Realistic or Modern The Golden Age of Piracy [KurtH6355 & Myxyzptik]

[Myxyzptlk]

Buffy took another glance over to where he last saw Morgan fighting before returning his gaze back to the matters at hand. Buffy listened intently to what Bauer had to offer about the Court of Prizes. It was all stuff that was familiar to Captain Buffy but this may have been the first time it truly held precedence. Capturing the galleon was the Captain's largest feat so far and he could get a sense of envy from Bauer. Buffy certainly did not need Bauer hosting any feelings of vindication toward Buffy and so Buffy planted his hand upon Bauer's shoulder. Buffy offered this as reassurance for his fellow Captain.

"Fear not what becomes of the galleon. What's good for me is good for you. And what's good for us is good for the Republic. You'll get your spoils soon."

Buffy worried for Bauer at times. For his fellow pirate he had hoped that their ambitions would never breed naivety. They would dally on the topic no longer as Buffy turned his attention to the matters of recruitment. The Mutineers certainly would make for good service men given the level of fight they offered aboard the galleon. Buffy paid heed to the headcount that was taken place and furthermore to Bauer's request. Since Bauer suffered most of the losses the majority of mutineers would be partitioned to Bauer's ship. Whatever was left over was used to replenish A Series of Unfortunate Events or to continue maintenance of the galleon and its safekeeping until they brought it to Rackham.

With all the matters resolved all that awaited Buffy was the good news. It was certainly a celebratory matter as the Quartermaster listed off each spoil of battle that they had come to endeavor. Buffy himself could not help but offer a smile upon hearing. Buffy clasped his Quartermaster's bicep and offered an affirmative nod.

"Rackham'll be pleased. Alright men! Let's lollygag no longer! Rackham expects to hear the good news!"

Buffy would sit back and wait for the men to prepare sailing off with the Galleon in tow.

 

[Lord Bradorian]

Your words seem to alleviate some tension between yourself and Captain Bauer, as well as your acquiescence of the majority of the mutineers to his crew. Twenty men join him, while ten join you. They're put on latrine duty as a sort of probation.

Your Quartermaster informs you it will take another hour or so before the loot is transferred to your ship. Because of this, it's decided that the Grenouillie will go and relieve the Maria Alena. You notice that the fight between Morgan and the brig has deteriorated to sparse trades of musket fire. The brig will likely strike her colors when the  Grenouillie makes her approach.

Once things begin to settle down, you're approached by your Third Mate, Louis Haytham, overseer of your crew. "Hey, Captain. Splendid job today, the biggest prize we've ever taken! I...regret to inform you, there appears to be a thief in our midst. A large quantity of money is missing from the loot."

 

[Myxyzptlk]

As the day wore long he would expect it to become evening very soon. While the victory was heartfelt he understood he still would require Rackham and the Court of Prizes approval before they made out with any real loot. After the recruits had been split between him and Bauer the Grenouillie departed to assist the Maria Alena. While the men had been relegated to their usual duties maintaining the ship and the new mutineers with the latrine he watched as his Quartermaster finish the transferring of loot. What had assumed to be a done deal had been complicated with the arrival of his Third Mate.

The news struck Buffy as odd and at first he wanted to assume it was impossible. But after looking at his Third Mate's face it was clear that they would have another matter to deal with entirely. Buffy understood that the total money from the loot was 10,000. Which meant what had been left over was 5,000 somewhere between transferring the loot from the Galleon to A Series of Unfortunate Events. It was an impressive swindle considering the amount of it which made trying to pick out suspects somewhat difficult for Buffy. It was possible that one of his men grew too greedy or one of the Mutineers had stored the pounds where they expected no one to find it. But he also grew somewhat suspicious of Bauer in this affair, after all the Grenouillie would be able to confiscate 5,000 under its deck.

Buffy would not entertain the thought for too long, not yet at least. Buffy needed to explore the current crew and root out any thieves within his immediate midst. Buffy turned to his Third Mate and ushered a command to round up all the crew. If the loot was hidden somewhere aboard the ship it would not take awfully long to find it. And with enough incentive they would at least get a hint of some sort regarding where the loot had gone.

"Round up the crew. We'll investigate the matter. Assume the worst and trust no one."

Buffy had planted the Cutlass of Dunesbury along his belt and patted it neatly into place, his other cutlass hanging on the opposite side of his waist.

