Chapter 43: The Siren
Coop exited the menus of the civilization shard to watch the galleon, christened The Eye of the Storm, approach the fort. The massive ship entered the canal, rowing past the impressive library and advancing toward the center.
The settlement needed a proper marina. It was another construction to add to his shopping list. The galleon was able to fit into the canal, but there was no way a bridge would be tall enough to clear the masts of the huge sailing ship. The ship was so long it would barely be able to turn around inside the canal, and that was only if the canal remained completely empty.
Coop imagined docks and smaller boats moored along both sides that would make it impossible for ships the size of The Eye of the Storm to properly navigate. He would have to turn the current dock, outside of the fort, into a proper port if their navy grew any more. Non-ghost ships wouldn’t be able to enter the canal without running aground on the reefs anyway.
He left the shard to return to the huddle between Shane, Gideon, and Arthur. They turned to face him and noticed the huge ship looming over his shoulder as it made its way down the canal, passed the library. They each had a different reaction to the colossal ship. Shane looked on edge, Gideon became steely, and Arthur was unconcerned.
“Looks like we’re starting a navy as well.” Coop commented, pointing his thumb over his shoulder. “Do you mind including them in the plans, Arthur?”
“Not a problem.” Arthur, always the accommodating one, agreed.
Coop turned to Shane, “Is it alright to leave the details to these two? I’d like you to join me on a quick trip to survey the next island.”
“Of course.” Shane accepted, “I’ll gather the rest of my party.”
Coop let Shane return to the rest of his group and joined Camila and Charlie. They were still watching the ship’s approach.
“Looks like the settlement will be well-defended.” Coop stated. “Maybe I’ll come along to see the Empire after all.”
“You summoned an army of ghosts…” Charlie observed.
“Seems like it.” Coop agreed. “You were there, I didn’t do anything special.”