Perkins, it's a wonderful day. The sun is out with zero clouds, the temperature is comfortable, and I have a delicious burrito. I'd appreciate not being bothered with trivial issues like "invaders" or "besieged townsfolk"—
But sir! There are ships off shore and they're fighting each other!
Wait, ships?
Finish mission
I didn't recognize the symbols from those ships. It looked like the attackers had the same symbol as the ships they were attacking.
Definitely in-fighting, sir. Or the ship had been hijacked by pirates. Or it was a ghost ship.
So, definitely one thing, or something completely different. That's super helpful, thanks Sergeant.
Reward screen
Oh well, back to my relaxing day. Where's my burrito?
Floyd sir? I know Lt. Morgan said to look for survivors but I'm not seeing anything yet.
Ughhhhh…
Over here Perkins! It would seem that I've found a man. A man in need of serious and timely medical care. I suppose the hospital at the Outpost will have to do. Oh look another one, and another...
So Floyd, did those half-dead guys you and Perkins found on the beach say anything important I should know about? I bet they're from one of those boats.
They all claim to be former members of the Sovereign Navy, led by a Captain Pike, Morgan. Captain Pike insists that they were on their way here to ask for our help. Apparently many lives are at stake, including our own.
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Alright Pike, we got a bunch of repair supplies together to help patch up your fleet. This better not be a scam because Perkins doesn't have any money.
Lieutenant Morgan, correct? I appreciate the aid. Had it not been for your top engineer 'Floyd' and your medical facilities, my men and I would be dead now.
Whoa, whoa, whoa... First, Floyd is a Civil Engineer, so that barely even counts. Second, we're helping you only because apparently our lives are at stake and I am a fan of living. We don't even know where you guys came from.
I quickly rose to the rank of Captain in the Sovereign Navy, but the constant expansion of our home coupled with the ceaseless murder of indigenous peoples took its toll. My men and I fled and created a colony west of here. The Sovereign Navy has only recently come looking for us. As I suspected, they want this entire continent for their own purposes.
Wait, the whole continent? This one's claimed, pal. What's wrong with the one you came from?
Ours is less than half the size. As you can probably imagine, we've run out of room and need to expand. The monarchy has chosen this land as their own. You can expect more Sovereign ships to be coming. I volunteer the remainder of my fleet to protect the outlying waters until you can construct your own ships.
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Wow sir! The way you took out those ships was pretty impressive!
Those poor bastards didn't stand a chance. I literally wrote the manuals they were using. Now that the battle is over, we drink! Fetch me some rum from the hold.
Oh sure! Why don't you take this drink I was going to give to Lt. Morgan. It's whiskey on ice though. I hope that's not a problem.
I shall make due, but keep in mind that a true beverage aficionado needs nothing in his glass to lessen the true body and flavor of his spirits.
After consulting with Captain Pike, we'll need a building to properly build naval ships. It sounds like we'll need many ships in the near future. Both for protection and for ferrying supplies to Pike.
OK, let's get started then. A few days ago I was happily ignorant of the fact that people would bother crossing that much water and now I've been told that there's a hostile nation that wants our entire continent. Not even a 'hello' first.
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So, you don't build the ships directly in the water? I'm just saying, with how big some of these boats are, I'm not going to help you carry them to the water.
That's the whole purpose of this facility, Morgan! Build them out of the water, where it's dry, then lower them in. Nobody will have to carry anything.
I'm not sure it works that way, Floyd.
Reward screen
To be known as the place that launched a thousand ships!
LT, these boat repair kits ain't gonna cut it for much longer. Luckily I came up with some plans of my own on how to repair these boats in a massive facility.
Hmm, like a boat hospital? I tell you what. You remove these scribbles about "Automated Sentry Drones" and I'll let you have at it. I hate robots.
*sigh* Alright, if you're sure.
Finish mission
All done, LT! Now we can repair our boats without havin' to make those repair kits.
Excellent work, Zoey. I trust you also removed that extra bit we talked about? The robots?
