章 29: Call Your Superior
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A Marine Captain, broad-shouldered and imposing, walked haughtily toward the chaotic scene, his stern gaze cutting through the confusion. He was known as Captain Tiberius, a man with a reputation for his unyielding pursuit of pirates and criminals. He placed a firm hand on Brutus's shoulder, commending him for his actions. "Well done, Brutus. Your loyalty and dedication have finally paid off."
As Tiberius praised Brutus, dozens of Marines filled the area, guns drawn and pointed at everyone. The tension in the air was palpable, as the Marines eyed both Mary's group and Gideon's forces with suspicion.
Captain Tiberius turned to address Mary and her group, his expression a mix of annoyance and disdain. "Thanks to your reckless actions, our operation nearly failed. We've been tracking Captain Blackwater and Gideon for years, gathering the necessary evidence and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. Your little uprising almost jeopardized everything."
Mary's face flushed with anger, her emerald eyes blazing with fury. "You knew what was going on on this island all this time? You were following the pirates and Gideon, and yet you did nothing? They've been kidnapping young women, including my sister, and you stood by and let it happen? And now you have the gall to blame us?"
Tiberius looked at her, his face impassive, though a hint of irritation flickered in his eyes. "Our mission was to take down the Blackwater Pirates and Gideon, not to interfere in every minor conflict on this island. Sometimes sacrifices must be made for the greater good."
Mary clenched her fists, her voice rising in anger. "Sacrifices? Those were innocent people's lives! My sister was taken from me, and you call that a minor conflict? How can you be so heartless?"
Jack, who had been quietly observing the exchange, stepped forward, his ocean-blue eyes stormy with anger. He spoke calmly, his voice cold and sharp. "Captain Tiberius, while I understand the importance of your mission, you must also understand the consequences of your inaction. People suffered while you waited for the perfect moment."
Tiberius glanced at Jack, an eyebrow raised in surprise. "And who might you be?"
"Jack's the name. I'm a newcomer to this island, but I've seen the devastation Gideon and the Blackwater Pirates have caused. These people," he gestured to Mary and her allies, "are simply trying to take back their home and protect their loved ones."
Captain Tiberius studied Jack for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he seemed to weigh his words. "I don't need a lecture from you, Jack. The Marine Corps has its own way of handling things."
Jack's eyes, a raging deep blue, held Tiberius's gaze unflinchingly. "Call your superior."
Tiberius looked at Jack as if he was stupid, then laughed. "You want me to call my superior? You truly have no idea who you're dealing with." But seeing Jack's expression remain unflinching, Tiberius hesitated, gulping. Reluctantly, he took out his Den Den Mushi and dialed the number for his commander.
A gruff voice answered, "This is Commander Garrick. What is it, Tiberius?"
Jack snatched the Den Den Mushi from Tiberius before he could respond. "Commander Garrick, my name is Jack, and I have a matter of utmost importance to discuss with you."
There was a moment of silence before Garrick responded, his voice filled with suspicion. "And who are you to interrupt a private call between Marines?"
Jack's voice remained firm and steady as he replied, "Commander Garrick, I suggest you call Rear-Admiral Tsuru and ask her about Pirate Hunter Jack from West Blue. I believe you'll find my involvement in this matter to be of great significance."
There was a brief pause before Commander Garrick spoke again, his tone cautious. "Very well, Jack. I'll make the call. Stand by."
The call was ended for a brief minute, and when Garrick called back, his demeanor had shifted entirely, his voice now filled with respect and a hint of apprehension.
"Jack, my apologies for my earlier behavior. Rear-Admiral Tsuru spoke highly of you and confirmed your identity. What seems to be the problem?"
Jack wasted no time in explaining the situation, his voice cold and unyielding. "Commander Garrick, Captain Tiberius has acted against the Marine Code to protect innocent lives for his own personal gains and even threatened people due to his poor judgment. I request a martial court be convened to address his actions."
Tiberius's eyes widened, disbelief and indignation etched on his face. "You dare accuse me of-"
Jack cut him off, his voice an icy whip. "Silence, Tiberius. You will answer for your actions in due time."
Captain Tiberius glowered but said nothing, his clenched fists betraying his simmering anger.
Commander Garrick, his voice somber, responded, "I understand the severity of your accusations, Jack. We will convene a martial court as you have requested. In the meantime, I ask that you and your allies cooperate with our investigation."
