The Dead Captains' Daughter and the Sea of Mystery

The Pacific Ocean, 22nd of July. “Hey Jane!” Shouted a voice. “Yes!?” I asked. My name is Mira Jane Belle. Most people call me Jane. I volunteered to journey on this ship to find a great treasure 2 years ago. The captain died a week before we set sail, so we set sail without him and without an official captain. “Hey!!” shouted the voice again. “What do you need!?” I shouted back. “Don’t you sass me little girl.” the voice got closer, and footsteps echoed down the ships below deck corridors. It was the captains first mate and acting captain, Lucinda Break-Jaw. She announced herself as captain, but that doesn’t matter because no one really respects her or listens to her anyways. She walked into my bunk and stared at me for a minute, as if deep in thought. “Yes?” I asked. She shook herself out of it and gave me a stern look. “You were supposed to be swabbing the deck an hour ago. What have you been doing this whole time??” She ordered. I shrugged as I worked on hemming a pair of pants. “I was never told to swab the deck. Besides, that is not my job. Get whoever is supposed to do that and make them do their job.” I answered. “Well, he jumped overboard. And got eaten by the sharks below… soooo I need you to do it.” She answered. “And besides, you know most of the jobs changed since your father died, and since I was his first mate, that makes me captain. Now, get. To. WORK!” she ordered. I gulped my next words down, since I did not want to end up walking the plank into shark infested waters…. Though the more I deal with Lucinda the better that option is beginning to become. I stopped my sewing machine and put down the pants on which I was working. “Fine I’ll swab your blasted deck, Lucinda,” I seethed. “But your new blouse you requested won’t be ready until tomorrow evening, since I won’t have time to finish it tonight.” I stated matter of factly. I walked past her, and she rolled her eyes and flipped me off as I did so. I smiled to myself as I walked down the corridors, mocking her in my head. (1) You see, I am the ships mender. I repair clothes damaged in battle; that is if I had the time to anymore. The only reason I get stuff done is because of Henry, my best friend. He’s been an immense help since we volunteered for this journey. He used to help Mum and I in the little shop she had when we were kids, so he knows his way around a needle. I bumped into someone as I rounded the corner towards the stairs. “I thought we discussed you weren’t supposed to be a clutz anymore.” Said a familiar voice. I staggered back. “f**k you, Henry” I laughed and clutched my heart dramatically. “You nearly gave me a heart attack.” “Oh, you are such a drama pirate.” He laughed. “ha-ha very funny.” I said and rolled my eyes. “Actually, I’m glad I ran into you.” “Why, cause I’m such a stud?” he snarked, posing dramatically. “No” I said, giggling. “You wish.” “Shame.” He shook his head. “So, what does mi ‘lady need me to do?” He asked. “I need you to help me finish Mr. Brothels pants. He ripped them in the last pirate raid, and they fell because they ripped the seam at the top. If you would not mind helping, that is.” I stated. “Of course not, I’d love to help… but… wait let me guess… Lucinda again?” Henry asked, knowing this was not the first time he’s had to help because of her. I rolled my eyes. “Unfortunately. She’s got me swabbing the deck today.” “Well, she can go screw the enemies’ pooch and die from worms for all I care. She is so obnoxiously selfish.” Henry said. “I know right, if she would –” I got cut off. “What did I tell you!? Stop flirting with the chef’s kid and get to work!!” Lucinda yelled from behind Henry. “And Henry, get back to the kitchen!” Henry rolled his eyes, patted my back good luck, and walked off. “Yes Ma’am! I will get right on that.” I said mockingly and headed up to the deck. … The thing is, I would be captain of this ship If I had anything to show for it. But in this world, you have got to prove yourself to be a strong, capable pirate leader and have a special skill no one else can have in order to sway the other pirates. Unfortunately for me the only skills I have got are one, sewing, two, intelligence, and three, the ability to handle snarky fake leaders like Lucinda. I roll my eyes as I remember the day that I first met her. ... I was 10 years old, and dear old dad was visiting for the first time since I was five. I knew his job was demanding, so I never really got to see him. He had brought his crew with him that time, including Lucinda. He hugged mum and kissed her, then came and lifted me in the air and told me how big I had gotten. I giggled and hugged him. Mum was pregnant with the twins, Ruthie, and Lucy. Lucy was named after Lucinda, which back then, I loved. Lucinda used to be so sweet and caring, she always helped mom with my other siblings and, as I got older, was always bringing back treasures for me and my sisters when she and dad visited. When I first met her that day, she had brought me a golden hair clip. Which I wore and cleaned and took care of from that day forth… That is until father died that tragic night… … I