The Pirate Hunter's Smarter Brother!

[Black Nate]

Nate was told to show the man from the Port Authority the goods in the hold. "Aye aye capin" he said with a salute. Nate looked at the spaniard. "You speaky english? Do ya? No? Come on, foller me. Come. This way." Speaking and giving lots of hand signals to the spaniard, Nate finally got him to understand what he wanted him to do. The man began to follow Nate into the hold. "Father, ya test me so." As they climbed down, Nate heard a plethora of curses in his native language, more than he'd heard spoken in what seemed a lifetime.

[Spoons]

Mister Tar, didn't seemed that surprised to see me and asked if I came to finish him off.

I replied, "Things went badly, there's no denying that, but you must believe I didn't mean to have you shot!"

"So this time ye do, since I'm the only one on this side o' the carriage an the pistols are both pointed in my direction." Mister Tar replied.

I smiled an replied, "Only if it's necessary, besides the capitan wants you alive."

As the castle came in to view, I settled back in my seat, rested the pistol in my lap but didn't uncock it.

[Jacky Tar]

So Spoons hadn't come t' finish the mutiny or me. He didn't even attempt t' bind my hands or check me pockets!

Why would Capitan Navarro send a mutineer, like Spoons, t' escort me t' the Castillo? I guess I'd get the answers soon enough, fer we had just entered the gates o' Castillo del Morro.

The driver stopped the carriage, opened the door an motioned fer me t' get out. "Oh look, the capitan has sent a firing squad." I remarked, as six musket barrels were now pointed at me, as well.

[Ransom]

Seeing Silkie bound off the Relentless and attempt to chase the coach that had taken Jacky away, did nothing to ease my mind.

"Oi, Silkie," I shouted. "What's going on? Where's Jacky off to?"

[Silkie McDonough]

"Just a bad feeling ...sometimes I let m'nature do d'tinkin." Silie still looked after the coach, her stomach churning. "bad feelin n'accute hearing, only I can't say fer sure what I tin I heard." She closed her eyes straining to pick up what she thought she had heard but even the feeling of dread was fast dissipating. something had happened when Jacky got in that coach ...something that sent off his trigger response enough to catch her attention and triggered her foolish response ...like she could run down a horse drawn coach. She laughed out loud Ransom looked even more confused after that.

[Black Nate]

Nate didn't know exactly what goods were stowed in the hold. He did his best to show the Port Authority man everything, all the while wishing he were up on deck. Nate's curiosity had him wondering what all the cursing had been about, hoping it wasn't something that would keep them in port any longer then they had to be. He still had his last pistol on his belt, but his cutlass and musket were stowed out of the way in the berthing space. Nate brought his attention back to the spaniard as he inspected a bale of wool, noticing a hole sliced into it. The spaniard pointed to it and asked Nate something which he didn't understand, but knew what he was asking. "That? Checkin fer vermin." The spaniard wore a confused look. "Ya know, vermin, rats. Rats? Mice? Squeaky little bastards?" Nate stuck his hands to his face with his fingers splayed out and stuck out his front teeth, making feeble squeeking noises. The spaniard looked at him queerly for a bit then seemed to understand. "Ah, roedores! Si!" Nate grinned at him. "Aye, rowdoerees!" They both shared a laugh and moved on.

[Jacky Tar]

Capitan Navarro, decked in his finery, approached us. Wit' an unusually solemn face he said, "Any last requests?"

My eyes narrowed, so this was how it was goin' t' be, then I noticed the corners o' his mouth startin' t' turn up. So, I said, "Aye, would ye hav yer men lower their muskets. An I do believe I could use a drink."

"Of course." He said, an motioned t' his men t' lower their weapons. "Come let us attend to business and have that drink."

[Silkie McDonough]

"I'm still not happy. There's something not right about all this." Silkie made her way to Ransoms side. "Somtin still ain't right. Does Jacky do deez secret sort of things often? I'm startin t' wonder bout him, not his motives but ...don't e know we don't like surprises ALL the time?"

[Ransom]

Remembering his dinner confession, and the emerald hidden away in my cabin, I replied, "Yes, well, Jacky does have his little secrets — as do we all."

At that moment the Port Authority gentleman, escorted by Nate, came forward with a paper for me to sign, which I did. When the officious little man left the Rakehell, I turned to Africa. "Let's get this cargo unloaded as fast as possible."

Then I left the deck and returned to my cabin, still showing the chaos of the previous night's entertainments. With a curse, I began to put things to rights.

