Post by Chaos Stryke on Jun 26, 2013 18:06:20 GMT -4
Our view is focused on a yellowed, crinkled and tattered page. After a few moments, a quill moves into view and begins writing in cursive script. As the writing occurs, a voice reads out the words as they are written at an accelerated pace to match up with the voiceover.
You know, I probably wasn’t supposed to be here. I was supposed to be one among the legions of the fallen. Another individual aspiring for greatness that inevitably fell short of the goal and left behind, while the giants who controlled all respect, notoriety, and greatness moved on. But that’s not what happened.
As a unit, Kane, Parker, and I survived another trial last week to the collective disappointment of the world around us. It was expected that only one of us would progress, either Parker or I, but when the battle was joined Kane and Parker accomplished what they needed to. I then had to survive an onslaught, surrounded on all sides. The heroes, Bailey and Saint. Rogues such as Mannie and Reaver. Legends in Kash and Lively. Then several lesser enemies as of yet undistinguished in combat.
Lively fled. Bailey was quickly ambushed and removed. The lesser annoyances were then dealt with before I delivered a stunning blow that finished off Mannie. I sought to form a temporary truce with Saint… but his hesitation cost him. I was left alone against allies Kash and Reaver. At that point the battle should’ve been lost. Fortune shined upon me though. A timely evasion and a miscue on their part let me seize the advantage and sink them both at once.
My comrades, Kane and Parker, stayed clear of the battle to that point, then offered me aid when I emerged wounded but triumphant. We headed off together, much as how we had arrived that day. We were victorious and we celebrated well into the night.
But the time for celebration has passed once more. Another battle looms ahead. Some of the greatest, more prolific names will be there to do battle. It’s not for the faint of heart, and there’s a very good chance that only one will leave under their own power at the end.
This will be our great test, and there’s only room for one victor… the one who’s the best.
I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished thus far in my diminished state. Wounded by Bailey, but continuing to persevere despite that. I haven’t been flawless since then. If I had been, I wouldn’t have needed to battle against so many others last week. Now I need to be ready to face another onslaught. I’m still not yet recovered nor fully prepared. I don’t believe that I can be in time, but as always I’ll do whatever is in my power to make the best of unfavourable circumstances.
I’ve accomplished some impressive feats as of late… and there’s no reason to believe I cannot do so again this week when I need to the most. I have a chance to raise my standing and prove my mettle beyond what anyone else had expected.
I don’t need to though… I’ve already accomplished what I intended with my victory last week. I only wished to be one of the ten who would be prepared to do battle, that was all. I had little concern towards actually becoming the winner from this final group, but now that I’m here as part of their company, I’ll do all I can to emerge victorious.
It’s a rare occasion when I get to face the best around and I’ll make the best of this opportunity. I have already accomplished my own goals. Now I’ll see if I’m up to the task of foiling the desires of nine others and claiming what they want.
We pan backwards, looking over the shoulder of the writer. The writer takes the quill and places it back inside the inkwell on the desk before them. All around, the room looks like the interior of a wood cabin, lit from a light source coming from behind the field of view. There’s a pair of wooden cabinets, a dresser, another table with chairs, and a wall rack near the only visible door in the room. The writer then closes the book they were writing inside of and stands from the desk. We see more clearly that they are wearing a dark blue bandana tied around the top of their head, an off-white loose fitting shirt, and dark breeches. A holstered flintlock pistol hangs from one side of their waist and a sheathed sabre from the other. As they walk towards the door, the steady thumping of their boots on the wood floor echo through the room. Pausing before the wall rack, then removing a tricorn, a hat with a triangular shape, from it and places it on their head overtop the bandana. Then they lift a dark brown frock coat from the rack and turn away from the rack as they carefully pull it on. Logan Alexander glances towards, but not really at, the camera. He winces and rubs his right side as he gets the coat on. Suitably dressed, he moves to the door, opens it, and exits his cabin.
Captain on deck!
Logan pulls the door to his cabin shut behind him and he looks up to the raised aft deck of the ship where his first mate and navigator are standing together. His first mate glances down at him and smirks. He shakes his head slightly and glances away from her, looking over the deck of his galleon. About a dozen crewmen were busy tending to the sails and rigging, making sure the ship was getting the most out of the wind. Logan turns away and ascends the stairway to the raised back deck to join his first mate. She’s dressed similarly to him with hat, coat, boats, breeches, and shirt, only the colours of hers tended more towards red and black, and she has long hair which is tied off behind her. She nods to him.
