A Talk Amongst Men

Captain Charles Raine looked to his fellow officer, Captain F. Wentworth in amazement. Isk, as far as the eye could see. Enough for their entire company to retire off of.

"It's as if  you had never left," Wentworth finally said, breaking the silence that lingered in the air; aside from burning metal around them.

Captain Raine remained silent.

"You've never dreamt of such wealth, have you Charles?" Wentworth asked, pointing onwards to the salvage site.

Few things ceased to amaze Charles, but this was one of those rare cases. For once, he found himself at a loss of words as he stared off into what seemed like an oblivion of bounty. Finally, words came to him. "The Navy certainly has its fortunes to be had," Charles said, crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes would scan the sight before them: The Empire taking it's glory and power. The pirates had been utterly foolish to try an attempt a surprise attack on their fleet. Wentworth and Raine had struck back with a vicious ferocity that went unmatched.

Wentworth looked to Charles. "Even this isn't glorious enough  for you?" he said brashly. "We are successful officers in the Empire's Navy! Riches everywhere, title, status, prestige. But you would not have it." There was a silence in the air that followed.

"Why'd you come back, Charles? Hm? What is it? You'd fulfilled your duties and were earnest to be rid of the Navy."

"You know why, help was asked of me," Charles quickly countered.

"No, that's not the real reason and we both know it. The Navy always wants prior service officers back in their clutches."

Another awkward silence. Captain Wentworth threw his arms up in frustration. "It was that wife of yours when you returned, wasn't it?"

"Yes, it was, as a matter of fact. If you simply must know. I returned to my father's estate.. and she had fallen in love with another."

Wentworth was quiet a moment, before sending a servant to fetch the two some wine. "I see. Who is this Amarrian?"

"He's no Amarrian," Charles replied bitterly.

Another silence as wine was brought to them. Each of them took a cup and took several long drinks before continuing.

Wentworth finally grinned at Charles. He would approach the young man and embrace his shoulder with his hand. "Listen to me. You should have no other. Your other should be The Empire. What greater honor is there than to serve? And fruitfully, at that!" he exclaimed, pointing onwards to their enormous bounty. "Do you really wish to be tied down?"

Charles pondered a long moment. "You're right."

"Of course I am," Wentworth joked, taking a gulp of wine. "I've been at this longer than you have."

The two would finish their drinks and begin to make arrangements for their fleet to move on.

Wentworth, tying a scarf around his neck, would look to Raine. "Charles, I'm sorry you got hurt in this process. But these are words to live by. When is your contract up?"

"You've still got to put up with me for another year."

Wentworth would roll his eyes, and then laugh heartily. "So be it. Let's get out of this shit hole, eh?" The two would make their way back to their ships.