Man of War Ch. 01

"And each Lord Admiral and Sea Lord is also informed upon assuming their position," Hackett added.

"So why am I being told, lord?"

"That is the second secret, Shepard. A new ship has been built in complete isolation, anyone working on it warned they must not divulge information under threat of the most heinous punishments imaginable. It is even larger than the Dunkerque," Kirk replied, handing across a second folder. This one was crisp and new. Untying the cloth, the paper was new, the ink almost drying as I slowly read what the new ship was. To say it would enormous was an understatement.

"We have coined a term for such an advanced ship, Shepard," Hackett continued, "A man-of-war. It will be the first of many, what the Admiralty will be loosely terming as 'ships of the line'. As we explore, we hope to meet friends, but we know we will also meet foes. The Batarians were a sign that not all people we meet or who discover us will prove friendly. We must prepare ourselves for any eventuality. Even divisions within the Empire itself."

"You are talking rebellion, lord?" I wondered.

"The other eleven realms appear to be peaceful, Shepard. But some still bristle at the power of Arcturus and the Emperor himself. But the most concerning is the rise of this new faith to the east."

"The Church of the Burned Man," Kirk added, "They could prove dangerous if left unchecked."

I'd heard of them. I thought they were a bizarre sect, believing a man burned at the stake for heresy against The Five centuries ago, was actually a saint and some sort of prophet of who they called the One True God. I generally avoided getting involved in such conversations, though my faith in The Five, and the old gods, remained resolute.

"That's by the by," the High Admiral said, "What is important is why you are here, Shepard, and why you are being told all this."

"Thank you, sire," Hackett said, "This new ship is the beginning of a revolution in ship technology, Shepard. But it is also an opportunity for you, and you may also help lay old ghosts to rest. You will be given command of this new vessel. You may choose your crew apart from those designated by the various boards. Your mission is simple, Shepard. Investigate the disappearance of the Dunkerque and continue their original mission of exploration. We must know what is out there. Are we truly alone or are we surrounded by friends or enemies?"

"When do I leave?" I asked straight away.

The three men shared a glance. "So you accept?" Hackett asked.

"I've been waiting for this sort of opportunity all my life, lord," I replied, before adding, "When can I see her?"

"We can leave immediately. It is currently dock around the south headlands, out of view of nearly everyone. It has been taken out for sea trials and, by all reports, performed remarkably well."

The three men rose to their feet. I followed their example, sharing a handshake with each of them, sealing the fact I would take their offer. The trio then filed out of the room, making sure I grabbed the folders before following them out. I was surprised to see I was taller than the Lord High Admiral, the same height as the Lord Admiral, and only just shorter than Kirk.

Striding down the marbled hallway towards the front of the building, I heard someone call for the Imperial carriage, as listed men and not leapt out of way, crisp salutes as we passed. The hallway was almost silent, only the clip of our boots on the marbled floor, quiet conversation between the two Admirals. I walked behind, wanting to read more about this new ship but I didn't want to trip over.

At the bottom of the stairs was the Imperial carriage. It looked rather sinister painted black, with many gold trimmings and patterns, including the symbol of the Imperial crest on the door, twelve small flags of the realms in the shape of a shield, a red dragon to either side. The carriage was also huge, pulled by half a dozen horses. The High Admiral climbed aboard first, and I was last to take a seat, sitting next to Kirk. Instructions were yelled for our destination, and I settled down to read about my new ship.

It would be larger than any frigate I'd ever served or sailed by double. Bigger than the Dunkerque. Seventy-five guns on two decks. Six hundred men. A little under two thousand tonnes. I wondered how something that heavy could possibly be buoyant, thinking it would simply sink to the bottom of the sea. Reading about its configuration, the top speed when at full sail was mind-boggling. Reports were that it handled like a dream, taking into consideration its weight. I looked at the cost to build and couldn't help whistle at the number.

"It'll be worth every penny if you're successful, Shepard," Kirk murmured beside me.

