Yes, this is definitely turning out to be a prologue rather than a first chapter. In rewriting this I wanted to address a couple of the issues that Mad had raised about the reason a ghost ship could do the Phoenix did, and also introduce Captain James to his new command. I think I forced it a bit.

The actual story starts much earlier, and is getting quite interesting. This actually makes two novels I am working on at the same time, and somehow that should confuse me, but does not. Really do not think it is a good writing habit though. I need to develop some type of discipline there.

Does this mean I am ready to move on to my next assignment for here? there is a short story that I have been poking occasionally that I was thinking about letting you all go at. After the bloody shreds are picked over by you I know it will be worth giving to my friend.