Yeah, LT. I'm gonna sneak 'em past you one of these days though!
I've been known to dabble in the collection and categorization of certain items from time to—
That's great. You see this list? I want you to gather up all these materials. Pike needs these supplies for his colony and since he gave the list to me, I'm pushing it off on you.
I had several activities planned for this afternoon, but I suppose that will have to wait.
Finish mission
Materials acquired and set aside.
Perkins! Follow Floyd and help load all of the stuff he's going to show you onto some of the ships. We need to take it down to Pike. Don't eat all the cabbage!
The ships we've faced so far have been mere scouts. After losing this many men I expect the leadership to start sending their more serious firepower soon.
Floyd an' me came up with some plans for some boats of our own with REAL firepower that we gotta get buildin' LT.
Zoey, I see that twinkle in your eye that usually means something is about to go horribly wrong, or horribly right. Either way, I'm going to stay away from the beach for the time being.
Finish mission
Excellent! Your Imperial craftsmanship seems more than sea-worthy. I'm beginning to feel as if death is no longer imminent for us!
You're sounding more like an Imperial every day Pike.
I might have found that offensive at first, but not so much anymore. I get the feeling your Lieutenant Morgan isn't very fond of me though.
Don't take it personal. You know more about sea warfare than he does and he's just a bit intimidated by that is all. Well, that and the fact that you brought a new, deadly enemy to our doorstep.
Hmmm, that appears to be… Yep. Warships. At the Outpost. Well that's just swell. Ramsey! I need you to deal with this threat immediately. Nobody threatens an Imperial Outpost! Take Pike with you.
On it, Lieutenant. Pike! You're with me.
We shall lead our forces to victory, Sergeant! Then I believe a celebratory drink will be in order.
Finish mission
The rate at which you Imperials can adapt to new situations is truly remarkable. I mean, just a short time ago you had no seafaring experience and now you have added another victory against the world's foremost naval force. I was extremely lucky to make it to your Outpost.
Yeah, it's true. We are pretty great. Well, as long as it involves war.
Well Lieutenant, I think it's about time you Imperials were introduced to the larger world. You need to literally expand your horizons. At the same time, I need to be getting back to the rest of my men with the supplies you put together for me. This is a perfect opportunity to do both.
Oh, you're finally leaving? That's too bad, really. Your knowledge has been invaluable while we blah, blah, blah— Perkins! Ramsey! Get the ships ready! We're going on a field trip.
Alright Pike, your colony is in sight. We should dock quickly before we get attacked again.
There should be plenty of space for your ships. Once docked, I'll have my men serve refreshments, and I'll shed some more light on our current situation.
Finish mission
Now that everyone has been refreshed, let me introduce our translator Karin Winters. She's brilliant with language and she'll figure out that Reef Bandit jargon soon enough.
Thank you, Captain. I've been fascinated by language for as long as I can remember, but these Reef Bandits are tough to figure out. They're actually the main reason why Captain Pike and the rest of us decided to defect. They used to inhabit the many smaller islands all through this area, but Sovereign actions forced them from their peaceful homes. They scavenge because they must to survive.
Do not mistake them as being simple or unsophisticated, it will be the last mistake you make. And know that they will attack you if they think you are Sovereign.
Sir? We've received a message from Captain Pike. He wants to set up a trade route between The Outpost and his city.
Huh, that's odd. I'm used to having the people we contact try to sever all connection with us, not encourage further partnership. I wonder what the catch is.
We both have common goals Morgan. It's not a bad thing to have allies.
He then goes on to say that the route is currently too dangerous and needs our help to secure it.
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Well Pike, I hope you're satisfied. We once again risked our boats to get here, but the path should be clear for the time being.
This is going to be a net-positive for both of us Lieutenant, you'll see! Sure it may be a little difficult at first but us, working together, it's going to be glorious!
You do realize we have other things going on right? Deadly Rebels, murderous Raiders, and those Silver Wolf jerks. We can't be spending all our time splashing around in the water with you.
It's been happening more and more frequently Lieutenant. Those Reef Bandits keep picking off our ships along the trade route. We need a show of force, sir.
