Jax watched the Captain lightfoot his way up to the peak of the crows nest. Show off, he chuckled as the man stood against the wind. Seems it might be time for some fun. They were sailing off into battle he would guess. Not like even a disabled ship would willing hand over her loot. So why not a bit of grins before they begin to lose each other?

As night approached and the dusk became a sailor’s perfect picture, clear skies and a steady wind, Jax called Pierre, his replacement in training. After a few greeting, exchanges about the direction of the wind and the course, Jax patted the man on the shoulder and told him he was going to climb the riggings in a contest with the Captain. Pierre’s eyes grew large in disbelief before he cautioned Jax. In his worry wort voice, higher pitcher and faster, the man went on to tell him how dangerous that was to be playing games on the lines, how lost the ship would be if one of them were to get hurt, how tension might mount no matter who won. 

Jax laughed as only he could brushing all those worries aside. Then more serious the concerned crew mate suggested he have a second, someone to hold the main line as he climb. Jax dismissed that thinking Thomas would not have anyone holding anything, why should he? 

Jax left his post. As he did he caught Pierre calling to another. Jax grinned. Tell Pierre anything and it spread through the crew like a wild fire. He knew that. Just a plant of something in that Frenchman’s ear and it grew like vine. 

Jax hurried down below to the kitchen quarters. He was looking for Luc. He saw the boy come aboard but had not seen him the rest of the day. Jax found him behind a huge pile of pots and pans. “I am borrowing the lab for just a minute.” He yelled and his hand found the young shoulder. He winked to Luc and pulled him away not waiting for any response. “We’ll be back soon.” With his hand on his shoulder he leaned over to whisper, “Show me your bunk and we will trade secrets.” 

Through the belly of the ship the boy led Jax. “How is it you are here, lad? The lady moon call you to service so soon?” He didn’t let the lad respond but instead pushed him ahead. “We have to be quick with this deep dark cabin boy secret. Past on from one to another over ships and seas. I was once a cabin boy as was the Captain himself I venture.”

Luc stopped at a hammock in the main room. Jax looked around quickly and moved to the plank walls that curved to the hulls edge. He ran his hand over the wood until he found a board with just a slight bow and he rapped his knuckles on that spot. His eyes danced to Luc. 

He used his fingers to pull on the single thin plank and there behind the first bit of wood was a very small secret compartment. “For your treasures alone.” He closed it back up then spun to the boy and pointed to the far exit, the bow of the ship. “This is your way out.” He waved the boy on and they quickly ran to the bow as far as they could under deck. There was a very small space, the Hawse hole where the anchor cable pulled through. 

In a whisper Jax explained. “If you ever need to escape, get out, fire or battle that is how you go. You crawl out that line and find a rope that hangs there to the anchor and then up to the Forecastle.” Jax winked to the lad and let him look through before he turned and headed back. “Don’t tell anyone. This is the cabin boy’s secret.” 

“Tonight come out to the deck when the moon is high. The Captain and I will be showing off. You may have to sneak past some eyes. Think you can sneak?” Jax slyly challenged. Of course Luc nodded. “And bring that lucky shark tooth. I will need it.” With that Jax almost sprinted the boy back to the kitchen but before he let completely go he pulled Luc close, “And don’t say anything of this to that dear Tante.” He smiled and placed a soft hit on the boy’s small shoulder. “Welcome to the secret cabin boys club.” Jax was back on deck before Morneau could scream too loud. 

The half moon let her light dim enough to allow the stars to twinkle brightly over the calm seas. There was wind but not enough to kick the smooth waters too much more than a slight roll. Jax moved to the main mast and her riggings. He pulled off his boots and held them in his hands. Bare feet were his only way to feel the tension and ease of the ropes. And just because shirts had suddenly become more important to rip off than wear he took his off and held that too. 

A few of the crew began to gather along the deck. They pretended they had something to do and yet they watched Jax. Pierre had started the fire and bets were being made. As he stood there a few minutes he thought about the second. He spun from his spot carrying his boots and shirt and went back to that now familiar cabin.

He stood there with an unhidden grin before he knocked on the First Mates door. “Excuse me, First Mate,” he paused and then hit the last part louder, “Sir.” He knocked again lightly, “I have a request.” There were a few crew nearby straining to hear and Jax spoke loud enough to allow them. “I request you to be my second on my contest to the top. I am told it is protocol.”