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Abaeze: (shouts) "Lower any weapons! This is a takeover! No one move unless you want to get hurt!
Captain Siker: What do you want? What is this all about? We don't carry weapons or cash on this ship, just cargo.
Abaeze: "We know that, but we need your cargo. And we'll take whatever valuables you have on board as well. Don't try anything stupid." 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOF1EmrVUbX
One of the pirates starts to search the bridge. Another checks the security cameras. The third one approaches Jackson and his crew keeping his weapon trained on them.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeOWbA3Nex
[Akin is starting to have second thoughts on his own piracy ambitions. He reflects on his previous life in Nigeria. His previous home in Yaba, Nigeria had been completely demolish during evictions four years ago.]
[Akin's story was far from unique. Millions had been evicted from the country's slums over the past 25 years, often with very little notice and without ever being given alternative housing.]
[According to the statistics of 'Amnesty International,' between 2000 and 2009, Nigerian authorities forcibly evicted over two million people.
There have been several high-profile forced evictions in Lagos state alone.]
[In February 2013, state authorities evicted at least 9,000 people from Badia East in central Lagos, to make way for a government building project. In September 2015, another 10,000 people were evicted from the area.
And earlier that year, an estimated 10,000 people were given an hour to pack up their things before being asked to leave the scenic beachfront community of Tarkwa Bay, a quite popular weekend destination for Lagosians.]
[Despite some public outrage on social media, many of their houses were soon demolished by the navy.]
...........
Escalations:
Abaeze: You stay put! Move and you die! Suddenly, a loud explosion rocks the ship. Smoke fills the air and panic erupts. The leader screams orders at his men.
Abaeze: "Secure the bridge! Get those hostages! Find the captain! A pirate runs towards Jackson and his crew, raising his weapon to shoot.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2hVEmFxO7
Out of nowhere, Akin appears and tackles the pirate, taking him down with a well placed kick to the groin. Akin turns to Siker and his team.
Akin: "Are you okay?" 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHT02EzG7m
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I couldn't stand by and watch you be taken captive. My name is Akin.
Captain Siker: (surprised) Thank you, Mr... Akin. I'm Captain Siker. These are my men. We thought you were part of the pirates.
Akin: "No, I wasn't. I changed my mind about joining them. Piracy is just wrong and not the answer to my problems.
Abaeze and the other pirates begin firing their A-K 47s at the crew members and Akin.
Abaeze: (yelling from the deck)
"Kill them!" Kill them all, especially that scandalous dog and traitor, Akin!83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sD58I3zCw
As the bullets flew, Siker jumped to the side just in time, dodging them. He then quickly turned around and delivered a powerful punch to a pirate's head, who was trying to stab him with a machette.
Knocking the pirate unconscious. Captain Siker knew he didn't stand a chance against such odds, so he did the only thing he could think of - he retreated deeper into his ship. As he ran, Siker heard the sound of gunfire as bullets struck against the metallic walls of the ship.
His heart raced as he realized the pirates weren't going to give up without a fight. He needed to come up with something quick if he wanted to save himself and his crew. Finally, Siker reached the safety of the engine room.
It was dark and cramped, but it offered cover and concealment. And bought himself some much needed time. Gathering his wits, 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjDyhXmP4k
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX0HgTQJ2x
he grabbed the ship's radio and called out to the naval authorities.
"Hello, navy destroyer, Blacketh Fire ," he yelled breathlessly. "My name is Captain Siker of the S.S Kensington. We're being hijacked by pirates off the coast of Nigeria. Send help immediately." "Copy?" He hung onto the call, hoping someone would hear it.
Then, Siker strained his ears, listening for signs of movement outside. Suddenly, he heard loud footsteps growing louder and closer until finally, a figure appeared in front of him.
It was one of the pirates, brandishing a machete.
"Well, well, lookie here," the pirate smirked. "If it isn't the little rat who called the navy destroyer. Time to finish you off once and for all." Before Siker could react, there was a sudden crash and the pirate was thrown across the room.
He looked up to see a tall figure standing above him, holding a bloody knife. "Don't worry, captain," It's me Mike Jackson." I'm here to rescue you."
Captain Siker: "Thank God, now I will try calling that navy destroyer again."
.........
Hello, navy destroyer, Blacketh Fire," My name is Captain Siker of the S.S Kensington. Again, We're being hijacked by pirates off the coast of Nigeria. Send help immediately."
"Copy?"
He waited, frantically praying that someone would hear it. Then suddenly, one of the pirates burst into the engine room.
It was Akin, one of the pirates who had boarded the cargo ship with four other Nigerian pirates led by Abaeze. They were armed with AK-47s, while Captain Siker and his crew had none. Akin had a change of heart after seeing the terror and suffering of the innocent people on board. He decided to help them escape.
