Mark Read

Have you checked with Jamaica Rose at No Quarter Given, she knows a lot of pirates along the West Coast, and the rest of the pirate world for that matter.

Please Ignore mad Jack's option as that has not place in our thread unless you intend to be hung and end your action in our story.... Meanwhile, for the real thing... The ship would need to go through customs(an officer would come aboard) and the Dockmaster would be in charge of giving you a place to tie up and make berth.

Decisions, decisions.... I had a split second to decide whether I wanted to be honest, or play off the cumsy oaf option. The clumsy oaf option was an easy one, and would get me out of harms way, but also could put me at a disadvantage for a position in the mission to come. So as painful as it may be, I must go with honesty...for the most part. "The truth, sir, is bit of each. While I do have moments of clumsiness, I must admit part of this scene is due to my attempts to listen in on your conversation." His face showed he was not humored. "Please, if you will, hear me out. I heard your call to action in the church. Being of English blood and having served my time for my country, I wanted to learn more. For that reason, I followed you to the tavern. I was not invited to your table, for obvious reasons, and I am not of a status where I could invite myself " , I looked over at the Major, "So, I found myself sitting here, overhearing some bits of your conversation. I wish to serve you, sir, if you have a role for me."

As I listened in to the conversation I could not hear everything clearly... but I could hear the words I needed to....raid...Spanish.... richest city... Wealth.... I also heard something about the Spanish being brave...fighting... want to sink us... but my mind kept going back to those first so important words... richest city and wealth. I wanted to be a part of this and as I was thinking of how to work my way into this group of brave souls, I leaned back a little more than I should have and fell onto the ground at the feet of the men gathered for thier meeting. They all looked down at me...

The tavern festivities wound down as I watched Capt. Sterling slip into a coma and be carried out for bed rest to recover. Shame, I never even had a chance to speak to the man. Hopefully the doc can bring him around. I continued my drink as Admiral Morgan and others began to assemble at a table near the other end of the bar. I stood... milled about the room a bit, then reapproached the bar closer to their position and ordered another round. I sat while waiting for my drink, and for the conversation to begin, thinking I should be able to hear enough of the talk to sort out what was going on.

(I know I am a little behind in story line, please humor me a little back up... and I'll bring my story right up with everyone elses... with a few changes from where it was being taken by others.) I wanted to keep an eye on Morgan. But Lady Barbossa wanted to return to her ship. I humored her a bit, tapping my fingers on the pilling as she went below deck. She returned to the surface in mens clothing. I looked at her in Disbelief, ' Unacceptable', I muttered. I shook my head as she came up the dock. "I believe this it where we will be parting our ties. I thought you said you had no desire to be dangling on a rope. While I appreciate and respect your gender and status, showing yourself like this on shore, is like raising your black colors here and now. I have no room for someone who wishes to become a target for the gallows. " With that, I turned on my heel and made my way to the tavern in haste, hoping I was keeping a good distance ahead of her, and all the while working out how to lessen my 'connection' to her. Upon entering the tavern I made my way to the bar and ordered a tankard full. I would need a bit tonight to help me get through the uncomfortable conversations that I was sure would come this night. A few minutes later she entered and took her place in a corner table. Luckily there was not much time for a reaction to her new attire, because just moments later Capt. Sterling collapsed to the floor in front of us. My instinct was to run to him and try to aid him, but there were others already doing that and I need not draw unnecessary attention. Admiral Morgan yelled to a man sitting next to me to hunt down the physician. He left, leaving a more than half full bottle or rum unattended. In the ensuing chaos I slid to the chair closest his, poured enough of his rum to refill my tankard, put it back in it's place and moved back to my original seat.

I left the Church a few steps behind Lady Barbossa, all the time watching Morgan. He seemed to almost brush off Lord Modyford.. interesting... then he rushed out the church doors him self and set a swift course. I assumed from his direction he was on his way back to the Three Crownes. I hoped Lady Barbossa had similar plans, so it could seem that I just happened in there myself, as I escorted her about town. If not, I would have to find another way to keep a closer tab on the Admiral and just what he was up to.

The service began as any other - mourners filed in, the choir sang an appropriate hymn, a prayer, a few words of remeberance from the Admiral, and then... "I will not rest until the death of every Englishman has been avenged........I pray that if called upon, our good captains will join in the fight............ take up arms and join us as we fight the Spanish dogs on Spanish soil instead of our own...." There were whispered mumbles throughout the crowd... I can only assume they were all thinking the same as I. Was this a memorial service or a war rally? I am sure the reverend had kind words to saw about the lost sailors after the Admiral spoke, but I did not hear any of it. I was playing over his words, and wondering what his war with Spain would do to my future plans.