 

[Lord Bradorian]

Louis hesitates on your command to summon the crew to a meeting. "Captain, that would delay the taking of our prize. Perhaps before going loud with our...investigation, you should talk to Jacob." Jacob Wells is one of your topmen, and by far the most well-reputed and liked man aboard your ship who has never held an officer position. He is also the ship's shantyman; currently leading the crew in a melody designed to ease the mundanity of such a task as hauling goods from one ship to another. Jacob arguably knows more about what goes on onboard than you do, or even Louis does, which sometimes is hard to admit. But you regularly find yourself seeking his counsel.

Jacob is an important man. If you found yourself on the wrong side of him, you'd simultaneously find yourself on the wrong side of the majority of your men. So, you stay on good terms. You consider Jacob a close friend, and intend to keep it that way.

This conversation has been had in your Captain's Cabin, where you've been compiling an itemized list of booty with the help of your Quartermaster, though he's had to go in and out to oversee the actual taking of the loot. Through your portside window, you watch as the brig strikes her colors as the  Grenouillie closes in, and the crew of the Marie Alena boards her without a fight.

 

[Myxyzptlk]

Buffy looked past Louis as he spoke to him. With half the treasures stolen he could imagine that more could be stolen in transit. Nonetheless to keep the peace Buffy would adhere to his Third Mate's wishes. Before causing a controversy among his rabble he would have Jacob Wells brought into the Captain's Quarters. Buffy would flick his wrist toward the door two times before ordering Louis,

"Right then, bring Jacob and hurry with the loot. Can't afford to lose more."

Buffy would wipe his brow. As he furrowed the wrinkles on his forehead would become visible. Throughout the three hours that had passed Buffy could not help but to ponder what would happen once they returned to port. Buffy's attention was brought back toward the capturing of the Brigantine. Buffy watched as the sail of surrender rose into the sky, small silhouettes flung themselves over to the Marie Alena and not long afterward Bauer and his men had arrived in the Grenouillie. The battle was officially done, all that remained was the internal issues that plagued A Series of Unfortunate Events. Buffy turned his gaze once more to the entrance of the Captain's Quarters where he expected Jacob to barge through at any opportune moment.

 

[Lord Bradorian]

Promptly, Jacob enters your cabin, alone, in a few minutes.

"Aye, Captain. I know why you've called me, the missing money. Now, I know who's got it and where it is -- just one problem. Part of that money belongs to me. Your thief stole to pay back a debt, to me."

Your eyes widen at the thought. Jacob and his closest companions acted as sort of a gang aboard the ship. It was not the first time he'd had other crewmates indebted to him, though this was the first time it had been such a large amount of money, and the first time you've had to be involved.

"Thirty-five hundred of the five thousand stole, is what he owes me. Now obviously, we gotta make that right. Way I see it, either I collect and you lose out, which I know you don't want, or you look the other way while we..." Jacob trails off. What he intends to do to the thief if the debt isn't paid off is obvious enough.

"Blokes unimportant. One of Andrew's raiders."

 

[Myxyzptlk]

The bluntness to which Jacob relayed the information to Buffy had caught him off guard. It had been unexpected and threw Buffy into a spiral of decisions that Buffy knew he had to make. None of which was comfortable for the Captain as he was caught between slighting his crew or his trusted man. It was no problem of Jacob's whether another crew member or Pirate had owed him money but it slighted the Captain directly in this fashion. The loot was well-earned blood money to be spread among the crew and cover wages for the non-voting populous aboard A Series of Unfortunate Events. There was a few decisions that Buffy could have made in this scenario:

The first of which could be crossing Jacob and seizing the money fully for himself. Whatever was to happen to Jacob and the would be debtor was unimportant in this hypothetical. Either which way their relations would be soured but the whole of the crew would benefit from getting the majority of the income. Ultimately it was not their money to do with as they pleased but nonetheless Buffy had not found himself favoring this plan.

Another idea was to concede to Jacob's initial demands and allow him to collect on the half of the loot. It was possibly the least violent solution and ensured everyone got off scot free but Buffy imagined his crew would be displeased with the revelation that 10,000 pounds had materialized into considerably less. And in the grand scheme of things he was looking out for the wellbeing of the entire crew.

The last idea would be the one he settled in on. It was of no mystery to Buffy what Jacob Wells would do to the man that failed to pay his debts but Buffy could hardly stand for it coming at his crew's expense. Buffy would allow for Jacob to do what he must. The Captain imagined it may not go well with Boudoin but he had received a new shipment of recruits just a moment ago from the remnants of the Galleon. Buffy would inform Jacob of his decision, although with a stern warning at the end.

