Pirate's Gold - Open feel free to join post your character in the OOC thread

[redbaron05]

This is a story of adventure on the Spanish Main come along as Captain Henry Morgan sets out to make his fortune in the New World and rescue his family from the evil Marquis Montalban. So come along and have an adventure on the rough and tumble Spanish Main.

OOC
Name Henry Morgan
position Pirate/Privateer
age 21
height - 6 foot 3
weight - 180 lbs
hair color - brown
eye color - hazel
cock size - 8 inches and thick

The fight was swift and brutal as the crew of HMS Ranger mutinies against theit cruel and sadistic taskmaster of a captain after setting him and his loyal officers adrift in a small boat the men elect a young brave lad named Morgan as Captain.


IC Captain Morgan addresses his new first mate after taking command of his ship the 12 gun sloop Ranger. "Lets find a deserted isle and lose the English flag and the markings of the Royal Navy have the shipwright make repairs an remove the all markings that identify us as a ship of the Royal Navy use that Dutch Flag the ex captain used to use to slip in and out of Dutch ports then we will head to Port Royal where we will recruit a full crew before we go hunting, I'll be below in my cabin let me know when the changes are made"

Entering his cabin Capt Morgan opens the locket he has around his neck with the picture of his beloved mother, father,sister,and brother.

Remembering that night long ago back in England when his family was celebrating the arrival of a fleet from the New World with their fortune aboard they were finally gonna be able to pay off their debt to the evil Lord Montalban.

Suddenly the door burst open and its the evil Lord Montalban and his men "I have grave news I'm afraid the fleet carrying your fortune has been lost and your debt has come due" Seizing their assets and the family he e sells them into indentured slavery all except one son who manages to escape. Henry is that son and now he has the means to hunt for his family in the New World.

Growling under his breath as he closes the locket and lays on his bunk he mutters " I'll get you Montalban I'll get you if it's the last thing I do" then he dozes of asleep with his trusty sabre at his side.

 

[makofin]

Finn Mc Dade

thirty year old Irish seaman, long-haired, with a scar on his cheek, tatooed, joined the muntineers, he didn't like the former captain anyway. Figures their is more reward in joining with privateers. Sturdy and strong, loyal to no one but himself, he loves rum and female companionship.


We were busy throwing the dead bodies overboard, when I happened upon a lad who was still breathing. He had been ran through the gut, and was bleeding all over the deck. I almost slipped in the slimey dog's blood. Drawling me knife, I was just about to slit his throat when he begged for mercy. He was as good as dead anyway, so I wasn't going to show him none, but he said if I would spare him, he would tell me some useful information.

" And what would that be, laddie, are you hiding some gold somewhere's on this ship ? " I asked, hesitating.

" No...b-b-but I overhead the new captain talking, Morgan, and he said that he hates Lord M-M_Montalban." he paused, wincing in pain.

" So ? "

" Well...well I happen to know that he is to be married soon. To Lady Sophia Jennings, me thinks her name is. Anyways, her ship sails for America at the end of the month. "

" And what good does this do me ? " I sneered, fingering my sharp blade, ready to dispatch him to the everafter.

" I'm sure Henry Morgan would like to know ! " he cried.

I thought it over. Maybe the information would get me an extra pint of rum.

" Thanks lad. You done real good. " I did him a favor and neatly slit his throat before throwing his body overboard. Then I went to disturb the young Captain Morgan, who was resting in his cabin. He seemed delighted at the news and offered me two pints of rum.

 

[redbaron05]

Awaking to a noise and drawing my cutlass "ARGGGGGGGGGGGGg who dare disturbs my nap?"
Noticing its one of the crew he says a dying sailor gave him news of Montalban's fiancee,"AHA news of Montalban's fiancee Lady Sophia Jennings she will fetch a fair price on the slave markets of the carribbean or make an excellent bed warmer where did this sailor say her ship would be sailing too mate?" "Have an extra rum ration but be warned if the information is false it will mean the plank for you"

 

[Josheb]

The Captain gave his orders and the firstmate and boatswains went about following them. Joshua had been assigned to the mainmast before the mutiny, no one had talked about new positions so when his mainmast boatswain started bellowing orders and with a "Aye aye Bo'sun," Joshua hopped to, scurrying up the rigging fast as a monkey and working the top of the sail as they re-positioned it to get them to Port Royale.

It was hard labor trimming the sails and shortly Joshua's shirt was off, tied around his waist while he lifted and pulled the heavy ropes that kept the sail in place. His back was a maze of lash wounds, a ever-present reminder of the life he'd lived. He paused periodically and wiped the sweat from his brow with his forearm. It didn't really accomplish much, the sweat on his arm just mixing with the sweat on his forehead, but it did keep the salty sweat out of his eyes for a few minutes. After a few swipes he pulled the kerchief off his head and retied it as a headband, in a vain attempt to keep his vision clear.

After an hour or so the work was done. Straddling the cross mast, Josh leaned against the crow's nest, taking a short break before climbing down and reflecting on how much faster they used to get this done before the mutiny. A few mates had been conspicuously absent on the job and Josh knew that before the day was out they'd be found by the bo'sun and dealt with accordingly. Extra duty, swabbing decks, preparing food and cleaning barnacles. Josh smiled at that thought. As the smallest member of the crew, and a conscript to boot, it was his duty to be lowered down on a rope to scrape the side of the ship clean. It always came as a relief when someone else was in trouble, then he didn't have to go overboard.

