The Kraken Skulls Tavern had always been a rowdy place, but when Evelyn and her crew came to celebrate, the entire bar was filled with singing and dancing. Evelyn herself was leading a well-known pirate shanty she'd learned from her kinsmen back in Grizzleheim.

"What do you do with a drunken sailor? / What do you do with a drunken sailor? / What do you do with a drunken sailor? / Earl-eye in the morning! / Way hay and up she rises! / Way hay and up she rises! / Way hay and up she rises! / Earl-eye in the morning!"

The entire tavern raised large kegs full of yum, including Evelyn's crew, as the young pirate hopped onto a table, her face red from the amount of yum she'd consumed. She began dancing on the table top like a wild sprite. Edward immediately leapt up onto the table and danced along with her. Anne let out a cheer at the sight of them, raising her mug high. Kobe sipped his yum, playing the part of the responsible first mate and remaining sober. Barnabus had by now consumed a great amount of Yum and was clapping and stomping along to the singing. Gaspard was on the bar, singing along, but refraining from dancing. Old Scratch and Mike hung back, unable to consume any Yum, but enjoying the spectacle nonetheless. Even Ratbeard seemed to be enjoying himself, toasting to his second chance at the pirate life.

"Put him in the back of the paddy wagon! / Put him in the back of the paddy wagon! / Put him in the back of the paddy wagon! / Earl-eye in the morning!"

Evelyn belted out the chorus again, taking another great gulp of Yum as she smiled widely. With the final verse coming on, Evelyn sang with all her might.

"What do you do with a drunken sailor? / What do you do with a drunken sailor? / What do you do with a drunken sailor? / Earl-eye in the morning!"

The tavern erupted into cheers as Evelyn gave a wobbly bow, pulling Edward down with her. They both fell off the table, landing in a drunken, giggling heap.

"And that's how we do it back home!" Evelyn shouted, trying to stand but almost immediately falling over.

Barnabus too succumbed to the Yum, keeling over and passing out. Kobe shook his head, a smile on his face as he pulled Anne into one arm and grabbed Barnabus by his ankle. He dragged the two down to the tavern cellar. Edward disentangled himself from Evelyn's grip as Skinny Pete came over, giving the boy a hand.

"When you came into my tavern that first day, I couldn't believe that this scrawny girl had been raised by bears," He commented. "But after everything she's done out on the skies, and the amount of Yum she just consumed, I'll believe it."

Evelyn giggled again, looking up at Pete and Edward.

"I can drink a lot more than that," She declared, her voice thready and wobbly. "I just chose not to."

"Just as well then," Edward told her, carrying her down into the cellar. "Now why don't you focus on getting some rest? Best bet we have another long day of pirating tomorrow, and we need our Captain sober."

Ratbeard, Mike and Old Scratch came to help their friends down into the cellar, Gaspard stumbling after them. The sober members of the crew soon placed the more inebriated members down on some cots that had been erected for them.

"Thank you once again for allowing us to use your cellar as our resting place," Kobe said to Skinny Pete, handing him a sack of gold pieces.

"Think nothing of it," He replied. "Just don't be expecting the same treatment all the time."

Pete left the cellar, closing the trap door behind him. Kobe faced his crew, happy to see most of them asleep.

"I'll take first watch," he offered. "You get some rest, Edward."

Edward nodded, plopping down next to Evelyn's bed. He tipped his hat over his face and fell asleep. Satisfied, Kobe sat down by the door, preparing for his watch.

…

A light tapping on the trap door slowly aroused Edward from his slumber. He tried to ignore it and return to his rest, but the tapping persisted. Begrudgingly, he got up and made his way over to the ladder, carefully avoiding tripping over his fellow crewmates. He pushed the door open, the bright light of the morning sun filtering through the window and into his eyes. He brought up a hand to block the light, then he noticed a pair of frog feet standing in front of him. He followed the legs up, eventually reaching the face of Livsey, the ensign he'd helped rescue.

"Mornin' Edward," Livsey greeted.

"Livsey," Edward replied. "How are ya?"

"Doin alright thanks to you and Captain Evelyn," Livsey replied. "Where is she anyway?"

"Sleeping off our little celebration last night," Edward answered. "Why?"

"Well, I'm hopin' I can git you away from her for a minute," Livsey explained. "Avery wants to see ya. Something about a job."

Edward just rolled his eyes, sighing.

"Wonder what he wants this time," Edward wondered.

