(Untitled)

[pirate_jack]

"--what do you mean calling yourself a tavern-keep without having any rum on hand, you pestiferous, feculent, maggot-ridden excuse for a --"

He's shouting back over his shoulder as he comes barreling through the door, but when he swings around and realizes where he is, Jack Sparrow breaks off there with a start.

"Well now. That's much more

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[k_in_black]

"Tell me about it," a Man in Black says as he affectionately pats the glass of bourbon in front of him.

The Man looks like he's had a hell of a day.

[pirate_jack]

"A man after me own heart," Jack decides, then reconsiders.

"Not meaning with a knife, of course. Too messy."

Among other things.

[k_in_black]

"Prefer high-energy weapons myself," K replies. "Or heavy explosives."

"I don't like to do anything by halves."

[pirate_jack]

"Even messier if you've got someone handling the cannon what doesn't know what they're doing."

There's a pragmatic sort of sound to it, but black eyes are sparkling with mischief.

"'Course, that's got its good points too."

[k_in_black]

"I'll tell you what," K lifts a finger thoughtfully. "I've lost count of how many times I would've have given a king's ransom for an old, reliable cannon."

"You can raise a lot of hell with a flaming ball of plasma, but sometimes you just can't beat a big ball of solid metal punching right through the bulkhead of some miserable bastard's pride and joy."

Did we mention K's had a long day?

[pirate_jack]

There's a sudden sharp gleam in the black eyes, and Jack lifts the bottle to K.

"Happens as I'm in the way of knowing a thing or two about that meself."

[k_in_black]

"I had a feeling," K says, putting out a hand.

"Agent K. From Earth, 2008."

[pirate_jack]

He meets it with his own, in a firm grip.

"The name's Sparrow. Captain Jack Sparrow."

He grins.

"Also from Earth, or at least her seas, but much more earlier on than you, mate."

[k_in_black]

K nods approvingly. "A man with a ship is a happy man. Doesn't matter if it's the seas or the stars."

"All right, Captain," K makes a welcoming gesture. "Let's hear about her."

K's met many captains in his time. He knows the drill.

[pirate_jack]

"The Pearl?"

His smile is strangely wistful, and the look in the black eyes distant.

"She's a marvel and no mistake, mate."

[k_in_black]

"The sort of Lady who demands attention but richly rewards you for it?"

[pirate_jack]

"The very same."

Jack grins at him.

"Sounds like you know a lass or two of that sort yourself."

[k_in_black]

"In my time," K nods. "But in my line of work, they come and they go."

K sounds regretful about that. Jack is a fortunate man.