Mir Pacifica

Published: 14 May 2018

The three ships had been sailing line astern when the following wind turned unexpectedly and Thomas, for the first time he could ever remember, saw a look of concern on Scully’s normally implacable face. Thomas looked again at his friend and wondered why the look of concern. The day was still bright and hot and there seemed little to be worried over.

After watching Roger for some little time, Thomas decided to ask why the worried look. The reply was not what he had expected.

“Well Thomas, I had expected to be in Luanda within ten days but now with this wind change it could add another three or four days to our travel. While that on its own is of little real concern, I am more worried about the sudden wind change at this hour of the day. It is most uncommon.”

“Do you think we are in for a storm or something? It seems very calm and there is little sign of any clouds or rain.”

“It’s more the new wind direction Thomas. Coming from the south east will mean we are fighting it all the way unless it turns back. But I feel there is a more southerly than easterly lay to it, and that does not bode well in the long term. If the wind sets in the south we could be in trouble. That’s where the real southern storms come from according to the almanac I have. It is mentioned that if the wind rises too much we may well have trouble even making steerage way let alone advance towards Luanda. We may have to head further out to our west just for safety.”

“You realise that you are starting to make me nervous don’t you Roger?”

“Don’t worry too much Thomas. All three of your ships are almost new and they can handle just about everything we are liable to confront, but I will warn you to make sure all of your kit is tied down and secure. If this front begins to rise before nightfall then we could be in for a tussle.”

“You are failing to inspire me Roger. I could easily get to despise the ocean if all you say comes true.”

“Well if it comes there is little we can do about it but sail on and wait for the calm afterwards. I promise you will enjoy the ride Thomas. Just hang on tight and stay away for anything that may be loose. Jervis will never forgive me if you get a few new holes in your hide.”

Thomas could only smile and hope his friend was being a little over anxious, with the look of the day he would have little to worry about. Thomas leaned back against the gunnel of the quarterdeck as Roger called out for the midshipman that was on duty as the signal boy.

“Midshipman Carter, make the signal to both ships. ‘Come abeam and raft up for a Captain’s conference’.”

“Aye Sir, ‘Come abeam and raft up for Captain’s conference’.”

Thomas watched Carter contact the boy above and send his signal. It was not long before Thomas could see the other two ships making headway towards them as Roger ordered the men to reduce sail until they had only steerageway from the small triangular Mizzen while they waited for the other two to come alongside and tie up to the MSC Roger Scully.

The three ships were now just holding station as the other two Captains climbed over the side of the Roger Scully and walked up to the quarterdeck where Roger waited for them. Once the other two Captains were on the quarterdeck, Roger asked them and Thomas to go below with him to discuss what he thought may happen if the wind rose and how they could handle it all.

“Captain Samson, Captain Du Maurier, I would like your advice on our present weather conditions. From my almanac I think we may be in for something of a heavy blow but I am sure you both have some input or experience in these waters to help me with making a decision and I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter before going any further.”

The two Captains looked at each other as though waiting for the other to speak first. It was Captain Du Maurier that replied first, “I have sailed these waters before Commodore and while I would like to hear from Captain Samson I would first say that I think your concerns could be valid. We have had good weather for far too long for these latitudes and it would not surprise me if we got a change in weather at this time of year. But I would like to see what Captain Samson has to say on the matter.”

“Captain Samson?” Roger asked as he looked at the man.

“Well Commodore it’s been a number of years since I was last in these latitudes but I am inclined to agree with Captain Du Maurier. The present weather is not normal and that sudden wind change at this time of the day I would seriously take as a warning. What do you have in mind?”

“Thank you gentlemen. I wanted to hear what you had to say as you both have more experience in these southern waters than I do. Now then, what I would like to suggest so that we keep our ships and crews safe if a storm does break is this: If the weather beaks and it looks like we are going to be caught in the middle of it, I would suggest we separate our ships by five miles and take a formation abeam of each other. Regardless of the time of day I would like the mast top signal lamps lit so if the dark descends we can keep watch on each other.” Roger paused as he spent a few seconds to think out his next words before continuing.

