Pirates

From the earliest 2000s to today, piracy along the Somalian coast has continued to quickly increase with reports of hostages, violence and power struggles. In 2012, this was one of the world's most pirated waters. However, it was a very gradual shift. In 1991, Somalia's government collapsed, causing the economy to shatter. With these struggles, Somali piracy began to grow. This collapse allowed foreigners to fish in Somalia's waters, taking both their food and business. As Somalians sought a new way of life, crime emerged and other countries saw an opportunity to exert control. Foreign countries started to fund illegal missions attacking cargo ships with lots of supplies. In 2008, pirates took control over the Faina, a Ukrainian ship with military supplies. This circumstance alerted the United States of the unchecked power of the pirates and the potential damage they could cause. The US does not negotiate with terrorists, and immediately sent in military forces. This increase in piracy attacks was due to the foreign fishing and lack of government control. [[be a 24-year-old pirate living on the northern tip of Somalia->Pirate 2A]] [[be a 48-year-old captain leading a ship through the horn of Africa->sailor 2B]] (cycling-link:"ↈ", "Jeffrey Gettelman, 'Somali Pirates Tell Their Side: They Want Only Money,' The New York Times, last modified September 30, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/01/world/africa/01pirates.html.", "'United States Joins International Response to Somali Pirates,' The American Journal of International Law 103, no. 1 (2009): [Page 147], https://www.jstor.org/stable/20456735?searchText=somali+pirates&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dsomali%2Bpirates%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3Afaeaa9dc67eebc1cca91ddf26c9bc130&seq=1.,", "James G Stavridis and Richard E. LeBron, 'Taming the Outlaw Sea,' Naval War College Review 63, no. 4 (2010): [Page 78], JSTOR.", "Lars Bangert Struwe, 'For a Greater Horn of Africa Sea Patrol: A Strategic Analysis of the Somali Pirate Challenge' (n.p.: Centre for Military Studies, 2009), [Page 17], JSTOR.")

You are a 24-year-old pirate living in Harardhere, Somalia with a wife and twin daughters named Aisha and Safia. You usually fish for mackerel around the Gulf of Aden. However, the piracy syndicates play a significant role in your life as both your brother and father were previously involved in the business. Through their involvement, you have learned the tips and tricks of the business. It is difficult to escape these crimes as there are leaders in Somalia linked to Ethiopia and Sudan. These groups receive funding, instruction, and weapons from mafia groups in Lebanon, Dubai and Europe. Your friend, Ahmed, tells you that a leader of the piracy network in Somalia, Mohamed Abdi Hassan, is looking for a leader of an upcoming important mission. He knows your experience and asks if you would like the job. [[lead the heist->heist 3a]] [[abandon heist->abandon heist 3b]] (cycling-link:"ↈ", "James M. Bridger, 'The Rise and Fall of Somalia's Pirate King,' The Rise and Fall of Somalia's Pirate King, Word Press VIP, https://foreignpolicy.com/2013/11/04/the-rise-and-fall-of-somalias-pirate-king/. This shows Mohamed Abdi Hassan's presence in the mission. The source references the pirate archetype of the time, as well as popular names in Somalian culture. This is shown in the source by Gettelman. Jeffrey Gettelman, 'Somali Pirates Tell Their Side: They Want Only Money,' The New York Times, last modified September 30, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/01/world/africa/01pirates.html. This source also refers to the fishing society and involvement of the piracy syndicate. Peter Chalk, 'Piracy in the Horn of Africa,' Combatting Terrorism Center, https://ctc.westpoint.edu/piracy-in-the-horn-of-africa-a-growing-maritime-security-threat/. ")

