It has been a long time since I had contact with your group. Last time, I spoke with senhor Ladron. I haven't heard from him since then, which is unusual. How is the old man doing? And how is the Brotherhood doing? Please, be so kind and give me an update on your situation.
It has been four years to be exact since we last saw you around. In all honesty, we are glad that some remnants of the Black Flag Corsairs are still around too. I think I do not need to present myself, but I will do it. I am Nina Rodriguez. We met back them and I think I was about to be in The Brotherhood.
Many new things happened. First of all, senor Pepe Ladron left us. I personally do not know what really happened before his leaving. A new group, still growing each day appeared, The Deterrence. They are clearly more numerous than us and we are also making less noise than them with their crazy fleet, raiding everywhere.
The Elder Alberto Rodriguez decided to remain on planet side for personal reasons and Elder Cesar Gutierrez is now taking charge of The Brotherhood. As for me, I assist him in hard decisions. We also have new faces with us.
I have not forgotten you. You left quite an impression back then. Seems like you've made a bit of an career in the Brotherhood? That's nice to see.
It is surprising to see Ladron gone. I always thought he'd keep the "throne" until it would break. I can't wait to hear his story. I will find him, and then I'll find out. I must say, senhor Gutierrez sure is an interesting Elder. Judging from the way I got to know him, he will soon be known and respected in all of Sparta. I suppose I should ask for an audience with him when I arrive back on Crete, which should be in just a few days.
You probably wonder why I left back then. I must disappoint you however, there is no long, complicated adventure story. When I lost the presidential election in 831, and with that the direct control over Leixões, I did not have much to do. I sent most of my military to the new Government, now under the leadership of Luan Costa, to aid in the defense of the state. The rest of the Black Flag's soldiers scattered out into the various other groups within the empire. With no relevant role in Crete's society, I decided to leave Sparta. It is not relevant where I was or what I did, all you need to know is that I am back, smarter, wiser and stronger than ever.
Now you might have allready figured out why I am back now. Near the end of the year, there will be another election in Leixões. This time, I will win. Costa was not active enough, the state did not thrive under his leadership. However, he also did not make any mistakes. Now we come to the reason why I contacted the Brotherhood. In order to reclaim my position, I need to be known. Known as a leader, to be precise. It is impossible to rebuild the Black Flag military in such a short time, and I don't even know if it would work a second time. No, I think, it is time for a change. A change for me, for you, for Sparta and for Leixões.
I am hereby offering my services to the Brotherhood.
Are you willing to work with me, senhora Rodriguez?
It's not that I don't want to work with you. I do want, but as you said, you must meet senor Gutierrez first. He is the only one who will have the last word.
I know fairly your story as leader, but I am not quite sure where to situate you, especially since four years with no news. I will trust the judgement of Gutierrez.
> > > Incoming transmission < < <
Encryption: High
Location: Planet Crete, Omicron Gamma
Sender ID: Cesar "Flipado" Gutierrez
Recipients: Almirante Lucia Jacquez
Subject: Been a long time
Senora Jaquez,
Your sudden appearance has been a surprise, but nevertheless a good one. Seeing familiar faces after a long time always remains a warm feeling to me. Responsibilities have unfortunately kept me busy and delayed me in responding. The day your Black Flag Corsairs have started disappearing still feels like an old wound that never heals, but you are back.
It would be my pleasure to meet you directly and exchange some stories, as well as some talk about business and duties. I can share you clues and rumors about senor Ladrons whereabouts, but they might be outdated, as even I dont know where exactly he resides now.
If you're available, we can meet at the "usual" spot, where we were preparing hermana Nina for the Malvada Trial a couple of years ago.