The Pirate Hunter's Smarter Brother!

[Juan Francisco Navarro]

I watched the short squat sailor pace in the court yard. "So, Senor Tar is not willing to accept my generous offer." I remarked, and crumpled the letter the sailor had delivered.

I turned to my aid, "Round up the dutch sailors and find the one they call Spoons. It seems, he is going to get his ship, after all."

[Red Cat Jenny]

Red Cat had stood quietly once she'd interjected her thoughts twixt JAcky an Ransom. Then hearin wot she needed, she walked off t' leave them t' finish their conversation. Cat now stood aft as she had for a time, she sipped coffee slowly from a tankard and was lost far out amongst the whitecaps at sea. Strategy required some thought..lookin at a situation from all sides. The picture warn't rosy an was likely t' get warse afore it got better. She spillt th' rest o' th' strong brew over th' side an handed the cup to a passing crewman.

Red Cat pushed her tricorn forward on her brow an wit a swear headed off in search o' Jacky Tar.

[Colard Dysart]

Colard watched the crew members stumble around the deck, still too drunk to be of much use. He smiled, knowing he'd been in just such a condition half his long life. With a shake of his head, he kept to his work, waiting to see when the ship would leave the harbor. As was his habit, he sang softly under his breath as he bent to his tasks..."Oh, I wish I were a bosun aboard a man-o-war, Sam's gone away....."

[Spoons]

We were sitting at table in the back of the Taberna del Oído de la Puerca, discussing our prospects without a ship or employer; when the capitan's lackey approached me and handed me a letter.

I glanced at the letter and turned to my dutch companions, "Well lads, it seems we need not look for gameful employment. The capitan needs our services, again." I paused, read further and said, "And we have us a ship! Seems we're to be sailors in the employ of the Spanish Empire." I stood and raised my tankard, "Een toost aan de kapitein!"

[Black Nate]

Nate felt like he were the only man with his sealegs aboard the ships as all the drunken crew stumbled and swayed about the deck doing their best to help ready the ship for sailing. For the most part they ended up undoing all the fine work he and the old salt had done while they were plying themselves with liquor. Nate heard Colard singing softly and began humming the tune along with him, as it kept his mind focused in a way.

[Silkie McDonough]

Hoping t' lift Silkie's spirits, I said, "We'll be visitin' a local inn fer a bite 'fore we shove off."

Silkie heads off to help prepare the lines for sail she mumbles under her breath, " Wern't food I wuz plannin on nibblin on."

[Ransom]

Africa watched the crew make a mess of their jobs and felt his temper rising. He wanted out of this port, the sooner the better. He could not forget that it was the Spanish who had bought him from Arab slavers and chained him to an oar in a Spanish galleon. He'd managed to survive for two years, but had almost given up hope when the Rakehell had taken the ship.

For certain, he had no love for the Spanish, and the crew bumbling around like children set his temper flaring. In a voice like thunder, he shouted, "If you men don get straight, I trow you over the side. Stupid as Frenchies. I sick of you all!"

When Africa looked over at the Captain, all she did was smile, then added in her own voice of command. "I'll help him toss you blasted slackers myself. Get on with it, or no rum for a fortnight!"

Africa grinned back at her. "Dat should help."

[Colard Dysart]

Colard had a chuckle over the threats made by the Blackamoor and the Captain. He'd heard hundreds such, and they never amounted tae much in the long haul. But the fear of no rum for two weeks had put a liveliness in their step, an no mistake. A few moments later he found himself standing near the poop deck, where the captain was still standing, her attention focused on the brig tied before them. Taking off his hat and clearing his throat to get her attention, he knuckled his forehead and said, "I be wantin' tae thank yea, ma'am, for takin' this lowly creature on board. I'll try me best tae give yea good service for your kindness."

[Ransom]

I studied the old man, who seemed sincere and harmless. However, I had learned from experience that outward appearances didn't always reveal inward personalities or private agendas. With a slight nod I replied, "Give it some time, Mr. Dysart. You may decided that being taken aboard the Rakehell was not such a kindness after all."

[Rosarita Montoya]

Señor Navarro says, "Rosarita, jou es good kook. Señor Tar kneeds another kook a bordo de Relentless."

Estoy aqui, "Pero... witch sheep es de Relentless?"

[Jacky Tar]

I glanced at the docks an caught site o' her. "Wot had Raphael done t' me? I asked fer a cook an he sends a powder keg!" I muttered.

Aye, she was easy enough on the eyes an not a bad cook either; but stories o' men goin' t' war over women like her, were not too far off the mark.

