Hi! So this is my first chapter story that I've actually posted. I've been really nervous about it because I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to keep up with updates, but I was so excited I decided to go for it anyways. I got the idea for this story after watching the video whose link is below. I do not own the video or have rights to it, I just enjoy it immensely! :D

watch?v=hxaTKUEZt-I

Another minor note is that despite basing this story on the rise of the British Empire and the blacks ships of 1853, this is not historically accurate at all! It's just pure fiction. So I changed the name of the countries and cities. I'm sorry if that is confusing and I'm sorry that I suck so bad at making up names!

Anyways, I don't own any of the characters used in this story.

Prologue- The Fearless Commodore Alfred F. Jones

If ever there was a man who loved his job, it would be Commodore Alfred F. Jones. Whether it was sailing for adventure, for trade, or for battle, the man went into it head first with a twinkle in his sky blue eyes and a smile on his face. He was young for a commodore, only in his early twenties, but he had the men's respect. For one thing, he always offered to take on some of the harder and more mundane tasks even though such chores were beneath his rank. He was also very down to earth and always put his crew before himself. Perhaps that's why they watched in bewilderment as he inspected the ship under a hard gazed scrutiny and a frown. Although, they knew very well that this change in their bronze haired leader was directly influenced by his guests.

"It is a fine vessel, Commodore." The extravagant wavy-haired blonde remarked as they strolled along the deck.

"Quite." His companion agreed with a sly smirk.

Alfred grit his teeth to keep from saying something snarky back. It was a well-circulated rumor that the Prince of Breterlands and the young commodore did not see eye to eye on most issues. Most believed it was just a clash of personalities since the golden blonde prince carried himself with a superiority that vastly rivaled Alfred's humility. However, the truth is it went much deeper than that. Prince Arthur Kirkland used to serve the navy before taking on his more dignified role. Arthur had been Alfred's mentor, rival, and precursor.

"It'll certainly be useful against the Milotans."

Alfred came to a pause giving Arthur a nervous and confused look.

"Sir?" He spat trying to hide his distain at addressing Arthur in such a way.

"Was I supposed to take that as a question, Jones?" Arthur sneered turning to where his cocky emerald eyes bore into Alfred.

Alfred forced himself to lower his gaze solely out of respect, but still remained poised and alert like any good soldier would be.

"Yes Sir. To my knowledge, the crush of the Milotans navy last week ended the war. To what purpose do you seek me out for?"

Arthur shared a look with his flamboyant companion before reaching up and wrapping an arm around Alfred's shoulders. The younger blonde stiffened, but let his sovereignty lead him to the other side of the ship and into Alfred's office. Being the commodore had its perks certainly in this case. The spacious room was lightly colored with beige walls and oak wood floors and paneling. An unmade bed sat in the corner under the only window that was covered with charts and books. The bookshelf next to it was filled more with trinkets and treasures collected over the years than with books. However, the large ornate cherry wood desk that sat closest to the door was probably the most eye catching part of the office with a large map of the world hanging behind it. Naturally, Arthur took Alfred's seat behind his desk forcing him to sit across from him as Arthur's companion leaned against the desk watching Alfred intently.

"Now I know we've had our differences, Jones, but I've always liked you." Arthur began almost in a purr making Alfred uneasy.

"Yes, even in my country, you have made quite a name for yourself as the fearless Commodore Jones." Arthur's friend agreed.

"You're smart, you have good instincts, and you're decent at swordplay although not as good as me." Arthur continued much to Alfred's ire. "Which is why we have chosen you, Commodore."

Alfred resisted the urge to sigh at Arthur's roundabout explanation. He knew Arthur was only trying to stroke his ego, but it irritated him that it was actually working. Arthur was very good about knowing how to get what he wants. He had a way with words that Alfred knew he could never match. However, for every beautiful word spun from his mouth, there was a bottom layer of deceit and lies which Alfred had been fortunate enough to pick up from the first moment he met Arthur. That didn't stop him from being almost entranced by Arthur though. It was his sickness that he felt he had to impress the prince…no matter the cost.

"Chosen me for what exactly, Sir?" He raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

"Francis and I have come up with a…solution to keep the Milotans from rebelling and the Russics from interfering with our conquest."

If Alfred had a complaint about his life or his job, this would be it. He was all for patriotism, and none would find a more loyal Bret than him. However, these political traps that Arthur constantly wove left a bad taste in his mouth. He was by no means a saint, but everything he did he felt he could justify with honor and duty. He couldn't justify bullying.

