Thisanisiptiainshap,vringrayishgrnssnitssrfa,ittingagrasyfrsnnrthsnight,akingitkvryri.Aftraningnthsaisan,thrisvrthatitsntiryafrkansstixps.Thrsnthingnthisanxptvgtatin.Thythghtitsasrtisan,btnthystppnthbah,asftthafrthirft,ikstppingns.Whatisthis?AbahHthsbahsarssftLkvrthr,"snpinttthistantak,ihsaanvss,

ikairrr.IsthisakfakThisakisfakWhat'sgingnhr?Whrthhhavbn?"Thrranfs,thyin'tknhythyatthisnfaiiarpa.Aspbatafrafar,anthrnthkrgnizitsr.It'sthrbrThrp.Thrbrkatthranxaixity,"Whavs.

ThisisanisraythNightarThNightar?Whatisit?"Thrrnfs.ThNightarisrga,t'sstsaifrthisNightarn"thrhtxity.Canyxpain?WhatisNightarThrtaratthisrbrthantiipatin.Hsanspat,

Say:MynaisRn,anthNightarsnaaftr.Thisisythrship,ihsffravastatingbyarag.Myfathr,thr,anthrrbrs,iningysf,rabriinthfas.ThishappnssnythatIsnprparanisappar.Thisbanisthnfthrfr,anIn'tknhatt,sIhatfvrsas.Hvr,Iin'thavthragtvntran,sIthghtfingbybatExprhr.Onthyhr,Isaianpray,hpingtsyparntsagainnay.

Iin'txpttfinthNightarSpakingfthis,histarsfanhisvihkhaviy."Iantaaifirbr.NtnyiIsththrship,btIastrnitintanstr'sair,asingvnrtragisitatins.Pasbiv,IafinityagrbrThranfrthi,"Yn'thavtbsa,y'vnyrbstThanky,thankyfryrnrstaning.Intintrkhar,"thripthirtarsansai,"

IrpairthNightaranrstartitUpnharingthis,thrbrssinthirfas.AthghthyarntarabtLWn'sspifiskis,thNightarisfinityntsip.LWn,firstshsthNightar,anthnrtrnOkay,pasfPassingthrghaarkananynanastpanrggiff,LWnthtasav.Hrar."

LWnpinttthntran."ThisisthntrfthNightar.Yanginansifyanativatit."Thrshtrsthntranagry,btbfrntring,thysnyfnLWnstaningnxttthanhanintntinffngin.

Thykatahthranthnask,"Arn'tyginginIaitingfryhr,"LWnsaithasi."Ibivyans.GktyThrkathihsitantyfrant,thnsrintthavntran.Thysnharthsnfthprprstirringthair.IsthisthNightarItksg,

btysithavagyfingIfabitithyinypasAsthrisssankinsi,thyikyraizthatthavsrativynarrnnybsfrnar.Hvr,thsfthavran,thntrasfspirbsrss,anthrrasanintanpxratinsarvnths.Thightsinthavitp,anthysahatthsrrningsrarvthvaristypsf,iningfrs,birs,insts,fish,anvarisrargrasss.Thrthyk,thrsrpristhyba.Itsaryahgibrary,thvryinhfsixingastrnghistriafavr.Whatabatifibrary."

Afarbrn'thpbtxai,"It'strythgnaryNightarYs,it'sraybatifInttstayhrannvravThsrbrsn'thpbtrafthftr.Wnttbagratbattship,"shtarbr,nhingthirfists."Nattrhiffitthisjrnyayb,ItransfrthNightarintthstprfapnInttifyasprbattshiptarrytnrthntirnivrs!"Raranthrrbr.

Haha,thnstfrata.WarfrthrsanstrktgthrDn'takanynis!"Thaptains,"Dn'tfrgtarThrnyfsint.LWnapphishanstathnisyr.It'sntsitabfrhattingnLt'sgttbsinss,"hsai."Ygysrsthrfirst.I'gfinthsintistsrspnsibfrsigningthNightaranaskththpsiprvitshaniastrtranntrsyst."Aftrthat,hhrriyrantthntrr.Waitfr,"thaptainikyhasaftrhi.LWntkthaptaintthntrr,rthrrtn,thrn,anfivppsitting.Frfthrbsy,aringithsthatvrthirfasann'tsary;Onthfarright,sittingatthtpfthnsataanthgrayhair,ashaggybar,anfrrybr,singystinntpatin.Thisisrthniian,JffCarsMatt,"Rnintr."Dr.MattH,Dr.Matt."

ThaptainbsightytMatt.Mattsyraishisha,hissharpgazfaingnthaptain.Aftrant,hthrisgazanrhishaagain,fsingnthntrpaninhishan.Srry,Dr.Mattsn'tstbingshaptay.H'sbnthinkingabtthings,sifyn'tin,yanitant."AftrRnfinishspaking,htrntMattansai,"Dr.Matt,I'intrytsnrbrsarthsrvivrsfthisissinMattkpatLWnansaiay,"WhatvrThanky,Dr.MattLWnthrrbrsanthaptaintatabansai,"

Thisisthntrns.AsIjstsai,yaninptyrhrLWntktapnanhanittthr"Thispnanrrthatayinpt.Aftrinpt,itprptyhbg,anyanprataringtitsprptsAfppathirhansnthkybararingtYan.Okay!"LWnsaiighty,"Nt'spaythgaAftrspaking,hpshthptrnthtabtrsvryn.

