Gunboat Sailors

[cgraven]

This is the story of the men of the Gunboat "Foi de Cathay" her name is French but she is a Yankee Gunboat showing the "Stars and Stripes" on the rivers of China. She is no graceful ship of the line, cutting a proud figure across the surface of the sea. No she is a discard from a nation who no longer wanted her, a misfit much like the men who sail in her, and picked up cheap to now sever a new master. She plies the backwards of China's rivers, her crew brown water sailors patrolling the Peluany Ho, pass CHINA PEARL light and the mission station of Lu Tai.

It is also the story of the women of the mission station of Lu Tai, also outcasts. They have come here to escape a world that no longer wanted them or to hide deep dark secrets. Buried in the work of the missionary to a people that looked on them as foreign devils, and these the worst kind women.

It is a time of unrest, the time of the "Societies of Fists", the boxers to the Westerners. A people's uprising backed by the Empress. A popular movement of the people to drive the foreign devils from China. The Empress and her government to take back the concessions and to make China a great nation again. It is this revolt that set the men of "Foi de Cathay" on a collision course with the women of Lu Tai.

Now for our cast of characters.

 

[cgraven]

CPO Ed Jones

Jones of course was not his real name. He had joined up when it looked like the states would be going to War with Spain over Cuba. He had followed the reports in the Hurst papers with avid interest, and left Halifax for Boston to join up on a whim.

He had been on the "Oregon" at Santiago. What a fight that had been, and came around with her to Japan and the China Station. There was something about the Far East that called to him. May be it was the people, sights and sounds. They where so different than his Maritime home of Cap Breton Island and the Brass d'Ord.

He had stayed on and joined the Asiatic Squadron where promotion could be fast as a night's liberty along the Bond in old Shanghai. But now things had turned deadly serious. There was a movement afoot in the country. The "Societies of Fists", the boxers to the Westerners. A people uprising backed by the Empress.

Chief Petty Officer Jones was considered a steady hand by all. Now ordered to command an international landing party to relive the Mission station at Lu Tai. The "FOI DE CATHAY" Would give what support she could.

"HOLD UNTIL RELIVED" is what his orders read.

 

[faith]

Lindsey

Lindsey Buckingham:
Second Daughter of a minor English Baron who has money due to mining interest, She’s a thirty year olds.A tall slim woman, light blue eyes that change with her mood gray when angered, midnight blue when aroused
Long blond hair (never seen down by any man)

Lindsey has spent the last fifteen years working as a missionary, traveling the world to spread the word of God. Her lot in life has never been her choice. She was trained to be a lady. The wife of a nobleman had been the dream her mother had had for her. Her more practical father had seen her as a way to join his land to that of his neighbor Whittington.

At fifteen, her true nature had come out. She had enticed her father’s best friend. She did not know how she had done that but everyone had told her the shame was hers. They loved her. They would not lie. Therefore, her father had bought her way into the service of the church. She knew she could never return home, she was tainted. Her only road to salvation was through her service to God.

She is traveling to the far east to join an already established mission. She is a tired lonely woman. She has just been joined by her sister Beth. She is hoping to fine peace and love…

 

[Cathay]

Pax Teng Enlan

My name is Pax Teng Enlan. I am the bastard daughter of a
frenchman, Phillipe Bennior and my mother a local girl. Her name
was Bai Enlan. When my father found out that she was pregnant
with me, he left for home (and his wife). My mother waited until
I was four days old before she committed suicide. She was the
shame and the wrath of her family. Her sister, Pao stole me before Grandfather could drown me (which was his right by custom) and took me to the mission here, where I have lived all
these 22 years. I am now a teacher of sorts and I tend the garden. It is work I love to do. I am shunned by both the round-eyes and by people of my own village, save the good Father
and his missionaries. And Pao still sneaks away once or twice
a year to visit me. If I see her on the streets though, she ignores me as is usual. I have been well treated here at the mission.
Taught languages, mathematics and how to read. I have learned
what compassion is here and am ever grateful for the lesson.
I stand about 5'4", my hair is not black like my mother's nor
blonde like my father's was. It is a golden brown color with
blonde and red highlights layered thru it. I wear it in the traditional long braid. The braid now falls to my thighs. My eyes
are a strange aquamarine color and my skin is not brown like
the other villagers, nor white like the Missionaries. It is a light
golden color. My eyes are almond shaped, neither round like
my father's people or slanted like my mother's. I am of neither
world, and have known that all my life. The fung-gei women
give me a wide birth when they see me on the street, so as not
to sully their dresses. Their men, treat me as they would a
prostitute, with equal parts disgust and desire. The people of
my village, native to this land, spit at me. When I was a child
they threw rocks and were applauded by their parents.
Neither world accepts me. They do not have to go to such
extremes to prove I am of......nothing. I can see that every time
I see my reflection in a mirror.

