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  >> Campfire Creative >> Fiction >> Action/Adventure >> ID #1599569  |   Show DetailsPrinter Friendly PageTell A Friend
 MAYHEM'S QUEST Rated:
18+
 A pirate ship, The Mayhem, Captain and her crew interact with scoundrels and scallywags.
by: BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1 View tangerinedream's Portfolio. [Offline / Private]Email User: tangerinedream [Offline / Private] Avg Rating: (7)  
[Introduction]
MAYHEM'S QUEST
Created by Dreamin1, Friction, Paige, dad, and EvilDawg,



There is a link provided for the archives of this story."Information for Mayhem's Quest"  [18+]

BulletHere is the link for the instructions and rules for this campfire, by joining this campfire you agree to these terms. To apply to be a fellow writer on this campfire, fill out the form here> "Sign Up for Campfires"  [18+]

BulletForum Link: "Dream Team Forum"  [18+]

Bullet Other items: "Nic DiMasi/Otto"  [18+]
"Morning & Night "  [18+]

BulletFor those of you wishing to review this item, please just pick a part you wish to use for review. I know this is a long story and don't expect you to review the whole thing.

Bullet Here is where we left off: Enjoy!

Captain PB's back was to the scoundrel,.With barely muted interest, she'd looked up into the mirror at his disgusting reflection. The landlubber had not found his sea legs and struggled to stay in one place."I do believe you're looking a bit pale. Should I fetch a bucket?" she asked mockingly polite.

Through the porthole, a streak of lightning lit up the sky. She spoke to Par Ting. "Your plans to blow up Mayhem and kill everyone has failed, you've pointed a gun at me and now you speak of a treasure map and key? Is this not your way of saving your own skin?" She remembered what she'd once heard: If something is too good to be true, it is too good to be true.

"Kill me then. And you will. never know for sure, if I'm telling the truth."

"You do have a point." She turned to face him, a gleam in her eye.. "Then tell me of this treasure map," she said, bracing herself against a wood beam. "Must I skin you alive or amputate body parts in order to get it?"

[Steve ~ Friction] Par Ting paused before answering her. "Can you guarantee my safety?. I can hardly reveal the location of the treasure to you if you intend to kill me as soon as you have it."

She thought if she put some thumbscrews on him he would talk readily enough. But why not just promise him what he wanted?

"Yes," she said. "I promise your safety. Once I have..."

She stopped when she noticed his barely concealed mirth, as he rolled side to side, and tears sprang out of the corners of his eyes. "You promise? I'm not the fool you think I am. I will need much more than just meaningless words, Captain. Do you think because you are a female pirate I trust you any more than I would a man in the same scurrilous occupation? No! I trust you less!"

Her lip curled into a snarl. "Perhaps you would prefer having your man-nuggets dipped into boiling oil?"

[Dreamin1] The mother of all thunderclaps rang through the air.The crew outside the cabin yelled and ran across the deck, were shifted and tumbled about as they grabbed hold of anything permanently attached to the ship.. Words were spoken, which nobody understood.

The Mayhem slanted dangerously sideways. Nic skidded across the floor and landed in an unbecoming position. .The ship slammed into something,followed by an explosion, which hurled everyone backwards. Water rushed in past their boots, as Par Ting and Nic clawed their way through an opening, followed by Captain PB; they found their way to the surface, and swam like frogs to the beach.

She joined her crew who laid gasping along the shore, then bolted upright and ran toward the vessel. "Secure The Mayhem! " she yelled. She watched them for a few minutes, tossed her hair back, and returned to her captive.

Okay, " she said between ragged breaths, "So we don't trust each other. Your map is useless, considering that The Mayhem is damaged." She looked away and paused.

"But worse yet, we may end up stuck here on this lovely island together, until we all have gray hair, or no hair."
* * *
Paige    "God Help Us." Nic said.

Par Ting almost grinned, for she had no idea where the treasure was. He didn't dare tell the pirate captain it was buried right on the island they'd washed ashore upon.

"Well, I guess we'll be camping then, until your so-called ship can sail again." He sat down on a piece of wood, which had broken off the Mayhem.

"Just to be safe, I would like that map of yours...I don't trust you with it."

"Oh, no you don't."

Captain PB stuck the edge of her dagger to the side of his seaweed covered neck. "You're an idiot. You've blown up my ship, causing all of us to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, and you still hold on to a useless map and key. Maybe I should just end your miserable life now, or is there something we don't know?"

Par Ting had thought the device was faulty, but that was besides the point, reluctantly handed the water-logged parchment to his captor and hid his smirk, while pretending to draw his name in the sand in front of him. Was she that clueless? He wasn't so sure now, but he was counting on it.
Bullet#1


Steve ~ Friction    Captain PB looked at the parchment map and frowned. "What language is this? I can read not a word."

Par Ting chuckled. "That's right, Captain. I still have my ace in the hole. Kill me and you cannot decipher the map."

"Bah!" She flung the map down. "Remove your backside from that piece of the Mayhem, or you'll die right here," she growled.

Nic wrestled him to the ground, tied him to a tree, then settled onto a rock.

"You'll talk eventually and you will talk well and in long meaningful sentences full of words I understand."

"Mxylfibbylsh*tz?" he asked. She then jerked the chain holding several keys off of his neck. "You won't be needing this either."

"You don't really think I'd be keeping the key on me, would you?"

She scowled at him. then sniffed the air. "What's that smell? Hmm?" She gave him a meaningful look. "Boiled nuggets?"
}#2

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    By the time the Mayhem was secured, the storm had barely died down. The howling wind whipped at their clothing and hair, rain pelted their bodies; they ran toward the shelter of the trees. Captain PB looked toward the sky. They'd have to make the best of what was left of the night.. She'd remembered the other treasure within the hold. A little booze would surely warm her up, plus possibly encourage her captive to talk.

Standing before her crew, she tossed some coins from one hand to the other. "Bring me back some of our rum, and you get some of these," she shouted over the din.

"What good is that to us now?" someone dared yell back.

What was she thinking? Of course, that wouldn't motivate them. "Trust me! We won't be on this island forever,," she told them." A bottle of precious rum to the first fine person that retrieves me some." The crew looked at each other before beating a path toward the ship, and returned later with a case full. She smiled She passed out several bottles "You may share." They'd also brought a semi-conscious straggly-haired person, and dumped the body beneath a tree nearby.
Bullet #3

Steve ~ Friction    "Who is that?" asked Captain PB.

One drenched crew member shrugged his shoulders. Another said, "I don't know. He was behind some bushes and watching the ship."

"Maybe he was taking a whiz," someone else said.

Par Ting yelled out from his position, where he was now tied to a palm tree, "It's Robinson Crusoe!"

Captain PB came closer to the body in mind. Whoever he was, he seemed more stream-liined than most of her crew. "You don't know that," she said to Par Ting.

"I'm hungry, " Par Ting whined. "When are we going to eat? Not wise to drink on an empty stomach."

"Harry and I saw wild pig tracks, Captain. Want us to track 'em down and catch one?" Sam offered.

"Good idea," PB lifted her bottle in the air. "Tonight we shall eat roast pig!"

The men hooted and hollered, and a loud cheer went up from her men, who actually admired her leadership quite a bit, even though they secretly wanted to strip off her clothes and make wild love to her.

Captain PB pulled Basil, the cook, aside and whispered, "Don't forget the saltpeter."
#4

Steve ~ Friction     "I won't forget." He chuckled to himself, knowing he would never put saltpeter into his crewmate's food. Captain PB shouldn't worry so much.

The men found her curvy body attractive, but were discouraged from trying any romantic approaches by her sharp tongue and her facility with a whip.
#5


Dad    Basil knew he'd eat the same meal as the men. He liked the feeling he got staring at Capt. PB when she wore a peasant blouse. He liked to think about what she looked like under it and the loose pantaloons she always wore, a sword and pistol shoved into her belt, and those boots

He'd heard some of the other men making remarks, calling them "Do me good and hard" boots.. He thought about the nasty things he might do with her, and how much she'd like to have a man like Basil do them to her. He also hadn't had a woman in what seemed like eons.

Suddenly a shot rang out, snapping him out of his reverie. Basil startled. "Did they get a hog already? Lets get the fire started."

"They haven't even left yet," he heard Capt. PB say, then he looked up to see her in front of him, her pistol drawn, pointing south of his midsection. "And I know what you're thinking. Get it off your mind, remove your hand away from your crotch, and when I order you to put saltpeter into the crew's food, I mean..." And she enunciated this well, "Put saltpeter in the crew's food. Do you understand?"
#6

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     "But how did you....?" he started to ask. The woman had to be a mind reader.

She shrugged. "E.S.P." She didn't need to tell him that the leer in his eyes, and the way he fondled himself gave it away. Her crew were a bold and lusty lot, with healthy libidos and a longing for cheap and sleazy sex. Either way, in this situation, it could be dangerous. Then she wondered when it wasn't.
.
Even the usual bad-asses knew better than to pretend to romance her, besides they normally chose subtler, more innocent females--something they figured she could never be, never was, or want to be. They were right, sort of.

Her eyes fixated on a crab, which wandered across the sand in front of her, stalled, then skittered away, just like anyone close to her had. Her history of dalliances with carefree men, most of which were also quite the little manipulators, bending her to their will, attempting to shape her into something she wasn't, and charging off leaving her broken-hearted, haunted her

And so it was her turn to take what she will, do what she needed, and protect herself from the harsh realities of life. She'd taken on her own men's attitudes. So now men were to be enjoyed and appreciated (if it was possible, and they didn't deserve to die instead. None were to be taken too seriously.

A fly landed on her. Already in a foul mood, she pulled out her ever trusty pistol. "You're about to die, if you don't get out of here," she told it. It flew away.. She took another swig of the rum, felt the raw heat of it slither down the slender column of her throat, and warm her insides. Her stomach growled. What's taking so long for the food? she wondered. She put her hands together,turned her face upwards and closed her eyes. "Please, God, let them hurry up."

No sooner than she said it, and they miraculously appeared. Her mouth dropped open. "Wow, you work fast when you want to," she mumbled.

"Captain, all the pigs have worms, but we managed to catch these." He held out several lines of fish.

"Very well," she eyed them. and said, "I now pronounce you roast pig." She examined them again. "Basil, fix them, and do hurry up about it."


The others barely noticed the difference, since they were already toasted from the effects of the booze. Either that, or they'd rather not risk complaining and tangle with the Captain, and even Nic seemed subdued. He'd lit up a fire near her, and she stared into the flames drowsily.
#7

Steve ~ Friction    Nic noticed how Captain PB became drowsy after staring into the flames . He decided to try a little of the voodoo hypnotism he'd learned when he attended one semester at the Jamaica School of Hypnotism, Reggae, and Rum Production.

He waved his hands before the Captain's face and intoned:

Fire burn and cauldron bubble
Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble
Flames of evil, flames of love
As it is below so it is above.

He could see that Captain PB's head was beginning to nod, so he droned on in his flat voice:

Feel the touch of Sister Sleep
She takes you down into the deep
Sleepy, sleepy, close your eyes
Lots of sleep will make you wise.

Listen closely as I speak
I am strong and you are weak
Now I am the total boss of you
My words will tell you what to do.

Captain PB turned a lazy eye toward Nic, and slowly said, "What the hell are you doing? Are you trying to use some of that voodoo crap on me?"

Nic bowed and stammered, "No, Captain, no. Of course not. Heh. Just some old poem I remembered. Voodoo? Haha! No, not voodoo. I have to go now." And he ran off into the woods.
#8

Dad    Captain PB watched Nic leave. Something about the way his britches hugged his backside, caused a mysterious, yet somehow familiar longing. Annoyingly she recognized it as desire that stirred within her.

"Damn it Captain, snap out of it," said Basil, the Cook. "I said, 'Is the pork-fish good?'"

"Why, yes, Basil," she answered distractedly, waving her hand.. "Carry on."

"Looks like you were carrying on in that pretty head of yours," he mumbled as he limped noticeably back to the firepit. "Why can't you ever give me one of those looks. I'd give you a roll in the sack like you ain't never had before." He'd remembered what Nic had said. The little bastard knew voodoo. Of that he was certain of, just as he was that the little bastard's mother never knew which one of her customers was his father. If only...

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    Suddenly it felt as if a billion volts of electricity zapped though the her, the air crackled and came alive with light bulbs flashing off and on in front of her face. Jumping from where she sat, her whole body stiffened. "That's enough, Basil!" she screeched, then heaved a giant tree limb into the fire, sending sparks flying in all directions.

Basil ducked for cover, but tripped and landed on his back. There was something strange going on here, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. She leapt toward him, and glared, a murderous look in her eyes, the point of her sword dangerously close to his Adam's Apple.

She'd never looked at him that way, is right. She gritted her teeth. "Why do you always blurt out anything that your mind can think up? Did you ever freakin think that the things you say turn people away? Oh I know, you don't believe in sugar coating anything."

He had a puzzled look on his face as if wondering what caused this outburst from her, opened his mouth as if to speak, but then she moved the tip of the sword swiftly down to his britches. One button popped off, when she severed the thread attaching it..

His mouth opened and shut much like a fish out of water, only able to swallow, but not speak.. She was about to move on to the next button, when she heard someone behind her reminded her, "Killing the cook isn't going to help anything, nor is it wise, my Captain."

She concentrated on the words, not the voice. She spoke to them, but only with a few on a more personal basis.They all sounded the same as it was, and were gathered around the two of them.

After several minutes of stunned silence, she returned her sword to her side, and without another glance, turned and passed the group, grumbling to herself. "I'm going crazy, I am."

She could hear them whispering as she left.

"Wha' di' ye go an' do this time, Basil?" someone asked.

Basil still sat rubbing his head. "I...I don't know. I think I asked her how she liked dinner."

"Maybe it didn't agree with her?"

"The Captain's gone a bit feral lately, with all that's happened.. If yer not careful ye could lose yer bawdddy parts, and get us all killed," another added.

"Yeah! What he said," another person replied.

"Oh, go on. Will ya?" He shooed them away. "She's not going to kill me or any of us." At least he hoped not.


Once she was deep in the forest and alone, she found a tree branch and sat on it. The encounter with Basil reminded her of another time and place. Little did he know that she'd read his thoughts--his cruel words, even though directed at another, struck her harder than he'd ever

She'd known of women plotting to use themselves, doing anything just to get what they want, and the fact was some did. it so well it worked for them. And didn't she know that first hand? She pushed the ugly past behind her. Isabel and her maniuplative ways robbed her of a different kind of life. One where children had both parents.

She held her head in her hands, and wiped her face several times of the dampness that accumulated there.

She wondered what was wrong with her. Was she not cunning and manipulative enough?. Or was she too stupid to realize it was the way things are done. Only the strong survive. Ditch the rules of common sense and decency, and take what you want anyway that you can and use everything that you have to do it. Lie, cheat, steal. It didn't matter. But then..what of the innocent people involved?. The ones lied to and robbed. Then again, someone else could always, and have been blamed..

I'd rather die, than not be me. Then again, isn't that what pirates do? Her mind was jumbled and confused by this mixed bag of thoughts, and were cut short, when she heard movement nearby. She climbed higher into the tree. Nic was relieving himself in the bushes. And seemed to be enjoying the process a bit too much. She'd wondered if he'd felt that same feeling she had when she was around him, she'd hoped so, and watching him now seemed to support that theory. But then he did something to make her realize things aren't always as they seem.
Bullet #10

Steve ~ Friction    He let out a healthy groan and then an " Oh yes, That's it. Uh huh." followed by an "ahhh." Then he urinated, on a sopping wet caterpillar. "Got you!" he said.

Captain PB rolled her eyes, realized he was having a childhood relapse, sighed, then tossed a coconut, which bounced off his head. He looked around, then upwards,. A monkey stared back at him, chattered, jumped to another tree and disappeared, but then he caught sight of her..

He'd felt bad about their relationship, and knew she must have thought most of her crew were imbeciles. Maybe she'd hoped that he would be different. When she recruited him. he tried to be bright and funny, but later figured his seeming brightness could be considered naive stupidity. .ON the other hand, maybe he was wrong. He made up his mind to resolve the issue. . He looked up at her with a big smile. "Hey there, Captain. What are you do'in up a tree for, Ma'am?"

When she didn't answer, he continued, "Jolly good idea keeping watch. up there--a better view and all See anything interesting? "You're a good captain. Even though you be female in the gender parts, but have the head of a male. You've not let us down yet."

"Don't you ever shut up?" she hissed, then put her fingers to her lips. "Shh." She thought she heard footsteps, and the snapping of twigs. Then it got quiet.

He bowed. "Yes, ma'am. Many pardons. I did not know you were there in your tree and ye did not wish to be disturbed. Please excuse my interference."

"Arghh." She threw her hands up in the air, " I give up. Quit that damn bowing, and why are you talking so funny? Let's go back to camp."

Dad    Capt PB had ordered the crew to untie one of Par Ting Chot's hands so he could eat. The order included a very stern warning. "Do not leave him unattended," she'd said.

He ate his stew quietly, the bowl balanced on a rock, just barely close enough to him to reach with his spoon. The meal had very little in the way of fish, and not many vegetables, either.

"I'll eat, dammit," Chot complained. "I'll eat. Don't stand so close I can't reach the bowl, you lubberin' idiot."

"Cap'n's orders," Abner Brighton, the crew member charged with watching Chot, answered. "She telled me t'e keep a gud watch on ye, and I be aimin' t'e do just' that."

Chot flung the bowl off the rock, tossing the spoon after it. "Dammit all to hell, tie me the hell back up. I'm done eating, you damned fool."

"I object to that," Abner said, tied Chot's hand back behind the tree, causing Par Ting Chot to grunt. Brighton tightened the knot tighter than perhaps it needed to be. "Jesus loves me. I'm goin' t 'e heaven. So it stand to reason that I'm not damned or a fool. Now I be go'n into the woods. I hav' t'a piss like a Russian " He gave Chot the Bronx cheer as he walked off.

Par Ting recoiled. He thought about how he hated Nic. He's so damned good. Captain PB likes him. He can do whatever he likes, but it's the damndest thing. I can't stand to be around him, yet I can't stand it when he is away. What is wrong with me?"
#12

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    Meanwhile, Captain PB, wondered why everyone else was acting funny, and why the heck was Nic now talking like he forgotten how to speak . She hoped it wasn't catchy and would rub off on her.

Maybe Basil had put something in the meal, after all. At least she accomplished what she'd hoped for when she over-reacted. Now they'd all think she was totally losing it, and anyone with a half a brain wouldn't come near her. Yet she had her moments when she wished they did.

They stepped over a fallen tree trunk.. " I hope you don't mind me asking this, Captain, but what does PB stand for anyway?" he asked

"Why? Does it matter?"

"Just curious is all. Is it initials for your first and last name?"

She didn't answer. Something told her that he wasn't asking because he was interested in knowing her, rather that he was asking so he could use it against her later.

"Does it stand for Peggy, Paula, or Patricia? Nah, I bet it's something pretty like Priscilla."

And now this was the 'butter em up, so he can let em down' technique. She knew that game. He never got an answer, because they''d arrived at camp. She realized she was blinded by his physical presence and had to keep her head around him. Still and all, she was thankful that back on the ship, Nic defended her, and didn't have to. She was doing fine before he got there, but who knows what might have happened next? He did knock Par Ting on his ass.

And then there was Basil, who was homesick. He missed his wife back home a little too much, so naturally he'd be looking at the only other woman on board--her. Having his thoughts creep into her mind were revealing way too much. It was too bad she couldn't control when she could read other people's thoughts.

She needed a new First Mate, ever since the last one lost his life during a brawl at the last port. He'd been duped by one of those women in port. She'd set him up, rolled him, and had some thugs do him in..

She bit her lip, remembering the damage to Mayhem, and wasn't sure how they could repair it, without a way to another port. Then she remembered the key that Part Ting had. She retrieved it now,inspected the trio of keys, not seeing anything that unusual.

"Par Ting is hiding something from us, and I want to know what it is. First thing tomorrow, send scouts out to look around on the island. And turn up the heat on him." She pointed toward the tree, where Par Ting was.

"Yes, Captain."

Then they all settled in for a nights sleep.

That next morning, she stretched and yawned and hadn't even had her early morning tea that Basil would sometimes bring to her. Nic was already up and away from the camp, maybe relieving himself again on the insects.

Steve ~ Friction    Nic took aim at the ants. "You'll be a-gittin' the wetty-wetties NOW, me pretties!" His powerful stream of pee flooded the ant nest, drowning warriors, women, and children alike. The survivors stumbled out of their tunnels coughing and gasping and reeking of human urine. Nic threw back his head and laughed long and hard: "Mwahaha!"

He glanced over at where Basil was doing his usual ass-kissing by bringing the captain her morning tea and telling her how pretty she looked without any makeup on.

It was hard to imagine those two in the sack together, but who knew what might happen? With Basil's greasy ability to inspire hunger and the captain's desire to control and manipulate, maybe something would develop there. Nic wanted to be far away when it did so he didn't have to hear it, smell it, or clean up after it.

Nic spotted Abner Brighton with one of the prisoners. "Good a-mornin' to ye, Abner, me friend! How be thy mast hangin' today?"

Abner gave a cheery wave. "Hang to the left, hang to the right, stand up, sit down, fight fight fight!"

"Aye!" Nic responded. "And may the best man win!"

Abner pointed upwards. "It be a blue sky day but rain be on the way. I hear it in me bones. Hey, Nicholas, you scalawag, do ye remember them scones we et at the Boar and Teat Inn in that little village in Oldfunland?"

"Aye! Aye!" Nick responded. May we return home again and be feeling that barmaid's luscious melons, eh? Eh?"

"But Abner had drifted off into a reverie of island sickness and just stared quietly at the vast expanse of ocean that surrounded them.


The hair at the nape of Nic's neck stood up, and he got the feeling that felt someone watching him. Everytime he glanced toward Captain PB, she'd look away, and he wondered about the sudden interest.

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    She took Basil aside. "Surely, you think I"m a sea-witch for yesterday's outburst. Not that you'd ever say so."

He started to shake his head, "No need to ..."

"Let me finish. I just wanted you to know that well...again I"d heard your thoughts. This time about the bastard baby. You see, I had this friend who had that happen. What I mean is, well it's complicated to explain. It's just a little bit touchy for me since I was empathetic..." She tried to explain but it only seemed to make matters worse, so she stopped, yet never said those words, I'm sorry.

Yet he knew, Captain was all but apologizing. It was more than he could expect. Before he could say anything, she'd left. She was standing at the shore now, looking through some field glasses, before turning her attention toward Nic.

He was now buddy-buddy with Bright, and conversing.. It wasn't unusual for men, who'd been on the high seas for days, to team up together. Some figured flesh was flesh. Maybe he was a guy like that.

Plus PB got snippets of Nic's thoughts. Heat radiated from her face, when she got the feeling that she'd met with his disapproval
somehow, as if she needed it anyway.. Bah, what did she care. What she did care about was how he was goofing off and ignoring what she'd told them.to do.

