The Pirate Hunter's Smarter Brother!

[Jacky Tar]

The swells were beginnin' t' grow larger. The deck o' the Relentless was gettin' battered wit' larger waves. The main hatch was battened down, an all hands were on deck wit' lines attached, lest anyone get washed over board.

We've ridin' out worse storms, but that still didn't calm already nervous crew members. I knew we had t' press on, an as mornin' approached I hoped we see land soon.

[Roberts]

Roberts had a line about his waist and time and again had been tossed to the deck wit the others. He was a bit banged up, but wore the look of a man who relished the excitement of a challenge wit the sea and sky. He had his long dagger in his belt and had cut at least one man loose who'd become tangled in the lines which dropped to th deck as they were torn loose from the rigging. As he scooped one young sailor just as a piece of debris threatened the mans very head, he handed the lad his extra line and luched toward Captain Tar who was fighting the sea at the Tiller. "Mr. Tar!" he shouted above the wind and din of orders and yells on the deck.. "What''s yer plan sah!? should we raise more canvas?" as he waited for an answer, another wave crashed over the rail drowning out anything Jacky said. The crack of wood could be heard coming from the direction of the Rakehell and as Roberts held on to the tiller and the Captain he prayed it warn't the main...

[Red Cat Jenny]

The last thing Red CAt remembered was racin about th deck o the Rakehell..haulin here, fallin there as the sea spilled over the rails. She drove herself to be busy at every second realizin she were runnin.....runnin from that vision which crept upon her during storms such as this.

The Rakehell lurched, groaning against the opposite forces of a large wave an the wind howlin above. She heard th crack o wood and looked back over her shoulder just in time t' be struck by a large piece o spar which gave way. As the Cat crumpled to the deck there were that face agin.. lit by the stars she saw from the blow ..that face..laughing again just as it was that first time they met. The terrible laughter filled her head echoing louder and louder. The memory shook the Cat back to the present an she struggled away from the splinterd wood which had luckily, only glanced her. She drew a hand to her head and found no wound, but her shoulder ached badly. "No time fer tha now" she said to herself and hauled to her feet grabbin the safety line. As Red Cat stood against the pitchin and rollin she caught sight o' the damage wot had been done. "Good Gods...not ..agin..." she muttered to no one near..Cat looked about franticly "Ransom! Captain! Aaafrica! "she shouted makin her way over wood and through water and debris towrds whar she knew her mates t' be last....

[Ransom]

I heard the crack as the spar went, then, as if by a huge water buffalo, I was shoved to one side by Africa. We both went crashing to the deck as rigging fell all around us. I couldn't move - then realised it was because Africa still lay over the top of me, protecting me. "Get off me, you big oaf."

He grinned. "I guess you okay." Pushing a tangled mess of lines and splintered wood away from us, he stood, then held out his hand.

"Yes, I'm fine. Let's get this mess cleared away and see what damage has been done aloft. Cut everything loose that's in danger of going overboard, and stow it or lash it down tight."

I heard Red Cat yelling, but then Jimmy Cox came running up, shouting and waving a hand. "The new lad, Seth, has been knocked overboard. He can't swim, Mam, and I aint seen him come up since he went over."

"Damn and blast, what side did he go over? Can anyone see him? Why wasn't he tied to a lifeline?"

The sea roiled like a boiling pot, and rain pelted the deck like grape-shot. There was no sign of the lad, and putting a boat over to look for him would be useless.

Young Seth became the first fatality of the adventure.

[Jacky Tar]

I glanced in the direction o' the Rakehell, she had lost her main-gaff topsail, but her main sail remained intact. Men were scramblin' t' clear her decks of lines and downed spars. I thought I saw Ransom at the helm, an I hoped it weren't wishful thinkin'. I hoped Ransom had spare spars aboard.

Me attention, turned t' the Relentless, "Come on ol' girl," I said. Roberts asked if we needed t' raise more canvas, an I replied, "Mister Roberts, tell Mister Dillard t' hav the top gallent men stand down." I didn't want t' drop anymore canvas, in this wind. We might even reef a few more sails, I thought.

