William Brand

Aye, the list on the first page is regularly updated. If you don't see yourself there, or if there are changes to names, crews and any other information, please let me know.

My son's name is Liam and we came very close to naming him Andrew after my brother.

Then welcome to the crew of the Mercury! Shall I list you as Commodore Swab and wife?

What crew or group name shall I list with your lot?

Okay, you've posted cool things before, but these...wow. I'm buying you lunch.

Fantastic. Wonderful work. Very thoughtful for you to place everything I want in one room, so that when I break in an... ...um.

No, no. As I pirate I have to admit that there is still a 3% change that I'd go through your pockets and look for loose change.

Welcome aboard, Mister McLaren, and a preemptive greeting to the crew of the Salamander.

Liars were called before the mast for the purpose of cleaning the head. A sailor caught in a lie was designated as the Liar (usually for a week) and had the wonderful duty of cleaning the rope and hole that constituted the toilet (or head) at the bow of the ship. As Coker also means liar, it may be that the duties of cleaning went further and to more people at one time than I had previously heard of before now.

Updated. 70 people listed so far, and it's only April.

August 6, 1704 - The Watch Dog Between seven and eight bells of the Forenoon Watch With the approach of noon, William set about to complete another piece of unfinished business. He called Jim Warren, and he, Jacob Badger, each in turn on down until all were called to assemble before the mast at the sounding of the next bell. While men and women of the Starboard watch slowly drifted into the daylight, William chanced to speak with Durand. For all of his strength of carriage, the man looked a little green. William asked after his health, wondering if the limit of one eye added to the man's obvious distemper with every sway of the 'Dog. Durand only grumbled and accepted a glass of Tudor's offered tea gratefully. Tudor gave William the smallest of reproving glances, as if to say, "Someone favors my tea, you barbarian". William narrowed his eyes at the cheeky steward, shaking his head a little as she passed. "Lazarus has planned a naples bisket and gurnets cooked with white wine for the Ward Room tonight, sah." She said this, almost in passing as she went down the companionway, as if such fare were served aboard daily. "Then let night come." William said appreciatively as he and Jim exchanged a nod. Durand did not look properly enthused about the news, but despite this William him and told Jim to have every Master and the ship's doctor present for supper.

Nice..... My shipmates...got to watch my back, I do... And not to worry, Jack, I will be back at PiP. William, I realize I was in error in not having one of you standing by in the surgery to ah, press my case with the physicians. Still, seeing as how you were planning to divide my shares so quickly, I may want someone else to accompany you should the time ever come again. Just bein' cautious is all... Planning on dividing your shares? One never plans to divide shares, as one cannot plan when and where one shares shall be left behind. However, one does plan to know what one should do with those shares belonging to another in the event that they are lost at sea, killed in combat or sent winging to heaven or hell by a pressed, mercury pushing, undereducated man of limited medical experience. The matter of shares is of course less important than the importance of the man himself, but with the man gone, shares as remains must satisfy those remaining. I would of course pass them along faithfully to Patricia as I might, but I assume she was more aware of your shares these past few days than we. And to think that you doubt my loyalty after you saved my miserable hide in the Carolinas. Tsk, tsk and another tsk.

You went to a chirurgeon without consulting any of your shipmates. How would we know who to string up if something had gone wrong? There were profound threats to be made. Assurances to be considered. Shares to divide in the event of...well... We're glad you're fine.

