Black Hawk's Treasure

[poohlive]

"I stubbed my toe," Thomas sat on a bunch of old boxes that barely seemed able to hold his wait. He gave each of the girls a pouty face, as if expecting one of them to kiss it for him.
After a moment it passed, and he realized just what was going on. He took another swig of the good rum and introduced them.
"Ashley, captain of the missing scooner, this is Krysta, bar tender of the missing bar. Ashley wants to know about the latest rumors on Vallen and his plans, but she's too proud to ask you herself, so I had to come and be the mediator."
He laughed at this, falling backwards. HE would have fallen right off of the boxes, had it not been that they were right next to the hull. He just hit his head, which only phased him for a moment before he took another drink and laughed some more.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Ashley

She sighed heavily and shook her head, this was but another dead end. She should have known Thomas wouldn't have anything important or even a hint to what was going on.. Other wise they would have known Vallen took her ship from the beginning.

"Thomas, do sit down before you crack open your head." She debated a moment longer, eying Krysta. She may be the bartender, but she doubted Krysta knew anything more than Thomas did, or even herself.

"And it would have helped sooner Thomas if you had told me your first mate was also the pub owner." She gave him a little chastizing glance before pushing away from the wall.

"Look, I was just offering part of the treasure for some help getting my ship back and asking if you knew anything.. Obviously no one knows who or what connections Vallen has." She hated to say it, but she was back to square one with all of this.

"Good luck." She turned and went up on deck. She was developing a big pain in the back of her skull with all this song and dance..

No one knew why he took her ship, why he was on the wrong ship to begin with, and his reasons behind all of this? The treasure was a possible route, but why in the hell would he steal her ship when she wasn't on board if his goal was the map she carried? Unless he was thick enough to think she'd leave it on board? Not even Vallen was that dense.. There was other motives in there some where, she just had to figure out where?

Glancing around the deck of the War Hammer, she noticed many had returned and bunked here and there, but all were watching her closely. Smiling to herself, she walked off this ship and to the docks, she wouldn't steal this floating rust bucket.. She was after sleeker prey.

"Preach?" She stopped in her tracks, folding her arms under her chest as she eyed the man. "Now why are you following me?" She tried to look stern but failed. Grinning she patted her first mate on the back, "Making sure I don't do something stupid aren't ya?" She sat on a crate, tucking her legs under herself, she did need some rest.
"I am still wondering what was going through my head when I took on this position." She peeked at him and then down at the rough crate beneath her. "Wondering what I was doing?" For a moment she wished she had a pipe or cigar, perhaps a glass of wine would do? Something to keep her hands busy.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mia

I knew I was asking for misery when I decided to row out to Jack's sloop. It had been a few months since I did anything more strenuous than lift ale to my lips, and here I was rowing a damned boat by myself and for possibly not a damn thing.

Grumbling to myself, I pulled up along side the sloop and tossed the grappling hook up to the railing. It made a slight sound, but not too loud, however luck wasn't with me as a dog barked over head.

"shhhhh!" Trying to silence the mutt the boards above creaked slightly. Someone, probably Jack was up?

"Shaddap Bitch!" A grumbly beast of a man yelled out as he threw an empty bottle at the mutt. The dog scampered to a corner, whining but growling slightly.

Jack laid back into the hammock and went back to snoring.

Listening below, I wasn't sure if I'd get bitten or not, but I needed some information and I was armed. Climbing the rope, I hit the deck with bared feet and stood still as death... listening for the slightest movement, I spotted Jack easily enough.

The hammock sagged under his weight, his red hair and beard was filthly and still unkept. He stood a good head taller than most men and his chest reminded me of a barrel.

"Jack?" Whispering I stepped towards him but stopped. The hairs on the back of my neck were standing on end, a shiver of awareness passed down my spine.. I was being watched.

Turning I spotted the dog, or rather the large mop that had feet.

"Niiiiice puppy.." I smiled as best I could and knealt down, my hand resting on the hilt of my dagger just incase.
"Come on girl.. I dont bite.." I held out my hand but the beast backed away and further into the corner, it's teeth bared as it snarled at me.

"BITCH!" Jack barked out himself and the dog yelped... Silence.

"Either you're here for some action or to steal from me.. Either case, you have to get through me to get off this ship lass.." He held something in my back, probably a knife judging from the sharpness of it poking into me.

"J-Jack.. It's me.. Mia!" I held my hands out at my sides still trying to keep my balance and not appear to threaten him. Damned waves were rocking the ship, a dog infront of me and a armed man behind...