[Silkie McDonough]

Not feeling any better after talking with Ransom Silkie made her way back to the Relentless and looked for Johnathan.

"Roberts! I been on dis ship too long. Permission to go ashore." As she drew nearer she said in a hushed voice "I nil feel comfortable wit Jacky's disappearing like but I don't tink deer's anything I ken do." she paused, "Wot say you and I go enjoy wot d'town has t'offer? I nows a place where..." her voice becam even more hushed as she continued.

[Roberts]

Roberts laughed, his booming voice shattering the whisper o Silkies proposal. "Lass...we're not exactly in friendly territory"

She looked downtrodden and the big Pirate crossed his arms and looked towards th town. "Wall..." Roberts threw his gaze back upon Silkie. Her green eyes glistened with delight that he might reconsider "Seein as ye know th place...mayhaps one drink. However Red Cat'll have t' take th deck or I can nil leave wit th Captin gone n' all" At that moment a voice came up "Ahoy th Relentless! I be comin aboard" The pair grinned at each other an Roberts reached o'er th rail near haulin Cat on t' th deck. He laughed as she teetered from him sweepin her up an over. Yet he landed his mate safely on th deck.

[Red Cat Jenny]

"I said....ahoy th' woagh!" Red Cat teetered abou on th Relentes's deck a moment havin been swept over th rail by Robert's powerful arm. "Oi !" She gave him a shove in annoyance but was grinnin " Don't ye guv a Lass a warnin?!" Red CAt straightened her hat an coat. "Now wot gives? whar th blloody hell did Tar go careenin off ter?!" Roberts an Silkie were grinnin like a pair o pick pockets on a good day. ...... She squinted at them her smile fadin."Wot?"

[Silkie McDonough]

"Weeeeel lass, Jon an I were tinkin uv goin ashore fer a bite." She winked at the man there was no need to tell Cat what was to be bitten. Silkie Figured it best that Roberts take care of the formalities of the ship asking Cat to take over the duties of the officer on deck.

[Juan Francisco Navarro]

Senor Tar followed me to my quarters, and I invited him to sit and have his drink.

"You are probably wondering why I have brought you here." He nodded and remarked he didn't think it was to share a drink. I smiled, "No Senor Tar, I have a proposition for you. My informants tell me that when you leave Havana, you intend to sail to the Dry Tortugas and Florida, to recover Spanish gold."

I waited for his response, but Senor Tar just sat there, calmly sipping his drink. "You of course know that any Spanish property recovered is subject to seizure by the Spanish authorities? Spain takes a dim view of treasure hunters."

"However, I have in my possession expedition papers bearing the seal of Charles the II, himself. Giving me permission to command an expedition fleet, with ships yet to be named, and recover Spanish treasure believed to be held by the natives in Florida." Senor Tar set down his drink.

"I offer you the chance to lead that expedition on my behalf, and will allow you to keep ten percent of any gold you may recover. You and your crew will receive an escort to protect your interests and those of the empire."

[Black Nate]

Nate stood at the ready when Africa began giving orders to unload the cargo, now that it had been inspected. He followed the lead of others who had been aboard much longer than he had been. Once or twice Nate pulled rank when something wasn't rigged right and quickly fixed the problem, or had some of the others fix it once he explained the danger. Nate worked well with the others and he earned some respect along the way. Nate enjoyed the work, had a way to get others to enjoy the labor, and was quick with a grin and a comment with his quirky sense of humor.

[Red Cat Jenny]

Red CAt looked from Silkie t Roberts an back.

[Jacky Tar]

So Spoons had informed Capitan Francisco 'bout plans after Havana, too. Wot t' say, deny the plans t' sail t' the Dry Tortugas an sail back t' Port Royal. Or refuse the bargain, an risk havin' the local Spanish galleons pursin' us all the way t' Florida.

Nay, it was as much an offer as a veiled threat. Wot would the others say if I returned wit' his offer?

"Capitan Navarro, if I were interested in yer venture, I'd be needin' t' discuss this wit' the captain o' the Rakehell. As this would change our arrangements t' trade goods in other ports, after Havana." Then I said, "I'm not sure either crew is up fer a treasure hunt, anyway. As we hav staked our fortunes on tradin' goods fer profit around the Caribbean, despite wot tales ye may hav been told!"