Alright Ramsey, I'm open to suggestions. What do you propose?
Armed escort, sir. We send down some of our war ships with the next shipment. Show those Bandits that you lose when you mess with Imperials.
Sounds like a solid plan. I'll come along as well. You never know when you'll need a military genius with you.
Finish mission
We took care of the enemy ships and were able to keep all of our cargo ships afloat. We shouldn't have any other obstacles on our way to Port City.
Excellent news Ramsey. Now I think the time is right for some on-ship entertainment. Perkins! Entertainment Routine Alpha!
I keep telling you sir, I don't know what that is!
Hey Perkins! Any word from Port City? It feels like things have been quiet lately.
Yes sir, we received a message this morning. Their production is a little slower than they want and would like some help if we can offer it.
Uh, I guess we can help? I've got nothing better going on right now anyway.
Finish mission
We appreciate the assistance Lieutenant. It's important to have allies in tough times such as these. Know that any time you or other Imperials need our help, we'll be there.
Yeah, yeah, no problem. Helping is its own reward and all that. So, about compensation…
Oh don't worry about that! You don't owe us a thing. We'll consider it a gift. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some important matters to attend to.
OK, so, the abandoned sub is just sitting there on the seafloor and we can't get to it. Tying weights to Perkins' feet and lowering him down to the sub almost worked but I think we'll need a better solution.
Why don't we use one of them divin' suits? That way he'll be able to breathe and not pass out like last time?
I also recommend constructing a decompression chamber. Going that far down and then coming back up too quickly is highly dangerous. Potentially separating the nitrogen from—
Alright, permission granted to build those things. Just stop with the constant explanations, OK Floyd?
Finish mission
The decompression chamber is complete and functioning. We can now safely send Perkins down as far as he'll go before being crushed by the sheer amount of water above him.
Good stuff. We'll have to test those limits later. What about you Zoey?
The diving gear is ready to go LT! I even had enough time to attach this flamethrower to the left arm of the suit!
Hello there Ramsey! I'm off to go try some fishing at the Reef Bandit fishing grounds. Care to join me?
I don't know, Floyd. I'm really only interested in hunting animals that can provide a little thrill. Fishing isn't the most exciting hobby.
Oh no, that's where you're wrong! The excitement of the stationary hunter! Waiting and waiting and waiting for your opponent to strike! You have to make it thrilling.
Hmm, that gives me an idea… Sure. I'll go with you.
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I'm not seeing a fishing rod, Ramsey. Is it collapsible? I've got the latest in rods. The Cast-Master 350. I'll be hauling in fish so fast. You wait and see.
I'm not using a rod. I'm using an old Ramsey family method from way back. I'll definitely catch some fish.
The uh "locals" don't seem to be too happy about your preferred fishing method, Ramsey. In fact, I'd say they look very upset. Downright murderous.
It's fine, Floyd. If they have a problem with it, they can say so.
They're coming this way. I think things are about to get ugly!
Finish mission
Well, that was a waste. Not only did we get into a fight, but I wasn't able to catch anything! There must have been too much noise scaring the fish away, Ramsey.
I don't know what you're talking about Floyd. Did you see how many fish I pulled in? I was practically scooping them off the surface.
Reward screen
You were literally scooping them, because they were dead.
Ramsey, you must be some sort of expert fishermen. Look at that haul! Ha! And Floyd! Where are all your fish? You're terrible.
Had I realized we were allowed to use… unconventional methods this would be a different story altogether. Sergeant Boom Boom over here scared away all the fish.
Yeah, I scared them right into my net! Now who wants to have some fresh caught fried fish?
Yay! Ramsey you're the best!
Finish mission
This is delicious. Well done Sergeant.
Yeah Ramsey. You'll have to share your fishing secrets with me.
Reward screen
What about me? I was the catalyst for this entire situation!
Emergency! Emergency! I need EVERYONE in here RIGHT NOW to address this serious problem! This affects us all!
