AAR: April Against the wind. The Crimson Pirate. Bligh.

[Bligh]

The Crimson Pirate.





Captain Charles Dimmock of His Majesty's Ship Terpsicore was in a foul mood as he paced the Quarter Deck. He gave yet another baleful glance across the water to where the two Merchantmen lumbered along in his wake. " No fit job for a Frigate Captain" he almost spat out at his number one for the umpteenth time that day. " Nursemaid to a pair of hulks, and all because of the Admiral getting the wind up about this Pirate fellow the Crimson whatever."
"Aye sir." replied Simon Sparrow his long suffering number one.
"Well Sparrow, tell Mr. Bing to sway out the Jolly Boat. I'm sending you over to the Endeavour to see if you can get that damned idiot of a Captain to squeeze an extra couple of Knots out of his floating pile of lumber. See if you can live up to your name, and get him to fly like a sparrow." The Captain let out a braying laugh.
"Aye, aye sir." returned Simon, and promptly made his way forrard to find Mr.Bing. At least he would be away from the captain for a while, and Captain Spriggs of the Endeavour kept a much better cellar aboard than Dimmock. he was also far better company at dinner.
Dimmock watched as the Jolly Boat rowed across to the Endeavour .





Watched as Sparrow made a nimble leap for the Jacob's ladder without catching his sword, and swiftly disappeared over the bulwarks.
The Jolly Boat returned, and had hardly been swayed up before a cry from the masthead lookout alerted the crew to a new development.
"Sail ho! Broad off the Starboard bow."
"What manner of ship Mr Rollins," Shouted Dimmock to the Third Lieutenant who had scooted aloft with his "Bring em near."
Steadying his glass against the mast, he focused on the smudge in the distance, just as it obligingly made a course alteration. As it swung into profile Rollins answered the Captain.
"Looks like a Frenchie sir. Maybe a Razee 74."
"Blast it." Retorted Dimmock" That will be none other than our friend the Crimson watsisname." Adding to the ship's Master."Beat to quarters Mr Swinscoe if you please."





He swung his own telescope towards the oncoming enemy ship.




Bligh.