William Brand

We have a nice shipment of coffee out of Trinidad, so we'll brew a pot under the stars.

Welcome aboard, Captain.

August 4, 1704 - At the docks Captain Brand returned to company both great and small. Turcotte was there and Durand had returned, both men standing at a distance indifferent to one another. Also, the Particular Governor of Martinique and acting Governor General, Nicolas de Gabaret was present in all the finery of his station. He had with him some attendants, servants and not a few personal soldiers. Added to all of these was the lingering detachment from the fort, so in addition to the many dock laborers and men and women of the Lucy and Watch Dog, the docks were very crowded. William made a point to present himself before the Particular Governor. Nicholas de Gabaret proved as cordial as ever, despite the circumstances which required his presence. "A bad business to be sure, Capitaine." he said soberly, then added. "My humble condolences." William wondered why he should be consoled over the escape of den Oven, as the matter fell at the feet of the French now that the Dutch Captain was no longer his prisoner, but this wonder was short lived, for William noted Durand's dour expression and a cart which sat close at hand. William made his way to Durand and the imposing Frenchman explained in a direct and solemn tone that they had discovered the body of a man. This gave William pause, but he approached the cart and pulled back the wet and bloodied cloth which hid the corpse. The smell and visage which greeted William was that of Klaas Scymmelpenninck. William's constitution was placed in check by the stench and horror of the man's remains, for he was already foully bloated and pale from what appeared to be a prolonged night spent underwater. The man's head was also badly beaten, so much so, that had William not known to expect one of his men under the cloth, he might not have recognized the slain Dutchman at all. The skull was dashed in a little and the eyes were milky and swollen. William could not remember now if Klaas had been possessed of a good, even teeth, but he would not soon forget the smashed mouth which greeted him now. "Your man, Capitaine?" Durand asked simply. "Aye. This was Klaas Scymmelpenninck." William returned, his nose wrinkling at the smell. "Where was he...?" "The maid of an ale house...Le Cavalier...discovered the body in the well of the establishment." Durand explained with the practiced art of a man used to giving such direct explanations. "It was...the taste of the water..." His voice trailed a bit and William shuddered despite the full sunlight which covered all the docks. "I believe that he was beaten and pushed headlong into the well alive. His lungs were full of water." William closed his eyes a moment, then called for men to bear Scymmelpenninck's body aboard the frigate, that the men might see the treachery of den Oven and for the purpose of burying him at an appointed time later in the day. It was not surprising that all of the volunteers who bore him hence were Dutchman who had known the man, but as he was borne, every man and women removed their caps and coverings. This formality accomplished, William stood in conference for a time with the Lieutenant, Durand and the Governor. William was informed that a soldier under Turcotte's charge had returned from the place described by the coachman to confirm that three horses had been rented for a cross country ride to points North and West of St. Louis. The livery man had also confirmed the appearance of den Oven, albeit a general description of the fugitive. According to the same man, the three riders had ridden off at once for points unknown, apart from the guessed direction. The ale house grounds, where Scymmelpenninck's body had been disposed of so rudely, lay somewhere along a rough line just beyond the livery where it was assumed that den Oven had come upon William's men and slain the Dutchman. With no other bodies discovered it was impossible to say what had become of Joshua Wellings and Ajayi Abiodun, but no man would suggest their part in the treachery aloud. "My apologies, Capitaine." Governor de Gabaret said respectfully during that first generous pause in the conversation. "Your men have been much maligned." William accepted this graciously, though his thoughts were elsewhere, and while Durand and the Governor continued in conversation, most of it in French, William began making and changing plans for the coming hours. He was, however, not so distracted by the moment that he failed to notice how the officers of the Navarra watched all which transpired. They stood at the bow of the Spanish ship and with and without spyglasses, observed the many men in conference. Then after some deliberation it was agreed that Durand would use those skills and resources open to him to seek out the whereabouts of the bodies or persons of Joshua Wellings and Ajayi Abiodun, taking some three hand picked men of William's choosing to assist him. Turcotte and his men would go with the Particular Governor overland along the course of the riders to facilitate in all official capacities concerning the escaped men. It was also agreed that Captain Brand would bring the Watch Dog up the coast of Martinique, so that if the location of hiding or departure were discovered, he might assist in the pursuit of den Oven and his coconspirators in the company of the Lucy. With all of them in agreement, each man went about his immediate and pressing business. Just before seven bells of the Forenoon Watch

And for reasons I can't explain, I find this one unsettling...

If the Tsunami Kate were real, she would be my favorite shipwreck, but this one is kind of cool...

Sorry again for delays. We had some last minute additions. The shirts are done and they turned out really nice. Watch for them in the mail.

Tonight's special is a chocolate hazelnut torte and then a hammock in the pecan grove for some star-gazing.

Ciaran bore Miss Tribbiani to the surgery with the help of Richard Tollervy and Loures Loerwairt. Then he fetched hot water back to her from the galley, that he might sooth the pain of the sting. It was neither a cure nor a great boon for the pain, but it did remove the edge of the discomfort enough that she was returned to her former self a bit. "Cap'n'll not allow ya off the ship again." Ciaran said, shaking his head as he mopped her brow.