“I will get the Midshipmen to raise two red lamps on the main mast with a white light on the mizzen. If the wind does come from the south we are going to have to tack to keep headway. At this point I say we steer south by west and get more seaway. Next I think we should use our supply of Congreves as signal materials. When the storm breaks we will tack on a south westerly course for one hour. I will send up a rocket for a course change after the hour and we can all then change to a south easterly tack again for one hour but we must keep our station at five miles to avoid trouble. If one of us gets into trouble then use three rockets so the others can come to your assistance. Any other suggestions or advice?”

Captain Samson first looked to Captain Du Maurier for any suggestions before answering Roger.

“No Commodore, I personally think you have it covered and I agree unless Captain Du Maurier has something to add. After all he has far more experience down here than I do.”

“No Captain, I have nothing to add. Commodore I think you have covered it all. When do you wish us to take action?”

“I think we should all move into position now while we have the weather on our side, if the wind rises then we should all furl sails and keep only the Mizzen up for steerageway. I shall use a single rocket to inform you when we should shorten sail so we can all keep together when we begin our manoeuvres.

“Thank you Gentlemen that’s all for now. If you would be so kind as to return to your ships and make way into your new positions we will sit back and wait for developments. Hopefully I am just being a little over-cautious.”

“With all these landlubbers on board its better safe than sorry Commodore” Captain Samson said as he rose to return to his ship. Captain Du Maurier also rose nodding his agreement then smiled at Roger before following Captain Samson out of the day cabin and back onto the main deck to return to his own ship.

It was into the later part of the afternoon when Roger’s concerns began to be proven correct. With both of the other ships sailing five miles away on each beam of the Roger Scully, the first hint of a brewing storm was the sudden pressure placed on the upper rigging as the stronger gusts of wind caught the sails and masts. The sudden creaking and a low hum of wind through the rigging told Roger all he needed to know.

Snot Morgan had taken over as Signal Midshipman at that time and it was to him that Roger turned.

“Midshipman Morgan, make the signal; ‘All ships change course to South by South West on 195 degrees. Prepare to shorten sail on my signal’.”

“Aye Sir, ‘All ships to change course to South by South West on 195 degrees and prepare to shorten sail on your signal’, Sir.”

Roger turned to look down onto the main deck.

“Bosun! All hands to make the ship secure for storm running and have the sail watch aloft to prepare to shorten sail on my command. Gunnery Officer Morgan! Have three Congreve mounts secured to the deck and prepare them for when they will be needed. Once complete have your gunners double secure all your guns; the last thing I want is to have one of them careering around my decks.”

With the loudly yelled replies from the two men Roger turned back to Thomas where he stood close to the chart table.

“Thomas, if you have not secured your cabin I would suggest you do so immediately and get those men of yours ready for a bit of a rough ride. Mister Williams, call out the second watch and have then secure safety lines fore and aft on the main deck.”

Thomas nodded his head and left the quarterdeck to check on his men. This would be the first time he had ever been on a ship in a storm although he still had his doubts when he looked out on what appeared to be a calm sea. As he made it to the doorway leading to his cabin a sudden strong gust of wind made the ship heel over and he could hear the loud creaking of the stays as they took up the strain. Perhaps he was a little hasty in thinking Roger was just being overcautious.

Within an hour Thomas was able to see and experience what the open ocean was capable of. High in the tops the three lamps glowed with a weak light as night had not yet come upon them but the rapidly racing dark clouds had brought the bright sunny day to a dim almost dusk appearance. In the distance to right and left Thomas could make out the weak glow of the other ships lights as they swung high above what was now a huge swell topped with windblown crests.

It was not just the masts that were now creaking under the pressure, the sounds coming from the hull planks as the ship crashed into the huge waves sent a shiver through the ship as well as Thomas’s own body. What he was now seeing was more than he ever could have thought the ocean was capable of. Had it not been for the unconcerned look on Roger Scully’s face, Thomas may have been even more worried than he was.