 

[Exosus]

Private Simon Henderson

A 24 year old Australian ex-patriot, Private Henderson was born in Melbourne to a distinctly lower class family. Always an adventurous child, he knew he would never receive the education of the upper class, and set himself to becoming a soldier.
Enlisting at 18, he served faithfully for 4 years, before being selected to head overseas to train with the Americans, due to a prank on a senior officer involving a door and some whitewash.

Always the clown, his biting sense of humour and plain roguishness increased when he was twenty, two years before his transfer, when his mother died. Unable to find a proper outlet for his grieving, his pranks increased their magnitude, some becoming spiteful and malicious, not like his previous jokes. Eventually, he went too far, placing a bucket of whitewash on top of a door so that it would fall on the next person to enter, who was supposed to be a Private. However, his commanding officer walked in first, followed by the Private and ended up covered in whitewash. As a punishment and just to get rid of him, he was transferred to America, where he trained with the Marines.

Despite the seriousness of the training, the Marines couldn’t beat out the rogue in Simon, and eventually shipped him off on the gunboat “Foi De Cathay” hoping that some experience would settle him down.

His experiences with women are very few, due to his lanky awkwardness as a teenager, and his career as a soldier. The two experiences he has had, were with prostitutes, and so he has little idea of how to go about winning a woman, a fact that some mock him for.

Simon’s appearance bears a remarkable similarity to a young Mel Gibson, though his face is somewhat leaner, and his hair is blonde. His beard is a permanent three day shadow, and makes him look like a ruffian, and a rogue, making him rather unappealing to the majority of high society women, in addition to him being a soldier, a career most distasteful.

 

[Honey_B]

Elizabeth Buckingham O'Malley

Which brings us to the 25-year-old Elizabeth Buckingham O'Malley, Lindsey's younger sister. A great deal more than five years separate the two sisters. They are a study in contrasts. While Lindsey is the tall blonde beauty, taking after their father, Elizabeth inherited the dark looks of her mother. Black hair and big brown eyes set of a complexion like fresh cream. She is petite and small boned, but her personality resembles the forces of nature in all their ferocity and beauty.

The baby of the family, Elizabeth suffered the attentions of older siblings and doting relatives, growing quite spoiled in the process. Precocious and bright, she grew up as wild and free as the confines her society would allow her. When they got too restrictive, she broke them, getting into scrapes that both charmed and infuriated her parents. Her spirit would simply not be tamed by the repressive society that produced her.

An artist of some talent, Elizabeth embraced the sensory world, looking for new experiences, straining against her station in life. A burning flame ready to ignite.

Which is exactly what happened when the eighteen-year-old Elizabeth met Colin O'Malley, a self-made man from the United States. He whisked her off to the boomtown of Buffalo, New York and into a tempestuous marriage. For five years, she lived life on a roller coaster, with soaring highs and crashing lows. The marriage came to an abrupt halt with Colin's death.

Widowed six months and a major shareholder in the Buffalo, Niagara, and Eastern Power Company, Elizabeth casts her eye about for a new adventure and the Far East sparks her imagination. She will visit her dear sister. Elizabeth idealizes Lindsey, the sister who was ripped from her when she was ten years old. They have not seen each other since that fateful day, fifteen years ago.

 

[Billy Bones]

Sgt Robert Cummins, USMC

A hard fighting, hard drinking fleet marine. Sgt Bob Cummins is an old China hand. As a young private, he served in the penal expedition against Korea. Later service found him in the Phillipines first against the Spanish, as a gunner aboard the Olympia at Manila Bay, then inland against the insurrectionists.

Now Cummins is aboard the Foi as she steams towards the mission. He has a reinforced squad of marines with him to supplement the gunboat's crew.

At the moment, his major problem is to keep his grunts and tha swab jockies of the Foi from killing each other.

 

[Cathay]

Pax

The moon has been out for hours now and I am so tired I can
barely stand. These last few weeks have been the most exhausting and frightening I have ever known. For the most part,
my life has been peaceful, filled with learning and the kindness
of the missionaries and of Father Barnard. Except for the forays
into the village for supplies, where I endured cruelty and derison.
After a while, Father Barnard accompanied me. But he is getting
old now, and with all the work he's had to do, I have been going
into the village with Brother Michel. He has taken over the job
of "Protecting" me as I went for the post and picked up the supplies needed for the Mission.
There has been a great upheaval in this small seaside village for the last few weeks and the Mission has taken the brunt of it's
violence. We have been opening our doors to any and all
wounded. Father Barnard does not take sides. All are God's
children he says. We must help and heal all of God's children.