Without the hard labor to warm him, the high winds bit into his bare chest. Cold, Josh rose, putting his shirt back on. As he fastened the last button the First mate called up from below to check for other ships on the horizon. Scrambling into the crows nest Joshua pulled his spyglass out and scoped the horizon. It wasn't really his spyglass, but it had been assigned to the crow's nest when the ship was the HMS Ranger, and he had no intention of letting any of the scalawags on this ship get thier grubby hands on it.

Joshua called down an all's clear and scrambled down the rigging. He started to head below decks and one of the boatswains stopped him and ordered him to climb overboard to repaint the hull.

"Get one of the other mates to do it Bo'sun," Joshua snapped as he tried to push past the significantly larger man, "I just rigged the sail, now I'm going below to grub a melon and some bread. Maybe a bowl of soup if Cookie has something boiling."

The Boatswain grabbed Josh by the shoulder and shoved him down onto the deck, taking a step forward and straddling the lad.

"The hell you are boy! You'll do as I say or I'll beat you black and blue."

Josh squinted at the boatswain, trying to read his face despite the sun. Yeah, it looked like the man would do it. Joshua hadn't let himself be pushed around when he was a conscript. He wasn't a slave, not anymore. He didn't have to take this shit. With amazing speed Josh pushed himself into a spin on his back. He kicked his foot out as he spun, connecting with the back of the bo'sun's knee, then pulling his feet in tight. The Boatswain dropped as Josh spun out of the way. Grinning Joshua kicked his feet up into the air and curved his back, jumping to a standing position. The boatswain picked himself up to one knee and glared daggers at the slight young man.

"Bo'sun," Josh said, his voice even but firm, "I ain't your boy, and I ain't no bloody conscript. I'm a mate now, like everyone else. I did my share of the work, more then my share, and now I'm gonna go eat my share of the food. Get yourself one of those lazy bastards who couldn't help with the sail to repaint the hull." Joshua turned his head and spat over the side of the ship. "After all, we can't go into Port Royale as the HMS Ranger, can we?"

The boatswain grunted, a slight smile on his face. Josh turned on his heel and walked toward the ladder to belowdecks.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Kip felt the first cramp throb in her groin and she growled in irritation. “Damn,” she muttered under her breath. She looked around and rolled her eyes to the heaven’s. This was the trickiest part of her disguise and it would be over the next five days that she had to watch herself. Leaving the deck she swiftly made her way to her bunk and pulled out the necessary linen she’d need, once she barricaded the door to the men’s quarters she did what she needed to do and arranged the “bulge” in her slacks and returned to deck. Her face was blushed, but she knew the men would think it was only the sun causing her skin to become more pink.

Her fair complexion was slowly becoming use to the heat of the sun’s rays, in the beginning she’d burn and the ship’s physician would toss her various creams for easing her discomfort. None of them worked, however when she did where them the men stayed away from her, due to the intense odor that emanated from her. She wore the cream now and she grinned when several of her “mates” moved away from her to work on other tasks.

Kip was quite content to be alone this morning. It was her chore to clean the deck and though most of the men grudgingly did the work she didn’t mind at all. She welcomed it. It gave her an opportunity to observe every thing that helped to make the HMS Eagle run smoothly through the water. The more she knew the better her chances were that she could stay . . . if her secret was ever found out. Kip could cover any man’s post, though some things she wasn’t asked to do often because of her small size.

As she worked her way around the filth and grime, scrapping away the salt that accumulated in various crevices of the ship, she found herself thinking of the past and wondering for the millionth time how her family was doing. She smiled softly as she thought of her brothers, each one strapping lads, built like her father, tall and thick around the chest. She was often tossed between them when they wrestled, once having received a broken arm, to which her brothers were beat and she was coddled. She laughed and then coughed, quickly covering up the delicate sound.

With the morning progressing smoothly Kip finished up the work on deck and moved down below and off to the kitchens to see if she could assist with the afternoon meal. Her eyes met those of the ship cook and she nodded her head to him. He pointed to the barrel of potatoes and Kip grabbed the knife. “Make sure you don’t waste none of the food this time boy,” the cook said. His voice scolding and Kip sighed.

“I won’t,” she rolled up her sleeves and set about cutting as little of the potato as she could. “I told you I’d not be feeding the rat any of the food again.”

“Rat!” he shouted back at her. “There are no rats in my kitchens and you’d best remember that.” He looked over to the boy and shook his head. “What are you doing on this ship lad. You’re to pretty a feller to be livin’ this life... Hell I bet you ain’t even come into your first set of whiskers.”

Kip shrugged her shoulders, “I’m a late bloomer. At least that’s what my pa told me once. I’d asked him why my brother looked so different and he finally told me, twas cause my mom’s pa was a weakling that was puny and good for nothing.”

“Well you took after them, 'cause your puny and you ain’t good for much, but hacking away the tater’s. I bet you’ll grow up some while you’re here on this ship. How old are son? Surely not more then 12 if even that.”

