Dillard

Morning comes early aboard ship, smells from the galley, the rustle of feet topside. Mister Tar had been tight lip about this next trip. Too many new crew members, an trials ahead, I thought. He spoke to me about yesterdays actions, and praised me and the crew. I was glad to leave the docks, there had been whispers about a ship that had been hijacked; I told Mister Tar as much. He seemed unaffected by the news, but I believe it was part of the reason he exercised the option to leave the docks. I had been briefed about us sailing with the Rakehell, the loan Mister Tar was about to offer, and I was to deliver. The scuttlebutt was Mister Tar fancied Captain Ransom, though I believe this arrangement had to do with her fighting skills, as we would be sailing in to Spanish waters. Off to the galley for a bite, and then to deliver the letters.

Leaving the Fancy Parrot, by the back door, a familiar face passes me. Why would Red Cat be going in there? Luckily she didn't recognize me, so Mister Tar won't hear about my being here from her. I step into the alley, and pull up the collar of my great coat. Looks like the fog is lifting. I'm parched, I think a quick stop at the pub for a night cap, is in order; so, I head for the pub.

ulcer

Tums

The Thomas Crown Affair

Long John Silver's

She? Did he say she? I looked up at the large man, and shouted, "I'll wait, thank you!" I found a crate to sit on, and made myself comfortable.

Mister Tar made no mention of dealings with slavers! Of course the imposing man, standing there, could be a crew member. "Don't jump to conclusions, Dillard," I mumbled. "I was sent to escort Captain Ransom, back to my ship the Relentless, at the request of Mister Tar! Is your captain aboard?"

I've been busy inspecting rigging and checking sail cloth. All, appear to be in good condition, and we should be able leave port on schedule. We took on more fresh water today, and more provisions. Mister Tar and a sailor from the galley have come on deck. I'm hailed by Mister Tar, and given the task of collecting a Captain Ransom, from the ship Rakehell. Seems Captain Ransom is to dine with Mister Tar. I set out for a brisk walk to the dock of the Rakehell. Good chance to stretch my legs and opportunity to get off the Relentless, sooner than I thought I would. The Rakehell is a bald headed schooner, she looked fast, with raked masts. I approached the Rakehell, there didn't appear to be anyone aboard, and I didn't see a soul on deck. "Ahoy, crew of the Rakehell, permission to come aboard!"

Same ocean (As for music, same o' same o'.)

I stood outside Mister Tar's door and winced; not because of the lump on the back of my head, but from his remarks. He thought I was a drunkard and a brawler. True, I had been drinking, but not fighting. If I hadn't followed that lass into the alleyway, I might not have gotten knocked unconscious. If I could remember who would have seen me leave, maybe they could help identify my assailant! I returned to the galley to ask Spoons for advice.

Unsure of how I got in my bunk, but sure I didn't do it without assistance, I sat up slowly. I ran my hand along the back of my head, and felt the egg size lump, that was causing my head to throb. My face swollen, and my head aching, I shuffled towards the galley. Standing in the door way of the galley, I was greeted by the smell of coffee, and sausages. Stones looked up from his morning repast, shook his head, and continued eating. Spoons turned and set a mug of coffee on the table in front of me. I sat and sipped the freshly brewed coffee. Trying to reconstruct the prior evenings events in my head, and wondering if Mister Tar knew I was back aboard? Stones then left the galley without saying a word. I was picking at my food, when Spoons motioned to me and said I was to see the captain, after I finished breakfast. I left the galley and lingered at Mister Tar's door, for a few minutes, before I was beckoned inside. Mister Tar was pouring over charts, and sipping his coffee. He looked up at me, without pity or scorn, but he looked disappointed.

Good man Spoons, a simple fellow. The captain, Mister Tar, seems preoccupied. I must get in his good graces. The ship is in better condition then I could hope, thanks no doubt to the captain's attention to detail. Mister Tar has granted me permission to go ashore; so, I can collect my things. I should make time for one more drink, with the ladies as well.

destiny Jim Henson said, they weren't named for the cop and the taxi driver.

coincidence "The names and the movie's characters..."

Jimmy Stewart

Close quarters to be sure, new and old shipmates, and a chance to get back to a life I thought I'd lost. "This is most fortunate indeed", I mumbled. 'Jacky Tar? I'll have to ask Spoons more about why Captain Black, would use a nickname.' This was curious, I thought.

"Captain I am fit, sir. Despite what you may have heard, I am dry and sober. I'm an ablebodied seaman, as you know, and seek to join the ship's company." The Captain and Spoons look at each other, and back at me.

"Permission to come aboard, sir." Dillard started to touch his hat, to salute his former captain; who looked surprised to see him. "I came about your post for a first mate." He held out the post.

Dillard grabbed the posted note from the pub wall, "Bless my stars, the Relentless here! Can't be..." He clutched the paper like it was his ticket to the promised land. He spun about lookin' fer any familiar faces, but he saw none. "Be calm, could be another ship", he told himself. But the prospect of finding it was the same ship, lifted his spirits. His purse was light, but he needed to be presentable, to the ships' Master. After a shave, and procuring a clean shirt. He felt ready to present himself to the captain, of the Relentless. The walk to the north dock, allowed him time to consider what he would say. Soon the ship came in to view, there she was moored to this very dock, the Relentless. He could have wept tears of joy. Men were loading provisions, on board the ship. The captain was standing on the main deck, watching and directing the crew. Dillard recognized him at once; more good fortune he thought, it was Captain John Taylor Black!