[OL-FB1] Escort Duty

[Franco Clarke]

Erwin raced to the rails and squinted at the island. Sure enough a vessel was making its way out from behind the small isle, a vessel with a black flag flying from the tip of the mast. Erwin rolled his eyes, did these pirate types never give up?

'All right boys you know the drill, let's make this as quick and simple as possible' Erwin called out, 'signal the Colombe, we'll pepper them with cannon fire then board them. These pirates have made their final mistake'

The Vif swerved through the waves, and Erwin looked back to see the Colombe following suit. Meanwhile the rest of the crew had leapt into action, working like a well-oiled machine. The cannon was rolled up to the prow and was soon lobbing cannonballs near the unfortunate pirates.

The pirates, perhaps due to poor monocular vision, turned in and headed straight for the onrushing escort vessels. They returned fire with their heavier gun, but their aim was off and it sailed harmlessly out of sight.

Erwin grimaced. These pirates were really bad, perhaps he could just ignore them, they probably weren't capable of raiding any merchants. The Vif sailed past the pirate's, and with a swift tiller movement, swung around behind it. The pirates continued to ineffectually fire their oversized gun, as the two Oleon ship circled it, ploughing cannonballs into the water.

'Alright they should be pretty shaken up by now, prepare to board' Erwin said as he heaved on the tiller, bringing the Vif smashing into the side of the pirate vessel.

Erwin slipped a rope over the handle to keep the rudder steady and followed the rest of the crew onto the pirate ship. Grasping the hilt of his sword he charged at the pirate captain. The captain responded by reaching for his own sword with his hook hand and only succeeding in dropping it onto the deck. Taking advantage of his opponent's momentary disadvantage, Erwin kicked at the captain's wooden leg in the hope of tripping him up. The captain collapsed onto the deck with a muffled 'arrgh' Erwin looked down at the pirate captain's single eye which was staring furiously at him as the man tried to pick himself up. However, unfortunately for the pirate, his twin peglegs and two hook hands were severely impeding his efforts.

'The ship is secure' Private Collins announced, coming to inspect the helpless captain.

Erwin turned to see that the rest of the pirate crew had been equally easily overcome.

Addressing the captured crew Erwin said 'I am supposed to take you all to be tried for piracy. However, due to the shameful display I have witnessed today, I feel it would insult those who actually are pirates. I am willing to overlook your actions today, and drop you all of at the next port, under the condition that you seek more suitable jobs.'

Erwin turned to board the Vif, 'I suggest you honour my suggestion, you might not be so lucky next time'  

Finding Private Collins waiting at the tiller, keeping the ship steady whilst they readied to continue escorting the merchant vessels, Erwin said, 'Collins, would you like to take command of our new ship for the duration of this voyage?'

Private Collins saluted 'It would be my pleasure sir.'

He handed the tiller to Erwin, and leapt aboard the pirate ship. Once the pirates had been secured aboard the Vif, the two ships sailed to rejoin the rest of the fleet, who had been watching the engagement from a safe distance.

Just a quick story, accompanying my latest little merchant vessel, the Iguana. This was based around one of the big dinghies and ended up being in the same colour scheme as the Rana.

She's pretty simple, using pretty standard techniques.

 

[TitusV]

She may be pretty simple, but I like her a lot!

[blackdeathgr]

I think i am growing a habit to expect more storytelling from you! Also nice idea for the merchant name and figurehead!

[Franco Clarke]

Thank you all I am glad that you like my little boat. 

[Capt Wolf]

Nice job building up a proper ship from that large rowboat hull. It reminds me of the Imperial Trading Post ship, but a touch bigger. Color scheme/name/figurehead all work together nicely. And nice storytelling, as usual. Good job!