12th of June, 1499,

It is the second say for our new Captain, and life could not get more ecstatic. I must confess, there were moments when I considered the thought he may be a lady. It took him two hours and counting to consider himself ready to come out of that blasted cabin. I sincerely regret ever speaking. Yet when the door was finally thrown, not a hyperbole, open, I was myself shocked into a momentary silence. The change in attire was drastic. Where previously stood a lad who appeared as though he was likely to be a laborer, now stood an impressive sight. 

He was now clad in black  trousers, though I recall his appeared grey, a white shirt on which was now attached an emerald broch encrusted in gold with a few fabric ruffles spilling out, his black boots were perfectly polished and he had somehow attached a steel toe to them, there was a belt which lay rather loosely on his hips, I recognized it to be the leather and gold belt from our last Captain's last raid. I know I should have said 'previous' but this sounded more poetic.

On top of it all, a scarlet coat which seemed to have shrunk down to his size perfectly. My first thought would be that it was sewn down to the right size, but he was of the wrong gender. Or perhaps he could sew, Lord knows, after all, I did have a theory he might be a lady. But the coat did look absolutely stunning, more so than it used to, somehow. And there was, as the French would call it, the piece de resistance, a black hat which you would see on most pirate captains, and the meddling brat stole my quill for his hat, which is why I must write with a different one.

Oh God, I sincerely hope he doesn't see how I just called him. Especially since he is now armed with a sword, two pistols, and likely some daggers too. 

I finally got to looking at his face, and I must say, I was rather taken aback. Gone was the menacing and slightly evil expression, and in it's place was an almost child like hope and expectancy. This was rather baffling. Then came the question that cleared up matters. "I daresay I look like a pirate captain now, don't you?" 

This was this twisted lad's inner child, for had it been gone entirely, he wouldn't have asked. I nodded in response truthfully, for he did. And to think it was all on a w him of one sentence I spoke.. 

After all that was over, I explained every nook and cranny of the ship and named everyone. When we had entered the lower deck, we had sauntered upon Steve poking fun at Lil' Tim, we all called him that due to his size and age. A usual occurrence, so I payed no heed to it. The new Captain, on the other hand, did. When we left, Lil' Tim couldn't be more pleased and Steve had a broken jaw. So that was his sort of kindness. Expected.

Brings me recollections of my first ever Captain. He was a Prussian, and Hell would freeze over before I forget him. Entirely white with red eyes, he was quite a sight, and always so choke-full of energy and spirit. He would near murder any members of the crew who would conflict with one another. To this day I wonder what became of him. He was known as the 'Phantom Captain' due to his appearance, a title he did not mind in the slightest.

Anyhow, right back to the present. Once we approached the wheel, Kirkland requested to take it. Jones, who was at it, hesitated, as did I, yet what choice did we have but to agree? He seemed to know exactly what he was doing though. He asked of our current course. The reply was to France.

Kirkland bit his lip, the first ever sign of uncertainty I've seen on him. Then he seemed to make his mind up upon something as he turned the ship to the left. "I have just set course for Prussia. Continue on the path." He ordered, then stalked off with a smirk.

Odd coincidence, seeing as I had just been reminiscing about my old Prussian Captain. Some say there is no such thing as coincidence. We may never know the truth. As I write this, we approach land, meaning I must leave my writing for later, for I have to get on with my duties. Oh, and we have unfortunately not encountered any ships yet, otherwise I would have mentioned.

Farewell until the next time of peace,

Jonathan Williams