Sailing for Tortuga

Alex stood at the wheel of his ship steering his way to friendly waters and the pirate fortress of Tortuga. Over the years, Tortuga had been upgraded from simple pirate hangout, to a safe house for all pirates. Tortuga was one of a series of pirate strongholds held by senior pirates called governors, all the governors continuously sent updates to one another on threats that may affect the others, and so, the strongholds continued to withstand British and other colonial incursions. Alex saw John appear from below deck and waved him over. John had changed into a simple vest with a gun strap slung across his body and two pistols held in it. He also had a sword belt around his waist holding up his loose fitting pants. "Now you look like a true pirate." Alex said with a laugh, when John joined him at the wheel.

"Really? As your first mate, I was sort of hoping I would be wearing something like yourself."

"A captain may dress how he wishes, but his crew should dress to perform their duties."

"And what will my duties be?"

"We can start by having you shadow me, I'll have you learn to steer the ship and learn to be a proper captain before we reach Tortuga, or at least that's the plan." Alex said.

"Well then lets get started." John said.

The familiar cliffs that marked the furthest extent of Tortuga, appeared amidst the fog a few hours into their journey. "Watch the cliffs John! Don't get to close, they jut out into the water a little." Alex warned his brother who was steering the ship. "You see that island there in the distance?"

"Yeah, faintly." John said squinting ahead.

"Good, well steer us there." Alex said. "Boys, we're heading home! Lower those sails, we'll let the water take us there." Alex shouted to his crew, to a bunch of cheers. Alex let John steer the ship for a bit longer, but soon took over when it came closer to dock the ship. As the island became more clear in the distance, a pirate ship emerged from the fog, and hailed Alex's ship. Alex turned his ship around so that they were side by side.

"Afternoon Cap'n." A figure said from the other ships wheel. The other ship was smaller than Alex's, but the other sailors were still visible from the deck of Alex's frigate.

"Is that you Mary?" Alex called over from the side of his ship. The figure removed her hat and smiled up at Alex. She had fiery red hair, to match her temper and viciousness in battle. Her blue eyes were evidence from the beginning that her home was on the water.

"Is that him?" Mary asked looking at John who had stood beside his brother.

"This is John, my brother."

"The one you were supposed to kill." Mary said seriously.

"Mary." Alex said warningly.

"Relax, I know how much family means to you. The governor sent me to send you a message. He wants to speak with you as soon as you're unpacked."

"Thanks." Alex said with a sigh.

"Hey, don't shoot the messenger." She said as she raised her hands above her head.

"Get your ass back to port quick, we should talk, and preferably over a drink at old Bob's."

"Sounds good to me!" She said as she started to turn her ship around. Alex did the same and continued his journey towards the docks.

"Was she a woman? I thought there were superstitions about that?" John asked

"She was a woman, very observant, what gave it away? Was it her bosom, or perhaps her butt, but then again you probably couldn't see it very well from up here."

"Ha ha, very funny." John said sarcastically "Seriously though, it seemed you two were pretty close." John said teasingly.

"We had our chance, we both went our separate ways." Alex said with a sigh. "Plus, she was much to young for me, imagine what mother would say." Alex laughed.

"Don't get any funny ideas, I'm going back for Sophie as soon as possible."

"Of course John."

Soon enough, Alex had tied up the ship to the mooring lines, and gotten off with the rest of his crew. "John, here is my key. I'm in a house towards the entertainment district of the town, go see if you can find it. I'm going to go meet with the governor. You know what? Why don't you go to the bar and meet Mary? Keep her company until I get back?"

"Fine, but don't expect her to replace Sophie in my heart."

"Man, you're so naïve to the real world. You know this place may end up being quite educational for you John." Alex said as he clapped John on the back and made his way to the castle in the middle of the town.

"Captain!" Alex heard from behind him and saw the quarter master come up to him.

"What is it man?"

"Good luck in there Captain, remember that the Governor hates to execute anyone, so don't give him a reason to."

"Thanks." Alex said and turned around to continue on to his destination. Execute?! What am I walking into here?