Pyrates of the West Coast

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

William asked for pen and paper and immediately penned a letter to be sent by Simon Powell back with him to the Watch Dog. It was addressed to Mister Lasseter and it contained simple and flexible instructions.

Letter to Mister Lasseter:

Mister Lasseter,

We are at once betrayed and in great danger. The man who so recently came aboard the Watch Dog and then fled to Le Requiem is in great ernest to have the remaining new recruits arrested as enemies of France. We must allow them to leave under the guise of an armed escape, proceeding us into the sea in the cover of dark. This will require you to warn Mister Flint and whomever he may take with him. They must fabricate a plausible departure. If our good Doctor can assist by providing the appearance of wounded guards, this may also serve. I leave the details in your capable hands, but time may be short.

-W.H.

William handed the letter to Fournier with a questioning expression. "Will it serve?"

Jean-Micheale read the contents carefully, then laying the parchament down to mohogany surface, looked at William with question overlaying his features.

"Serve?..." His eyes cut to the document and rested there as he continued. "Pardon, but I am unclear as to what your intention is with this dispatch. It seems to complicate matters on your behalf, but as I said, the outcome of said actions are eluding me."

The Frenchman retook seat at table's head and refilled both glasses as Chanault stood near at hand, sphinx mimic restored.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Bill looked into the infirmary and saw Nathan resting comfortably. He was carrying on with the surgeon as she fed him some broth. He took this to be a very good sign. The sudden nature of Nathans illness made Bill wonder though. He had seemed fine when Bill had found them earlier in the day, and then the fever just seemed to take hold. Strange that Jonas was not ailing in a like manner for he had found them together. He thought further back and remembered that several of the crew had been quite ill before the attack. Yet he and the other survivors had been among those untouched by the fever. Could it be that Gaultier and Jonas had poisoned the casks? It seemed plausible as Bill, Henry and Nathan were among those who habitual forwent their ration of water but instead took a dram of rum and a measure of lime to prevent scurvy, and to insure that they got a full ration of rum. Suddenly a horrible thought struck Bill. What if the two malefactors had done the same to the Watch Dog? Best to look into this. He decided it would be best to ask the surgeon her prognosis on how Nathan came to be in such a state. If she suspected poison then he would inform the Captain. He rapped softly at the door to gain her attention......

The Gascon looked up from packing to note the ealier visitor's return then centered attention to the high backed chair across the chamber. The hanging lamps suspended above Nathan's cot gave a haloed effect to auburn tress as the Surgeon leaned around chair's disruption of sight to gain visual of hailing. The spoon was placed carefully in bowl's keeping as she stood to receive the man Flint.

As he stepped into the confine of medical realm, Tempest was given time to give veiled scrutiny to the other briefly glimpsed before.

"Mister Flint, I believe or have mine ears and memory played me for fool?"

[Bloody Bill Flint]

"Ye be correct doctor, mind ye though I be not but a humble marine. Billy will serve if'n ye likes. I came to ask after Nathan. He seems well, but I be curious as te how his afflictins came to be. I seems te recall that before our ship went down 'alf the crew were sickly. Thinkin' back further still I made mind of it that hose who remained in good health touched not the water we had brought aboard durin' our last berth. I figured it te be the water isself, but when Nate took sick after bein' on the isle and the fact that I found him in the company of a traitor I now be suspetin' poisons. Be my guesswork correct doctor or be it all in me head?"

[William Brand]

"It would allow you to openly send Gaultier to the Watch Dog in search of the prisoners, only to discover their departure. Not an ideal plan, I grant you, but with an effort I believe I can make Gaultier to feel the fool for not explaining his actions prior to departing my ship. Let him accuse me again in the face of so many errors on his part."

William paused to sip his glass.

"Not that I would mind you sending him to the sea bottom."

Fournier did not look convinced. Lamaire looked to be deep in thought. Chanault was a statue. William offered another possible escape.

"Why should he not be satisified that these men, originally allied to England, should not now, having defected, rush into the waiting arms of France?"

"I do not believe that explaination would do, Capitaine."

"Nor I." William agreed, smiling at the emptiness of his own suggestion. "Of course I could shatter Le Requiem's rudder with cannon fire and then escape into the open sea as a pirate, leaving you utterly blameless. No one would believe that you would agree to being fired upon to cover my escape."

