Maelstrom - of Trades and Plunders - Maelstrom, #790

The world has become a hard and dangerous to live in place since the catastrophic event now known as The Great Dry. Centuries have past since that disastrous time and the climate has changed to a hot and scorching heat. Scouring storms roam the planet, treacherous sands suck down all they can in dangerous currents and huge twirling maelstroms. Water and food is hard to come by. Of the billions of people only a handful have survived the world-altering cataclysm, but those who did have adapted.
The struggle for life continues and people make a living any which way they can. Hunting for water, hunting for food... And killing each other over it ... Between the island nations of Gems and Central Dominance two ships meet and clash in combat, a flurry of dust and sweat and blood. One of these ships is filled with traders, sailing these treacherous desert sands selling, buying and trading goods, food and water.
All in order to make a decent living. The other ship is filled with rovers and pirates, bent on earning their living by stealing and plundering everything they can get their hands on. No matter who gets hurt along the way. Or killed. As this battle for survival and existence ensues, who will prevail? (novelette - 11.200+ words)