Captain. New orders, sir?
Logan shakes his head.
Not at all. I wanted to see how things were proceeding.
We’re still on course for the rendezvous. We should be there in time to meet with Captains Kane and Parker.
Logan moves in front of the wheel, facing the bow of the ship and standing before the railing above the doorway to his cabin.
Good. I was worried we’d lost too much time repaired this poor girl after that last round of battle.
He places one hand on the railing.
With all she’s been through she hasn’t given up on and still carries us to victory.
His first mate moves up beside him.
Think she’ll be enough for this battle?
Logan casts a sideways glance at her.
Given the news and rumours that have circulated during the last few weeks, the word is that besides you Sindicate captains, there are four navy officers and three privateers after the prize. While we survived that last battle against similar odds, some of these opponents are far more accomplished… and dangerous than ones we’ve faced before.
Logan smiles slightly.
Considering all the fame, glory and recognition for the one who leaves with the prize, is it any surprise that some of the best and most widely recognized commanders are making their way to ‘the Test’? Every year the gates open to admit one who proves worthy and shows them a path towards their greatest desires. Battles break out across the ocean between ships and crews of all sorts, eliminating rivals and leaving fewer and fewer obstacles in ones path. We were fortunate. While we faced more difficulty than others to get this far, we’ve learned exactly who’ll be awaiting us when we arrive.
We have our two compatriots of course, but also Captain Hopkins set forth from one of the ports of Asylum. He did a good job of defeating those rogues Reaver and Kash. He’ll be fighting for the honour of his beaten allies, Bailey and Williams. Until recently, Hopkins hasn’t shown much aptitude in these encounters. He always performed better as part of another’s fleet in the past. On his own, he was always sloppy. He’d sail into battle on his ship, Emotion, but wasn’t capable of handling her properly in combat. As a result, Emotion couldn’t bring him victory against those of us who know how to wage war. We may have fallen to him in battle when he’s had Bailey alongside him, but I don’t intend to be the victim of another cannonade from that breed. Should we face again, we’ll put him back in his place.
There are those two privateers from the Isles of Meltdown as well, Savage and Hood. Savage has proven to be an able ship commander, getting himself this far in a single fierce battle with five others, but he’s been forced to concede several battles to other worthier captains. If those battles have proven to be too much for him to handle, I’m not sure how much success he can expect to have against opponents that are more battle hardened and accomplished. He may have a better chance of sailing forward against the wind.
Hood’s proven to be quite capable as a favourite of the Lady Harrison, being granted a Letter of Marque and then harassing the Guv’nor of Meltdown.
Ah yes. I’d heard some other crews discussing though engagements. Bloody affairs they said.
Logan nods.
That they’ve been. Those two have battled many times and Hood has come out on the wrong end of many. I’ve faced her once before with numerical superiority and Lady Harrison’s resources behind her. We still routed her fleet and she quickly withdrew before I had a chance to engage the Executioner. I would’ve taken great pleasure in sinking that ship.
He smirks slightly and then glances towards his first mate.
Do you recall that one rogue I faced around the beginning of the year named Valo?
His first mate considers this, glancing away for several moments.
The name’s… familiar.
He coveted a title I held. In the waters around Meltdown, he ambushed us as a storm was approaching. He’d inflicted much damage and seemingly had us on the brink when the storm hit. He couldn’t handle the rougher conditions as the tides shifted. I was almost sure that his ship had sunk and we wouldn’t see him again. I heard rumours a month or so later that someone with a similar appearance going by the name Havok had emerged and then moved to the Overdrive realms. It turned out they were one and the same. He’s not a rogue anymore though. Word is that he’s working directly for King Jeffery.
His first mate looks alarmed.
Is that really someone we should tangle with?
Too late to back out now. We’re committed to our course. I’ve beaten him before and there’s no reason we cannot now. He may have more power behind him, but he’s had that benefit before. Nothing but the venue has changed
All things considered, despite their prowess, those three privateers aren’t the real threat. I’m far more concerned about the Navy officers dispatched from Overdrive for this.
His first mate nods in agreement.
Yes… I’ve heard their names mentioned recently. Some of the most well known and decorated heroes within the bounds of territory under the control of APW. The three we may face are some of the staunchest upholders of the law.
Logan rolls his eyes.
Believe me… I know. One of them in particular I know quite well. We’ve fought against and alongside one another, and have parlayed with each other. Captain Smith has tried to bring me to justice or at least reconsider what I’ve been fighting for.