I know it is uncharitable of me, but...I wish it would just...stop.
I am so tired. All of these men...enemies sometimes in the
same room. Laying on cots, side by side. Bleeding and weak,
barely able to even hold their heads up, and still they...fight.
They are so harsh! I hate to see what it is doing to the Father.
He is such a sweet gentle man and all he does is work. He is
old and should be resting. He should be lying in a warm bed,
surrounded by soft candles and incense. He has had many
years on this earth and deserves to live in peace in these, his
later years. I do what I can.....but it is not enough.

 

[cgraven]

The “Foi de Cathay” was under a full steam as she up came up to the mission station Lu Tai.

“How here this Landing party muster on the fantail.” The bugle call alerted all hands to the pipe. Chief Jones looked towards the bridge as the battle ensign broke at the masthead. It was large and there was no mistake what flag she now sailed under.

It was a rag tag lot of Sailors and Marines mustered there. China Station hads where not exactly spit and polish and this group was picked up from all the great powers forces, and the dregs of the fleet.

Mr. Young the 1st lieutenant was the commanding officer and I would act as his second in command. Sergeant Walter of the Imperial German Marine Corps would be our liaison with the Europeans. I took muster and all was present and correct with the exception of “ Private Simon Henderson, USMC “ who looked like he just come off of a three-day Shanghai drunk and yet all his field equipment was in top notch shape.

“Sgt. Cummins square your people away!” “You are suppose to be Marines”. My eyes where fixed on PFC. Henderson, one of the "FOI de CATHAY" own.

“ATTENTION ON DECK. Stand to for orders.”

Mr. Young was a no nonsense officer who had come up through the ranks. He gave us are orders down and dirty. We where to hold the mission station of Lu Tai until revived. It was as simple as that. Hold for three to five days. Then get the missionaries out when relieved. Those where the orders. No exceptions no argument.

There has a strange urgency as we got the landing party away, sorted out, flankers assigned, and moved out for the four mile hike to the mission high on the bluff over looking the Peluany Ho. Father Barnard and Brother Michel, not to mention Pax Teng Enlan would not be happy at our arrival and our bringing the fighting to their doorstep. No friendly visit this time.

I was deep in thought when the “Boxers” hit us. The firefight was short and vicious, hit and run. Confusion reigned as men started going down left and right of me. Mr. Young was turning to give and order when he caught a round in the head. He crumpled like a sac of rice.

His last words where “CHIEF HOLD UNTIL RELIVED”.




.

 

[Honey_B]

Elizabeth Buckingham O'Malley

Things had not gone exactly to Elizabeth's plan upon arriving at Lu Tai. Apparently there was some sort of disquiet amongst the native people. Nothing that she would concern herself with, mind you, but it did seem to make everyone frightfully unhappy.

And her little room was the drabbest spot ever contained within four walls, nothing more than a cell really. Immediately upon arriving, Elizabeth had taken out every scarf and shawl she had in her considerable amount of luggage. She draped the bits of color here and there, hoping to improve the room at least a little. Perhaps it was her artistic temperament, but Elizabeth loved to be surrounded by beauty.

She sat on her bed and sighed. No, nothing was going according to plan. Elizabeth hadn't even seen her sister yet. Lindsey had gone out to a remote village, probably for some completely noble reason that Elizabeth could not begin to fathom. She was expected back at anytime and Elizabeth waited with breathless anticipation.

It was time to get out of here. The gray walls felt like they were closing in on her. She buttoned the coat of her daysuit and slid her gloves on. Perhaps a walk would do something to ease her restlessness.

http://www.sidesaddleinfo.com/Images/Edwardian.jpg

 

[Exosus]

Simon woke, just after dawn and blinked his eyes blearily.

"Oh damn... todays landing day. And we get to be inspected by mister bigshot Chief."

Checking his equipment, he polished and cleaned and scrubbed and examined making sure all damage and rust was either minimised or cleaned up, until he was satisfied that nothing would come of any danger to his weapons and equipment... the only thing he had any care for.

"Perfect... that'll make the Boss wonder." he chuckled as he walked out of his cabin, going for an early morning stroll, wearing nothing but his pants and his hat, which he tipped at the other crew and marines he met, laughing silently at their astonished faces.

Eventually, he grew bored and returned to his cabin to get ready for muster.

The Bugle played and he strolled along, showing up a minute late, his three day shadow distinctive among the clean shaven boys who prided themselves on their discipline.

"What's your name, crewman?" roared the Chief as he examined the seamen mustered on deck

"Private Simon Henderson, USMC. Sir." Simon grinned and got a glare as the Chief examined his equipment, which was in perfect condition.

"Blah blah blah... serve your country etc. etc." He muttered to himself as the CO gave the orders to move out.

Shouldering his rifle, he marched and marched until suddenly gunshots rang out, and chaos erupted.