had just turned eighteen. Henry and I had just gotten home from our last day of classes, and mum had just finished cooking dinner. “Welcome home dear, your father is planning on coming to visit next week.” Mum, pregnant with my youngest sister, said. Ruthie, Lucy, and Sally jumped for joy, and little Bloom, the youngest at the time, ran up to me and tugged on my sleeve and I picked her up. “What time and what day, mum?” I asked. “I am unsure—” Just then the door slammed to the ground, and a bewildered messenger guard stood at the now empty door frame, hand raised as if to knock. “don’t worry, that happens all the time.” Henry said, picking up a hammer. “Henry, would you be a dear and fix the door as I assist our sudden guest?” Mum asked. “Already on it, ma’am.” He answered. “Please come in.” She said. “How can we help you, sir?” I asked. Bloom started to get restless in my arms and she started whining, so I put her down and she ran to join her sisters. The guard took his hat off and placed it on his chest. “I am afraid I’ve got some grave news” He stated. We all went silent. Somehow, we knew what he was about to say next. “The pirate hero of the poor, Captain Roberts Belle, Father, and Husband was murdered. We do not know how or why, but he was.” Stated the guard. Mum gasped and fainted, and Henry dropped his hammer and caught mum. My sisters burst into tears, and I stood there, shocked and disbelieved. “How did you find out?” I asked, disbelieved. “A lassie by the name of Lucinda mailed the report in last night” He answered. “I should note they will be having a burial and memorial service for him next week, on the date they originally planned to come to visit. Mrs. Belle and her daughter, Mira Jane Belle, have been invited as honored guests. You may each invite one other person to this service as well.” He announced. I decided to invite Henry, and mom did not feel up to going or inviting anyone as she was too heartbroken to go. … A week later, the burial service commenced. Me and Henry arrived just as Lucinda stepped up to the podium to give a speech. “Captain Roberts Belle was a strong brave pirate who took charge of the seas and helped those in need from island to island. He was always there for his crew….” I stopped listening and blacked out the rest of her speech. After her speech we went around saying our hellos and greeting others who met and knew my father. Lucinda walked up to me at some point in the night. “Hey, I am sorry for your loss dearie. You know, your father always told me his dying wish would be for you to help this crew find the treasure we were going to set sail to find. If you want to join these scurvy pirates, we would be happy to have you.” She said and hugged me tightly. “Can I bring a friend?” I asked. “And can I have time to think about it?” “Of course, dear. You have until next week when we set sail.” She answered. I went up to his casket and said my goodbyes to him. I never knew my dad that well, but I know he was a brave and brilliant captain. Always kind but could never stay in one place for too long. He was always on the go. As if someone or something was after him… … “Hey, Ms. Belle!” Shouted a familiar voice. It was Mr. Brothels. I smiled. “Hello Mr. Brothels. I thought you were the night shift?” I asked. “Ha-ha look at the sky dearie!” He said, laughing. I looked up and there was a full sky of stars. Beautiful stars. I shook my head. “I didn’t realize what time it was!” I stated., laughing tiredly. I felt my eyes getting droopy as I about passed out, but I caught myself. But not before dropping the mop and tripping over the bucket. “Let me take over and finish the deck for you, or else you’ll pass out and hurt yourself!” Mr. Brothels said, running over. “Are you sure?” I asked. “I insist.” He answered, picking up the mop and turning the bucket upright. “I do not need my best friend’s daughter getting hurt. Making me worry half to death.” He added. “Alright if you insist sir.” I said. “Thank you.” “Any time dear, any time!” He answered, ruffling my hair. I liked Mr. Brothels. He was like an uncle to me. I started to walk towards the bunks, but then I remembered his pants. “Oh, Mr. Brothels! I’ll have your pants to you tomorrow afternoon!” I said. “Oh, don’t you rush dearie, take your time.” He answered. “You work too hard anyways. If I had it my way you would be captain of this here ship. You’re more qualified for it then Lucinda there.” He said. “You flatter me, Mr. Brothels. However, I am not captain material.” I said in response. “Oh yes you are dearie, you just don’t see it yet. Now get to bed.” He said. “Yes sir!” I said and headed off to bed. When I got there, Henry was snoring away at the desk. I smiled and put my blanket over hi. I opened the trap door under my rug and climbed down into my secret room. Now, as you know by now, my father was murdered 2 years ago. I am now 20 years old. At his memorial service I heard rumors that my father’s suspected killer was going out to look for the treasure as well. I Joined this treasure hunt for one, to help pay for my sisters schooling, and two, to bring justice to my father’s killer and find who did it.