The Curse of the Marie Celeste (all spots filled/starting)

~Az Gray, the First Mate of Llorona

And there he was, singing again, followed by the chorus of the of-keyed. I could understand John's idea of a happy crew, and we both knew that I liked singing as much as he did, but unlike him, I felt like pushing the loud toneless bards off the ship. Happy, synced with their captain, all that stood, and I liked seeing the crew smiling, but oh, man.

"You seem awfully happy today," I said, hoping that, if I get the captain stop singing and start talking, the rest of the crew will turn quiet as well. I loved them, but I loved my ears as well.

"The storm is over and the sun is smiling at us," he trailed off, poetically. I held back from rolling my eyes - sometimes he made me feel like I had a younger brother.

"Are you sure you haven't been on the rum?"

I was probably the only one on the ship who could grin at the captain's words and tease as much as I wanted - after all, we shared the kind of history that made people not want to kill each other for teasing - but I could tell, as we heard about approaching San Juan, that he was more serious than he made it seem. Docking, after all, was always somewhat dangerous for people of our trade, and the Navy lately became sneaky enough to almost pass under pirates itself. If there wasn't for the silly uniforms, that is, and the honour that made them serve, but not really care for each other. I wondered how could John live like that, even for as short as he did. But then again, my own memories of the Navy were probably much worse than those of other people - even other pirates, for that matter.

"You sure Aliena didn't just want you to restock the rum?" I asked, trying to let go of the thoughts and take it all back to the teasing and grinning.

"Nah, I feel it," he said. "We're on the right course now. In that harbor we will find someone who can guide us to that ship." He turned from me as he spoke, luckily - otherwise he'd probably notice the face I made. Harbours. People, smell, rush, land. I disliked each and every of those.
"Norwood!" John yelled as if his life depended on being as loud as possible, and I turned to the crew just in time to see Brent tossing a spider overboard.
Well, that was a warily big spider, I thought, feeling somewhat numb. Why was I even thinking about it so much? It was just a stupid legend told about me, and so far not only that I became known by it, but it found its way to my dreams as well - so much that I didn't like sleeping anymore. John, well, at least it didn't worry him. He saw it as a nice joke, and I'd rather let him joke with it than to listen about demons all the time. Still, though I didn't let it show, I could never quite get rid of the unpleasant feeling of cold whenever I'd think of setting my feet on the ground - one that doesn't move with the wind and the tides, that is. Having such legend surrounding me, though, also resulted in an annoyingly large number of sailors trying to kill me on the sea, just to prove it a lie. I sighed, as John sent Brent to the kitchen. That kid, Tommy, gave him a look of gratitude - which, I was pretty sure, meant much to John. He was just that kind of a captain. Too damn caring.

"I thought you found his fobia funny?" I really need to stop thinking about legends and demons.

"I do," he said, "but what kind of captain would I be if I let the crew follow my bad example?" He laughed, and for a moment we observed as they put up the British flag instead of our own. He smiled sentimentally, but I stayed serious, wondering if I could pass as a Navy officer if anyone asked me. "So, what will you do with your part of the treasure?"

"We don't even know if there really is a treasure yet," I said, taken by surprise. Really, what could I do with it, whatever it was? Find my sister, yes, but I didn't want to give it too much hope - for what she did for me, she could have got hanged before I even left the harbour. I never forgiven her for declining my plead to come with me. Some boys of the ship, I knew, dreamt of building houses, starting families and settling down somewhere. I supposed I could have dreamt of building myself a ship - but what the hell would I do with a ship? I'm no captain, nor I ever plan to be, and nothing is wrong with Llorona so John would have a reason to switch. And to find myself another captain, on my ship, well, that'd take a special kind of an idiot.
"I'll think about that when we actually find it," I said.

"You know what I'm gonna do?" He asked, as I figured I no longer felt all that for teasing and talking.

"I'm not psychic."

"No, but you know me." Taken by surprise, again. Indeed, I did know him - probably better than anyone, sometimes even better than he knew himself. The story of Aliena, the story of the mermaids.. I recalled all of them, but I never talked of them. I knew very well that legends surrounding people are never good, even if they do hold some truth.

"Retire?" I suggested, observing as the small silver fish glistened in the water by the ship. He laughed, and I couldn't help but grin. "No, you're going to do some repairs to the ship and buy enough rum for the rest of our lives."

"That, my friend, is exactly what I'm going to do.. And sink a few ships of the royal navy."

"I don't see why you have to get the treasure to do that?" He shrugged at my note, in his typical carefree way. Sometimes I wished I had some of that energy.

"Why not? I'm still young, and we haven't done anything fun for a long time."

I opened my mouth to ask him about which kind of fun would he be talking about, as he suddenly started singing again. Well, at least he was the one I could listen - but the crew joined as one, and someone was just terribly off again.

"I'll be back," I muttered, he nodded, and I took off to my quarters. There was something in the air - though still not cold, I could feel something approaching. Glancing at the sea, I saw the fish are gone - I was sure the weather will turn bad. And maybe not just the weather. Aliena said it will be nice tomorrow just as today, though.. But on the other hand, she said nothing about the night.

Staring over to the waves, I almost bumped into Tommy, the Gun Master who seemed rather confused by my lost of thoughts.

