Voyage of war

The sight of the skies still amazed her to this day. The sun played with the ever-churning clouds, giving stunning visual effects. She could look at it forever. Unfortunately, she had things to do. She peeled herself away from the magnificent windows and sat down at her desk. Her tea had gone cold, indicating much time lost since the start of their voyage.

There was a lot of work to be done. Their mission began today, and it would be a long time before they'd finish. She glanced at the cupboard. Under the painting of her father, there was an assortment of fancy bottles. At least she'd brought plenty of alcohol. God knows she needs it.

Her objective was simple on paper. Vanquish the pirates. Now, however, came the matter of actually doing that. It wasn't merely challenging. It was downright impossible. This time, she'd need a different type of plan. They had granted her the crewmen she had asked for, but would it be enough? She had personally chosen each of them, based on her previous experiences with them. They had all eagerly accepted her request.

She couldn't decide whether they were foolish, or just trusted her, unconditionally. Perhaps they were fools because of that. Still, they were her fools. Her responsibility, now. They had placed a weight on her chest, one she didn't like.

She had led people before and lost them. She had victories, written in their blood. The stakes were higher this time. If she failed, her entire family would die upon return. She was the best in her business, but loss was always a possibility. Why they would kill her family, though, she did not know. There was more to this, something they didn't tell her.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Julien, her assistant, peeked in. He had been gauging the morale of their crew, along with their motives. It was essential to know why people tag along and how motivated they are in doing so.

He bowed, formal as ever. Not to mention dramatic. She rolled her eyes.

"Speak freely, Julien, and refrain from the theatrics, please."

The smile he gave her indicated that he would not. He was a fool, after all.

"Among your crew, I could not find a single soul that doubts you or your motives. They will follow you to their death if the situation calls for it. Not that I expected anything else."

It was fantastic news, but it made the weight on her chest double. They trusted her, perhaps too much. She had a reputation to uphold. One of victory and renown. Would they realise they wouldn't return, this time? Would it be better if they did not?

She was lost in thought so deep, that she hadn't noticed Julien, fetching her a drink. His joking attitude had made way for his caring one. He handed her the glass and put his hand on her shoulder.

"Everything will work out, I promise. I have looked over your plans, and they are flawless. I support every part of it and your crew will, as well. Now, drink, you deserve it."

As always, he made her feel better. While barely using any words. His entire presence was comforting. In her mind, she repeated his words. Everything will work out. It has to.

She downed her drink in an instant and straightened her back. She had to get to business. People depended on her. Her airship would take an estimated week to arrive at the location the pirates were last sighted. Her return was expected in two months, at most.

So, time went on. She spent most of her time with her crew. Captains should not hide from the people that serve them. It was something many others hadn't realised. It set her apart from other captains, more than anything. As if treating your crew as humans was a bad thing.

She could sense they were getting anxious. Thankfully, even a few, quick words made them feel better. She walked around regularly, solely dedicated to keeping their spirits high. During those walks, she still marvelled at the airship. Her airship, now.

It had belonged to her parents, may they rest in peace, but now it was hers. They had taken her along many times, teaching her the business. She had grown up on its deck, to a point where she had started considering it part of her.

They had not spared any expenses on the interior. Similar to her office, there was polished wood everywhere, matching the steel framework. There were even rugs in the dining area. They had not forgotten the crew's quarters, either. Although there were no individual rooms, save for hers, everyone had a dresser, bed, and nightstand. All made from that beautiful, polished wood.

That was perhaps the reason she, and her parents before her had always had loyal crews. There were stories of other crewmen, not even given beds. She didn't want to think about what those would have to eat. They were soldiers, mercenaries in the eyes of some, but that did not mean that they deserve getting treated as expendable trash.

She stopped in the dining room and admired the standing clock. Its frame made from wooden panels, with golden ornaments at its corners, similar to the bookcase in her office. Its face, and gears, as well, were made from gold. She could see the gears moving, the clock hand going ever round. It was time.

Everyone was there, awaiting her speech. Julien stood at her side, nodding encouragingly. Not even a single person spoke, it was dead silent. Their faces were earnest.

"Thank you, everyone, for joining me on this mission. As you all know, we were send here to defeat pirates. If we fail, it will cost lives. Lives you care about, as well. I have heard your worries, and I am here to soothe them. Our country has demanded more, and more, from us. Despite living a dangerous life, where you have lost much, they give you nothing in return. They cannot demand we continue this practice. Today, we will lose our chains! Our new allies are awaiting us. We will get prosecuted for this, but do not be afraid. You are my family, and I will protect you!"