Pew

Preston was tired. He merely wanted to lie down, or even sit back in the large chair in the ward room and fall asleep. Preston dipped his hand in the water again and washed his face. "Ahoy the Lucy," called Charlie as they neared their vessel. A return call was made by Nigel himself. Within minutes they had hooked to the chains and returned topside on the Lucy. The crew was largley on deck enjoying the evening. A few men smoked and chatted amiably. Others merely leaned on the rail and looked out among the vessels while enjoying simple tots of rum. Preston reported to Nigel that all had gone well, oddly enough. Nigel reported nearly the same to Preston save for a minor injury to John Van Baerle. Preston nodded and shook hands with Nigel, excusing himself to the Ward Room. The room was dark and slightly musty. He wondered momentarily where Ash had disappeared to. Preston placed the bottle on the table. He made his way to the window and propped it open, instantly inhaling deeply the fresh breeze now driving into the room. He fumbled around slowly searching for the shaded lantern. The ship's master lit the candle and closed the glass door. He removed a tankard from the tiny cupboard. Mister Whitingford pulled a bottle out from the desk and removed the cork with his teeth. Pouring himself a heavy tankard full of the liquid, he sighed. Within minutes he was sound asleep, sitting in Dorian's chair, feet propped on the table facing astern. __________________________________________________________ Navigation Log of the Lucy: Direction: Bow facing NNE Speed: At rest Wind: Calm, from the N

Last two sixers to perish within our confines: Sierra Nevada Torpedo extra IPA: Stoudts Double IPA: The Torpedo is probably one of my favorite new beers. The temp outside was quite warm here the other day and we were able to enjoy an English pint glass full of the the hoppiness sitting in the sun. By Zeus's beard it needs to be summer-time, soon!

Colors, True Colors, False Colors, Flying Colors The flag flown by a vessel indicating its nationality was referred to as her colors. Long before radios, you can imagine how important this might have been, especially when engaged in battle. False colors were sometimes flown to avoid capture or to approach unsuspiciously (see bamboozle above). This was frowned upon in International Law, wherein it is accepted as a 'ruse of war' only if the ship is in immediate danger. Coxswain (pronounced cocks'n) A coxswain was the helmsman of a ship's boat. Originally, small boats carried on ships were known as cockboats or 'cocks', from whence the term derived. With the passing of time the coxswain became the helmsman of any boat, regardless of size. Cranky Possibly from the Dutch krengd, a crank was an unstable sailing vessel. Due to a faulty design, the imbalance of her cargo, or a lack of ballast, a crank would heel too far to the wind. Has come to mean irritable. Crossing the Line An ceremony performed onboard when passengers and/or crew cross the equator for the first time. A special initiation ceremony in which King Neptune and various other mythological characters participate. Owes its origin to ancient pagan rites. Cup of Joe Navy lore: Josephus Daniels (18 May 1862-15 January 1948) was appointed Secretary of the Navy by President Woodrow Wilson in 1913. Among his reforms of the Navy were inaugurating the practice of making 100 Sailors from the Fleet eligible for entrance into the Naval Academy, the introduction of women into the service, and the abolishment of the officers' wine mess. From that time on, the strongest drink aboard Navy ships could only be coffee and over the years, a cup of coffee became known as "a cup of Joe".

Cul de Sac Royal The evening breeze drifted across the harbor. It was a light northeasterly breeze dragging the humidity from the hills before dumping it into the harbor. Along the way it picked up smells from the town ordinarys now wafting towards the ships at rest. Lights danced on the water from the lanterns lit among the many vessels now resting from their journeys afar. Jerrod Styles looked about for any sign from Preston and the party aboard the Navarra. He watched in the growing darkness the path they took around the few vessels between the Lucy and the Navarra. He saw nothing. His eyes took him from ship to ship around them, watching for a moment or two before moving on. It was a quiet night, save for the light music drifting over the water and laughter he heard from the deck below. Jerrod sighed and continued his watch atop his perch.

The men ate for some time, cups being refilled at regular intervals. Preston was quite unclear of the situation. He was expecting the Captain to act one way, yet he did not. Though his name bade a formal position, Preston Ellery Whitingford was never the one for politics or prancing about in fineries caressing another's ego. Do it and be done. How much longer were they stay? What was considered polite conversation? The wine was beginning to seep into his brain. He looked around to his men. 'On their best behaviour' he heard his father remarking once when Preston and his brother were brought before the Virginia governor with their Mum. A dinner similar to this one: little talk, much formality, making a statement while again saying very little. His gaze met the eyes of each of the men again. Preston smiled and thought to himself whom his brother was most similar to here in this room. He drained his goblet slowly and sighed.

