"Cyber War" Episode 7

[JonPop]

He turned back to the 3 and said, "You are dismissed to go and eat breakfast.
You will return here in 2 hours. I would suggest that you do not eat too much and hydrate with water to begin your first physical tasks".

He relaxed slightly, walked over to the Knights and said, "Well, what do you think"? Sir Kdub said, "Wow, JP, shes fookin hot. I had a hardon just lookin at her. How am I supposed to be able to train her hard enough to become a Knight"? Sir Stud and Sir Marty echoed that saying, "Yes Sir JonPop, I think she'll wash out the first day". JP said, "You do not do her any favors, you train her as we have all the other Knights that have gone through the Academy.
If she can't stand up to the rigors that have been standard practice since even before I came here, then she will be gone.


I know she is beautiful and sexy, but don't let that deter you. We are training Knights for combat and we will not let ourselves be responsible for the death of one of our Knights if if we didn't do our jobs. Now, go remove your armor and we will meet in the dining hall to go over the events for the day".

 

[JonPop]

The arena contained several challenges that were to be overcome by the new trainees. A pullup bar on a wooden frame, a large, heavy rock on skids with an attached rope with a belt to go around the waist, hay bales, with long bows with an eighty pound pull and arrows. ten pound rocks sitting in a marked circle and several more things that would test the strength and resolve of the 2 men and the woman.

Sir Stud, Sir Kdub and Sir Marty were waiting when they arrived. Sir JonPop was sitting on a bench against a wall, to observe.
Sir Marty said, "Your first challenge is to do 25 pull ups, putting your chin over the bar. He pointed to Loki and said, you are first.
Loki walked under the bar, reached into the leather pouch containing resin, looked up at the bar and made a leap. He caught the bar and begin a fast count of 25, easily because of his light frame, completed the 25 pullups getting his chin over the bar.
Sir Marty raised his eyebrows a bit, slightly impressed and said, "O.K. Batwoman, lets see if you can do these".
Batwoman rubbed the resin on her hands, sprang up and without seemingly much effort, completed her pullups.
Again Sir Marty was impressed, recalling that when he was a trainee, he had a difficult time completing the last 5 pullups on that first day.
He looked at Sonic Celt and said, "You look like you could do 50. Don't screw up my day by failing this". Sonic got resin, rubbed his hands together and did his pullups with ease, the last 5, one handed.
Sir Marty, again impressed with the physical shape of these 3 said, "Good. Now report to Sir Stud at the rock sled".

The remainder of the days tests went well, except that Batwoman had a little trouble with the 80 pound pull, long bow. They were required to shoot 3 arrows into the hay bails and the pull was almost too much for her. She gritted her teeth and with great determination, found some hidden reserve of strength to pull the bow back to create a strong flight into the bale.
After the tests were completed, they were dismissed to their quarters for the day and the Knights got together with Sir JonPop and discussed the results.

All 3 Knights were very satisfied with the days effort by the trainees and particularly with the strength and resolve of Batwoman.
Sir Stud said that he almost, for at least a full minute, forgot that she was a woman.

 

[JonPop]

The next morning, Sir JonPop sent his page to the Knights rooms to come to his room at 6:am. When they had assembled he said, "Well, today is the 10 K run. I need two of you to Cadre, so we will draw straws, unless I have volunteers.
No"? JP held out his clenched fist containing 3 straws just poking out and said, "The short straw will sit this one out this morning".

The straws were drawn and Stud got the short one. He said, "Oh man, I am so glad. Lately when I try to run for any distance I get this pain in my side and I have to stop until it goes away. I think I've been spending too much fookin time at Nickie's with Miss Betsy". Sir JonPop said, "You realize Studly, that you will be spending the next 5 months with these trainees and you will have to be in top shape to set an example"? He turned to Sir Kdub and said, "You will sit out today's run and Stud will be running with Sir Marty". He saw a crestfallen look come on Studs face and chuckled to himself. Sir Stud said, "But I ain't gonna be able to run 10k JP, I'll have to drop out". JP said, "If you have to stop the group until you recover, that's what you will do, but you are a Knight and you will not show weakness in front of the trainees. You WILL finish the run, understood"?
Sir Stud said, "Yeh Sir JonPop".
JP said, "You and Sir Marty go and gather up the trainees, make sure they don't eat anything this morning. They can have tea and water only, until they finish the run. Make sure you carry enough water flasks for the run. It's a cool morning so heat should not be a factor. Sir Kdub, remain behind as I want to discuss the remainder of today's events with you. Dismissed".

