#bsm31

[maremote]

Black Sails Monologuolympics BR3.1: Secondary Main Characters: ROUND 1

1/12: Eleanor vs. Jack

Eleanor, to Vane, in 309: "You're not a man. You're deformed. Unformed. Flesh, bone, and bile, and missing all that which takes shape through a mother's love. You cannot comprehend what you took from me or why it was good, because there is no goodness in you. There is no humanity in you, no capacity for compromise, nor instinct toward repair, nor progress. Nor forgiveness. You are an animal. Nassau is moving on from you, and so am I."

VS

Jack, to Anne & Max, in 202: "What I have found in my experience is the more elusive the puzzle, the more painfully obvious its ultimate solution. One just has to be willing to see it. Take our predicament, for example. You have a wealth of leads, but no means of exploiting them for anything other than a fee and risking retaliation from Ms. Guthrie in the process. I, on the other hand, have an unparalleled aptitude for the management of a crew, but am denied any and every opportunity to exploit the kill. And there it is… the solution, so obvious. You will provide all leads derived from this place directly to me. I will judge which to prosecute and which too likely to rouse Ms. Guthrie's ire. Anne and I will then take those chosen leads, we'll procure a ship, we'll recruit men, and we'll create, from nothing, a new crew from which we three will each hold a share. You asked for better captains… I give you Captain Jack Rackham. And one more thing… darling, I can understand why you wouldn't want to tell me about this, but please know that all I have ever wanted for you is to be happy. Come to bed when you're through."

BRACKET THREE ROUND ONE // BRACKET THREE // ALL POLLS

[maremote]

Black Sails Monologuolympics BR3.1: Secondary Main Characters: ROUND 1

9/12: Eleanor vs. Vane

Eleanor, to Flint, in 404: “A daughter who usurped her father.A woman who had taken control of a wild place. Scott was proof of that. The one who saw me that way, too, who substantiated it. And all that time, all he saw was a girl so ambitious… she would never doubt his story. So, she would continue to play the part. Draw everyone's attention away from himself. I know I did [those things.] But always with a man behind me doing his damnedest to bend it all to his benefit. My father, Scott, Charles, you. So many goddamn men here. Too many goddamn men here.”

VS

Vane, to Eleanor, in 208: "I was once a slave. I know too well the pain of the yoke on my shoulders and of the freedom of having cast it off. So I'm resolved, I will be no slave again. And as I am free, I hereby claim the same for Nassau. She is free today, and so long as I draw breath, she shall remain free. Richard Guthrie was engaged in an effort to see her return to the rule of a king, to see the yoke returned. He betrayed Nassau, and thus, as always, to traitors. As far as you and I, I was warned about you, warned you would betray me. I'd hoped you and I shared a love to make such a thing unthinkable. I'd hoped those warnings were wrong. But I know you too well, so I prepared in case they were right. You removed the girl from my possession, but in turn, the man-of-war moved on from the bay, moved on from a position of heightened security. Moved on to a place where its attention, Captain Flint's attention, will be so very occupied on the danger that is Charles Town and in the state of apprehension in which the last thing any of them will be watching is the water. I made clear the price for the girl. You should have known me well enough to know, one way or another, I was going to claim it. And once I do, I'll be returning to Nassau to settle the rest of my accounts."

BRACKET THREE ROUND ONE // BRACKET THREE // ALL POLLS

[maremote]

