A/N: Thanks to everyone who is already following this story. It's good to see more Pirates of the Caribbean fans out there! Everlark are going to have a tough start. At the moment they have 2 very different viewpoints.


Chapter 2

The sun beats down on me as I stand on the wooden stage inside the fort. My uniform is too heavy and I feel stifled in the afternoon heat. The sun shines in my eyes causing me to squint at the large crowd gathered below. They all squeeze underneath parasols while they try to swot away the heat with their fans. All of Port Capital's high society is here to witness this grand occasion but no one offers a smile. It's hard to when so many friends were lost at sea.

Princess Cashmere and I were the only survivors after the Mockingjay attack on The Victory. I was able to row her to Port Nut where the governor welcomed us with open arms and offered us a place to recuperate. When word got to Commodore Snow, he ordered more navy ships to go after The Mockingjay but the pirate ship has vanished and the British people in the Caribbean are angry that their royal family has been targeted. Nobody feels safe.

I eventually got back to Port Capitol this week and was immediately told that I am promoted to captain and being awarded the Rose Cross for bravery. I can't walk in the street without someone approaching me with either offers of condolences or praising my courage. I haven't stepped out much as a result. I just want to be alone as I grieve for my friends.

But I had no choice but to leave today. Princess Cashmere is awarding me the Rose Cross in front of Port Capitol's residents. I have attended one Rose Cross ceremony before and it was a raucous affair. Trumpets and flags were paraded through the street and dancing went on until the early hours of the morning. But there is no such fanfare today. The military funerals are still fresh in people's mind. I stay standing on the stage, wishing to be anywhere else but here.

Commodore Snow steps up to the stage to make a speech before I am awarded with the medal.

"The Rose Cross was first awarded by my great grandfather, King Coriolanus II. He kept the most magnificent rose garden in England and he wanted to invent the Rose Cross to reward the most magnificent men in the British Empire. The Rose Cross is only to be awarded to the bravest of men. The men that have gone out of their way to save others and risked their lives in the process. I am proud to be part of this day as we award the Rose Cross to its latest recipient," he starts.

There is a gently rustling in the crowd as people turn their gaze from the commodore to me. The sun is still in my eyes and I bow my head as the crowd's attention is focused to me. I don't feel worthy of this award. I'm only standing here today because Thresh warned me of an attacker. And in the end, I couldn't return the favour for him. I stood motionless as I watched the sword pierce his flesh.

"The newly promoted Captain Mellark fought admirably as brutal pirates attacked, even though The Victory was badly understocked with gun powder and weaponry. It was his quick thinking and skill with the sword that allowed him to smuggle Princess Cashmere to safety. The royal family will always be in his debt," Snow continues.

I twist to spy Princess Cashmere sitting in a heavily shaded stall. She's still wearing the mourning black, with a veil covering her face. She's lost weight in the two weeks since the attack and looks away quickly when she catches me staring. Once again I feel like I failed.

The commodore says a few more words before stepping back and letting the chaplain come forward to read the official documentation. Princess Cashmere is roused from her stall and meets with a steward carrying a red velvet pillow with the Rose Cross placed on top.

The chaplain finishes reading his scroll and the princess lifts her veil before walking towards me. She carefully picks up the cross and pins it to my uniform's lapel. She doesn't meet my gaze until the cross is secured in place. It is a shock when our eyes finally meet. I recognise the grief swimming in her eyes. It's the same look I catch every time I look in a mirror. Princess Cashmere stares at me for a long time and I can sense she has much to say to me but knows this is not the place.

"I will be forever grateful for you saving my life," she says.

I nod my head and she attempts a smile before turning and walking back to her stall.

A lone trumpet picks up a ceremonial tune and other members of the Royal Navy raise their guns in salute. A path is formed through the centre of the crowd as more soldiers raise their swords to create an arch. I force a smile as I make my way down the steps to the sound of guns firing into the air.

There is a party afterwards but I hate that I am the centre of attention and barely have it in me to make the small talk required. And not everyone is thrilled by my promotion. Lieutenant Thread bumps into me early in the night and glares at me.

"You must think you are so special. But we both know it was luck that made you survive The Mockingjay attack. There are others of us that have waited much longer for a promotion," he says.

Lieutenant Thread is at least a decade older than me but he has a vicious temper that often gets him into trouble. It is hard to promote him when he has had complaints from civilians about him breaking their legs.

"I'm not going to disagree that it was anything other than luck. But at least I am not trying to beat my way to a promotion," I reply.

