Graveyard of a Madman Part 33

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Many men stood around Magnus as he leaned against a wall with his arms crossed. All of them looked very serious as they stood before him, and he looked them all down, judging their fighting prowess as he did. Though there were few stand alone threats, he felt that he had the advantage among them all. In a fight, he could take them all down, but it would not be quick and quiet as he wanted it in that situation. He was far taller than all of them, giving him clear advantage when all is said and done. Despite his sudden instinct to make it loud and nasty, he knew that the mission came first.

Marine: So... how many did you fight on the front line? Were there any Captains of the crews?

Magnus: Captains? No, I saw Thoosa a few times, but I did not fight her.

This caused a slight commotion among them. They had such respect for those who fought in the front line, especially this one, as he did not seem to have a scratch on him.

Magnus: I can tell you this, there were some damn good swordsmen among them, and they put up a good fight, but in the end I took down three of their stronger members.

Marine2: No way! For real?! Those katanas you have look like the real deal too! Do you think when all of this is over, you could show me some of your moves?

Magnus: [Grinned at this, his sudden instinct was tearing at him.] Sure, I'd be more than happy to show you some of my moves.

This caused yet another commotion between the Marines, a lot of them wishing they had been the first to ask him.

Magnus: But that's enough for now, continue preparations for tomorrow! Has anyone learned when the attack is supposed to take place?

Marine3: No, sir. They told us that we wouldn't know until it's about to happen.

Magnus: Very well, as you were.

They were quick to return to their normal routines of preparing their gear. That was when Magnus saw a familiar face pass their room in the hall, and he walked out to follow him. Magnus was quick to walk up beside Sid in the corridor, and they spoke in lowered voices.

Sid: Nice work there, Master Petty Officer. I like the way you hide in plain sight.

Magnus: It's Chief Petty Officer, actually. I wasn't fortunate enough to make Commander. Have you located the bridge?

Sid: [Grin.] Of course, I have. This isn't my first time out in a ship like this. My Father was quick to learn me all about these ships.

Magnus: Sounds like an honorable man.

That was when Sid started to remember his last encounter with his father, and how he pretty much disowned him for helping a pair of pirates. He could only nod at Magnus as they continued to walk, head up in the air to make them look official. They opened a door which led to a bunch of stairs. They ascended the stairs, and at the top of the stairs, there was a group of offices outside of one single door, which was most obviously armored. It was obviously the door to the bridge, and both of them grinned, unable to hide their excitement at completing their mission.

That was until a familiar face came out of one of the offices with a cup of coffee in her hand. Sid's insides went ice cold as she stepped out and looked at the two of them. Rear Admiral Kinan stood before them and Sid thought about hiding his face, in fear that she might recognize him, but he didn't want to give himself away outright. He thought about having Magnus do all the talking, but they were not all that finely tuned to one another. As the seconds past them by, he thought about just attacking her to gain the advantage of surprise, perhaps that would be the best way to go about it. He even went so far as to clench his fist, ready to unleash his first strike.

Kinan: Oh, hello gentlemen, are you headed to the bridge?

Magnus: Yes, ma'am, but after you. [Slightly bowed his head and held his hand up toward the door.]

Kinan: Thank you. [Bowed her head back and pushed in the code right above the door handle.]

It took a moment to breathe the fire out of his lungs, but Sid looked at Magnus, who grinned wider, and nodded. Sid nodded back, and all three of them went through the door to the main control center of the entire ship. It was all so perfect, they could only hope that their other comrades had the same kind of luck.

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