Episode 1 - The Brotherhood of Pirates
Three years later.
Late June, 1643...
Several pirates stood outside the Silver Sloop tavern in Tortuga listening to Captain Cognito outline his plans for another forthcoming adventure...
"Mateys, I know some 'o ye gathered 'ere today sailed wit me ta find the Dutch treasure a while back. And I know most 'o us didn't make it back alive, including me beloved parrot, Arfur," he said.
"But listen to what I as ta sey and if'n yer up fer another lil' adventure 'o two, yer welcome ta join me in me latest endeavour." he announced, enthusiastically.
Moose came forward, looked Coggy in the eye, and answered, "Look mate, like yew said, tha last time we embarked on one 'o yer ill-fated trips we ended up in Davey Jones' Locker!"
The other pirates all nodded in agreement.
Coggy looked a little disheartened but continued trying to entice his brethren pirates to take an interest. "Ok, ok, I know yer still irate at me fer what 'appened back then, but lads, that wus a long time ago, and me thinks this latest plan will surely make us even richer 'n scurvier than ever!"
Still the pirates remained unconvinced.
"At least hear what I has ta sey..." added Coggy.
Again there was silence from the gathered men.
"Yew bunch 'o pox ridden curds!" barked the frustrated pirate.
Henry Morgan smiled to himself and stepped forth, "Ok, Coggy. Tell us what's on yer twisted mind.... BUT, I's promising yew nottin'" he said, with a scowl.
Cog cheered up a little and began explaining his plan with renewed confidence, "Right lads, I wus sailin' near tha town 'o Coro a while back, and after pillaging tha place we 'appens ta come across a small sand-bar wit a sorry lookin' Spanish swab marooned on it. So we drops anchor 'n as a chat wit tha poor bugger...." he said.
Admiral Tew interrupted, "What yew talkin' wit dons fer? I thought yew hated 'em as much as ye hate landlubbers..."
"Let me finish will thee!" replied the irritated Coggy.
The pirates continued to listen to the wily old sea dogs yarn.
"This Spaniard just 'appened ta be tha only survivor 'o a run-in wit a bunch 'o sea-hag bitches that call 'emselves tha 'Sisterhood 'o Pyrates!'" continued Cog.
The other pirates began to laugh uncontrollably.
"HAR HAR, Coggy! Female Pirates - SPIT! I's never 'erd anyting so ridiculous in all me wretched life..." laughed Moose.
The others continued to laugh at the absurdity. Not one of them had heard of a female pirate before - let alone a 'Sisterhood'
"SHUT THA FRIG UP!" screamed an irate Coggy as he drew his cutlass and waved it menacingly towards his mates.
The laughing died down a little but the pirates found it difficult to contain their amusement.
"Listen up, yew bunch 'o slanderous vermin," continued Cog, "At first I didn't believe tha Spanish blaggard either, and YES, me 'n me men pissed ourselves laughing when 'e told us his sorry tale But what I heard next got me interested in what 'e wus blabbering about..." he said.
The laughing ceased a little but Coggy remained silent and waited until the pirates had gathered their composure.
"So what did tha Git have ta sey?" asked an inquisitive Davey Jones.
Coggy stood and looked at each man, making sure he had their full attention.
"It turns out dat the blimmy don wus a high-ranking officer in tha Spanish Navy. And fer rescuing his scurvy hide 'e offers me some interesting information regarding tha mysteriousTreasure Fleet!"
Now there was another silence.
"So, are ye interested now?" asked Cog, with a sly grin.
The pirates just stood and looked at one another for a moment.
"Yew said tha Treasure Fleet wus but a myth," said Tew.
"Well maybe I wus mistaken!" replied Cog, "I tink the Spaniard wus tellin' tha truth 'cos tha blaggard carried some important documents wit him regarding the fore mentioned 'mythical fleet'" he added, knowing the pirates were slowly becoming more and more intrigued.
Morgan couldn't contain his excitement, "Bleedin' 'ell, Cogs! I dreamed 'n hoped dat one of us theiv'n bastids would find that fleet one day, but I never thought it'd come true!" he said, enthusiastically.
"I take it yer interested, then?" asked Cog, with another sly smile.
The pirates continued talking amongst themselves for a moment while Coggy strained to listen in on their conversation.
After a few moments, Moose stepped forward again and answered for the entire gathering.
"Ok mate, we MAY be interested. But what guarantees can ye give us that another trip to tha locker aint awaitin' us?" he asked.
"Thar aint no guarantees where piratin' be concerned - yew all know that. But, me hearties, tha loot we can gain from this lil' expedition makes that Dutch treasure look like peanuts!" replied Coggy, grinning.
Again the pirates murmured amongst themselves as Coggy looked on.
Moose approached his mate again, "Ok Cog, we's all in agreement. Everyone embarkin' on this 'ere Treasure Fleet hunt is entitled to one equal share of all ill-gotten gains - if'n it exists, and if'n we ever finds tha bugger..."