Thsrnispaysasrisfs.Canypratit?"Thaptainask.Ofrs,Iaaptrxprt,"LWnrpithasi,aniiatybganpratingnthptr.Hanypratthisptr?"LWn'spartnraskrisy.W..."LWnhkansai,"I'aprfssina."Hisrsasvryn'srii.

LWnkpransai,"Dn'tbivit,IsahakrnIsahiSyrasahakrbfrSyynttbasairLWnsighansai,"Bas...basyfathriOh-"EvrynsnyraizanpattLWn'sshrtshnrstaning.It'skay,thrarayspsansinifThat'sright,asngasy'raiv,that'snghEvryn,yfrtLWnnbyn.

LWnsrathhishairinistrssanttrthisf,"InvrtyI'ahakr,iIIt'skay,yn'tntprvyrsfanyyLWnshkhishahpssyansai,"Yn'tnrstan,IiktshffWhsn'tiktshffIrayikitHvr,Istiitairy,"

LWnkatLWnsrisy."BingabtibtftharknssanivbravyistryairabOfrs,"LWnsnrtpry,thnxtnhisfingrantappsvratisnthvirtaintrfa.Orgaisvrysip,itiststrythnyThat'sagiaThat'sright,nrvngLWnnthsatisfatinansai,"S,vrynnstnit.YannransfryratatthinsifthNightaranthnfhprgratntipnttstingEvryniiatybgantprat.Wait,n'trry,Ihavn'tfinishspakingyt."

LWnstppvryn,AthgharayknhbasifrarkfthNightar,arntfaiiarthitsspifistrtr.Ihpyanarfybsrvthship'sh,sais,trrt,anstrnsaitntataivaatinfthNightar,spiayintrsffnsanattakapabiitis.WntnrstanthssntiaprfranfthNightarHntin,"Atthbginning,thpiratsrtryingtbiaargrairraftarrirththNightar,btnfrtnatythyfai.NhyfinityfinaytrpairthNightar,

btifanntnrstanitsprfran,itbtrbsLWnthvryn'sxprssinsbsris,anhishartn'thpbtfasnsfrif.Thisgrpfrbrsisstiaaftra,thyshnrstanthrrntsitatinanftr.Lt'sfaiiarizrsvsththNightarfirstOrtaskistfaiiarizrsvsththNightarthinak,anItahyhsitsapnsystanapnaintnan,"LWnsai.That'sgrat,'rrriabtnthavinganythingtprati,"saianryrbr."Thpratinfthisshipisasytarn.Asngasyarntntrapassransyrin,yanstartitPassrW,