Chanault raised an eyebrow. Lamaire only smiled a little. fournier, amused or not at this last suggestion, simply replied, "No."

"Mister Youngblood will be disappointed."

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Back aboard Le Requiem Gaultier was stewing in his quarters. He was beginning to get the feeling that Fournier had no intention of assisting him. He musn't let Flint and Bly escape or it would doom others who operating in a likewise manner to himself. He must get to them tonight before the Watch Dog left port. He must act now. he fingered the little pistol hidden in his pocket, and he knew what he must do he opened the door and spoke to the two marin located there.

"Les messieurs d'excuse, je dois me soulager, pourriez-vous m'escorter ? "

Benoit LaCroix stopped midsentance in conversation with comrade as the door opened. The two marin watched their charge step into the entrance's framing and pause to take each in vissually before speaking. With query issued, LaCroix considered carefully before answering and then it was with very little warmth, only with propriety.

"Oui, monsieur."

His comrade eyed their charge with sly interest,"Pourquoi demander vous?"

[Capt. Lazarus Gage]

Tension hangs in the air. “Dangerous times are ahead” I think to myself. It was an odd thing to be excused from my own galley. “I hope the captain doesn’t realize his secret stash of rum is short….” While pondering this thought Mr. Powell approached him with a young girl at his side. “Cap’n wants you to keep an eye on this little lady here, she’s new on board.” Mr. Powell quickly turned and left leaving us alone on the gundeck. “Well young lady what might I call you?” I asked smiling. “Callie, Callie Moore.” She said with an evident air of confusion about her. “Well Ms. Moore I think I can find some good use for you down in the galley, best we be goin’ below deck.” As I finished my thought a skirmish seemed to break out on deck between two men whom appeared to be Mr. Flint and Jonas. “Best we be goin’ below deck now.” I took her by the arm and headed for the galley. A very ominous feeling began to creep over me, “But first I must stop by my chest to retrieve a few things Ms. Moor, best to be prepared for anything.”

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

"Ye be correct doctor, mind ye though I be not but a humble marine. Billy will serve if'n ye likes. I came to ask after Nathan. He seems well, but I be curious as te how his afflictins came to be. I seems te recall that before our ship went down 'alf the crew were sickly. Thinkin' back further still I made mind of it that hose who remained in good health touched not the water we had brought aboard durin' our last berth. I figured it te be the water isself, but when Nate took sick after bein' on the isle and the fact that I found him in the company of a traitor I now be suspetin' poisons. Be my guesswork correct doctor or be it all in me head?"

"Then Billy it is..." She came closer as he explained his contemplations and did not fail to observe that Armand kept silent vigile over the parlay.

Though outsizing her by much, his mannerizims where gentle and at the wordings of suspected traitorous motivations, much was made clear in regard to scuffle earlier. Tempest listened attentively, head cocked slightly to the left and as he finished his thoughts she motioned for him to sit at the worn desk nearby.

She carefully considered his musings and revealings before giving opinion.

"It is possible...Though I might ask how long you were here ashore and if you spent any amount of time in the backcountry before coming here. If poisoning is at fault with your companion, I think it may be a mild dosage for his malady points more to after effects involving over exposure to the elements and to that of a fever rather prevelant to this area of the Caribe. If you feel that he may be a victim of foul play, I shall look into the matter further, but he has improved some in just receiving much needed rest without stressful conditions."

The deep emerald pools of sight focused to her charged briefly. "Are there any other details that you can give me in regard to your unfourtunate recent past. Sometimes a thing that seems of insignificance can reveal volumes."

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

"It would allow you to openly send Gaultier to the Watch Dog in search of the prisoners, only to discover their departure.  Not an ideal plan, I grant you, but with an effort I believe I can make Gaultier to feel the fool for not explaining his actions prior to departing my ship.  Let him accuse me again in the face of so many errors on his part."

William paused to sip his glass.

"Not that I would mind you sending him to the sea bottom."

Fournier did not look convinced.  Lamaire looked to be deep in thought.  Chanault was a statue.  William offered another possible escape.

"Why should he not be satisified that these men, originally allied to England, should not now, having defected, rush into the waiting arms of France?"

"I do not believe that explaination would do, Capitaine."

