Disclaimer: I do not own anything you recognize. Cat, Jacob, Lucifer, and Bethany are mine. The plot that is not recognizeable is mine as well. Don't sue. I have no money!

Warning: ALOT of yelling and language in this chapter. Also a very angry Cornwallis awaits you...


Chapter 11

Ext. Swamp Road - Morning

Mottled sunlight peaked down through the tress canopy. A British supply 'train' of several wagons, a herd of horses, and accompanying redcoats on foot made their way down a road surrounded by a swamp left and right. Unknown to the redcoats, shadowed figures tracked them from behind trees, hidden by the gloom, mud, and foliage. Bugs were buzzing along with the croaking of the frogs until all became silent and still except for the moving redcoats...

Above a bird screeched just as both sides of the swamp erupted in sound and smoke. Precise accuracy was employed as a captain falls followed a lieutenant, two sergeants and when the officers were gone...The Corporals began to fall before the privates are added to the ruthless slaughter.

Redcoats scramble to assemble themselves only to fall one...by one...by one... A few return fire only to be targeted and shot down for their bravery. It was a battle against 'ghosts'. The redcoats had no chance. No chance at all.

The few dozen left fled only to be blocked. Benjamin Martin with his tomahawk raised charged at them followed immediately by Major Villenvue, John Billings, Rollins, Skunk, Brother Randolph and others. Many redcoats died at point blank range.

"We surrender!" One redcoat shouts only to be hacked down by a wild Benjamin.

"No! God, STOP!" Gabriel shouted, making his way to his father and his ruffians. Reverend Oliver and the Pembroke men followed, horrified at the scene.

"For the love of God, we..." The redcoat died on his knees by a pistol to the chest by John Billings.

"These men were about to surrender." Gabriel said angrily, gazing in horror at newly killed redcoat.

Benjamin paused with tomahawk raised to look at son.

"Perhaps. We will never know." Villenvue said flippantly with an European shrug.

"This is murder!" Rev. Oliver reprimanded.

"Hell, Reverend, they're redcoats. They've earned it." Billings said disgustedly before walking past the Rev. and others. Benjamin lowered his arm with sniff as he panted for breath, watching his son, who was looking back, disappointment clear on his face.

"We are better men than that." He implored to his father.

"What do you know of war?" Brother Randolph sneered.

" I know the difference between fighting for a cause and.."

"Go back to church." Randolph shouted at Gabriel. Men began to shout at each other, tempers began to fray.

"Quiet. QUIET!" Ben shouted, causing all of the men to fall silent. "He's right."

Villenvue stared at Ben in disbelief as Ben continued to speak.

"In the future, full quarter will be given to British wounded and to any who surrender." Ben ordered.

"The British gave no such quarter when they fired on a ship carrying my wife and daughteres..." Villenvue started angrily, watching Ben as looking at ground, "...I watched from two hundred yards off as they burned alive."

"You have all my sympathy, but my order stands." Ben stated firmly as he swallowed.

"Piss on your sympathy!" Villenvue spat as he approached Ben, "Who are you to give such orders? I know what you did to my countrymen at Fort Wilderness."

Gabriel and Rev. Oliver listened to them, puzzled and curious.

"We're militia. This is not Regular army. Every man here is free to come and go as he pleases, but while you're here, you will obey my command or I will have you shot!"

Ben walked away leaving Villienvue to stare after him in anger and admiration. As Ben neared the wagons, barks could be heard. Curiosity spiked, Ben picked up his pace.

Roof! (SNAP) Roof! (SNAP)

"Damn dogs!" Rollins spat, jerking his hand back from two sets of sharp canine teeth.

"Shoot the damn things." Billings ordered, eying the dogs warily. Rollins pulled out his pistol and cocked it only to have it grabbed by Ben.

"Stay that pistol." He ordered.

"They won't let anyone near the wagon." Billings explained, gesturing with his chicken leg.

Ben approached the vicious dogs, hand held out only to jerk it back as the dogs snapped at it. Ben turned to Billings and grabbed his chicken leg to toss it far down the road. The dogs immediately followed the food. Dan Scott, a Pembroke man, climbed into the wagon and opened one of the chests.

"Rum! Madeira!" Dan shouted, handing down two bottles to Billings.

"No wonder they were guarding it." Ben said, chuckling.

"Officer uniforms." Dan listed next. Ben looked up and studied one the jacket Dan held up. 'They could come in handy along with the uniforms on the dead soldiers,' He mused, eyes vaguely focused on Billings and Rev. Oliver.

"What do you think all this is worth?" Billings asked the reverend as he tossed out papers and books from the chest he was searching to the holy man.

Rev. Oliver sorted through them and reading a few that made his eyes widened.

"It's the personal correspondence of Lord General Cornwallis." Rev. Oliver exclaimed, glancing up at approaching Ben, who knelt down and picked up a few papers to read.

Rev. Oliver held out a book. "This is his journal."

Ben took it with gruff thank you and began flipping through it, skim reading.

"I say we drink the wine, eat the dogs, and use the paper for musket wadding." Billings suggested, face serious.

"E...Eat the dogs?" Rev. Oliver stuttered, glancing between Bilings and Ben. Billings began to grin as the reverend focused his attention on Ben, who smothered his own grin. He turned a solemn face to the reverend.

"Aye, dog is a fine meal."

Rev. Oliver looked ill. "Good Heavens!"

Billings laughed his high pitched laugh as Ben smiled indulgently as he continued to skim the journal.

Ext. Fort Carolina Garden - Afternoon

Cornwallis was in the garden conversing with two other officers while two woman (in dresses) walked down the paths in the distance behind him. A messenger tapped Cornwallis's shoulder and handed him a folded piece of parchment. Cornwallis dismissed took it and dismissed the servant as he opened it. Anger instantly hardened Cornwallis's face as his hand crushed the parchment in his hand.

