Dorian Lasseter

An interesting painting I ran across recently that depicts some men-o-war becalmed, and a small boat fishing in the foreground. The scene was painted by Peter Monamy in 1728.

Coastie

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

Wow.... I was reading in another forum where they tried sending a sketchbook ...well there were two seperate attempts.... and in both of them, the sketchbooks never even got to the second person on the list.....

Dang.... we've done this twice, and only lost two sketchbooks.... hopefull the third round will work out even better.....

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

http://www.britsattheirbest.com/images/cr_...chairing_MP.jpg

Good ol' Hogarth...

He even has a pegleg...

Saint Pierre

Martinique

Two bells of the First Dog Watch

The carriage ride to the wharf was mostly quiet, Captain Lasseter taking time to read the Admiralty Judges fine script and making sure what was written was indeed what Monsieur Richet had told him. Further more, it was shown to Lieutenant Martin, who acknowledged it without question. Upon reaching the wharf, the cutter they came to and from the Lucy was waiting, along with the Lucy’s boat. Dorian thought about those men and the woman of the Lucy whom were in the town now fitting themselves out for a dinner this evening that was not to be. He thought to send word but to where? They would have to be met at the Admiralty house and told of the change later. The Lieutenant, Master Flint and Captain Lasseter boarded the cutter and were soon sailing in a stiff breeze out to the Lucy. One of the boats crew about lost his hat as it gusted unexpectedly. Dorian turned to the others.

“Looks ta be a fine, wet evenin’ ta be huntin’ men…”

Bill gave a gruff laugh and Lieutenant Martin bowed his head in acceptance. With the briskness of the wind they made it to the side of the Lucy quickly. No sooner had the small cutter bumped alongside the ship, the Captain had leapt to the ladder and was on deck, Master Flint on his heals.

“Flint, assemble th’ Marines, cutlass, pistol, and musket. I shall return in a moment.”

“Aye Sah! Marines to me!”

Dorian dove into the wardroom, off came his hat and coat, followed by the baldric carrying his Mortuary sword. He hung it on a peg and stepped to his other weapons. He took up his heavy cutlass, unsheathed it and eyed the blade, tested the balance. He was about to sheath it when he paused. Laying the blade on his sea chest he took up the French officers’ cutlass given him by Master Whitingford. It had no scabbard, but was just about the same dimensions as his heavy cutlass. He tried it in the scabbard and it did fit, not perfectly, but it would do. Over his head went the baldric and he grabbed up his coat and hat, just then noticing the Ships’ Master sitting at the table, watching his Captain. Dorian stopped and nodded.

“Preston… Change o’ plan… we hunt fer den Oven now… Our marines paired wi’ those o’ Lieutenant Martin. Arm th’ rest o’ th’ crew – Oh damn me, come along on deck.”

Larboard Watch on Duty

Here's an interesting link...

http://www.flyingmachines.org/gwhtd.html

Real Life Steampunk....

"he made a flight in a steam-powered machine for about a half-mile during April or May of 1899."

Admiralty House

Saint Pierre

Just as Mister Flint was about to speak, a bell was heard. Both men of the Lucy watched the one servant head back into the office of the Judge and close the door behind him. Moments later he reappeared with a folded and wax sealed letter and hurried off down the hall. They looked at each other and back to the door, wondering what might happen next. Dorian took a wet of his brandy and swirled the rest in the glass. What seemed like minutes passed and Monsieur Richet himself opened the doors of his office quickly, looked about and spied the two men. He smiled a firm smile and briskly walked towards them. He was all business. He held out a freshly penned document.

“Capitaine, Monsieur Flint… I give you this authority… You will have Lieutenant Martin and his men at your disposal to find this Dutchman. You have the authority to search – within reason- anywhere in Saint Pierre. Present this to the Lieutenant, who should be just outside, and gather your men. Time is of the essence, I invite you back for supper tomorrow and you may tell me what you have found.”

Dorian took the document and glanced it over, noting the seal and ribbon attached at the bottom. He bowed to the Judge who returned the gesture.

“Mercy Juge Richet, I appreciate your candor in all this and we shall be honoured to return the next evening.”

“Oui, until then I bid you Adieu.”

The Judge bowed again and smiled a genuine smile and returned to his office, leaving Captain Lasseter and Master Flint in the hallway alone save for a servant near the parlor. Dorian held up the parchment to Bill.

“Time is of th’ essence…”

“Aye Sah!”

They headed down and through the main doors and just as the Judge said, there stood Lieutenant Louis Martin. As they approached the Lieutenant snapped a salute to Captain Lasseter.

“The coach is waiting, and I have already sent a man down to the wharf, we shall have a boat waiting to bring our men ashore, sir.”

Dorian stood a moment and blinked twice.

“Very good Lieutenant, let us be away.”

“Oui, Capitaine.”