She marched over to him. "Did you search the island or pressure Par Ting yet? I'm a wee bit puzzled, because first you were concerned about Ting blowing up the ship, and now you hang about like you're on a holiday.

Okay, so you were right about that. And he should be hanging from the mizzen mast, but he won't be until we find that treasure. I'm not even sure what language it is. Regardless of that, I need a little cooperation here, then you can party all you want with your friend afterward." .

None of them noticed just yet that Par Ting was not where he was soppose to be.

Steve ~ Friction    [PLOT SUMMARY; Our story so far... The pirate ship Mayhem under the leadership of Captain PB, a female pirate captain, has shipwrecked on a tropical island. Survivors are tBasil, the considerate, yet lusty cook; Nic, the narcissistic, suave mate;; Abner, the mentally challenged, and devoted crewman; and the usual crew members, carpenter, surgeon, navigator, and cabin boys. including the mysterious scraggly-haired person, who was found on the island.

Captain PB also has a prisoner, Par-Ting Chot, a strange oriental who wanted to blow up her ship,.

There is a treasure map and a chain with a trio of keys on it, but it is a puzzle and Captain PB has been unable to find the treasure. Possibly Par-Ting Chot can solve the puzzle. Meanwhile, the captain spends her time admiring certain crew members, fighting the urge to either straddle or strangle them, and the crew members spend their time searching for coconuts and fish to eat.

Thank God somebody found a case of rum. Also... the captain is developing telepathic abilities and slowly becoming neurotic after having to deal with a few troublesome men on board. . However, they haven't lost all their wits, and still trust her leadership. :

Par-Ting Chot ran through the woods like a deer. Free at last. But being on an island was a bummer. Where could he hide? If only he could find a cave, a nice deep cave, with lots of tunnels. He had once worked in a gold mine and had no fear of being deep underground.

Nic faced the captain. "I'm sorry we let Par-Ting get away. Me and Abner was just talking about things and I guess we weren't paying no attention like we shoulda been."

Captain PB showed great restraint, and bit her tongue over the error there, even though they deserved a good thrashing.

Abner put his hand on Nic's shoulder. "Aw, there, Nic, don't go takin' all the blame on yourself. It was as much my fault as your'n."

Captain PB scowled. "Tell me you guys aren't ..chummy?"

Abner snatched his hand back from Nic's shoulder. "No, ma'am! At least, no more than you'd expect in a group of men huddled together in a ship for weeks at a time. And that really ain't all that much, Ma'am. I'd never marry him or nuthin' like that. We just friends."

"Yeah," Nic said. "I like him because of his honest nature and purity of spirit."

Both pirates laughed heartily at that bit of sarcasm and soon Captain PB joined them with her own chuckles.

Their amusement was interrupted when someone came running down the beach shouting, "Captain PB! There's another ship on the other side of the island!"

Dad    #17 PB narrowed her eyes. "Where is this ship?" she demanded. "And who are you?"

"Charles I am,...(Puff ...puff) Charles Evans Dawes, ma'am (puff ...puff) I just ran completely around the island. There's another ship, ma'am. She's almost exactly directly across the island, thataway." He pointed through the thickest of the vegetation.

PB eyed Charles carefully. She had seen him aboard ship, she just couldn't remember when he boarded the ship. "What type of a ship is she, Mr.?"

"Sloop. Just like the Mayhem, ma'am. Except she be in one piece.. She looks like she was abandoned years ago,"

Interest flickered in PB's face. She wondered if any of the parts might be used to repair the Mayhem. And get them the hell off this god-forsaken island, and search for the treasure. The treasure. PB smiled. She had the map safely secured in her bustier. The keys were tied safely to her belt. Marooning Par Ting Chot would simply be icing on the cake. The loud-mouth sonuvabitch may have escaped from her clutches, but escaping from the island would be a totally different matter. Leave him and whatever other vermin on here, and sail off into the wild blue sea. A satisfied smile crept across her face. "Show me, Dawes. Show me now."

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    #18 "A ship? Abandoned or shipwrecked?"

"Want me to scope it out first, Captain? asked Havahand. ..

"I'll go. Dawes, did you see any signs of life anywhere near the ship?"

He shook his head. "None. I figured I'd better get back here and let you know."

"You did good." She turned on her heel. "Which of you want to venture to the other side of the island?" She motioned with her hand. "Follow me." And a group of them disappeared into the thicket of trees. Captain PB touched her sword,. She had a bad feeling about this, but she didn't have toremind the men to be prepared to fight, in case there were any surprises.

Steve ~ Friction    #19 Abner ran on ahead of the group yelling, "I'll be the scout!"

"Keep your voice low," Captain PB said. "This could be an ambush or a trap of some kind."

"Okay," Abner whispered.

They fought their way through the vines and underbrush until finally they stood on the top of a hill gazing down at the beach on the other side of the island. Sure enough, a ship floated in the shallow waters. Although it appeared to be undamaged, there was no sign of any life around it.

Dad    As they got closer, the condition of the ship was more evident. The sails hung limply from the masts, long rips through the center. Ropes dangled lifelessly. The deck was littered with discarded junk. The ship looked almost mournful, abandoned and forgotten. "There she is. Dawes pointed happily. "A sloop, just like I said."

A smiled crept across PB's face. "So she is. So she is. Yet, somehow, something doesn't feel right about this. A sloop, very similar to the Mayhem, just happens to be abandoned by the very same island we are shipwrecked on.."

"Let's see if she's seaworthy, load up and get the Sam Hell off this island," Basil said, just before he felt the sting of Captain PB back-slapping him, an echoing sound, which could be heard across the lagoon. Basil took four steps backward before landing hard on his ass.

"Abandon the Mayhem! "Are you mad? I'd as likely abandon my own left hand!" Captain PB said. "But we should be able to repair the Mayhem from this like Dawes said. Very good, Dawes. You will be rewarded." She looked around. "Dawes? Where are you? Dawes? Has anyone seen him?
Bullet #20

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     "How very odd. An abandoned ship, which at least looks sea worthy. Let's get a better look, and board her. Split up in teams of two. Two go over that way and keep watch, and two of you go over there." She gestured toward a point within a group of trees. "The rest of you come with me, and if you see anything suspicious, find a way to let us know. . God only knows what we'll find on board."

They shimmied their way up the ropes, and were almost to the deck. She motioned to the back of the ship, and then front, indicating the others to gain access at different points.
Bullet #21

OT: Notice the number. Use the next number and put it on the bottom.

Steve ~ Friction    By late afternoon, it was clear that they could indeed repair the Mayhem with parts from the abandoned ship. Nic was sent back to the camp to gather the other crew members up to come and help with the disassembly and transport of lumber and rope and sails across the island.

When Nic reached the camp he saw a sad sight. The remaining crew members had gotten into the rum supply and drunk themselves into a stupor. It was going to be a while before they would be much help.

Nic ran back through the forest and told Captain PB about the sorry state of the crew. Since it was getting late it was decided everyone would return to the camp, eat a meal, get a good night's sleep, and resume work the next day.

During the night it began to rain a little and a strong breeze began to blow.

Nic stirred in his sleep and had a nightmare about being an ant and getting peed on.
#22

Dad    The next morning, Basil fried several turtle eggs found buried in the beach sand, and brewed coffee. "You brought a coffee pot?" Nic asked.

Basil glared at him for a moment. "I always have something to brew coffee in with me, me lad. Coffee is my second favorite drink. I can drink too much of it, unlike rum, my favorite drink, and the captain doesn't get upset at me."

The sound of their voices woke her up. "G'Mornin, you two. You know, that ship is in lousy shape. Oh, sure, she looks good from here, " said Captain PB, as she sat up and adjusted her vest, "But she's hip-deep with water in her hold, and has more barnacles on her hull than London's got whores. The planking is rotted all to hell. I wouldn't want to sail her far, but her rudder's in tact, which is a good thing. You never know when you'll need to replace a rudder.

Mayhaps we can move her. That close to land, we'd never be out of sight. It's not that far, maybe five miles. We have eight of us here...."

Nic interrupted. "Seven, Captain. We still haven't found hide n'r hair of Dawes."

"Well between the seven of us, we should be able to sail her over to our camp. What do you think? And give me a cup of that coffee, please."

Unseen behind them, several pairs of eyes watched intently.
#23

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     " I'll talk it over with our carpenter, if he's not wasted too.."

The longer they stayed in any port, the more chances of being attacked by other ships, although they were shipwrecked and more or less helpless.. Another pirate ship might not happen along, but if it did, they needed to be prepared. She'd already told the men, who were left behind to use ropes, trees or whatever other methods needed to unload a few of the cannons, gunpowder, etc. onto the land.

She pulled the bandana off of her head, and wiped her brow. "I'm hot and I"m tired, and all I want is a bath. Be right back. I can't stand this anymore." Stepping closer to the water, and looking around first, she reluctantly removed her boots with the dagger in it She'd much rather be in a nice steamy hot bath in Port Royal or better yet, New Providence, but for now she'd have to walk in the ocean, clothes and all, since there was no privacy to be had.

Removing her pistol, she backed quickly away from the water's edge until she was waist deep,. It was like bathwater, warm and clean. "Ahh, that feels good." She smiled. After dipping herself a few times, she bent to her knees, allowing her hair to fan outward into the water. And rinsed out her bandana. The men stood a short distance away, still chatting about the ship, when she put on her boots, grabbed her gun and returned to them.

While wringing her hair out, and tying her hair with the bandana, she heard what sounded like a bird singing. Ever cautious she walked, then stood facing Basil. He moved, then she moved with him, then he moved again. So she tried it with Nic, who was also standing next to him.

"What the hell are you doing?" he asked. before side stepping.

It was like dancing, but not. She moved one more time, and so did he, then she grabbed his shirt front as if they were about to tussle. "Take a hint, or I'll rip this shirt right off of you now, " she said between gritted teeth.

Glancing over his shoulder discreetly she spoke, getting a nice view behind them. "Listen.," she whispered. "That's a signal, not a bird call. Try to act normal." She hoped to God he didn't wander into the trees and do his golden shower thing with the insects.
#24

Dad    Abner Brighton jumped up. "I'll make shur he don't take no shower wit no insec's, Cap'n, golden nor ot'erwise" he said happily. "Jus' one question. Wouldn' he hafta find a waterfall ta take a shower in?"

PB smiled benevolently at Abner. "Don't worry about it," she said. "We'll let the insects take their chances. Don't go wandering off." She looked around, and signaled for the other six men to come close together. "Okay, we have me, Abner, Nic, Basil, Havahand, Gorley, and Woffard," she said quietly. "We don't know where Dawes is, and Par Ting Chot has escaped. He's somewhere on the island, only God knows where. I think the best thing to do right now is go back to our encampment. We need to get Richards, the carpenter, a couple of his assistants, and a few other able-bodied seamen, come back tomorrow and try to pull this derelict off the sandbar and sail her over to our camp where we can use her to repair the Mayhem.

"However, there's something in the woods back over there. Something, or more likely, someone, watching us. Stay silent. Don't say a damn thing. Let's just move out and get back to the camp."

The walk took about an hour. Surprisingly, it was uneventful. But the feeling that someone was watching never left. And the sound of little animals skittering in the bushes never started.
#25

Dad    "Me fookin 'ead is keelin me." And that was the nicest thing PB and the others heard as they walked into the camp. "Oi ain' gowanna drink no mo' rum any toime zoon."

"I'll believe that, O'Riley, when I sees it," said Basil.

PB pulled Nic aside. "You lead the expedition to bring that derelict back here. Someone is gunning for me, and it would be safer for the crew if I stayed." She looked at the sky. "It's a bit late today, so tomorrow round up the group of men that you want. Make sure you take Richards, the carpenter, with you. Havahand stays with me."
#26

Steve ~ Friction    The next day Nic assembled his group -- Richards, Gorley, Woffard, and Smith -- and headed off through the jungle. Along the way, they sang hearty pirate songs like Yo Ho Ho and Polly Want A Cracker. The sun was warm, the birds were singing, and Nic was in a fabulously good mood.

"I could get used to this island life," he said. "Maybe I'll give up my seafaring ways and settle down."

Gorley laughed. "You need a nice brown-skinned girl to keep house for ye, Nic!"

"Aye! So true! Does anyone know the words to Oh She Wiggled and She Wobbled?"

Woffard put up his hands. "Not that old chestnut, Nic!", he said, "let's sing Old Hogan's Goat," Then led the song...

"Old Hogan's Goat..."

GROUP: Old Hogan's Goat!

Woffard: ...was feeling fine

GROUP: "Was feeling fine,"

Woffard: Ate six red shirts..

GROUP: Ate six red shirts

Woffard: "From off the line."

GROUP: From off the line

And so the merry band of pirates tramped through the jungle, laughing and singing, completely unaware of the eyes that watched them, cold eyes of hate, eyes hidden behind bushes and palm trees, eyes that watched... and waited.
#27

Dad    I hope that damned fool Nic knows what he's doing," Havahand mumbled to the Captain."

"I hear ya," she said, watching the men disappear. "It's not like we don't have a crew of 27 - 25 since Dawes disappeared, if you don't count Par Ting Chot." And I'm worried. Dawes disappeared, Par Ting Chot escapes, and now this sloop, a dead ringer for the Mayhem appears from nowhere." She looked at the dense vegetation growing not twenty feet from where they stood. "Another thing bothers me. For the first time in days, I don't feel like someone is watching every move I make."

Basil joined the conversation. "I just noticed something, too, Cap'n. Do you hear that?"

Havahand and PB listened intently. "What am I listening for, Basil?" asked Havahand.

"Do you hear what I hear?"

"All I hear is just some birds twittering in the trees. And that sounded like a monkey of some sort. What are you getting at?"

"I haven't heard them since Par Ting Chot escaped. What do you think it means?"
#28


BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    "It means that Nic has been messing around with the monkeys instead of the ants? It means that....umm....those aren't monkeys?"

But before he could respond a shot rang out, then several whistled by them. Captain PB felt a stinging sensation on her arm, but ignored it. "Get down!" she yelled. Everyone dropped to the ground, and scrambled toward the bushes. "Whoever it is, is a lousy shot. make that whoever they are."

Meanwhile, Nic's group of merrymakers were singing their little hearts out.
#29

Steve ~ Friction    When they finished singing Old Hogan's Goat, Nic, Richards, Gorley, Woffard, and Smith began singing 99 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall.

At bottle #47, Woffard, who was at the head of the group, held up his hand for a halt. "Shhhh!" he said. "I think I saw eyes in the bushes."

"Eyes?" Nic said. "What sort of eyes? Animals? The bushes are full of animals."

"No, they weren't exactly animals, I don't think. I only caught a glimpse but I got the feeling of an intelligence behind them."

"You mean humans? People in the bushes?"

"I don't know, but perhaps something very much like human."

Nic grabbed up a big stick. "Oh, for Polly's sake!" he said. "Let's just see about these bushes." And he waded off into the underbrush swinging his big stick and flattening the vegetation. "I don't see any eyes, Woffard."

Woffard looked at the flattened bushes. "I reckon ye scared them away, Nic, but them eyes were there. I saw them."
#30

Dad    }Captain PB scrambled across the beach sand to where Basil hid behind some rocks.

"Lord Almighty, I haven't been shot at since me first wife died, I hain't," he said. "And whoever that is was just as bad a shot as Charlotte was."

"Charlotte was your first wife?" PB asked.

"Don't be daft, Captain. Me first wife's name was Polly. Charlotte was her sister. She never did take a liking to me. She always thought I was wrong, and she thought shooting me might set her poor sister free from the worst mistake she ever made. Didn't work out that way, though."

"I'm sorry to hear that. What happened to Polly?"

'It was the last time Charlotte shot at me. Missed me by a wide margin. Shot poor Polly right between the eyes. Dead afore she hit the earth, she was. They hanged poor Charlotte within a fortnight."

Havahand joined them behind the rocks. "The shooting seems to have stopped, Captain. Do you want me to investigate?"

#31

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    She looked toward the group of rocks and bushes. "Follow me." They snaked their way closer, but there was no movement nor shots. Her gaze fell on every rock pebble and bush, but nothing was revealed there, then she looked up into the trees. Only the make-shift pulleys and hoists used to place the cannons were evident.

"That's really weird. Surely Par Ting would have hit one of us. What do you make of it?" she asked Havahand.

Whatever he said was lost as once more she scanned the area carefully and quickly as possible. Again finding nothing amiss. She was about to give up to total confusion when something caused her nose to wrinkle. "What's that smell?"

They both sniffed the air like a couple of Blood Hounds on a trail. There within the hollow of one of the rocks was a splash of the telltale golden liquid.--and it wasn't urine. The scent of liquor wafted through the air."Someone has been on The Mayhem, and I have the feeling it's nobody that should have been, and they've been into the ale.."

Havahand nodded. "Kind of like in the story of the Three Bears,"

She wondered if the "watcher" would find Nic and his group.
#32

Steve ~ Friction    Nic and his boys (Richards, Gorley, Woffard, and Smith) emerged from the shrubbery with a song on their lips (I Dream Of Jeannie With The Light Brown Hair). The abandoned ship still sat there looking like a haunted house with sails.

"Look, she be drifted around to where we can read her name," Woffard said. "She be called the... The Lady Be Damned."

Smith guffawed. "Sounds like somebody had lady troubles."

"She's a fine ship," Nic said. "In fact, really she is in a bit better shape than the Mayhem. Now let's see if we can sail her around the island. I have a feeling when the captain sees this ship she will decide not to repair the Mayhem. Much simpler just to use this vessel."

Gorley shook his head. "You don't know the captain very well if you think that, Nic."
#33

Dad    "I don't know about that," Nic said, puffing out his chest. "It just so happens that Capt PB and I know each other very well. Very, very well, if ya catch my drift."

Richards, the Carpenter, bit back a laugh. "So you know ol' PB well, do ya? Well, if'n ya know PB so well, what does PB stand for?"

Nic screwed up his face, pretending to think. "She told me once, but I dinna pay attention, on account of what we were doing."

Woffard laughed. "What was you doing? Making crepe suzettes?"

"Why, no! As a matter of fact, we were...."

Smith clapped him on the back. "Don't even go there, Nic. We all know how far you got with the Captain. Just as far as any o' the rest of us got with her."

"Yeah," Gorley laughed. "If'n you stop now, we don't have to tell her where you was going."
#34

Steve ~ Friction    "What do ya mean?" Nic said. "I wasn't going anywhere. Say, boys, did I ever tell you about the time Captain PB escaped from the prison on Rum Island?"

"No, Nic! How did she do that?"

"Well, she was tied to the wall on the top floor of the women's tower and these two big strong women were sitting there guarding her. That's how worried the warden was that the captain might try to escape. Two guards just for her. Well, the captain soon figured out that those two guards were sweet on each other."

"You mean they was thespians?" interrupted Woffard.

"Something like that," Nic said. "Anyways, the captain pretended she was asleep, and after awhile one of them thespian guards got curious about the captain's melons and decided she wanted to take a peek at them. That's when the captain brought her arms down around the guard's neck to choke her."

"But I thought you said the captain was tied to the wall, Nic?"

"Well, she was, but there was just enough slack in the rope. Anyways, the other guard said the captain better let her friend go or she would knock the captain in the head with her club. That's what they had--clubs."

"But, Nic, they was up there sitting with the captain and all they had was clubs? Why didn't they give them swords or something?"

"There was a metal shortage that winter. Anyways, the captain said, 'Oh no you won't or I will choke the life out of this woman, and you will never be able to make love with her again.' Well, that guard could see the captain was serious and because she was a thespian she didn't want to try anything that would endanger her thespian mate, so she said to the captain that--"

"But, Nic. Why didn't that guard just hit the captain over the head with the club? It takes a while to choke someone. She could have just hit her with the club."

"Who's telling this damn story? You or me?"

"Sorry, Nic."

"You sure are. Anyways, that's how the captain escaped from the prison on Rum Island."

There was few moments of silence, then Richards piped up. "Thanks for telling us that story, Nic."

Nic spat on the ground. "Yeah. Whatever."
#36


Dad    PB stuck her finger in the rum again. It was still cool to the touch. "Someone's been eating my porridge, but it's still too cold," she said quietly.

Brighton's eyes bugged, and his mouth dropped open. "Ya ken tell someone's been eatin' yer porridge, j'st by stickin' ya fing'r in s'm rum? Damn, you ibe good, Cap'n."

Sighing, she said, "Yeah, right, Abner. I'm good." She looked in the direction of the trees. "There's more than just us on this island, and I don't like what's going on one damn bit. That damned Par Ting Chot has always been a bad egg, and I think he's into this up to his teeth.." She looked at Havahand. "He ain't the only one against us on this island. If he'd wanted to kill us, he'd've hit us when he was shooting at us. So, either he just wants to scare the hell out of us, which I think is likely, or someone else was shooting at us. And, if it's that, they're working with Chot any way."

Havahand nodded. "Did Basil ever tell you about the first time he met him?"

"No."

"Ask him sometime. It's worth it."
#37

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    "Come to think of it, he did mentioned it one day, but then a fight broke out amongst the men, and he helped break it up, and I never did find out." She sat on the rock. "You're right about Par Ting. There must be some reason he's trying to scare us away." You'd think he'd been wanting to find the treasure, and that reminds me..." She turned her back on the group, reached into her top, searched, then searched again. "How the devil did he....?"

Basil was making his rounds with crackers and salted meat, and asked, "Got a case of the hives, Capt'n?"

"No. I've got a case of 'No Map'. What do you know about Par Ting? "
#38

Steve ~ Friction    Their attention was diverted to the sea where The Lady Be Damned made her appearance, plowing along under full sail, Nic and his boys cheering from the deck. They dropped anchor as close as they could to the beach and then came ashore in the long boat.

"Well, Captain," Nic said. "Here she be, our new ship, all ready to take us away from this godforsaken island."

Captain PB gazed at the ship. "She's filled with good parts we can use to get the Mayhem in good shape. This will work out well."

"But Captain," Nic said. "The Lady Be Damned is already shipshape. We can just use her instead."

"Abandon the Mayhem? Never!"

"But--"

"That's the last I want to hear about it. Start immediately on stripping that boat and rebuilding the Mayhem"

"Yes, Captain," and Nic slunk away, mumbling under his breath.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing, Captain."

Basil chuckled and whispered to Nic, "She likes me better than she likes you."
#39

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    Captain PB walked off into the clump of trees again, settled onto a thick tree branch, able to see a distance down the beach as well. A few clouds skidded across the sky. Hopefully, the men will have finished the ship before another storm crossed their path.

There was no way that she could save both ships now, and she'd be hard-pressed to give up The Mayhem. It was a shame that The Lady be Damned had to be taken apart, and if there had been another way of saving her, she'd have brought a nice sum of money later when taken into port and sold.