"Mia? Who the fuck is Mia?" He growled, his hand locking onto my upper arm as he jerked me backwards and into the blade tip. "And why should I give a shit who you are?" His breath was rancid, or maybe his whole body was that rank? Either way, I was definitely frightened and more upset than anything.

"Captain Williams... Doc? Mia!? Get off me!" I didn't dare yank away from him, but I wanted his grubby hands off of me!

"Cap'n?" He seemed to stop moving, thinking perhaps? The his hand was gone as was the knife.

"What do you want here Mia?" He eyed me up and down as I stood and turned to face him. "If you are Captain Williams doctor.. where is the Mystique? And what are you doin' on my ship?" He held a knife, a knife unlike any I had seen before, and it caught my interest for a moment. It looked leathal, long and thicker than my dagger by twice. Nice.

That didn't offer any comfort.

"Books say you owe captain quite a bit of gold Jack.. The Old Man told me you were hidin' out, hunted he suggested." I waited for him to deny it or blow, neither happened.

"What business is it of yours who is after me?" He smiled then, his teeth remarkably white compared to his state of dress.

"Gambling debts? I hear it's punishable by death here..."

His hand tightened on his knife a moment, then he stepped towards me. "We're here alone missy... it wouldn't be wise to be threatenin' me.. I'd be long gone when and if they found your body... after I had some fun."

"Jack! Knock it off and listen. I came here to make a proposition."

"Ay?" He grinned again, this time his thoughts turning to more pleasurable ideas.

"Aye.. We need a ship, A fast ship. The Mystique was stolen and we're going to get it back... We're offering gold in exchange." I knew his mind well enough by now to know he was more greedy than horny, something that would help us out.

"Brits?"

"No, Vallen."

"Vallen?!" He stared a moment in surprise and then burst out laughing. His dog barked then, jumping up from the boards to join in her master's merriment.

Glaring at him, I said nothing. Let his laugh it up, he'd be thinkin' differently in the end.

"Sorry Lass.. Vallen? Really? That spineless coward?" He snickered again as he shook his head in amazement. Who'd a thought Vallen of all people?

"Look I need an answer. You help us, the back owed gold is forgotten and we will pay you with three chests of gold that is currently on the Mystique. What say you?"

"How many. When you do you want to go and most importantly, how long is this going to take?"

"Six I believe. Tonight, and what does it matter how long it takes? You need a way out of debt and I am offering that."

"You the captain?"

"No. But I speak for my captain."

"I want to meet with the captain and shake on it, then we got ourselves a deal."

"One thing." I felt the weight lift, but dealing with his roaming hands would later be trouble.

"Whats that?"

"Ash is the new captain." He said nothing, merely looked at me with interest before he nodded and sat back in his hammock.

"Tonight then." I turned and eyed his beast once more before throwing a leg over the side railing. I wouldn't bother telling him we were taking his ship one way or another, I'd just leave that bit of information out of the conversation.. I just hoped Ashley didn't throw a fit with having to give Jack all the gold on her ship? If there was any left when they got it and too if Jack lived long enough to collect?

Leaving the grappler there, I rowed back to shore.

 

[Why]

...........

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

I didn't say anything to her. Unsure as to exactly what information she wanted. Knew her questions, but the things that were told at the tavern were only rumors. I personally rarely belived in them. Just before I was about to speak, to tell her that my brother had some contacts here that might have heard something, she was gone. Wasn't desprate to stop her either. It had to be just as hard to lose her ship as it was for us. Only thing is, there's a possibility she'll get it back. We won't.

Letting out a heavy sigh as I looked towards Thomas, it was almost comical to see him this drunk, let alone introduce me to Ashly as if he has never seen her before. But it was also a relief to not see him dwelling on things as well.

Leaned down grabbing one of his arms to help him up and attempt to find a spot that will allow him some decent rest.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Ashley

"My father's daughter eh? Well if you say so.. But seems how he didn't raise me much.. I don't see how we're alike." She eyed the War Hammer and sighed heavily. "I had hoped Krysta or Thomas had some answers to Vallen's behavior and maybe some clue whom he is working for, but they don't. Which means we're off to Pirate Island. I believe it's dark enough now to get to a ship." Standing, she stretched a moment, the tensions of the day gone by wearing her down.

"Please gather the crew Charles." She was about to embark on a wild little journey. She was her father's daughter. She had o qualms about stealing a ship nor gutting Vallen when she finds him and she will find him...





