GAME TURN NINE

OOC:

It'd probably be simplest to consider the Baltimore squadron as plotting a direct course for Norfolk, under full sail, proceeding from there to Baltimore.

IC:
The rigging creaked pleasingly overhead as Captain Ian West walked the weather side of the quarterdeck, watching the sun rise in a gradual display of crimson glory. Janna was visible two miles or so ahead, and he could, with his glass, just make out the masts and sails of Commander Callaghan's Willow.

There was nothing, he decided, quite so beautiful in life as a sunrise at sea, with a sturdy quarterdeck under one's feet, the early morning activities of life aboardships humming in the background. The men were already holystoning the decks to their usual brilliance... being discreet enough to leave him his customary half of the quarterdeck--and slushing down the masts with tar.A small, quiet voice broke his reverie. "It's beautiful, isn't it sir?"
Ian looked over his shoulder, a scowl furrowing his brow, a scathing torrent of invective ready to be heaped upon the head of whomever it was who had been so audacious as to address him unbidden. The scowl melted away when he noted who it was, Leftenant Greg, newly commissioned and now his third. He had been so impressed with the young man's performance that he had, upon confirmation of Greg's commission, taken him along from the Willow when he had assumed command of Watcher. "Indeed it is, Mr. Greg," he said instead. "Indeed it is. However, in the future I shall be quite displeased if such a performance as just has happened is repeated. Have you anything for me?""My apologies, sir," Lt. Greg stammered. "I only meant to tell you....we've
taken the morning readings. Watcher is precisely where she should be, we're making roughly six to seven knots. The wind has shifted to northward a point, and.."Ian chuckled. "Capital, Mr. Greg..but I can read all that for myself on the log," he smiled. "Any ships sighted overnight?""None, sir."This was to Ian's liking. He had deliberately plotted a course far enough from the known merchant lines so as to avoid any American shipping. He did this to reduce the possibility of their presence being remarked upon before it should suit the squadron's purposes to be seen. Of course, this meant little chance to intercept prizes, but his orders had been explict--proceed to and blockade Baltimore with as much dispatch as possible. "Any notice from Janna or Willow?""Not yet, sir," Lt. Greg answered. Satisfied, Ian descended the companion and made for his cabin, where he sat
down at his table. Removing his hat, he riffled his fingers through his hair. "Damnation," he sighed for perhaps the thousandth time. The orders had been clear--blockade Baltimore. Had he written the orders, he would have strung the blockade at Norfolk, thus cutting off several American ports with one stroke. What troubled him most was that by pushing all the way up as far as Baltimore, he would put his squadron into the unenviable position of possibly being caught between an American frigate coming from Baltimore
harbor, and one returning. Granted, his squadron would have the numbers, but
if half of what he'd heard of the American frigates was true..
He sighed again and, rolling up the maps, rang for his breakfast...Lieutenant Greg has the watch and sends Midshipman Hansek below to request permission to shorten sail...

Ian rolled from his narrow bed, where he had been trying to get some sleep. He hadn't gotten much of it lately, fretting as he had been over this, his first command, and his concern over his small flotilla."Very good, Mr. Hansek--my compliments to Mr. Greg, and he may take in sail. I shall be on deck momentarily, Mr. Hansek."With that, the midshipman scooted from the cabin, and Ian turned himself to his mirror, running a comb quickly through his hair and otherwise making himself presentable. After forcing himself to wait until fully five minutes had passed, he clapped his hat on his head and made his way to the quarterdeck, where he found Lt. Greg."Well, sir...the weather seems to have turned," he said, a small smile on his face. "How do we stand?" Casting his eyes upward, he called to the lookout: "Masthead, there! See you keep a good watch!""Well, sir... the weather seems to have turned," he said, a small smile on his face. "How do we stand?" Casting his eyes upward, he called to the lookout: "Masthead, there! See you keep a good watch!" "Aye Sir, Janna reports she's shortening sail.""Very good," Ian mused to himself. He'd have to trust that the Willow was doing likewise, as he could scarcely see the Janna through the mists and rain. Picking up the slate, he examined the recent log. A few minutes of silent mental calculations, and he was satisfied. "Mr. Greg...keep us to this course; no deviations at all, now...put another reef in that tops'l if the wind picks up any more, and I am not to be disturbed before sunrise, if at all possible." With that, Ian turned and went below, desperately longing for some sleep.As the ships shortened sail to deal with the weather the wind picked up and the rain continued for the next two days. Then it appeared to blow itself out. The fifth day of the voyage saw clear skies return with excellent visibility. The flagship's course had been plotted to avoid the American shipping lanes and so far nothing had been sighted...All ships were still in approximate formation Watcher had a clear view of Janna who could see the Willow’s topsails.For the first time in two days, Ian could walk his quarterdeck without being rained upon, and he was taking full advantage of the situation.