Thread narrows his eyes at me.

"Watch your step, Mellark. There are certain enemies you don't want to make," he says.

I sigh and shake my head before moving past him. I have bigger things to worry about than Thread's jealousy.

However I end up getting stuck with Plutarch Heavensbee, a sugar merchant, as he tells me how terrible the whole situation is.

"Some people are beginning to think there is some conspiracy against the crown. Too many royal ships and ports have been attacked recently and Princess Cashmere was meant to die on that ship. There is someone who doesn't like the royal family," he says.

I nod my head but am barely listening. I don't care about a conspiracy against the king. I just want to see The Mockingjay sunk to the bottom of the sea.

Plutarch continues to natter on about possible theories and I think I nod in all the right places but my mind can only focus on The Mockingjay and my hatred for its crew. The longer Plutarch talks, the more my anger continues to simmer and gets closer to the boil. The only thing to distract me from my grief is imaging all the different ways The Mockingjay crew can die.

Eventually Plutarch gets bored of me and turns to find someone else to voice his theories to. I go off in search of a drink before someone else corners me.

I grab a cup of rum and then slide into the hallway to find some peace. But as I take my first sip of my drink, I realise that I am not alone.

"Lieutenant Fitzgerald! Get your hands off me!" a very familiar voice exclaims.

I quickly stride around the corner to see Madge squirming as she tries to get out of Cato's grip. But he's persistent and lurches for her again, bringing his face closer to his.

"Stop the chase. We both know you snuck out here for one reason," he says.

Madge scrunches his nose in disgust as he leans in to try and kiss her. She puts her hands on his chest and shoves him hard. Cato isn't expecting it so stumbles backwards. Madge looks at him fiercely as she straightens her dress.

"I came out here to get some air, not to be pursued by a man with little more intelligence than a dog!" she declares.

Rage appears in Cato's eyes and I step forward before he tries to hurt my friend. My anger towards The Mockingjay is still simmering and the nerves in my fist begin to tingle.

"Cato," I call.

He spins round, looking bewildered by my presence and I don't even give him a second before I bring my fist back and punch him square on the jaw.

Cato falls to the ground and clutches his chin as he rolls in agony.

"What the hell, Mellark? I did nothing wrong!" he exclaims.

"I can't believe they let men like you in the Royal Navy. You think you can take whatever you want. You are no better than a pirate," I scoff.

Cato makes a few more noises of protest but they fall on deaf ears. He soon scrambles back to his feet and stumbles away with dented pride. I keep my eyes on him until I am sure he has left before turning back to Madge.

"Are you okay?" I ask, gently touching her elbow.

She nods her head.

"I am not as meek as my father makes me out to be," she says. She then tilts her head to the side and studies me carefully. "But it really looked like you needed to hit him. Is everything alright?"

I sigh heavily as I lean back against the wall.

"No. I'm either drowning in grief or raging in anger. I've forgotten what it's like to feel normal," I admit.

Madge nods her head sadly and reaches out to place a comforting hand on my arm.

"I remember feeling that way after mother died. Death is always going to change you," she says.

I nod my head in agreement.

"I can't get a full night's sleep. I just relive the day again and again. Every night my dreams find another way to show me Thresh dying. I should have saved him. I should have watched his back and warned him," I say.

"We can't change the past. Only learn how to live with it," Madge replies.

"And how do I do that?" I ask. I turn to Madge and my eyes plead with her to give me answers. "How do I live with the fact my best friend saved me but I couldn't save him?"

Madge rubs my arm soothingly.

"I'm not saying it won't hurt. But one day you will wake up and realise you haven't thought about it in a few days. And first you will hate yourself because you don't want to forget them, but then you will realise that it actually hurts a lot less," she says.

I want to believe her but can't imagine a time when that will happen.

"I'm here to talk whenever you need to," she says.

"I don't want to burden you with my problems," I reply.

"Pfft!" Madge exclaims. "You would be doing me a favour. If you are visiting then father can't invite any potential suitors for me!"

I manage a laugh and Madge grins at me.

"Come on," she says, tugging on my arm. "I need a dance partner if I am going to avoid father's questions about Cato Fitzgerald."

I smile again and let Madge lead me back to the party.


I dance with Madge for one dance but then make excuses. I try to leave but am intercepted by one of the princess' stewards.

"Princess Cashmere requests your presence in her chambers," the steward states.

