Chéri

Ch.6: Privateer Parts

Once in Nassau, it wasn't too difficult to spot the HMS Redoubtable. It was towering above the bay due west, nestled in between piers in the more reputable part of the docks. It was indeed the only warship in the bay and caught the eye like the awful teeth of a Britisher. Leigh and Jackson walked across uneven planks towards it, their heels clacking beneath them.

"How do people walk in these things?" whispered Jackson, almost bumping into a pair of haggling merchants.

"Time and patience," said Leigh, not breaking her stride.

Leigh lowered her head as the pair passed a couple of British soldiers. Getting recognized this early on would blow the whole mission.

"Also, you need to work on your girl voice," said Leigh, "Take it up an octave."

"I don't want to have a girl voice," whined Jackson.

"I don't want to get caught, so do as I ask."

The two continued on towards the Redoubtable, navigating through heavy throngs of people and dodging leering glances as they did so. Eventually, the two reached the edge of the three-decker warship, its deep red and blue paint just barely lit up in the lantern light.

Leigh stopped just east of the ship, allowing a struggling Jackson to catch up.

"Let's just hope all the top brass is in town," she whispered.

A shiver went down Jackson's spine. Cornwallis. He feared to think of what would happen if the young lord recognized him.

They approached the Redoubtable, where a long gangplank was set down diagonally from the ship. Two guards were posted nearby.

"Halt!" said the older of the two guards, "This is a restricted part of the docks."

Leigh put on an artificially sweet voice and said, "Oh no, it's alright. We've been asked here."

The guards eyed each other suspiciously. "By who?"

Leigh shrugged. "By... Corbin?"

Jackson gulped. There was a haunting pause before the guards broke down into laughter.

"That dirty dog, Corbin!" exclaimed the younger of the guards, "And just the night previous, he was acting all holier than thou an' quoting the new testament. Jus' goes to show ya, everyone's a hypocrite."

"So boys, we good to go aboard?" asked Leigh sweetly.

"Yeah yeah, you go an' show that bible thumper a good time."

Jackson was a little upset at how easily they'd passed themselves off as prostitutes, but it'd worked. Leigh and Jackson were able to climb up the gangplank and board the ship. It was steep but nothing Leigh couldn't manage. Jackson had a tougher time but still got up safely.

Once aboard, they quickly surveyed the deck before them. It was massive, with a dozen masts lifting off from it and striking into the night sky. Candles and lamplight illuminated the place a soft orange color. It was also rather lively, with a band playing sea shanties up portside and tables and chairs laid out across the deck. There were people eating, dancing, and cheering all around the deck.

"It seems we're not the only visitors tonight," said Leigh, "We'll have to be a wee bit more careful."

"More careful how? What should I do?" Jackson whispered.