Thomas gripped tightly to the central chart table as the ship plunged down another huge wave. To the port and starboard he could just make out the red and white running lights of the other two ships. Most of the time there was little more than the mast tops showing as the body of the ships disappeared into the huge swells. While the roaring wind was bad enough, it was the addition of heavy rain squalls and the gigantic crashing of white spume and green water over the bow that had Thomas ducking and holding on for dear life.

Every hour Roger sent up one of the Congreve rockets to inform the others of a course change and Thomas saw that it was either brilliant seamanship or just plain dumb luck that the three ships kept station on each other.

Upon going below and into his cabin, Thomas was happy to see that everything was secure and the rolling and crashing of the ship had not dislodge a single item. Thomas found Fairley happily sitting on the floor with his back braced against the edge of the lower bunk and his feet hard on the wall divider; the young batman even looked as though he was dozing.

On hearing Thomas enter the cabin, Fairley opened his eyes and smiled up at the sodden figure above him.

“Not really a good time to bath General but then when have you ever done things the easy way.”

“Very smart Fairley, and just what do you think you are doing down there with this storm tossing us around?”

“Storm? What storm General? This is just a little bit of a breeze so I thought I would take a nap while you was bathing up there on the deck.”

“Tell me Fairley, can you swim?”

“As it happens General I can; what do you have in mind or is that a silly question to ask a General?”

“Not silly at all Fairley. I just wanted to make sure you could swim when I chucked you over the side with the rest of the problems I have. Now then where can I find some dry clothes before I catch the ague and have to suffer your interminable yapping while I’m confined to my bed?”

“Get that wet stuff off General and I’ll get you something dry. Are you hungry General? I can find something if you want?”

“No I’m not very hungry just now, and for Christ’s sake stop calling me General! I’ve told you before, those days are over.”

“Yes General, you better tell that to your new friendly savages while you’re at it.”

“Clothes Fairley.”

Fairley went to one of the large chests seemingly with little trouble as the ship rolled and plunged in the storm tossed ocean. His previous practice upon the waves was still evident in his sure footedness while at the same time watching over Thomas’s needs.

The smile on Fairley’s face told Thomas that he had little hope of upsetting his close friend and batman regardless of what he said.

For three days and nights the storm raged on unabated. Every time Thomas thought there could be no more a huge wave would crash with the sound of a cannon over the ship and the hull and masts would creak and groan with the stresses placed upon them while the wind would howl like a hundred angry dogs in the taught ropes and tackle.

It was during the predawn hours of the fourth day that the raging storm finally broke and the tired and hungry crews could begin to take stock once they had had time to finally have a hot meal and short rest from their labours to keep the ships afloat during the worst of the storm.

Thomas was finally able to make his unsteady way out on deck once the calm had come. He had spent most of the time wedged tightly into the small space between the bunk and divider wall alongside Fairley, sleeping only when he was no longer able to keep his eyes open unlike Fairley who seemed to have little trouble at all.

Thomas stretched his tired and cramped limbs as he climbed up onto the quarterdeck where a bleary eyed Roger Scully still stood watching the huge seas subside. The first glimmer of the rising sun could be seen through the breaking cloud cover.

Thomas was surprised to see that both of the other ships were still nearby although a little further out than the five miles spoken of during the conference. It appeared they also had weathered the storm and it could only have been put down to the excellent seamanship of the Captains and crews as well as the well built and maintained ships.

As the dawn light grew in brightness, Roger called for his second Officer, Lieutenant Williams. When Williams arrived up on deck, Roger passed on his orders, “Mister Williams I will be going below to catch up on some sleep. When the sky clears you can give the order to have the crew bring up anything that needs drying and make sure the ship is checked over for damage then see that it is attended to. With the daylight you may signal the other ships to do the same and then set full sail and close up to two miles in our present formation. The new heading will be East by South East at 105 degrees. Let’s see if we can make the African coast and get a final bearing for Luanda. You may also send a signal to all crews that they have done well and there will be a double tot once the ships are checked and seaworthy.”

“Yes Sir, I’ll get to it at once. When do you wish to be called Sir?”

“Four bells in the fore noon watch please Mister Williams if I am not already on-deck.”

“Four bells in the forenoon watch, Aye Sir.”

“Thank you Mister Williams. Hello Thomas, how did you like your first storm, keep you on your toes did it?”