"Excuse me, gentlemen." Cornwallis said tightly before striding away towards the mansion. Inside he barked to one ofthe servants to bring Tavington to him. The servant scurried away, knowing not to linger and gain Cornwallis's ire. Cornwallis slammed into his study while the doormen exchanged knowing glances behind his back.

Soon Colonel Tavington arrived, face blank and hard, obviously ready for a reprimand. He knew why Cornwallis was angry and yet again the blame was placed at Tavington's feet.

"You summoned me, my lord."

"Yes, I did. My wagons full of my clothes, memoirs, and dogs are missing! Find them, Colonel! NOW!" Cornwallis shouted, face as red his jacket. A barely restrained Tavington turned and left. Outside Tavington meet Bordon, who had been waiting also aware of why Cornwallis sent for his commander. As they walked to the stables, Tavington gave him orders.

"Ready fifty men. We are to find His Lordship's wagons. Also send for our nurse. I have a ghost of a feeling that she will be needed." Tavington growled, brilliant blue eyes flashing with rage.

- - - - -

Cat was in a excellent mood. She hummed as she went about helping her patients while joking around with them. Keeping their spirits light and high. Unfortunately, her mood wasn't to last. She looked up from a patient to see Wilkins standing tall near the tent entrance. He looked sad and apologetic. Cat's smile wilted. Another raid or another missing convey?

She switched places with another nurse and left with silent Wilkins.

"Supply wagons?" Cat asked as they walked briskly to the fort.

"No. Cornwallis's personal wagons are missing. They were on their way to Middleton place for the ball." Wilkins answered as they entered the fort. Ahead about fifty men, not including Tavington and Bordon were mounted and ready to leave. Cat began to jog with Wilkins behind her trying to keep up with a sword thunking against his thigh.

They already had Lucifer saddled and waiting beside Bordon. Both Cat and Wilkins mounted and fell into 'step' behind Tavington and Bordon. Then they were galloping away from the fort towards the road assigned to the convey to travel. Soon Tavington slowed as they reached the road and came to a complete halt as another grim sight greeted them. Cat dismounted and ran to the scattered bodies, checking for any sign of life. The others followed suit and began to help. The results were shattering. Not one soldier lived and to make the situation worse, the wagons were completely gone with not a dog in sight.

Cat helped bury the bodies, along with Tavington, Bordon, and Wilkins. Nothing was said except for a quick prayer from Tavington for the souls of the dead men. They remounted and went home, sad and weary. Tavington, Cat, and Bordon more so for they had to report to His Lordship and each knew it wouldn't be a pretty meeting.

They arrived and the three immediately went to give their report. Tavington knocked on the study door and opened it after a shouted 'enter'. Cat and Bordon followed the colonel inside.

"Well?" Cornwallis was terse and ill tempered as he glowered at them from under bushy eyebrows.

"All the men are dead and the wagons are missing along with your dogs, my lord." Tavington reported stiffly. Cornwallis's face was reddening.

"You, Colonel Tavington, are incompetent! You can't even keep a bunch of farmers subdued. You can't protect our supply line! You, sir, are bloody useless!"

"Hold it!" Cat shouted back, her face red in anger. Her eyes were blazing at Cornwallis, who glaredback fiercely.

"The colonel isn't perfect. He isn't invincible and you are sure as hell aren't either, buddy! So before you degrade one of your best soldiers, let me tell you something. You have been an ass to Tavington, who has brought you success and victory. He admires you and you're abusing that. You're too led by O'Hara, who kisses your ass twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and apparently you like it because you've only listen to him as he degrades and smears Tavington's reputation as an officer and soldier in the mud." She glared at him silent as he opened his mouth, " No, I'm not finished. I know he's an asshole (Tavington glares at her) and goes beyond your orders, but hell, if he didn't, do you think you would have as many victories than you have. You would still have a bunch of spies if he hadn't weeded them out for you. You might a general and a lord, but just you remember that it's the officers and soldiers who do you fighting and die while you sit all safe on your horse congratulating yourself on another victory that you didn't fight (1)."

Cat was panting as the three men stared down at her. Cornwallis was shocked and angry while Bordon looked amused and worried. Tavington was unreadable.

"You aren't God and Tavington isn't either, thank goodness. He can't babysit every convey and he can't be everywhere or know everything. No one knows everything. No one is perfect, least of all you, Tavington, me or any other human being on this earth!" Cat finished.

"You're impertinent, Miss. Johanson. I believe you have forgotten that I have your fate in my hands." Cornwallis growled, faded blue eyes focused sharply on her.

"The hell you do. I repeat you're NOT God!" Cat shouted angrily, furious at the man's arrogant attitude and uncaring if the whole fort heard her.

"ENOUGH!" Cornwallis roared. "One more word and I'll have you flogged, young lady!"

Cat backed down, dropping her eyes to the floor with hands clenched in fists. In unison, Tavington and Bordon moved in forward and in front of her. Cornwallis eyed them warily as Cat lifted her gaze to Tavington's back where one hand was clenched . She lifted a hand to touch his clenched one which opened and grasped hers gently. He squeezed lightly and Cat smiled slightly as she squeezed back.

"Send ten men out to look around." was all Cornwallis ordered before waving them off. Cat released Tavington's hand and practically flew out of the study. Outside, Tavington called her name. She stopped and turned to wait for him to reach her.

"Thank you." He said quietly to her bowed head. Cat shuffled her feet, suddenly embarrassed.

"No problem." Cat said before turning to leave. She was halfway across the yard when her name was called again. Cat froze, eyes closed tightly. She wasn't in the mood to deal with him.

"Miss. Johanson, you have your second fitting today." O'Hara told her as he approached. Cat turned slowly and glared at his smiling face. Something inside her snapped. He never saw it coming either. Cat hauled back a fist and planted it against his chin, toppling him over onto his ass.