August 5, 1704 - Aboard the Navarra Preston and the men were a bit taken aside from the hospitality of the Spanish crew. The ship's master had expected a gruff reception but had yet to see it. Joseph and Peter stood nearest the door. The lieutenant once again motioned to a set of chairs located around the table. Mister Pew looked to the Lieutenant and then the Capitán, "Thank you sah. Ship's Master Preston Whitingford sah." Preston removed his cap and placed it in his hand. The Captain looked up from his plate as Preston continued the introductions of his men. The Captain merely nodded and gestured again to the table. The men of the Lucy sat. Their cups were filled instantly. Joseph and Peter remained a step or two from the table, though relaxed and sitting. Preston sat closest to the Doctor while Charlie sat opposite Capitán Avendano. Maurice was to Preston's right, close enough to translate should it become necessary, flanked again by Dries. Plates were placed in front of the men. The men each in turn waited, watching Preston to determine if they should partake. Some bits of cheese and bread made their way to the plates and the men slowly ate. "Capitán Avendano," Preston began, "Captain Brand sends 'is regards 's well 's apologies." Capitán Avendano stopped chewing and drank from his crystal goblet. "Oh?"

So Kate and RHJ don't have books? How is this possible? Everyone should either have one book, or be sending one out. Who has more than one book currently?

Sent to Matusalem today.

Sent today.

Finished tonight. To be mailed tomorow.

10 cards correct? Is that the # for this round?

Aboard the Navarra Preston was the first to alight from the small boat. Although awkward, the vessel had pinned its stern against the hull of the lowly riding Navarra. The ship's master offered a true smile as he was caught off guard by the wishes of the officer on watch. He outstretched his hand. "Ship's Master Preston Whitingford, sah." Preston nodded a bit as he introduced himself. Charlie was the next aboard and did the same. Close to follow was Maurice and Dries. Joseph and Peter were offered a lantern or two from above to help stow the oars in preparation for coming aboard. Joseph grasped for one and set it upon the thwart as Peter removed his oar from the oarlock. They grabbed for the rope ladder as Preston made the introductions complete when the men stepped aboard. Looking about, Peter realized his small crew from the Lucy easily outsized the men on deck. He finally smiled.

Gunwharf Quay, Portsmouth, England, 10:15am Thommie had been about at the docks for some time when his midshipmen made their way down the wharf. Most of the lot looking miserable. Reeling from the night before, and chilled to the bone in wet oilskins Lieutenant Thomas Earle Woolsworth shouted to the boys even as they stood before him. He grinned widely as they clutched their ears and whimpered. "Plenty of work to do. The Captain has made arrangements for the Clerk to stay below. You lads are to fetch his belongs," the lieutenant pointed to a cart draped in a heavy canvas, " and take them below." "It's true then sah? A clerk?" The Lieutenant crossed his arms. "Aye, 'tis true. Anymore o' ye now, an' it'll be the lash." Thommie scowled, then slowly broke into a grin. "Right now, off with you lot." Thommie took a moment to look about for anyone that could seems out of sorts. he raised his head to the clouds and found the rain to continue. He sighed heavily. How he loathed this climate. Grey, everything was grey, and wet, and cold. Lt. Woolsworth looked southeast to the old burned out cathedral . When would the bloody rain stop.

Aboard the Lucy Preston was the last to depart over the rail. He shook Bill's hand and told him to keep an eye out for the Watch Dog even though she wasn't due until the following morning. "'Ave th' lads keep a watch on the Navarra. Jus' 'n case y' know," Preston winked. Preston looked up to see Andrew Smyth in the rigging giving him another pair of eyes to watch his his back. Bill Flint, ever the dutiful marine simply nodded and saluted the Ship's master. Dries grasped the chains as Preston eased into the stern. Charlie held the tiller while Peter and Joseph pulled slowly on the sweeps sending them away from the Lucy. The night was still, not uncomfortably so, but just another calm, humid evening on Martinique. Preston cursed the island to himself as he longed to be back at sea and done with the drudgery of politics. He eased his hand in the water and watched a luminous glow trail behind. "'s he expecting us sah?" Dries asked abruptly, clutching his musket with his forearm. "I should think not Mister Weers. Captain..." Preston fumbled for the scrap of parchment he had written the Captain's name on. Mister Whitingford squinted to make out the name in the dark. "Yes, a Captain Eustaquio Alano Avendano." "Capitán, Mister Pew," Maurice politely corrected. "Of course Maurice, Capitán," Preston purposefully elongated the pronunciation. The men smiled, but for Peter. "It's th' same bloody thing," Peter grumbled. Charlie scowled at Peter. "'s enough o' that mate, eh Mister Norman." "Aye sah." Peter merely chewed his lip and dropped the oar slowly into the harbor. In a matter of minutes they were within shouting distance to the Navarra. Charlie swung a wide berth so he and Preston could get a look at the ship and possibly the number of men on deck. Reaching the larboard side of the vessel again, Preston told Maurice to hail the officer on watch. Maurice cupped his hands and called aloud, "¡Ha del barco! !La Navarra!"