The journey took a couple of hours, the southern headlands not incorporated as part of the Imperial City of Arcturus. There was no danger following the dirt road as there was no doubt it would be patrolled by the Imperial Army, and we passed by more than one column of men. Rising over the crest of a hill, the carriage turned to follow the road and I could see a vast village laid out on the shoreline. But that wasn't what took my breath away.

"By the Five," I whispered, "How has no-one..."

"Patrols keep any ship from heading this far south. And the harbour is a natural hiding point, the cliffs helping keep the masts hidden. We spent a lot of money building the dock specifically for this one ship, Shepard," Kirk replied.

Descending into the outskirts of the village, if anyone recognised the Imperial carriage, they either didn't care or were too focused on whatever they were doing. The closer we approached, the larger the ship loomed, sitting at anchor only a few metres from shore. It wasn't just the fact it was large. It was probably the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. The sheer number of trees that would have been felled and transported... An entire forest must have been cut down. Add to that all the iron required to keep all the wood together...

The carriage pulled up and it was only when the High Admiral stepped out that people suddenly seemed to realise who had approached, as nearly everyone now took a knee and gestured. Part of me wanted to be rowed out and board the ship right away, but I would wait until officially assuming command. Having already been taken out to sea, it was back and anchored in the harbour only for the finishing touches. From what I could see, it would only be a couple of weeks or so until she looked completely ready.

Being at least fifty metres bow to stern, twelve metres at the beam, a trio of masts, we did have to stand back to appreciate the full size of the vessel, and I immediately made for the bow, wondering what sat on the very front of the bow. I was pleased to see it was the god of the sea, Neptune. The men would take comfort in its protection. As would its future captain. Prayers to the god of the sea are invoked before the commencement of any sailing. The sailors I would choose for my vessel would likely visit one of the many Temples of the Five throughout the city before joining.

"Two weeks, Shepard, before you will set sail," Hackett stated, the four of us gazing out at the ship. We could see men working all over it. "Between now and then, you'll need to recruit. We understand you'll want many of those who served on your previous vessel. The Admiralty will appoint you a new Lieutenant, as your current will assume command, temporary or not of the Expedition. Other officers will be appointed at the pleasure of yourself or the relevant boards of control, though we will accept any recommendations and request. Considering the mission, we understand you will want people you can trust."

"One other thing, Shepard," Kirk added, "This will be a unisex crew. Women will serve alongside men. It has been trialled before, but considering the possible length of this assignment..." He trailed off. The innuendo was clear. Men would get lonely, and if women were also present, relations would be possible. In fact, on a ship at sea, with no land in sight for weeks, it was guaranteed.

"You are suggesting that I can allow fraternisation, sir?"

"Yes, Shepard."

"Very well. What about pregnancy? It's a potential war vessel, no place for pregnant women nor children."

"You will be assigned two surgeons, one with a history of birthing."

"You're kidding... er, sir?" I asked, simply unable to hide my surprise.

"Your mission will be unique, Shepard. And we are merely thinking of any eventuality."

"You are unmarried, Shepard?" Hackett wondered.

I thought he'd know all my history, so I wondered why he was asking. Shrugging, I replied, "Not married, lord. No real relationship in a long time considering all the time I spent at sea." I paused before adding, "Well, I'm sure you've probably been informed of what I do get up to at times, lord."

Hackett actually glanced my way and smirked. "We all have our weaknesses, Shepard. And you have been on furlough since Celebration Day of the Five Gods. You haven't been arrested, at least."

I cleared my throat, so I guessed the three knew exactly what I'd been up to since arriving in Arcturus a week ago. "Anyway, my parents still live in Tromso, though I haven't seen them in quite a while. Father is obviously a retired officer. One sister. She currently serves on another vessel."

"Jane Shepard, correct?" Kirk asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Would you like her to serve on the same ship?"

I shrugged again. "Only if it's her choice, sir. She has her own life and career."

"She has been summoned to Arcturus and should be here within the week. You may offer her the opportunity and, if she's interested, we will accept her commission without hesitation."

"Thank you, sir." I glanced back out at the ship before looking back at the paperwork. There was one thing missing that I'd only just realised, and I couldn't see anything on the side of the ship. "What's her name?"