"I will not stand for debtors money to be paid off at my or the crew's expense. Do what you must but if I hear word from Boudoin that this raider is little more than unimportant as you say there'll be consequences, savvy?"

It left Buffy wondering how one man alone could accrue 3,500 pounds in debts while overseas.

 

[Lord Bradorian]

Jacob smiles as you authorize the killing of the debtor. "Savvy," he replies, before taking his leave.

Only five minutes later, Louis comes in and tells you the money has been recovered. He doesn't say anything, but obviously knows Jacob was involved in the recovery someway.

Soon enough, the loot has been secured. The galleon has been manned by a skeleton crew of forty, leaving fifty aboard your ship.

Now at the helm, your First Mate asks where you'd like to set a course. He suggests either linking with the other captains and heading back to Nassau, or sailing to the close-by Port Royale, the largest and most prosperous British port in the Bahamas. There, you could liquidate the many trade goods you captured from the galleon. However, you're heavily loaded down and sailing much slower than normal; thus, it may be a good idea to sail over to the other two ships and offload some cannons, or something. You've employed as many as you can fit on your ship, and still have ten idling in your storage.

 

[Myxyzptlk]

Buffy slinked back at the smile that grew on Jacob's face. The young Captain hoped that this would not be a reoccurring issue lest he have to double his functions as an executioner whenever the need rose for it. Buffy left to his own devices now needed to plot the crew's next course following. Louis would walk into him during the peak of his musings to offer that they had recovered the pounds. Buffy tipped his hat to Louis before stepping out from the Captain's quarters and scaling the ship's stairs to return to his helm. Buffy would take the wheel of the helm, giving his helmsman a much needed break as the First Mate laid out potential trajectories for Buffy.

There was however, the slight issue of the weight bearing the ship down and causing it to sail at lower knots than usual. Buffy figured that the excess weight of all the trade goods may have been partly responsible and therefore would set his course for Port Royale. From there they could see if the weight situation is alleviated before sailing back to Nassau. Buffy would inform his First Mate of their plotted course.

"We'll sail to Port Royal. Dump as much trade goods while there and see if it's enough to lighten the ship."

Buffy called out to the men below and relayed his orders in turn.

"We set sail to Port Royal! And man the oars! We need every hand helping!"

Buffy would rest his two hands on the wheel and guide the ship toward the direction of Port Royal. Buffy hoped that they would not run face first into any monsters or storms along the way.

 

[Lord Bradorian]

You set sail for Port Royale. You watch as the Grenouillie and Maria Alena head off toward Nassau.

It only takes an hour to sail to the port from where you were, even at reduced speeds. It is large; the docks sprawl farther than you're able to see. There must be hundreds of ships at port; it's quite likely the merchantman you'd just apprehended had been traveling from here.

As you dock, the harbormaster is waiting for you. His name is Ethannuel. He is cordial with several of the captains of Nassau, including yourself.

You step off of the Series of Unfortunate Events onto the wooden, damp dock of the port, your First Mate and Quartermaster accompanying you. Ethannuel outstretches a hand for a shake, with a smile. "Good to see you, Captain Buffy. What have you brought me today?"

 

[Myxyzptlk]

As A Series of Unfortunate Events sailed away from the Grenouillie and Maria Alena he noted how they seemed to sink into the horizon. Before long Buffy & the crew were all to their lonesome with the Galleon within its midst. An hour later and the crew called for land and readied the ropes and anchor. The crew cheered as they came into sight of civilization and before long the ship had all but found its rest alongside the dock. Buffy, accompanied by his First Mate and Quartermaster leapt over the deck and began the climb down toward the dock. Their feet met with the damp dock with a clunk before taking sight of the harbormaster.

Buffy recognized the man to be Ethannuel. And with his hand outstretched Buffy willingly clasped their hands together in greeting. Hearing Ethannuel's voice at the end of this journey felt like a culmination of all the events that had transpired. Finally, he felt that it was time to be rewarded. Buffy gestured toward A Series of Unfortunate Events and called for the acquisition of all the excess trade goods that they had come to plunder.

"Aye, we've come to bare with some goods. Let's say we've struck a bargain with some savory sorts. Perhaps you can fancy our stock and relieve us of the excess."

