Chapter 2

Kim stares, too frightened to move, or cry out. Ship is obscured by the fog as it passes but not the mizzen-top … and there hangs to frightening skull and crossed swords of

the Jolly Roger. Kim looks from it to the medallion the skull on the flag is the same as the one the medallion. Fog surrounds and closes in on the black ship except for the

black flag. As Kim watches, the skull appears to turn and grin at her. Kim shuts her eyes tight. Eight Years Later. And then snap open again, startled wide with fear. But

this no longer twelve-year-old Kim on the stern of the Dauntless; this is twenty-year-old Kim, lying in bed in the dark. She remains motionless. Were the images a

nightmare, or a jumbled childhood memory? Kim slowly looks as far out the corner of her eyes as without moving. Might there be someone in the room with her, looming

over her? She turns, ready for anything. She is alone. Kim sits, turns up the flame on an oil lamp beside the canopied bed. She carries the lamp across the room to a

dressing table, sits down. She pulls one of the small drawers all the way out, reaches into a space beneath it and removes the medallion. She has kept it all this time. It

has not lost its luster or its sense of menace. She gazes at it as she absently returns the drawer to its place. A booming knocks on the door; Kim jumps up, startled,

knocking over the chair. Kim? It everything all right? Are you decent? Yes yes. She puts on the medallion, throws a dressing gown on as Possible enters, carrying a large

box. A uniformed maid, Estrella, follows. Still abed at this hour? It's a beautiful day! Estrella pulls the heavy curtains, revealing: Beneath a blue sky lies the bucolic town of

Port Royal, build on a natural harbor. On a bluff at the mouth of the harbor stands Fort Charles, its stone parapets lined with cannons. I have a gift for you. He opens the

box, and displays for her a goreous velvet dress. She lets out an admiring gasp. It's beautiful. May I inauire as to the occasion? Is an occasion necessary for a father to to

dote upon his daughter with gifts? Kim happily takes it, goes behind a screened-off dressing are. Estrella follows, carrying the box. Although … I did think you could wear it

to the cermony today. Ceremony?

Captain Du's Promotion ceremony. Kim peeks around the screen. I knew it. Oh, rather, Commodore Du … a fine gentleman, don't you think? He fanices you, you know.

Behind the screen, Kim gasps. Kim how's it coming? She holds her hair and the medallion still around her neck out of the way as the maid cinches her into a corset over

her slip. Estrealla has her foot in Kim's back as she pulls the laces tight. Difficult … to say. I'm told that dress is very latest fashion in London. Holding her breath. Women

in London must have learned not to breath. Estrella is finished. Kim takes a breath and winches. A butler appears in the doorway of the room. Governor? A caller is here

for you. The caller, dressed in rough clothing, stands in the foyer, looking very out of place, and knowing it. He holds a long presentation case. He polishes the toes of his

boots on the back of his calves, but it doesn't help. Ah, Mr. Mankey! It's good to see you again! The caller turns it is Josh Mankey. Handsome, with a watchful demeanor

that gives him a weight beyond his years. Good day, sir. Holds out the case. I have your order. Possible hurries to him, opens the case. Inside is a dress sword and

scabbard. Possible takes it out reverently. The blade is folded steel. That's gold filigree laid into the handle. If I may. He takes the sword from Possible, and balances it on

one finger at the point where the blade meets the guard. Perfectly balanced. The tang is nearly the full width of the blade. Impressive … very impressive. Commodore Du

will be pleased, I'm sure. Do pass my compliment on to your master. Josh's face falls. Clearly, the work is his, and is proud of it. With practiced ease, he flips the sword

around, catches it by the hilt and returns it to the case. Bows slightly. I shall. A craftsman is always pleased to hear his work is appreciated. He stops peaking abruptly,

staring past Possible. Kim stands on the stairs. Granted, the dress may be painful to wear, but holy smokes! Kim! You look stunning! Josh tries to speak, but can't. He

gives up, smiles to himself, and simply nods emphatically. Josh! It's so good to see you! Her hand goes to the chain around her throat the medallion is hidden in the bodice

of her dress. I dreamt about you last night. Josh reacts with surprise: "Really?" Kim, this is hardly appropriate. Ignores her father. About the day we met. Do you

remember? I could never forget it, Miss Possible. Josh, how many times must I ask you to call me 'Kim'? At least once more, Miss Possible. As always. Kim is disappointed

and little hurt by his response. Well said! There's a boy who understands propriety. Now, we must be going. Possible takes the case from Josh, opens the door for Kim.

Kim straightens her back, gather her skirts and strides past Josh. Good day, Mr. Mankey. Possible follows Kim out the door. Good day. He watches as she is helped aboard

a carriage by the driver. To himself. Kim.