Chapter 10: Conversations
Benjamin halted, unable to move when the galley door creaked open and a monstrous figure was reveal. The cutting knife stay useless in his small, trembling hand. He gulped as the gigantic pirate took a step forward, his creepy skeleton-like fingers shutting the door behind him. A wicked grin formed on the pirate's lips.
"Well, what have we here?"
"Stay back!" Benny tried to shout, but his voice was weak and crackled. He held the knife out towards the pirate, staring scared as a rabbit at him.
"Come now, lad," the pirate replied, laughing softly. "You think you could harm me with that?"
In an instant, the pirate snatched Benny's arm with his mechanical hand and squeezed it tightly until the knife clattered to the floor. Tears lay unfallen at the corners of Benny's eyes. The pirate knelt down in front of him, studying the boy. At last, he nodded. "You're a Doppler, aren't you?"
Benny's mouth parted, but no sound came out. He finally nodded.
The pirate smiled, not devious or mean, but affectionately. "I know your Pop, and your mother is the Captain of this ship?"
"Yes, sir," Benny answered, finding it easier to talk now.
"Your Mom and Pop are good people." The pirate released Benny's arm, and the boy rubbed where the metal hand had been. "Do you know Jim Hawkins well?"
"He's my friend."
The pirate's smile broadened. "We have something in common then, lad. I'm John Silver."
Benny gawked. "THE John Silver who went to Treasure Planet?"
"The one and only."
The door suddenly swung open, and Silver shot up as best he could, shielding the boy behind him. "Silver! Where is the Captain's food?" a harsh voice called.
"Just a moment now, Mr. Gorgon" Silver said, carefully. "I'm learnin' this kitchen. I'll be up shortly with the Captain's meal."
Satisfied, the other pirate left. Silver let out the breath he had been holding. He had to keep this boy safe. The stakes were raised to the ceiling now, and Silver had to think fast. He turned to the boy. "What's your name, lad?"
"Benjamin, but you can call me Benny," he replied meekly, rubbing his nose with the back of his hand. "Oh, my friend, B.E.N., is hiding under the galley's counter."
Silver raised an eyebrow. "Would this B.E.N. be a robot?"
Benny nodded, saying so innocently, "He's my best friend."
"Great." Silver groaned inwardly. He remembered the short time he spent with the loud, hyperactive robot. This was not going to be easy with him around. "Listen, lad, is there a better place where you can hide?"
Benny peered around the galley. "Um...I think the broom closet is a good hiding place. My sisters could never find me in there."
"You and your friend stay in there until I come for you, all right?"
"Okay."