Autumn stood on the docks watching the crew working productively . It was exciting, to watch the hustle and bustle of a ship's crew. She watched as extra ammunition was being added to the ship, for there were many ship battle's raging at sea these days. Some of the best money was to be made working on a ship. Autumn remembered her mother and younger brother at home.

Money was coming in short and they needed some in order to keep the house that they lived in. Her mother was a midwife for the village and her brother was too young for work, other than helping around the house, so Autumn took matters into her own hands. She had searched for something to be able to be home every night, but nothing was available. That is when she decided to work on a ship. Her mother had not very well liked this idea, but gave up when her headstrong daughter wouldn't give up on the idea. Only males were allowed board a ship, something about how they caused bad luck. Autumn thought the idea stupid, but none the less disguised herself as a boy. She wrapped long pieces of fabric around her chest to make it less noticeable and wore a baggy shirt. Her long, silky, light brown hair, she had to cut, it almost made her sick to do so.

She looked around for someone to ask about a job. A big man was carrying crates walked in front of her.

"Excuse me? Sir?" She made her voice deeper, and hoped that it worked.
The man looked at her and grunted.

"I am looking for who is in charge of this ship."

"Yonder." He pointed to wards the ship. He went back to moving his crate.

A man with long black hair, a red bandana, a floppy hat stood surveying his crew, occasionally giving out an order. He looked like a pirate, of course he was, but a refined one. He didn't go gallivanting around stealing other people's things. But, non-the-less, he kept his pirate look. His stature was also a drunken one, but of course that's what pirates, even refined ones, do, drink and lots of it.

She walked towards him and swallowed her rising fear, what if this doesn't work? She made her way up to him, "Excuse me?"

"What do ya need kid?" He looked down at her. She held her breath for a second. He smelled of rum.
"I need a job."

He had an amused look on his face. "A job eh? You're pretty small, what could you provide to me ship?"

"I, well, anything you need me for, I'm stronger than I look." Which was true, she had to do most of the upkeep of her family's home.
He eyed her up and down, which she thought rude. "Your voice is a bit high, how old are you?"

"Eighteen." She replied.
"Oh, a eunich?" His smile was teasing.
Autumn's face got a bit red, how dare he? "Look, if you don't need me, then just say so! I don't need all your questions! And whatever a eunich is, I am not one!"

He laughed, "I like your attitude kid. Welcome aboard! Me name is Captain Jack Sparrow." He stuck out his had for her to shake. "What is yours?"

She put her hand firmly into his, "My name is…" she paused, looking for a boy's name. "Jonathan." She said it firmly, it was her brother's name.
"Well, Jonathan, go tell Mr. Gibbs that I've hired you, he will show you to your bunk and give you instructions on what you will be doing on my ship, the Black Pearl." Jack pointed to a larger man with graying hair.

"Thank you so much sir!" Autumn was happy, finally, she had a way to provide for her family. "Just call me Captain." He then turned his attentions to other activities on the dock.

The ship had set sail an hour earlier and it was a most exciting experience for Autumn. She even had to sign a code of conduct, and to break it, said Mr. Gibbs, would end in harsh punishment. No problem there, she thought. She was to help clean the decks and fix the sails if need be. Lucas, another member of the crew, would help her along the way. He was appointed by Mr. Gibbs to help her, as he didn't have time. So far everything was working well for Autumn, no one had any idea that she was a female.

Later that evening the crew sat around, enjoying free time. Most were drinking their rum and playing cards, other's dozed off to the sound of the ocean slapping against the side of the ship. There were a few musicians aboard who had earlier finished a round of lively music and were now enjoying rum and cards.

"This your first time on a ship Jonathan?" Lucas was sitting near her on the deck. He seemed to be about twenty years of age, with short brown hair. Muscles were also part of his features due to the heavy work he did.
"Yes it is." She replied, hopefully she could keep her voice deep enough to survive this voyage.
"A great place to be, the sea. Lets your mind wonder, and clear itself out." Autumn just nodded and watched the ocean waves smack into the ship's sides. "What are we haulin'?" She asked after moments of silence.
"Sugarloaf and other goods. So, why is it that you wanted to sail on a ship?" Lucas asked.
"Me dad is gone, so me mum and little brother don't have much money left. So here I am, to help." Autumn looked back out to the ocean, she missed her family already.