Chapter 4: The Helpful Ex-pirate

"We can finally send that conniving pirate to jail where he belongs." Captain Amelia began, "But at the meantime we still have carry on our mission at Kinapis and investigate about the Zeitmanipular."

Jim only gulped at the words that the captain said. Silver, who was directly at the bottom of the main deck, with the advantage of his cyborg ear was able to overhear what the captain said and smiled when she said the word "Zeitmanipular."

Canolin continued to listen to what the captain has to say, her plans on what to do to Silver, a few information from those who have escaped the raid, et cetera.

"If I may captain," Jim finally spoke. "I would like to file a complain on Ms. Ma'ir's ill behaviour when we were guarding-"

"Oh, ho now!" Canolin cut him off, "I was obviously still sitting around in the brig as the captain said, so don't say a thing about my so called "ill behavoiur," yes? Plus you get a bonus from me entertaining you with my lute while we were watching-"

"But you weren't even paying attention to-" Jim cuts Canolin off.

"I know what to do if a prisoner tries to escape!" Canolin retaliates by cutting Jim off.

"Stop it, both of you!" The captain said sternly. "Mr. Hawkins, a word with you in my office, please."

Canolin heaved a sigh when Jim and Captain Amelia walked to the captain's office, she heard a call from the brig.

"Caney lass!" Silver called from below. "I think I got a plan that can help me get off from these ropes." She nodded and walked down the stairs to the brig.

"Mr. Hawkins," the captain said as she closed the door to her private office. "There is a reason why I've assigned you to Ms. Ma'ir. I'm glad to know that she has proven to be a challenge for you."

"She definitely has, ma'am." Jim replied, "She did alright during the launch though, but she's really stubborn when I'm the one giving her orders. She always refer back to you for orders instead of me."

"The Academy is here to teach students leadership skills," said Captain Amelia. "I've noticed that you were lagging behind in this quality during your second year, and this may be a good time to hone that skill."

"Yes, ma'am."

"I've only got a few tips to share. You have to dominate your crew or they would dominate you. I trust that you can handle the situation from this point onwards." The captain wanted to dismiss Jim, but he then said, "Captain, as for Mr. Silver, can we please reconsider other options? I think he might prove invaluable during this trip."

"How did you get to know about this?" Canolin asked, obviously excited, as she knows how to get Silver out of his ropes.

"Rumours spread like wildfire, lass," Mr. Silver winked. Morph imitated Silver as he said, "spread like wildfire."

"I've gotta tell the captain," she snapped her fingers and before she could walk upstairs, the captain was already there, with Jim behind her. "Hi, Captain." she waved, feeling awkward.

"So, Mr. Hawkins, how do you think a cyborg like him can come in handy for our mission?"

Jim only swallowed down his saliva, not knowing how to respond to that, but Canolin, for once, saved his life by adding in "Mr. Silver knows about the Zeitmanipular."

Both of them gave a shocked look.

"Hello there, captain." Silver called out from where he was roped. "It is good ta' know that ya hired such a fine crew for a gracious mission such as-"

"Save your shallow compliments for later, Silver." the captain cut him off hardheartedly, "What do you know about the Zeitmanipular?"

Silver's tone became dark, "Aye, captain. This interesting little contraption was told in old pirate legends before. O' course, not as prevalent as that Treasure Planet myth, which did turned out to be true. This thing allows ya to control time. I don't know who those blasted ruffians were but me knows that its use is pursued by many who believe they can 'ave it. Many tried, many failed, until what I hear a Leland Hawkins discovered it by accident in a voyage."

"Do you know where he found it?" The captain asked.

"I'm afraid I don't, captain. In exchange for the information given, can I ask for freedom to work in the galley? No strings attached?"

The captain thought carefully. Then she said, "Release him." Jim and Silver were grateful for her actions. "But I'll still be keeping an eye on you. Mr. Hawkins, watch over the cyborg. Make sure he isn't planning to start another mutiny."

Jim untied the ropes that held John Silver back. When he was free, he finally gave both Jim and Canolin a good hug. Morph also celebrated by flying around the three of them happily chirping away. "Come on lads, let's grace the galley once again."

"Canolin has to get back to her post again soon," said Jim as he led the way to the galley.

"No way, mister, I'd rather spend time cooking and entertaining that to listen to you." Canolin gritted her teeth.

"Oh, come on lassie, playing stubborn again?" Silver asked.

"What? I can't take a person who's a head shorter than me seriously." she came back with a reply.

"Listen Cane," Silver held her shoulders, eyes looking down to Canolin, who was barely an inch shorter than Silver. "Jimbo here is a great person once ya get to know him. You should actually be listenin' instead of playing games. If ya get the wrong side of 'im, he may as well throw your lute overboard."

She shrieked at the idea of having Leslie thrown away. The lute was her prized possession ever since she began playing it when she was 5. She spoke to her lute, "he's on to us Leslie, we better be more careful than ever!" she plucked her lute tersely with a diminished scale, its music sounding dramatic.

"Caney, promise ya listen to Jimbo from now on. Ok?"

"A-aye, Mr. Silver, sir!" she saluted as Jim and Silver walked into the galley.

Author's Note: Do you guys honestly think that Cane won't be as stubborn as before? Stick around to find out. In the meantime, do let me know if the captain sounds out of character, reviews are of course, very much appreciated. So click the button! Thanks again Welsh Gem and S.A.M. Focenca for the reviews!

Welsh Gem: I know, I got really bored seeing fangirls post stuff about Jim/OC and I barely could survive another chapter! And hooray for a drunken Silver! :D
S.A.M: Thank you, I personally did try my hardest so it's good to know that they still sound in character :)