Pirate Queens

[Honey_B]

Morgan Fletcher

Another unexpected ally. She looked the man up and down, her eyes scouring in their scrutiny. Morgan was about to say something to Tyler when she heard a voice behind her.

I will aid you, just tell me how?

Morgan turned her back on Tyler. She didn't much care for ultimatums and she aimed to teach him a lesson in manners. Later. At the moment, a young woman with brown hair was walking up to her. Even in the dim light, Morgan could see the desperation in her eyes. And the determination. The woman also had a figure that most men dreamt about. And some women for that matter, Morgan thought with a smile.

"I am called Morgan Fletcher and I thank you for your offer. What we are about to do is dangerous. Know that if we succeed, you will be richly rewarded. If we do not, take comfort in the knowledge that you refused to play the hand dealt to you by society. What do they call you?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth Addams

I stepped forward, all eyes falling on me a moment. I wanted to step back into my darkened corner, but I was used to strangers from bartering on the streets of London.
"Beth Addams. Nice to meetcha Morgan. And danger doesn't bother me. I would rather go out fighting than be someone's slave for ten years." I fell silent a moment and nodded to the woman at her side and ignored the two men behind them.
They did not interest me in the least, Morgan's plan was more to my liking right now.
I smiled a little, my timid nature fleeing the longer I rode this dead log across the ocean. I seen the ship when I was boarded, beautiful work of art, crafted by the best I would guess. But it was the vessel taking me to my death, I had no love for it. Nor the damned rat's and whatever else was crawling around down here.
The other's were still a little weary I could see it in their eyes, but I knew if i had enough time with those below, i would rile them up well enough to crave that freedom I so desperately wanted myself.

 

[Honey_B]

Morgan Fletcher

Good woman, this Beth Adams.

Morgan clapped her heartily on the shoulder.

"Beth, I will give you a choice. I need someone to tell this "gentleman" of our plans."

She gestured towards Tyler with a wave of her hand.

"We will need all the support we can muster and he may yet prove useful. Or, you may go up top and search out a suitable candidate for your charms. As I said before, you are looking for a crewman who can be easily swayed to our side. For my part, I must see to the captain at once. He is expecting me to cook his supper."

 

[afternooner]

Riley

Riley rolled over, his stomach grumbling, damn he'd missed the call to supper. He made his way above deck and stole into the galley the cook was just cleaning up and he gave him a wink. he'd made friends with the cook by tossing a scallwag sailor out on his ear who was trying to filtch some cheese. Cooks are good friends to have when food is scarce.
Smelling the fresh bread he clapped the cook on the back nearly knocking the poor man over.
" I'll be doing you another favor mate. I caught a dozen tuna off the fantail this morning, they're cleaned and ready to cook. They will make the crew happy. Maybe even please the captain, thouhg hes a hard man he is and Ive got no place in my heart for him ,only that hes heading this ship towards my freedom. He cut a hunk of cheese and adding it to his bread found a dark corner to enjoy his meal in.

 

[caspai]

Jasmine

Jasmine jumped slightly at the feel of the touch of this man. It was such a gentle touch, his hands as soft as his name. He did not seem to have any violence within him, and he had such kindness in his eyes. Looking into those soft eyes of his, Jasmine could feel the confusion beginning to spin in her head once more. How could he be gentle? How could he be kind? He was a man, and men were not kind and gentle, they were hard, hurtful, ruthless, taking and hurting and destroying. Was this some new form of torture that this man was inflicting upon her? Where was Morgan? She had to talk to Morgan about this, she had to try to understand this. Looking around desperately, she heard Morgan's words about the Captain, and saw her walk toward the door of the cabin. Collecting her scattering thoughts, Jasmine tried to put them in rational order. Morgan had put her in the hands of this man, and surely Morgan would not deliberately try to hurt her. Morgan had been the one who had protected her. Looking into Silk's eyes once more, the confusion began again, and she burst into tears.

 

[Dj_Maximus]

Silk:

Silk watched as the woman suddenly burst into tears. He felt the pangs in his heart and he wished he could appease the hurt and the fear she must be experiencing.

"I...er...I didn't mean to...ah...one moment" he fumbled with the words.

