On storm-tossed seas, an old Marine branch warship pitched and rolled between towering waves.
In the brig, the bearded Marine Cass snapped off a salute and boomed, “Chief Petty Officer Shen Mo! A pirate ship spotted ahead!”
Shen Mo wore a standard Marine uniform, but no hat. His black bangs parted over his forehead, and his lazy gaze made him look about twenty-three or twenty-four. He set down his newspaper, stubbed out his cigarette, and said solemnly:
“Cass, how many times have I told you? When you spot a pirate ship, find out its bounty first. If it’s over three million, proceed with caution. If it’s under three million, bombard it if we can. Avoid boarding whenever possible, and focus on sinking the other ship. Got it?”
“Yes, sir!” Cass spun around and rushed out.
The cannons soon began to roar. Shen Mo sighed helplessly.
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