Mike raised his knife to slash at the pirate...
"No!" Akin exclaimed, "I'm a friend."
Akin whispered. "I'm here to help you. I'm sorry for what we did. I can't stand by and watch this anymore."
Siker looked at him incredulously. "You're one of them. How can I trust you?"
Akin shook his head. "I'm not one of them anymore. I've seen the error of my ways. Please, please trust me. I have a plan to get you out of here."
Siker hesitated, but he had no other choice. He nodded and followed Akin.
Akin led him to a hidden compartment where he had stashed some weapons and explosives. He handed Siker a pistol and several grenades.
"Listen carefully," Akin said. I have a scanner I heard as you already know that there's a navy destroyer, Blacketh Fire, on the way with Navy Seals to rescue you. They should be here in about 15 minutes. We need to create a loud diversion and get you and the crew to the lifeboats before they arrive."
Captain Siker nodded. "Okay, what's the diversion?"
Akin smiled grimly. "We're going to blow up the engine room." Akin and Siker made their way to the engine room, avoiding the other pirates who were busy looting the cargo. They reached the door and Siker said, "Okay, this should definitely work as he placed eight grenades on a timer."
Captain Siker nodded. "Ready."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDma73iBvl
They ran out of the door and headed for the lifeboats. As they did, they heard and felt a powerful explosion rippling underneath their feet. The entire ship shook violently and black smoke began filling the air.
Captain Siker gathered the rest of his crew and they reached the lifeboats and saw that there were only two left.
The lifeboats were Free-Fall lifeboats.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9NTrieL3D
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They had an On load mechanism which can release the lifeboat from the wire, with the ship above the water level and with all the crew members inside the boat.
As Captain Siker and the crew climbed into their lifeboats He looked at Akin. "What about you, are you coming?"
Akin smiled sadly. 83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0SliwXW5F
83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡff5Ky2aUvY
"I have to stay here, captain. I have to face the consequences of my actions. Maybe I can buy you guys some time."
Siker shook his head. "No, Akin. You don't have to do this. You can come with us. Maybe start a new life."
Akin shook his head. "No, captain. I can't. Like Bob Marley sang, 'This Is My Redemption.' Go now, before it's too late." He pushed the full lifeboat away from the ship and waved at Siker.
"Goodbye, captain," he said. "And thank you."
Siker watched as Akin turned around and faced the burning ship. He saw Abaeze and the other pirates emerge from the smoke, shooting at Akin.
He wanted to help him, but he knew it was hopeless.
The lifeboat drifted away from the burning ship, as the pirates looted and killed the remaining crew members. Siker felt helpless and furious, as he watched them destroy everything he cared about. He wished he had a weapon, so he could fight back and avenge his friends.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBG5X6t5jUL
Wait!"
Captain Siker: "Hey, here comes the navy destroyer, Blacketh Fire!" Maybe they can talk our friend Akin
into surrendering.
Suddenly, he heard a loud roar from the sky. He looked up and saw a navy helicopter flying towards them, followed by two fighter jets. He recognized the insignia of the Blacketh Fire on their sides. He felt a surge of hope and relief, as he waved his arms and shouted.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXjLhqhKkI
Siker: "Over here! Over here! We're the survivors!"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgsl525RMM
The helicopter spotted them and lowered a rope ladder. A navy officer climbed down and helped them up, one by one. Siker was the last one to go, as he clung to the ladder and looked back at the Kensington.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8A07ugHgv1
Siker: "Thank you, thank you so much. You saved our lives."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhE0mdhlH7
Officer: "Don't mention it, son. We're here to help. What's your name?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw5mQcHOIk
Siker: "Mark Siker, seaman on the S.S Kensington."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5v2gEiVZ1
Officer: "I'm sorry about your ship, Mark. And your crew mates. Those pirates are ruthless bastards."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypHjWQDTBa
Siker: "Yeah, they are. Did you catch them?"83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7IFrh4lk7
Officer: "We're working on it. The jets are engaging them right now. They won't get away with this."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaCiF9Cd7f
Captain Siker: "Good. Make them pay."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1GkfxKOHH
The officer nodded and pulled him up into the helicopter. He saw Hammond sitting in the cockpit, talking to the pilot. He gave him a thumbs up and a smile.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLWy8ba6pZ
Hammond: "Hey, Mark. Glad you made it."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDuX7ksKFf
Siker: "Me too, captain. Me too."83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjL6efeSgM
He looked out of the window and saw the jets firing missiles at the pirate skiff, blowing it up in a ball of fire. He felt a mix of satisfaction and sorrow, as he watched the flames die out in the water.83Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOoKWNEIAL
.......
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