A Smooth Easy Grace

The camaraderie of the ship moot was a welcome relief from the struggles of war, for everyone. In fact, by the time The BondedMind had seen its second sunrise on these Rocks, only Carlo had not rediscovered his smile. Captain Jabari wore his smile with a smooth, easy grace. It was an exciting time, for many reasons. The wedding of course, between the two love-desperate fools of their band. But their whole group was expanding, in numbers and influence. The Captain was glad to see their friends from The Gladfish Trading Company had made dock, and was anxious to talk with them again. But, for the young charismatic leader of sailors and adventurers, nothing occupied his excitement and happiness to the extent of their latest acquisitions; two galleons, gifts from a variety of allies they had helped in the ousting of foriegners of their favorite cities. The Tangiers, and the Tunisian Gallant, complete with papers of ownership and registry.

Later, much later, after the wedding ceremony, it came time to plan their next moves. The Captain was asked his opinion on what was to be done with our galleons, as none of the others claimed any particular nautical skill. His smile came smooth and easy, as if he had been thinking of this all the day. He advised sending one back to Paola, perhaps with the plan of purchasing large quantities of the food that was so readily and cheaply available. She could then sail to the many island and rocks surrounding Malta trading needed supplies and gathering information. He liked the Tunisian Gallant for that. The Tangiers would sail alongside them, a second ship, the beginnings of an armada. She would need a captain, of course, and Capt Jabari knew who it should be, but he waited until they sailed out of the rocks the next morning to appoint him. Captain Sven's eyes welled with pride, and spilled down into his resplendent blond beard as he accepted the post   The Barkley's, to a man, were happy and proud that Capt. Jabari had chosen from them, the O.C. (Original Crew) to promote to the post. They now teased their captain a little, calling him admiral. In turn, Captain Jabari accepted his men's love and loyalty in true reflection of his leadership style. With a smooth, easy grace.