Ah, Jax took hold of the offered beverage at his empty seat even before he sat down. All that time looking in the cupboards and here it was right at his chair. He smiled. To no one and began to take a sip while cake was served. The Captain and First Mate were doing what they should, plot and plan and plan and plot. He glanced from one to the other appreciating how well they each filled their roles. They tempt fate and the try to think their way out. 

He could not help but hide in the tilt of his cup as the fair voice of the first mate sounded so tactical, practical tactical. He watched her eyes and knew she would think it through one hundred times before they even saw the foundering ship. As he watched, trying hard not to let any, even the lad, see that he could find those sparks of passion hidden in the deliberate plans the Lieutenant would make. She is a hard thinking machine. That fixed his hand and gave him a gift.

But then the Tonia was looking at him and asking about bumbo. No she didn’t really ask, she just gave him that once over question in her eyes. Or he thought she did. What was a bumbo again? Damn french. When in doubt take another drink, so Jax did.

Bed time, for the pound cake cutter and Jax gave the lad a big grin as he so politely said his good nights. He winked as Luc held up the shark’s tooth. Oh he would forget at some point of course. Boys don’t remember forever. Thanks heavens they don’t he chuckled as Tante Tonia led the lad to bed. Tuck him in Tonia.

Jax finished his drink too fast of course but this whole night was stretching out way too long and he wasn’t even half drunk, not even close. He put his hand inside his coat to feel the book that still was tucked beneath. He had a date all right, a way to end this strange night. His Lady Moon above him as he rocked in the arms of his new love the Dusk Skate and held a rare find, a book, close enough to read. He would be ready to sail. And although this crew, these planners and plotters don't know it yet, he would guide this ship right to the next treasure, of that he was sure. How did he know? Just look at her face, that first lieutenant, she would either plan them to success or die trying. And the Captain? Well, hells, he did manage to somehow sail with some damn pretty legs and still manage to keep his balls. 

Still, Jax thought maybe he should go back to his first approach and stay clear of temptation. Sea witches both. He played with his now empty glass and tried to listen. But he didn’t offer much. Less talk more action. Less cake more brew. 

He just turned to the Captain and smiled as he nodded. He already said he was in.