Episode 26 - Shipping Out
22nd day of February, 1640.
The next morning, Moose stood on the deck of the Baron Boat watching his men finish loading the remaining loot into the ships' hold.
"The ship's heavily laden, Sir," said his quartermaster as the final rowboat full of swag approached.
"We's decided ta put all tha spoils 'o war aboard me ship," replied Moose, "if'n we runs inta any trouble on the way to Belize, tha Grim Reaper 'n Darkness 'ill be free of this 'ere burden from slowin' 'em down in battle."
Aboard Coggy's Sloop, Davey Jones stumbled out of his cabin and headed up to the deck - still groggy from the previous nights' festivities.
"Me heads killin' me... I needs a doctor," he groaned.
"Have ye tried amputation?" replied Coggy, with a grin.
Davey prised open a barrel of water and stuck his head in it.
"Arrrrghhh, me tinks yee's been over doin' it on tha grog, again," added Cog.
"Whar's da others?" Davey asked, shaking the water from his face.
"'Appen tha swines 'r still sleepin' it off. Tew 'n Moose 'r back aboard thar ships, 'n I's sent La Foot over to tha Ol'Bastids boat ta keep an eye on 'im durin' tha voyage" replied Cog.
Meanwhile, Admiral Tew finished preparing his ship for departure. The Man o War still showed plenty of scars from the battle, but her crew had worked through the night getting her ready.
Within the hour all three ships where ready for departure…
"Right, give the signal to tha Ol'Man - tell him we's upped anchor 'n heading out," called Coggy to one of his men.
The warship, Darkness, and Moose's Baron Boat hoisted their sails and slowly began to pull away.
"Here we go lads," called Cog to his crew, "Get those sails up We's got treasure ta find!"
Coggy's crew gave a hearty cheer and the Grim Reaper headed for the narrow straights leading out to the open sea.
Twenty minutes later...
Aboard Ol'Man's flagship, Grey Ghost, Cyclone was peering through a spyglass at the departing ships, "Why don't we jus' blow 'em outta tha water now, Ol'Man?" she whispered, trying not to arouse the suspicion of La Foot and Coggy's guards on deck.
"Shhhhsh, me darlin', I's took an oath - lest ye ferget!" he replied, with a touch of sarcasm in his voice, followed by a sly wink.
Coggy's guards watched intently as Ol'Man's skeleton crew worked tirelessly with the ships sails and rigging.
Ol'Man leaned over the Bridge and called down to the guards, "Hey, yew bunch 'o lazy lilly-livered virmin, why don't ye get off yer pox ridden hides 'n give me men a helpin' hand?"
The men looked towards La Foot, who eventually gave the nod to help out - much to their reluctance. Grumbling and murmuring amongst themselves, the lazy men began helping with the running of the ship.
"Hey Lieutenant Stinky, whadda ya doin' sailin' wit those amateurs fer?" asked the smiling Ol'Man, as he motioned towards the other three ships.
La Foot felt uneasy about being left with the two notorious blaggards aboard their own ship.
Cyclone gave a wry smile, "What's wrong boy? Cat got yer tongue?" she growled.
"'Appen I's got nottin' ta sey ta yew too," replied the nervous Lieutenant.
Ol'Man and Cyclone just smiled to each other and continued to steer the ship out of the harbour.
After leaving the bay, Tew's flagship pulled back, allowing the Grey Ghost to sail ahead a little.
"I want's that Ol'Git in front, where I can see 'im" said Tew to his first mate.
Meanwhile, Moose's Baron Boat was making slow progress with her heavy cargo so Coggy ordered the Grim Reaper to come along side her and sail as escort, 50 yards off her portside.
Quinn finally emerged from his drunken slumber, followed by Morgan. The two swabs made their way to the Bridge and stood next to Cog and Davey Jones.
"That wus some fine rum we 'ad last night," said Davey.
"I can't remember a bleedin' ting!" replied Morgan, gingerly.
Quinn looked over to the other ships, "How's we doin', Cog?" he asked.
"Well, matey, 'appen Tew's pulled astern 'o tha fleet... 'e want's ta keep an eye on tha Ol'Git. So, it looks like we's got escort duty fer tha Baron Boat." he replied.
"How much do ye tink we's plundered?" asked Quinn.
"By my reckoning it won't be far short 'o one millions worth," replied Morgan, "and wit a bit 'o luck, maybe Tew 'n tha Ol'Man will kill each other after'n we's got tha treasure!" he added, with a sneaky smile.
"Aye, we'd 'ave a bounty ta collect, too!" Davey said, rubbing his hands at the prospect of securing the Admiral's head.
"Yew two 'r tha greediest bastids I's had tha pleasure 'o sailin' wit" laughed Cog, as the four ships cut through the calm southern Caribbean sea and headed fer another hoard of ill-gotten gains.