Listen to me in my total hero voice, guys! (Am+Ko)

[Alfred F. Jones]

It had been a long day for Alfred F. Jones. And boring as all get out, too. All of creation seemed to be tucked up in their houses while he was left out to wander through this damnable fog. Lordy, but if Ma could hear him talking like that! She'd be mortified to hear her little boy cursing like that. But Ma wasn't hear and he was an adult! He should be allowed to do adult things if he wanted to. That was why he had left home. He loved Ma and Pa dearly, but he wanted to prove that he was strong and independant and could live on his own. But he'd confess the corn and admit that he missed them both something awful. Thinking on his family wasn't good for a body stole up with homesickness, he decided. But with naught else to do on the ship there weren't much else he could get up to but think about how he'd go through Hell and lots to show his Ma and Pa that he was an independant adult so that when he returned they would treat him as such.

He decided to take the next watch to distract him from his thoughts, beginning the long climb up to the crow's nest. He scaled the ladder deftly, having no fear of heights and lots of practice. He looked out over the expanse of the aircraft, but even with the binoculars shoved over his glasses, he could barely see the nose of the ship through the fog. Fog, another thing he'd gotten more and more used to as his time in Londinium drug on. They didn't have fog this thick or this frequent back home. Then again, Londinium wasn't plauged with dust storms like the homestead. Dust storms that would swallow up the clear blue prairie sky in the blink of an eye, barely giving you the time to get shut up in the house before it came bearing down on you. So many things here were different, it gott terrible lonesome sometimes. But he would slug through it for his dreams. He would perservere like Christian in Pilgrim's Progress until he was able to find peace at last. Though he would just be going home and not over Jordan.

Suddenly, cannonfire broke him out of his thoughts. Hell's Bells, someone was being attacked! He was pretty sure it wasn't them, but just incase he stood perfectly still, waiting for the next shot to see if it shook the ship. It didn't and his presumptions were proven true. They weren't the ones being fired on, but who was? The fog cleared for a moment and he could see a ship below and ahead of them, firing on a warehouse of some sort. Definitely not a military craft, then. He hit the button on the speaker and shouted through it for the crew to take them down, talking them through the situation. He'd be damned if he was going to let those pirates take whatever was in that warehouse without a fight. If they wanted it it must be useful. And it was hs duty to protect the citizens of Londinium from having their things stolen like that. A grin slid onto his face as they neared the other ship.

It was time to be the hero.


(Bad grammar and hickish slang is completely on purpose. It's to illustrate that America is a simple country boy who grew up on a farm with little education. Though this does not make him stupid. Literacy in America was at it's highest during the 1800s and the pioneer movement. It was nearly at 100%. I would also like to point out that, yes, I did reference a religious icon in the Jordan River and the phrase "going over Jordan", but it was mroe a reference to the book mentioned above. Also, if any of the slang confuses you, simply ask for an explanation and I shall provide one.)

[Yong Soo Im]

“Progress is going to a halt, we need more tests sir.” Im sat on his chair overlooking his head mechanics give their reports. “I cannot allow more tests until we finish the problem with the balancing system.” He stood up and started pacing the room the seven mechanics following with their eyes. “We have to make it work! An inspections coming up in a week, we need to make it work.”

The booth stood atop the workplace, its location having a commanding view of the factory floor which Im would usually look out of. “Sir I have several remodels for the legs, my team added several motors to the knees for support.” Im took the plans and spread it on the table, his eyes widening with surprise. “T-this is Good Manu, as I should’ve expected.” The other mechanics took a look, crowding the small table. Taking their look, they went back to their places.

“Well, this meeting is done, Manu just solved our problems for us, dismissed.” Im stood and gave his men a salute which they returned. “Sir, at least you can say that even if it lacks stability its firepower will be unmatched.” Manu waved a goodbye and stepped out, leaving Im to his office. “I think Its time for a nap.” He sat back on his chair and spread his feet on the desk. Im looked at his room, a bed occupied a corner while stacks of drawers filled the room. He made a yawn and started to sleep.

