Grey carefully walked around the main deck, carrying his mop and a bucketful of soapwater. He's been cleaning the ship for weeks yet the dirt seems to just randomly pop up from every corner, he sighed. This time he'd like to clean the captain’s quarters while they are busy working, these people have been very kind and humble. Coming back to clean the quarters is a good way to repay their kindness. He went down, swerved the door open and to his surprise there he saw two pirate men, one with pink hair and the other red, embracing each other in such indescribable way, affectionately? Romantic even. Grey’s eyes widened in shock and quickly averted his face.

“S~Sorry!” Grey blurted, ready to walk away.

“Oh no, no! Kid, come here!” The red haired said, almost laughing.

Grey turned back flustered, eyes on the floor, his face flushed red. “I didn't mean to--, I’m terribly sorry..”

“It's fine, kid. You'll understand when you grow up.” said the pink haired guy, pulling down his shirt and straightening his collar.

“Sooo, you cleaning?” The red haired changed the topic.

“He’s carrying a damn bucket, Ace! Of course he's cleaning!” says the pink haired man pointing his finger at Grey’s bucket.

“I can see that, Chrys. I just wanna confi--”

“Seems you're having fun here lads.” Reg appeared behind Grey, beside him is the pirate queen, leaning on the doorway with a smug look on her face.

The two lads immediately rose up, stood straight, and greeted their captain hastily.

“You were told to plan our routes, how's it going?” Reg walked in and pointed at the map on the table, still rolled and untouched. “I see you've been very busy working.” he finished with a mocking tone. Chrys and Ace sank and shared ashamed looks. The lads averted their eyes and look straight on the floor, unable to say anything.

“Come on now, let's just do it ourselves.” Era sits on her chair and spreads the map on her table.

The two were about to leave when Reg stopped them, “Sit down, you two. At least try to learn doing your jobs.”

The two sank down on the couch by the corner. Grey still stands frozen on the doorway. “How about you gold coins? You plan on doing your job or not?” Reg added, to which Grey immediately placed his bucket aside and started mopping.

“Listen up, boys.” Era gets everyone's attention. “We're going to Main City.”

“What? For reals?” Both Ace and Chrys’ eyes widened, Grey glanced at the captain.

“Not yet.” says Reg.

“Yes, yes, not yet, but at least that's the plan. We just need to replenish our supplies first before heading there.” Era explained. “For now, we have rations enough for two weeks, but if we head straight for Sentralia that's not gonna last.”

“That's why we asked you lads to review the surrounding islands where we can get food, but you're busy doing something else.” Reg scanned the map on the table. Ace and Chrys scanned their shoes, unable to look at their captain and sail master.

“I think we should go to Obscuro.” Reg added. “It is the nearest island we can access, and it has a military keep that sure has supplies we can plunder. Not just food and booze, but artillery that we might need if we're going to the Main City.”

“I believe that's a good idea, sail master.” says Era, “but how do we plan on raiding a military base? By asking nicely?”

“That military base is placed by the shoreline. We can easily get close and lay siege to their defense before we even land.”

“That’s a good start, Reg, but I guess you’re a sail master for a reason. That base stands on the shore line because it’s meant to defend the island from invaders coming from the sea. Grimalkin is a big ship and they will already see us before we can even get close, what more if we fire our cannons at them.”

“Grimalkin can hold it. Besides, we have men. Enough for a fight once we reach land and raid their keep.”

“Half of those men were slaves we just freed. Sending them to battle is like sending them back to death. I am not going to jeopardize this ship, or anyone aboard, for just one raid.” Era explained, Reg shrugged.

Era turns to Ace and Chrys. “How about you lovebirds, any ideas?”

“We can use our boats and pose as merchants.” Ace suggested. Walking towards the table. “That way, we can access the docks and start our raid from the wall at the back of the base.”

“There’s only a few guards on that wall beside the marketplace.” Chrys added. “With enough men, we have a chance of defeating them.”

“There’s no reason for merchants to come inside a base, that just creates more suspicion! Can you imagine what happens after we get inside that wall?” Era asked, clearly irritated. “Once we’re inside and the soldiers pour in on us, what do we do?”

“Don’t attack the base.” Grey suddenly blurted, staring blankly at the furious lot.

Everyone turned to the lad in surprise. “What?” says Ace and Chrys, confused. Grey walked towards the table, dragging his mop with him, his eyes scanned the table while the others watched in disbelief.

“You don’t need to attack the base.” says Grey, pointing his finger to a small picture of a naval ship on the map. “Get this and use it to enter their doors.”

Everyone’s eyes widened.

“A naval ship has less security than that of a military base…” Ace pieces it all together.

“We can hijack one.” Chrys added.

“Get their ship, their clothes, and enter the base as if we ourselves are the military.” Reg convinced.

“Who knew gold coins has a talent for strategy?” Reg announced, placing his arm on Grey’s shoulders.

Era can’t help but smile. There’s something in this odd lad. “You’re a box full of surprises aren't cha?”

Grey stared at the lot with his signature dazed face.