Tough Girl: The Coming of the Kraken

Hats Off to Tortuga

     "Gibbs are you sure you can handle the recruits by yourself?" I crossed my arms, waiting for his response. "Don't worry about it Jessica. I've got it covered." He answered. I shrugged and sat down beside Jack, who had been staring at his compass. He gave me a small smile and hid the compass from my view. Not interested in Jack's compass, I took out my blade and fiddled with it. "And what makes you think you're worthy to crew the Black Pearl?" Gibbs spoke as our first recruit came up to him. "Truth be told, I've never sailed a day in me life. I think I should get out and see the world while I'm still young." The man explained. "You'll do, make your mark. Next!" He called for the next person in line. I turned away from Gibbs and entertained myself by watching Jack talk to his compass."I know what I want, I know what I want." Jack recited, staring hopefully at his compass only to open it and slam it back close looking defeated. I felt his gaze settle on me before returning to his compass.

     "My wife ran off with my dog and I'm drunk for a month and I don't give a ass rat's if I live or die." grumbled the next recruit. "Perfect, next!" Gibbs called. "Me have one arm and a bum leg." explained a rather sorry looking fellow. "It's the crow's nest for you." Gibbs nodded. "I've always wanted to sail the sea. Always. Forever." The next man stated dreamily. "Sooner than you think." Gibbs gestured to the paper. "Sign the roster." Jack paused whatever he was doing with his compass to face Gibbs. "How are we going?" He asked, his eyes drawing back to the compass. Gibbs sighed. "Including those four? That gives us... four." Standing up, I nudged Jack's shoulder. "I'm going to get a drink." I pointed at an empty looking bar. "Don't get too drunk, love." He advised. I scoffed. "Ever since I met you, we found out that I'm more alcohol resistant than you. So I'm sure I'll be fine." I began to walk away, but turned around. "Besides, I can take care of myself." I added. "And you know it." Jack smirked at me. "Just be on your guard, love." I nodded and made my way over to the empty bar.

    It was pretty quiet on this side of the Faithful Bride (that's the name of the bar where Jack and Gibbs normally are. Ooh I rhymed!). Over here, the walls were decorated with posters and posters of a young girl. Apparently, the girl ran away from Beckett so he's put up a reward for her and she makes potions for a living. At least, that's he rumor. I took an empty seat on a bar stool. To my right, was another person. Actually she was the only other person, besides the two men standing beside her. "2 rums please." I requested from the bartender. "Anything for you beautiful." He flirted. I rolled my eyes and grabbed the bottle he had set in front of me. He hadn't moved. "Oh sorry." I muttered, getting out a coin to pay. "It's on the house for you miss." He grinned again, showing teeth that were too white to be true. That got me thinking about Jack's smile. His gold teeth always glimmered in the light. I smiled to myself just thinking about his goofy grin. "Am I delighting you miss?" The bartender wiggled his eyebrows. "No." I huffed. "We should go out sometime." He mused, staring at me with interest. "Not interested. Leave me alone." I stated coldly. He didn't move. "Oh, but I am." He hinted. I glared at him. "Bloody hell! Leave me alone!" I spat. It didn't seem like the bartender was getting the message. "You and I should just, hang out..." He grinned. 

     The masked girl slammed down her drink, startling the both of us. Thank God for the interference."Leave her alone for goodness sake, in fact, she already said no on top of no, on top of no! What part of no do you not seem to understand?! Take your dirty mind and stick it somewhere it's welcome." The girl snapped. Not like I had any problem with it. The bartender muttered something angrily before stomping off into the backroom. "Thanks..." I trailed off, hoping the girl would finish my sentence so I could thank her properly. "Octavia, or as you might also know me as-" But I interrupted her. "The Alchemist." I breathed with realization. Octavia grinned and slowly turned to face me better. Her hat shadowed over her blue-grey eyes, but they stared at me with a piercing gaze. "And to whom do I owe the pleasure?" She asked with a hint of curiosity. "Jessica, Jessica Turner." I smiled, my eyes glinting mischievously as I stuck out my hand. Octavia raised an eyebrow at me, a smile tugging at her lips. She took my hand, never letting her eyes leave my own.