A Storm Called Beckett
The Swann Residence (five months later)
Captain Andrew Gillette and Lieutenant Commander Theodore Groves were summoned by Weatherby Swann on a matter of grave importance.
"Before he left, Commodore Norrington said that if we were ever under threat from any power that I could count on both of you for help."
"That problem being Cutler Beckett, sir?" asked Gillette.
Swann seemed caught off guard. "How did you know, captain?"
"Because that half pint is a greedy little bast…" he was stopped when Groves cleared his throat and glared askance at him. The captain corrected himself. "My apologies, governor. I knew because Cutler Beckett's lust for power is well known, sir. It was only a matter of time before that megalomaniac decided to add the Eastern Caribbean to his map. All he cares about is power and money. Believe me, I saw the handiwork of his pet assassin, Mr. Mercer, when I was stationed at Fort St. George on the Royale. Mercer tortures and kills anyone who gets in his master's way."
"Did you inform your commanding officer?" Swann asked.
Gillette shook his head. "I was a newly minted midshipman, sir, and Cutler Beckett had the captain in his pocket. As I said, currency matters most to Beckett. He has no qualms with subjugating or killing whoever gets in his way. If he's coming to Port Royal, then so is Mercer. I don't mean to alarm you, governor, but you should be very concerned and we should make plans with the utmost haste."
Swann nodded gravely. "That is why I called for both of you. He will be here within seven days, possibly sooner. I am glad to see my initial concerns about him weren't unwarranted." He clasped his arms behind his back and walked towards the window. "In my circle of friends and adversaries there are rumors that Beckett hopes to overthrow my position at Port Royal and control the Eastern Caribbean. Since he owns the majority of the Admiralty he will be well equipped for the task."
"I need Lieutenant Commander Groves to find the commodore, and I need you, captain, to take my daughter to safety," replied Swann.
"Permission to speak freely, sir?" asked Gillette.
"Granted."
"The last time Miss Swann and I were on the same ship she created quite the ruckus playing pirate with Mister Turner. I will not be able to divide my attention between our fleet and Beckett's forces. If she decides to disappear for whatever reason…"
The governor held up his hand. "Point taken, captain. I can assure you that she will not be a problem for you or your crew."
The two officers exchanged a knowing look.
"As for Mister Turner," continued the governor, "he left a few months ago."
"Very well, sir. Now as to finding James… he made it explicitly clear that he did not want to be found, and believe me, sir, when he's upset you don't want to go searching for him," said Gillette.
"Are you not the commanding officer of Port Royal now?" asked Swann, indignantly.
Gillette nodded. "That I am, sir, and I am also his friend. James has lost two ships since his promotion, including most of the crew for one of those ships. Now he has to sort this out with himself in his own way."
"But he shouldn't have to do that alone, captain!" Weatherby's face saddened. "I'm just worried about him. At the very least, I would like Lieutenant Commander Groves to at least perform a reconnaissance, and if you do find him," the governor brought a rectangular case over to Groves, "please return this to him. It's the ceremonial sword I gave him when he was promoted last year."
"I will do my best to find him, sir," said Groves as he accepted the case. The two men prepared to leave the office.
Swann spoke again, "When this trial is over I would very much like to hear the rest of your story, captain, and how it was that you and Lieutenant Commander Groves came to be stationed at Port Royal."
Gillette could see that the governor needed something to lift his spirits before Cutler Beckett arrived. His blue eyes sparkled with their usual mischief. "Ah, now that's where the story gets interesting, sir. We came to be under the charge of a certain dashing captain by the names of James Norrington. We actually called him Captain Dashing then though not to his face, obviously."
"Except for that time he overheard us," added Groves.
"And then," laughed Gillette, "he dashed some sense into both of us by ordering us to sit in the crosstrees of the main for several hours."
"While taking control of the helm to demonstrate that he did, in point of fact, have a sense of humor and he would be the only one doing the laughing, thank you very much," finished Groves.
The three men laughed and Gillette was glad to see that the anecdote had the desired effect on the governor.
"Thank you gentlemen. I shall look forward to the time when I can hear your stories in full."
The two officers nodded and left the governor's mansion.
All humor left Gillette's face as he and Groves walked outside towards the carriage. "He has no idea about what is going to happen and neither do you."
"Then tell me, Andrew."
Gillette shook his head. "Not here and not now. Let us go to my office and then we can discuss it.
TBC