A wire fence surrounded a decrepit warehouse, its red paint faded, its windows turned black. It seemed abandoned, at least until you saw the inside. Men were hard at work in the aisles upon aisles of metal parts and gears that scattered the factory floor, some were busy looking through parts while others looked through schematics, but the item that would catch anyone’s attention was a large machine in the center complex. Standing on two legs and possessing arms like a man, it was almost human, albeit it lacked a head.


Im was sleeping at work when he awoke from a knock. “Sir! Its urgent! Our Scouts report an enemy ship appro--” The man’s words were cut short by a loud blast that echoed throughout the factory. “Damn it! They want the walker! Sound the alarm!” The mechanic ran off without a word, leaving Im to himself.

On the other side of the warehouse a ship docked itself on the walls, its canons aimed to fire another volley into the factory. The galleon fired another shot, its wooden frame slightly shaking. The shots flew into the factory hitting man and machine alike. Pirates flowed from its deck using ropes to jump the distance to the factory floor.

“Set up the perimeter! Do not let them come closer!” The security commander started collecting his troops, placing them for the best chance of suppressing fire. They were outnumbered 2 to 1 but he led them on towards the enemy.


(if its substandard tell me)

[Alfred F. Jones]

Alfred practically slid down the ladder to the deck, eyes gleaming in anticipation and excitement at the prospect of a fight. He hadn't had a chance to test out the two beat up old cannons on the ship's starboard side and he was itching to. He knew he really needed to upgreade and get more guns before engaging in a fight, but gosh darn it he hadn't had a chance to land and get them yet! And now would be a good chance to prove to his superiors that he could do just as good a job with this beat up old rig he and his small crew called home. He would fix the ship up, of course, but this was a matter of pride! His ship was just fine, really!

He jumped on a gun and loaded it up, taking aim at the other ship as they drew in close. But just as he was about to take a shot the ship rocked violently with a hit from enemy cannons. He was bewildered. He thought all of the guns the pirate ship had were trained at the warehouse, but apparently he was wrong. But when he called down to see where they'd been hit, the reply came back saying that they'd been mistaken for pirates and were taking friendly fire. Well gosh, maybe he should have gotten his ship fixed up and spiffy looking after all. Now the very people they were trying to save were firing at them!

"Radio them! Signal that we're allies!" he called, rushing away from the gun and down to the control room. As much as he wanted to be in the thick of things, he knew that his place as captain was in there at his command center. "Signal them! I want you to get them on that radio now, private!" He shouted at the man stationed on the radio.


(It could have used a bit more description and feeling in it, but who am I to say anything lol. And there wasn't much to work off of, since you didn't actually put in there that you were firing at my ship. But I assumed since we talked about it. If we hadn't already planned that part I would have had nothing to work off of. Please keep that in mind for future threads.)

[Yong Soo Im]

Im raced through the corridor, pushing his feet to move forward faster; the fear that the walker might end up in pirate hands plaguing his mind. Cannon fire flew by, the round metal shell barely missing him as he ducked under a column. Im looked at the shell buried half way in the concrete. “What firepower!” He brushed off his amazement and remembered his men, they would be guarding the walker with their lives. “I’ll be there guys, just hold on.” Turning on his feet he ran the short distance to the walker, immediately hearing screams and shouts as he neared the clearing. “Who’s in charge!?” Manu charged at him, a bullet flew by as they fell. “You are! Now get up.” He lent out his hand as Im took it. “Pirates?”

They ducked under a sandbag wall as they talked. “They came in from the 3rd sector, defences set up on all floors.” Im nodded the briefing finished and worked his way to his cannons. He and his men were badly outnumbered but It’ll be a cold day in hell before he lets someone take his toys away. “Manu! Take a squad to the rafters. Everyone else fortify your positions!” He started prepping his walkers cannons, turning several gears with his mechanics help. The gears moved smoothly, their precision teeth grinding with each turn. Before long the cannon was aimed at the docked ship overlooking the factory. “Everyone pull back!” Im tried to shout at everyone in the cannons way, he didn’t want to lose men to such stupidity.

Im jumped down from the mech landing with a thud. “Move the hell away!” He started pulling his men back, by their collars if he needed to. “Move it!” After pulling back a cadet the way was clear for the cannon. “Fire volley!” A loud bang again echoed in the factory but this time, Im was smiling, it was theirs. He watched as the iron ball crossed the room, missing the large target directly ahead. “You missed? It was as big as a whale and you miss!” He looked up and saw that it was the cadet at the controls ... he couldn’t help but curse himself for the men’s stupidity.