"Goddamn!" He swore, dropping to the ground, and loading his rifle "Come on, you Chinese bastards." He fired hitting one then called out to two of his fellow privates as the CO went down. "Group with me, you two, and keep 'em away from the Chief... he has our orders now!"

He ran to the chief, flanked by the other two privates as he attempted to push the man down. "Get down, sir." He fired two rounds and then blinked as the "Boxers" ran off.

"Hit and run... goddamn... done us some damage." He surveyed the wounded and shook his head

 

[faith]

Lindsey...

It had taken half a day to get to the edge of the village. I was to have met the Reverend Hershel and his wife at the cross roads five miles back over three hour ago. From there, we were to travel on to a Catholic mission together. I can’t begin to understand why they didn’t show up. Their people were to take over the transportation of the supplies I had brought with me at the request of the Church some supplies were to go to the Hershel’s. Others were to be sent to on to a Father Banard There was nothing left to do but to go on into the village proper and find out what the delay was.

It was widely know that this was a peaceful village. The Reverend had been working in this area for almost 30 years. Most if not all of the villagers had been converted to
Christianity and I was looking forward to seeing first hand the good works of these two fine people. I was distressed due to the limited time I had before I was to be back at the port to catch the ship that was to take me on to my final destination.

The first sign that all was not as it should be was the smoke… When we reached the village, what met our eyes is impossible to truly describe. Everyone from the youngest to the oldest had been massacred….I could only pray that someone had survived….

“Missy, we must go back now”

I looked at the interpreter my mind unable to comprehend what I was seeing…

“Missy, we no have time for this we must leave now. We go back”

Drawing myself together, I looked at those who were my responsibility to look after…

“Yes, of course there is nothing we can do for these people. The authorities must be notified. Gather the people, leave everything we must make haste. We are going back to the mission station at Lu tai.. We leave now…”

 

[Cathay]

Pax Teng Enlan

I was so exhausted, had so little sleep over the last few weeks, that I went to the garden and sat against an old cherry tree. It was in full bloom, hmm I sat against the bark and inhaled the soothing perfume. I had seen so much blood, so much hatred already and yet....I was in a house of God. The irony of it had
not escaped me. It made my heart ache so.
I think I may have dozed off for a short time and I'm still not
sure what woke me. I jerked abruptly and ...knew something
was horribly wrong. I looked around the garden of the mission, and it was almost eerily quiet. There were no screams, no
excited chatter..but something was wrong. Heart suddenly
pounding, my mouth dry, I ran to look over the fence down towards the gravel road leading down the ridge towards the
village. I saw no one. But thru the deep trees I could see....
smoke!
I don't know what I was thinking...I suppose I wasn't thinking at all. I didn't even call for help...I just ran. Down the long
winding road, fear and heartache my only companions. I fell
once or twice, tearing my tunic and pitting gravel in my knees
and the palm of my right hand. The road leveled out and I
just...stopped. There were a group of people running up the
road towards the mission, a young woman urging them upwards.
They stopped when they saw me, I could see the shock
and terror on their faces and one came towards me, "Missy,
Missy...we", I raised my hand to stop her. The village lay
directly behind and ....it was in ruins. There were bodies
everywhere. Oh dear God....even the children! It became very
silent and I could hear the quiet rasp of the strangers crys, I could hear the fires burning...the wood crackling. All gone....
I could not hear a single sound from the village. No children
crying for their mothers...nothing. Closing my eyes...I swayed
and the young woman's arm came up and around me, blessedly she said nothing. Just steadied me. I could feel the wetness on my cheeks, I had not realized that I was crying. I bowed my
head against the horror stretched out in front of me, took a deep
breath and stepped away, finding my strength. "English?" I asked the young woman. "yes...", she replied. I looked at the rag tag people with her, nodded and said "Please come with
me now....Hurry." I pointed up towards the mission atop the
ridge. I led the way..walking quickly..wiping the tears from my
face. And turned for home, knowing that my life.......none of
our lives would ever be the same.

 

[Guest]

You're supposed to be Marines

The order had gone out to muster on the fantail for inspection. I was busy going over last minute details. Food, ammo, water...all had to be checked and rechecked before disembarking on the trip to the mission.

"Fall in for inspection!" My boys found themselves arrayed across the fantail of the Foi. The Lieutenant and Chief Jones started down the ranks, with me following behind. Most every man here had seen at least some combat before, and they were acting accordingly.

All except Henderson. "Sgt Cummins,square your people away. You're supposed to be Marines." Damn, that hurt. It would have been bad enough coming from one of our own, but from a Navy chief? That was a low blow. Especially as Henderson's gear was all correct and properly turned out. True he looked as if the provost marshal had dragged him out of a back street Peking whorehouse, but looks weren't going to matter much if the boxers hit us.

