In the Line of Fire

Nine Months Since Entering

The night was quiet as the sounds of rows splashed into the water. The boat was a small fishing boat that had been seized by the rebel group. On board, Prince Lionel's arms were tied together, along with three men watching his every move. Six other men were rowing, with the last one to watch their bearing.

Lionel took the momentary pause to watch their approach towards the anchored galleon. No doubt there had been other small ships by now to deliver supplies and men; he knew there wasn't much firepower on the ship while the city's craftsmen were examining its construction for future replication. To make the ship a credible threat, more cannonballs and powder would have had to be brought on-board. He had toured the boat previously alongside Marquis Eibinger, with Kunz the carpenter giving the tour, so he knew the layout of the ship. Best guess; if they had set up a prison for me, it'd likely be on the orlop deck, just below the gun deck. That would keep me out of the way of the gunners who needed to move back and forth, along with making it all that much harder for any attempt of a rescue. If the rebels had extra black powder, those barrels would probably be stored there as well until needed. The Kingdom craftsmen had also set up a makeshift repair station on that deck as well, which included some nasty chemicals they used to treat wood and metals.

A part of him wished the Kingdom would go ahead and attack; he was prepared to die if it meant the survival of the country, but he suspected his father would never allow such an act. As the Crown Prince, he was the first in line of succession. If he were killed, it would fall to Prince Leuhen, who had just turned nine. However, because he was still a child, he would be reliant on ministers until he was of age, which could be disastrous, depending on who was doing the whispering in their ears.

Once the small boat had reached the galleon, a rope ladder was lowered. The men around him motioned aggressively for him to climb up. "And how am I supposed to do that with my hands tied?" Lionel asked harshly.

Reluctantly, one of the men produced a dagger, cutting him free. Lionel had a momentary idea of jumping overboard and swimming to freedom, but that was folly. They were at the river's widest point; between the distance and current, trying to reach shore would have been a superhuman feat, assuming the archers on the galleon didn't just shoot him down for the attempt. Don't do anything foolish... at least not any more than I already have... he thought. At this point, he knew his fate rested with these rebels and whatever actions the Kingdom would muster.

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In the Zegleus Capital City, the mood on the streets was grim, with far fewer people than normal this morning. Around the castle, troops were running readiness drills and marching in formations. Security at the entrances was tight; any visitor was checked and confirmed before allowing entrance.

Count Claus Bozes arrived with his security detail and Michiko in tow. She felt like someone being marched to a firing squad, despite the Bozes' reassurances last night. After a quick check at the gates, they were ushered into a room with Marquis Eibinger and Chancellor Saar.

"So... this man Lafette is behind our recent troubles?" Eibinger asked.

"I believe so," Claus confirmed. "My sources tell me that this man was the one going from house-to-house among the Nobles, finding the ones whose loyalty was wavering. Count Larsen seems to be the lead man in terms of financing the operation; Jerome Lafette is the one actually meeting and recruiting men and coordinating the acquisition of materials."

Eibinger scowled. "Larsen... I should have known... I knew he was a snake, just with how he conducts his personal business."

"His family also previously had extensive trading with the Aldar Empire," Saar reported. "Having that cut off after the invasion crippled his family's revenue. The talk among the noble balls was that he was trying to reach out to other Houses for alternate revenue streams, but was less than successful."

"And now it's apparent that the attack on Market Square was just the beginning," Claus continued. "By now, the entire city has seen the galleon out in the bay, with cannons now pointing to the Castle. Is there any talk about moving His Highness to a secure location or plans to attacking the galleon to prevent this calamity?"

Saar shook his head. "Not yet; we're waiting for the rebels' next move before doing that. If we relocate the King now, it would send the wrong message. The last thing we need right now is rumors that the King ran away from the rebels' threat. If he does that, he risks losing even more support from the Noble Houses who are on the fence."

Eibinger spoke up, "Attacking that ship also is a substantial tactical challenge. They're outside of arrow range, and it's impossible to approach by boat without being seen. They'd likely face cannon fire before they even got close. But the biggest problem... " He paused. "I must stress that this information must be kept secret, but... we've been made aware that Prince Lionel is currently being held hostage, and is onboard that ship as a prisoner."