August 6, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog William watched the Lucy fade into the brightening horizon on one of the clearest mornings they had known since coming to the island. Added to this view were some six dozen fishing vessels and a handful of merchantmen bound for the open seas. It was a good omen to see so much stretched canvas flying before a favorable wind. Now, unlike any time since waking, William was anxious. The Navarra was not demonstrating as much discipline in her efforts, and her delay threatened to put them far behind the Lucy and waste a prevailing wind. Still, it allowed the last of the smallboats to finish the task at hand. William went down and walked among the throng of strangers. He welcomed them in Spanish, and as greetings in that tongue completed his entire understanding of the language, conversation was brief. Cobus was employed everywhere to send directions to the battered refugees, as was Thorvald. William would have sent the Spaniards below and out of the crew's way altogether, but so piteous were some of their injuries, that he thought food might go a long way to keeping them alive. They were gathered at the galley to eat and within a few minutes of carefully orchestrated chaos they were all seated about the larboard side of the weatherdecks. Here, near the galley door, Treasure and Moira fed them a ladle full of heavy soup laced with cream and a hunk of bread that was still soft from baking. It was luxurious stuff, soon to be forgotten. During this time the last of the Watch Dog's boats went to their cradled place above the gallows. Meanwhile, a smallboat from shore arrived almost too late, bearing the few belongings requested by Donatien from the night before. Monsieur Durand was most grateful of the clothing and chest and hauled them straight way to his place of rest, sending the boat again with a crafted letter for his countrymen. Then, the Navarra was coming across their bow gaining speed on the wind. She moved well for a ship so heavy laden, and once moving it would take a considerable force to stop her. As she passed, Spaniards hailed Spaniards and William tipped his hat to Avendano as he went. "Mister Warren! Mister Badger!" William called, and orders too many to count passed in rapid succession. Apart from the wounded, all were at work. The Watch Dog leaned hard over as she turned into the wind and William smiled to feel himself lean into the pitch of the deck. His hands clasped behind his back and a smile settled in his eyes. All he could see was the widening sea and the distant sail of the Lucy as she flew upon the water. The Whole Company cheered to leave Martinique, but for Murin as she blinked her way into the day. She jumped when Petee touched off His Grace in farewell salute to the French. Between first and second bell of the Forenoon Watch - Bearing West Southwest Larboard Watches on Duty

"A moment, Captain!" William turned to Jim who was counting the various Spaniards. They spoke for a moment and agreed that some 31 men were to join their company. William pointed to a boat carrying 11 of these. "Those men there shall be for the Lucy! Can you bear that many more?" "Aye!" Dorian returned. "We'll find them a place." "Thank you, Captain! Let us quit this place!" "Agreed!" William called for Thomas Crips and his fiddle and offered to share a song with the Lucy to weigh anchors by. Dorian was already sending down orders to raise the best bower as the last of the small boats scrambled to get supplies aboard in the midst of a departure that neither captain would forestall any longer. The air filled with shouting. Orders were heard everywhere, above and below, and the Navarra was no less quiet where she lay. The rigging, rails and bowels of every ship were alive with work. Above all this din came the unexpected, lighthearted music of Thomas Crips. He was, as he had been reported to be, one of the finest fiddlers William had ever heard and he was glad of the music. Those men that bent their backs to his melodies, were equally glad. Music made the work lighter. William stood, a man apart from the chaos. With all of the orders given, he was content to watch the machine of the frigate at work. Then he recalled a piece of business unfinished, and then another, and then a third. "Mister Badger!" "Sah." "Food and fresh clothing for the prisoner, if you please." "The prisone...ahhhhh...yes, sah." Jacob knuckled off a salute. "And Mister Badger..." "Sah." "It seems to me that her accommodations are...disproportionate. It seems unjust to me that she should have the fore lastage all to herself while so many faithful should be alloted but a shoulder's span." "Aye, sah. Disproportionate." "Return her to the ranks of the Whole Company for work. I'll not feed the idle." There was a cold simplicity in William's tone.

August 6, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog Small boats came and went in quick succession bearing goods purchased by the Navarra. Much of what was purchased came from neighboring ships, to make better use of the hour. With these supplies came almost three dozen men of the Navarra's crippled escort. They were a motley group, with many an interesting face, but almost all of Spanish origins. "Look at them, Mister Warren." William mused, leaning on the rail. "We have wounded enough and Avendano sends me these...remains." Jim Warren plucked a pipe from his hat and huffed, for many of the inbound Spaniards were visibly bandaged and beyond careworn. "There's more wounded than fresh." "The remnants of Voulet." "His folly or fortune." Jim added. William puzzled again on the matter of so many Spaniards sent from a ship bearing a French name. There were no answers and there might never be any. "Well, the bargain is struck and we have enough to sail by. Send a third part to the Lucy and see the rest stowed with the goods." The Eighth bell of the watch was sounding as he spoke. William called for Mister Badger to fetch him some strong backs to the capstan and windlass. Then William hailed the Lucy. "Ahoy there! Send word for Captain Lasseter!"

