I’m not sure how many people know what a Writ of Marque is, so I thought that maybe for some clarification (and because useless trivia is always fun,) I’d do a bit of explaining:
A Writ of Marque was basically used to make piracy legal. Contrary to popular belief, piracy was rarely done by people who were the bane of the world. Instead, they were often privateers that would work for their country (such as England) and raid other nation’s ships for profit (such as Spain.) It was actually pretty rare for a person to commit piracy without any sort of national backing.
So there’s your bit of history and learning! Tune in next week for a new page!
-Andrew
↓ Transcript
PAGE 11. (5 panels)
PANEL 1
Skulker is on the bridge of the Rhizome facing outward so we can see the horde of glowing fish outside through the eye portholes. He speaks into an intercom device that looks like a combination of a 1980s radio and a car battery.
MP SKULKER:
Honorable L.E.V.I.A.T.H.A.N., to what end can we assist?
MP SKULKER:
Do you require our passenger documentation? The message mentioned something about… "economic prosperity?"
PANEL 2
Close in on The Rhizome's "head" hull. The fish of LEVIATHAN swarm around the eye sockets like flies to a lamp.
LEVIATHAN (telepathically):
We always stand firm for the nonnegotiable demands of species' dignity: the rule of law; respect for free speech; equal justice; and cultural tolerance.
LEVIATHAN (telepathically):
We seek a just and peaceful world beyond the small acts of terror we sometimes face.
PANEL 3
Zoom in on one gulper eel within the school of LEVIATHAN. Its gullet is huge because there is something within it.
LEVIATHAN (telepathically):
Please open your airlock.
PANEL 4
The gulper eel breaks off from the group of LEVIATHAN and swims up toward the Rhizome's airlock pool.
LEVIATHAN (telepathically):
Our discovery of your vessel has been serendipitous.
LEVIATHAN (telepathically):
Your record of accomplishment demonstrates well-crafted contingency measures, especially in the customs territory.
PANEL 5
Inside the submarine, the crew look at one another warily, expecting punishment about to happen.
LEVIATHAN (telepathically):
We offer the Rhizome and its crew a Writ of Marque, giving you legitimacy in particular circumstances, mostly acquisitions.
LEVIATHAN (telepathically):
There is no room for complacency. You need to remain vigilant and open with us.
PANEL 1
Skulker is on the bridge of the Rhizome facing outward so we can see the horde of glowing fish outside through the eye portholes. He speaks into an intercom device that looks like a combination of a 1980s radio and a car battery.
MP SKULKER:
Honorable L.E.V.I.A.T.H.A.N., to what end can we assist?
MP SKULKER:
Do you require our passenger documentation? The message mentioned something about… "economic prosperity?"
PANEL 2
Close in on The Rhizome's "head" hull. The fish of LEVIATHAN swarm around the eye sockets like flies to a lamp.
LEVIATHAN (telepathically):
We always stand firm for the nonnegotiable demands of species' dignity: the rule of law; respect for free speech; equal justice; and cultural tolerance.
LEVIATHAN (telepathically):
We seek a just and peaceful world beyond the small acts of terror we sometimes face.
PANEL 3
Zoom in on one gulper eel within the school of LEVIATHAN. Its gullet is huge because there is something within it.
LEVIATHAN (telepathically):
Please open your airlock.
PANEL 4
The gulper eel breaks off from the group of LEVIATHAN and swims up toward the Rhizome's airlock pool.
LEVIATHAN (telepathically):
Our discovery of your vessel has been serendipitous.
LEVIATHAN (telepathically):
Your record of accomplishment demonstrates well-crafted contingency measures, especially in the customs territory.
PANEL 5
Inside the submarine, the crew look at one another warily, expecting punishment about to happen.
LEVIATHAN (telepathically):
We offer the Rhizome and its crew a Writ of Marque, giving you legitimacy in particular circumstances, mostly acquisitions.
LEVIATHAN (telepathically):
There is no room for complacency. You need to remain vigilant and open with us.
