piratejournal | [Written] And now for something completely different from the last time

Marco here.

Sorry for my state in the last post, and thank you very much to those sweet enough to humor me, you're too kind.

Bepo, and Vyse, I have duplicates of my maps for you, assuming you both still want them.

For everyone else, I've made about twenty copies of various maps and directions to the Corsair Naval Masquerade Ball. Likewise, in the interest of furthering piracy rebelling against lawful order, I will teach the basics of ranks to anyone with enough brains to actually hold the knowledge. Remember, if you want to go, wear formal costume, and pretend to be part of the navy. Anyone in the Spades wishing to help infiltrate must be able to perform a correct salute and demonstrate ability to discern when it's appropriate. Those who cannot may help infiltrate as waiters.

Thank you.
- Marco

Edited Addendum: Dance lessons for Spades unfamiliar with waltz, samba, and tango will be held every night this week. Namur's breakdance competition comes with a reward, but this style of dance is not acceptable for naval officers, sorry Nam-chan.

[Locked to Nico Robin]

I am embarrassed to say I have about three favors to ask of you.

[Locked to Grell Sutcliff]

Hello Kitten. How do you feel about getting a little vengeance, eh?

[Locked to Sebastian]

My phoenix brother and I are in the mood to spread our wings. Think you can get a babysitter that night to come have fun?

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[Ace's mouth hung open. Though his eyes were wide open and he was listening to Marco intently, his body couldn't help but react to such an immense amount of concentrated boring. So much talking. When were they going to go hunt whales for dinner?]

Eh, y'know--[He wiped his chin, because he was dripping drool.]

I keep sayin' you think too much, so I won't. You're a pretty scary guy when it comes to planning battles, but this is weird. [He sighed and touched his chin, shrugging.]

Regarding Robin, I think you're overthinking it, but I'll allow that. Just keep being considerate. Just like how it's tough being brothers sometimes, I think a relationship with a woman should also be tough. It'd be disgusting if you acted all lovey-dovey and had a perfect relationship! That'd be a real drag for me.

[He huffed and crossed his arms.]

As for the Marines... It's my fault as much as theirs that Kairi was killed. That aside, Marco, I have one question to ask you: If you didn't have to ask me about Robin, would you have been comfortable talking to me about the Marines outside of a private talk?

[He tilts his head, relieved that Ace is using his smarter commander side when he needs it.]

It's not your fault, idiot. You're protecting a whole crew as much as I am. And it's not about fault anyway, it's about doing our best to make sure it never happens again.

I'm not sure what you mean though. You want to go talk about the navy out on deck? I will if you want. [But he's not sure why bother. Wouldn't it just upset the new guys?] I don't want to upset the kids though, eh. They've seen enough already. [And his eyes do dim at that.]

[Ace didn't give Marco a withering look like he wanted to--rather, he stood up a bit more straight and focused a bit more. The topic wasn't making him as sleepy as he thought it would, but it was definitely making him feel a bit impatient and frustrated.]

That's the point, Marco. Among crew, these things don't stay secrets for long.

[He added immediately--] But, if you do dangerous things and don't let them know? They won't know to disagree with you if they don't even know what you're up to.

I don't mind if you drive screws in their palms or peel off their fingernails or boil them in oil, but Marco-- if you want to do things like those, you ought to be brave enough to let your crewmates know about it. Don't protect them from one thing and hurt them another way so readily.

Either way. If you're willing to talk about your plans to the lot of them, let's go ahead. Either watch them leave or keep it to yourself.

They're your crew, Fire-Freckles. You're captain, your decision.

[Ace gave Marco the withered look for just a moment before he grinned from cheek to cheek. Marco had been Whitebeard's strategist, through and through. Discussing every battle with Pops had never been a necessity and it was always implicit that his own commands were law with the other commanders.

If Marco had to ask a question, it was because he wasn't absolutely certain of something. There was always some small factor that could evade even him, after all.]

We'll see if it thins the crew out, then. If you're so sure about your decision to get revenge that way, make sure everyone knows--and, present it as if it were my idea.

[Marco just grins right back. He loves you mostest Ace.]

[And gives Ace a one-armed hug around the shoulders, playfully chuffing his chin.]

Aye, Captain.

When do you want to present it to them?

[Ace had sparkles of his own.]

Five minutes before the ball.

Have I told you that I'm glad you conned me into this crew?

Conned you? I forced you to join, fair and square!

[Tugs one of Ace's freckled cheeks.] You're a hundred years too young to force me, yoi.

It was a perfect manipulation by a baby brother being a selfish brat.

And I'm still glad.

[Written] And now for something completely different from the last time

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