The Painter Of Port Royal

Chapter 5

The following day, Jack Will and Lydia stood at the docs while Gibbs introduced the new crew members. They were all of different sizes and builds and Lydia wondered if this was really the best Gibbs could get. She really couldn't complain however, if they were willing to serve they were willing to serve.

She stood in between Jack and Will once again with her hands on her hips, her new outfit fitting well for her. Narrowing her eyes she took a look at each man down the line, trying terribly hard to intimidate them. Jack did the same but his version of intimidation worked, his dark eyes glaring at each person. Will seemed the least bit interested, more wanting to get a move on and not waist time staring at people.

"Feast your eyes Captain, all of them faithful hands before the mast. Every man worth his salt. Crazy to boot," Gibbs introduced.

The four walked down the peer eyeing up each character, stopping a few times at each person. Will looked everyone up and down giving Lydia a face of disgust. She only shrugged.

"So this is your able bodied crew?" Will complained.

Jack stayed silent as he continued down the peer before halting at a much older man with a beautiful blue parrot sat on his shoulder.

"You sailor!" Jack began.

"Cotton sir," Gibbs said.

"Mr cotton, do you have the courage and fortitude to follow orders and stay true in the face of danger and almost certain death?" The man didn't reply "Mr cotton! Answer man!"

Gibbs jumped forward to the two before Jack could lay into the man. Lydia spun to Will to give him the indication she had had enough which Will agreed, it being pointless to waist this much time. But this was Jack's specialty after all. Lydia questioned to herself if Elizabeth was alright and although wanting to learn about herself she was almost neglecting what she came here for. Straightening up she waited for this interrogation to end.

"He's a mute Sir," Gibbs interrupted "poor devil had his tongue cut out. Trained the parrot to talk for him."

Cotton stuck out his tongue forcing a gag out of Lydia. She rested an arm on Will as she twisted away from the man. The men next to her widened their eyes at the image, Jack feeling his tongue in his mouth curl away.

"Mr Cotton's, parrot," Jack asked "same question."

"Wind the sails! Wind the sail!" The parrot barked.

All three tilted their heads to the parrot, more confused then they ever had been on this trip.

"Mostly we've figured that means yes," Gibbs clarified.

"Of course it does, satisfied?" Jack asked to pair stood behind him.

Lydia gazed at Will for his answer. She frankly didn't care who came as long as they would help save Elizabeth. Will shook his head and pondered his answer. He knew what Jack was planning so assuming he can get away from Jack with Elizabeth he was content with the crew.

"Well you've proved they're mad," Will said.

"And what's the benefit for us?" A females voice sounded down the edge of the line.

Slowly they edged closer the voice, her face being covered by a large hat. Once they reached her Jack hesitantly tore it off her, flinching backwards as he did. He replaced his shock with a smirk as the woman stared daggers at him.

"Annamaria," Jack purred.

As fast as lightning the woman slapped him round the face with full force, sending him spinning around to Will and Lydia. Jack's beads on his hair smacked him in the face as well, adding additional blows to his injury.