Tiberius sat in his cabin on the Exeter, worn out and sore. He looked to his armor just piled in the corner to tired even to properly take care of it, not like him, not like him at all. He looked back at the past day, it was like a blur. He had found a sister and then only moments later he had gotten the call, Greyylene was ON Magincia and had blown the trap Gowron had set for this new kind of demon. Not long after that they began popping up in droves, Gowron had been able to get off the Island and get and attack setup, they were able to hold there ground until the rest of the available Navel forces along with the RBG and many others we able to get there. That battle had raged for hours and then as fast as they had come the daemons were gone.

But they will be back thought Tiberius, they came for a reason but all they did was fight and leave it makes no since. He looked out his window seeing ship after ship lined up of the coast of Magincia, he saw the slow sure movements on the closest ships, the healers going about there work, there was a saying in battle, watch you head if you loose it the healers loose you. Tiberius and the Navy had lost 16 today. 16 bodies, 16 names forever burned into his memory. However now was not the time to dwell on those lives, there were living that were counting on him now. I light rap on the door brought him back to the world at hand.

Come! Said Tiberius.

Tiberius I must insist that you let me take part in the battles!! I have fought before many times, the orcs when Felucca and Trammel split, the Ophidians last year and the Void shortly after that I can fight!!!

Tiberius smiled she was definitely a Clearcastle. Eva I believe you can fight however I am not letting you go into battle without armor, when Clayton is done with it you’ll be on the landing boat right next to me, ok?

Ok. I am sorry but all my life I’ve had to prove myself.

I know but you need to stop worrying about that now. If you need help ask us, that’s what families are for.

Thank you Tiberius. Eva said as she turned and was about to leave she heard Tiberius behind her say, You’re my sister Eva you can call me Tib.

As she opened the door to leave she just about ran face first into Captain Greyylene.

Oh excuse me. Said Greyylene. Eva nodded and went out.

Commodore. Said Greyylene.

Shut the door said Tiberius.

As she shut the door and turned she saw Tiberius, his back to her looking out at the long line of ships.

You let me down today Captain. Explanation!

I have None. I am a pirate, you knew that when you took me in. Responded Greyylene.

You have none? You’re a pirate?? Asked Tiberius.

I gave you a commission, a ship and my trust. I have not always agreed with your decisions or how you got things done. But I want my Captains to think for themselves, but that doesn’t mean to take every situation into your own hands. That was a new breed of Daemon Gowron was leading into a trap. If he had gotten it there we may have found a weakness and been able to save 16 navel lives and countless civilians lives from that battle!! Instead your attack tipped them of to the fact that we knew they were there!! The LEAST you could have done was contact me before you went in! but no you couldn’t even do that!! What the hell were you thinking?!?!?!

Sir, there is nothing To say. I was acting as I would have at any other circumstance. I was surveying the island and saw a crewmate in trouble. no one was there, but me. no other ships were anywhere near the island. I went ashore to see what the threat was. Replied Greyylene.

I believe my orders were stay at least two leagues from Magincia. Where in that did you get drop anchor and go skipping through Magincia?

If you wish my commission I will give it. I cannot apologize for anything more than the lives that were lost.

You cant apologize for disobeying an order?

Head lifted high, not in arrogance but in calm assurance, quiet calm in a voice low and steady, eyes trained on the man at the desk. Greyylene said, sir, I will apologize for disappointing you.

I work with both Bullseye and Buds everyday and both understand both giving and taking orders and both are pirates! Give me one reason Captain why I should bust your ass down to deckhand??

You have no reason at all to do anything less than what You believe is proper. I give you the trust you have earned. you know that I do not and will not blindly follow an order. and I too have worked with Bullseye and Buds, where do you think I learned my tactics and protocol?

I apologized for all I am capable. anything more is up to your discretion alone.
Sir.

You still don’t get it do you? Ok let me try a different track. Knowing what you now know would you still as gone onto the island?

yes I would have gone, alone. This you knew already,
am I such a security risk that you felt no need to share this with me before?

