"What the HELL was that, Ram!?" Polina shouted into the radio as she stared through binoculars at the debris raining down from what had to be some sort of explosion- though, unfortunately, she had an idea of what it was... and who was the cause...

"Ah... Oli... blew up the ship..." Ram's hesitant voice crackled over the radio, a hint of awe in his tone. "I can't believe he actually managed it..."

"Is Oli ok? Did he make it off the ship?" She snapped, fear and dread welling up in her.

"I saw him jump into the water just before it exploded." Ram quickly reassured her. Before she could ask more, he spoke again. "I lost sight of him in the chaos, but- hang on!" His pause caused Poli's breath to hitch in panic. "I see him again, but I think his head is bleeding. He's swimming this way."

Poli sagged in place with relief at the news, glad that he was fine- though she still planned to give him a piece of her mind when he got back! "If he's still swimming, he's fine. Just tell him to heal himself. And get a move on! The Captain says we're getting close to-"

"Sails!"

Poli sighed at the sudden shout, not really surprised- considering the explosion, something new was bound to pop up. Ignoring the chatter and sudden flurry of activity, she turned to the Captain... to see him staring into the distance behind them. "Let me guess... Pirates approaching from behind, likely hoping to trap us between them and their friends?"

"Seems like it." Captain Sterling grunted. "Should have figured they would try something. I'm just surprised we didn't spot them trailing us... I'll be having words with my men about this lapse."

Poli's mind raced through their options. If Oli and Ram dealt with the other ship quickly, they could try to stay ahead of this new ship... But, considering the winding route they had to take, they likely wouldn't be able to put much distance between them. It would likely just turn into a prolonged chase across the open ocean...

Which would only make any further encounters with pirates even more dangerous.

Raising the radio to her lips once more, Poli spoke firmly even as a small smile played across her face. "Ram, tell Oli to get his ass in gear and deal with the other ship. We've got more pirates coming up from behind."

"Do you need us to come back?"

"Negative, Ram." Poli chuckled softly. "Just clear the way ahead. We'll deal with the party crashers."

Turning to face the Captain once more, a jolt of adrenaline shot through her. She knew that, without Oliver here, it would be more dangerous- and likely more difficult. But he was already dealing with one problem... And she refused to be just a burden, even if he would never think of her as one. "Captain, I suggest we slow. Let them catch up to us so we can deal with them while Oliver and Ram handle the ones in front of us."

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A thoughtful look crossed Sterling's face before he nodded. "That is probably the best plan. We can't detour here, and, with your guns to tip things in our favor, we should be able to deal with them with minimal losses."

"Just leave it to me." Poli growled before turning to Jal standing nearby. Her fierce expression softened at the sight of the young girl. "Jal, I need you to go below where it will be safe. Ok?"

"I know how to shoot. I can help!" The girl exclaimed, puffing out her chest proudly.

Poli shook her head, struggling not to laugh at the girls bold statement- it was no time for laughter, but the girl was just... adorable. "Jal, sweetheart... I know you want to help, but it's not a good idea- not because you can't help, but because I would be worried about you the entire time, and that would distract me. So, please, just listen and go below where you will be safer."

For a second it looked like the girl was going to argue... Until she suddenly lunged forward to hug Polina. "Just... be careful, mom. Please?"

Before Poli could say anything in response, Jal turned and rushed down the stairs. Seeing the young, and vulnerable, girl hurrying away, Poli's expression hardened- there was no way she was going to let some pirates mess with the new and exciting future ahead of her... or the possibility of having a family with Oli.

The pirate ship rounded the island behind them, already angled to chase them and drive them into the trap ahead, and much closer than Poli had expected... but that was a good thing.

Her eyes quickly swept the deck of the enemy ship, taking in the scurrying forms of Devils adjusting sails and arming themselves... and the pair of forward mounted cannons, already rushing to adjust their aim.

Exhaling slowly, a wolfish smile on her lips, she squeezed the trigger of her M16...

The distance was further than she would have preferred for the gun, more suited to the Mosin-Nagant that she had set up for sniping, but it was manageable for her. Blood from the gunner sprayed across the shocked faces of his comrades as he slumped to the deck...

Shifting her aim slightly, her finger stroked the trigger again. And again. And again. Within seconds, the forward guns were cleared of pirates. Others rushed to take their places, and Poli methodically dropped one after another- some required two shots, and she chastised herself for the wasted ammo, but none required three.

Pirates holding weapons? Dealt with.

Those trying to trim the sails? Dropped until the rest simply huddled behind cover.

The shouting officer, attempting to drive his men forward to fire the guns? Dead.

Still, the ship gained on them- which was her plan, anyway. While she wasn't likely to kill all of them- like Oliver had done- she wanted to make a point.

One that she was about to hammer home- viciously, if she had to.

Slinging the M16 behind her back, Poli grinned as she picked up 'Matilda'- her AA12 automatic shotgun. Tucking the the gun to her shoulder, she aimed carefully at the hull of the pirate ship... The rapid fire crack of the shotgun, emptying thirty-two rounds into the side of the ship, echoed across the island chain.

All motion froze on both ships- other than Polina calmly reloading. Seeing all attention focused on her, and the weapon she held, she calmly picked up the small bullhorn she had convinced Oliver to bring along.

"This is your only warning: leave or die!" Her voice hung heavy in the air, and the Devil's had to wonder what sort of monster the Demons had on their ship.

Even Captain Sterling was stunned by the display... and the thought flashed through his mind: Polina was the nice one...

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