Invasion of Island Au | Complete

[ELIAS E. CHURCH]

The scene unfolding before him was not what Elias had come to expect. What appeared to be a battalion of Pirates were swarming across the shore, blitzkrieging for the lone complex of sterile Marine structures claiming the center of the relatively flat island. Through trees and boulders they frenzied, clamoring over their fallen allies where they fell. All for the luscious metal sought as their prize. The plan was twofold in it's relative genius, so Elias surmised, either they would find the secret to immortality the World Government held, or they would pillage the stores of Gold the island kept for their experiments.

The problem with attacking en mass of course was it's entirely conspicuous nature, and therefore the Marines had fair warning of their intent. Elias happened to be close by, making his rounds, when his personal Den-Den Mushi rang.

20 minutes or so into the fray and the Pirates seemed endless. The Vice-Admiral had yet to step in himself and reserved himself to an oversight role for the time being. He didn't want to frighten off whomever orchestrated such a brazen assault with the revelation of a Vice-Admiral as their opponent and was content, though uncomfortable, to seek the bigger prize.

The Pirates had yet to cross the line into the complex itself. Elias was very particular about keeping as many crack shots with him as possible, and deployed them all at key strategic points along the rooftops and windows. Nine in total, and they would all receive commendations should they keep up their standard.

Elias himself however was never one to stay out of a fight for too long and eventually pulled himself to the furthest-most sniper nest. "Report, Captain." He ordered plainly as his eyes scanned the shoreline. Three ships were docked, with another inbound. A sharp boom cracked, "They don't seem to want to end, sir!" the Marine said as another Pirate ate a bullet, "Our ammo won't hold out indefinitely..." Elias nodded, "Duty before pride, then..."

Drawing six kunai between his fingers Elias watched as six Pirates fell face first into the dirt, before activating his personal Den-Den Mushi, "Prepare to bring the ship around. Ready the cannons to fire on the last Pirate ship not yet anchored. Cut off any route of escape." It appeared Elias might not catch his prize after all.

[ELIAS E. CHURCH]

Time wasn't in great supply for the Vice-Admiral. If he wanted to get anywhere, he would have to try something a little drastic. "Men, this is Vice-Admiral Church. Let a small number of Pirates across the line. If we want to find out who is in charge, we'll need to draw them out." Elias gave a curt nod to the Captain at his side after he finished communicating via Den-Den Mushi. Not a few minutes later did cries of victory and accolade proceed to assault his senses; the Pirates were getting through.

Not that Elias had any notion of actually allowing scum make off with their booty, trap or no. Instead after giving his order, he jumped down from the nest and made his way to the inner courtyard of the off-white complex. Ready to kill the 'victors' after exclaiming their success, but before they could alert anyone of their opponent. A further 10 minutes or so and a voice sounded just behind Church's ear, "Sir, the last ship is making its way to shore. The last of the forces are committing to the assault. What are your orders, sir?"

Immediately Elias responded, though his voice remained calm and collected, "Perfect. Bring the ship around, cannon-side, and fire. Sink them all, and force them onto the island."

[ELIAS E. CHURCH]

Fire and smoke climbed like pillars into the sky. It was a sight that always reminded Elias of his past and subsequent encounters with Pirates. As had most of his dealings with them. In truth, it was probably the most excitement the island had seen for an age, not that many would call wanton death and destruction excitement.

The mixture of emotion and action left many Pirates confused. On the one hand victory seemed assured and on the other death loomed expectantly. Their forces were divided and at the order the nine let loose a hail of death. Communicating once again with his subordinates Elias spoke, "Right men, we need to round up the remaining Pirates at the shore and put them in irons - make sure none escape."

Following the trail of dead men to the burning ships was much simpler than he thought at first. The Pirates were indeed finite and the majority of them were shot dead already so Elias experienced little resistance in completing the objective of the mission.

[ELIAS E. CHURCH]

Much to his chagrin whomever organized the raid was nowhere to be found. An hour after accepting the surrender of the few survivors left, and extracting what information was useful, the Pirates were in chains and being escorted onto the Marine ship.

Keeping himself to his quarters, Elias finished writing up his report of the dealings on Island Au. "They spoke of change, and the fall of the World Government... Were they revolutionaries? To be so brazen... They couldn't have been sent by the leader... Perhaps there is strife amongst the world changers?" Elias mused to himself. Conjecture and opinion held no place in official documents and as such were omitted from the writings.

For now Elias would have to be content with the success of the mission.