You are a 48-year-old captain named Vladimir Kolobkov leading a Ukrainian ship through the horn of Africa. Your ship is called the //MV Fiana//. This 1970s blue-and-white freighter is headed through the Black Sea, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden to reach the eastern coast of Africa. With 17 Ukrainians, three Russians, and one Latvian, your ship is supposedly in safe hands. Your first mate, Viktor Nikolsky, is very supportive and has helped guide many expeditions around the horn of Somalia. As a 48-year-old Russian man, you are used to the idea of pirates in storybooks and textbooks, but the incoming threat is approaching. Your Ukrainian ship, the //Faina//, contains various military supplies which must be protected. As you approach the horn of Ethiopia, you must decide whether to wait for the navy escorts that help protect a specific trading path, or to just enter one of the world’s most pirated waters. You could wait for a nearby security system to arrive because Canada's royal navy frigate left not long before the //Faina// arrived. It may be dangerous to go forward as there has already been 25 attacks this year already. [[wait for a navy escort->wait]] [[enter the channel->go]] (cycling-link:"ↈ", "Somalia's 'Pirate Cycle': The Three Phases of Somali Piracy, vol. 1, Journal of Strategic Strategy (2013), JSTOR.Newsquest, Internet Archive, last modified October 1, 2008, Meduza, 'Meet the Men Who Were Kidnapped by Pirates,' Meduza, https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/02/14/meet-the-men-who-were-kidnapped-by-pirates.https://web.archive.org/web/20081001002509/http://www.sundayherald.com/international/shinternational/display.var.2453784.0.0.php. This source explains all the military supplies onboard and the dangers of them. It describes the crew and the important choices that the captain had to make.")

After deciding to lead the heist, your wife tries to alter your decision, but you will not budge. Very reluctant to change your mind, you start to plan your crew. After years of being involved in the piracy scene, you know the best and worst people to trust. However, the crew and conditions of the target boat are unknown. You already have a small boat that was previously used for fishing, but it can go much faster than usual boats for the size. You must decide what kind of crew to assemble. [[gather a crew of inexperienced misfits->worse]] [[gather a fearless team->betterandstrong]] [[gather a clever team->betterandsmart]] (cycling-link:"ↈ", "Although choosing the crew for a piracy mission is undocumented, this is an important part of assembling a crew for the specific mission. This passage makes the story more interesting as it allows for agency. ")

Although you do not want to put yourself in danger, your decision to go through with the heist is not born of greed or desire for personal gain, but out of a deep sense of desperation. As a 24-year-old living in Harardhere with a wife and twin daughters, you are bound by a responsibility to provide for your family. The life of a fisherman barely provided a stable living and your family's involvement in the piracy led you down a dangerous path. Despite your concerns, you know that this mission will secure your family's future. You realize that you cannot refuse this chance. High risks bring high rewards. Your skill set and experience makes you invaluable to the effort. As much as you want to walk away, you see the hunger in your daughter's eyes and know you must continue down this path. The harsh reality of Somalian life drives you to accept the leadership role in the mission. [[gather a less experienced team->worse]] [[gather a more experienced team->betterandstrong]] [[gather a team with less physical strength but more intelligence->betterandsmart]] (cycling-link:"ↈ", " Somalia's 'Pirate Cycle': The Three Phases of Somali Piracy, vol. 1, Journal of Strategic Strategy (2013), JSTOR. This source demonstrates the harsh reality of Somalian life and how piracy was evolved in the area. This is the same process as what the character is going through.")

In the small boat, your crew races off the coast, clutching on to heavy weaponry. They quickly approach the boat, but are unable to get on. The crew on the Ukrainian Faina see the typical small pirate boat using their radar system. They assemble anti-pirate tactics such as long-range acoustic devices, barbed wire, and water cannons. The security drills allow them to spot the incoming boat. This creates loud noises that quickly alert nearby boats of the attack. It makes it difficult for pirates to board the ship. Your crew is ultimately unsuccessful. The war loads are mad and your family has no money to take care of themselves. The mafia warlords of Somalia wait on the shore to take their anger out on those in your crew. The crew never makes it back to their families and neither do you. (cycling-link:"ↈ", "Fancy Goetz, 'How Cruise Ships Defend Against Pirates,' TouristSecrets, last modified October 29, 2024, https://www.touristsecrets.com/trip-planning/cruises/how-cruise-ships-defend-against-pirates/#:~:text=Defensive%20Measures%201%20Water%20Cannons%20Water%20cannons%20can,and%20change%20direction%20quickly%20to%20escape%20pirate%20boats. Although this was not specifically documented in articles of the Faina, these were common pirate prevention policies at the time. The source also demonstrates common behavior of violent war lords at the time. They were dangerous and there was little police to monitor their behavior. Also, the pirates were able to board the ship in real life, but this avenue displays the difficulty pirates face and a common occurrence of unprepared crews. ")