As we unloaded there at the river's edge, I took a moment to spreke the Dutch with Sgt Walter, and try to coordinate what the Europeans were doing. Then it was move out. An easy four miles or so to the mission.

Sudden yells, and flying lead put paid to that idea. The fight was short and sharp. A few moments and it was all over except the cussin and the burying. Lt Young had been killed at the outset, and there were several wounded that had to be cared for.

The Chief came by gathering up noncoms as he went. We held a short meeting while the docs did what they could, and we got the word.

Welcome to China, and Semper FI.

Hold Until Relieved.

 

[cgraven]

CPO Jones Takes Command

The firefight had been short but, we paid a price. Mr. Young dead and 4 wounded. They would be just numbers, back in the states but much more out here. I gathered the noncoms as I went down the line, revolver in hand.

“Stg. Cummings pickets out.”

“Stg. Walters from a skirmish line.”

“PFC. Henderson get a casualty report.”

It all came so naturally from the days of training at Kingston, Ontario. CPO Jones, well it was as good a name as any other. My last chance for a little adventure, is now it all started out. Now I was back in China where old demons still haunted me. Where Her Majesty’s government had sent me to fight to keep open the opium trade. Where a promising military career came to a sudden end when I refused a direct order to shoot an unarmed Chinese officer. The pomey Officer had called me, “A dirty Provincial” and shot him in the head. I had pistol-whipped the bastard to with in an inch of his life. My section had stood up for me and swore that "Mr. Smyth” was injured in battle. All in all it was the end for me. There was no more Captain McGill, HMRCA, only CPO Jones, USN.

“Gentlemen we have no time to bury are dead, but by God we are not leaving them here, to rot either.”

“I have three very simple instructions.”

1. We take our dead with us.
2. We put out point, and flankers.
3. If we can’t take it with us, …….”DESTROY IT”.

“We leave nothing for the “Boxers”. ….. “NOTHING”

I wrapped Mr. Young in an issued blanket and his body slung under a pole we moved out again for Lu Tia. Pickets ahead, flankers a breast, and the Imperial German Marines in a skirmish line.

 

[Cathay]

Pax

I could not think of any words of welcome or comfort to these
frightened people as I urged them up the steep incline towards
the mission. Gesturing towards the white woman who had
steadied me just minutes before, I spoke, "We have to hurry.
The.....rebels could still be here. We are not safe! We..."
I could feel tendrils of fear climbing my spine, "we will be safe
there. It is..what is the word? made of stone! With high gates!
Hurry!" She understood my fears and urged her companions
to move even faster, she scooped up a small boy as I reached
for a little girl and we ran towards what I hoped...was safety.
As we neared the gates, Brother Michel was coming towards us,
a look of urgency on his face, "Hurry Pax, we just got word."
He ushered us inside the gates and I helped him close the massive gates and lay the massive beam of oak across the
bar and thru the loops of ore. As we stepped away and towards
the mission house, he stopped and said quietly, his voice low
and aching. "This is the first time since the mission was built..that
we have ever closed these doors. " I could see the sorrow in
his eyes as he added, "It's not......right to close the doors in any
House of God." I did something I'd never done before. I touched
his arm. "Brother Michel.....God understands." and gesturing
towards the massive gates, "The will open again soon......they
must."
The white woman had just herded the last of her companions
thru the open door and stopped and turned towards me. She spoke quietly, "Thank you. I am Lindsay." I made a small
bow to her, "I am called Pax. You are welcome. Let us go inside and...prepare. We will prepare a place for all of you and some
food. And ..tea, yes?" She smiled a small smile. I added, "We
can .... talk then, yes?" Nodding, she turned towards the door,
and almost stumbled, I reached out and steadied her, as she
had done for me just a small time before. Though, it had
seemed a great deal longer. Time does that.....I supposed
to myself. Stretches and changes, just as my world.......had.

 

[germangent]

Seargeant Walter

"China, of all places" he thought by himself as they approached the landing site.

Seargeant Walter - sent by his rather baroque emperor to make sure "that no Chinese man would ever dare to give a dirty look to a German again".

"Just because of the german embassador that was killed in Peking. What am I doing here in the first place ?" he thought - "I should be home with my friends. I should not be here."

Now, there was a reason of course - the historians would later call it the "Complex of the delayed nation". But this 6ft4 career soldier with the German Marineinfantrie would not know about that. He was here to defend the imperial interests of his Emperor back home. The Imperial interests that gave Germany a small little footprint in China - Tsingtau. Utterly useless, utterly insignificant - just like all the other far-strung colonies that Kaiser Wilhelm II in his infinite wisdom cared to make part of Germany.