"Bastard. Asshole. Piece of..." Cat let out a string of curses as lunged for him...only to be caught and held down against a body. Cat twisted and kicked, but she couldn't break free. O"Hara stood, rubbing his jaw as he glared at her.

"You little.." He trailed off as he caught sight of Tavington and Bordon standing nearby. O'Hara's cheeks flamed at being bested by a female in front of his nemesis, "..thing." He choked out angrily. He drew himself up and looked down his pitiable nose at Cat, sneering and wincing.

"I had hoped you would have been more...willing this time. A pity." He shifted his eyes to her captor. "Sergeant Stone."

Cat kicked out and barely clipped O'Hara who had jumped away from her flying foot. As Stone carried her towards the mansion, she kicked and twisted, angry and quite truthfully...ready to cry.

Inside the parlor, Stone let her go and moved from her hitting range before leaving the room to stand guard outsidethe door.

"What has gotten you so...flustered?" Annabelle Lewis asked with a disdainful sniff at Cat's ruffled appearance. Cat just growled, throwing a warning glare at the five approaching girls.

"I'll undress myself." Cat snarled. Annabelle nodded and waved off her assistants. She knew not to argue. Cat striped quickly with a fixed scowl on her face.

"You still aren't wearing a corset." Annabelle scolded as she motioned for a blonde girl to tie Cat into the said death contraption.

"If you wore it all the time, it would help your posture." Annabelle lectured causing Cat to straighten her shoulders even though the corset had already straightened them.

"It would also work with your...man's shirt. The corset displays your bosom..," Cat rolled her eyes at the 'delicate' word, "...wonderfully. With the first two buttons undone, you'd get lovely attention."

"That's the last thing I want or need." Cat snorted before grunting as the blonde girl pulled the ties tight before tying the corset up. Annabelle walked over to her with Cat's party gown in hand.

"You wouldn't like to attract the attention of a certain Colonel?" She asked slyly as Cat put her chemise back on over the corset.

Cat glanced at the seamstress sharply. "What do you think this..." She gestured to the gown that Annabelle was lifting to put over Cat's head, "..is about?"

"Hmm.." Annabelle hummed as she adjusted the gown down over Cat. The blonde girl buttoned up the back while Cat looked down as she ran her hands over the gown.

"You chose wisely despite your poor taste in clothing." Annabelle commented with the usual dig at Cat's shirt and pants.

"Hmm... it fits nicely. I...commend you, Madame." Cat choked out with a grimace. 'William had better enjoy this,' Cat thought as she eyed the smug ego inflated Annabelle.

"That wasn't so was hard now was it?" Annabelle teased before going all brisk, "I already have two day gowns finished along with two evening gowns. We will have to plan for about five more ball gowns..."

"Five?" Cat yelped as she paled. Just how many balls were they attending? Did she have to attend all of them?

"Well, yes." Annabelle unknowing answered her silent question. "There will be two balls in September so far and I know the Lord General Cornwallis shall throw a Christmas ball and he even might celebrate Thanksgiving for the Loyalists. Oh goodness, I forgot. In October you shall need a costume for All's Hallows Eve." Annabelle explained as she fluttered around Cat.

"Whoa, honey, All Hallow's Eve, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are far off. Don't fret about it." Cat told her.

"But you need to get a head start on your costume before another woman snatches the idea." Annabelle retorted as she gestured upwards with her hands.

"Fine, fine! Jeez, don't pop your corset. I'll think about it." Cat said, exasperated at the woman.

"Good. Now out of your gown. You need to try the others."

Cat just sighed. 'You better be worth this, Colonel Tavington,' Cat said inwardly.

Ext. Black Swamp - 6:00 pm

Men talked and laughed, drinking stolen goods. A fire was blazing warming one young man, who sat nearby sewing. One man walked past the fire to reach a table where a middle aged man sat reading.

"I have some maps for you, sir." The standing man said, holding out some rolled up parchment as Benjamin Martin looked up, startled from his own world.

"Oh... put them down over there." Ben pointed the left of his table. "Thank you."

The man nodded and left after depositing the maps. Ben returned to his reading.

Over near some crates stood Jean Villenvue as he lifted a nicely conditioned musket.

"Here is a proper musket for you." Jean smiled at Occam, a big built black man, who accepted the musket from the Frenchman.

"I don't know about you, but I don't like the idea of giving muskets to slaves." Dan Scott said snidely, sneering at Occam. Gabriel, the young man by the fire, looked up sharply.

"Your sense of freedom is as pale as your skin." Jean spat, glaring at Scott, who stood angrily and walked passed Occam, staring at him just as angrily. Occam was silent as always as he walked to fire to sit by Gabriel with his musket in hand.

"Don't listen to them. If we win this war, a lot of things will change." Gabriel spoke up as he sewed.

Occam looked at Gabriel, half cynical. "What will change?"

"They call this the new world. It's not. It's the same as the old..." gabriel paused in his sewing and words to look up at Occam, "...but we'll have a chance to build a new world," Occam was listening, enthralled, "A world where all men are created equal under God."

"Equal." Occam mused, savoring the word. "Sounds good."

At that moment, Ben approached the fire tossing a book to John Billings, who sat nearby. Billings caught it against his chest with one hand, glancing at in confusion.

"I've just been in the mind of a genius." Ben told them as he took Billing's jug of liquor. "Lord Cornwallis knows more about warfare then we could learn in a dozen lifetimes."

He took a swig from the jug as Billings spoke.

"That's cheerful news." He said dryly.

"His victories at Camden and Charlestown were perfect. Prefect." Ben went on, " And he knows it, what's more."

Ben nodded to himself, thinking as Billings watched him thoughtfully.

"Perhaps that's his weakness." Ben mused with a little smile.

"Sir?"inquired a confused Gabriel.

Jean joined him, intrigued.

"Personally, I would prefer stupidity." Jean said dryly.

Ben smiled at some inward thought. "Pride will do."

