Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan (Interceptor) ambushes near Death Island, awaiting Barbossa's ship.
• James decides to ambush Barbossa's pirates as they exit the cave, aiming to drive them into the sea.
• Barbossa and Jack Sparrow strike a deal: Jack will help Barbossa board and take over the Dreadnought, in exchange for command of the Black Pearl and a share of the treasure.
• Barbossa's skeleton crew sneaks onto the Dreadnought from the sea, catching the British Navy off guard.

Character Developments

• James shows strategic thinking in planning the ambush.
• Barbossa demonstrates cunning and ruthlessness in his deal with Jack and his attack on the Dreadnought.
• Jack displays his persuasive skills and knowledge of the pirates' curse, using it to his advantage.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Ambush: Both James and Barbossa use deception and surprise attacks to gain an advantage.
• Power Dynamics: The struggle for power and control is evident in Barbossa's deal with Jack and his desire for the Dreadnought.
• Curse and Immortality: The curse's implications and the pirates' immortality are explored, affecting their tactics and strategies.

Character Interactions

• James and his crew: James leads his crew in the ambush, showing trust and coordination.
• Barbossa and Jack: Barbossa and Jack form an uneasy alliance, each with their own agenda.
• Pirates and the British Navy: The pirates and the British Navy clash, showcasing their contrasting tactics and strengths.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Dreadnought is attacked by skeleton people, and Wang Xuan's ship, the Interceptor, arrives to assist.
• Wang Xuan lures the skeleton people into a trap on the Dreadnought, locking them in a warehouse and leaving them to die.
• Wang Xuan claims the Dreadnought for himself and sets sail to meet Captain Barbossa.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates strategic thinking and ruthlessness in dealing with the skeleton people, solidifying his power and ambition.
• James, the original captain of the Dreadnought, survives but is not further developed in this chapter.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Power: Wang Xuan's desire for power and status is evident as he claims the Dreadnought and gives himself the title 'this King.'
• Cunning vs. Brawn: Wang Xuan outsmarts the skeleton people, showing that intelligence can triumph over brute force.
• Sacrifice: The blood and corpses on the Dreadnought are seen as necessary sacrifices for a warship, reflecting the harsh reality of piracy.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan interacts with his sailors, giving orders and displaying confidence in his plans.
• There's no significant interaction between Wang Xuan and James in this chapter.
• Wang Xuan communicates with the skeleton people, taunting them before trapping them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan intervenes in the fight between Jack, Turner, and Barbossa.
• Barbossa is defeated and killed by Wang Xuan, who also clears the curse from Jack and Turner.
• Wang Xuan retrieves a token from Barbossa, one of the Nine Real, needed to summon the goddess.
• Wang Xuan considers eliminating Jack, Turner, and Elizabeth but decides against it.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates his combat prowess and ruthlessness, striking fear into the other characters.
• Jack shows his survival instincts and attempts to negotiate with Wang Xuan to spare his life.
• Barbossa's power and immortality are no match for Wang Xuan's skills.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the struggle for dominance among pirates.
• The consequences of making deals with dangerous entities, like Davy Jones.
• The pursuit of freedom and the constraints of obligations (missions).

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and Jack: Wang Xuan intimidates Jack, who tries to negotiate and offer a deal to save his life.
• Wang Xuan and Barbossa: Wang Xuan easily defeats and kills Barbossa, showing his superior combat skills.
• Wang Xuan, Jack, Turner, and Elizabeth: Wang Xuan considers eliminating them but decides against it, leaving their fates uncertain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group receives a new number, 908932066.
• A public announcement clarifies that Wang, the former driver (Xuan), is not involved in driving-related issues.
• The group is sternly advised not to drive, with the warning repeated three times.

Character Developments

• No significant individual character developments are shown in this chapter.