The man seems like a hopeless romantic, thinking that everything should unfold in a very neat and orderly manner, following the logic and rules that govern his perception of the world. It’s one of his strengths and keeps him steady in turbulent conditions, but it inevitably leaves him missing subtleties of most situations when things don’t fit into his categorizations of good and bad. He’s eager to confront those that are labelled as bad, regardless of the facts. He’s doggedly relentless and that’s what we’ll have to be ready to deal with should we cross his path…
I was wounded grievously in our last encounter by him. I haven’t nor will I ever forget that. But I know I cannot endanger myself in pursuit of revenge. That isn’t the goal here…
He stares out ahead of the ship, almost as though he could see their destination from where he was.
He took so much away from me and I’ve scratched and clawed my way to earn most of it back. I’ve endured much to reach this point once again. If I face him, I want to leave him defeated and humbled. He deserves worse… but I’m won’t become what he thinks I am to do so. I’m better than that.
While you have history with Smith, don’t let him become your focus. There are greater threats still.
I haven’t forgotten. Two of the Navy’s most decorated admirals await us. Odds favour that we’ll have to cross sword and cannon with at least one of them. Admirals Gates and Biggs have track records of success longer than my arms laid end to end. They’re icons of what’s good and noble, but that’s hobbled them both when it comes to battling with the masters of the sea. How many times have they failed to bring down Commodore Marvin or that traitor, One? Are the rest of us supposed to be impressed by their ability to fall short of their goals? Gates himself has failed to deal with One on two occasions recently. Biggs was nearly killed in his last encounter with One.
They may want another chance to defeat one or both of them, but there’s no reason to believe they’re up for the task. They squander their opportunities. I’m not inclined to cower before their reputations. They can be beaten and I’m willing to prove that I’m another person capable of doing so.
Well Captain… perhaps you should inform the crew about the details of this voyage. I know it really shouldn’t be any of their concern, but it might be best to know where they all stand before we get into a dicey situation.
Logan quietly mulls over this proposition.
Very well. Organize them and have them on deck in an hour. I shall address them all then and hear what they have to say. Until then I’ll be in my cabin.
He looks over at her.
Carry on.
Aye Captain.
He turns and heads to the stairs, descending to the main deck and out of view.
An hour later…
Logan emerges from his cabin and heads up onto the raised aft deck to stand beside his first mate again, and they both look out over the assemblage of the galleon’s crew before them. The first mate steps forward and calls out over the crowd.
Attention everyone!
They turn to regard the captain and first mate. She looks to Logan, nods then steps aside. He move forward to the railing and places both hands on it. He leans forward slightly to address the crew.
I’ve requested your presence to address our destination. We’re heading to the center of Amway in Orlando region.
There’s some muttering from the crew.
I’m sure that many of you have heard rumours about ships from all over APW’s territories heading there. Undoubtedly, they’re heading there to take part in ‘the Test’. That’s why we’re heading there as well… to seek out glory and test our mettle against any who would oppose us for this prize. I know that taking part in such a confrontation poses great risks to us, but when haven’t we been exposed to such dangers? Think about all we’ve had to endure over the last several months.
Our enemies multiple around us and grow bolder in their acts against us. I won’t turn tail and run from them so long as I have Chaos Theory to carry me forward and strong wind to guide us. I won’t let the actions of people who fear us deter me from going forward. People like One’s Syndicate and the League of Envi. I stand in defiance of those sorts of tyrants.
If I feared what might happen, I wouldn’t be pushing forward against odds that most assume are insurmountable. Commodore Marvin’s leaving this battle in the hands of Captains Kane, Parker, and I so he can focus on putting traitorous One in his place for betraying us. As you might expect that makes this battle an important defining moment for us.
Logan steps back from the railing and walks to one end of the railing by the stairs, looking over the assembled and continuing to speak.
Many are hoping we’ll fail when we enter the battle that marks this year’s ‘Test’. Those of us united under the flag of the New Sindicate have accomplished more in the last six weeks than anyone anticipated, and we are reviled for it. We were supposed to have been left adrift at the hands of any number of foes, but individually and collectively we have stood against everyone placed in our way and defeated them. Even after losing the duel against Captain Parker last week, we weren’t stopped. We continued into the fray afterwards and emerged victorious from a battle with ten other opponents at the same time!