Silk never felt this way, what was happening to him? Was he so smitten with the woman that he couldn't even think straight? For a conman, this was bad. He always knew how to talk his way out of trouble, yet here he was at a loss for words.

He rummaged through his tunic, and found his hankerchief. Making sure it was clean, he extended it to Jasmine. He did not wish to see her cry, yet he could do nothing but offer this small token to her.

Silk heard another female voice mention something about aiding the rest of the women, but his attention was undisturbed toward Jasmine. He secretly wished he could take her in his arms and reassure her that he would not ler any harm befall her.

He knew from watching her, that she was untrusting toward men, therefore he did not make any sudden gestures that might give her the wrong impression of his motives. And he did not wish to appear insincere to her either.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

Her options weren't that wonderful but important either way. I had to make a choice, and one I could do easily enough. About to speak up, I heard the other woman burst out crying. I gave her a quick glance but said nothing about it.
Many of us wanted to cry the first time locked up, I couldn't blame her for being frightened. If I could afford to be weak, perhaps I would have given in to them as well awhile ago.
I smiled for the first time in week at Morgan, she was a very likable woman, strong, assured and a natural born leader. This was looking up already.
"I could inform him of the plans, then perhaps pick out a sailor?" I needed some time to get used to the idea of acting like I wanted a man's company. How did one go about that? I felt too stupid not knowing that I held my tongue. It would come to me, one way or another. And if it didn't, I could always just kill a few and toss them overboard.
Of course I had no idea how many men there were exactly on this ship, so killing them was most likely far fetched. I glanced across the space seperating myself from this strange man but quickly looked away. I never could control my facial features very well. I wondered momentarily how I could attrack any man's attention smelling like this, filthy and in rags worse than the poor owned?

 

[SilverBullet]

Tyler

Tyler waved back at Silk. He seemed to like his new aquaintence.

Tyler stood back and watched as all of the events took place. Why were all these women treated like this? While everyone should be punished for their crimes, no one should be treated like this. He wouldn't say how he felt, though. He was the kind that tried to hold back his emotions as best as possible.

He did feel a little resentment that this woman called Morgan wouldn't speak to him herself. He could also tell she wasn't to happy with him from the way she said 'gentleman.' He was going to keep his eye on her. She seemed to be the kind of woman to say one thing and do another.

"Whenever you want to talk darling, let me know and I'll be willing to listen," he spoke in his cocky voice to this newly spoken girl. He could tell that she had been treated worse than the others if that was possible. Tyler leaned back against the wall and waited to see what the girls and Silk were going to do.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

The cold undertone of this man's voice told me clearly he was annoyed and close to anger. Approaching him to discuss anything would be hard to do.
Defiant as always, I was determined here and I found my backbone once again. I moved to the side and indicated for him to come and sit.
"Come and sit, Looking up at you is giving me a stiff neck." I moved to the side and sat back down again with my back in that same corner as before.
My eyes followed him, waiting for him to join me. I had to get used to being near them, might as well start now. I would love to have a weapon, but I would have to wait until a later time.
Morgan was leaving, the other was crying and the one who spoke up about possibly joining was silent.
I wondered if it would be kinder to just jump over the side and feed the sharks? My humor wasn't as it used to be, best not speak that aloud.
I actually smiled with those thoughts and for once did not look as downtrodden as I felt.

 

[Honey_B]

Morgan Fletcher

Morgan's heart broke as she saw Jasmine begin to cry. She longed to go to her friend, but she had to see to the captain. He was likely to send someone down after her if she delayed much longer. She had already tarried too long in the hold. Besides, it certainly appeared that Silk was comforting her friend.

Her aquamarine eyes traveled to Beth. The woman seemed equipped to handle Tyler. And how could any man resist that smile. With a final glance at the hold's occupants, Morgan turned and left. Retracing her steps, she began to make her way back to the ship's galley.

Once there, she slipped the key from her boot and opened up the captain's stores. As she pulled out the makings for a meal, she noticed fresh tuna steaks on a table.

"I wonder who was the beneficent provider was."

