Chapter 51: [51] Article 4, Subsection C
Pierre felt the ship rock slightly under the additional weight as three figures hauled themselves over the rail with the casual ease of men who’d boarded a thousand vessels.
The first man to swing aboard was a mountain given human form. His shoulders stretched his black coat to its limits, and his boots hit the deck with the solid thunk of anvils dropping. Behind him came two smaller pirates—one lean as a whip with nervous eyes, the other stocky . The nine remaining pirates stayed in their longboat, oars resting across their knees, watching the proceedings like spectators at a particularly interesting execution.
The giant stepped forward, his massive frame casting a shadow across half the deck. When he spoke, his voice carried the weight of boulders rolling down a mountainside.
"Names Gideon. Captain Moreau requests your presence ashore," he said, each word measured and polite. "Both of you. She wishes to discuss terms."
Pierre pushed himself away from where he’d been leaning against the mast, crossing his arms over his chest.
Time to see how well these pirates handle bureaucracy.
"A request? How wonderfully polite. But you see, my First Mate here," he gestured toward Alyssa, "is terribly particular about unannounced visitors. Ship’s regulations, you understand."
The giant frowned. Deep lines carved themselves into his forehead as he processed this unexpected response. Behind him, the whip-thin pirate shifted his weight from foot to foot, clearly expecting swords to be drawn by now.
"We’ll need to see your official invitation," Pierre continued.
Alyssa’s pale green eyes widened slightly as she caught Pierre’s lead. Her posture shifted, spine straightening until she looked every inch the Navy princess she’d once been. The riding crop in her hand suddenly seemed less like a weapon and more like a symbol of authority.
"He’s quite right," she said. "Article 4, subsection C of the Pirates Code clearly states that all non-crew boarding parties must present formal, written invitation from the ship’s captain."
She paused, letting her gaze sweep over the three pirates.