Kip chuckled, coughed, and blushed. She was 18, but with her tiny stature, her small body and her delicate features she easily passed as much younger. “Yep turned 12 just yesterday.”

“Well damn... did you not tell anyone?”

“Nope... and I don’t want to. If you make a fuss, I’ll tell everyone about the rat I fed the other day in here.” She grinned when she heard the “ain’t no rats in my kitchen” spill from his lips. Kip stayed in the kitchens the rest of the morning, working to make what they could with what they had, enjoyable for the men’s meal.

 

[redbaron05]

Making repairs and Changing Colors

Arriving at a small deserted isle near Port Royal the crew of the Ranger makes the neceeisary repairs as the ship wright removes all markings marking her as an English ship of the Royal Navy.

The mate informs the capt that the repairs are made and they have run up the Dutch colors that should allow them to slip into Port Royal undetected.

"Aye good set your course for Port Royal and lets recruit a full crew before we go hunting."

 

[angelique127]

Sophia Marie Jennings

Sophia's description- young and headstrong, somewhat spoiled and pampered, she was very pretty with long copper colored hair and deep brown eyes. Born into a wealthly, titled family in England, the gowns she wore hid a curvy, perfect body, except for her full, round breasts which seemed even more pronounced due to the tight, waist hugging corsetts she always wore, at least in public. Sophia considered herself a victim of an arranged marriage, to the rich Lord Montalban, a man she only met once. While not in love with him, nevertheless she was looking forward to going to America, and beginning her life anew, leaving London society behind, and a young dashing man she was starting to have strong feeling for...that could cause nothing but a scandal and ruin her reputation.


The Sea Bonnet departed England on May 2nd,1794, bound for France and onto Port Royale, Jamaica, then to the Carolinas in America, where Lord Montalban owned a large plantation and Sophia and he would marry. Although Montalban was not the most attractive man in the world, he was very wealthy and her father was pleased. Besides, she was headstrong and stubborn, and felt trapped and bored in polite, proper London society. In America, even females had more freedoms, or so she thought.

Not being permitted to travel alone, Sophia was accompanied by an elderly, stern matron. She couldn't stand the woman, who looked after her every move, except when she was asleep. Then Sophia would walk up on the deck of the ship, getting away from the confines of their tiny cabin, which lacked the comforts she was accustomed to. Most of the sailors on the merchant vessel where polite, and went about their assigned tasks hardly saying a word to this refined, young lady, except to nod a greeting. To her delight, the Captain invited her and her escort, of course, to dine with them each evening. She found the older man charming and dignified, and was quite interested in his colorful stories and travels. Not to mention, they ate well, better than the crew and other passengers, lobster and huge prawns, and plenty of fruit was offered !

The ship made open sea, and sailed southwest towards Port Royale...

 

[LadyFairy]

Jessica Spice
age 18
5ft 4in
110 lbs

Jessica has long wavy black hair down to midback, dark blue eyes with a curvy body that was tanned from reading out in the guardens when she had the chance, her breasts unlike her friends were no more than a handfull but the way she looked at it she was still growing.

Jess was dressed much like her friend Sophie save for the color of her gown which was a light gray trimmed in white lace. Her hair was pulled back in a french knot and held with a gray ribbon to match the gown she wore.

Jess is the elderly matrons neice and Sophie's compaion on most occasions and had just made the ship at the last moment. She watched Sophie talk to the captin and walk around deck and smiled knowing she hadnt seen her yet.

Walking over to her aunt she greeted her with warmth and affection tho she agreed with Sophie that she could be a trifle stern, and Jessie knew she wouldnt hear the end of the lecture she was bound to get.

Hello aunt ,, and before you start I just couldnt let Sophie make the trip on her own, and besides i can acompany you on the trip back everything will be fine you will see. Jess said patting her aunts hand and watched as her aunts mouth flew open and then closed, sevral times, and new she had oversteped her bounds once again, but then at times like this it was almost funny, but as the ship was leaving port there wasnt a thing her aunt could do.

Seeing that her aunt finnaly found her voice Jess wished that she handnt. Listen hear young lady its not enough that i had one of you to take care of now i have the both of you.... I shall write a letter to your father and inform him of this little adventure and you will deal with him on our return.

Seeing Sophie Jess waved and walked over to her once her aunt finnished her tirade. Hello Sophie suprise.. I couldnt just let you go. What kind of companion would i be if i let you get married with out me. She said with a smile teasing her somewhat knowing that Sophie hadnt quite decided wether she was happy about getting married or angry, or just simply resigned.

 

[PredatorX]

Lucas Grayson

HMS RangerLucas Grayson
Age 28
180 cm
70 kg

Lucas smiled at the order of the new course to Port Royale. Even if they probably would set out to sea rather quickly he was pleased to see the port town again. It was where he was born after all. None of the crew, not even the captain knew he was the son of a Port Royale whore and an unknown sailor. One of her many customers.

His mother was dead since many years back. Not that he cared though. He was just glad he was away from the filth, that the whore houses in fact was. The only time he visited one was when he needed to take care of his needs. As you spent as much time at sea as he did, he had no time for romances really. He hadn´t found a lass that interresting anyway. He was quite pleased with his life as it was.

