Pyrates of the West Coast

[William Brand]

"I knew a man that would have labeled you a 'frolicker'."

Lamaire gestured to himself with an added mock to his innocence that made William smile. He had always secretly delighted in the company of men schooled as rascals and gentlemen. Lamaire sometimes struck him as a play actor, flying from scene to scene, sometimes playing the fool and other times the brave defender. Whatever the man might truly be, William had liked him from the start.

"And it is true...the hospitality of the Don notwithstanding, I am anxious to explore that new country gifted to me and mine. I..."

The Watch Dog's aft bell pealed, cutting him short, and William was surprised to find themselves further into the day than he had expected. The First Dog Watch had come and with it the newly procured cannon. William raised his hat toward the Master Gunner, Master-at-Arms, and Steward, already arrived and already preparing cables to lift the new guns aboard.

"We shall be putting to sea presently, and since the hospitality of this place has been outpaced by misfortune, I'll not miss this 'spit of land' as you called it."

"But I think you shall miss the grandeur...perhaps?" Lamaire said with a searching smile.

William returned the smile. "The ball was grand, but look you here..." he said motioning with the point of his cane toward a man laden down with several bird cages. "My cook has secured some of this islands water fowl and so I shall dine on duck yet again...and in the halls of my own island no less."

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

"Oui, Capitaine! The halls of the Mountain King, as it were." The Frenchman chuckled. "I can tell you from personal experience, that the "halls" are most pleasing...as are les chambre a' coucher; mattresses of goose down that would please a sultan, non? I can do nothing less then give such furnishings my highest endorsments."

Lamaire slyed a wink before his attention was drawn to the trio newly arrived and the long iron in their company.

"Mon dieu! You have made off like a thief in the night. I was not aware that cannon were part of the accord. It would not suprise me, at this point, if arrangements have been made for your betrothel to the Don's daughter."

He emitted a smallish chortle at the thought. Regaining composure, Dominique fixed William with a more serious expression.

"Have you obtained chartings for the waters surrounding La Blanquilla? For if not, I know for fact that Jean-Micheale has duplicates of soundings we have taken there. I am sure that he would be more than willing to part with a rendering or two."

He paused to tap his right temple with index finger, "Jean keeps most things here anyway. It has always been my impression that he thinks such vast amounts of chartings laying about give an air of importance to his station."

[William Brand]

"Since you believe it won't trouble him, then I will gladly accept the additional charts. Perhaps I can return them to him one day with some additional notations. Of course, I shall keep the many hidden coffers I find along the way a secret to myself."

Lamaire was watching the Ship's Steward as she assisted Mister Pew in the preparation of one of the three twelve pounders. They were arguing, albeit casually, over the most appropriate knot to secure the weighty gun. Crew members Dinwiddie, Thatcher, and Monahan were swinging out the boom to receive the newly appropriated prize.

"The sea has become dangerous for too much coffer gathering, Capitaine."

"Aye. But it was ever dangerous for me."

"But one might think you are...courting trouble..." Lamaire said, gesturing to the new guns.

“I am not afraid…" William returned, smiling one of his more devious smiles. "I was born to do this.”*

Lamaire shook a wagging finger with a spreading grin. "Ahhhh. One should never quote martyrs when putting to sea, Capitaine. You will invite trouble."

William looked out over the crew, all working in tandem to store the provisions for an uncertain future. Every one of them was worth their weight in proverbial gold. He might never see the like again all gathered together under one command. It made him feel strong. Dangerous.

"I am trouble incarnate."

*A quote by Joan of Arc

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Dominique chuckled underbreath before commenting wistfully, " Fair les quatre cents coups avec coup d'eclat, non?... As we say, to lead a reckless life with glorious deeds."

Mister Lasseter excused himself to delve into the great cannon debate; silence lay comfortably betwixt William and Dominique for a passing of moments. The former lightly considering the wide aray of possibilities on the nearing horizon, the later perfectly content to enjoy the view and warmth of Southerly breeze. Drawing his attention away from Miss Smith's vissage, the French Lieutenant recentered to his companion with a slight cock of head.

"I do not wish to take you away from matters of import, knowing full well how preperations such as these taking place involve an amount of proper attention. If I have your leave, I wish to visit with your good doctor for bit of time. I will see to making arangements in regard for said charts."

Dominique held a hand forth to be met by William's own in firm clasp. A mischievous glint played the Lieutenant's eyes as he gave the other a sly wink, "Fair les quatre cents coups, mon Capitaine..."