[Red Cat Jenny]

Red CAt continued over and around lines, belaying pins torn from their roosts and small flotsam sloshing about on the wave soaked deck. Everywhere crew were scrambling and slipping. She heard a distant call of "Man overboard" and raced in it's direction fearing the worst. She held her tricorn down tight against the wind and rain. Something small flew past and caught her cheekbone. "Bugger!" The Cat cursed a blue streak as she continued forward. She observed tha damage to th top main and th Rakehell was shudderin. Too much more of this and things could get very bad she thought ... They needed to run. "Aye" she told herself "we needs t' run from storm an..." Red CAt stopped a moment grabbing the rigging still intact. Squoze her eyes shut. Then cursing again dove over more debris past a determined looking crew member who nearly crashed headlong into her on the lurching deck. She finally spied Africas large form . "Africaa! " she shouted. He didn't hear the wind howled so. Red CAt pushed on towards the big man hoping Ransom warn't far.

[Silkie McDonough]

The first order Silkie was given was to secure herself to a line. She stumbeled and did as ordered shaking her head the whole time. Tie myself to a ship ...of all the ...! I could go down with the bloody thing! Storms always seemed a bother aboard ship. She tied herself off and went to the set of lines she was to man and waited for the echoe of orders. Standing there she felt secure with the hide in the haversack hanging at her side, a false sense of security in reality because if she were tossed overboard she would be hard pressed to don it in such rough waters. Besides, she liked these people who had decided to include her in their adventure ...albeit perhaps a bit reluctantly on the part of some of the male crew. If for no other reason than that she was going to see that not one of the crew was lost even if she had to jump into the foamy brine herself! Well, perhaps not that determined. The order came and she let the rope slack just a bit and waited for the next command.

[Ransom]

"I tol' you we should have run from dis storm." Africa shouted over the wind. "Now we lose our squares'l and da new boy. We keep heading fo' Hispaniola, our luck goin' to get worse."

His ranting was due to his fear of the French colony, but I couldn't let him spook the crew any more than they already were. "Bollocks! The Rakehell has weathered worse storms than this. We've lost canvas before, and we'll lose it again. Just clear away the mess, and get back to work. And tie a lifeline to yourself. I don't want to lose you the same way as Seth."

He staggered away, tieing a rope around his waist. Just in time, as a huge wave hit the bow and crashed over the deck, knocking everyone to their knees. I gave a grunt as my lifeline caught, then pulled myself up. "Jimmy, Red Cat, get that goddammed mess off this deck. Now! Tunny, give Africa the helm. You get aloft and cut that broken spar loose before it fouls the main. And where the hell is Goose? If his arse isn't aloft with Tunny is two seconds, I'll throw his skrawny, worthless, stew-burning hide overboard. LIVELY!"

As the crew jumped to it, I helped Jimmy and Red Cat clear the deck of debris.

[Red Cat Jenny]

Red Cat glad t' see ransom, an even moreso t' see her in her usual demeanor, was already haulin up rope and wreckage as the fiesty Captian called out orders.

She had her dagger stuck in her belt and alternately hauled and slashed to get the downed lines clear 'fore th next wave battered deck and crew alike. Jimmy, a stout an strong lad tossed or stowed the debris as fast at the Cat could loose it , an they made short time of clearin this part of th deck once more..Lookin over the mate's shoulder Cat's eyes grew large..she grabbed her hat wi one paw an the lifeline with th other.."Jimmy lad! hold on! Here comes nother wave!" The sea broke in over the side accompanied by thunder and shouts..the two tumbled to th deck and struggled back up soaked and sputterin. Red Cat wished to be anywhere but wet...

[Jacky Tar]

Land was insight, we needed t' sail around the western tip o' the island; not an easy task in this storm.

I glanced over at the Rakehell, again. She looked like she was listin' a bit. The Rakehell hadn't lost any more canvas, but she wasn't followin' the Relentless, anymore; her helm might not be respondin'.

[Ransom]

Though it was a struggle, the Cat, Jimmy and I managed to get the debris cleared and battoned down. The storm was fierce as ever. I looked over out starboard side, and could barely see the Relentless.

"Get her back on course!" I shouted at Africa. He was new at the helm, since we had lost Ioan in Port Royal, so had let her fall off the wind. "Bring her up, blast you!"

In frustration, I stumbled my way across the deck to take the helm myself. With Africa on one side, and myself on the other, we got the Rakehell back on course. But by this time, the Relentless was almost out of sight. All I could really see of her were the stern lamps.

"Time to let the girl run, Africa."

