Pyrates of the West Coast

[The Doctor]

-- Removed, as I did not write this passage. Nice try, whoever you are. --

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

I walked over to the quartermaster and said Dorian, nice fire isn't it? (Startled as i got way too close to his aura he turned quickly to look at me as I continued staring at it) You can even feel its warmth way out here on the water I added. (he turned back to face the fire) Dorian, send me and Ajayi to shore past town. I will take him in entering from the rear of town and use his unknowing inability to speak to our advantage as I use latin to distract the soldiers and find the captain...... I can smuggle a few blades including his claymore under my robes. Niether of us would be much of a loss to you or the ship and if we loose our passage back to the ship with the captain we will set fire to the docks to signal you. and walk 1000 paces around and past this corner (pointing I gain his limited attention again) Look man there... to our right for our pick up spot in behind that boiler there in the surf and near to the rock pile on shore......

[The Doctor]

Bleh. I read the impostor's missive again, and it strikes me as amateurish and very non-Jack. My diction would have been better and my oaths of vengance more prosaic. We have an intruder, pretending, most flatteringly, to be me.

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

Quartermaster sir! I believe I know your thinking on this but let me assure you sir I am a trained assasin with the highest regard for secrecy as one of the queens own spies in Spanish court I am well accustomed to the skills of... shall we say the lessor tasks of torture and the fruitful duties of death and dismemberment. You must be hearing me..... (no expression) Then ponder this!

I am here to talk about it without scar one... (Taking him by his cloak I shake him as his expressionless look seems as if a curse is in stealing his soul.) DORIAN! It's time to act! Not react! Think back man.... have you ever heard of a monsignor with as many weapons as I checked in? God save the captain but he needs our help! YOUR HELP!

[Pew]

::As the dingy approaches the Watch Dog, I make out several muskets pointed at us.

"Nigel, Ciaran, 'tis us. We be back from the bonfire 'pon shore" Pete spurts to them.

They lower their weapons and I see Mr. Lasseter leaning on the gunwale. "Mr. Lasseter, we've no current knowledge of the Cap'n's where abouts, but brought the Lady 'ere back wit us, she be knowin' more than she be tellin'. Pete Straw was able to make a simple chart of wot ships be 'ere in the harbor. 'Tis a little more than before, but we need to be speakin' in quarters", I explain. Mr. Lasseter looks over the dingy and sees the Lady Ilex aboard, hands tied behind her back. "Ward room!! Now!" he demands. He slams his fist into the railing and turns to head below.::

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Fort-de-France, Martinique

Le Requiem

From an area undisturbed by the taff rail, he stood in solem repose. The fingers of offshore breezes stirred and tugged at the legnth of dark hair as wanting children, but nothing seemed to break the Frenchman's concentration in regard to the current actions taking place. Gently She rode the anchors fore and aft as stores were loaded into the depths of the newly finished hold, and her Master smiled in secret satisfaction. The intensity that flowed from amber sights slid away from the quay to rove affectionetly over a frigate moored in the near distance. A fleet of bitter-sweet rose and dissipated as he visually caressed Her lines of familliarity and exhaled heavily with the realization that their parting of company was neccessary. Unconsciencely, his right hand traced the rounded surface of his new Mistress's eloquently wrought taff as his visual focus travelled to a chateau that sat as a crown jewel to the right and upward of the frigate.

He imagined that his newly betrothed was still in the deep grasp of her

"beauty sleep", just as he had left her when sneaking out under the darkness just before dawn. He had paid his dues, the marriage had been concemated as was required, not that she had been of any great talent. Youth and beauty could not make up for experience, but...she would learn. That of course being in the sparse times that he had any intention of spending in port. Fickle and spoiled creature that she was, perhaps if he were lucky, she would follow the norm and take a lover while he was away; a lover that would have the patience to instruct her in certain talents. "What a waste...", he commented under breath.