 

[JonPop]

JP met with Sir Marty after the run and asked, "Well, Marty how did they do"?
Sir Marty answered, "The run went well JP, we took the prescribed rest after 5k's and let everyone cool down and have some water. Sonic struggled a bit, dropping behind for awhile, but I think it was because of his muscular build that his legs cramped.
But I gotta tell ya JP, ol' Studly was a sight to behold, he'd run up besides Batwoman, start watching her breasts bouncing, trip over his own damn feet and go sprawling on his face. or he'd drop back behind her to watch her ass and his dick would be so hard that I thought he was going to rip his tights. Several times I had to stop everyone just to let Studly cool off". JP asked, "Where is Sir Stud"?
"I wanted to talk to him". Sir Marty replied, "When we got done with the run and released the trainees to go bathe and eat breakfast, he had gotten his Squire to saddle his horse and said to tell you that he had to go see Betsy and would be back in a couple of hours".
"Damn, I'm going to have to talk to Studly". "Marty, do you think that Stud is going to be right to train this group? Or should I consider appointing someone else to take over his spot"? Sir Marty said, "Aw hell JP, Stud will be o.k., we'll get used to Batwoman, heck I had a hardon most of the way myself, it's those damn cotton tights, ain't used to seein a woman like that". JP said, "How did Stud do on the run? Did he have any trouble with his side? And how did the trainees do"? Sir Marty said, "Naw, Stud was too busy watching Batwoman that I don't think he even thought about what he was doing, is why he fell on his face a couple of times. The trainees did well, Loki and Batwoman were in sort of a competition for the lead most of the run, with Batwoman pretty much staying out in front, hell man, it was all I could do just to keep up with them, several times I had to slow the pace as even I was getting winded. I think we need to get all the Knights together and get back into training ourselves. I think all of us are getting a little soft". JP said, "Yes, you re right Marty, all this good living has let us get out of fighting shape, I think I will write up an order and submit it to the King, for all the Knights to partake as a group with the trainees, for the next 5 months, me included.
When Stud gets back have him come to my room, I want to talk with him".

 

[JonPop]

When Sir Stud finally reported to Sir JonPop, he was smiling and looked relaxed.
Stud said, "You wanted to see me JP"?
"Yes I do Stud. I'm a little pissed off at you. I am still your boss and I told you and Sir Marty to report to me after the run and you didn't.
For ignoring my orders and your UN-Knightly conduct around Batwoman, you will be confined to the castle grounds until I say otherwise, understood"?
Sir Stud looked crestfallen at this but said, "Yes Sir JonPop. it's just seein Batwoman in those tights made me so horny I just had to get over to Nikki's as quick as I could. I'm sorry JP, I should have reported to you first".

"That's something else I want to talk to you about. If you can't control your emotions around Batwoman, I will relieve you of your Cadre duties for this class and make you go clean horse stalls and work with the Blacksmith for the next 5 months, clear"? Stud said, "Yes JP, it's clear. I promise I will conduct myself better, it's just...". "No just about it Stud. We are more than just friends, we are Brother Knights but I won't hesitate to do what I said".

Now, I want you to go round up ALL the knights, and I mean All. I will give you a couple of days to do this as I know some are scattered. Send our Squires to assist you in delivering this message. Two days hence I want the Knights to attend a Round Table meeting. I have a new directive from King Arthur.
Also tell them to tell their families that they will be absent for an extended period of time which could be as long as 6 months, Report to me when you have completed this task".