The Watcher was scudding along under a full press of canvas, approaching nine knots; he'd given the order to rig studsl's as soon as he'd been confident in clear weather. If his figures were correct, they should be in a position to make landfall off Norfolk within another two days or so. The storm had slowed them somewhat; he had planned to be there today, but there was nothing he could do about that. But here was where they would need
extreme care; they were nigh onto the point where they needs must cross American shipping lanes, and he had ordered the masthead lookouts doubled, and relieved every hour, to keep a set of fresh eyes aloft at all times.He called to his signals midshipman. "Mr. Fleming...send the following:
Watcher to Janna and Willow" (he trusted Janna to relay the signal)--"Proceed with caution--approaching American waters.""Mr. MacDonald--I believe we can send the hands to breakfast now," he smiled. "And perhaps we could manage some, ourselves--what say you?"


Around mid day the midshipman were all clustered around the master taking their noon sights. Third Leftenant Samual Greg had the deck as the young gentlemen attempted to quickly do their calculations: Senior Midshipman Herman Steiner was close to correct,
Signals Midshipman Andrew Fleming was on watch and excused, Junior Midshipman Jamie Wolf was exactly correct, Junior Midshipman Morhan Kell was exactly correct
Junior Midshipman Morgan Hansek was totally lost; Sailing Master Sean O'Hara shook his head as he had to discreetly make a slight correction to Mr Greg's figures.

Ian shot a quick sideways glance at the small knot of midshipman there on the deck, noting the young Mr. Hansek's discomfitures, obvious even from where he stood. Stifling a grin, Ian made his way down to where the Master was conducting his class. Hands knotted at the small of his back, Ian strolled about, peering over the midshipmen's shoulders at their calculations. "Very good, Mr. Wolf," he murmured softly. "Mr. Kell--spot on, lad." He sighed as he noted Hansek's figures, plainly in error at not one,
but two places. Feigning anger, he reached out and took his figures from him. "A good thing it is, at that, that we have Mr. O'Hara to navigate for us--were His Majesty to rely upon you, Mr. Hansek, we should be utterly lost, and the crown short one frigate."

"Thank you Captain, Breakfast would hit the spot, anything special for you today or shell I have the your boy bring the usual to your cabin." Mr. MacDonald saw the Captain approaching the midshipman, like a protective mother hen he walked slowly in their direction. MacDonald was not sure about this new Captain he was young and so far a fair hand with punishment time will tell he thought to himself as he approached the group.
Ian shot a quick sideways glance at the small knot of midshipman there on the deck, noting the young Mr. Hansek's discomfitures, obvious even from where he stood. Stifling a grin, Ian made his way down to where the Master was conducting his class. Hands knotted at the small of his back, Ian strolled about, peering over the midshipmen's shoulders at theircalculations. "Very good, Mr. Wolf," he murmured softly. "Mr.Kell--spot on,lad." MacDonald's chest puffed a bit the extra work that he had put in with both Mr. Wolf and Mr. Kell had paid off but that damn Hansek.

