx it.

  The silence was almost eery.

  The only sound echoing out was the waved crashing against the outcrop, and against the side of the boat.

  The rest of the ocean was featureless too.

  Featureless blue expanse.

  And one ship.

  One…other ship, apart from theirs.

  In the distance.

  …a Precession ship.

  Bridget immediately noticed it in the distance, as her cheery disposition faded away instantly. She kept her attention on the distance left to travel, hoping not to draw their attention.

  Aloette and Sadashi both noticed it as well, as their held breaths remained tightly held.

  Fortunately, it looked to be going in the othe…

  …the ship stopped.

  “…shit.” Bridget let out, debating whether to take the sails down to minimise their presence, or whether to get closer to the outcrop to hide.

  The ship turned toward them.

  “God fucking…” Bridget muttered, keeping her hands steady on the wheel, as Sadashi came up behind her.

  “You said they didn’t patrol here.”

  “Yeah, well I was wrong! I guess they changed it!” Bridget insisted, shoving him out of the way, as she did her best not to crash into the outcrop.

  “Uhh, they’re coming this way.” Aloette pointed out. “Do we have cannons on here?”

  “Do you see any?!” Bridget yelled out, before the ship was in firing distance. “Alright, I’ll try steering us out of thi-“

  Bridget was halted when a sound rang out from the ship, sounding like a horn, as it floated its way even closer to them.

  Bridget was forced to stop the boat, right as the ship turned its side to them…

  …and slowly lowered a walkway connecting the ships.

  The trio stood back, expecting some kind of adversaries to jump out and plunder them, only to spot a figure at the top of the walkway, waving.

  “Ahoy, mateys!”

  The man gave a small wave with one hand, smugly grinning, as the trio assessed what his motives could possibly be. He looked like a Precession admiral, but other than that…

  Before they could question it further, he casually stepped to the side and held his hand out.

  “Care to have a chat?” He asked, beckoning them up.

  All three held back, wondering how lucky they could get with trying to escape, as the man’s patience was clearly wearing thin.

  “…we’re too close to sink ya.” He noted, indicating to the cannons and the outcrop. “We’d be doing just as much damage to our ship too.”

  He threw his hands up. “I’m willing to hear ya out, but if ya try to leave, I’ll have to fulfill my duties as an admiral and take out the pirates. Catch my drift?”

  Aloette bit her lip, before looking back at Sadashi and Bridget, then slowly, without much choice, walking up the plank to the admiral’s ship.

  As to be expected, it was impressively spacious and well-maintained, with several trained officers standing by, clearly prepared in case one of them tried anything. Compared to their much smaller ship, the sails alone were enough to intimidate Aloette with their sheer size.

  Of course, this feeling was being overwhelmed by her excitement for the new experience of boarding an enemy ship, but Sadashi and Bridget comfortably made up for that lack of worry with their own.

  The admiral guided them into the main room adjacent to the deck, only for Aloette to stop in front of a small perch beside the entrance, holding…

  “Careful now.” The admiral intercepted, stepping between Aloette and the perch. “He’s a pecker. Real dangerous bird without the right amount of control.”

  The admiral took a small whistle from around his neck and blew on it, as it flew up from its perch and landed on his other arm, which was covered in a leather glove.

  “Multi-coloured maltese falcon.” The admiral bragged, grabbing a small pellet from his pocket to feed the falcon. “Never seen a more trusting bird, have ya?”

  Aloette started getting swept up in the falcon’s impressive rainbow plumage, only for Sadashi to push her into the main room, holding a large dining table and several bookcases across the walls.

  “I get it. Ya wanna get negotiations over with, I hear ya.” He stated, closing the doors behind them, as the trio filled out the space, with Aloette sitting at the end of the table, Sadashi watching her, and Bridget curiously looking around. “And where are my manners?”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  The admiral placed his hand on his chest and gave a little bow.

  “Piper. Royal Precession admiral, but ya probably figured that out.”

  Piper hovered his finger over the trio. “And which of yall’s the leader of your group?”

  After a slight moment of hesitation from everyone, Aloette stood up proudly, placing her hands on her hips.

  Piper awkwardly grinned and lowered his gaze.

  “You?” He remarked, before snickering to himself. “Okay, okay. Miss…?”

  “Aloette! Aloette th-“ Aloette announced, before remembering her company and stopping herself. “…Aloette the leader! Of our merry band of pirates!”

  Piper glazed his eyes over Sadashi’s pissed expression and Bridget’s checked out movements.

  “…seems you’re the only merry one.” Piper pointed out. “Okay, I’ll skip to the chase, cause I’m sure ya’ll don’t wanna be here.”

  Piper placed his hands on one of the chairs at the table.

  “See, shooting down pirates is fun and all, but it’s a good waste of resources.” Piper noted, spinning his hand. “We’re far enough from most of the centres of production in Nestell, so I try to be efficient. No cannons if they can be avoided, just good ol’ talking.”