 

[JonPop]

Sir JonPop always paused for a moment when he approached the Round Table.
Taking in the wonderment of this fine crafted, beautiful piece of art would make him so appreciative of the Knighthood that had been bestowed upon him.

The table was hewed from one giant Mahogany tree, 20 foot in diameter, sitting on a large pedestal, supported underneath by arms of polished brass radiating out like spokes in a wheel. The top was polished to a fine luster by hand rubbing with the finest of oils. The skirting around the top was intricately carved with scenes of Knights in battle, jousting, horses, armor and much more all to the finest detail.

Although there was formerly, no head of the table as all that sat there were of supposedly equal position, a crown of fine Maple had been inlaid into the place where King Arthur sat.
Sir JonPop took his seat to the right of the King as all of the Knights filed in.

King Arthur turned his head around to look at his scribe and asked, "Are all of the Knights present"? The scribe replied, "Yes your highness, except for Sir Playtimer.
He was on a sea voyage and could not be reached".
King Arthur turned back, stood up and said, "Thank you esteemed Knights of the round table for coming as quickly as you did. I realize this was of short notice, but time is growing short and we must prepare ourselves to do battle.
At this, there was a loud murmur from the Knights". JonPop held up his hand, shook his head and the noise stopped. King Arthur continued.

"Sir JonPop has brought to my attention the fact that most all of our Knights including myself, have not participated in any training in many, many months and therefor I have decreed mandatory, that you will for the next 5 months, undergo a training camp with the Knight trainees.
We cannot afford to lose our fighting edge that makes us such fearsome warriors.
You will be billeted here in the castle and two days hence, the training will begin at dawn.
We have foe, that are called the Spammers. These vile creatures have been causing havoc in several Kingdoms and starting to make probes into ours as well.
I foresee that in a very short time, we shall be taking the fight to them, so we must prepare to win.

A knock on his cabin door, snapped Sir JonPop out of his remembering those days so long ago. Startled, he yelled, "Come in".
Sir Bret opened the door and said, "JP, we have trouble ahead and the King wants to see you".

 

[JonPop]

JP sat on the edge of his bunk, realizing that he had been almost dozing with the remembrances of those days, memories still flashing in his mind of when King Arthur had declared war on the spammers. How he, Sir Kdub and Dame Batwoman had been appointed to stay behind to guard the castle as the King and Knights rode off to do battle. How he had felt crestfallen, but would do as he was asked.
His mind cleared and he asked. "Sir Bret, what's happening"?
Sir Bret said, "The lookout spotted what he thought was a fleet ahead about 5 kilometers. At this news I immediately ordered all sails furled and the sea anchors deployed, and had the helmsman notify the Phallic Avenger.
I thought it might be Edwards fleet, returning to England and knew that we didn't want to have a run in with him after our last encounter".
Sir JonPop stood up and said, "Good work Bret, I hope your quick action kept us from being seen. I'll go see the King now".

 

[JonPop]

JP walked to the railing outside his cabin, shouted up to the Crows Nest, "Ahoy, what do you see"? Sir Marty yelled back, "Nothing now Sir, they have sailed out of sight". Sir JonPop said, "Keep a close watch so that they don't flank us". Sir Marty said, "Aye, Captain".
To Sir Bret he said, "Post lookouts on all points of the ship". Sir Bret replied, Already done JP".
JP made his way around the curved wall and knocked on the Kings cabin door.

 

[JonPop]

The King was sitting at his table having a cup of tea he said, "Good day JP, would you like some tea"?
JP said, "Yes, yes I would your Highness, we have much to talk about".

Sir JonPop said, "I believe that the fleet that Sir Marty spotted is in fact Edwards fleet. I also believe that even though we did our best, furling the sails and deploying the sea anchors to stop all forward progress, that we were observed.
I also believe that Edwards even though out of view for the moment, is planning an ambush for us if we continue to move. What are your thoughts my King"?