It didn't matter really. Morgan wouldn't eat a bite until all the women on the ship could eat this well. In short order, she had fried the tuna and fixed a tray with it, along with some bread, cheese, and a rich claret. Balancing the tray with one hand, she knocked at the captain's quarters, steeling herself for her next confrontation.

 

[caspai]

Jasmine

Taking the handkerchief from Silk, she slowly dabbed at her eyes with it, smiling faintly at the elaborate bow he proffered. Slowly gathering her wits about her, she smiled once more at him.

I really must apologize for this unseemly behavior. I rarely make such a display of myself, but all this has just been too much. I never dreamed that people would treat each other like this.

Wiping her eyes once more, she looked around the small, dark cabin, noting yet again the filth and squallor.

Had I known what would happen, I would never have....

Suddenly realizing what she had been about to say, and to whom, she gasped with horror, and clamped her mouth shut. Thrusting the scrap of cloth back at Silk, she was about to flee back to her portion of the wall when she suddenly remembered Morgan's words. Morgan had wanted her to find out as much as she could about this man. Morgan was depending on her to do this, believed that she could do this. Morgan's belief in her meant so much, she couldn't fail at this thing that she had asked of Jasmine. Taking a deep breath, Jasmine forced a small smile and looked into Silk's eyes. They seemed still to be full of kindness, and a certain amount of sympathy.

Sir, my reason for being upon this ship is obvious, but if you are not a prisoner, and are not a member of the crew, what earthly reason could you have for being here?

 

[afternooner]

Riley

from the darkened corner of the galley where he was eating, Riley watched the wench come and go. Her dark red hair reminded him of his home in Ireland and a tear came to his eye when he thought about how foolish he was to have left to seek his fortune in London. from there it had been a battle to survive until he signed on to the Lark bound for Australia.

He wiped a tear away with the corner of his sleeve and returned to his meal, but her presence stayed in his mind. She was a tall lithe creature, with an air of strength inside her. Pity that fate had dealt her such a cruel blow as to have caused her to become what she had, aA whore to the captain and a victim of his devilish desires. He saw in her green eyes as they captured the glow of the lamp above the table, a spirit that hadn’t been broken, and he smiled, knowing that she was one that could stand against any odds and come away a victor.

His spirit was lightened as he finished his meal and he came out of his corner and approached the cook, winking at him.

Fine looking colleen she be, right mate. wonder what she’s got going with the captain.

the cook shrugged” None of my concern The captain just told me she was to be his private cook from know on. I always say let sleeping dogs lie. the captain he’s a mean one though hope he don’t flog her like he does me He bared his back to show Riley the slash marks left by the captains wrath. Riley shrugged he had a few of his own he did and felt close to the cook knowing they shared the same pain.

“How about some good Irish whiskey from that oaken barrel over yonder” he motioned towards the keg in the shadows.”

the cook cringed and looked around , “ awww Riley you know that's the captains private stock. all we get is the rot gut rum you now that”

“Comeon matey you know the first mates into it all the time hows he gonna miss a drink or two.

You’re right Riley that damn first mates almost always drunk ifn’ it wasn't for you this ship woulda run aground before it left the harbor”

he laughed and poured them both a good measure of the fine amber liquid. " Maybe but you gotta give credit to those two young sailors who do the riggin for me. none better far as I’m concerned. and loyal to if I told them to jump overboard they would you know."

"That’s cause you treat them decent and keep the first mate off their back, Riley"

“Well heres to good sailors and good sailing,” Riley raised his tin cup, sipped a little and set it down. the cook drank his straight down and sighed as the smooth whiskey slipped down his throat.

Riley looked out of the hatch and raised his gaze skyward, watching the clouds pass in front of the moon. He felt the wind come up quite suddenly .
“looks like a squall coming up matey, better get those young blokes up to trim the mainsail we're moving fast but we don’t need no torn sails if it gets rough. maybe it’ll bring some rain. set some pans and kettles out and catch some rain water if it does. Lord knows most of us could use some bathin around here.

He stepped outside leaving his whiskey knowing the cook would finish it off for him. He didn’t need it, though, it sure tasted good. It was already raining and the two young sailors already up triming the sails. Who needs drunken first mate any way he smirked, with sailors like those two. Riley had half a mind to throw him overboard if he had a chance but knew the captain would have him walk the plank if he did, knowing he was the only one who would do him in.

