One last thing on the pirate essentials- England needed a crew.
He printed off hundreds of flyers that he posted all around London- on the red double-deckers, on the college grounds, even some at the bottom of Big Ben. They all contained the same message: "Pirate looking for potential crew members! Apply today at the harbor! (Rich treasures await.)"
This didn't exactly spark the reaction Britain had been hoping for. Most people dismissed the flyers as an elaborate prank. Those who had guessed what the flyers really were got a good laugh out of it, thinking that the "chap was daft in the head."
Yet the extremely desperate (the ones who snuck around in the alleyways of London) showed up at the harbor, hoping beyond hope to find some gold or precious gems and get something better than a cardboard box to live in.
So, in the end, the unfortunate pirate was stuck with a band of scrawny hobos as his crew. This was hell on earth for him because he had been a well-dressed and well-mannered gentleman all his life. He'd never said a word to these ruffians, never mind associated himself with them. He held back the grimace that was forming on his face as he shook hands with his new "crew". Then, in his best nice host voice, he announced, "Firstly, I must warn you, the quest for the booty will be long and perilous. If any of you want to back out now, this is your one and only chance." His green eyes panned the crowd. When no one stirred, he continued, "Then welcome! From here on out, I shall be known as Captain Kirkland and you will address me accordingly. This ship here is the Sea Maiden. Your quarters will be below deck. I will assign shifts and jobs, and it will be your responsibility to carry out those jobs to the best of your ability. Any questions? None? Then let's board!"
Arthur allowed his crew to board the ship first, and as he was following them, he glimpsed something on the horizon. Then he heard a familiar "'Sup, British dude?" resound all across the harbor. No. Please, no. Not him. Not now. He scampered onto the vessel in hopes that America wouldn't see him.
No such luck. England's rich red cloak could've been spotted from half a mile away. He had no choice but to await Alfred's arrival in the harbor now. He stepped down from the Sea Maiden onto the dock again with a resigned sigh. He put on his best scowl as his former colony came into clear view.
Once America was standing right in front of Britain, the boisterous nation took a good look at the gentleman's outfit and burst into obnoxious laughter. When he'd calmed down, he wiped mirthful tears from his sparkling blue eyes and asked, "Are you trying to dress up as Jack Sparrow or something? It's not even Halloween yet."
The irritated Brit replied, "Please. Jack Sparrow? That guy isn't half the pirate that I am."
The American looked defiant. "Jack Sparrow's the best pirate there is, bro."
"Yeah, whatever." England rolled his eyes. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a quest to go on."
"C'mon, dude, don't be like that. I came all the way here to see you and you're just gonna leave? That's totally unfair." Alfred crossed his arms and pouted.
"I have to do this. If I find this ultimate treasure, I'll be the strongest country in the world, just like the old days!" He thought to himself, It'll put the "Great" back in "Great Britain". Of course, he would never say this aloud; his pride would not allow him to.
"So you're going on an adventure?" Alfred suddenly got an eager look on his face, which gave Arthur a bad feeling. "Every adventure needs a HERO!"
"No, absolutely not." Britain could guess what America was implying. "This expedition is for Brits only. Last time I checked, you weren't a Brit. So just go right back to your continent."
"Please," the younger country begged with puppy-dog eyes. "The hero can't come all the way here for no adventure to go on. It's like a hamburger without cheese. It's like ice cream without a cherry on top! So pretty, pretty please with a cherry on top, can I come with you?"
England tried to force himself to look away from America, but at last he gave in to his former colony's insistent begging (and puppy-dog eyes). "Fine! Just…stay out of my way."
"Yes!" Alfred hollered so loudly that it made the gentleman regret his decision immediately. "Let's go, guys!" An immense swarm of Americans who had come with their loud leader rushed onto the Sea Maiden's deck. Arthur observed them disapprovingly, hoping that the ship wouldn't crumple from the weight of the fat Westerners.
His crew was now complete. He took his place at the wheel of the great vessel, the men hoisted the massive sails, and both Brits and Americans disembarked from the harbor into the vast ocean.