Sophie

The hand was too quick to see as it struck out and landed on Vallen's cheek. Hard enough to send him staggering backwards as she advanced.

"I said I wanted that little bitch AND the ship! What is wrong with your pea brain?!" She raised her hand again but fisted it instead. Whirling around, she yanked off her whore's gown and started dressing.

"We don't have much time before Kate is up here and demandin' her share of my earnin's, gather up that trunk and do it quickly! I haven't got all night.. And now I have to clean up your mess! AGAIN!" She growled, her temper was as firey as the hair on her head.

"I thought I had got it across to you when I had to clean up the mess with Brian!" She cursed at him in three languages and stopped to glare her hatred at him.

Vallen flinched but said nothing. He would see to her.. The cunt!

"Ashley wasn't on board.. I had one opportunity to take the Mystique in one piece. Which is it!? You want her or the fucking ship! I risked my life for you, for us!" He was growing angry but lacked the balls to do anything to Sophie in return. She wore their pants and she wore them well.. He just wished she wouldn't hit him, insult him and deny him herself.

"Bull shit.. BULL SHIT! I know her and I know she'll be coming back for MY ship.. And when she does.. Grab my hand bag and toss it out the window too! Now hush and work faster!"

"But I paid for..."

"Vallen! Don't badger me about your wee willy right now! We have to go before Kate finds out what i am up to!"

"Shouldn't have signed the contract." he shrugged and softly commented, but the look in her eyes warned him to shut up and do as he was told.

Moving quickly, he handed her belongings out the window and let them drop down to Rat. Sophie always had troubles with excepting her lot in life.. It didn't matter now. He got her the ship, Ashley would be taken care of and soon and she'd be his wife.. And when Sophie became his wife.. He would straighten her up properly. He had plans, big plans and she was going to act like a lady and not the harlot she was.

Constable Vallen.. Nah, not professional enough, might have to use his real name... As long as the British weren't around.. He was still wanted in England for theft of Lord Brighton's carriage and purse.

He helped Sophie over the window ledge, onto the make shift rope and then waited until Rat had her on the horse before sliding down himself.

Poor Ash had no idea her sweet ol auntie Sophie was coming.. Hell she didn't even know Sophie existed!

To their future! He toasted an imaginary glass to the Pub and rode out of town.

 

[poohlive]

Thomas lamented, throwing an arm over Krysta as she came to help him.
"I tried, you know I did. She asked for some information. You know about the girl though, don't you? The one asking for Ashley, and that ship. Of course you do. You've been the hub of it all, on Pirate Island."
If Thomas weren't as drunk, he might had warned Ashley, told her that Vallen wanted more than the ship, he wanted her crew too.
But he was drunk as a skunk, and even walking was beginning to strain him. She had asked him for information, he took her to the fountain of knowledge, and she ran off, as she always did.
"How did you sleep?" The room began to spin, and Thomas giggled at the funny sight.

 

[Why]

...............

 

[The GrandMage]

'Salty Dan' Moore

Dan shifted a little, downing the last of the rum. Without anyone around to stop him, Dan was well on his way to getting comfortably drunk. he pushed around a few coins with his fingers, and ordered another drink as he looked at the others, throwing everything he didn't need to pay his tab into the pot.

Drinking and gambling. Not much better than those two sports of pirates and smugglers. "Well, ya sorry excuse of sailors,....what ya got?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mia

Smiling, I tossed Preach the rope and jumped onto the deck.

"Well.. Seems Ol' Jack is all by himself.. And in debt up to his hairs... And he is more than eager to help us for a price.. All the gold aboard the Mystique.." Glancing around, I pushed my hands into my pockets to warm them and leaned closer to Preach.

"But it is best if we 'take care of the problem'.. He has his dog on board.. I don't trust him." Glancing around, I wondered where the other's were?

"He's a big guy.. and will take a big guy to handle him.. If we keep him along, we won't be able to sleep. So?" Rocking on my heals I waited for his go ahead on what we needed to do?



Ash

Sitting down on the crate once more, she thought over what needed to be done? She really needed Thomas's assistance in this, otherwise she was out of luck and man power...

Glancing back at the War Hammer, she knew she'd have to come back again when He was sobber and try her offer once more. He didn't seem to be listening to her.. If it wasn't for his damned bed mate, she might have been able to get him to help...

"Damn her..." It stung deeply that he replaced her so easily, she never even tried.. Something had to bring Thomas around, something she could offer him in exchange for his help?

She needed to round up the crew and see about the sloop, but she wasn't going to forget seeing Thomas. Rising, she made her way down the pier and across main street.