Jack's ocean-blue eyes, now calm but still unwavering, met Garrick's gaze through the Den Den Mushi. "We will cooperate, Commander. But I must insist that the innocent people of this island be protected and that the culprits face justice."
"Agreed," Garrick replied, his voice firm. "We will ensure that justice is served."
With that, the call ended, and the tension in the air grew thicker as the Marines began to take control of the situation. Captain Tiberius, his face a mask of restrained fury, was escorted away by a group of Marines, his fate now hanging in the balance.
Tiberius's second in command, Lieutenant Cecilia, a tall, slender woman with dark hair and piercing eyes, stepped forward to take charge. She approached Jack, her expression determined but respectful. "Jack, I apologize for my captain's actions. I assure you we will do everything we can to bring justice to the people of this island. What would you have us do first?"
Jack's ocean-blue eyes, calm but unwavering, met Cecilia's gaze. "Find the kidnapped islanders as soon as possible, and interrogate the captives without delay."
Cecilia nodded, her voice firm. "Understood."
She began issuing orders to the Marines, their movements becoming more coordinated and efficient under her guidance. It wasn't long before they discovered a vast cave system beneath Gideon's manor, where the kidnapped islanders were found, bound and poisoned.
Among the hostages was Mary's sister, Lily, her eyes filled with relief and gratitude as she was finally reunited with her family. Mary rushed to Lily's side, her emerald eyes brimming with tears as she embraced her sister tightly. "Lily, I'm so sorry. I should have found you sooner."
Lily, her voice weak but filled with love, reassured her sister. "Mary, you found me, and that's all that matters."
Jack watched the reunion from a distance, his calm blue eyes softening ever so slightly at the sight of their joy. Turning his attention back to the ongoing investigation, he joined Cecilia as she interrogated the captured pirates and Gideon's men.
Cecilia's voice was firm and unyielding as she questioned the captives. "Where are the rest of the kidnapped islanders? How were you involved in the kidnappings?"
The prisoners were initially tight-lipped, but under the intense scrutiny of both Cecilia and Jack, their resolve began to crumble. One pirate, his eyes flickering between Jack's stormy gaze and Cecilia's unwavering stare, finally broke.
"They...they're in another part of the cave system. There's a hidden passage," the pirate stammered, beads of sweat forming on his brow. "Gideon was the one who ordered the kidnappings. He was working with Captain Blackwater. They...they were selling the kidnapped people to other pirates."
Cecilia's eyes narrowed, her voice filled with anger and disgust. "You will show us the way, and you will pay for your crimes."
The pirate, his fear evident, complied with Cecilia's demand, leading a group of Marines deeper into the cave system to rescue the remaining hostages. Jack stayed behind, his calm blue eyes surveying the scene as he ensured that every last detail was attended to.
Mary, her sister now safely in the care of her allies, approached Jack with gratitude and determination in her eyes. "Jack, thank you. We couldn't have done this without you."
Jack's ocean-blue eyes met her emerald gaze, his expression unreadable but for the slightest hint of warmth. "You and your people fought bravely. I'm glad I could help."
As the Marines continued their work, Jack and Mary discussed their next steps. Their voices were hushed and serious, but a newfound sense of hope and resolve flowed between them. They had faced insurmountable odds, and together, they had emerged victorious.
In the aftermath of the battle, as the Marines processed the captives and the islanders began to rebuild their lives, Jack and Mary found a quiet moment to reflect on their journey.
Mary, her eyes filled with admiration and gratitude, spoke softly. "Jack, I don't know how to thank you for everything you've done."
Jack's calm blue eyes met her gaze, a rare smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You don't need to thank me, Mary. I'm just glad I could help."
Mary shook her head, her voice firm. "No, you've done more than just help. You've given us hope, and you've taught us that we're stronger together. I will never forget that."
Jack's smile widened ever so slightly, his eyes holding hers in a warm, steady gaze. "Then let that be thanks enough. And remember, the fight isn't over. There will always be more battles, more challenges to face. But as long as you stand strong and united, you can overcome anything."
Mary nodded, her expression resolute. "I understand. And I promise you, we will keep fighting for our island and for justice."
Jack, his eyes now a calm blue once more, nodded in acknowledgment. "I have no doubt that you will."
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the island, Jack and Mary stood side by side, their eyes fixed on the horizon.
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