"Nor I."  William agreed, smiling at the emptiness of his own suggestion.  "Of course I could shatter Le Requiem's rudder with cannon fire and then escape into the open sea as a pirate, leaving you utterly blameless.  No one would believe that you would agree to being fired upon to cover my escape."

Chanault raised an eyebrow.  Lamaire only smiled a little.  fournier, amused or not at this last suggestion, simply replied, "No."

"Mister Youngblood will be disappointed."

Jean-Micheale's instincts were throwing red flags, he was a man that played the odds, but the tip of scale was not to his liking in this situation. Where Lamaire played games of chance as an act of whimsey and come what may; Fournier was a far more disiplined statagist. Letting William's suggestions digest slowly he refilled the crystal goblet. Minutes passed and with the finish of elegant vessel's content, he fixed William with a look of serious nature.

"Very well, I believe this to be an act of folly...But as you wish. Make what preperations you must then signal and I shall send Monsuier Gaultier to you."

The goblet was refilled and the amber sights followed rouge flow from decanter to want.

"This is a dangerous request you make..."

Looking to Chanault as golblet reached full capacity, Fournier made request.

"Lieutenant, Please go to Monsieur Gualtier and inform him that I wish his company here for a late meal....And do extend to him my apologies for the disrespect that was done to his personage earlier."

[Bloody Bill Flint]

Bill sat as bidden and scratched his head in thought, seeking to put all information in proper order to assist the doctor and struggling to remember any minutae that he hadn't mentioned earlier.

"Ye see m'lady I kint remember proper how long we been on the isle. When ye've been sent adrift time loses meaning. If I be needin' te hazard a guess, I'd wager we been here less'n a week. I only be askin' cuz Nate seemed fine when I found him, but when we reached the Watch Dog he seemed te get closer te the veil wit each passin' moment. This be of concern te me as Jonas n' that Gaultier fella been out of me sight fer a spell t'day and I be afeared that them two mayhaps've played their dodgy game aboard the Watch Dog and I t'ought it only fair I warn the captain that the scaborous dogs may have had at our water."

::::: Le Requiem :::::

Gaultier smiled at the inquisitive marin

"My dear boy it was instructed by Capitaine Fournier that I was to have the saftey of marin escort at all times, oui?"

The two marin nodded in agreement

"Well then, I must share a matter of utmost importance with you. Our dear friend Capitaine Hollande is in grave danger. Aboard his ship this minute is a most dangerous man. This man knows the secret of many of our great vicotries in Les Antilles. If he is allowed to spread this secret to the British admiralty many of our countrymen's lives could be lost. I implore you do not let this happen and do not let this shame rest on Capitaines Hollande and Fournier's heads. What we must do mes amis is leave the ship we will proceed to where Le Chien de Montre lies at anchor. I will wait on the docks, you will go aboard saying that you come with Capitaine Fournier's compliments and seek a Monsiuer Lasseter tell him that Capitaine Hollande has sent for a Monsieur Flint and that he has need of him aboard Le Requiem. Once he is on the docks we will deal with him quietly and return to the ship and do without upsetting anyone. Semble-t-ceci acceptable à vous les messieurs ?

[William Brand]

"If I had faced Gaultier on any other ground than this, I would have bludgeoned the man with the first uncivilized object within reach."

Fournier nodded, not unsympathetic to the way in which Gaultier had used then abused his generosity. If a man had begged sanctuary aboard Le Requiem only to depart with ingratitude and accusations to another ship, the tables might have been turned, though with more care than Capitaine Hollande had shown. Still, William looked as calm as he ever did and his harsh words had gone a long way to silencing Gaultier's audacity.

"It was my only intention to land a blow and stun my enemy...but I wrote in haste before." William said as he reached for the letter and set it afire on a neighboring candlestick. He was careful to place it in a waiting dish where it curled and darkened. Then, taking pen in hand again, he created a new letter.

Mister Lasseter,

Please inform our new arrivals that they may be visited by an envoy from the French before the night is over and ask them to prepare themselves accordingly. No one is to come aboard the ship without my express permission. I will return shortly.

-W.H.

In many ways, the new letter was the same as the old and William was certain that the warning lay between the lines and Mister Lasseter would find it there. The Quartermaster of the Watch Dog was a man of details. William had read his ledgers often enough to know that Dorian understood volumes in a word.

When it was done, William read it once aloud.

"Better." Lamaire offered.