He gave me a wide grin, and started barking orders to the crew.

[Jacky Tar]

Mornin' is dawnin', but ye wouldn't know it by the sky over head. The waters are black as pitch, an thank providence the waves hav quit crashin' so hard on the foredeck. Turnin' t' look fer the Rakehell, I spy her position.

A lightin' strike reveals just how far a part the ships hav gotten.

[Silkie McDonough]

Not much to do save hold on and wait for commands. The coat she had shrugged into before coming above deck did little against such a storm. The water was no bother but the fear she saw in a few of the lads eyes tugged at her human heart. A seldom heard prayer went up to whatever god of men and sailors might hear her that they not cast their nets on this ship today.

[Red Cat Jenny]

Through lightning and wind driven rain, Cat spied the Relentless.. but only each time she crested a wave..the sea is high an despite the efforts of Ransom an Africa the storm is havin it's way with the vessel, tossing it about like a cork. With the ships so far apart they were on their own an Red CAt began to wonder if a curse of some sort had already taken hold. Befalling those who set out to plunder secrets guarded by mysterious peoples, tall tales and legartos.

Though the wind and rain were somewhat warm this far south..Red Cat felt herself chill to the core..she remembered that feeling...it was on a night such as this...

Amidst the shouts another crack was heard and part of the mainmast came crashing down. The deck was awash in the sea as the Rakehell lurched close to land. Red CAt held on and forced fear our of her mind. Concentrating only on survival of herself the Captain an crew. She wondered if Jacky Tar would see them foundering through the rain and fog and replaced any other thoughts with Roberts..

Aye he would say the ship was strong and the game not over yet...

[Jacky Tar]

The Rakehell should hav caught up wit' us by now. Why was she laggin' so far behind?

The Relentless was a rigged like a snow, we can tack south east an come back on the Rakehell's position.

"Gentlemen, we're headin' back t' the Rakehell's position, brace yer self lads." I turned t' Smithe, who was at the helm, an bellowed, "Hard a port!"

[Dillard]

"Belay that last order, Smithe." Mister Tar's head swung around in my direction, his expression one of shock and disbelief. "Sir, I respectfully request you retire to your quarters," I shouted. "We will not tie our fate to that of the Rakehell."

Before Mister Tar could go fer his pistol, or protest, a new crew member struck him accross the back of the head, wit' a belayin' pin. He fell t' the deck, in a heap.

[Silkie McDonough]

Silkie turned in time to see Jacky being carried below! "Wot!" She had heard the shades of a few commands but the storm drown them out. If they had been directed at her they would have been echoed by crew so that she heard amd responded to them but this ...this was beyond her comprehension. She looked to Dillard who wore a determined look. He looked her straight in the eye daring her to defy orders, "Do you wish to join him?" Silkie wasn't sure if that was an invitation to go care for Captain Tar or a threat that should she object she would suffer the same fate. She stood anchored where she was and searched the deck for Roberts. Silkie swallowed hard, even Roberts, her only other friend o this ship, and his superstitious nature, might be blaming her for the ill weather and anything else that may not be done with ease on this expedition.

[Dillard]

I turned to the crewman who had struck Mister Tar, "That was not called for. I told you to prevent him from drawing his pistol." The man shrugged and knuckled his forehead.

Jonas was gathering up the personal arms, of those not in the know, including our guest's.

"Smithe, go below and make sure Roberts and Stones are locked up. Then stand watch in front of Mister Tar's quarters." I took the helm, we were about to round the western tip of Hispaniola.

[Silkie McDonough]

Mutiny! Roberts and Stones locked up! Silkie didn't like that one bit. She could serve no purpose as captive with the others and might yet use her freedom to gain the same for Tar, Roberts and Stones. She knew not why they did not lock her up also. Perhaps they didn't think a woman a threat. Perhaps they had other plans for the woman on board. Silkie tried to stay away from that thought and concentrated on helping the ship survive the storm. Escape may not be needed, perhaps Dillard had good reason for his actions. Good reason for mutiny!? Silkie seethed as she stood watching her only allies escorted below. Lightning flashed just before Roberts disappeared below the weather deck. She caught his eye but what she read there she dare not ponder.

