Dorian Lasseter

Aye, as a point o fact ye did... But you passed up Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie!

Ingrates, ain't they Cap'n? A fresh glass o' milk ta wash that chocolate bourbon pecan pie down would be grand...

See, sometimes we like ta move slowly... relax... smell th' roses an' wot-not... See, here's the next order...

Patience man! Patience! Service ain't lousy, the place is busy! Open yer eye! Here be yer pie, see?

Admiralty House, Saint Pierre, Martinique Captain Lasseter, Master Flint, the Lieutenant and his Sergeant stood near the fire in the parlor as Judge Richet filled them in with what he had found out from the Garrison. Several ships had been searched in the port with nothing to be learned of den Oven, however several small local traders had left the port near the Lucy’s arrival, according to the harbour masters lists. Any one of them might have been persuaded to take men to another island for a price. Some discussion was had on this possibility, and how they might pursue any number of these. They were interrupted by the main doors being thrown open by a gust, the guards scrambling to push them shut, along with the man sent to the Lucy. Now worse for the weather, the man approached and gave a shallow bow and explained that none of the boatmen dared to take him out to the ship in this weather for fear of being capsized in the chop. Dorian took this in and stepped to the doors, boldy unlatching one and nearly being pushed over from the strength of the wind. He grabbed onto his hat and stepped out into the weather for a moment before returning and helped shut the door. “Juge Richet, Lieutenant Martin, I believe the weather has beaten us this night. How might we call in th’ marines? I will not risk my men in this weather. I may risk them in a battle, but not to the wrath of mother nature on this island.” Some ideas were given and it was decided that the four would head out and when they found a squad, they would pass the word to have them find the others, thus the whole unit would end up together and report back to the Admiralty House. Though they would all get soaked yet again, the course of action was agreed upon and soon they were back in the weather, this time searching out friend, not foe. Larboard Watch on Duty

Saint Pierre, Martinique Marines searched homes and business in Saint Pierre on what would be considered the worst conditions to have a man hunt. The weather continued to worsen as the night grew darker. Some of the men were rebuffed at the doorstop of many a home, but after a short bit of indignant speech, they would be let in and allowed to do their duty. Even Captain Lasseter and Lieutenant Martin were given such an affront on occasion. On two occasions however, when the Lieutenant showed his face at the door, all were welcomed inside for a drink and to dry off for a spell. Even with this hospitality, they were given full cooperation and allowed to search high and low. Time passed quickly and soon they headed back to the Admiralty House to see what intelligence had been gathered. When the four men arrived, the soldiers guarding the doors were about to challenge them but recognized Lieutenant Martin and the Captain, so they just stood out of the way. One hastily pushed open a door for them, to which all four men tipped their hats. Making their way to the parlor, Judge Richet joined them and waved over a servant with a chocolate pot and had them served. Marines had reported back, but with no findings, and no word had come from the Lucy. Dorian asked for the clerk, and when he appeared, had him write a short report to send to the Lucy stating that no sign of the hunted had turned up.

Aboard the Lucy Mister Tucker had finally boarded the Lucy, knuckled his brow to the Ship’s Master and told him of what Captain Lasseter and those ashore were doing. He then headed below, first to his meager quarters he now shared with Mister Goddon. He took off his new short jacket and shook it out. It was still amazingly dry considering the rain. This he hung on a hanger that his old jacket occupied before. His old jacket was bundled and had been kept relatively dry as well, so would serve him well for the night. His slops were mostly soaked, and his shoes and stockings were worse for wear. He took off his shoes and stockings, wringing out the stockings into a bucket and hanging them to dry where he could. The same was done with his slops and an older, worn pair donned. As the weather was warm, even with the rain, he decided to remain unshod. Tucker grabbed up his oilskins and headed forward, stopping in the galley area hoping he might have something of a meal since they’d not dined ashore. Once arrived, Tjaak handed him a wedge of cheese and a large slice of buttered bread. A tankard of small beer served to wash it down. Once finished he made sure to get his rum ration, for that would serve to warm him once back out in the weather. Heading for the hatch up to the deck he put on his oilskins and hat over his jacket and up on deck he went, out into the weather. As he did so, he was approached by one of the new men, simply known as Adam. Adam knuckled his brow and made some gestures with his hands and pointed out to sea. Tucker was about to say, ‘Speak up man, tell me what you need!’ but remembered Adam was a mute. Instead he looked the man in the face. “Show me again.” Adam made the gestures again, something like a fish, or no, a ship, then pointed out to sea. Tucker looked to where he pointed and shielded his eyes from the weather. He saw nothing, so looked back at Adam who pointed insistently. Mister Tucker looked again, scanned the sea and was about to turn back to Adam when he saw the faintest of lights come into view, then more lights. “Ye see a ship out there don’t ye?” Adam nodded and smiled, pointed to the Lucy and to the ship out at sea. Tucker looked again out at the ship, now that he knew where it was. He strained his eyes through the dark and rain. He couldn’t tell what kind of ship it was, but it was of a good size. Tucker quickly turned to Adam. “Ye think that be the Watch Dog?” Adam nodded vigorously at the Bo’sun and pointed out at the ship. “Lordy man, you got some sharp eyes if that be the Watch Dog, let us inform th’ Ship’s Master.” They made their way aft to where Mister Whitingford stood and reported the ship sighting. Starboard Watch on Duty