You decide to keep your precious crew and cargo safe by waiting until the sun sets. You realize the mistake you made and the danger you have put your vessel in. After peering out into the darkness, the crew notices a flash of light coming from the distance, the Navy! However, there is also a small boat quickly approaching. Is it an aly or an enemy? [[signal to the Navy for help->call for help]] [[prepare to defend the ship on your own->defense]] (cycling-link:"ↈ", "'Somali Pirates Free Supertanker for $3 Million,'NBC, last modified January 9, 2009, https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28577171. Many ships were hijacked in the open waters. The MV Sirius Star was a boat of a similar circumstance as the escort could not cover such a large expanse of sea quickly, the pirates approached. When the NATO warships had advanced to help another ship, the pirates attacked. When there are escort boats near, there are much fewer pyracy attacks.")

You realize the danger of waiting for an escort to guide you through the Somalian horn on the way to Southern Sudan. You start the engine and steer the boat towards the open water. There are many fishing boats that may be hidden pirates. The whole crew watches with binoculars and looks out for incoming boats at fast speeds. Once deep in the Gulf of Aden, a pirate vessel emerges. You must make a plan on how to proceed. [[slow down and let the pirates board in order to negotiate->negotiate]] [[speed up in the hopes to outrun them->run that engine]] (cycling-link:"ↈ", "Meduza, 'Meet the Men Who Were Kidnapped by Pirates,' Meduza, https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/02/14/meet-the-men-who-were-kidnapped-by-pirates. The source illustrates how the captain had a similar choice but had to stop because there were over 20 bullet holes in the side of the boat. The Gulf of Aden is a common location for pirate boats to rest, and a popular place for fishing. While there was no chase between the pirates and the Faina in real life, many ships can escape with anti-piracy tactics and clever tactics. ")

The navy boat notices your call for help and approaches. On September 25, 2008, Nikolsky, the first mate, points out a small white dot following them. You realize that it is a ship. Suddenly there are two more that appear. The small ship decides to increase speed toward your cargo ship. You realize that the smaller boats are pirates. Other captains have warned you of the common features of the pirate boats. The freighter is surrounded and 14 men holding Kalashnikovs climb onto your boat. The other two boats start shooting until you give an order to stop the ship. You stop the ship in fear of the safety of the crew. You must decide how to proceed. [[try to negotiate with the incoming pirates->negotiate2]] [[fire warning shots to try to scare them away->shooting]] (cycling-link:"ↈ", " Meduza, 'Meet the Men Who Were Kidnapped by Pirates,' Meduza, https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/02/14/meet-the-men-who-were-kidnapped-by-pirates. James G Stavridis and Richard E. LeBron, Taming the Outlaw Sea, Naval War College Review 63, no. 4 (2010): JSTOR. The sources illustrate the day the pirates attack, and the details of most pirates at the time. On the day, the pirates were not fully described. The navies in the area help to protect the boats, but when there is a lull in piracy attacks, many escorts start to leave the area. Although it is believed that there was no escort boat near the Faina, this shows the common features of pirate boats and how navy boats may not deter them.")

Everyone rushes to their stations, locating all weapons possible including a range of guns. You turn on the water jets, set up thick barbed wire along the outside of the ship, and start the long range acoustic devices to deter pirates from attacking. You must be prepared if the pirates surpass your security. [[fire a warning shot to alert nearby boats->shooting]] [[increase speed and try to outrun them->run that engine]] (cycling-link:"ↈ", " Fancy Goetz, 'How Cruise Ships Defend Against Pirates,' TouristSecrets, last modified October 29, 2024, https://www.touristsecrets.com/trip-planning/cruises/how-cruise-ships-defend-against-pirates/#:~:text=Defensive%20Measures%201%20Water%20Cannons%20Water%20cannons%20can,and%20change%20direction%20quickly%20to%20escape%20pirate%20boats. Although this was not reported in the firsts mate's report, this was common practice for many cargo ships. Meduza, 'Meet the Men Who Were Kidnapped by Pirates,' Meduza, https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/02/14/meet-the-men-who-were-kidnapped-by-pirates.")

