Jacquotte

Chapter 12

Jacquotte strategically placed the members of her crew on and around the docks, designating them as lookouts for returning members of the HMS Dauntless, or particularly astute citizens. Perhaps this wasn't necessary, because the docks were nearly deserted save for a beggar or two. Silas and Jacquotte boarded the schooner with almost disappointing ease, and signaled for the rest to board after untying the ropes from the dock. Jonasen was awake for this, and had no idea what was going on, but didn't make a sound much to Jacquotte's relief. Although they weren't noticed by anyone, silence was crucial. She communicated to her crew through hand signals, having them search the ship for any people and to hoist the sails.

She herself entered the Captain's cabin and started rummaging through everything. She found a small chest full of shillings, which she designated for the ship's coffers. There was a pair of pistols but they weren't as good as hers, so she gave them to Silas. She was pleased to discover that the ship's stores were fully stocked, plenty of barrels of fresh water,sacks of beans, wine barrels, salted pork, cheese wheels, dried meat, rum and rice. Natsu Nakano, the self-proclaimed ship's cook, immediately took stock of the tools and rations. He was a slender Japanese man with a bunch of earrings and a plethora of tattoos.

Jacquotte set Jonasen in the Captain's cabin, now her cabin, and went out to the to oversee everything. She also wanted to observe and determine who was best suited to what job. Silas stood next to her, giving orders. By the time they made it to open sea, sometime in the early morning, she and Silas had already decided who would have what job. Nigel Gibson, a British Navy defector, as bo'sun. Natsu as ship's cook, Edward Biggart as Master Gunner, Yves D'Artois as Sailing Master, with most labeled as A.B.S, and a few volunteers as swabbies or powder monkeys. Silas had to go through everyone and put their names in the ship's log, along with their shares and rations. Natsu and Silas informed her that we had enough supplies to last six months before we needed to restock, however they did need to fill up the water barrels in three months.