[William Brand]

The Captain clapped hands with the Lieutenant, and the Frenchman's company suddenly reminded him of something else entirely and he excused himself to search out the new recruit.

He found Bill Flint throwing his weight against a net full of bales being swung over the gun deck to the waiting hold. The man still showed his sunburns from his recent days stranded at sea, but for the most part he seemed no worse for wear. William watched him work awhile to measure the man's capability. Then he called him over.

"Mister Flint, a word if you please."

"Aye, Sar."

"I was hasty before and quite overlooked a subject that may be of importance to us both. I need a few more hands aboard and you spoke of other shipmates stranded here on La Margarita."

"Aye, Sar."

"I wonder then how many of your compatriots you could gather in an hour's time if I sent you with a few of my men to fetch them."

[Dorian Lasseter]

::As he walked over to the Master at Arms and the Captain's Steward, he crossed his arms in front of him, waiting for them to notice his arrival.

When they had he smiled and nodded at the cannon...::

Wot kinda fancy knotwork ye goin' fer ta hoist th' barrel, aye?

::In turn they each gave their suggested knot and line configutation to the QuarterMaster, who thoughtfully nodded to each...::

Both ways will do th' job just fine... But fer ease an' th' sake o' time ta untie th' knots tha' Mr. Badger would be proud of... Just run a double line, clove hitch 'round th' cascabel an' th muzzle... A'right? A'right...

::He smiled and nodded as a sign for them to get to the work... ::

Go on.... off ye go...

[Bloody Bill Flint]

Bill lowered his head and scratched his chin deep in thought.

"Well Cap'n, that be difficult te say".

"As I said earlier, we scattered to the wind as soon as we made land fall."

"If'n they all be alive and if'n I kin finds them the number'd be 5".

"Be ya givin' yer leave te go ashore and have us a looksie Cap'n?"

[William Brand]

"Aye, Mister Flint. Report to the Master-at-arms there..." William pointed to a sturdy, smiling fellow who was even now tying off the cascabel on a new 12 pounder. "Have him provide you with an escort. He knows the lay of the harbor and can provide another man of his choice to go with the two of you. Mind you...only one hour. We'll let providence decide who is found and who isn't. I cannot spare the hands long."

[Bloody Bill Flint]

Bill knuckled his brow

"Aye sar"

With that he spun on his heel and reported to the Master-at-Arms. Together with the third man they made their way into the interior. Bill knew at least two of the men were creatures of habit and would not have strayed far from where they had run aground their first night on the island. Sure enough there was Nathan Bly and Jonas McCormick napping in a palm grove not one hundred yards from the wreck of the long boat.

"AVAST! On yer feet n' throw down yer weapons!" Bill roared. The two sleeping sailors jumped to their feet and raised their hands above their heads. Bill let out a hearty laugh. When the two say it was he they lowered their hands and embraced their friend.

"Who be this wit ya Bill?", Asked Bly

"This be part of me new crew laddies", replied Bill

"New crew? Ye found an English crew in these cursed waters?" asked McCormick incredulously

"Aye and Cap'n brand says there be room for the likes o' ye if'n ya stop dawdlin' and get a move on ."

"Now collect yer dunnage and make yer way out back o' the grog shop in the harbor and wait fer me, and fer God's sake keep out o' sight."

The tars complied and began to make their way towars the harbor. Bill and his group continued on. Tommy Halsey found them first. Tommy was only too happy to join but bore ill tiddings, Jeffery Standish had died in the jungle a few days after their landing in the grip of some unknown fever. Bill felt this was odd but decided he would get to the bottom of this later as he only had an hour.

"This only be leavin' Henry Walcott if'n I can find him, know ye where he be?"

"Aye he be in the brig, the Spanards caught 'im and took 'im fer a spy".

Bills spirits sunk. "Well, c'mon then we best be getting back."

"I'll pass a word to the Cap'n and see if'n sumtin kin be done bout Henry."

The party swiftly made it's way back to the ship. Bill immediately sought the Captain.

"Cap'n Brand sar, tis me pleasure te innerduce Nathan Bly, Jonas McCormick, and Tommy Halsey, every one o' 'em faithful hands before the mast". Each man knuckled his brow as his name was mentioned.

"Cap'n, Tommy says another o' our number died in the interior, and that the last is in the town's brig a prisoner o' the Spanish. I be hatin' te leave a shipmate and I know tis only a small matter before they hang 'im or hand 'im over te the French, but the decision be your Cap'n".