Ext. Camden Plantation - Bedroom - 7:00 pm

Cat stared at her reflection, breathing shallowly. She knew she was going to faint. She was nervous and couldn't breathe with the damn corset.

"If I may, miss, I think you're very beautiful." Mary praised, smiling as she fixed Cat's hair.

"Thank you, Mary." Cat smiled back gratefully thorough the mirror. She watched Mary as she inserted hairpin after hairpin into Cat's hair. Cat had to admit that she liked the style. Mary had curled it and was pinning the curls up in big loops. If Cat moved her head they bounced gently. She really liked that. A few pieces of hair of course had to escape being pinned and hung framing Cat's face, giving the hairdo a soft look. Cat went back to looking at her dress and tried not to hyperventilate.

"Finished, Miss." Mary said as she moved away so that Cat could stand up. Cat stood from the vanity stood and made her way gingerly to the full length mirror. She smiled, liking what she saw. She just hoped he liked it.

Ext. Camden Plantation - Dressing Room - 7:00 pm

Cornwallis stood in front of a full length mirror, frowning at his reflection while O"Hara stood off to the side nervously. Tavington stood tall and straight a matter of feet behind Cornwallis. A valet entered the room handing what seemed like a uniform jacket.

"Finished, my lord! I took it in at the back, added wider epaulets, a court sash here, cross braiding to the waist, lion buttons, lopped gold braid on the cuffs..." The valet was rudely cut off.

"A horse blanket." Cornwallis barked, glowering at the said horse blanket.

"I don't know, my lord." Tavington spoke up, head titled to the left as he smiled faintly, "It's really quite nice."

"Very nice, my lord." O'Hara simpered, smiling earnestly. Tavington sneered faintly at him. He smirked when he saw the faint hint of purple and blue under the powder where Cat had punched him.

"Very well. It's a nice horse blanket." Cornwallis sneered to them both before turning his glare to valet and jacket. "Where did you get that braiding?"

The valet stumbled over his words and Cornwallis watched his shifting eyes. He turned and followed them to the window. Cornwallis cringed seeing the yellow braiding holding back the red curtains. He swung away from the window to face Tavington.

"Colonel Tavington," Tavington raised his chin in attention, "Why after weeks am I still attending a ball in South Carolina Middleton Place when I should be attending balls in North Carolina?" Cornwallis voice rose on the last two words as he glared at Tavington, who opened his mouth to speak only to be stopped.

"First, the theft of my personal baggage, including my memoirs on which I spent countless hours on. Then half the bridges and ferries between her and Charlestown burned. Colonel, if you can't protect our supply lines against the militia," Here he gave Tavington a look of exasperation, "How do you intend doing so against the regulars or the French?"

Tavington's face was taut with anger. "My lord, they won't fight like regulars. We can't find them!"

Cornwallis turned his face to ceiling with a look of impatience and anger before turning back to Tavington.

"They are militia. They are farmers with pitchforks!" He spat out angrily, face red again.

Tavington lifted his shoulders while his mouth worked. Apparently, Cat's impassioned speech hadn't meant anything to the man. Stubborn or should I say self imposed ignorance to the end, my lord, Tavington thought.

"They're rather more than that, I'm afraid, my lord. Made so by their commander, this Ghost." Tavington said quietly. Cornwallis twisted away from mirror, slapping away the valet adjusting his vest before marching over to Tavington, incensed.

"Oh ghost, ghost, ghost." Cornwallis repeated as he clasped his hands behind his back. He leaned close to Tavington, invading the colonel's space. "You created this ghost, Colonel."

"And brought Catriona Johanson here the very same day this ghost emerged." O'Hara interjected slyly as he smirked at the startled Tavington.

"What are you implying, General?" Tavington asked, snarling faintly. Cornwallis was standing rigid watching them both.

"I'm not implying anything, Colonel. I just thought it ironic that all our or your troubles have started after Johanson arrived." O'Hara blinked 'innocent' eyes at the incensed Colonel.

Tavington took a step towards O'Hara, snarling, "You little..."

"COLONEL!"

Tavington froze and turned to Cornwallis, anger barely controlled. "My lord?"

"It is your brutality that swelled this ghost's ranks. Without them this ghost would have disappeared." Cornwallis scolded as he glared at Tavington, "And I would be in North Carolina or Virginia by now."

"In my defense as well as Miss..." Tavington began only to rudely cut off by an irritated way of a hand.

"Oh enough, enough!" Cornwallis looked at Tavington with disappointment and ...was that regret? in his eyes, " A fine soldier you are. Bested by a bedtime story." He finished cruelly before walking back to his valet. "Give me that horse blanket."

Cornwallis put on the jacket while Tavington seethed, stung and VERY angry as he glared at the smug O'Hara.

"O'Hara, tomorrow you shall conduct a full investigation of Catriona Johanson. If nothing is found or if anything is found, you bring it to me. Depending or what or not what we find, we shall interrogate her." Cornwallis ordered to the ego inflated O'Hara, who was smirking triumphantly at a dismayed and angry Tavington.

"My lord, I must protest..." He began.

"Silence." Tavington shut up reluctantly as Cornwallis turned to Tavington with glare. "You shall not interfere, Colonel Tavington. Where Catriona Johanson is concerned, you sir, do not think with your mind, but with another...body part. It impairs you're judgement. Do I have your word that you shall not in any way interfere with the investigation and you will NOT tell her or any else, for that matter, about it. Understood?"

"Yes, my lord." Tavington said through gritted teeth.

"Your word, Colonel?" Cornwallis insisted by the door.

"You have my word, my lord." Tavington gritted again. Cornwallis and O'Hara left, leaving Tavington to curse the air black and blue before following the wretched duo.

Ahead of Tavington, Cornwallis and O'Hara walked down the stairs into the garden where soldiers, loyalist, and women mingled and laughed. Cornwallis looked about, noting the people he knew, but paused as his gaze fell on the water where two ships were docked.

