The Lost Treasure Of Captain Moonlight

Water splashed against the hull of the Sea Master as it left the harbour and out to sea. The spray of the waves moistened the air and dampened the deck. Seagulls squawked and flew overhead, occasionally diving down to the water to catch fish. And ponies went about their business aboard the vessel.

"Nothing beats the big blue." Surf said, leaning against a rail and looking off into the distance.

"Aye, that be true, lad." A voice said, slightly startling the colt.

Surf whipped his head around and saw Black Helm walking up to join him.

"My father used to take me everywhere when he was in the business." Black Helm smiled, leaning against the railing as well, "Of course, my mother didn't really approve of her only son going out on the ocean. But, she never stopped me. Just said that I had the right to make my own decisions and to be careful. My father took me with him until I was twenty-two. But, by then, I had earned enough to buy my first boat. Nothing special, just a little single prop Wave Hopper. But, it got me started."

"Humph!" Surf snorted, returning to the view of the ocean, "At least you knew your dad. Mine has never been there since I was born. My mom taught me everything she could, but it was difficult sometimes."

Black Helm looked at the colt with curiosity. Something about Surf seemed to interest him, but he wasn't sure what.

"What was her name?" Black Helm asked, looking back at the ocean, "Your mother?"

"Blue Reef." Surf replied, resting his head on his hooves, "She told me she was named after the coral reefs of the Crystal Sea, which glow bright blue in the moonlight."

"I know those waters well, it's one of my favorite parts of the world."

Black Helm then turned to leave, patting the colt on his back as he departed. However, on his way to the wheelhouse, his first mate stopped him at the door to the interior of the ship.

"Blue Reef?" The first mate whispered, "We knew a mare named Blue Reef once."

"Shut your trap, Star!" Black Helm replied in a hushed tone and looking to make sure Surf wasn't listening, "You will not say another word about it. That colt has had it hard enough and I don't think he would appreciate the fact that he could be my blood."

Black glanced once more at the colt, seeing that he was still out of earshot and preoccupied by the ocean.

"It would be best if we never spoke of this again."

With that, Black Helm entered the ship and made his way up to the wheelhouse. Upon his arrival, he found Twilight standing in front of a big map of the world.

"You still haven't said where you're going or what you're doing, Princess." Black Helm said, grabbing and holding a pair of binoculars up to his eyes, "Care to fill me in on why we're out here? And don't tell me it's for a cruise. If it was that, there were plenty luxury vessels and pleasure crafts in the harbour. But you all chose my ship, which was the furthest thing from a cruiser."

Twilight looked between the captain and the map as she thought of a reasonable response.

"Well, it's more of a salvage mission really." Twilight said, putting on her most convincing grin and looking back at the map, "You see, I have a knack for artifacts and antiquities. Plus, I'm kind of adventurous. So, when I heard about a shipwreck that's supposed to be holding some rare items aboard, I couldn't resist the temptation."

"So you decided to go chasing this rumor?" Black Helm replied, keeping his eyes on the horizon, "I can't say I'm fully convinced, but I've never really pried into other ponies business. But, it would help if I knew which direction to go and what we're looking for."

"Take us due east, if everything goes accordingly we should be close in three to four days."

"Very well. Mr. Cable, ten degrees starboard. Engines at half steam."

Almost immediately, the ship leaned as it began to turn and smoke billowed from the stack as more speed was added. Then Black Helm set the binoculars down and grabbed the microphone for the intercom that had been modified to the ship.

"Attention, crew." Black Helm said, his voice echoing through the retrofitted speakers, "As many of you may have noticed, we have female company aboard. They have hired us for a salvage operation and are here to see it through. You will give them the same respect as myself and aid them if it is required of you. Any immature or inappropriate behavior toward any of them will be punished accordingly and immediately. However, if there is an issue between you and one of them and you're not the one who caused it, speak to me. Other than that, keep doing your duty aboard this vessel. That is all."

The captain placed the microphone back in its place and looked at a clock on the wall.

"It's going to be a long night, Cable." Black Helm commented, approaching the wheel, "Go down to the galley and make some coffee for the crew. And perhaps some tea for our guests, would you?"

"Right away, captain." The brown unicorn replied, letting go of the helm and exiting the wheelhouse.

Now it was just the princess and the captain in the wheelhouse as the ship steamed along.

"Alright, truth time." Black Helm said, looking towards the horizon, "What are we really doing out here? Because, let's be honest, the way you sounded, your fake smile, and 'salvage mission' story wasn't as convincing as you hoped it was. In fact, I wasn't convinced at all. So, why are we here?"

Twilight felt her ears twitch as she realized she had been caught.

"How did you know I had a fake smile?" She asked, cocking her head to one side, "You weren't looking at me when I did."

"Actually, I only said that the be funny." Black Helm replied, turning his head enough to show a grin, "But, since you just admitted to that, it just proves that you haven't been completely honest with me."

Twilight cursed herself for falling for the captains trick. But, now she had no choice but to tell him the truth.

"Okay, fine." Twilight said, rolling her eyes, "But, this stays between you and me. Deal?"

"Done." Black Helm replied, looking back to the ocean as the sun began to go down.

"How much do you know about pirates?"

"I know some. What? Are you hoping to find Captain Moonlights missing fortune, or something?"

"Yes, actually."

Slowly, the captain turned his head and stared at Twilight with confusion, bewilderment, and wonder.

"That's interesting." Black Helm said, taking a pipe out of his coat, "That's very interesting."