Significant Themes

• Obfuscation and Clarification: The chapter begins with a new group number, which could be seen as an attempt to distance the group from their previous activities. The subsequent clarification about Wang/Xuan's involvement (or lack thereof) in driving further emphasizes this theme.
• Authority and Compliance: The repeated warning not to drive suggests a strict adherence to rules or orders from an unknown authority.

Character Interactions

• While there are no direct interactions between characters in this chapter, the message is addressed to "everyone," implying a collective response and interaction among group members.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan, now a powerful figure, demands a doubloon and a compass from Jack Sparrow, using them to determine his next course of action.
• Wang Xuan helps Jack Sparrow reclaim the Black Pearl and offers to spare Jack's former crew members in exchange for assistance in finding Hina and learning about magic ships.
• Wang Xuan takes control of the Dreadnought and the Interceptor, releasing captured sailors and allowing Jack to keep the Black Pearl.
• Wang Xuan sets sail for the Caribbean Sea, aiming to become the Pirate King by eliminating major pirate leaders and annexing smaller groups.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates his growing power and influence, using his newfound authority to demand items from Jack Sparrow and make deals.
• Jack Sparrow, now subservient to Wang Xuan, agrees to help find Hina and learn about magic ships in exchange for his former crew members' lives.
• Elizabeth Swann and her father, Governor Weatherby Swann, are released by Wang Xuan, along with other captured sailors.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the abuse of power, as Wang Xuan uses his newfound influence to make demands and control others.
• The consequences of betrayal and the importance of loyalty, as seen in Jack Sparrow's treatment of his former crew members.
• The struggle for dominance and control within the pirate community, as Wang Xuan aims to become the Pirate King.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan interacts with Jack Sparrow, using his power to demand items and assistance, while Jack is forced to comply.
• Wang Xuan releases Elizabeth Swann and her father, showing a degree of mercy and understanding towards them.
• Wang Xuan sets sail with his fleet, aiming to eliminate major pirate leaders and consolidate his power in the Caribbean Sea.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan, now with a changed mindset, aims to rule the Caribbean, not just rob ships.
• He employs sting operations to capture pirates, intending to absorb them into his crew.
• Wang Xuan captures over 800 pirates in four operations and begins training them.
• He plans to 'pacify' the entire Caribbean Sea after training.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan's ambition grows; he now seeks power and influence, not just wealth.
• He demonstrates strategic thinking and ruthlessness in his operations.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power: Wang Xuan's desire for control and influence.
• Ruthlessness: Wang Xuan's willingness to eliminate threats and use captured pirates.
• Training and discipline: Wang Xuan's focus on training his crew to increase their effectiveness.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan interacts with Arthur, his second-in-command, who helps in luring and capturing pirates.
• Wang Xuan's interactions with captured pirates are brief and brutal, aiming to instill fear and obedience.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan's team runs out of food, and gunpowder supplies are low, prompting them to seek replenishment.
• Wang Xuan impersonates a British Commodore to secure supplies from Port-au-Prince, a British colonial port in North America.
• Wang Xuan targets Richi Reid's pirate stronghold in the Bahamas, aiming to test his team's training in a real mission.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates strategic thinking and adaptability in impersonating a British officer to secure supplies.
• The pirates under Wang Xuan's command show improvement in discipline and training, ready for their first major mission.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for resources and supplies, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a pirate fleet without a permanent base.
• The importance of strategic planning and adaptability in warfare, as seen in Wang Xuan's approach to attacking Richi Reid's stronghold.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan interacts with the Governor of Port-au-Prince, successfully securing supplies through deception.
• Wang Xuan and Arthur work together to execute a plan to lure Richi Reid's pirates into an ambush.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan uses lime as a blinding agent against Richy Reed's fleet, marking the first use of such a tactic in Europe.
• The enemy fleet is incapacitated, leading to Wang Xuan capturing five ships and over 400 prisoners.
• Wang Xuan tortures the captured captains to extract information about Richy Reed's hideout.
• Wang Xuan's fleet infiltrates Richy Reed's island stronghold, finding 18 ships and numerous pirates preparing for a night of revelry.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates ruthlessness and cunning in his tactics, prioritizing victory over humanitarian concerns.
• Richy Reed is shown as a disorganized and reckless leader, allowing his men to live in the moment without proper defenses.