I nod my head in agreement and follow the steward up the grand staircase. He knocks on the princess' door and waits for her reply before entering and announcing my arrival. Princess Cashmere gives him a smile in thanks and he bows before leaving the room. The door closes behind him and I am left alone in the silent room with the princess.

"It's a pleasure to you see again, your highness," I say, bowing.

Princess Cashmere stays seated and shakes her head.

"There is no need to bow to me. You saved my life," she says.

"It was my honour to take you to safety," I reply.

The words feel bland as they leave my mouth. I have repeated similar words ever since we escaped. They mean nothing. Not when so many good men died. Princess Cashmere nods her head and then smooths out the wrinkles from her dress.

"I wanted to thank you again, privately, and congratulate you on your promotion, captain," she says.

"I think my bravery has been vastly exaggerated. It was luck that allowed me to escape that ship," I say.

"Maybe. But I was certainly lucky that you were still alive to help me," she replies.

I nod my head and then an awkward silence fills the room. It is clear that we are both still grieving and neither of us are sure of the social protocols in this situation.

"Have you baked any bread?" Princess Cashmere suddenly blurts out.

I'm stunned by her question and recoil slightly in surprise.

"Why do you ask?" I say.

Princess Cashmere looks a little embarrassed and toys with the cuff on her sleeve.

"You said onboard The Victory that you always bake a loaf of bread when you first get back on land. I just wondered if you had actually done it," she replies.

I shake and bow my head.

"No. I haven't felt like doing much since I arrived back," I say.

Princess Cashmere nods her head sadly and sighs.

"I understand what you mean. Every time I place my fingers on the piano or pick up a book I burst into tears. I'm glad that I am not the only person that struggles with every day pursuits. Everything just seems wrong without Seneca here," she replies.

"Your husband is missed by many," I say.

"Yes. I was lucky enough to have a marriage of love and now all I want to do is get back to my daughters in England. But my uncle refuses to let me travel. He says I cannot leave before The Mockingjay has been removed from the seas," she says.

"Justice needs to be served," I agree.

Princess Cashmere nods her head and then there is another long pause before she speaks again. She looks me directly in the eye before doing so.

"Do you believe in revenge, Captain Mellark?" she asks.

I take a long moment before answering. My earlier thoughts about The Mockingjay resurface and I clench my fists at my side.

"Honestly, before The Mockingjay attack, I believed revenge was a fool's plan. But I have since reconsidered my position. The thought of vengeance is the only thing that distracts me from my grief," I reply.

A small smiles appears on the princess' face.

"Good," she states. "Because I do not just want to see the crew swinging from the gallows. That would be too quick. Too painless. I want to make them suffer. To take away everything they love. I want them to know what it feels like to live without the ones they've lost."

"No one could blame you for wanting that, your highness," I reply.

Princess Cashmere nods her head.

"My uncle is preparing a special operation to bring down The Mockingjay and her crew. I personally asked for you to be involved. Will you agree to?" she asks.

I don't hesitate before answering.

"Always," I reply.


Commodore Snow requests to see me the next day and I salute him once I enter his office.

"Good morning, captain. I believe my niece spoke with you last night," he says.

"Yes, sir. She briefed me on her desires for The Mockingjay," I reply.

Commodore Snow smiles.

"Good. I'm glad you are on board. I was not exaggerating when I said you were a magnificent sailor yesterday," he says.

"It is my honour to protect the princess and the British Empire," I say.

Snow smiles again.

"No need to be polite, Mellark. I know you want vengeance just as much as my niece. It was tragic how your whole crew died," he says.

I bow my head as memories of Thresh and other crew members fill my head. Commodore Snow shuffles some papers on his desk.

"We are not going after The Mockingjay in the usual way. This requires something a little bit different," he starts.

"Different how?" I ask.

"I want you to find The Mockingjay crew. And then I want you to infiltrate them. You will become part of them and find out everything about them. Where they dock. The location of their spoils. Find out who they love and then take it all away from them," he says.

"You expect me to live with the people that murdered my best friend?" I ask.

Snow shakes his head as a smile spreads across his face.

"I expect you to take away every last bit of hope they have and then stab them in the back. Do you think you can do that?" he asks.

The image of Thresh smiling at me before the sword plunged through his skin reappears in my head. The now familiar feeling of anger comes roaring back and answers for me.

"Yes," I reply.