Buffy was suggestive with his remarks. Hinting at the dubious nature in which they had acquired the trade goods but cunning enough to never outright speak of it in greater detail. Once the inventory had been seized by the harbormaster it would no longer be the crew's issue to deal with should someone go looking for it. A Series of Unfortunate Events had become rather encumbered and the one thing the crew would be more elated about than the loot would be finally offloading the excess storage.

 

[Lord Bradorian]

After a half hour of negotiations, Ethannuel and Alex agree to a price on the goods. In the end, you're delivered a bill of sale. Combined with the 10,000 seized from the galleon, you've made out with a plunder of 32k.

You could divide the plunder here at Port Royale. A fourth, or eight thousand pounds, goes automatically to you. Another fourth is divided between your officers, taking away 1,600 each. The rest is divided between your crew, amounting to 265 pounds for every man.

Dividing the plunder here would likely trigger a mass exodus into town as your crew goes to spend their gains. There are many fine wares in town, taverns and brothels to spend their money in, though they may make trouble with the locals and attract attention of the local military. A safer bet would be to wait until you get back to Nassau, though a night out on Freetown isn't nearly as exciting as one out on Port Royale.

 

[Myxyzptlk]

Watching Alex go back and forth with Ethannuel was it's own task. For Buffy and for the crew alike who knew lesser than the two men engaging in negotiations they dallied with whatever they could get their hands on. Even from the dock Buffy could sense the animosity growing from his crew about the share of spoils. After about a half hour of Alex and Ethannuel scoping out the inventory and finalizing the price Buffy would receive the good news. They had made out with a killing and the time to split the spoils was upon them. Following the news Buffy alongside his two entrusted Officers scaled A Series of Unfortunate Events once again to relay the news.

"Look alive crew! We've made out with 32,000 pounds total! We'll get our shares at Nassau!"

Hopefully the news of plunder overwhelmed that of the location they would receive it in. Buffy could come off as staunchly conservative at times in the way he led. The Captain preferred to keep his crew out of unnecessary trouble which may have been seen as untimely of a Captain manning a Pirate ship. But Buffy always saw himself and his crew as a cut beyond raving barbarians. As they seized the whole of the plunder onto A Series of Unfortunate Events Buffy would pull aside his Quartermaster and whisper into his ear a short order

"Alex, my good man, do watch the plunder. Wouldn't want another thief placing their hands where it doesn't belong."

Buffy had still held onto his bit of edge from when the incident had occurred earlier. Though the sensation of paranoia was all but mostly gone from his system it always did well to pay some heed to the possibilities. Buffy leapt toward the helm, skipping a step or two along his way up before gripping at the wheel. The crew would begin untying the ropes from their affixed positions on the dock as they prepared to disembark. When they were finished they dragged the anchor up and began to set out to sea. Buffy would wave his hat in the air as an adieu to Port Royal before proudly proclaiming.

"Freetown awaits us gentlemen! And so there does our plunder! Sail! Sail away!"

Buffy would plant his cap back onto his head before steering the ship toward the direction of Freetown. By this point the Grenouillie and the Alena Maria would have all but reached their destination. Perhaps by that point James Morgan and Anthony Bauer would have connected with Rackham's flotilla and spread the good news.

 

[Lord Bradorian]

Your crew bellows with excitement as you disclose the total plunder gained in the battle. With your load sufficiently lightened, you head off for Freetown at full speed. The crew begins a cheery shanty, led by Jacob.



Runnin' down to Cuba with a load of sugar!
'Way, me boys, to Cuba!
Make her run, you lime juice squeezers!
Runnin' down to Cuba!

As you draw close to your destination, the sun begins to set, and Rich's bald head pops up from below deck to announce dinner. Likely the same as was for breakfast, minus the flapjacks.

 

[Myxyzptlk]

The boat sailed comfortably over the waters along their way to Freetown. If there were a rough wave or storm that came their way Buffy was sure that the roaring of the crew in song would part the tumultuous waves. Their voices reverberated through the air as Buffy calmly steered A Series of Unfortunate Events to their destination. With the sun setting over the horizon Buffy and the crew would surely feel the burns of the day simmering away. Whatever part of his skin was exposed had been peeling away for weeks at that point. As song and rejoicing continued Rich would burst out from beneath to announce dinner.

