January 5th, 893, somewhere along the Indian Ocean. Captain Richard, commander of the private military company, the Aegis Tactical Service, stood steadfast on the weathered deck of the majestic steamship. Bound for Saudi Arabia, the vessel sliced through the endless expanse of azure waters, leaving a trail of frothy white foam in its wake.
With a salt-kissed breeze tousling his hair and the rhythmic symphony of crashing waves as his soundtrack, Captain Richard's eyes scanned the horizon, his mind lost in thoughts. Thanks to the new invention of the industrialist duo, the wireless telegraph, he was able to receive news from his country. And that the news he received is that his employer is facing a backslash.
After their operation in Hanseong, the Japanese Empire declared war on them, starting a conflict that he knew would last for years and the annexation of the Joseon Kingdom which he assumed based on the imperialistic ambition of the Japanese. Though he couldn't care less about what would happen to the Joseonese, he is most concerned about their boss.
They are blaming their boss for starting this war, even though they were not. The blame should fall on the Joseon officials who hired them and led the country into the mess they are in now. But just as he said before, he couldn't care less about what's going to happen to their country. For him, he had done their job remarkably, killing the Japanese and getting paid handsomely for it.
Now, they are heading to Saudi Arabia, this one is more personal from their boss. Their mission is to protect the mining infrastructure that was being built in the country from the state-sponsored militia. Though this is not yet confirmed, it is more likely to be the case.
Having enough of the view, he decided to meet his crew under the shade of the ship's towering smokestacks. As he descended the weathered stairs leading to the lower decks.
Reaching the bustling crew quarters, he found his loyal comrades gathered around a large, oak table strewn with charts, maps, and half-empty tankards of ale.
"Captain!" one of his men raised a glass of whiskey, a mischievous grin spreading across his scruffy face. "Why are you not joining us? It's going to be your loss as this is the last bottle."
The man speaking was Antonio, just like him, he was a veteran of the United States Civil War hired by the company. Though they had never met in the civil war, a bond had formed between them during their time together in the Aegis Tactical Service. Antonio was known for his jovial nature, a stark contrast to Captain Richard's more stoic demeanor.
"In less than two hours, we'll be reaching Saudi Arabia, you should be sobered before we arrive," Captain Richard replied with a hint of amusement, accepting the glass of whiskey from Antonio's outstretched hand. He took a measured sip, savoring the smoky warmth that spread through his chest.
Antonio raised an eyebrow, his mischievous grin widening. "You worry too much, Captain. A little drink won't dull our senses. If anything, it'll help us unwind and be ready for whatever awaits us in the desert."
Captain Richard nodded, acknowledging Antonio's point. He understood the need for his crew to find solace and camaraderie amidst the arduous nature of their work. And while he valued discipline and clear-mindedness, he also recognized the importance of balance.
Leaning against the table, Captain Richard glanced around at his crew. Some chatted, while others tended to their rifles, disassembling them and carefully inspecting each part. The rhythmic clicking of metal against metal filled the air as the crew ensured their weapons were in prime condition for the mission ahead.
"Captain…this rifle the company provided to us, aren't these to advance compared to our country's army?" One of the crew by the name of Edward asked Richards, catching him off guard. Captain Richard turned his attention to Edward.
"That's right, while we pull the trigger and fire thirty rounds in under ten seconds, the army has to cock the bolt after each shot. These rifles we carry are magazine-fed, allowing for rapid and continuous fire without the need for manual reloading after each shot. It gives us a significant advantage in combat situations, which was evident in our fight against the Japanese."
As he said that, Richards' mind replayed back when they raided the Japanese garrison in Hanseong. Bullets whizzed past them as they advanced toward them. The Japanese, cocked their bolt-action rifle as they fired on Richards and his men but they couldn't match the relentless rate of fire unleashed by the Aegis Tactical Service. In mere moments, the tide turned, and the enemy was overwhelmed by the hailstorm of bullets.
Edward nodded, a newfound appreciation gleaming in his eyes. "Truly remarkable," he murmured, his voice filled with admiration. "I believe in the next few years the United States is going to adopt these rifles."
"A lot has changed since those industrialist duo emerged. I even speculated that they might be from the future because the technology they bring into this world is revolutionary."
Hearing that, Edward and Antonio burst out laughing.
"Captain…I'm sorry…but…them coming from the future? You should be the one who needs to be sobered before we arrive in Saudi," Antonio said, his voice cracking with laughter. The crew joined in the jovial moment, their laughter echoing through the crew quarters. Captain Richard couldn't help but smile, his stoic demeanor momentarily softened by the camaraderie and lightheartedness of his comrades.
"Yeah, maybe I'm saying nonsensical things. Yeah…you can shut up now," Richards said, but the laughter continued for a few more moments before shutting themselves.
"Okay, perhaps this is the perfect time that we discuss our new mission," Richards said, gathering the attention of his crew. "This won't be like Joseon, okay? We are not hired by the host country to attack a foreign army garrisoned in their country. We are protecting the oil mine of our bosses' oil mining enterprises from the militia. They appear to be armed with century-old musket's but don't let your guard down, as it can kill you. Once we arrive at Jeddah, we are to meet one of the personnel working on the mines who will be taking us there."
"Uhm Captain!" One of his men raised his hand. "How many days are we going to stay in that desert country?"
Captain Richard paused, his gaze sweeping across the faces of his crew. He knew the question that lingered in their minds. The vastness of the desert and the uncertainty of their mission made it difficult to determine the exact duration of their stay.
"Men, we cannot predict the exact number of days we will spend in Saudi Arabia," Captain Richard began. "It may take months."
"Months?!" Edward repeated.
"I told you, this is not like Joseon okay? We are guarding an oil mining infrastructure in a volatile region."
"Okay…" Edward said softly.
"Now, do you have any questions aside from how long we are going to stay in the country?" Richards asked, glancing at his men. No one raised their hands, indicating that the mission is clear.
"Very well, let's prepare boys."
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