…

Leaving the crew to continue sleeping, Edward made his way towards Avery's mansion. He walked right in and up to Avery's desk. Much to his surprise, Avery was already hard at work, writing up some documents as Edward came in. He looked up, beaming at the sight of the young pirate.

"Ah, Edward my boy," He greeted. "So glad you could make it."

"Shelf the flattery Avery," Edward told him. "Livsey said you had a job?"

"Oh I do indeed," Avery nodded. "I'm sure you're well aware of my dream for Skull Island Skyways."

"Aye, your fancy to make it a true republic," Edward recalled. "What of it?"

"Well, in order for my dream to become a reality, I require an open trade agreement with an imperial power."

Edward snorted, stifling a laugh.

"Right," He snickered. "And which Imperial power would be stupid enough to make a trade agreement with you?"

"Why the Monquistans of course," Avery answered.

Edward cocked an eyebrow in response.

"The Monquistans?" He repeated. "You sure that's a good idea? They can be quite… tricky."

"Believe me, I am aware of that," Avery nodded. "Luckily, I think I've found a solution. Do you recall the chalice I had your captain procure for me?"

"What of it?" Edward questioned.

"The cup is a family heirloom of the Ortegas, a very prominent family of Monquista," Avery clarified. "The Governor of Puerto Mico is an Ortega. If you were to present the chalice to him, I have little doubt that you'll be able to convince him to sign my trade agreement."

He handed the parchment he had been working on to Edward, who immediately skimmed the paper, nodding a bit

"An honest trade agreement," he mused. "Never thought I'd see the day."

"I just need you and your latest crew to sail to Puerto Mico and deliver the chalice and the trade agreement," Avery instructed. "Do that, and I'll ensure you're all rewarded handsomely. I've even taken the liberty or preparing some papers to get you to see the Governor."

"How courteous of you," Edward replied. "Alright, I'll talk to Evelyn about it. See what she thinks."

"I knew I could count on you, Edward," Avery said with a grin. "Good luck."

Edward tipped his hat, then left Avery's office.

…

Edward returned to the cellar just as the crew was beginning to rouse themselves. Those who had drunken themselves stupid were all groaning loudly from massive hangovers. Old Scratch gave each of them a small blue potion bottle to try and help with the hangovers.

"Anyone alive down here?" Edward jeered.

"Stuff off, Edward," Anne snapped, downing her potion.

"Oy, where'd you go off to?" Evelyn questioned, taking a swig of her own potion. "Got worried when I saw you were gone."

"Why Captain, I didn't know you cared so much," Edward remarked.

That earned him Evelyn's now empty potion bottle getting thrown at his head.

"Just answer the question ya bloody pansy," she commanded.

"Alright, alright," Edward replied. "Avery has another job for us. Establishing a trade agreement with the Monquistans and Skull Island. We're to take the agreement to the Monquistan governor on Puerto Mico."

That made each and every member of the crew pause. A small snort from Evelyn came out after a few seconds, then each member of the crew began laughing hard.

"Trade?!" Ratbeard bellowed. "With the monkeys?!"

"Avery's gone crackers!" Anne howled.

"And he wants me, ME, to do this?!" Evelyn cackled, falling back with rolling laughter.

"Yeah, it sounds daft to me too," Edward agreed. "But he promised rewards if this goes well, so no real harm in that."

The laughter slowly died down, Mike coming over and patting Edward on the back.

"Lad, do you honestly think this will go well?" He asked. "We did attack their Presidio, remember?"

"That is cause for concern," Edward admitted. "Should word reach Monquista of our actions, they'd have our heads."

"The clocks didn't take me 'ead, and I ain't about ta let these monkeys take it," Evelyn declared. "Even so, Gunn's Gold ain't gonna last long, so the reward for this job may be worth the risk."

"Well then, your orders Captain?" Gaspard asked.

Evelyn grinned.

"To the ship!" She declared. "We sail for Puerto Mico!"

…

The Admiral's Ransom sailed through the skyway as Evelyn stood at the bow. Since she didn't know the way around Tradewind Skyway, Anne had taken the helm and was currently sailing them there.

"So Edward," Evelyn spoke up, catching Edward's attention. "I'm surprised yer stickin' around. Considerin' yer penchant fer crew jumping, I woulda though ya'd take Mike and scram."

"Well to be honest, as far as crews go," Edward replied, his eye glued to his spyglass. "Yours might just be my favorite."

"Why Edward," Evelyn smirked, mimicking his earlier tone, "I didn't know you cared so much."

Edward chuckled in response.