Fournier did not disagree and Simon was sent for and dispatched.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Bill sat as bidden and scratched his head in thought, seeking to put all information in proper order to assist the doctor and struggling to remember any minutae that he hadn't mentioned earlier.

"Ye see m'lady I kint remember proper how long we been on the isle. When ye've been sent adrift time loses meaning. If I be needin' te hazard a guess, I'd wager we been here less'n a week. I only be askin' cuz Nate seemed fine when I found him, but when we reached the Watch Dog he seemed te get closer te the veil wit each passin' moment. This be of concern te me as Jonas n' that Gaultier fella been out of me sight fer a spell t'day and I be afeared that them two mayhaps've played their dodgy game aboard the Watch Dog and I t'ought it only fair I warn the captain that the scaborous dogs may have had at our water."

::::: Le Requiem :::::

Gaultier smiled at the inquisitive marin

"My dear boy it was instructed by Capitaine Fournier that I was to have the saftey of marin escort at all times, oui?"

The two marin nodded in agreement

"Well then, I must share a matter of utmost importance with you. Our dear friend Capitaine Hollande is in grave danger. Aboard his ship this minute is a most dangerous man. This man knows the secret of many of our great vicotries in Les Antilles. If he is allowed to spread this secret to the British admiralty many of our countrymen's lives could be lost. I implore you do not let this happen and do not let this shame rest on Capitaines Hollande and Fournier's heads. What we must do mes amis is leave the ship we will proceed to where Le Chien de Montre lies at anchor. I will wait on the docks, you will go aboard saying that you come with Capitaine Fournier's  compliments and seek a Monsiuer Lasseter tell him that Capitaine Hollande has  sent for a Monsieur Flint and that he has need of him aboard Le Requiem. Once he is on the docks we will deal with him quietly and return to the ship and do without upsetting anyone. Semble-t-ceci acceptable à vous les messieurs ?

The Surgery

Tempest said nothing for a space of time, weighing the options. Excusing herself for reaching across his immediate proxy, the Surgeon open a small locked compartment in the desk's keeping to produce a medium sized bottle and two small glasses. The bottle unstopped, she poured two rations of cognac and offered one to Mister Flint. She took a small draught of refined liquid fire still contemplating then recentered on near companion.

"If there is any chance of this being a possibility, I find it most disquieting to say the least..."

Finishing the glass content, she placed it on worn desk surface, "If there lie threat in this hypothesis, I would think the only risk would involve the main scuttle on upper decks..."

Knowing that Armand had lent careful ear to interchange, Tempest sent him to relay what was possibly at hand to Mister Lasseter. The Gascon seemed to leave her alone, but the slight narrow of her eyes sent him to the outer world without comment. She turned back to Mister Flint as the door closed.

"You will forgive Monsiegnuer D'esnumbuc, he is truly friendly by natural course...Just very protective.

************************************************************

Le Requiem

There was an inner unease that was beginning to make itself known to LaCroix. Monsuier Gaultier spoke with congeniality, but when he smiled, the expression never reached his eyes. Benoit was just on the verge of making retort to the other's suggestions, when the sound of boot strike on wooden surface made him turn.

Lieutenant Chanault entered the trio's midst and gave veiled inspection to the goings on. The two marin stood at rigid attention as the pale sights played over them before centering on their charge.

"Monsuier Gaultier, Capitaine Fournier sends his compliments and asks that you join him in an hour's time for dinner in his cabin. He also extends his sincere apologies for the ill treatment to your personage by Capitaine Hollande and hopes that you might see in your good graces, a way to allow the incident to be passed of to unclear thinking. Capitaine Fournier assures that such incident shall never occure again."

[Pew]

::Time passed like the molasses on cold winters' day. Remembering tapping the trees on my uncle's farm in New England, I inhaled deeply taking in the sweet sea air. Not quite the same smells ehhh . . .I thought to myself.

The deck had had been quiet about the French ship for sometime now. Mr. Lasseter had his eyeglass perched atop the rigging trying to see any movement with our Captain.

"Wot news Mr. Lasseter?"

[Dorian Lasseter]

::At the sound of Mr. Pew's voicings, Dorian took his eye away from spyglass' view. He looked down to the deck and spoke in a low tone...::

Can't see too much, but looks ta be th' Cap'n, Lamaire, tha' new feller, an' Cap'n Fournier... Cap'n burned somat a minute ago.. Dunno wot tho...