What reason is there to believe that we cannot triumph over similar odds now? Were our previous foes not as determined as those to come? Were they not as skilled? Or as cunning? Or as experienced? Who’s to say that any of those would’ve allowed any of our prior foes to overcome us if they possessed those traits to a greater degree?
I say it’s our own determination that’ll ultimately decide whether we are victorious or not.
He walks back out to the center of the railing and places both hands on it again, leaning forward against it.
We’re battling for redemption against foes that we’ve encountered and lost to before. As well, we’re facing other rivals that we’ve had much success against. We’re facing some people we’ve never crossed paths with. We may even have to battle our own comrades as well. Some of these people are the best at what they do. They possess numerous accomplishments and titles to their names… But so do we! And our victories have been recent whereas many of our foes have claims to title that are many years old now. Their days of glory are past!
It is time for those like us who possess the ambition, determination, and ability to rise up and take what we desire.
Several crewmembers voice their agreement loudly at that point. Logan looks around and smiles.
I’ve spent much time trying to earn recognition honourably and be respected and acknowledged for the service I’ve done. Ultimately, I was cast aside in favour of others, and many of my contributions we’re disregarded so that others could be offered what I was owed. I decided to do something about that though. It started in earnest six weeks ago when I claimed the T.O. title after we ran a gauntlet of four other ships. During the last four weeks, we’ve faced and defeated many others who aspired to be part of ‘the Test’. Now with an unparalleled opportunity before us, we only have one course to follow. That’s to press on ahead and defeat all who await, regardless of who they are, what they have accomplished, or where their allegiance lies! There’s only room for one to proceed, and I will not meekly stand aside to allow another to claim what we’ve worked for! What say you?
The crew cheers in a chorus of agreement.
Then let us continue onward! We shall prove our worth and do what they believe we cannot! To victory and glory!
There’re several more cheers in succession, then we fade out.
Once again we’re before those tattered pages of the Captain’s journal. The page is already covered with writing. Again, Logan’s voice speaks those words aloud.
It’s never going to be as easy as I make it sound. The crew just needs to believe though. Ultimately this task will be a success or a failure based on my own abilities. I’m not flawless, but I know my own strengths and weaknesses. This forthcoming battle with be a challenge the likes of which I haven’t endured in years, and haven’t been successful in even more.
There are ten of us in total. Of my nine opponents, I have faced and defeated six of them. Five of those I have defeated multiple times. I believe I’m better than most of my challengers. I believe I can beat all of them, even the ones who might be better than me. They may be distinguished former title holders, but that doesn’t mean they cannot be toppled. Most of my opponents have faltered under the pressure in high stakes encounters. Rarely have I done so when on my own.
To Savage, we’ve never faced before, but my unfamiliarity with you isn’t a disadvantage. I know you beat five competitors of low standing to make it here, but you haven’t stepped up against real opponents. You’re facing nine of them now. Good luck, because that’s the only hope you have.
To Hood, it took you a long time to win one against Guv. You’re not a one shot, one hit competitor, and that’s going to cost you here. Lady Harrison cannot save you. On your own, you’re going to sink.
To Havok, you’re still relying on others to get ahead and that'll always hold you back. You’ve forgotten how to chart your own destiny. King Jeffery cannot win this battle for you. Whenever stakes have been high, you haven’t come through. You’re going to fail. It’s just a matter of when.
To Hopkins, we’ve done this dance before. I beat you twice on route to gaining my title. You’ve improved markedly in recent days, but I’ve beaten everyone you have as well… at the same time. Bailey isn’t here to save you. So we’ll see if you can survive on your own. I think you won’t.
To Smith… I’d like to see you broken. This isn’t the time to do that though. You’ve grown and improved since I last faced you, but you’re still hampered by your inability to step up when necessary. You’re good, but not great. You always have been and always will be. That’s why you won’t win.
To Biggs and Gates, you’re the two heroes expected to triumph based on reputation. But those reputations are old and tarnished by a collection of failures versus Marvin and One. I don’t intend to let either of you squander this opportunity in a losing bid against them again. Your times have past and if you refuse to yield by choice then you’ll be removed by force.
To Kane and Parker… you’re my partners and companions. Only one of us can stand tall. You can both expect the best I have to offer out of respect. This will not drive us apart and we shall celebrate afterwards. I’ve seen you return to greatness Kane. Show me what you can do. Aubrey, I owe you for last week. I intend to pay you back in full.