While you try to negotiate with the powerful pirates, you are unaware of the force of mafia bosses in Somalia, Lebanon, Dubai and Europe funding the piracy. The funding of these missions allows for an abundance of supplies. This made it easier for the cargo ship to be overtaken. You know it is very dangerous for pirates to have control of these weapons. It would turn Somalia into an extremely dangerous place. After the pirates board, they do not back down. They request 20 million dollars in exchange for the crew, vessel and weaponry. You cannot believe the situation you are in but will not compromise the safety of the crew. After constant messages between foreign countries, Ukraine authorities and the owner of the boat give the pirates 2.3 million dollars. After successfully saving your crew, you suffer a stroke and die. (cycling-link:"ↈ", "Peter Chalk, 'Piracy in the Horn of Africa,' Combatting Terrorism Center, https://ctc.westpoint.edu/piracy-in-the-horn-of-africa-a-growing-maritime-security-threat/. This source discusses the possible countries that provide funding to pirates.")

As you increase speed, you look behind you to see the eyes of focused men with no other option. They know the danger of piracy, but desperation drives them to further limits. As you scan your surroundings, you notice a small alcove perfect for an escape. You have not noticed this on any earlier maps when you planned the route, but the small ship has a lot more speed than expected. There is barely enough time to make such a turn, but you believe that it is possible, even in such a large boat because you are so far ahead. [[quickly turn into the alcove->turn]] [[stay on current path and increase speed->stay]] (cycling-link:"ↈ", "Somalia's 'Pirate Cycle': The Three Phases of Somali Piracy, vol. 1, Journal of Strategic Strategy (2013), JSTOR. The source discusses the desperation that drives pirates to pyracy as a result of the social system in Somalia. While this did not historically happen because many of the boats were too large, smaller cargo ships could hide if the boat was disguised well enough. The details of the landscape helped create a flow to the story.")

You tell the main pirate aboard, "Let's work everything out without weapons." The pirate quickly retorts, "Now, why would we do something like that?" You know that your life will be on the line if the pirates take true control. [[offer a large payment->fee]] [[tell the pirates that the approaching navy ship is the start of an incoming fleet->bluff]] (cycling-link:"ↈ", "'Somali Pirates 'Free Arms Ship,'' BBC, last modified February 5, 2009, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7871510.stm. This source illustrates the usual negotiations of pirates that incorporate little discussion and many weapons. In numerous instances of piracy, this form of negotiation was not possible given the time constraints. However, many pirates were worried about getting caught when the boats were of foreign countries. These illegal acts could put them into prison. In 2009, Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse was sentenced to 33 years for piracy.")

You fire a warning shot, and it alerts the navy of your vessel's distress. This scares the pirates and allows you to escape unscathed. The pirates see the incoming navy, and believe that there is a fleet approaching behind it. They quickly abandon your vessel before the navy arrives. (cycling-link:"ↈ", "There are no sources because the//Faina// was overtaken by Pirates, but this offers a possible conclusion if there had been more boats watching over the area. When navy boats were near, most pirates were reluctant to approach. ")