[Black Nate]

Nate helped the others finish up unloading the cargo and stood on shore wiping the sweat off his face with a piece of linen from his pocket. Watching the inhabitants of the spanish sea side, he did his best to be friendly. Some of the people spoke so fast it didn't even sound like they were talking, just jumbled syllables. Nate walked back up the gang plank and to the water barrel on deck, he gulped down several cups. He wiped his mouth on the back of his hand and looked around the deck. Nate saw Africa looking at him and was about to find something to do when he noticed the slightest of smiles on the face of the big moore. Nate stood straight and put his knuckles to his brow at the bosun, and Africa gave a very slight nod in return. Nate turned away and grinned his wild grin and looked skyward. "A finer day there never was, Father." With a spring in his step, even after the heavy labor, Nate walked across the deck to the side of the ship, all the while looking for those he knew best. None were on the deck of the Rakehell, Nate looked to the other ship and saw Red Cat and Silkie there with a large man in conversation. He was about to roll down the gang plank but he didn't have permission to leave the ship. With great hesitation, mainly so he could think of a good reason, he approached Africa. "Africa, Sah! Permission ta go ashore ta retrieve my things that was left behind last evenin!" He smiled sweetly at the big moore, but feared the dark look he got back would not produce a granting of permission.

[Ransom]

Africa studied the man called Nate, and thought about his request. The Cat was already off visiting the Relentless, but the captain had asked her to do so to gather information about That Man. The off-loading was finished, and no doubt Tunny, Jimmy and Ludo were going to be wanting time ashore as well. However, he couldn't dismiss them without the captain's permission.

"I check wit da captain. She say you can go ashore, you go."

From behind him, Africa heard the Captain's voice. "The men can go ashore, but must keep to the wharf area taverns. No one is to go inland, out of site of the ships. We may need to leave this place in a hurry, so unless you want to be left behind, keep that in mind."

Africa nodded, then looked at the men who stood around waiting for the order. "You heard da captain. But you forget da rule, and we leave you to da Spanish." Then he turned to the captain again and said, "I stay on board."

With a whoop, Tunny, Jimmy and Ludo jumped ship.

[Roberts]

As th Cat looked from Silkie back to Roberts he wore a broad grin.... Which quickly waned as she glowered at him from 'neath th battered tricorn. Changing tack he threw an arm about her and led her away a pace 'r two "Now Caaht..." ....he spoke softly..

"Don't ye now cat me ye sorry beast! We be waitin fer th Cap'n right here! " Roberts turned to her an spread his hands as if to say I've done nothin. Cat took a pace closer an leaned in pokin him in th chest wit one ringed finger "Now I know ye fancy some fun..Lord knows it aint been a picnic!..but it seems ta me ye had yer fun back on tha isle.. BAH!!" Red Cat kicked at a small bit o flotsam wot had lain on th deck. "Now listen 'ere ye little "...Roberts advanced back on her but Cat stood her ground jes glowerin, even as he towered above her. T'was an olde game t'ween th two. Roberts heaved a sigh an leaned down a bit as to address his impulsive mate. "Cat.." he looked up int' th riggin an an idea came "T'as been awhile since ye Captained a ship has it not?" He paused....She glanced about an back to him his face the portrait o pious honesty. She narrowed her eyes. "Aye...an wots yer point?!" Roberts threw n arm about her an pulled her alongside agin. "Well seein as Mister.. er CAPtain Tar 'as seen fit t'leave us for th moment.." He looked shoreward an puffed out his chest speaking oficially "I think it best we have a bit of a scout around...make sure e hasn't come t' any harm. But you've not the brief command o th native tongue here tha I has an someone needs t' take on as Cap'n if.." Cat turned sharply to th big man grabbin him by a bunch o' shirt "Say it Jon..." she hesitated.."an I'll nail yer tongue t th mizzen!! " she looked away an back not releasin her grasp "Withou th' rest o ye!" Roberts cringed inwardly for as wee an bouncy as the Cat may be she was tougher in spades..he'd see her so long ago "Nay Cat, I was abou t' say if he need's someone t'make ready t' sail as he come a runnin back who would be better? Someone needs t' Cap'n should th need arise..er temporarily..take command" As he spoke the last he turned her towards th ship sweepin his arm towards all. Roberts saw Red Cats eyes light a bit an he knew she could no more resist th temporary command o such a vessel than she could an open treasure wit none about.