Thomas could only chuckle at the glint in Roger’s eye as he stretched his aching bones once again in the warming sunlight.

“I hope they don’t get worse than that one Roger. I’m afraid it frankly scared the hell out of me.”

“Oh that was just a little blow Thomas. It was good to get it now and give the crews a chance to test themselves before we got into the serious stuff in the Southern Sea.”

“You are jesting I hope.”

“No.”

The single word reply that Thomas received made him look at Roger carefully and try to work out if his friend was just trying to rattle him or if a sea born storm could really get any worse than what they had just been through.

“Don’t worry Thomas, by the time we get well into the Mir Pacifica you will also think this was just a little bump in the road, nothing to be concerned about as you will see in the future. Now then I must get to my bunk before I fall over. I hope to see you at lunch Thomas.”

“Yes Thank you Roger. I think I will stay up here and get some sun.”

Roger nodded his head before turning to the ladder and going down to the main deck and then into his cabin. The ship began to come alive once again while the crew began to carry up sodden bedding, clothes and other items to dry in the strengthening sunlight.

Thomas stood watching the settling waters pass by the ship’s side as he breathed deeply and let his eyes roam over the almost empty vista before him. The sea was settling down as the new day’s sun rose from the east. The once terrifying swell that had tossed huge waves over the deck of the Roger Scully were even now lessening and the ship was beginning to ride at a more even keel.

High above in the top most spars, the sails were filling with a slight snap as the crew worked to return the ship to its previous pace. The signal boys were once again back in their place which made Thomas wonder how on earth the small Midshipmen had been able to climb the rigging in the middle of the storm to re-charge the running lamps. It was something he would have to ask about once all had settled down.

Just before four bells Roger Scully came up from his cabin. That he was still tired and a little worn out by the storm was evident in the dark rings under his tired eyes, but he was not going to let that stop him from his duty to the three ships and crews.

Thomas had returned below for a light sleep but was now once again up on the quarterdeck when Roger arrived. Thomas listened as Roger took over the watch.

“How are we situated Mister Williams?”

“East by south east Sir and steering 105 degrees. All repairs have been carried out and the first watch is resting. The Marcello and Diego are on station and suffered no serious damages.”

“Thank you Mister Williams. What is our present position on the charts?”

“According to my calculations Sir, the storm has blown us further south than we would like. It appears we are now about two hundred miles south west of Luanda.”

“Well I’ve never known your calculations to be in error Mister Williams so I will take it as read. Now then what to do… Set the watch to holly stone the main deck, the third watch can take over on the change. Once that is done you may retire Mister Williams, you have done well and my thanks for your diligence.”

“Thank you Sir. Sir! What do you propose we do now that we have overshot Luanda?”

“I think it is best we just stay on our southerly heading and make for the Cape. We have more than ample provisions on board and can make it with ease now that Mister Markings friends have seen fit to fill our holds with fresh goods. Thank you Mister Williams you are dismissed once my orders for the second watch have been relayed.”

“Yes Sir, thank you Sir.”

Thomas stood looking down onto the main deck as Roger went about the work of running his ship. Below him Thomas saw George and his small black shadow once again at practice on top of the main hatch cover. Thomas also noticed his two young guards looking somewhat better and a little more confident now that the raging storm had passed and they no longer had to worry about where their stomachs had gone or if they would survive the pounding of the great ocean.

As the swell grew less and the day warmed, the ship began to get that settled feeling once again. The anxiety and worry over the storm was now passed and Thomas felt that the ships and crews had proven themselves beyond doubt. He now felt confident they would be able to carry out their new task.

Thomas stood lazily against the gunnel of the quarterdeck as Roger Scully worked away at his measurements and charts; as the watch changed Thomas noted that Snot Morgan was now the Signalman on duty and the changeover of the upper flagman had been made, he heard Roger’s voice give orders as he himself relaxed in the bright sunlight.

“Midshipman Morgan, make signal to all ships. Ships will form line astern and change course to 175 degrees and make all sail.”

“Aye Sir, ‘all ships to form line astern and change course to 175 degrees; make all sail’, Sir.”