She looked to the left of her, down the expanse of sand and shoreline, and detected a speck of movement there. Bigger than birds. Sea turtles? No, much taller. The speck moved inland and dissappeared. Curious, Captain PB hopped down from the tree, and jogged, then walked toward the spot, stepping over rocks and crawling over boulders along the way.

A voice yelled from the group, "Captain, where are ye going?" She couldn't hear them though; she'd already wandered farther than listening distance. Reaching her destination, she stared down at footpaths leading away from the ocean. There were several more prints, except those were similar to a small-hooved animal. Possibly goats. But that's impossible. Why would there be goats on a deserted island? she wondered. None of the men had said anything about goats on the island. Someone had to have brought those goats and tended them. Surely, they hadn't come in on The Lady be Damned. Regardless, roasted goat would be awfully tasty about now.

Glancing back toward the ships, she knew she should wait until she had backup, before she ventured in to investigate further, yet that didn't stop her as she wandered in following the telltale evidence. Broken tree branches indicated where a human had been, and the path twisted and turned until it led her to other boulders, and then a wall of them, but soon there was an opening. She crept closer watching for signs of life. Apparently there wasn't any, so she moved closer, slipped into the shaded area of the cave. sliding along its damp walls now. The deeper she moved the darker it became, until a light coming from the distance casting non-flickering shadows, reflected off the cave walls illuminating anything within its confines in soft shadows.

Deciding she'd better return with her crew, she moved backward toward the entrance, when suddenly she tripped and stumbled, and landing with an umpph. Her hand touched felt something firm with sharp longish edges--boxlike...longer than a foot. She wasn't sure just how long. A thought occurred to her that it might be a coffin of sorts and she pulled her hand away, then scrambled toward the cave entrance..
#40

Steve ~ Friction    But as she approached the entrance to the cave a shadow suddenly blotted out the light from outside. She couldn't make out details, but it was something big and hairy. She retreated into the cave, hoping it would go away. But it entered the cave as well. It seemed gigantic. Was it a bear? She scuttled back down into the depths of the cave and hoped there was a second exit.


Basil was stirring his stew and tasting it. "Hmmmm, delicious! Where be the captain? It's time for din-din."

"I don't know," Nic said. "Anybody seen the captain?"

Havahand spoke up. "I seen her trotting off down the beach thataway. I yelled but I guess she didn't hear me."

Nic stroked his chin. "Hmmmm. Me smells trouble in the air."

"Hey!" Basil said. "This is good soup I'm making! This time I left out the tails and it smells pretty good, don't it?"

"The captain may be in trouble," Nic said. "Woffard and Gorley and Havahand, come with me. We'll follow her tracks and see where she went."
#41

Dad    "Aye," Gorley said as they set off. The captain's tracks were easy to follow. She hadn't been trying to disappear, after all, just follow some curious tracks.

Presently, the approached the cave. "I don't bloody like this," Havahand grumbled. "Hers aren't the only tracks goin' inta that cave."

"And the other shoes are bigger than hers," Nic said.

"Bloody Hell, they're bigger'n just about anyone's," answered Havahand.

"Bad news," Woffard whispered. "I remember Par Ting Chot's feet. The captain had me shod 'im, she did. I don't know if there any truth to the story about the size of a man's feet and the size of, um, certain others parts of 'is anatomy, but if there is, Ol' Par Ting ain't got nothin' to brag about. These feet here are enormous."

Nic licked his lips. "I guess we ain't doin' nothin' fer the captain standin' out here. Let's find out what's goin' on in there.

#42

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    By now, PB had wandered far into the cave, and heard echoing scraping sounds. Either she was getting closer to the source, or it was getting closer to her. She screamed when a flurry of activity like wings flapping, flew by her face, caused her to run blindly away from the sounds.
#43

Steve ~ Friction    PB ran through the dark cave and suddenly there was nothing beneath her feet. She fell into darkness, luckily not very far, but when she felt around she realized she was trapped in a pit. Then she heard the shuffling feet of her pursuer and heard his raggedy breath. She sensed that he was peering over the edge of the pit, although she could see nothing.

"Are you down there, Captain PB?" a voice said. "Are you still alive?"

It was Par Ting Chot! Captain PB didn't know what to do, but if she remained quiet and he left her here to rot that would not be a good outcome.

"Yes! I'm down here! Pull me out, you bloody scallywag!"

Par Ting chuckled. "Not so fast, Captain. I believe you and me can make some kind of deal about this. We can help each other."
#44

Dad    "Or, perhaps I should say, you can help us." A face appeared beside Par Ting's. "This is my friend, Captain. His name is Garibaldi. He doesn't talk much. You see, he speaks Italian. On the bright side, his English is better than my Italian. But that's only because the only Italian I know is 'pizza, spaghetti, macaroni,' and things like that."

PB stood up as Garibaldi climbed into the pit. He towered over her. PB herself was no midget, standing little over five feet or more. But Garibaldi--he had to be over seven feet tall, weigh well over three hundred pounds, and it there was an ounce of fat on the man, surely it would die of loneliness. Rock solid. Sitting on the floor of the pit, he looked at PB and said, "You talk. I seet. We go when you done-a talk."

PB looked up at Par Ting Chot. A sinister smile was plastered on his face. "Okay, PB." His expression changed to one of feigned friendliness. "Do you know why I call you PB?"

"Because it's my name?"

He laughed. "Wrong answer. I call you PB because it stands for 'Perfect Bitch.' Now. Here's the deal."
#44

Steve ~ Friction    "I want a ship and 10 men. There are two ships here so we can both leave this island, each one of us in a ship. I just need some men to crew mine. I already have five men, but that's not enough. I need five of yours as well. Agreed?"

Captain PB shook her fist at Par Ting Chot. "No!" She crossed her arms. "It's not agreed, and I am not making any deals with you."

Par Ting shrugged his shoulders, rubbed his chin. "So you would rather die here on this island, alone and forgotten, while your men sail away never to return."

"They wouldn't." If she could have only reached him she might have claw ed his eyes out, before she surgically removed his head with one swift motion, instead she glared at him. "You might have the upper hand for right now, but that doesn't mean you always will. And don't think my men wouldn't avenge my death. You would never leave here alive. But I will make a deal with you, because it appears we are at a standoff. This is what I propose..."
#45


BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    Meanwhile, back at The Lady be Damned, and during clean up, the men had clustered together, discussing an area of the ship they'd previously overlooked and couldn't get into, and wondered why and what's within.

"We should ask Captain PB before finding a way to get in there," Basil said

"She's not here, and surely she'd want a full report on this ship," someone else said.

"Fine then. Let's take a vote. All who are in favor of breaking the bloody door down, say Aye! All that aren't, say Nay."

And so the majority won out, and they proceeded to break into the closeted area. They gasped when a marvelous, yet mysterious trunk was found, yet locked, yet gold coins were scattered about near it.. "Captain PB ought to like this."


Back at the cave, Captain PB was figuring out how to get herself out of the mess she was in,. She started coughing. "Oh no, allergies are kicking in. Might you have some water?"

Who knows what was going through that devious mind of hers,but little did she know that things were going just as he'd planned. He poured some liquid into a container, put the container in a bucket, and lowered it into the pit. "I suppose a drink would help loosen your tongue some."


She coughed again, and eyed the rope and the bucket. Ting nodded for the giant to hand her the cup. She cradled it in her hand, looked at it a moment, choked some more so that most of it spilled out. He'd not had time to doctor it up, so she took an obligatory sip.

"I thought you were thirsty?" he asked.

She took another obligatory sip, hoping he would turn away so she could spit, but he didn't and was watching her intently.

"Okay look. You want five men, I want the treasure, plus my ship, and .this guy here."

Ting looked at her, puzzled. ""You want him? I'm sorry to inform you, but you're not really in a position to negotiate."

He'd been toying with her, and she knew it, but was stalling for time. "What kind of trick is this, Mr. Ting? You said you wanted to deal and now you don't? Are you confused or does your word mean nothing?" .

"Did you forget again? Not Ting. It's Par Ting Chot.".

She shrugged. When she went to sit the cup of liquid down, she noticed a tingling sensation in hands, and her arms felt heavy, as if she'd been weightlifting,. Gradually, her legs were as limp as noodles. With a groan, she slid to the floor of the pit. "What...did...youu doo?" she managed to say.

"I just wanted to see what kind of nonsense you'd come up with, Captain." And the irritating fool had the nerve to laugh, which echoed through the cave.
#46

Dad    Nic grabbed a fallen branch near the cave entrance, and lit it. Nodding his head into the cave, he said, "C'mon, men. Cap'n's in there, and by the looks of things, she may be needin' a wee bit o' help." Nic led Woffard, Gorley and Havahand into the cave, the light from the burning branch shedding barely enough light to see.

"I don't hear a thing," Havahand grumbled.

"Aye," Woffard nodded. "Mebbe 'tis a good thing we dinna hear nothing. It'd mean PB's safe."

"Oh, I'd really be counting on that," Gorley said.

"Shhhh," Nic said. "Quiet. If there is a problem, we need ta sneak up on it. Why d'ya think I left Abner Bright with Basil?"
#47

Steve ~ Friction    Nic and his men worked there way through the tunnels until Nic held up his hand and said, "Shhh! I hear voices."

"Sure enough," Gorley said. "That sounds like Captain PB having an argument with Par Ting Chot."

"I don't hear a thing," Havahand grumbled.

"Well, I hear it," Nic said. "Come on, boys! Let's go save the captain!"

They took off at a run toward the voices.
#48

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     In Captain PB's absence, the men had become agitated into a urgent fury; some heard things and/or had visuals that others didn't. They rushed toward the cave entrance, stopping now and then to check where the echoing voices came from.

After several minutes had passed by, they realized they must have taken a wrong turn, but too late. The last man bumped into the next to the last, and like a chain reaction knocked each of them like dominos into a pit The good thing was that a slender shaft of light shot down from above, and at least now they could see a little and without the lit tree branch.
#49

Dad     "Well well well," came a voice. "This is special. If it isn't Tweedledee-Tweedle Dum, Dumber, and Dumbest, come to rescue Captain Perfect Bitch!"

"I should've known you'd have something to do with this, Par Ting," Nic growled. "Where is Perf...I mean, the Captain?"

"Patience, Nic, patience. Perfect Bitch is safe, and resting comfortably."

"You sonuvabitch," growled Havahand, jumping toward Par Ting. "If you so much as..."

A pistol appeared in Par Ting's hand, leveled directly at Havahand's head. "Go ahead, Havahand," he snarled. "Give me a reason. Just one reason."

Garibaldi climbed into the pit, bound the four together tightly, leaving them unable to move, and then leapt from the pit. "Try and rest comfortably, men," Par Ting laughed. "If you're good, I might remember to let you out...eventually." His laugh echoed throughout the cave as his and the Italian giant's footsteps faded away.


Meanwhile, back by the ships, Abner said, "I'm worried, Bay-zill."

"'Bout what, Ab?" Basil said.

"The Cap'n 'n them. They been gone a long time. Ye don't think nothin's happened to 'em, do ye?"

"Not much we can do right now, Ab. Here." He handed him some soup. "It'll do you good."

Abner tried to eat, but took only a couple spoonfuls. "I can't eat," he complained, throwing the bowl into the sand. He looked at Basil. "I just can't eat, Basil." He wandered away from the cook, leaving him with a worried expression on his face.
#50

Steve ~ Friction    Par Ting Chot put his hands on his hips. "Captain PB, I think these must be the four fellers you promised to give me."

"I didn't promise you anything!" PB snarled.

"Yes, now that they are roped up so nice and pretty I might as well put them on my ship. I'll take The Lady Be Damned}, Catain, and you can have the Mayhem. Har! Har! Har!"

"You bastard!" Captain PB screamed.

Par Ting Chot and the rest of the men left the cave, some holding guns, and some being prodded along by guns.

When Capatain PB sensed she was alone in the cave, trapped in a pit, she started yelling for help.



Abner perked up his ears. "Bay-zill, do you her sumthin'?"

Basil kept stirring his soup. "I don't hear anything, Abner."

"It sounds like the Cap-tane."

Basil listened. "Hmmm... I do hear some men crashing through the bushes."

Suddenly Par Ting Chot and his gang appeared. "You two don't make a move!

Basil raised his hands when he saw the gun. "What's going on?"

Par Ting Chot motioned with the gun barrel toward the caves. "Your lovely Captain is trapped in a pit. You're going to save her. But not until me and my men have pulled up anchor. We're leaving on the Lady Be Damned."

Abner's eyes widened. "The Cap-tane!" He started running toward the caves.

"Stop!" Par Ting yelled. Then he fired the gun at Abner. Abner fell to the sand, clutching his leg. Basil knelt down beside him.

"Don't do anything stupid," Par Ting said. "We're taking that ship."

Basil knelt beside a whimpering Abner and watched Par Ting and his men row the longboat out to The Lady Be Damned." "Those son-of-a-bitches. If they've hurt the captain..."

"Nic was with them! Did you see that, Bay-zill?"

"Yeah, I saw it, but he wasn't with willingly. They shanghaied Nic and some of those boys. Maybe old Nic will be able to save the day, yet."

Abner clutched Basil's sleeve. "We better go save the Captane, Bay-zill!"

"You ain't goin' nowhere right now, buddy. Just rest and let me go check on the captain."
#51



BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    "But Bay-zill..." Abner started to say.

Basil put up his hand and shook his head.At least, Par Ting didn't know they'd hauled that treasure chest off of The Lady be Damned. Then again, it didn't make sense that he'd leave it on an abandoned ship. Yet who would suspect that he would? Basil wondered. It would be interesting to see just how far the ship would go with the parts removed from its hull. And now Captain PB's men were on it under the commandeering of Par Ting.
*52

Dad    The pit in the cave was dark; its only light trickled in from a point above and to the right. A sense of doom threatened to engulf her, yet that tiny sliver of light gave her hope. Her screams seemed to do no good, and so giving up for now, PB sat in a dark corner. Exhausted and drowsy from the drugging, she fell asleep. And dreamed a dream she hadn't in years. The dream of times lost, and buried. Good times,. happy times, sad times too. Nevertheless, best forgotten.

She saw herself, then, as she was before she became a teenager. Her grandfather had taken the orphaned girl to sea with him. His only other choice was to leave her in the orphanage. Cutting her hair short, he passed her off as a boy. Grandfather had never let her near anyone else, lest they discover her secret.

And because of that, the man had endured snide remarks, barely concealed jealousy, even unvoiced suggestions of wrong-doing by others on his ship. He heard without hearing that PB stood for Pretty Boy, and what he did to Pretty Boy when the door to the captain's cabin was closed. He cared not what they thought, he did what he needed to do in order to protect her. When budding womanhood appeared, Grandfather bound her breasts with a layers of linen, to blunt the burgeoning that would expose his subterfuge. Until it all came crashing down late one night.

The ocean is wide, and harbors of safety can sometimes be hard to find. Such was the case on that fateful night with the pirates--Spanish pirates. Grandfather and his crew fought valiantly. In the end, it was all in vain. Grandfather's ship, The May Hemingway (named for PB's grandmother) sank. Grandfather was killed, along with much of the crew, and PB was captured.

As virtually a slave on the Spanish pirate ship, she kept her gender a secret, out of fear. Fear of what the pirates would do to a lone woman, even if that woman was barely a girl, caused her to keep her hair cropped short, her breasts tightly bound, and she took other precautions to avoid being revealed.

She learned from the pirates, too. Oh, she had learned from Grandfather how to handle a ship,and some self-defense. She also learned from his crew, and, by observation and example, how to fight, and their clever and devious ways. She kept her eyes open, her mouth shut, and within two years could navigate a ship by dead-reckoning with the stars.

Being around the Spaniards, she found herself using the words they used, and without trying, she'd learned their language. It was a skill she didn't nurture, since she'd escaped from them. It was one thing she'd wished she could forget, yet was one advantage that laid dormant within the deepest recesses of her mind. The voices in her dream were speaking in Spanish.

Except it wasn't a dream. Her eyes had opened. Lying on her back, in a dark corner of the pit, she listened as two men spoke in Spanish. And she understood every word. A voice drew closer..

"Si, Senor! Adios," someone said

"Adios!" another voice responded.

She knew that voice. She heard footsteps fall away, and another scuffle around near the pit, then someone humming a song.. "Dawes?" she whispered. "Dawes! Is that you?"

"What the hell?" Dawes cried, scrambled to his feet, and rushed toward her. "Captain PB?"

"Get me the hell out of here!"

"Yes, Ma'am!. My God. You're alive! I thought Par Ting killed you. That's why I deserted from his crew."

Once firmly on level ground, she said, "You were in Par Ting's crew?"

"Yes, Ma'am.. Fat lot of good that did me."

"How could you! You SOB. Why, ! ought to shoot you! I don't understand. You showed us the other ship..."

"Par Ting's orders. He'd have you sail it over here, then he'd commandeer half your crew and sail away. I see his plan worked."

"I'd still shoot you, if I had a gun," she replied.

"I've got one, Captain," said Basil, as he approached with a torch. "You want me to?"
#53

Steve ~ Friction    PB waved him back. "No, Basil. We'll need every man we can get to retake the ship. I believe that Dawes is telling the truth and has learned his lesson."

"They didn't take the Mayhem, Captain. They took The Lady Be Damned"

Captain PB rubbed her chin. "How many of my men are left? Come on, let's get out of this cave and down to where the action is. We have to move fast on this."


When they reached the beach they could see that The Lady Be Damned was already under sail and slowly pulling away from the island in the slight breeze.

"I'm damned, alright," Captain PB said. "Who is left here besides Basil and Dawes?"
#54

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    The sun was setting in the west, casting bluish shadows across rocks and sand. Counting what was left of her crew, she mouthed their names. "Sam, Abner, Richards, and Smith." and then noted ten others, who were checking the cannons they'd set up in the chamoflauge of the bushes and trees."Is there anyone alive and still in the hold?"

Instead of answering, Smith hollered out "Want us to blast them, Captain?"

She thought for a minute. The cannons would have been useful if any British ships had shown up in their conveniently hidden hideaway. Privateers, legal headhunters would attempt to loot and hold them for ransom purposes, yet now the cannons were useless in this instance, It would stop Par ting, if they got back on the Mayhem on time and loaded up before they were too far away. Surely they'd not get too far and have to return once it started taking on water. Par Ting got lucky when he managed to corral some of her best men and forced them to be a part of his devious plans. Finally she answered. "If we do that we might succeed in killing Par Ting, but lose our men in the process. I don't like those chances."

"Then what can we do?"

PB paced along the shore, then turned again toward the ocean. The Lady be Damned was slowly, but surely, taking its leave of the cove. "How fast can we get out there by longboat?" She considered the cover of night. "Can we do that without being detected?" She wondered if Par Ting was worth more dead or alive, and what price his head might be worth.
#55

Steve ~ Friction    
Meanwhile, on board the Lady Be Damned, Nic was hatching a plot to take the ship away from Par Ting Chot.

The opportunities to have whispered conversations with the other crew members were limited, but Nic took full advantage of them. Soon everyone on the ship except Par Ting Chot and his main man Garibaldi were aware of the plan. It was a simple plan. They would rush Chot and Garibaldi and overpower them.

As simple plans usually do, it worked.

Nic turned the steering wheel to guide the ship back to the island and congratulated himself on a job well done. Now he could put his agile mind to the task that had been burning brightly on the back burners of his brain ever since he first heard about it: Get the treasure map and find the treasure!

#56

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    OT: The reader has been cheated of how that came about. Is par ting tied to a chair and dangling somewhere or what? There has to be some confrontation. even if briefly explained.

It was a glorious moment in time. The men patted each other on the back and were in such a jolly good mood. The crew members started calling Nic Captain, since he was now commandeering the ship, and they all rallied around him, lifted him up, and cheered him on--and so did the sand crabs and sharks, while the seagulls sang their song.

Unfortunately, a door slammed and Nic awoke, and realized it was but a dream. Or was it?
#57

Steve ~ Friction    Of course it was a dream. Nic sighed. He could never be man enough to retake the ship from Par Ting Chot. He might as well go along for the ride and hope for the best.

The Lady Be Damned drifted along for day after day. They kept hoping the winds would pick up, but they seemed to be trapped in the doldrums. Perhaps this was some cursed portion of the sea where no winds ever blew.

They caught plenty of fish, but soon their supplies of fresh water ran low. "We have to put ashore somewhere for water," Par Ting Chot said to Garibaldi.

"Thatsa true, fearless leader. But where to do?"

"Why don't we go back to the island?" Nic said. "We can't be sure of finding another island and at least we know where that one is."

Par Ting scratched his chin. "Hmm... you make a good point. I can see why Captain PB put so much trust in you."

"She didn't really," Nic said. "Basil was always her favorite."

"What?! The fat cook? Hahaha! Why would she prefer him?"

Nic shrugged. "His cooking? He could do wonderful things with fish... when he wasn't drunk. The problem was getting him sober enough to cook a meal." He sighed. In a way he missed the old quarrelsome days on the Mayhem. Par Ting Chot didn't look near as good in a peasant blouse as Captain PB had. He wondered what Captain PB and Basil and Abner were doing back on the island...
#58

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     The Lady be Damned had rounded the curve of the island, and disappeared from sight.A half hour passed, and then another. They should have returned by now, with the missing parts on the boat they'd not stay afloat too long.


"All aboard ship!" PB yelled.

"But Captain I was about to fix something special..." Basil said.

"Save it!" They walked toward the longboat. "Let's go. Drop whatever you're doing. Don't bother cleaning up. This shouldn't take too long."

After arriving at the ship, they took their positions, and she at the wheel. A half hour later, they'd still not caught sight of the Lady be Damned. "I have a bad feeling about this. With no wind, we won't be moving much either." The day was wearing on. The men were getting restless and wondering why they were floating about when they could be back on the island relaxing or making items to be used while being castaways.

The day stretched into the night, the wind picked up slightly, and then a bit more. "Where could they be? The men are probably dead or wish they were," she said then retired to her cabin looking over her hand-drawn maps and journals. . Someone brought her some broth.

"Would you bring me some water?" she asked.

"Will do, but ye should know ..we're not out yet, but will be before long."

"Great," she replied wryly. "We may have to head back. There's not telling where they might be."

Several minutes later, a loud boom made her stiffen. She knocked over a chair on the way out of the cabin, and ran toward the wheel.. "Someone's shooting at us? Are they flying a flag?"

"Yes they shot, and for some reason, they missed. and i don't see a flag, Captain. From what I can tell she's about the same size as The Mayhem. Shall we load up and fire back?"

"The same size? We can't second guess this. Load your weapons, just in case. It could be a warning shot." Fearing it might be a British ship, she said, "And raise the British flag."

The flag was about to go up, and then stopped. "No need, Captain. Look!," a crew member shouted. "It's the Lady be Damned!"

PB looked through her eyepiece. "You're right, but where is the crew?"

As they drew closer, she noticed Nic was at the wheel. Par Ting was nearby, as if nothing was amiss.. She'd wished she'd shot him when she had her chance. "Give up my men and the ship, Par Ting, or die!"
#59

Steve ~ Friction    Nic wondered what Par Ting's answer would be. It would be a bloody shame if the two ships pounded each other to pieces with their cannons. Then they would all be marooned again with absolutely no hope at all.

