The dignified middle-aged gentleman silently watched the conflict the six-year-old children were having from the shade of the tree, unseen by any but the young muscular man standing beside him. His piercing grey eyes were locked on one child in particular observing his every action, as he had done since the young man could walk. The boy was carefully and silently maneuvering his way closer to two larger boys who were beating a smaller one.
There was a gleam in the boy's eyes that showed a level of cleverness and ruthlessness that ran counter to both the boy's age, and what the dignified middle-aged gentleman had observed of the boy's usual personality. When the boy was close enough, he very quickly scooped a rock up from the ground and sprinted for the largest boy bringing the rock down on the back of his head with ruthless efficiency.
Terrified, the other boy suddenly spun around and stopped kicking the boy on the ground, backing up and tripping over the boy he was just kicking in the process.
The terrified boy was able to get a quick glance at his unconscious comrade and the blood on the ground around him before his vision was filled with the furious face of the boy who was the source of his terror. The middle-aged man watched from the shadows as the usually gentle and slightly cowardly boy struck the larger boy with brutal efficiency quickly knocking him unconscious.
The boy then quickly got up and went to check on the bully's victim who was still on the ground crying and shaking. The middle-aged man watched with a small smile of satisfaction on his face as the boy hugged his friend and said encouraging words he could not hear from his hiding spot in the shade.
After the boy got his friend to calm down, he helped him to his feet and put his turban back on for him then they walked away heading towards the boarding school infirmary. The middle-aged man was silent even after the boys had left deep in thought still with that small smile of pride on his face.
Unable to contain his curiosity any longer the large muscular young man next to the dignified middle-aged gentleman turned and asked the question that had been on his mind for a few moments now. "Why are you smiling so proudly when all I saw were the actions of a coward?", he asked his deep voice filled with disdain. The young man's voice brought the dignified middle-aged man out of his thoughts, and he turned to look at his companion with obvious annoyance in his steely eyes.
When those eyes locked on him the young man subconsciously took a step back. Everyone in the family from the top down to the lowest ranking members knew how dangerous this dignified middle-aged man was, and not a single one of them believe they could live another day should he wish them harm. A split second later however, a smile of amusement was seen on the dignified middle-aged man's face and the muscular young man relaxed. "Marcus my young friend you have much to learn if all you saw was cowardice.", the dignified middle-aged man said in a steady voice filled with authority and strength.
Marcus looked at the man not understanding what he meant but too afraid to contradict him, something the man seemed to sense so he smiled and continued his explanation. "Is it cowardly to utilize whatever tactics you can against a superior foe? "When your goal is not just victory but to save those you care about from a situation in which they have no hope of victory themselves, what matters more success or foolish bravado?" "I saw no coward here today, what I saw was a young man facing overwhelming odds to save a friend and using any means necessary to do so." "Cowardice would be abandoning your friend to their fate because you were too scared or believed yourself too weak to help them."
"The bravery you appear to be suggesting would have been a young man recklessly throwing himself into an unwinnable conflict, this would help no one and save no one leading only to failure and in our world when you fail your friends and your family they die." "So, I ask you again young Marcus what did you see here today, foolish bravado, extreme cowardice, or a young man with the makings of a warrior?" After finishing his speech, the dignified middle-aged man looked at Marcus in expectation as if imposing his will upon him to answer his question.
Marcus looked at the dignified middle-aged man everyone in the Family called Uncle for a moment as he processed his words in preparation to answer Uncle's question. "I'm sorry Uncle I suppose I was only thinking of how I would manage things in that situation, you're right I was a bit too narrow minded and have a lot to learn.", Marcus answered slightly ashamed of himself.
Uncle smiled gently as he looked at the young man hanging his head in shame.
Uncle approached Marcus and put his hand on his shoulder which caused Marcus to look up at him. "There is no shame in having things you must learn, the shame comes when you are too arrogant to admit your failures, and to learn from them as well as the insight of those around you." "You are strong and have been for a very long time, you have forgotten how the weak fight and forgetting this lesson could very well lead to your death."
"The world we live in is not like the schoolyard brawl you just witnessed, in our world as you well know, defeat means death when we face our enemies" "Do not let your chivalry and sense of fairness cloud your judgment and make your thoughts and actions inflexible and predictable." "You lead many men for the family now, your failures would mean the death of them as well, never forget that." After his speech uncle removed his hand from Marcus's shoulder and left the man alone with his thoughts for a moment. After a moment or two Marcus looked up at Uncle with a determined look in his eyes and thanked him for his wisdom.