"Sir?"

"Ah. What? Wait, don't tell me. The storm is coming."

He seemed puzzled.
"I can't tell, Sir," he said.

"What is it, then?"

"Spiders, Sir, in my room. One, that is, but very big."
I tried hard not to grin. Spiders. Was everyone on this ship afraid of them?

"Well just put it out," I said. I would help, if he asked - but really, a spider? You don't call First Mate to deal with a freaking spider. I would call the captain to jump and get my hat if it happened to fall on land, though. But that was a completely different thing.

"Well, Sir, yes. The issue is, see, there's also a lair bellow deck. In one of the cannons."

This time I did grin, imagining shooting spiders at our enemies. He was serious, though, so I turned so as well, nodding.
"I will see to it," I promised. "You don't need to bother the Captain with it.. Carry on with your duties, will you?"
*

Nailah Crease- The Syren

"I'm tellin' you, lass! The only way to make sea-water drinkable is to add a whole lotta' spice ta' it!" Old, toothless Phil finished and grinned, showing- true to his name- no teeth at all.

"You old geezer, you're not getting any spices from the galley's stores!" I said, laughing.

"Yeah," another man piped in, "And you'll soon be called Crazy Phil if ya' keep rattling on about nonsense!" The whole table burst into hearty laughter.

I smiled where I stood in front of them, and suddenly remembering the drinks in my hand, I placed them down on the wooden counter. As soon as they hit the wood, the pirates were on to the rum like piranhas.

"Anyways, I'll be going back inside." I chuckled. " If anyone wants anything, just holler and I-" I was interrupted by the swinging of the galley door.

"Tommy!" I shouted to him brightly. I untangled myself from the group of rum-sloshing smelly men and ran up to where he stood by the door.

"Thank goodness, I was getting sick of that lot." I joked, pointed a thumb back where I came from.

"Nailah." Tommy smiled, looking up for once. I could read his brown eyes easily.

"Aye," I said. "Some grub it is." I grinned and turned, started picking my way back down to the kitchen.

"Um... the salad! The one with the pickled mangoes!" Tommy called, voice soft but clear as a bell.

Without looking back, I stuck my arm up, hand curled into a thumbs-up sign. I pushed myself into the kitchen, deeply inhaling the heavy smell of spices and herbs. I opened my eyes and looked at my work-place, my sanctuary. "It could use a bit of renovation, though..." I laughed lightly.

Let's get started... I bunched up the sleeves of my shirt to my elbows, and tucked a loose strand of chocolate hair behind my ear. Then, I started working. Taking dried fruits and vegetables, cutting them up, flavoring them.

My usual assistants were on duty somewhere on the ship, so it was just me today.

5 minutes later, there was a big batch of salad, piled in a decorative pot, ready for consumption.

Looking suspiciously at the abundance of fruits and veggies in front of me, I decided to drop by the food stock before I left. I creaked open the door at the back and stepped in. Instantly, I was hit with humid, musty air and I coughed at the suddenness of it all. Squinting, I stared around the dim- lighted room. And I frowned. My eyes had adjusted to the light, but saw a dangerously low amount of foodstuff.

If we don't make a trip to a port soon and restock, there'll be a heck of a lot a' pale faces on deck. I sighed. I'll talk to the captain about this later.

Finally, remembering Tommy, I scooped some salad carefully into a china bowl- oh, we have tons of that; all stolen loot, of course- and I padded out of the kitchen and placed it in front of Tommy, who was, not surprisingly, sitting in a corner of the noisy room, a epitome of quietness, waiting.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Tom." I told him, cracking my knuckles.

"No problem, Nailah." He reassured me, digging in immediately.

"San Juan, you scurvy dogs! Land's almost ahoy!" The voice was loud and clearly projected, probably from way above the ship.

"Get ready to dock in half an' hour!"

Brent Norwood, Llorona Cook/Surgeon

Ah, another lovely morning on the Llorona, I thought as I sang with the rest of the crew. I'd found a spider in the galley and couldn't resist sneaking it down Tommy's back. Things have been boring lately...someone's gotta stir things up. Why is a grown man so afraid of these anyway? I mean, this one was weirdly big but it's not the kind that will kill you. I'm not that mean...

"Norwood!" Oh shit, the Captain caught me. I throw the spider overboard. It's where the stupid thing belongs anyway. "Do you think I'm blind?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Captain." I'm sure he's laughing inside. Come on, Tommy is ridiculous with these spiders.

"Why don't you help Tommy check the cannons instead?" Yeah, that's a great idea. That would probably blow up in his face...literally.

"But I'm no gun-master." Yeah, way to state the obvious, Norwood.

"Oh, I'm sorry. It just looked like you had nothing better to do." Sheesh, Cap'n, maybe you could try being less subtle next time.

"I'll get started with lunch." I ran back down to the galley. Sounds like we're headed to San Juan soon. Ah, San Juan, land of fine rum, delicious food, and beautiful women. Wouldn't mind settling down in a place like that. Of course, there's not much out there for a guy like me on land. Captain Allingham didn't have to take me on, especially since I'm not the strongest fighter in the bunch. But he did anyway. Not a bad guy to work for.