Entering the pub, she spotted Daniel and motioned him to follow. Sally wasn't inside, so they'd need to find her as well. Mia and Preach were already at the docks waiting...

"You best come along as well.." She grabbed the new guy and pointed him towards the door.

Marching them outside, she made her way over to Preach. "We're ready." Looking over Mia and Preach, she knew they were discussing something.

"What's going on?" Mia filled her in as well as Daniel on Jack.

"Well if he is willing to assist us, I don't see a problem with it. Less trouble and we don't have to sneak out of here." Grinning, she was feeling a little better with things changing for the better.

"But he can't be trusted.." Mia protested a little strongly. Perhaps she was right? Ash had to think about it a little more.

"We can always take care of him once we're out to sea. For now, we don't need trouble. I think we should all get some rest. It's warm enough, we can make do on the docks, beach or see about a room.. I am going to speak with Captain Thomas in the morning about helping us get back our ship. If you are all in agreement? I am going to offer him a shit load of the treasure... " She was seeking permission from her crew on this, they earned their share of it, more so than she had. How did they feel about all this?

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

Helped Thomas to the room I had slept in, it was more than reasonable. Plus wasn't in the mood to find another cot, let alone clean it off.

"Aye, sadly I do know about the girl she was asking about. But she is gone so lets not worry about her any longer. I wouldn't have been able to answer her questions anyway."

Played it off as Thomas did, acting like he didn't know who that woman was. Acting as if Ash was another person. It was pretty funny I had to admitt, and to play along with it was even more so. But with everything that has been happening, it didn't really make me laugh much. More of a slight smirk..

"I slept well enough..."

Eased him down on the cot that I was on and began to take his boots off so he'll sleep comfortably..

 

[Why]

.

............

 

[poohlive]

Thomas had laid down upon a soft bed of old cots and rope and such that Krysta had gathered to make herself a bed. It was still warm, her scent still think inside the little cubby hole she had napped in.
"Jealous," He said, a quiet laughter inside him, "Jealous. I think she's jealous of you. That's why she'll never stay around you."
Jealousy, a green eyed bitch if there ever was on. He had felt it once, more than once. It drove a man to do many things, but what of a woman?
What did jealousy do to a woman? Lie, cheat, steal, sure, but kill? Relent to a loveless life that no one could ever know, but everyone felt the sadness in their heart?
Thomas had no reason to be jealous. He looked down at Krysta, removing his boots, gibing her a warm and pleasent smile. She had known men, yes, but he didn't need to feel jealous about them? Did he?
Some old flame whisking her off her feet, away from him? Away from all of this? It wasn't much, but by God it was his, and he'd save it just like any man.
"Have you ever loved anyone, before me?"
He didn't want to say fucked. It was too harsh a word, and fucking someone and loving them are two different things. At least, for men they were. He didn't know about women, but as every man did, somewhere deep inside, he knew women had differences too.
Otherwise, only husbands would get laid.

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

"She's only jealous now because she knows the truth, whatever that maybe, between you two. Perhaps she is jealous of me, and perhaps not. It is something that one can not say cept for her."

Finished taking off his boots while thinking of his last question, me love? There was one yes, but that was so long ago hadn't thought about him. And with Rodger... Was that perhaps love? Or did I really use him? It's such a hard feeling to know what exactly is true.

"There has been one yes, but I was told of his death. Whether that is true or not is something I have never looked into. We were to be wed. I have never spoken of him because he was thief, he got caught stealing a ship for us, after that I do not know what came of him."

Part of me wondered if he was trying to get me to tell him about Rodger, but there was no way of him knowing about it less someone had told him. Even then there was only that one kid that I know of that saw us. Didn't matter, I kept it in the back as if nothing happened till otherwise.

"There is no need to talk about who I used to love, what matters is who I love I now. I don't think or dwell on the past, it is a waste of energy and time. No one will take me from you and that I can promise."

Wasn't sure where the promise came from, maybe he's too drunk and won't remember it in the morning. I hate promises, they were always made to be broken. Never seemed to matter how much went into the promise, it was meant to be broken. Reason I never make them, and here I was, making this kind of promise to Thomas.

"You need rest... it hasn't been easy on you in the least and I know you haven't slept."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mia

Looking over at the cap'n and then back to Preach, I nodded my head.

"Aye mate... We're being stuck in the middle of something neither will let go. Common sense done left us.. well some of us, not long ago." sighing heavily, I was not about to step forward and fight with the cap'n over this 'help' she sought from Thomas, but some how I did not see her Captain coming to her aid neither?