Claus looked shocked. "By the Goddess... I had no idea..." He frowned and sighed. "His Majesty must be beside himself... so until that changes, our hands are truly tied..."

Through all this, Michiko kept silent and took the information in. The maps on the tables had blue and red tokens on them, representing known groups of military forces. Outside of the Capital, troops from the southern districts were moving north. They were holding positions, as if waiting for a signal. The Kingdom really is on the brink, she thought. What was worse, during the discussion, she caught the men glancing at her from time-to-time throughout the meeting. It would be so much easier if the Lightning ArchPriestess were here, wouldn't it ; she couldn't help but feel that lingering thought on each of the men's faces.

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Jerome stood ahead of the galleon's forecastle, looking across the bay. He had been careful all these months; plotting, planning, meeting the players... and now it was all coming to fruition! He took a moment to breathe in the air by the bay; there was just something different about the air over the waters.

"So... the plan begins," Count Larsen said from behind him. "This must be a great day for you."

"It couldn't have happened without you," Jerome offered magnanimously. "This country's leadership was clearly not for the good for so many counties. The inequities between the money being spent between the north and south needs to end."

Larsen grunted at Jerome's declaration. That's not your real goal, isn't it...? he thought. Despite their professional relationship, he never fully trusted Jerome's motivations. While his family previously did a substantial amount of trade with the Aldar Empire, he wasn't blind to that country's ambitions. The invasion last year was... unfortunate for all involved, and had he been able to negotiate with their government, perhaps things could have gone differently.

That's right, you fools... Jerome gloated internally. Once the shooting had started, he had full confidence that it would spread throughout the country. As a soldier, he knew once blood was spilt, it was very hard to put the genie back into the bottle. It would be months... perhaps years of death and pain for this country... and somewhere out there, I hope the ArchPriestess sees it all from her Purgatory...

"Sir, your son has arrived," a sailor interrupted Jerome's and Larsen's thoughts.

"Thank you, sailor," Jerome acknowledged. He watched as the men helped Daniel and another group of vassals climb aboard the ship, using the rope ladder draped over the side. "Welcome aboard, my son!"

Daniel looked around with a mix of disdain and sadness. "So... you have your war... I suppose congratulations are in order..."

Jerome took his son to one side. "This is about you as much as me!" he hissed. "Do you really want to spend the rest of your life as a commoner... just another one of the rabble toiling in the mass of humanity? Destroying our enemies is how we regain our station... don't you understand that?!"

Daniel bit his lip and nodded reluctantly. "Yes, I got it..." he replied softly.

"Now, the Count and I need to head back to shore, to coordinate our ground forces," Jerome continued. "I'm leaving you here to guard the Prince. Do you think you can do that?"

Daniel nodded reluctantly. "I'll... do my duty, Father."

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Michiko walking slowly in the city. Just a few hours ago, there was so much joy here... and now it was all ash. The meeting with the Royal ministers left her with a bad taste in her mouth; what do you want from me? She'd been told by many that people in this town confused her with Mitsuha... well, I'm not her! I can't give them what they want! I'm not the one they need right now! She shook her head; she needed some place to clear her mind.

She drifted absent-mindedly through the streets, and before she realized it, she stood in front of Mitsuha's General Store. Was it fate or chance I would end up here? She unlocked the door, disarmed the alarm, and entered. It was slightly dusty from disuse and she sighed. It all started here, didn't it? It seemed so innocent... just a quick trip together and build a winery. Who would have thought it would all end up like this? She stared at the 招き猫* statue sitting on the counter. "What would you do?" she asked rhetorically with a soft voice. "Was it easier for you...? You came here with a plan... with powers... a goal. I'm here by accident..." She sighed; now I'm talking to plastic dolls... some savior I turned out to be. And the Kingdom needs one right now... the castle has a gun to its head... their future King trapped on board... troops surrounding us to the south and threatening their neighbors... "Are we just... screwed...?" she despaired.

* Maneki-neko / Beckoning cat - A common Japanese figurine which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner.

She stopped behind the cashier desk and touched it with a sense of nostalgia. I spent a lot of time here, padding Mitsuha's retirement fund... a pity she's not around to collect any of it. She then saw a shoulder bag she hadn't noticed before under the desk. She carefully fished through it and felt them; a spare Walther PPS, a Taser X1 Pro, then finally the biggest one, a Beretta 93R. She stared at them nervously; like most law-abiding Japanese citizens, she had an anathema to the idea of carrying a gun. When Mitsuha had told her she had trained extensively with Wolf Fang, she replied she'd never be caught even holding one of them. Oh, how hollow that sounded now... She picked up the Beretta. If the Wolf Fang Captain was here, he'd say her grip was too low, and her finger was getting dangerously close to the trigger guard. She quickly put it down... what am I thinking... I'm no hero... I've had no training; I'd be lucky to hit the side of a barn, even if I had the guts to fire it.

She sighed, then stopped. Maybe there is a way... It seemed almost like madness... the very flickering of an idea began to come to her mind. She put the guns back in the bag, then slung it over her shoulder. She would need to swing back to the Bozes' mansion to pick up a few things; perhaps the only way out of this fix was an act of desperation after all.

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"That's your idea...?!" Eibinger exclaimed with shock.

Michiko almost jumped at his reaction, but gathered her courage and nodded. "Yes Eibinger-sama. If it works, then the Kingdom will have a real chance to..."

"But the cost... " Eibinger stared in shock, then sighed. "We would have to bring this to the King."

"Yes, of course."

Eibinger stood up, then paused. "Are you... sure about this? Once we go before His Majesty, there's no turning back."

Michiko actually began to shake... a little late for second thoughts, isn't it? But she didn't see any other way. "Yes... my lord."

Eibinger looked at Michiko with a sense of sympathy. The past seven months, they had developed a working relationship with her translation work. In that time, he had come to realize what a sharp young mind she had. Had things turned out differently, the Kingdom could have greatly benefited having her work with our scribes and scholars. She would have fit right in with Platidus and the college, likely even teaching them a few things. But perhaps that was just not meant to be...

He sent one of the messengers in the palace, notifying the King that he had an urgent proposal that needed his review. Twenty minutes later, they were summoned to the central hall of the palace, standing before the King, Chancellor Saar, and a number of other nobles, including Count Bozes. Eibinger bowed, while Michiko curtsied. Noticeably, the queen, and all the children, weren't present. No doubt they had been spirited away to a place of safety. Michiko wanted to blurt out asking if Sabine was with them, but she knew she had to focus on what she wanted to say, or she'd like lose the nerve.

"I understand you have something important to propose to me," the King asked. His normally congenial manner was strained by the stress of the crisis.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Eibinger said with another bow. "Michiko has come to me with an idea that might... break the deadlock that threatens the palace." The King nodded his permission, while next to him among the other nobles, Count Bozes looked very concerned; what are you thinking, Michiko?

"Your Majesty," Michiko began. "The ship that threatens the castle... the reasons you can't destroy them is because they hold your son... and they're out of arrow range... and approaching by boat would be inviting a counter attack before they reached the ship. It's also very difficult to board such a ship while at sea without a ship of equal size if the crew on board doesn't lower a ladder, correct?" The King nodded. "So, the first thing we need to do is to free your son. I propose we offer the rebels a swap for your son with another hostage."

There was a low muttering in the room, but the King motioned for silence. "Who did you have in mind?"

Michiko stood as tall as she could. "Myself, Your Majesty."

The murmurs grew louder, with Count Bozes looking shocked. He wanted to say something, but knew he didn't have the floor in this situation.

"What makes you think they'd even consider such a swap?" Chancellor Saar asked.

Michiko explained, "Because I can offer them the one thing they want more than anything else in the world... complete translations of all the ArchPriestess' reference materials, technological blueprints and writings."

There was an uproar at Michiko's announcement. "You can't allow that!" one minister called out.

"That kind of knowledge in the hands of those... traitors would have drastic consequences, far beyond even our current crisis!"

"Michiko," the King asked. "While I am... reluctant to trade an innocent life, even for my son... are you really prepared to give that kind of world-changing technology to our enemies?"

Michiko paused for a moment, then glanced to Eibinger. "No, Your Majesty... that knowledge will never leave the ship. You see... once you have Lionel-sama in safe custody, their most likely action is to drag me aboard that ship. They'll think they're safe, believing you still can't attack. However, while they may be out of arrow range, I've provided Marquis Eibinger with a ballistics solution for a rifled cannon firing a cylindro-conoidal shell to hit that target, and I have a formula to give to Platidus for a binary-explosive payload that will detonate and combust upon impact. You have four of these cannons at the Proving Grounds already pointed out to the river, since it was decided that no backstop was safe enough to reliably stop a cannonball consistently to allow testing."