He stripped out of his shirt and pants and soon was washing himself vigorously in the warm soft rain he scrubbed at his tangled red hair and beard. maybe he’d shave he thought, been wearing this beard most of his life. He thought of the tall redhead again and grinned maybe she’d give him a second look if he didn’t look so much like a savage. He pulled off his underwear and stood naked, raising his head skyward as the rain cascaded down his body .He felt suddenly elated as he thought about tomorrow and with the squall behind them, they could raise all of the sails again and let the trade winds carry them south.

 

[SilverBullet]

Tyler

Tyler walked over to Beth and sat down. He noticed her wonderful smile. Behind all of this there was a very beautiful girl. Although he knew the smile wasn't for him, he smiled back.

"Listen, I'm not that bad of a guy. I have gotten in my share of trouble in the past, but it's been nothing more than a friendly poker game gone bad or something along those lines. I admit, I wasn't so sure about all of this at first but after seing just a few minutes of the prisoners here, I can tell that you all need help. I'm not sure about that Morgan...," Tyler's words trailed off not wanting to speak against these girls leader, "So go ahead and tell me a little more about what's going on and what you're planning to do about it. I know I can help out in some way."

Tyler wanted to touch her, just briefly, to assure his words were true. He held back knowing that might make the frightened girl just back away even more.

 

[catlover]

Captain Frank

I heard a rap on my cabin door, and said "Enter"

In came Morgan, carrying a tray but still wearing those awful clothes. I couldnt stand looking at he, let alone eat. I told her to go into the vacant cabin and change into the spare clothes I had arranged for her, and return. When she hesitated, I offerred her her only alternative, which was to strip naked.

The tray of food was left untouched while she made her decision. I also wouldnt touch the food until and unless she sat with me and shared it

 

[Dj_Maximus]

Silk:

A smile crossed Silk's face, he was relieved that she spoke, and when she did, her soft voice soothed his ears. He felt well again, knowing that she would listen to his story.

He thought to himself that he shouldn't exaggerate too much, but that being his nature, he could hardly resist.

"Well me lady, you see as a thief, I am not the most respected man. I have traveled over vast country sides, through many a city and at one point or another, I must make a hasty retreat." he paused only slightly to see if she was listening.

"Shall we sit?" he asked and made a place for himself on the floor. Without waiting for her, he continued.

"The last city I was in and had to make a speedy departure was only two weeks ago. I had come into the city a few days earlier and found that the riches were abundant. I left my mark on several of the rich folk, but none of the poor people were my prey." he looked around the room, and noticed he suddenly had a small audience. He laid it on thicker now.

"I can still remember my last victim. Very rich and jolly old fellow he was, but none too bright. He often walked alone well after midnight, not a very intelligent thing to do when a thief is around. I approached him carefully, making sure I appeared friendly. You know, the salutation and all the politeness. Then as he was about to round the next corner, I excused myself and asked him to kindly part with his purse." Silk chuckled as the memory came back to him.

"It was not a pretty sight. First he felt embarrased to be caught in this manner, then came the accusing threat of bodily harm on myself, but as my friend here..." Silk patted the hilt of his dagger, "...appeared, he suddenly went ghostly pale and wet himself. First time I have seen a grown man wet himself."

Silk laughed out loud again, then looked at the other women in the hold. He turned back toward Jasmine and realised he had skirting the question she had asked of him.

"But if you may need to know, I was no longer welcome in the city, so I moved along, and found the vessel leaving port. I made my way aboard carefully and stashed myself away below deck."

He smiled at Jasmine and reached for her hand.

"May I say that I am very pleased that I have made it here." He suddenly felt very foolish, and the redness returned to his cheeks.

 

[caspai]

Jasmine

As Silk began to unfold his story, Jasmine felt herself falling under his spell. He was a thief, he lived by his wits. He only stole from rich people. He only took from those who could afford to have things taken from them. Jasmine had spent her entire life previous to the past few months within the world of the rich and privlidged,if only on the periphery, and knew from harsh experience that the upper class, for all their concern for appearances, could care less than nothing for those they considered to be their social inferiors.

