Dorian Lasseter

Wardroom of the Lucy

Dorian stood and waited for a response from the ladies as they stood in awkward silence. He finally broke the silence.

“Yea? Nay? Wot’ll it be?”

Both women nodded their heads, both looking slightly embarrassed. The Captain held out both hands, gesturing to two chair for them to sit. Once they were seated he pulled his chair closer and sat a moment, then shook his head, stood and fetched some tankards from the shelf. He filled them from the pitched on the tray.

“Beer?”

He set a vessel before each of them and his place, sat and began to serve out the meal. Both women fidgeted, each being used to being the server, not the served.

Aboard the Lucy

Charlie Marsh had served out most of the meal when the Captain made an appearance in ‘his galley’. He was amiable enough and brought down a tray that was waiting to be taken to the wardroom.

“Ah, here’s yer meal Sir. Didn’t know who was ta brings in to ye, so I just…”

Dorian took the tray from the Cook and gave a short nod.

“I’ll take th’ tray m’self Mister Marsh, next meal I’ll have someone ta gather it.”

Charlie gave a quick salute and nod, mumbled something and returned to his galley fire. The Captain, laden with the tray headed topside and aft, he bothered young Mister Wayne to open the door to the Wardroom for him. He entered and cautiously took the couple of steps into the darker space. His vision adjusted soon enough and there before him were Miss McDonough and Miss Ashcombe, alias “Poole”. They stood as he entered, Miss McDonough snapped off a salute and Miss Ashcombe followed after a fashion.

“Miss McDonough… Miss… Poole….”

He sat the tray on the table and removed the cover, revealing some fish, bread, and cheese.

“Join me in th’ midday meal?”

Aboard the Lucy

As the day progressed into the afternoon, the watch changed and work continued. The Lucy’s bell had been delivered, and Dorian oversaw the installation of it where the old bell mounted, and even now was being vigorously polished by the two Powder Monkeys, Godfrey and Wayne. As the first bell of the Afternoon Watch was upon them, Dorian walked over and begged pardon of the two. As the sand ran out another bell tolled on another ship just before he was about the strike the Lucy’s bell the first time. He waited a moment and yanked the lanyard hard. The bell peeled loud and true, a fine crisp tone. Everyone aboard the ship stopped and looked aft to see and hear the sound. Smiled parted lips for the duration of the resonance. Once it had died, their labors continued. Dorian nodded the boys and they continued polishing the bell. The Captain looked up just in time to see Durand walking off the wharf into town. He turned to the Watch Dog and saw nothing more than the crew working, no sign of William. He was tempted to either head to the Frigate himself, or send a message asking of anything he should be informed of about Durand. As he stood on the Quarterdeck, mulling over what he might do, Mister Brisbane approached.

“Cap’n sah, gonna need ta get aft fer ta ‘fix th’ new sternboard, Sah…”

“Aye, Nigel… th’ deck is yours…”

“Thank you, Sah.”

Dorian nodded to the man and walked briskly off the Holy Ground to the waist, where he watched several men man-handle the sternboard aft. With lines attached and two others in Bo’sun’s chairs over the stern, they put the new name in place. Dorian caught a whiff of coffee and realized he had not eaten the noon meal. He headed to the galley to see what he might find.

Anybody?

Or are these cool bottles only available in Florida?

Maybe something Coca-cola did for overseas and they found their way there?