"O'Hara, our supply ships appears to have arrived." Cornwallis noted too calmly.

'Yes, yes, my lord,they have." O'Hara answered promptly.

"So why am I still wearing this rag?" Cornwallis demanded to know in low angered hiss.

"My lord, your replacement wardrobe is aboard ship, but Colonel Tavington thought it best to secure our arms and ammunition first." O'Hara explained quickly as the mentioned man appeared from the mansion behind them. Tavington straightened his cuffs as he descended the stairs.

"They're being unloaded now."

Ext. Ocean Pier- Rowboat

A bunch of redcoats were rowing while one lone one sat at the stern, watching. Normal, right? Wrong. A closer look reveals the face of Benjamin Martin and his men. Gabriel Martin and Jean Villenvue were the closet ones to Ben, who was watching both row.

"You look good in that color." Ben teased, pointing to the British uniform.

Villenvue glowered up at Ben. "It stinks."

Ben pursed him lips. "Well, it had a dead man in it." He looked down at his own uniform in distaste. He looked and studied the approaching ship. On the side the name York blazed briefly in the moonlight. The rowboat pulled up beside the ship, hidden in the shadows of the hull. Gabriel stood and was given a leg up from Villenvue into the open cannon port. Rev. Oliver handed up a gunpowder cask. Gabriel disappeared inside leaving the others to wait.

Ext. Middleton Plantation -The Garden

Tavington sneered as he walked away from his two 'superiors'. 'Bloody damn peacock,' Tavington thought scathingly as he walked toward Bordon and Wilkins, who were conversing with Doctor Collins. He frowned, noticing the absence of one female. A quick glance around confirmed that she was missing from the party. An edge of unease crept into Tavington's mind. Were O'Hara suspicions true? Tavington thought of her first raid and her defense of him earlier that day. She couldn't be a spy. 'She's probably still getting ready. Everyone knows she hates gowns. Her maid must be having a time,' Tavington thought in amusement. Anything to get away from the thought of O'Hara's new investigation

"Good evening, Bordon, Wilkins. And Doctor." Tavington greeted, stopping beside the latter, who eyed Tavington warily.

"Colonel." Collins returned, tilting his glass at the soldier.

"Is all well with the unloading?" Tavington asked.

"Yes, sir." Bordon answered with a friendly nod.

"Good." Tavington turned to Collins. "May I inquire as to where our nurse is? Didn't run off, I hope?"

Collins snorted as Bordon and Wilkins grinned, chuckling.

"No. She hasn't come down yet." He paused as he eyed Tavington. "Did she really punch him?"

Tavington grinned as Bordon and Wilkins broke out into laughter.

"What has he spread around? Kicked in the face by a horse? A brawl with an insolent soldier?" Tavington asked, amused, remembering the extra powder on O'Hara's bruised jaw.

"No, I haven't heard anything like that. I have heard that Cat knocked him flat on his ass with one punch to the jaw. He didn't come to the med tent to have check it out." Collins laughed. "I don't blame him. To be laid out by a female must have bruised his ego severely."

"You should have been there. It was a sight to sav.v.v.v..." Bordon trailed off eyes focused behind Tavington and Collins. Wilkins choked on his champagne. Curious, Tavington and Collins turned around to see what caused such reactions.

"I'll be damned." Collins swore, staring at the vision far ahead of him.

"I hope you know that you're one lucky bastard." Collins whispered low enough for just Tavington to hear.

Tavington grunted, blue eyes focused on a woman that stood at the top of the stairs staring at everyone, who stared back. Now it wasn't just any woman. Oh no, this woman was the famous Catriona Johanson and she was breathtaking in her gown which was pearly white edged at the hems with green lace. Her bare shoulders were covered by lace wrap in the same shade as the hems. And there was something at her waist. A sash? Or...a belt with ...Tavington squinted...a belt buckle...

"I'll be damned again." Collins laughed from beside Tavington. "Look down at your chest, you three."

Tavington frowned at him while Bordon and Wilkins did as Collins instructed. Almost immediately, Bordon began to laugh as Wilkins stared between his chest and Cat's waist. Tavington's face was blank while his eyes clearly showed shocked amusement. Cat had taken a chest buckle from the British uniform and made her own belt. Tavington began to laugh quietly as he watched Cornwallis with O'Hara eagerly in tow made his way towards a nervous Cat.

"Seems she's declaring something." Collins murmured quietly for Tavington's ears only. Tavington shot him a odd assessing look before striding away ...in the opposite direction of Cat.

- - - - -

Cat stood nervously at the steps and searched the crowd for familiar faces. She tried to keep up a clam face as what seemed to be every set of eyes were turned to her. She swallowed, telling herself to breath as she unconsciously touched her belt buckle. Her eyes finally spotted a group of four who were very familiar. Cat smiled at the sight of Jacob and standing 'companionably' beside Tavington. Cat saw Jacob laugh followed by Bordon. Wilkins was glancing at himself and then back at her. Understanding, she smirked slightly. She knew the buckle and belt was a good idea. Who knew that the laundry women were so willing to accidently lose a buckle or should she say, so willing to steal Tavington's buckle for her. He had been furious according to the head laundress, who had been laughing as she handed the buckle over to Cat.

Out of the corners of her eyes, Cat saw Cornwallis coming toward her with O'Hara in tow as usual. Cat turned her attention back to the group in time to see Tavington walking away in the opposite direction of her. He joined a group with both men and women. Immediately a blonde attached herself to his arm. Cat's eyes narrowed as Cornwallis reached her side.

"Catriona, my dear, you're looking lovely tonight." Cornwallis commented with tight smile.

"Unlike usual, right?" Cat asked with a raised eyebrow. Cornwallis frowned and narrowed his eyes at her. He lifted a hand and griped her elbow.