Uncle acknowledged his thanks with a slight nod of his head and a small smile, happy to see the man had learned something.
As they walked back to the car parked a few blocks away Marcus felt brave enough to ask Uncle the biggest question he had on his mind. "Uncle why is the Family so interested in this child anyway, how is a mere orphan important enough that they send you to observe him?"
Uncle stopped in his tracks at that moment and Marcus felt his fight or flight instinct crash through his body like a tidal wave. Uncle turned to look at Marcus and when he did Marcus was rooted to the ground in pure terror. The next thing he knew, he was flying through the air having been kicked by Uncle so fast that Marcus could not even see him move. Marcus sat at the base of the tree that he had crashed into his ears ringing as he fought to breathe through the pain of three cracked ribs. Uncle approached Marcus and slowly knelt down until his eyes were level with his. Uncle then stared deep into his eyes and Marcus could see the pain and fury held within the eyes staring into his.
"Let this be the only warning you ever get, never ask that question, it is our Family's highest-level secret that only the head of the family and I myself are allowed to even discuss. I cannot answer your question, but I can promise that if you ask it in front of the head of the family, I will have no choice but to kill you. All the members of our Family are like sons and daughters to me so please never force me to make that choice.", Uncle said, the pain in his voice clear even to Marcus through his own pain. "I understand uncle and I'm sorry it will never happen again.", Marcus said as Uncle helped him to his feet.
Silently the two men made their way back to the car. The pain in his ribs was nothing much to Marcus he had received far worse when receiving advanced training at the compound run by the Family. What was bothering Marcus more was Uncle's extreme reaction to his question and the mystery the reaction implied. Marcus understood that something like this was a strictly need to know type of situation but not knowing was not what made Marcus nervous. What made Marcus nervous was the knowledge that a situation like this meant that in the future the Family would undergo substantial changes when this child was old enough to be a part of it. Marcus was a meticulous man and unpredictability made him incredibly nervous. After a few moments of contemplation however, Marcus felt that it would be inefficient and pointless of him to allow this to pull his focus. This was both a problem for the future and one he was currently not qualified to be concerned with.
Gathering his resolve Marcus put the issue out of his head and chose not to think about it, instead focusing on the task in front of him.
As Marcus was deep in thought they had arrived at the car the family had supplied Uncle for his duties. The car was a small black limousine with blackout windows that looked completely normal despite the fact that it was armored enough to compete with a tank. Marcus slid into the back seat because he knew that although unspoken customs dictated that a lower ranking member of the family drove, Uncle would not let anyone drive his personal vehicle with the exception of the head of the Family. The drive out of the roads that had brought them to the boarding school was a quiet one, as it seemed both men were deep in their own thoughts.
Not long after leaving the private property on which the boarding school was found, they were once again on the busy roads of Newport Beach. It was the height of the tourist season, so the city was alive with the hustle and bustle of excited people enjoying what the city had to offer. The smell of excellent food naturally wafted into the car from Marcus's rolled down window. A growl from the man's stomach made Uncle chuckle softly under his breath.
Uncle glanced at the watch under his sleeve briefly as the car sat in traffic. Contemplating for a moment he then decided to make a call. He pulled his phone from the front pocket of his black suit and hit the first number on his speed dial. After it rang for a moment a voice that was somehow gentle and provocative at the same time answered. "Uncle Vince what is it is there a problem?", the voice asked bringing a small smile to the dignified middle-aged man's lips. Marcus felt his whole body tense, he knew that voice. It was the voice of the most powerful woman in the world, and the leader of the greatest criminal organization the world had ever seen. It was the voice of Annabella De La Marca Vesmierta, the Boss of the Vesmierta Family… and his Boss as well.
Marcus 's eyes shifted to Uncle, momentarily panicked that he had committed some great offense, and that Uncle would ask for permission to kill him, but his worries were unfounded and he visibly relaxed when he heard Uncle's next words. "It is nothing serious my dear I was simply calling to let you know that me and one of my men will stop for a bite to eat before we catch the ferry back to the island." There was a pause on the other end of the line before the Boss answered him. "You took Marcus with you this time didn't you Uncle?", she asked, clear in her voice. Marcus as thick skinned as he was, still coughed lightly and avoided eye contact with Uncle when he heard what the Boss had said. Uncle glanced back at him with that small smile of amusement a little more pronounced on his face than usual. "Indeed, I did my dear.", he answered looking straight at Marcus.