Security risk?? If I considered you a security risk I never would have promoted you to fleet Captain now would I? And as for not informing you I gave you what information I had time to give you. Had you contacted me once you had arrived at Magincia you would have been filled in. and to be honest I probably would have sent you and a handful of stealthers in to make contact with Gowron and help with that mission!!!

What more do you want me to say commodore?

I want you to take responsibility for your actions, I want you to admit you were wrong.
You never should have done something like that without all the information. You put yourself and your crew in danger!!

Standing rigidly still, jaw clamped tight, eyes hard and piercing. But she said nothing.

Tiberius sighed. that’s it? Get out of here until I decide what to do with you!

She turned to go quietly melting into the shadows pondering all that had just taken place. when she arrived back at the ship two out of the four mates from her landing party are severely injured in the medic's cabin. it appears that they were 'touched' by the demons fire breath and it is eating their flesh right off the bone. their screams fill her mind as she sits the evening with them watching their agony until early in the morning they both lay dead. She was just glad it was "quick" and she didn’t have to kill them herself to put them out of the agony.

As the door closed Tiberius looked back into the shadows of his quarters, one day she will do something that will hurt her to the core, and on that day, it will be too late and we may loose her to her mind.

Tempus stepped out from the shadows, she’s a great leader Tib.

Yes, but she can be reckless. I just wish she would slow down a little and thing things through. If she did she would be even more effective as a leader.

Very true but take into consideration her background. She has had to fight to stay alive.

I’m well aware of that and I have taken it into consideration, had you pulled that stunt id have had you busted down so far you would have been looking up at the souls of my boots.

Wow remind me not to anger you.

Your safe Temp, im sure you would never do something like that.

Your comm crystal is flashing again.

Tib sighed and reached into his pocket. Tiberius, he said to the crystal.

Lyra sir! There back they just overran the outskirts of Magincia. And there are both light daemons and berserkers.

Fall back to the docks we will be there in a few minutes.

Aye sir!

Another deep breath and a sigh. Ready for round 2 Temp?

If I must. Ill get into my armor and meet you up on deck.

Tiberius nodded and headed to the corner to don his abused armor for yet another fight.

As Tiberius walked out on deck he saw his men getting ready, Tempus had passed the word then, good, All hands Tiberius yelled, as you have all heard the deamons are back this time with the two new spieces we had heard about, so take care out there, cross heal as much as possible and trust the mages to heal you as well they will be looking out for you. Also Clayton has arrived with a bundle of beauties for you all to use against the daemons. Folk he brought you ALL a nice butt kicking daemon slayer!!

An incredibly loud cheer went up from a boatload of incredibly tired men who were being asked to go back into another hellish battle mere hours after the last one.

Tempus touched him on the shoulder, nice speech.

Thanks. Now lets go.

As Exeter coasted quietly into dock Tiberius moved towards the plank, and as he did he pulled out two bolts and nocked them in his night reaper crossbow, one of the best crossbows made to do battle against daemons, as he started down the plank he saw Bullseye and stopped.

Bullseye I have never given you a direct order before, but I am now. You are not, under any circumstances, to notify the Caroline or ANY of her crew of this attack. Do you under stand?

Bullseye looked at Tiberius and then slowly nodded.

Relax Bulls I’m not going to bust her down. I just need her to think about this for awhile.

Bullseyes features relaxed as he realized the Tiberius was in fact trying to lookout for Greyy, he gave a very slight smile and nodded again.

Tiberius nodded again and headed down the gangplank and into the black of night.


It was almost dawn when Tiberius called for a pickup. Bullseye had managed a few hours sleep, barely. To be in battle is what he wanted, why had Tiberius kept him from it? And how was he going to react to the information that Greyy had pulled anchor and headed out to sea? Well he’s going to know soon enough might as well get it over with…..

As the small landing boat bumped against the hull of Exeter, Bullseye knew that Tiberius
had noticed the missing Caroline already and he looked like he was ready to find Greyylene, and fire her out of the nearest cannon.

Where did she go? Tiberius asked.

I do not know for sure. Replied Bullseye. But I can tell you where she MIGHT have gone.

Lets have it.