I allowed a few minutes for Lady Barbossa to conduct business with Drucker, then I interrupted, "Pardon my intrusion, but is is nearing 6 O'clock. We need to begin towards the church to pay our respects." As we walked towards the church, I decided to offer a little Port Royal infomration in a whispered conversation, "While there are three menacing looking forts guarding Port Royal, one would have to wonder how much is look...and how much really is the power to defend. I suppose the person who would know that answer would be Major Beckworth.... I've heard his tongue can get a bit loose when he's been spending time at the Three Crownes.... especially after he's already spent a little time downstairs with the drink, and is looking to find the right girl to spend time with upstairs.... yes... a little silk and lace can go a long way...." I cut the conversation off as we were nearing the church, a crowd had already assembled and were filing in and filling up the pews.

We had just over an hour until the service so I decided to take Lady Barbossa along the merchants row. I had not been in town too long, but she need not know that. After all, it is not a massive town, just a little spit of land really. I had seen enough to know where a few shops were that would strike her fancy. I had a thought of where the church was located, and hearing it's bells toll in just a few minutes, I would be able to get my bearings and know for sure. I first took her to the gold smiths shop. While most of Richard Lord's wares were on commission, he would always be at the docks to see what may have come in and often offer those bejeweled goods in is store. He had quite a selection of finished items, at least 12 pieces, most gold with emeralds. I fawned over a few of them, but the Lady did not seem as impressed. I assume she was used to seeing and seizing much better. Next we went into John Drucker's Tailor Shop. He was the man to seek if one wanted the finest look in town. I don't know of his connections, but the magnificent bolts of fabric that seemed to fall off many ships and into his shop were second to none. I found myself drawn to a bolt of lace. it was a very tight weave, yet surprisingly soft. As I caressed the material I was taken back in my memory...to a time when I could feel this type of material more often. A time when I had a home with dresses made out of soft soft, supple threads....a time when..... A voice snapped me out of my daydream. It was Drucker, "did you want to purchase some?" "uh...no.... thank you, I was just admiring it." I looked about to see Lady barbossa watching me, curiously.

I had been looking for some monetary assistance to figure out what the various denominations came out to...for purchases... here's a little of what I have found... 4 farthings = 1d (penny) 4d = 1 groat 12d = 3 groats = 1s (shilling) 5s = 1 crown (half-a-crown = 2s 6d) 20s = 4 crowns = 1l or 1 (pound) I found another reference that says Piece of 8 = 5 shillings Anyone have any info on the worth of a gold coin in reference to these other denominations??? Also... as for cost of goods... this is about 70 years off, but gives a good starting point.. Cost of Goods

I picked up the coin Lady Barbossa had placed on the table. I held it low, so as not to be seen by others, and twirled it through my fingers thinking of how much this one coin could buy.... this one gold coin was equal to a pocket full of shillings... I could fill table after table with fine ale... Things were looking up. From the street we could hear the Herald calling - Hear Ye! Hear Ye! All are invited to attend the service for those brave lads killed in the Oxford explosion last eve. Services begin at the church at 6 o clock. All are invited and encouraged to attend by His Excellency Lord Modyford and Admiral Henry Morgan. "Well, there you have your first answer." I stood up beside her and motioned towards the door,"Shall we?"

Careful lass, I would advise not mentioning all those affiliations too loud.... The Admiral has been about looking for those he can associate with pyracy to hang on the end of a short rope....

At a corner table in the Three Crownes. I chuckled, " If just a fraction of the stories I've heard of you are true, I have no doubt you are more at home and at ease in this dank corner of an inn than most other locales.... You worry about trust? Well I would think our necks are both equally on the line at this point. I could have easily pointed you out to Admiral Morgan... a few quick stories that I heard while 'captured' by pirates... and you would already have that date with the noose. But I did not. Frankly, now we're equally threatened... for I knew you for what you are, and did not report it. Why waste my time if I did not have a purpose to keep you in your current position...such as putting more coin in my pocket " "My skills?", I leaned back on the bench, took a swig from my glass, and smiled, "I have a history in both the King's Army and Navy... commendations for my fighting skills, and can take up any position you offer me onboard." "I also fancy serving under a woman captain."

I was concerned at Admiral Morgan's determined approach to us upon the dock, that the game would be up. The Lady, however, in addition to the skills I had heard of, was also a master of charm, flattery and a coy smile that caught the Admiral square on the chin. and I watched as he puffed up in pride at her words. The flattery seemed enough to appease him. He wished us a good day, turned on his heel, and was on his way. "Well done, that could have gotten a tad messy, eh?" We strolled the short way to the Three Crownes. Upon entering there were a number of tables available. Toward the front, nicer dining tables well lit by the light from the outside... I walked her past these and onto a corner table that was poorly lit and somewhat removed from the rest. "I think this will do just fine... ", I pulled out her chair and after she was seated I once again scanned the room to make sure there was no one within earshot, "I would like to speak with your 'travels' with your 'brother' and future travels you may have planned. To be frank, I have heard of you. In my travel to Jamaica on a Dutch merchant ship, we were taken by the crewe of The Ranger. As we continued the voyage that brought me here, I heard stories of the Ressurection, her crewe..and of course,her Lady Captain. I have heard she is a fine vessel, with a fine capatain and crewe, and I am hoping there is room to be added to those ranks."