Part Two:
The echoing sea winds graced across his face, embracing him in the chill of the deep blue. A soothing feeling for a sailor, taking him away from the troubles in life. Brandon breathed slowly in from the safety of the âDauntlessâ crowâs nest. For this short moment the massive walls of shimmering blue was forgotten. There was no feeling of imminent danger but more an inconvenience to his mind until he was torn from his calm, holding on to the edge of his nest as his startled heart galloped in his chest.
Rope burns was the least of his worries as the young spotter zipped down a loose rope to bring in his report to his captain; the rope burn still stung but he would admit it, clenching his fist in agony to keep check on his breath. In the distance the sounds of subtle explosions could be heard; each flash of deep blue light brought with it a rumbling âswooooshâ sound before shattering a small area, or shuttering the ruins nearby.The first sign of nearby attention, and it wasnât aimed towards them.
âS-sir! Bright sources of light on the sea bed, sir! Looks like flashes from magic use!â
Captain Simmons looked surprised before hurriedly stepping towards the cut-off of the âDauntlessâ, giving him a free view that even with his old eyes couldnât miss the clear use of combat magic down below between the reef and ruins. With a calculating mind that couldnât find the result he wanted, his attention turned towards the civilian.
âMr. Lochton, do we have any Gliders available?â
His inquiry was quite sudden but didnât feel unexpected at all by the salvager, leaving the civilian to stand with a smirk before granting the captain his answer.
âCaptain Simmons. We have five Glider packs available. Alas, that is not enough for us all, and too few to give us the right stand below if we are to carry rations as well.â
Darren Simmons never liked this âDirectorâ as he would always be granted the manâs opinion when it wasnât needed, even when the suit wearing bastard was right. Tough decisions had to be made, and he was not happy about it. They had to find out if the light sources were friendlies, or a foe they needed to defend against as the rest started their descend down the wreckage of the âDauntlessâ.
The migraine was back. Hammers striking the anvil just at the wrong angle to create the skittering sound that would creep along his mind for days. He was due a pension soon, and thought running supply runs would be a good way to cut down and let the young blood climb the ropes after him. Tired eyes went towards his people in the aft section of the ship.
âWeâll need to send down a scout and backup to either find out if we have friends down there, or to secure the perimeter as we proceed with our plan to climb down by ropes to the bow of âDauntlessâ, hopefully secure a few rope ladders for an easier climb down.â
Reluctantly, this choice of his also meant he had to pick the people to send down, which just fueled his migraine even more. His choices were plentiful for the soldiers but the only scout available for easy traveling around was a damn âASAPâ civilian as well.
His eyes went to the other young man working in the aft with scavenging what could be of use. A blond haired and sturdy built young man, already equipped like his employer; climbing ropes, hook and special claws - at least this boy wore ring mail and had one thing in common, age old enough for field conscription. The captain could choose to send Lochton down but had a feeling he would be more grateful to have him at the bow of the ship - just in case some of his toys could be salvaged.
âYoung man, can you climb as well as your director? Trained in these Gliders? You want to serve the Alliance as a field scout?â
Sam looked up from the freshly coiled wire in his hand, an inquizical look on his face as his green eyes stared against the hazel of the captain. He couldnât help but notice what looked like a throbbing vein in his forehead, pulsating with each critical moment he had to handle upon the wreckage of his jewel. Instead of directing him to the mender, he thought better to opt-in, giving the captain a few quick nods in reply to his questions.
âYes, sir! Of course I can, and am! And yes, always wanted to be a soldier!â
Oh, the youth, he was just barely of age to serve under the Alliance banner, and now he were to be sent in to what could be the lionâs den. Darren saw the gleam in Samâs eyes, if they were coming out of this safely, then this child would give his full service if permitted - he almost knew it. Should he have become a recruiter instead?
The pondering didnât take long before his eyes turned towards four other soldiers, giving them a few strict hand signals; as if they were sent the command by telepathy, the four started suiting up in a glider pack each before assisting his new recruit as well.
Captain Simmons could feel the golden coated stare from the director of âAlliance Salvaging And Procurementâ; his eyes felt like they could easily cut through diamond. He knew that this would be a topic that had to be taken up before this chaos could be completely solved, and Darren didnât like the idea of having an enemy at the harbour when help is needed.