NationStates Jolt Archive

The Kunari takeover of Kassyyk and the outlying islands had been swift. The young leader elect of Kassyyk made the error of allowing the Kunar ships to pass through Kassyykian waters, a mistake he still regretted in his isolation on Tralgut Island. The people had placed their trust in him, for it was Scheffert who united the people under one banner, the very flag that was now outlawed under the rule of Admiral Hirbat.

He could not sense exactly where things turned for the worst. Kassyyk was a small nation and protection from the Kunari seemed reasonable enough, after all they asked for little in return. Soon after welcoming the Admiral into his ancient palace in Aronica the young leader found himself staring down the business end of a short musket. He was forced to leave the mainland immediatly, his good name run through the mud by the Kunari who swore it was Scheffert who handed over rule in order to leave the country for richer places in the world. Some believed the lies, but a small group made up mostly of young men and women his own age refused to pay ear to the blasphemy. Some paid for his mistake with their lives, others lost their farms and jobs when the Kunari burned them to the ground. "Searching for the uprising" they said. IF they only knew the uprising that was in store for them.

For young Matt Scheffert did not leave Kassyyk to waste away as it was told to many. He stole away to Tralgut, and a small cave home opened to him by an old man eager to reprieve his sins before death. Traveling with the former head of state were four of his closest confidants. Arrya was a shapely young blonde woman who grew up in the native tribes that lived in the jungles north of the Dunravi Desert. Kalam and Kattar were twins from Aronica who had helped him bring the country together. The final member of their small group was Matt's mentor and teacher Leonicus. The old man had refused to stay in the palace and serve the Kunari Admiral, choosing instead a long and arduos journey with his young pupil. Only one questiong still remained, what could just five people do against the fleet and army of the Kunar Protectorate? Especially if the population believes that Scheffert handed the country over to a marauding horde of pirates.

{A fire burns in the middle of the cave, as strong as in the hearts of each of the five compatriots plotting to overthrow the Kunar Protectorate. Arrya paces in the sand, restless as always. Her leg muscles tighten below her leather skirt's hemline. She craves action, desires the blood of the Kunari, especially that of Captain Viezeer who was in command of several raiding parties which slaughtered defenseless tribesmen in the jungles of Umbai. The rivers that run from the jungle to the port city of Barfleur were said to have run red for a fortnight at least.}

Arrya: We need to do something! We can't let them get away with this. I say we sail back to the mainland tomorrow and take back Aronica under the cover of night.

{Leonicus prods the fire with his walking stick, sending large sparks sailing into the cool night air.}

Leonicus: Hasty decisions are what brought us to this place. Running back into the arms of the Kunari would not only seal our fates, but the fate of all Kassyyk as well. We must wait and find out how many still believe in you, Matt. Your support is still strong with those young enough to raise swords against the Kunar hordes.

{Matt doesn't answer, he just continues to stare into the fire. An emptieness has seized him, a deep depression from which he appears incapable of escape. Charm, wit, and honesty may have won him the support of the people but it would take more than words to topple Hirbat.}

Leonicus: Kassyyk once had great allies in the world, allies who will send help if only we can get word out to them of our dispair. Kalam, yesterday news was brought to us and yet I can't remember what of.

Kalam: Nothing worth remembering old man, they said that Muldin and Barfleur are beyond all hope of resistence.

Leonicus: What of Stendal?

Kalam: No word of their loyalties yet, but they hardly believed in the uniting force to begin with. I doubt we could find a sympathetic ear there.

Leonicus: It is worth the risk. Quickly now, before night fall you and Kattar sail to Stendal. Spread word of the Kunari occupation and get anyone you can to sail out and spread word. Here is some money, it's not much so use it wisely. Do whatever you must to send out our plea. I'm afraid that you and Kattar will have to travel with one of the outgoing ships as well for word will reach the Kunari of you exploits before you leave the town. We will wait here on the shore for our friends to arrive. Then, and only then can we begin to plan for Kassyyk's return to the people.

{The twins landed on the beach just south of Stendal at sunrise. They left the small outrigger in the sand and trudged their way into town. The diesel fumes from the two Kunari vessels in the harbor hung low and created an orange haze in the rising sun. Kattar slung his axe over his shoulder and Kalam made sure his blade was within easy reach. Kalam was cautious as the entered Stendal, sure they were armed but the Kunari have no qualms about pulling out a firearm in a fight; an act long looked upon as the ultimate in cowardice could result in being ostracized from the towns. Hundreds of Kassyykian citizens lumbered through the smoke and haze, carrying thier items for sale with them. On the far side of the marina floated a blue Outrunner. Kattar motioned to his brother silently and they set to find the captain.

He sat on the dock in the sun with faded denim shorts and a sun darkened complexion. The twins leaned up against the boat on either side of him getting the captain to pull down his sunglasses.}

Captain: What can I do for you gents?

Kalam: We are looking to hire ourselves a ship, a fast ship.

Captain: Well you're in luck. This right here is the fastest ship in the port. Faster even than anything those damn Kunari can throw at me.

{Kalam grinned happily.}

Kalam: Good, I think you're just the man for us. Now what I tell you is to be kept in complete secrecy, do you understand? Betray my trust and my brother here will cleave your head off with his axe.

Captain: Well you chaps sure do know how to sour the mood. So how illegal is this business you have?

Kalam: We need to head out and find nations still faithfull to Kassyyk.

Captain: An' I suppose that Scheffert himself sent you then?

Kalam: Who else. Is there a problem with that?

Captain: Yeah, the man's a bloody traitor last I 'eard.

Kalam: You heard wrong. We were forced out of Aronica at gun point.

Captain: Heh, guns you say? That's a story I can buy. No honor among those damn Kunari scum. Climb aboard then.

{As the three men headed up the gang plank, a loud, low, raspy voice broke the air.}

Man: Stop right where you are traitors.

{Kalam, Kattar, and the captain turned to face a Kunar pirate wearing faded, torn khakis and a spiked pair of metal shoulder pads.}

Man: Get off the boat or I'll take you off it.

Captain: Oh yeah, mate. I'd love to see you try.

{The Kunari reached behind his back and drew out a Desert Eagle pistol. the crowd that had gathered drew in a collective breath as one of Kassyyk's most sacred rules was blatently broken.}

Man: How abouts I just drop you where you stand. Conspiring against Admiral Hirbat is punishable by death. Immidiate death.

{Suddenly an arrow flew through the sky and struck the man square in the chest knocking him on his back. A raven haired woman yelled from the the small bridge of the ship.}

Woman: There's three more Kunari coming towards us. Let's hurry out of here boys.

{The captain turned to the twins and smiled.}

Captain: 'Ats my first mate Shryna. Easy on the eyes ain't she? Now let's head out of here before those Kunari bastards get trigger happy and start using us for target practice.