Pyrates of the West Coast

[William Brand]

First Watch, Third Bell - Aboard the Watch Dog

'Angels and ministers of grace defend us.' William thought to himself as they crossed beyond the bulwark rail, all too aware of Ciaran overhead. The man was aloft so often that William had almost suggested to him in jest that his hammock be affixed at the mizzen topmast stay.

As he thought this, Mister Lasseter joined them at the waist and Captain Brand was all business at once.

"Mister Lasseter, these men are here under the charge of France and Mister Gaultier to collect prisoners." William made no effort whatsoever to address Gaultier as 'Monsieur' nor did he gesture to the man while speaking of him. "They are here to take custody of those English sailors that came aboard earlier. Please fetch Mister Flint from the fo'c'sle and other gentlemen from the surgery if you please."

[Dorian Lasseter]

:: The QuarterMaster tilted his head upward slightly and slowly drew in a breath...::

I see.... Then it is my duty to inform ye that they are no longer aboard... an hour past Mr. Flint and company decided to seek a berth elsewhere... I paid them their due an' sent them on their way... can't be for certain where they went, but they headed inland, I do believe they spoke of another jailed in th' local establishment?

::He put on a look of unconcerned boredom... watching the vexed look erupt on Gaultiers face...::

Had I known what was afoot, I would have held 'em under guard...

[William Brand]

William looked surprised. It wasn't an artificial expression and it crossed his face as candidly as any other. William had prepared himself to believe that they were still aboard whether they were or not. It was all a part of the practiced art of belief amidst the lie that allowed him to seem genuinely surprised. William might have been an actor had fate not steered him to other stages.

"What...?" was all he managed, and as if to counterpoint his disbelief he took three short strides to the heavy door that separated the surgery and the gun deck, putting his face to the window at once. "Dammit, man!"

Mister Lasseter looked between the armed men and the Captain and he too looked a little surprised. "Beg parden, Cap'n, but a great many men 'ave left the ship today. Tito and Firethorn drew pay and took what dunnage they..."

William waved a hand impatiently, cutting Mister Lasseter off mid sentence. William looked more perplexed than angry. "Nevermind, Mister Lasseter. There is far too much that went unexplained today for there to be any fault."

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Robespierre was a vissage of barely controlled rage as the Quartermaster relayed report. At first the Frenchman chalked it up to the typical expectation in regard to lack of discipline to be had on a vessel such as this...at first. But the wheels and cogs of mental prowess turned with smooth efficiancy and he scented a ruse. His whole career in service to the Roi had been an ongoing shuffle of shady actions and he knew the hint of coverup and slight of hand as instinctually as intake of breath.

Resetting his expression to neutrality, Gaultier waved the assigned Lieutenant to his side.

"Monsieur Chanault, you will be so kind to inform Capitaine Holland that the dictates of France require that this vessel be searched thoroughly. If he wishes not to comply, I shall over ride the authority of his secured documents and request from local governing body that this vessel be siezed and her crew imprisoned ."

"Oui, monsieur."

Raphael strode to where Hollande and officer stood, relaying the demand with a touch of irritation in his expression.

[William Brand]

William's expression darkened ever so slowly as his eyes fell directly on Gaultier for the first time since departing Le Requiem. His eyes were as unblinking as his tone.

"Please escort our guests throughout the ship, Mister Lasseter. I'm sure their prudence and precaution is not intended as an accusation." William said with no real conviction, for Gaultier looked like a fox set loose in the proverbial hen house. "Be sure to fold back the Ward Room table that they might examine the gunnage and compartments aft and see that they have access to the bilge. I am certain Monsieur will find it to his liking."

[Dorian Lasseter]

::Mr. Lasseter pursed his lips and cocked a brow at Msr. Gaultier as Msr. Chanault relayed his wishes to search the ship, then turned his attention to Captain William as he spoke... With a quick bow of his head he acknowledged the order...::

Aye Cap'n... I'll e'en provide m'ha'pike so I c'n poke in th' recesses...

:: Dorian walked first to the quarterdeck and to the mizzenmast where several halfpikes were stowed. He sellected the one he knew well, as a point of fact, it had his initials carved into the shaft... carrying it lightly down into the waist, he approached Gaultier...::

Right... Where would ye like ta begin? th' Bowels o' the ship? 'r do ye wish ta savour tha' last?

::He rested the halfpike butt on the deck and almost leaned against it as he asked of the frenchman...::

[Pew]

::Watching the squad of marin parade forth made us all a bit uneasy. I looked up and saw Mr Ciaran with the same expression I had. Crossing my arms I surveyed the scene to try and observe the sidearms and muskets each marin held. "hmm . . figgerin' two shots each, if ready for bear, 12 shots total . . . . .", I add to myself. Looking up at Mr. Ciaran, "one", at Eric Franklin, "two", and glance about the deck to see the other mates with their muskets half cocked.

