Pyrates of the West Coast

[William Brand]

William was still on the quarterdeck as dawn came. The morning was clear and as perfect a morning as one could hope for. No sails were sighted, but Montserrat could just be seen in the distance. William took up the speaking horn and called out to Mister Lasseter.

"Mister Lasseter, ahoy! I have a passenger that needs ferrying to the Danzig!"

William watched for his acknowledgment and then turned to Christine, who was waiting at the taffrail with a a small sea trunk and a sailor's bag. He went and stood beside her and with a grateful smile he passed her a bag of coin equal to her portion of work and her take of those goods to be sold in Margarita.

"Thank you, Miss Johnson."

She smiled the smile that was want to upset the thoughts of many a man. It was a distracting smile and pleasant smile that many of the messmates would probably miss.

William sent for a bottle and two glasses and when they arrived he drank her a toast. "To carefree spirits who find solace only in wandering and discovery."

The cutter came gliding up to the Watch Dog.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

The night's passage had been rigorous, but had proven kinder than what had been initially expected. Against second protest, the Gascon was shooed from the sick berth to procure the adictive brew that would aid in the workings of early morning duties.

Making the familiar trek to the Galley and the possesion of hot water, Armand paused to the open break of the waist. The quality of air was like fine aged elixir in comparison to the generally stagnent surround of the orlop. The bilge did nothing to add to the scent that often lingered in a staggering manner to the surgery and he felt a pang of guilt at the thought of brief freedom.

Detouring to upper decks he strectched lithe frame, pausing mid motion to the survey of wooden legnth. With manner of cassual ease, Armand strolled towards the Holy Ground; nodding or smiling in greeting to all he passed. Hints of conversation gave word of their escorts drop from sight in the middle of the night, a fact that he would be sure to pass along on return to the lower decks.

Continuing abaft the main mast, he noticed the Capitain's Steward near port rail intent upon the scribing of notation. Approaching on soft pad of bare foot,

" Bonjour, mademoiselle..."

He gave flourish of deep bow to her, stopping at its low point to glance up with sheepish smile before rising.

" You are well, oui?"

[Tudor MercWench Smith]

Tudor startled when she heard the Doctor's steward behind her. "Oh, hello . . . she said, after he bowed and asked how she was. "I am well indeed . . " She paused awkwardly, unsure of how to continue the conversation . . . "And yourself?" She asked hesitantly.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Armand cocked his head evers so slightly to the left, " Magnifique, Mademoiselle...Merci."

Remembering suddenly the need for hot water, he huffed minutely.

" You will have to pardon me, Mademoiselle..." Armand frowned, " I am on an errand, but had wished to say hello. Maybe there will be another time for conversation, non?"

Bowing deeply again, he backed two paces before gaining upright posturing.

" Je suis a' votre disposition, Mademoiselle....Au revoir for now."

The warm smile returned as he turned on heel and contiued to the original destination.

[Tudor MercWench Smith]

Tudor blinked twice, "A beintot," She called after him . . . her face placid, but her ears an odd shade of pink . . .

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

Breakfast meal was in tact and was quite the liking to a sailors life, salted pork fried and hard tack. Coffee was thick and hot so I added a sconce a rum and flavored it right up. Finishing I tilted me hat to the unawares there and made me exit headin toward the quarterdeck. Aye Captain! Quite the day God has granted isn't it? An I see Christine Lass yer all packed and ready fer yer land legs to return? (looking back ahind us I add) I see too, the French disappeared into the night (leaning in) that was expected were it not Sir?

[Pew]

'Ello monsignor!

We be 'eadin towards British waters so de Frenchies be beggin' off of us. We be inst our own as I reckon'. Twould be why the bell was rung so earl this morn' . ..

[William Brand]

Breakfast meal was in tact and was quite the liking to a sailors life, salted pork fried and hard tack. Coffee was thick and hot so I added a sconce a rum and flavored it right up. Finishing I tilted me hat to the unawares there and made me exit headin toward the quarterdeck. Aye Captain! Quite the day God has granted isn't it? An I see Christine Lass yer all packed and ready fer yer land legs to return? (looking back ahind us I add) I see too, the French disappeared into the night (leaning in) that was expected were it not Sir?

"Aye, Monsignor. They did an unexpected service in following us so far."

William watched Mister Lasseter guide the cutter gently against the moving Watch Dog. Christine Johnson went down into the cutter carrying what she had come with and a dispatch meant for the Danzig Ship's Master. Most of the crew was abed, but many took the chance to wave a fond farewell to Christine as the cutter turned away to the Danzig Trader.

William called for Mister Badger to sound "all hands" and to begin the preparations for separating from the Danzig. William took the speaking horn and called back to their Ship's Master.

