Jack Sharpe

Jack Sharpe is the leading bluesteel business mogul on Thane's Isle, and is the current owner of the West-North Railway network. Jack Sharpe is presumed to be the richest man on Thane's Isle, and some say even richer than the government itself. Jack Sharpe has two known sons; Jacob, and Jared, and a wife who went missing in dubious circumstances. Jack Sharpe knows a great deal about apocolites, and is funding both sides of the Thane's Isle Civil War to enrich himself. He is the true owner of the High Isle, and the tunnels that run endlessly beneath it.

## Appearance & Character:

Jack Sharpe is of middle-height, dwarfed in height by his sons. He has salt-and-pepper grey hair, and when he is first seen, he is clean-shaven. Jack Sharpe is incredibly intelligent, and a shrewd businessman, who wishes to enrich his power any way he can. His endeavors go beyond mere business aspirations, and extend to political aspirations as well. He is exceptionally good at getting under other people's skin, and is described as a "snake" numerous times. He is manipulative, and able to goad even the highest officials of the Thane's Isle government into making rash decisions that ultimately benefit him. Jack Sharpe respects when others surprise him with their competence.

## History:

Not much about Jack Sharpe's past is known, as he never speaks of it. It is unknown if he was born on the Earth, or on the Afterlife as of Book Two: Prisoner's and Pirates. Jack Sharpe had interests in Thane's Isle business as far back as the Moon Sea War, and it is said he had a hand in some way in developing the bluesteel airforts that give Thane's Isle dominance over the skies. He began buying up all of the bluesteel mines around the isle, and was offered terms by the Republik to do his business there once the border of nations was created. Though, Jack Sharpe is a capitalist, and is a staunch anti-socialist, so his efforts funding both sides of the war are starkly slanted towards the Loyalist Government. Jack Sharpe and his then-unnamed Bluesteel Paragon Knights were involved in numerous armed conflicts during The Tumult. At some point, Jack Sharpe took residency (or purchased) the High Isle. There had once been a population of people there, but they are all gone by 27 A.O.G., and seemingly noone knows they went missing at all. It is assumed then that Jack Sharpe had a hand in their disappearance, and what he did with these original inhabitants is unclear.

## Recent Events:

### *"Universe Eight":*

Jack Sharpe is first seen at the King's Hill manor, where he and his two sons go to discuss the purchase of the West-North Railroad with Thane Zenzele. At first, Jack Sharpe poses the request that he use his newly formed "Bluesteel Paragon" (which already existed beneath the government's nose as a private military) to guard West-North Railway endeavors. Thane Zenzele declines, as Sharpe wishes to use schoolchildren as young as sixteen for the security group. Jack Sharpe reveals the bluesteel weapons his son's carry, but Zenzele counters and says they will never be as good as wisp blades. Jack Sharpe disagrees, and the conversation devolves. When Zenzele is at his wits end, Jack Sharpe brings up the charter for West-North, and offers to buy it. When this fails, Jack Sharpe challenges Zenzele to a trial by battle, which Zenzele cannot refuse. The combatants selected are Leon Broks, and Jared Sharpe.

The duel initially appears to be an assured victory for Leon. However, near the end, Jared gains super-human strength and abilities, and his body is encased in a strange "red glow." Jared smashes Leon's helmet, and knocks the apocolite unconscious, assuring victory for Sharpe. The West-North Railway becomes his company in totality.

Jack Sharpe is next seen in the business meeting, where Sharpe forcefully demands that the Bluesteel Paragon be recognized. An embarrassed Zenzele concedes, but counter-demands that Sharpe's sons lead them into battle at Fort Lightchild. Sharpe feigns disapproval, but agrees. He is noted to be giving sly or knowing looks to Sister Sophia Miller during this time.

On board the train, Zenzele and Jack Sharpe barb back and forth, before each of them part ways. Later, Leon overhears Sharpe having a sexual affair with Sophia.

After Leon's duel with Samuel Bradshaw, Jack Sharpe emerges and reveals he is the owner of the High Isle bunker and tunnels, as well as the island itself. He orders his son to kill Leon, but Sophia spares him. Jack Sharpe leaves the room, and may be unaware that Leon was spared.

## Notes:

1. Jack Sharpe is a villainous caricature of beta-reader and editor John Short, whose forwards have appeared in every currently released book. Short finds this character amusing and comical to himself, as he has said; "this is who I'd be if I were a villain."