"You want me to monitor trade routes." Alfred stated confidently.

This was not his first time doing this. Breterlands has been making quite the empire for itself lately, and after each conquest Alfred was sent out to patrol their trade routes. He would take control of the ship and anything considered contraband would be tossed over the side. Only Bret approved merchandise would be allowed to be imported or exported. Eventually it conditioned the country to send all of their trade through Breterlands which caused the empire to flourish. It was twisted and underhanded and shamefully effective.

"No." Arthur chuckled surprising Alfred. "I have something else in mind for these barbarians."

Fear trickled down Alfred's spine before settling in his gut. There was something off about Arthur's expression. Almost as if he had ventured a little too deep into the metaphorical rabbit hole.

"There is a trade ban on them right now." Francis explained.

"They are virtually grounded in a sense." Arthur picked right back up. "I want to teach them a lesson, and I want to crush any hope of a rebellion. So if you see a ship, blow it out of the water."

"Sir?!" Alfred snapped shocked by what he was being ordered to do. "You want me to destroy innocent merchant ships without any type of warning?"

"Oh Jones, you seem to have misunderstood." Arthur laughed.

Alfred relaxed some still feeling uneasy about Arthur's proposal especially with the way he continued to laugh. His next words quickly put Alfred back on edge as he stared at the monster before him in horror.

"Not just merchant ships. Passenger, navy, anything that floats coming out of their harbor I want turned into little pieces of charred metal and smoke."

Alfred jumped to his feet in shock and defiance.

"Arthur! We're not just talking about obedience here. This is murder!"

Arthur merely gave him a sigh along with a shit-eating grin that didn't look the least bit apologetic.

"And that is different from the recent voyages of this ship…how?"

Alfred locked his jaw in anger. "I've never had to kill somebody for the sake of bloodshed."

Francis and Arthur shared a look although this one was slightly less amused.

"Then hang this up under "Duty" in your conscience." Arthur sneered irritation masking his previous friendly tone.

Alfred fought to keep from screaming. There were a lot of things he had done that he wasn't proud of, but surely even Arthur could see that what he was asking was insane.

"Your Highness," Alfred began his voice calm and controlled which was the exact opposite of what he was feeling. "Please, consider what you're asking me. This is borderline genocide. You have never had to question my loyalty before, but please don't ask me to murder innocent people."

Arthur's smile had long since disappeared replaced by a no-nonsense flat, calculating look. In some ways, Alfred found this Arthur easier to deal with.

"That's the thing Alfred, I'm not asking you. I'm ordering you to."

Now Alfred loved being a commodore more than anything in the world. He loved sailing the world, he loved the respect, and he loved the thrill. Perhaps it should have been easy for him to look the other way on yet another moral questioning mission to continue doing what he loved. However, Alfred was tired of it. He didn't like the person he was becoming, and if he did this mission, he would be selling the last piece of his soul to the devil.

"Then you leave me no choice." Alfred spat bitterly.

"Good lad." Arthur grinned triumphantly jumping up. "We'll leave you to…"

Alfred unstrapped his sword and pistol setting them on the desk in front of the stunned Arthur and equally surprised Francis.

"I resign from my post. I'll record the event as my last captain's log. I name Abel Jansen, the quartermaster, as my replacement."

Arthur rubbed his eyes giving a tired chuckle. "You're making a mistake, Jones."

"No, you are, Kirkland."

They held each other's gaze steadily. Arthur's cold, icy glare against Alfred's fiery, passionate one.

"Fine then, Jones. Have it your way." Arthur spat before storming out.

"I trust you'll remain close until after we interview your quartermaster?" Francis demanded looking as bitter as Arthur about these turn of events.

Alfred nodded as he too left the former commodore in peace. Once he was alone, Alfred punched the nearest object satisfied by the splintering of the chair he had been sitting in. He felt like he could cry out his frustrations right then and there. Everything he had worked towards, everything he wanted to achieve, all of his hard work had been ripped away in a matter of minutes by one arrogant son of a bitch.

"God bless the monarchy." He sneered under his breath.

He pulled out the captain's log and did exactly as he said he would. His writing was messy from anger, but still legible. He made certain that the exact conversation was recorded as well as his thoughts and feelings on the subject. Alfred did have a reputation after all, and he refused for it to be tarnished by this blasphemy. When he finished, he packed up his personal belongings in a knapsack that he threw over his shoulder. He took one last look at his office staring up at the map the longest. Little red pins stuck out of various countries, but there had been so many unmarked. He wanted to visit every country before he retired. He released a long disappointed sigh before closing the door on the unfilled dream.

His men's stares of disbelief were the hardest to stomach. However, Alfred held his head high as he leaned against the railing not far from where Arthur and Francis had Abel cornered. He liked Abel to an extent, but he knew the blonde's priority lied solely with money. He didn't know if the quartermaster would do as Arthur and Francis wanted, but he would be the only person on the ship to consider it.

"Um, Commodore?"

Alfred looked up a small smirk passing across his face at the sight of the blonde boatswain. Magnus Densen was the closest thing Alfred had to a best friend on the ship. Due to being the youngest on the ship at the ripe age of seventeen, he was about as energetic as Alfred to which most would argue is a bad thing. What Alfred admired most about him though was his courageousness and his loyalty.

"Not anymore Magnus." Alfred shook his head sadly.

His sapphire eyes widened in shock before narrowing dangerously.

"They can't do that. That's not fair Alfred!" Magnus cried out.

Alfred put a comforting hand on his shoulder to stop him from doing anything stupid.

"Hey, I've already jeopardized my job. There's no reason to cost another good man his."

"I won't sail under anyone but you." Magnus growled looking around at the rest of the crew's curious looks. "None of us will." He added under his breath.

Alfred gave him a small smile. Probably his first all day.

"Maybe there will come a day where you will again, but right now I need you to stay and keep an eye on my lady." He ordered gripping Magnus' shoulder.

The blonde still looked troubled but he returned the gesture with a bitter smirk.

"Aye, aye, Sir. And just so you know, that day will come sooner than you think."

Alfred gave a light chuckle as he slapped Magnus on the back pushing him towards the stern where he belonged. Alfred glanced over towards Arthur who looked back at him in the same instance. Arthur quickly turned back, finishing up the meeting with Abel. Alfred gave a lazy stretch acting uninterested as Abel called the crew together for an emergency meeting.

In not so many words, he explained the change of leadership naming Lukas Bondevik as the new quartermaster. A fair choice in Alfred's opinion as the quieter male was definitely hard working and meticulous enough for the position. Alfred lowered his gaze to the ground so he wouldn't have to see his crew's questioning and discouraged expressions upon learning of his resignation. He thought that would be the end of it, and was getting ready to board the next ship to take him back to Amberdon, when Arthur stepped forward to address the men. He maybe a heartless bastard, but he still contained respect in the navy which was evident by the men's silence and perfect stances.

"I know this change will be difficult to accept at first, but I need you men to know that my orders are absolute. Disobedience will be accepted as treason."

Alfred narrowed his eyes at Arthur's stone cold gaze that had been turned on him. His instincts warned him that something was about to happen, but he had no idea it would be as drastic as what happened next.

"And traitors to the crown will be dealt with swiftly. May the name Alfred F. Jones live forever in infamy."

Alfred had no idea why he didn't start running when Arthur revealed his pistol. He couldn't for the life of him understand why he didn't try to defend himself when Magnus shouted his name. He really didn't know why he didn't at least curse Arthur with every swear he knew before the devious blonde pulled the trigger as he aimed straight at Alfred. Maybe some stupid, cowardly part of him figured he deserved this for all his sins, and therefore kept him rooted to the spot.

The next thing Alfred knew after the bang was heard was the painful shredding of hot metal through his middle. His hands wrapped around the pain as if trying to hold in the warm blood seeping through his fingers. He took a couple of steps back only to hit the railing. For a moment, the world froze as Alfred's feet left the deck and he caught Arthur's smug look. He knew the bastard had the marksmanship to kill him right on the spot. However, Arthur wanted him to suffer. He wanted him to die in the only way Arthur feared: by drowning.

"Damn you Arthur Kirkland." He grit as he plummeted from his beloved ship into the dark depths of the ocean below.

And that was the last anyone knew of the fearless Commodore Alfred F. Jones.

...I'm a mean writer. I'm sorry that I dropped the feels bomb and walked away. Kinda. Maybe I'll be later.

Anyways, like I said this is my first chapter story and I would love to hear what you think and even if it's worth continuing! My plan is to update once a week, but when does real life ever work out with your plans? See you next Sunday... hopefully!