August 4, 1704 - At Martinique Between five and six bells of the Forenoon Watch "Your pardon, Miss O'Treasaigh, but I must insist that you report to the Watch Dog as quickly as you may. I mean to sail as soon as I have recovered all of my men ashore and some of those left here from the Lucy. I have business in St. Pierre that will not wait. I will send Miss Smith with you to help you gather what you need." William fetched out coin enough to pay a cart man or a few laborers to bear her belongings to the ship. "Thank you, Miss O'Treasaigh." William gave instructions to Tudor to fetch any other thing which Maeve might need. Then, bearing those items promised her, William departed their company to return to the frigate.

And what if there's a storm? True test becomes ultimate test. Cue ominous music.

You are most welcome. Now, everyone join us in a toast to Miss McDonough. She has recently passed her exams and distinguished herself as crew.

August 4, 1704 William nodded and quoted the Articles of the Whole Company. "...that the Captain and Quartermaster shall receive eight Shares; the Doctor, Boatswain, Gunner, Coxswain, Master, Carpenter and Blacksmith, six Shares..." He let his voice trail off and Maeve's eyes widened, having not considered the shares owed a doctor aboard a privateer. William continued. "...and that the Doctor shall have all Medicines and Instruments belonging to any Doctor that shall be taken." "I..." she began again, but didn't finish. It was overwhelming. It was absurd. It was everything at once. "Miss O'Treasaigh, if you should find that life at sea is not agreeable to you, then I will see you housed again at Trinidad or bring you safely here again. Some several women of my employ have come ashore here and I can see to it that they keep and guard your apartments in your absence. Add to this safe passage for Miss Kildare, who begged that boon of me but yesterday. She may attend you as a servant and share that small room which serves as an apartment for our surgeon, that you might know company and familiarity." Maeve shook her head, but in wonder more than disagreement. As she did so, he withdrew two books to add to those already given her. "Should you join us or no, these are yours to keep and with my gratitude."

Wee sandwiches...?

August 4, 1704 William said nothing. Instead, he opened several of the parcels he bore with them to explain his insistence with gifts too costly to be misunderstood. Instruments not previously available to Maeve were now within reach at a word. Books normally outside the scope of her modest shop were there for the taking. William watched as these baubles angered, surprised, tempted and undermined her all at the same time. "Miss Smith." "Aye, Captain?" "While living aboard the frigate Watch Dog, have you ever found yourself compromised or threatened by any man aboard ship?" "No, Sah." "And should a man threaten you thus?" "I should remind that man of his place, Sah." Tudor said plainly, then added. "...or that man should have last rights read over him, Sah." "Thank you, Miss Smith." "Aye, Sah." William and Tudor made this exchange without once looking at one another. Instead, they watched Miss O'Treasaigh, and when they were finished, William raised his eyebrows ever so slightly.

We best sit down in a very comfortable chair before starting in on the good stuff, for we certainly aren't getting up again after a few shots of this stuff. Cognitive thought and motor functions be damned!

August 4, 1704 - At Martinique William and Tudor found themselves in the cool, echoing halls of the church, and within minutes they were brought before Miss O'Treasaigh. At first she seemed not to notice them, and for once that morning William was content to wait. After a time she finished with the patient in her care and turned her eyes upon them. They greeted one another across the room with a smile and a nod as she made her way through the occupied and unoccupied cots. "Miss O'Treasaigh." William began, bowing low. Tudor and Maeve exchanged curtsies. "I wonder if I might have a word?" He said, gesturing out of doors. She agreed and they went out into the sun. Maeve drew water from the well at the church's side yard to wash some blood from her hand while William came right to the point. "Miss O'Treasaigh, our doctor has quit the ship and our employ, so I come with urgency bearing gifts and an offer to put to sea."

Moth-eaten.

August 4, 1704 - At Martinique William and Tudor waited until both of them were convinced that no one was home. As they turned to go a figure appeared at the curtain and then Miss Kildare was at the door, apologizing for keeping them waiting. William assured her that no harm had been done in the waiting and asked if "The Doctor" was about. Briar smiled a little at this and explained that Miss O'Treasaigh had gone to give service to the church and the poor. William thanked her, apologized for being abrupt and made haste to seek her out.

Liam had not one, but three good birthday parties. One for each year of his life. We took him to Train Town in Sonoma County on Friday where he got to ride miniature trains. On Sunday night we had a party with all of his Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Grandparents on Tracy's side of the family. Then last night we had cake and he opend even more gifts. Our little pirate is cleaning up in the gift department. Arrr.

Wash it down...? Just add more cake.

It's Liam's Birthday, so we'll be serving sugar-charged-children's cakes all day today.

Plus...when the airbag goes off you get a mouth full of splinters and die like a pirate.

It's a very good idea, Patrick. As additional ideas, you could have the Callahans photograph the Powder Monkey of the Year for a poster. We could have hammock relays to see how fast the monkeys can get to work at the call of "All hands!". A hard tack eating contest (which might be a good adult activity as well). A shot carrying relay. We could have life-line tying contests.

Welcome aboard, Captain McKenzie.

Our best wishes in your hour of need.