Black Hawk's Treasure

[The GrandMage]

Captain James Moore

The men scurried about, bringing the ship around near the other one. He looked it over, checking the crew as some of his men, having armed themselves, came up behind him. His ship stopped within shouting distance of the other.

He walked to the railing, looking over the ship, and what crew he could see. He frowned, and pulled one of his men close, gicing orders for them to keep a close eye ofn the other ship. He didn't want to take any chances.

Clearing his throat, he shouted across to the other ship. "Hello, there! We heard the cannonfire, what happened here?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Captain Ash

"British Ship.." Johnathan whispered in fear as he stood near the port window, watching and hoping for the best as he spoke.

"British? Shit!" Slowly she rose from the floor and stretched herself upright as best she could.

"Thomas is going to need help. Story is we were set upon by pirates.. play it cool and hide all weapons.." She moved towards the door, knowing that her presense out there wouldn't be welcomed in the slightest.

What to do now?

"The captain is a young male..." Johnathan described him but Ash paid little attention..

"Male? Good, good.." Thinking quickly, she wandered outside the captain's quarters to stand and wait to assist. She shut the door tightly behind her and hoped they did not board.

 

[The GrandMage]

'Salty Dan' Moore

His eyes jumped open, and he hauled himself up. "The British? Shit! Let me see."

Being a deserter, and a pirate, he was doubly afraid of the British Navy. No matter why he was caught by them, he was likely to be hung. He looked out the port window, scanning the ship.

His eyes caught the Captain, and went wide. He threw himself against the wall, next to the window, gritting his teeth. "Fuck! It's James!"

 

[poohlive]

Thomas glanced back at the Captain's quarters, which had temporarily become a prison ward. A thud followed by a curse could be heard. With an icy stare, Thomas whispered to one of his men to go and make sure they stopped whatever noise was going on.
He didn't seem too surprised to see Ashley out there, looking as pretty as the day she was born. She had her nice sweet pouty look on. A demeanor that meant if you played your cards right....
Although, a few well placed shouts, and he could easily see himself at the end of a rope.
"For once in your life shut up and play dumb," He gritted through his teeth. She couldn't hear him, but he hoped she understand enough common knowledge to let him take care of things.
"Yes," He said, pointing back to the debris that used to be his ship, "My ship was the sorry end of a battle. Pirates, as it were. We would have been stranded on the island, had it not been for this ship. We found it inside the cove. It looks sea worthy enough. We are taking it now to get resupplied. We have a doctor and chef aboard..."
Selective truth. Thomas thought that to be the best approach. The way the cards lied now, he couldn't have very well just lied bold faced to the man. Little details like mutiny and the fact that they were pirates themselves were not mention though. Thomas looked at the few people of his crew on the deck.
They could easily have passed for a merc ship that had just undergone fire.
"We are fine though, no assistance needed. We thank you for coming though. It is always a pleasure to meet up with a british fleet."

 

[Why]

............

 

[corbetphantom]

Rodger Flint

Rodger flint had heard the cannon fire, and smelled some easy pickings. The salvageman had been running short of booty lately, and it was always easier to take what was floating on top than to dive down and try to find it. Half and hour later he saw sails. He swore to himself, and decided to hold back for a bit. He dropped his anchor and fell asleep.

He was awoken after another half an hour had passed. "Oh shit," he muttered under his breath. The big ship had moved until it was almost right on top of him, and there was a second ship flying the Union Jack alongside her.

"Haloo down there!"

Rodger groaned as he realized that the hail fromthe first ship was what had woken him in the first place. He took out his horn and called back, "Ahoy! I am a bit lost! Could you give me a tow to land?"

The freebooter hoped fervently that they would not see through his lie. They might not take kindly to his intent to plunder their sister ship...if that indeed what it was.

 

[poohlive]

Thomas turned his head, so no one aboard the other ship could see him for the moment. With his back turned, he spoke as quietly as possible.
"I'd love to get a bit of each, but the truth of the matter is, if we ask for anything, they'll send a bunch of people over on long boats, and we'll have british officers poking their damned noses on this ship. I'd rather if they don't get within twenty feet of us."
It was then both ships saw the little one in his small boat, hollaring up at the lot of them. Thomas beamed. If the British fleet had someone to save after all, maybe this wouldn't be so bad of an encounter.
"Look like someone does need your help. We would love to stay and chat Captain, but I would like to get this ship to an island as soon as possible, you understand..."