Mayhaps we all need to buy a ship? Ye just have ta rely on the wind and water currents...

Of course, that only applies to those near water...

Addicted ta Jeeps ya says?

Here goes my list...

In order of ownership

1. 1987 Jeep Comanche Sportruck (Yes it was spelled that way) 4cyl/4spd/2wd

2. 1983 Jeep J-10 longbed I6/4spd/4wd

3. 1980 Jeep J-10 shortbed Honcho package I6.4spd/4wd

4. 1969 Jeep J-2000 shortbed Buick 350/3spd/4wd (the buick engine was original

5. 1962 Jeep J-300 longbed I6/3spd/4wd (1st model year for the J-series)

6. 1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (360 V8/auto/4wd)

7. 1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (see above)

8. 2001 Jeep Cherokee Classic I6/auto/4wd

9. 1994 Chevy Blazer V6/auto/4wd

Still have the last three...

Only have the Blazer because the GW is too expensive to drive now... just to get me to work n' back.

Aye... I love the J-series pick ups... Would own another in a heartbeat - if it has the I6 and 4spd in it...

Would love a Willy's pick up too...

Saint Pierre, Martinique

Upon reaching the shore and walking through the town of Saint Pierre, Mister Tucker, the Boatswain took charge of the group and began searching the town for a shop that would fit their needs. He kept a hand on his pocket where the pouch of specie lay. Monsieur Doublet walked at his side, pointing and telling ‘Lucky Tuck’ the English equivalent of what the signs read. Mister Wenge and Miss Ashcombe walked behind and were hemmed in by Misters Jameson and Whiting. In short time they came to an establishment that catered to what could be described as the ‘gentleman sailor’, the clothing in the window were cut sailor fashion, yet with a finer fit and finish. Doublet translated the signboard that hung above the door; Henri Tayleure, established 1683. Tucker confidently stepped forward and grasped the doorknob and pushed the door open and walked in to the establishment. Four of the six entered, leaving the two marines of the Lucy standing outside the door, looking all the more like sentries to the shop.

At the Admiralty House

Judge Richet noted the looks on the faces of the privateer captain and his master-at-arms.

“A moment, gentlemen… I shall see what might be done.”

Dorian gave a shallow bow and he and Mister Flint stepped out of the office. As the servant closed the doors, Captain Lasseter saw the Admiralty Judge writing, his quill fairly vibrating across the page and a determined look upon the man’s face. As they walked towards the parlor, Dorian raised an eyebrow to Bill.

“I think there be some folks at loggerheads ‘round here… Judge Richet is more displeased with this Depaul then he let on. I believe I’ll be countin’ on Richet as an ally fer th’ moment…”

Bill Gave a noncommittal nod back. As they entered the parlor they both noticed someone missing. Lieutenant LeClerc was not there. The Judges nephew stood as they approached and gave a weak smile. Captain Lasseter entertained the notion and smiled back before speaking.

“Monsieur, where is Lieutenant LeClerc, if you know?”

Gaston wrinkled his brow and began to shrug his shoulders.

“il a été appelé à la garnison…?”

Dorian heard a growl start in Master Flint’s throat. He waved Bill off and smiled at Gaston, bowing his head as a thank you before turning away. He walked across the parlor, Bill in tow. Once they were near the door he stopped and turned to his officer.

“I wish I had not sent that letter to the Commandant, had I known the reaction he’d have. Now this LeClerc appears ta be involved and I likened him not a wit.”

He sighed a heavy sigh and closed his eyes a moment. Looking back at Mister Flint he smiled.

“And these be our allies… “

The Admiralty House

St. Pierre

Martinique

Captain Lasseter was not about to start this evening off with a duel. He counted to five in his head before speaking and was glad to see Mister Flint was keeping silent as well, even after the way Monsieur LeClerc had answered him, with just a shrug.

“Juge Richet… we have business with you before the rest of my officers arrive. Might we seek your audience alone?”

The Judge blinked and a slight smile played on his lips.

“Gaston, Lieutenant LeClerc, please find yourselves comfortable in the parlor.”

His nephew gave a short bow and did as asked, the Lieutenant stood a short time and looked at the Captain and Master-at-Arms, sizing them up it seemed.

“Lieutenant LeClerc, s'il vous plait…”

The tone of the Judges voice was not a pleasing one, and LeClerc bowed his head and walked slowly out, never taking his eyes off the two men.

“You must forgive the Lieutenant, he… the conflict has effected him.”

Dorian remained silent until the servant closed the doors to the office.

“These are troubled times Juge Richet, And I understand the effects of war on a man. I’ll take no offence, this time. Now-“

Richet cut off the Captain, his whole demeanor changing from the affable host to the official.

“You have come to me with some business, no? I am pleased you come to the point quickly, no prancing around I see.”