The sound of bootheel striking timber surface drew the Frenchman's attention out of private musings. Former Lieutenant Lamaire halted forward motion to stand next to his cousin, the wide smile on his features betraying what thoughts bounced in his mind. It was one of youthful mirth, regardless of the contort to the scars he wore and there was an amount of reckless abandon that played his eyes; a vissage of confidence in knowing that he, as well as the man next to him, were officially above the law.

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

Ahhh Fer Christs sake.... What now? As the dinghy empties I begins to think watching the quartermaster depart and Pete, Ilex and P E W. I'm thinkin what be the worse fer jes dissapeering meself? Needing to address the master at arms I seek to find Mad_Jack so as to gain my weapons......

[The Doctor]

Jack heard a rap at the door to the Armoury. Though deep in his cups, he recognised the need to unlock the door. He did so, and peeked out to find the Monsignor standing there.

"Good Father! Do come in and join me! I've been trying to puzzle out the latest turn of events... Monsignor, even though you be a Spaniard, I'd swear you've got a bit of your Irish on. What, aside from the blatantly obvious predicament with our Captain, troubles you so?"

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

Jack the truth is and this is not for the scrutiny of others sir. (i turns and look be left and then right as well) I am 100% English though as a young boy I was moved to the castillian town of Vigo one of Spains most quickly growing sea ports. I was the illigitamate Son to the Duke of Kennsington Sir Earl Grey and my mother was a house made (a spaniard). When my father was exciled I was taught both English and Spanish to speak but English be my devotion to and secretly for nine years I served the thrown of King Charles II of England as a Spaniard, an English spy in King Charles II of Spain's court I was a highly sought after confidant to the young King. Being both dumb and increasingly deaf and blind I watched his reign rapidly loose its grip on it's world power. Recommending to the end English friendship I watched as the French got so close I thought upon Charles death the french would rule all Spanish holdings. I escaped as the young King Charles II somehow lost his memory and began drooling. Always entrigued by the sea I sailed out of Vigo the hour my father died I was first officer on the watch dog when it was the slaving ship before. The Financiers of the Watch Dog an English Company asked if I would help to man the ship after hauling it out of slaving and getting into pyracy (a much more lucrative investment) I did this. Though being an Officer as I was for the past seventeen years, I am tired Jack. And I have a Captain somewhere still on or near to this Island to save. I am here to ask that I might have my weapons, to sneak off this ship go to shore and through the power of confusion and sabotage I shall weaken the infrastructure of this ports authority while finding and giving our captain his escape. But, I can't seem to get the quartermasters ear.

[The Doctor]

- deleted impostor posting -

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

(I loaded up and when at my own capacity looked up and realized jack had left, I found him on the QD) Jack me ole son, ye best find a way to put all of these extra weapons back as I can only carry me own. Mr Badger... I and Ajayi will steal the row boat and it will be right over there against the tree line behind those rocks. (I pointed) I am taking Ajayi with me we wont be missed if we find the captain we will set the wharf on fire and beat feet back to the row boat and row away from port.

(I went looking for Ajayi and found him on the gun deck polishing his claymore I did not speak but instinctively as he looked into my eyes he stood gathered a few items, bagged them and I turned and he followed. Surreal was my thought as we reaches the captains quarters I knocked took the liberty of making entrance and saw our quartermaster behind the captains desk he looked up I waved pulled the door shut and blocked it so it would not open easily. With Ajayi in tow we rushed to the main deck. I went over the rail and down into the small boat and when Ajayi climbed in, the space remaining became very very small. He took up the rowing as I pointed towards our destination, The whole time he rowed I told him the story of how the captain went missing stolen from the ship while much of the crew were on shore leave, I stood and picked up his sword and he stopped rowing, HIS EYES SAID THAT'S MINE I calmed him by holding my open hands down and then raised the sword up and into my robes fasteneing it into the belts cross strapped on my back. It stayed, I sat back down made a jesture of quiet and shhhhhhh and he nodded and began rowing again. we made shore I jumped out he followed and we both pulled the rowboat up across the sand, around the rocks and out of sight. we headed off into the jungle away drom town...)