As his words rolled on, Jasmine could see the light of mischief dance within his eyes, and dispite her best efforts, she felt herself smile, and shifted just a bit closer to him. Seeing him look around, she realized that some of the other women were beginning to listen to his story as well, and she felt anger welling up within her. Turning again to face Silk, she felt his eyes again fall on her, and then he reached out with his hand and picked up hers. Instinctively, she started to pull back, but stopped herself. She must remember that Morgan wished her to keep this man talking. If that meant allowing him to hold her hand, then she would do that. Forcing herself to relax, Jasmine smiled at him once more.

Was it because of this man that you boarded the ship? To escape his anger? They can do horrible things when they think they have been wronged, even when they are mistaken...

Wishing she could take back those words as soon as they were out of her mouth, her eyes widened, and her hand flew to cover her lips, perhaps to keep any more words from tumbling out.

 

[Dj_Maximus]

Silk:

As he finished his story, Jasmine began to speak...

Was it because of this man that you boarded the ship? To escape his anger? They can do horrible things when they think they have been wronged, even when they are mistaken...

Silk was no fool, he knew there was more to her story, but he did not press the issue. Instead, he leaned closer to Jasmine, just within earshot and whispered to her...

"I know what Morgan has in mind about seducing the men onboard. I overheard her earlier. Rest assured that I will go along with you. But I will let you know that I do wish to learn more about you and why you are here later."

He looked at Jasmine and smiled a soft smile. He wished he could kiss her, her full lips inviting him to do so. He fought the urge with all his might and returned to the question she had asked.

He straightened up and looked at the rest of the women.

"Yes, actually. I did not do sufficient research for obvious reasons. I did not know that this man was a member of the city counsel, and a very respected one at that. Needless to say, I had almost every one in the city looking for me." he chuckled.

He glanced over at Jasmine again, still holding her hand. He gave her a gentle squeeze, hoping to see her beautiful smile again. He could not help himself from thinking about her and her beauty, even when he was telling the others about his adventures.

It seemed like all his thoughts were now consumed by her. He had only met her a few moments ago, and he never would have thought that a woman would let him be distracted as he was right at this moment.

He let out a soft sigh. He only wished that it was under different circumstances.

 

[Honey_B]

Morgan Fletcher

Morgan's eyes lit up as she entered the cabin. The captain had gotten exactly what she'd had asked for. A pair of broadcloth breeches and a man's shirt had been laid out. In a thrice she was in her borrowed clothing and tucking the breeches into her boots. She almost felt like her old self. The clothing fit her fairly well, the trousers clinging to her long legs. Probably belonged to one of the younger midshipman, Morgan thought.

When she rejoined the captain, Morgan saw that he hadn't eaten anything yet.

"The food doesn't meet with your approval?"

Morgan watched with satisfaction as the captain's eyes traveled over her body.

 

[catlover]

Captain Frank

"Sit, my dear" I said as i poured two glasses of wine.

I ordered her to partake of the food, knowing she needed it - not for her perfect figure, but for her health. She looked good in the clothes, and I told her I watred the sackcloth she had been wearing to be thrown over the side. I told her that from this day on she would eat with me

O asked her about the woman she would share the cabin with, and she told me about a woman named Jasmine. I asked when do I get to meet her, or shall I summon her from the bilges and have her brought to me in irons? I asked

I came very close to simply telling her she would be moving directly in wit me in my cabin, but it wasnt yet quite the time. Tonight would be fine, after she had several glasses of the wine, to which I had carefully added a powerful drug to her glass, in an attempt to subjugate her totally

 

[faith]

The day had been spent in quiet reflection.From the shadows, I had watched the women… talk and plot. The one across the room talking to the man, she was young. This life would destroy her. She was young in a way that had nothing to do with the years she had lived but in the miles she had traveled. I would endure much to protect one as her… the plan… i didn’t like it but then i didn’t have to…i just had to help make it work…. standing i walk to where they are… looking down at the lot of them…my eyes in turn meeting theirs…

“Count me in…”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Beth

"Well that is very kind of you Tyler" I was trying to be nice, after all he was in the same boat I was in as well. And he really hadn't done anything to deserve my anger.
"Morgan is planning on luring the men of the Lark into Mutiny. We simply lure the men into wanting us, caring for us and then turn them to our side. Once they rebel against their captain and all hell breaks loose we will be in control of this shit and free. I am sure there is more to it than that but small steps for now are to be taken." I fell silent once again, listening to the steady sounds of the waves washing along the hull of the ship.
"The more people on our side the better our chances are.. Will you still aid us?" I asked hesitantly.

