The East PacificBoard

4 Merlovichan Cruisers pierce the fog over the horizon, headed towards the Kampfian Fleet at a snails pace.

The captain of the light cruiser Maleryet stood firm on the bow of the ship, his gloved hands shoved deep in his pockets, his black trenchcoat flapping in the wind, he had an unexplainable look on his face, a mixture of fear and acknowledgement, almost as if he knew exactly what was about to happen. The weather was horrific out here, 4°, there wasn’t a patch of blue sky in sight, dark clouds and fog covered the horizon as far as anyone could see, his thick beard was beginning to frost, he stroked it momentarily to dispose of it, and dug his hand back in his pocket. Merlovichan sailors were used to these conditions, winter operations above Sanadia had prepared them well.

The ships First Officer quickly stumbled above deck, a worried expression on his face

“Captain, everything below decks is complete, we’re ready”
The captain remained silent for what felt like an entire minute, before turning and giving the First Officer a stern look
“Alright, move ahead, I’ll be there in a moment”
The First Officer nodded, and turned to walk back before hesitating
“Um, if you don’t mind me asking Captain, is… everything ok up here?”
“I think it’s better you don’t ask those questions to a commanding officer”
The First Officer replied with a slight crack in his voice
“Yes, uh, Y-Yes sir!”

The Captain turned back to face the sea ahead, looking over the waves as they gently lapped against the bow. He let out a long, deep sigh before pulling a small grey notepad out of his pocket. He wrote a few words before stopping abruptly, and looked back up at the misty ocean ahead.

A look of frustration swept his face, his brows furrowed, he methodically lobbed the notepad over the frost-covered railing and into the water, where only a small splash was made on impact.

He turned to face the ship, sighed once more, and walked slowly back inside.

This might well be his last voyage, and he knew that too well.