August 6, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog "The good doctor will have a say in that before I'm satisfied of your fitness." William returned, then nodded toward the galley. "Light duty for the time being. See yourself to the galley. O'Flaherty will have her hands full with more mouths to feed." William was suddenly distracted by the clumsy handling of the jollywatt and turned away before she could reply. "Steady on there, Mister Wigg! I'll not waste Mister Greene with mending your mistakes!" "Aye, sah. Sorry, sah." "Careful, Edmund." Thomas Wheateham chided, smiling. "Mind yerself." Wigg muttered back.

When designing the Mercury I borrowed on several different sloop examples, especially the 1711 Sloop Ferret. Like the Ferret, the Mercury began life as a single mast, Bremuda style sloop, but it was later converted to a Brig Sloop.

August 6, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog William was so preoccupied with the business of the 'now' that he couldn't recall any man aboard the frigate by that name, which gave him pause. Then he gave a comprehending 'Ahhhh' after a moment and turned to Jim, who pointed to the sheltered area forward, beneath the Forecastle. "He's been in the care of the lads." Jim explained before going back to the tasks at hand. Treasure made her way forward where she found the dog more or less in the company of Owen Monahan, Reind Halster and William Dash. The older men were busy at work in the maintenance of Coup de Grace, but William seemed otherwise unemployed, but for sitting with Argus. The dog was on his side in a bed made of old sailcloth and lines. He did not stir on her approach, choosing instead to whine a little in his state, though his tail wagged in a pathetic, heartbreaking greeting. "Hey, boy." she said quietly, giving him her hand. "Ye'll find 'im changed." Owen said, his face neutral. There was damage to the dog's face and ear that Treasure couldn't remember. It looked mean and more recent than the sting, but she was fairly certain Owen had meant Argus' demeanor. The puppy was now more the dog, old enough or not. "He did that to 'imself..." William began, not knowing how to address a woman sailor aboard ship. Treasure examined the deep scratches. "We keep a lad 'ere to watch the pup." Owen explained. "Keep 'im from 'arming 'iself." Starboard Watches on Duty

August 6, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog Between six and seven bells of the Morning Watch William was all business the moment his feet touched the weatherdecks. Jim came up alongside him and met his quick strides to the Ward Room. William questioned him as they went. "Besides Luigi and Cobus, which among the throng have a tongue for Spanish?" "Tribbiani speaks some Spanish I think..." Jim began, pausing in thought if not in stride. They were half way down the passageway before he spoke again. "...and Crips, if memory serves." "Well?" William pressed as they gained the Ward Room and closed the door. "No." Jim admitted. "I don't think so. Not well...and perhaps only as much or less than Tribbiani. There's the German." "Thorvald." William mused. "Make inquiries on the matter." "Aye, Sah." "We'll be taking some Spanish from Le Vedette and we'll..." William trailed off. Jim, who was surprised by the news watched William's brow furrow. "Why are we taking Spanish from Le Vedette...?" William asked, more to the room than Jim. "I'm sure I don't know." Jim said after a moment. "Why are we taking Spanish from Le Vedette?" William asked again, but the question seemed addressed to himself now. He shook his head, suddenly uncertain. He noted Jim waiting in the wake of the truncated conversation. "Sorry, Mister Warren. I suddenly can't be sure if we're taking on Frenchmen or Spaniards, but we will be taking on men before the end of the hour." "I think we have enough of each tongue to give orders." Jim replied confidently, than asked. "Is there no room for them among there own?" William shook his head, unable to answer and Jim accepted the silence. Then William went out of the Ward Room all at once with Jim following again. The two reached the weatherdecks and William began shouting orders for all the boats to be put out. Supplies and men were in need of transport and the hour would be gone too soon.

No. Peyote is a cactus-like, technocolor train wreck in slow motion in 3, sometimes 4-D.