The Lucy, Port of Saint Pierre, Martinique As the Lucy’s boat was made fast to the main chains, Mister Tucker stood up in the sternsheets and yelled above the wind and rain. “Get aboard before we end up in the sea! Ladies first!” Mister Wenge turned and helped Miss Ashcombe to stand, held onto the side of the ship and her arm, trying to steady both the boat and woman at the same time.

Glad to hear the makers of these boxes are being praised so well... I have been trying to get in touch with Captain Midnight for some time now, via email & PM with no luck... Excellent work by both!

Mission, I'm surprised at you statement above about privateers not going to the S. Pacific. Especially since you've done much research with Wafer. Granted this is but one ship... A Brief history of the "Batchelors Delight; About 1680, it was obvious that Charles II would never have any legitimate children and would therefore be succeeded by his loathsome brother James. About 45 or 50 young Englishmen therefore decided to make their fortunes outside the country while they could still leave. They got hold of a ship, which they renamed Batchelors Delight, John Cook (later replaced when Cook died by buccaneer Edward Davis) and as surgeon Lionel Wafer, both of whom had vast experience at sea around the world. When they proposed going “privateering” (meaning “a-pirating”) in the Caribbean, Wafer protested the danger of capture there, and proposed the west coast of Latin America as a safer alternative. After about eight years of successful activities from Chile to California (during which time they also managed to discover New Zealand, which they called Davisland), they decided they had enough treasure, and headed for home. They had heard that James II had been thrown out by Parliament and replaced by his daughter Mary with her husband William. Drawing short straws, the various pirates were dropped off in English colonies with their shares of the treasure, so as not to draw attention to themselves. Wafer and Davis and John Hingson had not been in Virginia more than a day when they were arrested under suspicion of piracy (someone had presumably recognized Davis from his previous voyages). After two years in jail at Jamestown pending trial, they were sent to London, where the judge struck a plea bargain: they could have their freedom in return for surrendering half their loot to King William & Queen Mary for some charitable purpose. The monarchs gave the money to found the College of William & Mary in what is now Williamsburg, Virginia. They spent eight years, as stated successful years in the pacific... Sorry for the slight hijack...

Saint Pierre, Martinique The Admiralty House The weather could have been better for a man-hunt such as this. Captain Lasseter and those with him made their way through the streets and to the Admiralty House, keeping out of the weather as best they could. At the door stood sentries who were not there when they left not so long ago. Lieutenant Martin stepped forward and addressed them, finding they had been posted by Commandant Depaul, no one was to pass without his consent. At this the Lieutenant’s countenance changed. His cheery disposition altered and he turned to Captain Lasseter. “Capitaine… If you please, may I have the papers from Juge Richet?” Dorian nodded and carefully withdrew the parchment so as not to let the weather cause it harm. Lieutenant Martin sheltered it as he took possession of it. “Mercy Capitaine…” He marched purposefully up to the sentries and took hold of the front of the coat of the more vocal of the two and dragged him further under the portico and into better light. The other soldier was taken aback to the point of being stunned. Lieutenant Martin berated the soldier in his possession and showed him the document penned in the Admiralty Judges own hand. They would not be overruled by the Commandant in their search, nor halted at the doors of the Admiralty House. Dorian looked to Sergent Leveque and Mister Flint. The Sergent had a calm look about him, as if he had seen this done before, Mister Flint wore a face of stone, but a glint in his eye said enough. Lieutenant Martin released the soldier, now being put in his place, and turned to Captain Lasseter, bowed his head and motioned that they should enter the building. Dorian, Bill, and Sergent Leveque walked to the entrance and just as they were about to open the doors, a servant appeared and did so for them. All four men entered and shook off as much of the rain as they could. Moments later, Juge Richet appeared and conveyed as much bon home as he had upon their last meeting. He ushered them into the Parlor and had servants take hats and coats to be dried. Another servant offered spirits to take off the chill. Once those formalities were dispensed, Richet got down to business. “As you are well aware, Commandant Depaul is exercising his position to the fullest. I do not believe there will be further complications, but we shall see. Have you any news of the Dutchman?” Captain Lasseter explained what he had put in place, all that he lacked was a messenger to relay information from here to the Lucy, to which the Judge offered one of his trusted men. Dorian bowed and thanked the Judge who waved it away and offered the use of one of his clerks to write out any messages to be relayed as well. Once all these matters were in place, and each man was pleased with the satiation, Captain Lasseter begged their leave to join the hunt. The Judge had their coats and hats returned, having been dried almost fully and warmed as well. Soon they hoped some of the men would return with information. They would return by the striking of the ninth hour with what news they might have. That said, the four officers made their way out into the weather to find those enemies of France. Just after Three Bells of the Second Dog Watch Starboard Watch on Duty