 

[Josheb]

scene: HMS Ranger no longer, a small island near Port Royale

Joshua muttered under his breath in german as he held the stencil with his right hand and carefully applied the gold paint with his left. He was high above the sea sitting on a wooden plank, held overbaord so he and a few other shorter swabbies could repaint parts of the hull. At least they had stopped this time, that was a plus.

Normally he didn't mind painting. But Joshua hadn't wanted to do this the first time he was told to, and having to do it anyway didn't improve his morale. On the other hand the Bo'sun had found the scalawags that had shirked thier duties when they trimmed the sails and one way or another had gotten them back to work. Josh wasn't sure exactly how he had done it but there were two mates swabbing the deck for the last four hours who sported shiners over thier eyes, two mates who hadn't been up on the rigs where they normally were while they were trimming sails.

Joshua put the stencil down and picked up the next letter, carefully lining it up with the others, getting the spacing right before he committed paint to the hull. He wouldn't even be down here if he hadn't made his peace with the Boatswain.

It was only a few hours ago. Joshua was sitting at a table in the galley. He had finished his melon and was working on a piece of hard tack when he heard the stairs creak from the weight on them. Joshua looked up and saw the boatswain he'd dropped to the deck a half hour previous. Joshua didn't even grunt a greeting he just stared at his tack and ignored the bo'sun.

The boatswainwalked over to the table Josh was sitting at and stood there. Joshua put his bread down and looked up at him.

"You ever disobey an order again and I'll beat you stupid." They glared at each other for a long moment and then the Bo'sun cracked a smile, "Mate." It was only one word, but it spoke the world. Not boy, not filth, not swabbey or scalawag, or any of the other names he'd been called as a young conscript aboard ship. But mate, a verbal acknowledgement that he was a sailor, just as good as any other man here. Josh kicked a chair out and nodded toward it.

"Have a seat Bo'sun." The Boatswain did and grubbed part of Joshua's tack.

"You got a good eye lad, I'll give you that. I figured those boys had died in the... fight." Sailors were a superstitious lot. Preachers were bad luck, women were bad luck, and no one said the word mutiny. Taking a bite from the tack Josh nodded in reply. The boatswain continued.

"Good or bad, we ain't part of his Majesty's service anymore. But don't expect discipline to lax! You do what I say when I say it and we won't have any problems. You strike a superior again and we'll have you getting lashes at captain's mast, understood?"

"Understood," Josh replied with a mouth full of bread.

"Good. You head on up to the deck when you're done and we'll assign you some duties. We're still straightening things out but there's plenty to be done. And Joshua?"

"Yeah?"

"I saw you today. You're a damn good man to have in a fight, and as fast as a monkey on the rigs. You got a problem you come to me with it. Now finish up and get to work you scurvy scalawag."

Joshua laughed at the memory as he finished the letter he was painting. It was the last one and after securing the supplies he used the rope to scurry up the side of the boat then pull his own plank up, heading off to return his supplies to the hold. As he passed the main mast he paused to look at the job they were doing, repainting the mast so it didn't look like a british warship. They were doing a good job of it, though the colors looked familiar. He didn't think much of it and went down to the hold.

While he put the gold paint away hit struck him that the colors were that of Holland. Puttin two and two together he headed abovedecks to find the bo'sun he'd 'encountered' earlier supervising the painting of the foremast. Joshua stood next to him admiring the work for a moment, waiting to be acknowledged.

"What is it Sailor?" the Bo'sun asked.

"All the lettering work is done sir. Reporting for duty."

"Understood. We'll be re-rigging the sails shortly. You'll need a sure arm for that, go get some rest."

"Aye aye. Sir are those Dutch colors we're painting?"

"Aye. Captain's orders." A pause as they watch the men work.

"Begging your pardon Bo'sun, and I kow the Captain must have a plan, but won't it seem odd to have a dutch ship with an English crew sir?" The Boatswain didn't say anything for a long moment.

"I'm sure the captain does have a plan. Now off with ye, go get some water and get ready to rig the sails." Joshua saluted and left, military training far from waning after less then a day's time.

After a few moments the Boatswain told the men to carry on and left to find the Captain. After all it would be odd to have a dutch ship manned by an english crew. And while Morgan may have a plan, the Bo'sun didn't want his neck in the noose if it wasn't a good one.

 

[redbaron05]

captain and the bo'sun

Sittingi in his quarters planning his next move peering down at the maps and charts of the islands Capt Morgan there is a knock at the door. "Who is it an what do ya want Morgan asks without moving from his seat. "It's the bo'sun Capt'n"

"Enter and make it quick whats the problem mate" The bo'sun answers "Sir one of the men asked would'nt it be strange for a Dutch ship to have a crew who speaks the King's English?"

Morgan stops and thinks a minute " Yeah you're right belay that last order and mark us as a merchantman we have enough tea aboard to be a small merchant vessel flying the Union Jack and rename us as the Reliant"

Saluting as he turns to leave. "Aye Capt'n" the bo'sun says as he leaves to carry out his new orders.