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

"Cap'n Brand sar, tis me pleasure te innerduce Nathan Bly, Jonas McCormick, and Tommy Halsey, every one o' 'em faithful hands before the mast". Each man knuckled his brow as his name was mentioned.

"Cap'n, Tommy says another o' our number died in the interior, and that the last is in the town's brig a prisoner o' the Spanish. I be hatin' te leave a shipmate and I know tis only a small matter before they hang 'im or hand 'im over te the French, but the decision be your Cap'n".

Armand and Dominique crossed the upper reaches of wooden nation quietly conversing in native tongue. There were no secrets to be revealed betwixt these kindered souls of land and sea, for devotion and honour had broken such barriers with the morning's past events. They stood now as brothers, sharing ties of various qualities, common aquaints, nationality and values. The ease of which they spoke to one another in confidence, did much to alieviate the deamons plaguing inner notions of the younger and the elder secretly looked forward to the grand charades of soirees in the future.

Pausing to view the waiting brigantine moored at near distance, the Bordelaise caught wordings playing over the breeze which caused further creasing to scarred expression. The Gascon paused mid- comment to comrade's change of vissage and raised a brow in silent query. Turning slightly to cast sidelong scrutiny to origin of comments, Lamaire's focus fell on a seahand that was unfamiliar to his knowing, in the company of Capitaine Hollande.

The intense sights balancing above refined cheekbone plains, watched the individual of interest with unwavering concentration; likened to predator measuring possible prey.

[Dorian Lasseter]

:: As Mr. Lasseter watched over the operation, all the new cannons had been swayed into the waist of the ship. Now the task of shifting the twelve pounders to the quarterdeck, and two of the long nines to the forecastle was at hand. The QuarterMaster gave orders to the crew to rig another set of tackle to sway the nine pounders off the quarter first, then to sway up the new great guns. As he was moving about the deck he saw Armand and Leftenant Lamaire of Le Requiem in conversation walking toward his location. He smiled as they got close and was about to ask their pardon so he might get past when their conversing came to an abrupt stop... A troubled look crossed both mens faces, which caused some concern to the QuarterMaster... Therefore, he took the final steps to cross the gap...::

Armand... Dominique.... is there somthin' amiss?

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

So focused on the object of his attention, Lamaire did not register Dorian's proxy at first. Armand chose to remain silent, though he looked back and forth betwixt his companion and Quartermaster. Slowly and in a distracted manner, Dominique took his attention away from subject under scrutiny and re-centered on new arrival.

Proffering an easy smile, the Lieutenant nodded acknowledgement before speaking.

"Pardon, I was contemplating..."

[Dorian Lasseter]

::Seeing the direction of Lamaire's stare, and as he shifted his vision to the QuarterMaster, he stole a glance in the in the direction of distraction. What he saw was the crew bustling around the Captain and the new Lad, along with a handful of more new faces... furrowing his brow yet again he percieved what might be amiss....::

Them new lads, near th' Cap'n... ye got some worry wi' them?

::He waited not a breath then continued...::

No worries... we need some new blood aboard... an' they might be rough 'round th' edges til they understand 'r workin's...

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

The Gascon kept silent and the other pursed his lips in momentary thought before saying anything more.

"If that is what you perceive, ami...Then I shall say no more of the matter. But, there is mention from the one closest to the Capitaine of some trouble with my countrymen..."

The normally mirthful light that danced Lamaire's eyes was nowhere to be seen. He looked at Dorian intently and lowered his voice.

"It could be viewed as a unwise cargo to have aboard if they are wanted by France, ami...And that signiture on Letter of Marque may not be enough to ensure avoidance of ill outcome."

[Dorian Lasseter]

::Mr. Lasseter looked back at the man with the Captain, studied him for a short time... then shrugged his shoulders....::

Well... If it comes ta such a thing.... William n' I'll handle it...

But if it troubles ye so... mayhaps we should 'ave a speak wi' th' cap'n?

::He stood and put his hand to his chin thought for a moment...::

I'll see wot might be arrainged... but at th' moment, I got some great guns ta shift about, so if you'll pardone et Moi...

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

"Non...I shall act blind and deaf. It is none of my concern and though I could take them into custody for questioning, I am a guest here and respect Capitaine Hollande far too much to do such."

He glanced to Armand then back to the Quartermaster.

"You will forgive me, but I must return to Le Requiem and report that all is well here. Always a pleasure, Dorian."