OK Morgan, we're all here! What's the terrible issue we must deal with?
I thought I had a few more days left, but it finally happened. We need to send a fleet of ships down to Pike's Port City and ask for help IMMEDIATELY. They just got a shipment of limited edition Rum Runner's Rum and I hear it's delish!
Oh great…
…I'm going back to sleep.
Finish mission
Well sir, the barrels have been built and we even carved out some space in some of the ships for those secret compartments you requested.
The last thing I want is for my precious cargo to be pilfered by some Reef Bandits or something like that. You can't be too cautious in situations like this.
Your approach to this situation was highly inappropriate, Morgan. You scared the daylights out of us! Perkins was soaked in tears!
Of course Lieutenant Morgan! I'm more than happy to help. I've been in your situation before and it's not one I want to be in again. Now, I understand you're more of a whiskey man, but I can offer you the finest rum you've ever tasted!
Just put it in the barrels Pike. Slowly. No sudden moves. We're both getting something we want. Let's not make a big deal out of this.
Finish mission
It was wonderful doing business with you, Lieutenant! You and your men are welcome any time.
Can we stay for a bit sir? I'd like to get to know some of the—
Everyone! We're leaving! Perkins, deal with your crush on the translator on your own time. I've got important military drinking, er, thinking to do.
Sir, do you really think it was necessary to bring so many ships? Don't we run the risk of attracting unwanted attention?
Think about it, Ramsey. We're transporting precious cargo across dangerous waters. I'm not about to risk anything. Besides who's gonna mess with this many ships?
Sirs! We have Sovereign ships incoming!
Finish mission
Ramsey, don't look at me like that. You were right, OK. It's called humility.
Now that I have you here, Lieutenant, I have a favor to ask of you. Well more specifically Karin, our translator, has a favor. I'll let her explain.
Mr. Morgan? I was wondering if you and your military guys would help me make non-confrontational contact with the indigenous population we call the Reef Bandits? See, I want to establish communications between us.
It's Lieutenant, by the way. I worked very hard to achieve this rank, young lady. Why do you want to talk to those guys? They just seem like your typical displaced peoples. Violent and angry.
That's exactly my point Lieutenant! It's partly our fault they're in this situation! I want to help if I can. Also the fact that it's a new language for me to learn! So exciting!
Well you definitely seem enthusiastic. Ramsey! We're moving out! Perkins! Help Karin with her stuff.
Finish mission
We usually find them in this area on a pretty regular basis. We think they use it as their fishing area.
I'm not seeing them yet… Perkins. Scout around the area, let me know if you see anything.
Um, sir? How exactly am I supposed to "scout around" while aboard a ship?
I don't know, climb something! Something really tall. Don't fall off!
Reef Bandits have spotted us sir! They're coming this way!
Boda! Boda fen fen cho! Tuko mo lassy gren di waul! Ri lo hauny!
Karin? What's this guy yelling about? He seems super pissed and I don't like it when I'm being yelled at by people waving knives and fishing poles!
I… I'm trying… Something about attacking? I think they're going to attack us. We've disturbed their "hunting grounds"...?
Man, this guy isn't letting up. Alright I've had enough. Ramsey! Take 'em out!
Finish mission
Well, they certainly are a lot quieter after they've been shot a few times. Can you make any sense of their language yet Karin? We're kind of counting on you here.
I'm trying Lieutenant Morgan. It's very different from other languages I've encountered.
Well, make it quick, will you? Most of these guys aren't dead and avoiding another fight would be awesome.
So, yeah, when I said they were going to attack? Yeah, it turns out they were just upset that we disturbed the hunting grounds of a local predator. That predator is the one who's going to attack.
Wow, really?
Yeah. I kind of screwed that one up. Sorry.
About that predator thing you were talking about? Is that going to attack us? Why am I asking, of course it is.
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Well, that was horrible. New rule everybody! We establish communications with a people BEFORE we give the order to fire. I want to know that they're actually trying to kill us first. Unless they shoot at us. Then it's self explanatory.