Common at the time, you offer to pay an expensive traveling fee in place of the ransom fee that would come. This ransom would bring more violence onto the ship. However, the pirates do not agree with this. One pirate puts a gun to your head and threatens to kill you for not immediately stopping the ship. They gather your crew and detain them below deck. You are instructed to call the owner of the boat and ask for 20-million-dollars as a ransom. The owner tells you that the crew will be released in three days. The pirates decide that they want to sail the ship back to their port in Hobyo until negotiations finish over the cargo, crew and ship. Most settlements average at four million dollars. You recognize this boat as part of the Hobyo-Haradhere cartel, with extensive resources and men. The leader of this is Farah Hirsi Kulan, the "father of piracy" in Puntland, Somalia. He helps recruit for the cartel, totaling between 75 to 100 men and over 100 small skiffs. You know the payment will have to be large. Your freedom is compromised, and your future unsure. Most countries do not like to get involved with pirates as they believe that it is dangerous to negotiate with terrorists. After four months of living in Hobyo, you notice incoming helicopters and warships. Warships from the U.S. Navy and other countries prevent the //Faina// from leaving. Three of the pirates on the top deck drop dead as they are shot. The pirates become worried, and I hear whispers of "setting fire to the boat" or "just letting it sink." They are scared that the U.S. will forcefully take the ship. Many countries become involved as this ship has massive amounts of weaponry that could cause mass destruction across the world. All the countries dispute as to who should pay the ransom and whether to negotiate. Many countries communicate with the pirates in order to lower the price. Four months after you became a hostage, two bright orange bags drop from the sky, containing 1.6 million dollars each. You believe that this money is from Ukrainian oligarchs, specifically the billionaire Victor Pinchuk and the ship's owner. The pirates plan to release the ship the next day and the U.S Navy will escort the group to safety. As you realize you may make it out of this alive, you feel your heart start to beat, faster and faster, until you feel the need to sit down. Your chest feels like it is caving in, and your eyes can no longer open. You know like this is what death feels like. You never make it back home to Russia. (cycling-link:"ↈ", "'Meet the Men Who Were Kidnapped by Pirates,' Meduza, https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/02/14/meet-the-men-who-were-kidnapped-by-pirates. This source explains how long the crew was held captive and allows the end of the story to continue the flow. Meduza, 'Meet the Men Who Were Kidnapped by Pirates,' Meduza, https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/02/14/meet-the-men-who-were-kidnapped-by-pirates. The source helps to explain the specific events of captivity and the death of the captain. Although his death is earlier in captivity, this storyline allows for more information of the captivity and the eventual release of the Faina. eter Chalk, 'Piracy in the Horn of Africa,' Combatting Terrorism Center, https://ctc.westpoint.edu/piracy-in-the-horn-of-africa-a-growing-maritime-security-threat/. 'United States Joins International Response to Somali Pirates,' The American Journal of International Law 103, no. 1 (2009): [Page #], https://www.jstor.org/stable/20456735?searchText=somali+pirates&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dsomali%2Bpirates%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3Afaeaa9dc67eebc1cca91ddf26c9bc130&seq=1. This shows how the U.S. does not like to negotiate with terrorists but will guide the ship back to safety.")

You recognize that this is your last chance to gain your freedom before your boat will be taken to the ports of the pirates. So, you tell the pirates that the navy boat in the incoming distance is the first of a fleet. You say that they will be taken to prison for their many crimes. They are scared, leave you alone, and you safely complete your journey. You deliver the weapons and return home to Russia, never embarking on another trip near Somalia again. (cycling-link:"ↈ", "Meduza, 'Meet the Men Who Were Kidnapped by Pirates,' Meduza, https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/02/14/meet-the-men-who-were-kidnapped-by-pirates. The source explains the actual events when the pirates boarded the ship. This passage helps keep the flow of the story and allows for a smoother transition. The Associated Press, 'Somali Pirates Jailed for Life in U.S.,' CBC, last modified March 15, 2011, https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/somali-pirates-jailed-for-life-in-u-s-1.1055072. Although it is unknown exactly how the pirates disputed with the captain, this source provides documentation of how pirates could face severe punishments for their crimes. In 2009, Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse was arrested in the U.S. for 33 years because of his crimes as a Somalian Pirate. This is one of the only pirates arrested in the US, but many others have been arrested in other countries for similar crimes.")

You quickly turn the large boat into a hidden tunnel, stop the engines, and wait several seconds before you hear the loud beat of the pirate ship hitting the waves. You are stunned that you and your crew are now safe. You stay in the cave for several hours before leaving, caring more about the safety of the crew than the strict timeline. You continue to Southern Sudan where you deliver the weaponry. (cycling-link:"ↈ", "Newsquest, Internet Archive, last modified October 1, 2008, https://web.archive.org/web/20081001002509/http://www.sundayherald.com/international/shinternational/display.var.2453784.0.0.php. The source tells where the goods were intended to go. Many ships were able to safely complete this journey. ")

You stay on the current path until the enemy ship approaches, passing your vessel, and raising weapons. They signal to slow down, and you lower the engines in fear of the safety of the crew. The pirates ascend using grappling hooks, irons, ropes and ladders. Your crew looks to you for instruction, but you have none. All your years of being a captain has not prepared you for this. Once the pirates arrive on the main level of the cargo ship, they see the valuable merchandise aboard and reach for their guns. They see the profit they stand to gain and know there is no other way to get this much money in an economy like Somalia. Their crew quickly boards, takes control of the vessel, and holds your crew captive. You are taken captive, shot, and killed in captivity. (cycling-link:"ↈ", ". Fancy Goetz, 'How Cruise Ships Defend Against Pirates,' TouristSecrets, last modified October 29, 2024, https://www.touristsecrets.com/trip-planning/cruises/how-cruise-ships-defend-against-pirates/#:~:text=Defensive%20Measures%201%20Water%20Cannons%20Water%20cannons%20can,and%20change%20direction%20quickly%20to%20escape%20pirate%20boats. This explains the tactics used by ships to prevent pirate attack. Many people were killed in captivity even though the Captain was not. However, using this event shows the control the pirates hold and the dangers cargo ship captains face. Shraman Mitra, 'SY Quest Yacht: Who Were the Victims? Who Were the Pirates?,' The Cinemaholic, last modified June 22, 2023, https://thecinemaholic.com/sy-quest-yacht-who-were-the-victims-who-were-the-pirates/. ")