I walked ov'r to the railing an shouted t' her, "I'll wager yer lookin' fer the Relentless."

She stood wit' her hands firmly on her hips an smiled up at me. I watched her clamber up the gang plank in bare feet an I wondered, "Should I negotiate the terms o' surrender now, or later?"

[Ransom]

My discusion with Colard was interupted when I caught site of a woman boarding the Relentless. A huge grin spread across my face. "Oh my God!" I sputtered, then burst out laughing.

Africa just shook his head and walked away.

[Jacky Tar]

She walked ov'r t' me an set her bundle on the deck. She was just ov'r five feet tall but as any man whose been on this side o' her temper could tell ye, she's much bigger in a fight.

"So Raphael sent ye." I said. She smiled an asked where the cocina was located. I instructed Dillard t' show her below.

As they disappeared below deck, it crossed me mind that I should o' sent someone bigger t' escort her (at least someone armed).

Not more than a minute or two had past, when shouts from the galley could be heard. Dillard returned topside sportin' a lump on his noggin'. I didn't ask wot had happened but I was sure Dillard would not be takin' his meals in the galley, fer now.

[Colard Dysart]

Colard wasn't too sure how to take the captain's last words, but was distracted when her expression changed to one of mirth. He turned around to see what she was looking at, and was surprised to see a handsome, rather flashy Spanish woman go aboard the other ship. Colard thought her to be quite a vision, and wandered toward the bow to see if he could get a better look at her. Before he could inspect her charms more closely, she went below. With a sigh, he went back to his chores, muttering sadly, "Tish, ol' son, yea may hae picked the wrong ship tae plead sanctuary on."

[Jacky Tar]

Wit' a cook aboard an provisions stored securely, all obligations served save one, I believe we just might be able t' catch the mornin' tide.

I turned t' Dilliard an said, "Mister Dillard, take the watch." I returned t' me cabin t' fetch my pistols an the small bags, which so far I'd been unable t' deliver. The tradin' house o' Navarro had a lock box fer just such deliveries an I meant t' use it.

"Dillard, I'll return shortly. See no one leaves this ship." I paused, "And Dillard, stay clear o' the galley until I return."

Silkie was on deck, an I remarked, "Keep an eye on Dillard." Dillard winched, which made Silkie smile an she began t' hum.

[Black Nate]

Ol' Nate was forward trying to get the snarls out of the lines that some of the drunken crew had managed to do, after all the laying out of the lines He and Dysart had done. He jumped when Africa let loose with a threat to the men in their cups and chuckled some with the threat by the captain. "Not to worry ol' son, yer not ta be counted wit thems that's crooked." He heard a laugh come from the quarterdeck and found it to be the captain, but what she laughed about he knew not. Nate continued his work, humming another shanty as he did so. One of the crew picked up the humming, so Nate burst into the shanty in a loud voice, startling the man. "Oh Sally she'n the gal that I love dearly! Way, sing Sally oh". He stopped and looked at the men about him. "Well lads, ye know th verses, aye? Raise yer voices an move yer hands or ye get no rum fer a fortnight!" He picked up the shanty where he stopped and others joined in, being sobered some at the words he repeated from the captain. Ge grinned his wild grin and continued singing loudly as he worked.

[Ransom]

It was good to see the way Nate got the crew to working. As their varied voices, some better able to keep a tune than others, sang out, I went to my cabin to recheck the charts, and make sure everything was battened down for sail.

There wasn't much to do, as I'd done a pretty good job of cleaning up after my night of frivolity with Jacky, so I sent word for Ludo. When he arrived at my cabin, I ordered him to bring me a light meal and a bottle of wine. As per usual, he went off singing something in Italian, which clashed with the sound of the chanty being sung up on deck.

One more night, I thought, and then Havana would be behind us.

[Colard Dysart]

It made Colard's ol' heart swell with pride to hear the sound of honest English voices. Nearly brought a tear to his eye, it had been that long. Somehow, the Spanish songs he'd heard while stranded in Havana hadn't held the same appeal as the ones he'd known since boyhood. So he added his deep growl to the rest, and sang with a will, feeling more alive than he had in two long years.

[Ransom]

As I sat in my cabin, thinking about Jacky's new course, I found myself suddenly coming to an unusual, and heartwrenching conclusion. I wanted out of Havana. My crew wanted out of Havana. Navarro was used to dealing with Jacky, and would not suspect the Relentless of treachery. Navarro didn't know me or the Rakehell at all. With sudden resolution, I scribbled a quick note then called for Nate and Africa.