I motioned for him to walk ahead of me and I walked behind we made good time finding a field of tobacco soon enough and followed a trail right up to the ranch house. I knocked and the man opening the door bowed and then saw my traveling companion and was visably shaken. I talked in Spanish and we conversed about how I needed a place to hide this chief of a tribe,having bein beaten and stolen and forced into slavery adding that I was setting him free. As we talked children gathered hiding every time Ajayi looked at then. The man, Eduardo, took us out to a trail that went East away from town I thanked him and we walked on listening to the quieting excitement of the children.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

As he reached the weather decks above, Armand glanced briefly to the harbour to note the harbour's residents. As She lay on previous sighting, the brigantine Gacieux Voyage still rode anchor, though Her decks were in a flurry of activity. Knowing Antoine Grandjean as he did, the Gascon was sure that the ex-Lancier had been quick in observing the trouble brewing ashore and had been equally quick to deliver advice in regard of making a hasty departure to friendlier waters. A decision that Armand could do nothing but commend and if not for the current issues taking place aboard the frigate, one that he would endorse and press for in regard to themselves.

The heavy weather seemed to lighten, but the decks were still soaked from its' presence and with a quick parusal of the Quarterdeck, Armand noted that Dorian had stood the worst of the storm's wrath during the call of duty. Moving to close the distance, he noted the presence of a woman that he thought to have been glimpsed while ashore and judging from the tight set of the Quartermaster's expression, it did not appear that what news followed in her wake was of acceptable nature. For that matter, it was an expression that seemed to be shared by Monsuier Pew and an inward twinge told the Frenchman that perhaps he should not have deserted the comforts of the Capitaine's Steward. The warmth of her body, even in cramped confines, was far better than being soaked to the bone and playing wittness to what unwelcome tidings were being delivered nearby.

His years of past millitary life on the field, spoke as an imp on shoulder; whispering warning that things were off kilt, warning that time was of the essence...warning that the hand of Fate could tip in or out of favor at the slightest notion. The Gascon shuddered unconsciencly to the possibilities and in ways, the long hard days on the Pennisula seemed a welcome revisit to the happenings of present bearing.

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

We walked with the hard tack and dried beef I brought but we were challenged by the forsight of not bringing enough water, one small bladder were all I brought. Every time we stopped and rested I could feel the synergy of Ajayi were just being strengthened more and more as if being on ship were withering his muscles and being out alive and walking with me were somehow rebuilding the strengths he carries so well, he is truly a fine speciman of a man. the trail we traveled seemed to be a well traveled trail as foot prints horses / mules and carts in both directions were plentiful but the marks of one cart on the top of all the rest going the same direction as ourselves were the tracks I was most interested in. We came to a rise in the island trail that did from such a vantage we were able to see what appeared to be the greater part of 60-70 percent of the islands coastline. Easily we could pick out three towns and four ports. Knowing of where it were we came from we pressed on into the heavy jungle.

[Pew]

::I grabbed Ilex by the scruff of her collar and dragged her to the gunwale of the dinghy. Nigel lowered a small barrel and we placed Ilex in it. Eric tied off the dinghy and Pete and I climbed back aboard the Watch Dog. A small crowd began to gather along the railing. Pulling her out of the barrel topside onthe deck, she stood before Mr. Lasseter. Before she could mouth a single word a right cross came from the fist of Mr. Franklin, laying her out cold on the deck.

Dorian Lasseter crossed his hands behind his back, turned and then headed below. Pete Straw and I picked up Ilex by her shoulders and carried her to the ward room.::

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

The sun was straight up and burnin as hot as I ever could remember. I knew we needed water and was about to stop when Ajayi wend off the path and cut a long root from one of the canopy trees and held the severed top end over his mouth and began squeezing and milking a liquid out and onto his tongue. I watched without drinking. Sitting there five minutes he dripped plenty of the trees own honey to his need. I stood and walked over to where he offered up the root for my own consumption it was too hight for me to even reach he looked about turned me around and walked me over to another similar root and swung the blade cutting it at my head height. It was a sweet water liquid, sticky and almost numbing to the mouth. I drank and drank and drank and as I did so I felt the aches and pains melt away and it even seemed as though the hot sun weren't somehao quite so hot...We left and went on seeking to where it is these top cart tracks are going. Hopefully the port closest to us where we might find shelter and the capitaine....