::As he spoke he noticed an above average sized person approaching the gangway. The QuarterMaster quickly made his way to the deck, collapsed the glass and placed it in pockets comfort. He casually made his way to the larboard rail, to find Simon Powell coming aboard, alone... He looked at the QuarterMaster and without a word handed him the note from William...::

Thankee... Is th' Cap'n needin' a reply?

:: Simon made to reply, but only shrugged his shoulders... Mr. Lasseter stepped over to the nearest lantern and opened the note, read it twice, folded it closed.... A look of deep thought was upon his face as he tapped the parchment against his thigh...::

Troublesome bugger... Mr. Pew... Orders from th' Cap'n... No one is ta come aboard wi'out his express permission... No one... I 'ave a bit o' work ta do...

::He walked over to a small bunch of the crew taking their leasure at the starboard rail, among them was Mr. Brisbane and Mr. Styles...::

Nigel, Jerrod.. A word...

::The two men departed from the company of the others and presented themselves to Mr. Lasseter...::

"Aye Sur?" Nigel said

I have a wee job fer you two... the new hands need ta be spirited away... I want you ta rig out th' dingy, lay aft an' I'll be sendin' th' fellers down to ye right quickly... take a spare hatch cover ta hide 'em under, then go hide under the common dock, beach 'er if ye need to, when ya see a swingin' light from th' mizzen lookout, come on back... Extra spirits when ye return... off ye go...

::The two men smiled and knuckled their foreheads as they quietly went off to their duty... Mr. Lasseter turned and headed to the Surgery. As he was about to open the door to the companionway, it opened revealing Armand...::

"Monsieur Lasseter, I was sent for you..."

And I was headed for th' Surgery...

::They both made their way back under the quarterdeck and into the Surgery... Mr. Lasseter spoke first...::

Pardon my intrusion, but I've recieved word from th' Cap'n... I see yer all here, goode... We need ta get you three off th' ship fer a short time... I've arranged ta get ya hid til certain trouble is passed... I know this's quite irregular, we need ta move fast... Ms. Fitzgerald I pray we c'n move th' lads wi'out too much discomfort to 'em... Right... now wot was it that' ye sent fer me?

::They all sat a moment in silence, trying to digest all that had been said, finally Billy stammered and relayed his fears of the water being poisoned...::

Indeed? Poisoned? I'll take care of it... you just get a move on... Two o' th lads 'r off th' counter in th dingy waitin' on you three... I'll be right back...

::He raced out and into the waist, straight for the water cask near the main mast, as he approached it, he drew his sheath knife, cut the line holding it in place then kicked it over, dowsing the deck and letting it run out the scuppers, he then headed back the way he came with not an explanation to the crew who stared at his bizzare actions....::

[Bloody Bill Flint]

Bill took the proffered drink and drained it in a single motion.

"Tis understandable m'lady I do believe Mr. Armand overheard us talkin wit the Cap'n earlier and took it te mean we hate the French. I meself bear no such hatreds, but Nate'n here seen his whole family kilt off by French and Hurons when he were a pup so ye'll 'ave te fergive 'im if'n he be a bit jumpy around ye."

Just then Armand returned with Mr Lasseter. It seemed Gaultier was not done doing his work and there was need for Bill to take Nathan and Jonas and slip away temporarily. He made brief mention of his concerns about the fouled water, then knuckled his brow, and nodded to Tempest. He checked Jonas's bindings to ensure their security then brought the man to his feet. He easily slung Nathan over his shoulder then pushed McCormick out the hatch ahead of him and towards the deck. Steathily they made way aft to where two crewmen waited with a dingy. He carefully laid Nathan in the bottom and nudged McCormick aboard. He introduced Natahan and himself, recieved the other mens names as Nigel and Jerrod. He then took the proffered hatch cover and used it to hide himself and the other objects of Gaultiers obsession. He felt the dingy lowered and begin to move away from the ship.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

The relay of dispatch did nothing to ease her mind, the last thing she had wanted was to see her charge moved from placement of swinging cot. William was no where in sight and Tempest assumed that since the orders had been relayed by dispatch, that he was off ship. What followed in suit to order stirred irritation, for it ment that she had no control over the well being of the man named Nathan. Armand noticed the look that played her eyes and wondered if there would be action in aftermath to the ire.