I sigh as I look at the food storage barrels. Obviously the talking mermaid and I are on the same wavelength. We better have time to stock up in between seeking out this mysterious Marie Celeste. I've heard the legends, read the stories. A ghost ship, riding the Atlantic undamaged with a vanished crew. Some say there's an ordinary explanation, but I highly doubt that. Something sinister happened to that ship, and now we're headed straight for it. Is any treasure worth that risk?

I get out some salted meat and start spicing it up when I notice a rat running around. I pick it up and put it in a little cage I made. Bernie can come get it when he comes by. We have one kid who loves rats, a gun master who hates spiders, a captain with a cane...Man we're a strange crew. But I'll take it over a merchant ship any day.

I finish making lunch, dreaming about the Puerto Rican rum and hoping we survive finding this cursed ship.

Temperance- Navigator-Syren

Spoiler

Sorry It was so short. I couldn't really think of anything else

All this talk of treasure on ghost ships and big had me sitting in my quarters, staring at the map I had laid out on the table. I paced back and forth in front of it, my eyes never leaving it. Just thinking, plotting, working out scenarios in my head.

After who knows how long, I decided a breath of fresh air would and headed up to the deck. When I get up there, it was like a ghost town. Hm. They must all be eating. I took the time alone and headed for the Prow and watch the sway of the waves.

I hated the smell of the sea. Salt, Brine, and sea among countless other things. That was really the only thing that bugged me. But now? Out on the Syren, looking out at how blue the water was, how crystal clear and beautiful it was...Well, I would put up with the stench until the day I die. I'd always loved water. The pure crystalline look and feel of the water on my skin had always calmed my nerves and kept me grounded. The insatiable urge to lay my hand down and let my fingertips skate across it's cool surface had me taking a step back. It wasn't like I could even reach the water from here anyway.

I sighed before turning and heading down for the caboose was, but something caught my eye. Turning back toward the Prow, I pulled out a telescope. Tucking it back into place, I smile and head for the caboose where everyone else is. The thick soled boots I wore made a solid thud that echoed through the floor boards as I made my way down the stairs. As I drew closer I could hear everyone singing, or slurring the words of a song and feel the beat of the music being played resonating through walls and hear the sound of feet pounding the floor, growing louder and louder. Just as I stepped in, everyone drunkenly yelled a warm welcome and held their drinks up to me. I smile and said, "Better shove that Rum and Ale down your gullets while ya' can! Land ho ya bunch of scalley wags!!"

"Land ho!!!" the bellowed back.

I smiled again before finding an empty place to sit by myself and think. A long moment later, everyone cleared out and headed up deck while I stayed back to enjoy a bout of Rum. Tipping it up to my mouth I took a hearty swig just as the thud of of boots heading in my direction caught my attention. I swallow, slowly setting my drink down as boots come into view on the floor. I cross my legs, look up and smile. "What can I do for you, captain?"

Alexa Scythe- Gunmaster
"Land ho!!!" the rest of the crew bellowed out. I sighed and tossed back another swig of Rum before joining the crew on the top deck. I slipped in between the crew smiling at a few of them. I knelt beside one of the cannons and pulled out my daggers. I stuck one in each sleeve, one in each boot, and one in the small of my back. My usual five-point arsenal most pirates scoffed at me until they had a knife in their throat.

"Ready for this Wolfe?" Someone called out from behind me. I turned and grinned at him. "Need you ask James I'm always prepared." I called back. He chuckled and went back to his conversation. I looked out and saw the usual gallows with pirates hanging as a warning. I put my hand on my heart and bowed my head until we were past. I looked up and noticed quite a few of the crew putting hats back on their heads. I couldn't help but wonder how they all would react if I were to tell them my parents were responsible for those hangings along with hundreds of others across the country.

Somehow I knew they would forgive me but I wasn't quite ready for the truth to come out. Eventually I would tell them but for now it was my dirty little secret. I watched the crystalline water slowly becoming darker as we approached the shoreline and I smiled pushing my dark thoughts out of my head. I noted mentally as well that gunpowder was on the list of things to get. I turned away from the rail and joined the rest of the crew. Soon I was in a debate about knives versus guns one that had been going on since about a week I’d been on the ship.

Felix Hawthorn-Navigator of the Llorona

I clambered up the lines and lowered the flag we normally flew. Safe from the authorities, at least. This was by far the best spot on the ship, where the dingy scent of body odour and human filth did nothing to dilute the salty sea air. As well, a navigator had a prime position to see te shores, sandbars, reefs and currents.

I slid down the ropes again and headed for the wheel room. After ensuring again that we were headed in the correct direction, I stepped back onto the deck. I sat and watched as an unusually large spider got tossed overboard. The little beasts were so difficult to be rid of. Once they got on, and they always did, they managed to find every unsearchable corner on the boat. A right nuisance.

A course set for San Juan, a beautiful day, and cheerful spirits; perfect conditions for sailing. Not interesting enough, though. I scrambled down to the galley and hid a potato in my shirt. I walked as casually as I could back to the deck and lobbed the potato in the air, yelling, "Keep the potato!" Maybe a friendly game would liven the crew up.

Spoiler

Sorry for the length! This is a terrible week for me. But! I promise Felix will do better.