Beautiful almost musical laughter could be heard before the boss spoke next. "Are we not feeding you enough when you are here Marcus?", she asked him directly in a teasing voice. "I eat a lot Boss don't know why but it can't be helped.", Marcus replied quickly fumbling over the words a bit in his embarrassment. The Boss's laughter Could be heard even more clearly through the phone now and even Uncle was chuckling at this point. "Don't worry we are just teasing you Marcus we always take care of our own even if they require a little more care than usual people.", she said. Marcus was about to thank her, but she continued speaking so he quietly listened. "Although you are forgetting something Marcus.", she said and paused as if waiting for Marcus to figure out what she meant. Marcus realized his mistake at once and spoke his apologies. "I'm very sorry Godmother calling my superiors boss is a habit from my days before the Family.", he said. Annabella's father had always insisted on viewing the organization like a real family and those lessons stuck with her after his death.
Due to this, she insisted that all members of the family see each other as actual family and had people call her Godmother instead of Boss to drive the point home. Many new members found it odd at first to call a beautiful 20 year old woman Godmother but the family like atmosphere of the organization quickly dispelled those feelings. An atmosphere further reinforced by the rankings in the family beyond Soldato being family titles under her leadership, such as brother and sister instead of traditional ranks. "No need to apologize so profusely Marcus I was simply reminding you.", Annabella replied.
Uncle cleared his throat as if gently guiding the young Godmother back to the topic at hand. This was a privilege unique to him as the Underboss of the family and Annabella's actual uncle. Only he was allowed to guide or criticize Annabella, and it was for this reason that he was her advisor. "We should get back to the topic at hand.", Annabella said smoothly as if it was her idea. "I give you permission for this detour but be careful crowds aren't always safe.", she said the unmistakable sound of authority in her voice. "Few in this world can even worry me and I trained Marcus myself we will be fine dear do not worry.", Uncle said before hanging up the phone. Briefly the memories of the aforementioned training flashed in Marcus's mind before he pushed them back down into his repressed memories for his own mental health. Finally, traffic began to move again, and silence returned to the inside of the vehicle.
After leaving the busiest part of the city and approaching the outskirts of it they came upon a grand hotel gate and Uncle rolled down his window. From the booth beside the gate a man stepped out and approached the window. He was easily 6 foot 5 inches tall and an absolute mountain of muscle, he had what seemed like a permanent scowl on his sunburned face and his bald head reflected the early evening sun. He had piercing green eyes and wore a white polo shirt and black jeans that seemed to strain with every movement. He had a 45 caliber handgun on his right hip and his hand never strayed too far from it. He moved with the purpose and grace of a trained soldier; this was obviously a very capable man.
Upon approaching the vehicle and seeing who was in it the man's attitude completely changed. A wide grin broke out on his face and in a deep booming voice he greeted Uncle. "Uncle what brings you out here? "I never thought you would be anywhere near the mainland during the tourist season!", he said joy and surprise as clear in his voice as his thick Russian accent. "Good to see you again Dmitri, have things been peaceful since your arrival?", Uncle said. Dmitri threw his head back and roared with laughter before he replied. "Everyone knows that this hotel is only for members and associates of our family, and no one has been crazy enough to mess with the Vesmierta Family for a long time!", he said with unmistakable pride. As Dmitri said this Marcus gazed at the plain black gate bearing the Insignia of the family upon it and felt the same pride as Dmitri. The family Insignia was an ornate gold V with two black dragons coiled around either side facing one another inside of a red inferno.
The family motto in Latin formed a closed circle around the design. If it were translated into English the motto would say, Our might is for our family, our wrath is for our enemies, our mercy is for the innocent.
Uncle suddenly cleared his throat and the hairs on the back of Dmitri's neck stood up as he sensed the man's anger. On reflex he stood at attention and locked eyes with Uncle terrified of what might happen if he looked away. "Peace is not an excuse to relax your vigilance, you are a Soldato of the Vesmierta Family never forget the weight of that duty even as you feel the pride of it.", Uncle said his eyes never leaving the other man's. Dmitri let out a breath he did not know he was holding as uncle finished talking.