I’m the only one here without anything to lose. I have succeeded merely by making it here. Every one of you I defeat is merely an additional victory. I have no fear of failure and I’ll use your own fears of such against you. In this battle, I will take everything I can from any and all of you… and give nothing back but the taste of defeat.
You know, I probably wasn’t supposed to be here. I was supposed to be one among the legions of the fallen. Another individual aspiring for greatness that inevitably fell short of the goal and left behind, while the giants who controlled all respect, notoriety, and greatness moved on. But that’s not what happened.
As a unit, Kane, Parker, and I survived another trial last week to the collective disappointment of the world around us. It was expected that only one of us would progress, either Parker or I, but when the battle was joined Kane and Parker accomplished what they needed to. I then had to survive an onslaught, surrounded on all sides. The heroes, Bailey and Saint. Rogues such as Mannie and Reaver. Legends in Kash and Lively. Then several lesser enemies as of yet undistinguished in combat.
Lively fled. Bailey was quickly ambushed and removed. The lesser annoyances were then dealt with before I delivered a stunning blow that finished off Mannie. I sought to form a temporary truce with Saint… but his hesitation cost him. I was left alone against allies Kash and Reaver. At that point the battle should’ve been lost. Fortune shined upon me though. A timely evasion and a miscue on their part let me seize the advantage and sink them both at once.
My comrades, Kane and Parker, stayed clear of the battle to that point, then offered me aid when I emerged wounded but triumphant. We headed off together, much as how we had arrived that day. We were victorious and we celebrated well into the night.
But the time for celebration has passed once more. Another battle looms ahead. Some of the greatest, more prolific names will be there to do battle. It’s not for the faint of heart, and there’s a very good chance that only one will leave under their own power at the end.
This will be our great test, and there’s only room for one victor… the one who’s the best.
I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished thus far in my diminished state. Wounded by Bailey, but continuing to persevere despite that. I haven’t been flawless since then. If I had been, I wouldn’t have needed to battle against so many others last week. Now I need to be ready to face another onslaught. I’m still not yet recovered nor fully prepared. I don’t believe that I can be in time, but as always I’ll do whatever is in my power to make the best of unfavourable circumstances.
I’ve accomplished some impressive feats as of late… and there’s no reason to believe I cannot do so again this week when I need to the most. I have a chance to raise my standing and prove my mettle beyond what anyone else had expected.
I don’t need to though… I’ve already accomplished what I intended with my victory last week. I only wished to be one of the ten who would be prepared to do battle, that was all. I had little concern towards actually becoming the winner from this final group, but now that I’m here as part of their company, I’ll do all I can to emerge victorious.
It’s a rare occasion when I get to face the best around and I’ll make the best of this opportunity. I have already accomplished my own goals. Now I’ll see if I’m up to the task of foiling the desires of nine others and claiming what they want.
We pan backwards, looking over the shoulder of the writer. The writer takes the quill and places it back inside the inkwell on the desk before them. All around, the room looks like the interior of a wood cabin, lit from a light source coming from behind the field of view. There’s a pair of wooden cabinets, a dresser, another table with chairs, and a wall rack near the only visible door in the room. The writer then closes the book they were writing inside of and stands from the desk. We see more clearly that they are wearing a dark blue bandana tied around the top of their head, an off-white loose fitting shirt, and dark breeches. A holstered flintlock pistol hangs from one side of their waist and a sheathed sabre from the other. As they walk towards the door, the steady thumping of their boots on the wood floor echo through the room. Pausing before the wall rack, then removing a tricorn, a hat with a triangular shape, from it and places it on their head overtop the bandana. Then they lift a dark brown frock coat from the rack and turn away from the rack as they carefully pull it on. Logan Alexander glances towards, but not really at, the camera. He winces and rubs his right side as he gets the coat on. Suitably dressed, he moves to the door, opens it, and exits his cabin.
Captain on deck!
Logan pulls the door to his cabin shut behind him and he looks up to the raised aft deck of the ship where his first mate and navigator are standing together. His first mate glances down at him and smirks. He shakes his head slightly and glances away from her, looking over the deck of his galleon. About a dozen crewmen were busy tending to the sails and rigging, making sure the ship was getting the most out of the wind. Logan turns away and ascends the stairway to the raised back deck to join his first mate. She’s dressed similarly to him with hat, coat, boats, breeches, and shirt, only the colours of hers tended more towards red and black, and she has long hair which is tied off behind her. She nods to him.
Captain. New orders, sir?
Logan shakes his head.
Not at all. I wanted to see how things were proceeding.