 

[redbaron05]

Setting sail for Port Royale as HMS Reliant

After getting word the repairs are made and their colors and markings are changed to those of a merchant ship Captain Morgan orders, "Mate set your course for Port Royle and remember we are an innocent small merchant ship so dont panic if your lookouts spot sails just let me know ill be in my cabin. Oh and send the Quartermaster down so ill we can figure what supplies we need"

Entering his cabin Capt Morgan is soon joined by the quartermaster with a list of all the foodstuffs and other sundrys they have on board.

"Sir we also have a large amount of tea aboard we could sell in port to raise funds for supplies." "Very well" Capt Morgan replies.

"How are we set for small arms and cannon ammo?" Morgan asks

"Well sir we have one musket per man to repel boarders if needed, also the crew all have their personal weapons. There's plenty of powder and shot for the main battery of 6 pounders along the port and starboard gunwales 5 guns on each side and we have one fore and one aft sir with plenty of shot and powder since we didnt run into trouble on the way over."

"Very well You are dismissed i'm gonna nap have the Mate wake me if we run into another ship or when we make port"

"Aye Captn" he salutes and leaves the captain to his nap.

 

[angelique127]

Meanwhile onboard the Sea Bonnet

Sophie was absolutely thrilled to see her childhood friend Jessica, that she dropped her umbrella ! Ignoring the old biddy's tirade, they hugged each other warmly.

"Oh Jessica, wot are you doing here ? What a pleasant surprise ! I'm so happy to see you ! Can you believe I'm engaged to be married ? You must come to my cabin and see my wedding dress ! It is absolutely beautiful !" Sophie gushed, grabbing her friends arm and leading her towards the cabin below and away from Jessica's overbearing aunty.

Once inside the cramped quarters, Sophie opened one of her many trunks, and pulled out her white wedding gown. Excitedly, she filled Jessica in on all the details, the latest gossip and showing off her new, fashionable, high heeled boots, and the fine silk stockings purchased in France, along with her matching, elbow length gloves.

" Isn't it just lovely ? Can you imagine, I'm finally going to America ! " Sophie cried, hugging the dress to her bosum, " It's like a dream come true ! "

Jessica smiled, happy to see her friend so excited that she could hardly get a word in.

" Shall I put it on ? Really dear, if you are going to be my maid of honor, we need to find you a dress...you will be my maid of honor won't you ? Please say yes. Okay, let's see what we can find, their must be something you can wear. "

Sophie rummaged through her trunks..." Oh, look what I found, my pearl necklace. My mother gave it to me, as a gift." She turned her back to Jessica, and lifted up her long tresses, so she could fasten the strand around her neck. " I better wear them, I promised her that I would never take them off. "

And the voyage continued...

 

[LadyFairy]

Jessica couldnt help but laugh enjoying Sophie's excitment Yes.. yes dear i will be your maid of honor and please do try it on it is a lovly gown.. She said gently touching the fabric of the wedding dress and smiling as she watched her friend move about the room glad to be away from her aunt.

Seeing her move behind the screen in the room to change Jess remembered some of the roomers flying around london about savages and slaves in the Americas. You know dear we will have to be careful when we arrive in the america's and i know that is not something i say very often as i am ushually the one to get us in trouble, but i hear there are savages and some trouble with slaves and such she said sounding a little concerned.

Seeing Sophie move out from behind the screen dressed in her gown Jessie Smiled and said..Ohh my you are sooo beautiful.. any man who marries you should count him self lucky.. you are radent dear and i cant wait to meet your fututre husbend..

 

[poohlive]

Jack gave another sigh as he watched the small ball roll once more from one side of his jail cell to the other. He had spent the greater part of the afternoon clearing out the small amount of hay and horse shit from the floor boards. He assumed this wasn't so much a brig for the HMS Eagle, but rather a stall for other animals. A few wooden bars and a door though, made it pretty sturdy indeed.

He shouldn't be on the Eagle though, he should be relaxing and enjoying the day aboard the Ranger. He was a loyal and fighting crewmember... not to mention a loving, gambling, stealing, swashbuckling and drinking crewmember as well. It was the last thing which got him in trouble the last time. He had drunk two other men under a table at their last port, but had himself spent the rest of the night trying to find his old girlfriends house. Now, if James was sober, he would have easily realized this is not the right island where his old girlfriend Jennifer lives.

Being drunk, though, certain disadvantages come with perception and logic, and so he wandered the streets screaming out her name, and knocking on random houses, hoping she would come out. She didn't, but a few local policeman finally caught up to him. By the time he woke up the next afternoon with a splitting hangover, he was imprisoned here inside the stall of rotting hay and dried up horse shit.

Someone had told them he was a pirate for the Ranger. Now he had to keep asking questions about where his old ship is. But, good for nothing him, he gave tons of false islands and different directions. By the time they figured it out, he hoped he would be able to escape, leaving them long gone in the dust and looking for his crewmates once more.

It had been over two weeks inside her, and now he sat, watching the ball move back and forth. It was his only sense of entertainment the whole day. They wouldn't even let him out to help with the work. God, two weeks of doing nothing, even hard work on the ship would be better. He just needed to do something, this was getting ridiculous. It made his whole body itch just below the surface of his skin where he could not get at it.