When a pirate looses a crew member they take them to the deepest part of the local sea and send them overboard and allow the sea to claim them. I believe Greyylene had a couple people that might have been killed yesterday.

The look on Tiberius’s face changed from anger to pain. That better be what she’s doing.
Get on the comm crystal and find her, then id like to ask you to go talk to her. I’m not going to ask you to speak for me, I like that fact that she thinks for herself but she’s acting like a loose cannon and I don’t need that, you understand her thinking more then I can, just talk to her see if you can help her decide what it is she wants.

Aye Commodore.

The Riptide is at your disposal. Take the freshest crew you can, and go find her, also were going to start going into Bucs Den for some R&R.

Very good sir, and thank you sir.

Tiberius nodded, I am going to get some sleep. I hope.
Tiberius went to his cabin took off his armor and laid down. Exhaustion set in and he was asleep almost before his head hit his pillow. So exhausted was he that he didn’t even stir when Clayton came in to gather his armor for repair.

Tiberius woke several hours later to find it was late afternoon. He got up and walked over to the back of his cabin and looked out at the sea. As he turned to sit at his desk and make out his log he noticed a hastily written letter, he picked it up and began to read,

Commodore,
Captain Greyylene did in fact drop two bodies, both were burned by the berserkers fire and both died as the fire ate them. She then pulled into Bucs Den and gave her crew R&R. I believe however that she has other motives in mind. I have taken the Riptide and am going to go to Bucs Den and talk to her. I have a fully charged crystal if you need to contact me. Also as you said, you were going to start giving leave so once in port I will give the crew of the Riptide 24 hours and then return.
Commander Bullseye

Tiberius laid the note down, turned back towards the window and thought for a minute.
He turned and walk out of his cabin and onto the deck, he could smell burning flesh even from here, and as he looked around he realized the smell was coming from his deck. So badly burned he didn’t recognize half of his own ships crew. Where are the healers and mages? he asked no one unparticular.

The healers have done all they can do. Only a mage can heal them, the healers can only clean them and help them rest. For some reason the berserkers fire keeps burning and only magic can stop it. And the mages have used all there mana in battle and healing the worst cases, they are exhausted and can not do more for now.

Tiberius turned to see Eva standing there tears welling in her eyes as she looked at the battered and burned crew.

They will live though? Asked Tiberius

Most yes, she responded. Some however will not survive until the mages can heal them.
So they will die in great pain. She said clearly fighting back tears.

Not on my watch they wont! Get every man that can help this ship move up, if that means a couple mages have to push themselves into casting heal now then so be it. As Eva turned to carry out his orders she heard Tiberius begin yelling commands.

Get these sails into place, raise anchor!! Lets get this ship moving!!

Heading sir??

Tiberius turned to see Tempus Hawke with one burnt arm in a sling stumbling
towards the ships wheel.

Bucs Den Admiral!

Aye Sir!

And Tempus the first mage up will be healing you.

No sir. There are men hurt far worse get them first. I can steer one handed for now.

Your right of course.

As the big ships sails snapped in the wind Exeter began its short journey to Buccaneers Den.

Tiberius went back into his office and sent a message to Bullseye.
Bullseye,

Were on our way to Bucs with a ship full of burn cases. Contact any mages you know and have the come to bucs den we need them for healing, these vicious burns can only be healed with magic, they will die without a mage and ours are exhausted. Our ETA is 6 hours.
Commodore Clearcastle

The response came back faster then Tiberius thought it would.

Commodore,

Message received. We are pulling into port right now and I will make this my first priority.
Commander Bullseye

He then sent a message to the USN Guardian,

Lyra,

You have command of the fleet until I return, I am going to Bucs Den for Mages and to give these people a little R&R. we will work on a three ship rotation. I should be back here within 36 hours, along with the Riptide and the Caroline. Please choose the next three ships for the R&R rotation, and try to pick the three that need it worst.
Tiberius
Once again a quick response.

Commodore,

This is XO Juno, Lyra was injured in the last battle and is on board the Exeter, however your orders are received and confirmed. I will do the best I can to hold down the fort until your return. Unless you would prefer to have another take command of the navel forces until your return?