Black Sails Monologuolympics BR3.1: Secondary Main Characters: ROUND 1

10/12: Jack vs. Eleanor

Jack, to Rogers, in 308: “My father was a tailor in Leeds. As was his father and his father's father. Time was if a man on the Avondale Road asked where he might find the finest clothes in northern England, he was pointed toward the shop of a man named Rackham. Then the men who sell wool decide they'd prefer not to compete with the men who imported fine cotton. And as the men who sell wool have the ears of the men who make laws, an embargo is enacted to increase profits and calico disappears. And my father's business that he inherited from his father and his father's father begins to wither and die. And my father suffers the compound shame of financial failure seen through the eyes of his son and descended into drink. I'd sit beside him as a boy at the Sunday service as he shouted at the pastor, at the altar-- at anyone who'd listen, really-- at the injustice of it all. And I'd put my arm over his shoulder as the insults began, help carry him out of the church. God, the insults. At his funeral, our neighbors were kind enough to whisper them rather than call them out loud. So, I set to work, determined to rebuild what had been taken away. I was 13 years old. but I was determined… until a man arrived at my door claiming to hold debts belonging to my father. Debts accumulated as my father drank. Debts he claimed that now belonged to me. Debts I could not possibly have hoped to repay. Debts over which this man would have seen me imprisoned-- imprisoned in a place where the debts would have been discharged only through hard labor. Hard labor with no wages, working at-- wait for it-- the production of textiles. "You people, incapable of accepting the world as it is," says the man to whom the world handed everything. If no Anne, if no rescue, if this is defeat for me, then know this. You and I were neck and neck in this race right till the end. But, Jesus, did I make up a lot of ground to catch you.”

VS.

Eleanor, to Madi, in 406: “She must have done well. I've found myself thinking about it. Of walking away from Nassau, from England, from civilization. One can be happy that way, can't they? A life of isolation and uncertainty as long as it is lived with someone you love… and who loves you back. It is possible, isn't it?”

BRACKET THREE ROUND ONE // BRACKET THREE // ALL POLLS

[maremote]

Black Sails Monologuolympics BR3.1: Secondary Main Characters: ROUND 1

11/12: Jack vs. Vane

Jack, to Blackbeard, in 402: "There are moments in the dead of night when I can't sleep, and I wonder if I will ever be able to truly rest again until I know that Eleanor Guthrie has paid for what she took from me. And then there are other moments when I wonder if it would actually please him to see her dead, to know the scales had been evened. Or if despite all they had been through, despite the anger and the blood and the betrayal and all he'd done to her and she to him, despite what I or you or what anybody else might think of it, if wherever he was, he still didn't just a little bit love her. I wonder if he were here now, watching us battle with the choice to kill her in his name or defeat the governor and perhaps therein win the war we all together started, if he might call us fools. And then I wonder if maybe we don't have to work that hard to imagine what he'd say. Maybe we've already heard it, and the only choice is whether we choose to listen.”

VS

Vane, to Eleanor, in 206: "Eleanor, when I take something from a man, his ship, his money, his life, I don't hide behind a clerk. I don't hide behind the law. I don't hide behind anything. I look him in his eye and I give him every chance to deny me. That is legitimate. I know what he wants you to believe, but he's wrong. England's return isn't inevitable. England has no more appetite for taking this place back today than it did yesterday, or last month, or last year, because they know it is inhabited by too many men like me, men who would die before being another man's slave again. Side with Flint, beg them to let you keep what is already yours, show them that weakness, and you'll invite the very outcome you wish to avoid. Side with me and we will show England that this place has never been stronger, and we'll keep our freedom for another day, another month, another year, a lifetime."

BRACKET THREE ROUND ONE // BRACKET THREE // ALL POLLS

[maremote]

Black Sails Monologuolympics BR3.1: Secondary Main Characters: ROUND 1

3/12: Jack vs. Vane

Jack, to Flint, in 309: "I am concerned about the men stealing from it. There's treasure inside that box, a handful of which could provide a lifetime of prosperity. Facing that kind of temptation, there are few men I would trust to self-deny. But it is not the treasure that concerns me most. Charles Vane's sacrifice is in that box. If your man is unsuccessful in seeing to his rescue, Charles Vane's death is inside that box. Along with my good name. Along with her lost love. Along with your late quartermaster's life. All the awful sacrifices made to assemble that box are now part of its contents, and those things... are sacred things that I trust in no man's hands. The next time that chest is opened will be after Anne and I walk away with it, And once the smoke is cleared... and all is done."