Par Ting cupped his hands to his mouth and yelled. "There is no need to be belligerent, Captain! Let's discuss this as equals. I have a ship. You have a ship. Why can't we be partners?"

While Nic waited to hear Captain PB's reply, he daydreamed about the possible results of her refusal. Suppose the ships did seriously damage each other? Everyone would be in a foul mood. Even when they got back to the island, if they did (because some of the men were not wonderful swimmers), then once back on the island the two groups would blame each other and fight. More injuries, more deaths. It was not a pretty fate.

Sometimes Nic thought the day he decided to be a pirate instead of a dentist was a serious blunder on his part. And yet, the seas were glorious and not at all as confining as the inside of a patient's mouth.
#60

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     She hadn't expected him to call parley. "Would you mind holding that thought a minute?" She turned to her crew. ' What say ye? Yea or Nay?"

A muted discussion between them led to bickering, which grew into a shouting match, and soon they shook their fists in the air.

"Nay! Don't trust the scallywag!"

"Why not take the offer? We'll have two ships instead of one!"

"Have you lost your mind, you idiot? Nay!" another shouted back.

"Take the bloody offer and get it ov'r with!"

"Don't be so bloody stupid."

They continued in this fashion, working themselves into a fury, until the sound of her pistol shot rang over their heads. The noise dropped considerably.
She then spoke to the men aboard the Lady be Damned. "What say ye, men?"

Nic made motions with his hands--which didn't look anything like American Sign Language, and she didn't recognize. He stopped when Par Ting looked his way, then shrugged. The rest of the crew looked at Nic, then Par Ting, tand back and forth between Captain PB and Par Ting, who said nothing. They knew where their loyalty lies, yet they weren't sure how to best take advantage of the moment.

"We seem to be in a quandary, Mr. Ting."

"it's Chot. Not Mr. Ting," he corrected her as usual.

"This is senseless." She remembered the name he'd called her, how he stole her men, and left her in the cave to die. Her hand slid to her other pistol. She could kill him now, take the ship anyway. Then again, she still wondered what price he might have on his head, and where the hell the treasure was. She'd had ideas of repairing the Lady be Damned. then resell her, but she couldn't do that if she was in pieces either.

She paced back and forth. the soft thud of her boots beating out a rhythm on the floorboards. She needed more time, which she had very little of. Standing now on the railing, holding onto a rope, she continued, "You've given me no reason whatsoever to trust you, and now you want to join forces? Isn't the real reason you want to negotiate because you've discovered that the ship running out of resources, and is about to go under anytime soon?"

"You're bluffing."

"Am I?"

"It's true," Nic replied.

"If you dare fire upon us, I can guarantee you that the Lady be Damned would never survive. You wouldn't want to ruin an otherwise seaworthy ship, would you? It will look like Swiss cheese afterward..." Her stomach growled at the mere mention of food. "...and you would most certainly die in the process. Admit it, Par Ting--you're outnumbered." He didn't need to know that she'd had the necessary weaponry removed during the repair of the Mayhem.

"And outwitted," yelled a crew mate, while the others unanimously agreed with him.

"Silence!" she told her men. "Prepare to tow the ship back to the island." She secretly hoped that when they got back to the island, Basil would have cooked up a feast for them and not serving leftover electric-eel soup again, or something equally distasteful.

Meanwhile, several crew mates slipped unnoticed over the backside of the ship, and moved up close enough to whack him across the head.
#61

Steve ~ Friction    But Par Ting was very sensitive to activities around him and whirled to meet the potential whackers. "Hold it right there! Unless you want to be singing hymns to the crabs?"

Since Par Ting held a pistol in his hand, the would-be attackers halted and raised their hands.

Seeing that he thought her ploy had failed, Captain PB decided to pretend to go along with Par Ting's "Let's partner up" plan. She could always get out of it later.

"Par Ting!" she yelled, "Maybe you are right. I agree. Let's return to the island and sort everything out to everyone's advantage. No reason why we can't all be winners."

Par Ting grinned. "Now you are using your head, Captain PB. Let logic prevail! We will proceed there immediately."

Fortunately, there was a stiffer breeze and the return trip could be accomplished quickly. Par Ting rubbed his eyes. So itchy lately. He wondered if eating that puffer fish had been a good idea.
#62

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     She might have smiled, yet anyone with half a brain would be worried should the captain be smiling at someone she detested. It was a dead giveaway that something was up.

Going along with his plan was not so much of her idea of a good thing, but she figured she'd play the part, and work it so she came out ahead. She thought about how inept Par Ting was about paying attention to details concerning the sailing of a ship that's been taken apart. Even Nic would have paid better attention, and she noted how fine he looked navigating the ship as it was. Then again, looks can be deceiving.
#63


Dad    Garibaldi moved quickly. The butt end of his pistol came down hard, and sent the recipient of the blow sprawling. Par Ting Chot was unconscious.

HIs weapon dropped to the deck, he raised his hands."Sprechen sie Deutsch? Habla Espaniol?" he asked. Switching to English, he said, "I'm-a speak-a those a two, too."
"Bring Garibaldi to me," PB ordered. "Carefully." She kept her eyes on the giant as Nic transported him from The Lady be Damned to the Mayhem. The fact that he was huge already made him dangerous. Now, she had to factor into his possible unpredictability

With Nic and Woffard flanking him, Garibaldi approached him, his held held imperiously high. "{i]Hablo español," PB said.

The conversation continued in Spanish. "What do you want?" Garibaldi asked.

She gazed up at the giant. As tall as PB was, standing nearly six feet tall, he towered over her. He could crush her easily considering his massive, muscular physique, yet, PB forcefully stood beside him. If she felt overwhelmed by his presence, Nic couldn't detect it. "Why did you do it?"

"Do what?" he asked.

"You know what I mean. Why did you knock out Par Ting?"

Garibaldi rubbed his chin, thinking. Rubbing his hands together, he slowly said, "It was obvious he had lost control of the situation." He pulled himself up to his full height, thrusting out his chest. "Manfredo Umberto Antonio Garibaldi never loses control. I simply brought the situation back under control."

She pulled Nic aside."Can you follow the conversation?"

He shook his head. "Sorry, Captain. The only Spanish I know is "Dos Equis, por favor{./i}."

"I need to find out more. I'll translate. If anyone else can speak the language, come forward and just listen."

She returned to Garibaldi and spoke in spanish.. "You brought the situation under control?"

"Yes. Par Ting might have done something stupid, I stopped him."

"You like being in control, don't you?"

He shrugged. "It's just who I am."

"And just who are you, Garibaldi?"

He shrugged again. "You'd find out any way. Par Ting Chot knows." He sighed, pulling a box to sit on. "Maria Elena Garibaldi was a servant in the household of Count Giovanni of Padua. She was known for her beauty. The count's second son took a liking to her. Now, the count was a very pious man, loved God, and he followed all His commandments as closely as he could. Nobody is perfect, but they say he tried. Alas, the same could not be said for his son, Godfrey. He could not accept a bastard grandson living on his estate. Godfrey was banished to the army, and he died of some illness before his first battle. Maria Elena was sent to relatives of the count on Sardinia.

"I am the bastard grandson. The count was very generous to my mother He educated me at the finest universities. I learned many things. Besides Italian, I speak Spanish, German, and learning English. I am a competent horseman, decent mathematician. None of this I would have done were it not for the sponsorship of my grandfather, the count.

"And not a damned bit of it matters. When it comes to getting ahead in the world, my grandfather wants nothing to do with me. I'm simply the bastard son of his deceased, disgraced son. Says he, 'I gave you a start. The rest is up to you.' So...," he shrugged, "I do what is necessary to get ahead in the world. If that means using my size to make sure no one loses control, I will do it."

"Gracias, Senor' She nodded and turned to Dawes. "Take him below. I ... don't want him in the brig. Ah, ... give him ..." She thought for a moment. Snapping her fingers, she said, "Give him Par Ting's old cabin. Put Par Ting in the brig for now."

After Dawes left with Garibaldi, she recapped the conversation for Nic and Woffard. "What do you think?"

"If he's on your side, Captain," Woffard said, "he seems okay. I wouldn't trust him as far as I can throw him. And that isn't very damned far."

She nodded.
#64

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    On the way back, they'd shared what little water they had. Unfortunately, this only made matters worse for Par Ting, who woke up after getting clubbed. He started resembling the Stay Puff marshmallow man, even more so by the minute. She watched him scratch his disgusting self. Surely he had lice or some other form of vermin he'd probably caught from the hookers back in Port Royal, if he paid them enough to be with him.

With his puffiness, and want to scratch, he might poke a hole and fly about and above the ships soon. And then start screaming, "Helllllp meee."

Steve ~ Friction    
When they reached the island Captain PB had everyone gather on the beach. "Alright, so there has been a little trouble. Believe it or not, I'm not going to punish anybody. Times are difficult and we are all under a lot of stress."

"There were murmurs of "Amen!" and "Right on, Cap'n!"

"As many of you know, I have a treasure map in my possession. Nic and Basil and I are scrutinizing it intensely. Unfortunately, it's in some kind of code. We are almost certain that the treaure is buried right here on this island because the map is shaped like this island."

"Round, Cap'n?" said Shannity, a wiseass crewman.

"No, it's more than just round, Shannity. If you had been in the group that circled the island you would know it has a teardrop shape with an enclosed lagoon in the fat end and a mountain full of caves at the narrow end. Nic is goijng to explain the clue we are having trouble with. Nic?"

Nic took the conch shell in his hand. "It says on the map In the tear of the lady lies the tear of a dragon. In the tear of the dragon lies a lady. That one has us puzzled. Do any of you men have any ideas about what it might mean?"

#66

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     The men mumbled amongst themselves. "Tear of the lady lies the tear of the dragon. In the tear of the dragon lies a lady," they repeated again and again. "Tear...lady Lady ...tear..."

"It doesn't make sense. The dragons died off years ago," Brighton said.

"Those weren't dragons, those were dinosaurs."

"Idiot!" someone said, and was promptly laid out.

"Are you sure?" Abner said.

"Of course.. Do you see any scorched plants or trees anywhere?"

Brighton shook his head.

PB sighed. "We may still be trying to solve this puzzle when we meet up in Davy Jones locker," she said under her breath.

Havahand spoke. "If the tear of the lady lies the tear of the dragon..." He looked toward the Lady be Damned. "...then perhaps it's that lady."

"But what of the 'in the tear of the dragon lies the lady' part?" someone asked. The group dispersed, settling into their spots around the fire they'd started.

Pb came toward the other campfire Basil had going. He'd piled rocks up on part of the fire and laid shellfish and clams on top. She'd always marveled out his expertise in cooking. And now there he was all sparkling clean. His hair slicked back, and clean clothes too. He must have been pretty busy while they were gone.

"How in the world did you catch those lobsters?"

"I'm a chef, remember?" He stepped closer to her, turned and pointed to an overhang. "See those rocks over there? That's where I found 'em. I just dropped my Lobster catcher down and left it there for a day or so."

She pushed some items that looked like potatoes around on the rocks. "Too bad we don't have some corn-on-the cob to go with it," she said and beamed a smile his way.. "Mmm. It smells divine."

***

If he didn't know any better he'd have taken that smile the wrong way. It didn't matter though, he'd brought a smile to the captain's face; that was was enough for him. "It's good to see you all got back safely. I wasn't too worried. I have faith in ye. What surprises me is that you brought that no-good heathen Par Ting."

"Things aren't always what they seem," she whispered, "He thinks he has the upper hand. I just want him alive long enough to find the treasure. After that...well...he deserves to be shot. Nobody calls me Perfect Bitch and gets away with it. I'm sure it's a compliment consdiering the source." She shrugged. "If I was such a bitch, he'd be dead already and hanging on Giibbet Hill."

#67

Dad    "I alwayz tell da truth" Abner said quietly to PB.

"I know you do, Abner," PB said softly to him. "You're a good man. How does your leg feel?"

He grunted, shifting position to take some of the strain off the wounded leg, where he was shot by Par Ting. "Richards, the carpenter, got da muskett ball outta me without much problem." He grinned like a little boy. "He lemme drink all de whiskey I wanted. 'Course, I throwed up af'erwards. I guess I like water better'n whiskey."

He stared hard at PB. "But if da lady done got some lyin' in, shouldn't someone tell her it ain't nice tah tell lies?."

Abner looked over PB's shoulder at the map. "In der Höhle befindet sich eine Dame," he said.

"What... did you just say?" she asked.

He jumped back, his face pinkened. "Nothin.."

Slowly, with as friendly a look as Richards could muster, he said, "I heard you, Abner. I just didn't understand it."

Switching to Spanish, Garibaldi said, Dijeron en la cueva, hay una señora.

PB smiled at the giant. Gracias, Garibaldi." She looked at Abner and smiled sweetly. . "Garibaldi just repeated what you said in german, 'In the cave, there is a lady,': Where did you see that?"

Abner shrugged.

"This is important. Where did you see it?"

Abner blushed slightly. "Well, tis right there on the map." He pointed at what looked like decorations, or possibly gibberish along the top of the map.

Garibaldi looked at the map intently. "I no see. What you see?"

Running his finger right to left, he read it again. "In der Höhle befindet sich eine Dame."

PB's eyes grew wide. "Did you see that, Nic? He read that right to left backwards!"
#68

Steve ~ Friction    Nic stared at Abner. "Maybe he's one of those idiot savants."

Garibaldi frowned. "Whatsa that, Nicky?"

"I'm not sure but I think it's a moron that knows more than he seems to know."

Everyone looked at Abner. "I ain't exactly a mo-ron, am I, fellers? I thought them mo-rons had giant heads? I ain't got no giant head."

"That's true, Nic," Richards said. "Abner's just got a little bitty head."

Nic shrugged. "Well, I don't know how he knows what he seems to know but let's hope what he thinks he knows is the real thing."

"Huh?" Richards said.

Woffard had been staring off into the distance and rubbing his chin. Now he snapped his fingers. "I have an idea about that tear thing. The island is shaped like a teardrop, right? And there is a lagoon in the big part of it. So that's like if the island was a teardrop then there is another teardrop inside of it -- the lagoon!"

Nic thought. "But why would that be the tear of the dragon?"

"Crocodiles!" Woffard said.

Captain PB rolled her eyes. "I'm not Captain Hook."

"No, wait," Nic said. "He might have something there. We ought to at least give the lagoon a closer look. Who wants to come with me?"



BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    
PB couldn't believe her own ears. Not one man spoke up in Abner's defense, and then they simply changed the subject. Captain PB spoke to Abner sending him on an errand to retrieve something from the ship. Once he was out of sight, she darted into the group of men and blocked them.

"You're not going anywhere until after we get one thing straight! "The truth is Abner is brilliant, even if not one of you can recognize it." She walked, and stopped in front of each of them one by one as she spoke.."How dare you talk about Abner as if he's not even here and refer to him as an idiot and moron, Nic! Just because someone is different doesn't mean he is stupid."

She folded her arms across her chest. "Maybe I should I point out some of your inadequacies, especially in front of everyone here? How's this for starters?" She leaned toward Nic and whispered close to him, "Shall I mention how you use your stainless steel plate as a mirror so that you can primp?"

She stepped toward Woffard, avoiding the the foul smell of his breath. "What about you?l Should draw their attention the next time your claw-like toenails are exposed?" Sam was next. "Organized eating rituals?" and then "Gorley, do you really think anyone else finds your farts amusing?"

She looked at Havahand, Basil, Richards, then skimmed her eyes over the rest She noticed that Par Ting Chot had settled into the background watching, and continued. "There are others here that suffer from the lack of social graces, and decency. Shall I go on? I'm betting Abner has an higher IQ than some of you all put together."

Some of the men turned red, while others stared at the ground, and was for now speechless.

"Do not ever refer to Abner in derogatory term again. If anything, you should be thanking him for deciphering the map...the map leading to the treasure. Anyone I hear disrespecting him with words or otherwise will lose a portion of the treasure for each time he does, and it will go to Abner instead."

The men mumbled amongst themselves.

"Is he not your pirate brethren?"

The men nodded.

Abner had returned with a box of supplies, and sat it down, then spoke. "It's okay, Capt'n PB. I don't care whut any'n says. It d'n't bother me none."

"It might not bother you, but t does me, and I'm not having it," Captain PB said.
#70

Dad    "What do you suppose 'In the cave, there is a lady' means, Captain?" Havahand asked.

"I don't know," she said quietly, staring into space. "'In the cave, there is a lady.' What cave? There's many caves."


"What lady?" asked Dawes.

"And why did Par Ting j'st run off into thuh trees?" asked Abner.

Everyone looked around. Par Ting was nowhere to be seen. "Damn it all to hell! Who was suppose to be watching him now?"

Unseen by the party, Par Ting Chot watched them. He patted his hip pocket, and heard the rustle of paper. "Fools," he muttered.
#71

Steve ~ Friction    Nic gasped. "Heyyyyy! Where's the map?"

"Oh no!" Basil said. "That crazy, uh.... I mean evil Par Ting Chot has stolen the map and run away! Who's the numbskull, uh... I mean... inefficient person who allowed that to happen?"

It weren't me," said Woffard. "I was trying to clip off my claw-like toenails so the Captain wouldn't hate me."

"I don't hate you," Captain PB said. "Richards! I thought you were keeping an eye on Par Ting Chot?"

Richards hands trembled. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I don't know what happened. I was just listening to everything going on and then Whoosh! he was gone!"

"And you, Nic," PB said. "How in the world could you let him get the map? I thought you were holding it in your hands?"

Nic looked down at his feet. "I put it down for a moment so I could blow my nose. I didn't want to get snot on the map."

"Well, a snotty map would be better than no map at all."

"I know," Nic said. "Okay, boys,. I reckon we know where Par Ting went. Most likely to hide in the caves. Let's get a search party organized."
#72

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    
PB wondered when the apologies was forthcoming. Instead the men grumbled reluctantly, with exaggerated politeness. Typical.

Finally, she spoke again. "Umm. Just what are you doing? Did I say you couldn't call that rotten, no good, scumbag, sonovabitch, bastard, dirtbag, scallywag Par Ting bad words?"

The men stared at her, aghast at such language coming out of a lady., and especially after scolding them for the same thing! Well she was a captain too. Mayhaps she picked it up from them.

She continued very calmly, "Abner is the one that's been disrespected.." She waved her hand. "I wish someone would pay attenton around here. Anyway, since you're going, to the other side of the island, take all the men with you.

"You're not going?" Nic asked.

"Did I stutter? Two of you can take charge of who's doing what and where. I need some alone time anyway and want to attend to a few things.. I'll expect you back here when the sun dips lower into the sky, and long shadows are cast from rocks and boulders ." What she really wanted to do, before they got back, was open the treasure chest she'd found on board, hide the loot, then lock it back up loaded with debri off the island and ship. And she figured in a dip in the ocean with less clothes on, while nobody was around.


They'd been gone for a good half an hour or so. She eyed the wooden chest, and tried picking the lock to no avail, but it still wouldn't budge. Then she checked all the sides, and rechecked the front. Soon, she became frustrated, and muttering under her breath. Stubborn that she was, she persevered. Still no luck. she could pry it open or slide the pins out of the back, but that might ruin her plans for it later on.

Soon, she moved to the left side, then settled on top of it, dangling her legs over the side. Leaning against it, and just as she decided to get up to find a tool to open it, she heard a click and felt the top slide beneath her. Startled, she jumped of.it How ingenious of someone! The lock was a false front, as well as the top. Excited at the prospect of finding what treasures might be inside, she ran to retrieve the can of cooking oil in the ships galley, then ran back and dabbed it around the rusty seamed edges of the top and the bottom. Grunting and groaning, it finally gave way and slid open.

Unfortunately, there wasn't much inside. In fact, someone had beat her to the job of loading it with what looked like useless items. She sifted through it, picking up assorted plates, tools, a compass and looking glass, inspecting each item. Gathering some papers at the bottom, she found a bundle of papers crudely tied together.. They were worn and frayed, looked almost burnt at the edges, with tea like stains. She removed them and a few other items and replaced the rest, then slid the chest closed again, and heard the click.

Her curiosity satisfied, she hiked back to her cabin, and slipped the bundle into an otherwise hidden area for safekeeping until she could look at it later, and then left the ship.

Finding an area with huge boulders surrounding the cover, she looked toward the beach, scanning it for any movement, then looked toward the direction the men had went in, and was assured they were gone.. First her boots came off, next her top, then her britches. With only simple linen underclothes, did she dive into the water, swim and frolic like a seal, first one way and another, and then floated on her back.enjoying the slight coolness of the water, and the warmth of sunshine on her face.
.
"Ah, now this is living!"

After a good ten minutes or so, she left the water, grabbed her things and found the highest point on the Mayhem and laid there until her linens were almost dry before wriggled back into her clothes.
#73


Steve ~ Friction    Nic and the men returned to the caves where they quickly found Par Ting Chot. He had caught his foot in a crevice and was whimpering like a baby.

"Serves you tight," Nic said. "How are you going to escape from an island? We were too nice to you last time. This time you are going to be in chains. Give me that map!"

Nic snatched the map from Par Ting Chot and unrolled it. So far they had two clues...

1) In the tear of the lady lies the tear of a dragon. In the tear of the dragon lies a lady.

2) In der Höhle befindet sich eine Dame which translated as: In the cave you will find a lady.

"Good clues," Nic said. "Now we figure them out. Richards, you come with me to check out the lagoon. Woffard, you and Havahand take our prisoner back to the Captain. If Richards and I are not there by dusk, then send someone to look for us."

"Nic," Basil said. "What about that second clue? We're here at the caves. Where is the lady in the clue?"

"I don't know what the clue means," Nic said, "but it might be like the Old Man of The Mountain thing where you see a human profile in a rock formation. What do you think?"

"I think your idea is as good as any," Basil said. "Why don't I stay here at the caves and have a look around?"

"Do that," Nic said.

"Smythe, you stayin?"

"Sure," Smythe replied.

"Woffard, tell the Captain that Basil and the others are at the cave and that Richards and I are at the lagoon. Now get our prisoner to her. See you later."
#74

EvilDawg    Woffard and Havahand apprehended the bound Par Ting Chot, turned, and marched back towards the camp and the captain. Looking up at the sky, he thought that dusk would be in about three hours and he hurried the pace, keeping a sharp eye on Par Ting and not saying much.

Walking back down the beach with Havahand, Woffard thought he heard something rustle in the underbrush nearby. They stopped suddenly. "Hang on a minute," he told Havahand, who kept a firm grasp on Par Ting Chot, and went in for a closer look. To his amazement, standing there with wide eyes, in a patch of oleander, was a goat. Now, how the hell did that get here? Woffard looked around for landmarks. "Let's go. It was a goat." They continued, looking forward to telling the captain about his find.