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Le Requiem

The expanse of mohogany plane was hidden intermittantly by parchements depicting areas of near waters and the announcements of landfall therin. Sunlight worked against the dim of darkened panel surround to caress the silhouette outlined by panorama of stern windows abaft. With deft shurity, the artistic legnth of weathered fingers traced coordinates and bearings, pausing now and again to sample from refined and aged elixir standing duty nearby. A semi-muffled call from upward and outer regions drew concentration away from tasks at hand. The amber sights travelled from mortal depictions of land and sea, to center on the chamber entrance that would soon be occupied. Anticipated soft rap came, soon followed by the appearance of familliar figure and voicing, " Pardon, Jean..."

Fournier stretched in brief before standing from the ornate seat and meeting Lamaire at the half point of table's legnth. "Non, Dominique...You are not disrupting anything of importance. Continue, s'il vous plait."

Lamaire's eyes cast forth a hint of predatory glee as he spoke, " Sail has been spotted three points off the weather bow, hull up. It appears to be not an overlarge craft, maybe a sloop, but carries a full suit of canvas. They seem to be in a hurry..."

The Capitaine pursed lips in thought momentarily, " In a hurry to get somewhere...or away, I should wonder. Can this "sloop" be identified of nationality as of yet?"

"Non, but She is being watched closely and we should know more within the turn of the glass...She has not noticed us and is without escort."

"Tres vien...Reset course to intercept. I should be happy to offer a visit of ...hospitality. Perhaps such a small vessel is unawares of hazards that visit these waters."

Lamaire chuckled at his cousin's act of faux innocent verbose and with a nod of accord, returned to the decks above.

[Pew]

::Opening the doors to the ward room Mr. Lasseter lights his pipe and tries to calm already frayed nerves. Pulling a nondescript bottle from his waistcoat, he pours himself a sip.

Pete Straw and I continue to carry the dead weight into the room and lay upon the floor one Lady Ilex, privateer and madam of La Margaritas foremost bordello. Pete Straw removes her satchel and hands it to me. Dumping it's contents upon the table, Mr. Lasseter's face changes to a furious red.::

[William Brand]

William awoke in the dark. This was no different then his previous wakings in captivity, except that he was alone. Not that it mattered. They had left him alone, but so bound up was he, that it was no different than if ten of them were piled upon him. Whatever sailor it was that had tied him up was a man of many useful knots.

""What say you to it...?" he whispered through a bruised and bloodied mouth. "Will you again unknit this churlish knot of all-abhorred war?"

He made an attempt at each and every knot that bound him, but to no avail. The smell of his captivity had grown strong. They had seen fit to bind him and secure him in a space that allowed for no liberty to empty his bowels. He was already in three days of night filth. It had not improved the bilge.

"I was foolish to dare them to 'make captive my dignity'." he said, reproving himself once again for too much recent foolishness. "I was too approving in all my unknown choices. I should have been more careful in my acceptance of the crew. I accepted their loyalties as one does so many dogs, without knowing which ones bite and which ones can be commanded to fetch and stay. I should have known each man and woman better." He laughed then. "Aye. Then I should have known better...which men...were women."

William rolled as much as the space allowed, to allow himself some respite from the stench. He wondered, and not for the first time, if the smell was covering the foul odor of some infection already at work in the many cuts and bruises they had given him. He might lose a limb in such conditions. He might have many a bleeding sore now giving over to puss and decay.

He had seen his share of diseased convicts, hung up like rotting pheasants. Some had seemed too thin and wasted to bear down with enough weight to pop their own necks. They had hung...plucked, wasted specimens of men...making a sad and listless jig on air. What pitiful sport they had given when they had met their ends. "Better to hang skeletons." he had thought upon witnessing one such pointless hanging.

"I shall not hang as a remainder of my former glory." he promised himself. "They shall hang all or none of me."