We’re still on course for the rendezvous. We should be there in time to meet with Captains Kane and Parker.
Logan moves in front of the wheel, facing the bow of the ship and standing before the railing above the doorway to his cabin.
Good. I was worried we’d lost too much time repaired this poor girl after that last round of battle.
He places one hand on the railing.
With all she’s been through she hasn’t given up on and still carries us to victory.
His first mate moves up beside him.
Think she’ll be enough for this battle?
Logan casts a sideways glance at her.
Given the news and rumours that have circulated during the last few weeks, the word is that besides you Sindicate captains, there are four navy officers and three privateers after the prize. While we survived that last battle against similar odds, some of these opponents are far more accomplished… and dangerous than ones we’ve faced before.
Logan smiles slightly.
Considering all the fame, glory and recognition for the one who leaves with the prize, is it any surprise that some of the best and most widely recognized commanders are making their way to ‘the Test’? Every year the gates open to admit one who proves worthy and shows them a path towards their greatest desires. Battles break out across the ocean between ships and crews of all sorts, eliminating rivals and leaving fewer and fewer obstacles in ones path. We were fortunate. While we faced more difficulty than others to get this far, we’ve learned exactly who’ll be awaiting us when we arrive.
We have our two compatriots of course, but also Captain Hopkins set forth from one of the ports of Asylum. He did a good job of defeating those rogues Reaver and Kash. He’ll be fighting for the honour of his beaten allies, Bailey and Williams. Until recently, Hopkins hasn’t shown much aptitude in these encounters. He always performed better as part of another’s fleet in the past. On his own, he was always sloppy. He’d sail into battle on his ship, Emotion, but wasn’t capable of handling her properly in combat. As a result, Emotion couldn’t bring him victory against those of us who know how to wage war. We may have fallen to him in battle when he’s had Bailey alongside him, but I don’t intend to be the victim of another cannonade from that breed. Should we face again, we’ll put him back in his place.
There are those two privateers from the Isles of Meltdown as well, Savage and Hood. Savage has proven to be an able ship commander, getting himself this far in a single fierce battle with five others, but he’s been forced to concede several battles to other worthier captains. If those battles have proven to be too much for him to handle, I’m not sure how much success he can expect to have against opponents that are more battle hardened and accomplished. He may have a better chance of sailing forward against the wind.
Hood’s proven to be quite capable as a favourite of the Lady Harrison, being granted a Letter of Marque and then harassing the Guv’nor of Meltdown.
Ah yes. I’d heard some other crews discussing though engagements. Bloody affairs they said.
Logan nods.
That they’ve been. Those two have battled many times and Hood has come out on the wrong end of many. I’ve faced her once before with numerical superiority and Lady Harrison’s resources behind her. We still routed her fleet and she quickly withdrew before I had a chance to engage the Executioner. I would’ve taken great pleasure in sinking that ship.
He smirks slightly and then glances towards his first mate.
Do you recall that one rogue I faced around the beginning of the year named Valo?
His first mate considers this, glancing away for several moments.
The name’s… familiar.
He coveted a title I held. In the waters around Meltdown, he ambushed us as a storm was approaching. He’d inflicted much damage and seemingly had us on the brink when the storm hit. He couldn’t handle the rougher conditions as the tides shifted. I was almost sure that his ship had sunk and we wouldn’t see him again. I heard rumours a month or so later that someone with a similar appearance going by the name Havok had emerged and then moved to the Overdrive realms. It turned out they were one and the same. He’s not a rogue anymore though. Word is that he’s working directly for King Jeffery.
His first mate looks alarmed.
Is that really someone we should tangle with?
Too late to back out now. We’re committed to our course. I’ve beaten him before and there’s no reason we cannot now. He may have more power behind him, but he’s had that benefit before. Nothing but the venue has changed
All things considered, despite their prowess, those three privateers aren’t the real threat. I’m far more concerned about the Navy officers dispatched from Overdrive for this.
His first mate nods in agreement.
Yes… I’ve heard their names mentioned recently. Some of the most well known and decorated heroes within the bounds of territory under the control of APW. The three we may face are some of the staunchest upholders of the law.
Logan rolls his eyes.
Believe me… I know. One of them in particular I know quite well. We’ve fought against and alongside one another, and have parlayed with each other. Captain Smith has tried to bring me to justice or at least reconsider what I’ve been fighting for.