“Sir! It seems we’ve hit a ship behind the pirates!” A radioman came running from his post a few meters away. “It seems they’re a military ship sir!” Im grabbed the man by his collar and shouted at his face. “Well? What are you waiting for! Tell them to fire on that ship!” He let go and charged to the battle line his rifle in hand. “Allies are behind them! Aim your fire!” The radioman went to his seat and started talking. “There’s an enemy ship docked near the warehouse, repel it then pick us up. We have valuable cargo, over.”

(I wasn’t going to attack you yet. I didn’t even mention cannons T.T what I thought was you can go for recon first or something before any fighting ... I was hoping to make this a little bit slow paced but... i suppose I’ll have to go with your writing ... sorry if this one is a bit bland)

[Alfred F. Jones]

It seemed like forever, waiting for that blasted response to come. He'd almost been afraid for a second there that they hadn't gotten the signal and would be firing at them again. His heart had stopped as another blast rocked the ship, wondering if the fire was enemy or friendly. But the reports from his men revealed that it was, indeed, from the attacking ship rather than their allies on the ground, He could only hope that it meant they'd gotten his message.

He sent the crewmen out to repair the hull, telling anyone from the excess navigators to the lowliest ship's boy that he needed them out patching up the skin. They couldn't afford too many tears. The ship was old, used, and in bad repair. His baby was on her last legs before he'd even taken control of her. What he needed was a mechanic, but he couldn't find a good one who was willing to take on the job. But it would have to wait, because now he had a duty to fulfill.

The call from the warehouse finally came back through. It seems the friendly fire had been an accident and they'd been aiming for the pirate ship. Well, that was certainly a relief, at least. He couldn't exactly breathe easy yet, though. They still had pirates to repel and people to rescue. He told the few members of the crew who weren't managing guns, steering the ship, or patching up the hull to get down and ready them for an emergency landing. After a round of salutes they were off like bullets out of the barrel of a gun. Now came the hard part.

He took over for the pilot, telling him to relay his orders as he steered the ship himself. He knew this ship like the back of his own hand. Hadn't he piloted it almost exclusively on his on those first few, hard months? He'd learned everything there was to know about her and they were like partners dancing intimately on the winds of the sky. If anyone was going to be able to pull them out of this, it was going to be him.

He turned her to the starboard side, lining up the broadside guns with the hull of the other ship. He gave the order to fire, the pilot relaying it to the crewmen manning the cannons. He could practically feel the cannon shots resounding in his bones as they flew true, two out of the three striking the other ship. But she wasn't fatally wounded yet and he knew Enterprise could do better. She was a fine ship for all her flaws with a fine crew.

He brought her back around to line up the cannons again, giving the order once more. While the shots were being fired he gave another order, this time for the crew in the cargo hold to be ready to open the hatch and let their fleeing allies in. One. Two. Three cannons hit their mark, crippling the other ship. But she could still fly and she could still fire, though at a much slower rate. The enemy ship seemed to shift her interest from Enterprise to the ground target and Alfred cursed. They had to bring her down for an emergency landing now.

He barked out the order, crew following through quickly now that they were no longer directly under attack. They let out the bouyant gas holding her up at an almost alarming rate, their descent bordering on dangerous. But they needed to land and they needed to land fast. The order was given to open the hatch just as they touched down, the radioman already on the task of alerting the ground target of their intent to land and take them on board. He could only pray the the enemy ship was too crippled from the several vital shots they'd gotten in to take advantage of the fact that, until they rose back up into the air, they were sitting ducks.

(You can't plan for what other people's characters are going to do dear. And a battle being slow-paced is rarely a good thing. Either way, here it is. Not too bad, but it's better than what I had before.)

[Yong Soo Im]

The world turned slowly, allies and pirates alike moving in slow motion, at least to Im it did. He watched as smoke filled the crowded corridor, his heart skipping a beat each time he heard a bullet fire or a rifle cocked. He could be next, the bullet from a friend or a foe; it doesn’t think who it hits. He thought about their situation for a moment, they were already outnumbered; friendly fire was out of the question. “Pull back to the walker!” His voice barely cracking through the noise of their cannon firing away at the mist.