"Didn't know the Bears of Grizzleheim were known for their sense of humor," Edward teased.

She playfully punched his arm. Mike and Gaspard noticed this, both of them smiling.

"Well I'll be," Gaspard said softly. "Seems your boy's finding a soft spot in the Cap'n's gruff manner."

"Just like his father," Mike commended.

"Oy!" Anne called out from the helm, getting the crew's attention. "Puerto Mico's coming up on the port side! We better prepare to dock!"

"Aye!" the crewed cried out, rushing to their posts.

…

Much like the Presidio, Puerto Mico was a small island made for monkeys. All of the buildings, stairs, and structures were made for those who were much smaller than most of the members of the crew. Even the docks were small, looking like they were barely big enough to walk on.

"Best watch our steps," Kobe advised.

"Edward, ya know where we need to go?" Evelyn questioned.

"I'm guessing, in there," Edward guessed, pointing at the large Palace at the top of a hill.

The pirates all turned towards the palace, all of them nodding and making nods of affirmation.

"Perhaps the two of us should handle this," Evelyn suggested. "Half the crew may not fit, and even if they don't, well… two are dead and the rest ain't exactly the most 'respectable' lookin'."

The crew all looked themselves over.

"Fair enough," Edward admitted. "Shall we?"

Kobe lowered the gangplank for them, allowing them to descend.

"Good luck, you two," Anne called out with a wave.

The two pirates made their way off the ship and through the tiny monkey town. Everywhere they went, the monkeys of the city stared at them, whispering under their breath. Many gave the two a wide berth, as if they were plague bearers. Evelyn noticed this, wincing slightly.

"Ya gettin the feelin' we ain't welcome 'ere?" she asked.

"Eh, I'd pay it no mind," Edward dismissed. "From what I've heard, the Monquistans don't care for anyone that's not a monkey, and even then it's rather turbulent."

They reached the palace, Edward opening the door and holding it for the Captain. She had to duck to get in, but she made it in. He followed in after and the two of them found themselves in a massive palace at the foot of a long, white staircase. Just as they were about to climb the steps, a small cough emanated from below them.

"Excuse me, who are you?" a snooty, Monquistan voice questioned.

The two pirates looked down to see a monkey in a blue robe with a wide brimmed collar and a thin curled mustache looking up at them with disdain.

"We could ask you the same question," Evelyn retorted.

"I am the Majordomo for the Governor," the monkey replied with a pompous air to his words. "Now, I'll ask one more time. Who are you, and what business do you have with the Governor?"

"We are emissaries from Skull Island," Edward answered. "We've come to request a trade agreement from the Governor."

"Ah… yes," The Majordomo let out with thinly veiled disgust. "I do remember receiving a missive about you. I'm assuming you have credentials."

Edward nodded, pulling the credentials Avery had given him out of his coat. The Majordomo took them, reading them over before turning to Evelyn.

"Madame Zardo of Darkmoor," He greeted. "I see the legends of your beauty are… not exaggerated at all."

Evelyn looked confused as she took the credentials from the Majordomo. When she caught sight of the picture, her eyes went wide. The picture showed a riverclaw in heavily caked on make-up, a messy Valencian powder wig, and the gaudiest pink dress in existence. Evelyn's hands began to shake as she began crumbling the credentials in her grip. Edward quickly put his hands on her shoulders in an attempt to calm her down.

"So, may we see the Governor now?" Edward asked. "Soon, please."

"While your… credentials are fine, I'm afraid I cannot let you see his excellency, the Governor," The Majordomo lamented. "At least, not dressed as you are."

That threw both pirates for a loop. They looked down at their garments, which were all in good condition and relatively clean.

"What's wrong with how we're dressed?!" Evelyn asked angrily.

"It would be easier to say what is not wrong with how you are dressed," the Majordomo answered. "You look like a mannerless barbarian and your companion has the appearance of a peacock in a dressing gown."

Evelyn let out a growl akin to a bear's, tearing the credentials in her grip.

"I'll show you a mannerless barbarian," she snarled.

"Now, now," Edward spoke up, getting in front of her. "I'm… sure we can remedy this. Surely there is a place in town where we may get appropriate clothes."

"As a matter of fact, there is," the Majordomo confirmed. "My cousin, Bernardo Sastre, is a tailor. Tell him I sent you and I'm certain he can throw something together that makes you look… somewhat presentable."

"Much obliged," Edward said, ushering Evelyn out to door.

…

The second they were out of the palace, Evelyn chucked the remains of the credentials across the stairs, the papers flying everywhere.