Suddenly the mainmast lookout reported "ship to starboard," nothing was
visible from the deck as of yet...Ian's eyes grew wide as he handed the midshipman's slate back to him with a trembling hand. He fought with his own excitement, lest he dart up the
rigging to the masthead himself, but the matter was decided as soon as he remembered that it would not do to have the midshipman see their captain display such emotion. Instead, he said, "Carry on, Mr. O'Hara," and, as nonchalantly as possible, he turned about and strolled back to the quarterdeck, taking up the glass from where it lay by the wheel. He opened it with a clack, and put it to his eye, scanning in vain for some sign of her masts. "Mr. Greg," he said quietly, "kindly inform the masthead that they are to keep that ship perpetually in sight--I want her identified." If she were a merchanter, he could safely ignore her and proceed as planned... however, it was believed there was an American frigate in these waters, and wished to know what he dealt with. "Mr. MacDonald....kindly keep us on course if you please...and one more thing: my compliments to Mr. O'Hara, and I would be obliged if Mr. Fleming would signal Janna and Willow to the effect that there is an unknown vessel in sight to starboard." Mr. Midshipman Fleming's voice broke in on Ian's thoughts. "Captain, signal from Janna..." he stopped speaking momentarily, as he turned pages in the signal book. "Sir, Janna says...uh...Vessel possible brig merchantman,
making much speed.""Thank you, Mr. Fleming. Very good," Ian replied, still scanning the horizon through his glass, hoping for a glimpse of her. Snapping the glass shut, he paced to the quarterdeck rail. He'd wager that Commander Bryant was wanting to go after that brig, especially given what he'd heard of Janna’s exploits with the privateer. He sighed. If they'd seen this merchanter, she'd seen them. It was then that it hit him. "What is she running to?" he asked himself. He'd seen the tactic before, as the first of the frigate Wyvern, when they'd lured a French privateer into the teeth of their squadron. "Damn
it all, where is that frigate?" he cursed to himself, expecting to see the Yankee 44 on the horizon at any time. But still...could he truly risk it if the merchanter made port and informed the Yankees they were on their way? "Well," he thought, "the orders only forbade me to engage the shore batteries." And with that thought he cast the die.
"Mr. Fleming! Signal Janna: Engage at your discretion!