The man seems like a hopeless romantic, thinking that everything should unfold in a very neat and orderly manner, following the logic and rules that govern his perception of the world. It’s one of his strengths and keeps him steady in turbulent conditions, but it inevitably leaves him missing subtleties of most situations when things don’t fit into his categorizations of good and bad. He’s eager to confront those that are labelled as bad, regardless of the facts. He’s doggedly relentless and that’s what we’ll have to be ready to deal with should we cross his path…
I was wounded grievously in our last encounter by him. I haven’t nor will I ever forget that. But I know I cannot endanger myself in pursuit of revenge. That isn’t the goal here…
He stares out ahead of the ship, almost as though he could see their destination from where he was.
He took so much away from me and I’ve scratched and clawed my way to earn most of it back. I’ve endured much to reach this point once again. If I face him, I want to leave him defeated and humbled. He deserves worse… but I’m won’t become what he thinks I am to do so. I’m better than that.
While you have history with Smith, don’t let him become your focus. There are greater threats still.
I haven’t forgotten. Two of the Navy’s most decorated admirals await us. Odds favour that we’ll have to cross sword and cannon with at least one of them. Admirals Gates and Biggs have track records of success longer than my arms laid end to end. They’re icons of what’s good and noble, but that’s hobbled them both when it comes to battling with the masters of the sea. How many times have they failed to bring down Commodore Marvin or that traitor, One? Are the rest of us supposed to be impressed by their ability to fall short of their goals? Gates himself has failed to deal with One on two occasions recently. Biggs was nearly killed in his last encounter with One.
They may want another chance to defeat one or both of them, but there’s no reason to believe they’re up for the task. They squander their opportunities. I’m not inclined to cower before their reputations. They can be beaten and I’m willing to prove that I’m another person capable of doing so.
Well Captain… perhaps you should inform the crew about the details of this voyage. I know it really shouldn’t be any of their concern, but it might be best to know where they all stand before we get into a dicey situation.
Logan quietly mulls over this proposition.
Very well. Organize them and have them on deck in an hour. I shall address them all then and hear what they have to say. Until then I’ll be in my cabin.
He looks over at her.
Carry on.
Aye Captain.
He turns and heads to the stairs, descending to the main deck and out of view.
An hour later…
Logan emerges from his cabin and heads up onto the raised aft deck to stand beside his first mate again, and they both look out over the assemblage of the galleon’s crew before them. The first mate steps forward and calls out over the crowd.
Attention everyone!
They turn to regard the captain and first mate. She looks to Logan, nods then steps aside. He move forward to the railing and places both hands on it. He leans forward slightly to address the crew.
I’ve requested your presence to address our destination. We’re heading to the center of Amway in Orlando region.
There’s some muttering from the crew.
I’m sure that many of you have heard rumours about ships from all over APW’s territories heading there. Undoubtedly, they’re heading there to take part in ‘the Test’. That’s why we’re heading there as well… to seek out glory and test our mettle against any who would oppose us for this prize. I know that taking part in such a confrontation poses great risks to us, but when haven’t we been exposed to such dangers? Think about all we’ve had to endure over the last several months.
Our enemies multiple around us and grow bolder in their acts against us. I won’t turn tail and run from them so long as I have Chaos Theory to carry me forward and strong wind to guide us. I won’t let the actions of people who fear us deter me from going forward. People like One’s Syndicate and the League of Envi. I stand in defiance of those sorts of tyrants.
If I feared what might happen, I wouldn’t be pushing forward against odds that most assume are insurmountable. Commodore Marvin’s leaving this battle in the hands of Captains Kane, Parker, and I so he can focus on putting traitorous One in his place for betraying us. As you might expect that makes this battle an important defining moment for us.
Logan steps back from the railing and walks to one end of the railing by the stairs, looking over the assembled and continuing to speak.
Many are hoping we’ll fail when we enter the battle that marks this year’s ‘Test’. Those of us united under the flag of the New Sindicate have accomplished more in the last six weeks than anyone anticipated, and we are reviled for it. We were supposed to have been left adrift at the hands of any number of foes, but individually and collectively we have stood against everyone placed in our way and defeated them. Even after losing the duel against Captain Parker last week, we weren’t stopped. We continued into the fray afterwards and emerged victorious from a battle with ten other opponents at the same time!
What reason is there to believe that we cannot triumph over similar odds now? Were our previous foes not as determined as those to come? Were they not as skilled? Or as cunning? Or as experienced? Who’s to say that any of those would’ve allowed any of our prior foes to overcome us if they possessed those traits to a greater degree?