 

[caspai]

"Count me in..."

Hearing her voice, I was confused about what she had meant. I had been so lost in Silk's story, so lost in the whirl of emotions erupting within me, that I had completely forgotten where I was, and what I had been meant to be doing. I began to feel irritated at myself, and irritated at Silk. How dare he distract me that way? Turning from those soft eyes, and withdrawing my hand from his, I turned to the woman and smiled brightly to her.

You are going to help us, too? That is so wonderful. I am Jasmine, and this is Silk.

 

[Dj_Maximus]

Silk:

Silk cursed under his breath. He hadn't heard the woman behind him approach and this bothered him, he never would let anyone get so close without noticing it.

What troubled him the most was the look he got from Jasmine. One minute she was soft and gentle, the next furious at him for something he may never know what.

"Count me in..." she had said. Obviously another volunteer for the mutiny. He shook his head clear and looked up at her.

Before he could say anything, Jasmine repied with a question of her own.

"You are going to help us, too? That is so wonderful. I am Jasmine, and this is Silk." he bowed his head in acknowledgement.

He stood from the floor, extended his hand to the woman and glanced over his shoulder at Tyler. Tyler was making some kind of small talk with the other woman he saw earlier.

Looking around at the rest of the women, Silk thought it would be best if he returned to his original plan and search out the vessel.

"If you'll excuse me ladies, I have some pressing business to attend to. I will return when I have more news." he bowed to the women around and leaned down to Jasmine. He merely whispered to her.

"Do not fret dear lady, for I will return shortly with news and hope for all. I will be but a mere heartbeat away, for I wish to see no harm to you or your friends." he exaggerated a bit, but he was starting to really like this woman.

With a tug of his hood over his head, he moved swiftly to the door, nodding to Tyler and his companion. With a quick glance out the door, he disappeared into the stillness beyond it.

 

[caspai]

Jasmine

Watching Silk leave, she began to feel an odd sinking feeling grow within her. She had not expected him to leave like that. Shaking her head in confusion, she looked around for Morgan. Where was Morgan? Surely she would be back soon. Where had she gone? Oh, she remembered, something about dinner. Had she gone to get food for them? No, that couldn't be right. Jasmine was beginning to feel hungry, though, and she remembered the bread and cheese. She had not yet eaten hers, the crust now dry in her hand. Sighing, she brought it to her mouth, and biting it, began to chew. As she tried to swollow, she began to cough, wishing she had some water. Where had Silk gone to? No, wait, she had been thinking of Morgan, not Silk, hadn't she? Shaking her head, which had begun to buzz in a way she recognized as meaning one of her headaches was about to come on, she looked around again, and her eyes fell on the woman in front of her.

What did you say your name was? I can't remember if you told me. Did Morgan say when she would be returning? I get so confused when she is gone for long.

 

[Dj_Maximus]

Silk:

Silk hated leaving her like that, but he needed his wits about him and being in such a close proximity to her made his mind wander away from why he had joined the ladies in the first place.

He maneuvre his way around the ship with ease, using the darkness as his friend. He made his way to the upper decks and heard laughing from one of the cabins. He approached carefully.

Peering into the dimly lit cabin, Silk could make out two people inside eating. He immediatly recognised the woman as Morgan, so the man with her must be the captain.

He studied the putrid little man, and he would not forget the stench coming from the room either. He made a mental note of the way the captain talked and acted. This was the man Riley had told him about? He would be no match for Silk.

Silk withdrew from the sill and momentarily thought to himself. He searched his mind for anything he might of missed. No, he thought of everything, he remembered how he got here, exactly how many steps from the galley to this window. He knew everything he needed. He smiled under his hood, and his nose started to twitch again.