|
Hard a larboard! Man overboard! Bring him on board!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Welcome aboard the HMS Surprise, sir. Have you been long adrift?
|
|
Adrift? Never. Why, I sail directly for the western coast of the New World.
|
|
|
Indeed? *chuckle* Far be it from me, a gentleman and a captain of the king's fleet, to insult another man's vessel, but I've a mind that your leaking dinghy would be hard put to reach dry land.
|
|
|
I shall let that slur pass, sir, as I consider it a matter of fate to have intercepted you, Captain Aubrey.
|
|
|
Ah, I see my reputation precedes me.
|
|
|
Indeed, Captain. As perhaps mine does?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Captain Jack Sparrow, at your service.
|
|
|
And of what fleet might you be a captain, good sir?
|
|
|
Oh, I'm between fleets at the moment. But I've in mind a little... venture... that you may find highly intriguing.
|
|
|
Subject to the requirements of the king's service, sir... Captain... I'd be delighted to assist.
|
|
|
It's a little matter of a retrieving something that belongs to me. No more than a trinket, a mere bauble, but a pretty one.
|
|
|
I am the arbiter of His Majesty's justice here at sea. This object was stolen from you, Captain?
|
|
|
In a matter of speaking, sir. Perhaps it's fairer to say that it will be stolen from me.
|
|
|
A most peculiar turn of phrase, sir. I don't quite get you.
|
|
|
Oh, it's just the littlest gold statue, Captain, but I can't snatch it all by my onesy, savvy?
|
|
|
And you wish me to help you in your thieving? Never, sir! I am a man of honor!
|
|
|
A man cannot thieve what is rightfully his, my dear Captain. And yet I would not ask you to impugn your honor. If you would but convey me to the Spanish territory of California--
|
|
|
You try my patience, sir! Why you imagine an officer of the fleet would deign to be an accomplice in your piracy--
|
|
|
Ah, you have heard of me, then...
|
|
|
Throw our guest in the brig!
|
|
|
Why so hasty, Captain? This little prize I'm after could well have been yours. Would you deny it to its lawful possessor?
|
|
|
Could have been mine?
|
|
|
Aye. Call it a recognition for performance on the high seas. And the, ah, current owner of this lovely ornament didn't even consider your own magnificent achievements.
|
|
|
But they considered you?
|
|
|
Shocking, idn't it? Perhaps we could sneak one for you, too, Captain?
|
|
|
Are you attempting to bribe a captain of His Majesty's fleet?
|
|
|
Never. Maybe. Is it working?
|
|
|
Throw him overboard!
|
|
|
*splash*
|
|
|
Make a heading for Spanish California!
|