Coggy smiled but quickly contained his glee, "Right then, tis settled All those that 'r wit me, say Aye"
Moose looked around to the others who gave him a nod. He turned back to Coggy and replied with the word his mate eagerly wanted to hear, "Aye,"
"Aye, count me in," added Morgan.
"Yee've go my vote," answered Davey Jones.
"Ok Cognito, I'm in," added Tew.
The pirates all shook hands and entered the tavern to talk more of their impending voyage.
The next day...
After gathering some supplies and taking a roll call the pirates all stood on the main dock with their various officers.
Cog stood in front of the gathered men and began explaining the plan.
"Settle down yew restless buggers. Listen 'ere, fer I's gonna sey dis once, 'n once only..." he barked.
Clearing his throat, he started, "Right lads, fer yer information, the 'Mythical' Treasure Fleet aint mythical no more! Tha bugger exists!" he said.
The officers began to excitedly murmur amongst themselves.
"QUIET!" screamed Moose, "Listen to what Coggy 'as ta sey..."
The men turned their attention back to Cog.
"Thar's only one problem" continued Coggy, "The location 'o tha fleet is a highly guarded secret, which is obvious 'cos if'n it weren't, one o' us theiv'n bastids would 'o found it long ago,"
"All I know is that tha Treasure Fleet consists 'o over fifty ships - stuffed wit more gold 'n jewels than any 'o yew pox ridden swines can ever imagine!" explained the Captain.
The greed in the men's' faces grew.
Coggy continued with his briefing, "But lads, tha problem is this - we can only attack tha blimmy thing while its near port, fer once its out on tha open sea, we'll never find it - da reason being is 'cos the Treasure Fleet never sails tha same route twice!"
The gathered men seemed unconcerned. They were only interested in one thing - the loot.
Again Coggy continued with his briefing, "'Appen tha only person who knows tha fleets destination, departure times, and next port 'o call is tha bleedin' fleet commander who sails on tha flagship" he said.
Moose stepped forth again and added, "As luck would 'ave it, ol' Cogs happened ta come by some information dat will prove vital to our endeavours"
Coggy turned back to the gathered officers and said, "Aye, tha information I's come by states that tha Treasure Fleet be gathering at Puerto Bello in late November.... If'n we misses this opportunity, we'll probably ne' er get another one." he finished.
The officers again began to excitedly murmur amongst themselves.
"Listen up, yew bunch 'o vermin!" barked Moose, "If'n any 'o yew Gits blab a word 'o this to anyone - includin' tha crew - I'll personally hang yer scrawny hides from me yardarm!" he warned.
As the briefing came to a close, Coggy took Davey Jones to one side and led him into the Tavern, while Admiral Tew, Morgan, and Moose finished briefing their officers.
Coggy opened the door and the two men disappeared inside the Silver Sloop Tavern.
"Arrr, Davey lad. I know ye still aint got yerself a ship, so how's bout you bein' me first mate on this 'ere journey?" asked Cog.
"Matey, I's got just one thing ta sey!" replied Jones, before replying, "I'll drink ta that!"
The two men headed for a secluded corner of the tavern where a bunch of hardy souls sat.
Back on the dockside, Moose and Tew had finished preparing their men.
"I'm gonna go get me new Baron Boat ready. I'll meet yew back 'ere tonight" said Moose to the Admiral.
"Ok matey. 'Appen me Ship 'o tha Line, Insurrection, has just been refitted and she's due in from sea-trials dis very afternoon." replied Tew, "Me mate, Cap'n Mako, is out thar now puttin' her through her paces"
Henry Morgan looked a little downhearted.
"What's up 'Enry?" asked a concerned Moose.
"Arrr matey, I still aint got me ship back," replied Morgan, "Me mate in Eleuthera aint been in touch fer a while and I's a bit concerned dat tha blaggard has lost me fine vessel embarkin' on some fool-hardy adventure..."
"'Appen tha swine made a good pirate, but he aint no seaman..." he added.
"Don't ye worry thar, mate. Yer more'n welcome ta sail wit me 'n me ManiacMen," replied Moose.
Back in the tavern, Coggy and Jones sat talking with the bunch of men.
"We heard yee'r embarkin' on another trip to tha Spanish Main, Cap'n," enquired a brazen young officer.
"Aye lad, that we are. And as luck would have it, I be needin' ta recruit me a few more officers since dat John La Foot Git has gone AWOL" replied Cog.
"Hmmmm, well Cap'n, if'n the pay is good I'll volunteer me services. I know yer crew have a reputation 'o bein' psychotic murderous bastids, but I's willin' ta take me chances ta sail wit ye on this'n" replied the enthusiastic man.
"Arrr matey. Yee've got nottin' ta worry bout where me crew's concerned, they're only psycho's when it comes ta dealin' wit landlubbers" reassured Coggy, before adding, "Davey Jones is gonna be me first mate, but if'n yer interested, I'll be 'appy ta sign ye on as a Lieutenant."
The officer stood up and offered Coggy his hand, "Tis a deal, Cap'n. I won't let ye down" he said.
Coggy stood up and shook his hand, "So lad, what be thy name?" he asked.
"NavyRum" replied the Captain's latest recruit.