The Merchant Raider's stern lifted into the air as the bow filled with the gushing sea. Nightheart glowered at the sinking ship, as the Black Barbarian pulled away from the scene of the battle. No-one shadowed Nightheart and lived to repeat the mistake.

Ever since he had intervened at the First Treasure fleet, Corrington had been hunting him, and although he had been able to defeat the all so far, but it had come at a price. The Barbarian's thick broadside planking was tatty and punctuated by holes and scars, and the stern galleries were smashed. She would need repairs if they were going to be able to continue fighting the Corries, and he had no money left. Things were getting difficult, and Nightheart hoped he had the skills to pull through.

 

Stingray sat, fully repaired and revamped in Breshaun Harbour. Erwin stood on deck watching the world go past. The good news was that Collins would be alright, and should be back soon. Erwin had managed to explain the damage to Stingray as an encounter with a freak storm, and he had ditched the guns to stay afloat. That was more believable than reality.

Erwin frowned at The Pharaoh riding at anchor a little further on from Stingray. This latest attack by the Corries had been especially bold, and he had only just defeated it. If this was a sign of things to come, then Oleon better be on guard.

The sun sank through the horizon and the clouds were lit with a multitude of colours. A new year was almost upon them and Erwin worried about what it might hold in store.

 

Deep in the night a cool glow spilled into the darkness from the stern galleries of a war-brig. The Admiral stood silently by the window as the Commodore finished his report. 

'HMS Leech managed to escape from the Southern Isle, but in all we lost three Merchant Raiders for no gain' He said standing to attention.

The Admiral turned and walked over to one of the map tables laid out in the cabin, which had a fleet of miniature ships arranged on it. He carefully picked out 3 little models and then swiftly crushed them between his palms. He dropped what remained into a bucket beneath the table.

'With these unfortunate losses we have lost six of our Merchant Raiders, a most lamentable situation,' the Admiral said in his calm smooth voice. He picked a splinter from his cuff and deposited it in the bucket. 

'If we continue on this path, our fleet may be forced to withdraw, what do you suggest Commodore?' the Admiral looked at the Commodore to speak.

'Previously we have sought small engagements, using meagre forces, so to slowly defeat our enemies. We have also sent our weaker captains, those who are inexperience, and we have paid for our caution,' the Commodore stated.

'I trust you have a solution?' the Admiral asked.

'I will take a small flotilla and begin my operations within a few months. Before long we will have made good our losses, and learned a great deal too. We can pick our enemies apart, before they even know what is happening'

The Admiral's calm deadpan face was disturbed by a hint of a smile, before smoothing out once more.

'Commodore, your plan is sufficient, you may leave now'

The Commodore saluted and then left the cabin, and the Admiral turned back to his maps and began plotting his next move.

 

The final little chunk for 2016, concluding a few threads from the last story left unfinished. I have really enjoyed the first year of the BOBS and I thank all those who have worked so hard organising it and making sure it runs smoothly.

You're getting quite the story, Franco! Combined with all the builds, it was a great year!

FC, nice closure for this year (it's like a "to be continue" sign). Commenting on this soon ending year, it was a great one indeed and I've had tons of fun with you all. Let's enter the next one full sail then and let's achieve even more together!

I continue to enjoy your storytelling style and the way you illustrate it with your builds. The nighttime shot of the war brig's stern is excellent!  Looking forward to what 2017 brings.

The nighttime shot of the war brig's stern is excellent! 

I was about to say that, but Captain Wolf was quicker.

 

A nice conclusion to the first part of Erwin's adventures. The first picture is really fun, and I like the lighting in the last picture. It fits in perfectly with the story and is excellent at setting the mood.

Here's to a successful 617!

Thank you all, I relieved the last photograph worked out, as I had to dismantle the far side of the ship to fit the lights in!