"We've called her the Normandy, Shepard. Named after the last realm to hold out against the Empire, and they still provide the bravest warriors for our army to this day," Hackett replied.

"Considering we named the last ship after their capital, I'm not sure if it's a good sign or not, lord. I jest, of course. She is simply... magnificent."

We eventually returned to the city itself, the carriage dropping the Lord Admiral, the Sea Lord and myself outside Admiralty House, the High Admiral wishing me luck, sharing a warm handshake, before he returned to the Imperial Palace. I was told I could return to quarters and start preparing lists of people I would like recruited to my vessel. Other than that, if I was required, I would be summoned by either man. After a round of handshakes, I was soon strolling down the wide boulevard back towards the busier, livelier parts of the city.

Of course, I didn't return to quarters, not just yet. I had two weeks, or so they said, before I would be commissioned as the commanding officer of the Normandy. I figured a final night of revelry, of boozing and whoring, wouldn't be so bad before I put my mind to preparing lists of people and thinking about the future. I found the prospect of finally sailing beyond the reef an exciting if not slightly daunting prospect. No-one sailed beyond the reefs, not in a warship at least. Smaller vessels did, only sailing craft, and they never ventured too far. Too many ships had tried and shipwrecked. There was only one rumoured path through, and no-one had figured it out. No-one dared try, as they wouldn't want to be responsible for losing an Imperial vessel.

Finding myself in an area of the city by the docks that was rather familiar, considering I'd been there the night before, gas lights were starting to illuminate as I strode along the narrow seats, earning plenty of curious glances, no doubt people wondering why someone dressed as myself was in that part of the city. I heard plenty of catcalling, particularly from girls in windows and doorways, wondering if I'd enjoy their company.

I eventually found the perfect tavern, situated just off the main road, though the noise suggested it was already very busy. Walking inside, the place did quiet down a bit, again people probably wondering what some like myself was doing in there. I ordered an ale and held my tankard up to the room. "An ale for all my fellow revellers, barman!"

The roar of appreciation was almost deafening and I knew I'd be in for quite a good night, as I was soon surrounded by plenty of friendly people, many asking who I was, and once my name did slip out, I didn't have to buy myself a drink all night. Apparently everyone knew of me at least, which was still a surprise.

And I guess it should come as no real surprise when the two women I had been with the previous night appeared. Though I now knew they were working girls, they made a beeline straight for me as I sat at the bar. "Well, fancy seeing you here again," Triss stated, kissing my cheek.

"Yes, didn't think we'd see you again so soon," Cerys added, kissing my cheek too.

I couldn't help grin. "Let's just say I have reason to celebrate."

"Oh, and how would you like to do that?" Cerys asked, innuendo dripping from her tone. I just returned a look that made both of them giggle. She turned to her friend. "What do you think, Triss?"

"To be honest, I'll do him for free."

That made me laugh as Cerys added, "Well, he is a famous hero after all. And he gave us more than enough money this morning for a free one tonight."

Now I did raise my eyebrows. "Huh?" Before I could ask add anything else, Cerys just ran her hands up my thighs to my crotch, giving my junk a tender squeeze. "You know what, never mind. Same room as last night?"

I stood up, offering an arm to each girl. If anyone was watching me, all they'd have seen is me disappear upstairs with two attractive women. Once back in the same room as the previous night, Cerys locked the door and we proceeded to undress. Thankfully, while women of the profession of Triss and Cerys might look like they are wearing layers, they can be undressed very quickly. So once they were down to their underwear, they took great delight in helping me undress. As soon as I was only in my own underwear, even my boots were quickly taken off, the two women took delight in running their hands over my body, tracing the occasional scar. Triss kissed me as Cerys helped remove my underwear and wasted no time swallowing my cock, causing me to groan.

"Think he likes it," Triss stated with a giggle, before dropping to her knees next to Cerys. Ever had two women blow you at once? Make one feel like a king. Maybe an emperor?