Each looking about and waiting for the signal to pounce on the scraps that have wandered into the kennel.::

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Robespierre made no attempt to hide the contempt in his voice as he locked eyes with the Quartermaster.

"I am sure you are more than capable of decerning a proper starting point, monsuier. If it is the lower reaches that would give you a sense of comfort and homecoming, than who am I to deny you peace of mind."

The Lieutenant kept his attention focused forward, hands clasped behind lower back and acted as if nothing happened around his proximity. Under the cool presentation, Raphael restrained his true desires regarding countryman and the only acknowledgment proffered was a tiny shift of eyes to the other then back to original center.

"If you would be so kind to lead on, monsieur." Gaultier's tone and manner gave rival to the temperatures of far Northern and Southern points of the globe.

[Dorian Lasseter]

::Dorian mentally acknowledged the frenchman's jibe, yet his outer countenance did not reveal such... He slowly bowed is head and swept his arm...::

This way then, to your home away from home...

::He then turned, instead of giving the lead to Gaultier, he cut him off leading the way to the foreward companionway down to the lower reaches of the ship...::

Mind yer heads! Make way Lads! Got a monsewer wot wishes ta inspect 'r fine ship...

::He could not stop himself from rubbing in another mild insult or two... if he goaded the fool into fisticuffs belowdecks, he knew the outcome would be fatal for the underhanded agent...::

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

The queue was bound in proper order, an action that she was not unfamiliar to after having done so many times passed. Standing back she gave visual inspection to the overall effect and smiled knowing how perfectly comfortable he was in the adornments woken from hibernation. There seemed a glow of pride radiating from his lithe being, but there too was a hint of sadness. The ornamentation proclaimed Lieutenant, but should have surpassed that many time over but for the cruel hand of envy and its' aftermath. But aside from faux disgrace at another's whim, the brilliant sparkle of jewel encrusted pommel as sabre crown, was one bestowed only on those befitting the honour and they both knew the truths and the false truths.

Nary a word had been spoken since Armand's outburst and accusation, none were needed. The finite understanding of close sibling bond belayed the want of undue prattle and as against her choice as the Gascon was, more harsh words would not cure the malady. Regrets would not be served up for a meal of black bird, never in the past and not in the present. The stuborn streak that could make a mule envious, would not be budged and as much as Armand hated that one aspect of elder's make up, he could not fault her unwavering convictions.

Moving forward to rectify the hang of white braiding at his right shoulder, she offered soft tone of sooth, "You would make every officer of France envious if they were in your presence."

Cool grey sights focused on her face as she attempted half-hearted smile and continued, "I would go so far to say that you would outshine the Roi himself. What a thing for him to have to swallow, being outdone by Le Comte' De Leyes."She winked, " And I dare any to say otherwise."

The easy smile threatened to vanquish his expression of stern discontent as she cocked one brow in punctuation of statement. The sound of mutiple tread from companion way's passage brought twined attention to where the heavy door held rule. It was not that such things were uncommon, they happened at all hours of the day and night, but it was the perfect cadence at which it occured that was not common place.

Armand listened closely, recognizing the rythem and calculating the numbers by trained ear before anouncing quietly the number five.

[William Brand]

First Watch, Between third and fourth bell - Aboard the Watch Dog

William watched the Quartermaster escort the spy and marines down into the berth decks. The Captain went immediately to Mister Pew, inviting him by a gesture to the bulwark rail.

"Mister Pew, please pass the word by discretion that discretion should be used in regards to the marines. They are, many of them, handpicked men of Fournier's keeping. Let no harm come to them, save only to protect another crew member. The true threat is the interloper, and he is shadowed by Fournier's man in the event of any trouble."

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

And so the fruitless search began, down in the damp and fetrid air of the vessel's belly where millers held rule until the lumination of shuttered lamp sent them skittering to darker safety. The young marin just forward of the Quartermaster lifted lamp higher in effort to push back blackness and worked well to cover the distaste in the assult rendered upon sense of smell. In rear guard, comrade in arms wished that he was above with brethren above, both had become accustomed to the cleaner bouquet of Le Requiem in her newness. Chanault followed just behind Gaultier, left hand in near proximity of the large caliber pistol, stepping with practiced grace from one curved rib to next.

Gualtier's temper was further tried with the lacking result of lower reaches and the realm was forefitted to miller's desire. Leaving the bilge for next upward level, the Quartermaster shot the Frenchman silent taunt by way of "I told you so" smile then contiued the next leg.

