On the Atlantic Ocean, the weather was fair and the winds gentle. Aside from the slightly high waves, everything seemed so peaceful.
The Black Pearl was a merchant ship specializing in transporting iron ore, traveling back and forth between Canada and the British mainland. As the situation grew increasingly tense, Britain's demand for iron ore also rose. This allowed many merchant ships like the Black Pearl to make a fortune.
Old Jack, the shipowner and captain, emerged onto the deck with a cigar clenched between his teeth.
"Lads, stop slacking off and scrub the deck clean! My ship is a new vessel that was launched only three years ago. Don't make her look like those old ships that have been in service for ten or twenty years!" Old Jack roared.
"Captain, we carry iron ore. How could we possibly keep her clean?" a sailor complained.
"As long as you don't slack off, you can get her clean!"
"Captain, come listen to the radio! It says the Empire has gone to war with the Germans!" A sailor rushed out.
"What? War? Has the British Empire been dragged into the war as well?" The sailors began talking all at once. As the world's hegemon, Britain's people possessed strong national pride and self-respect. They were proud to be British.
Old Jack's eyes shone even brighter. War meant that steel consumption would multiply, and that meant he would make even more money.
"I wonder whether the Royal Navy is still recruiting. Once we get ashore, I'll go ask around," one sailor said.
"Forget it. With the likes of you, would the Royal Navy even take you?"
"How could the Germans possibly be a match for the Empire? Their army may be strong, but at sea, the Royal Navy of the British Empire is number