Significant Themes

• The chapter highlights the brutal and unpredictable nature of naval warfare in the age of piracy.
• It also explores the use of underhanded tactics and the importance of intelligence gathering in military strategy.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan interacts with his subordinates, ordering them to prepare for battle and torture the captured captains.
• The captured captains interact with Wang Xuan, initially refusing to confess but eventually breaking under torture.
• The pirates on Richy Reed's island interact with each other, preparing for a night of revelry, unaware of the impending attack.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan's detachment returns with two captured ships, attracting the attention of Riche Reed, another pirate captain.
• Riche Reed's flagship is attacked and boarded by Wang Xuan's forces, leading to a fierce battle.
• Wang Xuan captures Riche Reed and interrogates him about his treasure.
• Wang Xuan's forces eliminate the remaining enemy pirates, sinking their ships and killing most of the survivors.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan: Demonstrates strategic planning, combat skills, and ruthlessness in battle. He shows no mercy to his enemies and is focused on expanding his power.
• Riche Reed: Initially confident and defiant, he is quickly overpowered and captured by Wang Xuan. He reveals no information about his treasure under torture.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ambition: Wang Xuan's actions are driven by his desire for power and wealth, reflecting the cutthroat nature of piracy.
• Mercy and Ruthlessness: Wang Xuan shows no mercy to his enemies, emphasizing the brutal reality of pirate life.
• Nature and Mortality: The sea is portrayed as a harsh and unforgiving force that ultimately claims the lives of the pirates, reflecting the transient nature of life and power.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan vs. Riche Reed: Their interaction is marked by hostility and violence, with Wang Xuan using torture to try and extract information from Riche Reed.
• Wang Xuan's Forces vs. Riche Reed's Pirates: The battle between the two pirate crews is fierce and one-sided, with Wang Xuan's forces ultimately emerging victorious.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan's brutal methods instill fear and obedience in his 800 pirates and the island's inhabitants.
• Wang Xuan captures Richy Reed and tortures him into revealing the locations of his treasures and strongholds.
• Wang Xuan inspects two strongholds and a treasure location, confirming Richy's honesty before killing him and preserving his head.
• Wang Xuan incorporates and trains new recruits, expanding his forces to around 2,000 men with five battleships.
• Wang Xuan plans to lure other major pirate factions to a Pirate King election, aiming to eliminate them all.
• Despite his efforts, only Jack Sparrow attends the election after half a month.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates his cruelty and ruthlessness, instilling fear in his subordinates and enemies.
• Richy Reed, despite his heinous crimes, is terrified by Wang Xuan's torture methods and confesses everything.
• Jack Sparrow, though initially reluctant, decides to attend the Pirate King election to avoid making an enemy of Wang Xuan.