I make a stop on my way back home. I knock on the door of Rue Andrews and the maid lets me in to see her. I bow when I enter and Rue smiles kindly at me. Rue is originally from the island and many of the men in the navy comment on her exotic beauty. Today her tight curls are pinned to her head and her dark skin looks smooth in the light that streams through the windows. It's easy to see why my friend fell in love with her.

"I am sorry I have not called around sooner, Miss Andrews," I say. "Thresh would be angry that I haven't looked in on you."

"Thank you. I wish we could have seen each other again under different circumstances," she replies.

I drop my head and nod it sadly.

"It's funny how quickly things change. I thought Thresh was going to propose to me when he got back," Rue muses.

I snap my head up and catch hold of her stare.

"He was going to propose, once he had got your father's permission. He loved you so much," I say passionately.

"I don't know if that knowledge makes everything better or worse," Rues replies.

I drop my head again and Rue sighs sadly.

"I just miss how he made me laugh," she says.

"He liked making you laugh. Sometimes he would test his jokes out on me beforehand," I reply.

A small smiles appears on Rue's face and she turns to look at me. I smile back at her and then step forward as I remove something from my pocket.

"The thing that would anger Thresh most about his death is that he broke his promise to you. He promised to give you back your handkerchief when he returned but it now rests at the bottom of the ocean. I found this in his belongings back at the fort. I hope it can make up for his broken promise in a small way," I say.

I hand Rue a plain white handkerchief and she takes it gratefully. It may not be as pretty as the one she gave Thresh but it belonged to him.

"Thank you," she says as she clutches the handkerchief tightly in her hands.


After my visit with Rue I get straight to work on Snow's order. I spend the rest of the day making myself look the part of a pirate. I cut off my ponytail so that my curls brush the top of my collar and throw some clothes in a barrel filled with dirt. My clothes come out of it looking grubby and I fray the end of some of the sleeves. I dig in the garden with my hands so my fingernails become embedded with dirt and wipe some soot on my face. I barely recognise myself when I look in the mirror and I don't like how easily I was able to transform myself into one of them.

The next day I set off in search of The Mockingjay and her crew. It is unknown where the ship makes its berth but I assume they must anchor in some ports to trade. I quickly eliminate all the royal ports as possibilities and begin making enquiries at the various local and black market ports.

It's frustrating work as most information about The Mockingjay is based on legend and I can't make it obvious that I am trying to find them. However, after a month of searching I finally grab hold of a genuine source. He tells me that The Mockingjay only trades at the black market port, Hob. I buy the man a drink and then set off for the port the next morning.

Hob is about as far removed from Port Capitol as possible. It is a well-known trading port of pirates and scruffy prostitutes with missing teeth prowl along the harbour. I try to keep my eyes down as I make my way along while the prostitutes hang out windows and call out to me.

"Blondie!" one calls.

Her blonde hair is tangled in knots and she has smeared blood on her cheeks to make them look rosy. I try not to scrunch my nose in disgust. She presses her chest against me and I put my hands on her arms to try to push her away.

"Been at sea long? I can remind you what warm flesh feels like," she purrs.

I manage to push her off me and she cackles before flashing me her naked breasts. I avert my eyes quickly to avoid staring at her dusty nipples.

"I'll even let you suck on my tits like a new born babe," she says.

I can't take it anymore and brush past her quickly. I'm no prude but there are just some things I would never do.

Things in Hob don't improve as I enter its main street. Several people lie, sleeping in the mud, as rats scurry over their bodies. Half-naked children run through the street brandishing swords and picking the pockets of drunks passed out in alleyways. I walk past two people haggling for a trade. But when the buyer doesn't pay the full price the seller pulls out a pistol and shoots the man straight in the chest. Nobody even stops to watch this event. It's common place here.

I remind myself that I am now one of these people and sights like this shouldn't bother me. But it does make me a little angry that the Royal Navy knows about this port and does nothing to shut it down.

I find lodgings in a local tavern and then take up residence on a stool at the bar. A one-armed older lady comes up to serve me. Half of her hair is missing and her teeth are black when she smiles at me but there is something comforting about her grey eyes.

"You're new here," she states. "Where are you from?"

"From all around," I reply, testing out my cover story. "I was on simple trading ship but we sailed into the wrong part of the ocean and the Royal Navy didn't like that. They destroyed our little ship without any questions."

"So jobless and homeless. You'll fit right in, in Hob," she replies.

I smile and tip my glass at her before taking a long gulp. I let out a satisfied sigh afterwards.

"Don't suppose you know of any work going? I'm down to my last few coins," I say.

"There's plenty of work here, just not all of it honest," she says with a grin. And a wink.