"Prepare to receive guests and to cast off from the Watch Dog!"

Their were shouts of understanding as sailors gathered at the bow of the Danzig Trader to shake off the Watch Dog's tow cable.

Meanwhile, the cutter was already alongside the Danzig and as Christine stepped away, they swung the cutter nimbly away from the Danzig's hull. Christine was welcomed aboard and she handed over the Captain's dispatch. It read as follows.

"I deliver into your hands the safe conduct of one Christine Johnson, former cook and crewmember of the Watch Dog. More importantly, she is my friend and has known enoough hardship and toil in her service here. If I should ever hear that she suffered any mistreatment under your charge, and I would hear of it, then I warn you of that great displeasure you should know if this should happen. I want her delivered safely into port with no treachery or harm.

Once she is delivered safely, I will consider all of our debts to one another ended and I will speak no more of the Danzig Trader's survivors to anyone. You may say what you will about your captain, so long as you make no mention of his removal by me.

I wish you all the best of luck and future fortune.

Sincerely, Captain William Brand of the Watch Dog"

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

All was quiet within the sick berth on Armand's return bearing early morning victual. The woman, Meg, was turned on her side with blanket drawn to her forehead; to the right, the man called "Gage" lay shirtless with layers of cloth bound around torso to secure support of inner damage. Although two of the surgical surfaces had been pushed together against far wall to accommodate the massive Nubian, it seemed that he prefered the coolness of plank below in which to take his repose. The large darkened eyes opened to watch the Gascon's enterance, but nary a word was said.

Slipping stealthily across the small room's confine, Armand carefully placed the china bearing tray down and looked with a note of affection upon the sleeping form of the red maned pixie. One hand draped over desk's edge and barely grasping the well used quill, upon right arm and buried under the mass of copper tress, the aquiline features played hide and seek. Gently pushing back the antagonists from the Surgeon's face, Armand whispered her name, feeling an amount of unshurity to rousing her from much needed slumber...But also knowing that she had intention of speaking with the Captain at earliest convienience.

The naming uttered called forth a groan of protest to the disturbance and the fine line of facial vissage pinched. Armand whispered again, the deep green pools fluttered open and focused upwards to his voicing. Moving slowly, she raised herself to sitting with a hint of disorientation before sense of smell caught wafe of darkened brew. Tempest blinked then gave a widened yawn.

" Merci beaucoupe, mon cher...."

The Gascon sat down to her left and pouring a cup for himself, waited silently, as she finished her own. Refilling the china's want, he leaned forward...

"Chasse de Mer left under the cover of darkness..." He let the word's hang for a brief, " The Cuisiniere...Christine... is leaving our company. I saw her with the Capitaine on deck and all of her dunnage was being sent over to the Dutch ship."

Tempest cocked a brow at the revelations, but made no comment.

" Shall I go above and request your wishing to speak with the Capitaine?"

She considered for a moment, sleep hazed thoughts becoming clearer as the minutes passed.

"Oui. At his convienence... I am able to come to him in order to report, if he wishes it so. In fact...I think that would be for the better."

[Dorian Lasseter]

:: After the cutter under his command had delivered the youg Lass and her effects to the Danzig Trader, Mr. Lasseter allowed Mr. Warren free reign to pilot the boat while he went amidships to quench his thirst and carve a hunk off the lump of salt beef...

He wondered about the departure of Christine.... Mayhaps she could not find respite from whatever had happened to her in the lower decks...

He thought on it for a short time, but had to bring his attention to the working between the Watch Dog and the Danzig Trader. Soon the tow line would be cast off, then, once the 'Dog was far enough away, she would heave to and collect the cutter...::

Well Lads, soon we be back aboard 'r fine ship.... not tha' this is a leaky dingy, but tis naught fer the likes o' a long voyage...

::smiles and nods were seen from the lads as the cutter bobbed and joinced through the chop...::

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

Captain, yes indeed we were very lucky to have such a well put together shadow. Captain I was wondering sir how are the guests this morning is there anyone assigned to their needs sir?

[Jonathan Hawks]

*early morning and feeling the momentum of the coming release of the ship in tow, I pulls me flute from me waistband and begin to play softly...*

Hearin the tune starting to play, Mr Hawks smiles, takes the last few draws from his pipe and nods a good night to Rummy while she plays. He swaggers to the tune across the deck and to his cabin.

[Rummy3]

"Wait, Mr Hawks, I knows we must be making our way down to the surgery. You needs ta remove those shackles from the nubian man. Lucky bloke to be rescued before his inevitable demise." *Rummy tucks her flute back into her waistband and follows Mr Hawks to the surgery.*

[Jonathan Hawks]

Before entering his cabin, Rummy suddenly comes over and stops Jonathan.