Don't forget, February is a short month. Books should go out by Saturday...

Two of mine:

I like that idea. 'Limited Edition'. 'PEW's limited edition scratch and sniff'. Yeah, that's it. Bilge water, Rum, gunpowder, metal, this could be interesting.

^ LOL....

Like Patrick said, we'll probably begin the next round with books being mailed out August 1 or so.

Awwwwwwwww... I wanted to do Strawberries and Champagne for a theme.....

In.

Conspiracy theory????? A plane leaving the New York area crashes into the Hudson, but not a single other plane crashed into the Hudson that day. The guy who landed the plane, this guy Sullenberger, just happened to be a pilot. We've all heard of American Airlines, but US Airways? Before the landing, passengers heard four loud booms coming from the right engine. You know what else makes boom noises? Police Academy's Michael Winslow. Where was Michael Winslow that day? And, while we're at it, what happened to the guy who played Commandant Lassard? The Hudson just so happened to be full of water, making the landing feasible. A little too convenient? One engine was still missing days after the accident, yet there's one place reporters never bothered to look: Sullenberger's house. Following the accident, US Airways stock shot up 13 percent. You know who works for that company? The pilot and crew of Flight 1549. Sullenberger's father was a dentist and his mother was a grade-school teacher. Coincidence? Fact: Tickets to the presidential inauguration were nearly impossible to get. Fact: Sullenberger somehow obtained tickets ... from the president-elect of the United States. Sullenberger just happened to be an experienced glider pilot and just happened to be over a body of water with no engine power that day. Coincidence? The passengers are said to have escaped on rafts. That actually seems to hold up. Add up the middle numbers in Flight 1549 and you get 9. Add 8 to the 1 and you also get 9. Now flip over the 999 and you get 666. Add up those numbers and you get 18. Coincidence? Oh, by the way, it turns out that George "Commandant Lassard" Gaynes is scheduled to appear in Police Academy 8 in 2011. It's true. Check IMDb. A hundred and fifty-five people wanted to go to Charlotte? Really? It's mindblowing, really it is.....

Aboard the Lucy, approaching the Cul de Sac Royal "Better luck t' see a Cockatrice 'n this harbor," Preston muttered to no one in particular. The helmsman pulled the tiller to larboard so that the Ships' Master could survey the harbor with the rapidly waning light behind him. Preston and the officers had gauged their time at sea wisely and he hoped to be at rest by nightfall. He called for Patrick to fetch him a shaded lantern and the chart that Captain Lasseter had left him. Preston looked to the south and could just make out the mountains against the purple backdrop of the sky. Several stars had begun to peek out from behind their dark plane. Patrick hurried back and held the lantern at his arm's length just reaching Preston's shoulders. The ship's master followed the shoreline peering at the chart and then the coast, and back again. He returned to the larboard side of the vessel and furrowed his brow in frustration. Jerrod called down to Preston and pointed NNW. What looked to be the Navarra was spotted by the lookout sitting at rest some several cable lengths fine on the bow of the Lucy. The Lucy was now in the wind with her sails shivering. Nigel had taken the tiller and began the calls to ready to drop anchor. Chris Tucker stood amidships and matched Nigel's calls as they both worked in tandem as they had done times before on the Watch Dog. "Ready t' drop," called Lucky Tuck to Nigel, who in turn repeated the order to Preston. Preston Whitingford nodded and simply stated "best bower away." Nigel repeated the order to Mister Tucker then calling to his men to release the cable. A heavy splash followed by Lucky Tuck's remaining orders eased the Lucy to rest. Nigel called to his men to stow the sails and ready the longboat to be dispatched. The men Preston had previously spoken with arrived on deck just as the two bells of the second dog watch tolled. _____________________________________ Navigation Log of the Lucy: Direction: Bow facing NW Speed: At rest Wind: Calm, from the NW

Sounds good Joe. Our local tavern just put their Fordham Dopplebock on the taps. Review forthcoming... Last night's picks: Haven't had the Redhook double black yet this year. We've had it previously though and it is great, (it's the Starbucks and Redhook brew.) The Eye of the Hawk was good but disappeared flavor-wise as you drank it. Very clean, but unremarkable. Think of an IPA light. Avery's Mephistopheles was ridiculously good. 16%ABV and it tasted it. Dark black body in color, but the head was a deep cherry color. Very heavy and bold. We only had one after dinner and it as all you needed. Let it warm to room temperature and you'll get the most flavor from it.