How boring.

 

[Lotharian]

Edward was awakened in the night by a knocking sound on the door.

Their ship, the HMS Eagle, had been doing a routine patrol between Kingstown and George Town with orders to sink pirates and privateers bearing the colours of Spain. They were beginning to approach the Grenadas and thus were more on edge due to their nearness to a French Port. You never knew when war was going to break out and since they'd been in the Carribean sea for the past week they had no clue the current state of affairs.

Sir Edward was the Captain of the Eagle, a younger man but distingusihed for his great command skill and his family heritage. He had gone to bed at 9 bells and if he had been concious in between the time would know it's a short while after 3 bells.

With a stir, Edward got up from his bed to see what was the matter. Edward opened the door to reveal James Wentworth, his 1st Mate and Night Captain. James gave a quick salute which was returned by Edward.

"Yes Lieutenant?"

"Sir, there's a lifeboat 60 yards off to the north-west."

"A lifeboat? This far out?"

"That's our thoughts as well. Shall we change course to meet them sir?"

"Are there any fires in the distance?"

"None sir."

"Hrm... so not victims of a merchant vessel... Yes, change course. But I want a group of armed men at the ready. I'll be on deck as soon as I'm in more proper dress."

Another quick salute passed between the two as Sir Edward made way for his dresser. Like all Officers, Edward's quarters were of fine quality. Not overly fine, but enough to live a comfortable life away from home. The walls were lined with sea-charts, along with his bed, a dresser, a desk, and a dining table with some chairs. Upon the ceiling was a large flag that had been flown over his father's castle before he had left, 5th in line to the Canteberry Barony. It was his gift for his choice to openly admit defeat to his eldest brother, whom bore a wife with child, and to let go his claim to the Barony and the problems of court.

Edward sighed for a moment in thought of what the raft could possible be and could contain. He heard of some vessels that baited ships with such things. But there was no where to hide wasn't there? Unless an opposing ship had furled sail and damped the lights.

Within ten minutes, Sir Edward Canteberry was on deck in full uniform and looking in the direction of the small boat, wondering what was in store for them.

There was nothing moving onboard.... When the Eagle pulled alongside the small boat, a couple of lines were thrown out. One of the soldiers threw over a rope ladder and climbed into the thing. Edward looked over the side and his face went silently pale. They were men. British officers if their clothing indicated anything.

"They're dead...." came the wavering voice of the officer as he quickly checked the necks of the withered men on the ship. They looked so thin and frail. How long had they been out there?

Suddenly one of the hands grasped ahold of the soldier whom with a yelp nearly fell over the side of the raft. If not for him backing against the Eagle, he probably would have.

The soldier quickly made his way up the ladder, followed by Edward whom was less superstitious than the rest of the crewman. Sailors were an odd lot to him at times. Probably thought the officer laying there, near dead, was some sort of cursed being.

Edward took of his hat and stood next to the man, close to him to try and get some assessment. His breathing was weak... and his pulse was near to non-existance. His lips seemed to be trying to form something... all he could hear is something soft.

"Come on officer, save your strength...." Edward said, and the whispered word reached his ear.

"Mutiny...."

The man was taken to the surgeon to try and save him and the rest were prepped for a burial at sea in the morning. And by morning's time, their fellow officer had joined them.

 

[redbaron05]

Slipping into Port Royale

Being awakend by a knock on his door Captain Morgan wipes the sleep from his eyes as he gets his bearings "Who is it?" Morgan bellows irritated at having been awakened.

"Its The Mate sir the lookouts report land ho we are nearing Jamaca."

Running his fingers thru his hair and splashing water on his face from the bedside table Morgan replies, "Very well I'll be on deck shortly."
Rising and dressing Captain Morgan strides out onto the deck of the newly repaired and renamed HMS Reliant. "Aye a fine morning it is eh mate?" Morgan says as he stands beside the first mate. "Aye Capn tis indeed."

Under the watchful eye of Captain Morgan HMS Reliant slips quietly into the bustling busy port of Port Royale and is moored at an empty berth.


Turning to the mate Morgan orders, "Prepare to unload our cargo and make repairs and reprovision, After the repairs and reprovisining are complete give half the crew 6 hours shore leave then the rest of crew can have leave when they return I'm going ashore to sell our cargo, purchase supplies, and pay our respects to the govenor Mate you have the bridge"

Saluting the mate replies. "Aye Captain."


Then Morgan leaves the bridge and returns to his cabin to clean up before going into town.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Kip stood on deck, a chill running over her spine as the bodies were slowly slipped into the water. This wasn't the first time they'd dealt with death on the HMS Eagle, but it was the first time their had been so many. She bit her lower lip refusing to shed a tear for the men, though inside she wanted to cry for their lost lives.

When the service was over she went back to work, scrubbing and cleaning doing her best to remain quiet and out of the way. She hadn't had to many problems yesterday with the “curse” but today was different. Her cramps were more violent and she'd already broken down and sought out the surgeon on board to give her some headache powder hoping that would ease the pain. She thought about drinking it off, but knew that wouldn't help either. She was smart when she drank with the men, never getting more then one drink. She often had to sit through their ribbing about how she didn't drink much... but in reality, none of them did. The Captain wouldn't allow a drunken crew, so they all knew better to overindulge and so did she.

