Barracuda tfa-3

by Michael Aye

  "Was I going to be told about this lady?" Gabe asked with a grin.

  "It appears you've already been told."

  "Is there a possible future relationship?" Gabe continued, realizing Dagan seemed a bit uncomfortable with the conversation.

  "There's always a possible future," Dagan answered.

  "Now finish getting dressed and drink your coffee before it gets cold. Damned if you ain't worse at rising now than you used to be. All that hooting with the owls keeps you from soaring with the eagles."Gabe had been working at his desk for the better part of the morning. Dagan had not returned so he was either still ashore or on Swan. The groan of a ship is something a sailor hears daily and learns to tune it out.

  However, the groans were becoming more frequent and the sounds of timbers creaking as waves were lapping at the side of the hull could be heard. As Gabe rose from his chair to go topside he could feel the slight heave of the deck as SeaWolf tugged at her mooring. A dark cloud blotted the sun from view and the sky had an ominous look.

  Lieutenant Lavery was quickly at Gabe's side and said, "General signal from flag, sir, put to sea."

  "Any sight of Dagan?" Gabe asked.

  "Yes sir, he and a lad went aboard Swan about a quarter hour ago."

  "Damn," Gabe swore.

  The wind had picked up till it shook the shrouds.

  The normal greenish tint to the sea had now turned an angry blue.

  Gunnells and Jackson were now present and the master declared, "We're in for a blow." Taking a look toward Swan, Gabe still saw no sign of Dagan. "Damn," he swore again.

  "Sir," this from Jackson, "Merlin's getting underway."

  "Very well," Gabe replied. "Put to sea, Mr. Jackson.

  Let's see if we can outrun this tempest." Then as the officer went about getting underway, Gabe took one last look toward Swan. Where are you Dagan, where are you? he wondered.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  SeaWolf followed Warrior and Merlin out of the anchorage with Swan directly behind. The smaller Rose and Audacity would be safe inside the harbour. There'd not been time to do anything with Defiant, the captured Indiaman.

  Just as SeaWolf got underway what felt like an endless gust of wind seemed to pick up the ship by the stern and drive her forward. Gabe ordered lifelines strung between the mast and ropes tied around the helmsman.

  "Put two men on the wheel," Gabe ordered, "and have all the men not on watch go below." The rain had now started and visibility had diminished. Gabe felt it better to have the men below out of the wind and rain until they were needed. He'd change the watch in two hours to keep the men fresh.

  Walking aft, Gabe had to time his steps to keep from loosing his footing due to the violent pitching and rolling of the ship. Once at the taffrail he raised his glass but was unable to find the Swan. Did she take another tack? he wondered.

  The seas were rising and the wind now howled.

  Every wave seemed to be larger than the previous one with the waves pushing and lifting the stern so that the bow dipped down before the wave slipped from beneath

  the ship. The sea continued to grow and Gabe stared, fascinated by the phosphorescent water that gushed from the turbulent waves. The wind had risen until it cracked, groaned, roared and howled.

  Gunnells approached Gabe wiping his eyes. There appeared to be no fear in the old master's face. "She's a fair tempest," he hollered trying to be heard above the wind, "but it ain't no hurricane. Running with the wind we should out sail this by dawn."

  Looking at the enormous height of the waves Gabe hoped the master was right. He too had been in worse conditions, a hurricane in fact with winds over sixty knots. Still he was apprehensive, the morrow couldn't come quick enough for him.

  The dawn came slowly as clouded skies still blocked the sun's rays. Throughout the night Gabe had stood with Gunnells keeping an eye on the wheel, the mast, the sails and the guns waiting for something to go wrong. It hadn't. Now the two were sleepy, hungry and near exhaustion.

  "Could have been worse," Gunnells joked. "We could have been in the North Atlantic and we'd be near frozen."

  Gabe was thankful they weren't. He was also thankful the master's predictions had come true and moderate weather had greeted the dawn.

  Caleb came on deck and said, "Looks like it's clearing up."

  "Aye," Gabe answered. "Many injuries?"

  "Not unless you count Mr. Jewells."

  "What happened to him?" Gabe asked.

  "He fell when the ship took a roll and busted his lip on a bottle."

  Gabe was afraid to ask a bottle of what.Up forward a lookout called, "Sails fine on the larboard bow."

  Jackson who'd gone below to get some coffee had returned on deck.

  Seeing him Gabe ordered, "Send a man aloft now that the wind has moderated."

  "Aye, sir."

  Then taking his glass Gabe again looked aft but still no sign of the Swan. Be with them God, he silently prayed.

  Lum had come on deck and seeing the troubled look on Gabe's face tried to comfort him.