Gazing out to the flanks - the firefight has been very brief but bloody. Racing forward by command - shrugging off the thoughts of feeling being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

[Honey_B]

Elizabeth Buckingham O'Malley

Apparently no walk today.

Just as Elizabeth was about to step outdoors, she was pushed back inside by a flood of people running into the mission. She flattened herself against an ancient wall, trying not to touch any of them. They looked frightful, all bloody and dirty.

What have I gotten myself into!

Over the heads of the thronging foreigners, Elizabeth saw a beautiful blonde woman. Her heart jumped. It had to be Lindsey!

"Lindsey! Lindsey, darling!"

Elizabeth called and waved. It wasn't surprising that the woman couldn't hear her, what with the damned noise all the people were making. She left the safety of the wall, trying to push and shove her way closer. Someone knocked her sketchpad out of her arm. The delicate paper fluttered as it fell to the ground, falling open. Before she could stoop to pick it up, several people stepped on it.

Tears sprang to her eyes as she saw the footprints the foreigners had made on the faces of her British family. She tried to brush the dirt away, but it only smudged. Snapping the book shut, she wiped her eyes impatiently. She was just being a silly goose. Such things didn't matter when she was about to see her sister.

As she got nearer, Elizabeth saw that the blonde woman was talking to a lovely Eurasian. She was struck by the woman's eyes. They were the saddest that Elizabeth had every seen. Her fingers itched to sketch that expressive face.

She snapped out of her reverie and her face broke into a grin.

"Linny? Is it really you?"

Elizabeth had reverted back to the name she had called her big sister has a child.

 

[faith]

Lindsey...

The horror I had seen at the village threatens to overwhelm me. No time for that now, time to fall apart later. I had so many people depending on me. Looking around at the people that had been traveling with me I shook at the thought of what could have happened to these innocent people under my care. The orphans that I had brought with me, the Reverend had promised them sanctuary and now… Dear God, I’m so tire….

I hear the girl talking to the priest. When she turns towards me, I introduce myself.

“Thank you, I am Lindsay.” With a small bow she tells me, her name is Pax and offers me a cup of tea. I know the smile does not reach my eyes but I attempt to comfort the small woman before me with the only smile I can offer. “Yes dear. That would be most welcome. We must settle the little ones in. They need to be taken care of first. And the old ones, we need to get them places to rest.”

Turning towards Father Michael, I stumble as I hear my name being call.

“Linny…. Is it really you?

Barely aware of Pax’s hand as it steadies me, I scan the crowd. Only one person had ever called me Linny… Elizabeth…

For a moment, it was as if time stopped. Our eyes met. One second we were a room apart, the next she was in my arms. Breathing deeply, I fill my lungs with her, the baby she was, and the woman she is….

“Beth…”

 

[cgraven]

I wrapped Mr. Young in an issued blanket and his body slung under a pole we moved out again for Lu Tia. Pickets ahead, flankers a breast, and the Imperial German Marines in a skirmish line.

Only a mile to go. We our tense as we move out. Bloodied but wiser, proper precautions have now been taken. Rifle fire breaks out again then the low throaty report of German made “Krupp” howitzers, as shell start to drop on us from imperial Chinese forces. So the Empress’s government had made their decision. They would now openly support the “Boxers”.

“Double time It.” … “Marx make signals to Foi de Cathay” Under fire from imperial Chinese artillery.”…”Request support.”

Signalman 2nd Marx with out regards for his safety made the ordered signals. His flags moving in the rhythmic fluid motion of the code. He dove for cover.

“Signals acknowledge Chief.” I smiled in spite of myself and the situation we now where in.

“Good Job Marx, but do take care, I kind of need you lad.”

“Aye, Aye Chief.”

We where now hard pressed and taking casualties, yet no one was left behind, alive or dead. The “Foi de Cathay” opened up in our defense. Mackenzie was a top-notch gunner, and the fire was on target in three rounds. It came fast and furious in our support. Only a hundred yards now.

“Stg Cummings to me, rear guard action.” ….. “Your section here at the choke point.”…..”Independent aimed fire.” ….”Make each round count”…..”Stg Walters take charge, Henderson get our people to safety, now!!”

For and hour we held till the enemy guns where silenced.

We where the last to come in, bloodied and bruised, and there she was like an angel from heaven “Pax Teng Enlan”.


God how that woman moved me. Thank God she did not know, for what could a “Gunboat Sailor” offer her?