"I commend your restraint," Edward told her. "And thank you for waiting until we got outside to vent."

"It's official," she growled. "I hate monkeys."

"Just a little bit longer, then we can put this entire mess behind us," Edward assured her.

Evelyn took a deep breath, visibly relaxing as she did.

"Let's just find this tailor," she commanded.

"Right," Edward replied.

The two of them made their way into town, once more having to deal with the glares, whispers, and general animosity directed at them. Thankfully, they made it to the tailor with relative ease, though they had to crawl through this particular door to fit. Almost immediately upon entering, a monkey in a purple and gold suit with a top hat and cane came running over to them.

"Halt, gangly ones!" He demanded. "What are you doing in my shop?!"

"We have come here from the Majordomo," Edward answered. "We were told we could obtain some presentable clothing here."

The monkey, clearly Bernardo, mulled over this information while looking over the two pirates.

"Hmm, I can see why he sent you to me," he mused. "With how savagely you are dressed, I am hesitant to be even seen speaking to you. Be grateful I am in a charitable mood."

Evelyn growled again, her fists clenching. Bernardo ignored her, going towards the rear of the shop and rummaging through some boxes. He muttered as he did, talking about sizes, gangliness, and how he always had to deal with the 'uncivilized brutes'. He soon returned with two assistants, each of them holding a bundle of clothes.

"Here you are," Bernardo declared. "My assistants will help you change, then have your… um… other garments delivered to your ship."

"Much obliged," Edward told him.

The assistants each took a pirate, ushering them towards the changing area in the back of the store.

…

Several minutes of struggle and more than a few curses later, both pirates emerged from their changing rooms. Both of them were now wearing bright blue trousers with frills on the leg hems that came to their knees, white stockings covering the rest of their legs before coming to a stop a large golden shoes with curled toes. They both wore red shirts that were incredibly tight with golden trimming, shoulder pads, and more lace around the cuffs. Tight white ascots were tied around their necks, and the cherry on top, both were wearing large golden jester hats with four tassels with bells. As they locked eyes on one another, it was clear neither of them were happy with the wardrobe change.

"We look ridiculous," Evelyn said coldly.

"Couldn't agree more," Edward replied. "These monkeys are making monkeys out of us."

Bernardo came over to them, smiling from ear to ear.

"Ah, much better," he declared. "I am certain my cousin will let you in now. As promised, your lesser garments have been sent head to your ship, though considering the improvement, I don't see why you'd want those rags again."

"Probably because they don't make us look like a bunch of-"

"Thank you once again for your service," Edward cut off, pulling Evelyn away. "We won't waste anymore of your time."

He quickly pulled her out of the tailor, pushing her through the small door before she could finish her sentence. Once they were out, they adjusted their clothing as best they could.

"This is itchy, tight, and I absolutely hate everything about it," Evelyn snarled.

"Would you rather appear before the Governor in just your skin?" Edward asked.

"That would be an improvement to this," She replied. "Why, you offering?"

"I'm game if you are, love," Edward jeered.

He quickly changed his tune when Evelyn began pulling on her ascot.

"Easy, easy, I was just joking," Edward insisted. "Tempting as this might be, I fear it's not the time, nor the place."

Evelyn sighed, releasing her ascot.

"Let's just get this over with," she insisted.

The two then made their way back to the Palace. They were met once again by the Majordomo, who looked them over with a small nod.

"You look… marvelous," he commended. "My cousin has done you proud. You're ready to see the Governor now. Good luck and try to behave yourself. I can dress you properly, but I fear I'll never make a Monquistan out of you."

"We'll… do our best," Edward replied. "Right, Captain?"

She didn't answer, merely turning and walking up the stairs. Edward quickly caught up with her about halfway.

"You better do the talking," she warned. "I'm not sure how much more of this I can take."

"Good idea," Edward agreed.

The two made their way upstairs to the governor's office. Like all the other monkeys before them, the Governor was dressed in a gaudy outfit, his a bright blue color with a wide brimmed hat and wide collar. He glanced up at them as they entered, looking them up and down.

"Ah, you two must be the… ah… diplomats from Skull Island," he surmised. "Welcome to my Palace. I must say, you are quite bold coming here wearing last year's fashion."

"What…?" Evelyn snarled menacingly.

"Your eminence," Edward stepped in. "We are indeed here from Skull Island, here to negotiate a treaty of trade. And we have a gift."

Edward then took out the chalice Avery gave him and handed it to the Governor. He took the Chalice, looking it over with an expression of revulsion.