The room grew tense as everyone took Michiko's words in. "M-michiko..." the King asked to confirm, "are you sure you know what you're asking for?"

Michiko nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. I'm asking you to sink that ship, with all hands onboard, myself included. That should break the Gordian knot tying your hands, and allow you to confront your enemies directly."

There was a stunned silence. Saar broke the silence. "What if they don't take the offer?"

"Then you've lost nothing," Michiko explained. "We're right back to where we started."

"But what if they don't take you to the ship?" Count Bozes demanded, unable to hold his tongue any longer.

"Then you can sink that ship with a clear conscience," Michiko said as she turned towards the Count. "If they just take me to an apartment or warehouse in the city, then that's a lot easier for the Kingdom's forces to rescue me, than it would be to rescue Lionel-sama from the ship, wouldn't it?"

There was more shouting in the hall as nobles and ministers all tried to make their positions known. The King finally motioned for silence again. "Marquis Eibinger, what is your position?"

Eibinger sighed. "I don't like the plan... but so far... it's the only one I've been presented that might save the Prince and the Kingdom."

The King nodded and regarded Michiko with a look of sadness and regret. "Michiko... Sabine speaks very highly of you, and she's not the only one; now I see why. I... regret I haven't taken the time to meet with you before... but whatever happens next... you will have the gratitude of our nation."

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Count Larsen and Jerome Lafette docked their small boat and headed to a prepared hideout. Larsen knew he couldn't go back to his mansion in the Capital; surely the Kingdom would have already searched that location by now. His family had already been spirited away to the county mansion far to the south of the country. For himself, Jerome Lafette... no... Jerome Von Lafette , he told himself, reveled as the work for more than a year was finally paying off.

"A message sir," a vassal reported.

"From the Kingdom?" Larsen asked. "A surrender, perhaps?" with hope. If the King would simply capitulate, it would make things so much better; winning the Kingdom with clean hands would be far preferable to a protracted civil war.

"They wish to offer a trade for the Prince," the vassal read from the message.

Larsen scoffed, while Jerome shook his head and strode across the room. "They're truly desperate," Jerome smiled. "What could they possibly offer that would have us even considering such a ridiculous idea?"

"Well, they're offering... the translator," the vassal concluded.

That got both Larsen's and Jerome's immediate attention. "You're not... seriously considering this?" Jerome asked, as he watched Larsen's reaction.

Larsen paused. This kind of decision couldn't be made in haste, but it was just so... tempting. "Just think about it... if the Kingdom doesn't surrender, we're potentially looking at protracted civil war, with roughly equal forces. Having the ArchPriestess' knowledge and technology could be the game-changer. Those weapons could change a stalemate into a quick victory."

Jerome was conflicted; an ugly, protracted stalemate was what he actually wanted... but he admitted to himself that getting his hands on such knowledge could indeed be invaluable. Of course, he wanted that knowledge sent to the Aldar Empire; if this was going to happen, he would have to find a way to have the girl for himself...

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"They've sent back their acceptance," Eibinger said, as he read the message delivered from a white-flag rider. "We're working out the details, but it's beginning to look like it'll be done in the middle of the bay between two small boats, equal number of escorts." He grunted. "No doubt they're choosing that, to prevent any chance that the Kingdom would try some way to rescue both during the actual exchange."

The group of people were sitting in Eibinger's private office. Next to Michiko, Count Bozes looked at her with grave concern. "Why would you do this? Couldn't you have at least talked to us about it first?"

"I didn't even think of it until a few hours ago," Michiko admitted. "Besides, I was worried you would say no."

"You're throwing your life away... for what?" Claus exclaimed.

"I'm giving this Kingdom its best chance to get out of this crisis," Michiko countered. "Who's more important to the future of the Kingdom... the King's heir... or a commoner who isn't even a citizen of your nation? What is... ultimately... the duty for every Noble family who serves the King?"

Claus wanted to say something, but was at a loss. Your duty is the greater good of the country... words that were drummed into every Noble who ever attended their preparatory school. Easy to say in the good times... so much harder in times such as this...