“Thank you Midshipman.”

Roger turned to the now relaxed Thomas and smiled.

“So how do you feel now Thomas?”

“All the better for seeing some bright sun and calming seas Roger.”

“Yes there is that I suppose. Now then, if all goes well we should make the cape within the next two weeks. With the change in course we are heading almost directly south so should make good time as the wind is veering more to the west and should keep our sails filled. Have you made any plans on how long we should stay in the cape as yet?”

“I think just long enough to replenish any stores we may need; I have a feeling the sooner we get onward the better. There is still the needs of the Council to meet and we must find Captains Chou’s nephew if the Council is to still have a say in the east.”

“I agree, the sooner we have that settled the sooner we can get on with other business. Have you given thought to your cargo? Perhaps we should go below and at least inspect some of it so we know what we have to trade in the future.”

“Not just now Roger, we have plenty of time for that as we travel. I think today I just want to laze in the sun and enjoy the calm waters. Besides your men have worked hard and I think the last thing they will want to do is be down in a dank hold looking at cargo.”

“You may be right Thomas. Fine, we can look it over perhaps on the morrow. In the mean time I’m going to recheck the figures on the charts while you laze the day away. How are your men doing? I see they are not looking so grey today, perhaps they are getting their sea-legs under them. It will be interesting to see what future meetings with strangers will make of them. I think you should look to finding some more suitable clothing for them though. The further south we go the colder it will get and those little skin wraps are not going to keep them warm when we hit the southern climes. This time of year we could very well have snow and ice on the decks.”

“Thank you Roger, I had not thought of that. I’ll get Fairley to look into it for them.”

With all being said that had to be said, both old friends turned back to their own interests. Roger to running the fleet and Thomas to his wonderings. There was still so much to do and as yet all he could accomplish was to laze around and let his mind think on all the possibilities before him.

It was to be twelve days before they had their first sight of the cape. In that time they had weathered a smaller storm which was more rain storm than a full blown storm like the previous one. So very few were at all worried by it, apart from those who had to work in the tops while being soaked with the torrents of water that fell from the skies as the strong winds swept around them.

Thomas’s first view of the cape was that of a large flat topped mountain with a deep valley sloping down to the very edge of the sea itself. As yet he could not see any form of habitation but he was assured by Roger that quite a large community was settled there and they should be able to see it clearly by the following morning.

As the ships rounded the western headland, Thomas was able to get his first view of the cape settlement. The bay was a large half round and backed by the tall flat topped mountain. In the bay there were a number of ships anchored while awaiting their place at the long single pier that seemed to be all they had for a dock.

At the rear of the settlement Thomas could make out what appeared to the larger and better quality homes. While closer to the beach front the houses looked to be little more than hovels, except for the larger buildings that had to be warehouses.

As the three large frigates slowly sailed into the half bay harbour, Thomas made out what could only be concern by those on shore. As yet he did not know that the settlement was run by the Dutch and the sight of three frigates flying another countries banners was causing some dismay.

The harbour did not seem to have any pilot as no small pilot boats appeared to be making their way out to oversee their arrival. Roger Scully took one look at the situation and called for the three ships to lay anchor within two cables of each other and to set a marine guard at all times while they were at anchor. For the next hour the crew set about making the ships port ready and making final checks for any damage that may be able to be repaired while in port. The next leg of their journey would not be easy and they may not have time for repairs until finding another secure port.

With all three ships now secure it was time to work out what they were going to do to find provisions, but first they would have to report to the cape administrators. Thomas hoped there would be little trouble as they were now far from home and could not call on any of his influential friends for help if things got a little sticky with the Dutch.

Roger Scully sent the dory across to the other ships asking for the two captains to come aboard for a conference before making the trip ashore. There were plans to make and it was at this time that Roger wanted the new cargo to be looked over so they could use it for barter if needed to cover the cost of supplies. It was a well known fact that the further you went from the main ports or home country, the more your supplies would cost.