He immediately felt slightly ashamed of himself and apologized looking like a scolded child. Marcus was always impressed by how easily uncle could keep order within the family few in the family had seen him in action, but the older man's mere presence was capable of radiating an aura of blood and death. This was something that very few if any in the family could stand against so even those who had never seen him in action could feel how dangerous he was. Uncle smiled at the man he had just berated, and his entire demeanor became warm and welcoming. "So long as you understand your mistake I have nothing left to say about the matter.", Uncle said.
Dmitri visibly relaxed as the feeling of impending crisis left his body. He wiped a few beads of sweat off of his forehead and turned his attention back to Uncle as he began to speak again. "How is the family doing these days do you have everything you need, or shall I speak with my niece?", Uncle asked genuine concern in his voice. "There is no need to trouble the boss we are doing quite well, my wife's cancer is in remission and the boss has already covered all of the medical expenses please don't worry.", Dmitri replied touched by the concern Uncle showed for his family.
"We will always worry because you are part of our family as well, but I am glad that all is going well. I will make some time to visit Allison personally in the next few days.", Uncle informed him. Dmitri thanked him and the two men chatted idly for another minute or two until Uncle informed him that they must be heading inside for lunch as they were expected back at headquarters soon.
The two men said their goodbyes and Dmitri opened the gate for Uncle. Uncle drove up the driveway leading to the private hotel. It was Marcus 's first time here so he was impressed by the sights he was seeing outside the window of the vehicle. A lush and beautiful garden surrounded the driveway on all sides roses and tulips of every color were arranged tastefully throughout the garden and there were many dragon statues spewing water in cycles to keep the plants well hydrated. Even as a man who had no real love for things like flowers and artwork he had to appreciate the sights he was seeing. Wafting in through the rolled down window was an extremely pleasant scent that filled him with nostalgia. He had not even seen the building yet and already he was impressed and felt at peace.
After a few moments, the hotel came into view and Marcus was once again shocked by what he saw. To describe the hotel as a building would be an inaccurate statement, this was a castle. The entire outside of the building seemed to be made of a beautiful white ivory colored stone and the Spires and other top parts of the castle were covered in what seemed to be gold with black inlays that seemed to be depicting renaissance era art. Armed sentries could be seen all around and on the tops of the building as if this really were a castle prepared for war this sight was a stark contrast to the beauty of the building itself. Uncle parked the car directly in front of the building and as soon as he did a group of men in pure black combat gear complete with helmets and FN SCAR automatic weapons formed a line on either side of the vehicle that led all the way to the massive Oakwood door with the family Crest inlaid in gold that served as the entrance. Their coordination and swiftness were so perfect that even an elite combatant like Marcus was impressed.
Uncle took the keys out of the ignition and straightened his suit and tie before stepping out of the vehicle and making his way to the white marble sidewalk that led to the door. Marcus followed his lead leaving the car and walking to Uncle's side. Both men kept their eyes straight ahead striding with purpose towards the door each of the men flanking their sides saluting as they passed with the traditional salute of the Vesmierta family. This consisted of two strong taps with the right fist over the heart and an elegant bow with the fist over the heart bending only the waist and maintaining eye contact to show both dignity and respect. The men would hold this pose until the two superiors who were their guests were out of sight. Uncle and Marcus strode straight ahead to the large door of the entrance and as they got closer to it the doors opened for them.
Upon stepping into the main hall, they were greeted with the sight of a beautifully decorated lobby with white marble floors and obsidian colored walls. A large staircase made of mahogany was leading to the upper floors on both sides, Victorian era paintings were put up along the walls and chandeliers that were made of pure diamond and gold were hung on the lofty ceilings providing light. A large extravagant desk with the family Insignia in gold on the front of it was directly ahead of them. A beautiful Middle Eastern woman with dark hair and bright green eyes stood behind it ready to greet them. She had a radiant smile on her face displaying her perfect teeth and her blood red lips and smokey eye makeup made her face seem even more beautiful.
She was wearing a beautiful strapless black dress that hugged her voluptuous figure and as she walked around the other side of the desk to greet them Marcus noticed that the dress had a slit up one side showing off her beautiful leg and red high heeled shoes. As she approached Uncle cleared his throat to snap Marcus out of his trance. However, it was too late, and the beautiful woman had already noticed his stares. Luckily, she was flattered instead of offended and only giggled softly as her eyes caught his.