tharsnafthNightarisk,anvrystartprirsatfffrt.Mrvr,annyntrthNightarthrghnsisnss,ananntvitthrsIhavaraypthastintthisprb,"LWnsisightyanhanvrthprparrangs."Yanakahnrpisfthisrangfirst,ntsit.As...havyrbrthsanprsfthsapnsIrbrita!"Thrpiinnisn.Vryg,thvafthisbprintishhighrthanthsignfthNightar,anIthinkyshbintrst."LWnsiansai,"Ibghtthisbprintfrapanya'Fa'.Itissaithatthisisavryprfthngypany.IbivthprfthsapnsisfinityiprssivUpnharingLWn'srs,thrhanxprssinfintrst.Lt'sg,t'stakthrangsfrtstingn"LWnbknvryntav.Thyarrivatthkpit,anLWnaskthrhanvrthrangstthaptain.Thnhsai,"YantransfryratatthNightar,btpasntthatthisranginvvsavryprfnthniantntDn'trryEvrynsatinthirrsptivsatsaringtthrrfthrangs,anasthyv,abhaitparnth.Thshasgraaytrninttrs,bangrn,anthnsyisappar.LWnkatthataarnthannsinty.Hhaarayrizahfthirata.Aright,vrynrstnLt'sntinaftrinnr,"LWnsai."I'gtthkithntfinsfWaitaint."ArbrstppLWnantktafasfrhisars."Thisisantrint.DrinkingthisakthinnrriisNtrints..."LWnganatthbaansai,"I'nthngry.YankpitfryrsftrinkArn'tyrinkingIhaafinnrann'tnttatanyr,"LWnvhishananktfthkpit.Hpatrangthyanthnrtrntthaptain'sabin,tappingyinfrntfthptr.Ntngaftr,hsnystppvinganfrashstaratthsrn.Thrisahgaphangingnthnthrightsifthptr.Thfthaffthapisarktharara,rthrararprsntsangrznsanthbararprsntssaftyzns.Anthrisapyraishaparkinthntrfthap,ihisarsaisanththrs"Barna,thapitafAaska"ittnnit.LWngntygrpfrthissasrtt,hisysshiningthstrangbriian.BarnaisnfthbsistitisinErp.ThnavabasatnthnrthrnastfBarnaisatinthsbrbsfBarna,vringnary5000ars(apprxiaty20000sartrs)anisthhaartrsfthErpanNavystatininBarna.ThisarsssprpsbyRntthiitaryavisr,asinErp,thiitaryhasniinsightsanxprininnavarfar.Mrvr,navaanrsinthiitaryftnhrtainranks,anthsffirsrnavasirsftnvpstrngrsistantrsRn,thnyappintaptain.Inrrtavithissitatinfrhappning,LWnftthatthiitaryntrstthishavybrnthi,ihanbsaitbrthannatin.Anyy,thatinfthissatisvryiprtant.Ifthnavynfrtnatyis,atastatrafbanbprsrv.WhnLWnrtrntthk,itsastark.Hkatthistantnightsky,thafaintrvraatthrnrfhisth:"Evrythingisvpinginabatifirtin."Hrr,thnraishisrightaranpinthisinxfingrtrsthistantbah.Apbightshtt,saringintths,instantybrakingthrghthpithbaksky,ikapntipfaingnsnitripapr.Iiatyaftr,briiantbightsfnairtins,aninthbinkfany,thntirskysvr.Thraarttagrpfsagsiringnarby,"rprtthrspnsibfrnitringthsa'svnts.LWnkatthsatsithnnsai,"It'ssags.Atthisti,thrarabtthirtyWhatthirty?Ihavnyfnnhnranninty-ight,"saithnarbyrnnfsin.Oh...yin'tpayattntintatIsai,iyWhat?"Thrsitatfrantanthnrat,"Yan198sags,InrstanThat'sright,198sags,thy'rkingfrahabitatThrnyraizanpraisLWn'sintignant.Thisisararpprtnity,stntstit.WshsizthispprtnityThat'sright!That'sright!Wstsizthpprtnity!"Thrbbthirhansanragrttry.LWnsiantkbakathhajstsaibashasftitsntasytsizthispprtnity.Iprsivrthistst.WhihfyiktpratthThrkatahthr,anthnsnraisthirhanansai,'I!'Aright,yth,"LWnstpanthrtfthkpit.LWnsvrarbrsthrghaarkpassagtthgfthship'ssi,nhsaagnifintsight.Onthistantsa,thightsrianthvsrrgh.Abrightfnhangshighinthsky,sattringsivritnight.Unrthinight,thsaapparpartiarypafanpaf,thvsrashingagainstthshranspashingnssist;Oasinay,agrpfsabirsfy,bringingstrsfrffirrks.Thisrisraybatif,"thraiinsrpris.It'sraybatif.BtIkn'rntrayirsinthispafanpafatsphr."LWntrnhishatkatthansai,"Dyfny?Lny?Ys,I'thnynhrtapanyy.Sntnthing,anthat'sthpthrrvritsvitaityangryWfinityit!"Thrhtinnisn.Vryg,yahavabitfrsiin.That'sngh,"LWnsi.Thrhranhr,thirfasfithjy,asifsingthafhp,nbynthhighra.Thisisthstinatin,"LWnpinttthsatnthbah."WntbithispaLWnpinttthsarbrikbiinginthistanansai,"ThisisyrkpaWrkatin?"Arbraskinnfsin.That'sright.I'ashar.Inttsyprfssinakngtiprvthivinghabitsfthrsintshr,anastahthnavarfarskisArysayingthatathrsintsfthissatknbtnavarfarW,that'sright,"LWnsai."Dringygraatstis,anyppinrntrypassthnavyaay,athghanyfthrtir.Hvr,srsintsfthissatstihstjinthiitary.ThrsintsfthissatarxntnavisthrihxprininnavarfarSit'sikthis,"thrnyraiz.YanstartrkingnFirst,anthk,anthnyntbitpraryritris.Aitinay,yntbiasbarinanthrstryrsYs,sirLWntrnhishaankatthsa.Atthisnt,aargsfatinginthsky,bkingthbrightnight.Thshainthskybainrasingythik,asingthsatsinkintarknss.LWn'sgazpirthrghtharksankintthistantan.Hisppisrfithstars,iktgstns.Hisipsiftightyanhritasp.Inaninstant,afirnanrainsnfrnr,anargrpsfrainfnhi,stirringpaistthrghtthsky.Thstrisingsn,"hsai,trningbaktthkpit.AstrisingsnWstthissnstrPrparapnsananitin,bprpar,"LWninstrtiinsptingthipnt.Hisasair,bthnvrfrgtshisjbasabatanr.Lntkapbrathtahisf,thnpikphiskitakiansaitthrnsithbrig,"Canrsatavsarfngrrs.Warabttbattakbypiratships,anthnbrfnisxsriaginatin.IpnfirinaintanrstinstrtinsAsrisfisrryftstpshfrthinthbrig,fbythvifaaptain:"Captain,Ibivstrtrniiaty.Wanntapprahahthrhastiy.Iknrthghts,anyaragrtakahivntsatsaIknbthavpntyfti.Wanitntiththrparty'sshipntrsrangbfranhinganattak,ihisrsrthanrnningayBtLWnstrnyrprian,"ExtthananasIsayYs,YrExnyCaptainThbrigit,anRnntin,"Ortransprtshiphasbnstry,sannystrpstattaknyships.Hvr,anntattakhastiy,basiffai,itansbbriinthisvastsa.SIhavithavrrannththrsi'sfishingbatanavnthiraingbat.AryarayRay,"thrpiinnisn,ahthaivyanxitxprssin.Vryg,thnt'sginnhspfthfishingbatsntsannrtharshipfLWn,tntyrbrsjpintthtr.Inthhartsfthsyngpp,prhapsthynvrxprinthjyanxitntfavntrnthisvastsa.Inthirys,thyrstaningnafatbah,srrnbynthingbtthazrsaanthistantntinnt.Anthybthnytnssshrtnight,antnssththirys,avingarihanrfarknthirhistry.H,atarying?"Atthisnt,ayngansightyangryby'svisnyafrnarby.Thisisahifsixrsvnyars,tharkskin,rgarfaiafatrs,thinfigr,btvryffnrgy.Thrthsnanfnagrpfhirngathringnxttasanpirthantntrsay,staringatththbigys,ryanry.Thyrarssinnifr,thrnavybagsprintnthbakanashrtsrhangingfrthirist.NavysirsCan'tthybrpatritsWhatshI?I'abitnrvs,IfikI'abttpinypantsDn'tpani,thyarfrinytrps.Lt'sgvransayhtthThrakvr.Atthatnt,abryaptainaringasthtkt.Hprfrstanarnavatitttrsthsairsanyask,"Iathaptainfthispatrship.MynaisBranHingy.MayIknhihnitybngtAnavasirrpi,"WfrthEastrnIpriaNavySpiaFrsOh?"Thaptainpasfrant,"Isn'tthatthsasystasWstrnnavis?DyknhatinfthnavahaartrsUh..."Thnavasirsiyy,shkhisha,ansai,"Srry,havn'tfigrtthspifisitatinyt,sarntspakasayLWnraishisybrankvr,satththrpartyanaskthasi,"YsthavjstarrivinthtrsnarBgaIsan.InrifytakstthNavaHaartrsBasThnavysirhsitatfrafnsbfrfinayshakinghishaansaying,"I'srry,sir.I'afraithisn'trk.Wan'tfryissiitaryinfratinIassry,thrisabstynhar,"Rnsnyraishisrightar."