“Mr. MacDonald, all hands, beat to quarters!""Ay Captain", " All hands clear the ship for action, ahoy!" The drum and fife beat to quarters; bulk-heads were knocked away; the guns were released from their confinement; the whole dread paraphernalia of battle was produced; and after the lapse of a few minutes of hurry and confusion, every man and boy was at his post, ready to do his best service for his country. He closed his eyes and swallowed hard. He was committed now. "Lord, let me make the correct choices," he prayed...Closing his eyes, he swallowed hard.
The signals midshipman's voice was tremulous, excited. "Sir," he piped, "signals from Janna...two vessels now in sight...first vessel identified merchant brig, second vessel seen, probable pirate. Janna is engaging the second vessel, sir...first yours.""What?" Ian thundered, sudden irrational anger flooding his system. "I gave him no such leave to engage a second vessel. By God, if he endangers this mission, I'll.....Sweet Lord, the Willow!" he remembered, suddenly, that he had sent her no signals. Even now she was pulling away from both Watcher and Janna. "Send to Willow, "Close formation on Watcher; back all sail..engaging possible American force.....send to Janna, moving to support. Well, don't just stand there gawping, man---run it up, or you'll be holding the gunner's daughter!" "Mr. MacDonald, bring us about to engage that brig. We'll see if we can't put a shot across her bow...."'Aye" Sir as Mr Fleming in turn, cut loose with a string of obscenities at the seamen hauling up the flags as he called them off, "no reply from Willow sir" Captain West overheard the quartermaster say to one of the guncaptains nearby "one less ship to share the prize money" the guncaptain replied, "them's the breaks eh mate" Ian ignored the comment; let the men think of the prize money; it would do
them well, and truly, they bore no responsibility for the flotilla as he did. The Willow’s absence was truly not much of a concern of theirs...Willow is out of site “Aye Sir,” as Mr Fleming in turn, cut loose with a string of obscenities at the seamen hauling up the flags as he called them off, "no reply from Willow sir" "Mr. MacDonald, bring us about to engage that brig. We'll see if we can't put a shot across her bow...."The lieutenant nodded and one of the forward 12's boomed out, The brig hove to and struck her colors..."Excellent," Ian smiled grimly to himself. The brig had struck without trouble at all. Immediately his mind was turning to the matter of a prize crew. "Mr. Davion!" he called for his second leftenant. This would be a good opportunity to expose him to the elements of command, Ian thought. Lt. Greg was yet new to his commission, and MacDonald... well, no sane captain would detach his first as prizemaster..."Mr. Davion--take ten men, pistols and cutlasses.. swing out a boat, and take possession of that brig! Secure her, see what cargo she carries, and await further orders." Admittedly, ten was a bit large for a prize crew for only a brig, but Ian did not want any mishap at all. "Quickly now--I do not intend that our task should be delayed any longer through your dawdling!" Mr Davion barely suppressed his glee, "Yes Sir!!!" The Second Lieutenant quickly picked 10 men, a boatswain's mate, 4 topmen, and 5 seamen, had weapons issued as a ships boat was swung out and made haste to board.
Sudden thunder shook in Ian's ears as...HMS Janna raked the second ship's bow with devastating effect bring down both bowsprint and foremast. Considerable damage is also apparent to sails and rigging. at the same time Janna appears to have suffered a serious explosion and is on fire. The second ship is crawling forward in an attempt to rake the Janna’s stern."Good Lord," Ian said inaudibly. "She's afire." Then, raising his voice,
"Mr. MacDonald... I should appreciate it greatly if you would put a broadside into that ship. She's no pirate, or she'd have run at the first sight of a frigate. Guns double-shotted, and I want her stopped before she can rake the Janna. Bring us around to intercept before that ship is in position."Glancing down into the waist of the ship, he saw the prize crew assembled, heaving on the tackles to lower the boat, and raged in that furor of temper
which always seemed to overcome him when he felt confronted by his own inadequacy: "Damn your care, gentlemen--get that boat swung over the side! I want you all on that brig now!" Several minutes lator he reports via speaking trumpet "Amy / Willmington; carrying uniforms, powder, shot, muskets, and rifles of French manufacture destined for Fort McHenry." He sent the ship's boat back with the Bill of Lading and other ship's
papers. Ian smiled broadly to himself, secure in the security of his cabin, ship's papers from the Amy in hand before him as he read. It had been not a bad show at all. Decidedly good, in fact. A brisk engagement, a more than satisfactory showing, and not only prize money, but an important cargo denied the Yanks. All in all, an excellent result. He had secured the ship from quarters, and given orders to resume course. And now, of course, the
most important. Even now, signal flags were flying the following message:
TO: Amy
Proceed with all dispatch to Burmuda, or the nearest British port and submit
vessel to the prize courts
TO: Janna and Willow
All captains and our liberated friends to dine aboard Watcher
Indeed, Ian mused....it should be an interesting evening. There should be
much news to glean from this meal...Opening the door, Ian poked his head outside and said to the marine guard, "Send for Mr. MacDonald with the captain's compliments, and will he please dine with me this night?"

