First Storm:: [Audio]

[survivorking]

[Waking up anywhere other than his private chambers was confusing, at first. There was no wind, no sand that he could hear whipping against the tower walls. This was not Spargus. He found a communication device by the bed-- which was so well-made and perfect, it was as though he hadn't even slept in it at all. Why had he been sleeping in the first

Comments

[ecopiracy]

Not meaning to be facetious in the slightest, but you might want to get used to disappointment. The captain and the crew have an irritating habit of not answering the questions we ask.

[survivorking]

I am finding my answers elsewhere.

[ecopiracy]

[That earns a brief, approving smile from Phoenix.]

Good.

So, having found answers to your initial questions, is there anything else now that you would ask?

[survivorking]

[Other people are filling him in-- but he is willing to make an ally.]

I have no questions for you, other than your name. I am Damas, King of Spargus.

[ecopiracy]

[Phoenix's eyebrows immediately shoot up. This man is from Spargus?

And a king?]

...Phoenix, Captain of the Phantom Blade. I doubt you've heard of it.

[Yes, he is just a little bit wary.]

Unless you're familiar with the ships of the Brink?

I'll tag back in the morning~

[survivorking]

I am familiar with the legends of the Brink, of course. Unlike Haven citizens, I am more inclined to believe them.

[ecopiracy]

If you don't mind my curiosity, why is that? Have you had contact with the Brink before?

[And if you did, what exactly do you know?]

[survivorking]

I cannot say I have had any contact with the people there, but the City of Spargus thrives beyond the walls of Haven City-- the logical conclusion is that there are others like us. That there is more life outside of Haven's perimeter.

[It's really so arrogant of the people of Haven to think they alone are the survivors.]

[ecopiracy]

Ahh.

[Phoenix relaxes somewhat. Contact between the Brink and the mainland is not common, but the possibility had been there - and if Damas had made contact with, he might also have made contact with his ruling counterparts.

In short, he might have known more about Phoenix than Phoenix would have liked. But since that isn't the case...]

You've a very keen mind, Your Highness. Your city must do well under your guidance. You are correct, of course. The Brink is home to quite a few people.

[survivorking]

[Damas does not care about reputations. In most cases, ability outshines anything that can taint his opinion of anyone.]

We have survived for twenty-five years, built from nothing. Is the Brink also carved out from such desolation?

[ecopiracy]

[Phoenix's tone becomes somewhat grim.]

It would be more accurate to say that desolation has carved into us. The war with the Metal Heads has left harsh marks, as have the increasing eco storms that are threatening to tear the world apart.

[survivorking]

I am told that the war with the Dark Makers has ended, but I was brought here before I could see it-- it is troubling to hear that the world is in grave danger once again.

You must also be from a different time than Jak, correct?

[ecopiracy]

From what I have gathered, the war is in different stages depending on what part of the world you are in. It is possible that when the Metal Heads have been beaten back in one area, they migrate to another.

But no, I am not from the same time frame as Jak. I actually come from what he considers the future.

[A pause, then very, very neutral tone]

You know Jak?

[survivorking]

Yes. Jak is one of my warriors-- one of my best ones at that.

[ecopiracy]

[Phoenix grimaces. So, Damas is another who thinks well of Jak.

But then what Damas said actually sinks in. He didn't say anything about Jak as a person, but focused instead on his ability to fight.]

I suppose he would make a good weapon in a war.

[You hear that strange tone in Phoenix's voice? That's the sound of a man who is testing your response.]

[survivorking]

[Oh, he hears it.]

He is a good warrior, and a good man.

[The last words are tinted with malice.]