A Visit from an Old Nemesis

The_ Jolly Roger _had barely sailed a few hundred meters in unusually calm waters when the crew started to seem uneasy. A rhythmic sound was following them, getting closer. “Tik, tik, tik, tik…”

Rage flashed over Jaquelyn’s face, as her mind flashed back to prior encounters with the culprit. “I hate that Croc!” she groaned, then pulled out her cutlass and shouted, “You will not have my trousers today! Nor my underwear!”

“Yes!” Smee added, “And you will not leave toothmarks in the Captain’s backside!”

“Shut up, bosun!” the Captain snarled. “Gunners!”

Amy saluted and aimed the cannon.

“Is that clock ticking faster than before?” Selina asked. “Aye, and I’ve heard the Tik-Tok compels the young to perform stupid feats to music for the entertainment of their friends” Sally added. “I saw Ari dancing like she was obsessed last time the beast was near.”

“You don’t know me!” the Cabin girl whined, and ran off below decks.

“Target in range!” said Amy. “Fire!” the Captain ordered. A series of loud bangs rang out on the ship as the naval guns recoiled against the chains that held them in place. “Miss!” Cattie called out.

Nevertheless, the ticking sound became more and more faint. “That’s it! Run you vile crocodile! You’ll not have me today!” the Captain shouted, triumphantly. “Reload!” she commanded, more quietly, as an afterthought.

“TallyHo…ho!” Smee called, from the crow’s nest.

“Prepare for boarding!” Hook commanded.