"You shall be on your best behavior, Miss Johanson. Or else! Now come along. I have people for you to meet." Cornwallis commanded. With him gripping her elbow, Cat had no choice, but to follow without making a scene, which wasn't an opinion. Tonight was time for best behavior...to a certain extent at least. Nothing physical. Cat smirked inwardly. O'Hara was on Cat's other side and she glanced over at him. She chuckled at the extra powder that didn't quite hide the bruise on his jaw. O'Hara glared down at her while Cornwallis squeezed her elbow. Cat just smirked smugly as they approached a group of six. Two men and four women. They looked snobby and boring. Cat hoped for a quick escape.

"My lord, is this the famous Catriona Johanson I've heard so much about?" A red faced man asked jovially while eying Cat.

"She is, Mr. Hobbs. Catriona, this gentleman is Eugene Hobbs and beside him is his wife and daughter." Cornwallis introduced. The bird like woman standing beside Hobbs nodded to her while the daughter just looked her over. Cat mentally rolled her eyes. Women would forever be apprising each other. Is she a threat? Is she prettier? Does she need to eliminated? were the questions uppermost in the girl's mind.

Cat nodded back, trying not to flinch and shudder as Hoobs kissed her hand. 'Thank God for gloves' Cat thought drawing her hand away from the man quickly.

"And this gentleman is Major Huntington. He's with the 43 rd Foot Infantry (2). His wife ,Allegra and his sister, Cecilia." Cornwallis introduced the last three, smiling at them.

Cat's interest soared as she meet the eyes of Tavington's ex fiancee. 'O'Hara's mistress huh? Wonder if she knows that her 'lover' got knocked down with one punch by a female,' Cat snickered silently as she studied the woman. Blonde hair done up in sausage curls along with catty blue eyes, milk white skin and an abnormally tiny waist.

"How do you do? We heard so much about you." Cecilia gushed, smiling slyly. 'Yeah, considering I'm the one that socked your..er..lover,' Cat thought

"Oh have you? All good I hope" Cat tightly at the enemy. 'Bring it, Barbie doll.'

"Oh yes, but I have to say some of the rumors must be wrong. That's a lovely gown, but surely the wrong color." Cecilia purred, blue eyes flashing.

"Hmm, I could say the same to you. Red or scarlet would be perfect for you." Cat returned with a warning smirk. 'There goes best behavior,' Cat thought.

"I think both gowns are perfect." Cornwallis pronounced, squeezing Cat's elbow. Cat glanced at him and received a warning look, which Cat ignored.

"So, Miss. Johanson, I hear you're very dedicated to your work. You must get a lot of it working for the Dragoons." Mrs. Huntington chimed in with a hard stare. Cat turned her head and locked eyes with her.

"Oh, no. I haven't had to patch one dragoon, except for the ones injured in battle. They're very well trained." Cat answered mildly.

"Hmm, but I imagine what one sees with them is a...hard thing to bare." Hobbs said, trying to delicate.

"If you mean traveling to find your comrades at arms scattered on the ground like cattle, dead than yes it's a...hard thing to bare for all, Mr. Hobbs." Cat stated bluntly. Hobbs flushed redder if that was possible.

"What we are trying to say, Miss. Johanson, is that it must be hard traveling with a man, who is an officer, but hardly a gentleman with his actions." Cecilia said slyly, yet bluntly.

Cat turned and narrowed her eyes at her. She was vaguely aware of the attention of many outside their little group. Cat didn't care.

"It's hard to be a gentleman when the men you are fighting aren't. Further more there are no gentlemen in a war. If you think so, Miss Huntington, then you are either naive or very stupid because there are no gentlemen in a war whatsoever. In war, it's the enemy or you. It's about survival. You do what you need to do to stay alive and to win. War is death plain and simple. No one is safe and no one is innocent, especially the unprotected, unlike you, who sits behind a wall all safe and out of the line of fire. Go live in a house where battled are fought on your land near you're home. Neither side can afford to be gentleman. War isn't a bloody ball where you attack with words. War is bloody with swords, pistol, and muskets. Go visit a med tent. War is messy and deadly. War is killing your fellow human beings. You'll see that attacking first and stopping rebellion at the first stir is the way to survive and the way to win because we are to blinded by prejudice, religion, and money to stop fighting each other." Cat said vehemently, taking a quick breath before continuing.

"Colonel Tavington has done nothing, but his duty. Done nothing than what soldiers are for. To kill! For money and bloody taxes because this is the only way King George sees to get it. Tavington has brought victory for his King and commander. I'm not saying he's perfect or always right. I'm saying he's doing what he's doing to survive and to win. It what he knows. It's how he wins. It's not the mean, but the end. Yes, this war could be considered the bloodiest and Tavington might be looked down upon because society is snobbish and cowardly, but I'm sure their will be biggest and bloodier wars. Wars will continue to fought and will get more dangerous. Being a gentleman, isn't going to win you this war. Brutality and the thought not to underestimate the enemy whether they be regular army or farmers with pitch forks." Cat said fiercely, her voice raised and carrying farover the crowd. She missed the looks of suspicion from Cornwallis and O'Hara. Cat had quoted Cornwallis from earlier that evening. Had she been eavesdropping?

"Well that is your opinion." Cecilia snapped, glaring at Cat, who took a step toward her making Cecilia stumble back, eyeing Cat warily and angrily.

"Yes it is and it's a good one that needed to be heard. Huntington, before you start flapping your mouth, just remember that there is always another mouth waiting to...talk you down." Cat hissed before spinning away from the woman. Cornwallis stood glaring at her, his face as red as Hobbs. "My lord, excuse me, it's time I joined my friends."

Cat walked away, head held high as she moved toward the grinning Jacob and laughing Bordons.

"Hello, Bethany. It's lovely to see you again." Cat gushed with a wink at the laughing Bethany Bordon.

"Hello, Cat, you're looking ravishing tonight." Bethany grinned as she hugged Cat.