[Red Cat Jenny]

Red Cat bit her lip lookin about th Relentless. It was a fine ship. She squinted int th sun as she let her gaze travel upwards. Up th mast int th mains. She fidgeted wit summin in one pocket an had a think. "Wall.." some of wot Roberts said made sense. She spoke witout lookin back at him. "I know I can trust ye Jon..an Silkie witout question. " Cat turned back slowly an regarded th man who fidgeted, only noticably to one who knew him so well. She looked past him t' Silkie who shrugged a nervous shrug an then back t' Roberts. "Ye take her wit ye...see wot ye kin learn.." She pulled him down towards her by his neckscarf. "But lay t' th local pubs 'ere at th shore. Don't make me have t' come save yer sorry neck. I'll have one o th guns loaded quietly..ye know th signal" "AYE! he said in a husky whisper. Cat looked over her shoulder at th few crew members who had stopped t' watch th exchange from a distance. She returned a whisper o her own. "Before dark...."

"Aye !" Roberts replied an was headin back down th deck. As they made th bottom of th gangplank Cat threw a boot upon the gun carriage an chuckled. She knew Roberts would hurry afraid she'd change her mind. Though he tried not to make it obvious. Which only made th big man's gait comical. After they had disppeared on shore Cat turned back and swaggered down th deck towards th Captain's quarters. "Oi! Ye lot know me an those that don't need not ask! I'll be in charge ere until Mister Tar returns." A few aye!'s rose up from those tha understood when Jack'yd left his deck t' her watch once before. " Now carry on! " Th men who'd stood about scuttled back to their assigned duties an Cat dissapeared below decks.

[Black Nate]

Nate grinned wildly at Africa for a second before straightening and snapping off a salute. "Tank ya Africa, I won't be long, just need ta get wot I left behind." Before making an exodus from the ship, Nate went below and gathered up his cutlass, checked his pistol to be sure it was in order. He walked with purpose across the gangplank and onto shore. It took Nate little time to find the turkish bathhouse and entered. The attendant remembered him and smiled a great big smile. The man spoke very quickly and all Nate could do is nod until the man stopped speaking. "I come back fer me clothes that were wet last evenin." He gestured to his shirt and slops while talking and the man understood. He headed back into the recesses of the bathhouse and returned with a neat bundle. Opening the string he took out the shirt and showed Nate where it had been repaired, then he did the same with the slops, but seemed apologetic as the repairs were more extensive. Nate smiled and thanked the man and put his hand into his pocket. The attendant held up his hands and shook his head. He folded up the slops and shirt and tied the string again, handing the bundle to Nate and all the while talking ushered him to the door. Nate thanked the man again and with a wave began walking back to the wharf. He shook his head once or twice, replaying what had just happened in his head. Nate got to the Wharf just in time to see Silkie and Robert heading down the wharf away from the two ships. He spied Red Cat on the deck with a foot on a cannon. As he got nearer she walked aft, and yelled some orders to the crew and disappeared below.

[Ransom]

Jacky's extended absence was making me more and more nervous. Rather than pace the deck, I went below to the galley, boiled up some water, and made tea, bringing out my fancy silver tea set. It was my one shipboard vanity. Africa took the heavy tray topside, and I invited him to join me, since he'd refused to go on shore with the others.

"I been a slave once. Would kill me to be a slave again. I stay here on the Rakehell, where I be safe."

Like two rich lords, we sipped our tea and made idle conversation, but all the while our eyes scanned the docks and wharf area, watching and waiting.

[Jacky Tar]

Capitan Navarro said he understood that I needed t' confer wit' the other captain an crew. He even offered t' hav a carriage return me t' the docks wit' out an armed escort. I quickly accepted his offer fer return trip t' the docks and started fer the door.

"Senor Tar, I trust you will take my offer to your traveling companions and send me word when you are ready to depart." He said, as if, the deal were done.

I nodded an left t' find me ride back t' the docks. The carriage was empty, save fer the driver, I was travelin' alone.

As we approached the docks, I thought I glimpsed Ransom an her first mate sippin' tea, onboard the deck o' the Rakehell. The sight o' the large man wit' a little china cup gave me pause; aye, we've been in port too long, I thought.

[Ransom]

Africa's cup paused in mid air, and his dark eyes narrowed.

"What?" I asked.

With a sigh, he put down the cup. "Here come dat man. I 'spect tea time be over."

I quickly looked toward the dock. The carriage that had taken Jacky away, was now depositing him back on the wharf.

"Well, it's about time. Maybe he can tell us when we're going to get paid for all this cargo we unloaded, since I haven't seen one bloody coin, or one bale in trade goods."

Secretly, I felt like an anvil had been lifted from my shoulders.