"What is this?" the Governor asked.

"The… Ortega chalice?" Edward explained.

Realization dawned on the Governor.

"Oh, I see the confusion," He said. "You were expecting Governor Ortega. I fear he was declared a traitor and sealed in a dark pit. I am Governor Medina."

"What…?" Evelyn snarled, a bit louder this time.

"Apologies," Edward replied. "We were told this would be a suitable exchange, the chalice for the treaty. I would like to think it not too much that you honor the terms of your predecessor."

"I see," Governor Medina nodded, scooting the chalice away from him with his tail. "Well, I will give your treaty all due interest and respect, but for now, my duties demand my attention. I shall have my Majordomo provide you with my answer. You are free to leave now."

"Of course," Edward responded, ushering a fuming Evelyn outside. "Thank you for your time."

They left the office and made their way down the stairs. As they reached the bottom, the Majordomo intercepted them.

"His Excellency is too polite to directly refuse, but I assure you he will never sign your treaty," He informed them. "Your gift was an embarrassment, and frankly, you should have known better than to try and have our great empire associate ourselves with lowlife criminal scum like yourselves. Good day."

Edward could hear something in Evelyn snap. She launched herself at the Majordomo, screaming in the language of the bears. Only the timely interception from Edward protected the Majordomo from harm.

"Evelyn! Evelyn!" Edward called out. "He's not worth it!"

She continued clawing at the Majordomo, who had by now taken off for cover.

"Let's just leave the nice monkey people and go back to the ship," Edward suggested, pulling her out of the palace. "We can even get rid of these stupid outfits."

Evelyn finally pulled herself free of Edward's grip, proceeding to rip off her outfit. She tore off her hat, ripped her shirt open before tossing it aside. She chucked the shoes off, then clawed her way free of the leggings and trousers. Once that was done, she was left in a loincloth and chest wrappings, as well as her eyepatch.

"I… did mean waiting until we got back to the ship," Edward clarified.

"I am going back to the ship before I murder someone!" She shouted, stalking off towards the docks.

"Eh, when in Monquista," Edward shrugged before stripping off his own outfit.

Once he was down to his drawers, he ran to catch up with Evelyn.

…

Upon their return to the ship, Evelyn made a beeline for the captain's cabin, slamming the door so hard the deck shook. Everyone stared at the door in confusion.

"Was the Cap'n wearin' any clothes?" Ratbeard questioned.

"Only the barest of loins," Edward answered, climbing up onto the ship.

The crew turned to him, Anne going wide-eyed and turning away. Kobe's and Gaspard's eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"What happened?" Kobe demanded.

"Long story short, the Monquistans didn't accept the treaty, and Evelyn got pretty upset about it," Edward explained. "Rightfully so, if you ask me."

"And your… lack of proper clothing?" Gaspard asked.

"They made us wear outfits that we both grew impatient of," Edward answered. "Trust me, this is better. Now, they said they brought our regular clothes to the ship. Does anyone have them?"

Mike held out a bundle for Edward.

"The Captain's is in her room," he informed him. "These are yours."

"Much obliged," Edward replied as he got dressed.

Not long after Edward was once again in his usual fineries, Evelyn emerged from her room, properly dressed once more.

"Feeling better?" He asked, donning his hat.

"Not really," Evelyn retorted. "I swear, the next monkey I see, I am going to throw into the spiral!"

"Then perhaps I should come back later." a small voice called out.

The crew all jumped, turning towards the gangplank to see a monkey dressed in red bishop robes standing on the deck. He gave a small bow.

"My apologies for coming aboard without permission, but I simply had to speak with you," He insisted.

"Barnabus, throw him into the spiral," Evelyn ordered.

Barnabus grabbed the monkey, hoisting him up and preparing to follow orders. Luckily for the monkey, Anne quickly came to his rescue.

"Now, hold on," she insisted. "Perhaps we should hear him out before tossing him overboard."

"Why, so he can insult us more?" Edward asked.

"Surprised you're agreeing with me, Edward," Evelyn admitted.

"I was privy to their little game at our expense as well," he reminded her.

"Please!' the monkey begged, kicking in Barnabus' grip while trying to maintain a hold on the sloth's paw. "I mean you no harm, nor disrespect! I'm here to help!"

"And how can you help us?" Ratbeard inquired.

"By providing you with a way to get the Crown to acknowledge you!" the monkey quickly explained.

This caused everyone to pause and turn towards him. Barnabus was still holding him out over the sky, but reeled him in out of curiosity.

