Michael Aye - Barracuda

"A touch of nerves?"

Gabe turned and was facing Caleb.

"We've not had much time to talk lately," Gabe said, feeling the need to talk to his friend.

"You've been busy," Caleb replied.

"Aye," Gabe answered, "but we should never get so caught up that we don't take the time to talk even if it's over coffee."

Then Caleb spoke the words Gabe knew was coming. "After this, when the time is right and things are settled I'm going to Virginia. I want to see Dagan's niece. I've a longing for her that will not go away." Gabe had noticed the change in Caleb's demeanor around the wenches and thought so he's finally found the right woman. He could feel the emotion in his friend's voice but didn't trust himself to maintain his composure with the direction of the conversation so he jokingly said,

"Are they ready for Mr. Jewells?"

The comment had the desired effect Gabe wanted and Caleb broke out laughing after a sudden look of concern. Men running to their battle stations broke up the conversation.

"We'll talk later," Caleb said.

"Aye, later."

As the men rushed about clearing for action Gabe felt like a bystander. He could hear the different sounds all mingled together as a sort of chaos became order, each man carrying out his assigned duty. The thud as screens were torn down, the sound of feet on the planks as seamen hurried across the deck, the clearing of hammocks and mess tables as they were cleared from the ropes and tackles of the guns.

The wisp of sand being strewn across the deck and rattle of metal as a tub of cutlasses was set, none too gently, on deck. Watching the scene, Gabe recalled Lord Anthony… Gil's quick words the brief moment they were alone before getting underway, Have a care, Gabe, no heroics today… Gabe don't close with the ship, don't let them board you.

Barracuda Like quicksilver, the loving concern of a brother was gone, replaced by the duty of an admiral.

"Cleared for action, sir."

Damme, Gabe thought, daydreaming again.

"Very well," Gabe replied, joining Hazard and Gunnells by the wheel.

Only one helmsman had the wheel but another stood by, in case… in case. They were now entering the channel and the chance of danger increased with each passing minute.

Seeing Gabe's concern, Hazard volunteered, "She'll be fine."

Well, he may have traveled this channel many times, Gabe thought, but not with some bloody rogue ready to blast you out of the water.

Entering the channel you could see coral reefs to both larboard and starboard and there seemed to be a swirl of water indicating a change in the current.

Looking over the side the water was crystal clear with multi-colored fish darting about in schools. A few jellyfish floated on the gentle swells and gulls hawked and hovered above, then like a flash dove after some tasty morsel.

Once inside the channel Dagan pointed out a pelican sitting on the stump of a dead tree. A crane standing in shallow water at the edge of a patch of twisted mangroves was startled by some unseen predator leapt up and flapped its huge wings becoming airborne while a white egret sat comfortably in her nest watching as they slipped past.

"It's hard to believe we're headed to a fight, doesn't it?" Dagan asked. "The place is so tranquil I hate to disturb it."

"Aye," Gabe replied. "I could get use to the lazy life on an island."

"Or a horse farm." Caleb had once again come on deck and spoke. This caused Dagan and Gabe to smile.

Seeing Davy approaching, Gabe turned his attention to his lieutenant. "Lookout says they can see Barracuda's mast, sir."

These were words Gabe had been expecting but dreaded to hear. "Very well, have our new midshipman, Mr… ah… "

"Hawks, sir. Richard Hawks," Davy reminded Gabe.

"Yes, well have Mr. Hawks signal SeaWolf enemy in sight."

"Aye, sir," Davy replied.

"Mr. Jackson."

"Aye, captain."

"You may run out the guns."

"Aye, aye sir."

The salt air had corroded the hinges on the gun ports so that they squeaked loudly as they were opened. A groaning sound emerged as men pulled on the ropes and tackles till the cannons were trundled into position and the word was passed by Lieutenant Lavery, "Guns run out, sir."

Gabe had ordered the guns be double shotted so the first broadside would be devastating. Not like SeaWolf's popguns, Merlin spoke with force.

Lieutenant Ferguson, the new lieutenant who had been one of Neptune 's officers was forward by the bow chasers. He had an apprehensive look but Gabe thought who wouldn't after having been mauled as they had.

This was his first action since that terrible day and if he didn't break today he'd be a fine officer.

Gabe forced himself to stand still while Lum handed him weapons, two pistols and his sword. Lum had a boarding pike and an axe while Dagan, true as always, had a blade the size of a claymore.

Gabe watched and as the bend was made shouted,

"Fire, fire as you bear."

The hull seemed to jerk and shudder as gun by gun the double shotted cannons spit forth a flame of murderous hell. The charges ripped over the channel and into the unsuspecting enemy. As the guns were being reloaded Gabe could hear SeaWolf's guns going off as she concentrated her fire on the clearing beyond the Barracuda.

Gabe recognized the unmistakable sounds of grapeshot being fired from swivel guns. Then Merlin jerked again as her cannons slung the twelve balls crashing into the Barracuda. Hit after hit was scored as evidenced by debris flying through the air.

On shore screams and curses were heard. A few men and several half-naked women ran into the trees while others ran for their ship.

"No doubt about those whoresons having headaches now," Hazard said jubilantly.

Dagan was then at Gabe's side, "The look is calling down. There's another ship."

So there was cause for Gil's concern, Gabe thought.

Looking beyond Barracuda's taller sides, sails could be seen as the smaller ship appeared to be headed out of the anchorage toward the Gulf. The ship had been sheltered from the onslaught by the bigger Barracuda.

Gabe had ordered all sails reduced before entering the channel but Merlin seemed to be gliding along faster than he wanted. He was about to reduce more sails when a hurrying Jackson skidded to a halt almost touching Gabe.

Shouting to make himself heard he said, "Barracuda's slipped her anchor cable and her bow is coming around."

How? Gabe thought. Then it suddenly came to him.

While de Lavago may have been surprised he'd kept his wits about him. Now with a glass Gabe could see Barracuda turning. They had passed a towline and the smaller ship was towing the larger ship down the channel.

Still looking through his glass, Gabe saw Barracuda's gunports open as she was pulled so that her guns came to bear.

"Down," Gabe cried. "Everyone down."

No sooner had the words been shouted than the air was rent with a flaming hell. It was like a volcano erupted as cries and screams mixed with the sound of shattered rails and torn planking emerged in to one.

Thank God SeaWolf was astern, Gabe thought, as he lifted himself up from the torn deck. Damn that cunning bastard, de Lavago, he thought. He'd one chance and he'd taken full advantage of it. Thank God, bow's on as they had only had a third or so of the cannons found their mark. That was bad enough, Gabe thought, as some men were being carried down to the surgeon while others, no longer recognizable as a man were being unceremoniously dumped over the side.

Seeing the bow chasers were still intact Gabe called,

"Lieutenant Ferguson."

"'E's done fer, sir," A gun captain said. "The 'Cuda's done got 'em."

I didn't even know the man, Gabe thought, but he seemed to know the… how did the gun captain say it… the 'Cuda. The 'Cuda had his number.