 

[The GrandMage]

Captain James Moore

He glanced around the ship. He smiled, and nodded. "Of course. Are you sure you don't need anything, water, foor, perhaps? Maybe we should stay around, in case the pirates come back to finish you off. Speaking of which, what were you doing out here?"

He glanced over at the small ship. He turned his attention back to the man on the other ship. Porabably it's captain. "There are pirates in the area, you know."

 

[Subo97]

Melvin Morecock

There are pirates in the area, you know

Melvin looked as aghast as he could muster. "Awk, Jolly Roger," his one legged parrot with the eyepatch skwawcked. "Walk the plank, walk the plank."

Thinking mooning this particular ship was a bad idea, Melvin turned and took his loudmouthed bird below decks. Besides, the last time he bared his ass he almost got it shot off. Besides, the doctor had insisted someone should kep Leia awake. Best thing when someone's had their brains addled by a blow to the head.

Melvin found Leia slipping in and out of conciousness, groanng softly on the bunk. He sat bedside her and took her hand. "It's all right, lass, " he told her, "Ye'll be good as new in a day or two."

"Awk, pretty girl, pretty girl" Leia laughed at Pete's antics then winced as the movement made her head ache.

"Aye, Pete," Melvin said, smiling down at his shipmate, "She's a pretty girl. A brave hand, too.... Listen girl," he continued "there's a British Man o' War come alongside, that and some pathetic tug. Thomas is trying to keep them from coming aboard, but if they do, mum's the word."

Leia smiled wanly and started to drift. "Now, now, girl," he chided her, Doc says you gotta stay awake. You start to fall asleep and I'm gonna have to do this...." Melving pulled the blanket, baring one breast, and leaned forward kissing the hard coral tip of her breast. Leia giggled and slapped him with her good hand, then reached up to grab him by the ear ring. "Careful girl," he smiled, "You know what happens when you take me prisoner."

 

[corbetphantom]

Rodger Flint

Rodger surveyed the situation. He definately did not want to go with the British ship. He'd worked the the Portugese before on a job that...would not be well appreciated by the Limeys. On the other hand, the other ship, whoever they were, might not be so forgiving if they found out his true purpose here. But, perhaps there was some higher up from the sunken vessal that might look well toward his services. He sighed inwardly given the choice he'd rather work for himself, but that choice had been taken away by his own idiocy. He began to manuver toward the non-British ship.

"Ahoy there! Can ye throw me a line?"

 

[katalynn]

Kryss ~

Watched as the strange single man and his small ship asked for a line. Looked at him with some concern, as if I didn't trust him at all. All I could think about was he was one of the men from the crew that took on Ash's ship.

"What should we do about him, captain? Looks like he wants to be with us rather than the Brits. Don't blame him.. none the less, don't trust him either."

Spoke softly to Thomas, never leaving my sight from this man. Everyone else was watching the Brits, a few on the man.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Leia

Leia tried to move restlessly in her bunk. Her shoulder joint felt stiff … it ached … but it felt much better …. It better had… that damn doctor had nearly killed her wrenching it like that!

”It's all right, lass, "

Leia opened her eyes fully and saw Melvin sat at her bedside.
She smiled as he took her hand in his.

"Ye'll be good as new in a day or two."

Leia nodded. A day or two seemed an age … she wanted to get above deck … to help … to see Thomas … but right now … she felt like hell.

"Awk, pretty girl, pretty girl"

The parrot was squawking, obviously in better spirits than her.
Leia giggled. Melvin and Pete were inseparable … a strange combination.
Her head throbbed, but Leia felt in better spirits, especially with Melvin sat closely beside her.

"Aye, Pete. She's a pretty girl. A brave hand, too....”

Leia blushed and shrugged, making her shoulder ache.
She had done no more than any of them would have.
She didn’t want to be the weak one in the crew!

