ENGLISH CHANNEL, OCTOBER 1695
It was the first time Long Shadow had been in a real firefight since joining the Royal Navy. And as grateful as she was to not be on the receiving end of Britannia's guns, that did not make things any more pleasant.
It began with an increased amount of Spanish activity in the West Indies. Clearly, that empire hadn't learned its lesson from the last couple of beatings England gave it. A subordinate could have gone in and dealt with the issue no problem. But that was the issue. One had already been sent in, and failed to report back. Britannia had dispatched her long standing deputy to the Caribbean but no word had come from Iliad. So despite some of the other ship's objections, Britannia had decided to investigate herself.
Long Shadow, ever living up to her name, would be coming with. And the young brig Interceptor rounded out the group. Despite her youth, she was fast and Britannia needed her to act as a scout as they sailed through pirate infested waters.
"You really think pirates could be behind this?" Long Shadow asked.
"Do not underestimate them. These are not the pirates you have drinks with in Tortuga." Britannia replied sharply. "These are the cutthroats. I've relied on the Brethren to act as a buffer, keeping this lot in check. But it seems they have outgrown that buffer."
"To our detriment." Long Shadow grunted.
"It appears so." Britannia agreed.
"Just how bad do you think this is going to get?" Long Shadow asked, fearing more for her mentor than herself.
"Speculating is pointless." Britannia replied.
"And what about the Spanish?" Long Shadow prompted her. She could tell her mentor was holding back.
Britannia sighed as she gave in. "I anticipate they are in just as much trouble as we are. The difference is they know what the trouble is. We're sailing into unknown but definitely hostile waters and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared."
"I am too." Long Shadow admitted.
"I know. You'd be a fool if you weren't." Britannia said. "Just remember your training and you'll be fine. I've got your stern covered."
"Just as long as you remember to watch your own stern." Long Shadow muttered. Britannia heard her anyways but Long Shadow was spared from getting a lecture when Interceptor came up to them, decks stuffed with supplies.
Britannia turned to the brig. "Ready to go?" She asked.
"As I'll ever be." Interceptor replied, masts straightening in eager anticipation. She'd had enough of waiting, she wanted to depart and get this over with.
It took them 4 weeks to make the crossing to the Caribbean. Long Shadow and Interceptor each could have done it in three but Britannia, being heavier, could not travel as fast. Nevertheless, the island of Jamaica was a welcome sight. One Britannia wasted no time in getting acquainted with. She settled in the enclosed dock set aside for her as flagship. Interceptor was more lively, exploring the harbor. Long Shadow was in between. Tired but not as spent as her mentor. After a quick nap she wondered over to Britannia.
Her mentor was still resting but she stirred at her approach. "Yes, what is it Long Shadow?" She rasped.
"Are you alright?" Long Shadow couldn't hide her concern.
Britannia shifted more onto her side, making room for her as she came in. "Not as young as I once was." She sighed. "But I'm just fine."
Long Shadow nuzzled her, feeling Britannia purr as she leaned into it. "Do you want to stay?" She asked.
YOU ARE READING
The Founding Sisters #1 The Damned
General FictionRedoing my original and tying it in with the main series. We go back to the beginning, before the founding of the United States. Several ships were key players in this founding and this is their story.
