In her cabin, Baroness Artheim sat at a large, ornate desk. A glint of lingering wonder remained in her eyes. "Mr. Night! This ship of yours... It exceeds all expectations. My deepest thanks."
"Consider it part of the service, Ma'am." Jack replied in calm voice. "We are embarking on a long journey. Comfort is very important for maintaining morale and focus."
"Indeed." She acknowledged. "Now, let's officially determine the matter of command. As what we have discussed before... I am the leader of this expedition. Any land-based endeavors in the research sites will be under my direct command. But, you are the master of this vessel. You will be in command for all operational decisions concerning our journey at sea and on land outside the research points. Do we have the same understanding here?"
"Perfectly clear, Baroness." Jack confirmed. "The crew and our vessel are at your disposal for the expedition's goals. But while we are at sea, the ship's actions and our course will be my responsibility."
She offered a slight, firm nod. "Then, Captain Jack, what is our immediate plan?"
"We will depart immediately." Jack said. "The sooner we set sail, the sooner we reach our destination."
"As for our route..." He took out a map and placed it onto the desk surface. "We have two options. The first one... a direct, open-sea route. It would take us to reach Myriad Island Archipelago in a little over a month. However, it's a longer stretch of uninterrupted travel. It had fewer opportunities for resupply or intelligence gathering."
"The alternative..." he indicated a curved, dotted line on the map. "... is a more conventional route. Following existing trade lanes and island chains. This would take us closer to two months, but offers several potential stopovers. The first, Crescent Island, is approximately just five days' travel from here."
Baroness Artheim studied the map intently. "The direct route is tempting for its speed, but the conventional route offers prudence. Our mission is long-term. Maintaining crew well-being, gathering information, perhaps even securing minor provisions at intermediate ports could prove invaluable."
"My thoughts exactly." Jack said. "We'll take the conventional route. Our first destination will be... Crescent Island."
With arrangements settled, Jack and Reina retired to their own quarters. A spacious, elegant suite that felt more like a grand private residence than a ship's cabin.
The Silent Mermaid slipped out of the secluded cove under the cloak of the night. She was like a silent, ghostly silhouette against the fading sky. No foghorn blared. No churning wake marked its passage. It simply moved. An unnatural entity gliding over the waves.
Argust Osprey was initially overwhelmed with the control. But he found his rhythm soon. His transcendent sailing sense intuitively guided him. Predicting shifts in currents and changes in wind long before his instruments could register them.
The ghost ship moved at an incredible speed. Maintaining a steady, smooth pace that belied its small size.
...
The first three days of the voyage passed in an almost idyllic fashion. The crew adapted to the ship's comforts quickly.
Don Donson produced magnificent meals with obvious enthusiasm. The fully stocked up pantry and fridge made him free to be creative with his dishes.
Barnaby entertained the others with his new songs. Shanties inspired by the Silent Mermaid's eerie beauty. Often jamming with Jack and Reina together.
Mirella, on the other hand, filled sketchbook after sketchbook with impossible angles and perspectives of the ship's interior and exterior. She had even created a couple of transcendent painting on her magic painting scrolls.
Even the baroness' three guards started to relax. Finding the ship's deep, stable hum strangely soothing. Life fell into a comfortable, almost routine rhythm.
Jack spent his time observing, meditating, and working out. Only occasionally did he work on his projects in his private workshop.
On the fourth day, however, the tranquility shattered.
The ship's alert runes flared faintly. A delicate chime echoed in the whole ship.
"Captain!" Argust Osprey's voice sliced through the calm. "Multiple vessels, approximately three leagues ahead! Bearing... hostile! They're engaging another fleet!"
Jack was already moving. He strode onto the deck. Reina was at his side. And Rune hovered near his shoulder. Her usual soft glow intensified into pale crimson color slightly with the sudden alarm.
The rest of the crew spilled onto the deck. Their faces were serious. Their eyes scanned the horizon.
Baroness Artheim, Bell, Ned, Moby, Leon Drake, Chloe Chase, Barnaby, Mirella, Don Donson, Serene, and Autumn... all were present. Arrayed along the railing.
Argust Osprey remained at the navigation chamber. His voice was a steady presence through the ship's internal, mystic communication system.
It was close to sunset. The sinking sun painted the western sky in streaks of orange hue. A similar glow also touched the western sea.
Jack pulled his steamrune binoculars from his [Spatial Belt] and raised them to his eyes. He activated his [Eyes of Judgement]. The world through the lenses sharpened. Overlaid with a stream of data.
He could quickly see three ships engaged in a violent skirmish against another group of five. The five consisted of two sturdy, armed guard ships and three bulkier merchant vessels.
Jack noticed that all of them were sailing ships. Powered by canvas sails and wind. They weren't steam ships. No steam plumes marred the horizon. The only smoke he could see was the cannon smoke blossomed in thick white clouds. Drifting on the evening breeze.
His [Eyes of Judgement] also noticed some details...
[Object Name: Sea Serpent]
[Vessel Type: Pirate Ship]
[Affiliation: Black Saber Pirates]
[Threat Level: Low]
[Karma Signature: Negative]
[Sins: Numerous acts of piracy, murder, rape, plunder...]
[Object Name: Harbinger of Ruin]
[Vessel Type: Pirate Ship (flag ship)]
[Affiliation: Black Saber Pirates]
[Threat Level: Moderate]
[Karma Signature: Negative]
[Sins: Numerous acts of piracy, murder, rape, plunder...]
[Object Name: Night Terror]
[Vessel Type: Pirate Ship]
[Affiliation: Black Saber Pirates]
[Threat Level: Low]
[Karma Signature: Negative]
[Sins: Numerous acts of piracy, murder, rape, plunder...]