Significant Themes

• Power and Fear: Wang Xuan's power is emphasized through his ability to instill fear in others, ensuring obedience and maintaining control.
• Torture and Information Extraction: Wang Xuan uses psychological fear and physical torture to extract information from Richy Reed.
• Manipulation and Deception: Wang Xuan attempts to manipulate other pirate factions by luring them to the Pirate King election, aiming to deceive and eliminate them.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan interacts with his subordinates, giving orders and promoting them to serve by his side.
• Wang Xuan tortures Richy Reed, demonstrating his cruelty and determination to extract information.
• Wang Xuan communicates with Jack Sparrow, who attends the Pirate King election, showing respect for Wang Xuan's power and influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jack arrives at Wang Xuan's island, astonished by the latter's fleet strength.
• Jack hands over a paper detailing methods to upgrade legendary ships, each with gruesome requirements.
• Wang Xuan shares a story about Jack avenging Rich and attacking Nassau, hinting at a future alliance.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan: Shows his influence and strength, revealing his ambition to dominate the Caribbean.
• Jack: Struggles with his fear of Davy Jones and the consequences of Wang Xuan's proposed alliance.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power: Wang Xuan's desire to control the Caribbean.
• Fear and consequence: Jack's fear of Davy Jones and the potential repercussions of his actions.
• Debt and obligation: Wang Xuan's reminder of their past debts and his offer to wipe them clean.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and Jack: Wang Xuan manipulates Jack by playing on his fears and offering protection from Davy Jones. Jack is reluctant but considers the proposal due to his desperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jack secures a backup plan by convincing Wang Xuan to help him gather pirates to attack Nassau Port, with the promise of turning it into a pirate base.
• Wang Xuan keeps the compass to prevent Jack from abandoning their plan.
• Wang Xuan returns to Nassau with a fleet, presenting the Governor with a victory over the Richie Pirate Group.
• Wang Xuan plans to use Nassau as a trap for Jack and the gathered pirates, intending to eliminate them all.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan: Shows strategic thinking and cunning, planning to use the pirates' attack on Nassau to his advantage.
• Jack: Demonstrates persuasive skills, convincing three major pirate gangs to join his plan to attack Nassau.

Significant Themes

• Deception and manipulation: Both Wang Xuan and Jack use deception to further their goals.
• Power dynamics: Wang Xuan uses his newfound power and influence to control the situation, while Jack uses his charisma to rally pirates.
• Ambition: Both characters display ambitious plans for the future, with Wang Xuan aiming to eliminate pirates and Jack seeking a permanent base for his operations.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and the Governor: Wang Xuan presents the Governor with a grand victory, gaining his trust and support for the upcoming plan.
• Jack and the pirate gangs: Jack successfully convinces Marvin Murray, Hardy Chamberlain, and Sidney Wood to join his attack on Nassau, using the promise of a permanent base and better living conditions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jack successfully rallies over 6,000 pirates from various groups to attack Nassau.
• Wang Xuan prepares for the attack by dismantling cannons for shore defense, using dilapidated ships to block the port, and sending a ship for reconnaissance.
• The pirates, numbering over 40 ships, approach Nassau at dusk, with the intention to burn, kill, and loot.
• Wang Xuan orders a simultaneous cannon fire from over 300 cannons, creating a dense barrage of cannonballs towards the pirate ships.

Character Developments

• Jack's influence and ability to incite people are revealed as he unites numerous pirate groups.
• Wang Xuan demonstrates strategic planning and leadership, preparing Nassau's defenses and orchestrating the cannon fire.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and influence is evident in Jack's ability to rally pirates and Wang Xuan's strategic planning.
• The theme of preparation and planning is highlighted as Wang Xuan's early preparations help Nassau's defense.

Character Interactions

• Jack interacts with the pirate leaders, convincing them to join his cause.
• Wang Xuan interacts with his captains and sailors, issuing orders and coordinating the defense of Nassau.
• There's no direct interaction between Jack and Wang Xuan in this chapter, but their actions set the stage for a major confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan's fleet, including the Black Pearl and the Interceptor, drifts towards the port of Nasau.
• Wang Xuan's strategy is to target and disable the most numerous and fragile warships first, preventing a pirate invasion.
• The pirates, initially stunned by Wang Xuan's relentless artillery fire, attempt to maneuver their ships to retaliate but become entangled.
• Wang Xuan orders a pause in artillery fire to cool the cannons and prepare for a concentrated bombardment.
• The pirates fire their cannons first, but their barrage causes minimal damage to the port's defenses.
• Wang Xuan orders the detonation of six ships laden with gunpowder, creating a massive explosion that devastates the nearby pirate fleet.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates strategic thinking, tactical prowess, and a willingness to use overwhelming force to gain an advantage.
• The pirate leaders show poor coordination and lack of discipline, struggling to respond to Wang Xuan's tactics.