VS

Vane, to Nassau, in 309: “These men who brought me here today do not fear me. They brought me here today because they fear you. Because they know that my voice, a voice that refuses to be enslaved, once lived in you. And may yet still. They brought me here today to show you death and use it to frighten you into ignoring that voice. But know this. We are many. They are few. To fear death is a choice. And they can't hang us all. Get on with it, motherfucker.”

BRACKET THREE ROUND ONE // BRACKET THREE // ALL POLLS

[maremote]

Black Sails Monologuolympics BR3.1: Secondary Main Characters: ROUND 1

2/12: Jack vs. Eleanor

Jack, to the Pirate Captains, in 303: "That's enough. You, sit down. And the rest of you, please listen closely. I never approved of Eleanor Guthrie's harsh mothering of this place. I believe my record on that issue is in good order. That said, if you're going to behave like children, then I will be your daddy. When this meeting breaks, I will address the street, your crews, and I will persuade them that a defense of this place isn't just desirable, it is critical to their ability to call themselves men. I'll have them in such a state that any captain in this room who speaks in opposition to this plan… opposition borne from what? A fear of losing. Will not long call himself captain. Hmm? I'm committed to this. Charles is committed to this. Captain Flint will be returning soon. He is most committed to this. And if that weren't enough, you will recall that Anne and I have put thousands of pieces into your pockets in contemplation of the day when your cooperation would be called upon to defend this place. That day is today, and you will answer the call."

VS

Eleanor, to Max, in 404: "“I was so close to saying yes. There were good reasons to say yes and… I heard it in my mind, tried to speak it over and over again. But when the moment finally came… I had put so much of myself into this place, in that moment, I honestly didn't know where I ended and it began. There may be ways of severing oneself in that way… sacrificing one part to save the other. But… in that moment… I honestly couldn't find something sharp enough to make the cut.”

BRACKET THREE ROUND ONE // BRACKET THREE // ALL POLLS

[maremote]

Black Sails Monologuolympics BR3.1: Secondary Main Characters: ROUND 1

6/12: Anne vs. Jack

Anne, to Jack, in 204: "I've put a lot of bodies in the ground for you, haven't I? […] Watched your back. Cleaned up your messes. Carried out your plans. I didn't always understand. Didn't always agree. But I did it. Some fucked-up, awful shit 'cause I knew you needed it done. I don't think the night you had last night comes even close to something to bitch about. […] I know she's dangerous. Especially to me. I ain't in my right head about her. She knows it. And it ain't hard to imagine her intent is to play us off one against the other. But I'm asking you to do this for me. I'm asking you to watch my back on the other side of that door. 'Cause I know as long as you are, there ain't shit she can do to get between us."

VS

Jack, to Unnamed Mouse, in 308: “I suspect I'll be leaving shortly. Don't despair. Some other poor bastard'll take my place soon enough. I wish I could assure you that he would be as generous as I with his scraps. Either way, you mustn't settle for whatever refuse finds its way into this cell. There's a whole world out there that every so often rewards ambition. Mark my words. Today the crumbs, tomorrow the loaf. Perhaps someday the whole damn boulangerie. You're welcome.”

BRACKET THREE ROUND ONE // BRACKET THREE // ALL POLLS

[maremote]

Black Sails Monologuolympics BR3.1: Secondary Main Characters: ROUND 1

5/12: Jack vs. Anne

Jack, to Anne, in 403: “He's brilliant, you know? I've heard him underestimated on that score, perhaps owing to his physical strength. People finding it hard to accept the idea that one man can be two things, but I've seen it. He is brilliant. And last night, all he wanted was revenge, and all that would satisfy it was Eleanor Guthrie's head on a plate. And in a moment in which he had no appetite to be persuaded otherwise, I persuaded him otherwise. If the story of the pirate Jack Rackham is to end with him standing alongside Blackbeard as an equal, together defeating the governor who hanged Charles Vane and in so doing restoring pirate rule over Nassau… that is an ending I can live with. Defeat Rogers… and we walk away.”