"She has a plan... Look at the stare in her eye." I shifted weight to the other foot and studied the cap'n. She was thinkin' something, a might bit more than casually.

"Where is Sally?" I glanced around and did not spot her anywhere? "Someone needs to be findin' the wayward cook." I pointed out to the captain, I hated standing around so why were we? Hearing a slur of curses I turned to see the woman pushing her way past some drunkards with a cart. "Well someone was bein productive."


"This Jack honorable?" The Cap'n spoke up finally. Was she addressin' me? Well, obviously. I hated vouching for others.

"Well Cap'n he'll be as silent as a church mouse and most useful.. I swears." Grinning, I pulled out a skinning knife from my waist. "I believe I should go over with Preach and make certain our new partner doesn't change his mind. What say you, Preach?"

 

[Why]

.................

 

[Why]

.........

 

[poohlive]

"Aye," Thomas rolled over to one side, his eyes already closing, his body shutting down for the night. Making a small adjustment against he bed, he wiggled until he found a comfortable position, giving off a long sigh when he did.
"It's hard to let go of the past when it keeps coming after you. It's soo hard. I'm sorry, I've spent so much time with her, even more than you. I don't know what to do sometimes, you know? I wish I did..."
He snored a little, falling between layers of consciousness and unconsciousness, fighting to stay awake, but wondering why he fought so hard? Why the warm darkness was so bad after all.
"I wish I did..."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mia

"Stop grousin Preach." Jumping into the boat, I flashed a little grin and took up the oars. Once away from the docks, I slowed down a little to discuss options.

"He will try many things, he is as rotten as they come but with the promise of gold, he'll behave. But do we want him alive? He is alone on the ship, we can take care of him before we go...." Thinking about it, it would be hard to watch our backs and watch for Vallen's men as well.

"He does owe our Captain a might bit of gold... But he owes half of port as well. That doesn't matter. What say you Preach? We take care of him before we go? Man the ship and take off?" The captain was lost and if Mutiny wasn't such a bad word on my tongue I'd seriously consider taking charge. Little girls shouldnt be playin at pirates. This was much more serious... And captain didn't say not to kill him....

The boat bumped against the ship and easily enough I climbed back up the ropes.

"Jack? We're ready, we need to dock." I called out as I walked across the deck towards his lounging form.

 

[poohlive]

The bar door opened, letting in a nice cool breeze to waft through the all too crowded and odorous bar. For a moment, the young boy stood there, poised inside the arch of the door, a furrow on his brow. Something between fear and revenge played on his face like old rivals in a tennis match.
One of them won, although no one knew which. The boy stepped inside, letting the door swing by, and the outside breeze cut off, leaving the bar shielded and unbearable by itself.
In the light now, the young man could almost be pitied. He wore gruff clothing, like that of a sailor, loose and hanging off of his lean frame. Youth still danced around his face, but hard work and long hours had beaten all but the last little sparkles of that from him. The bartender, who only gave him half a glance, guessed his age to be 17, but the face he wore made him nearly thirty.
He had one black eye, which was so swollen and puffed that his entire right eye was closed shut. AS he blinked, the eyelashes rubbed together, but did nothing more. It was a truly sad sight.
The boy searched the bar for something, and then, finding it in the corner, made his way over.
As he walked, his one good eye was down on the wooden floorboards that creaked as he passed over them. He sat down amongst the Captain's table, too afraid to look up, shaking, his hands folded together and rubbing against each other as if he were trying to keep warm on this relaxed 70 degree night.
"Captain, I have information for you. Something you might like, something that might even get your ship back."
He stole a single peek, his eye glancing over at her, wondering if she thought him serious, and if she were interested in more.
"I ask that you give me asylumn though. If I tell you this, I can never go back to my own ship, they will kill me. If he doesn't kill me, she certainly will."
He didn't know if the Captain recognized him from the Warhammer or not. She had no reason too, they varely passed by each other below decks. Still, if she knew, maybe it would make things go smoother.
"Promise my safety, and I will tell you how to get Thomas on your side..."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Ashley

ooc: ok hate to interrupt with this msg. but Pooh hun, they're on the docks. Since I knew you were going to post this, i am going to reply but from where they are, not the pub/tavern

IC:

"Captain, I have information for you. Something you might like, something that might even get your ship back." A voice from behind startled her a little. Turning quickly, she was prepared for.. well whatever might have happened, but not this young welp.