Commander Juno

Lyra on the Exeter? A lump formed in Tiberius’s throat. She must be among the burned.
He took a deep breath and responded to Juno.

Commander,

No you will stay in command for now. Keep rotating groups in and out. I will contact you soon.
Commodore Clearcastle
He shut down communication and ran out of his cabin, and right into Tempus, who dropped to his knees and let out a scream of pain clutched the injured arm Tiberius had just run into.

Tempus!! I’m sorry!!

Its ok Tib, this arm just hurts like bloody hell!

I know, I wish I could help. Then Tib stopped…wait! I’m a paladin I can..
No they have tried my friend all they can do is close wounds, this fire seems to continue burning from the inside.

Damn!! Are you ok?

As ok as I can be yes.

Lyra is onboard she was injured in the attack, I need to find her.

Eva!!

I’m here Tib!

Help me find Captain Lyra she should be here somewhere.

I already know where she is.

And you didn’t see any reason to tell me one of my fleet captains was onboard and injured?

It is not your job to heal the injured or sit at there side, it is your job to do exactly what you are doing give orders, protect the injured and fight the daemons. And you cant do that while sitting at her side.

Tiberius calmed down. Your right of course. But I do wish to see her.

No need, she has been given the seed of the poppy and in unconscious.

Will she live?

Not if we cant find a mage with enough mana to cast heal soon.

Then we have to…
Soul Reaver is in meditation below decks. He will come up as soon as he can cast it.

Very well. You are handling yourself well Eva I am impressed. And proud. Even alone in the world you made something of yourself.
Thank you Tib, you have no idea how much hearing that means to me.

Ok mushy family moment over we have work to do. Tiberius smiled and turned back towards the still kneeling Tempus.

You Admiral are relieved of duty. I want you laying down in my quarters, now.

Yes sir. And Tempus began heading towards the door that lead to Tiberius’s cabin.

It was then that Tiberius noticed the way Tempus was carrying himself, and then it hit him. My god its still burning and spreading, on the inside! When they had told him that this new fire kept burning he simply thought that they meant the pain was there and that they needed magic to repair the damage. He hadn’t realized that they meant it kept REALLY doing damage and spreading throughout the body!

Just then Tempus collapsed, Tiberius rushed towards him and got there at the same time that Rei and Siberia did.

Sib? What are you doing here?

When the call came to leave I was on this side of the island with no time to get to the other side, which is where the Silvervale is. So I came here. I do need to contact them though if you don’t mind.

Sure theres a crystal in my cabin, please help Tempus to my bunk then make contact with the Vale.

Ok thanks Tib.

No problem, tell them to make one more rotation in battle then move over to the other side of the Island and meet up with the Guardian. Ill send them to Bucs Den in the next rotation.

Thank you Tib, they need it.

We all do.

Rei come with me, we have to keep this ship moving.

Tiberius went to the ships wheel, made a course correction and handed it over to Rei.
Keep us heading towards Bucs Den, ill be in my quarters I have orders to issue!

Yes Sir!

Once he got there he saw Siberia sitting on the edge of his bunk, wiping Tempus with a wet cloth.

He’s getting worse Tib. And you got messages from Buds saying he had five ships and was on his way, and that he would be here in a day or two. And also a message from Nevyn and Angus saying they were on there way from Guardians Gate but would be almost a week.

Thank you Sib.

Tiberius sat at his desk and and began to write out an order that he didn’t want to send.

To all commanders,

From this moment all mages are to be pulled out of combat, they are to be stationed on the ships or the docks and beaches of Magincia, we need there healing power to combat the Berserker fire that has been such a threat. I know some will not like this, but in battle they loose there mana and will not be able to heal once back on the ships. This new fire keeps burning and spreading even after the flames are put out. It slowly burns you alive.
I repeat all mages are to be removed from battle immediately! Report conformation and compliance.

Commodore Clearcastle


Just as Tiberius finished sending his message a very haggard Soul Reaver walked in.

Tib I was able to cast greater heal on Lyra, but she was to far gone for only one to completely heal her.

What’s that mean?

She is still slowly burning to death, I gave her plenty of health she will survive until we arrive at Buccaneers Den and the fully rested healers there. But by the time we arrive she will once again be on deaths doorstep. I have been in meditations and can finish healing her if you wish.

They way he said that caught Tiberius’s attention.

You don’t think you should?

No.

This came from Siberia.

Temp will not make it to Bucs Den Tib.
And if you use your mana on him, Lyra will suffer. Tiberius said looking at Soul Reaver.

I don’t see another option Tib. I have 20 heal scrolls with me, I can hand these out to the healers and each should be able to cast it off the scrolls, the spell wont be as powerful to be sure, but we should be able to keep everyone alive until we dock that way.

What will it take to keep Temp alive?

A simple heal will do it, but that will do nothing for his pain and suffering, it will simply buy us time.

And that’s the way it will be for everyone else as well?

Yes.

Damn. Ok Siberia go out there and get all the healers gathered together, tell them that Reaver will be out to explain what were going to do in a few minutes. Reaver, take care of Tempus as best you can please.

Siberia headed out the door and Reaver moved over to Tempus.

Tiberius turned and looked out his window, it was going to be a long four hours…..


Ships log, Commodore Clearcastle recording.

We have put in at Buccaneers Den, thankfully, and true to his word Bullseye had 26 fully rested and waiting mages on the dock. Our plank had not even hit the dock before mages were coming aboard and casting there greater heal spells. I am happy to say that everyone alive at the time of my talk with Soul Reaver and Siberia is now fully healed. They are tired but will be fine after sleeping for a wile. For there work in keeping those men and women alive I am giving my highest commendations to Soul Reaver and the other healers, without there hard work many would have died today. Now that night is upon us and things are settling down I think its time to pay Greyylene a visit, I hope this meeting goes better then the last……

Tiberius had gone into town for a drink and was walking back to his ship when he heard what sounded like a fight coming from the Caroline. He ran up the plank reaching for he’s sword and came to a sudden stop. He watched Greyylene getting pummeled for a moment and was about to jump in when it hit him. I asked bulls to talk to her, maybe this was how he thought he could best get through to her.he noticed that the fighting had stopped and both were staring at him.

Oh I’m sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt your discussion, um, carry on then. and he turned and left.
Later that night Bullseye came to see him. He told Tiberius to expect to see Greyylene at some point the next day.

Very well, thank you for um, talking to her.

It was a conversation I felt I needed to have with her sir.

Very good. Bulls I am reassigning you to the Caroline for the duration of this mission.

Thank you sir!

Now go have yourself some R&R because when you return to Magincia tomorrow ill expect to see you in the middle of the fighting!!

The next day Tib sat in his quarters, feet up on a small crate and arms laying across his knees with his chin resting on his arms.

Greyylene came slowly into the room, she noticed that he seemed lost in thought and was simply going to leave the reports and go, she decided she would talk to him later.

Beautiful day isn’t it Greyy?

She stopped cold. How did he know.

He spun around in his chair and looked right at her.

There was no point in walking the shadows now, she stepped out and handed Tiberius the reports.

He reached out and took them from her, pausing a moment to look at her swollen and broken hand.

You might want to have the looked at. He said as he laid the reports down and turned back to the window.

Just as quietly as she entered she left.

As the crew began to come back to the Exeter, Tiberius had them begin to make the ship ready to leave port. He thin went to see the harbormaster.

Can you handle three ships at a time?

Yes fairly easily.

Ok but remember there may be wounded crewmen, once healed they may want to let loose a bit.

I understand completely Commodore, anyone you send will be well taken care of.

As Tiberius was heading back to the Exeter he saw Greyylene standing on the Caroline’s
Wheel deck looking out at the ocean.

He decided that this could not wait any longer and headed up the plank onto the Caroline.

Bullseye nodded as he walked by but otherwise continued his job of getting the ship ready to go back into battle.

He walked up beside Greyylene and leaned against the rail and followed her gaze.

He saw the whales playing in the water and quoted,

“They say the sea is cold, but the sea contains the hottest blood of all”

Greyylene took a deep breath. But before she could speak Tiberius began,

I have seen battles. I have sat between dying friends and waited with them for death to come , and I have drawn the dagger and ended there suffering, i do know that pain. Now Greyy you know why sometimes you need to make contact its not about trust or pride, we all have to be on the same page or people die.