Dorian was not displeased to see the ominous Frenchman leave the Lucy. He was displeased that he headed to the Watch Dog to look over her ledgers. He knew those ledgers well as he had written in them since he came to the ship so many months ago. He stared across the water for a time, then his curiosity got to him as to what it was the Captain Brand has told his QuarterMaster, Mister Pew before departing the Lucy. Turning to shore he watched as Mister Pew, Eric Franklin and two of the Watch Dog’s Marines armed for battle. The Marines turned and headed into the town as many watched them go. Dorian could wait for Mister Pew to tell him what was happening later. If it had been of import to him, William would have told him. More men, formerly ‘Herons’ now ‘Lucys’ streamed from the taverns to the ship, reporting for duty and those of the Starboard Watch were set loose to enjoy their time on leave. However, some were actually sated from the earlier celebration and stayed aboard, continuing with the work of adding the new articles to the ship. Howard, Leigh, and Quigley continued to fasten the nameplates on the cannon, John Black and Adam stayed on to help the Larboard Watch crew to fasten the just delivered sternboard with the name ‘LUCY’ in letters half a French meter in height, bright yellow with black edging on a white background. Tucker had turned the deck over to Brisbane, who was right now standing on shore, directing the men carrying it aboard. With a gentle nod Dorian turned away from shore and headed aft. He was about to head below, back into the Wardroom, instead he checked his movement and headed up onto the holy ground. He paced slowly to the stern rail and crossed his hands behind his back. He leaned over the rail and looked at his reflection in the water.

“Tis an odd thing this… Ta be Cap’n of a fine ship. I pray I live up ta such an expectation levied upon me.”

After a moment of reflection he turned again towards the Watch Dog and wondered what conversation took place in her Wardroom.

Hmmm....

Why do they resemble Styrofoam?

But, no... I've never had home made marshmellows...

The Wardroom of the Lucy

With all the comings and goings in and out of the spaces on the ship, the Pooka let his curiosity get the better of him. He padded his way across the deck and slipped in as one of the men on deck headed to the door, knocked and was let in. he padded about the room and sniffed at this and that, then noticed the smell of the one sitting at the table, hunched over it. There was another new person in the room, but that one had been here over night. The Pooka padded over and sniffed the man for a moment before rubbing his face and half of his body across his leg.

Durand, again distracted from the ledger, cocked his head over and looked at the feline, who sat and looked back at Durand with such intelligence in his eyes. They regarded each other for an instant, Durand gave a short chuckle and returned to the ledger. The Pooka however renewed his interest in the mans’ leg.

Alright,

I've been looking for those in all the stores near me and have seen nary a one...

What gives?

I'm in PA, if that makes a difference...

As for bombs...

Take one, pour 1/3 to 1/2 of the coke out, refill with 'The Captain' and serve.

Perfect!

Just after Six Bells of the Forenoon Watch

Christopher Tucker stood and watched the new man come back aboard the Lucy and report for duty. He did not carry himself in merriment as many of the others had. The Bos’un looked him up and down, thought a moment, then spoke.

“Quigley… head for’ard an’ help out ‘oward n’ Leigh wit work on th guns…”

The man knuckled his brow again and headed toward the men Tucker had pointed out. They were affixing the name plates to the trucks of the guns. He watched the man go then turned to Mister Pew.

“He don’t seem a jolly sort, do he…”

Starboard watch on duty

Tucker half shrugged at Mister Pew.

“I’m just follerin orders… I was left officer a’ th’ deck, unless yer ta relieve me, I take it ya took th’ captain’s offer a’ QuarterMaster… Dunno wot all’s goin on just yet, too much happenin all at once, an I still got ta get th’ crew back ta work, addin’ the new bits ta th’ Lucy.”

He looked at Mister Pew with a hopeful look, hoping he would relieve him of the deck so he might attend to the work at hand.

Dorian had noticed a shift in his guests’ demeanor as he was served his tea. Weather it was because he noticed that his ‘Steward’ was a young woman or some other happening had caused this shift, it did not matter. As Miss Ashcombe, or ‘Poole’ served him, Dorian gave her a gentle smile, hoping it would relax her a bit as she still seemed to be tense. Captain Lasseter looked to Captain Brand, who held his cup of tea with the slightest hint of disdain. Dorian knew that William did not care for the brew and only took the cup so nothing seemed amiss. Dorian hid his smile in his cup as he took a sip. He looked about the room and took a step closer to one of the gallery’s window and unlatched it, propping it open to freshen the still air. He made a motion to Miss McDonough to do the same to the window nearest her, which she did easily enough.

On deck of the Lucy

The Boatswain smiled and bit back a laugh at the return comment by the QuarterMaster. They settled and Mister Pew coughed, still not sure if trouble loomed on the horizon. Both scanned the deck of the Lucy and the wharf waiting to see if any soldiers were assembling. Mister Tucker squinted, trying to see into the shadows between the wharehouses and business on the waterfront for hidden men to spring from.