King Arthur took a sip of his tea, pondered a moment and said, "I tend to agree with you JP. Admiral Edwards is a very crafty man and if I was in his position, would do just as you surmise. Although we can't be certain that we were detected, I purpose that we stay put until dark, not use any lights and minimum noise and under the cover of night, try to alter our course Westward until dawn and then see what the situation presents".

 

[JonPop]

O.K. Any of you following this story, please make comments here, now.
I have a couple of endings for this novel in mind, but would like to hear any suggestions.
It has been a very long voyage, filled with action and adventure.
Should we finally get to sail back into port and accept the accolades we deserve for destroying the Spammer Nation? Or should we risk all by trying to out wit Edwards and his mighty fleet?
Or some other ending you might like to see?
Thanks, Sir JonPop, Captain of the Far Search.

 

[Dangler]

I hear tell that the Spammers have started using Trojan Horse Ships. Rumors have it that they are constructed to look like Tuna fishing, Sightseeing, and Passenger Ferry ships.

You may need the Kings Wizard to get this done properly. Maybe not. Sorting the innocent from the bad, is a treacherous task.

 

[JonPop]

Aye, Sir Dangler. It is a daunting task when the enemy appears to be friendly.

 

[JonPop]

King Arthur stood, walked over and pulled down the map that Captain Slanker had provided at the start of their quest to destroy the Spammer Nation.
He indicted that there was an uninhabited island about 2 days sail WSW from their present location. He said, "There is a beautiful natural harbor on the leeward side of the island that would hide the 2 ships".

JonPop said, "Pardon me for interrupting you my King, but as you so stated, Edwards is a very tenacious and cruel man. We not only damaged his ship, but also his ego. I believe he would go to the ends of the Earth to extract revenge.
IF we were to sail to this island and IF we were to anchor in this, as you described it, Natural Harbor, wouldn't we be trapped by Edwards fleet if he came searching for us"?

King Arthur turned away from the map and said, "Yes, JP you are right. If we have been spotted by Edwards, he will, since we are now so close to England, send his Silver bearing galleons with a small escort and use the remainder of his fleet to hunt us down. I imagine that he is still well stocked after his raid on the French fleet, that we could play Cat and Mouse for many months and eventually would have to turn and fight. We could destroy a large percentage of his ships, but in the end he would overpower us."

Sir JonPop said, "Have you talked to Captain Slanker in a while"?
The King said, "No, I'll summon him and see if he can help us with this situation."

 

[JonPop]

Again, I apologize for the delay in concluding this story.
I will do my best this coming week to bring this epic to an ending
it deserves. Thanks to all who are reading this. JP

 

[JonPop]

Throughout the night King Arthur attempted many times to summon Captain Slanker to no avail.
The dawn broke slowly in a grey mist over the becalmed ships.
During the night there had been no sightings or movement observed by the ships watch, or the many men stationed around the railings of both ships.
As the morning brightened, the lookouts quietly relayed that they had good visibility for at least 10 kilometers and all was clear.

With no workable plan in spite of the all night meeting between the Kings and officers of both the Far Search and Avenger, King Arthur decided to sail Westward for 2 days and then circle back on to their original course.

 

[JonPop]

No noise was made, low talking and hand signals only between the Far Search and Avenger.
Enough bottom sail was raised on the two ships to get slowly underway.

The day was warm, clear and bright. The breeze was steady from the East at about 14 knots and still no sightings of other ships. Sir JonPop began to relax a bit realizing that he had been quite tense.
After about an hour they raised full sail and the Knights and soldiers gathered to have breakfast. Sir Jim in the crows nest would call down every 15 minutes that the horizon was still clear.
The King and officers had joined the men in the galley to eat.

The breakfast that had been laid out consisted of the last of the bacon, biscuits,
redeye gravy made from the bacon drippings and the last of the stored cantaloupes.
Large pots of tea and cocoa rounded out the menu.
Everyone was in a good mood after the long night of watch and there was much talk and joking at the tables.