With the final plans made for the shore trip, Roger sent his two captains back to their own ships to record what cargo they held and to prepare their crews for the stop over. At this stage there would be no shore leave until the captains had checked out the local situation. The last thing they needed would be for their crews to disappear when they would be needed most. While it was unlikely with the crew they had, Captain Samson and Captain Du Maurier knew that any foreign port could hold some attractions to weary sailors after a long voyage.

As the time became closer to dusk the wind changed to off shore and it was then that those onboard caught the first smell of the colony and what it may bode for the new arrivals. The rank odour that came to them on the evening breeze was one of foul refuse and the stench of human waste that was dumped openly into the streets or flowed into the harbour on the edge of the town.

It was becoming obvious the town had far more people than was good for its current health services were capable of handling. It was not known by Thomas and his friends that within a few years this port would be taken over by English interests and that the resentment of the local Dutch community would eventually grow into a full blown war. For now, in this year of 1815, those changes would not be for another five years. Now they had to contend with the Dutch rulers.

With their final plans made for the next day, Roger asked about the new cargo that had been loaded into the three ships at their stop along the coast. There were to be many surprises that none of them had foreseen when putting the cargo aboard.

It was discovered that, even after the storm the holds had stayed dry which was much to their delight when they saw the number of dry hides and skins that were below decks. The next surprise were the baskets, these held strange rough white stones but it was Captain Du Maurier that told them what they had. Between the three ships there were just over twenty baskets and all were filled with the white stones. It was then that Captain Du Maurier told them the white stones were rough diamonds and what they carried was more than double a king’s ransom.

It was Thomas that had opened the first jug and he was still not sure he had seen what he knew he had seen. Of the thirty heavy jugs all were filled to the brim with raw gold nuggets, some the size of his hand. Where it had all come from he had no idea apart from the fact that the King had said the ghost skin men liked to have a lot of it and his people could find it in many places and it had little value to them.

The multitude of ivory tusks were another matter. The sheer volume was astounding but Captain Du Maurier told them to hold onto it until they were in the east where it was prized above all other valuables for its mysterious ability to be carved into shapes not yet seen in Europe. Captain Du Maurier told the four others to keep their rough diamonds on the ships as they would hold far more value once they returned to Europe where there were those who knew how to cut and polish them for the best price.

For trading purposes in Cape Town he suggested they make use of the hides and skins as they would most likely find a better market here for them but the rest of their cargo should he kept out of sight and used further into their voyage in the Mir Pacifica where the demand and price would be far greater. All agreed with Du Maurier’s advice and set the plan to have the hides and skins brought out on deck for traders to look at over the next day if they were able to tie up on the rather rickety looking dock.

The last piece of business for the Captains and Thomas was what were they to do the next morning when they would be expected to go ashore and talk to the Cape Town officials. It was finally decided that they would all go and each Captain would bring along a junior officer and five Marines. Thomas and his two body guards would go in the longboat with Roger Scully and his men.

The time to go ashore was fixed for ten of the clock which would give them all time to dress correctly and see that the men were all ready. As the Dutch administrators were an unknown quantity, they would go as an official group and then see what awaited them once on shore.

The rest of the day was spent by all three ships to attend to any repairs or make lists of any needed provisions while the goods they were hoping to trade were brought up on deck and readied for sale. In the early part of the next morning, the Captains assembled the men they would take with them but it was as Thomas was dressing that his own small problem began.

Thomas had risen early and managed to have a good wash in the basin provided but when he turned to his bunk to dress he was surprised by the new clothes now set out by the ever present Fairley. With a certain amount of trepidation Thomas looked at the fan jacket laid out on the bunk and looked over at a smiling Fairley.

“Alright Fairley, what’s the meaning of this then?”

“New jacket for you General.”

“I can see that Fairley but you know my views on fancy dress. Where did the damn thing come from?”

“I had it made before we left home General, thought you might be in need of something better than your usual black.”

“You thought I should have it. I don’t suppose it crossed your mind that I did not need it then?”

“No General never crossed me mind at all, knowin’ as how you have a habit of looking like a dock worker most of the time. Thought you may need something that looks a little more like your station in life and so had it made special like.”

“And I suppose I am meant to thank you for this fancy jacket that I have no intention of wearing?”