Marcus looked away in embarrassment as the woman turned her attention to Uncle and greeted him. "Uncle welcome, are you staying a night or are you just here for a meal?", The woman asked her beautiful almost musical voice softly echoing in Marcus 's ears. "Just a meal this time my dear, I'm afraid we have urgent business afterwards so I can't stay long.", Uncle said. The young woman's face wore a disappointed frown that quickly changed into a look of concern. "You're not in any danger are you uncle? Do we need to increase the guard?", she asked in a worried tone. For the briefest of instance her eyes darted over to Marcus filled with the same worry she usually reserved for people important to her like Uncle.
Marcus having total situational awareness in most cases, saw this and his heart skipped a beat as he quickly looked away. Uncle noticed this exchange as well and was amused by it. "Oh, has spring finally come for these two workaholics?", Uncle thought to himself already making more plans in his mind. Shifting his focus back to the woman he assured her that such a precaution was unnecessary, and that Marcus was trained by him personally and very capable of responding to any danger. The woman gave Marcus a long look and a gentle smile after hearing this and Marcus held her gaze 1000 thoughts running through his mind before quickly looking away making the woman giggle softly to herself.
"Besides my dear all we are doing is getting some lunch before we return to my niece's side.", Uncle said snapping the two out of their own little world.
At the sound of his voice the young woman returned her attention to Uncle. "Then I will have your usual place in the Sky Lounge ready immediately the staff have already been notified of your arrival and will prepare anything you ask for.", she informed him with a smile on her face. "Thank you very much for your diligence as always my dear we shall head up immediately." Uncle said. Uncle began to walk briskly towards the elevator on the left side of the hallway past the desk.
Marcus followed but was stopped by the young woman before he could walk past her. "May I know your name, or should I just call you Shy Warrior?", she asked him putting her hand on his arm gently. Marcus froze for a second not used to being around women like this as he had spent almost all of his 24 years of life training to be an elite soldier for the family. He quickly composed himself however and turned to look into her sparkling green eyes before answering. "My name is Marcus, Soldato for the Vesmierta family and a member of the Dragons, the unit Uncle leads.", he replied equal parts nervousness and pride in his voice.
The woman smiled warmly at him when she heard his answer and open her mouth to speak. "Hello Marcus of the Dragons my name is Rani a Soldato for the family as well.", she told him. Marcus was momentarily surprised as he had never seen her before, not during meetings or training or anywhere at headquarters for that matter. Sensing his confusion, she smiled at him once again before clarifying his doubts. "You likely have not seen me before because I work for Lady Maria.", she said. Suddenly it clicked for Marcus, Lady Maria's unit had an extremely specific purpose in the family. Just like how the Dragon units only purpose was to be the sword and shield of the Boss and her blood family, Lady Maria's unit also known as the Ravens had an extremely specific purpose as well.
They were the families Black Ops unit who oversaw information gathering and assassination. They were kind of like the boogeyman of the family as they oversaw internal investigations when necessary and eliminated people who broke the family's laws without warning. If they wanted you dead the only people who would know before you were the Boss and Uncle, and they certainly would not tell you it was going to happen. Marcus realized he was speaking to somebody who was probably just as skilled as he was.
Instead of scaring him Marcus found this incredibly thrilling and wondered how many more secrets this woman had. "It is very unfair that you get to be beautiful and mysterious no man stands a chance when you're like that.", Marcus said speaking his honest thoughts not trying to be smooth at all.
Marcus 's attitude shocked Rani most men treated her differently when they heard who she was or doubted her which made her incredibly angry when it happened, and when she was angry it never ended well for the party who offended her. "Uncle was right about him I should have met this man sooner.", she thought to herself making up her mind about her next course of action.
She told Marcus to wait where he was and walked over to the desk pulling a pen and notepad out from under it. She wrote down her contact info and tore the sheet with it off of the pad before handing it to Marcus. She looked into his eyes and smiled before speaking. "I think you've earned the right to see if you stand a chance make sure you contact me soon.", She whispered playfully into his ear. She then kissed him on the cheek And walked away entering into a door behind them near the entrance labeled employees only. Marcus stood there in a daze for a moment before walking towards the elevators surprised to see that Uncle was there waiting on him. "How did it go my boy?", Uncle Asked him in a casual tone. "I didn't do much of anything she had control over the entire conversation as if she already knew who I was and what I was like around women.", Marcus replied.