A lot of fun to write

Bernie - Cabin boy, Llorona

“Here, here…”

Bernie eyed the set of blank obsidian eyes carefully as he bent. His voice was lowered to a soft allure (he hoped) and there was a prayer down there in his heart to whatever rat god was guarding them on this ship. This rat looked braver than the others. Gold fur was always a good sign. He associated gold with riches, and riches with bravery, adventure and a proud heart. So when the rat sniffed at him once, squeaking loudly before vanishing under a barrel, Bernie was terribly disappointed.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, he stood and resumed sullenly mopping the polished timber floors. It was hard work being a cabin boy, and the muffled singing of the crew, drowned by the cheerful cacophony of the Captain floated down into his dark floor-mopping misery. Absently, he began humming the tune, timing it to each sway of the worn mop dragging across the thrice cleaned floor.

As much as he hated the chores, it was his ship, and therefore his responsibility. Despite everything that had happened, the Llorona was now a second home. Course, he still felt the slight urge to jump ship whenever they came close to port, but it was never as strong as it used to be.

His stomach grumbled a little. Just a little more, he told it reassuringly. Hang in there and Brent will feed you. He resumed mopping. Stopped. Sighed. Started again. Sighed. Letting the mop tumble to the ground, Bernie left to follow the whim of his tummy.

Springing nimbly up the stairs, he slipped by the crew unnoticed, sticking to the shadows. Nobody recognised a mere cabin boy. Sometimes he hated it, sometimes he nursed it like his own little treasure. Hearing rumours from the crew, he knew there would be something even bigger waiting once they landed at port. The Mary Celeste, the cursed ship.

An involuntary shiver crackled up his spine. He liked ghosts, but the thought of a ghost ship. Who knew? If the Llorona turned into one, he could quite literally eat the enchanter alive.

“Cookie!” he called happily as he caught sight of Brent.

Brent chuckled. “Don’t call me that, you rascal,” he said good-naturedly. “And fill your stomach when we get to port. It’s only in a few hours, so don’t tell me you can’t wait.”

Bernie stuck out his chin defiantly. “So what if I can’t?” he demanded.

Brent cocked an eyebrow at him, sandy hair swaying in the strong sea wind. Suddenly, he burst into laughter. Bernie blinked, startled. “So what if he can’t, so what if he can’t, can’t he!” He laughed, periodically shaking his head and breaking into fresh guffaws.

Bernie saw the joke with a sense of deep gloom. Brent was an excellent thief, if not the best he knew. And thieves knew all sorts of things, and that he knew from his own experience. Add the fact that he was the Cook and the Doctor on a ship with no regulations whatsoever besides the occasional reprimand of the Captain, Brent for an enemy was very dangerous.

He sighed and patted his stomach. Hang in there, he informed it mournfully and slouched away.

He heard the rustle of fabric as the flag was towed in, replaced with a faded plain flag. Racing to the bow, he saw the sunlight just glancing off the glistening wooden poles and slack sails of hundreds of ships anchored at harbour. They were just a small dot on the horizon, but already, the ship was carving its way towards the docks. He knew, right now, that wooden planks were already being positioned to cover the name Llorona inscribed in broad gold lettering on the side of the ship.

And slowly, the ship was veering away from the harbour, to a discreet bay only they knew about from decades of ruling the oceans around. It was a necessary precaution, one that Bernie did not care about right now, as he welcomed the sight of Port, and therefore good food in just a couple of hours! Life just couldn’t be better! Now if only he could find the right rat…

Captain Nicco Burns, the Syren,

Leaving Chris to deal with things on deck, I make my way down to the galley. Nailah is out in the mess, serving up grub to the sailors who aren't on watch. They're all laughing and generally making a lot of noise. Generally, I'd tell them to knock it off, but today, I can't bring myself to. Whatever Chris might say, the storm last night was pretty nasty, and we're lucking that no one was thrown overboard. Without waiting for Nailah, I grab some stew, hardtack, and a cup of rum, and head back to my cabin.

It's bigger than most other quarters on the Syren, but not by much. Instead of the bed that most captains favor, I have a hammock tied up in the corner. The back wall has three large windows, and the other two walls are lined with narrow shelves, holding all of the books and relics I've picked up in my travels. In the middle of the space is a large desk, upon which lies a map. The Map. It is currently zoomed into the sea around Puerto Rico, and as always, the details are incredible: every reef, shoal, island, and current is shown. It's gotten us out of more scrapes than I can count. I roll it up carefully and slide it into the stiff leather tube which I store it in, and then turn my attention to the food. The stew is excellent, even though we've been at sea for several weeks. I wolf it down, along with the hardtack (which is mercifully free of weevils), and wash it all down with the rum. I lick my lips and gather up the dishes, and go back down to the galley.

Nailah's there now, cleaning up the pots, plates, and cups of the other sailors. She looks up when I enter.

"Captain," she says, smiling, "I take it you liked the stew." She glances meaningfully at my empty plate.

"It was delicious, as always," I say, grinning, "How you do it, I'll never understand." I wash the dishes in the soapy water of the washbasin and stack them with the others.