”Listen girl, there's a British Man o' War come alongside, that and some pathetic tug.
Thomas is trying to keep them from coming aboard, but if they do, mum's the word."

Leia nodded, her mind racing. The British … it was bad news for them all.
If only she could be of more help … if only …

"Now, now, girl,"

Almost impatiently Leia snapped her eyes open, belatedly aware that she had been about to dose.

”Doc says you gotta stay awake.”

Leia frowned. Damn doctor. What did she know? If she slept, Leia was convinced she’d feel better.

”You start to fall asleep and I'm gonna have to do this...."

Leia watched almost curiously as Melving pulled the blanket from her body.
As if for the first time, Leia realised she was naked.
She giggled as Melvin surrounded a breast with his mouth … kissing … running a tongue across it …
She tried to playfully knock him away, then captured his ear, easing Melvin off her breast and making him raise his head and meet her eyes.

"Careful girl. You know what happens when you take me prisoner."

Leia grinned and replied in sultry tones.

”But … you already said … I’m a brave girl … “

She pouted and drew Melvin towards her kissing him softly her tongue running along his lips.
Drawing back, cheeks pinked, Leia released Melvin’s ear.

”The problem is … I’m sooo sleepy … I could fall asleep anytime …”

She purred sweetly.

”Unless … I’m kept … distracted… “

She flicked a tongue and licked at his ear, then eased her head gingerly sideways to graze his neck with her teeth.

She smiled up as Melvin drew away and raised a hand to gently smooth the hair on the opposite side of her cut.

”I hardly think the British would be interested in an injured girl, do you?
Or maybe … it would … distract them … “

She smiled.

”I could play naked decoy … what do you think?”

Leia licked her lips teasingly and eased the covers down to display a naked torso and a slim abdomen, any further nudity still hidden. She raised her eyes to Melvin’s, her expression both sexy and vulnerable.

”What do you think, Melvin … am I distracting enough … even like this?”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mia

Not one single person came down from above, nor did the young boy find any wanting to come from the rooms.

"They says they don' want some..." He stumbled for the words he had heard. "they don' wants you to be cuttin' on 'em since you be enemy."

I said nothing for the longest time and then I smiled at the boy, "Alright. Go see to your captain." I wasn't going to waste my breath saving these people if they felt that way.

Gathering up the tools, I figured perhaps I could sharpen and clean them free of rust and grime. Never know when I'll get my own back. Moving back up on deck, I spotted the cap'n standing against the wall as well as the British ship.

"Good Lord, can't you just be nice for one day?" Silently asked, I knew I'd get no answers or break. Apparently we all did somethin' to upset fate.

"Mia, go inside.." The captain gave an order and I nodded my head. Moving around her, I stepped back inside the captain's quarters and shut the door.

"Daniel! What do you think you are doing!?" I marched over to the big lunk braced against the wall and glared. "You best lay down right now to stop that bleeding or I'm gonna put another hole in you!" Hands on my hips, I was flamed enough to do it too!


Ashley


Listening to them wasn't hard to do, they were all yelling around her. She stood in silence, ready to defend if the need came but making no sudden moves what so ever.

She could clearly see the captain from the other ship they were drifting so close now. What could she do? Then the other little tug was asking for a tow to land. What in god's name was going on around here?!

Walking across the deck, I leaned over and stared down at the salvager. Yes, she recognized him for what he was. He did little fishing, his nets were too small and he was alone. He was a salvager.

The guy standing next to her didn't know what to do anymore than she did. The War Hammer was crippled enough without adding the weight of the tug boat, but then again the British would just rape his ship if he was left in their care.

She stepped back from the railing, but it wasn't her call. Thomas was in charge, or so he claimed. Turning back from all of them, she went back across the deck and into the captain's quarters. All eyes swung her way as she stepped back inside.

Saying nothing, she moved to the old dust covered cot and sat down. She was tired, both physically and mentally and her side was throbbing... Something in which she was going to pay Thomas back for in the future.. she just wanted to rest, get home and find herself a ship for hire.. She'd get back the Mystique and she'd get Vallen's head on a pike!