"I ask that you give me asylumn though. If I tell you this, I can never go back to my own ship, they will kill me. If he doesn't kill me, she certainly will." He spoken solemnly.

"Who? He who?" Ashley stared at the young man and flinched, someone did a deed to his poor face. She was tempted to reach out and touch the poor kid's face, call Doc to see to him but held back. He was a mature male for the most part, and she was captain, not his mother.

"Promise my safety, and I will tell you how to get Thomas on your side..." The single name caused little flips in her stomach, her eyes twinkling a moment, then darkening. What information did he had? And just how vital was it? From the looks of his face, it is pretty serious.

"You have asylumn, I give my word." She gave him a tentive smile, knowing she had seen him somewhere before? Someone from the Bilge, Thomas's own crew.. What happened to him and why? Turning back to the rest of her crew, "See to the ship while I have a talk with young....." She turned back to the boy and asked, "Your name Sailor?" She moved away from the rest of her crew, wishing to have some privacy.

 

[poohlive]

Ooc: you told me she went back to the bar. We talked about this. You edited it... remember what I told you about editing...



"Jordan," He dropped a large sack at his feet, several sets of burlappy sturdy clothes and other gear were held.
"Krysta slept with some guy, the new guy. They had sex in the Crow's nest the night before we docked here. I don't know his name, but he's on the island now as we speak. I think he loves her..."
Jordan carefully wiped his black eye, "I'm pretty sure he loves her, and I'm pretty sure they both went through great lengths not to tell Thomas."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Ashley

ooc: now I feel stupid... lol SORRY! I forgot I edited that *blush*

IC:


She stopped and stared a moment, hard at the young man.

"Welcome aboard Jordan." She didn't know what else to say, in fact it just took her by complete surprise to learn this.

"But.. Wait a minute. Love?" She was confused by that word. Surely they had sex, but love? Didn't Miss Kitty love Thomas? Well he loved her, or so he claimed..

This information would come in handy.. very handy.

"The new guy is part of my crew now as well... But do not worry Jordan, he wouldn't lay a hand on you if he wishes to live a long healthy life." She shook his hand and pointed towards the others.

"Let me introduce you." She ushered him along, forceably, but she wasn't going to take no for an answer. She introduced the boy to the crew and sent him off to get some rest at the pub, handing him some of the few coin they had. Now to figure out her next move.

Her father always told her to fight for what she wanted.... And fight she would. At first light, she'd have a little meeting with Thomas...

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mia

With Jack taken care of and no longer a threat to anyone, she put the sloop up to dock and set about helping everyone and everything get load.

Washing off her hands and her knife, she stowed them back away and stretched out for the night on Jack's old hammock.

"We're ready captain." Mia spoke softly to the captain and awaited orders.

"We need help to take the Mystique. If anyone knows how well armed she is it's Daniel." Ash was solemn as she spoke, still having trouble with man power. "We won't survive against her guns unless we can surprise them, but some how I believe they will be looking for me. Now we can go for the treasure and search, hire a new crew and get a bigger ship, or we can hunt down the Mystique first. We will need help, either new crew or Thomas's assistance." She stood in the middle of the small group, her mind mulling over all choices and options. She was slow at this, slower than she'd like to be, but she already fucked up once, again would not be a good deal.

As for myself, I would consider the gold and buy a new ship, but that was me. The Cap'n seemed to be fixated with the Mystique..
"Whatever you decide we best do in soon or we lose the black hearted snake to the vast sea Cap'n." I tried not to sound irritable and edgy but I hated this no direction we were all stuck in.

"We go for treasure. We sail at first light!" The cap'n went to check the ship for leaks with a dismissing wave. Smiling, I whistled a little ditty and for once in days felt the blood pumping. FINALLY! We were doing something!

 

[corbetphantom]

Rodger Flint

When Ash brought Jordan around to introduce him, the salvager was so drunk that he scarcely recognized him. He waved him off, and mumbled something incoherent. Shortly after that he bought his last drink: he had no more money.

That last drink was bittersweet, and he savored it slowly. The amber fluid flowed gently across his lips and down his throat to join the remains of the other destroyed drinks in his belly. He finished it with a long sigh and stepped out of the pub. He didn't know it was possible, but he felt as though he was drunk and hungover at the same time. His head throbbed and swam and he could scarcely put one foot in front of the other.

He found a nice patch of dock and sat down with one leg dangling over the edge. Sitting back against a pylon he closed his eyes, and waited to see if anyone else would pay him a visit.