A large, unshaven, scarred and bruised man walks up to the recruiters desk. His hands and feet are bound by manacles and his red beard is stained brown with what appears to be encrusted blood. Flanking him are two of the burliest guards that Newgate could spare. Unfortunately for the recruiter, who could be compared to a small child without much difficult, they too look scared out of their wits.
"They're tellin' me that if I sign up for this army forces deal, I can be getting out early? This true?"
The recruiter sinks into a chair, as if to disappear, when he speaks.
"Err, umm... yes. That would be correct. We have a special program for reforming convicts. You can end your sentence right now if you're willing to enlist." His timid voice barely echos from the pristine walls of the office.
"Then I reckon that's what I'll be doing. Tell me boy, this a dangerous gig?"
"No, sir. Most of the enlisted stay in the core, making sure that no pirate gangs get too uppity. Only those who volunteer are sent abroad against the Corsairs or the imperialist Kusari."
"Hmm. You do be bringing up a good point. Tell ya what, send me up 'gainst those Kusari folks. The Corsairs be a little too frail for the likes of me an' I wouldn't want to be getting bored or messin' up any of my friends on duty. Woowhee, they don't call me the Loonie for nothin'!"
"Are you sure, sir? We are at war, you realise."
"Damn right I'm sure! Mind unlockin' these manacles boys? They're chaffing my wrists something awful."
"I'm sorry, but that can't be done quite yet. I have to confirm your transfer with my superiors. If you would wait back in your cell, I'll have one of the guards come and tell you the results of your transfer."
"Nah, I'm alright here. I can wait for a bit. Not much more to do back in that cell anyhow."
The stubborn Bacon Mackenzie spreads his stance to shoulder width and stares at the recruiter, daring him to say something more. Fortunately for all involved, the recruiter picks up the forms and rushes into the hallway, presumable searching for a superior.