 

[The GrandMage]

'Salty Dan' Moore

He took ahold of Mia, pulling her close, although it wasn't at all intimate. He glanced around, as if afraid someone had heard her, and hissed at her to be quiet. He took a glance out the window at the British ship, and then quickly ducked back.

"Quie', Mia," he whispered in a hiss. "Tha' bloody Brit yellin' across is me brother, James. If he hears me, or sees me, he'llhang tha lot o' us. If I'm lucky, tha' is. He may drag me back ta face tha penalty fer abandonin' tha British Fleet."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mia

"Danny? You deserted?" I could not help but hush my tone as he clung to me so tightly. Flinching a little, I did not wish to upset him further but he was hurting me.

"Ease up a bit please.." I leaned over him and peeked out of the port hole. Yes, you could easily see the likeness between the two of them.. I looked back at Daniel in wonder. "A brother? Wow.. I never knew." I had seen some places on the ship and knew if I had to I could hide him well.

"No worries, if he gets into a long boat, we will be sure and hide you away.. I won't let him take you Danny." Nor would I allow two brother's to fight and kill each other over those arrogant British officers. They didn't abandon for no reason, did they? Looking over Daniel, I doubted he jumped ship for no reason..

"They'll be gone soon.. lay down and I will watch out for them." He made to argue but I kept pushing him down wards with my all my strength. "You are too weak right now to sass me Danny.. Just do it."

 

[The GrandMage]

'Salty Dan' Moore

"Aye, Mia. You're tha doc, jus', jus' watch 'im, okay? I'm not in any big hurry ta see how well 'e remembers me. We didn' exac'ly part on good terms..."

He sat down, and then let himself lie down, realizing then only how much pain his body had been giving him for being up and about. He closed his eyes, and tried to ease his breathing. He didn't want to be at the mercy of his brother.

He'd probably be lashed all the way back home, where he'd be tried, and put before a fring squad, or hung in the town square. He idly wondered if Mother was still alive to be dismayed at his execution...

 

[The GrandMage]

Captain James Moore

He glared across at the silent ship, and gave orders for the ship to leave. The British ship, newer and more maneuverable, left first, leaving the Warhammer behind. "We just going to leave them, sir?" his first mate asked.

"No," he replied, "But we'll look like we're leaving. Shadow them. If they're telling the truth, it will just be a measure for their portection. However, that man seemed to not want our help far too much. I suspect there's more to this, and following them may lead us to it."

"Aye, Captain," was the reply as the first mate began issuing orders. James watched the ship until he could see it no more, frowning.

 

[poohlive]

It didn't take long for them to leave. Thomas didn't know whether that was a good thing or not. The british fleet never was a live and let live mortality.
However, they were off to the horizon, and Thomas could not argue with results.
"Blow up my ship, send England's finest navy, and Thomas still comes out on top. Good god, it is a sweet day."
The wind blew steadily to the east now, following the storm of yesterday. Back east, the only real thing would be Pirate island. He didn't wasnt to go back there, and he wasn't sure if the ship could make it, to tell the truth...
South of here there would be a few suitable islands. Some chartered fishing ships travel there from time to time, but they remain mostly empty. With a little bit of luck, Thomas could find more than enough supplies for everyone.
"We head south, for the Turtle Islands. A day's journey, maybe two since we're almost fighting the wind. Keep the sails semi-tight, not too tight. If it's too tight, they'll rip to pieces, just enough to catch the wind."
Looking down, Thomas nearly threw something at the vagabond as he casually moved closer to his ship. The damnable soul.
"I am sorry, sir. We just can't do it. This ship has seen more than its troubled days, I don't trust it to tow more than a dolphin. If you would like a ride somewhere, I invite you aboard, but I can't add the extra weight behind me."
He left Krysta in charge of taking care of the man, whatever he decided.
For now, there was something that needed to be settled. Thomas took the Preacher and went inside the Captain's quarters. Most of them still huddled here, and for good reason. Outside, they would be at the very least spit upon.
Damn it all if he didn't need most of them though.
"Well, I'm sure you've all had a chance to talk things over, get your story straight, so to speak..." doubt raised in his voice as he passed over Ashley.
"Would someone mind telling me their version of what just happened? Cause, from my perspective, it's not looking too good for any one of you."
The ship took a gentle lurch as she headed south.