He had moved to his desk and taken some papers from a pile on his desk and placed them in front of himself as he sat. Captain Lasseter noticed they were the letters he had written for introduction to the Judge.

“Aye Monsieur… to th’ point… but first a thank you for receiving us openly.”

Dorian took the bottle of wine from his satchel and presented it to Richet who upon reading the label raised his eyebrows.

“Excellent vintage Capitaine… Mercy… Mercy Beaucoup…”

Dorian bowed at the graciousness of the man. Standing tall he also changed his demeanor.

“I come to your port in search of some men, as you already know from my letter of introduction. Understand I am not seeking help, just cooperation. I would think the garrison would take up the cause of finding these men, but I believe if they searched actively they might cause the men to seek deep cover. By no means do I wish to usurp any authority, as in truth, I have none outside the boundaries of my ship. Mister Flint, my Master-ta-Arms and the dozen marines of the Lucy would do a subtler method of finding these men. This will not be likened to a band of Vikings raiding a town, causing mayhem in search of treasure. As a point of fact, if we do not find whom we are searching for by noontime tomorrow, we are to believe they made good an escape from the island, and cannot further remain, poking haystacks with pitchforks. Soon the Frigate to which the Lucy is consort shall arrive and hopefully more knowledge of recent happenings gathered. That is all I ask, some cooperation in capturing these men.”

Richet let Dorian talk all the while paying rapt attention. When the Captain had finished, the Judge slowly nodded, looked again at the papers and back to Dorian.

“You ask more than you think, Capitaine… You sent a letter to the Commandant also. He will wish to make a show of hunting these… Dutchmen, oui? Commandant Depaul is already requesting that I and the other Juges send for more men and assemble the milice to beat the countryside for these Dutchmen. He will not be happy to turn over that much control to you and your men. I would hold you to your honour and allow it, but it is not all up to me, don’t you see… I will recommend that Lieutenant Martin and his men accompany your marines since they are already engaged with you. I do not know if I can do more.”

Dorian looked at Bill, who did not show much emotion weather he liked the proposition or not. While the words rolled around in his head, Dorian took a sip of his brandy. If this was the best he could expect, so be it.

“Mercy, Juge Richet… I hope that is what might be accomplished, that kind of cooperation. I am only concerned with the capture of these men, weather by my own or those of the garrison matters not. “

A knock at the door halted their dealings and a young French marine officer was allowed in. He saluted Richet, handed over a parcel, saluted again and marched out. Richet opened it immediately after reading the script on the outer cover. He read quickly and furrowed his brow.

“It seems I was right about the Commandant, he has already acted after a fashion. He has turned out his men to search all the shipping in the port, to see if they have any passengers that might be these Dutchmen.”

This did not sit well with the Captain, nor with Mister Flint and it showed on their faces.

I'm not an authority on this, but I've been in the hobby for a good many a year...

For mundane transport and storage, I use a 50 cal box for the reasons stated above.

For on site, during a reenactment in public view, when doin artillery, and this works with everything else. We use a lead lined, wood box with a leather cover on the lid, and a hasp and lock. This may sound extreme, but it isn't. The lead lining keeps out most everything, the wood box might have a crack or something between the planks. The leather top cover in many cases can be dampened with no effect on getting the contents wet. Plus if a spark or some tinder lands on top, it'll be put out, not smolder on the wooden top. Also many of these have a peaked top, so no flat surface to have something lay on.

As Dorian turned the deck over to Preston, he too looked over his officers and men who would accompany him ashore to the ‘dinner party’ with Monsieur Richet, Admiralty Judge. He knew they all had put on their best, yet what a rag-tag bunch they still looked. He and Mister Flint wore new coats, and the rest were in much less. Doublet was the worst off, as he had been sent along off the Watchdog with not more than a ditybag. They had atleast three hours until dinner, until they were expected at the Admiralty House. Captain Lasseter mused this for a moment, before turning back to his officers and speaking in a low tone.

“Gentlemen… I much appreciate that you did your best in dressing, however I hope to make a certain impression on those in power here. Mister Flint an’ I will head directly t’ the Admiralty house an’ make our presence known. Th’ lot o’ you will head in ta town and purchase some new finery, nothin’ too gaudy now. Here, take this specie, spread evenly amongst you, for what you’ll need. I only wish I had someone who knew th’ town I could trust so you might find yer way to meet us once your purchases have been made.”

The officers smiled and nodded, none took offense to what their Captain had said about their clothes not being up to a certain standard. They were after all, sailors, not courtly hang-abouts, and they knew their Captain took pride in them.

Then let us all 'drink to our masts'

The punishment for inefficiency and ignorance, even though they be excusable or inevitable, never fails in Nature. But at sea it comes remorseless, fierce, and sudden ; for the sea is a hard taskmistress, and teaches her lessons with no sparing hand.

-H. WARINGTON SMYTH