On September 25, 2008, you assemble a crew made up of 50 other Somalian men. After the crew approaches the ship, they quickly board using grappling hooks and irons. You tell the men to climb using ropes and ladders. After quickly climbing the rope, your crew takes control of the //Faina// crew and the cargo of the ship. The newly overtaken Southern Sudan-bound ship is now a vessel of around 20 hostages. This high-profile vessel contains 33 T-72 tanks, rocket-propelled grenades and ammunition. You recognize the immense value these weapons hold. All in all, they are probably worth around 20 million dollars. The damage they could cause is frightening, but you know that Somalia could use these guns to truly defend their fishing rights. Your crew sees the weapons and becomes bloodthirsty with the appeal of violence. You know if you do not do something, all of the crew may die. [[try and control your crew->control]] [[embrace the chaos->chaos]] (cycling-link:"ↈ", "'Somali Pirates 'Free Arms Ship,' BBC, last modified February 5, 2009, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7871510.stm. Shraman Mitra, 'SY Quest Yacht: Who Were the Victims? Who Were the Pirates?,' The Cinemaholic, last modified June 22, 2023, https://thecinemaholic.com/sy-quest-yacht-who-were-the-victims-who-were-the-pirates/. Gettelman, 'Somali Pirates,' The New York Times. The sources show the danger hostage situation can bring. ")

The clever group devises a plan to infiltrate the target cargo ship. In the night, your team's meticulous knowledge of the boat's layout allows them to carefully explore the ship without triggering any alarms. Each calculated move and planned decision ensured that no one would notice their presence. After you disable the security and secure the cargo, you realize the danger of the mission. You face the critical choice ahead that will determine your path. Your crew wants to take more and burn the rest. It would be easy for the chaos to consume everything. This decision lies on you. [[you set fire to the ship->chaos]] [[you take the crew hostage and demand a ransom ->demand ransom money]] (cycling-link:"ↈ", "This has no sources because it helped improve the flow of the story. ")

You draw your gun to make an example of the other pirates and remind them of their leader in order to regain control. You leave with many weapons, and your reputation as a ruthless leader spread, making it difficult to go out in public. Your weapons are valuable in a country like Somalia. You can no longer publicly assemble crews without risking murder and jailtime. You must completely join forces with the mafia in order to make a living and support your family. You become very valuable in Somalia's piracy scheme and lead the piracy network with Mohamed Abdi Hassan until your death. (cycling-link:"ↈ", "James M. Bridger, 'The Rise and Fall of Somalia's Pirate King,' The Rise and Fall of Somalia's Pirate King, Word Press VIP, https://foreignpolicy.com/2013/11/04/the-rise-and-fall-of-somalias-pirate-king/ The source explains Hassan's role in Somalian pyracy. Many of the nonhistorical details help improve the flow of the story.")

You give into the chaos, and the crew sets a small fire to scare the captain and the first mate. You flee with your weapons and money as the ship sinks because of the damage. All crew on the //Faina// die a cold, awful death. This story is spread across the world, and you earn a reputation tied with arson and murder. This tale circulates the area as you attacked a ship with massive amounts of weaponry and scared many government officials. You are sentenced to 20 years of prison when US authorities find you. After sentencing you live the rest of your life in jail. (cycling-link:"ↈ", "The Associated Press, 'Somali Pirates Jailed for Life in U.S.,' CBC, last modified March 15, 2011, https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/somali-pirates-jailed-for-life-in-u-s-1.1055072. Although the pirate of this case was not caught, the source shows the serious implications of pirates in the U.S. when they are captured. It also illustrates the violence of the pirates and the death they can cause.")

