FORT AMITROSE

	It was an effort for King Jubil to contain his excitement on this day, after all he had an image to uphold. He carried himself confidently along the cobblestone street, full of pirates and marines, a determined look on his face. All around him people complained about the heat and despite the sweat rolling down his forehead, Jubil barely noticed it.  Nothing could bother him on this day. Just ahead was the Marine Headquarters for this sector of the sea. He had not been called upon, but his news could not wait. The guards posted at the large entrance gave him a look over, but did not stop him from moving forth. 

	It was cool within the walls compared to outside, and the light was heavily filtered. Empty and quiet, save for the echoing thuds of his steps, the lobby was huge. Doorways lined the surrounding walls. Stairways at the far end spiraled upwards to various floors, one of which, a familiar face descended. Fortunately, this was the man Jubil had been looking for and saved him from having to remember exactly where to go in this maze.

	"Thought you would show up," The large man said. He was slightly taller than Jubil, and significantly muscled with a broad arm span that didn't seem proportioned to the rest of his body. "I assume you have heard?"

	"My men report that the Bighead flag sails again."

	"An exaggerated report, Captain."

	Jubil flinched at the title. This was the only man who refused to address him as King. He gave up arguing months ago. "Explain."

	"Indeed their flag flies, however, the Bighead Pirates are not assembled. We have a detail on their shipwright. Been watching him for the better part of a year. The locales he frequents are under surveilance, both undercover and well placed den dens. He has had no contact with the others, I assure you."

	"You're a fool, if you believe that," Jubil said angrily. "I am taking my men. I will not miss another opportunity."

	"You can do as you please, Captain," said with a little sting. "You have upheld your end of the bargain."

	"And what of your end?"

	"Our finest mechanics have already equipped your ship with the weapons you have requested."

	"And your elite force? I was promised their employ."

	"If there is one thing I have learned about written contracts, Captain." Killian gave him a cold stare. "One should always read the fine print."

	Jubil's face flushed with anger, but before he could react, the Vice admiral continued.

	"The Fruity Marines have already departed, with orders for capture. Make no mistake, Captain Jubil, The Bighead Pirates will face judgement to the fullest extent of Fort Amitrose authority, on account of the chaos and destruction they caused here. They barely escaped with their lives a year ago, and have not paid for it enough."

	"I should have known better," Jubil mocked. He was pissed, perhaps rightly so, but there was nothing he could do here to exact revenge. "When I catch them, I will remove them from existence."

	"We will see," Killian responded confidently, and disappeared into the higher levels.

	With that, King Jubil was off, angry at the betrayal. Still though, he found joy in the fact that things were finally getting back on course. He could put this Marine infested city behind him.