Signal from Watcher to Willow:
Lt. Wallace to the Watcher this eve for dinner and further orders...The prize has set sail, and the wind has dropped to barely a wisper. A calm if warm evening to dine aboard the flagship.
As Commander Bryant arrived "Good evening sir...my compliments on the prize taken this afternoon" He turned and gave an outstetched hand to Lady Farthingale. "Sir, I have the
honor of presenting to you Lady Farthingdale, Lady Farthingdale, Captain West." "No, Commander," Ian replied. "I must congratulate you on a superior performance. It will not go unmentioned in my official reports to the Admiral. But enough of this: you are the first of my guests to arrive, and we shall not discuss business now. Of course you know Lt. MacDonald?" He nodded over to his number one.Turning his attention to the lady, Ian bowed slightly, taking the Lady's offered hand and raising it coolly to his lips. "Enchanted, Madame," he smiled thinly. "Your reputation precedes you, my Lady." Here he paused for
just the barest hint of a moment before continuing. "For who has not heard of your illustrious husband? Welcome aboard the Watcher."After the aristocrat made her formal bows and greetings, he turned the hand to Miss Stocker..."And Sir I have the pleasure of presenting Miss Rebecca Stocker of Baltimore, and Lt. Garnder late of the USS Thunderer."Ian's smile grew wider. "'Tis my pleasure to make your acquaintances...I
hope you do not find your time aboardships unpleasing. Especially here, as you are guests." After West made his replies, Bryant spoke in a low voice to him, so the
guests couldn't hear. "Sir...I've gathered some intelligence on the whereabouts of the Yankee ships in the vicinity."

"Indeed? We must discuss this later." And with that, Ian motioned toward the companion, addressing the small party. "But table is set now, and I would offer some wine before dinner." Last to arrive was a very apprehensive looking Lieutenant Wallace from the
Willow who requested to see Captain West privately for just a moment..."Excuse me, ladies..gentlemen." Ian led Lt. Wallace out into the companion, and from there topside. "Yes?" he asked quietly. "What is it, leftenant?"As Captain West started to step aside to speak with Lieutenant Wallace a serious cat fight appeared to be brewing...

As the guests arived on the deck and the introductions were completed...Lady Farthingdale took in all the compliments as they were her due. "Well of course you've heard of my husband, he's soon to be made Brigadier and appointed to command something important in Maryland or Virginia. never could keep those little Colonial provinces straight. Miss Stocker smiled and said, "He might get a warmer reception than you think milady." Lieutenant Gardner started turning a bit red as he said, "Is this not a
social gathering and not a strategy session?" Lady Farthingdale replied, "Some might call it that"...she paused, "Miss Stocker if your countrymen are so valiant what are you and the good Lieutenant doing on this ship?" She paused again and turned to English officers "my husband says Yankee ships are a bunch of pineboards under the striped bunting and hardly worth our time...Don't you gentlemen agree?"Ian restrained his mounting furor at Lady Farthingdale's slighting of not only his ship, but also his efforts at providing for his guests. He wanted to inform Her Ladyship that her husband was a bumbling fool who would have
difficulty in distinguishing his posterior from his elbows. But he also knew that her husband could easily be in position to ruin his career should he mishandle her treatment while she was his guest. Instead, he bit down on his tongue and graciously said, "Indeed, Lt. Stocker..what are you doing here, if not to partake of the best the Watcher has to offer you?" he smiled. "We ought not spoil our dinner with such talk. But, My Lady, since you
inquire...I should think your husband's position to be one espoused by many in His Majesty's Navy," he allowed, not voicing his own feelings on the matter. Those were best discussed among the officers.

Tom clasped his hands behind his back at this remark and held them there in a tight grip, for it gave his mind something to concentrate on pther than replying to the remark. He realized though that Captain West was leaving the room, which then made him the Senior Officer. Realizing Lady Farthingdale and Miss Stocker were looking at him for an answer, he cleared his throat, and shifted his eyes, before allowing his stare to fall on them.
"Um, miLady...I have seen the frigate United States and I assure you it is not merely striped bunting and pineboard. The Yankee vessels can fire more metal than our heaviest frigates and can outrun our Ships of the Line. Those pineboards and bunting if you remember, though I'm not sure if it was mentioned in certain social circles have captured or destroyed three of His Majesties frigates. I might add also that that pineboard is excellent for shipbuilding...I believe they call the Constitution..um, what is it..."Old Ironsides" for our shot bounce from her hull. So no milady, while they can be beaten, I would not label them as pineboard and striped bunting." He ceased his tirade, and slunk back in the corner, fearing he had overstepped his boundaries as a ship Captain to a member of the aristocracy. (Though had he been a little bolder he might have added "Perhaps remarks like those is why your husband is in the army.")
He raised his wine glass and took a drink as he awaited her reply.

