Man Down

Chp 5: Perseus Jackson

Mission: Information Extraction

Most of the crew scurried off the ship and down to Black Jack cove. It was secluded and sheltered on both sides by cliffs and treacherous waters that only the crew of The Black Pearl could navigate. The Tempus Guards didn't even know about this cove, let alone try to get in. It was a home base, so to say.

Luke, Thalia and Ethan stayed behind, while the rest of the sailors changed into their "disguises" as to not be spotted as easily. The girls let their hair loose from the restraints that usually kept it contained when at battle with the sea swell and wind, and they all wore their casual, common folk outfits. These were either pilfered from raids or bought from markets when The Black Pearl docked. But either way, it made them blend in. 

As the rowdy bunch arrived at the tavern, Piper immediately went to join a queue of people waiting to challenge the current beer chugging champion. Percy chuckled and moved further into the throng of people. She could out drink anyone. She would have a lot of bets placed for her. And a lot of money by the end of the evening. Eventually, the team split up, whether in twos or threes, until Percy was walking through the crowd alone. He strolled casually to the bar and asked for Drew Tanaka. He despised the woman, but she could be useful. 

After the bartender raised an eyebrow suspiciously, Percy sighed and showed him his dagger sheath. After seeing the engravings, he hastened to a door and went inside. Percy walked around the bar and poured himself a beer. He chugged it in one go, before giving a satisfied "aaah" and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. 

Drew Tanaka. Rumor has it that she was a witch. Percy didn't believe that. He had met a witch before. And Drew was not nearly as intimidating, nor as outwardly powerful as that witch. But she was certainly a gossip monger. She reeled in gossip, rumours, and half-truthful myths from the gunk of society like a fisherman. She was eager and bit at any sign of new news that no-one was supposed to know. If he wanted information, here was where to get it. 

As to how he was going to get it, this session was free. She owed him a favour for when he saved her lousy ass from being burnt at the stake. But oh, how he would have loved to see her burn. But just because he was a pirate, didn't mean he was heartless. Besides, he needed the information. So he had let her live and now could ask her for any information he wanted. 

The bartender came back a moment later and ushered him into the room. Percy downed his second pint of beer and shook his head to clear it. He always had to make himself a bit dumber to understand Drew. But even so, he would return to the main tavern much wiser as to the who-how of the palace and its inhabitants...