10 August 2026
Monday. A new mooring, on Collins Street in Melbourne. I sailed in on a Monday, because I am told Melbourne does not believe fun is only for weekends, and I respect that.
The prisoners here wear a great deal of black. I asked one whether he was in mourning. He said no, this was just a coat. I said a coat for what. He said for Melbourne.
The management here charges prisoners different amounts depending on the hour they are captured, busy times and quiet times. I find this deeply piratical and wish I had thought of it. I have asked whether I get a cut. I have been asked to leave the office.
The first Melbourne crews escaped, naturally. One of them told the gamesmaster it was the best hour he had spent without coffee in his adult life. I do not know what this means. I suspect it is the highest praise this city offers.
Scarface says the island shanty will follow us here soon. How does he know these things before I do? He says he reads the noticeboard. There is a noticeboard?
— Captain Calico Jack, Terror of the Seas (all of them)