The Surgeon stood there steeping as moments passed, then moved suddenly to follow in the trio's wake. Gaining the rail she looked down to the small vessel as it pulled away into the darkness. The underbreath wordings that came forward were a finite mixture of Gaelige and French. To the unknowing ear, the composition of verbose might have sounded musical, but the true translations would give knowledge to anything but eloquated speech.

Tempest watched after the small craft until it blended into the darkened surround, then with an exhalation of exasperated breath, she returned from whence she came.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Le Requiem

Fournier had taken stance before the panorama offered by stern window's lengnth while awaiting Chanault's return. The wisp of breeze wafting into the room carried the sting of salt scent that had become common backdrop and synonomis to daily life. The air within had gained an oppressive nature that had little to do with the natural world and that no amount of ventelation could clear. And as many time before in the past, Jean-Micheale reminded himself that staying in any port overlong only lead to problems that he would rather not encounter. The inconveniencies and bordom of the Med in days of the past, did not seem as much the act of torture that they did then.

Turning from dark portal, he met the steady gaze of Lamaire, there was a silent interchange of understanding that floated Dominique's expression, and Jean-Micheale gave minute nod as acknowledgement. It had been begrudgingly that William's hypothosis was given accord. Lamaire was well aware of unsaid motivations giving way to such agreement and no comment need be voiced to give light unto the underlying truth...

Capitaine Jean-Micheale Fournier was driven by the loyalties to duty, honour and France, but even beyond that was a deeper devotion to those under his command or care. Kindered Lieutenant knew beyond shadow of doubt, that allowance of ruse taking flourish, would place any chance of blame, if such should rise, away from Le Requiem and her company. Request of escort to the Comte de Leyes would follow through as was initially set forth, and the "Sphinx" would ensure the safety of Jaquelyn Bertrand.

The antes were placed and Fate's dice bounced ethereal surface with a pitched clatter of four bone sides coming to rest with nuemeric revelations.

[Dorian Lasseter]

::Mr. Lasseter returned to the Surgery to find it devoid of its occupants save for Armand. He checked himself short with a look of mild confusion, then shook his head..::

I must say I's impressed... they moved quicker than I expected... I s'pose Tempest givin' 'em a hand?

::Armand shrugged slightly::

"I do believe so...."

::Dorian nodded and took a breath of relief...::

Very well... very well.... So Lad... Armand.... yer off ta be a grande gentleman ... landed gentry an' all tha'... I wish you much joy. Oh, I need ta return yer grande hat afore yer off....

::Dorian turned to leave just as Tempest returned...::

[William Brand]

William sipped the remainder of his drink in a calm and collected silence. He was as quiet now as he had been loud before. On the Hammerhead, Carver had referred to him as "Captain Tsunami", appearing as an angry arm of the ocean one minute, and gone the next. It was a monicure he liked so well that he had passed it on to an appropriate acquisition of property not many months before signing aboard the Watch Dog.

As he sat there, Fournier and Lamaire exchanged a look that said little or nothing, but William supposed it didn't have to. They were in the fire now. Perhaps, the eye of the storm. Everyone in this room understood all too well what they couldn't absolutely predict. There were a thousand possible endings to the unfolding events of the moment, and most of them were terrible. The future was death in small and great numbers. It was the mathmatics of the possible and impossible and William had always been better with words than numbers. Still, he did the math of the possibilities mutliplied by the unknown.

Red Wake and the Reaper were not on the friendliest terms of late.

[Pew]

Troublesome bugger... Mr. Pew... Orders from th' Cap'n... No one is ta come aboard wi'out his express permission... No one... I 'ave a bit o' work ta do...

"Aye sah."

::Moving around to each musketeer stationed around the watch Dog, I make them aware of the Captain's wishes. I repeat to them the order from Mr. Lasseter and tell each that should Mr. Lasseter be below decks, listen for my voice and be prepared to fire upon any vessel not making themsleves known to the officer of the watch.

As I finish my rounds I stand amidships, foot on the railing, waiting for word from the French vessel and hopes to see our Captain return. Out of the corner of my eye I see Mr. Lasseter return from below decks move deliberately towards the casks of fresh water and kick them over with one strong swing of his foot.