"hey should have been back by now PB thought. Captain PB started walking toward the caves, when she heard footsteps and hunkered down, and then watched as . Woffard, Havahand, and Par Ting Chot appeared around the bend."By golly, you put a scare into me! What's going on? Where's the rest of the men?" PB asked.

"Captain. Two things--first, we caught a rat, pointing ta Par Ting Chot. Second, I saw a goat," and pointed back the way they came.

"Good!"

"Lets go find the others. It's not good to be split up for long." They walked part of the way, then PB said, "Hang on a minute," .PB threw her pistols over to Woffard, and Havahand, and said "If he moves, shoot him," and then she entered into the thicket where Woffard spied the goat.
#75

Steve ~ Friction    Nic and Richards tramped through the jungle until they heard a waterfall. Pushing aside the underbrush, Nic looked out on a welcoming pool of water fed by a small waterfall. "All this place needs is a few mermaids and it would be perfect," Nic said.

"Aye, tis a beautiful," Richards said, gazing at the lake of sparkling blue water encircled by white sands and waving palm trees.

"Aha!" Nic said. "Look over there, Richards."

"Logs?"

"Not logs. I think there be crocodiles here!"
#76

Dad    
Meanwhile, Basil and Smythe slowly explored thecave, not noticing the other men had vanished. The only light came from their torches. The smoldering branches, still damp from an early morning rain, produced dismal light. The sickening smell of bat dung assaulted their senses, and they had to duck once when a dozen screeched from the cave over their heads. "Back thisaway," Basil whispered.

"Okay," Smythe answered in a whisper.They walked silently for several minutes, the only sound being their shoes shuffling on the cave's moist dirt floor.

"The pit's just up a bit.".

""Why are we whispering?"

"I don't know. I guess..."

Just then a sudden movement and whoosh of air, and Smythe heard a dreadful thump..
"Basil?" Smythe called out. He looked down into the pit. Basil lay motionless at the bottom. Jumping into the pit, Smythe quickly looked him over. Even in the dimmest of light coming from somewhere in the cave, the deep, ugly bruise on his temple was plainly obvious. Smythe put his fingers to his throat to check his pulse. At least he was breathing.
#77


EvilDawg    "Why can I not make a deal with your Captain?" Par Ting asked. "Are we not all adults?"

"Shuddup!" Woffard kicked Par Ting Chot in the arm as he cocked back the hammer of the pistol. "Just sit there and be quiet."

a few hundredAyards away, Captain PB found the goat. It was grazing on the small grass at the base of a cliff. She found a piece of driftwood and slowly walked over to where the goat was eating. What am I gonna do, kill it? I'm not the cook. Dropping the wood in favor of a long strand of seaweed, the Captain fashioned a simple lasso and continued her slow, deliberate pace toward the goat.

"Baaaaaa" The goat looked up and then back down to it's meal. The Captain got closer and closer until she was in striking distance. WHOOSH! The lasso made it around the goats neck and PB pulled on it, tightening the opening closer around its neck. The Captain stood by it, triumphant.

Goat for dinner boys! Wrapping some more of the seaweed around its neck, PB tugged on the old goat, which stubbornly resisted. Finally she got her goat going and made her way back to the camp.

It was almost dark now, We're eating meat tonight! She looked up at the sky, and rushed back to the waiting threesome, and they continued with the goat in tow.
#78

Dad    

They stopped once more, while Woffard decided to take a whiz and split for a bush nearby.Par Ting shot PB a menancing look.

"What is your problem, Par Ting? What have I ever done to you to make you hate me?"

"You don't know?" he snarled.

"Know what? If I knew, would I be asking? You remember Carson, the first mate? He was killed in Tortuga." She narrowed her eyes at him. "And of course you wouldn't happen to know of how that brawl started. Regardless, he hired you on. I didn't know you from Adam. And you go and plant a bomb on the Mayhem. intent on blowing her up! What the hell gives?"

Woffard had secured him to a tree, and a man hardly looks superior in that postion, but somehow Par Ting pulled it off. "Go to hell, Perfect Bitch. I'll let you figure out what you did. Just like I'll let you figure out if you can trust any of yer crew. We be pirates, after all. Most of us think a woman is good fer just one thing. And from what I hear, you ain't even good for that!"

With each word he spoke, her eyebrow shot up farther. The blow across his face was quick and sharp. "You watch yourself, mister. I can still have you hung from the yardarm."

He spat blood from his mouth. "You go ahead and do that, Perfect Bitch. Hang me from the yardarm. Hang me from the nearest tree. You do that, and the answer to the mystery of the map dies with me," he sneered. "Are you even sure that you have the right map? How sure are you of that?" And then he laughed--a cruel mocking laugh.

Before she could respond, Smythe ran into the clearing just as Woffard came back, and eyed the goat, and then Par Ting. . "Captain! We need help! Basil's been hurt!"
#79

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     "There is no talking to you. Tis senseless." Every now and then she found herself slipping into her Grandmother's native tongue--Irish. "Has anyone told ye lately what a vile wee man ye are?"

She'd had enough of Par Ting. . PB whacked Par Ting, again, knocking him out, then tied a bandana across his mouth. "There!"

I'll head inside with Smythe." This is turning into a circus. Never a dull moment, she thought. She vowed that tonight she'd relax up on the deck, with only the light of the moon, feel the gentle lifting of the waves beneath the Mayhem as it rocked her to sleep, and away from all the noise and problems.
#80

EvilDawg    The Captain and Smythe jogged into the cave where she had been held hostage not long ago. The two made their way slowly back beyond the light from the opening. They headed toward the voices they heard farther back.

PB stopped suddenly, holding her arm outwards from her side, blocking Smythe as well. She put her finger up to her mouth, "Shhhhhh." She knew that Smythe wouldn't be able to see her gesture, but did it anyway. The air became like ice, chilling them both to the very bone. Suddenly, little flashes of light started popping into existence, first in front of them, then expanding to both sides and finally behind them. The portion of the cave they were in was very dimly lit by these flashing lights as they grew and faded in intensity.

Slowly, a figure emerged as the lights started to coalesce. The figure was that of a lady, dressed in white flowing gowns, hovering gently above the floor of the cave. She held her hand out to the Captain and slowly started to glide over to her. In the dark recesses of the cave came unmistakable howl of a man in utter agony.


As Basil screamed, the lights separated and moved away in all directions, the apparition fading. The lights dimmed and disappeared.

PB grabbed Smythe by the arm and led him towards the screaming, "Let's move, that's Basil."
$81

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    She stiffened, then plunged into the darkness, while before this she'd periodically looked back toward the cave opening, but lost sight as they went around a curve. Lifting the thick pieces of branches she'd gathered, she nudged Smythe with her elbow. "Hold one of these, would you?"

Over the soft thuds of them walking, she could hear him say, "Captain, I'm n't likin this adventure. I fear Par Ting has put something in o'r drinkin water."

"Why do you say that?"

"I...I think I'm hallucinating."

"You too?" She stopped.

"You too?... You too?.... You too?" the walls echoed back, repeating over and over..

"And now hearing echos, which I don't remember hearing before. Something really weird is going on, Smythe. " Pb whispered."

"Ye be right bout that," he whispered back.


"Over here!" a voice echoed through the cavern, making their heads turn.

"Over here!.....Over here....over here...," the walls responded for the third time.

They talked in hushed whispers. "That sounded like it was in another direction, Captain."

"No...no. its this way, I think," PB whispered again. "You there?" And then a bit louder, "Smythe?"

"Smythe? Smythe? Smythe?"

"Right here.." He touched her arm.

"Right here! here! here!" the walls responded.

"This is insane!." she screamed.

"Insane....insane....insane...."

"Sing, Smythe. Singing will sound much better than this."

"Sing whut?"

"Anything."

"Okay, The only one I be thinkin of is:

'H'r hand in mine, and I let go

"...let go.... let go...let go," the cave repeated.

"Her broken bones on the boulders below."

"....boulders below...below....below..."

"And then she fell..." Smythe sang.

"Fell fell, felll..."

"Stop already. Don't you know anything soothing?" PB asked..

"Like what, Captain?" he whispered.

"Never mind. Look up ahead." The slant of the cave floor had changed, as she felt herself lean back and continue down into the damp, cool darkness. There ahead was that same ribbon of light streaming into the cave. "I think this is it" Thank God."

"Garibaldi!" she hollered, thinking he could easily lift anyone in and out of the pit.

"Garibaldi!....Garibaldi!..." the walls resonated.. And then it was quiet, and she heard the faintest of sounds--like the trickling of water.
#82



Steve ~ Friction    At the lagoon Nic and Richards were taking a pleasant swim, being completely unaware of what was happening with the rest of the crew.

"You know, Nickie," Richards said. "I think if I had a little cabin on this island, and a wife and kids, I could live here the rest of my life in complete happiness."

Nic laughed. "I was thinking the same thing earlier! Tis a pleasant place indeed! Always sunshine and a cool breeze."

"Are you sure we're safe from those crocodiles?"

"As long as we stay in this little hole." They'd discovered a tidal pool , but they kept a wary eye for crocadiles as they splashed around in it.

"What do you think that clue means about In the tear of the lady lies the tear of a dragon. In the tear of the dragon lies a lady?"

Nic lay on his back in the warm water. "I think the first lady is the island and I'm sure this lagoon is the first tear. And I think one of those crocs is the dragon. But you know they say crocodiles don't cry. So what could be a tear in the eye of a croc?"

"Crocodile tears! Maybe the clue is saying that it's a false clue?"

"What kind of clue would that be? A clue that was not really a clue?"

"Sure! Why not? Those scallwags that bury treasure like to be misleading and confusing. Maybe the treasure map itself is a hoax."

Nic sat up in the water. "Don't say that!"
#83

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     The pair in the cave, Captain PB and Smythe, moved closer to the light. And there was...Basil, aware and groaning.

"What happened?" PB asked.

"I dunno. One minute, I was walking along and down I went."

She unwrapped a kerchief, and set out some bottles and a rag. "Well, good thing I brought something along. Where are you hurt besides that big head of yours?" She thought she saw the slightest wrinkling around his eyes, but then he winced.

"Me head be feelin like it's about to explode, and chopping it off might be the only solution."

"Besides that," she tended his bloodied forehead, dabbing at it, sponging antiseptic, which must of stung because he grabbed her wrist and then let go. "Can you stand up? Are your legs okay?"

He made to get up, groaning even more. Havahand offered his hand and between them both they got him out of there. PB looked up at them from the pit. "You going to be okay? We need to get done here and find Nic and Richards."

They heard voices and they grew nearer, and soon the other men appeared--Garibaldi, Abner, Sam, and the rest. "Where have you guys been?"

"Basil told us to scope out the other cave entrance, Captain,"

"I did not," Basil said.

"Nic told you that then?" PB asked.

"No," Basil said. "I would have remembered that."

"Well, somebody did. What are you doing down there, Captain?"

"Did you see the others?"

"Yes, at the cave entrance."

"Basil's been injured. Assist him if he needs it. See that shaft of light. " She pointed. "I want to investigate, and I am not willing to spend all night searching for you guys, so let's get going and be done with this." Havahand lifted PB out of the pit, and sat her down. "Think you can walk or should we leave you here for a few minutes?" she asked Basil.

"I don't think I broke anything, if that's what you mean. I"m going wherever you're going."

"Okay, Here take these." She handed him the two tree branches she'd trimmed off. "You can use them like crutches or a walking stick, if not." They walked toward the ribbon of light, stepping over stones. "We must be near water. These rocks are damp."

Soon, they were in a clearing of about 15 X 12 feet feet wide. There were several other tunnels which looked like it ended at a wall of rocks, but there was one that looked as if it had an opening. They stayed at the clearing a few minutes more, with Pb kneeling near the ground. She went to get up, and something poking out between some rocks glimmered and caught her eye.

"What is it, Captain?" The men scanned the rocks for anything unsual.

She stretched across some rocks and lifted the item. "The key! This is the key Par Ting had!"

"What?"

"I'm afraid that might not be true," someone else said, and he dangled a chain and key from his hand, which looked identical to the one she had in hers, and just lifted from some other rocks.

"Par Ting is pulling a trick on us. I'm afraid we might never find the treasure he's hoarding to himself. He's never told us just what treasure this is either. What if it's not worth it?"

"Don't worry. We'll find it. We're tired and hungry, and we need to find Nic and them."

"You're right." She looked toward the tunnel with the light at the end. "I think it's time to leave, but...we might get out faster through there." And so they hiked and climbed toward the opening, which was indeed a way out, and opened into a pool of water with logs floating around in it, and then another where the two missing men were exiting the water.

"There they are. Nic! I'll be right there!" she hollered.

NIc looked up and over. "Don't move!" he said.

"But..."

"Don't!"

"You're acting awfully strange...."

"Would you listen for a change?"

"Now you listen here!"

"No, This time you will, or you will die."

"What? Have you lost your mind?".

That's when he noticed something unusual about the rock formation and shadows behind her, yet he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"I mean it!"

"Good God. It's bad enough have one man turn against me. Now you?"
#84

Steve ~ Friction    "Don't move!" Nic said. "There is a crocodile right behind you."

PB screamed and jumped away as the crocodile returned to the lagoon.

"Didn't I say don't move!"

PB brushed herself off. "Right. And let myself be eaten by a croc? Are you daft?"

Nic shrugged. "I've always been told that if you freeze then a wild animal won't attack you."

"Who told you that? Your ma? She was probably hoping you would get eaten."

The men laughed and Nic's face reddened.

"Why are you guys here, anyway?" he asked." I told Woffard to tell you that me and Richards would be back to camp by dusk."

"There has been a lot happening and I was getting worried about you."

"Aww, that's sweet."

PB pulled herself up to her full height. "There ain't nothin' sweet about it. You're part of my crew, and I don't want to lose any of my crew. Knowing how foolish you can be I decided to check on you and that's all there be to it."

Nic smiled. "Okay, Captain, have it your way. But now that we are all together again, what's the plan? Shall we continue to look for the treasure or shall we get off this bloomin' island?"

Captain PB looked around at the lagoon. "What did you and Richards discover here?"

"We think the crocodiles are the dragon in the clue, but we don't know what a tear in their eye might be since crocodiles don't cry. I'm beginning to think someone is sending us on a wild goose chase."

Basil looked up. "I can cook a goose right fine, especially if I have a few herbs and some butter."
#85





EvilDawg    The crew of the Mayhem made their way back the camp. Woffard was at the fire, stoking it back to life. The Captain eyed Par Ting, still gagged unconscious from her earlier attack on him, and smiled wryly.

"Men, " the Captain said as she nodded to crew. "I've had enough of this forsaken island. Tomorrow, before we sail, the ship will be inspected to make sure everything is working right. Woffard, Smythe and Havahand, you will finish exploring this island, taking care not to fall into any pits, fill some barrels with water from the waterfall and load them onto the ship by noon, no exceptions." She glanced over at Nic, "You will make sure our weapons are on board, and the ammo in place. and keep me apprised. Everyone else will be working on the final transfer of anything we've brought off the Mayhem and replace it onto the ship."

She discreetly pulled a few men aside, and told them. "Take that chest that was found and put it back onto the Lady be Damned."

"Yes Ma'am, Captain," they said.

PB walked around the campfire, looking her men in the eye, and walked up to Basil.

"You sir, have a job to do right now. We need to eat."

He glanced at the goat tethered to the tree."Is that a goat? Oh, I the things I can do with a goat." He licked his lips and nodded as he walked over to his crate of supplies, reached in and pulled out a very large knife. He turned to PB and winked .
#86


BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    No sooner had Basil lifted the gleaming, sharp knife, and the goat let out a "Baaah."

PB ran over to it, covering it with her own body and blocking Basil, who was hovering nearby. "I'm sorry to disappoint you. I'm afraid you'll not be killing this goat. He's just a baby, for God's sake."

"But, Captain, I thought we were having him for dinner?"

"I've had second thoughts. To be honest, I've grown rather fond of .... Mr. Booger." Have someone round up one of the pigs. I checked them, and whoever said they had worms is wrong. By the way, he will be on board the Mayhem when we leave." She raised her voice . "Did everyone hear? As of right now, Mr. Booger is mine, and not a meal." She knelt down, stretched her hand out to the goat. "It's okay. Nobody's going to hurt you." The goat stared back at her and the group of men behind her, his ears back.

"Where'd ye find em, Captain?" Basil asked.

"He was all by himself--an orphan." He wasn't the only one, she remembered.

Abner drew closer. "He be a cute one."

"Would you help care for him, Abner?"


She held out her hand again; the goat looked at her warily, still and stiffened, and then relaxed. A foul smell wafted through the air. PB waved her hand before her face.

"Me thinks Mr. Booger has gas, Captain," Basil said.

The men drew together, and spoke among themselves.

"Goats on board? What's the world comin to?" Dawes said.

"Why couldn't she be havin a bird or a monkey, or even a cat instead?"

"Ziegen sind von Drachen entwickelt," Garibbaldi said.

"Drachen?" Abner asked Gribaldi.

"Ja." Garibaldi continued. "Passen Sie zu ihm an. Bald werden Sie Ziegenscheiße aufräumen."

Abner laughed.

Nic had to ask. "What's so funny? Care to share the joke."

"He be sayin that goats be evolved from dragons."

Nic shook his head. "What so funny about that? It's just a myth."

"Dragon....Goat. I ken see the similarities already." Havahand said. "One shoots fire out its mouth. The other out of his..."

"Garibaldi be sayin... 'Better adapt. Ye be gettin use to cleaning up goat poo.'"

"Not everyone has that to look forward too." Nic replied.

"Whoa. Look there. That be our Captain?" someone whispered.

Then men turned their heads, moved in closer, turned silent, and watched Mr. Booger and PB. Curiously, she had revealed a part of her that they'd not seen before. She seemed so different than what they were use to--softer somehow, and they thought about what it might be like to be him.

Unaware that they were close enough to hear her, she spoke quietly, her voice comforting. "Come here little guy."

"He's just scared right now." She turned around and looked at the men. She wondered how long they'd been standing there. "What are you gawking at? Is it any wonder he's scared."

Most of them men scattered. Four men--Nic, Basil, Havahand and Garibaldi were standing around casting each other looks as if they'd made a startling discovery and shared a secret.

"Don't you have something better to do?" PB asked. "Go on. Find us a pig, if you want to eat sometime tonight."

Par Ting came out of his fog, and watched the goat and the captain, with interest and a gleam in his eyes.
#87

EvilDawg    Basil rounded up a pig, the biggest one he could find. "Good evening dinner, I'm Basil and I will be cooking you tonight. Welcome to my abattoir." Out of the sight of onlookers, he eyed the pig, getting a sense of its proportions, then with his knife, swiftly slit the throat and gutted it with practiced ease.

The captain tied the goat around a coconut tree and patted Mr. Booger's head. "I won't let them hurt you." She turned to Abner, grabbed his hand and led him over to the goat. "You have an important job, Abner. I need you to guard Mr. Booger." She looked him in the eyes as he started to giggle.

"You said booger." Abner was really snickering like a schoolboy. PB gave him the look that she gives people when they are not paying attention; he stiffened up, small smirk still on his face.

Nic and Havahand gathered wood to fuel the fire, while Garibaldi arranged crates and boxes to be loaded onto the Mayhem in the morning.

The other deckhands were adhering to the captain's orders, transferring everything over from the Lady Be Damned to the Mayhem: Extra ammo, a few extra cannons, rope and extra wood planks for future repairs.

Smythe conversed quietly to the new person, the one they found huddled behind the bush. "What be your name?"

"Donner." This lad couldn't have been more than seventeen years old, if that. He still had a child-like voice, soft and innocent.

"Help me carry this chest over to the Lady Be Damned," Smythe ordered and they slowly made their way out of the Mayhem and over to the other ship.

Par Ting Chot watched calculatingly, looking for any opportunity.
#88

Dad    Arrangements for shoving off took the rest of the day. With Abner's help, Basil roasted the pig. He pointed to the bruise on his head. "This looks worse than it be," he told Abner. "Me 'head hurts, and concentratin' can take a wee bit o' work, but I'll manage."

"I'm glad, Bay-zell. I ain't sure none o' the rest o' us ken cook near as good as you. I knowed the captain is mighty partial to yer cookin'."

After a sumptuous feast of pork, Basil stored the rest of the meat to take on the ship. "We'll be shoving off at first light," PB announced. We gotta get away from his god-forsaken island before it drives us all mad. We'll come back soon to search for the treasure, but for now ... We just have to get away!"

She pulled Havahand to the side. "I want you to tie up Par Ting Chot. Then, put him in the brig, tie him to something big. Chain that to the iron rings set in the side of the ship. Lock the brig, and put a chair in front of the door. I don't want the reprobate to escape again."

"Aye, Captain. Uh, captain. A question?"

"Certainly!"

"Why does Par Ting hate you so much?"

She shook her head. "That was the jist of our argument earlier this afternoon. I don't know. The scoundrel says I should know, but I don't think I ever saw him before Carson hired him on." Havahand nodded and descended into the ship.

PB tied a rope around Mr. Booger's neck, replacing the seaweed one she had originally made, and led him to the poop deck and tied him to the railing. Hooking up her hammock to the ship's rigging, she smiled. As welcome as the thought was, she couldn't make Nic clean up after the goat all the time. PB stared off into the starry night.


The night was hot and muggy. Loosening her peasant blouse, she allowed the meager breeze to cool her ample bosom. Lying in the hammock, she yearned to sleep naked, realizing the folly of that thought. Before long, she rolled over. Edward's strong, musky form lay next to her. She embraced him, holding her lover tightly. How she longed for this night, to lie next to him. Slowly, her fingers inched their way along his waistband.

Many said her Edward could not be tamed. That it was all a dream. But PB knew better. Edward was hers, and hers alone. "Soon, darling," she whispered. "Soon, I shall be PB Teach, and we shall together command the Queen Anne's Revenge."


"Captain?" Again, it was Havahand. "Captain?" Alas, it was all a dream. Edward was off elsewhere in the Caribbean, aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, while she was aboard the Mayhem. "Captain?"

"Yes, what is it, Havahand?"

"It's first light. I have news for you. First, Par Ting is still in the brig."

"Good. Feed him, and order everyone else to stay the hell away from the brig."

"Aye, Captain. Ah, Richards, the Carpenter, says the Mayhem will be ready for launch around midday. we shouldn't take 'er out before that."

She sighed. "Make it so. When is the next high tide?"

"Shortly after. We should be able to sail as soon as Richards says it's safe."

She nodded. "Very good, Havahand. Anything else?"

He nodded again. It was now that she noticed the dower expression on his face. "One of the seamen, Francis Peckham. Just a young man, Captain. He died in his bed last night. I tried to rouse him, but he was dead. Richards looked him over. No sign of injury or nothin', no illness."

"Oh?"

"Probably just died. I asked Gorley, Woffard, and Dawes bury him near the mouth of the cave. They'll be takin' his body out soon."

"Very good, Havahand.".