Im crawled in the front lines, ducking behind their makeshift barricade and hoping not to get hit. The sounds of rifle fire were his only guide to his men, blindly moving to order them back. Feeling another soldier he quickly shouted the order and moved on, finding the rest of his squad flushed to the side. “To the walker!” His hands waving and pointing to the walker as they noticed him, nodding their understanding, they fired a few more shots and signalled for them to move out.

Im stopped at the eerie silence as they fell back the pirates had stopped firing, probably thinking that they were all dead. “Leftenant!” His radioman’s shout strangled him out of his thoughts, running the short distance to his station. “Report on the allied ship I hope?” His man nodded and held out a scribbled note containing their rescue: ‘Allied military ship Enterprise engaged, will land, rescue’

Im blinked as he read it a second time, his eyes doubting the letters written on it. “You sure of this?” The officer gave him a nod just as the ground shook. Im looked around, the walker had taken a direct hit, one of their cannons was destroyed the other one barely hanging on the walkers steel structure. He realised the reason for the eerie ceasefire and his morale plummeted, the pirates withdrew because the enemy was going to volley them to bits and pieces.

Im worked fast, running to the front barricade he ran and dragged his men to the walkers undercarriage, praying that their work would hold up to the cannon fire. “Ross! Did you take the auto gun?” Im was referring to another their secret projects, a so called automated gun that reloaded itself for sustained fire it fired artillery shells and had 8 barrels, hopefully they would not have to use it as a last resort. He addressed his men, his voice almost drowned by the noise as his men peaked their ears to listen.

“For us this is our lives work, our pride and joy we are mechanics, yes but we are also soldiers! We are soldiers born to stand. Save your fears, your tears. Now on your feet! Come with me.” Im stood up and listened for cannon fire, his ears only hearing the pirates cheers. He played his last card, already having lost most of his men. “We are soldiers! We stand or we die!”

Having fired up his remaining men, Im stormed out of their shelter his pistol in his hand and in his mind, prepared to die for his work. Just as his men prepared themselves for a final battle, the mist was pierced by a silver bow, it was a ship though Im didn’t know if it was allied or not. His men already firing at its metallic lining their artillery auto gun barely making a dent.

Im’s radioman once again distracted him and his men shouting for them to cease firing. “That’s our allies! Its the Enterprise! Look!” He pointed at the ship’s portside, the name Enterprise written in paint clearly glaring at them. “Signal them to toss a line, the walkers propulsion mechanism still needs work and it may have been too damaged to stabilize, go! Now!” The man rushed off toward his bullet riddled station, a wonder that his equipment still worked.

Im and his men’s joy were cut short as rifle fire was once more reverberating in the room, the pirates had caught up where they left off. “On alert everyone!” Im once again braced his rifle, quickly ejecting the spent shell and loading a new one, his eyes quickly on the sights firing at targets. Im could only hope that the men on the ship had already dropped men to relieve them and get their work.

(Sniper Hero Korea has invaded my brain~)

[Alfred F. Jones]

As they pulled in for an emergecny landing, Alfred shouted through the intercom for the men standing ready in the landing bay to open the hatch. It would be slightly more dangerous to land with the hatch open, but it could be the difference between saving what remained of their allies and only pulling a few ut of the wreckage of the building. "As soon as we land you meet up with the men on the ground and stave off fire while they board. Help them load anything they wish to bring aboard that they deem valuable. That's an order!" He clicked off the intercom and chacked with their navigator to make sure they had a good heading and reletively safe landing once more before leaving it up to the crew and heading out of the cockpit.

He himself should not be going out with the landing crew, as the captain of the ship he was a sight more valuable alive than dead. But it was his firm belief that a leader should be the first into battle and the last out. How else was he going to inspire his men? So he raced down towards the loading dock, the crowd of crew members parting for him as he made his way towards the open door of the cargo bay. The wind whipped at his hair, the ground coming on fast. Sometimes he took for granted how fast airships really went when he was inside. You got used to the speed. But when you were dropping like a stone towards the earth with nothing between you and the ground but fog, it hit you all over again.