 

[Cathay]

Pax

Just as we had herded the last of her charges thru the side
door, I heard an English voice call out "Linny". It was the
white English woman Father Barnard had spoken of. Her name
was...Elizabeth Buckingham, I think and I had been told that
she was here hoping to find her sister. Smiling at their lovely
enthusiastic greeting, I believe she has just found her. It was
good for my aching heart to see tears of joy...at last here at the
mission. It had been too long. So much pain...so much sorrow
these last weeks, I had despaired of ever seeing peace again...
let alone any sense of joy. Smiling a small smile, I realized with
a tiny pang...I'm a little envious. Well, I sighed.......it wouldn't be
the first time. Glancing back at the two sisters and their happy
reunion, I noticed Lindsay look at me. She smiled and mouthed
"Thank You." I made a small bow and turned back to our latest
"visitors".
I knew that Lauxchi (our cook) would be glad for new charges
to "mother" (no matter what age they were.) So I hustled them
into the cavernous kitchen and left her to it. I noticed that
even within the short time of introductions, cook's attentions had
them feeling more relaxed and "safe" than they had known
since their short arrival here at LuTai.
I went to find Father Bernard and tell him the tragic news of the
village. I was almost afraid to tell him. He has suffered so much,
has not slept...his heart was failing....and I did not want to add
more pain to this kind elderly father. In truth, I feared for him.
He was the only "father" I had ever known. My only constant
in the place where I lived. That awful void caught between two
worlds.
I went to the infirmary, where I was sure I would find him and I saw him standing outside the door. His head was bowed and
though he made no sound, I could see that he was weeping. He did not see me. I did not want to intrude. Sometimes, it is
better to grieve alone. And as he turned towards the chapel,
holding his rosary, I knew that he needed to be alone with
his Christian God. I could feel my eyes welling with tears and I
longed to release them. Someone needed to cry for him. To be
his Champion. He has shouldered so much for so long...and as
a daughter should....I wanted to ease his heart. Find a way to
give him the solace he so deserved. But I did not know how.

I needed sleep. I went to my cell and lay on my bunk and finally, I released some of my own sorrow. I wondered about
my Aunt Pao...and Grandfather. Did they lay dead and burning
in the village below? Sorrow washed through me and...finally
I cried. For them....for all of them. And for ............me.

I must have fallen asleep, I don't know how long I slept but
when I woke, I heard the sounds of gunfire. It sounded as if it
were from........gunboats! I'd heard it before! Eddy! My heart
skipped a beat. The last time he was here on the Foie de Cathay, they had manuevers and fired the cannons. But this
was no maneuver! Oh please, I'd said to the good Father's
God, Please let it be him. I need him so. He has never known,
never guessed what I feel for him. He is the only white man
I'd ever known, other than Father Bernard and the missionaries
that ever treated me........as a human. Always a kind word, a teasing smile. Our long talks. In the garden. Of life...the world..
different cultures. Even philosphy. For just a small second, I let
a smile form. Until I realized...there was a battle going on!
I ran outside the walls of the chapel and waited by the gates.
If they survived, I needed to be here to open the gates. The
others in the manse were quiet and as I went out, I could see
Father and the missionaries keeping them calm, saying prayers.
I could barely stand the wait. My heart hammered with every
boom of the cannon. An hour...maybe two passed while I waited to hear...........Finally! I had climbed the huge cherry tree next
to the high walls and.......there! Soldiers! I scrambled down the tree and waited till I heard the great bell outside the gates.
Knowing they were soldiers and they were not wearing the
clothes of the rebels, I pulled the great slab through the
rings and ...coming up the gravel...There! It was he! I knew
he would come. I always knew it. He looked at me, I wanted
so to run to him...hold him.....but I knew I could not. So... I smiled
and bowing low......said, "Your late...Eddy. What took you so
long?"

 

[faith]

Lindsey...

We had been at it for hour's...

Beth, why in God's name are you here? The question had barely left my mouth when I realized that it didn't matter why, I was both grateful and terrified to see her. As much as I wanted to just find a quiet place for us, I knew that the work of this day was just beginning. Having seen Pax herding the smallest of my charges towards the dinning area, I looked at Beth. Come my dear there is so much to be done before we can rest..

When the shooting had begun outside, the refugees that had travelled with me had come close to total panic. The children were living a waking nightmare. They were not emotionally prepared to deal with this realilty, as if any of us were.

When I had first seen Beth nothing register in my mind except that she was here. Then as duty reared it's head I put her to work. I don't know why but I think it surprised her. Our little Beth had grown up. I knew her only from her letters and those had been far and few between. She looked like the small portrait I had recieved after her wedding. She was working as hard as anyone. She seemed drawn to the most defenseless.

As the day had worn on, the fighting seemed to move closer. The sounds had changed. The ever present fear was wearing on everyones nerves. I had seen Pax go out earlier. The tention in the small woman was almost a living thing. Everyone from the oldest to the youngest knew that we would die in this place if help didn't arrive soon. Hearing the sounds of boots in the outter walkway, I lift my eyes from the child cuddled in my arms. Meeting Beth's eyes I knew a fear beyond anything I had ever felt before. If the gates had been breached I knew what was coming. I had seen the bodies. Mouthing the words to Beth I had to tell her I loved her. As the doors crashed against the walls, I saw the first ones coming through the door. It was a group of men. They were a rough looking lot. And I was never so glad to see anyone in my life. There was no doubt in anyones mind... A military presence was now felt... and with it came a breath of hope...