You humble me... My knowledge only comes from this wonderful site; http://www.nmm.ac.uk/mag/pages/mnuExplore/...er=T&ID=BHC1008 Another posted a link to it in another thread... Excellent... I could browse this site for days...

The far ship, starboard broadside on, is the flagship of the Commander-in-Chief, indicated by the Union flag flying from the mainmast. The other two ships are, respectively, those of his vice-admiral and rear-admiral of the red squadron. In the mid-17th century the fleet had been organized into three squadrons, the red being the central or commander-in-chief's and hence the senior one, the white being the vanguard and the blue the rear. This arrangement ceased to have operational significance around 1700 but remained the basis of organizational seniority among squadrons and flag officers. (Thus, a vice-admiral of the red was senior to one of the white, and the latter to one of the blue, for example, but all were junior to an admiral of the blue). The ship on the left flies the red ensign and is firing a salute. The stern has some ornate carving, with female figures down the sides. Two men are depicted in a small boat in the foreground, the man on the left attending to nets in the water while the other remains seated and holds the oars.

Saint Pierre, Martinique The French cutter deposited the officers on shore and the crew began to lash her to the pilings. The lightening lit up the sky brilliantly and the sharp sound of the thunder caused some of the inhabitants to flinch as they headed for cover. Captain Lasseter looked over at master Flint and slowly heaved a sigh as the rain began to dowse them. Turning to the Lieutenant, Dorian queried him. “Lieutenant Martin, I sent my officers to find a tailor of reputation. Where might we look?” The Lieutenant, whom you would have thought in his fine, bright white uniform would be under a parasol protecting himself from the elements seemed to not notice the rain. The marines and his Sergent seemed to find more displeasure at it then he did. At Dorian’s question he slowly nodded with a thoughtful look on his face. “Come…” He turned to the side and motioned with his hand which direction he wished them to go. As Dorian, Bill and the others began to walk, Louis fell in beside Dorian. He directed the way through the now rather desolate streets, not far from the wharf to a row of shops. They inquired within several before finding the one they had been in, but the proprietor had no knowledge as to where they would have gone next. They thanked the man and headed back out into the street. “They were ta meet us at th’ Admiralty House, Mayhaps we’ll find ‘em en-route…” This said Lieutenant Martin guided them the quickest route to the Admiralty House, and as luck would have it, two blocks from the destination they caught up with the missing crew of the Lucy. They were hop-scotching from one awning to the next, making their way. Dorian called out to them. “Ahoy! Crew o’ th’ Lucy! Hold Fast!” They all turned at his voice and a smile or two could be seen. The Captain, Master-at-Arms, Lieutenant, Sergent and the two French marines walked up the middle of the street and joined the Lucy’s as best they could. “A’right Lads, and Miss Ashcombe, We had a change o’ plans… Jameson, Whiting… You two are ta join these marines under th’ Lieutenant in searchin’ fer den Oven immediately. Th’ rest o ye head back aboard th’ Lucy. Master Whitinferd has all in hand there. Is that understood?” There were a couple sour looks, but all answered with an ‘Aye’. “We’ll dine wi’ th’ Judge on the morrow, even in this wet you all look sharp. I’ll be back aboard in time.” The marines gathered together and the officers of the Lucy gave salutes and began the journey to the wharf. Final instructions were given to the marine squad and they went on their way. The Captain, Lieutenant, Master-at-Arms, and Sergeant headed to the Admiralty house to check for any word before heading out in the search. Two bells of the Second Dog Watch Starboard Watch on duty

You all deserve a gold star... Should our endeavors in real life enjoy such diligence and honor... Think of the possibilities...