As was per custom half the ship remained behind while the other piled in down low. And as per his tradition he was always last to come. Rationing was all too common out at sea, many foods spoiled rather quickly so the selection would always be limited. Thankfully, there was less storage in the crew's way. Buffy would claim his dinner which would be the salted dry meat and hard tack. Buffy vigorously fought with the hard tack and the dry meat but did so in the company of his men. Gathered in a circle below deck the shanties continued on throughout the night with no sign of end. Freetown would be greeted by song and a fanciful galleon in it's wake.

 

[Lord Bradorian]

You head down below deck to fix your plate. Excited conversation can be heard all around.

"30,000! What is that, 400 for all of us!?" one voice shouts over the chorus of conversation.

"I think closer to three!" Another responds.

"No, only two and a half!" a final voice responds, before adding on, "Wot? Don't be mad at me 'cos you fucks can't do maths."

You get your food and find a seat beside Jacob Wells. He nudges you to join him as he leads the song. You both sing together between mouthfuls.

The Captain he will trim the sails!
'Way me boys, to Cuba!
Wingin' the water o'er the rails!
Runnin' down to Cuba!

It feels like a flash by the time your ten minutes is up. You fall in line with your men to put your tray back for Rich to rinse for the morning meal.

You move back up topside, and relieve the helmsman. He and Browne go get their meals, while your Second Mate, Boudoin, comes to accompany you. You struggle to decide whether to discuss your agreement with Wells.

"We should reach port by the time the second wave for dinner returns, cap'tn."

 

[Myxyzptlk]

The camaraderie was excitable and the atmosphere infectious all throughout the cabin. The crew was in high spirits and it would be impossible to join in on the festivities. Before long Buffy found himself singing shanties alongside the rest of the crew. This had been familiar territory for Buffy who had spent well over the majority of his life doing similar under the command of Rackham. By minute seven Buffy had hardly noticed he had forgotten to eat for the most part and at the call of dinner for the second half of the crew he had only managed one hard tack. Which was possibly for the better as maggots and flies had already wiggled their way inside, rather common when at sea.

The first half could hardly squeeze out from the bottom deck soon enough and by the time they had resumed their duties the singing had still been persisting. Buffy had returned to the helm of A Series of Unfortunate Events. With his return to the helm came Browne and and the helmsman's departure. Soon Boudoin came topside and assumed his position alongside Buffy. The celebratory nature of the ship had almost carried him away from the fact that he permitted a crew member's death aboard the ship. Though Buffy had all but justified it in his mind he imagined that eventually him and Boudoin may come to blows over the deal that had transpired. Buffy turned to his Second Mate upon the news,

"Good. I imagine the men will find ways to spend their keep within a fortnight."

Buffy carried an unshakable demeanor that hid his cunning well. Buffy understood that Jacob Wells end of the bargain was only good if he were able to hide the evidence well. Which if he did not, he likely would not, Buffy would not protect him at that point. Buffy kept his eyes gazing at the sea, waiting for the long silhouette of land to appear over the horizon.

 

[Lord Bradorian]

First, you see the many lights of Freetown glistening in the distance. As you approach, your crew sings another joyous and familiar shanty.



Help me Bob, I'm bully in the alley!
Weigh, hey, bully in the alley
Help me Bob, I'm bully in the alley!
Bully down in Shinbone Al!

Then, before you can make out the features of the buildings of Freetown, or the figures that would surely be dotted on the shore, partying and drinking on the beach, you hear a choir of voices singing along with your crew's shanty, welcoming you home. Their voices in the distance are ethereal.

Sally is the girl that I love dearly
Wey, hey, bully in the alley
Sally is the girl that I spliced nearly
Bully down I Shinbone Al!

The powerful moment evokes feelings of awe in you. You feel proud to serve the Republic, to be honored with a position amongst such a strong, close brotherhood.


 

 

[Myxyzptlk]

The singing had yet stopped and would not stop. It chimed all throughout the night like each word would carry forth a good omen. Soon the rugged shapes that made up the Freetown port was in view. This further confirmed as crew and resident alike chimed back and forth. Buffy would surely remember that as it brought a sense of homeliness to him that otherwise could not be afforded to Pirates. It was oftentimes that a Pirate found the sea to be their home with nowhere to turn back to when need be. The Republic had sought to change that and as they washed up on the dock they were effectively greeted as heroes. The prize of a galleon being what there was to show. Buffy had almost for a brief moment forgotten the Prize Courts as he called for landfall. The ropes came back into play and strapped for landfall, the anchor giving way soon afterward and clinging to the deep sands afterward.

"Ho! Welcome to Freetown! Go and spend your hard earned loot, spare not a shekel or you might get bold and find a new trade!"