(align:"=><=")[Pirate's Gambit (align:"=><=")[GL]] (align:"=><=")[[[Click to Start->intro 1]] ] (align:"=><=")[[[Bibliography->Bibliography]]]

(align:"<==")+(box:"=XX=")[''Bibliography''] The Associated Press. "Somali Pirates Jailed for Life in U.S." CBC. Last modified March 15, 2011. https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/somali-pirates-jailed-for-life-in-u-s-1.1055072. Bridger, James M. "The Rise and Fall of Somalia's Pirate King." The Rise and Fall of Somalia's Pirate King. Word Press VIP. https://foreignpolicy.com/2013/11/04/the-rise-and-fall-of-somalias-pirate-king/. Chalk, Peter. "Piracy in the Horn of Africa." Combatting Terrorism Center. https://ctc.westpoint.edu/piracy-in-the-horn-of-africa-a-growing-maritime-security-threat/. Gettelman, Jeffrey. "Somali Pirates Tell Their Side: They Want Only Money." The New York Times. Last modified September 30, 2008. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/01/world/africa/01pirates.html. Goetz, Fancy. "How Cruise Ships Defend Against Pirates." TouristSecrets. Last modified October 29, 2024. https://www.touristsecrets.com/trip-planning/cruises/how-cruise-ships-defend-against-pirates/#:~:text=Defensive%20Measures%201%20Water%20Cannons%20Water%20cannons%20can,and%20change%20direction%20quickly%20to%20escape%20pirate%20boats. Meduza. "Meet the Men Who Were Kidnapped by Pirates." Meduza. https://meduza.io/en/feature/2020/02/14/meet-the-men-who-were-kidnapped-by-pirates. Mitra, Shraman. "SY Quest Yacht: Who Were the Victims? Who Were the Pirates?" The Cinemaholic. Last modified June 22, 2023. https://thecinemaholic.com/sy-quest-yacht-who-were-the-victims-who-were-the-pirates/. Newsquest. Internet Archive. Last modified October 1, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081001002509/http://www.sundayherald.com/international/shinternational/display.var.2453784.0.0.php. Parekh, Hriti. "Somalian Pirates and the Law of the Sea: International Law in Crisis." Jurist News. Last modified October 20, 2020. https://www.jurist.org/commentary/2020/10/hriti-parekh-somalia-piracy/. Somalia's "Pirate Cycle": The Three Phases of Somali Piracy. Vol. 1 of Journal of Strategic Strategy. N.p., 2013. JSTOR. "Somali Pirates 'Free Arms Ship.'" BBC. Last modified February 5, 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7871510.stm. "Somali Pirates Free Supertanker for $3 Million." NBC. Last modified January 9, 2009. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28577171. Stavridis, James G, and Richard E. LeBron. "Taming the Outlaw Sea." Naval War College Review 63, no. 4 (2010): 72-83. JSTOR. Struwe, Lars Bangert. For a Greater Horn of Africa Sea Patrol: A Strategic Analysis of the Somali Pirate Challenge. N.p.: Centre for Military Studies, 2009. JSTOR. "United States Joins International Response to Somali Pirates." The American Journal of International Law 103, no. 1 (2009). https://www.jstor.org/stable/20456735?searchText=somali+pirates&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dsomali%2Bpirates%26so%3Drel&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3Afaeaa9dc67eebc1cca91ddf26c9bc130&seq=1.

The chaos of the heist was undeniable, but you chose to break away from the violent trajectory. You decide to negotiate with the crew aboard the //Faina//. You speak with the captain and offer a chance to cooperate and avoid many deaths. In order to do so, you decide to keep the crew aboard the //Faina// hostage. To strengthen your position, you make the crew hostages and demand 20 million dollars from the nearby nations in exchange for the ship's cargo. After sailing the ship back to shore, you wait for four long months until you are paid 3.2 million dollars. You are paid and use the money to satisfy the mafia warlords, whose loyalties will keep the balance of power in your favor. After the ransom is delivered, all the hostages are freed. You use your portion of the money to provide for your family and become more involved in the piracy in order to protect the country against foreigners. (cycling-link:"ↈ", " Hriti Parekh, 'Somalian Pirates and the Law of the Sea: International Law in Crisis,' Jurist News, last modified October 20, 2020, https://www.jurist.org/commentary/2020/10/hriti-parekh-somalia-piracy/. Parek's research demonstrates the high prices pirates demanded from governments in exchange for the valuable cargo.")