Shire's fleet was greeted with heroic cheers as they returned to anchorage.
Whether French Soldiers or British Army soldiers, Australian Army, new recruits, or the African Legion, everyone crowded on one side of the passage, waving anything they could find towards the fleet - flags, handkerchiefs, and even rags, shouting in different languages:
"Welcome back in triumph!"
"Well done, Shire!"
"A beautiful battle, perfect command!"
...
Tijani watched the warships and the crowd retreat with some confusion, some excitement, and more of a sense of being overwhelmed.
All along, he pursued the Art of War, the moment when equipment played a vital role in achieving victory. Now he realized that being recognized by everyone immersed in cheers didn't seem so bad either.
Shire was somewhat accustomed to it. He looked at the cheering crowds on both sides with a blank expression, calmly raising his hand to wave in response.