Boda! Nos da asche?! Tuko mo dern fen da clak clak! Grota na mabels tac tac!
Karin? A little help here?
The, uh, Chief here is upset that you guys destroyed a lot of their fishing gear during that little scuffle earlier. He's demanding compensation. I think.
Finish mission
Alright Chief, we decided to do the right thing and got some stuff together for you. We're sorry for breaking your things and shooting your guys.
Ay, sankk na mimmo. O dem kiki verg. Chos...
The Chief thanks you for your, as he called it, "effort".
Sir? I got a message from Karin. She has some important news for us and wants us to meet her and the Reef Bandit Chief at the Fishing Grounds. She also said we should bring some sort of gift for the Reef Bandits.
Like what? Some veggies or something? Also, Ramsey? What are the odds this is a trap?
I don't see that being likely here, sir. Perkins' girlfriend doesn't strike me as the devious type.
Hey! She's not my girlfriend!
Finish mission
Wada ferm de fen fen chos. Boka di creen alm fa shope.
OK Chief. O'n tronbo fem gro. The Chief says that as long as you both steer clear of each other they won't attack you if you give them the same courtesy.
Seems reasonable. I can agree to those terms.
He also said that you may encounter other hostile groups that he doesn't control.
Reward screen
Well, we wouldn't want to make this too easy would we?
Sir? I don't think most of us Imperials were built for this sea travel stuff. So much… up and down…
Yeah, some of you guys look absolutely terrible. Tell you what. You go over there, away from me, hang your head over the side of the boat and let loose.
Perkins isn't the only one affected by this, Morgan. We should look for a better solution. Maybe those Reef Bandits have a way of dealing with this.
Finish mission
Well, that was fun. I'm guessing that was the welcoming committee?
From what I've been able to gather, there are two factions of Reef Bandits. That must have been the… more aggressive group. There's a friendlier looking group on that beach. I'll go ask if they can help you Imperials out.
Lt. Morgan? I've noticed a growing problem that should be addressed soon but I need your permission to proceed.
What is it this time, Perkins? Are we out of ham? Is there a shortage of tube socks?
No sir. There are a lot of ships running aground at night near the Outpost so I thought we should build one of those giant shore night lights as a warning.
It's called a Lighthouse Perkins, and I've already come up with a design I think is both cost effective and efficient.
Finish mission
Perkins! Front and center! I need an update on that giant flashlight.
Ships crashing into the shore because of the dark are down 85%! Ships crashing into the shore because of being blinded by the light are up 100% though…
I bet we could find some useful military equipment on the seafloor after all those ships sunk. No point for it to go to waste.
Hmm, we already have some diving gear and we could use some of the fishing nets to carry objects, but we'd need some sort of large crane to haul the "useful military equipment", as you called it, out of the water.
I got this, LT. I could rig up somethin' simple with a crane and some pontoons to float it on.
Finish mission
Well it turns out Perkins CAN swim, just not very well while wearing a hundred pounds of diving gear. Good thing we had that rope attached to him. I call it a successful test run. How's the crane looking Zoey?
Ok, I guess? It'll float for sure but I may need to tone down the acceleration of the on-board motor. The whole structure's a bit top-heavy.
Reward screen
We wouldn't want to go and have to salvage our salvage crane!
Those guys are going down! Then we'll salvage their salvage they salvaged from us.
Defeat 3 Reef Bandit Encounters at the Outpost
Reward:
1,500, 10,000, 2,000, 5
Dialogue
Start mission
Morgan, it seems some scruffy looking looters have moved in on our salvage area.
Wait, what? They're going after OUR stuff? I won't stand for this! We have looters rights! Floyd, you're a learned man. Don't you know about Maritime Law and salvage rights or something?
I'm more of an amateur enthusiast on Bird Law, but I do believe we're within our rights to defend our claim.
Finish mission
We sunk or scared away all the scavengers, Lieutenant. Should we go after any of the stragglers?
No Sergeant, let them run. Just keep an eye out for more in case they show up again.
Reward screen
Those guys had crappy looking boats. No wonder they want our stuff.