[Pirate Petee]

*They made there way down to the beach, where there was a very large fisherman removing his gear from a small row boat.*

That will have to do men.

*They walked up behind the man with their pistols drawn.*

Excuse me sir but we be needin ta barrow your boat here.

*The man, not understanding english frowned an picked up an oar. Petee and his gunners took a step back, cocked their pistols and leveled them at the man. Understanding that gesture he dropped the oar and held his hands up.*

Ok, now you two tie his hands and feet.

*After the had the man bound, Petee reached into his boot and pulled from it a belaying pin.*

Sorry mate, but I can’t have ya callin out for help now can I.

*He raised the pin and brought it across the temple of the man, knocking him unconscious. Then all three pushed the row boat out, jumped in.*

Ok mates, follow in the direction of the dog.

[Diego Santana de la Vega]

Ajayi and I continued following the tracks of the last cart heading away from Isla de Margaritas harbor Porlamar. And just before dusk (and I was getting very sore and tired Ajayi I would think could go on for days and nights) before dusk the carts tracks we were following turned off the main path and headed off to the left (perhaps one of the two ports on this side of the island I thought) during the middle day walking quiet and Ajayi in the lead I was stopped three times by him as approaching traffic did give us cause to leave the path and take refuge from all passer-bys sight. In each cart there were no captain. We made the little port of Boca del Rio at darknesses full embrace and few lights gave a needed welcome.

[Pew]

:: The candle begins to burn down to it holder amongst the piles of charts and papers we have on the ward room table. The rain outside has subsided and only the gentle wash against the hull can be heard. Mr. Lasseter pours himself aother glass and offers a tot to Pete Straw and myself. Eric has taken Ilex, now in chains, to our Surgeon.

Mr. Lasster stands, picks up his goblet and walks to the open window overlooking the harbor. He stands there and leans against the breeze blowing in from the south.

We watch Mr. Lasseter move slowly away from the table. He pulls out his pipe, cleans it then repacks and lights it again. Pete and I look at each other and then continue to decipher what the Lady has brought with her.

Pete breaks the silence in the room with a deliberate thought, "Hmmm". He turns a few pages and then continues, " . . it seems that the Lady 'ad an arrangement with the Gov'nor 'ere,". I unroll a chart of the island and compare it to Ilex's sketches of the harbor.

Pete continues, " . . .appears that the Lady would give the gov'nor a part of her . . .earnings . . . in exchange to do continue her 'services' as it were". ::

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Le Requiem

Within a half hour's passage the smaller vessel had taken notice of the other. The sighting of the square rigger had caused a barely controled panic on the sloop's decks. With luck and a good wind, the smaller vessel might outrun the larger...might being the keyword. In truth, even wind and luck could not make up for a well honed crew, a luxury that seemed sparse within the sloop's confine. The chaos and bickering that ensued betwixt hands did little to improve the odds. These were the moments that the other vessel's Master thrived upon. Though not as fulfilling as matching wits with another of seaworthy ability, the captain of the persuing frigate would run his prey down and collect his prize all the same.

An hour passed and the sloop, being scrutinized through 'glass view, had added every stitch of canvas that she could carry. Stays'ls bloomed in addition to her suit, to no avail. The sloop contiued to run and at the passing of another hour, with a half a mile's distance seperating hunter and prey, the smaller vessel's scuppers over flowed as fresh water stores were pumped into the brine below. Two half hearted shots had rang from her decks and fallen short as the frigate continued to gain undaunted. The thunderous roar of long 9 called from the frigate's bow, round shot plunging just shy of the other's stern and sending a plume of liquid salt into the air...This was a warning. Still the sloop refused to strike.

Dominique Lamaire stood a short distance from his cousin and could tell through the years of their service together, that Fournier was growing tierd of the other vessel's stuborn streak. Not that it was obvious to the average view, Jean-Micheale showed nothing by way of stance nor expression. But, Lamaire knew that his cousin was not revealing a full hand of capabilities, this was the idle toying of cat and mouse...and the game was growing old. The time was coming, Fournier would grow weary of the other's "arrogance" and the other would heave to or wish that they had.