"As long as we're gonna be here a little while, send Smythe and a couple other men out to capture a few more pigs, put them in the hold. Can't have too much meat, you know."

After he left, she fixed her clothes and took down her hammock. "It was all a damned dream, Mr. Booger," she whispered to the goat as she fed and watered him. Stroking his head she stared forlornly at the island. "Just a damned dream. I have to get away from this accursed island. That all there is to it."
#89

EvilDawg    Donner walked along the beach, casting an eye toward PB several times, trying gather up enough courage to just ask, pacing by the fire. Finally she walked up to the Captain.

"Captain. May I speak with you?" Donner bowed slightly, in respect.

"Sure, what is it, ummm... errr... What's yer name?" The Captain remembered finding this lad on the island, but hadn't had much time to get acquainted or discover anything else about him.

"Name's Donner. I would like to officially become a part of your crew Sir, errr... Ma'am...Captain." Donner was unsure of the proper name, but tried to get it right by sending a salvo of titles her way.

"Part of Mayhem's crew? Well, your timing is very good...Too good perhaps. We had a death last night so there is an opening. Okay. You are welcome to join the crew. Your dutied are to do everything I tell you to, agreed?" The Captain looked stern.

"Agreed, Thank you Ma'am, I mean Captain. There is one other thing though."

"What is it lad, I have work to do if we are to shove off later today."

"Well that just it Captain." Donner took of the dark sailors cap, letting down the locks of curly, golden hair. "Name's Amanda Donner."
#90

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    “What!” Captain PB’s mouth dropped open at the sight of the long hair tumbling down. She moved from her sitting postion, crouched down, and circled the girl like a crab eyeing her with curious, slanted eyes, and then stopped several times to ask a question. “Are you ill? Anyone can grow his or her hair long." She took a few more steps. "Is this a ploy to get out of working?”

“No, Ma’am. Tis the truth.”

She glanced back at her crew, who happened to be quite busy readying the ship for their leave, then grasped the girl's arm, and tugged at her. “Go! Now!” She’d pointed to the thickness of the trees. , and followed right behind her, telling her which way to go. They’d passed the bend in the trail, she turned left then through more thickness of forest, finally they came to some rocks and as they climbed, she said, “How do I know for sure you’re telling the truth?”

They’d stopped, PB listening to the surroundings and watchful for any other presence. She saw and heard none.

“If ye not be believing me, Captain, maybe this will prove otherwise.”

Before PB could stop her, the girl had took off her blouse, undid her linens wrapped around her bodice, and was about to take off her pants. PB turned to view what was unmistakably female, albeit gaunt, with dark circles below her eyes, her hair tumbled once again, and glistened like a spun silk around her.

“Stop!”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

She peered closer still. “Why did you take till now to reveal this?”

“Isn't it obvious, Captain? Your crew is all male, except you, of course. I thought you might turn me away, considering that I am not."

“Do you have the foggiest idea of what a mess you’ve put me in? Do you even comprehend the danger?”

“I’m not sorry for wanting to be part of your crew, Ma’am.”

“Why would you want to be aboard my ship? “

“Some people admire the Mayhem—say that she’s a fine ship, and within the capable hands of a fiery, but fair woman that controls it and her crew. I wanted to see if it were true.”

“Hmm. “ Pb leaned back against a boulder and sat down.

“What else do they say?”

“Good things….mostly.”

PB wondered about whatever was besides the mostly, but wasn’t that concerned. People were prone to talk and sometimes had exaggerated notions.

Her thoughts returned to the current revelation. God help them if the men found out there was a woman onboard ship. Soon she’d be blamed for any bit of bad luck there was. Then again, she, herself, was a woman. Still, things had changed because now that she was aware, she had to do something about it.

“Tis a dangerous thing to be a woman on a pirate ship, among lusty, robust men capable of behavior that some men typify.”

“Would you treat me differently now knowing I am female?”

“Nothing has changed.” But, of course, how could it not? She couldn't just ignore the news. No. The girl would have to leave the island when they did. By the time they got into another port, one more civilized, she’d be convinced to look elsewhere. Meanwhile, PB had to figure out how to handle the mess until then. She’d be doing her a favor to discourage her from the pirate way of life. She was still young, attractive, and had a life to live, not on a ship placing herself in danger’s way. At least for now, she could look out for the girl.

Then it occurred to her, she could be her own personal cabin boy, er… girl…er attendant. That would ensure that no trouble arose between the men. She could also discourage her on the way back to another harbour. It didn’t matter if she thought ill of her, really, since wasn’t it for her own good?

"You must tell noone, and listen to me."

Amanda nodded.

“Okay. Amanda. From now on, I will call you Donner, unless you have a nickname. This is what we’re going to do…” Then they marched back to the ship.
#90


Steve ~ Friction    Nic sat idly chewing on a piece of roast pig. It was tough and stringy and had the taste of the wild in it. "By damned!" he exclaimed. "If I wasn't starving I couldn't eat this offal!" But there was nothing much else to eat except coconuts and roots. And fish. Good idea, he thought. I'll rig up a pole and a line and go fishing.

As he rummaged through the hold looking for some line he felt eyes staring at him. He whirled around. It was that stupid goat, Mr Booger. He gave Mr Booger a good kick and laughed as the goat ran away. "Yah! Go tell Captain PB that old Nic kicked you! Hahaha!"

Soon, he had his line in the water, waiting for a bite. Captain PB was talking to the new boy, Donner. What a fine-looking lad. Just the type Captain PB probably liked, Nic thought - young and inexperienced so as how she could teach him a few things. She would probably make him her cabin boy so he could be handy whenever she wanted him.
#91

EvilDawg    }Par Ting eyed the brig cautiously, looking for any way to escape. He was shackled at the wrists to some large iron rings in the hull of the ship, chains wrapped from chest to waist and his legs and feet tied with some hemp rope. I've been in worse positions, he thought as he tested the knots and metal that subdued him to no avail. Pretty Bitch, you're sailing right into my hands. I told you I would have my revenge! I have been planning this for a long time and it's paying off. Soon, PB... Soon.

Par Ting Chot slumped, held upright only by the shackles on his wrists. Exhaustion had taken its toll as he slipped into unconsciousness.
#93

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    They got back to camp, PB split up the loot they'd retrieved from an earlier journey, rationing out each man's share. They'd be wanting to spend it, and usually used every drop of it on women, liquor and gambling. A half hour later, PB noticed Nic fishing. Odd fishing at night. He seemed so different than when she'd first met him, or maybe she just overlooked it, she wasn't sure, but for some reason every time he spoke, she wanted to rip his head off.

"Nic, what are you doing?" Her hands were on her hips. "Didn't you get enough to eat at dinner?"

"Well, Captain, I don't eat pork. It's against my beliefs."

"I never took you for a religious man. but I"m not one to interfere in such things. Well, hurry it up about it, will you? Or we'll be leaving and you'll be staying."

She turned and left him alone. She had overheard the men yacking as they often did, ribbing each other while on the high seas. At some point Nic's name came up in the conversation. Nic and his rendevous with some girl on the mainland. Such a pity and waste. The pretty boy and his porker. Bah!

Meanwhile, Mr. Booger was sniffing around in the hold. He'd found Nic's ditty bag, deftly untied the rope with his teeth, pulled out his clothes, chewed them real good, then ran out of the hold with it in his mouth, and gleefully.dropped them into the ocean. Seconds later, he had more and did the same thing, but soon grew tired of that and hobbled back to the Captain's cabin unnoticed, with just a small piece of paper in his mouth. When PB returned to her cabin, Amanda was speaking to him in hushed words, yet for some reason PB couldn't make them out. She had other things on her mind at he moment so passed it off as nothing.


A crew-mate happened across the leftover strewn clothing in the hold. He recognized the bag as Nic's, and grumbled about how messy he was, then stuffed them back in the bag and tossed it toward Nic's bed.

"Time to leave! Let's go. All aboard!" Captain PB yelled from the shore..

She left Smythe in charge of keeping count to make sure nobody was left behind., and soon they were sailing on the wild blue waves again. PB took a fresh breath of air, and spent most of midday topside. There was something about the sounds of the waves, and the creaking of old the ship that was comforting as they glided through the water--it was almost romantic. She'd almost ran into the girl, as she came around the corner. "Donner, I need my spyglass. It is in my quarters."

"Aye, Captain. Getting them now."

She returned,, PB took it, and scanned the horizon. "All clear ahead."
#94




Dad    "Basil said to tell you that the ship's movements aren't doing his head any good," Garibaldi said to PB in German. "He said it's the first time in years he's been seasick."

"Thank you, Garibaldi," PB sighed. "That was a nasty blow he took.Hopefully, he has no fracture. I guess Abner can help him cook for a little while."

"I'll tell him," the giant said.

"Danke, Garibaldi."


PB watched Garibaldi leave, then scanned the horizon again through her spyglass. She drew Donner closer.. "I think you need a first name, Donner, just in case. How about if I name you Amand Donner. As you know, Amand is a man's name. Do you mind if I call you that?"

"It is fine."

PB continued to stare out to sea. "I did the same as you did once, when I was on my grandfather's ship, but I was just a child."

The girl thought someone was coming and answered differently. "Sehr jung."

PB continued, hearing, but not hearing. "You're not a child." She paused for a moment. "It wasn't very easy. I was the only female on board. Poppy wanted to protect me from his crew..."

"Ja. Ich hatte das gehört."

"....but, I survived with anyone discovering my secr..." She stared at her cabin "boy," amazement in her face. "Did you just speak in ....?"

"Deautsche, Ja." Donner leaned very close to the captain's ear and whispered, "I said, 'Ich hatte das gehört'--Yes, I heard."

She knew the proper name for the language too, but most people knew it as German. PB answered in German also. "But how?"

"Mein Vater war im Mainz geboren und arbeitete für die Militärpolizei in Kassel, bis er während des Krieges getötet wurde."

"Whoa! Give me a second." It had been a while since PB had spoken the language, but there were some words she remembered easily. She mouthed the words--Vater (father), born in Mainz, arbeitete (worked) for the Militarpolizei (military police) in Kassel, until he died in the war.

She studied the girl carefully, the edge of her mouth turned upward. "You're very interesting, Amand Donner. Very interesting, indeed." Her smile disappeared. "I want you to tell no one, and I mean no one at all, that you speak Deutsch." This was good. This was excellent. They could talk freely without worry as long as they made sure nobody was around that knew the language. And few did among her men.
#95

Steve ~ Friction    
Garibaldi hid behind a bulkhead listening. Zooooo, der new boy spricht Deutsch. Dat vas sumting goot to know. But what kind of name vas Donner? Dat vas a name for a reindeer. Vas his brother's name Blitzen?



Down in the hold Nic sniffed at his chewed up clothes. Hmmm... That smell was either goat saliva or Captain PB had been pleasuring herself with his smocks. More likely it was the goat, Nic thought. Now that Captain PB had that Donner boy in her cabin, poor old Mr Booger was not getting the attention he used to get from the captain. A jealous goat was a mischievous goat.

Nic rubbed his chin. This would be a good time for Mr Booger to "accidentally" fall overboard. He would hardly be missed. Funny if the Captain didn't even know he was gone.

Nic found an old boot that seemed a suitable lure for a goat. Holding it in front of him he crept around the ship whispering. "Mr Booger... Where are you, Mr Booger?"

#96

EvilDawg    Par Ting awoke with a start, How long had I been out? he wondered. The ship swayed to and from, gently rattling his chains over the larger swells. He tried to sit up from the slouch he was in, grabbing a handful of chain and hoisting himself up. He realized the Mayhem had put to sea and was pleased.

It won't be long now, Pretty Bitch. Not too long indeed. Then you will know the full brunt of my wrath The feeling excited him to the core, his heart racing as he knew what lay ahead for the Captain. Giddy with vengeful lust he tried to stand, to no avail. He scanned the brig and found a barred window looking into the rest of Mayhem's hold. Par Ting giggled briefly when he saw the goat eating from a crew members knapsack.

Up on deck, the Captain was at the helm, giving orders to the crew, sometimes twice. Note to self, more drills for the crew.

"Captain!" Havahand yells from the crows nest, pointing towards the horizon. "Two Ships! Heading this way."
#96

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     Captain PB looked through her spyglass. "Are you sure there were two?"

"If you dinna see two, then one is hanging back."

"Raise the British flag!" PB hoped it would make them believe they were a peaceful ship, and cause them to back off. Depending on what they were about, sometimes avoidance was a good thing, rather that end up having the whole British navy come down on them.

Soon, it was apparent they were gaining on them, rather than backing away. This meant fight or flight. "Load your weapons, and wait for the signal should they not pass by peacefully."

The other ship drew closer. The Mayhem turned as if its crew members might board the advancing ship, once they got close enough. To anyone watching, the crew would look as if nothing was amiss.
#98


EvilDawg    Par Ting heard the commotion on deck as several of Mayhem's crew rushed by the brig, gathering supplies and cannon balls from her hold. My Revenge is near

Dawes went up to the Captain who was casting orders to everyone; "Batten the hatches, hoist the Main Sail, open the gun ports just enough to be able to aim."

"Captain?" Dawes approached PB.

"What is it Dawes? I'm a little busy at the moment."

"We need to talk Ma'am... Now!" Dawes nodded over to the stairs going down to the hold.

"Fine, but make it quick. We all might be dying today, so I would like to go down with a fight." PB glanced around as she walked to the hold, checking that everyone was doing what they were supposed to do. They made it down into the belly of the ship.

"Captain. That is not a friendly ship. It is the Revenge sent by Par Ting." He paused briefly, "I have a confession to make Ma'am. I was party to collusion against you with Par Ting." He let that sink in a moment, then continued. "But, I have found a home here on the Mayhem and would like to stay on, if you can still trust me..." He stopped talking and looked at PB.

"Let me get this straight Dawes. You and Par Ting have planned this whole thing?" The Captain, careful not to be seen or heard by Par Ting Chot, grabbed Dawes by the arm and led him into a stall in the bow of the ship and lowered her voice almost to a whisper. "The Island, the map, these ships?"

"Yes Ma'am. Well, not these two ships, only the Revenge. Oh, Captain, one more thing." He looked her in the eyes, "Garibaldi is with Par Ting, keep an eye on him please. I hope that I have redeemed myself a little bit Captain. Please think about letting me stay on."

Smythe ran down the steps, yelling "Captain! The two ships are fighting! One appears to be a British War Ship and the other is flying the Jolly Roger. We need you on deck!"

"Tell no one what you told me, except for Nic. Find Nic and have him and Abner escort Garibaldi to the brig. I will deal with him later."

PB went back up on deck. The two ships could be seen clearly now as they got closer to the Mayhem.

"Get ready boys!"
#99

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    PB thought about what Dawes had said. She wondered just who she could trust. Dawes or Garibaldi? Garibaldi helped decipher the map, but Dawes..well just what had he done that proved where his loyalty lies? On the other hand, what has he done to prove otherwise? She couldn't think about that right now.

This was not a good time to find out if there were traitors onboard. With Garibaldi locked up, that might be a problem too. She decided to talk to Nic. It was hard to think as they drew closer to the other ships. Yet none of the shots were fired toward the Mayhem YET.

"Amand! Take Mr. Booger into my quarters, and stay with him."

"Yes, Captain!"

Then she saw him and waved him to come over. "Nic! We need to talk now." He'd overheard part of what was going on. "What do you think we should do? Dawes said that Garibaldi is part of Par Ting Chot's plans, and all of what happened they knew way beforehand. Dawes wants to join up. And here we are with two ships approaching. If we get out of this alive, would you be interested in the Lady be Damned? And would you take an active interest if anything bad should come down?" Urghh..she wondered what she was saying. Didn't another crew member tell her that even NIc was acting strange, and trying to lure Mr. Booger over the edge?

She'd also put her own feminine pride aside when he basically ignored her subtle flirting. He couldn't help it if he had other tastes in companions. Not that she would have let herself get too close with him , of course.

After all, she was still getting butterflies whenever she heard the name Teach. Now there was a man! It wasn't true what they said about him. He was passionate about everything he layed his hands on. 'Blackbeard was evil, starved and beat his crew, and had fourteen wives,' they'd said.. People lied, but she knew personally what Edward was like, and it wasn't like they'd said. And ...then it dawned on her..Queen Anne's Revenge? That's his ship! She looked through her spyglass again, and just then a shot flew overheard. ."Fire! Fire warning shots!"


BOOM! Another shot was fired, and the scent of gunpowder filled the air. This time her crew had shot one of the cannons, and it landed not far from the other ships. Would Edward recognize her ship? He wouldn't fire upon them.
#100

Steve ~ Friction    Nic spit out the piece of straw he had been chewing on. "So you think that's Edward Teach come to get you?"

Captain PB looked at him with misty eyes. "Yes! Isn't that romantic?"

"I don't know," Nic said. "How do you know he isn't just going to rape and kill us and steal everything we got. He{ i}is a pirate, you know."

Captain PB waved him away. "Oh, Nic. You always take a strange view of everything. My Edward would never behave that way."

"Maybe if he was your Edward he wouldn't, but how do you know he doesn't have another woman? Maybe she's on that boat with him right now."

"Don't talk like that. I'm confused enough already about the Garibaldi problem and the Dawes problem. You are one of the few crewmen I still trust. Don't go all weird and crazy on me."

"Yes, ma'am," Nic said. "I guess we'll find out what's what soon enough."
#101

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     If she didn't know any better, she could have sworn Nic was jealous,. The idea was preposterous. More than likely, he was trying to tick her off, which was an easy thing to do considering the source.

Still, she had to consider what he'd said. What if he did have another woman by now?No, he wouldn't. He was an attractive man who loved women, so why wouldn't he take up with another woman? But to bring her on board meant yet another thing

Nic had a way of almost always being right, which is why she turned to him for an opinion.She looked again at the Revenge. They were close enough to see a figure standing near the closest edge.
#102



Dad    PB saw the smoke from the cannon on The Queen Anne's Revenge long before she heard their report.She smiled broadly. Edward wasn't double crossing her, at least at this moment. Damn Nic and his lies. Edward was firing on the British warship bearing down on The Mayhem! And The Revenge was closer to the warship than she was to the Mayhem. The warship bore down on her.

Odd. Edward seemed to have missed completely. That wasn't like him. Maybe he was breaking in a new gunnery crew. The Queen Anne's Revenge's guns belched more smoke, followed shortly by the sound of more firing. PB's eyes grew wide asshe saw the warship slowly turn. Either her commander was a complete fool, or an absolute genius. She was between The Mayhem and The Queen Anne's Revenge{/i]. "When are our damn guns gonna be ready?" PB screamed.

Gorley poked his head from the hold. "We be caught off-guard, captain. My apologies. I be havin' them at ready in jes' no time a tall."

"You had better, Gorley, if you know what's good for you. And fire at will!"

"Aye, Captain. Argh, captain? Which one be Will?" He grinned at her as his head ducked back into the hold. Moments later, a terrific explosion rocked the Mayhem. Everything disappeared in a cloud of gray smoke as her first gun belched fire and brimstone in the direction of the British warship. Another shot from the Revenge belched, and a shot finally seemed to find its mark as the warship teetered.

PB smiled. Soon I shall see my Edward again. Soon.
#103

EvilDawg    Par Ting sat in the hold of the ship. What is taking so long? Imbeciles! Simple plan for simple men, that's what he said He could feel the ship come about several times then fire, the noise deafening in the hollow hold of the Mayhem. Getting mad at his revenge plans falling apart, he started singing at the top of his lungs.

Yo ho, yo ho, a Pirate's Life for me!
We pillage, we plunder, we rifle, and loot,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.
We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot,
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.

Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.
We extort, we pilfer, we filch, and sack,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.
Maraud and embezzle, and even high-jack,
Drink up, me 'earties, yo ho.

Suddenly Par Ting heard the familiar sound of keys jingling. Nic appeared at the brig door and opened it. Par Ting struggled in his chains and ropes, unable to move even an inch. Nic had a musket in his hands. There was a brief blur as Nic used the butt of the gun to silence the terrible singing of the prisoner. "That's such a stupid song, and so cliche'." Par Ting slumped, unconscious.

On deck, PB barked orders as the Mayhem came about again. She finally saw her treasure, Captain Teach, poised on the deck of the the Queen Anne's Revenge like the swashbuckling hero that his was. She swooned a bit, memories coming back to her of their first encounter. It was then that she saw the woman standing next to him, pistol at his back. "What? Who...?"

Captain Teach stood there on deck waiting for this mystery woman to give him another order, his crew were... Wait! His crew! They're all...Women! What is going on?

The Revenge and the Mayhem both fired on the British ship, shattering her main sail mast and collapsing the jib. It limped off to the east as best it could until it was out of range and no longer a threat to either ship.

The Queen Anne's Revenge came about and pulled alongside the Mayhem. The woman with the pistol looked at PB ans shouted, "Give us Par Ting Chot and your precious man may survive to see your lovely bosom under that shirt once more."

I should have known that scalawag Par Ting was behind this! How does he do these things? She glanced over at her crew, who gave her surprised looks and shrugs and said, "Bring me Par Ting... Now!"

"Already done Captain." Garibaldi, holding a musket and dragging Par Ting by the manacles shouted as he appeared on deck. "I'm sorry to say that I'll be leaving you and your find ship. Oh and, you may want to get Nic's head dressed, he took a nasty fall."

Garibaldi used the Mayhem's Gangplank to take Par Ting over to the Revenge. He then took Teach by the arm and forcefully took him to the plank, kicked it off of the Revenge and let it fall into the water. It was then he threw Captain Teach overboard, shackled with his hands behind his back.

The woman snickered, "Awake or not, Par Ting will have his Revenge!" Then the Revenge came about and sailed on.

PB jumped overboard, without thought, and dove down to retrieve Teach. Luckily he was a strong swimmer, as he managed to pull him up and aboard the Mayhem.

"That's It!" PB stomped her foot. "Par Ting is going to Die!" This comment, of course, was very much unlike her. "No more Ms. Nice Pirate!" She looked at Dawes, "I should have trusted you, I'm sorry. Go see about Nic."

#104

Steve ~ Friction    "Thank you for saving my life," said Edward Teach.

Captain PB helped him get the manacles off. "I could do no less for the man who is so often in my dreams."

"I suppose you are wondering how those women managed to overpower me and take my ship?"

Captain PB shrugged. "I can imagine how it happened. A beautiful woman and too much to drink. Am I right?"

"Aye, that's the way it was. I met Griselda at The Inn of the Flying Boar in Havana. Little did I know she was a demon in command of a legion of she-devils. She offered to party with us on our ship and bring her girlfriends along. The crew was thrilled but that night my men were all murdered. I was the only one they kept alive so they could torture me." Edward shuddered.

"Oh my poor baby," Captain PB said and hugged him. "You're safe now."
#105

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    PB slipped her arm through his, and led him toward the cabin. Along the way, PB could feel the looks of the other men upon her, especially Nic's. Basil had turned suddenly silent. Mayhaps he still wasn't feeling well, she thought.