[Bloody Bill Flint]

As Tommy relayed the tale of Jeffery Standish and word of Henry Walcott's plight to Captain Brand. Bill suddenly had that sinking feeling in his gut that had grixed him just before the two French ships had attacked the Dreadnaught. Not wanting to show disrespect to the Captain he paid rapt attention to the conversation. However he was sure he felt eyes on him. At a pause in the conversation he chanced a glance over his shoulder and found a man staring at him. Normally this wouldn't bother him, as he could hold his own, but this man was a french naval officer. The man broke eye contact as the Quartermaster approached and began to converse with him. This was proving a most peculiar day indeed a crew of english privateers, for he was certain that's what they were now that he had seen the new cannon brought aboard, being given solace on a Spanish isle, and the french navy moored nearby and completely non-chalant of the fact. Whatever was going on here Bill would have to discover later, but right now trouble was brewing. His mates were still wearing their uniforms and the french lieutenant was headed for the french ship. As the Captain was still busy with Tommy, Bill took the opportunity to pull Jonas aside. Lowering his voice to a whisper:

"Pass the word matey, don't drop anchor yet, there be a change in the wind says I."

"What's in yer head Bill?"

"An officer from yon jolly Frenchman was just aboard and seen the lot o' us in our slops."

"What d'ya make of it?"

" I'm not sure what to make of anything. This be the queerest arrangement I seen in all me days. Makin' no mind of it however Cap'n Brand and his crew still be citizens o' the Crown and entitled to our protection. Now we can't be drawing them inta the wrong side o' the Frenchies graces so it's best we be moving along. Make no mistake matey we be in enemy waters and heavily outnumbered. There be squalls ahead for the likes o' us".

" I agree Bill whatdya want done?"

"We'll wait til dark and slip out n' spring Henry from the brig and flee to the interior. I figure a neutral merchantman has to make berth here sooner er later and we'll barter passage until we cross a friendly patrol and get back on our side o' the lines."

"We can't go back into the interior, we just can't , we'll die out there!"

"Ye can and ye will!",Bill hissed," I'll not see citizens o' the Crown come under fire from that Brigantine cuz the lot o' us stood next to their fife rails, now pass the word and be quiet about it."

Bill didn't want to leave the Watch Dog, but he was still a marine of Her Majesty's Royal Navy and the protection on English citizens was his duty .

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Having taken the news reluctantly delivered and accepted, the Surgeon decided that perhaps what was needed was air of fresher qualities than were to be had below decks. Steeling her expression, she deftly navigated the dim lumination of lower decks to gain those above.

Once arriving, unconscience instinct drove the deepened hue of emerald sight to survey the surround. The upper regions were still a display of controled chaos and quick note was made that Armand stood solitary near starboard rail. Side stepping a group of hands working to steady crate descent to lower containment of hold borders, she joined kindred and made ghost of smile at his notice.

"Gaston has gone back to Le Requiem?"

"Oui...He said to give you his compliments and hopes to see you before they leave, which will be soon."

Her mouth was a grim line, a contradiction to usual fullness of lip. Armand laid a protective arm around her shoulders, but was at a loss of words to make comment. A gathering of men aft drew her attention and the delicate brow furrowed slightly.

"Who are those men around William?"

The Gascon did not look to the indicated direction, knowing full well that of which she asked.

"Dorian said that they are new hands."

"Such curiosity...It is puzzling to me as to why I was not notified. Perhaps I should be so bold as to present myself and inquire in person."

"If that is what you wish, but I will accompany you if that is what is truly on your mind."

"Perhaps...We shall wait for now."

[William Brand]

First Dog Watch - 3rd Bell (Aboard the Watch Dog anchored at La Margarita)

"Cap'n Brand sar, tis me pleasure te innerduce Nathan Bly, Jonas McCormick, and Tommy Halsey, every one o' 'em faithful hands before the mast". Each man knuckled his brow as his name was mentioned.

"Cap'n, Tommy says another o' our number died in the interior, and that the last is in the town's brig a prisoner o' the Spanish. I be hatin' te leave a shipmate and I know tis only a small matter before they hang 'im or hand 'im over te the French, but the decision be your Cap'n".

William was a man of few languages, but second only to English was his recognition of body language in all of its subtleties. This understanding of unspoken words that came with a nervous glance, a glazing over of the eyes, a shifting contrapposto, a tick, a subtle pause or quickening of speech was to William a cartography of hidden shoals and reefs. William was practiced in the arts of half truths, deceptions and the slight of hand he used to observe events peripherally.