Port of Saint Pierre, Martinique As the cutter made for shore, the wind gusts began to increase. The trip from the Lucy to shore on the small guard boat was not uncomfortable, but it was not an easy sail. The marines were used at one point to man the sweeps instead of making a succession of tacs to get to the wharf. The boat secured, all the men scrambled onto the wharf and at a quick pace made their way to solid ground. Sergent Leveque got his men in order, as did Mister Flint with those of the Lucy. Marines were then paired off from each unit and formed rank together, making five and a half groups, as two marines of the Lucy were not present, having been sent ashore earlier with the officers that were to join the Captain for dinner at the Admiralty House. The two French Marines who were left were told that they would have counterparts soon and to follow the Captain, Lieutenant and others to the Admiralty House. The orders were again repeated and five squads of marines were let loose on the town of Saint Pierre. Captain Lasseter, Bill Flint, Lieutenant Martin and Sergent Leveque, plus two French marines then made their way through the town to find those officers and marines of the Lucy unaccounted for. Four Bells of the First Dog Watch, Second Dog Watch begins Starboard Watch on Duty

Brenton Coles sat on ‘Morrigan’, the number three gun on the Lucy. He paid little mind to what was happening, more intent on picking splinters out of his calloused left hand with his shiny new sailors’ knife. He was not by nature a lazy man, but after being imprisoned at Fort Royal he felt he deserved some time to relax. He was assigned to the Starboard watch and was off duty, so it mattered not doubly so to him what he was doing. No commands had been given to the able crew, so he ignored the hustle and bustle of the marines, content to be a free man, able to earn some kind of wage onboard a fine ship. Though the weather was turning ugly and sending sea spray across the deck, he paid it little attention outwardly.

My pleasure... We always had fun just putting fine steel wool in the cannons... Or powdered aluminum...

Here's a start... http://chemistry.about.com/od/fireworkspyr...eworkcolors.htm Just like in fireworks.... Blue would be copper compounds and chlorine producer, orange would be calcium salts, chloride, or sulfate...

So, in saying that it's just a stop-gap solution, is it not worth pursuing? should we just give up on these stop-gap solutions and just knuckle under until someone, somehow finds the 'golden answer'? Everything has some sort of waste by-product, be it carbon emissions, batteries depleted uranium rods, etc. Energy will need to be stored somehow, in some kind of container, etc. What's the 'lesser evil'?

Revolution anyone?

The Energy NON-Crisis This video is quite long, EVERY AMERICAN has to see this. The entire video is about an hour long but if you will watch 10 minutes of this video you will get the just of what is being said. All Americans need to see this send this to everyone you know including governors senators local politicians http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8...598272&q=&hl=en Haven't found anything yet to disprove it...