 

[GageWilliams]

LT Dr. William Mun

Raised in America, Lieutenant William Mun had always wanted to be a doctor. His parents, both children of Chinese immigrants, were unfortunately unable to afford sending him to medical school. His academic record coupled with his physical ability, he had been a state running champion in school, allowed him to apply to the United States Navy for medical training. After seeing him, The Navy had a different idea though, and dually trained him in medical school and military intelligence training. He was a rather tall man, about 6'4" and he wore his size well. He was built strong and athletic. He looked distinctly Chinese, his eyes characteristically asian and his skin a tan-yellowish shade of flesh. The Navy had no problem finding men who could be doctors, but it was much more difficult finding men who could fit so well in Lu Tai, where they desperately needed intelligence.

He had been stationed at the village at Lu Tai and told to gather information and await the arrival of a joint force. He had taken the guise of one Shi Wang, the son of a Chinese native who had gone to America for medical training so that he could return and help his own. He had been trying to help a man who had cut himself badly on some rusty metal near the village when the attack had come full force. William had been forced to run quickly to his home and equip himself as quickly as possible. Once he had the equipment that was necessary, for both defense and communication, he grabbed his rifle and shuffled to the outskirts of the village, where he watched and could do nothing while men and women that he had been trying to help were slaughtered. He felt his face grow hot and still, he sat and did nothing, he could not place himself in danger until he found the men he needed to talk to. It was then that he saw villagers running towards the mission. Surely that is where he would find who he needed to find.

After running towards the mission and being sure that he wasn't seen, he ran to the gate just as it was being closed again. He saw the men in Naval and Marine uniforms.

Wait! Wait! I need to talk to someone!

He was screaming as he ran towards the gate, but he realized too late that he was screaming in Chinese. He was a man dressed as a villager, carrying a high power rifle and a full military pack and screaming at men in uniforms in Chinese, as the men around the Commander, he believed he was a CPO, turned and squared their rifles at his head, he realized that this might end before it even began. Thinking quickly he spoke again, this time in English,

Don't shoot. I'm an American. I am LT William Mun. I am Naval Intelligence, I've been put here to meet you and share what I've learned from my few months in country. I also have some equipment to give you in my pack, where my uniform is. Please don't shoot.

As the sweat began to run down his brow and onto his handsome face, he looked to the CPO, hoping for some sort of understanding on his face. It was in his desperation that he saw the face of Lindsey Buckingham. He pointed to her, desperately.

There, Ms. Buckingham, I know her. She works here at the mission. Tell them that you've seen me in the village, please. I'm a doctor!

 

[cgraven]

We where the last to come in, bloodied and bruised, and there she was like an angel from heaven “Pax Teng Enlan”.

God how that woman moved me. Thank God she did not know, for what could a “Gunboat Sailor” offer her?

Suddenly Henderson caught my attention.


"Here they come Chief."

He came running at us like a mad man screaming

" &^^&(*&^*%%$$##$&&*(%^” with a high power rifle and full military kit. Now where the hell did a simple villager get that kind of gear unless he was a "Boxer" equipped by the Imperial government?

Damn my Chinese was better. Henderson had steady his Kregg Jorgensen rifle taking careful aim when I heard.

"There, Ms. Buckingham, I know her. She works here at the mission. Tell them that you've seen me in the village, please. I'm a doctor"

My hand flew up and deflected Henderson’s shot, as he squeezed off the round. Damn that was a close one, for that towering frame and voice where clearly from the States.


"Doc you had better take care you all most got yourself killed."

‘Stg Cummings fortify the main gate.”

“Stg Walters check the perimeter and post guard sections.

“PFC Henderson you’ll be my runner.” …… “I liked your cool head back there under fire”…… “You’ll do Lad.”

I turned to speak to the Doc and there she was Pax. I saw something in her eyes that I had never seen before. She seemed happy to see me, or was it just wishful thinking on my part.

 

[Exosus]

Simon shouldered his rifle, swearing softly to himself about the damned Chinese then saluted the CPO mockingly

"Yes sahr... I shall run as fast as I can back towards Australia. Who would you like me to bring? the rest of the Armed Forces? Perhaps a certain Major I know?"

He grinned, his eyes twinkling

"No offense, of course. But seriously how long do we stay here, sir? The dockside people will be waiting for me back in the US, and I would hate to disappoint them."

He scanned the area, as he spoke, taking note of a couple of women close by, but seeing very little of interest.