Lost City of Atlantis (POTC 6) + Shorts

Chapter 5: Tortuga

Narrator's POV

Under Jack's recommendation, the crew stopped in Tortuga to gather more supplies, such as food and water. The sky was darkening, and Jack took it upon himself to find some more crew, and had wandered off.

Annette stayed with her crew of Gibbs, Marty, and Crumble and a man who had been on their ship for a while, but Annette had never learned his name. He had red hair with blue eyes, and a thick Scottish accent. He was the palest out of all of them, not able to tan under the hot Caribbean sun.

After a few hours, Jack was being friendly at a tavern with two men who he talked into joining their crew, Bones and Grub. Bones was bald, had almost no teeth, and had retired from sailing years ago. He was hesitant to sail under Jack due to his hapless track record, so Jack was trying to convince him. Grub had matted black hair and a straggly beard, and he agreed to join because he had nothing to lose.

Annette whistled over to the younger Scottish pirate, and ordered him to find Jack and bring him back to the ship. She wanted to leave as soon as they could.

The Kid wondered the pirate port until he found Jack drinking, trying to convince Bones into agreeing to be on the ship. The Kid walked up to Jack and said, "Annette wants you to come back."

"Who's Annette?" Bones asked with a tankard of beer in his hand.

"Me first-mate," Jack answered, polishing off his mug.

"Your first-mate is a woman?"

"Not just a woman... but a woman," Jack said, bringing his hands up for emphasis.

Bones smiled toothlessly and said, "why didn't you start with that, mate?"

Jack blew air out from his lips and said drunkenly, "didn't cross me mind."

Bones chuckled and said, "I'll make this as me last hurrah to the sea life."

"That's a good lad," Jack said merrily. He wanted to announce his engagement to her, but thought that might change their mind about joining the crew so he kept his mouth shut.

Grub asked, "Annette who?"

"Levasseur," Jack said. His eyes mirrored the wide eyes of Grub and Bones.

"As in Olivier Levasseur?" Grub asked, "his daughter?"

"Aye," Jack nodded.

"A terrifying man, he was," Grub nearly trembled, "hung from the gallows, he did."

"Is Annette like her father?" Bones asked.

Jack shook his head. "She has grown into her own."

"You sail with the Pirate King?" Bones asked.

Jack nodded again and gestured to the barkeep for another tankard of rum. Jack stood up and slapped the Grub on the shoulder to keep his balance. He looked back at the Kid and said, "sit down, son, have a drink."

"But—"

"Let's not do all of that," Jack said.