An affair in Morocco (Part two)

**Bligh** · 11-29-2020, 08:59

Characters introduced into the story thus far:-

Algerine and Moroccan Persona.

The Dey of Gizzanoffa: Kamel Mudanyaei.
His Vizier: Amin Giffar.
The Dey’s: Admiral Kulin Bey.

American persona.

The Squadron commander: Commodore Silas Goldberg.
The captain of USS Constitution: David Frazer.
The captain of USS Essex: Andrew Millington.
The captain of USS Syren: Gregory Hardman.
His Second Lieutenant: Rory McLeish.

Tweaking the Dey’s nose.

It was several days since the Essex had wrought its mischief amongst the Algerine ships from the port of Gizzanoffa and Kamel Mudanyaei was still fuming over the loss of his Galleys. He had also lost face and in his position of power. This could prove to be a dangerous situation even though he had eliminated both his uncle and brother, there were still those who would usurp his position at the drop of a dagger.
It was for this reason that he summoned his Vizier Amin Giffar, and Admiral Kulin Bey, to a war conference at his Palace overlooking the bay.
At about the same time Commodore Silas Goldberg was hosting a meeting of his squadron captains to promulgate his plans for a future venture against the Dey and his Algerine pirate supporters.
Having welcomed the junior officers aboard the USS Constitution the commodore’s senior captain David Frazer ushered them down to the Great Cabin of the Frigate. Not so great a cabin when filled with the commodore, his secretary, cabin steward Senior Captain, and five other captains and commanders plus the captain of Marines. Nevertheless, all were finally seated, and having delivered the loyal toast Commodore Goldberg got down to business.
“As you know gentlemen, ever since Captain Millington’s successful sortie against the Dey, we have been keeping up the pressure by blockade and thus far showing the flag each day in front of the town with one of our ships of the other taking a closer look at the harbour.

Nevertheless, several small trading vessels have manages to slip in and out of Gizzanoffa over the last couple of days, usually by sneaking in at night or within the sand bars. To bring the Dey to his knees, we must tighten the net. With his people cut off from supplies, the unrest in the town may force the Dey to sue for terms.
This is all the more important because of what Captain Millington discovered from the slaves freed from the gunboats he took. One of the men released gave us information that many slaves of non-Muslim religions are being held in the town, and we must strive to get them released at all costs. To this end from now on I intend to institute an inshore pre-dawn patrol each day to curtail any trade between the town and exterior markets. Are there any questions or suggestions gentlemen?”
The cabin was silent for a moment and then the Captains began to discuss ways of effectively stopping the gaps in the blockade.

**Bligh** · 01-04-2021, 07:43

The Action from the American side.

For two weeks the Sloops and Brigs of the American Navy kept a vigil on the approaches to Gizzanoffa.

On the Thursday of the third week Millington was on another fruitless sweep outside the Port. It was obvious to him that no ships dare leave or enter whilst the American close blockade was in evidence. He therefore gave orders for Essex to sail out of the area in full view from the castle. That night when all was quiet, at the dark of the Moon, the Brig Syren under Captain Gregory Hardman slipped into position off the port. After a fruitless night’s patrol he called all hands to make sail and leave the area.

**Bligh** · 01-04-2021, 07:48

As she moved away, the Syren’s sailing Master Mr. Prentice received a whispered message from one of the mast head lookouts, that a sail had been sighted inshore of their ship, and seemed to be turning away as if to make a run for it.
Embayed as it was, there was no way that the mystery ship could outrun Syren, and she soon had it fetched to, and as true dawn broke was already dispatching a prize crew across to the unlucky Xebec Polacre “Alsaqr”

**Bligh** · 01-04-2021, 07:50

By full light it was obvious to those on the castle that one of their ships had been taken by the cursed American Infidels within full sight once again. The infuriated Admiral Kulin Bey immediately gave orders for his most powerful ship, the Xebec Frigate
“Al Mukabir” and its escort the Xebec Corvette “Hissan Albahr”, to intercept the American infiltrator and destroy it.

**Bligh** · 01-04-2021, 07:54

Soon both ships were underway, this time with a favourable wind to leave harbour.

**Bligh** · 01-04-2021, 07:56

However, Syren was already retrieving its cutter and getting the Prize underway.

**Bligh** · 01-04-2021, 07:57

By the time she had weighed Anchor herself the enemy were in sight.

**Vagabond** · 01-11-2021, 02:58

Another stirring action off the North African coast and a bold one at that.

Huzzah for the crew of USS Syren. And Huzzah for the writer of the tale. Nice one Rob.