  Aloette nodded along, following what he was saying, as Sadashi split his attention between him and keeping an eye on Aloette.

  “So…I’ve got a proposition.” Piper offered. “Ya ever heard of a privateer?”

  “Uhh…” Aloette let out, only for Sadashi to rest his hand on her shoulder.

  “They’re pirates hired by the government, aren’t they?”

  Piper shifted his attention to Sadashi and smiled.

  “Why yes they are. Appreciate that.” Piper said, now mostly addressing him. “I’m under no preconceptions that our businesses aren’t as closely linked as they are. We all sail, navigate, plunder in a way. Heck, we’re basically pirates with uniforms.”

  Bridget started tuning in and watching over her shoulder.

  “So you come work for Syrille, ya’ll get to keep doing what you like, and you get paid by the kingdom.” Piper declared, throwing his hands up. “In return, you take out some pesky pirates when we ask, and we’ll stay out of ya hair.”

  Piper waited for a response, as it was clear Aloette was deliberating.

  “…it’s a good deal.” Piper pointed out, shrugging.

  Before Aloette could answer, Sadashi piped up with a question.

  “Why us?” Sadashi asked, arms folded. “Of all the pirates out on the sea. Our boats tiny, and we’re a crew of three.”

  Piper grinned happily.

  “…ya’ll really think I don’t recognise Sadashi Sicer?”

  Sadashi’s pupils shrank, as he stepped back in fear.

  “Easy, I’m not out for blood.” Piper assured. “Though I am curious why your head’s still on ya neck. Seems to me ya’ll somehow managed to escape execution.”

  Aloette stood up fiercely, a little pouty.

  “That’s because I broke him out!” Aloette declared, trying not to look back at Sadashi as she said it.

  Piper smirked. “Alright, Miss Aloette, I shoulda given you more credit.” Piper pointed out. “But I’m sure if a member of the Pirate Lord’s crew were to switch sides, Syrille’d be able to overlook your past transgressions.”

  Aloette’s eyes widened, as she looked over at Sadashi and mouthed the words ‘Pirate Lord’ in shock. Sadashi rolled his eyes and slammed his hand on the table.

  “I’m not betraying my captain.”

  “Yeah!” Aloette agreed, getting up herself. “And being paid by the government’s not pirating! Where’s the freedom in that?”

  Piper noticed the conviction in Aloette and Sadashi’s faces, as he turned to Bridget as a last-ditch effort the make the deal.

  “…what they said.” Bridget agreed, before pointing up at some of the older books on the shelf. “How much did you pay for these?”

  Piper looked over the trio, before sighing out and shaking his head.

  “…whelp, there’s not much that can be done about that.” Piper said, before holding his hand out to the door. “Ya’ll free to go now.”

  The trio curiously stared at each other, with Bridget heading out almost immediately, as Sadashi rested his hand on Aloette.

  “You’re just gonna let us go?”

  “That’s right.”

  “And we’re meant to buy that?”

  Piper smirked. “I’m a man of my word. Ya’ll can head back to ya ship whenever ya want. We won’t stop ya.”

  “And there’s no catch?” Sadashi said, wondering if he should just take the opportunity and leave with Aloette.

  “Do ya want there to be a catch?” Piper joked, indicating to the door again, as Aloette took the chance to get up and head out, beckoning Sadashi to follow.

  Sadashi quietly followed behind, as they joined up with Bridget at the plank, ready to head back down.

  “Oh.”

  Right as they were about to head back down, they turned to Piper, now coming out of the main room.

  “I should clarify.” Piper said, raising a finger. “The reason ya’ll aren’t getting captured is that you’re technically guests on this ship.”

  Piper indicated back down to their boat. “The moment ya’ll get back on there, you’ll be pirates again.”

  Piper grinned, now with far more malice behind it. “And as an admiral with a perfect track record, I can’t let pirates in my district get away.”

  The trio suddenly felt dread at the brief moment of kindness they’d been offered, both paralysed with fear at the idea of getting back on their ship, and realising they’d be in no better position if they stayed.

  Bridget hurriedly insisted Aloette and Sadashi follow her back down to the ship, as they quickly did so, while Piper subtly grinned to himself, before giving a small nod and walking over to the officers manning the cannon.

  “Once they’ve cleared some distance, wait for my command to fire.” Piper insisted, resting his hands on their shoulders. “And don’t aim too close to the outcrop, or else ya’ll are cleaning up whatever damage the debris does.”

  Bridget nervously unfurled the sails again, as Piper’s ship pulled back a bit, looking to give them some room to attempt an escape, while also lining up the cannons properly.

  “…okay.” Bridget muttered, turning back to the duo. “I think there’s a small divide in the outcrop coming up. I’ll try to get through it, you two just…”

  Bridget held her tongue. “…just hold tight.”

