Michael Aye - Barracuda

Dagan was there and as Gabe drew abreast he whispered, "Careful now, I've a feeling." This explained his actions in departing the gig. Gabe quickly noted the flushed deck and sixteen twelve pounders and it reminded him of SeaWolf but more like a small frigate.

This will make a nice prize, he thought. Taking a few steps toward the sloop's crew he said, "I'm Captain Gabriel Anthony of HMS Merlin. You have been taken and are now my prisoners. May I ask which of you is in command?"

The sailors before him were a mixed lot, Spanish, Negro's and a few British. They were dressed in slops, most were barefoot and all looked defeated.

"I ask you again," Gabe said, his voice now raised.

"Which of you is in command?"

When no one spoke Gabe called, "Lieutenant Davy."

"Aye, sir."

"Line the prisoners up into two columns and have each man searched. Then have the ship searched." Then turning to the marines he said, "Sergeant Schniedermire, shoot the first man who makes a false move."

"Aye, captain. Marines take aim and if a man so much as moves a hair sideways pluck it for him." The harsh brogue voice of the marine sergeant seemed to leave little doubt in his willingness to cut a man down.

Turning aft Gabe called to Dagan and Paco to assist him as he searched the captain's cabin. At that time a scream pierced the air and a dark figure jumped from the companionway, a sword in one hand and a pistol in the other. He charged screaming curses toward Gabe, his gaunt face emblazed in hate and fury.

Gabe knew he was dead but suddenly Dagan shouted, "de Lavago halt."

Almost like magic the man slid to a halt not three paces from Gabe. So Dagan was right, Gabe thought. The rogue hadn't gone down with his ship. He'd bet we would let the sloop go to capture Barracuda only he hadn't counted on Warrior and Defiant lying in wait.

Again Dagan spoke firmly, "It's over."

The half-crazed man took a deep breath and seemed to sigh. The contorted face seemed to relax and tears poured from his eyes and down his face. Then very deliberately he cocked his pistol and stuck the barrel to his chin and pulled the trigger. A sudden silence followed the bang.

All stood in awe at what they had just witnessed. No one was able to speak as they stared at the man slumped in a pile on the deck. Without understanding why, Gabe removed his coat and placed it over the fallen man.

Hearing steps across the deck Gabe saw Dagan headed toward the entry port and the gig below. Once again Dagan… his uncle… his protector had saved his life.

Gabe still felt numb as he said, "Lieutenant Davy, the prize is yours. I'll send a prize crew over. When you are ready to get underway make a signal and take station on Merlin."

Lieutenant Davy was also dumbfounded at the scene which had just taken place. Even more so when Gabe… the captain had said the prize was his. Well he'd make the captain proud. There'd be no more errors if Lieutenant David Davy could help it.

As the crew pulled back to Merlin the rhythm of the oars was almost hypnotic. Gabe couldn't help but wonder if things had been different; if Spain had kept Florida and England had kept Havana. Would he be here today?

Would Don Luis de Lavago be lying on a ship's deck dead from his own hand or would he be sitting on the veranda of his plantation drinking a glass of wine and smoking a cigar. What about de Lavago's family? Did England or Spain care what their actions had set forth? The destruction of a man. The destruction of his family. Damn all politicians, Gabe thought.

Lord Howe's flagship was at anchor when Lord Anthony's squadron returned with the sloop, Ram, as a prize. Lord Howe was ashore but a messenger from the Governor arrived on board almost before Warrior's anchor was dropped. Governor Tonyn was having a reception for Lord Howe and Lord Anthony and his captains were invited.

The reception that evening proved to be more spectacular than Anthony would have imagined based on previous events. He was shocked when a Negro footman with a white powdered wig took his hat and announced Admiral Lord Gilbert Anthony. The ballroom seemed to be teeming with people, all smiles and politeness. A momentary pause as Anthony was announced then the conversations renewed.

What a farce, Anthony thought. The Army's scarlet coats were everywhere and Anthony quickly spotted Provost in conversation with Governor Tonyn and Lord Howe. A few marine officers were present as was one or two of Browne's ranger officers. Anthony was amazed there were so many civilians. They'd not been many at other receptions.

Bare shouldered ladies flashed their fans and Anthony was amazed at the amount of bosoms being

paraded. He then recalled Lady Deborah's words, "look, don't ogle." Well he'd have to pass the word to Buck who was definitely ogling. I wonder if she's the one who Buck's been keeping company with?

Feeling a hand on his shoulder Anthony turned to be greeted by Colonel Browne. Seeing where Anthony's gaze had been, Browne said, "With all these beautiful ladies it makes you wonder why a man would leave his home and bed to go fight a war."

"Aye," Anthony replied. He couldn't disagree.

Anthony waited until Provost had made his way toward a servant to get a glass of wine then approached Howe, "My Lord."

"Ah… Lord Anthony. My flag captain tells me a celebration is in order. I understand you've sank the privateers who's been reeking havoc on our convoys and got a nice little prize to boot."

"Aye, my lord," Anthony replied. "Good fortune was with us."

"Good," Lord Howe said. "We will talk later, on the morrow after I've read your reports. Now Governor Tonyn tells me it's time to dine."

Taking their places at the huge table Anthony saw no expense had been spared for Lord Howe's reception.

He could almost imagine the tables groaning under the weight of so much food. Footmen and servants were everywhere, pouring wine; removing dishes as delicacies of every kind were being served; various tempting fruits and pies, meats, potatoes, carrots and breads. How could so much food be consumed in one evening? Anthony wondered.

There was enough here to feed his squadron for a week.

There were silver punch bowls filled with Tonyn's favorite wine, Sangria, and even that had slices of oranges floating on top along with small remnants of ice used to cool the wine. Recalling Bart's words that he'd taken on a portly appearance, Anthony vowed he'd eat

lightly. And he did until the desserts were served. Seeing the orange sherbet, fruit pastries, apple tarts and various puddings the vow was forgotten.

The shrill of pipes were barely out of Anthony's ears when Lord Howe's flag lieutenant greeted him. I'll bet the flag captain is still abed with some obliging woman, Anthony thought. He then introduced his flag lieutenant to Lord Howe's.

Anthony and Hazard were escorted to Lord Howe's waiting area and the flag lieutenant took Anthony's reports to the admiral. Feeling the after effects of last evening's reception, conversation was minimal. Hazard was thinking of the privileges that had come with being Anthony's flag lieutenant. Experiences he'd not encountered before nor would he again unless by some miracle he made admiral.

He was also grateful at the trust that had been given to him to pilot Merlin through the channel at Cayo Hueso. He'd attempted to voice his appreciation but was cut short by Howe's flag lieutenant telling Anthony that his lordship was ready for him.

"Take a seat, Gil," Lord Howe said, creating an informal environment. This meant his lordship was pleased. "Governor Tonyn has spoken very highly of you," Howe started, "You've greatly improved the Navy's reputation after the blunders of your predecessor."

Anthony noticed Howe disdained even to speak Sir Percival's name."