Another turn of thirty minutes and the 'glass was dropped from amber sight. Lamaire stepped forward to receive the words he knew would come. The 'glass was pocketed within the deep side pockets of azure blue, hands were clasped behind the small of back and without any indication of emotion, Fournier calmly spoke.

" Inform Monsuier Boisselier to lay a shot just above their waterline, s'il vous plait."

Lamaire waited, knowing there would be more desired and a silence hung betwixt them briefly before the intensity of amber sight turned from sloop's focus to center on the younger Frenchman. There was a cold fire that burned within those twined depths and the intents that flickered there caused a small chill to run Lamaire's inner soul.

" If they refuse to strike...grapples are to be prepared. Inform Monsuier Blanc, that I wish us to be brought about even...Inform Monsuier Boisselier that I wish a full broadside initiated...We shall board in the smoke. "

Dominique nodded as the he turned to issue the intructions given. It was as he was doing so and the Capitaine was refocusing center to the other vessel, that the lack of expression changed ever so slight. For a fleet in time, Jean-Michale Fournier wore something of a hinted smile...a smile of predatory nature that was far more chilling than the cold fire that danced his eyes.

[Tudor MercWench Smith]

As he reached the weather decks above, Armand glanced briefly to the harbour to note the harbour's residents. As She lay on previous sighting, the brigantine Gacieux Voyage still rode anchor, though Her decks were in a flurry of activity. Knowing Antoine Grandjean as he did, the Gascon was sure that the ex-Lancier had been quick in observing the trouble brewing ashore and had been equally quick to deliver advice in regard of making a hasty departure to friendlier waters. A decision that Armand could do nothing but commend and if not for the current issues taking place aboard the frigate, one that he would endorse and press for in regard to themselves.

The heavy weather seemed to lighten, but the decks were still soaked from its' presence and with a quick parusal of the Quarterdeck, Armand noted that Dorian had stood the worst of the storm's wrath during the call of duty. Moving to close the distance, he noted the presence of a woman that he thought to have been glimpsed while ashore and judging from the tight set of the Quartermaster's expression, it did not appear that what news followed in her wake was of acceptable nature. For that matter, it was an expression that seemed to be shared by Monsuier Pew and an inward twinge told the Frenchman that perhaps he should not have deserted the comforts of the Capitaine's Steward. The warmth of her body, even in cramped confines, was far better than being soaked to the bone and playing wittness to what unwelcome tidings were being delivered nearby.

His years of past millitary life on the field, spoke as an imp on shoulder; whispering warning that things were off kilt, warning that time was of the essence...warning that the hand of Fate could tip in or out of favor at the slightest notion. The Gascon shuddered unconsciencly to the possibilities and in ways, the long hard days on the Pennisula seemed a welcome revisit to the happenings of present bearing.

The sky was a dusky colour, light starting to peek through the dark when Tudor surfaced on deck. Her face was expressionless, as she looked about for something to do. She had contemplated finding the Quatermaster and offering aide in whatver planning he was involved in, but remembering his anger with her earlier, she thought better of the idea.

As her eyes skimmed the deck, her heart jumped when she saw a familar pair of shoulders hunched over the rail, look out at the shore in the distance. She hesitated, not sure if she should approach him or not, but then with steely determination, she strode purposfully towards Armand.

She pulled in next to him, and was starting to formulate her question on the news, making sure every word would be well phrased. It was taking her longer then it normally should.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

The sound of soft step from behind was not lost to his senses and as Tudor took stance next to him at rail's support, the cool grey eyes turned to take her presence in. She seemed at a loss as to what should be said as an icebreaker in light of recent events and as if to aid in easing her dilemas, the Gascon offered an easy smile.

"Mademoiselle, I see you have left the comfort of quarters. You have slept well, non?"

There lay an impish tint to his expression as he glanced back to former focus.

[Tudor MercWench Smith]

"Well enough, thanks" she said with a forced tone of easy comradierie.

"Any news on the situation?" She asked, the question asked proffessionally and matter-of-factly.