"Wot in the 'ells gotten inta 'im . . "

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Le Requiem

Invitation delivered and answer received, Lieutenant Raphael-Etienne Chanault stayed just long enough to once again scrutinze the two marin overseeing Gaultier. The young lieutenant always gave Benoit LaCroix a feeling of discomfort that could not be explained and quiet conversations amongst fellow marin had taken place in the past regarding the subject. Thus far none had been able to reason it to specifics, though the front runner was that there was something in the way that Chanault looked at you. The pale color of jade green sights were discomforting enough, but when trained upon someone, it was as though he were reading the secrets of one's soul. Lacroix gave crisp salute as Chanault turned to leave and with the "sphinx's" departure, turned to the man in his keeping .

"Monsieur Gaultier, avoir de la chance! Capitaine Fournier always offers the very best when setting a table. I will admit that I am envious of your invitation."

Chanault paused just before Great Cabin doorway and contemplated briefly. The scene he had stepped into betwixt the trio just left, had an odd aura. There existed something underneath the normal uncomfortable air that LaCroix usually displayed in Raphael's midst, and instinct pointed to Gaultier as the origin. He had no trust for the man in question and knew that Robespierre Gaultier was dangerous. There lay danger in the empowerment granted by the documents in possession and the authority that they lent, but it went beyond paper and seals. No...Gualtier was no one's fool and would do whatever he deemed appropriate to gain headway. Raphael was well familiar with the nature of the beast in question...In some ways, it could be likened to looking in a mirror.

A soft rap of announcment and the Lieutenant entered Great Cabin surround, relaying Gualtier's compliments.

[William Brand]

EDIT:

Announcement!

A larger version of the deck plans above can now be found on the thread "Tome of the Watch Dog". Other reference materials will be made available on that thread.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

::Mr. Lasseter returned to the Surgery to find it devoid of its occupants save for Armand. He checked himself short with a look of mild confusion, then shook his head..::

I must say I's impressed... they moved quicker than I expected... I s'pose Tempest givin' 'em a hand?

::Armand shrugged slightly::

"I do believe so...."

::Dorian nodded and took a breath of relief...::

Very well... very well....  So Lad... Armand.... yer off ta be a grande gentleman ... landed gentry an' all tha'... I wish you much joy. Oh, I need ta return yer grande hat afore yer off....

::Dorian turned to leave just as Tempest returned...::

She had expected no other present in medical realm but Armand and seeing the Quartermaster caught her off guard. The Gascon glanced betwixt kin and officer, then excused himself claiming a desire to visit weatherdecks. With the sound of latch secure, the Surgeon procured waiting bottle of cognac and raised a brow in silent query; Dorian answered with a small nod in affirmation. Sitting down in worn desk company, Tempest sighed heavily.

"So, do tell...How well bodes your evening? For I can confess in all honesty that I have endured far more pleasant ones..."

[Bloody_Mary_Bonney]

This is a test post of the Watch Dog deckplan...

oooooh nice

[Dorian Lasseter]

"So, do tell...How well bodes your evening? For I can confess in all honesty that I have endured far more pleasant ones..."

::Dorian sat on the edge of the desk, drew in a long breath and released it, then took the profered glass.. He looked into its depth and swirled the contents around briefly before answering...::

My evenin' has been one of extremes... I fear we be caught in th' midst of intrigues n' trechery... yet again... I'd much prefer a standup fight... broadsides all th' way... or a steel on steel duel, pistols e'en....

::He tipped the glass to his lips and swallowed, smiling as the warmth of it consumed him...::

Mmmm... grande.... I do apologize fer removin' th' lads from yer care... William thinks it fer th' best at th' moment, til all has been righted... wote'er that be... I pray we c'n slip th' morings soon enough an' be free o' this place... Til then... we must be ready fer anything...

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

"You owe me nothing in the way of apologies, it was only duty that you were upholding which leaves you without fault."

Tempest set the glass down and glanced towards the now vacant cot,

"I am a triffle displeased with the situation, but it is out of my hands at this time."

She refocused on Dorian with a tincture of irritation playing her eyes.

"What possessed William to storm Le Requiem? It is not a course of action that I would recomend. I am under the impression that he has gained favor with Capitaine Fournier, but I know that favor or not, Jean-Micheale can prove an unpredictable man at times."

The glass was retrieved, the tot finished off and she shook her head in mild disbelief.