Captain Jack
Jack is the kind of guy who can figure anything out. That’s one of the reasons Autumn married him; she likes his rugged individuality and determined self-sufficiency. He’s a business owner, a musician, and a helluva family man. He rarely loses his cool, and he’s quick with a joke when situations are tense. He’s got a philosophical streak that makes him a fine conversationalist, and he has mastered the art of the seasoned French fry. He’s thoughtful and considerate, and he devotes a lot of his energy to encouraging his family and making sure everyone is happy. The closer his life gets to a Tom Waits song, the more content he is. If you need a hug at the end of a hard day, Jack’s your best bet aboard the Sea Shanti.
Quartermaster Autumn
Autumn is a dreamer with big ideas, a short attention span, and a penchant for losing her keys. She’s got itchy feet and a wandering mind, and Jack has been fond of those gypsy qualities since they first met more than a decade ago. She’s a copywriter and a novelist and a great admirer of scofflaws and roustabouts. She likes doing what she wants to do, and she hates being told what to do. She can whip up beans and buttermilk biscuits that’ll make you slap your granny, and she’s one of those crafty girls who can sew and paint and make a rocket ship out of old cardboard boxes.
Boatswain Fain
Fain is the Shanti’s official historian and emissary. He’s fascinated by languages, politics, and history, and he’s currently teaching himself Japanese. When he’s old enough to fly the Shanti, he plans to move to Japan to teach English. Fain’s sense of humor, pragmatism, and tech savvy make him an invaluable member of the crew, and he’s got a gift for helping Jack and Autumn keep things in perspective.
Scout
Jack adopted Scout when she was a pup. She’s a sweet hippie dog with a million allergies and a mistrust of Autumn, who usurped her place as alpha female. If you’ve got a puddle, she’ll flop in it.
Squeaky
Squeaky was a beloved trouble-maker who didn’t even pretend to be contrite when he knocked over potted plants. Autumn found that irresistible in spite of herself. He was a non-stop chatterer, and he loved to be carried around like a baby. Though Squeaky is no longer a member of the crew in body, his mischievous spirit watches over them from a perch on the moon.
Dante
Dante likes to climb ladders and chase moths. He’s quiet compared to his brother, but he’s very affectionate, and unlike his brother, he’ll come when you call his name. Mostly.