Michiko then turned to Eibinger. "Even if this works, there are still soldiers from your rebelling provinces, right?"

Eibinger nodded, "Yes... but that's my cross to bear."

"Maybe this will help." Michiko handed Eibinger a book; on the cover it read TAC & Drill: Light Infantry & Rifle Tactics of the Napoleonic Wars . "In my country, the introduction of muskets and cannons led to a transformation of military doctrine. Basically, it's one thing for an army to have muskets... that's not the same as knowing how to use them."

Eibinger leafed through the book. There were translated sections detailing methods of proper rifle training, tactical formations and their applications, the proper use of artillery and how it coordinated with infantry, and much more. Lessons from fellow warriors from another world, paid for by the blood of their brothers , he realized.

Michiko pulled out a second book from her shoulder bag. "I didn't have a chance to fully translate this," as she showed them a book titled The Chemistry of Explosives , "but I need you to give this to Platidus. There's a section I've bookmarked for him." She paused, then looked down. "In my heart... I hope you won't need it," she said quietly. "But if your country is anything like mine... well... "

Eibinger sighed inwardly, as it hit him once again what the Kingdom was losing. "You're really going to go through with it? It sounds like you're really ready to end your life."

"If there is a chance to escape, I'll certainly take it," Michiko clarified. "No, I'm not crazy about dying... but if it's for the greater good... well, if things don't work out, then consider these my last gifts to you."

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Prince Lionel sat in his cell with a growing feeling of despair. The one good thing about his situation is he noted the rebels were significantly under-crewed for the size of the ship. Despite being a 40-cannon galleon, he estimated they wouldn't be able to fire more than three to four cannons at a time. They probably didn't expect to need much more than that; it's not like they were going up against other ships. They were basically a bluff based on the fear more than actual power. Not that it helped him in this situation.

"You!" a crewman pointed at Lionel. "Up!"

Standing up, Lionel wondered what was going on, as the crewman unlocked his cage.

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In the dawn of the next day at the docks by the city, three guards, which was the agreed-upon number, stood by as Michiko carefully boarded the small fishing boat. Although the meetings among the ministers was supposed to be kept confidential, secrets nearly always leaked as servants were known to waggle their tongues. As a result, the guards were aware of the deal being struck and couldn't help but feel respect for the girl they were here to escort. She's sacrificing herself to these scum for our Prince , they all thought. Of course, they couldn't help but wonder what was so valuable about her that the rebels would give up the Crown Prince of all people, but none of them knew.

For herself, Michiko did her best not to allow herself to show just how terrified she was. Inwardly, her stomach was doing cartwheels and her hands couldn't stop shaking. In addition, she thought about her real motivation; what wasn't said back at the Palace... that she felt the need to make it up to the Kingdom, after she had allowed herself to be so easily fooled by who she knew must have been an Aldar spy. On her shoulder, she still had the bag from Mitsuha's place. She had stuffed a few scrolls and extra books as cover; this world didn't know about doing a full body pat-down like a modern policeman would... or at least she hoped they didn't.

In the distance, they spied the Prince and the agreed-upon three escorts getting onboard a boat next to the galleon and start its way to the docks. On cue, the boat Michiko sat in started towards the galleon. This reminds me of all those Cold War movies where spies were swapped between countries, Michiko thought. As the boats got closer, she felt the tension from the three guards with her, as the shadow of the galleon stretched over them, with the dawn sky so low to the horizon. You could almost feel the cannons being aimed at you , all four people in the boat thought as one.

Once the two boats were ten feet apart, the rebel crew motioned at the Kingdom's boat. "Halt right there!" Both boats bobbed and drifted with the currents. "Extend the planks," the rebel soldier commanded, as his comrades brought out a pair of flat wooden boards, swinging them over the water towards the Kingdom's boat. The guards on the latter boat grabbed the ends, and secured them.

"At the same time," the rebel soldier directed.

Michiko and Prince Lionel both stood up as one, from their respective boats. At his captor's prompting, Lionel slowly started across the makeshift bridge, while at the same time, Michiko did the same from her side. They passed each other without a word, though the anxiety was apparent to all. The Kingdom's guards stood ready, in case of treachery, as did the rebel soldiers.