My memories of the previous night were dim, so I was glad I was relatively sober this night. Cerys was an expert cocksucker, doing things with her tongue that made me weak at the knees. Triss, whenever she got a chance, was nearly as good. And I was never going to last long, letting them know quickly I was going to cum. Cerys greedily took my cock and looked up at me with those gorgeous blue eyes of hers. That was me done, as I groaned loudly as what felt like a torrent of cum shot out of my cock. After a couple of spurts, she quickly handed my cock off to Triss, looking up at me with her emerald green eyes. If they weren't working girls... Well, I'd just enjoy them for another night, at least.

Once I was spent, the girls then put on a shower by kissing each other, which caused me to chuckle. "You really don't remember last night?" Cerys asked.

"Not clearly. I have vague memories of things."

"Do you remember eating me out?" Triss wondered, "I do remember your compliments of my taste."

"Not exactly, but I have memories of eating both of you out."

And that's exactly what happened next. Some would probably be horrified doing that with a working girl but they assured me they were clean and were of a higher... quality, let's say, than the girls who worked the street. I generally didn't pick up girls on the street, preferring classier establishments at least, so it made sense.

I had the two women lie next to each other, and while pleasuring one with my tongue, I'd pleasure the other with my fingers. I'd tease them by swapping every couple of minutes, but whether tongue or fingers, they were rather complimentary, admitting most of their customers just wanted a quick fuck and gone. I could have sat and explained but it would have ruined the mood.

Plus, there's nothing sexier than making a woman cum. I did focus on Cerys mostly and had her back arching as my mouth clamped to her pussy. When I felt her hands try and grab a hold of my hair, that's when I knew she was definitely going to orgasm. She was quite loud, loud enough that Triss thought kissing her would help. Her thighs did their best to squeeze my head as she crested that wave of pleasure, and I only stopped when I felt a tap on my head, the universal sign to stop.

Triss then received the pleasure of my tongue straight away, and considering I'd been using my fingers on her the entire time I'd been eating out Cerys, her orgasm wasn't long in following. Within ten minutes, both women were lying back, sucking in deep breaths, as I sat back on my knees, probably looking rather smug.

"So, in town often?" Cerys managed to ask.

"Shit, I'd love to have him as a regular. Like daily, if he's going to do that to me!"

"And they say we're not meant to get attached!"

"I'll just take it as a compliment," I stated.

Cerys recovered first, and though my cock was coming back to life, her mouth certainly got it back to full attention. I was then pushed onto my back, Cerys wasting little time mounting my cock. As she slowly rode me, I could take in an appreciation of her body. Rather pale skin, an ample bosom, certainly curvaceous, a tuft of hair above her sex but very smooth otherwise, and there's no doubting she was attractive. Plus, she looked fantastic once she started to bounce on my cock.

"Holy shit!" she exclaimed.

"What?"

"I'm going to have another one!"

"We rarely orgasm with customers," Triss whispered into my ear, "As we said, most men just fuck us, cum, pay then go."

"Where's the fun in that?" I wondered.

"By the Five!" Cerys squealed, coming to a stop as she experienced an all over body shudder. Then she leaned forward and kissed me hard, the sort of kiss that was surprisingly passionate, before she started to ride me again, her forehead pressed to me. "Going for another one now."

I just met her eyes, ran my hands down to her arse, and started to meet her bounces with thrusts of my own. That just made her kiss me harder still. Triss grabbed my cheek to turn my head to kiss her too, adding that she definitely wanted her turn. Cerys surprised me by insisting I cum in her first, answering my surprised look by assuring me they had potions that stopped any potential problems.

After she came again, I gently rolled her onto her back as she automatically spread her legs. I didn't fuck her too hard, but she certainly enjoyed it when I fucked her. I didn't last too long after everything, no more than a couple of minutes, but after I groaned and unloaded inside her, she just wrapped her arms and legs around me to hold me in place. "Holy shit," Cerys stated quietly.

"How long do you need before you can go again?" Triss asked hopefully.

"Give me half an hour."

I eventually had to pull out and lay between the pair of them, Triss pouring us a mug of water each to cool us down. We made a little small talk, the girls teasing information out of me about the news I'd received, but I couldn't tell them anything. I would have asked about their lives, but I'd done that once before, and it had ended with tears for her and embarrassment for me. So I never really asked personal questions.