Buffy said it in jest but it was probably entirely true. It was a cycle of being broke and requiring work. At the very least they would all come back with a shiny piece of jewelry. Buffy himself would be unsure of what to do with his share. With 8,000 there was probably enough to decorate the ship with a new figurehead or arm the new galleon. Alas, Buffy would be getting ahead of himself. What mattered first was that he find Jack Rackham and relay to him the good news.

 

[Lord Bradorian]

As a matter of fact, as your men and officers head off for a boisterous night on the town, Rackham finds you. With few words, he escorts you to his residence, only a few minutes walk from where you'd docked the ship.

Sitting on his porch, he offers you a glass of liquor. "So. I hear that there is a disputed claim on that prize you've towed in. Between you and Captain Bauer."

You take a moment to process what Rackham said. That rat, Bauer! He hadn't even informed you of his intention to dispute your claim! You'd already offloaded most of the plunder and divided it among your crew! You swear to yourself the young captain will pay for this transgression. You knew a rivalry might've been brewing -- the two of you were the rising stars in Rackham's ranks - but you did not see this coming. This...treachery.

Your reaction must show on your face. "Do not fret. Captain Bauer only disputes your claim to the galleon, not anything which you seized onboard. Good for you, since I seen you've let your dogs out on the town," he says, referring to your crew's celebrations. He pauses, and sips from his drink, before finishing. "Tell me what happened. Why it's your prize. Then I'll tell you what he told me, granted I'm no judge, but I do sit on the Prize Court."

 

[Myxyzptlk]

Buffy watched as the crew made for land with their loot in hands. Buffy would soon prepare to get his bearings in Freetown before Jack Rackham came to intercept him. It was rather quick so soon after making landfall but it also allowed Buffy to talk the particulars of the business at hand. They greeted one another before Rackham swiftly gestured for Buffy to follow him to his residence. Before long they had appeared on a front porch, he had watched Rackham take a seat. Buffy opted instead to stand as he let Rackham lay the revelation onto Buffy.

"Mmmm-"

Buffy gave a disconcerted hum at the news. It was surprising not because he was shocked at Bauer's nature but because even after the graces he had offered toward Bauer he still sought to undermine him. Buffy would prefer not to get caught up in internal affairs amidst the Republic. Buffy grew a sense that doing so undermined the Republic's ambitions but alas Buffy's suspicions were slowly unraveling in front of his eyes. Buffy straightened his back as he prepared to speak to his superior. If Buffy wished to undermine Bauer then all he would need to do was speak the truth and hope that Rackham does not buy into whatever conflicting story Bauer offered.

"Well Captain Rackham the story starts after we had sunk the gunboat. A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Grenouillie set out for the galleon not a moment later while The Alena Maria had began to fight off the Brigantine. Captain Bauer had given chase to the galleon, mind you the Galleon was in no position to fire its cannons in return. From my point of view The Grenouillie had immobilized from musket fire. Since they were forced to fire their muskets in return I had brought A Series of Unfortunate Events up to its side. Not long after we boarded the Galleon, began fighting with enough time for Bauer to reinforce our boarding party."

Buffy paused for a moment, he assumed the real dispute settled on what happened after the Galleon had actually been claimed from the top deck.

"It was rather strange. The Captain and his Officers had locked themselves into the bottom deck and refused to come out. I had one of my mates load a cannon up with chain shot and point it toward the door. Not long after the rest of the soldiers within their wake had mutinied and brought out the Captain. The British Captain had a strange name, 'Michael Dunesbury' if I recall. Dunesbury surrendered his sword to me and his galleon with it. My First, Second, Third, and Fourth Mates bore witness. My Quartermaster as well, they can confirm this as well as any other. I noticed Bauer had been looking with envy. If it were him being presented the cutlass I would not have disputed it myself, but here I am with the Cutlass. We've held the British Captain hostage as well, suppose you could ask him too."

Buffy flashed the British Officer's cutlass that he had attached to his waistline for proof.

 

[Lord Bradorian]

Rackham leans back, sighing, and takes another deep drink from his glass of liquor, nearly emptying it. It seems he had hoped this would be easier.

"Well, this is what Bauer says. He chased the galleon first - Morgan corrobates that much - and he destroyed the ship's sails with his chainshot. He argues that you...'swooped in' after his crew had done the heavy lifting. If it weren't for his chainshot, you wouldn't have been able to board easily. Also, he says that the only reason this Dunesboory gave his sword to you is 'cos you were coincidentally standing slightly closer to him than Bauer was, so it's only sensible that he'd think you're in charge over Bauer."