I say it’s our own determination that’ll ultimately decide whether we are victorious or not.
He walks back out to the center of the railing and places both hands on it again, leaning forward against it.
We’re battling for redemption against foes that we’ve encountered and lost to before. As well, we’re facing other rivals that we’ve had much success against. We’re facing some people we’ve never crossed paths with. We may even have to battle our own comrades as well. Some of these people are the best at what they do. They possess numerous accomplishments and titles to their names… But so do we! And our victories have been recent whereas many of our foes have claims to title that are many years old now. Their days of glory are past!
It is time for those like us who possess the ambition, determination, and ability to rise up and take what we desire.
Several crewmembers voice their agreement loudly at that point. Logan looks around and smiles.
I’ve spent much time trying to earn recognition honourably and be respected and acknowledged for the service I’ve done. Ultimately, I was cast aside in favour of others, and many of my contributions we’re disregarded so that others could be offered what I was owed. I decided to do something about that though. It started in earnest six weeks ago when I claimed the T.O. title after we ran a gauntlet of four other ships. During the last four weeks, we’ve faced and defeated many others who aspired to be part of ‘the Test’. Now with an unparalleled opportunity before us, we only have one course to follow. That’s to press on ahead and defeat all who await, regardless of who they are, what they have accomplished, or where their allegiance lies! There’s only room for one to proceed, and I will not meekly stand aside to allow another to claim what we’ve worked for! What say you?
The crew cheers in a chorus of agreement.
Then let us continue onward! We shall prove our worth and do what they believe we cannot! To victory and glory!
There’re several more cheers in succession, then we fade out.
Once again we’re before those tattered pages of the Captain’s journal. The page is already covered with writing. Again, Logan’s voice speaks those words aloud.
It’s never going to be as easy as I make it sound. The crew just needs to believe though. Ultimately this task will be a success or a failure based on my own abilities. I’m not flawless, but I know my own strengths and weaknesses. This forthcoming battle with be a challenge the likes of which I haven’t endured in years, and haven’t been successful in even more.
There are ten of us in total. Of my nine opponents, I have faced and defeated six of them. Five of those I have defeated multiple times. I believe I’m better than most of my challengers. I believe I can beat all of them, even the ones who might be better than me. They may be distinguished former title holders, but that doesn’t mean they cannot be toppled. Most of my opponents have faltered under the pressure in high stakes encounters. Rarely have I done so when on my own.
To Savage, we’ve never faced before, but my unfamiliarity with you isn’t a disadvantage. I know you beat five competitors of low standing to make it here, but you haven’t stepped up against real opponents. You’re facing nine of them now. Good luck, because that’s the only hope you have.
To Hood, it took you a long time to win one against Guv. You’re not a one shot, one hit competitor, and that’s going to cost you here. Lady Harrison cannot save you. On your own, you’re going to sink.
To Havok, you’re still relying on others to get ahead and that'll always hold you back. You’ve forgotten how to chart your own destiny. King Jeffery cannot win this battle for you. Whenever stakes have been high, you haven’t come through. You’re going to fail. It’s just a matter of when.
To Hopkins, we’ve done this dance before. I beat you twice on route to gaining my title. You’ve improved markedly in recent days, but I’ve beaten everyone you have as well… at the same time. Bailey isn’t here to save you. So we’ll see if you can survive on your own. I think you won’t.
To Smith… I’d like to see you broken. This isn’t the time to do that though. You’ve grown and improved since I last faced you, but you’re still hampered by your inability to step up when necessary. You’re good, but not great. You always have been and always will be. That’s why you won’t win.
To Biggs and Gates, you’re the two heroes expected to triumph based on reputation. But those reputations are old and tarnished by a collection of failures versus Marvin and One. I don’t intend to let either of you squander this opportunity in a losing bid against them again. Your times have past and if you refuse to yield by choice then you’ll be removed by force.
To Kane and Parker… you’re my partners and companions. Only one of us can stand tall. You can both expect the best I have to offer out of respect. This will not drive us apart and we shall celebrate afterwards. I’ve seen you return to greatness Kane. Show me what you can do. Aubrey, I owe you for last week. I intend to pay you back in full.
I’m the only one here without anything to lose. I have succeeded merely by making it here. Every one of you I defeat is merely an additional victory. I have no fear of failure and I’ll use your own fears of such against you. In this battle, I will take everything I can from any and all of you… and give nothing back but the taste of defeat.
