Haha, my final chapter in the Captain’s Tale series. This sounds entirely like a seen from the ‘Pirates’ movies, but oh well, fan inspiration! :P

The gulls screeched their cries over the busy port. Swooping down onto the water, in hopes of catching food. The harbor was bustling with activity, trade ships coming and going, and three warships, the ‘Liberty’ ‘Acheron’ and ‘Night’, all of which were anchored in waiting. Soldiers of the Republic stood at attention on the docks, guarding the passage from the shore to the ships. A most noticeable figure approached the docks, dressed in his gallant blue uniform with white breeches. His black boots polished so as to reflect the sun, and a silver sword hung gracefully at his side. Stepping onto the docks, he made his way between the guards, who stood at attention upon notice of his presence. The officer stepped up the wooden plank onto the ‘Liberty’ where he was saluted by several naval officers, and ushered into the Admiral’s cabin.

He entered the room, which was richly furnished, and closed the door. Another man was present, studying the activity in the town from a window at the end of the cabin. “No need for formalities Captain.” He took a small sip from a glass of wine in his hand, “I understand that you are a man of loyalty and duty. Might I ask, where do your loyalties lie?” The officer stepped into the center of the room, “To the people!” He replied, “Admiral Voltaire, do you question my allegiance?” The man near the window turned to face the officer, “There is no room in our country for Loyalist pigs who threaten the security of this Republic!” He took another sip of the wine, “What do traitors deserve Charles?” The officer looked at Voltaire uneasily, “To feel the hand of Justice strike.”

The Admiral stepped over to a map of the world which was laid out over his desk, “I require your assistance on urgent business. By order of the High Command, all loyalist privateers and all pirates under the jurisdiction of this country are to be hunted down, killed or imprisoned as found necessary.” Captain Charles nodded in concession. The Admiral continued, “The three ships in this harbor are to see this mission through. I shall remain in command of the ‘Liberty.’ I am giving you command of the ‘Acheron,’ where you shall be given a chance to show your abilities as Captain.” He opened a draw in the desk, and withdrew some papers. “All those who wish will be granted amnesty and shall be commissioned as sailors under the employment of the French Government.” Voltaire poured himself a little more wine from a bottle on the desk, “There is an excellent sailor, much like yourself, a Captain Jaquette.” He took another sip and quickly continued, “He would make a great addition to our Naval Forces. You are to offer him theses terms, either join us or surrender.”

“What if he does not agree to either?” Charles replied. “Then we must ‘persuade’ him,” the admiral chuckled, “Guards! Bring in the boy!” A few seconds after the issuance of the order two guards entered the cabin, struggling to maintain a firm grip on a small boy, about twelve years of age. “Now, I highly doubt he could refuse such an offer as his son’s life.” An evil smile stretched across Voltaire’s face. “These are your orders; fulfill them at any means necessary.” Charles saluted the Admiral and stepped out of the cabin onto the deck. He stepped off the ship onto the dock, strolling over to the next pier, and climbed aboard the ‘Acheron.’ To face his second in command officer, “Welcome aboard Captain!”

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