4x04 // 4x09
the more they realise there is no daylight between you and i, the more they will learn to accept our shared authority.

BLACK SAILS ✦ S3E9 “XXVII”

The point is is that while you were doing it, you heard a voice telling you that disciplining him would prevent him from repeating the offense; a voice that sounded like reason. And there was reason in it, as the most compelling lies are comprised almost entirely of truth. But that’s what it does. It cloaks itself in whatever it must to move you to action. And the more you deny its presence, the more powerful it gets, and the more likely it is to consume you entirely without you ever knowing it was there. If you and I are to lead these men together, you must learn to know its presence well, so that you may use it rather than it use you.

The crew’s banner is a sacred thing. It must simultaneously strike fear in the hearts of hardened men while inspiring and unifying all those those who sail under it. It must be something approaching perfection.

Black Sails | 2.05