So Pike, you say a huge fleet is moving toward the Outpost? How do we know if this information is accurate?
That's why I came up here. I don't want to mobilize our fleets for nothing. We need some way of seeing things that are a great distance away. You Imperials have some impressive technology. Any thoughts?
Yes, actually! We call it RADAR and it essentially beams out pulses of radio waves which bounce off of objects then return to the radar station.
We can get started on some radar dishes right away!
Finish mission
Fascinating designs Floyd. And you say this works over long ranges?
Well, yes, within reason at least. As long as there's nothing large in the way, like say a mountain, the signal will travel for miles.
Hey Floyd! Get in here! I tried to check on your radar set up when we got back but it's dead. No signal. Nothing.
That doesn't make any sense. I installed multiple backup power batteries. The only way they would cease to function is with tampering. We need to go see what happened to them.
It's not going to be easy, I can tell you. My men noticed the signal had cut out as well so we stopped by to investigate on our way up here. Ships and mines are blocking each of the islands.
Finish mission
That takes care of the blockade. And I think I can see why the radar isn't working. Someone broke it. Floyd?
We'll need to return to the Outpost so I can gather materials. It looks like we should be able to salvage most of the current stations.
Alright folks. Let's get this agenda hashed out. We have two major issues at the moment. The first of which is getting those radar stations back online so we can see incoming threats.
I'm on it, LT! Floyd brought me up to speed on the innards of those contraptions. I got some repair kits ready to be built that'll fix 'em right up.
OK good. The future is looking less horrible already. What about the unsettling reports of submersible vehicles surfacing in the harbor? There've been no attacks but I want a way to track these things.
I have an idea for that. I modeled it based on the natural abilities of certain mammalian aquatic life. You see they send out high-pitched sound waves that they can—
Brilliant. Do it.
Finish mission
Radar Repair Kits are ready LT.
What about you Floyd? We're all waiting on you now! Also, what do you call this thing?
I've been calling it Sonar—
Seriously, that's just horrible. What about...Sound-Radar? Sound-Dar?
Keep scanning, ensign. Those brigands are bound to be here somewhere. They were spotted surfacing only a few minutes ago. They can't have gotten far.
Anything yet, Pike?
Lieutenant! Nice of you to join us. Nothing yet, but we have narrowed down the search area… There they are! Now quickly! To the ships before they can escape!
Finish mission
Those guys may have been there for a while. Who knows what kind of intel they were able to get from us.
Anything they gathered is now resting at the bottom of the harbor. At least Floyd's "Sonar" should help us track any future incursions.
We should also begin regular patrols of our own subs in the area. I want to know as soon as these guys come back.
Reward screen
After the defeat we just handed them, I doubt they'll want more.
Sir? I've been tracking something odd showing up on radar. It looks like one of the islands is adrift and floating this way?
Wait, wait, wait. I'm no… islandologist… but I don't think islands work like that.
Lieutenant Morgan is right, Perkins. That doesn't make any sense, but that is one huge blip. We should send out the fleet to find out whatever that thing is. I don't like this, Morgan. This doesn't feel right.
OK, so that's WAY worse than I thought it would be. How does that much metal not sink straight to the bottom of the ocean anyway?
I'm not sure Lieutenant, but I think we should help it find its way down there.
That's the spirit, Sergeant! Pike? Got any ideas on how to defeat this thing?
This is going to take every bit of sea-faring battle knowledge and cunning that I possess.
Finish mission
I'd heard rumors of the Dreadnaught class ships while I was still in the service, but I never expected to actually see one. I think I need to go lie down.
C'mon Pike! We did it! The immediate crisis and our imminent destruction have been postponed! Probably for a while! This calls for a drink!
I'm sorry Lieutenant, I just don't share your enthusiasm. The Sovereign Navy will be back. They won't take this well. I know. I used to be one of them.
Reward screen
Wow. Facing down impossible odds should be a joyous occasion.
400
2m, 
1,600
6
2,000
500
1,000, 
200
5
5
5
