Pirates of Equestria

7: Captain

Sky Runner paces back and forth at the ship’s wheel. His mind races as he struggles to figure out what to do with his uninvited crew member. He pauses a moment to look down at the deck where Vinyl Scratch is scrubbing. He thinks back to what she had said regarding why she was here.

“I came here to keep an eye on you and make sure you stay safe,” she said. “Octavia has been worried sick about you since she hasn’t heard from you since your escape.”

While it was likely true that Vinyl had come on behalf of Octavia, Sky did notice something odd when she had told him her reason for being here. He sees it more now as she scurries across the deck furiously scrubbing. There had been no hesitation when he had her start cleaning. He had always seen the way she had looked at him before, but he is only now beginning to understand.

“Whatever you seek,” he says to himself, “I doubt I can offer in return.”

Sky pushes aside his thoughts over Vinyl for a moment and heads to the port side rail. The ship was anchored off shore from an island far out at sea and Jack had gone ashore for an “errand.” That was a full day ago now and Sky is becoming increasingly impatient. He grits his teeth in anger and slams the rail with his hoof.

“Where is he?” he seethes.

“Dingy off the port side!” the lookout cries.

Sky looks out to see the small boat Jack had taken making its way back to the ship. Relieved that the changeling had not abandoned them, Sky makes his way to where Jack will board, ready to give him a piece of his mind. Jack climbs onto the deck as Sky marches up and readies to plow a hoof across the changeling’s jaw. The pegasus stops short when he sees two more changelings climb aboard, each dragging a crate. Sky’s anger only flares more seeing more changelings.

“What is the meaning of making me wait a full day?! And who are these two? Are you planning to bring your own crew on board?”

The two new changelings ignore Sky and begin securing the boat to the side of the ship while Jack begins his explanation.

“There were several things I needed to do and get. Such things take time to accomplish. I’m sorry if I took longer than you had hoped.”

“Oh please, don’t give me that! And those two?”

“These are the only two changelings loyal to me. Remember how I said I was ostracized by the other changelings? Well these two remained loyal to me regardless of the reason for me being cast out.”

“So tell me,” Sky demands, growing ever more irritated at the changeling’s secrets, “what reason is that exactly?”

Jack gives a devious smile and turns to the crates, ignoring the pegasus’ question. The two other changelings open the crates, revealing weapons and other gear. They begin to pass them out to the crew while Jack grabs a few select items. He motions Sky to him and lays out the gear on the deck. There is a black coat and hat, each trimmed with gold color. Along with the clothing are two swords sheathed in decorative scabbards and attached to what appears to be a specially made belt.

“These are for you, Captain,” Jack says, giving special emphasis on the title.

“Captain?” Sky repeats, enjoying the ring, as he eyes the gear.

Sky picks up the coat and puts it on, noting the balance of flare and practicality. He then girds his waist with the sword belt, shocked now at the positioning of the swords. They hang high on his sides and are far out of reach of his mouth. However, his wings have easy access to the twin blades. Sky draws out the blades and tests their weight. The hilts easily accommodate the grasp of his wings and the swords are light.

“Everything was custom made for you,” Jack says as Sky makes a few practice swings. “The coat is tailored to allow easy movement as well as room for your wings. The belt is design to give you the proper access to the swords with your wings while the swords are designed to be held in the wings of a pegasus.”

Sky sheathes the swords and looks at Jack. “Why would you do all of this for me?”

“I noted your dexterity with your wings since we first met and thought this would allow for a fighting style perfectly suited for you?”

“I mean why did you go out of your way to custom make all of this instead of retailoring a coat or just giving me some random pair of swords. Why did you go above and beyond for me? I know you are using this partnership to further your own goals.”

The changeling smiles. “I can take it all back if you’d like.”

Sky picks up the hat, putting it on as he walks off. The changeling was irritating him more and more. Jack follows leaving the other changelings to continue to distribute the new supplies. The two walk into the captain’s quarters and Sky takes a seat at the desk while Jack stands opposite.

“We need to talk about the roles of the crew,” Jack says without wasting any time. Sky eyes the changeling and lets him continue. “Obviously you will be the captain.”

“Why me and not you?” Sky asks, bound to figure out what Jack’s game was.

“Despite what I have done for them, the crew won’t listen to a changeling. This entire quest is for revenge for you and me so you are the only other logical choice. You have a talent for leadership and more skill in fighting than any of the others anyways.”

Sky thinks for a moment before responding. “So what role should you take? My second-in-command perhaps?”

“Close. Again, the crew won’t listen so well to me. So I’ll be your quartermaster, playing more the role of advisor rather than officer.”

The role was perfect in Sky’s eyes. Jack was too important for any mundane role or too much freedom or authority. In Sky’s eyes, they were on his ship and not the changeling’s. Jack was useful, but ultimately expendable. “And the rest of the crew?”

“For now, I believe the only one we need to discuss is the stowaway unicorn. Why not make her your lieutenant, your second-in-command.”

“Give a stowaway that much authority? The crew would never allow it.”

“She’s just as new as the rest of them. Besides, you and she have some history and I personally think you need to be able to keep an eye on her. Giving her this authority would help with that.”

Sky sat back and thought. Jack was right in the end. “Very well. As for the rest of the positions, you know them better than I do. Assign who you will to those posts. I think we need to test them before making final decisions.”

“Very well,” Jack says. “I suggest we begin by setting out to prey on ships for supplies and practice. The crew seems pretty green and you need to learn how to sail and command a ship.”

“Agreed.”

The changeling turns to leave, stopping a moment at the door. “By the way. Have you thought about what you want to name your new ship?”

Sky thinks for just a second before answering. “The Sparrow Hawk.”

Jack remains silent and exits, closing the door softly behind him. Sky smiles, anticipation and excitement boiling inside. He is ready to begin his reign as a pirate captain.