I laugh and sit back on the stool.

"At least the pirates are taking the fight back to the navy. I heard The Mockingjay destroyed the navy's premier ship in the Caribbean. Almost got Princess Cashmere too," I say.

"Aye. You can find some of the princess' jewellery in the streets here. There's a prostitute in Baker Street that wears one of her tiaras," she replies.

I force myself to laugh but anger bubbles inside of me, hearing this woman talk so casually about it. Good men died trying to protect that jewellery.

"But don't believe all the stories you hear. Captain Firebird is not a fierce as they make out. The crew are trying to find ways to stay alive just like the rest of us," she says.

I nod my head in agreement but feel the hate for them inside of me.

I find out the woman's name is Ripper and that she owns the tavern. It becomes clear that she knows some of The Mockingjay crew so I take up an almost permanent residency on the bar stool as I wait for at least one of the crew to appear. I help Ripper out occasionally with the stew she serves in the tavern but I learn quickly never to ask what meat goes inside the pot. She seems to take a liking to me and even pours me free cups of rum so I can't complain too much even though I am in dire surroundings.

Finally, after a week in Ripper's tavern, I catch my first glimpse of The Mockingjay crew. I recognise two of them as the handsome but deadly pirates that invaded The Victory not long ago. The bronze haired one is still missing a shirt and bounds into the tavern with a broad smile on his face.

"Ripper! Have you missed us!" he declares.

He then leaps over the bar and plants a wet kiss on the old woman's lips. Ripper smiles as she pushes him off her and shakes her head.

"Finnick, don't pretend I'm not the first girl you've kissed since you arrived at the harbour," she says.

Finnick brings his head down to her and wriggles his eyebrows.

"I might have stolen a few kisses on my way to you. But you know you are my favourite girl," he says cheekily.

"Only because I give you free rum," she replies.

Finnick winks at her and Ripper quickly finds him a drink. Every female eye in the tavern has turned in Finnick's direction. Most fix their dresses and stick out their cleavage, all desperate to catch the handsome pirate's attention. However, my gaze falls to the two other men that came in with Finnick.

One is the tall dark one I saw in The Victory while the other is older with muddy blonde hair, scruffy beard and a bottle of rum in his hand. They seem to be ignoring their friend and I frown when I see them pick up a bottle hidden behind the counter. The dark one pulls out a note from it and slyly passes it to the older man who pockets it before taking a long drink of rum.

I'm curious about the note but know I have other priorities at the moment. I need to get their attention and find a way on board that ship before it departs again.

The two men re-join Finnick and the old man slaps Finnick on the shoulder.

"We're only here to replenish our rum stocks, so you won't have too many opportunities to get your dick wet," he says, before taking another drink.

"That sounds like a challenge," Finnick says, wriggling his eyebrows.

"It amazes me you haven't picked up syphilis," the dark haired one replies.

"That's because I have higher standards than you do," Finnick replies with a grin.

The dark haired one hits him on the arm and Finnick begins teasing him about some of his conquests.

I turn my head away from them and scan the tavern to try and find a way to get their attention. It doesn't sound like they are in Hob long so I need to do something drastic to prove my worth to them.

Eventually my eyes land on two navy sailors, probably on leave and wanting to find a woman and somewhere to gamble. They are the perfect target.

I down the remains of my rum and then walk towards them. One has a foot sticking out from under the table and I smile before purposefully tripping over it.

I fall to the ground dramatically and the sailor turns to me looking confused. However, I act completely enraged.

"What the fuck was that? You tripped me, you fucking bastard!" I exclaim.

The sailor's eyes widen and he puts his hands up in defence.

"I didn't mean to. You should watch where you are going," he replies.

I lunge forward and shove the sailor hard in the chest.

"I should watch where I am going? Maybe you should watch where your fucking foot is. You navy bastards are all the same. Nothing is ever your fault," I sneer.

A large portion of the tavern have stopped to watch our argument unfold, including the members of The Mockingjay crew. Finnick leans an elbow against the counter and watches on with a grin.

Now I have got their attention I add more to my performance. I push the sailor again, this time so hard that he topples off his chair.

"What the hell! You're crazy!" the sailor exclaims.

I step forward so that I loom over him, before dropping down and grabbing a fistful of his jacket.

"You are an entitled dick that pretends to protect us but actually make our lives hell," I spit.

