Michael Aye - Barracuda

It was surprising how bad Swan was mauled and the Indiaman, Gabe's Defiant, had hardly been touched.

However, he'd come to a decision and he'd put it into motion at dinner this evening. Buck, Earl, Gabe and Markham were to dine with him tonight and after the

meal he'd unfold his plan. Silas walked out of the pantry in time to see the admiral smile. Well smile, he should, Silas thought, and after the meeting tonight several others would be smiling and that's no error. Hopefully, Bart wouldn't let the cat out of the bag.

It had been a fine meal and now cigars and pipes were being lit as the aroma of mixed tobacco filled the admiral's dining area. It was the first time since the storm that all the officers had gathered together. The only exception was Sir Raymond who was able to sit up now but was far from being fit for duty.

Markham was speaking of the dreadful day when the storm took Swan. "We'd just cleared the anchorage and was tacking astern of SeaWolf when a rogue wind of gale force almost broached the ship. The ship yawed to leeward and then there was a crack not unlike that of a cannon firing and the main mast went by the way. Mast spars, ropes and rigging all over the lee rail pulling us down into the sea. I sent men to clearing the rigging as the ship was listing badly starboard and in danger of being swamped."

Looking from the wine glass he'd been staring into as he spoke, Markham glanced at Gabe. "Had it not been for Dagan we'd have turned turtle and lost all aboard.

However, Dagan had just cut through the last bit of rigging and the mast went over the side. Free from the weight of the downed mast, Swan righted herself only to be caught by a mountainous wave that lifted the ship like a piece of kindling and fairly drove us onto the island.

Then if that wasn't enough, another wave not as big as the last but big enough seem to lift Swan then drop her on the huge stones tearing her bottom clean out. I could feel every crack of the timber like it was tearing my life clean out of my chest."However, after that last wave she was not touched again except by the fierceness of the wind and the blinding rain. It was too rough to venture off the ship so Dagan, the Spanish lad, Davy and I tried to keep dry and warm in my cabin and the crew stayed below in their berths. Towards dawn the winds died down and the rain stopped. It was then with the rising sun I realized my beautiful Swan was nothing but a battered hulk and she'd never see water beneath her keel again." All was silent for a moment when Gabe spoke, "I recall the wind, Francis. It fairly slung SeaWolf forward.

Had I been a minute longer getting underway I fear SeaWolf may have been setting alongside Swan."

Gentlemen," Lord Anthony was calling to the officers at the table. "We all share in Captain Markham's remorse but as with life, in death often a new life is born.

I have spent the afternoon with the Governor and with his blessings I've decided to purchase the Indiaman… Defiant, for the Navy. You all understand that this has to be approved, but with both the Governor's and my recommendations I believe Lord Howe will agree. However, until he does the following changes are to be considered temporary. We all know the Admiralty Prize Court can be fickle at times." This brought a chuckle from the group. Fickle was a mild way of putting it. Lazy and tight-fisted were better terms.

"Now then," Lord Anthony had began again, "I have asked Captain Buck to draft up a crew for the ship."

"Valley," Anthony called to his clerk, who'd been standing in the wings. "Valley here has a draft of assignments for each of you. Should anyone wish to change or swap a crew member you have but to log it in the ship's book. Now to specifics… Captain Earl, you are hereby given command of Defiant. Lieutenant Anthony, you are hereby temporarily, pending approval by Lord

Howe, promoted to captain and will assume command of Merlin. Lieutenant Markham, I have found no personal fault on your behalf in regards to Swan's loss. I have said as much in my reports. You are now to assume command of SeaWolf. I have left it up to each of you as whether you take your warrants or not. Make your desires known to Valley and he will draft up orders accordingly."

Glancing to his side, Lord Anthony could see the look of desire on Hazard's face. Well, empty sleeve or not he was a good seaman and a fine officer. As soon as available, he'd put him back to sea… on his own quarterdeck.

Since the storm a number of ships had gathered at Saint Augustine. More than at any time since the Royal Navy had established its presence.

"Looks like a sea of masts," Buck had commented.

Most of the ships were merchant ships from various nations. They had stopped to heal their wounds and make repairs needed after the recent storm. A few Navy ships had also stopped. The one that interested Lord Anthony the most was the mail packet. He longed to hear from his wife and find out how their daughter, Macayla Rose, was getting along. Caleb was quickly inquiring if Dagan had any news.

"No," Dagan replied then seeing the hurt in Caleb's face, put his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Caleb, there's nothing to keep you from going to visit." After a thoughtful look Caleb said, "I am. I get the feeling we're not going to be here much longer but I feel I'll be needed before the squadron has new orders."

"Those are my feelings as well," Dagan replied. "It's a nagging feeling I've had for some time. I feel things are coming together that will put us in place to do battle Barracuda

with this Barracuda. It's then you'll be needed," Dagan said.

"Well, regardless if we do or don't," Caleb said,

"Mr. Jewells and I are going to Virginia. You're welcome to come along, old friend."

"It's a thought," Dagan said, "even if for just a short visit."

Mermaid was crowded with all the ships in port. Gabe, Markham and Earl had just said their good-bys to Buck as he had an engagement for the evening.

"Leave it to Buck to find that one lonely lady in need of his time and talents," Earl joked.

"I hear Dagan has been spending time with the widow woman over with the Colonials," Markham added. "Is she going to be a widow much longer?"

"I've no idea," Gabe replied. "He's been closed mouth about their relationship. He did say they are going to be exchanged soon and will be headed back to Virginia."

More drinks were brought to the table and the subject changed to how fast things were going in regards to the new assignments. Earl had taken all his warrant officers to Defiant and Gabe had done likewise in transferring to Merlin. He'd kept Gunnells as master, Jackson as first lieutenant, Lavery as second lieutenant.

The surviving fourth lieutenant from Neptune was now Merlin's third lieutenant and Mr. Davy now was commissioned and made fourth lieutenant. Midshipmen were scarce.

Governor Tonyn had put forth two boys and Reverend Kennedy had asked Lord Anthony to take two boys. Alejandro had decided to continue so they now had five new midshipmen. Lord Anthony had decided to

partial out his three most senior mids so that each ship would have someone to help train the new lads.

Trying to find uniforms for those recently promoted had been difficult. Earl gave Gabe a spare captain's coat and Hazard had rounded up a lieutenant coat for Davy.

Still everyone's wardrobe needed an overhaul but it'd have to wait.

As the evening wore on the group was finishing their final round when Domingo appeared at the table.

"Senor Gabe, would it be possible to speak to you of a private matter?"

The three just looked at one another sure this had something to do with Domingo's daughter, Nancy, and Sir Raymond. Earl and Markham downed their drinks and bid a hasty farewell.