"No, you won't," she says playfully. Laughing, I step back into the mess, just as Temperance's shout of "Land Ho!" reaches us from on deck. Just like that, card games are forgotten, rum is abandoned, and boots are left, half-mended, as everyone rushes topside. Everyone, that is, except for Temperance, who has come in, and is drinking a ration of rum. I walk up to her. She seems supremely unconcerned, as always.

"What can I do for you, captain," she asks, smiling. It takes a lot of effort not to roll my eyes.

"Who's at the helm?" I say, taking a stool next to her and raising an eyebrow. She laughs.

"Oh, the young one. Tommy, the cabin boy. He's a good lad, and he understands the ship."

I nod, "I suppose that's true. You've been training him, I guess. Did you see any signs of the Navy?"

"Nah. The Brits don't have a big presence here anymore, anyway. It's the damn Yanks we need to watch for. We raised the Union Jack, though. Just in case."

"Good. Finish up your rum, and be up on deck in a few. We need to figure out who's going ashore and who's tending the ship."

Nailah Crease- Cook/ Surgeon, The Syren

"Excuse me, Cap'n!" I shout from on deck.

Most of the crew- with the exception of a few given the task of taking care of the ship- were already on the wooden docks below, stretching and eying the taverns lining the shore.

"Hm?" The Captain looked up with surprise, eyes widening. "You're not down yet, Nail?"

I twitched. That bastard...Why does he try to vex me at the oddest times?! Teeth gritted, I said, "My name... by now you should know... Cap'n... is Nailah."

"Aye, I know!" He winked, laughing. "You're so easy to tease, Nailah!"

I rolled my eyes. The Captain would always be the same old captain. He never changes.

"Anyway, um...our food stock is almost done for, Cap'n." He raised a thick eyebrow. "And you were wondering if you could go out to restock?"

"Aye."

"Okay," he said slowly," I'll send Pete and Temperance to help you-"

"No!" I burst out. Then, blushing, I stammered, "I mean, no, I want to do everythin' myself this time..." Because I'd always been dependent on the folk here; they never let me do anything challenging myself. But sometimes, I just want to change that.

The Captain's eyes sparkled with realization and he smiled, the edges of his blue eyes crinkling.

"I understand. You go ahead."

I felt myself immediately break into a huge grin. "Thank you, Cap'n!"

"But-oi!" The Captain shouted. " Be back by evening, for then, we'd have have found our prize already!"

The poor man with gossip on The Marie Celeste... "Um, of course..." I felt my voice falter, for remembering our end goal sent goosebumps down my arm.

"Alright then, bye, Nailah! Be safe, lass!" He chuckled mysteriously and turned on his heels to catch up the to the rest of the crew who were already filing out in the streets.

I furrowed my eyebrows and looked up at the midday sun. I hope whoever's up there in heaven would keep us safe during this reckless endeavor... But the Lord never answered my prayers. If he did, I wouldn't be limping right now.

I sniffed the salty air deep into my lungs- and coughed. Too deep, too deep!

I shook my head and smiling, I ducked back into my cabin to get my "grocery" list before climbing down the ship and setting off toward the port's marketplace.

Spoiler

I managed to work in 2 lines in this post. Think you can find them? *looks expectantly at Shadow and Aria*

John William Allingham - Captain of the Llorona
I watched as the first lifeboat was lowered down and rowed ashore. There were three more, but only two of them would be used. I still needed some members of the crew to stay behind and watch the ship.

"Watch her for me, will you?" I asked Gray as I stepped down into the boat. My leg protested as I put my weight on it, but I refused to make a face.

"Of course, captain. Hurry up and find that guide so we can set sail again."

I could see in his eyes how uncomfortable he felt so close to land, and I knew he had good reason. "Gray, don't think that I don't care. I know you hate land, but every hope, and every prayer rests on me finding this person. With this treasure we'll be able to live like kings." I turned to the crew in the boat. "Like kings!" They repeated those two words loudly, and then we were lowered down.

"Harper?" He was sitting opposite of me, rowing with all his strength.

"Aye, Captain?"

"I know you probably want to go to the tavern together with the rest of this sorry lot, but I need you to accompany me on my little search. We'll stop by there first though, so you don't need to worry."

"Aye, Captain."

"For the rest of you," I locked eyes with Brent. "Make sure you have all the supplies we need. It'll probably be a while before we dock again.. And don't waste all your money on booze and women."

"Aye, Captain!" Obviously they were going to do just that, and I didn't blame them. I had been like that years ago, before I met Aliena.

We all jumped out of the boat. Or well, I didn't really jump anymore since I knew it'd probably make me scream, and that wasn't very captainish. I watched them pull the boats up on the shore and then followed them towards the port. It didn't take long before they were out of sight. My leg slowed me down and I had told them before that there was no need to wait for me. Tommy was still walking beside me.

"Where are we going?"

"The tavern first. I'm going to ask around a bit, meanwhile you can have a drink, and then well go wherever we're lead." I glanced out over the port as we arrived by the tavern. I saw a ship there that I had hoped that I would never see again. I could only hope that they weren't here for the same purpose as us. "Oh, fantastic."

"What is it?"

