Alexandria knew from her attendants how harsh 'outside' was and how no one but pirates survived the vast oceans. Still, she was tired of living cooped up and contained in the walled remnants of an old-world city, denied the chance to explore the new. Alexandria swore she would get out, one day, and do whatever she wanted. Regardless of what anyone said. Regardless of the virus that changed everything. The virus kills men. Genetically engineered babies are made from what remains. The virus gave Alexandria her own ability that no one could match. Of course Alexandria would need her own crew. She would find others like her—others that wanted explore the new world and were strong enough that they wouldn't end up walking the plank for it—however, three hundred years into the end of the old world, the new had already carved out settlements, people content to claim and conquer, and less inclined to explore. The virus, the settlements, their disputes: Nothing would stop Alexandria.   [participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge]