Thomas chuckled lightly at the helmsman’s quip about the [i]Dusk Skate[/i] being Dutch, and her inherent prowess upon the high seas as a result.

“I can’t argue with that. Truly the dry docks of Rotterdam put out some of the most beautiful curves in the world, especially when compared to the average figure of the Dutch lady,” he said with an exaggerated cringe.

He turned his attention to the First Mate once again, as her smooth voice came to his ears. Her mention of him keeping the crew in the dark about the nature of the voyage came as a surprise, as Thomas never discussed the details of a raid with anyone but the ranking members upon the [i]Skate[/i] until the ship was well at sea. Usually in Monkey Bay to the north of Port Royal. Though the First Mate was new to his ship in relative terms, she had witnessed this ritual at least twice. Thomas took no umbrage to her advice however, accepting the spirit in which it was given.

“Aye, a sound piece of guidance, Lieutenant,” he said once more, having noted the genuine ease that followed his first pronouncement of the rank. “The details of the raid will be divulged in Monkey Bay, and the voting upon the rules, and my station as captain will take place there as well.”

It was traditional among pirates and privateers for the captain and the ground rules that governed the crew to be voted on at the beginning of a voyage. The vote was usually perfunctory on both accounts, and the only real import of the motion was to give anyone not willing to continue with the ship one last chance to disembark. Only then was the expedition revealed to the crew, and the dividing of the coming treasure into shares was also stated. If after this point any member of the crew attempted to leave, they were shot on sight without trial, preamble, or explanation. 

After his exchange with Nicolette, Thomas had spoken to the boy, Luc, about his desire for Pound Cake. With the gold piece displayed before him, Thomas listened intently to the boy as he spoke of the intent for the first doubloon going to pay for the services of a tutor. The thought filled the pirate captain with pride, though he knew not why.

“A most noble cause for your very first piece of gold,” Thomas said with a smile. “There is nothing like being upon a ship as she cuts through the waves on her best line, the spray of the waves upon your face, and the promise of fortune beckoning with the wind at your back. And the second piece could indeed be the start of a life of great fortune.” 

He paused briefly, wanting to add that the life of a privateer would bring Luc the most rewarding of opportunities, but his eyes glanced up to Antonia as she worked behind the bar. It was apparent that Luc’s family wanted more for the boy, something more tangible and respectable than the life of a murderous scoundrel. In Thomas mind, there was nowhere else a man would want to be than free aboard his own ship, making his own luck in a world still new and young. He was aware enough to realize however that his own existence was not as glamorous and noble as he made it out to be. In truth it was a life of a professional gambler, one where your own head was the collateral for the chance at fortune beyond reckoning. 

“You can make a great life for yourself among the merchantmen of the New World, your ships ranging from the East Indies, to the ports of London.” Thomas spoke to the boy at last, a wide and excited smile upon his face. 

He watched Luc walk away towards the kitchen, following in the wake of the sea-artist. Thomas laughed breathily through his nose, before affixing his attention back to Nicolette and his mug of wine. 

“To be a child again, eh?” He spoke to the First Mate. 

Thomas opened his mouth to ask after her own childhood, but he stopped. He did not know the angelic and mysterious woman well, save for her ability aboard a ship, and there was a reason for that. Secrets were a pillar of existence in Port Royal, and one’s past life was something that rarely mattered to the scallywags that called her home. Thomas decided that he would not pry, even in the vein of genuine curiosity.

Instead he decided to pursue matters of more relevance. “Lieutenant, you have been amongst traditionally trained gun crews during your time in Louie’s Navy. How does the [i]Skate[/i] measure up in that regard? Could the men be sharper at their work?”