"Do you see that ship?" I nodded towards it. "It's the Syren. They've covered up the name and changed flags, but that is definitely Burns' ship. Can't believe the navy let them into the port.. Wonder what stunt he pulled," I muttered to myself.

I walked into the tavern and made my way to the barkeep. If anyone knew the person I was looking for, it ought to be him. My crew were already getting rowdy, a bit too rowdy for my taste. They were bound to get in trouble before the night was over. At least some of them were out gathering supplies. Or maybe they were just in another tavern.

"John! Long time no see. Do you want a drink?"

"No, thanks." I wasn't fond of the man and his overly friendly ways, but he was useful. "I'm looking for someone."

"And who might that be?" The barkeep walked around the counter to get closer. His greedy eyes were glistening far brighter than the glass he was polishing.

"Someone who knows they way to the Marie Celeste."

"Out hunting ghosts, are we?" He chuckled. "I might know someone, but it'll cost you." I sighed and pulled a pouch of money from my belt and put it on the counter. He weighed it carefully in his hand, as if he was considering asking for more. He paled when I glared at him and hurried to put the money in his pocket. "Yeah, I know a man. Kenneth Dunn, in the navy. You'll probably find him at his girl's house. It's the small one next to the tailor."

On my way out I tapped Tommy on the shoulder and signaled for him to follow me. "That seemed like a lot of money," he remarked calmly as we made our way towards the tailor.

I held out the pouch in my hand. "It is, which is why I kept it." That earned me a laugh. "Is it just me or does it look like someone broke in?"

The door to the little house next to the tailor was just barely hanging on its hinges. The door frame had broken when it had been kicked in. I sighed and pulled the sword that was hidden in my cane. I had known that the Syren would mean trouble, and this had to be their work.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Tommy asked as we stepped inside.

"Where past the point of no return. No going back now."

I picked up a muffled sound and turned to listen. It sounded like someone was crying. "Ma'am, are you alright?" I gestured for Tommy to take a look in the other room as I approached kitchen. I found the young woman cowering under a table. I sheathed my sword. "What has happened?" The sound of my friendly voice seemed to startle her at first, but then she looked up at me and started talking, quickly and all in Spanish. "I'm sorry, but I can't understand you." My Spanish was horrible, even though I had tried to learn.

"They took him," she managed to get out between the sobs. "They took Ken and dragged him of. They threatened to hurt me if I screamed."

"What did they want with Ken?" I tried to sound as calm as I possibly could so that I wouldn't startle her.

"They wanted him to show them that ship. The cursed one. Ken didn't want to come with them, so they forced him!" Her voice was getting louder and more shrill, and was starting to annoy me. I nodded at Tommy as her walked into the room.

"Did Ken ever tell you where that ship was?" There was still a slim chance that we could find the ship before they did. It wasn't much, but at least it was better than nothing.

She looked slightly surprised. "Yes, it was all he ever talked about."

"They will probably take him there, but if you show us the way then we can catch them. We can save Ken for you."

She eyed me suspiciously. "Are you with the navy?"

"I used to be," I muttered quickly. My patience was growing short. "Do you want to save Ken or not?"

"Yes, of course I do!"

"Then pack what you need and meet us at the tavern in twenty minutes. We'll take you to our ship." I got up and left before she had time to ask anything else. 'Are you with the navy?' That had to be the dumbest thing I'd ever heard.

We walked in silence back to the tavern. I was brooding. We would need to hurry to set sail. The Syren had a better guide, and I did not want them to have a head start as well. Why had they even come here? For the treasure, obviously, but why did I always run into that bastard? Every time I thought something might actually go my way we ran into the Syren. It was as if Burns was out to get me. Maybe he was. I sure as h*** was out to get him.

I looked up just in time to see a member of my crew come crashing out through a window of the tavern. He was soon followed by a man I didn't recognize. They must've gotten themselves in a fight. Great. I didn't have time for this, not right now. As I looked around I spotted Burns, staring at me. No wonder they were fighting. They had realized that the Syren's crew were at the same bar.

I took a steadier grip of my cane as I approached Burns.

Spoiler

I wanted to move the story on a bit, so I did. hope that's alright. Have fun fighting!

Captain Nicco Burns, Captain of the Syren,

We docked and made landing preparations. Most of the crew will be taking to the pubs, which is not ideal, but unavoidable. However, I put together a team to go and look for our man and another small contingent to remain with the Syren, just in case. Just as we are about to depart, Nailah approaches me.

"Excuse me, Cap'n!" she shouts from on deck.

"Hm?" I say, turning towards her, "You're not down yet, Nail?"

She looks irritated that I'm not using her real name, "My name...by now you should know...Cap'n...is Nailah."

I grin and wink, "Aye, I know! You're so easy to tease, Nailah!"

She rolls her eyes. We discuss her going to get more supplies, and then she rushes, off, eager to prove her independence. A good lass, that one. Smiling, I turn to the group that will be staying with the ship: Chris, and five others, whom I know to be solid fighters.

"Keep an eye out for Navy folk," I say quietly to Chris, "I know they're here. And," I glance around, "It wouldn't hurt to keep and eye out for the Llorona, either. They're bound to turn up, sooner or later."

Chris nods, and I quickly get down to the dock again, where Temperance, Tommy, and Wolfe are waiting for me.