Then it all clicked for Marcus, Uncle had set this up he was almost sure of it. Marcus opened his mouth to ask if he was correct in his assumptions, but Uncle interrupted him. "While it is true that I told her about you that is all I did. I told her about a man who was like a son to me and how he is honest to a fault, caring, and one of the hardest working people I have ever seen." "I told her how no woman has yet gotten a chance to see what a good man you are and that if she wished I would be honored if she was the first." "Beyond that her interactions with you were entirely her own choice, she let me know she was ready which is why I brought you here today." After Uncle's explanation Marcus felt himself tearing up.
Marcus composed himself as he was still on duty and put all the feelings he was feeling into a heartfelt but simple thank you before standing at attention next to Uncle like usual. A small but pride filled smile was on Uncle's face as the elevator closed and remained on it all throughout a wonderful lunch. Two hours later both men were back in the car happy and well fed, making their way through traffic and towards the harbor. The harbor was as busy as every other part of the city the men and women who worked there constantly busy with their assigned tasks.
There were just as many boat owners on the docks tending to their ships or supervising as their hired help did it. Even outside the tourist seasons the dock tended to be busy due to the constant maintenance needed with boat ownership. All the way on the far end of the dock, in its own private section the Vesmierta Family ferry was located. People in the family called it the ferry but to everyone else on the docks it was referred to as "that one ridiculously extravagant yacht". It stood about five stories tall with a length of around 210 feet decorated in a white and gold theme with the family Crest displayed proudly upon it.
It was so massive that the city initially would not let them use their docks. The city relented however after the family agreed to pay for an extension and renovation of the dock as a sign of goodwill. Whenever it was docked tourists always took pictures of it because most people had never seen a ship so massive or extravagant. Paying no attention to the onlookers Uncle opened his phone and called the captain of the ship telling him to open the garage to prepare the car for transport. After driving into the ship's garage Uncle shut off the car and put the keys in his pocket making his way up the stairs on the far side of the garage, with Marcus following closely behind. After going up a couple of flights of stairs Uncle and Marcus reached the floor of the ship where their rooms were located.
They stepped out into a beautifully decorated hallway and let their bodies relax as they felt the air conditioned environment was a welcome change from the summer heat. Marcus once again found himself admiring the décor, as he had on the trip to the mainland from the island that served as the family's base of operations as well as their home. Lofty ceilings painted white with golden trim and vivid pictures of various marine life were beautifully painted on the ceiling.
The walls along the hallway were the same color and covered in various works of marine themed art painted by art students sponsored by the family. The carpets were a deep blue and incredibly soft so soft that Marcus could not even identify what they were made from. The doors were painted to match the carpet and while many people would find the décor a bit simple, Marcus found it both beautiful and calming. Suddenly, feeling very tired Marcus turned to Uncle and asked him how long it would be before they arrived at the island.
The Vesmierta family's main base of operations was a huge island that was originally much smaller but over the years many man-made islands had been created and connected to it. It was located approximately 300 nautical miles off the coast of California outside of any countries exclusive economic zone. No one but members of the family and the other residents of the island some affiliated with other families some not, knew its exact location. The Vesmierta family owned and governed this island though they did allow other organizations to live and operate on it provided they paid their dues.
All of the families activities that would be illegal on the mainland were run from this island making it exceedingly difficult in fact nearly impossible for them to be caught much less prosecuted for said activities. Also, when their illegal products or services went to the mainland, if a member of the family was ever at risk of being caught they simply had to make it to the island. Having a boat always docked on a private dock made it so that if they managed to get to the dock, their escape was virtually guaranteed.
Despite it being the most powerful organization in the world most people did not even know that the Vesmierta family was a criminal organization. All of their illegal activities were strictly off the books and the money from them was initially used to fund their legitimate enterprises on the mainland, though this was no longer necessary, so the money was used mostly for other things.
When a mainlander heard the name Vesmierta they thought of Vesmierta Holdings the richest and most powerful company in the world with a hand in every enterprise imaginable dominating the market in many of them. The worst thing that most people could say about them is that they aggressively bought out any potential competition and absorbed it, but this was typical of powerful corporations, so most people did not spare it much thought. After thinking for a moment Uncle answered Marcus 's question.
"Well, given how far out the island is and the fact that we'll be traveling at about 50 knots all the way there I would say we would arrive at about 6 to 6 1/2 hours if the waters are calm.", Uncle informed him. Marcus nodded after hearing his answer, deciding now would be a suitable time to catch up on some sleep. The two men went separate ways each intent on passing the time until they arrived at their destination.