A moment later, the exchange was completed and both boats separated. On the shore, a much larger group of soldiers watched; their presence was more of a formality, as even the half-way point was too far for a reliable arrow show, without risking hitting an ally. As the Kingdom's boat made its way back to the docks, the rebels worked their way back to the galleon.

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"Praise the Goddess you're safe!" the King exclaimed as Prince Lionel made his way into the central throne room under escort.

"Father!" Lionel immediately ran forward and the pair enjoyed a brief embrace, but quickly separated, as both knew the urgency of the situation. "Father, who was that girl?"

"Someone... who bravely chose to take your place," the King replied with regret. He then turned to Eibinger. "Is the next part of the plan ready?"

"Almost," Eibinger confirmed. "Platidus is working out the last part of Michiko's formula. He says it's very challenging work, but he should have a working payload for us shortly."

"Payload?" Lionel asked with rising concern. "Father, what's going on?"

The King sighed with a pang of guilt. "With the help of that girl you passed, we're about to sink the rebel's ship."

"No!" Lionel shouted. "You can't!"

"Eh?" Eibinger demanded.

____________________________________________________________________________________

"What's in the bag?" one of the rebels demanded.

"You asked for a translator," Michiko answered. "These are the works to be translated."

The rebel opened the bag and looked inside. He grunted as he saw books and scrolls. After a cursory glance at one of the scrolls showing a blueprint written in Japanese, he motioned for her guards to bring her aboard the galleon. Michiko found herself escorted from the main deck down the gun deck, where she saw a handful of soldiers manning the cannons. No way that's enough for a full volley , she told herself. They continued to the middle of the ship where the stairs led down to the orlop deck, where a cage awaited. She froze in shock and surprise when she saw who was in the cage. "S-Sabine...!"

"Michiko-oneesan!" Sabine exclaimed with hope.

No, no, no, no, no, no...! Michiko almost panicked. I was ready to sacrifice myself, if it came down to that, but this wasn't part of the plan! Any minute now, the Kingdom was about to start firing! But then, she forced herself to think as rationally as she could... there's only one cage... Lionel-sama must have been kept in the same cage as Sabine, so he would surely tell the Kingdom that Sabine was on-board. If the King knew that, there's no way he'd allow the attack. Regardless, I need to come up with a way to get her off this ship!

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Up topside of the galleon, the rebels glanced overboard, spotting another small boat coming towards them. More barrels of powder and cannonballs, I see , the watch noted. I thought we had enough for now, but I guess our bosses decided more is always better. Hard to argue that point; despite believing themselves well-positioned, more firepower was never a bad thing. "Lower the ladder," he ordered.

"Make sure we're tied off securely," the boat's leader ordered. "We've got quite a bit here and I don't want us drifting off before we get it all."

____________________________________________________________________________________

In the cage, Sabine and Michiko both looked around the orlop deck. There was only one guard... makes sense, they're undermanned as it is, Michiko thought. And why would they need more than one guard... we're on a ship... even if we got out of this cage, it's not like we can go anywhere... maybe this is our best chance... "Is this cage really necessary?" she asked. "We're on a ship; we're not going anywhere."

The guard sneered, as he approached the cage. "And who do you think you are, making such demands?"

Michiko paused as Sabine trembled beside her. I had planned on doing this much later... maybe when we were on dry land... but with Sabine here, I can't wait for a better chance than this... time to put on my best acting... "Don't you know who I am?" She pulled a book out of her bag, then quickly flipped it open revealing its hollowed-out cavity that concealed the Taser X-1 Pro. "I am... the Lightning ArchPriestess...!" she proclaimed with as much gravitas as she could muster, while firing the Taser through the prison bars. She hadn't been trained with this weapon but at this range, it didn't matter. The pair of darts shot out from the blast doors, embedding themselves in the man's chest, sending 50,000 volts into his body. He froze up and twitched before collapsing forward in agony. After securing the weapon, Michiko reached through the bars, stealing the keys to the cage.

"Let's go..." Michiko said a low voice. She wanted to keep anyone else from the gun deck above from noticing, at least until they were ready. "I have no idea if or when the Kingdom is going to attack or not!"

"Oneesan..." Sabine asked with wonder. "Y-you're a Lightning ArchPriestess too...!?"