"Explain," he commanded.

"Kindly set me back down, and I will tell you everything I can."

Evelyn nodded at Barnabus, prompting him to set the monkey down. The monkey adjusted his robe, regaining his composure.

"To start, I am Bishop Hidalgo of the Monquistan Church," he introduced. "I have heard of your actions in the Presidio, and I know that pirates of your caliber are perfectly suited for a task that has proven impossible for even the bravest of Monquistadors."

"Sounds intriguing," Edward admitted. "What is this task?"

"As you may know, the islands of this cluster are filled with ancient ruins, whose mysterious builders vanished long ago," Hidalgo explained. "Nobody knows who they were or what they were doing, but they left a legacy inlaid in the living rock of their temple, gold. It was because of this abundance of gold that the Monquistadors settled Skull Island skyways, and our endeavors have made us the wealthy and powerful empire we are today."

"Aye, we all know the story," Anne groaned, waving her hand. "Get on with it already."

"Right, right," Hidalgo coughed before continuing. "One of the most well-known Monquistadors is Gortez, the monkey that we owe most of our great power to."

"What of 'im?" Ratbeard questioned.

"Well, a year ago, he embarked on his latest adventure to the heart of the Isle of Doom." Hidalgo explained.

"Sounds like a cheerful place," Evelyn quipped.

"Oh it is," Hidalgo assured her. "It was named after its discoverer, Baron Ferdinand von Doom, who was unfortunately eaten by a giant snake. The island itself is very pleasant, so long as you avoid the swarms of carnivorous bees, flesh eating plants, and the savage frog tribes with poisonous skin."

Anne let out a whistle.

"Why would anyone in their right mind go to a place like that?" she questioned.

"You see, Gortez was drawn there by the rumors of vast treasure on the island," Hidalgo clarified. "At first, Gortez was triumphant, as always. He and his troops cut a swath through the jungle, crushing all who opposed them. Gold poured out of the jungle, more gold than ever before."

"Then what is the trouble?" Kobe wondered.

"As the months passed, disquieting rumors of Gortez and his activities began to filter out of the jungle until four months ago, when all contact with him and his army was cut off. Their fate remained a mystery until a lone Monquistador came stumbling from the jungle, raving with fever. He declared that Gortez had built a kingdom for himself in the jungle, and ruled it like a tyrant."

"How can you be sure he wasn't bananas?" Edward asked. "Sorry if that's offensive by the way."

"No offense taken, my child," Hidalgo assured him. "And we are not sure. However, he spoke of one more thing, a treasure unlike anything we've ever seen before: The Gold Monkey."

"The what now?" Evelyn asked.

"Reports vary on what the Gold Monkey is, only that it is a treasure beyond reckoning, and the source of Gortez's newfound power."

"So… if we find Gortez and this 'Gold Monkey', the Governor will sign the trade agreement?" Gaspard rationalized.

"Most certainly," Hidalgo confirmed.

The pirates all exchanged looked with one another.

"Well, what do we think?" Evelyn proposed.

"I think he can go climb a tree," Edward remarked. "This trip's already been more trouble than it's worth."

"I'm with Edward," Mike agreed. "No good comes from dealing with Monkeys."

"I think we should at least try," Anne spoke up. "I mean, he's offering us a way to get the Crown on our side. Besides, if we return to Avery empty handed, I doubt he'll be so willing to provide us with any more jobs."

"That is a good point," Evelyn admitted. "Kobe?"

"We must honor the promise we made to Avery," Kobe insisted.

"Aye," Gaspard nodded. "It's the right thing to do."

"True enough." Edward admitted. "Avery is pretty stingy against those who don't follow through on his jobs."

"Argh, I don't like this, Cap'n," Ratbeard spoke up. "The Isle don't sound like somewhere any self-respectin' sailor would tread."

"I'm surprised you don't have a summer home there then," Edward remarked.

Ratbeard just glared at Edward, who glared right back at him. Evelyn quickly pushed between the two.

"Both of you, cut it out," she snapped. "Old scratch, you got anything to add?"

"I an' I follow you wherever, Cap'n," he answered simply.

"Barnabus?" Evelyn prompted.

"If Gortez is a tyrant, he needs to go down," Barnabus spoke up. "I say we go."

"Alright then, all in favor of going?" Evelyn asked, she, Kobe, Anne, Barnabus, Old Scratch, Gaspard, and Edward all raising their hands. "Then it's settled."

They all turned to Hidalgo.

"We'll take the job," Evelyn declared.