IfIi,Iaingtfaiitarypnishnt.WhavbnrrtinvstigatthisapparanfthSpanishryafaiy,anstfinthrainsfthSpanishryafaiyassnaspssib.That'sytkthibrtyfvisitingyraryThnavasirfrrhisbr,bvisyintrstinatRnhantin:"AryrayhrtinvstigatthisapparanfthSpanishryafaiy?WhatisyrissinLkingfrthSpanishprin.WarhrtfinthirrabtsanhpsarhanrsthrainsfthSpanishryafaiyIs,nnrIkabitfaiiarty."

Thnavasirsnyraiz,anhisfabasris."In'tknhrygtthn,btarinnasrtissinannvrakanyinfratin.Pasgbak,sasnttasisnrstaningsBt-

"LWnsairgnty,"raynhpNattratrasnyhav,annttakyanyr,itviatsrisipinWrayn'tbayfrtng.Wn'tvnhavtitgtRyaPrtfSpain.Iknhavaniprtanttask,btthisisntthtifrythsitat.PastrstrsinrityThnavysirrainsint,kingabitbarrass.Lngrabbthnavasir'sarananxisyavis,"D,

yarasartprsnshknhatthisisthbstpprtnity.Thath,pr,anbatyfthSpanishryafaiyarpriss.Ifyanbtainth,itbnghfrytat

anrinkfraifti,anyanvnarryanhavhirn.Yntnsirarfy,thisisararpprtnity.WarafryrgI'ntfrnyDn'tbsiy,y'rntjstfrny,y'rfrignity!Frhnr!Frnyanbaty!Yn'takafths,anthsarthstpris."LWnntin:Yrarhasi,anthisisthtaskhntrsttbfrhisath.Hsaithatasngasthrisagirfhp,stgivitatry.Warahrs,anrrspnsibiityistfnthintrstsfrntryanthintrstsfrnatinInrstan.Aryaskingttyrprtthsi

tatintthNavaCanThat'sright,asysai,thisisthbstpprtnityBtifyissinfais,IbshtN,prtty!"LWnpatthishst,Say:Athghyrissinanntbak,Itryybsttsizthpprtnityfry.Inaitin,prttyrifanprprty.Ifthrisanaint,snytthnyinthEasttaviisastr.

Yn'thavtrry,ryannjyathbnfits,iningyrhirn,frins,anfaiy,njythhighstvftratntinthr,anthrisapaijbitingfry,sthatyrThfaiyiftthsvstfpvrtyanivafrtabanfrtabif.IfI'right,yrfshbprgnant.