Michiko looked at Sabine with a disbelieving expression. "No, of course not! But if we can get them to believe that, we have a better chance that they won't get in our way!" Her eyes then drifted to the repair station at the end of the deck, in particular the chemicals on the shelves. "But first, let's see what we can do with these..."

Sabine watched with confusion as Michiko pulled down bottle after bottle, examining their contents, occasionally pausing as if trying to recall something from memory. "Oneesan... now isn't a good time to be cooking...!"

"We need to prevent this ship from threatening your country's castle," Michiko explained, grabbing one jar in particular; it was tinted heavily to prevent exposure to light, which told her what this chemical likely was. "Besides, Baron Turck will be helping us."

"Baron Turck?" Sabine asked. "I thought he was one of the people who was uncertain."

"Well, he's paying for our escape," Michiko said with a trace of malice as she dumped five silver pieces into the jar; for once, your cheap salaries are going to do us some good. She then looked for some alcohol; it was often used as a disinfectant and cleaner in this time period, since it evaporated quickly and was known to kill germs. Hopefully, that book wasn't lying to me about what silver fulminate could do.

Michiko then carefully placed the jars inside the black powder barrel closest to the ladder; unless this barrel was lifted precisely, the next person who picked it up would almost certainly cause the two jars to mix contents. If that book was on the level with me, and if I haven't made any errors in mixing, that should do some damage.

Next, it was time to go up the stairs. They were in the middle of the deck, so she could be facing men on either side, which could be problematic. There was no way she could fight them off, even with the weapons she brought with her. She needed to pull this bluff off to scare them into running... time to bring back my cringey middle-school 中二病* past...!

* Chūnibyō - Japanese colloquial term typically used to describe early teens who have grandiose delusions

Coming up the stairs, Michiko kept Sabine close behind her. From her book bag, she pulled out another hidden weapon... the Beretta 93R, with an extended magazine. The second she emerged from the stairwell, one of the guards took notice of her.

"What are you doing out of your cage?!" he exclaimed.

"Cage...?" Michiko said, with all the faux-bravado she could muster. "Did you really think a cage could contain... the Lightning ArchPriestess?"

The declared title sent a chill down their spine before a couple of the men recovered. "You're not her!"

"Don't believe me?" Michiko challenged. "I call upon the power of lightning and thunder...!" as she pulled the trigger of the Beretta for the first time. Ouch, that kicks hard in burst mode...! she thought, but didn't dare show it. A trio of bullets sprayed into the ceiling, but of immediate notice was the deafening sound it gave, amplified by the confined space.

"Aieeh...!" the sailors shouted as roar of the burst echoed.

Michiko pulled the trigger again, sending another three-round burst in the other direction, then a third back to her original direction. "Do you doubt me...!? I am the Lightning ArchPriestess! Those who stand against me deserve no mercy!" Oh my God... do I really sound that cringey...?!

Despite her feelings of embarrassment, the bullets had their desired effect; no sailor really wanted to be shot by the "lightning wand". They ran to the stairs near the rear of the ship. Michiko followed them cautiously. Best case scenario, there would be a small boat tied to the side for loading more supplies. Worst case, she would have to take the galleon back to the port. She steeled herself for the last approach to the stairs to the main deck before she froze. Standing in the way was one last guard.

"Daniel...!?" Michiko uttered in shock.

"Michiko...?!" Daniel echoed the same. He was holding one of the newly built muskets that the rebels had constructed in the past few months.

"I'm taking Sabine out of here, back to the Kingdom!" Michiko declared, with her pistol pointed at Daniel.

Daniel pointed his musket towards Michiko. Normally, they weren't that accurate, but at this range, it wouldn't matter. "Michiko... I didn't know you'd be here. I was told I would be guarding the Prince."

"Then you should have no problems letting us past...!" Michiko declared.

"I... I... can't let you do that," Daniel declared. "I promised my father..."

"That you'd kill children...!?" Michiko finished in anguish. "Was this war one of your choosing too? Is your noble title worth all the blood that's going to be shed?"

"I... I... have a duty..." Daniel struggled.

"Daniel... please stand down...! Don't make me do this...!" as Michiko kept the Beretta pointed towards Daniel, with shaking hands.

Daniel brought the rifle back to firing position, "I'm sorry..."