[24] First mission

After setting up our mercenary company, Elara and I faced the harsh reality of the business world in Portus Corsair: no merchant vessel was willing to trust a new and unproven group for their protection. Despite our best efforts to advertise our services, skepticism and wariness were the responses we received.

Frustrated but undeterred, we decided to take a more aggressive approach. "We need to get our foot in the door," I told Elara. "Even if it means offering our services for free on the first run. Once we prove ourselves, word will spread."

Elara sighed, rubbing her temples. "Free protection? That's a risky move. We're burning through our resources as it is. But I guess we don't have much choice at this point."

I nodded, "It's a gamble, but it's the only card we have to play right now."

After more rounds of negotiations and plenty of rejections, we finally found a merchant willing to consider our proposal. The conversation shifted to Discord, where we could discuss the details more freely.

The merchant, a seasoned trader named Captain Aldous, seemed cautiously interested in our offer. "So, you're telling me you'll provide protection for my vessel, free of charge, on this run?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"That's right," I replied. "Consider it a demonstration of our capabilities. All we ask in return is that you spread the word about us. Put in a good word for our company when you reach your destination."

Captain Aldous was silent for a moment, weighing the offer. "And what's to stop me from just taking your free protection and not doing a damn thing for you in return?"

Elara jumped in, her tone firm. "Because if you do, you'll be burning a bridge with the only mercenary company willing to protect your ship for free. We're offering you a valuable service, and all we're asking is a bit of word-of-mouth in return. It's a small price to pay."

There was a pause before Captain Aldous responded. "Alright, you've got a deal. But you better live up to your promise. My cargo is valuable, and I can't afford any fk-ups."

We exchanged virtual handshakes, sealing the deal. "You won't regret this, Captain," I assured him. "We'll make sure your cargo reaches its destination safely."

After the call, Elara and I looked at each other, a sense of accomplishment mixed with the weight of the responsibility we had just taken on.

"We've got our first job," Elara said. "Now we need to make damn sure we pull it off without a hitch. Our reputation depends on it."

I nodded, feeling the pressure but also the thrill of the challenge. "We'll start prepping right away. We need to be ready for anything. Pirates, rough seas, whatever comes our way. This is our chance to make a name for ourselves."

***

Our group of twenty, a motley crew of mercenaries, assembled at the designated location – a point 20 knots away from the notorious Devil's Choke. The tension was palpable as we boarded a rented sailboat, the sea breeze carrying a mix of excitement and apprehension.

As we approached the merchant vessel, a large, sturdy ship that looked capable of weathering many a storm, our team climbed aboard using a rope ladder. The vessel was impressive, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline at the prospect of what lay ahead.

Captain Aldous, a grizzled man with a weathered face and a no-nonsense demeanor, greeted us on deck. "So, you're the brave souls offering free protection, huh?" he said, eyeing us with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. "Hope you lot know what you're signing up for. The Devil's Choke isn't a place for greenhorns."

Elara stepped forward, extending her hand. "Captain Aldous, pleasure to meet you. We may be new, but we're not green. We're here to ensure your cargo makes it through safely."

The captain shook her hand, his grip firm. "I'll hold you to that. We're carrying valuable goods, and I can't afford any losses. The choke point is a pirate's paradise – narrow and easy pickings for those bastards. We'll hit the widest part first, but it's the narrow stretch that's the real bitch."

I chimed in, "We're prepared, Captain. We've got fighters and strategists. We'll keep a tight watch. Any pirate dumb enough to take us on will regret it."

Captain Aldous grunted, seemingly reassured by our confidence. "Alright then. Let's see what you've got. I'll be damned if I let some sea rats make off with my cargo."

As we set sail, the crew and our mercenaries began to prepare for the journey ahead. The Devil's Choke, with its 50 km widest point and treacherous 3 km narrowest stretch, was infamous for good reason. It was a bottleneck where pirates could easily ambush unsuspecting vessels.

Elara and I gathered our team, going over the plan one last time. "Stay sharp and stay on your toes," Elara instructed. "We'll have scouts on the lookout and fighters ready at a moment's notice. This is our chance to prove ourselves. Let's not fk it up."

The mercenaries nodded, each one aware of the stakes. We had a mix of experienced fighters and those skilled in navigation and strategy. It was a strong team, but the real test was yet to come.

As the ship entered the wider part of the Devil's Choke, the sea around us seemed eerily calm, but we knew that danger could lurk beneath the tranquil surface. Pirates were known for their cunning and their ability to strike swiftly and without warning.

Captain Aldous stood at the helm, his eyes scanning the horizon. "Keep your eyes peeled," he barked. "They could come at us from any direction."

As our ship steadily approached the infamous Devil's Choke, Captain Aldous shared his experiences with pirate encounters, a tinge of bitterness in his voice.

"Let me tell you how these pirate bastards operate," he began, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "First off, they're cowards and tricksters. They'll approach disguised as a harmless merchant vessel. If they see you're unprotected, they'll board your ship, slaughter everyone, and loot the damn place."

I listened intently, aware of the gravity of his words. "And if there's protection on board?"

The captain snorted derisively. "Protection, huh? Then comes the so-called 'negotiation.' They'll demand 70% of your cargo. If you're lucky and agree to their terms, they might just take their share and fuck off. But there's always the chance they'll turn on you, take everything, and leave no one alive to tell the tale."

Elara, standing nearby, interjected. "So, either way, you're screwed. Give in, and you're gutted. Resist, and you're gutted. Doesn't sound like much of a choice."

Captain Aldous nodded grimly. "Exactly. But if you resist, there will be a clash. Sure, you might take a few of them down, but in the end, they usually come out on top. They have the numbers and the brutality. Casualties on both sides are common, but more often than not, it's the merchant crew that gets the worst of it."

I clenched my fists, anger rising at the thought of such ruthless tactics. "So, they prey on the weak and the unprepared. Cowards hiding behind their numbers."

"Yeah, cowards maybe, but deadly all the same," the captain said. "That's why we need to be ready for anything. These pirates, they're not just thugs; some are skilled fighters, savvy and ruthless. We need to be one step ahead, always."

As the ship entered the wider part of the Devil's Choke, the mood among the crew and our mercenaries grew tense. Eyes scanned the waters, and hands rested on weapons, ready for action at a moment's notice.

Elara turned to our group. "Remember, we're here to protect this ship and its cargo. No heroics. We work as a team, cover each other's backs. If pirates show up, we stick to the plan. We're not here to negotiate; we're here to fight if it comes to that."

The mercenaries nodded, their expressions set and determined. Each one knew what was at stake – not just the cargo, but our reputation and future prospects.

As we sailed deeper into the choke point, the waters grew narrower, and the sense of impending danger heightened. The calm sea was deceptive; we knew that at any moment, a pirate vessel could emerge, ready to strike.

Captain Aldous's voice cut through the tension. "We're entering the narrow stretch now. This is where they like to hit. Stay sharp, stay ready. Let's show these pirate fkers they picked the wrong ship to mess with."

Q: How do you think the first attempt will go?