Lady Farthingdale seemed to be content with the response as she commented on Miss Stockers dress, which was attractive but plain and simple, "so is that latest fashion in the colonies." Miss Stocker replied, "Indeed looking over Lady Farthingdales French Gown OOC

Some bagage came with her apparently the pirates valued ransom more than looting.

IC
"We do try to keep covered"
Lieutenant Gardner almost looked relieved, "It is indeed a pleasure to accept your hospitality; I met the Watcher once before almost two years ago when I was a Midshipman aboard the United States it was a much hotter reception

Lady Farthingdale looked clearly annoyed and said, "Hardly what I here in London but I'm sure the Army will take care of these upstarts in any event. Lietenant Gardner was staring intently into his glass and Miss Stocker replied, "like they did at Yorktown perhaps?"

Bryant groaned inwardly at the Yorktown comment...needed to diffuse this situation...
"No....Miss Stocker, Yorktown wasn't the army's fault...no no it was the Navy's failure to break the French blockade that spelled doom for Lord Cornwallis. Now, um," his mind raced trying to find common ground the ladies could talk about...think, think.."ah, lady Farthingdale, is this your first time aboard a man-of-war?"

Lady Farthingdale gave Miss Stocker a withering glance and replied "Why No my husband And I travelled aboard the Hibernia {OOC 110} during the Peninsuler Campaign in Spain.
Lieutenant Gardner commented, "a First Rate I believe?"
Miss Stocker nodded...
Bryant nodded, "Consider yourself priviledged then Lady Farthingdale...for she is one of the Navys finest. And you are quite right Lt., she is a first rate...one of the biggest vessels Ive ever seen....As you have been in captivity I do not suppose the capitulation of Napoloeons empire has reached you yet...it took place the middle of last month. Therefore would not surprise me if the Navy didn't send some of its larger vessels to this station.

As you have been in captivity I do not suppose the capitulation of Napoloeons empire has reached you yet...it took place the middle of last month. This news seemed to stun the new comers as apparently they had not heard. Lady Farthingdale said, "why that is excellent news " Lieutenant Gardner was heard to say "good god we're on our own now" Miss Stocker said, "indeed we will need to act quickly or all may be lost."

Bryant brought his glass up once more, taking another drink of the excellent wine. He thought of something quickly to soften the blow of the news he just delivered to the group, and it was on his tongue before he could think to shut his mouth. "My sincerest apologies Miss Stocker and Lt. Garnder, it is bad news for you, but of course disaster for a lower officer such as myself. For no tyrant means that the Navy will pay off many ships, and only those with contacts will get the plums. I'm afraid that when this contest is over, one such as myself will find themselves unemployed."
Lt Gardner nodded, "aye I can relate to that, when a war ends they have little use for us " Miss Stocker added, "Gentlemen we will hardly roll over and play dead"

Lady Farthingdale tactlessly commented, "Perhaps with this end to the war we can concentrate on the finer things in life, my husband is quite an accomplished writer, have any of you read his book? The Second Colonial War A Handbook for Junior Officers in the King's Service its quite the rage in London
Tom never had much use for aristocrats. No, ...that wasn't it...some aristocrats. But this Lady Farthingdale and her snide remarks were certainly placing her in the former category. "MiLady....have you ever known your lifestyle to be taken from you? Everything you've known and been accustomed too just gone in an instant. If this war ends, every naval officer who doesn't have a father or uncle in parliment will have this happen to him. So no, the finer things in life shan't come to some of us. And I say, I certainly hope your husband knows something more about the Colonial Army that he does their ships or his book will be remembered as fiction. If you will excuse me." He kept his blue eyes focused on her as he spoke, knowing very well that by saying that remark, his career could be over.