  The boat continued to sail along the outcrop, as Piper watched incessantly, waiting for them to clear just enough distance, and doing his best to keep his excitement to himself.

  “Sir.”

  “…yes?” Piper asked, turning to his officer, as he held out a seashell. “…oh, this thing. The telephonic…whatever…”

  “It’s a call on the Royal line. From Admiral Phil.”

  Piper blinked in confusion and raised an eyebrow, before picking it up to take the call. He raised his free hand, indicating for the cannons to fire once it was lowered.

  “…yes, Phil, what is it?”

  “Have you seen a ship passing by?!”

  Piper’s eyes darted to the other ship, still just a bit too close.

  “…be more specific.”

  “A ship with Sadashi Sicer on it! Nyra’s gone and freed him from his execution!”

  Piper’s eyes widened.

  “Wait, what?! Nyra’s on that ship?! Why didn’t she say anything?!”

  “Admiral, what’s your order?!” The cannon operators asked, as Piper noticed the other ship in range.

  “Hold on! Phil!” Piper yelled, keeping the ship directly in eyeshot. “Is Nyra on that ship?! Yes, or no?!...you little, quicker with your answer! They’re…!”

  Piper lowered his hand, insisting the cannons fire.

  Right as he did so however, he noticed the ship turning to the small gap in the outcrop, just out of range of their cannons, and without anyway for their much larger ship to follow.

  All that could be heard was the waves crashing against the outcrop, and the muffled sound of Phil on the other end of the call.

  “…Piper? Did you hear what I said? Hellooooo?”

  Piper, holding in as much frustration as he could, slowly lifted the shell.

  “Piper! There you are! I can hear your angry breathing!”

  “…Phil, go fuck yourself.” Piper replied, before chucking it back to the officer who’d handed it to him.

  He started flexing and unflexing his hand into a fist, visibly working out some stress.

  “…saddle up, boys!” Piper insisted, as all the officers stood to attention. “We’re making up for our mistake! Head directly to Averole, scope the area, and any calls made by Admiral Phil should be ignored until we find them! Understood?!”

  “Yes, admiral!” His officers called out, as Piper stopped flexing his hand, before grabbing his whistle and calling his falcon back to his arm.

  “…good.”

  “We actually made it!” Aloette cried, hugging Sadashi happily, before jumping over to Bridget. “Hesitation, thy name is godsend!”

  “…that was…” Sadashi let out, before resting his head in his hands. “…that was terrifying, holy shit…”

  “And I nearly clipped the wall with our shortcut…but hey, we made it!” Bridget bragged. “It’s a clean shot to Averole from here!”

  “Cheer up, Sadashi.” Aloette insisted, going over to his side and pumping her fist. “We’re in the clear. We can take a bit of time at Averole to recover, and you can get your strength back.”

  “…as long as they’re not in pursuit.” Sadashi noted, as Bridget shrugged.

  “Well, they’ll still have to navigate around that outcrop. That should buy us a good amount of time.” Bridget assured. “At this point, what’s the wor-“

  “Stop!” Aloette and Sadashi both shouted, holding their hands out.

  Bridget looked to them in surprise.

  “Don’t jinx it!” Sadashi cried out, letting his hands down. “You’re just asking for it.”

  “If you set it up like that, life’s bound to come around on us in a very ironic way. Don’t give it the opportunity!” Aloette insisted, as Bridget shook her head.

  “Alright, alright…” Bridget let out. “You two are some real characters…”

  ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~

  “ANYONE FOUND HARBOURING SADASHI SICER IN AN ATTEMPT TO LEAVE THIS ISLAND WILL BE SWIFTLY PUNISHED ALONGSIDE HIM, UNDERSTOOD?!?!”

  Phil called out to every pirate present near Descrelate’s docks, all giving him and the other Precession officers the stink-eye as they occupied the docks, refusing anyone to leave.

  “Fellas!” Phil called out, facing his officers on the lower deck. “We comb that beach one more time! If he’s still here, he can’t be far!”

  The officers ran out, charging down the beach, as Phil sighed out, before stepping back to Alfie, anxiously resting on the railing and staring at the spot he saw Sadashi and Aloette the night prior.

  “You’re sure you saw him down there?” Phil asked.

  Alfie nodded.

  “And he didn’t return to the docks?”

  Alfie shook his head.

  Phil rested his hands on his hips. “…well, no one we interrogated mentioned a ship parked on the beach, and Piper didn’t say anything about spotting Sadashi in his area.”

  Phil turned to Alfie, nodded insistently. “And he’s quite thorough.”

  Phil scratched his cheek. “This is turning into a real pickle. A r-”

  “AHOY MATEYS!!!”

  Phil and Alfie swung around, facing the direction of the voice, as they saw a massive ship pulling into the docks, helmed by an irritated Nyra and a boisterous Flint.

  “So…” Flint called out, planting his foot directly on the edge of his ship. “What brings the Precession around these parts?!”