"What a fine ship ye be havin here, love," Edward said.

Before she led him into her quarters, she turned to her crew. "As you must realize, this is Captain Edward Teach."

He nodded. "That I am." His attention was toward the direction that the Queen Anne's Revenge went, and grumbled to himself.

"I"m sure you know of him," PB said. "He is my guest, and will be treated with respect. Do you understand?"

"Aye, Captain," they'd answered.
#106


Dad    The crew had scrambled on deck to watch the British warship and “The Queen Anne's Revenge” depart, looking anywhere but at the effect the seawater had on PB's white peasant blouse. Suddenly, Dawes whispered, “Blackbeard! The pirate.”

“Aye,” said Gorley. “And don't you be lettin' PB hear you call him that. 'Tis the last thing you want her to be hearin' matey.”

“And why is that?”

“Arghh, matey. She hates that nickname. His name be Edward Teach, and Edward Teach it be. Nothin' else. To her, that be like callin' Richards 'Graybeard' 'cause he's old. Or callin' me 'Blue Eyes' 'cause I gots blue eyes. Or callin' Pete Charles 'Big Peter' 'cause ... um ...he's 6'6 and weighs 285.”

“But, Bay-zel,” Abner whispered. “We do call 'im 'Big Peter.'”

“Aye, we do, Abner. But we call 'im 'Big Peter' because, um ...”

“Oh, yeah! We call 'im 'Big Peter' 'cause o' 'is big feet! 'Big Pete's' gots big feet!”

“That's right, Abner,” Basil said, giving him a friendly pat to the shoulder. “Big Pete's got big feet.”



PB began to lead Edward to her cabin. “Havahand! I want the ship searched stem to stern. If that bastard Par Ting Chot left anything on board, I want it found. That sonuvabitch will not get away with this.”

“Donner,” she said, closing the door and peeling the wet blouse off. “This is Captain Edward Teach. This is my cabin boy, Edward. His name is Armand Donner. Donner, Captain Teach and I need to discuss some things. If you would be so kind as to look after the goats in the hold, and then take Mr. Booger out to the poop deck for some exercise, I would truly appreciate it.” Donner stared at her, bare chested in front of a man. “Oh, it's Okay, Armand. Edward and I have been friends for a very long time.” She smiled knowingly.

Donner nodded, closing the door to the cabin as she left.


Nic searched the hold with Gorley and Big Pete. "Nothin' in here, Nic," Big Pete said as Donner entered. "Nothin' but the god-awful stench of goat. Dammit it stinks down here."

"Who the hell knew goats stank s' bad," Worley answered.

"I did," Nic answered. "But, whew, we need some friggin' ventilation down here." He watched Donner
water and feed the goats. What is the matter with me? he thought. Why does that boy intrigue me so much? This is crazy! Donner looked up at him and smiled. And why does he treat me like he does? It's like he knows the effect he has on me.



I gotta get out of here, Donner thought. There's that Nic again. Everywhere I go, there he is! I know The Mayhem is a small ship, but I just can't get away from him!

She was glad, very glad, her breasts were tightly bound. That not only flattened her already small breasts boyishly flat, but it also kept her feminine, and very noticeable nipples from becoming apparent through her otherwise masculine clothing.

Finishing with the goats she hurriedly tied a rope around Mr. Booger's neck and led him from the hold.

The portion of Donner that was Armand Donner was very put off by the attention Nic paid him. And the curiosity Nic aroused in him. But the part that was Amanda Donner ...?

That was something very very different. She thought about asking PB about it, but when she passed by her cabin, the sounds coming from within indicated that she and Edward were still deep in ... ah, discussion. Maybe later. But not much later.
#107



EvilDawg    As the Mayhem sailed on through the night, the sea became fierce as the thirty-three year storm grew in intensity. The Captain's finished their "talk" and returned to the main deck.

"This be the Thirty-year Storm it be, we should find a port to stow the Mayhem and get some much needed relaxation," Gorley said to PB, holing onto the railing as the ship tossed in the large swells.

"Aye Gorely, we should do that." PB went back into her cabin with Teach and they poured over charts. "Here!" She pointed at the map after using a compass and ruler to plot their location. "Bombardier Island. It's the closest port large enough to dock the Mayhem in." Teach leaned closer, examining the chart the pointing at it, "True but we have to go through the Dead Straight. I don't like the look of it."

The chart read "Here be Dragons."

"Edward my love, you don't still believe the rumors about that place do you?" She put an arm around him and pinched his side playfully.

"Aye, I do. I have lost many friends there."

"Well, I think that with luck on our side, as it seems to be, we need to try to get the crew a hot meal other than boar and warm grog. Not to mention some women for them." PB was a thoughtful Captain. She knew that a happy crew was a loyal crew.

"Very well, " Teach said, "Let's change our heading. Mayhaps we should attempt to skirt the storm as much as possible."

"First, let's get a report from Nic on the state of the ship. If he says she can make it through the storm, then we should do that. It would save us a couple days." PB opened the cabin door and yelled, "Nic! Git yer ass in here!"


Steve ~ Friction    Nic reluctantly took his eyes off Armand Donner. That boy was certainly intriguing. Just something about him...

"Yes, Captain?" Nic said.

"What's the state of the ship?"

"Captain, the state of the ship be wholesome and hearty. She be shipshape and steady as she goes on an even keel."

Captain PB flung her hand at him. "None of that sailor jargon! Plain talk."

"The ship be good, Captain. No leaks. Richards and I inspected it closely."

"Excellent! Have you met Edward Teach yet? He's my new second in command."

Nic's eyes widened. "I thought I was your second-in-command."

"You are!" PB patted Nic's shoulder. "You both are. You are co-seconds-in-command."

"I don't know..."

"Aw, come on, Nic. Work with me."

Nic never could resist PB when she went into her hale and hearty just-one-of-the-guys mode. "Oh, alright. I'll work with you. Welcome aboard the Mayhem, Mr. Edward Teach."
#109

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     PB tried not to bring up the fact that part of the time Nic had soaked in the pool, fished, while the rest of the crew worked on finding the treasure.

"Tis Captain Teach. And it be my pleasure to be here. Ye be havin two captains instead of one. However, we both I know who's in charge here." He smiled.

NIc looked at him odd.. Of course he had to have meant PB, because he was looking at her now.

PB walked back to her cabin with Teach. They'd not been intimate when he first came on the ship, even though Amand must have thought it was so, and was creeping around acting awfully strange lately.

Instead, after he washed up, she massaged his shoulders, and from the looks on his face was enjoying that immensely. while she settled for kisses, and caresses. His hands were rough from handling ropes on the ship, but she didn't mind. She hoped that he wasn't really taken with those women on his ship, and hoped after giving him some time after they got into port, they'd find a bath house, share some quality time together, and make love just like old times..
#110




EvilDawg    The sea was angry and the ship rocked back and forth like a psychotic mother trying to get her baby troll to sleep. The thirty-three year storm was a violent mistress the likes of which had not bee seen for... Thirty-three years.

Every crew member struggled to keep the ship from being blown apart, luckily Richard's assessment of the state of the ship was correct. The Mayhem weathered the storm very well and, except for the major creaking of the masts and hold, held together and made good time to Bombardier Island.

The Captain's shouted orders to the various crew members while Richards made repairs on the fly as needed; he was as skilled a carpenter as he was a talker. Every now and then one Captain would get close to the other and offer a pat on the rear, followed up by a tight squeeze or a cupping of a cheek. They had missed each other desperately and were both glad to be reunited.

As they rounded the Cape of Progress the Island came into view. It was not a pretty view though as there were several British ships blocking the harbor.

"A blockade? Now what?" Nic asked the Captain's.

PB, quick on her feet yelled, "Dawes! Raise the British flag quick! Nic, you take Big Pete and get some planks from the hold and paint 'Progress' on them and cover up Mayhem on the ship's hull. We can do this!" She looked at Teach who just stared at her in amazement.

"Oh, you're good!" He said, as he went to squeeze her butt cheek again, but she lifted his hand from there..

"Would you stop? What will the crew think? At least wait until they are out of sight," PB whispered.
#111

Dad    "Argh. Forgive me, PB. I missed ye more'n I thought. You're a good woman, e'en I don't know what PB stands f'r."

"Captain!" Richards yelled through the howling wind. "No need to pain 'Progress!' I still be havin' the ones fr'm th' last time ye wanted them." He pointed to the ship's hull, to where he'd already replaced the 'Mayhem" placard.

A thin smile crossed her face. "Good work, Richards. Good work."

"Argh," Edward growled. "I be hopin it works, PB. I be hopin' it works."

#112

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     They were watching the blockade intently, when they heard someone shouting.

"Captain, there be another ship coming up behind us!".

Yes, there is. Now is not the time to panic. We'll get through this, men." She looked toward Edward.

He noted the bead of sweat starting at her brow, even while she held her head high.
.#113

EvilDawg    Captain Teach recognized the ship that was fast approaching from the rear to be The Queen Anne's Revenge. "Par Ting!" He said with contempt and distaste. He glanced back at PB and gave her the 'I'm going to kill him' look, "That damn scalawag! What is he thinking? Is he trying to force us into the blockade?"

"Of course he is! He's a scoundrel and is hell-bent on punishing me for something I did to him," PB closed her eyes tight, trying to think back to what it was that she did to deserve this from Par Ting, "But I can't remember what it was." She opened her eyes and scanned the horizon. "We can try to make a run for it, I hear Cuba is nice this time of year..."

"Dammit," Teach exclaimed, pulling her towards him by the waist. "You and I have been in tougher spots than this and made it through." He leaned in, kissed her passionately on the lips and whispered in her ear, "Think of the crew darling, we are going to need them to not be panicked."

PB regained her composure and started barking orders to the crew, "Come about, make for The Lady Be Damned! Tonight we feast on She-devil!"

A loud roar of approval came from the crew who were now hustling to raise every sail the Mayhem had and head her into the wind. "Donner!" PB looked around and found her running up from below. She motioned for Amanda to come over to her as she knelt down on one knee. PB whispered, "Donner. Go into my cabin and retie those bosoms. Tie 'em tight girl and make like a man. We be fighting soon and if we get boarded I don't want anyone knowing you're... You know."

Donner ran off, visibly shaken by the news, to the Captain's cabin.

"When we get within range, turn sharp and fire everything we've got. Everyone that's not steering this ship get down to the guns and make ready!" PB ran up to the wheel and lined her precious ship up for an attack run. Once they got in range, she turned the Mayhem and yelled, "FIRE!"

At once, all eight cannons on the starboard side of the ship fired, balls flying, seeking their targets. Several struck the Queen Anne's Revenge in the bow and one hit the main sail mast, which fell like a tall tree being cut down with skill. "Take that you son of a b..."

"Captain!" Dawes yelled as he pointed behind them, "Look!"

PB and Teach looked aft. Twelve British warships were right on their tail, each ships crew working in seasoned unison. PB went back to the task at hand, "Focus on the Queen Anne's Revenge!"

The Queen Anne's Revenge started coming about, getting in firing position just as another volley of the Mayhem's cannons flew through the air. This time, most cannonballs hit the ship, taking out several gun ports, lessening the chance of it totally destroying the Mayhem.

The British ships began surrounding the pair of battling vessels and began firing on the Queen Anne's Revenge, but not the Mayhem.

"Look Captain, in the water!" Abner pointed to the port side.

PB saw a big man floating in the water, his bald head bleeding from a cut, possibly from a saber. Garibaldi! She went over to Nic, "Pull him up but keep this on him," she handed Nic her pistol.

"Aye, aye Captain," Nic had a smile on his face and went to the rail and threw Garibaldi a rope, he grabbed it and Nic did not pull him up, instead he opened his fly and peed on him. The big man waved his arms in the air; trying to swat the pee away like he would swat away flies. Once Nic relieved himself, he hooked the rope of to a block and tackle and hoisted Garibaldi up and, once he got to his feet, was met by the gun Nic had trained on him. "Nice to see you again Pee-brain!"

The big, bald man held him hands up, "They betrayed me too, I want my revenge on Par Ting and those she-devils!".

"Mayhaps a bit later, for now, down on yer knees." Nic looked back to PB who was on the ground laughing hysterically, saying over and over, "Pee-brain..."

The lead British ship, the RMS Martyn Baldry, was side by side with the Mayhem; the gangway lowered over and British Soldiers boarded, muskets in hand and swords unclasped and at the ready. "I am Captain Charles Thatcher, I hereby take control of this vessel in the name of the King. Everyone stand down and get on your knees." The large man, about the size of Teach had a very strong air of authority.

"Are we glad to see you sir," PB said as her, Teach and the rest of the crew knelt down. "Those pirates were trying to steal my prize goat!"

"Silence! Dawson, Price, put every one in manacles and take them to the brig of the Baldry. Put the Captain in a separate cell then tie off this ship. We will tow her to Bombardier Island."

"Please don't put my goat in jail Captain, he's just a baby." PB glanced at Teach and winked.
#114

Dad    PB calmly put her hands behind her back as the one called Dawson tied them. She glanced toward her cabin and smiled. Donner is one smart boy, for a girl, she thought. She saw Donner slip from her cabin and lead Mr. Booger into bowels of the ship, unseen by the British. Don't know what the girl has in mind, PB thought, but for some reason, I trust her more than I trust anyone. Except Edward.

The sounds of the battle continued. The Queen Anne's Revenge, now led by Par Ting, appeared to try to come about. The British warships continued to pound her. Suddenly, the entire sea seemed to be enveloped by a vast explosion. The Queen Anne's Revenge seemed to lift out of the water as the whole ship exploded. "Argh," Dawson said. "Seems one of our balls found 'er womb." Aghast at himself, he apologized.

"No need, sailor," she answered. "And I'd say you're right. Cannon balls are a mite hot, and can surely raise holy hell in a ship's magazine."

"Aye," he said, leaving her tied to the Mayhem's mast as he helped round up the rest of her crew.

"I'm so sorry about the Revenge, Edward," she said as they left him tied to the mast.

"Aye, 'twould be bad, if she were the Revenge," he said, a twinkle in his eye. "Argh, but that, that was another ship what got ... let's say donated ... to our cause." He cast an eye at the burning hulk, all that remained of what once pretended to be the Queen Anne's Revenge. "Argh, 'tis just a shame I wasn't the one to give Par Ting his final send off."

She shook her head. "Don't count that bastard out just yet, Edward. I won't believe the son of a bitch is dead until I hold his cold, dead head in my own hands. Then, I'll cut his damned heart out myself. With a rusty spoon."

Edward gave her a sideways glance. "Remind me to stay your lover, my love, and not your enemy."


#115

Steve ~ Friction    
Donner led Mr Booger deep into the hold of the ship to where she had discovered a little hiding place snug under one of the bulkheads. "Shhh! We'll hid here, Mr Booger, but ye must not bleat or grumble."

Mr Booger lay down in Donner's lap and sniffed. That was odd. Donner didn't smell like the other crewmen; Donner smelled like Captain PB. Mr Booger sighed contentedly and went to sleep.

#116

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     "What do you think about Nic's shenanigans? He follows my cabin boy around, picks on Mr. Booger, and I don't know I get this feeling that he's got a problem."

"Who knows?"Teach answered. "Are you thinking of ending his contract?"

"I terminated his contract, but he doesn't know it yet. I was waiting to tell him until we got into port. It was either that or kill him. What does it matter now anyway? Look at us, Edward."

"Things aren't always the way they seem, love."

--------------

Coming out of the Captain's Cabin, Thatcher held ripped up documents in his hand. He pieced them together the best he could; it was good enough for him to realize what it was. He wandered over to the mast where PB and Teach were secured, a smirk on his face.

"Captain, it seems as though things aren't going very well for you," he said as he held up the torn contract, opened his hand and let the pieces fall to the group. "Who is this --Nicholas?"

PB motioned to Nic with her head, sitting on the deck with the other crew members, "He's there. He's the one with the open fly." PB reached behind her as best she could with her bound hands, finding Teach's fingers and squeezing them tightly.

Thatcher strode over to the group of tied up crew, "Which one of you is... Nevermind." He reached down and took a hold of Nic at the elbow and helped him up to his feet. "Nic?"

"Why?" Nic looked confused, he tried to remain confident in stature.

"It seems that you have been released from your duties on board this ship," Thatcher pointed over to the pile of ripped up paper by PB's feet. "You may leave the ship if you like," Thatcher got the attention of one the Baldry's crew. "Get a launch and secure it to the port side." The sailor rushed away with no hesitation. "Since you are no longer a member of this crew, I will spare you the punishment they will suffer."

Nic eyes glared at PB as Thatcher released him from his manacles. He stood there, wondering what to do. He was angry and glad at the same time.

Thatcher continued to check out the Mayhem.
#117

EvilDawg    Captain Thatcher wandered the Mayhem and inspected her for damage thoroughly. He went below and PB's heart sank, hoping that Donner would not be found. For what seemed like an eternity to PB was only about two minutes; Captain Thatcher came back up on deck, following closely behind him was Mr. Booger, led by Donner.

PB's lips snarled in anger at the thought of what the crew of the Baldry may do to a young, ravishing girl found at sea in the company of Pirates. "Release her this instant!" PB ordered to Captain Thatcher. "She is just a child that we rescued on a deserted island."

"Release her?" Thatcher asked, clearly surprised at the order from the prisoner. "Why would I do that Captain? She's my daughter."

#118

Dad    PB's eyes bugged out of her head. Nic's did the same. As she was crying, "She's your WHAT?" Nic stammered, "He's a ... he's a ... Oh, praise God Almighty, he's a girl!"

Thatcher beamed at Donner. "Aye," he said proudly. "Amanda truly be my daughter. An' she's hardly a girl. Did me lassie tell you she's 21 years old?"

Nic stared at her. Thatcher had removed her hat, sifted her fingers through the mass of loosely curled hair, which fell past her shoulders.
#119

Steve ~ Friction    As Nic sat in the Baldry's launch, he looked back at the Mayhem and wondered what would happen to Captain PB and Edward Teach and Basil and Abner and all the rest. Would they be put to death as pirates?

Nic turned around and looked ahead to where the Baldry was looming up. She was a fine-looking ship, a bit larger than the Mayhem and a lot cleaner. Nic rubbed his hands together. Ah, a new life. Maybe he would abandon his pirating ways forever. Maybe he would get a commission in the Royal Navy and become an officer. Maybe one day he would captain his own ship. Maybe one day he would become an admiral and command an entire fleet!

The future looked very bright for old Nic.
#120

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     PB contemplated the fate of her crew and ship. She didn't want Nic to find out the way he had, and would have told him as they got into port, but now it was too late. At least he was free to be whatever he chose to be.


Several days later, or had it been several minutes?, Nic sat drowsily, sipped on a cocktail, and stared out at the sea, watches a cloud pass over in the sky..

Several men appeared out of nowhere and were at his side. Next thing you know he was being dragged to the gallows. Yet he struggled to break free.

"Have you no shame, you scalawag!" the people cried. Even Mr. Booger was on the scene, his hooves beat a rhythm on the ground. His bleeting blending in with the excitemnt.

"Are you people crazy? I'm innocent!" Nic cried. "What have I done? Why are you doing this to me?"

"Don't play innocent wit me!" his captor said."Soon ye be keepin company with yer kind, and havin a new rope to be hangin from."

"No..,No..Stop! You're making a mistake!"

They temporarily secured him to a post, when someonepushed through the crowd, and rushed up and spoke to the person in charge about matters other than the present one. Meanwhile, Mr. Booger moved closer to Nic, wagging his little tail and staring at him .

Nic glared back. "A gloating goat, just what I need." Then he got an idea. "Come here little goat. I didn't like you at first, but now...now I can I see what a fine furry ...goat you are."

Mr. Booger bleeted again, stiffened, then disappeared leaving a foggy scent behind him.

"No. Don't leave! Wait!"

Nic was rescued by the sound of a clock bell ringing which interrupted his nap, and his daytime nightmare dissipated

#121







EvilDawg    Back aboard the Mayhem, Captain Thatcher considered Captain's PB and Teach for a long time as they sat on the main deck, hands still tied and fingers still touching; the ropes now starting to cut into the softened, tenderized flash under the bindings.

"I suppose I should reward you for rescuing my daughter. Oh, what a tangled web we weave..." Thatcher paced on the deck before them, making a show of his upcoming decision.

"For rescuing my only child I shall let you go," He stood before them, looking at them sternly. "But, there are conditions of course. First, you may dock at Bombardier Island for a period no longer than five days. Second, you will leave British territory and never return. Lastly, if I see you, which would mean that you violated my second rule, I will sink your ship and send everyone on board to the gallows. Is that understood?" Thatcher untied the couple and helped them up to their feet.

PB hugged Teach then looked at each other knowingly.

"This is acceptable." Teach said, holding PB's hand as he tried, unsuccessfully to stand tall.
#122

Dad    "Daddy!" squealed Amanda Donner, jumping into Captain Thatcher arms. "Thank you for releasing PB. That was ... That was ... "

"A kind gesture by a kind man," PB said, an affectionate smile on her face. "I will follow through on the terms of our agreement, Captain Thatcher."

Shortly afterward, The Mayhem docked, PB sent all the men into town for some rest and relaxation. "And try to leave a few of the buildings standing, please?" she called after them.

"What are your plans, Captain?" Donner asked.

"Spend five days at rest, rejuvenating myself, getting to know my Edward again. Then, I think we shall return to that little island. There's treasure to be found there." She smiled. "And I still have the map. Par Ting never got it back. What about you? What are you going to do, Amand?"

"Well," she blushed slightly, "with your permission, I shall start by being called Amanda again. No need to hide my identity any more. Then, with your permission, when you sail, I shall sail with you. You would be needing a cabin boy, wouldn't you?"

PB's eyes opened wide. "But you're a woman, and a pretty one at that, alone at sea with a group of pirates?"

"Just like you!" Donner said.

Thatcher shrugged as Edward guffawed.. "She's got you there, ma'am."

"Quiet, Edward. She doesn't need your help. And you, Captain Thatcher! Would you approve of this?"

"Approve?" he sighed, rubbing his ample belly. "Approve? Hardly! Do I think I can stop her? I am a Lord Admiral in His Majesty's Navy. I command hundreds of men at a time. Entire fleets move because I tell them to. Control my daughter, Amanda? I could do that. I could do that, or I could be a Lord Admiral. Surely I canna do both. Do I approve. Hell, no. Do I accept? Madam, I pray to the Lord God every night to give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change that which I can change, and the wisdom to know the difference. God has granted me the wisdom to know I cannot change this. If you will have her, she may go with my blessing, but not my approval."

PB nodded, a thoughtful look on her face. "You may go, Donner. But if something happens, don't say I didn't warn you."

"She won't, Captain," Thatcher said. "With you and her together, I pity the fool who tries anything."

"That's settled," PB said. She looked at Edward. "With both Nic gone, and Carson dead, I shall be needing a new first mate."