A Message from John Cleese To the citizens of the United States of America: In light of your failure to nominate competent candidates for President of the USA and thus to govern yourselves, we hereby give notice of the revocation of your independence, effective immediately. Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will resume monarchical duties over all states, commonwealths, and territories (except Kansas, which she does not fancy). Your new prime minister, Gordon Brown, will appoint a governor for America without the need for further elections. Congress and the Senate will be disbanded. A questionnaire may be circulated next year to determine whether any of you noticed. To aid in the transition to a British Crown Colony, the following rules are introduced with immediate effect: You should look up 'revocation' in the Oxford English Dictionary. 1. Then look up aluminum, and check the pronunciation guide. You will be amazed at just how wrongly you have been pronouncing it. 2. The letter 'U' will be reinstated in words such as 'favour' and 'neighbour.' Likewise, you will learn to spell 'doughnut' without skipping half the letters, and the suffix -ize will be replaced by the suffix -ise. Generally, you will be expected to raise your vocabulary to acceptable levels. (look up 'vocabulary'). 3. Using the same twenty-seven words interspersed with filler noises such as 'like' and 'you know' is an unacceptable and inefficient form of communication. There is no such thing as US English. We will let Microsoft know on your behalf. The Microsoft spell-checker will be adjusted to take account of the reinstated letter 'u' and the elimination of -ize. You will re-learn your original national anthem, God Save The Queen. 4. July 4th will no longer be celebrated as a holiday. 5. You will learn to resolve personal issues without using guns, lawyers, or therapists. The fact that you need so many lawyers and therapists shows that you're not adult enough to be independent. Guns should only be handled by adults. If you're not adult enough to sort things out without suing someone or speaking to a therapist then you're not grown up enough to handle a gun. 6. Therefore, you will no longer be allowed to own or carry anything more dangerous than a vegetable peeler. A permit will be required if you wish to carry a vegetable peeler in public. 7. All American cars are hereby banned. They are crap and this is for your own good. When we show you European cars, you will understand what we mean. 8. All intersections will be replaced with roundabouts, and you will start driving on the left with immediate effect. At the same time, you will go metric with immediate effect and without the benefit of conversion tables. Both roundabouts and metrication will help you understand the British sense of humour. 9. The Former USA will adopt UK prices on petrol (which you have been calling gasoline) -- roughly $10 per US gallon. Get used to it. 10. You will learn to make real chips. Those things you call French fries are not real chips, and those things you insist on calling potato chips are properly called crisps. Real chips are thick cut, fried in animal fat, and dressed not with catsup but with vinegar. 11. The cold tasteless stuff you insist on calling beer is not actually beer at all. Henceforth, only proper British Bitter will be referred to as beer, and European brews of known and accepted provenance will be referred to as Lager. South African beer is also acceptable as they are pound for pound the greatest sporting nation on earth and it can only be due to the beer. They are also part of British Commonwealth - see what it did for them. 12. Hollywood will be required occasionally to cast English actors as good guys. Hollywood will also be required to cast English actors to play English characters. Watching Andie McDowell attempt English dialogue in Four Weddings and a Funeral was an experience akin to having one's ears removed with a cheese grater. 13. You will cease playing American football. There is only one kind of proper football; you call it soccer. Those of you brave enough will, in time, be allowed to play rugby (which has some similarities to American football, but does not involve stopping for a rest every twenty seconds or wearing full kevlar body armour like a bunch of nancies). Don't try Rugby -- the South Africans and Kiwis will thrash you, like they regularly thrash us. 14. Further, you will stop playing baseball. It is not reasonable to host an event called the World Series for a game which is not played outside of America . Since only 2.1% of you are aware that there is a world beyond your borders, your error is understandable. You will learn cricket, and we will let you face the South Africans first to take the sting out of their deliveries. 15. You must tell us who killed JFK. It's been driving us mad. 16. An official from Her Majesty's Inland Revenue (i.e., tax collector) will be with you shortly t o ensure the collection of all monies due (backdated to 1776). Until these are paid, there will be no representative government in the USA , in line with the policy: 'No representation without taxation'. 17. Daily Tea Time begins promptly at 4 PM with proper cups and saucers (never mugs), and with high quality biscuits (cookies) and cakes; Strawberries in season. 18. Some tea has gone missing -- and we expect it back. We'll be searching Boston first. God save the Queen.

Where's the next installment? I would think we missed some...

The Captain shoved his hat on his head and shrugged into his coat as he exited the Wardroom. As he made his way to the waist, Lieutenant Martin was addressing his marines, now lining the starboard rail. Dorian didn’t catch every word, but the Lieutenant told his men they were to give full cooperation in regards to joining the Lucy’s marines in their search. He even went so far as to hand over full command to Captain Lasseter. Opposite side of the deck were those marines of the Lucy, now armed as commanded, Bill Flint standing at attention facing the ranks. Dorian walked past the ranks of marines, the Lucy’s to Starboard, Saint Pierre’s to the larboard. Stopping in the bow he turned to address the company. Master Whitingford had accompanied him and now stood to his right. Captain Lasseter went on to describe who they were after, his appearance and mode of dress when last seen plus a description of the two men who freed him from the prison at Fort Royal. Lieutenant Martin translated all to his marines. Dorian put forth the mode they would search the town and countryside, squads of four marines – Two of the Lucy’s’ and two of Saint Pierre’s’. They would fan out at the far reaches and ‘beat back’ to the shoreline, meeting at the wharf by noon tomorrow. If den Oven and his conspirators were found, they were to be brought to the Admiralty House. Lieutenant Martin cocked his head and gave a look to Captain Lasseter as he translated the order. If there was trouble, an alarm was to be raised and help would come. Asking if all was understood, All responded in a positive manner. “Very well, into th’ cutter and assemble on shore.” The French marines dressed ranks and were headed over the side, The Lucy’s waited at attention under the scrutiny of Master Flint. Turning to Preston, he motioned him over to Bill. “Mister Whittinferd, Flint… Once ashore I believe Flint n’ m’self will join Lieutenant Martin and his sergeant as we’ll search a section o’ the town, checkin’ in at th Admiralty house on th’ hour. We’ll send a runner from there ta th’ Lucy with whatever word we might have, Preston feel free ta do th’ same if anything comes yer way.” Three Bells of the First Dog Watch