He stepped away from the hatch as they landed, holding onto the ropes tying down a piece of cargo to steady himself aganst the jarring impact. Some weren't so lucky and were knocked to the floor. They all recovered quickly, though, and disembarked to find their allies in the fog and smoke from the guns. It wasn't easy going, their vision was obscured and they could hear the enemy fire. As they drew closer they started to catch bullets themselves, returning fire as best they could while still searching out their counterparts from the warehouse.

Alfred could feel every nerve in his body singing a war song, alert and pumping with adrenaline. The blood was roaring in his ears as they drew closer to their target. He took stock of the situation, counting the men that were still alive in both his party and the other's. "Who's in charge here?" He asked the nearest man, being pointed to an Asian man near the front. Al didn't know how he missed him, really. He had the air of a leader who was determined to save his men. He made his way through the crowd of Enterprise crewmen and warehouse workers and tapped the man on the shoulder.

"Captain America of the USS Enterprise. I'm here to relieve you and get you aboard the ship. If you'll just board your men, we'll hold off fire. Take the crewmembers back nearer to the ship to help you load any cargo. Go!" He said, patting the man on the back.

[Yong Soo Im]

“Leftenant Korea.” Im shot several more direct hits then turned to look at the man, his blond hair and white skin a stark contrast to his dark hair and fair skin, he looked a bit older than him about 19 or so to his 18. “Commander 15th Research Division.” He started firing once more, not bothering to take a second look or even obey the Captain’s orders. “Take my men and our cargo, I’ll settle with your men until mine are safe.” Im’s face strained, his hand constantly pulling the trigger as a target showed in his sights, obviously out for a bit of revenge for his comrades.

After a few more shots Im followed up on his men, most of his wounded were already in the ship. Those who had sustained minor cuts and bruises were busy either defending the corridors or attaching the walker to the secured ropes and handles, their interwoven work making a makeshift cradle. He was amazed at the sheer size of the airship, he had only been able to see them from afar and sample engines that they were given for test purposes. He looked again for his men, those who had nothing to do or were idling about. He led them to the stockroom to resupply and stock on ammunition for a push to his office. He arrived with his men without a fight, the lingering fear that their machine plans were stolen instantly disappeared and Im allowed himself a small smile. It was a small battle won.

Im didn’t have to order his men to collect anything valuable, they already knew what to do and they were ready to leave in a matter of minutes, minutes that could mean their survival or their deaths. “Let’s get back, but be on your guards!” They walked back, in Im’s mind they were worried that their position was overrun, thankfully when they arrived at the clearing Alfred’s men were still holding their ground, they were as tough as his own he had to respect that.

Slowly Im took visual inventory, everything was accounted for, the manuscripts safe and secure in the bridge, their plans and paperwork stored in the walker and the walker itself was finally loaded in the Enterprise. It looked like everything was ready and secure for lift off, the only exception was Captain America and his men. Walking the few feet distance they had, he tapped the Captain’s shoulder interrupting his gunfire, the Colt revolver still smoking from its barrel. Im smiled at him and pointed to the ship. “We better retreat Captain.”

After their brief talk, Im quickly ran for the ship, not bothering to wait for a response from the captain. Upon arriving at the cargo hold he quickly took a scan of the ship, it was old, VERY old, the rust was everywhere as though it served the front lines for years, the ship was obviously in disrepair and Im’s heart as a mechanic couldn’t help but save it. “I demand to know who’s in charge of repairs!” His voice echoing in the cargo hold the disgust clearly distinguishable.

[Alfred F. Jones]

Alfred certainly didn't appreciate this man telling him what to do, or isnsinuating that he was incapable of leading his own men and protecting Im's. But he let it slide, because it wasn't polite to point out the problems you had with a fella in front of his men. It just wasn't something an honerable man did. So he let the lieutenant settle in among his crewmen as he helped the new arrivals load up their walker. There were a few moments where it was touch and go as to whether they would successfully get the walker intot he cargo hole, but eventually it was secured along with all the other things the men had brought on. Almost as soon as the walker was loaded and he was about to round up his troops, Im turned to him and made a remark about beating a retreat.