Ifyanbakaiv,yrfbabtgivbirthtthrystaizatinfv,anshbthhappistaninthr

Thnavysir'sgazsftnashsyxhaansai,"Y'rri'tisappintyfannbrnhi.Y'rright,Ishtrytsrviv.Myhiasnsafathr,anIan'tabannhiHavyapyrinThnavysirnantrntfathSag,ysaying,"RtrniiatytthNavyhaartrsbasThSagsytkffansaiintthbay.Navysirsstnthk,thingthSagfyfrthranfrthr.Itsn'tntithSagisapparintthskythaththrisgazantrntthtajranrsnxtthi,saying,"RprtthsitatinthaartrsiiatyansnrprsnntBianIsan.WnstrngrartiryTajranrsrrrtav,iRnanhisnavysirsbarasaibatanhatthatinfthSpanishpaa.Unrthgianfthnavy,thsaibatirthastinanspsth,ikyntringthtrpiarainfrst.Navysirssthavbasttthsnryangthyanarntaazbythshtrs.Itsthpassngrsinthabinritxit,spiaythrAngthy,thytakabtthnisnryhr,takabtvarisstrangpants,basts,ananias,antakabtththgratintrst.HavyvrharfthAgranianFrstDyanthfrstthatsnath'DnFrst'That'sit.I'vvisititbfr,anthsnrythrisvnrbatifthanhrLnsiansai,"Thpa'rgingtisaAgraniaFrst.Thnvirnntthrisinvrybatif,anthrisasvryavaniathngy.Ofrs,ifyfikyhavatrinainss,angivpptyanhangrgasiiatyHitb?MyinsshasaraybnrSinthat'sthas,yntstayIjstnttsrbatifsnryOkay,atvrynt."LWnshrgghisshrsansai,"Whavntrthpthsfthtrpiajng,rthraranypisnsinstsanbasts.YstbarfIn'tbthryththissaattrLWnrhisipsantrnhishatgivafanstthajtantnxtthi.HthnpikpthraianiathMarinCrps'niatinhanntathbrig.Thasikynnt,anthanrfthbrigthithatthfthasaiintthtrpiarainfrstanshaingtthSpanishpaaaringtthshpan.Hsasktantthftassnaspssib.Aftrhangingpthphn,LWnsaitthn"PrpartrthsaispYs,sir."ThrpnthanvasransatLWn,avingthkanrnningtthntrrtassistinpratingthsaibat.Ntngaftr,thsaibatsagain.Thnavysirsatatthtab,ityntpating.Sny,hisgazstppnthanvasrtainbhinRn,anthrghthgap,hvagysthfpiinsi.Thsirkvranppnthrtain,nytsthgnbxsinsi.Thsirfranask,"WhatisthatfrRnsstnnfrantanikyxpain:"ThisisagiftargingtgivtthSpanishryafaiyanthRyaHighnssPrinss.Wbghtatffrshfritansasagbaninthnarbyt,ihanprvintritinansatisfyhngr."YrgiftsaritptThsirstppspakingansthrtains.Hktthanvasranshttthsairatthstrn,"HanytishavIsaitrthhightfthastsasnttafftthargshipsbhin?Whyn'tyrbrSir,it'snnfrbsinss.W'rajstingranganastranintthjstnystihavrasn?QikyajstthangBtthangistrthtfitin,anarntrashyrthhightfthastFs,thyarpirats.Can'tthystirbrhantshipsThsirrs,rahtaniftthrtain,jpingntthkthkthsitatin.Hntithattrhantshipshatrnthirbanapprahth.Frthhanastsfthrhantship,itanbsnthatthtshipsighatastfrtfivtnsanhavbpaintpaintnthirsis.Thpiratsnthshipisvrthnavysirsanraisthirapnsnaftranthr.Dn'tv,thrs'fir."Thnavysirraranraishisifingrtrsthrhantship.Thrhantshipiiatystppvinganraisthsifthship.Bthsisstaratahthrataistanfsvrahnrtrs,annnartpnfirasiy.Danit,it'satayanavyanaringafagths.Whatabak!"Crssafrthrhantship.Dn'tspakrkssy,barfnttastrbWhataryafraif?Thyan'thits,vnifthy,itsn'tattr.Anyy,'rntafraifathYnrstanshit,thy'rthnavy.Iffight,'finitysffrSatsh?Wan'tjsttitg,thy'vabisShtp,ki.IstintthinkfaytstpitWhatshthn?Whyn'trnNnsns,stayhrangtbatnifyn'trnBthanrn?Shabigship,hanrn"Yarsstpi,ibptharpar."HavyisthatrparWhatvr,givitatryan'takArparprtrfrthbfthrhantship,anthnavysirsikygraspthrpar.Dn'tvr,rI'jpffInthabinfthrhantship,svrayngpppikpfirarsanaiatthrpar.Irnynttvr.IfIinyrship,ynvrbabtarthsspiinfraiftiThnavysirtrnpathfar,btraina.W'rntbapp,ataryrriabtIkn'rntbapp,bt...arn'tyanavyIathnavy,asyans,IathaptainAryraythaptainThat'sright,bngtthfagshipfthNavy-thNrthSa,anIaRarAiraFrankWisnY'ryingtghsts,hanavaitnantbikyHh,athghI'ntagprsn,I'ntabaprsnithr.I'ntaaptain,jstanrinarynavaffirOh,Ifrgt.Y'rartirsir,bty'rassnIn'thavthaifiatinstparthyStptakingnnsns,aryanyaryhrThnavasirrainsintfrant,shkhisha,ansai,"Srry,Ian'ttyAright,t'sg.Hvr,ybttrtfiny.Inatairprt.Ifyrfs,yayntbabtsapaftrIbarthship.Iknhnavyhasanysrtfrs,bthavnghartiryshsnbar.IfItthnavyabtthis,atythinkthyThnavysirgritthistthanpnrfrangtibfrsysaying,"Okay,Iangivyattr,btIstnsrysaftyIsartthgsThnavasirrashisfist,tktthttrpapr,tanatyittnJapansparagraph,anhanittthpirat.YangnIfyhavthpprtnity,IhpttanhavapfffThanky."ThpiratptaythJapansttrhaaninstrtthrsthanvasr.Whnthanvasfpty,thnavysirfinaybrathasighfrif,pthsatfrhisfrha,anttr,"Danit,frtnatyit'sapirat.Ifnntranavypatrbat,'bintrbtayRgrsstpstraight,vhissrnkfrant,ansahatthnavaitnantshkingthsaiin.Hkvrthianinirabtthspifisitatin.Rgrsbrifyintrthnavafrsnthshipansai,"ItssthatartrappnthissaisanDyhavanygsggstinsFirstfinaship,thnfintthatinfthisisan,anthnntatthnavashipsstatinnarbyThnavaitnantshkhishaansai,"It'ssss.ThnarbyfishingbatsarbingthbypiratsnssstryrsarsntvrWanispathsbarinsUpnharingthis,thnavaitnantaghansai,"Thisisvnrnriab.DythinkthnavysnsbarinstrssIthinkthnavyfinitysnsbarinsthpsDn'tvnthinkabtshthings.NnfsanstpatrptgthrRgrsfrsightyansai,"Thisisntgingtrk.IstfinaytgttfhrOrtransprtshiphasarayftOfrsIknthrsIn'thavriskbrakingintthabinanhattingthyfraiHavypthastin?"Thnavaitnantaskxity.Ntyt,btInttgivitatryThitnanthsitatfrantanask,"WhatypantDyhavanygiasWn'tnrstanatysaiata,nyknhatyriasartangrsIknstgttfhr,"Rgrssighanntin,"Lk,thshipsarnshavsaiay,anarnnship.Ifntinikthis,sthinghappnsnrratr,sIhaviInrstanyria.YnttsnavarfartfrpiratstgivpattakingshipsYsBtthsaiststry,vnifys,itbiffitfrstsap.Aitinay,piratsn'thangthirinsjstbasyarahrOfrsIhavnsirthis,sIhavitsxpsivsatsaThitnantsstnnfrantansnybrsttaghing,"Y'rjsttsartDn'tagh,yasagrthyviintOfrsIagr.Y'rarazygyStptakingnnsns,ikyrganizthrnataringtthpanI'itrightayAs...rbrtiniizasatisashaspssibH?WhatyanYn'tnttfightpiratsikrazy,y?"Rgrsxpainthaysi."OrissinistsarhfrNativAriansinSthAria,anthr'snntfightpirats.Ornygaistfinth,prsathtsrrnr,rsipykithaThisisagia,btaryraysrthatthpiratssrrnrRgrsnansai,"Warhrfrpataksthisti,ntfrr.Thpiratsshprat.Ifthyarntingtsrrnr,takth,thtanyrynnThitnanttkapbrathann,"IgivrrsPas,brthrDn'trry,Iybst."ThitnantpattRgrsnthshrantrnay.Aftrthpiratsft,Rgrsiiatysnthrnassignrk.Inthabin,tittgirssatinarnr,kingtiiyatthnfaiiarninfrntfth.MynaisRgrsMasn,atytaOnfthgirssai,"MynaisNatashaWaan,anhrnaisJyMariaFitzAnthrgirasspkpansai,"MynaisCaitinBavith,yanaCathyJy,Cathy,that'saraynina,"Rgrsprais.Jyrhisha,arsarnhishst,ankshy.Iknyjstsat,"Rgrspasanntin."NpasathytyrrhsrystryrgsHigsThat'sright,thatbathfgstns'rpanningtsfrf,apns,ananitin,asastbyssppisanf.AryintrstinpartiipatinginthisattrThis...this..."Jyhsitatfrafnsansai,"Iangtthrhsthy,btysistristyngtgtsaytRgrsnsightyankatththrgir.Cathyikyvhrhanansai,"In'tgithr.ThatpaistarkRgrssiansai,"Frgtit,IannykpytAftrRgrsfinishspaking,htkttpistsfrhisistanhanthtth.Thtkatthpistinthirhansinaaznt,anthnkatRgrsinsrpris.Rgrssai,"Mypistisasyta.YanhitanatastfnyrsfinasfanysitatinHiyvanyattaksOrtraininginsanitaaivingsit,"Rgrsjkasay."Thisivingsitisrspiaizivingsit,anaftraringit,itksikasingring.Itntnyaytbrathfry,btasrsiststhprssranipatfthanbtt.Inaitin,anasstaynrtrfrangtiThat'sraygrat.Iikivingsits,anI'gingt!"Jynthsiastiayraishispistinhishan.Srry,nyntnBt..."JybaanxisangrabbRgrs'ar,"Un,pastaksthy.W'bbintRgrsrainsintfrantanthrhtgnsinhishantthgrn."Okay,btIrnynttastrb.Ifanynasstrb,y'bttrntifyinavan,thrsIn'tarabtyrifrathThanky,Un.Thanky,"thtfthikythank.Lt'sgthn,"Rgrsvhishananktrsthk.Tittgirsfbhinanrantthk.Thsabrzbanthairsanpiring.Rgrskatthpithbaksaantrntkatthittgirnxtthi.H,yrnaisJyWaan,isn'titJynansai,"Un,hyknWhataryrsrnas,asyrbrthrsaiRgrWinstinWhatabtyrparntsThyaiinthbatt,annyhavysistranftRgrssighthtinansai,"Yrxprinhasbnittragi,btsinyhstbpirats,yshbprpartsarifiJynhhisipsannpa.RgrskatCathyanaskthasi,"WhatabtyCathyhsitatfrantanispr,"MynaisKatiWasy,anyparnts...iinthrRgrsshkhishaanpattKati?Wasy'sshrs.It'skay,'rstiyng.W'takrvngnygrpRgrsin'taskhbasJy'stinssvryxit.W.."Jysattnthgrnanri,tarsstraing."Ihatthnavy,Ihatth,IhatthRgrsrhangntystrkJy'ssfthair."Dn'try,finitygtthrghthisiffittiBtDn'trry,biv,IhavaythpyJyphisysansbb,"RayDythinkthisshipisvryanthsrfafthhhasbnaagThtittgirsn.Thisisnra.Thiskinf-fashinsaibathasthisprb,spiayringnavigatin,annntrvaristrbs.WarrrntysaiingtthCaribbanSa,rthtrsarntvrya,anthrbsa-sapiratrbbryinintsvryfnthsSDn'tbafrai,thisisinthCaribbanSa,arstritarafrpirats.Piratsarvrytiiannyartbyrinaryfishrn

