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As the enemy approaches, the dynamic becomes clear – Ajax’s vessel is further ahead than yours and farther from the shore; Menelaus’ vessel lags behind. This arrangement is mirrored by your opponents – their leading vessel, flying a red banner, is farther from shore and closest to the Salaminian galley, while their lagging vessel, flying a white one, is attempting to square off against your own Spartan ship.
The ships race at each other – but already, you see that Ajax and Menelaus are the superior naval captains. The ship on the left hand (further from shore) jukes ineffectively as it approaches, attempting to draw Ajax into poor positioning. They no doubt assume that Ajax is the average sea captain, but you see no change in the Salaminian vessel’s heading – instead, the oars begin to beat at double-speed. After weeks at sea, you can read the pacing of the strokes better than any script – <span class="mu-i">we will ram you!</span>.
Menelaus himself is cackling loudly – “DO THEY HAVE A WOMAN AT THE HELM?” You continue to row with the Spartans, but spare a glance up at the white-bannered ship between strokes. The enemy galley is discoordinated; their port oars rowing backwards and their starboard oars rowing forwards, some miscommunication from their captain clearly at fault. The enemy ship lists wildly as the enemy captains seeks to restore order – they’re in no position to avoid the first strike.
Odysseus, standing amidships with his strange black amphora, calls out to Menelaus – “Bring us alongside, Menelaus! I am hungry for roast pork!” You look again at the amphora – a massive urn, it’s nearly as tall as Odysseus itself, but clearly fragile – he holds stable against the deck with great caution.
<span class="mu-i">Oil</span> - it must be.
Odysseus turns to you next, shouting – “Nikandros, stop playing with those oars and hold this!” You leap to his aid, and once you take hold of the massive urn, Odysseus disappears once again, scurrying under the hold. He vanishes for only a moment, this time returning with a large wooden chest and – wet cloth?
“Nikandros, when I order it – toss the amphora into their amidships, aim for their mast-box!” Odysseus orders you, his black locks streaming out behind him in the ocean breeze. “Use those muscles well and I’ll put in a good word for you with the King of Sparta!” He adds condescendingly, winking as he does so.
>cont