[Jonathan Hawks]

Before entering his cabin, Rummy suddenly comes over and stops Jonathan.

"Surgery ya say? I sure wish we was told sooner. Alright, wait a few e're while i get me a few tools fer the job. "

A minute or two later Mr Hawks comes out with a hammer and some odd looking device.

"Now, lets be off ta the surgeon ana sees what we ave."

[Rummy3]

Upon entry to the surgery, Tempest explains that this is a respite for her patients and she would appreciate it if the noise-producing removal of the chains takes place up on deck. Mr Hawks helps him steady himself and guides him to follow me to the deck above.

[Jonathan Hawks]

"Steady mate.. I see ya gots land legs. Just lean on me shoulder."

Mr Hawks helps the man up on deck and then sits him on a crate.

"Rummy, bring me 2 more crates ana put em in front o the man while I hold em up a sec."

[Rummy3]

Since I am so good with wood - I finds the two strongest crates and places them as directed. Though we cannot communicate with this man by our native tongue, I can tell by eye contact that he understands and is appreciative for Mr Hawks efforts. I speak in a comforting voice that this will be removed and soon he will be back in the infirmary resting again.

[Jonathan Hawks]

"Thanks Rummy. Now I needs ya to hold em still and his hands pon the crates in front o him."

As Rummy comforts the man best she can, she slowly takes his hands forward and holds them apart on the crates. Mr Hawks puts the hammer aside and takes his special strange looking device and places it over the keyhole of the first skackle. He works at it for a few minutes and then a metalic pop is heard. Removing the device, the ring falls off. Rummy looks surprised, never seeing anything like this before.

"Now mate, that be one. Let me work on the other fer ya."

In no time Jonathan has the chains off and no harm to the device.

"That be better, I says. Now, ow bout some water."

Mr Hawks gives the man a ladle of water and he swallows it fast. he is also in need of a bath smellin terrible.

[William Brand]

Captain, yes indeed we were very lucky to have such a well put together shadow. Captain I was wondering sir how are the guests this morning is there anyone assigned to their needs sir?

"I'm sure the good Doctor is seeing to their needs, Monsignor, but if you should like to help where you may I can see no harm in it."

William moves to the quarterdeck and begins the orders to shuffle off the Danzig in preparation for their new course.

"Prepare to fall off to larboard! Stand ready to draw up the tow cable!"

William turns to Mister Badger.

"You have the helm, Mister Badger. Stall us in our progress enough to give the tow cable slack, then move away to gather up the cutter, if you please."

William moves to the stern rails to signal the Danzig. He takes up the speaking horn again.

"Prepare to cast off the tow line!"

[Rummy3]

The man stands proudly as if this release had been anticipated for a very long time. Mr Hawks takes his arm and I take the other and we begin to guide him below to return to the surgery again. We arrive just in time to greet the Monsignor who is about to bless these "poor souls" as he put it.

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

Catching up to the captain.... Captain! (Fairly irritated as my persistance to be a part of this days bounty I am now bothering him for the third time in an hour and a half) Yes! he easily barks whilst turning to face me. Straightens out his top coat and hat and returns my gaze saying yes monsignor? Captain I should like to ask the plan of direction for the ship how many days afore we too will go to port and replenish ships stores our water was more than 5 times gone faster with the likes of the dutch mouths to feed and drynk. Also Sir (and I saw Cairan going in and Swan coming out of the basket and then heard the bells) I should like to volunteer for the galley cooks duties until a certain, (well sir) a better qualified person is involved.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Armand gained the upper reaches for the second time in the nearing of noon. Standing quietly by, he waited for the Captain to have a free moment and made no movement to intrude. The young Frenchman watched, with mild intrest, the goings on betwixt the two ships. Finding a good vantage from midship, Armand glanced occassionally to the Quarterdeck then back to the happenings on liquid surface.

Afore the Main mast, his attention was drawn to the release efforts involving the Nubian. For a fleet of moment as the trio departed, Armand preceived that those eyes of deep chocolate hue had met over the short distance with his own of cool grey.

[Jonathan Hawks]

while the blessing goes on, Mr hawks turns away with a funny face and whispers behind the masn back at Rummy

"Psst..... Psst... Rummy...... I opes this dona take to long, I cana stand ta be smellin this man mush longer. Ana by the look in yer eyes ana the twitch in yer nose, seems ya be feelin the same. This lad sure is gamey."

[Rummy3]

The monsignor finishes with "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" I bless myself (like my good Irish Catholic upbringing taught me to do) and hastily make my way out of those small confines. I needs ta get topside for a bit of fresh air - then I do believe I needs some nourishment! "Is it too early for breakfast?", I wonders out loud.