Suddenly Captain Slanker appeared between the two long tables causing forks to be dropped and mugs of tea to be knocked over at his sudden appearance. Sir JonPop stood and yelled for quite.
Captain Slanker walked over to King Arthur and said, "I am sorry to startle everyone, again, but I have been in counsel about your situation. You are sailing into a trap.
Admiral Edwards anticipated that you would make the maneuver that you did and spent the night flanking you to lie in wait".

 

[JonPop]

King Arthur gave the order for the Far Search and Avenger to alter course to a new heading of due East.

Captain Slanker said, "King, I have to counter that order, Edwards is only about 17 kilometers ahead of you.
He moved half his warships during the night and the rest are trailing you about 20 kilometers to your stern. He again figured that when you caught sight of his ships lying in wait that you would turn in an attempt to outrun him. He has you boxed in. You must turn South and try to thread this needle that he has prepared for you. If you do this now, there is a good chance that you can slip through this pincer move of his, undetected."
King Arthur said, "Thank you Captain Slanker" and gave the order.
The ships keeled hard to port and set a new course due South.
Captain Slanker said, "Let's hope this will get us out of this mess. Now, King Arthur, with your permission I'd like to have some of this fine breakfast. The smell of this bacon is making me delirious."

 

[JonPop]

Under full sail but having to tack because of the Eastward direction of the wind, the ships had been on the Southerly course for perhaps 2 hours when Sir Cusp, in the crows nest of the Avenger shouted, "Ships ahead".
Sir Big Al reacted quickly and sounded the alarm.

Tomorrow:

Flight or Flight?

 

[JonPop]

Quickly the alarm was sounded on the Far Search.
Captain JonPop shouted up to the watch, "Sir Robin, what do you see"? Robin shouted back, "2 ships about 5 kilometers and 20 degrees off the port bow, Captain". Captain Jon Pop shouted back, "Can you see any colors"?
Sir Robin shouted down, "It is hard to see at this distance Captain, but I would say that they are flying the British flag".

Sir JonPop said, "Sir Bret, stay under full sail, have the men prepare the cannons with the highest charge that the barrels will take. Have Sir King Pole turn us with the wind at our back, let's see how much speed we can get before we tack back to engage. Signal the Avenger of our intentions."
Sir Bret said, "Aye, Captain", and went to give the orders.

He had Sir Waylander signal the Avenger to instruct Captain Pirate to calculate
when they would be in firing range with their 'hot' loads.
The Avenger signaled back that they were already in range if the Far Search wanted to present a firing window.

Sir JonPop knew it would be over 3 kilometers before they would be in cannon range from the English ships, and to continue building speed for a while.
He had Sir Waylander signal this to the Avenger.

 

[JonPop]

Sir JonPop gave the order to sound the alarm.
He could hear the alarm going off on the Avenger.

He ordered the sails be furled and the sea drag anchors be deployed.
The helmsmen to turn the Far Search and Avenger to port and starboard to present a stable firing platform.
The sea was calm with only slight rolling swells. The two ships were still over a kilometer out of firing range of the English ships.

The soldiers and Knights gathered on the deck surrounding the staircase.
The alarms were silenced.
He told Sir Waylander to relay every word to the Avenger and said.

"Gentlemen and Dame. We are so close to the end of the adventure that tested us in ways that no soldiers or Knights have ever been required to perform.
All that now stands before us and the completion of this voyage, are two ships from Admiral Edwards fleet that were stationed to prevent us from trying to escape his trap.
Myself, our Kings and Captain Pirate surmise that had we sailed North, that there would have been ships blocking that route, also.

From their appearance, these ships look to be two of the biggest and most well armed warships in Edward's command. We are sure that Edwards was confident that even without his mighty fleet to engulf us, that these large ships with their massive fire power would be more than superior to sink us and thereby extracting his revenge.

Well gentlemen and lady, we are about to give them a great surprise.
Avenger, take the warship on the left, the Far Search will take the ship on the right. At my command we will fire 4 cannon each at their rigging, Fore and aft.
When their masts and sails come down, we will give them a chance to peacefully let us pass and sail on to our home.
We are tired of killing and do not want to take more lives if at all possible.
If they will not accept this, we will sink them".