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Even though Billy Bob Bierce served onboard Black Dolphin when Sakura was Captain, he was one of the new hands on this ship so he walked over toward the First Mate. Billy Bob, a fairly young mature human, had hanging from his belt a cutlass, dagger and a hickory bludgeon, the end of which was loaded with lead. Tucked in his belt were metal belaying pins that were lethal weapons when they hit the mark smartly. He stood close to Uta. No point in mingling with the fellows when there was a trim and chic lass with whom to get better acquainted. Billy Bob had seen her aboard Black Dolphin but not yet had the pleasure of checking her out.
He was not one the superstitious lot who thought that women aboard ship were bad luck. In fact he thought that a tad of congeniality with a pert lass was just what was needed to brighten up an otherwise dull social life at sea.
Billy Bob looked toward the Captain and "Best o' the brightening to ya, skipper", and nodded, then he nodded at the First Mate. That done, he stood close to Uta, winked at her, cast a friendly smile and said, "Billy Bob's the name in case you missed it. I hail from Black Dolphin as well."
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