William Brand

(William walks over to the chair and laying his coat and shirt aside, he rest himself in the chair.) I believe my neck and shoulder is the cause of the trouble, but mostly it is the neck. All of the pain and discomfort has settled in the larboard side making it difficult to turn me head to starboard. If it doesn't resolve itself soon I shall drift to the left.

Of course, Monsigner. I should have everyone aboard learn the swivel guns in time, for the purpose of subplanting any fallen gunner. I will see as many of this crew instructed as I may and in turn, I shall expect you to train another until the knowledge is passed throughout the entire company. Now, if you will all excuse me for a moment, the good Doctor wishes to remedy my discomfort. I will consider on the longbows. As for the Master-at-Arms, let the list be taken by Mister Lasseter until I can fill the position. Thank you, Mister Johnson. (William goes below)

Mister Johnson! A word if you please! (waits for Mister Johnson to return.) I shall submit to your care momentarily, Doctor. (turning to Mister Johnson) The good doctor has infored me that the Master gunner is not to be disturbed. While hi convilescence persists, I shall demonstrate the finer points of the swivel gun to you.

When Time permits Mister Johnson, I would have you learn to load and fire one of the swivel guns for the purpose of clearing prize ships of her fighting crew prior to boardings. See that you make this known to the Master Gunner for training in this regard and welcome aboard. Thank you, Doctor. If the trouble in my night twisted spine persists than I will avail myself of your services. Is your patient doing well this morning?

Fun. How was the food at the Party?

Good morning, Monsigner. (William arches his back until it pops and then douses his face from a bucket at the mizzenmast.) I am troubled this morning by the most horrible knot in my neck. I foolishly allowed myself to nod off in the cables piled in the forecastle. (He turns to Nicholas Johnson.) Good morning, Mister Nicholas. Do you possess any experience as regards the loading and firing of the cannon?

(William strolls upon the quarter deck, taking in the feel of every part of the ship. Somehow, it all seems terribly different. He notices aspects of the rigging and timbers that he never took notice of before now. He pauses to examine details in her rails and the subtle bends in each beam. He's smiling at everything and nothing. This leads to memories of Mahdi and an earlier life. This thought leads to Salat-ul-lsha and he sings softly to himself in a private place among the lines and cables of the forecastle.)

Actually, everyone here is correct. You can never have enough hats. Buy two from everyone.

Aye. You're getting there.

Merci, docteur. Save it by a bit longer.

awwwww....sorry ye be having a bad day William. *hugs* Hopefully I'll have me pix from Comic Con ready to go and have them posted by tonight. That should bring a smile to yer face! It certainly will help, lass. We need to get you a digital camera. Who's with me!?

Three is lucky. You better have three just to be safe.

Thank you kindly, all. You're confidence in me has given me a bright spot in otherwise very bad day.

Aye, Monsigner. Steak and eggs with a healthy portion of oranges and potatoes. Breakfast was the best Sir William. Grammercy! Most kind. I shall pass your compliments on to the staff.

Doesn't Creme Caramel sound good about now?

(slaps forehead) I am no master of languages to be sure. I will remain an artist and be thankfull.

Since you are looking for costume only, then I highly recommend that you do extensive searches and price comparissons. Replica arms on eBay are often more expensive than you can get elsewhere. Do searches for Replica firearms, flintlocks or pistols. Wheellocks, doglock and flintlocks are generally exceptable. Prices vary greatly from site to site, so shop around. Do lots of bookmarking and take your time. Searching pays off. Also check every pirate site link for links. Most Pirates have done the work for you already. The same applies to cutlasses. -W.R.W.

I am almost embarassed to say at this point, for it will only prove how far I am from any grasp of the language. I was trying to say, "She is having you on.", or words to that effect. Aye.

Aye, Monsigner. Steak and eggs with a healthy portion of oranges and potatoes.

Is that how it comes across. (laughs heartily) Then yes, it does indeed lose something in translation. I shall stick to my native tongue.

Elle vous a dessus. Hmmm...I don't think that that is correct. It loses something in translation I expect.

Deux tasses de café ? There you go, mate.

It has just the skull and bones and the website on it. I love it. It is sitting right here on my desk and I'm drinking from it all the time. One French Vanilla coming right up.

Aye. Red Devil. Now...who wants ice cream with their cake?

I made three of them... ...I am the devil.