“Kip,” a voice called to her.

Kip spun around and there stood the Cook again. “Yes?” she asked, a pain gripped her and she cursed the Holy Mother for sinning. “What?” she snapped back, then quickly apologized. “Sorry... headache.”

“Alright... come back to the kitchens and help me out,“ he told her. ”The meal will need preparing so you can't be lagging around up here all day.“ He turned and left, Kip followed.

“At least I can hide down there,” she told herself as she made her way down to the kitchens. Again just like before he complained about her cooking and again just like before she teased him about Rats. There were rats... big fat ones, ones that you could keep as a damn cat. She shivered as she thought of the one she'd seen staring at her, while she tried sleeping last night.

The cook looked over at her, “You look deep in thought.”

She glanced up at him and for a minute wondered what to tell him. “Oh... just wondering what were going to do now... those men are dead and I hell... I'm not a soldier... just some kid from the woods that wanted a new life,“ she muttered.

“You'll be alright... get some muscle on them weak bones and you'll take down any man. You can shoot right?“ he asked.

“Oh yes! Very well,” she grinned.

Cook rolled his eyes and laughed. “Well... hell Kip, if anything you can stick some cloth down your shirt, smile like that and make them think you're a girl. Then when their falling at your feet to worship you... you can kill 'um.“

Kip paled and swallowed hard.

“Oh don't be getting sick at the thought of killing someone. You go on and fix the bread. Before long the men will be wanting their food and no matter how young your face looks, nothing keeps a man between him and his food, unless it be a woman with her skirts up.“ He went back to work, never seeing Kip's grimace of both fear and pain.

 

[Lotharian]

The ceremony was short and simple. Edward read the last rites for the men as a Captain shold and interned their bodies to the sea. But there was one thing nagging at him. The claim of mutiny. More than likely if not for that, most would have assumed the ship lost.

Well, depending on the skill and intelligence of the crew.

Edward made his way to his sitting room after ordering the course be set once more for Kingstown. They'd be there in a day or two if they were lucky. From there, he'd report to the governor and try to get the job to hunt down those pirates and traitors as well.

To leave those men to drift like that was just unhonourable!

Edward sighed as he looked at some sea charts. The cook would have meals done soon and then he'd deal with things with some food in his stomach. Edward made his way down towards the ktichen generally unnoticed it seemed. Most were busy with their own work. It was somewhat refreshing to not have 'CAPTAIN ON THE DECK' shouted in his ear.

He came upon the cook and one of the cabin boys talking. He laughed lightly at the talk of stuffing the shirt and pretending to be a woman, obviously startling the pair.

"Come now, if people thought there was a woman on the ship they'd be fumbling over each other to have me toss her overboard. Bad luck you know." He said mockingly and with a small smile as the two quickly gave a sharp salute (though the Cabin Boy seemed oddly sluggish).

"Captain." The two said quickly enough, in return he gave them a quick salute.

"Now what's wrong with you Cabin Boy? Kip isn't it? I need all bodies, even the youngest, up and at the ready."

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Kip hadn’t even noticed the Captain entering until it was to late to cover up the face she’d made when the cook made the joke about females and stuffing shirts, as well as raised skirts. She’d paled slightly as a cramp grabbed hold of her, but she bit her lip and saluted and addressed her Captain as she’d been trained. He’d gone so far to joke with them about females on board and how they’d toss one overboard and that comment added a little nausea to her stomach. When he’d asked her what the trouble was, Kip had no problem telling him the truth, for she really did feel sick to her stomach... granted it wasn’t from any illness, but from the cramps as well as the idea of anyone finding out about her and her secret.

“Just a bit under the weather, Sir,” she nodded her head and pushed the bread onto the hot coals. “I’ve been helping out here as much as I can... staying out of the way, nothing contagious mind you... just one of them God awful headaches I get. Doc gave me some powders though and they seem to be doing the trick.”

She nodded her head to the Cook’s, “He’s just having a bit of sport with me is all. Seems I’m an early bloomer in the manly department and he likes to poke fun at me. I do believe though he’s just jealous because all the ladies will look at my youthful features and compare them to his and well...” Kip raised her brows and smirked, “Let’s face it... a woman would have to be blind to pass up this beauty compared to that.” She winked at the cook and chuckled.

She grabbed a handful of water that Cook had been using all morning to wash not only the vegetables, but his hands as well. Water was sparse on the ship and since the vegetables were able to travel for some weeks before rot, they were washed in the filthy water then boiled. Any germs they may have had were soon killed. Kip of course wasn’t thinking of that she was just trying desperately not to get any water on her shirt. She took her hands from the cold liquid and grabbed a strip of cloth; it too wasn’t the cleanest in the world, but it did the job just dandy.

Her eyes went to the Cook’s and she could tell he was sympathetic to her headache, but he’d not offer words to the Captain that would coax him into letting her stay down below any longer. She shrugged her shoulders and cleaned up her work station. “You need anything particular from me Captain?” she asked, hoping like hell it was something simple.