Although air quality was not of perfect being, both Marin felt greatened and grateful relief to the improvement.

[Dorian Lasseter]

::As the search party travelled through the well packed ships stores in the hold, lanterns were held high to see back into the crawl spaces between barrel and bail, the QuarterMaster poked his halfpike into the recesses, hoping to satisfy Gaultier. On one occasion his prodding brought fourth one of the ships cats, who hissed and bounded out of the darkened space. Gaultier drew back slightly, then shot a distasteful look about him...Dorian could not help but comment...::

Ah! We ratted 'im out... Not e'en a puss-puss c'n hide from ye...

::He went back to the task of searching out the area... once finished in the hold, they moved on to the magazine...::

A'right... them lanterns are ta stay out o' here... powder stores ahead...

::Mr. Lasseter then led the way through the magazine, armoury, and lower officers cabins... They headed forward again, and into the crews berth...::

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Onward they travelled and with each area's lack of prize, Robespierre's irritation and arrogance increased. The controlled, though snide comments became more abrasive and his eyes had gained and maintained a narrowed look; a look that the Quartermaster encouraged further with verbal jibes at every opportunity.

Finishing inspection of officer's quarters, they moved on to the Surgery. Dorian begged the Surgeon's pardon for interption and introductions were made. Tempest made sure to give proper designation of Armand's status to which Gaultier bowed deeply, acknowledging his better with propriety. As brief conversation ensued, the Surgeon caught Sphynx's eye and held the steady gaze until he broke away with the proffering of small nod in respect.

[Pew]

"Mister Pew, please pass the word by discretion that discretion should be used in regards to the marines. They are, many of them, handpicked men of Fournier's keeping. Let no harm come to them, save only to protect another crew member. The true threat is the interloper, and he is shadowed by Fournier's man in the event of any trouble."

"Aye sah, right away sah."

Leaving the Captain's side I scurried amongst those crew whom of which were either armed with muskets or that distaste for those aboard. Making it very clear that no harm was to come to those visitors aboard ship. Each man begrudgingly agreed, yet still kept a close eye on the proceedings.

Moving to the quarterdeck, I look up to see Mr. Ciaran in the rigging, still poised and ready. A quick doff of my cap, and he returns with a slight nod.

[Dorian Lasseter]

::Once the inspection of the Surgery, Surgeon's quarters, Galley, Larder, and QuarterMaster's quarters were complete, Mr. Lasseter took them into the Wardroom...::

An' here we find the Wardroom... mind yerself... Sorry, no dark corners ta hide in... Here be the Cap'n's head... no... no one in there... an' last th' Cap'n's Quarters... See? not e'en another cat ta scare off....

Lastly, have a care....

::Mr. Lasseter folded the wardroom table forwad on its hinges, then swept back the persian rug...::

Lookee here... trap doors.... What we gonna find here?

::He pulled the rings on the doors, opening them upwards to reveal the sternchasers, taking the halfpike he again searched out all the corners, revealing naught....::

Well..... There ye have it...

::With his statement he let fall the doors, letting them crash back into place...::

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

The Quartermaster looked upon Robespierre with a smile of satisfaction gracing his sun darkened features. The smile was returned by a look of disgust and contempt, followed in suit by a query that dripped with venomous tone.

"And what of the cable tier, monsieur? Or am I to assume that you think me ignorant of such things?"

There lay a hint of victory achieved on Robespierre's face and that of successful one up.

"If you please, monsieur...I would hope that even one of your breeding could locate the area in question."

[Dorian Lasseter]

::The QuarterMaster feigned a look of surprize and shock... He held a hand up to his lips...::

Oh goode heavens! You are such a master if intrigue!

Off to the cable tier we go... it is presently serving us as a brig...

::They marched forward down through the fore companionway, through the lower crews berth and to the cable tier...::

Here' we be... I'm sure the aroma well suits you...

::Unlocking the door he swung it wide, revealing the coils of cables and lines. Sitting to one side in irons sat the disheveled form of 'Lady Ilex'...::

There... no one yer lookin' for... No English Men...

::He then shut and locked the door again...::

Shall we head topside? Yer inspection is now complete, unless ye wish ta see if we be hidin' 'em up in th' riggin'.....

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

The return to weather decks gave no change to view from when the party had gone below. Gaultier was infuriated and such fury combined with a tinge of fear cluttered his clarity of thought. But the main driving force was the feeling that he had been outfoxed by one he considered to be of lower stance on the food chain and what the aftermath would conjure. A thousand things raced his mind, jumblings and snatchings of the now and the future.