  "They's be alright, cap'n. Dat Captain Markham is near bout as good a cap'n as you is and wid Mr. Dagan a heppin they's gonna be fine. Ain't no doubt in old Lum's mind. Shucks they problee already eating breakfast and wondering what's foh supper. Nah suh, don't you worry none. Da Lawd ain't gonna let nuthin' happen to 'em." Lum's ranting did make Gabe feel better.

  "Mr. Jackson."

  "Aye, sir."

  "I think I'll go below and break my fast. Call me if any further sails are sighted."

  "Aye, captain."

  By noon the skies were clear and Lord Anthony's squadron of ships drove fast through the swells that only a few hours before had been a raging sea. The ships were on a nor'nor'easterly heading. Men were airing out their hammocks as the general signal to pass "make and mend" had been given throughout the squadron.

  Gunnells being the old tarpaulin that he was had hinted to Gabe it wouldn't hurt to "slice the main brace" after the blow they'd been through. It was a common to allow an extra ration of grog after weathering a storm. It served as a good pick-me-up for the crew.

  I should have thought of it Gabe realized but his mind was not on SeaWolf but on the ship he didn't see. He'd had a sinking feeling ever since they'd left Saint Augustine as the storm had blasted down.

  "Maybe Markham had decided to make for the harbour," Jackson said.

  "I don't think so," Gabe replied, " Markham would have tried to keep station on the flag." Markham and Gabe had spent too many years together. First as midshipmen, then lieutenants; and finally commanding their own ships in the same squadron to not know how the other would think. No, Markham would not chance crossing a shallow bar to possibly find shelter in a harbour when he could put to sea and run as the squadron had done. No, wherever they were, they'd be together, Markham, Dagan and Davy. But not for a minute did Gabe think they'd be in port.

  SeaWolf sailed to leeward of the flagship and the Florida coast was visible. It looked much more hospitable today than it did yesterday in the crashing surf and rain. Was Dagan out there somewhere? If he was, he'd have Markham with him as well as Alejandro. Damn, Gabe thought, was the boy on the Swan? What kind of frightful experience was it for a boy to have to face a storm the first time he ever set foot on a ship? Well, if he survived and that didn't scare him away, nothing would. Gabe instructed the lookouts to keep a sharp eye on the coast as well as the horizon.

  They may have run ashore.

  The sun was like a fire in the sky and was starting to settle over the horizon. They were approaching the anchorage and Gabe's worst fears seem to be realized when the lookout called down, "There she be. There be the Swan, hove up on the island." Barracuda

  Snatching a glass from Jackson 's hand, Gabe rapidly climbed up the shrouds and onto the lookout's platform.

  The lookout had been right. It was the Swan, her main mast was gone and she had been driven up and onto Anastasia Island. Several people were gathered around t
he wreck.

  After Gabe made his way from aloft he returned the glass to the first lieutenant. "My apologies, Jem. I should have asked and not just taken your glass. It's Swan alright," he continued. She's been driven ashore and beat to a hopeless wreck. There are people gathered around her. I could make out Dagan but I didn't see Markham. If you will signal the flagship."

  "Aye," Jackson replied, surprised at the apology and still more surprised at how much feeling and emotion his captain displayed. Man has a heart, Jackson said to himself. This was more evident when Gabe called to Lavery.

  "Call Caleb, then man the gig and we'll go see about our friends." Then turning back to Jackson, Gabe ordered, "Take the ship to her anchorage unless otherwise ordered by the flag. I will be back directly."

  "Aye, captain," was Jackson 's only response.

  Lord Anthony had read Markham 's report and could find no fault with his actions. He would attach his findings and recommendations to Markham 's report and hopefully the findings in regards to the loss of HMS Swan would go into some clerk's file never to be heard of again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Chapter Twenty-Four

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  "Cowards," Gabe hissed.

  "Dagan is with Bart at a table by the door. I'll send him over," a smiling Markham replied to Gabe's remark.

  Markham did lean over to speak to Dagan who then made his way over to Gabe.

  The two approached the bar where Domingo was turning the counter over to his wife. He beckoned to the two to follow him to a small storage shed behind the tavern. It was a small low roofed affair made of Coquina stone, which was hauled from Anastasia Island. Just inside the building, a smallish dark complexioned man sat at a table where a single candle gave forth a dim light. As the door opened the candle flame flickered creating little shadows that danced on the whitewashed walls inside the shed.

  The table was small with only two chairs. A partial loaf of bread and a few crumbs of cheese were next to a half full bottle of Sangria. Fear filled the little man's eyes as Gabe and Dagan entered first, then relief when Domingo entered closing the door behind him."This is Paco," Domingo said by way of introduction. "He is my wife's cousin. He is a seaman." That much was obvious from the man's dress.

  "Until recently he sailed on a ship out of Boston and was in charge of his captain's boat."

  "A cox'n?" Dagan asked.

  "Si, senor, a cox'n and how do you say it… a boatsman."

  "A bosun," Gabe corrected.

  "Aye," the little man said before Domingo could reply.