"Right," I say, rubbing my hands together, 'Let's find this bastard." They all grin and follow me onto the cobbled streets of San Juan. I glance back at the Syren, the winged mermaid on the prow gleaming in the sun.

It's a great town, full of travelers from all over, not to mention quite a few beautiful women. Not that I'm interested in that right now. No, I'm trying to remember my way to a tavern I recall from earlier visits, whose barkeep knows everything about anything that goes on here. Before long, I see it: The Kraken's Arm. Outside the door, a wooden sign depicting a long, sinewy tentacle, creaks wearily. There aren't that many patrons at this time of day. Pushing the door open, I see a room full of mostly empty tables and a small man standing behind the bar, polishing some glasses. He looks up, and his eyes widen in recognition.

"Why, if it ain't Nicco Burns," he says slyly, "To what do I owe this very great pleasure?"

I look at him coldly. He may know everything about this place and its residents, but I hate dealing with him.

"I need information, Joshua, so speak fast," I say, narrowing my eyes, "First, have you seen John Allingham recently?"

"John?" Joshua raises an eyebrow, "Looking for a fight with them Llorona folk again, Nicco?"

"No," I snap, "Next: What can you tell me about anyone who knows of the Marie Celeste."

Joshua smiles widely, "Ah. I thought I'd be seeing some of you piratical types about that, soon enough. Aye, I know of someone who can point you in the right direction, but I need some guarantee of goodwill." He rubs his thumb and forefinger together. I roll my eyes. Temperance has narrowed her eyes, and Wolfe is glaring at Joshua. Tommy is looking between all of us, fascinated and scared.

Making an elaborate show of it, I reach into my coat pocket, making sure that Joshua sees my hand brush agains the dagger and two pistols in my belt. He swallows, and I pull out a small coin and flip it to him.

"There," I say calmly, "Now, what do you have for us?"

Joshua pockets the coin, "Your man will be Kenneth Dunn. Has a small house up on the Calle de Felicidad. Lives there with is lover. He came back from shipwreck about five months ago, raving about a ghost ship."

I nod, "Good. Ever so much thanks for you help." Laughing, I head back out of the tavern, the others hurrying after me.

***

We find Kenneth Dunn's house after an hour of searching. It is small and gaily painted, with flowers in the windows and a cat sunning on the roof. I almost hate to disturb the peaceful scene, but...I need the information. I'm going to get the treasure of the Marie Celeste for me and my crew, no matter what I have to do. Tommy has bounded ahead and knocks eagerly on the painted front door. A few seconds later, a young man, maybe in his twenties, answers the door. He's of average height, and has light brown hair. He looks strong.

"Yes?" he asks, genially, taking in our eccentric appearance, with all of our weapons and seafaring clothing, "How can I help you?"

"Well," I say, stepping close to him, "We were wondering what you could tell us about the Marie Celeste."

He whitens, "I don't know what you're talking about. Sorry."

Wolfe sticks her foot in the door, "I'm sorry, but that's not good enough."

Dunn backs into his house, and we follow, pressing him backwards.

"We just need to know where it is," I say gently, "Then we'll leave."

He shakes his head and then shouts, "Rachel! Get out! Get out!"

I curse. This is not going well, "Bring him," I mutter to Temperance and Wolfe, and they seize his arms, and drag him back to the door. He kicks and shouts, knocking over a small table. Upstairs, a woman screams. We'll be attracting attention, and that will bring the authorties down on us. There's nothing for it. I pull out one of my pistols and slam its butt into Dunn's forehead. He's knocked out cold. Heaving him up, we hurry down the street, back towards the docks.

***

When we pass The Kraken's Arm, I notice that the place is decidedly more full than it was an hour ago. I see some of our crew lounging at the entrance, and then, as the door swings open, I see others. Crew members who I know belong to the Llorona.

"Damn," I snarl, and the others look around. I barge into the tavern, just as the fight breaks out, between two crew members of different ships, of course. And just like that, everyone's fighting. Punches fly, the song of steel being drawn is everywhere, and yelling fills the air. I'm pushed out the door again. I turn back to Temperance, Tommy, Wolfe, and the unconscious Kenneth Dunn.

"Get him to the ship," I growl, "I'll handle things here. Tell Chris to make sure we're ready to sail, as soon as I and the rest of the crew get back."

They run off. I turn again, intending to enter the tavern again and join the fight. But, just up the street, I spot someone, someone whom I haven't seen for a very long time, and whom I had wished never to see again. However, the presence of his crew made this encounter inevitable. He's seen me too, as have his companions, a young man and woman. He grips his cane, and walks towards me, something hard blazing in his eyes. I draw my saber.

"John Allingham," I say, looking him over, "You're looking well."

He draws his blade as well, "As do you, Burns."

"Times are good," I say carefully, "But I'm in a hurry, so I'd appreciate if we made this quick."

Spoiler

Thanks to aqua for her suggestions. And I'll be out of touch until Thursday March 21, but I really didn't want this to die.

Brent Norwood, Cook/Surgeon of the Llorona

We lowered the lifeboats at San Juan and rowed to shore. The First Mate stayed on the boat, as usual, along with some crew members. The Captain claimed we’ll be able to live like kings once we find this Ken character and recover the Marie Celeste. I hope he’s right, but fear he’s wrong.