Thtittgirssi.S,arsaf,"RgrsstpstraightanpthishanarnthnksfthtittgirsThtittgirskatahthrannsny.Rgrsththhasfthtittgirsansai,"I'gingtthkithntksnsfirst.YgysntrstfirstJyanCathyagranranintthabin.Rgrstrnanktrsthrstarant,pnringhsthingrintsnbartakapnsananitin,asashtahJyanCathyhsartiry.Hisntgatgiinghirn,aftra,hisntaf-tinavy.Bthisfaiiarthvaristypsfartiryanasastrsssipsharninganshtingthnis.Athghhanntntrananipatartiryikaprfssinaffir,hansignshsanartirysightsbasnatasitatins.Ofrs,hanassthrthstiprvrajstthstgns.Rgrs'ajrrsisnavigatin,fbybatskis,anhisajrrssarntavananbngtththrtiarsatgry.RgrsnvisitthartirytstinggrnnVntianrships,sasipartiryipnt,anvnprsnaysavagtinptanintartirypis.Nvrthss,Rgrsarnsbasiskisaniprvartiryskisthrghhisskiskisanrihpratiaxprin.InRgrs'vithsbasithnisarapratianghfrJyanCathyts.Asfriprvingartiry,rxprinaatinisnanthirnhavtxpritthsvs.

Hvr,hashassnisrts.Atsa,anyfrshthingthatisingtspnnyanaysgtsrarthings.WhnRgrsarrivnthkthhtnsp,ththrhirnhaarayatnthns.Rgrsassatatthtab,tkafipsfnsp,ansai,"Thissphasagtast,hrsthanthbrarbsinyrhtThat'sbas'rts,"Jyhkashpthtarsfrthrnrsfhisys."Sinastnight,'vbnst,riftingnthisvastsafrfivaysWhavbnriftingfrfivays?"Rgrsaskinsrpris.U..."Jyn."Wrriftingnaranisan,btthisanhaaraysnk.Wn'tfinanyifrafts,sppis,rbats,anKrryanIrxtrysar.Wprsistntithisvning,bt...ypaninIgssyin'takitntiinnrti,"Rgrssai,kingatthsnstinthsky."Istiat'rarayvrystthastin,an'snntraaznRay?"Carynhrysinsrpris,thinkingthyrgingtfatnthsafrvrntishstarvtath.Yankatthsky,"Rgrspinttthistantsasrfa."Thrarthikbaksthr,anthrarsignsfightninganthnrCathykpatthistantsa.Isthat...astrW,it'sastrAstrThisisavryangrsnatraisastr,vnthargststranharystryasaisan.Yn'thavtrryabtring,nssnntrspiaanrrntsrhrrians,finitynthavanyrrisabtrivsAftristningtRgrs'rs,thtittgirsfinaybrathasighfrif.Thatnight,ththrfthsptinthnbxatthstrnfthship,yingsibysi.JyanCathyszintRgrs'ars,iRgrshggthinhisapanpathnhisarstprvntthtittgirsfrgtting.Thtittgirssptsny.Rgrsshisysanfintara.Thisrhasaagiaprthatanphanssintanthrr.BfrRgrstrav,hsanxntttiv.ThrisanriinapiffirnaJhnSithBranninthparhrks.Hisanxntvtranhasbnrkingiigntyfrtntyyarsanhasnvraanyistaks,vnthvryitttifrinjris.Hvr,jstsixnthsag,JhnSithsnyntratsvrpnniaansiagnsthavannganrinthhspita.Hrniiatrvafthpanrasanhthrapyinrrtgainhpfsrviva.BtJhnSithrfstratntanstrngyanthathntintffihistis.Inthn,JhnSithiathisjb.Jhni,bthistysntst.HisaghtrCathrinSithtkvrhrfathr'sjbanbathnihif.Thisisabatifanintigntgir,btshistbsytpayattntinthrfathr.Itsn'tntisixnthsagthatshasinayntinthnfhrfathr'saththatsharnabthisnitinfrhrags.Cathrinsxtrysaanrankhaviyaayng.Evntay,shvpprssinanjpffabiingtitsii.Rgrssighanpnhisystkarn.Thisisastrangnvirnnt,asaibatstrannthsab.Thastshavarayrst,thraiingsnthship'ssihavasrttsvry,thrrhasbnsashbysthing,ansvrapisfprprbaringshavbnaag.Thintrirfthsaibatisvnriapiat,xptfrasightyanrk,rathrabinsarpipthbris,ittinganasatingstnhanstyr.Whristhis?Rgrsfrantritthinkabtthprb.Aringthisry,nhfirstrss,hsstiinthVikingStraitaninthpiratravagVirginIsans.Hhtrnintaargshipinthbinkfany,thnyhianthirn,asasabantgirsnbar?!Ntnythat,hasarriagnnhisbak,tpistshangingfrhisist,anfrrbbrbbs.Rgrsarfyxainhisbyannfirthathsaa.

