Pirates of Equestria

5: Jack

Sky Runner follows Jack through the town towards the docks. To avoid drawing attention, Jack has taken the form of a random, ordinary earth pony, brown with a dark grey mane. The pegasus keeps a close eye on the changeling, still unsure if he can be fully trusted.

“The sea is wonderful, miraculous, and even terrifying,” Jack says as they near the docks. “It is full of mystery and danger. Both of which draw many to it seeking fortune, adventure, and many more such things. It favors none, dooming those with little or no respect for its might and power.”

The strangely philosophical statement catches Sky off-guard. He never once thought that a changeling could think in such a way. This changeling, Jack, is turning out to be more and more intriguing.

The two arrive at the docks and stare out at the line of ships moored in the harbor. Jack continues speaking but this time he speaks more practical.

“The sea acts as a highway of trade with each coastal town being a crossroad of information. The vastness of the seas and its many dangers make it a perfect place to hide for those who understand and respect the waters. Coastal towns teem with information from faraway places and others who want to remain hidden. Then there is the access to great fortune.”

Sky carefully considers everything Jack says, soaking it all in. The ability to hide and access to information would help him uncover the truth behind the assassination while keeping away from his pursuers. He pushes aside the part about riches. Such things would not help restore his position and he does not care for fortune for himself.

“I care little for riches, only to find the truth and restore my position,” Sky says aloud.

“You may find that more difficult than you imagine. But nonetheless, the riches are an important part so listen carefully. The first step is to acquire a ship and crew.”

Sky listens intently, hoping to gain as much knowledge as he can about life on the run and life at sea. Though he still does not trust the changeling, Jack still possesses far more experience in both regards.

“The ship,” Jack says, “needs to possess a few key aspects. First, it needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the harsh seas and potential, or perhaps inevitable, battle. It must be small enough to outrun pursuers or overtake prey and big enough to fight and survive battle. Also, it needs to be capable of holding a decent amount of cargo. The cargo will be used to make a profit for which to hire and pay your crew as well as buy information.”

Sky thinks for a moment, now understanding the role of gold in his plans. “And what of the crew?”

“The crew should be loyal. Either through respect, fear, or greed. You need to keep in mind that there are a few types of loyalty. First are those loyal to a point. These are the ones loyal through greed. Gold gains loyalty. If you stop paying them or if someone else pays more, they will leave you either by walking out or betraying you. Regardless, they will obey commands until the money is no longer worth the risk.

“Second are those loyal to character. These are the ones loyal out of fear or respect. They will stay with you and follow your orders without question despite how much they are paid. Either they are too afraid to challenge you or they believe in you. But if you don’t or can’t maintain this appearance, they will find their courage or forsake you. No amount of gold or promise of riches and glory will make them return or keep from usurping you. These are probably the best to have but it is up to you to maintain your reputation with them.

“Finally are those loyal to a fault. You may find some who will follow you to the very depths of hell and beyond. They care not for gold or how you treat them. Pay them a king’s ransom or nothing and they will follow. Treat them like royalty or as little more than a speck of dust and they are yours to command. They are the most loyal but the most foolish. They follow you blindly.”

Sky contemplates for a moment. “And what of you? Where do you fit in?”

Jack looks at Sky a smiles. “I am disloyal. Loyal only to myself. Like you.”

The answer confuses Sky making him wonder even more if the changeling can be trusted.

“That being said,” Jack continues, “I am the only one you can truly trust.”

Jack’s answer only serves to maintain Sky’s wariness. Given his explanation of loyalty, the changeling was likely right. Perhaps, in time, Sky would understand why Jack was the only one to be trusted.

Jack looks out at the ships docked in the harbor. “So tell me, have you thought about the kind of ship you want?”

Since mentioning the requirements for a good vessel, Sky had quickly selected his choice ship. “A prison ship.”

The changeling looks at Sky with intrigue. “And why that one?”

“Cargo ships are too big and too slow. A warship would be too difficult to balance cargo space, fire power, and speed. A brig would have the proper space for cargo and are designed to move quickly. A little modification and the fire power and hull strength can be easily addressed without sacrificing too much of the other qualifications. Plus the freed prisoners will likely repay the favor.”

Jack smiles once again. “You have a knack for this kind of thing. You’ll make a fine captain in no time.”

The two make their way to the docks towards to a prison ship ready to leave. They move quickly and stealthily until they arrive at their target. The ship is lightly guarded allowing the two to slip onto the side.

“One last thing,” Jack says, “your crew doesn’t need to know your true goal. They only need to do what you tell them to help you achieve it.”

“I know that already,” Sky replies.

They wait until the ship sets off before climbing aboard and hiding amongst several crates at the rear of the top deck. As the ship sails out into the ocean, the two stowaways settle in until nightfall. While they wait until most of the crew settles in for the night, Jack shifts back to his changeling state and hands Sky a cutlass.

“You’ll need a weapon.”

Sky takes it with one wing and stands ready. Several hours later, Jack give a signal to move out. The two slink across the deck towards the night watch. Jack grabs a guard’s head with his hooves and swiftly snaps it. Sky flies up to the top mast and drops down on the lookout, plunging the sword through the pony’s heart. Sky then flies down and helps Jack clean up the rest of the helpless guards on deck. Each guard falls before they realize they are being attacked.

After the deck is cleared they move to the lower deck and commence slitting throats of sleeping guards. Jack continues the slaughter as Sky begins freeing the prisoners and arming them. With their reinforcements, Sky and Jack slay the rest of the crew. The entire slaughter lasts but mere minutes. Sky begins issuing commands to dump the bodies and man the ship while he takes the helm. The newly freed prisoners make their way to the various stations, willing to ignore the changeling aiding them given their newfound freedom.

After sailing for a few hours, the sun begins to rise on the horizon. The beautiful sight gives Sky a bit of satisfaction. He now has a ship and a crew with which to use to gain is retribution. His internal celebration is cut short when two of the former prisoners approach him dragging another pony.

“Sir,” one says, giving Sky his respect for saving him, “we found this one sneaking about. Shall we kill her?”

“Her?” Sky asks with curiosity.

He takes a close look at the stowaway held between the two pony brutes. She is a white unicorn with a blue tail with streaks of turquoise. She is wearing a black robe to cover her features. Sky pushes the hood back letting her blue and turquoise mane drop to the side. She looks up at him revealing her violet colored eyes.

“Vinyl Scratch?”