[Ransom]

"Hold her as she is!" I yelled to Africa, as the top three feet of the main mast snapped. Fortunately, Tunny and Goose had rerigged the mains'l after the squares'l spar had broken, so the mains'l didn't drop to the boom. All we lost was six feet of white pennant, kept up top to make the Rakehell easier for the Relentless to spot on the water — the Rakehell had burnt sienna colored sails and a black hull, so she was invisible at night, and tough to see during the day.

Tunny climbed up the rat lines to secure the hanging bit of mast, then yelled down, "The Relentless isn't waiting for us. She's hull down on the horizon already."

Africa gave me a look that said all to plainly, "We should have left them when we had the chance."

Inwardly fuming that Jacky would leave us stranded in the storm, I ignored the big man. To larboard I could just make out the coast of Hispaniola, a dark shadow in the morning's dull light. I would not risk a French port with a ship that couldn't get me out of it in a hurry. There was nothing for it, but to head for Havana and hope we'd find the Relentless waiting for us.

"Come on, old girl, just get us to Havana," I muttered, while wondering what had happend on the Relentless that she would leave us.

[Jacky Tar]

I sat up in me bunk, an felt the huge lump at the back o' me head. "Who the bloody hell hit me!" I yelled.

Spoons walked over t' me. I looked up at me ol' friend an cook, an said, "Where's me pistol? Did Dillard lead a mutiny an take the ship? Why are ye here?"

[CrazyCholeBlack]

Unlike the others, who's instincts had led them to the deck during the storm, Jane had dropped into the hold. Now she was nearly waist deep in murky water, struggling to keep what provisions and munitions she could dry, while the ship slammed against each wave. Thankfully the Rakehell's hull had proven stronger than her previous vessels. Despite the beating, it remained largely intact. The majority of the water that worked its way into the hold had come from above. Jane cursed their luck as another wave knocked the ship, a crate jerking against the ropes securing it.

"Mother o saints!" Jane exclaimed as the line snapped, the box crashing onto the barrels below it only feet from where she stood.

[Spoons]

"I've been here fretting over your head, and checking you for any signs of a fever."

Mister Tar gave me sideways look, and I said, "Aye, I said fever! Mister Dillard said you were giving orders to turn back into the storm."

"As for a mutiny, I think there's been a misunderstanding." I paused, "Mister Dillard took measures to safe guard the ship and crew. One of the crew may have been a little to eager to help, and clubbed you."

I watched to see Mister Tar's reactions. He just looked more stunned than angry. I handed him his pistol, which he gladly accepted.

[Ransom]

As the morning progressed, the storm seemed to abate a little. The wind, while still strong, was not fierce. The waves still crashed over the bow, but didn't slam into us. To the east, the sky showed thin strips of blue sky through the cloud layer. Unforetunatly, the lightening sky also showed me that the Relentless was gone.

But I couldn't worry about her at the moment. If the wind kept dying, we could make the repairs to sails and mast while at sea. We could also finally eat a hot meal, which would cheer the crew, even if Goose did the cooking.

I turned to Africa. "Let's give it another hour, and if the wind continues to back off, we'll make repairs. I'm going below to check on things. Keep on this same heading."

As I traversed the deck, I called to Tunny. "Get aloft and tell me if you can see the Relentless."

Quick as a cat, he was up the rat lines again, then through cupped hands called down, "No, Mam, no sign of her."

[Roberts]

A loud rukus and shouting traversed the decking above and headed towards Mr. Tar's cabin.. he an spoons barely had a chance to look in the direction of the scuffling and voices raised in anger.

A pause..more muffled voices could be heard arguing and then a loud thump as the bulk of a man hit the deck...rather hard.

Tar's door was flung open and Roberts stormed in lookin about wildly. Seeing Spoons and Jacky, who was now holding the back of his head gingerly an wincin just a bit from th noise..he stopped and a look of confusion mingled with the anger present in his face.

A moment passed in silence...

Roberts quickly shook it off trading thoughts for action..

"Wot in th bloody *&^$ hell happened?! " He looked at Spoons, the only other man present, as if he had all the answers and had been reponsible for the whole mess. The Cook shrunk back.. stunned into silence..thankful his Captain held a loaded pistol...

Roberts, despite the low beams of the cabin, was drawn up to his full height, his face dark as the storm clouds that had rolled in. His fist was clenched about drawn cutlass and he had the look of one driven to an absolute rage....it was clear the hulk of a pirate was deciding not what to do... but who to start with...