Anton sat in his cabin in thought. It would be another twelve hours before Melissa's deadline and she would attack the island. The commodore's mind was abuzz about what he was going to do. The last time he and Melissa had fought, she had completely decimated him. How would things turn out this time? While he had grown stronger as a marine and as a person, there was still the matter of her logia abilities. She could do a lot of damage, and if she was out to kill everyone...

Sir!"

Anton looked up from his desk to see one of his men bursting into the room. Anton blinked in confusion. "What is it?" "We've just recieved word sir that another marine has arrived on the island. They're being escorted to the Noble Justice this very minute sir!" Anton was now even more confused. While he would have suspected they called more than just him to the island, why was the newcomer being escorted to him? Was it because he was a commodore? Though that would make sense, Captain Varon was the one in charge of the base here, and the one who was bringing everyone together. Wouldn't it make more sense for the new marine to be brought to him?

Anton sighed and stood up. He could work all this out later. "Well then," he spoke up, "I'd better get ready to greet our new arrival." He headed for the door, stepping out onto the deck and try and see if he could spot the newcomer approaching.

A travel worn Lucas was led through the Island by his handlers. His experience in the Navy over the past year had been confusing and fraught with paperwork, but he'd finally been officially assigned. After his former commanding officer bungled a mission, leaving the fresh recruit to execute it, Lucas was reassigned suddenly to the West Blue branch. He bid his guides goodbye at the gangplank, taking in the sight of the navy ship he would be serving on. He made his way onto the ship. "This is a very well made ship..." He whispered his thought, taking in the sights. It was very well made and had the appearance of being made within that very year. Lucas stood before the Commodore and saluted him. "Chief Petty Officer Lucas, reporting for duty, sir!"

Anton watched as the newcomer made his way up the gangplank. A young man with blonde hair who carried himself with some level of confidence. As he came onto the deck and introduced himself as Lucas, Anton smiled and returned the salute. Chief Petty Officer. It seemed like only yesterday when he had that rank. "At ease Lucas. It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Commodore Anton La'croix," he gestured to Celia, who was standing by his side, "And this is Commander Celia Stanson." The commander gave him a simple nod.

With pleasantries out of the way, Anton's smile faded slightly. "While it's good to have you here, it's a shame you came at such a time. I'm not sure if your escorts informed you, but we're in the middle of preparing for a pirate attack. And unfortunately for us, this pirate happens to be a particularly powerful one." He wasn't sure what this young man brought to the table, but any help in this situation was better than no help. He just wished this young man wasn't being brought into a hopeless situation.

Lucas stayed silent and let the Commodore control the flow of the conversation. He'd learned quickly that a lot of the people higher up on the food chain did not like questions, save sparingly. He saluted Commander Stelia as she was introduced. "When will we commence preparations, sir? And where shall I bunk?" To move forward as a marine Lucas would have to serve dutifully where he was stationed. This wasn't the first time he'd been sent into a dangerous situation. The events in his life leading to the present were rife with danger and evil men. "And when will we set sail?" Lucas beamed at no one in particular. The desperation they would soon be in was something familiar, something he could take comfort in.

It was good to see that Lucas didn't seem to show any fear about their current situation. Or if he did, was very good at hiding it. It would prove good for moral for the others. "We're trying to come up with a strategy to repell her even as we speak. The main difficulty is that this pirate in particular possesses a logia type devil fruit, so getting by that is going to be the most difficult part. However, as marines, we must ensure the safety of this island." Anton gave a small smile, before gesturing towards a door to the lower decks. "There are a number of spare rooms aboard the ship. Feel free to take one as you see fit. As for when we sail, once this operation is over, we shall sail to whoever needs us next." It gave Anton some comfort planning about the future. It gave the impression they were going to survive this upcoming fight.

Months of inaction had left him eager for the action they would soon be seeing, regardless of the danger involved. Lucas tightened his grip on his pack, anticipating the raw justice they would be dispensing. "Sounds good, sir. I'll go get myself situated." He saluted the pair before turning sharply on his heel. The ship itself was wonderfully built, its design was straight forward, and yet it took him the better part of an hour to find an empty bunk. He'd often been told before that he was quick to lose his way when his mind was abuzz. Setting his belongings on the cot, Lucas took a good look around the small room. "This'll have to be home for a while...better make myself comfortable before we set sail."

Anton gave a nod as he watched Lucas disappear into the ship. He was already liking the guy, and he had a feeling he would go far in the marines. He remembered when he himself was a Chief Petty Officer, scared, unsure of himself, and now here he was, Commodore with his own ship and crew. Lucas looked much more put together than he was back then, so advancement should come naturally to him. "Seems rather calm despite the circumstances, isn't he?" Celia spoke up, standing beside the Commodore. Anton smiled and nodded. "Indeed. I jsut feel bad we had to drag him into a situation like this."

"Well then," Celia spoke up, looking up at him, "All the more reason for us to succeed right? So he can go on and make something of himself." Anton nodded and smiled. "Yeah, you're right. But first, we need to work out exactly what we're going to do. If you need me, I'll be in my cabin." Celia nodded as Anton walked away, stepping into his cabin to plan for their upcoming encounter.