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A Lesson In Manners
Written for the 'First Day' Drabble Challenge
Fraternal twin to Geek Mama's Wooing A Lady

by Honorat Selonnet
October 4, 2005

Captain Jack Sparrow put a hand on the wheel and magically the Interceptor settled under his touch. Will looked at him in disbelief.

"Son, son," said the captain kindly, draping an arm over the boy's shoulder. "You'll not be getting anywhere with a fine ship until you learn to treat her like a lady."

"Like a lady," Will repeated dubiously, not significantly enlightened.

"That's right, young Mr. Turner. Like the lady she is," Jack Sparrow removed his arm and patted the Interceptor's helm affectionately. "You can't tell her what to do. 'S a waste of your time, and you see what happens."

He moved the wheel and suddenly the ship was fighting again. "Sorry, love," the pirate apologized, letting the wheel slip back. The Interceptor resumed smooth sailing. "Aye, you're a bonnie lass, aren't you," the captain flattered his ship.

Will could have sworn the Interceptor speeded up.

"Now, Will, what you want to do with a fine lady like this is listen to her. She'll tell you what she wants to do."

"Listen to her?" Will was beginning to feel like a parrot.

"Aye, listen to her. She knows more about the sea than you'll ever know. She lives in it after all."

Seeing the lad's blank look, Jack grinned. "Here, I'll show you what I mean." He indicated that Will was to take the ship's wheel again. "And this time, son, don't hold on so tight. Just put your hands on her. Pretend you're holding a butterfly in your palm and you don't want to be crushing its wings."

He waited until Will had adopted a more relaxed hold on the wheel. "Now, close your eyes."

"What?"

"If y'can't see what you're doing, you're less likely t' be doing it, eh mate?" Jack explained patiently. "I won't let you run into Hispaniola."

Will looked even more confused, but he did as he was told.

"Now, how does the wheel feel in your hands? How is the sea pressing against her rudder? Her keel? Just stand there quietly and memorize what you're feeling. And listen." Jack removed his own hand from the wheel. Then he wandered off to check over the ship, leaving Will at the helm, unaware that he had been abandoned. The steady wind they were running before would not be providing the boy with any surprises.

When Jack returned to the quarterdeck, he nodded, satisfied. He would have expected nothing less from Bootstrap Bill's son, even if the kid was a bit of a stick. Will was still cradling the Interceptor's wheel, eyes closed, a small smile tilting his lips. And the Interceptor seemed to settling in to this new hand at her helm.

~.~

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