I wake up just as I knew the sun was rising over the calm waters of the Atlantic. I smile and sit up, the ship quiet and calm so far, but within the hour, it would be noisy and loud with the men that were currently sleeping in the crew's quarters.
Smirking as I get myself ready, my helper Julianne, though some would call her a slave, I am appalled by the term. Slaves are forced and have no say so in their situation and life, unlike Julianne. She was the closest thing to a sister I've ever had, getting up as I do, making our beds as I get my clothes on.
My dress was a dark blue, cut off short, a couple of inches above my knees so I could move about freely. I hated wearing the pants that the men wore. They either sagged on me, or were too tight. I then slip a brown leather sleeveless vest over the dress, lacing it up tightly to keep the sides of the dress from getting caught on anything, hooks, or anything else. I pull on some black leggings and brown knee high boots. strapping my pistol to my side, fully loaded and ready as always.
By this time, Julianne had gotten the coffee ready for me. I take my cup and thank her, letting my heavy boots echo down the wooden walkways of the ship. I bang a large frying pan on a wooden door and call for the cook in a stern voice.
"Up and at 'em! Today's a new day Pip! Make the most of it!" I shout, and I hear the old cook groan and mutter something. I shake my head and ignore him going to the crew's cabin, I bang the pan even louder. My thin scrawny hand wouldn't make a loud enough noise for them, so I knew this would. Sure enough, a few curses fly my way.
*I'll address that later* I think to myself, grabbing two pieces of jerky from our stash, I head up to the main deck to get the ship ready before the boys did so we would be already on our course.
I was one of the few women Pirate Captains on these high and dangerous seas, and one of the skinny and palest. Standing at only 5 ft and pale as my Irish mother, with a temper to match, I would be considered an easy target. But that was never the case. Never I tell you.