"To sum up the above analysis, it is certain that Gaden is planning an attack on us, and we believe that he wants to divert our main force through a feint attack, and his real target is Franklin Harbor."
In the conference room of Navy Base, everyone was discussing the latest news obtained from Clement. An officer who was responsible for analyzing intelligence said so.
Austin It's a bit unbelievable. Franklin Harbor is the headquarters of the Navy. "If that's the case, then they are quite courageous."
The intelligence officer speculated. "According to other pirate prisoners captured, Gaden's strength has greatly increased after recently annexing several Pirate Crew, and his number has increased to six to seven hundred. This may be the reason why he has the confidence to fight against us."
Austin nodded. "It seems that while we are targeting Gaden, he is also planning to deal with us."
Captain Quirk of the Hope asked, "Commander, what should we do? Should we use the trick and keep the main force in Franklin Harbor, waiting for Gaden's attack?"
Austin shook his head. "We have to think about it again. There is no direct evidence yet that they want to distract us and attack Franklin Harbor. We can't just stay in the base and watch them plunder other places. What if they are not feigning attacks in other places?"
Damn it! It would be nice if the navy had more manpower. After the sharks and the large Pirate Crew with hundreds of people like Quirk are finished, what is left are small gangs with at most a hundred people, and the navy can divide its troops without any scruples. Now that Loach Pirate Crew's strength has greatly increased, it will be a bit risky to disperse the troops again.
At this time, someone spoke, "As long as we have sufficient troops, we can assist other places while ensuring the safety of Franklin Harbor, and Third Infantry Battalion of Joyce Major is training nearby."
Everyone turned their attention to this officer. He was the captain of a Paddle Sail Warship, named Yarman.
Seeing everyone looking at him, Captain Yarman shrank his neck and said a little hesitantly:
"Uh... Should we rely on the strength of our army brothers and ask Third Infantry Battalion to help us defend Franklin Harbor after receiving the distress signal, and we can concentrate our forces on the location of the incident."
"How... how is this possible? Eliminating pirates is a task assigned to the navy by Lord Greiman. If the army is asked to intervene, doesn't it seem that we are too incompetent?"
Sure enough, someone immediately came out to refute, it was the captain of the Hope Quirk.
When this guy was a pirate, he was beaten up by First Battalion and Second Battalion in Lakeheart Town, so he had some grudge against the Army.
When Austin asked him to join the navy, he also specifically asked about the personnel composition of the navy. After learning that except Commander Austin, only one person in the army had an army background, and the others were either new recruits or prisoners of pirates, he made up his mind to join the navy.
Although the other officers did not speak aloud, it could be seen from their expressions that their hearts were still leaning towards Quirk.
But Navy Commander Austin agreed very much with Captain Yarman's suggestion. He said, "Everyone, we should give priority to how to complete the mission. Any means is acceptable, even with the help of others."
"The construction of the second batch of Sailing Ship is going very smoothly. Once completed, we will go south to open up the route. The piracy issue cannot be delayed any longer."
"Originally, our first goal was to kill Loach Gaden. It would be great if he came to our door by himself. Moreover, he has absorbed other gangs, which saves us having to deal with them one by one."
He told the intelligence officer, "You must make good use of Clement and try to understand the true intentions of Gaden."
Seeing Navy Commander's statement, the other officers had no choice but to say yes.
The meeting finally decided to join forces with Third Battalion Infantry Battalion to eliminate the pirates, but this must be approved by the Staff Department. Austin immediately sent people to Lakeheart Town.
In the following days, Pirate Crew of Gaden suddenly became quiet. Not only was Arda not attacked by him, but there was no news about him from other territories.
It is obvious that the other party is accumulating strength, perhaps overhauling ordnance warships, or perhaps digesting the newly annexed Pirate Crew in preparation for the upcoming war.
In order to cope with the pirate attack, the navy once again strengthened its training. Austin obtained the authorization from the Staff Department, and Third Infantry Battalion stationed near Franklin Harbor was temporarily under his command.
During this period, intelligence officer Duran arranged for brothel owner Clement to contact Loach Pirate Crew several times. The information obtained through these contacts showed that "Loach" Gaden did have the intention of attacking in the east, and his target was indeed Franklin Harbor. However, the specific date when the pirates launched the operation is not yet known.
On October 10th, the distress signal of Beacon Fire was suddenly observed in the distance. The navy immediately dispatched warships to rush there. The defense of Franklin Harbor was taken over by Third Infantry Battalion. At the same time, under the instruction of intelligence officer Duran, Clement released the fish falcon, which carried the message: the main force of the navy has set off.
When the rescue fleet arrived, the pirates had already retreated. According to local Militia reports, the pirates just ran outside the fortress and bluffed before leaving, and not many people came.
Austin concluded that this was a "test" operation by Gaden to determine whether the feint attack could draw out the main force of the navy.
A week later at noon on October No. 17, the Hope and several other ships returned to the base port from an exercise. Recently, they were practicing how to use the new Flag Language to communicate at sea.
The officers and soldiers lowered the canvas and inspected the hull. After confirming that nothing was abnormal, except for those who stayed on duty, the others went ashore and walked to the canteen, discussing the lunch dishes along the way.
Suddenly the bell in the base rang, indicating that a warning signal was received.
Quirk muttered, "I hope this time I mean it! Gaden this bastard." He immediately rushed to the combat conference room with other officers. The sailors regrouped and were ready to go at any time.
At the combat meeting, Austin decided to let the navy stay behind Franklin Harbor and send Third Infantry Battalion to rescue, because according to the observation of Soldiers on duty, it was most convenient to go overland to the place where the signal was sent this time.
The fish falcon carrying the news that "the navy has left" also flapped its wings and flew into the distance again.
A few hours later, 10 pirate ships carrying Skull Flag appeared in the waters near Franklin Harbor. After receiving the news, pirate leader Gaden immediately commanded his fleet to rush towards Franklin Harbor.
He stood on the deck and ordered loudly, "This time when we go ashore, give me a special robbery. We must do it with great fanfare and steal the prestige of our Pirate Crew."
Then he emphasized. "But you must remember that there are only five hours. You must return to the ship after five hours. By then, whether everyone is here or not, I will order the fleet to return."
"Long live!" "Long live!" All the pirates shouted in response to their leader, gearing up to do something big.
Gaden pulled out his sword and pointed to the east. "Order the slaves to speed up! Attack Franklin Harbor!"
"Boss, that's not right!"
A shout from the lookout broke the mood.
Gaden, who was in a good mood, held back his anger and asked loudly, "What's wrong!"
The lookout on the mast pointed to the east with a look of fear on his face. "The navy hasn't left, they... they are rushing towards us!"