“No thanks needed General, just doing my job is all. You can’t go visiting those fancy nobs over in the town looking like you just come off a battle field now can you?”

“What exactly do you mean by that comment Fairley? There’s nothing wrong with my normal jacket and all this fancy braid is not going to make a blind bit of difference to these Dutchies. Besides, where will I put my pistols with a jacket as short as that one?”

“Well General I could make a suggestion but you would be walking awful funny if I did… besides there’s enough room under the jacket for your double barrelled pistols to be hidden away and you will still have your boot knives. I had the tailor put in a slit on both trouser legs so you could reach them if needs be. General, you are a ship owner now, not out on the plains looking for a fight. This here set of clothes is what a proper Portuguese Don would wear for formal times.”

“Well I don’t like it Fairley but I suppose I have to put up with it or you won’t let me hear the end of it. But was there any need to put so much fancy braid on the damn thing? It makes me look like a bloody English popinjay.”

“Oh come on General, it’s only a little bit on the sleeves and front panels. At least I didn’t get it made to look like the bloody General’s uniform you wore to the Princes Party! Now there was a popinjay uniform if ever I saw one and right foppish you looked and all General.”

“Oh shut up Fairley and give me the damn jacket. I knew I should have had you thrown over the side before we got here.”

“Yes General, but then you would be walking up to those Dutchies looking like some scoundrel from Limehouse and not a big shot Don and ship owner.”

“Bugger off Fairley before I make you swim ashore and live with the Dutchies.”

“Right you are Don Thomasino, after all I’m just a dogsbody around here and you got them savages to look after you now.”

“Fairley…”

“Yes General I’m goin’.”

The smile of Fairley’s lips was reflected by the smile on Thomas’s face as he slipped the newly made jacket on before placing his pistols in their holsters under his arms. Thomas had to admit that Fairley always seemed to be able to look ahead for unseen occasions and prepare for them long before Thomas was even aware of what was to come. Thomas truly blessed the day the one time cabin boy had joined his forces.

The trip ashore was made easier with the bay being calm and the suns heat had the six oarsmen sweating not long after leaving the side of the ship. Thomas also saw the other two boats coming towards them from the other ships as Roger steered the longboat towards the beach and not the badly maintained dock.

Looking back at the other two longboats brought a smile to Thomas’s lips as he saw who was also aboard apart from the Captains. In Captain Samson’s boat was the ever familiar figure of Carmelo who was in charge of the five Marines. In Captain Du Maurier’s boat was the smaller figure of Maketja now dressed in his formal Midshipman’s uniform. He was also in charge of the five Marines from their ship.

In the boat with Thomas apart from Roger Scully was the ever present Snot Morgan who was given charge of their five Marines, all of whom were previous soldiers of Thomas’s army of guerrillas. It was almost like coming home to have so many familiar faces around him.

The arrival of the three longboats on the beach had raised a crowd from the township, although most of them looked more like cutthroats than good upstanding citizens. But the sight of the fifteen Marines jumping ashore first, soon had the watchers backing away from the water’s edge and giving the others space to step from the boats. Although there was still an almost quiet undercurrent of whispers going around at the sight of so many armed young men.

After everyone was on shore Roger looked around to get his bearings. It was not hard to see that they had been made note of, as a small group of important looking men made their way towards them from further inside the town. This must be their welcoming party and it was now time to set their plans in action.

While they all waited patiently for the well dressed men to arrive on the beach, Thomas noted some of the harsh looks his two body guards were receiving as the two boys looked totally out of place amongst all the sailors and Marines. Thomas inwardly smiled to himself as he thought how much fun it was going to be to keep everyone guessing as to why and how he was able to have two savage looking warriors watching over him.

As the important men drew closer, Thomas caught the signal from Roger Scully to come up close beside him. After all, Thomas was the real senior person present, even though he was not dressed as a sailor. Roger was prepared to use any and all means to gain an advantage when dealing with these unknown men. The next few days were to prove interesting to say the least.

TBC

You are reading Book 3 of Thomas Markings incredible journey. Let Arthur know what you think of this latest chapter. Arthur at CastleRoland dot Net