This, you don't think is true. You'd have to ask those who were present. You do have Dunesbury himself imprisoned for such a matter.

"Look. I shouldn't have to deal with a dispute between you two. Settle it personally, with words or what have you, or else the Prize Court may order for the galleon to be scuttled if an agreement about the ownership of the galleon cannot be made. That wouldn't be good for anyone," he states rather obviously.

 

[Myxyzptlk]

Buffy studied Rackham closely. It appeared Calico Jack had very little interest in deciding the affairs of his subordinates. While it was understandable the matter was only going to be complicated further down the line. It was ultimately of little importance what actually became of the galleon but Buffy grew an internal desire to curtail Bauer. Buffy had began to develop sentiments that Bauer was far too self-centered for his own liking. And had it grown out of control Buffy imagined himself being limited by the ever growing eye of Bauer. Something would need to be done and soon. Before the Prize Courts got involved and things took a turn for the worse.

"Very well then Captain Rackham. Expect the matter to be settled soon."

It was time to become a man of action. But first Buffy would require a solid plan for he feared if he merely confronted Bauer about the matter something unexpected may happen. Buffy would require the counsel of his officers and would set out to find them. But with all the men having had scattered for the night it was amiss as to any where either his Mates or Quartermaster may have disappeared off to. Buffy would have began by searching for any familiar face who could aid them in their direction.

 

[Lord Bradorian]

In response to the news, you set off searching for your officers. Unfortunately, the night you divide plunder is the one night on which they can't be reliably located. Fortunately, you know that your Quartermaster Alex Gratt, and Helsman Finn Frost, quite a peculiar name, are likely still aboard the ship; they were likely the only two. Gratt because it was his duty as Quartermaster to supervise her.

Finn because, with all this heart, he loved  her. He'd manned the helm for her previous captain, a merchantman much like the one you'd just taken the galleon off of, though much less prosperous of one. When the war began, the merchant decided to turn then-named  Osiris into a privateer ship. However, it was quickly discovered, both by the captain and his crew, that he was a dreadful commander in military affairs. A mutiny followed shortly thereafter, one of the ringleaders of which, was Finn. The mutineers were unable to elect a captain, and thus multiple ringleaders, including Finn, acted as co-captains for a time, and acted as pirates independently. One day, Rackham himself aboard his ship the Kingston hailed the Osiris, and boarded her peacefully. His reputation preceded him, and when given options between joining the Republic or becoming it's competition, Finn and the other ringleaders obliged Rackham swiftly. You acted that night as Rackham's boarding captain -- had things gone differently, you may have killed Finn that night.

The very next morning, Rackham bestowed upon you captaincy of the  Osiris, since renamed by you. However, Finn still prefers the name  Osiris, and has petitioned you several times to restore the name, as for now to no avail. Your Third Mate, Louis Haytham, also served aboard the Osiris and was one of the mutiny's ringleaders, and a co-captain during their time as independents. You recall your cook, Rich, was also serving aboard the ship at the time; his last name you can't think of, and may have never known. You don't think he was the leader of anything, obviously.

You received your captaincy at the same time many other of the captains in Rackham's flotilla did. You were the third captain of six to be bred from the officers of the Kingston. All of the ships were prizes taken BY the Kingston. But it was still an honor, of course, to receive your own ship, even if it came at a time where it was due process to elect one of his officers captain of worthy prizes.

You decide the surest bet to get some advice would be to return to your ship. The weight of the three thousand pounds in your pouch (you didn't think it wise to carry the whole sum on you) tells you to head to the harbormaster, the shipwright, blacksmith or some other vendor where'd you'd be able to invest this wealth. But you must first speak to your advisors.

On your way to the ship, you pass one of many taverns in Freetown. As you do, a band of three merry men, whom you recognize as your sailors, some of Boudoin's raiders, come waltzing out. They all raise bottles of liquor in greeting to you, shouting your name in appraisal. However, their celebratory chant of "Captain Buffy!" is interrupted by a loud crack, and one of the men falls, dead.

You instantly swivel your head around looking for the signature plume of smoke that would denote the origin of the gunshot, but you fail to find it.

"Murder! There's been a murder!" one of the men screams.