Lady Farthingdale paused for a second looked very annoyed and then to everyone's amazement smiled. She replied not as a nasal twanged London noble but with a clear Dublin accent "To answer your question yes I have, there are many ways one can move up through the ranks so to speak, and if by my enjoying my present status upsets some people so be it. You speak your mind Commander and while not the safest thing to do it is refreshing. She then turned to Miss Stocker and said "And you dear remove a few veils and you might be married one day." Miss Stocker opened her mouth to speak but said nothing...
Lieutenant Gardner nearly choked on his drink hearing all of this

Bryant's stern quarterdeck face slowly disappeared..and turned first to a look of surprise and then he grinned slightly. "I...thank you milady, and I will certainly get a copy of that book as soon as I am able." He took a quick glance at Miss Stocker, "Miss Stocker can I get you another glass of wine. By God, Gardner, you've spilt wine on Captain West's carpet here...that'll never get you invited to a flag dinner."

Gardner was still flustered "obviously the role of the ship sir, that is truly a shame for I hear Rear Admiral Sir Harold Medicus KCB sets quite a fine table aboard the Sunnydale."
Miss Stocker paused, "my aren't WE well informed" Lieutenant Gardner had regained some composure "WE.... have our sourses ma'm"

"I honestly don't know Lieutenant for the last time we were to have one I was out getting shot at by your United States." he let the steward refill her glass and the walked back towards her. "I've actually only met him once, at a briefing...seemed to be quite capable and straight-forward. The great cabin of the Sunnydale was well furnished though I assure you. Unlike my own ship which I am glad just to have a table and cot." He laughed at his own flat joke, and then tapered his laughter off as he approached Miss Stocker with her refilled wine glass "Your wine Miss Stocker...perhaps you'd like to go on deck later and get some air...I could show you some of the traits of our frigates."

.After this he tells West quietly..."Sir, Gardner knows we are of Medicus's squadron."
Ian looked a silent question, leaving this remark uncommented upon as he removed his hat upon entering the room, and set it easily to the side. "You must forgive me, ladies," he smiled, addressing them directly. He knew the gentlemen would understand. "Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown....I hope I did not miss too much?" Sitting, he took up his glass once more. It was indeed a good wine. He had opened two of his best bottles for this dinner; the best bottle he was saving for the admiral when he went to make his report. He knew the old man did enjoy a fine drink, and it never hurt to grease the appropriate wheels
from time to time.

"Lt. Gardner, you were saying you met the Watcher earlier...it does me good
to know she does not disappoint from either end of the guns," he beamed. He would not let him know that he had only recently assumed command...that would be foolish in the extreme. "Though I hope you do enjoy this meeting more than your last."

With that, he picked up a small bell and rang for Black, the servant he had managed to procure before setting sail. "You may serve dinner now, Black---we are all here."And so Black brought in an assortment of Ian's best: two dishes of roast duck, followed by a leg of mutton, and a dish of Ian's portion of the roast beef the crew had gone in on earlier. Assorted fresh vegetables, carrots and peas rarely seen aboardships, followed. Only Ian knew that this dinner was eating into the precious store of goods he had laid aside for his own personal use, purchased with the last bit of prize money he'd received some months ago, but it was important to receive these guests appropriately. He allowed Black to serve the ladies first, followed by the gentlemen; he himself insisted on being served last. Sighing inwardly, he addressed the Lady Farthingdale: "So, my lady...I hope the hospitality of His Majesty's Navy agrees with you?"

She replied, “ Indeed Captain, you set a fine table.”