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. For Pete's sake, who did this man think he was? It was incredibly rude to assume that he wasn't doing his own gosh darn job! He let out a sharp whistle, rounding up his soldiers and leading them back to the ship. He would have to have a talk with the Lieutenant after this in private about his behavior. He gave a few more passing commands at his men before going to find Lieutenant Korea. He found him ranting about the condition of his ship. Alfred felt his ears burn, ashamed that he'd left his baby in this condition. But he didn't know what else to do! He didn't know how to fix it or what parts to get or where to put the parts once he had them.

"There's no one in charge of repairs, Lieutenant. The ship is fairly newly aquired from a previous owner who treated her badly. I have, regrettably, no experience in large scale repair and have not been able to locate someone who would be able to undertake the kind of repairs she needs. But I doubt very highly that this is what we should be talking about when we're being chased by pirates. We should be running like the hounds of hell are on our heels." He said, taking the man by his shoulder and herding him towards the command center of the ship.

"Navigator, take us up and get us out of here as quick as you can. I don't want a single other life lost." He said, the navigator nodding and getting back to his job. He gave similar orders to the other men and left once more, checking the crewmen manning the guns and then scaling the ladder up into the crow's nest. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary there, or nothing out of the ordinary for battle, he scrambled back down and ordered some grunt to man the nest. It seemed like they would get out of this fairly unscathed other than the wounds they'd already aquired in the skirmish.

[Yong Soo Im]

“C-captain!” Im wanted to say more, instead, the captain started herding him away from the cargo hold. With himself keeping up with the blond, he allowed thoughts to travel to the mildly decrepit ship before him. Its main corridor was partly corroded, its once silver trim now red with rust as he whiffed a slight scent of mold. Walking down the hall, he noticed as the bulkheads started to squeal when the crew moved it and his heart ached to see such a poorly kept ship, he had to speak to the captain about this.

The captain entered a room and Im went in after him, as he pushed the thoughts of the ship out of his mind, he quickly looked at his surroundings. A cartographer’s map splayed one wall of the room as countless levers and pulleys decorated another, apparently they were in the command room, the ships heart, a place Im had always been accustomed to. Captain America had already shifted back to his commanding persona, something Im had to admire. Im wasn’t accustomed to fights as he only had a supporting role in them, his mind already slightly panicked by the loss of half his force had already affected his demeanor.

America started doling out orders to the navigator and promptly walked out as Im followed him, he calmed himself and started to think of repairs, the ship must have taken some damage, and any damage is bad for a ship like this. “Captain, I’m sorry about my attitude. This is my first real fight you see well … at least the only fight that I lost men to.” Im quickly put on a serious face knowing that the pirates would follow them soon enough. “I want to head repairs Captain, If you’ll lend me your men and supplies I’ll get to work immediately.”

At the back of Im's mind he knew that his men were already scrapping parts from the walker for the ships super structure, needing only manpower to haul it up for the repair.

[Alfred F. Jones]

Alfred placed a hand on the young Lieutenant's shoulder and nodded. He knew what it was like to lose men. Hell, he'd probably lost some today. He wouldn't know until they got a safe distance away from the pirates to check. But it never really got any easier to lose someone under your care. It ripped him apart with guilt and sadness every time. "It's going to be fine, Lieutenant. They died as heroes, honorably in battle." He reassured him, patting his shoulder before taking off towards the engine room at a brisk trot.

"We don't have many supplies and almost no spare parts. We haven't really had the time to go into town to pick anything up and no one on my crew has the expertise to do anything more than keep the ship together long enough to get up around. But I'll put you and your men in charge of repairs. Keep us running until we get to Londinium and we'll see where it goes from there. Supplies are in the cargo hold with everything else. They should be reletively easy to spot, since they're the only things in crates. Get to work, I have to get this ship outta here." He told him, leaving him in the engine room while he raced up to the cockpit again.

"Take us up, as high as you can. Try to hide in the cloud cover, the fog will help." He ordered the navigator. If they could hide from the pirates long enough to reach safety, then they would be home free. They might have to drop quite a bit of ballast to accommodate the weight they'd added when they'd picked up the engineers and their walkers, but it would be worth it if they could just manage to evade the pirates long enough.