The crowd in the tavern cheer as I play on the almost universal hatred for the Royal Navy here. I smirk at the sailor but his friend decides to step in. He pushes off his chair and tries to swing a punch at me but I duck out the way. Instead the sailor charges into a big man with no hair and hits in him the stomach. The man looks down at the sailor and rolls his shoulders back.

"Fucking navy prick!" the man yells before punching the sailor in the face.

That's all it takes for a full blown fight to break out. Nearly every man and some of the women in the tavern descend onto the two navy sailors and punches start to get thrown. Soon the sound of flesh hitting flesh and the cracking of bones fills the room and it doesn't take long for chaos to ensue as people start attacking whoever is nearest.

I throw in a few punches myself, making sure The Mockingjay crew see me before slinking to the side and ducking out the door. I grab a bottle of rum on my way out and then sit outside drinking it while the fight continues to rage on inside. Suddenly a large crashing sound appears beside me and a body is thrown through the window. A couple of men jump through the window and continue to grapple with the other man in the street, until he eventually wriggles away and they chase after him.

I shake my head as I witness the worst in humanity.

I don't have to wait long for The Mockingjay crew to find me. They appear from the door and stop when they see me. Finnick grins down at me.

"Thank you for that. It's been a while since we've been in a tavern fight that big," he says.

I act nonchalant as I shrug my shoulder and take a sip of my rum.

"The navy bastard deserved it," I reply.

The dark haired one narrows his eyes and studies me carefully.

"Why do you hate the navy so much?" he asks.

"The same as everyone else. The took my life from me," I say.

I quickly tell them my made up events, including a fake last name, that led me to Hob. They seem to buy it and Finnick nods his head impressed.

The older man takes another swig of his drink.

"Do you know who we are?" he asks.

"Ripper said you were The Mockingjay crew. I've been admiring your work recently," I say.

"I'm glad you approve. Ripper talked to us too. She says you help with the stews. Does that mean you can cook?" he asks.

I'm surprised that Ripper talked about me to them but take the opportunity.

"I can cook the basics. Even bake bread," I reply.

"Good. We need a cook. Our last one had to leave after we caught him stealing some of our plunder. The job's yours if you want it," Finnick says.

A smile spreads across my face. I can't believe it's been this easy.

"When do we sail?" I reply.

The old man grins and tips his bottle at me but the dark haired one shakes his head.

"The captain won't go for this. There are no orders to find a new cook. And we know nothing about him," he says.

"You really want to keep eating Darius' food?" the old man replies. "Ripper spoke highly of this young man. I trust her judgement. And the captain trusts mine."

Finnick slings his arm around the dark-haired man.

"Lighten up, Gale. We could do with some new meat on the ship. Your stories are getting pretty old and this one looks like a legend," he says.

Gale shakes his head.

"I'm blaming you when the captain gets mad," he says.

Finnick just grins and the old man smiles at me.

"Are you ready to see the famous Mockingjay?" he asks.

I nod my head and get up to follow them to the dock.

Finnick continues to joke with Gale all the way to the ship and it annoys me that he is so cavalier even though he has inflicted death on so many people. The ship soon comes into sight and I am taken back to the day I last saw it. My jaw and fists clench and I have to take a deep breath to calm my anger. I would happily blow this ship up now if that had been Snow's orders.

Finnick swings on board and I climb up the ladder. Most of the crew great Finnick merrily and he bounds about as he sings out of tune. However, their eyes soon turn to look at me curiously.

I scan the new faces and am glad that I killed the man who killed Thresh so I don't have to face him today. It's a misfit crew with members of all different ages and sizes. I am surprised to see so many women on board. All are in tattered and worn clothing and many have bottles of rum in their hands. It's going to be very different from being in the navy.

"I'll get the captain," Gale says before turning to the captain's quarters.

My fists clench at my sides as I think about meeting the man that ordered for my crew to be killed. Barely anything is known about Captain Firebird but I am expecting a tall and intimidating man. In many ways, a pirate version of Commodore Snow.

My eyes fix on the door of the captain's quarters and I hold my head high as I wait. I won't come across as weak. Gale opens the door not long after and a slender figure slips out from behind him. My heart stops at the sight of a beautiful girl with long dark hair in a braid and smoky grey eyes. A mockingjay flies down to rest on her shoulder. I am reminded of the figure I saw through the smoke as I escaped The Victory and know this must be her. I wonder if she is the captain's daughter.

The girl looks at me and crosses her arms over her chest. She doesn't look impressed to see me.

"Who on Earth have you brought me, Gale?" she asks.