"CAPTAIN, GET DOWN!" Another calls, and the big, burly man comes and takes you by the arms, dragging you into the tavern and to the ground, flipping a table as a shield for you. The force is sudden, and it hurts; he manhandled you in his drunken state. Normally you'd kill a man for wrestling you this way, but you know the man believes he'd just prevented an attempt on your life, or some such.

But you know what happened. That man, lying dead in the street with his chest torn asunder, was the debtor. And the shooter either Jacob Wells, or an associate.

Though in your heart of hearts you know this debtor sealed his own fate, it's hard to escape the thought that this was your doing. You'd killed and ordered the killing of many. But being shot from afar, never seeing your killer or being able to prepare for the moment of your death, in fact being in the midst of celebrating the biggest accomplishment of your career, saluting the captain of your ship one moment and passing on the next...horrible.

 

[Myxyzptlk]

Buffy began motioning toward A Series of Unfortunate Events where the only men he could reliably expect to be there was his Quartermaster Alex Gratt and the helmsman Finn Frost. Like the barnacles that grew just underneath the bow of the ship they were permanently affixed to A Series of Unfortunate Events. Finn if not for the fact he was merely an artisan had any right to claim A Series of Unfortunate Events as he himself. It was Finn's life purpose to man the ship until he died with it, it was most certainly a bittersweet day when Finn had relinquished the ship, then known as the Osiris to Jack Rackham's flotilla. Buffy could recount the fateful day rather well.

Being able to be heralded as Boarding Captain atop Rackham's ship was the greatest ambition that Buffy ever held at the time. Buffy had not fathomed being anything more as his life had become contained within itself. A small bubble of habits and behaviors dictated his life up until that point fate reached its long fingers out toward him. Rackham had hailed the Osiris and Buffy soon afterward laid siege. That night Buffy's hand itched to wield his cutlass and cut down any scourge that opposed them. There was a particular violence that gleaned in Buffy's eye and he only anticipated for when the moment grew sour. It was one of the more significant times of Buffy's life and as he boarded the Osiris he looked upon its fledgling crew that surrendered its ship without a fight. As the seizure of the Osiris progressed Buffy was startled by the faces he looked upon. They were all but human, and albeit strange as that may have had sound Buffy was all to accustomed at hacking away at the vague shapes whenever smoke from the cannons and muskets blinded their facial features. It was then that Buffy had his greatest revelation that there was a face behind every slaughter and a man not too unalike from himself. The lesson was further cemented when Rackham captained Buffy the day afterward and Buffy aptly renamed the ship to A Series of Unfortunate Events. Buffy had picked the name because of it's ominous nature, it was one thing to say a ship had been sunk by another but another thing altogether to be sunk by nothing more than A Series of Unfortunate Events.

That fateful day was primarily why Buffy commanded with the level of restraint that he often displayed. And it was rewarding to see that there was a payoff whenever he walked down Freetown and saw his crew parading throughout the streets. They had almost all devolved into a childlike base instinct when elated with joy. As three men walked from the docks singing the Captain's praises he met them with open arms and a wide grin. It was almost a good moment between the lot of them before the cracking of a musket sent a man cascading to the floor. Buffy's first instinct was to search for the shooter's location but he had been tackled to the ground by one of his raiders instead. Buffy's hand had tightened around the pouch that held his wealth and before long found himself being grappled inside to the safety of the tavern.

Buffy felt a considerable tightness across his hips as he had been rag dolled inside. A commotion began to form not long after and Buffy required a moment to recuperate. The Captain stored his pouch within his jacket and took sight of his surroundings. Finding the drunken raider looking down on Buffy he understood the man was deserving of commendation and gave him a squeeze on the shoulder.

"Good man- But I must see my officers aboard the ship and I need to do so now!"

The plot had materialized in Buffy's mind and he slowly understood what had happened after piecing together the possibilities. Wells had enacted his sinister plot and while clever Buffy was taken aback by the gall to carry it out in front of the Captain himself. It was such a bold and unexpected maneuver on the part of Wells. Whether by design or coincidence it also allowed Buffy an excuse for when Andrew Boudoin came asking questions. That being that this small conflict was an act on Buffy's own life rather than that of the raider, Buffy had not particularly liked it most considering that his officers and crew would be carefully watching over his shoulder to protect him from a would-be assassin but he understood that the real plot would be masked perfectly.

Still despite the excitement Buffy knew he needed to act and ran for A Series of Unfortunate Events. All the while he called for Gratt and Frost's name.