Significant Themes

• The power of preparation and strategy in warfare.
• The importance of unified command and discipline in military operations.
• The devastating potential of gunpowder and artillery.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan's orders and tactics are followed by his army, showcasing their trust and obedience.
• The pirate leaders communicate briefly but fail to coordinate their actions effectively.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A massive explosion and subsequent cannon fire from Naozao's coastal defense artillery destroy most of the pirate fleet, leaving only 14 ships.
• The pirates, led by Marvin Murray, Hardy Chamberlain, and Sydney Wood, attempt to flee but are blocked by Wang Xuan's fleet.
• Wang Xuan's forces capture the remaining pirate ships and take prisoners, preventing any escape attempts at night.
• The Governor of Naozao arrives and expresses satisfaction with the pirates' defeat, despite being disgusted by the corpses.
• Jack leaves Naozao after retrieving his compass from Wang Xuan.
• The three pirate leaders, believing the British are behind the attack, plan to negotiate and continue their piracy under British protection.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates his strategic prowess and ruthlessness in battle, aiming to dominate the Caribbean Sea.
• The three pirate leaders show adaptability and cunning, choosing to negotiate rather than face certain defeat.
• The Governor of Naozao is revealed to be cowardly and squeamish, vomiting at the sight of corpses.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between nations and pirates in the Caribbean Sea.
• The ruthlessness and adaptability required for survival in a lawless environment.
• The consequences of underestimating one's enemies.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and the Governor: Wang Xuan is disgusted by the Governor's cowardice and insensitivity.
• The three pirate leaders: They display unity and strategic thinking in discussing their next move.
• Wang Xuan and Jack: Jack leaves Naozao without further interaction with Wang Xuan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan, now a Commodore, captures the remaining pirate ships and their leaders.
• Arthur negotiates with the pirate kings, who demand compensation and titles.
• Wang Xuan tortures the captured pirate leaders to extract information.
• Wang Xuan begins organizing and repairing the captured warships.
• The Governor's adjutant grows suspicious of Wang Xuan's large entourage.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates his ruthlessness and strategic thinking, wiping out most Caribbean pirates and capturing their ships.
• Arthur shows his diplomatic skills and loyalty to Wang Xuan.
• The pirate leaders, once powerful, are reduced to desperate, broken figures.
• The Governor's adjutant becomes increasingly suspicious of Wang Xuan's activities.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Wang Xuan's power and influence grow as he eliminates his rivals and expands his fleet.
• Brutality and mercy: Wang Xuan shows no mercy to his enemies, using torture to extract information.
• Suspicion and trust: The Governor's adjutant grows suspicious of Wang Xuan, foreshadowing potential conflict.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and Arthur: Wang Xuan delegates tasks to Arthur, who proves himself capable and loyal.
• Wang Xuan and the pirate leaders: Wang Xuan shows no respect or mercy towards the captured pirate leaders.
• The Governor's adjutant and the Governor: The adjutant reports his suspicions about Wang Xuan to the Governor, hinting at potential future conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan, posing as a British naval officer, clears out pirates in Nassau, gaining control of the port.
• He releases captured pirates to work on improving Nassau's infrastructure, planning to deal with them later.
• Wang Xuan secretly takes over the Governor's mansion and installs his own guards, revealing his true intentions to the Governor and deputy.
• Wang Xuan recruits Ulysses Hornby to supply Nassau with needed resources, including ships, supplies, and laborers.
• Over half a year, Nassau transforms into a bustling town with a population of over 20,000, featuring various businesses and facilities.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan: Asserts his dominance and takes control of Nassau, demonstrating strategic planning and manipulative skills.
• Governor and Deputy: Realize Wang Xuan's true intentions and become his puppets, understanding their limited options.