<INSERT CAPTAIN WEST AND LIEUTENANT WALLACE’s earlier coversation>

Well sir, Commander James Callaghan was found in the hold the Surgeon Thompson says he fell and suffered a serious head injury, he's talking strange at times, sir, Sailing Master Burke says," he hesitated, "well he's no longer fit for command" Wallace hesistated again "Sir the weather has been good, I don't think Commander Callaghan fell. "Ian's expression darkened. "This is a serious allegation, leftenant. Be aware that I will not look lightly on allegations of mutiny in my command. Now tell me...Why?" he asked. "I have not known Commander Callaghan to be anything other than a sober, trustworthy man..."Lieutenant Wallace looked clearly uncomfortable, "aye sir, that's why I don't think he fell." Sir perhaps I shouldn't say this but Mr Burke tried to assume command from then Midshipman Rhetnug several years ago when the Captain and First Lieutenant were killed {OOC see Willow Turn one, common knowledge among the squadron}He clearly had more to say but remained silent...Clearly you've more to say. Say it, man--if you've evidence to this effect...I am bound to take action," he sighed. Lieutenant Wallace took a deep breath, "Only my word sir Mr Burke and Sgt Morgan were talking about finally getting their due. Not a mutiny just assumption of command. Burke has always felt he deserved a commission, but having risen from the lower deck with no money or family connections felt he was passed over in favor of the gentlemen." Do you, sir, fear for your life? Do you think they will come after you next? "Let them try sir, while the Marines back them, the crew does not. Mr Burke plays favorites and his toadys like him for the freebys they get. Commander Callaghan didn't tolerate this but couldn't totally stop it.""Mr. Wallace," Ian said angrily, "you understand that conspiring to remove the appointed commander of a vessel from his position is nothing less than mutiny, and a court-martial will rightly condemn it as such. Do you, sir, fear for your life? Do you think they will come after you next?""I see....then by all means, Lieutenant--monitor the situation carefully, and remain in command of your ship." Ian somehow managed a smile. "Shall we
rejoin the festivities below?" Ian motioned vaguely in the direction of his cabin, and the two of them descended. The marine guard snapped to attention when he saw the officers, and Ian reached for the handle to his door...Thank you sir, as Lieutenant Wallace followed the senior officer, he felt almost 10 feet tall, a Post Captain had said his ship and so it was by god.

BACK AT THE PARTY

"Your wine Miss Stocker...perhaps you'd like to go on deck later and get some air...I could show you some of the traits of our frigates."
Miss Stocker accepted the glass and replied "I shall look forward to that."
Lieutenant Gardner looked very unhappy, but before he could say anything, the Marine sentry opened the door and Captain West and Lieutenant Wallace entered.

"Ah Captain West welcome back...this is a most splendid wine you have here. And Wallace how goes it on your ship?" Short some prize money it appears sir. He would not say the name with Gardners ears open to the conversation. "Whats the matter with your Captain...I hope its not too serious. No sir, he sends his apoligies and regrets...well come in and have some wine, and let me make the introductions. Lady Fathingdale...Miss Stocker and Lt. Garnder late of the United States Navy." After this he tells West quietly..."Sir, Gardner knows we are of Medicus's squadron."

Lieutenant MacDonald paced the deck making sure all was in order, A ship of war was no place to hold a party in his humble low born opinion. These thoughts keep running through James’s as he looked over the ship after her engagement Watcher had done well he was proud of her and the crew. Although the god forsaken American frigate way out there somewhere and James knew from experience that fight would not go as easy as this one had. His mind wandered back to the party below decks if he was only better at this sort of thing a captaincy would be assured him but how could a poor preachers son ever manage to master the art of smiling and back slapping. “You there, seamen make sure that the reef tackle is clear we don’t need a problem when the wind hits” Herman Steiner approached Lieutenant MacDonald as he stood in thought “Sir, Caption West requires you below” Damm James says to himself he was hoping for more time “very well mister Steiner you have the deck” James headed below like a man walking to the gallows.