Krewe of Jupiter FAQ

As questions are posted in the Pilots Log, the more popular ones will be posted here in the KOJ FAQ:

Q: Who are the main continuing characters in the Krewe of Jupiter series of novels?

A: Three old college buddies make up the main characters, Saint Kristopher Grant, Anthony “Buddy Bear” Phillips and Jason  Bonnet

Click here for an example of the dedication of one Buddy Bear fan!

Q: Why was Nautical Contraband published before DeUmbra, which is the prequel to Nautical Contraband?

A: DeUmbra was actually written several years before Nautical Contraband. However, the author felt the entire series would be more marketable if Nautical Contraband was published first. DeUmbra is being re-edited and will be the first in a new series of books called the “The Brethren of the Coast Chronicles” It will be re-released in mid-2006, and the next Krewe of Jupiter installment Rhumb Line Bend will be out in early 2006.

Q: Does La Vie Dansante, the home of Saint Kristopher Grant in Nautical Contraband actually exists?

A: Some of the characteristics of La Vie Dansante are fictional, however La Vie Dansante is the actual home of the author in Jupiter, FL. You can actually get branded equine services from the La Vie Dansante  tab on this web site.

Q: What is Remy De Haviland’s background?

A: The character of Remy is a colorful old aeronautical adventurer.  In his fictional past he opened up both the island of Saba and St. Bart’s to air travel.  He was also the past owner of the Eden Rock resort, which actually exists on St. Barts. Remy was Donnie Rhodes guide to the first temple on St. Barts, and later helps the Krewe of Jupiter to refind it.

Q: What kind of plane is the Lady Orleans?

A: The Lady Orleans is a World War II era PBY-5A flying boat. She was the last or her line that rolled off Consolidated Aircraft’s assembly line in New Orleans, hence the origin of her name. Her original crew gave her very unique nose art, consisting of the body of a beautiful naked female, and the head of a Louisiana craw fish. Click here to view a close-up of her nose art, but be forewarned there is nudity.

Q: Who is Shrimper Dan?

A: Shrimper Dan is an ex-Sea Bee computer hacker hermit who lives in an abandoned bomb shelter converted to a secret computer center on Peanut Island

Q: Does Shrimper Dan’s bunker and Peanut Island actually exist?

A: Yes, click here for more information about the actual Kennedy Bunker on Peanut Island.

Q: Can I actually get a Buddy Bear special from Violet at the Dune Dog?

A: The Dune Dog does exist and does have the best Rock Lobster special in Jupiter!  Violet is fictional, but stop by the Dune Dog and tell them the Krewe of Jupiter sent you!

Q: Okay, the Dune Dog is really there, how about the Gator Tail and Captain Harry’s?

A: Unfortunately the Gator Tail only exists in the author’s imagination. Captain Harry’s is actually an amalgamation of several different watering holes around Jupiter. The author took the best traits of each and rolled them together to create Captain Harry’s

Q: I’m confused is the Nefarious a modern Yacht Trawler, or an ancient sailing ship?

A: Both, in Nautical Contraband, the Nefarious is a 42’ Grand Banks Yacht Trawler, but its namesake is the original Nefarious, which was the pirate Stede Bonnet’s ship. Watch for the release of DeUmbra in early 2005 for the complete story on the original Nefarious and her dark captain.

Q: Who is Stede Bonnet?

A: Stede Bonnet was a real pirate in the 1700s.  He was an apprentice of Black Beard before he rose up against him. Bonnet was highly educated, and very suave, and is commonly referred to as The Gentleman Pirate. Fictionally, Stede Bonnet is the ancestor of Jason Bonnet in Nautical Contraband.  Watch for the release of DeUmbra in early 2005 for the complete story of Stede Bonnet and his ultimate ties to the Krewe of Jupiter.

Q: Those ancient guardians are creepy, are they real?

A: Yes, Arrow Worms really exist! However, the author exaggerates their size greatly in Nautical Contraband.

According to one zoological expert, Chaetognath or Arrow Worms, are in a separate Phylum by themselves. They are totally carnivorous. Characterized by a slender, transparent body, relatively large caudal fin, and anterior spines on either side of the mouth, these voracious meat-eaters catch large numbers of prey, swallowing them whole. They are also reported to often attack and consume prey larger then themselves.  The large spines around their mouth helps them to grab and restrain their prey.

Q: I see the Krewe of Jupiter flag on the cover of the book, but don’t read any mention of it in Nautical Contraband.  What is the meaning of the flag?

A: Ah good point!  You will hear more about the KOJ Flag in Rhumb Line Bend, the next installment in the Krewe of Jupiter series due next year.