Significant Themes

• Power and control: Wang Xuan's manipulation and takeover of Nassau highlight his desire for power and dominance.
• Transformation and growth: The rapid development of Nassau under Wang Xuan's rule showcases the theme of transformation and growth.
• Manipulation and deception: Wang Xuan's actions reveal his ability to manipulate and deceive others to achieve his goals.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and the Governor/Deputy: Wang Xuan intimidates and manipulates the Governor and Deputy, revealing his true intentions and asserting his dominance.
• Wang Xuan and Ulysses Hornby: Wang Xuan recruits Ulysses to supply resources to Nassau, forming a mutually beneficial business relationship.
• Wang Xuan and his subordinates: Wang Xuan's subordinates follow his orders, helping him take control of Nassau and train the captured pirates.

**Chapter Summary: Looting Spanish Colonies"

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan's military strength has grown significantly: 7,000 men, 20 battleships, 300 port defense cannons.
• He's facing the Spanish navy, which is slightly larger than his, with 1 second-rate, 5 third-rate, and 25 fourth-rate battleships.
• Wang Xuan's navy is disguised, and his 14 fourth-rate ships are hidden.
• He's planning to attack a Spanish colonial port, with 7 ships, 4,000 pirates, and 2,000 soldiers on the island on high alert.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan is shown to be a strategic and tactical mastermind, planning his attack meticulously.
• He's also a shrewd businessman, planning to dabble in real estate to manage the city's finances.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control - Wang Xuan's growing power and his desire to control the region.
• Deception - Wang Xuan's use of deception to hide his true military strength.
• Business and Money - Wang Xuan's focus on the financial aspect of his empire.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and his men" - Wang Xuan's men are shown to be well-trained and disciplined, following his orders perfectly.

Key Plot Points

• Pirates, led by Wang Xuan, successfully plunder five ports, causing chaos and panic among the Spanish colonies.
• The Spanish Rear Admiral splits the Caribbean Fleet to ambush the pirates at the next target port".
• Wang Xuan's fleet lures the Spanish fleet into a trap, and they're ambushed by a larger pirate fleet" while the Spanish fleet is in a lime fog, "AH" "cough cough" "my eyes" "close your eyes quickly, what the hell is this thing" "fire!" "fire!" "boom boom boom" "ah!" "my eyes!"

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan: He's cunning and strategic, successfully luring the Spanish fleet into a trap and ambushing them.
• Spanish Rear Admiral: He's determined to catch the pirates but falls for their trap.

Significant Themes

• Cunning and Strategy: Wang Xuan's cunning and strategic planning is the key to his success.
• **DECEIT and TRICKERY": Wang Xuan uses deception to outsmart the Spanish fleet.
• AMBUSH and TRAPS: The pirates use ambushes and traps to gain an advantage against their enemies.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and the Spanish Rear Admiral: Their interaction is one of cat and mouse, with Wang Xuan outsmarting the Admiral at every turn.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan's fleet ambushes and decimates the Spanish Navy, capturing ships and taking prisoners.
• A Spanish merchant ship is used to spread disinformation about a large pirate force with more than a dozen warships.
• The Spanish Rear Admiral falls for the ruse, sets sail to engage the supposed pirate force, and encounters two of his damaged ships being pursued by two of Wang Xuan's ships.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates strategic prowess, thorough planning, and deception tactics.
• Spanish Rear Admiral shows impulsiveness and overconfidence, falling for Wang Xuan's trap.

Significant Themes

• Deception and strategy in warfare.
• The importance of accurate information and intelligence gathering.
• The consequences of underestimating one's enemy.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan's fleet interacts with the Spanish Navy, first in battle, then in surrender and capture.
• The Spanish Rear Admiral interacts with the merchant ship captain, receiving false information.
• The Spanish Rear Admiral interacts with his own ships, misinterpreting the situation and setting sail to engage the supposed pirate force.