 

[LadyFairy]

oops sorry wrong ship. *Smiles*

 

[Lotharian]

"I thought a woman would be happy to have husband who could cook." Edward said with a small smile.

"Well, as for what I could use I came down to see what was on the menu for today and how it was fairing. But if you're not feeling well then I would assume you'd have no interest in food this day. Uhm, Mister Dryden we'llsoon be reaching a home port so some of the better foods you may use for the dinner tonight."

"As for you Cabin Boy, get some rest if you need but we'll be reaching the home port soon so if you feel you can suffer through, I'd like the ship to be in good shape when we come in. We might not have time for normal maintanance when we get to port."

"If you still feel unwell when we get to port, I'll ask to have you transferred to a more local schooner. Don't need unwell shipmates on a hunting ship."

 

[angelique127]

Onboard the Sea Bonnet

That evening, Sophie and Jessica dined with the good Captain Harris in his cabin. Jessica's auntie didn't join them, as she was feeling under the weather, and preferred to remain in her own cabin. It was just as well because the topic of conversation soon turned to the subject of pirates...

" They are the curse of the seas, plundering decent ships of every nation. They have no respect for life, and not a shred of decency about them. " Captain Harris declared.

Suddenly, Sophie grew alarmed. She had never given pirates a second thought before, but now that she was aboard a merchant ship, on the open sea, she was concerned. She had heard the horriable stories before, of what these dreadful men were capable of...

" Surely Captain, our ship is safe from these barbarians. They never venture this far north, do they. " she asked hopefully, taking a sip of wine. She had noticed that their were very few cannons aboard, but some of the men did have muskets.

" My dear, to be honest, one never knows where they will strike. If you ask me, they are nothing but a pack of dirty cowards, preying upon helpless and defenseless ships." the older man advised, and then seeing the fear in the two young ladies eyes, he added, " But no, they usually don't venture this far north, and hopefully the Sea Bonnet would be able to outrun another ship. She is a very swift ship, indeed. "

Sophie was uneasy. Everything she owned was in the trunks in her cabin, including her priceless jewelry collection...

Thankfully, the conversation turned to far more appealing things...

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Kip grimaced at the idea of transferring to another ship. “Damn,” she thought to herself, “I can’t transfer, it took me forever to get this comfortable not to mention the men believe I’m an innocent young man that’s underdeveloped. If I go to another ship, whose to say that I’ll be allowed what little privacy I get sometimes.”

She looked over to the Captain and nodded her head in understanding. “Yes Sir, I’ll not let a headache dampen my mood or my work. They come and go like most headaches do and a bit of headache powder does the cure. I apologize if I gave you the impression I was to weak to work Sir, that wasn’t the case at all. The meals about finished if my noise isn’t deceiving me.” Kip turned and eyed cook and he nodded his head yes.

Kip’s eyes went back to the Captain’s and she grinned. “We’ve got fresh bread which is always a favorite as well as the normal fair of potatoes and carrots. With us going into port we’ll be able to restock on some of the dried jerky that everyone is fond of, in the meantime cook looks to have just about finished up this mornings fresh catch of fish as well as the last of the apples were tossed in for this evenings meal. It is good we’ll be in port soon.”

Her body gave her a hint of an upcoming cramp so she spun around to hide the wince, she grabbed a fresh roll from the coals and when she turned around no one could tell that she had felt any pain at all. “Here you go Captain, enjoy this on your way to your cabin if you like and I’ll bring your meal to you shortly, unless you wish to dine with the men?” Kip wasn’t sure which he’d chose, some days he ate with the men, others by himself. She would sometimes bring him his meals, sometimes another would, it all depended who was where and what they were doing.

“And as far as the ship and how she looks... well... I’ll be sure to have it looking top notch when we drift into harbor. I’d not want transferred Sir, I quite like it here if I do say so myself.”

 

[redbaron05]

Going Ashore in Port Royale

Leaving the deck in the capable hands of his first mate Captain Morgan returns to his cabin to prepare to go ashore.

The captains quarters on HMS Reliant isnt a huge cabin by any means but considering it's on a 12 gun armed sloop its plenty big spacious enough to relax in when Morgan isn't on deck.

Looking around at his personal domain with its series of windows across the back letting in the suns light. The large desk, where he has his maps, charts, and logs spread out, in front of them facing the door so no one can sneak in behind him. Off to one side is his spacious comfortable bed. On the other side of the room is the small table and chair where he takes his meals at times when he doesnt dine with his officers. then there is his dresser built into the wall by the door and his closet and sea trunks are in the last corner.

Moving to his sea trunk Morgan retrieves his shaving kit then he goes to his closet and retrieves a smart looking white shirt and red merchant captains uniform, which he had the sailmaker make from one of his royal navy uniforms then he retrieves a pair of brown pants from a drawer in his dresser. After retrieving his clothes Morgan shaves off several weeks at sea worth of beard and bathes himself before doning his clean clothes.

Checking himself in the mirror as he adjusts his uniform he mutters "Not bad if I do say so myself old chap" Then donning his tricorner hat he leaves the cabin and makes his way to the gangway where he salutes the colors and the officer of the deck who announces "Captain leaving the ship" then he makes his way down the gangway into the bustling throng on the docks of Port Royale.