Conversations began again and Cat relaxed minutely though she knew who they were talking about now. Jacob threw an arm across her shoulders, laughing.

"That was brilliant. Dangerous, but brilliant. And dis you see the witch's face?" Jacob chuckled before kissing Cat's cheek soundly.

"I agree. Do you have a death wish, Cat? Cornwallis threatened to flog you today.("WHAT?" Exclaimed two voices.) I'm glad you're defending him, but you're just a woman, Cat, and you're human. You have only one life, not nine!" Bordon lectured her worriedly.

"Flogged? He threatened to flog you?" Jacob questioned, shocked and dismayed.

Cat ignored him. "Until I do something illegal, he won't do anything because he's gentleman." Cat said dramatically. They laughed, but each looked worried.

"Just be cautious." Bordon told her as he slipped an arm around his wife's waist. Bethany snuggled against his side with a smile. Cat watched with envy.

"You're looking wonderful, Bethany. You're glowing..." Cat trailed off before choking. Cat began smiling then grinning as she bounced up and down on her feet.

"You're preg–

KABOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Cat whirled around with everyone to stare at the burning ship.

"Ooh! Oh, fireworks. Lovely!" A woman cried out, clapping and laughing. Cat turned to see Cornwallis look down at the woman with disdain. The breaking of a glass had her turning again. Tavington standing between two dull looking woman was staring at the burning ship with a resigned expression. Cat sighed, knowing as well as Tavington and the others that the Colonel would be blamed.

"Cat?" A hand on her shoulder turned her to face an anxious Jacob. "Was there anyone on board?"

"There might have been. If there was..." Cat shared a look with Jacob. If sailors had been on the sip then they had left the earth to meet their maker.

"God be with them." Bethany whispered, her face pale.

"Yes. Bethany, are you feeling all right?" Cat asked, worried as she took Bethany's wrist to check her pulse. It was booming. Cat knew her blood pressure had to have risen.

"Yes, I'm just a bit shaken." Bethany answered, smiling weakly.

"Bordon, take her to a bench." Jacob ordered. Bordon nodded and led her toward a stone bench not to far away. Cat followed with a word from Jacob that he was going to talk with the other doctors. And so the party resumed except a morbid cast seemed to cloak the night after the ship.

- - - - -

Cat wished the Bordon's a good night and watched them disappear up the stairs. The three month pregnant Bethany needed rest after such a shock. Hell, Cat felt she needed a rest, but knew she wouldn't fall asleep. She could still the burning ship and imagined agonized screams of the soldiers and sailors inside.

Cat shivered, hugging herself as she began walking down the hall. She had no destination, just a desire to outwalk the screams and to tire herself out. She stopped now and again to study a painting or statue along the walls. She was staring at a painting of Leda and the Swan when she heard footsteps behind her. She turned and met a familiar pair of blue eyes.

"Colonel." Cat greeted with a smile.

Tavington said nothing. He just walked up to her and stopped inches from her. Cat tilted her head back and stared up at him. It reminded her of their first meeting. He wasn't smiling nor frowning. He seemed to be studying her. Cat swallowed, trying not to fidget under his stare.

"What?" She asked, nervous and well hell, aroused. Who wouldn't be when a sexy hot blooded male stood inches from your body.

Suddenly a hand lifted and gripped the back of her neck. Cat opened her mouth to tell him off when he pulled her forward and covered her mouth with his. Cat's eyes crossed as his tongue swept inside her mouth to slowly explore every inch. Cat's toes curled when his free hand trailed down her back to her ass which he gripped to push her against him. Shamelessly, Cat moaned into his mouth as she felt him hard and throbbing against her stomach. Wanting more, she went up on tiptoe and threw her arms around his neck to pull him even closer. She began her own tongue exploration as she rocked her hips, now aligned, against his. Now it was he who groaned for her as his other hand joined its mate at Cat's ass. He pulled her flush against him as his kiss became harder and hotter, bending her head back as she kissed him back.

"Well..well.. What do we have here? Tavington and his whore?" sneered a female voice from behind Tavington.

Cat and Tavington pulled away abruptly and angrily. They both glared at Cecilia Huntington, who stood several feet away, arms folded and sneering nastily.

"What do you want, princess? A better lover than the pathetic wimp you have? Too bad! You made your bed, now lie in it. Oh, wait you already have." Cat snarled. She was trying to go after the blonde barbie, but Tavington held her waist tightly.

Cecilia's face twisted with uglyness. "You two bit whore, you'll regret that and more when through with you. Cornwallis isn't too happy with either of you now and when I'm done speaking with him along with Charles, Tavington will be court marshaled and you little bitch will be next in line for the noose."

Cecilia turned and stormed away, leaving Cat to curse at her back. Immediately she twisted around to glare at Tavington.

"Why didn't you let me kill her? She'll be one less piece of shit on the earth." Cat asked angrily, unaware of her mused hair falling down from its hairdo.

Tavington just chuckled. "I would have love to see you go after her, but it won't help us with the Lord General if you do hurt the bitch." He told Cat with regret in his voice.

Cat huffed and crossed her arms. Tavington grinned down her as she tried to blow a piece of hair from her face. Cat stuck out her tongue and squealed as Tavington lunged at ger. Cat was laughing when he caught her mouth with his. They kissed unhurriedly and languidly before mutually separating.

"How is it that we always get interrupted?" Cat asked, her arms once again around his neck.

"Because we pick the poorest spots to dally." Tavington answered with a straight face.

"Dally? Dallying? It that what you're doing with me? I'm a dalliance!" Cat began sharply, building steam.

"No!" Tavington laughed shortly. "Heavens, woman, can't you take a bit of teasing?"

Cat studied him warily. "Does this mean you've forgiven me?"

"Now I wouldn't say that..." Tavington began seriously as Cat gaped up at him, "..And I don't think Dahlia will be forgiving you anytime soon either."