My crew follows me into thick and dangerous uncharted waters on a regular basis, and I expect them to act very specifically. I did not take that into consideration when I went to Magincia. I gave you my loyalty and I was too proud and short sighted to give you the same courtesy I expect from my own crew. I lost two very good men to those vile creatures and I would very much desire to exact some vengeance on those beasts from the pit of hell! This said, commodore, It has been made Painfully clear to me that I am far too independent and strong willed. And though I cannot promise to change that, I will attempt to keep in mind there are other ships in my command. If I still have a command.

Tiberius continued looking out at the Whales at there games and wished life could be so simple. He then turned to Greyylene and said, Greyy we are the Navy not a group of pirates, things are different here, we work together and move in coordinated attack patterns, and we always get each others back. Of course you still have a command. Now lets get ready to get back into that battle huh?

Thank you Commodore. Replied Greyylene. As Tiberius began walking towards the gangplank. Once there Tiberius stopped and looked at both Greyylene and Bullseye and said, oh and Greyy? If you ever do anything like that again…im going to take a page out of Bullseyes book. He smiled and winked at bulllseye who then let go with a full belly laugh, one that greyy had not heard in a long time. She smiled as she watched Bullseye, the last person she ever thought would make it in the United Sosarian Navy, look to the Commodore and come to full military attention, snap off a solute and say…anyway I can be of help sir just ask!!!

Later that afternoon Tiberius summoned Tempus, Siberia, Greyylene, Eva, Bullseye, Rei, Soul Reaver and Lyra to his quarters.

Ok everyone find a spot to sit where you can. I am going to pass along to you my next plan of action and ask for any ideas you might have to make it better. First off however, Soul Reaver I am putting you in command of the Riptide with Rei as your XO, Eva you will act as my XO for now. Ok everyone this is the plan. All ships on the south side of the island will pull into Exeter and the parties going to battle will board her, and she will drop them off on the docks. Siberia the Silvervale will do the same on the north side of the island and drop them on the beach, while the Exeter and Vale are doing that all other ships will be loading there guns and getting into position to bomb the island on my command. Once the Vale and Exeter finish they will take places to start there bombing run as well. Questions? Ideas?

How will we coordinate the attacks to make sure no friendlys get caught in the crossfire?

From land, four of us will be coordinating the attacks from four quadrants of the island, ill be on the southeast, Greyylene you will take the southwest, Reaver you will take the northwest and Siberia you will have the northeast. Any questions?

Who are the lead ships in the attack and how do we signal them? asked Siberia.

Each of our ships will act as the lead ships on each run our XO’s will command them into the bombing run and then out to reload and do it again. Our ships however will have to take the first passes and get out quick so that if a retreat call comes in they can get there to pull them out. As far as contacting them? We will each carry a Communications Crystal with us to contact our ships, our ships in turn will fly a colored flag as a signal to the other ships to start there attack runs. Each ship will have a number in the line of attack and will follow in the number before them. The toughest job will fall to the north and south west, you will have to try to knock out the moongate so keep in constant contact.
Are there anymore questions?

When will the next R&R rotation that you promised begin? Asked Siberia.

Immediately following this battle.

Sounds good. She replied.

Meeting adjourned. Said Tiberius.

Soul you and Rei get over to the Riptide and get her ready. Ok everyone knows where to be, lets go people. Greyylene stay her for a moment.

After everyone had left Tiberius turned to her and said, I thought I told you to get looked at, yet I still see you in savage paint with a broken hand.

The Mages are needed for men and women injured be these beasts, they don’t need to be worrying about a foolish pirate and her injuries from a brawl.

Tiberius stepped over to her and took her hand, my healing powers wont work on those burns…Obsu Vulni…

As she felt the powers of the Paladins healing spell fill her, she closed her eyes and Tiberius could see and feel her relax as the pain subsided, Thank you Tiberius.

No problem, and your not foolish, just stubburn, now get your butt to your ship. He said with a crooked smile.

~The End~