VS

Anne, to Jack, in 402: "I go looking for Eleanor Guthrie, you know I'm gonna find her, too. Max. Said if I turned over the cache, you'd be safe. And it ain't just the lie. She tried to take you away from me. When I left that island… all I could think about was having a chance to make her pay… for what she done. Now that we're here… it would be so easy. And I don't wanna do it. Don't wanna live with it after. The sight of her hurt in that way. Just don't want it. That fucking island. Makes you do shit you don't wanna do. How is it we haven't figured that out by now? What the hell are we doing back here, Jack?”

BRACKET THREE ROUND ONE // BRACKET THREE // ALL POLLS

[maremote]

Black Sails Monologuolympics BR3.1: Secondary Main Characters: ROUND 1

8/12: Vane vs. Eleanor

Vane, to Eleanor, in 309: “He was a shit. He was a cowardly, selfish, treacherous shit who cared only for himself and for you not at all. You know this. All your life you knew this. Then suddenly he walks back through your door, tells you he can give you all of the things you want, tells you I'm your enemy, and, just like that, his love is sacred and mine is a inconvenient obstacle to your ambitions. The life cycle of your affections… A man you love who speaks the truth shunted aside in favor of the next who will tell you whatever you want to hear.”

VS

Eleanor, to Rogers, in 308: “The moment you walked into my cell in London, do you want to know what I first thought? I wasn't thinking about the charges against me. I wasn't thinking about a reprieve from the noose. I wasn't thinking about piracy, nor pardons, nor Nassau. In that moment, I was consumed by one thought and one thought only… the idea that this may be my opportunity to gain some measure of revenge against my father's murder, that I might play a role in the execution of Charles Vane. I know you now. I trust you now. I'm devoted to you now. I love you now. So I will tell you the absolute truth about how I'm going to react when faced with the thing sitting in that cell in your fort. I honestly don't know.”

BRACKET THREE ROUND ONE // BRACKET THREE // ALL POLLS

[maremote]

Black Sails Monologuolympics BR3.1: Secondary Main Characters: ROUND 1

7/12: Jack vs. Vane

Jack, to Max, in 306: "You don't think I can convey a thought to Anne comprehensible only to her? A thought as simple as "run"? A letter that said everything the governor wished it to say in exactly the way he'd want to say it would not sound like anything I'd ever say. A thought here or two between the lines… I assure you, she understood. So I have begun the duel between myself and our Lord Governor. The rules are simple. I will deny him the cache. No matter what sort of inducements he offers or pain he inflicts, I will deny him the cache, and so I will deny him the victory. And in doing so, I will ensure that whatever Nassau is come Christmas, English will be not it.”

VS

Vane, to Eleanor, in 306: "You will turn on absolutely anyone, won't you? So what's the plan? Leave me to answer for this among the men? Assume they'll tear me to pieces for granting access to the woman who stole the girl out from under us? My death sentence? Listen to me clearly. Put down that key, walk back through that gate, return the girl, and I will sort this with the men. You have my word. But lock that gate and there is no walking back through it, ever. And I assure you, you will hear from me again."

BRACKET THREE ROUND ONE // BRACKET THREE // ALL POLLS

[maremote]

Black Sails Monologuolympics BR3.1: Secondary Main Characters: ROUND 1

12/12: Vane vs. Jack

Vane, to Eleanor, in 101: “[He’ll] remind you that Flint hasn't been your biggest earner in quite some time. You'll also be reminded of what you've always known but never accepted, that if forced, your father will always choose profits over daughters. Hate your father? I wouldn't blame you. Hate me, too, if you'd like. And if you feel the need, cling to Flint and his legend and a past the rest of us have long outgrown. But make no mistake about it, whatever future this place has left, I'm it. And if you ever challenge me again in front of my crew, I may just forget that I loved you once.”