Cat blushed as Tavington grinned down at her guilty face.

"She told you." It wasn't a question as Cat's eyes narrowed.

"Yes and she was quite angry at you. Can't say I fault her that. Left alone with a bag of snakes in the woods at night." Tavington said, laughing.

"Quite brilliant, wasn't it?" Cat asked smugly.

"Hmm...for an amateur, yes."

A slap against his shoulder blade showed her thoughts on that statement. Tavington backed away and tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. In silence, they walked to her room. Cat was a bundle of nerves inwardly. Were they going to finish what they started? Cat wondered, half excited, half nervous. She had only had sex a few times and they hadn't been anything exciting. Pleasant, but no mind-blowing orgasm. Of course she had been busy, tense, and stressed over college work, work, and exams. It was hard to enjoy yourself when you were worrying about your thesis paper. It might have been the guys. It might have been her. It didn't matter now except she hoped he didn't think she was virgin. Probably not. 'I've been kissing him and rolling around in the garden with him. That wasn't eighteenth century virginal behavior. No, more like whore behavior.' Cat thought. Despite her past experiences, she felt sure that Tavington was an excellent lover better then her past ones. She just hoped she wasn't too boring...Nah! Cat grinned inwardly. She was a twenty first century woman. She'd keep Tavington on his toes.

Cat was shaken from her thoughts as they reached her door. She looked up at him and eagerly meet him halfway for a kiss. It ended way too soon for her as Tavington broke away to reach around her to open the door. Cat's stomach flipped andshe placed a hand against it right underneath her belt buckle. Tavington saw the movement and looked down. She watched as a small smile appeared on his lips. He reached out and tugged lightly at her buckle. Her eyes grew sharp as she watched him. He didn't know...Right?

"Don't lose it or there will be dire consequences!" He whispered silkily before striding away. Cat was grinning stupidly as she entered her room where Mary waited to help undress her.

"Good evening, Miss. Did you have a nice time?" Mary asked, smiling as she moved to Cat's back to unbutton the dress. Mary had heard the voice of the Colonel and knew that the dress and Cat had been a success.

"The party was fine except for the ship exploding." Cat answered, unbuckling the belt gently. She draped it carefully over her mirror and raised her arms for Mary to lift the dress of her.

Mary went to hang the dress as Cat removed her chemise leaving her in a corset and...PANTS! Mary returned to her mistress smiling broadly.

"Did anyone guess, Miss?" Mary asked, untying and unhooking the corset.

"No." Cat's tone was smug again. She drew off her corset and handed it to Mary, who handed her a nightgown Cat put it on while Mary put away the corset.

"It'll be our own little secret." Cat told the smiling maid.

"Yes, Miss. Good night."

"Goodnight, Mary." Cat said as the maid slipped from the room, shutting the door behind her. After locking the door, Cat jumped into and pulled the covers up, smiling as she went asleep.


A/N:

- 1. In real history, Lord General Cornwallis actually rode among his men, encouraging them. the reson I portray as I do is because the Hollywood people have made him so. I can and will change him it's just that I had to go with their Cornwallis in some of the 'scenes' like the dressing room.

-2. I have made up the 43rd Foot Infantry. If there really was a 43rd Foot Infantry I'm was and am unware of it.

Now for all the thank yous... First a bundle of thanks to my beta, Lady Naeva. She's the best! Glad you liked the scarlet comment. And of course the hot blooded male is soooo ahrd to resist especially if it's Colonel Tavington or heck..Jason Isaacs (waggles eyebrows)

Thank you to all my reviewers and I thank you all for being patient.

JeanieBeanie33: My faithful reviwer, I'm glad you liked your little present. As for Cecilia she and Cat are to...well...you're gonna see fur fly! (grin) Glad you liked the Cat/Cornwallis scene and you've read it was a calm before the thunderstorm. They're 'relationship' shall be rocky, but in the end..well...(sheepish smile) Peace is in the future for those two! Oh and Dahlia isn't going to fade into the woodwork yet. I've fixed it so that she's not the crying mess that she originally was. She's tough woman..almost like Ca-- Oops said too much.

J.B.Duenweg: She does have a weird side and maybe Lesley and Cat shall meet and have abit of fun...at O'Hara's expense. (evil laughter) Sorry to keep ya waitin' and out of the loop. Writer's block. Oh, you'll be happy to know my cousin (Kailynn, the 'baby') came out of surgery yesterday all okay. Yay! Anyway, hop you liked this chapter. Especially the ending despite no nakedness not even a bare chested Tavington! (waggles eyebrows)

Ellery Nocturne: I'm glad you love it. See, she wears a dress! (gasp) yet...(mischevious look) still wears her beloved pants. I mean you can't live in that century without wearing a dress occasionally especially when living with and near society ruled British and loyalist people. I'll have her dress (drawn by me) posted at the yahoo group! Second page.

baby.turtle.cute:Glad you liked it. I enjoyed writing it. Kinda of an easy write next to this chapter. 8600 or so words not counting the A/N note!

DarkPhoenix-24: Thanks! Yes, he has a heart, yet still knows his duty. I think CAt's rant explains all Hope you enjoyed this one! (wink)

WoundedHeart:Glad you liked it. Hope you liked this one. Alot of anger, but not enough 'love' eh?

Tavington: I'd say so (disgruntled look as he discreetly shifts)

Cat: I agree! Frustration here! (glaring at Sassy)

Sassy: (smiles) Patience! Another couple chapter maybe...Best behavior! (winks) Now I hope everybody loved this chapter. The longest chapter ...yet...hehe... Now on to the good stuff before more movie stuff. Oh, I know the Ben/Rebel scenesare dry, but later they shall liven' up cause our lovely Cat shall...er...Oops can't give it away (slaps hand) Bad Sassy! PLEASE REVIEW! I love them and all my lovely readers of course! (grin)