Thus, the Molossian Naval Forces of New Antrim (The Atlantic Fleet) set out to repel the Mustachistani threat on Lake Jean. Mustachistani elements had moved to establish themselves on the lake, and Grand Admiral Hess immediately launched his fleet to repel the threat. The Atlantic Fleet consists of two vessels, the Canoe-class "MS-3 Boomer" and the Kayak-class "MS-4 Old Towne", both in vessels in excellent fighting trim and manned by three very able sailors. The "Boomer" served as the fleet flagship. The Mustachistani's launched two vessels in response, two Kayak-class boats, the "Dagger" and the "Corsica".
Shortly after launching, the "Boomer", commanded by Grand Admiral Hess, landed on Middle Island in Lake Jean, before the Mustachistani's were even in the water. The "Old Towne", the other vessel, commanded by Grand Admiral Hess' brother, harried the Mustachistani's across the lake. Grand Admiral Hess stepped heroically onto Middle Island with the "Boomer's" XO and proceeded to help the "Old Towne" make landfall.
Eventually, the Mustachistani's also made it to Middle Island and they were allowed to visit the newly conquered territory as a show of good sportsmanship. With Middle Island secured from the enemy, the Atlantic Fleet decided to take Big Jean Island before the Mustachistani's had a chance.
Grand Admiral Hess set sail in the "Old Towne", allowing his XO to command the "Boomer" with his brother. This proved to be a near-disaster for the Atlantic Fleet. Due to the incompetence of the XO, the "Boomer" had some trouble getting off the shore of Middle Island. As a result, the two Mustachistani sailors in their vessels caught up to Grand Admiral Hess, alone in the "Old Towne", and a heated battle broke out between the three ships. At two against one, they were firing broadsides upon Grand Admiral Hess' vessel, and eventually succeeded in flipping him over with their oars. Grand Admiral Hess' years of naval training and coolness under fire served him well in this catastrophe. In spite of the cold water, he was able to stay above water by grasping onto his overturned kayak and waited in the deep water for the "Boomer" to come pick him up.
The "Boomer" towed Grand Admiral Hess and his overturned vessel back to Middle Island where the fleet regrouped. Grand Admiral Hess resumed command of the flagship. They immediately set sail from Middle Island, and succeeded in landing on Big Jean Island in short order and ahead of the Mustachistani's. New Antrim's sovereignty of the two islands established, and control of the lake firmly in their hands, the fleet returned to shore, victorious. A great day for the Molossian Navy and New Antrim, and the first blow struck in the War Against Mustachistan!
Lake Jean, New Antrim
Grand Admiral Hess, Hero of the Battle of Lake Jean
Map of the Battle of Lake Jean, Phase I
Map of the Battle of Lake Jean, Phase II
Map of the Battle of Lake Jean, Phase III
Map of the Battle of Lake Jean, Phase IV