Just after Four Bells of the Forenoon Watch

Mister Tucker whispered into the new Quartermaster’s ear that the woman dressed in sailors kit came aboard while he was in the care of the surgeon. She had made arrangements with Captain Brand on the Frigate, but came to the Lucy when the cargo was being auctioned. Mister Pew gave a curt nod then.

“Aye, well…. *cough* carry on…”

She stood a moment and looked relieved, but she needed to ask a question, but was almost afraid to ask now. Mister Tucker was about to see what she needed, but again, Pew was quicker.

“Somat yer need gerl? Ye look perplexed…”

Jenny opened her mouth and not but a squeak came out. She composed herself and took a breath.

“The galley, I was sent out for tea, but I don’t know where the galley is.”

Before the QuarterMaster could make a sharp reply, Mister Tucker interjected.

“This way Miss, follow me, tis for’ard an’ b’low.”

He stepped around Mister Pew and showed the woman forward to the companionway and below. He returned to the deck immediately and walked back to the QuarterMaster’s side. He looked around and noticed some of the crew returning from shore. He nodded his head towards the men about to cross the gangway.

“Think we’ll get n’ honest days work from ‘em?”

How far back do ya wish ta go?

Pre-Dog?

Some of my enemies were the officers I served under...

Here, here!

Tales of bygone years, friends, and enemies....

Wardroom of the Lucy

Monsieur Durand continued to trace finger and eyes across each page of the ledger. Turning a page he stopped and made a noise of disgust. Almost half of the following page was covered in ink, long since dried.

“Capitaine Lasseter… what do you make of thiz?”

Dorian leaned in and looked at what was in question. He even went as far as taking up the ledger and tilting it near the lamp light to see if he could make out any of the writing that might have been covered over. With a shrug he laid the tome back in front of Durand.

“I cannot make out any writing… Looks ta be some carelessness by a previous cap’n. As you see, th’ previous page reflects some five months previous, before the ship came into my possession…”

Durand gave a piercing look at Captain Lasseter for an overly long time, he silently turned back to the task at hand as if nothing had happened, yet his mouth ticked in agitation twice. Dorian had sent his ‘Steward’ forward to the galley for tea, yet he wished for a stronger drink as this document interrogation was beginning to wear on him. He maintained an attitude of disinterest, which only furthered his wont for more spirits. He let his mind wander a moment to those crew ashore imbibing at this early hour, wondering if he would have to employ more barrowmen to haul them out of the taverns and pour them onto the ship. He also wondered when other purchases for the Lucy would make their way to her decks. A new bell, sternboard, and furniture to replace the mismatched and worn set here in the Wardroom. His attention was brought back to the present when Durand cleared his throat, yet said nothing for the clearing.

Pudding? Looks more like spongecake...

Ya! Come bek to my house fer zom coffee undt Spungecake!!!

The Wardroom of the Lucy

Dorian nodded to Miss Ashcombe, acting as Steward. He looked at Miss McDonough as she rose from her seat and wondered at the name she used to address Jenny. With all of them in the wardroom, the air was fast becoming heavy.

“Monsieur, a glass of wine?”

Durand narrowed his eyes, but before he could speak Dorian continued.

“Brandy? Whiskey? Something afore ye settle to your task?”

Again Durand fixed the Captain with a look.

“The ledger…”

“Very well, Monsieur… For your perusal…”

Dorian motioned to the table, upon which lay the new ledger he had been working on the evening before. Durand was directed to the chair behind the table, which he sat in heavily. Opening the tome, he ignored those around him. Dorian looked at William, then Murin and Jenny. He gave them all a look that said there was nothing to worry about. Durand turned the pages slowly, then shut the ledger and a hissing sigh escaped him.

“This ledger is new… where is the old one? The one that came to port with this ship?”

Dorian put a hand to his forehead and a corner of his mouth turned up for a moment.