It was impossible to say how it was that Durand's smile broadened, but it did. Then he removed his hat as easily as a courtier, owing to a life past in places far removed. Then he was bowing. It was not a deep bow, nor was it grand. It was the subtle bow one might greet another with at a great distance. A private gesture on a public stage. So subtle was it that it came across as a nod of the head, but with his entire frame. Slow. Deliberate. Then he donned his hat again, his smile faded to something else too hard to read across the water.

August 6, 1704 - Aboard the Navarra William did not smile outwardly, but was grateful for the question and held himself in check when Capitán Avendano frowned. Avendano had not considered this, and given the expenses he had already covered, he did not look happy about an additional sum paid out to another's Whole Company. Still, the question asked could not be unasked, for the cost of additional men would eat soundly into the Watch Dog and Lucy's profits and stores if they meant to be fair with fare over the duration of the trip. After numerous calculations an additional sum was agreed upon, and with this business done and the business of procuring additional goods now added to their agenda, they signed those papers of agreement necessary to round out the bargain. The quill was passed several times, with sailors called from the small boat of the English and marines of the Spanish to give witness. A drink sealed the matter absolutely, and Dorian and William made their way to the waiting boat. The farewell was formal and austere, but for Gasset, and with promises to set sail by the change of the watch they were sent back to their homes of English oak. . . . The Lucy and Watch Dog As these various events unfolded aboard the Navarra, another interaction of foreign parties played out aboard the Lucy and Watch Dog. Miss Ashcombe, less aware of herself than usual, had spent enough time on deck to catch the single, distant and curious eye of Donatien Durand as he sat on the ledge formed between the quarter and the poop deck. He watched her for almost a quarter of an hour, even as ink was still drying on the Navarra ledgers. Now with the return of the small boat bearing back to the Lucy, she turned to watch its progress, only to glance by chance in the direction of L'Ours on the 'Dog. The smile that split his face at the genuine start in her countenance was wide and full of teeth. It was the same scoundrel grin she had witnessed in a second floor hall from a much drunker Durand.

August 6, 1704 - Aboard the Navarra Like Preston's visit of the night before, there existed amongst the group a kind of pronounced silence. William took this for the inherent awkwardness of formality among foreign neighbors, neither side knowing the correct use of language, terminology or custom. But more than even this obvious explanation there was a kind of malaise which seemed born of something outside of William and Dorian's purview. Lieutenant De la Cruz did not look better for a night's sleep, Capitán Avendano was his usual distant self, and their Doctor almost aloof. The others, were too unfamiliar to judge, but for Gasset. Still, the Spanish were polite, if not engaging and they listened well to William's suggestions on the matter of order. "The Lucy shall have the privilege of going before." William explained. "With her speed and range she shall be our eyes, half a horizon before us." There were many nods at this, with no dissent on the matter. "I recommend that the Navarra follow in her wake, with the Watch Dog in the rear guard." The Lieutenant translated all of this, and while there was some pause about the placement of the Navarra in relation to the 'Dog, it was agreed that this order would suffice, with the addendum that the Watch Dog would follow behind and at the Navarra's extreme left. With this agreed to, Capitán Avendano pressed William with several questions and a few requests. With Le Vedette crippled, some extra men of that ship were in need of passage and he begged the boon of shipping them with the frigate and cutter. This was an odd request, as the Navarra crew was not large in relation to the space required for their comforts. William suspected this was a tactic on Avendano's part to give the man an advantage of eyes aboard the 'Dog and Lucy, but as William was confident that no friend or spy aboard his ships could do serious harm among his well tried men, he was inclined to acquiesce. Before doing so, he chanced to look at Dorian for whatever subtle confirmation he might find without asking.

William agreed and they discussed their own impressions regarding the order and lay of their journey. As they did so, the Navarra loomed before them and carried with her a fresh smell of paint, animals and the strangely familiar smells of Spanish cooking. Dorian and William had both known the Mediterranean well enough to find the distinct, foreign aroma that wafted out of the cook stoves comforting. They were put to further ease by the unfamiliar, but openly friendly visage of Felipe Gasset, smiling at the Larboard rail. He welcomed them in a universal tone, but heavily laced in the trappings of Spain. Between five and six bells of the Morning Watch