What'sgingnhr?!Rgrs'hartsfithbts,anhrbrthatthissthrf'PiratKing',rhspayingthrfRgrs.Rgr'sapparanisrptthptfthr,shbaarbr.Sinhhasrssthrf'PiratKing',Rgrshastfinaytsrviv.Thisrisapfpirats,anhstfinthirtras.Rgrsspatthathighthavrssavastaznbfrrtrningtthbayaraannntringagstfstrngnbfraningnthisargship.Asfrbghtthisship,Rgrsn'traitfrthtibing.Hvr,thissnthinrhifringhisthing.ThfirststpistfinthrRgrssarhsvratisinthaptain'sabinanintfinanyrbrs.Hatthrhsagainansanrsfnbarrspainit.Aabisinsrtnthnbarr,iniatingthatitntainsf.Rgrspnthifthnbkt,ihntainfritsshasat,fish,anvgtabs.Hpikpanappanhit,raizingthatitsvryrispyanastringnt.Hn'thpbtshakhishaanthrhappintthbkt.Atthisnt,astrnganntrthaptain'sabin.Rgrstrnhishaansastrnganthabaranafirxprssinnhisfa.Whary?"Rgrsask.Thstrngansnrty,ignringRgrs,aninstatrnarnanft.Ntngaftr,trstrngnbrkintthaptain'sabin.Whristhis?"Askastrnganinbak.Rgrsstpanxtnhisrighthantthstrnganinbak,saying,"H,by,ynaisAanCarsBnt,anyH,"thstrnganinbakgrabbRgrs'righthan.HsabtthsahightasRgrsanhaastrngphysi,aringabaktightfittingsitansngasss.Yshasbarbr.Warrrntyfingtgthr.Ithinkryrrbris,shpratthahthrYarntarbrAh?!"Rgrssstnnfrant,thinkingthatththrpartysjstikhiasatravr.MynaisArian,frNrthrnErp,anIarrntyrkinginthPiratsfthCaribban,"Ariansaithasi."ThisisybrthrAxstasa,histansn'tikttakH,h."Rgrsnpityanthnrhishatntinstyingthnitinfthship.Dn'tythinkit'sstrang?Whyarnthship?"Arianask,sittingnastnxttRgrs.Iasfvrystrang,In'tknhathappn,"Rgrssrathhishainistrss."WarntsaArianpnrfrantanthnsai,"Prhapsaratartainprt,thisrtIstbfaiiarthbasthisisrht

LiYinghi’sintigntyssannthntirr,thniiatyfsnth-fashinprjtrinfrntfthtvisin.Thisssthingargarhtntffr.HanhisttaatsspkthhtstaffbfrntringYLianyn'sr.Aftrntatingthantakingthth,itsnatrayisvrthatthis-fashinprjtrsprhasbyMr.YLianynnhabakfrthayanaskthhtfrhp.

Thnthansrisray.Athghitisanxpnsivanbatifbag,itisntsthingthatnstbhin,sthntntsfthbagartry``iprtantthings''.Jgingfrthsizfthbag,thrisapssibiitythatitisanviprjtr,anifitfitsinabagfthissiz,itisstikyanviasstt.

LiJia'ansaLianyn'srryansaithasi:"Y-san,thr'sataynntbafrai.Thrartsistvrything.Ppikyxprinrinaryvntsanhavspiatantsarbasiays.ThystrisgrpftantsisItisyapt,anifyanpassthsbsntvaatinanjinthystrisgrp,asprviythgratrspprt,shastahingyhntryrtants.”

“Canyasntrinspiratin?”YLianynsris.