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          I've always loved pirate stories. Adventure called me, when I was a child. I used to love dreaming of suddenly coming across a treasure map and getting wrapped up within the little narrative I'd come up with for myself. Sometimes, I'd get betrayed by my own crew, other times, I'd cross the stars and fall off the edge of the universe. I became the pirate king more than once, playing with the children where I lived. I always made it back somehow, of course.
          It was wonderful, to play pretend for a while. To forget about my home life, and the hardships we had fallen under. My father left my mother and I when I was twelve, and I stopped playing pretend. I had no time to play anymore. I had to work. I was a dishwasher at a restaurant for a few years, then a dishwasher at another restaurant for another few years, until I left.
          My story starts on the ship called the R.L.S. Legacy. I was hired by Dr. Delbert Doppler as part of the expedition crew he put together. I was looking for work, and getting desperate when I saw the advertisement for a hardworking crew. It was exactly what I needed, and the adventure still whispered in my ear.
          I stepped aboard, the creaking mix of wood and metal making my blood sing. I couldn't help but feel excited. I had only been on so many ships before, and now I was going to be working on one. Like a pirate.
          "Move ya' gawkin' lad. We're tryin' to work here." A large man said as he pushed past me. The squeaking of his joints made it painfully obvious that the man had lost a few limbs in his time. A cyborg.
          Not knowing what to do, I stuck to the railing, watching blankly at the crew. There were all walks of life on this ship. I spotted a different species of alien everywhere on deck. The one who stood out, though, was a well dressed felinid with a tricorne hat and a straight back. I could almost feel her disdain and laser focus from far away.
          "You there! With the plain sack and daft look in your eyes!" Her voice cut through the noise, directed at me.
          I pointed at myself. "Me, Ma'am?"
          She didn't answer until she had crossed the deck and had started to glare down at me, the slits in her eyes as thin as paper. "Do you think there would be anyone else that I'm referring to?"
          I swallowed, fear starting to take hold in my soul. "I just wanted to be certain, Ma'am."
          She sighed, annoyance heavy in her voice. "What's your name? Come now, don't be shy."
          "Kael McMurray." I answered, keeping my eyes anywhere but her shockingly green ones.
          "Is that your full name?"
          Shaking my head, I said. "No. My full name is Kaelyn Nova McMurray. I just prefer to go by Kael."
          She hummed, thinking for a moment, before barking an order. "Alrighty then, McMurray. Find a hammock, dump your things, and start bringing the cargo on board. I'm expecting this to be done in no less than an hour." She raised her voice, authority filling the air as she spoke to her crew. "You hear that people!? I expect the ship to be full by nine sharp and not a moment later!" She turned back to me. "You're dismissed. Get going."
          I took that as my que and quickly made my way below deck. Excitement buzzed within me as I found a free hammock and threw my few belongings on it. Before returning to do my job, I glanced at myself in the small mirror I had brought. Dark and murky yellow, cat-like eyes stared back at me. The only remnants of my felinid great grandmother within me, as my human ancestry had all but pushed out the feline traits. My short hair was a red tinted brown, barely brushed and wild. My face was plain, and my nose was bigger than I'd have liked, but I was told plenty of times that I'd grow into it. Sure I wasn't attractive, but I wasn't ugly either. Average, one might say.
          I tossed my mirror back into my bag, tucking in my shirt. Unlike many of the human women I was around, I preferred to wear loose fitted trousers and boots instead of skirts or exceedingly tight pants. I had tried to wear tight pants and almost fainted from the poor circulation. Although I was fond of wearing jewelry and accessories, like the human women I was around; I had belts with small packs on them for tools and first aid around my hips (working in a kitchen you learn to stay prepared, after the first person chops off an appendage), as well as two other packs on my thighs. One had a few knives, for self defence and such, the other had a small sewing kit. I also had several ear piercings, in an effort to make myself look tougher. I don't think it worked though.
          I tossed the dark grey overcoat I was wearing on my hammock as well, leaving me in my white button up and brown plaid vest. If I were to start carrying things, I didn't want to overheat. It also may be easier to tell that I am indeed female, unlike that cyborg man. I checked my belts, making sure they weren't going to loosen, and pulled up my sleeves before setting out to start my new job.

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This is happening!! Here we go! The first part of the story. Sorry it ended kind of blandly. I don't break up my stories into chapters, per say, but into parts or scenes or sections... if that makes sense? Anyways, I hope you enjoyed and stick around 'til "The End"!

-LB

(And yes, I know that can be taken as Ladybug. Any Miraculous fans out there?)

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