Even as he spoke with Tommy Halsey, his eyes were elsewhere more than with the castaway Marine. He noted in the reflection of the highly polished cascabel of the starboard 24 pounder that Bill Flint was in a hushed conversation with the one just introduced as Jonas McCormick. He couldn't hear their words, but their sudden confidence while he stood so near gave him pause.

William looked at the man called Bly and found that his eyes were elsewhere, but not on Jonas or Bill. He interrupted part of Thomas Halsey's narrative to ask if any of them had eaten. This gave him the opportunity to turn as if searching out Mister Lasseter, whom he found near at hand and he understood at once.

The French and the English had ever been bitter enemies and sometimes uncomfortable allies. Here, standing not thirty feet apart, stood all the old grievances and prejudices sizing up one another. And with news of fresh hurts between to beloved countries arriving almost daily, it was a powder keg let loose on the gun deck.

He diffused almost at once, at least for the time being. "Go and get some food and rum from the galley, lads. I'll see what can be done ashore for this Henry Walcott."

[Pew]

::The deck of the Watch Dog was alive with activity when we returned. Cannon were being hoisted aboard, baryard fare were being led aboard (to their demise no doubt), and a steady stream of supplies made their way below decks like a stream of ants back to the hill. I made my way to Eric Franklin upon my return.

"Wot ye thinkin' 'bout that lot mate?" I nudge Eric and nod towards the gentlemen speaking with the Captain.

"Dunno, but we've lost a few in the last weeks. Be nice to have a little 'elp 'round 'ere." Eric fold his arms and watches the lads for a minute. "Wot ye think 'e be nervous 'bout?"

"Funny thing innit. I'd be feelin' a wee bit more comfortable ifin I be talkin' to the Cap'n. Odd lot those gents." I put my foot on the gunwale and remove my flask, offering a pull to Eric.

"Hmmm." Eric and I stand there a minute and watch the proceedings with the Cap'n. "Lessee ifin the Cap'n may 'ave 'is 'ands full with these lads. . ."

Eric and I walk to the gentlemen deep in discussion with the Captain. But before we can address the men they have already departed the Captain's company.

"Cap'n, 'bout these lads, I might be needin' a word with ya at ya pleasure sah . . "

[Dorian Lasseter]

"You will forgive me, but I must return to Le Requiem and report that all is well here. Always a pleasure, Dorian."

Aye, Leftenant... Always...

::Dorian went back to his business at hand of getting the cannons shifted into their new arrangement, but he occasionally glanced around the ship, watching all that went on around him... His eyes strayed to the group of newcomers, standing in a muttled group, all wearing some now ragged royal navy jackets... He hadn't thought much of it earlier, but now he took a moment to think on it... Had the hostilities between the great powers grown to a high pitch recently? Or were these new lads feverent British Tars? Only time would tell....::

[William Brand]

William watched after the men and did not answer for a time. Then he focused on Mister Pew, but addressed Mister Franklin.

"Mister Franklin, if you'd be so kind as to send for the Master Carpenter and Blacksmith and have them report at the bow."

"Sah." Eric went off at once.

"Report, Mister Pew."

[Pew]

"Dunno Cap'n. Summin' donnat seem quite right wit these fellas. Found 'em asleep on 'e beach round the point o'er ther. They been hidin' in wot shadows they can find all tha way back 'ere to tha ship. An' I o'erheard 'em sayin' 'at two crewmates be in the brig ashore. Dunno Cap'n 'is 'ere lot seems a might fishy ta me. Dinnat trust me 'til that one," I pause and point at Bill Flint " made my positing 'ere known. Dinnat trust the Spanish 'or the Frenchies . . . "

[William Brand]

"One dead. One in the brig." William replied, still looking about the deck as casually as before, but taking in everything. He noted that Mister Lasseter was doing the same and they passed the briefest of looks between one another.

"Mister Pew...when those lads are fed and provided for, I should like their arms collected and noted in the locker and ledger, if you please. They've had a run of bad luck and an unwished trip in a long boat after the loss of comrades and ship. I'm mindful of their dislike and fears of the Spaniards and the French, but it has been the same with some already aboard the Watch Dog. I've oft heard our dear Mister Franklin profess his own feelings for the 'Frogs'.

Still, as Master-at-Arms, I should like you to be mindful of them."

[Pew]

"Very well sah." I said briely but drew it out long enough not to seem curt to the Captain.

I went away below decks to find our new crew members and discuss with them their arms stowage while aboard ship.