VS

Jack, to Max, in 208: "For so many years, I knew her. Perhaps the only one who truly knew her. But for weeks, with everything we've been through, everything she's done… she's a fucking mystery to me. So now I realize two things are possible-- One, something has changed within her, something so significant that she's turned into someone I barely recognize, or, two… it was a fantasy that I ever knew her at all. And the most disturbing thing about it is, because it's Anne… I will likely never know which it is. Am I angry that she's gone? Maybe with everything that lies ahead of us, perhaps it's for the best."

BRACKET THREE ROUND ONE // BRACKET THREE // ALL POLLS

[maremote]

Black Sails Monologuolympics BR3.1: Secondary Main Characters: ROUND 1

4/12: Vane vs. Eleanor

Vane, to Charlestown, in 210: "I wish to speak on behalf of the defendant. […] These men convinced you that they speak for you. […] That the power you've given them is used in your interests. […] That the prisoner before you is your enemy and they your friends. For those of you who live to see tomorrow… know that you had a choice to see the truth and you let yourselves be convinced otherwise."

VS

Eleanor, to Rogers, in 302: "Why did you bring me here? You know these men's names, you know the things they have done. But I know them. I know Flint is dangerous, but he can be reasoned with. I know Rackham is devious, but all he cares about is his legacy. And because I have history with Charles Vane, I know him most of all. I'm all too aware what he is capable of destroying when he sets his mind on it. I underestimated him and I lost my father. The Lord Governor Ashe underestimated him, and Charles Town burned. What is it you would like to have him take from you?”

BRACKET THREE ROUND ONE // BRACKET THREE // ALL POLLS

[maremote]

Black Sails Monologuolympics BR3.1: 2ndary Main Characters: ROUND 1 🏴‍☠️

eleanor, jack, vane, anne

Polls will go live Sunday, February 26, at 5:00 PM EST. You can find them here.

Matches:

Eleanor: "You are an animal." (309) VS Jack: "You asked for better captains. I give you Captain Jack Rackham." (202)

Jack: "I will be your daddy!" (303) VS Eleanor: "I honestly couldn't find something sharp enough to make the cut." (404)

Jack: "Charles Vane's sacrifice is in that box." (309) VS Vane: "And they can't hang us all." (309)

Vane: "For those of you who live to see tomorrow, know you had a choice, to see the truth, and you let yourself be deceived." (210) VS Eleanor: "I know Vane most of all." (302)

Jack: "That's an ending I can live with." (403) VS Anne: "Don't wanna do it. Don't wanna live with it." (402)

Anne: "I've put a lot of bodies in the ground for you, haven't I?" (204) VS Jack: "The whole damn boulangerie." (308)

Jack: "Whatever Nassau is come Christmas, English will not be it." (306) VS Vane: "You will turn on absolutely anyone, won't you?" (207)

Vane: "The life cycle of your affections. A man you love, who speaks the truth, cast aside in favor of one who will tell you what you want to hear." (309) VS Eleanor: "I know you now. I trust you now." (308)

Eleanor: "Too many goddman men." (404) VS Vane: "And thus, as always, to traitors." (208)

Jack: "My father was a tailor in Leeds." (308) VS Eleanor: "One can be happy that way, can't they?" (406)

Jack: "Maybe we've already heard it." (402) VS Vane: "When I take something from a man, I look him in the eye and I give him every opportunity to defy me. That is legitimate." (206)

Vane: "Whatever future this place has, I'm it." (101) VS Jack: "Am I angry that she's gone?" (208)

ADDITIONAL MONOLOGUES TO BE INTRODUCED IN ROUND 2:

Jack: “A story is true, a story is untrue.” (410)

Vane: “Give us your submission, and we will give you the comfort you need.” (308)

Anne: “What the fuck am I?” (207)

Anne: “When someone gives you your life, it ain’t really your own.” (202)