"You could do a lot worse than by choosin' someone not named Havahand, PB," Edward said. "I be trustin' the man more'n me own first mate, Chumley." His smile disappeared. "If you don't be offerin' it to him, I shall. On that, my dear, you can depend."

"But I was thinking of you, Edward."

"Argh. 'T'would never work, me darling," Edward said. "After spendin' the time with you, PB, which we be needin'. I be needin' to get back to me own ship, the real Queen Anne's Revenge. I'll be meetin' her in Cuba. Thar's Spanish gold in the Floridas, and I know how to get me share of it. There's a place called Matanzas, in the north part of the Floridas. I hear the Spanish gold is ripe for pickin' thar."

Unseen, a dark, shadowy figure lurked. He shuffled off, a pronounced limp slowing him. "You may have won this round, Perfect Bitch. But Par Ting Chot is by no means defeated."
#123
OT From Dreamin1> Everyone please read the forum for info and exchange of ideas..

Steve ~ Friction    Woffard sat on a coil of rope and thought about the death of Francis Parkham. Although everyone had passed over it at the time as "just something that happens", Woffard himself found it strange that a lad as young and vibrant as Francis should just suddenly die in his sleep. It was a mystery that sometimes came back to haunt Woffard and spoil his moments of relaxation.

Woffard was a bit of an odd duck for a pirate. He had a degree in engineering and had spent several years in North Africa working on irrigation projects. When he was captured by pirates on his way home, he decided to become a pirate himself. It was a rugged life that appealed to him, even the criminality of it.

He was raised by strict parents and all his life, until he became a pirate, he had followed the rules. To now be a rule-breaker was exhilirating. Yet, his inner life was still orderly and organized. And that's why the death of Francis Parkham lodged in huis mind as something out of place - an unsolved mystery in a mind that wanted no mystery, only a clear, rational order.
#124

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     And so the crew frolicked among the landlubbers, drinking, dining, and lusting, in every conceivable way, after the women and whores who called Bombardier Island their home. Even the ugly ones were a welcome respite from the rancid smelling men on board the Mayhem.


Captain PB and Edward found their own haven at the Gold Crown Inn. Each room happened to have something new to them---an ornate claw-legged bathtub, and they made use of it. First he slipped into the water, after much coaxing from his lady, and she massaged the knots out of his tired shoulders. Squeezing the sponge, she watched the suds float over his smooth skin. She was awed by his raw, animal-like, masculine presence. He was the same as she remembered. Her hands lovingly followed her gaze along the taut, lean muscles of his chest and arms, the tendons and veins rippled beneath the surface when he moved.

After a short while, he gave her a tug, and pulled her in with him. It was his turn. With both hands, he poured water over her shoulders. His gaze fell softly upon her; his eyes took a journey as he watched the soapy water drizzle past the hardened peaks of her breasts, the smooth plain of her belly, and into the valley between her legs, while his hands trailed over her and explored her like a priceless treasure map. There be a treasure trove there.

He took her by the waist, slid her toward him, and they kissed and caressed, the water sloshed up the sides of the tub and out with their motions when their love making became more urgent, Their bodies tensed and tightened, and then relaxed. They dried off and kissed each other delirious again,. Tumbling to the bed, they continued. Eventually they fell asleep, much relieved, but exhausted,

By morning's light, their energy was renewed. They explored each other's bodies again, this time slowly, as if trying to memorize each delicious curve or mass of muscle.. And afterward she nestled into the curve of his body, laying gentle kisses there, and wondered if this was the last time she'd see him,. She was blissfully content, and didn't want to spoil the moment and ask...not now.

His voice was still husky from their lovemaking. His hand slid over her thigh, he looked at her, his golden-eyed gaze sliding over her face.. "As much as I be enjoyin this, we must be gettin up and movin, love." He kissed her again.
#125





EvilDawg    The crew of the Mayhem enjoyed spending their share of the accumulated booty. They drank rum until the wee hours of the morning and had their way with many of the women at many of the taverns and brothels. They ate whole pigs and other domesticated meats and delighted in some opium and other mind-altering substances. All this in an effort to release their pent up anxiety and just let loose.

The Captains shared their time on land mostly together, making love and making plans for possible future rendezvous elsewhere in the world; Asia possibly.

The time was good and fun was had but after the fourth day of repairs and frolicking, it was time to start the process of stocking the Mayhem and seeing to her other needs. This time they would make sure to have enough fresh water and rum as well as other necessities.

#125

Dad    "Alas, me darlin'," said Edward as he prepared to board The King Mark, bound for Cuba. "All good things, they come to ends. I must be sailin' off to join what them damned bitches left of me crew. Spanish gold in the Floridas be callin' me."

"I'll miss you, Edward," PB sighed. "'Til we meet again."

"Aye. An' you can be sure, if'n Blackbeard the Pirate has anythin' to say about it, we shall."

"Not if you insist on calling yourself that loathsome name, we shan't." She smacked his backside as he started up the ramp.

-----------------

Boarding The Mayhem, she watched her crew prepare to sail as well. "Havahand, a word for a moment, if you will."

"Yes, Ma'am?" he said.

"A question, if you will. Carson is dead, Edward has left the ship, and I fired Nic. I'm in need of a first officer. Do you know any on the crew you'd consider.?"

Havahand. thought silently for a moment. PB smiled as he scratched his chin wordlessly. Finally, rubbing his goatee, he said, "Argh, Captain, Richards, the carpenter, he be too valuable in his duties to see 'im changed. So be Basil, though I'm not sure he be right for't any ways. In me own opinion, Woffard be as fine a sailor as I've seen in me 30 years at sea. I be thinkin' he be the man for you."

PB shook her head. "That's exactly what I thought you'd say, Havahand. Tell me. Do the men like you?"

"Argh, do they like me, Captain? Well, now that Nic be gone, and that sonuvabitch ... argh, beggin' your pardon ma'am ... "

"I know, Havahand, you mean that sonuvabitch Par Ting Chot."

"Aye, Captain. Argh, that be the sonuvabitch ... I mean, feller, I be talkin' about. Now that he be dead and I don't hafta fight Nic all the time, I be thinkin' the men, they be likin' me enough. Why do you ask?"

"That's what I thought, too. I want you beside me in a few minutes; I want to announce to the crew that you are my new first mate."

"Me, Captain?"

"Aye. Your thirty years at sea beats Woffard's. Besides. He's a better gunner than you are. We need him there.

"Another thing. We saw only the ship Par Ting Chot was on explode. I did some checking. No one knows how many people were on the fake Queen Anne's Revenge when she exploded. But all the bodies found were female."
#127

Steve ~ Friction    The news that Havahand had been promoted to first mate set off a flurry of speculation in Woffard's mind. It was Havahand who had discovered the dead body of Francis Parkham. And now Havahand was to be First Mate. Was it a payoff or a coverup?

The more Woffard thought about it the more unlikely it seemed that Francis Parkham had died a natural death. His death was mysterious, but the calm, rational mind of Woffard was prying open the tightly-closed clamshell of the mystery to reveal the moist slimey creature that dwelled within. And now Woffard had possible names to apply as labels to his metaphor. Was Havahand the clamshell? Was Captain PB the clam?

Woffard had a sudden urge for some seafood. He wondered what Basil was cooking up. Basil was a strange one with his antipathy towards bathwater, his drunkeness, and his tendency to randomly shout curses in his sleep. And yet, Basil could do wonders with a big fish or a sea turtle or a wild pig.
#128

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     Watching from the Mayhem, she saw Edward strolling about the King Mark, he was a remarkable man. She was thankful he'd shown up when he did. And now, of course, he had to leave Last night they'd dined, and drank and walked about town before entering the inn, and there time alone was divine. Glancing around, she watched the men preparing for their journey. Her thoughts returned to Edward again. She knew this day would come, yet something inside her yearned for more time together, not just one day of romance and bedding him. She wondered how it was possible for it to be any other way. No, she'd not let herself dwell on it. Live each day....one by one.

Looking skyward, she noted the beautiful clear blue day--not a cloud in sight. The sun felt warm against her skin, the wind exhilirating as it blowed through her hair. Walking toward the back of the ship, she was giving instructions to the crew. Then of a sudden, several shots rang out. She ducked then ran to a spot for cover. Glancing around she searched for the one responsible, all while more shots headed her way.and flew by her. She reloaded her gun, she knelt now, then made it to the side of the boat, and took aim. Par Ting!

Her men had scattered to several areas on the ship, and shot back as well as she, yet now her vision was blurred, and she wiped dampness from her face..It was then she'd realized she'd been hit.

And fell over the side of the Mayhem.
#129

EvilDawg     "Cap'n!" Havahand yelled, running to the side of the ship where he had seen PB fall over board. He quickly grabbed a line and threw it in the water but found no sign of his Captain. "Richards! Find that scalawag Par Ting and hang him from the main sail!"

Chaos erupted on board the Mayhem as crew scattered, ducking for cover as more shots were fired. Richards, now peeking his head up from below deck, spied Par Ting behind a stack of barrels on the main deck. Thinking quickly he took out his knife and cut the rope securing the jib to it's rigging. The jib rotated and flew around, over the water, then knocked the barrels over and into Par Ting. Richards jumped up and ran to the scoundrel, knife at his neck. "Don't you move Par Ting, you scalawag!"

Havahand jumped overboard and dove down into the depths of the harbor. He found PB, almost lifeless, barely clinging on and pulled her up. "Ahoy! Help me!" He screamed as he took hold of the rope he tossed over. Several crew ran to his aid and they hoisted the two up and onto the main deck under the Mizzenmast.

"She's hurt bad. Someone fetch the doctor, quick!"
#130

Dad    "Gorley! Michaels!" Richard cried. "Get over here now and hold his sonuvabitch so I can look after the captain!"

"Captain!" screamed Abner as Havahand pulled her unconscious body on to the deck. "What did he do to you?" Tears streamed down his face.

"She's breathin'," said Richards. He carefully inspected her head wound. "She got lucky, men, if'n ya c'n call this lucky. She didn't get shot." He rolled her over so they could see her face. A huge bruise already appeared on her forehead amid many scrapes and scratches. The worst, however, was a three-inch long piece of wood embedded deeply into her scalp. Her blood dribbled down her face "It looks like th' bastard's shot splintered a piece o' the ship's railin', directly into the Captain's face. She's badly hurt, but I don't be thinkin' it's life threatening, unless it be infected. And there's no way to be stoppin' that." He looked around. "Abner! Pull yerself together, man. Run down to me bunk and bring me back up me doctorin' kit."

"Aye Aye, Richards." Abner dashed off as Richards continued to look over PB.

Back in a flash, Abner handed over Richards' kit. After wiping her face with saltwater, he pulled the biggest splinters from her head as she began to moan. "I don't thing any o' th' splinters got too deep," Richards said, "but she's badly hurt. She's prob'ly got a concoosion, and she damned near drowned. She's gonna be outta commission for a few days, any way, and prob'ly longer."

Abner glared at Par Ting. Taking off at a full run, he screamed, "You bastard! You hu't the Captain!" He slammed full speed into Gorley. The knife in Gorley's hand rocketed forward, slashing deeply into Par Ting's throat.
#131

Steve ~ Friction    
Par Ting clasped his hands to his throat, trying to stop the flow of life out of him. The wound was deep. The edges of his vision grew dim and then black as he fell to the deck.

"Is he dead?" Abner said. His sudden burst of anger had turned to surprise when Par Ting collapsed.

#132

BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1     Basil kicked him with his boot, but he didn't move. . Richards checked his pulse, and his wound. "If he isn't, he will be soon."

After a few minutes, he noticed some movement in his fingers. Havahand knelt down, and leaned closer, not sure if Par Ting was aware enough to hear him, and said, "You're dyin, ye know? Tis your own fault for spending your life tryin to kill off our good captain. So what is the big secret between you and Captain PB? Tis your last chance to speak."
#133

EvilDawg    Par Ting tried to speak but couldn't as the sounds that came from his mouth was a more of a gurgle than words. He slipped in unconsciousness.

Richards bandaged PB up as best he could and asked Abner to carefully take her to her cabin and lay her down in her bed. He got up, grabbing his medical kit, and went over to Par Ting.

"We should let him die," Dawes said as he kicked him in the leg. "He's nothing but a scoundrel"

"Enough of that me boy. Clear the way men, give me some room to work." Richards bandaged Par Ting's neck loosely. "He's gonna live. Take him down to the Brig and lay him down. Strip him naked so he can't suddenly find a way to pick the lock of the door."

Havahand took him down below and did as Richards asked. "I have a mind to cut you deeper for what you did to the Captain, but I'm sure she will want her revenge."

Richards went to Abner in the Captain's cabin and handed him some shillings. "Take these into town and get me some more bandages and the most powerful rum you can buy." He patted Abner on the back, "Don't worry mate, I won't let her die."

#133

Steve ~ Friction    
Abner ran into the little town of Raven's End clutching the shillings in his hot hand. There was only one store that sold everything, a place called Jeremiah's Joliad.

Jeremiah was a large man. "What can I sell you?"

Abner dropped the shillings on the counter. He was out of breath from his run. "I need bandages! My captain is hurt!"

Jeremiah put the bandages on the counter. "How about some disinfectant?"

"If you mean rum, then the most powerful you got."

"This here is Benjamin's Best. If a mosquito flies over a glass of it he'll drop dead."

"Thankee!" Abner said. "I got to run back now. They'll be waiting for me."

#134


BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    When Abner got back to the ship, he brought the supplies to. Richards, who noticed the Benjamin's Best. "Why'd you get that?"

"Jeremiah said it was the best antiseptic."

Havahand inspected it. "That's not rum. That would kill her. Be right back." Havahand rushed to the hold, and passed Woffard and Gorley, who was looking around for something.

Havahand searched for a bottle of rum, and forgot he'd had the bottle of Benjamin's Best in his hand, so he temporarily laid the brown-bagged bottle aside atop a barrel.. Several minutes later, Havahand was back by Richards overseeing his care of the captain. He spoke up. "I found some rum in the hold. " He handed it over.

"Good. Good. Abner, take that Benjamin's Best back to the... " He looked around. "Where is it?"

"Where's what?"

"The bottle Abner just brought."

They looked around. "Oh." He snapped his fingers. "I think I had it in me hand, and left it in the hold. I'll be gettin it."


Gorley had heard they'd sent for a bottle of their "best" rum, and now there it was right before him. He was dying for a taste of hard liquor.

"It should be right over here." Woffard said to Gorley. who was distracted. His eyes followed Gorleys to the bottle. They wondered what a bottle of "fine rum" would taste like. Both men stared longingly at it for a few minutes, then averted their eyes, but then looked again before deciding that nobody would miss a little sip. Their bodies tensed, they sprang forward, each fighting for the bottle. Finally, Gorley snatched the bottle from Woffard, quickly unpopped the cork and took a long swallow. The firey liquid passed by his lips, over his tongue, and slid down his throat. This be some strong shit. he thought. He held out his hand to Woffard. Something told Woffard that he shouldn't partake. Almost immediately, Gorley grabbed his throat. His coughing fit didn't quit and soon he was gasping for air and choking. He toppled to the floor with a crash.

Havahand came through the entrance of the hold, and found him after he'd already turned blue and was now pale and cold and very dead. He was still clutching something in his hand. The back of the bottle label turned upward clearly stated--Do not take internally.

"Oh, me Lord," Havahand muttered.
 #134

EvilDawg    Havahand grabbed the bottle out of Gorley's hand, and climbed up the ladder past the gun deck and onto the main Deck. He closed the hatch and ran aft to the captain's cabin.

"Richards, ummm, Gorley is dead. He drank the antiseptic. I guess he thought it was rum."

Havahand put a hand on Abner's shoulder. "Abner," Havahand looked him in the eyes and took out some more shillings. "Take this to the tavern and ask for the most powerful alcohol they have. Better yet, ask for a shot of the finest rum they carry, take the shot then buy the rest of the bottle. Can you do that my friend?"

Abner had tears in his eyes. He sniffled, "I can do that Have-a-hand." He looked at the Captain and took the coins then ran out of the Cabin.

"You know he is going to blame himself for Gorley's death, don't you?" Richards asked as he replaced the bandages on PB's head.

"I know. We will cross that bridge when we come to it. For now though, we need to keep him busy." Havahand walked back to the door frame of the captain's cabin and scanned the area. He pointed at a few men who were sitting on the main deck, "You men there! Don't you have something to do? Like getting us ready to get underway?" They stood up and went about their tasks; securing ropes and patching sails.

PB came out of her stupor briefly. "Someone get me some rum." She tried to sit up, but as the darkness started taking her back down to the bed she said, "Par Ting... He's my..."

Havahand looked back sharply and quickly moved inside the cabin, shutting the door behind him. "What..?"
#135


Dad    Nic stepped out of the bedroom, and walked down the hallway. The girl, Lillie, or Lolly, or Lizzie? Oh, hell, whatever her name kept him busy with her gentle and sometimes not so gentle touches. He felt much better now after their session alone, especially after PB let him go.

"Ale!" he called to the bartender, "and might I have a plate of that roast beef you're serving>" He sat at a table in the back. HIs eyes scanned the haze of the smokey room. Not much light could get through the grimey windows. The scent of stale beer, spoiled meat, rotten vegetables, and God knew what else assaulted his senses, and made him wonder how he could still be hungry..

Port cities were all alike. Rougher people there, except for the paid-for favors of the Lizzies, or Lillibeths, or whatever her name was. Thinking about his future, he knew the first thing he needed a plan for work. The island appealed to him. He'd claim The Lady be Damned as his. Preferably before PB returned to it.. Maybe he could find the treasure. That'd make PB sorry she tore up his contract.

"I hope you be likin' this, sir," the buxom young barmaid said, setting a plate and a tankard of ale in front of him. "Yer not from here. Whot be yer name?"

"Nic." He took a bite.

"I be Delaney." She smiled and then sashayed away.

The beef, although tough and stringy, was at least cooked. Warm actually. Basil could do wonders with roast beef, he thought, taking another bite. Basil could cook like a woman. A sip of ale slid down his throat; he discreetly belched.

"Ye be likin' that meal?" a voice in the dark said.

Nic answered. "I've had worse."

"Be eatin' it quick like, mate. A friend be wantin' to see ye now."

Nic took another bite. "What makes you think I want to see him?"

The cold steel of the barrel of the gun poked into the back of his head. Another voice, this one behind him, said, "Me frien' here, he be thinkin' ya wont to see 'im. Tha's who."

Nic coughed, forced a chunk of meat down, and felt it scrape all the way down to his stomach.. "I'm starting to see the wisdom of your argument," he said. "Would your friend mind much if I finished my meal?"

Sliding on to the bench beside Nic, the first man picked up Nic's tankard and took a long drink. Our frien' can be patient, s'long as ya don't dillydally." He scooped up a piece of meat off Nic's plate with his fingers and popped it into his mouth. "But yer in a rather hurry to see 'im, too, ain'tcha, Nic?"

"Right again" Nic said, and pushed the plate toward the man.. "Help yourself.". After swallowing the rest of the remaining of ale, the three men rose and strode toward the exit. The barmaid stopped Nic. "Why, good Sir, have you forgotten anything?"

"Only my manners.." Nic gave her a couple small copper pieces. "You keep what is left to buy something pretty. It's on me"

She smiled.

The man with the gun stayed out of sight, but NIc felt the barrel of the weapon n his back constantly as they walked several doors down the narrow street. They entered a narrow door and went up a rickety staircase. The first man pushed the door open, and Nic was shoved inside, the door slammed behind him.

They were alone now. The room consisted of a ramshackle desk, and some nautical items, and several chairs; Nic sat in one. The wait wasn't long. Someone entered entered through the other door. The man stood barely five feet, with a huge grizzled beard, slit nose. He had one beady eye, and the other was covered with a patch. A scimitar was thrust into the sash he wore across his ample belly, and a pistol was stuck on his belt. The man walked with a pronounced limp, although it looked like both legs ended in feet.

"I understand that you once sailed with the female captain called PB," the man said, his English was perfect.

Nic slowly nodded. "I did."

The man held out his hand. "Charles Collier here. They call you Nic?"

Nic took Collier's hand. " I am."

"Did you know a man called Par Ting Chot?"

He nodded.

"Mr. Chot stole something that belonged to me," Collier said. "A small chest. It has some papers in it that I am ... rather anxious to get back." Sitting beside Nic, Collier rubbed his hands together. Licking his lips, he said, "I think you may just be the man who can help me recover my ... items. Would you be game?"

Nic thought for a minute. "What are my other choices?"

"Let me explain. You'll work for me, or you'll work for me. Of course, I'd rather you did it willingly."

"Just where are the papers?"

"That I don't know, but he might have had them on him."

"Oh." Nic scratched his chin.
#136

Steve ~ Friction    "How do you expect me to get the papers?" Nic said. "I'm not a member of the Mayhem's crew anymore."

Collier smiled. "So I heard."

"I've applied for a commission in the Royal Navy, and I'm expecting to hear a response any day now."

"A pirate in the Royal Navy? I have never heard of such a thing. The royals will never let a pirate into the ranks. Now listen closely, and I'll tell ye how to go about getting these papers I want..."
#137


BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1    Captain PB had only been conscious for not even a few minutes, and had started to say something about Par Ting Chot. Whatever it was must not have been too important, especially since the man was damn near dead now. Havahand had gone into Raven's End for a few items, He was elated to be promoted to first mate since he'd been second mate for so long, and it didn't mean he automatically would become first mate should the ship need one. When it was announced, he noticed the look that a few men had on their faces. Some smiled, patted him on the shoulder. while others, at least one appeared jealous or it was some other emotion he couldn't quite place.

His hands passed over the scented soaps that Captain PB liked washing her hands in, grabbed a few, and browsed and picked up some of his captain's favorite tea, new linens She never was want for much. He paid for his items and left the shop, strolling along the storefronts. Across the way, he'd caught sight of Nic walking with another gentleman, who was dressed expensively. They seemed deep in conversation. "Oh Nic!" he called, but he didn't seem to hear him over the din of the other passersby.
#138


EvilDawg    PB tried to remember what it was she was saying, she remembered that she said Par Ting... Why would I even mention that scalawags name? She wondered. He was dead to her after all he had done. But, she couldn't shake the feeling like she was forgetting something important.

Richards leaned over her, "Relax Captain. You took a nasty blow to the head. Lay back and sleep; we have everything under control on the Mayhem." He felt her forehead for any signs of fever but found none. "I think we got lucky, the bullet hit the wood next to you sending a large splinter into your head but it doesn't look infected and seems to be healing nicely."

"Are we still docked?" PB asked.

"Yes Captain. Havahand and Abner are out getting more supplies and the crew is finishing up repairs and maintenance."

"Fine," PB said as she closed her eyes. "We get underway at dusk and head back to the island, see to it. Oh, and, make sure Donner, er, Amanda comes into see me before we set sail."

"Aye, aye Captain"

#139

© Copyright 2009 Paige, Steve ~ Friction, BOO! Guess Who! Dreamin1, Dad, EvilDawg, (known as GROUP). All rights reserved. GROUP has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.

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