The captain singled out Tommy to go with him to find this man. Poor bloke, first he’s stranded by a ghost ship and now he’s being chased by pirates. Some people are born with all the luck.

“For the rest of you,” he says, staring at me. "Make sure you have all the supplies we need. It'll probably be a while before we dock again.. And don't waste all your money on booze and women."

“Aye Captain”, we shout. Most of them probably will, of course, and naturally I’ll have a drink or two. But we do need quite a bit of food and supplies to survive this journey. Even if this ship kills us, I don’t want my men dying of the curses of starvation and scurvy before we get there.

We went up to the tavern, and I had the bartender pour Felix some of that fine Puerto Rican rum. “Let’s toast,” I said, “To noble men making an honest living!” He laughed and we clinked glasses.

After a couple drinks, I decided I should get to work. I let the others keep merry-making, but I wanted to make sure we were stocked up, especially since I’d heard the Syren was here now. That always means a big fight, which means we won’t get anything on the ship.

I left the tavern and found the supply stores. I started at One Eyed Pedro’s shop. I liked One-Eyed Pedro. I’ve known him since my more legitimate commerce days. He sells everything from food that packs surprisingly well to remedies for nearly every disease imaginable. They don’t always work, but I can always find a good use for them. Plus he either never noticed or didn’t care if I only paid for a fraction of what I took.

“Hola Pedro”, I said as I walked in.

“Hola Senor Norwood,” he replied. “So I’ve heard all the pirates are going after the Marie Celeste. The Llorona too?” I nodded. “I’m not sure that’s the wisest idea...Perhaps I can interest you in some magical aids to help you on the journey?” He then proceeded to show me various stones and potions that would supposedly make me stronger and immune to whatever magical weapons the ghost ship held. I wasn’t buying it. They looked like they were poorly made and their only power was to make a man poorer.

“No thanks, Pedro, but I will take some of those balms.” Now those balms were magical. They could heal even the nastiest stab wound and even make a man feel less pain. I also took some flour, spices, and fruit from the shelves.

“A good choice, senor,” he remarked. “And you have fine taste. I’m sure your lady friend will be very pleased.”

“What lady friend?” I was confused. It had been a long time since I’d been with a woman. The high seas and relationships don’t mix well.

“The gem on your neck, senor. You took it for a special lady, did you not?” Ah, that. I thought it was under my shirt, but apparently it had slipped out. I only had it with me in case I needed to barter for something. It wasn’t for a special lady. In fact, I took it from one...

Spoiler

It was the last time we’d clashed with the Syren. We were on their ship and Tommy’s excellent shooting had provided a distraction, enabling me to go into their cabins. I was sure they had fresh loot for the taking and I wasn’t disappointed. I’d found a lot of gold and silver objects that were small enough to stuff under my vest or in my sleeves. In this cabin, I’d found a magnificent necklace. I’d just hidden it when a knife flew past my head.

I turned to see the source, and was surprised to see a girl limping closer with another knife ready to throw. “You weren’t planning on stealing anything, were you?” she said with a smile.

“Of course not. I was simply admiring your knife collection.” It was rather impressive. Some fine chef’s knives and daggers made of the finest steel. I kept my weapon raised. She appeared weak, but people don’t limp like that unless they’ve danced with death and won. If she was weak, she’d be dead.

“I’m sure you were. They were my father’s. And if any are missing...” she threw another knife, missing me intentionally, “I won’t miss next time.”

The gold flower pendant with a ruby at its center hung on a delicate gold chain. I was thinking about how I’d taken it during our last encounter with the Syren when all of a sudden, something whizzes past my head, smashing some jars on the shelf.

I turn around, my best knife at the ready. So it’s true then. The sirens are here, and this one’s here to keep her promise.

“Well, well, fancy seeing you here.” I said, trying to lighten the mood. “Come here often?”

She was not amused. Her body stiffened up and she clenched her teeth. “Give it back...or else...” She threw another knife, knocking down some more things. Man, this girl loved to throw knives.

“If you can take it from me, it’s yours.” Now that really set her off. She ran after me, still limping, but faster than I would have expected. I dodged her but eventually she caught up, muttering something incoherent about her mother.

We fought for some time, neither of us gaining the upper hand for more than a few seconds. I had some surface cuts, but nothing that I couldn’t patch up. I’d managed to cut her too, and by now it seemed her initial burst of crazy had worn off.

“Well, my pretty Syren friend,” I said as I pushed her away from some pickles we almost crashed into, “we could do this all night, or...” she went for my neck, but I dodged her easily..”we could call a ceasefire and save our energy for the real fight.”

“Where is it?” Still tense, but she backed away, at least.
“If it’s really that important, it’ll be yours once again. On one condition.”

“You’re a pirate. And from the Llorona no less. I can’t trust you.”

“Perhaps not. But if you don’t you might never see that necklace again.”

“Fine. Name your price.” She didn’t look happy, but motioned toward a bag that, presumably, had gold in it.

“Oh, I don’t need gold. We have no shortage of that on the Llorona.”

“Then what do you want?”

“Kiss me.”