“My apologies… You were unexpected… it is here…”

He walked over to the cabinet and withdrew the ledger for the Heron, the outer cover tattered and worn. He turned and placed the tome on top of the new one and made a hand gesture to the effect of ‘as you wish’.

Monsieur Durand was enough of a gentleman to murmur a ‘Merci’ before he opened the ledger and began to read its contents.

Dorian bowed his head just the slightest.

“Very well… tight quarters aft, but I suspect you’ve known such…”

He turned and walked at a slow pace aft towards the door to the wardroom. He noted Mister Pew and the men standing by silently. He winked at his QuarterMaster as he passed by.

Et tu??

Aye, Et tu would gladly have a drink yer buyin' fer Et Tu....

Line 'em up then!!!

The drinks.... not yer crew....

“Monsieur Durand… Welcome aboard…”

Dorian turned to Miss McDonough and in an easy tone spoke.

“Miss McDonough, be so kind as to inform my Steward in the ward room that we have a guest aboard… “

His look told her more than he said. She bobbed and saluted him and headed aft. Dorian turned back to Monsieur Durand, whose eyes moved skyward and ran over all the rigging and across the deck, as a seasoned sailor would. This brought a touch of a smile to the Captain’s face, the man had inadvertently given something away. When he did this Dorian noticed something about the man as well… his right eye was not an eye at all, but a glass replacement.

“I would invite you into th’ ward room, however you’ll be hard pressed to stay upright, tis a low overhead. I’ll bring th’ ledger out into this fine daylight for your wont.”

Dorian inclined his head politely, waiting for Durand to respond.

As Dorian watched the exchange between William and the ill boding messenger, he looked at the papers held by William again. The weight of the wax seals bent the parchment heavily. It had been not even a day since the Lieutenant had visited last and the list of signatures was not something so easily gotten in one night. Either the young lieutenant was the son of the governor, or he had other weighty connections and called in a favour. He took a moment and looked toward the Fort and would not have been surprized to see a company of marines on there way to the wharf. None but the usual smattering were assembled, so he turned his attention back to his ship. Dorian thought on both ships, their recent cargoes, and compliment of crew. He had copied everything into the ledgers and knew them probably better than Captain Brand, if by name only. Of the cargo and other supplies, all were gotten either by fair trade or by way of their prize. Unless some of the crew dealt their own deals in the black market, as they existed in every port he knew of, all was in order. Still great care had to be taken as he had seen fair play turned foul because someone in power bent the laws with their own will. Dorian looked at the messenger again. He appeared a man of the last age, when the americas were in conquest and contention and the spanish drew the line. He wondered why this man was chosen to be the messenger. Maybe it was his command of the english language he posessed. Maybe it was his calm, yet powerful bearing. Dorian was curious to know. He stepped back and directed Mister Styles to the side.

"If it is you intention to come aboard, I grant that permission... Welcome aboard the Lucy, Monsieur...?"

Captain Lasseter half blocked the gangway in mid gesture, waiting for the man to properly introduce himself.

He figured he might as well get it over with, let them finish their friendly mockery.

“Should ‘ave th’ new bell comin’ shortly as well, along wi’ the stern board… Tho sadly, tis not gilded, just matchin’ colours…”

William just nodded and Preston smirked, slightly coughed then spoke.

“Ow ‘bout th’ figure’ead, I hear say tis a grande masterpiece…”

Dorian cut him off before he began to make another jab.

“Just ye wait n’ see, just ye wait n’ see, Quarter Master… Our carpenter did a fine job indeed. I visited her last night, I expect many drinks ta be bought fer Mister Wenge fer his diligence. Many… drinks…”

The new Quarter Master of the Lucy and Captain of the Watch Dog again shared a smile.

“Well… lets hope I can get the men back aboard soon enough, afore they celebrate ‘emselves inta a stupor…”

Dorian barely shook his head at the officers mocking him. He placed the plate back in the crate and shot them a look. He tried to hold the look of being offended, but could not.

“A fine ship, armed wi’ fine guns… what’s a couple embellishments? The men’ll ‘ave more pride an’ do wot they can ta keep ‘er in one piece in a battle…”

He dared them to challenge his thoughts.