 

[The GrandMage]

'Salty Dan' Moore

He glanced up at Thomas, and, pushed himself up into a sitting position, making sure Mia didn't get it into her head to puysh him back down. He pulled himself up to his feet, and glowered at Thomas.

"I'll tell ya wha' happened. Tha' dirty pigfuckin' landlubber Vallen happened. 'E turned most of tha crew agains' us. Killed off mos' a tha cannoneers, tha mutinous bastards. Shot me, and they wha' good crew remaine' overboar'."

He glanced around the quarters, and at Thomas, peicing together what he'd heard lately. "What, ya honestly think if I was behind tha cannons it'd have taken so long ta sink yer ship?"

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

Glared at the man down in his little boat, seriously something about him told me to not let him on board, but, Thomas had already said he may come up.

"Well you heard the captain, We do not have room for your boat so either you get what you need and come aboard. Or go your own way."

Threw down a rope and awaited for his reply, I would not let him out of my sight, if I have to, someone else would be watching him just as closely.

"You will be put to work, no one on this crew slacks off and gets a free ride. If a fight breaks out between you and whomever, both will be tied and in the same room till you can reconcile your differences. All other rules are common sense ship rules. Is this understood?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Mia

I glared at the dense Captain a moment before grumbling under my breath. He never did pay attention before did he?

"Danny, don't reopen that wound! I'll be slappin' ya silly if you do.." I pushed him back down and turned to the Captain.

"I told you. Exactly what Danny said.. Vallen took control, had more men on our ship that thought possible.. Those who didn't die Fled for their lives.. Myself included.. I know when I am out numbered and facin' death." I leaned myself against the wall and just stared him down. He had to be addle brained or something... Maybe that explains why the Cap'n wanted nothing to do with him? I had to remind myself to ask her if he'd always been this absent minded..


Ashley said nothing nor even acknowledged his presense in the room. Her temper was flaring yet again with his stupid questions, she wasn't going to be party to them nor explain what she did not see.


"and another thing Thomas.." I left off his title because he was frankly not my captain.. "We don't see reason to blast a ship outta the water with our captain on board it.." I dropped my eyes a second to check Daniel's bandage to make sure it was not bleeding again before turning my eyes back to the Captain.

"Sally.. He wishes to know what happened..." I waited for the sassy mouthed Cook to verify the story. Hell how many times did he need to hear it?

 

[corbetphantom]

Rodger Flint

Rodger Climbed aboard with unsual grace and nodded to the woman who addressed him.

"Aye. I understand. I'd expect nothing less. If it's all the same to you, I'd prefer to sleep on my boat, rather than a berth on the ship here."

He looked around at the seemingly overcroweded deck.

"Perhaps you could tell me what's happened here?"

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

Watched him with some interest as he jump onto the ship.

"That's the problem sir, you may have to leave your boat, we can barely keep this beast a float let alone tow another behind."

Looked at him for his reaction about possibly leaving his ship. He didn't seem impressed with the idea.

"As for what happened, details are not needed, but the jest of it is two ships were attacked, one stolen... the other... my captains ship, went under.... this is the best we have for now."
"We have crew from both ships, sorry for if it is a bit crowded."

 

[corbetphantom]

Rodger Flint

"Leave my boat? That little piece of shit cost me every penny I had! It won't displace too much water, why can't it be towed?"

Rodger shook his head, what was supposed to be a simple salvage job was turning into a real nightmare.

 

[katalynn]

Krysta ~

Saw the concern in his eyes, not wanting to leave the boat. I didn't blame him much.

"I'll see what can be done. Just this ships hasn't set sail for who knows how long."

Called over one of the crew, whispered in his ear to see if the small boat can be lifted or something that wouldn't hender this ship any further. Member nodded and took off running to take a look and see.

Looked him over, honestly he didn't look like he could much, but being out here alone for however long, he must have some skills.

"Well, supose names are in order here. Call me Krysta, the Captain is Thomas.... What shall we call you, and what are you capable of doing?"