When the two men arrived at my cabin, I handed the sealed note to Nate. "Take this to Captain Tar, then stay on board the Relentess. That's an order. He needs the extra hands." I could see that Nate was confused, but he took the note and left.

When he'd gone, I spoke to Africa. "Quick and quiet as you can, get the Rakehell out of the harbor. We're leaving."

Africa's face showed surprise. "We goin' to dem Dry Tortugas?"

"No. We've got a full hold of cargo and supplies. We'll head for Charles Town in the Carolinas. Sell what we have, then head back to Port Royal. But we need to get out of Havana, and away from Cuba as fast as the old girl will fly."

"Without the Relentless and Dat Man?"

I felt my heart give a lerch, but replied, "Without the Relentless."

Africa grinned wide. "Da Rakehell will be like a ghost. Not one soul will see us go" Then he left my cabin to give the order.

A mere twenty minutes later, with no lanterns lit, and her sienna sails almost invisible in the darkness, and leaving behind one Spanish dockhand unconcious on the wharf, the Rakehell slipped out of Havana Harbor and, running swif as a gull, headed for the open sea.

[Jacky Tar]

Me pockets lighter an spirits higher, I retraced my steps along the lantern lit streets, back t' the docks an the Relentless.

I notice the Rakehell was no longer docked behind us, me first thought was Ransom must o' put out in t' the harbour. "Aye, she can't wait t' leave Havana," I mumbled.

I beckoned the watch that I was comin' back aboard, as I climbed the gang plank. Dillard greeted an approached me wit' Nate followin' close beside 'em. I was surprised t' see Nate aboard but had little time t' acknowledge 'em 'fore he thrust a note in t' me hand; the note bore Ransom's unbroken seal.

Nate backed away quickly, mumblin' apologies, bowin' an flashin' a nervous smile. I moved t' a nearby lantern t' read the note an payed little attention t' Nate.

The note was indeed from Ransom, it read that she an her crew had left Havana! She asked that I not be angry, that we would meet again.

"Wot! Damn her, she's sailed off under the cover o' darkness. Does she really think Navarro will chase her, instead of the Relentless? I thought I was clear 'bout Navarro's intentions an mine."

I walked t' the stern, away from the lanterns' light, tryin' t' adjust me eyes t' the darkness. Alas, I couldn't see the outline o' the Rakehell's raked sails anywhere in the harbour.

I stood there, numb, clutchin' the crushed note in me fist an just stared in t' the darkness.

[Dillard]

I turned to Nate, "Don't worry, he doesn't usually shoot the messenger!" I paused, "Of course there was this time he set one adrift near the doldrums?"

[Ransom]

With the lights of Havana Harbor far behind us, and the moonless night dark and fearsome over the black waters of the sea, I felt a hollowness in my soul like I'd never felt before. Would I ever see Jacky again? And if he survived the Dry Tortugas, would he ever understand and forgive me for what I had just done?

As if sensing my mood, the crew left me in peace. I stood at the stern, looking back toward the place where I had left my love, and wondered if I had just made the biggest mistake of my life.

[Black Nate]

I turned to Nate, "Don't worry, he doesn't usually shoot the messenger!" I paused, "Of course there was this time he set one adrift near the doldrums?"

Nate turned to Dillard, "Wot ya mean? Did he actually do that?" Nate glanced at his small pile of possessions he had brought aboard the Relentless and wondered if he was going to be thrown back into the sea. He looked skyward, "Father, wot are ya doin to me?" He paused for a time and began to smile as he brought his eyes back to earth. He stood taller and even hummed quietly. He hoped the crew aboard were handy, as this were a larger ship than the Rakehell, hopefully just as fast or faster. Nate began looking over all he could see in the low light, trying to get a feel for the ship as best he could. He hoped the commodore would welcome him into the folds of his crew and they would be leaving port soon. Nate was itching for some good honest work.

[Dillard]

I slapped Nate on the back. "Come on, we'll find you a berth to stow your belongings, while you wait for us to get closer to the doldrums," I chuckled and turned toward the hatch.

[Silkie McDonough]

Silkie stormed up to Jacky from below deck. “Go below fer a nap an wot do I fine when I wakes up? Dat powder keg in d galley! Ya said ya gots us a cook ya nil said d’cook wuz a mad woman! She’ll sink dis ship! Wot were ya tinkin bringin er…” Silkie stopped, Jacky hadn’t moved, just stood there staring out to sea. “Jacky?” He held up a crumpled piece of paper. “Ransom’s gone.” he replied. Silkie spun around to look where the Rakehell was docked then out into the harbor, she was gone. “Jacky I …why?” What else could she say.