Chapter 17 – Another Briefing

"Appreciate the gifts that you are given."

'1st September 1779,

For the past year I had dwindled around the Caribbean on the HMS Badger, attempting to intercept enemy ships but with very little success. When I returned to Port Royale in June and handed the Badger over to Collingwood, the anticipation of the upcoming battle just about killed me. I await the arrival of the HMS Hinchinbrook, a generous gift from Sir Parker to suit my new promotion…'

Horatio Nelson waited alone on the Port Royale pier and watched as the Badger approached, gliding across the calm water with ease as she always had. When the ship came to a slow halt he glanced over the Badger's side rails, expecting to see Collingwood in his big blue captains jacket and his black-feathered hat. Collingwood's appearance was almost exactly as Nelson had predicted, although his left hand was wrapped tight in a white-cotton bandage. The boarding ramp was propped up and Collingwood stepped off the ship

Before Nelson could ask, Collingwood began to explain. 'We ran into trouble when we were scouting along the rivers that led into Costa Rica.' He said. 'It was a French slaver, of all things. A big long vessel carrying cages full of natives up the coast. Can you believe it?' The question was rhetorical. 'Anyway, I think we were a little too curious for our own good because as soon as the French saw us, they attacked. And this was no small force. There were dozens of men, heavily armed men. But, we managed to bust open the cages and punch a good sized hole in their boat.' Collingwood stopped to think for a moment. 'That battle came out of nowhere.'

Nelson laughed, 'You still haven't told me what happened to your hand.'

Collingwood looked back at him. 'Oh, when the fighting got close it took a full on blow with a war club. I can't move my little finger, but Doctor Edward says it'll be fine.'

Together Collingwood walked with Nelson and left his crew to tend to the ship. They followed the dirt path to the town centre gardens. Tiny flowers had sprouted from the hedges and insects buzzed around them in little clouds.

Nelson informed Collingwood on what had been happening and on what was soon to some. 'General Dalling is in the main room. So far he has gathered all of the captains and people of interest who are involved in the San Juan assault. He'll be expecting your report immediately.' Nelson opened the great doors of the main hall and let himself in. The guards saluted both of them as they entered the building by tipping their hats. 'Captain Nelson. Captain Collingwood.' They spoke rather quickly. 'General Dalling and the others are awaiting you inside.'

Nelson didn't want to keep Dalling waiting any more than he had to, and so he increased his pace as he walked across the main hall.

Inside the conference room was a long table with people sitting all around it. On the stone floor was a rug that ran under the table. At the end of the long table sat General Dalling, behind him there was a stone fireplace where a pile of logs burned and crackled. Above the fireplace hung a map of the Caribbean. Nelson recognised many other faces around the table, including Captain Locker who sat directly to General Dalling's left, Elizabeta was seated next to Locker, Lieutenant Bretton was on Dalling's right and Sir Parker was seated next to Bretton. There were two seats remaining for Nelson and Collingwood.

As they sat down, General Dalling began to speak. 'Nelson, you're late.'

Nelson noticed that the statement was pointed directly at Nelson with no blame towards Collingwood.

The General continued, 'So far we have only discussed who is going to go where. Lieutenant Bretton and I have decided to oversee the main fleet when we begin the attack from the sea.' Dalling now spoke to the entire table. 'Captain Nelson and Captain Collingwood will be part of the infantry, as well as Markus, John…' General Dalling pointed out several other names and the scribe beside him jotted them down. He then listed down who would be part of the main fleet under General Dalling's command, Locker and his newly appointed crew was part of this list.

General Dalling went on, standing up and pointing at the map above the fireplace as he spoke. 'Once our fleet is gathered we will sail directly from Port Royale to San Juan. We will have scouting vessels ahead of us at all times, to make sure that the Spanish don't get wind of our assault.' General Dalling then pointed to a spot on the map just outside of Nicaragua and read out the coordinates. 'Here is where our infantry will break off from the fleet and head south into Costa Rica. Using the mapping generously provided by Captain Collingwood you should be able to traverse through the rivers and then move through the jungle until you reach San Juan's main gate. In the meantime our fleet will be blockading the enemy from the coast. When you arrive at San Juan, you are to set off the signal firework and wait for us to bombard the fort. Then you are to blow down the front gate while the enemy is distracted and meet them in combat, we will do the same.'

Nelson thought that the plan was good enough as it was, however the conference spent more than the next two hours going over every single detail. When at last there was nothing left to change or add to the scheme, General Dalling declared it fool proof and dismissed the conference.

The sun had not quite yet set as Nelson and Collingwood returned to the Sailors inn. They decided to share a few drinks with some of the crew before the day was done. Nelson proceeded to talk about his new ship, 'The Hinchinbrook finally arrived today after all my waiting.' He said joyously before gulping down some more ale. 'I've been stuck here helping Dalling prepare for San Juan. It's nice to know that we will soon be finished with that God awful place.'

Collingwood raised his glass slightly, 'Aye, here's to burning that place to the ground.'

The others around them raised their glasses as well and they cheered and laughed. Nelson began to feel wheezy and he started to cough. When he was able to stop, one of the crew placed a hand on his shoulder. 'Are you alright, sir?' He asked.

'I'm fine, it must be the drink.' Nelson explained.

Then Collingwood butted in. 'Nonsense, you've been too long away from home. It'll make you sick if you let it.'

Nelson regained himself and then offered a smile. 'Now that's nonsense.' He said loudly. 'The sea is my home. Right boys?'

The men around him raised their glasses and continued to cheer. Then one of the younger lads started singing the opening verse to Spanish Ladies. The sailor's voice was smooth and sweet but full of valour. Soon the rest of them were obliged to join in and sing and rant in an unordered choir. Nelson found it ironic that they would sing of such a topic when they faced an enemy such as, it was as if they were openly insulting General Cortez.

Nelson laughed along with the others and then set down his half full drink and quietly made his way up stairs. He strolled down the hallway with the grin stuck on his face as he opened the door. Inside his room there was a dim light and he found a woman sitting on his bed. She wore a black nightgown that was the same colour as her long hair. A lantern gave light to her face and her large eyes were a beautiful chocolate brown. Nelson noticed the sweet caramel tone of her skin.

Nelson entered the room then removed his jacket and placed it on the dresser beside the door. 'Hello there.' He said simply.

The girl placed her small hands on her thighs. 'I'm Liana, I thought you could use some company tonight.' She smiled at him with lust in her eyes.

Nelson stared at her, she was stunningly beautiful, and he knew that he couldn't resist. 'Well you certainly thought right.' He laughed. Nelson sat himself down beside Liana on the bed and stared at her beautiful face in the lantern light. He knew that he didn't need to talk to or charm these types of girls. He placed his right hand on her check and then leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips, and she kissed him back. Her lips were warm and sweet, and Nelson treated them as if they were a pleasure that he would never again receive. With Liana he made the most of what may have been his last ever night at Port Royale.