Jack shifted his gaze to the other fleet. This group was much more acceptable in conducts compared to the pirates. They were merchant fleet. Jack checked their status panels...
[Object Name: Vigilance]
[Vessel Type: Guard Ship]
[Affiliation: Lotogear Trade Company]
[Threat Level: Low]
[Karma Signature: Neutral]
[Task: Protecting legitimate trade.]
[Object Name: Steadfast]
[Vessel Type: Guard Ship]
[Affiliation: Lotogear Trade Company]
[Threat Level: Low]
[Karma Signature: Neutral]
[Task: Protecting legitimate trade.]
[Object Name: Golden Harvest]
[Vessel Type: Trade Ship]
[Affiliation: Lotogear Trade Company]
[Threat Level: Low]
[Karma Signature: Neutral]
[Cargo: Coffee Beans, Tea Leaves, Aged Cheese...]
[Task: Engaged in lawful commerce.]
[Object Name: Ocean's Bounty]
[Vessel Type: Trade Ship]
[Affiliation: Lotogear Trade Company]
[Threat Level: Low]
[Karma Signature: Neutral]
[Cargo: Pearls, Glass Beads, Perfumes...]
[Task: Engaged in lawful commerce.]
[Object Name: Ironclad Prize]
[Vessel Type: Trade Ship]
[Affiliation: Lotogear Trade Company]
[Threat Level: Low]
[Karma Signature: Neutral]
[Cargo: Iron Ores, Copper Ores, Silver Ores...]
[Task: Engaged in lawful commerce.]
...
The pirates were gaining the upper hand. One of the merchant guard ships, the Vigilance, had a mast splintered and sails shredded. Its return fire was sporadic.
The Harbinger of Ruin, the largest pirate vessel, was positioning itself to flank one of the unarmed merchant ships. The Golden Harvest listed perceptibly. Smoke was rising from its stern.
"Black Saber Pirates!" Jack stated. Lowering the binoculars. His voice was calm, devoid of any emotional inflection. "Notorious for brutality. The merchant fleet belongs to the Lotogear Trade Company. They should carry standard goods... coffee, tea, cheese. They are victims."
Reina nodded. She had also lowered the binoculars in her hand. Her dark eyes were observing the distant struggle. "They're losing, Dear."
"Indeed. It is early evening. The light will fade soon." Jack said.
He had considered the situation. Helping the merchants was a clear ethical choice given their neutral karma and the pirates' deep negative one. More practically, it was an opportunity.
He clapped his hands. "Alright! This will be a good sea battle training for the crew."
Baroness Artheim stepped forward. "Captain?" She began. Her tone was formal, "Are you suggesting we intervene?"
"That is precisely what I am suggesting, Baroness." Jack's gaze swept over the crew. Most looked apprehensive, some eager.
They were experienced transcendent beings with their own shares of battle. But, none of them had been involved in real combat at sea. Let alone from a vessel like their ghost ship.
"Everyone, to the armory!" Jack instructed. "Take a rifle each. You have all been instructed on their basic operation. This is your first practical exercise."
A murmur went through the group. Serene and Autumn, the healer sisters, exchanged a nervous glance. Don Donson, the cook, looked surprisingly resolute. Barnaby grinned before heading towards the armory hatch.
"Most of them won't hit their targets, Dear. Even I will likely miss my first shots." Reina commented. Taking out her own sniper rifle out of her [Spatial Bag].
Jack had given her that weapon just a few days ago. She had learned how to use it. But, she hadn't had any practice.
"It's not a problem, Love." Jack replied easily. He turned to the ship's communication system. "Argust! Maintain current heading and speed. Prepare to deactivate the ship's mystical invisibility cloak on my command."
"Understood, Captain!" Argust's voice replied instantly.
The crew moved with a mix of awkwardness and determination. Within minutes, they returned. Each was carrying a heavy-looking steamrune-powered rifle.
The weapons were primarily designed for accuracy and stopping power. Not rapid fire. They required careful aiming and a moment to reset between shots. Most held them uncomfortably. Jack knew their aim would be poor initially. He accounted for it.
He surveyed his crew. Reina had no problem with the ranged weapon. Bell, Ned, and Moby also looked competent enough with the rifles. Similarly, Leon Drake handled his rifle with a seasoned grip. The others... well, not so much.
"When we engage..." Jack instructed. "Aim for the pirate ships. Your initial targets are the sails and the deck. Do not concern yourselves with individual, small targets until you can hit a broadside of those fat ships."
A few nervous chuckles broke the tension.
"Alright! Aim your rifles. Be careful with the recoil."
Jack felt Rune perched gently on his shoulder. A soft, encouraging green glow emanated from her tiny form. Jack gave her a reassuring, mental acknowledgment.
"Argust!" Jack addressed the ship's communication system. His eyes were fixed on the distant battle. "Deactivate cloak. Now!"
On Jack's command, the Silent Mermaid shimmered. The ethereal, translucent quality that had rendered it invisible to mundane sight rippled. Then it disappeared. The ghost ship seemed solidified.
The sleek, eerie ghost sloop appeared suddenly. From what previously was nothing but an empty patch of ocean.
The effect on the sea battle was immediate and dramatic. Both pirate and merchant ships faltered in their assault. Their crews were momentarily stunned. They were gawking at the abrupt appearance of the unidentifiable ship.
A collective gasp seemed to ripple from the other vessels. Barely audible across the waves.
The pirates, in particular, paused. their bloodthirsty shouts dying down to confused murmurs.
"Fire!" Jack commanded. Raising his own steamrune sniper rifle.
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