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Professor Jacobs and Della followed Chilton into the darkness of the bar.
Daniel’s eyes soon adjusted to the dim light. Della also seemed fine walking between the chairs populated by throngs of people. Several men aimed a few disgusting comments at the elf, but she moved as if she didn't hear them.
"Over here, Professor," called out Chilton.
He moved toward the voice. Jacobs accidentally bashed his leg against a chair.
"Be careful," barked the man who sat there.
"Sorry."
Della grabbed his hand and guided him toward Chilton. A man sat in a red leather booth. A small wavering light crystal illuminated the table. His face was broad, and handsome, in a rugged way. Black and white stubble peppered his chin.
"I’m Captain Jostler. So, you want me to take my ship, the Silver Strike, into the magical storms of the Bermuda Triangle. Why would you want to do that?"
Professor Jacobs asked, "Can we sit?"
"Sorry for my manners," Captain Jostler said. “Please sit, and I’ll order some ale or rum."
He sat closest to the Captain, and Della sat in the chair next to him. Jacobs noted Chilton stood and looked around the bar, then nodded at a group of people at the next table.
"What do you want?” Captain Jostler asked. “It is free, because I own this establishment," he said this with a flamboyant sweep of his arm.
"Rum," said Della.
"And you, Professor? I'm sorry I don't have any wine or mixed drinks."
"Rum."
Captain Jostler smiled. "Aye, good choice. Chilton, get some rum for my guests."
"Captain Jostler, we know you're the only person who could navigate the Bermuda Triangle, and we need your help,” Professor Jacobs said. He didn't want to lie to him and wanted him to know what was at stake. “We will be attacked by the Vvong, an alien race who want to destroy us."
"Aye, I have heard of these creatures. One of my mates on board has seen one of those creatures first hand."
Jacobs was surprised, and said, "How did he see this creature?"
"Well, my ship can travel in space and we have another station on the moon. That crew member is from the Hive."
"I don't believe you," Della said.
"It's true. You will meet her. She is an elf, but she’s not like you, Della."
"So," Jacobs said, "this elf knows why we have to go to the Bermuda Triangle."
Chilton came back holding cups and placed them in front of them. Jacobs grabbed his drink. He felt Captain Jostler was testing him. Looking at the dark liquid, he drank it down in one long gulp. It burnt his throat, and he thought he might yell out in disgust, but he held his emotion in check.
"Good man," Captain Jostler said, and clapped him on the back. "You are stronger than you look. The Alphas have picked the right person."
"How do you know about the Alphas?" Jacobs asked.
"Us sailors have legends. We have been hearing about the Alphas for eons. We know they are Earth’s protectors, and my ship has been procured several of times to find them," Captain Jostler said. He grinned, and grabbed his large mug and drank noisily from it.
"When can we leave?" Della asked.
"Aye, you're an impetuous thing," the Captain said. "I need a day. I will take you, but it will cost you."
Professor Jacobs replied. "I'm not the person who can speak to you about the fee. You need to talk to my friend, Erlick. He’s outside."
"I thought you were the leader of this jaunt."
"Well, I am, but I'm not funding this expedition."
"Interesting," Captain Jostler said. "Bring him in."
Erlick was brought inside. Escorting him was a tall figure with fur all over his body and dressed in only a vest. It was a Grog, and Daniel sensed Della was eyeing the Grog with distaste. He had told her before the Grogs were now peaceful and living among the humans. He even had several smart and promising Grog students, who were magic users in his history classes.
***
PROFESSOR JACOBS LISTENED to the two men, Erlick and Captain Jostler, haggling over the price of the voyage.
Captain Jostler was asking for an outrageous price of one thousand gold pieces. He didn't ask for paper money, but for gold, because as Jacobs knew gold was a precious commodity that held its value. And in the economy of the present, where new governments come and go all too frequently, Captain Jostler was protecting his future.
Della looked serene in the bar, even though the men ogled her with hungry eyes. She must have been used to this kind of attention. Professor Jacobs hated the men looking at her. He wanted to smash their faces. He shook his head in disappointment. He should be more level-headed. Della looked toward him and smiled.
Captain Jostler said, "Do you want a tour of my ship?"
"Yes, we want to see it," Erlick said. "I want to make sure your asking price matches this great ship of yours. And my men are coming with me."
"Yes, we’ll show you," the Captain said.
They all stood from the table. Daniel was a little light-headed from his drink.
"Are you okay, Professor?" asked Della.
"Yes, I’m fine," he lied.
The ground seemed to be shifting under his feet and he swayed side to side. Della grabbed him and walked him out of the bar.
"We will look at your ship at another time," she said.
"No, I'm fine." He slurred his words and everything seemed to be fading into darkness. Della looped an arm around his waist and carried him out. The lights of the floor were too bright and grating on his nerves.
Erlick said, "Men, take the professor back to the ship."
"Wait. Give me a few minutes and some strong coffee."
"My ship is closer and we have good coffee on board,” Captain Jostler offered.
Erlick said, "Okayay."
