William Brand

Skimp and save. Sometimes I get a little windfall and I can go to events and sometimes I can't.

You can never have enough wine. Mostly because when you have enough you forget how much you've had and this leads to counting glasses when you're too sloshed to count whish leads to more glasses because...because... ...what glass are we on?

August 4, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog William noted Dorian's arrival from his vantage point on the Watch Dog's quarterdeck. The frigate floated at anchor not four dozen yards from where the Lucy was berthed, teaming with activity as a mixed watch of men and women brought supplies aboard and down into the waiting holds. Among the crew at the rails, stood a blurry eyed Master Gunner in the form of Petee Youngblood. He wore a smile on his face despite an obvious hangover. His coat lay over the rail amidships and he was running some of the new recruits through the rigorous duties of cleaning the great guns that the rest of crew had comes to expect. He was neither to kind or too brutal to them, but his face was all business and the obvious effects of the night before had the new recruits in a cautious mood. In truth, Petee was watching to see who would stand out and which of the new men would speak his mind and demonstrate prowess under a watchful eye. William paced along the deck and as he passed he made a point of observing Petee at work. "What think you of our new recruits, Mister Youngblood?" Petee, who managed a salute with a pipe clenched in one side of his mouth and a bit of slow match in the other made a dismissive sound. "What men would tha' be, Sah...? These...scarecrows here? These half starved ark-ruffians?" He didn't even look at them as he spoke. William let his eyes fall over them all, and noted that already, some of them looked healthier for their labors and the open sun. He smiled a little at Petee's dismissal, recognizing it as the common challenge that many officers employed. It was little more than the slap on the face or the cold water thrown. He also noted that most of the new recruits took it well and were untouched, for a good man knows his own worth. Also, there was that lingering look of tired relief on them to be well fed and properly used. "Carry on, Mister Youngblood." "Aye, Sah." William moved further forward where he found Jim Warren putting the crew to task at the cables and rigging of the holds. Jim looked almost as tired as Petee, but for a bearing that reflected the Captain he had been before and would some day be again. He stood with a tankard from the galley and a look of reflection as he ordered men about. The man was truly in his element.

Um....more wine?

Welcome aboard, Mate. Which part of Colorado are you from?

August 4, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog William awoke at seven bells of the Midwatch and could not find sleep again before eight bells. He dressed then and found Tudor at the Ward Room table where she served him hot fare, the daily reward of being so close to land. William ate as he paced the small room and he continued standing until he was awake enough to begin the business of the day. While he ate, Tudor explained her trip ashore in the company of Lieutenant De la Cruz and the questions he had put to her. William listened with interest and was not surprised that the First Mate of the Navarra had touched upon William's past. After all, the popular gossip of his past was colorful, if not wildly inaccurate. "They wait upon the decision to enlist me to their cause, not knowing if my reputation should be a boon...or a curse." "Perhaps they want the monster more than the man, Captain." Tudor offered. "Perhaps." William agreed. He dismissed her and went in search of Mister Badger. Once found, he explained to him that the forepart of the Larboard Watches were to go ashore and replace the Starboard Watches there wherever they could be found. Were this not done, the Starboard Watches would know the benefit of too much time ashore, ere they departed, having had the first leave at Martinique. Any man of the Larboard Fore Watches who could not find a Starboard man to replace him, would have to return by two bells of the Morning Watch and would miss any last respite ashore, for William meant to leave the Cul du Sac Royal by noon of that day if possible. "Call all hands and see the ship prepared to take on supplies at the docks. I meant to move her within the hour. Then you and they will have the morning, Mister Badger. Remind them to be forthright." "Aye, sah." Next, William sent for Mathew Campion, Claude Marchande, and then after a moments thought, Teek Ranst. He had the men brought to the Ward Room where he explained their promotions respectively, calling the Dutchman to the post of Carpenter's Mate under Jonah Greene. William was direct and brief in his explanation, appointing both Coxswains without asking for their thoughts or feelings on the matter. Mister Campion was surprised, but also self assured enough that he accepted the promotion with an air of practiced dignity. Claude was genuinely gracious and thanked the Captain for his confidence. Teek, whose English was very poor at best, seemed confused, surprised, and after some discussion in two languages, surprised and confused all the more, though he could not contain his smile as understanding slowly settled in. "Mister Campion, you will be available at all times of great need, but when not on duty you will be numbered among the Starboard Watches." "Aye, Sah. Very good, Sah." "Mister Marchande, you will remain with the Larboard Watches and you are dismissed ashore with the forepart of that watch to enjoy the day how you may until the noon hour." "Thank you, Sah." "Take Mister Ranst with you ashore and see that he understands his last, short leave." "Aye, Sah." He dismissed the three new officers, following them out into the predawn darkness on the Cul du Sac Royal. The wind of the morning was waxing stronger and it carried with it sound from all parts of the sleepy bay. Campion went immediately to the binnacle and began to make himself familiar with the Watch Dog's many instruments there. Claude and Teek went below to fetch up coin and clothing for shore and William took his place on the Quarterdeck. The rest of the crew was already busy above and below as they woke the 'Dog. First bell of the Morning Watch

And to you, good lady.

Welcome aboard the Pub, Miss Constance.

Happy Birthday!

I had two tires blow off the rims at 95 miles per hour at four in the morning just forty miles outside of Winnemucca, Nevada. We never left the road and we didn't hit a thing. Four years before that I was thrown from the bed of a truck in a roll over accident and walked away with only a scrape and some troublesome long term whiplash. I've been clipped or nearly hit by other people so many times in my life I've lost count. I'm a near miss magnet.

A little lamb and rosemary to round out a good holiday.

Happy Easter!

Cannibal.

I'll throw the project to my friend Big Mike. He has done stuff for me before and he might be able to tackle this one.

Really? How much? How will you make it? Sandcast? I don't know how I would make it. That's why it would cost you. It would take me longer than most. Still, I do want to make one, so I plan to learn how. I've done a little forge work and some sandcasting, but I'm not set up for either at present. If you need one right away, you should chase after a craftsman more experienced than me.

Temptation, Reward or Regret, depending on your point of view or time of day.

Tonight's special is...well... Damn. Doesn't that look good?

Aye, that's the spirit. Doubling our rank and file. We'll soon sink the fort in mass.

An arm and a leg ...and I am sure he can get them too. Gory and funny both. Like my fridge.

Aye. Bloodiest band of cut-throats ever.

Aye. You are the 456th person on the list by my reckoning.

I can...but it will cost you.

Aye, we hang them there. Okay, we don't actually hang them. They cart in their own gallows, and after several days of music, sword biscuits and the like, they hang themselves.

We're waiting for France to annex Martinique to me. At present, I don't own so much as a broom closet in the tropics.

If I owned Martinique, I would insist that you visit, or rather live permanently, and play pirate. I would insist that a great many here do the same.