[Mission 1] Capture Lissa - At sea

[Neil Gow]

(Sorry, I've been trapped in Marking Hell ... ****ing students)

Arkwright ponders his next move. He has one ship under his sway and one on the run. With a good wind he could catch it, but thats not the main point of this move. No, this was about a statement of intent. The locals know now - His Majesty's Royal Navy is here, in force, with a ship that is the better of any of the jumped-up fishing boats they can muster. Yes, a true statement of intent.

This matter had better be dealt with quickly and efficiently, as they still had an invasion to oversee - never a dull life in the Navy.

"Mister Ypsilantis, you speak Turk, I assume? Being of these parts. Bring us alongside that ship and let us ascertain the nature of their spat. Quickly now though - no doubt our charges will grow impatient."

After that he turns to the other men, "Mister Perrivale, Bewley and the rest of you. Very well done on that little show of seamanship and gunnery. No doubt there'll be more of that to come soon enough." Arkwright looks to the Captain who gives an imperceptible nod. "An extra tot of rum tonight for the men, Mr Perrivale. See to it."

[Ovid]

"Mister Ypsilantis, you speak Turk, I assume? Being of these parts. Bring us alongside that ship and let us ascertain the nature of their spat. Quickly now though - no doubt our charges will grow impatient."

Ypsilantis jumped to fulfill the order. In his heart, he has divided feelings: pride at a job well done and disappointed that there may be no action today. In any case, thanks were due to Almighty God for holding his protective hand over the ship.

As the Spartan reaches hailing range of the Turkish ship, Ypsilantis calls out, in Turkish: "[Captain of the Musulman ship, identify yourself and your business in these waters! What was the nature of the battle? You are commanded to answer in the name of His Britannic Majesty, King George!]"

[Peanut]

Bill allowed a small smile to cross his lips at the Lieutenant's compliment. Always good to get noticed and rack up a few good points from the Officers. As the Ship's Master called out to the other ship Bill focused his attention on the small group in the stern. After noting the size and countenance of the two men he let his eyes linger on the two women.

[Halfbat]

Perrivale heaves a sigh of relief as he glances round the decks and the gunners standing down. "Seaman BIll! Watch your lechorous eyes!" In a quieter tone now the danger has passed, he adds, "Take a message to the cook the captain's command and assist the cook with the extra rum this evening."

[Peanut]

"Aye aye Mr Perrivale". Bill swung down from the rigging and made his way to the galley where the cook was vigoursly chopping the heads off fish. "Hey, Abe. Capt'n's orders are extra tots of rum tonight". As Abel turned to glare at him with mistrust Bill shrugged his shoulders "look - I'm not likely to pull that sort of turn on you, am I? You can check with Perrivale. He's also given me the honour of helpin' you with 'em." Turning back to his work with a grunt Abel brought the cleaver down with more venom than normal, sending the decapitated fishhead flying across the galley in Bill's direction. Dodging the flying head Bill left the galley with a final "always a pleasure Abe..." and made his way back topside.

[Elrick]

As the Spartan reaches hailing range of the Turkish ship, Ypsilantis calls out, in Turkish: "[Captain of the Musulman ship, identify yourself and your business in these waters! What was the nature of the battle? You are commanded to answer in the name of His Britannic Majesty, King George!]"

The Turkish captain pauses for a long moment - long enough that Ypsilantis wonders whether the wind has carried away his words. Then the captain turns towards the women and snaps a command. He then crosses to the rail with the boy following closely. Behind him, the women and the black men that accompany them turn away and go below, but just before they do, one of the women looks back at the Spartan.

The captain speaks to the boy who then steps forward and calls across in English "My captain commands me to offer you his thanks. We are bound for Vis - you call it Lissa - with an important cargo for Kerim Bey." He pauses and the captain speaks further to him. "The seas are too rough to permit transfer here, but my captain says he would be pleased to welcome you aboard in Vis tomorrow if you come there."

[Elrick]

Bill allowed a small smile to cross his lips at the Lieutenant's compliment. Always good to get noticed and rack up a few good points from the Officers. As the Ship's Master called out to the other ship Bill focused his attention on the small group in the stern. After noting the size and countenance of the two men he let his eyes linger on the two women.

Were you looking for anything in particular, or just enjoying the view?

[Ovid]

OOC: Does Chambers recognise any of the women?

[Elrick]

OOC: Does Chambers recognise any of the women?

Yes, they are the eldest two of Kerim's daughters - one of them being the lady that Chambers has his eye on (the one who looked back). The black men are their bodyguards.

[Peanut]

Bill sauntered back onto deck just in time to hear "...but my captain says he would be pleased to welcome you aboard in Vis tomorrow if you come there." Quickly glancing across to the other ship he is disappointed that the women are no longer in view. However, if the Captain was invited aboard then he might need an accompanying party. Which might present a chance to get close to those fine looking ladies... Quickly scanning the deck of the Spartan and seeing that everyone seems intent on the other ship Bill ducks back down below to his space. Quickly rummaging through the few items of clothing laying around he finds the most presentable and, after checking they're about his size and not flea or lice ridden, puts them on. Splashing some water over his face he quickly checks himself in the small scrap of mirror and, once made as presentable as he can manage, darts back up onto the deck. Nonchantly he makes his way to the vicinity of the officers and middies and starts to look busy and efficient while straining his ears to catch any conversations they might be having.

Were you looking for anything in particular, or just enjoying the view?

Enjoying the view

[Ovid]

OOC: Does Chambers recognise any of the women?

Yes, they are the eldest two of Kerim's daughters - one of them being the lady that Chambers has his eye on (the one who looked back). The black men are their bodyguards.

Chambers approaches the Captain and clears his throat, "Captain, sir," he says, in a low voice so as not to be overheard, "I, *ahem*, recognise the young women from earlier social engagements. They are the eldest of Kerim Bey's daughters. The ship seems to be taking them back to their father."

[Elrick]

The signals yeoman steps up to Lt Arkwright and says "Signal from Caledonia sir: Unable to match your speed, what are your intentions?"

[Neil Gow]

Match our speed? Match our bloody speed? We're virtually still in the water..... Arkwright's mind snaps back to some semblance of order.

" Sir, it would appear we have an invitation to dinner and a clear route to discussions with Kerim Bey. That other ship will have to wait until we have executed our orders I feel, unless you would have us pursue them? Otherwise, if it pleases you sir, should I signal the fleet to proceed as planned?"

[Elrick]

[Early next morning.]

The stars were fading as the sky began to lighten from the East. Having left Swanage and Caledonia in a sheltered bay at the west end of the island, HMS Spartan is sailing parallel to the North coast but far enough out to avoid any rocks. The wind is blowing from the Northwest, but not as strong as yesterday.

Captain Brenton's plan is to see what is in Vis harbour and, if necessary, deal with it before bringing up the troops in Swanage and Caledonia.

[You'll be off the mouth of Vis harbour just after sunup. What do you want to do?]

[Ovid]

Ypsilantis is simply following orders as to how the ship is to be handled. He's very dutiful and isn't going to try anything flashy, like sailing closer to the shore than necessary, unless it's warranted or is commanded to. If he gets the chance, however, he's going to try to find out what the other Turkish or Greek ship was doing and what the battle was about.

Chambers is making himself look good in preparation for the landing party visiting Kerim.