The two marin joined their brethren near the rail as Lieutenant Chanault stood a pace back and to the right of the stewing attache'. The pale jade windows scrutinized Gaultier's demeanor, the tight clench of fist; the ridgid set of jaw; the posturing; the odd rythem of breathing and once again left hand found pistol's proximity.

Robespierre took three threatening strides towards Captain Hollande and stopped, pointing to the other with accuisation.

"I am not convinced that this is not some attempt at coup d'eta, Capitaine. I believe that you are concealing men wanted by the Nation of France and hold dangerous sympathies for those in question!"

He turned away not waiting for retort and focused upon the regiment de marin, "Sergent Lacroix, by the power vested to me by the Crown, I hereby order you to take that treasonous fool into custody!"

The company was visibly unsure of such utterances and LaCroix looked to Chanault. Following the Sergent's focus, Gaultier turned about and fixed the Lieutenant with a snarl of irritation, "Lieutenant, it is your duty to put this situation into order!"

Robespeirre turned back about, paying no attention to the footsteps that approached from behind as he stared at William with deep hatred and spite. The look of victory once again came forth on his features, startled momentarily by the cold of steel muzzel making itself known at base of skull. A sudden look of puzzlement appeared to replace the once victorious confidence and a sharp intake of breath was heard in the near stillness.

The hammer had been cocked with pistol's withdrawl and Chanault leaned forward momentarily to speak with quiet tone, "Oui, Monsieur as you wish..."

The trigger was pulled, spark igniting the pan which in turn catapulting the rounded projectile with roar of fire and smoke. The former Robespierre Gaultier slid to the planking below with a sickning thud...

And the Sphynx smiled.

[Pew]

::Watching the little Frenchman spew hatred in the face of our Captain, each man on deck grew uneasy. Mr. Ciaran had already trained his musket upon the man standing in front of the Captain. I look to both gun'ales to see our crew slowly reaching for their muskets.

Before I could give any signal, I saw a pistol raised by one of the attending party and placed against the skull of the interrrogator. The sharp crack of gunfire echoed across the harbor.

"BLOODY 'ELL," I said, loud enough for Nigel and Eric Franklin to look my way and then back to the body now laying at the Captain's feet.::

[William Brand]

William removed his hat very slowly. He had been just about to give himself into the custody of the spy, certain that the Don would have him hung by his toenails once ashore, when Chanault ended the man's short stay and life aboard the Watch Dog, leaving him altogether uncertain how to feel about the present situation. He had imagined that Gaultier's demise would be most satisfying, but it had only punctuated a very uncertain future.

[Dorian Lasseter]

:: The QuarterMaster watched as the mans form crumpled to the deck... He blinked, then turned to Captain William...::

Oh I like 'im... Chanault that is...

::He then noticed the slightly uncertain look on his captain's face...::

Cap'n... you appear weary... might ye take yer ease in yer cabin? I'll clean up this mess...

::He turned to Leutenant Chanault...::

Leftenant... would ye like a somethin' ta clean up with? A basin an' towel per'aps? Anything else I might be o' service?

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Raphael glanced to the state of his uniform then to the Quartermaster, "Merci, non merci monsuier."

He glanced away to LaCroix, who in turn sent two of his men to retrieve the body.

"We shall be returning to Le Requiem if you are no longer in need of our sevice."

He paused to retrieve a wax sealed dispatch, "If you would please see that your Chirurgien receives this, s'il vous plait."

[William Brand]

William heard the Quartermaster and then watched the casual exchange between Chanault and Mister Lasseter before speaking.

"Might I take my ease in my cabin...? My ease, Mister Lasseter? There may not be a man or woman ashore that did not hear that report and this unfortunate fool's reach might outlive his short life. One may be sure that ease may be hard to come by if we treat not the next few hours of the night with care." William said this all with a tone that was less than pleasant and a visage that spoke of deep thoughts and even deeper calculations.

[Dorian Lasseter]

::Mr. Lasseter was slightly taken aback by the reaction of William... He pursed his lips and glanced at Chanault then back at his Captain.... he spoke in a low tone...::

I had thought from yer note that a plan of some perticular had been put in th' works... My trust is with you an' Cap'n Fournier... And anyone sent by him to do his command...

I apologize if I mistook yer meanin'...

An' as fer tha' shot... I've occasion ta hear more like it from yonder public houses an' nary a soldier come fourth... Cap'n... much weight has been put upon 'r shoulders... Leftenant Chanault, by th' order o' Cap'n Fournier has lifted some o' it... I hardly think Gaultier had accomplices ashore, otherwise I think he'd a made use of 'em... Please... put yer mind at ease...