Suddenly that quiet night a scream comes for Captains ILIKESEVENS cabin, still very drunk and he was yelling in his sleep,

We are Dutch. Lower your sails, and surrender your ship. We will add your cargo and canons to our own. Your crew will adapt to service the kingdom of Holland, Resistance is futile.

With a sceared look in his eyes Lt. Hangon looks at Jeanway,
PLEASE MADAM HELP US, THIS IS GOING THE WRONG WAY, WE WILL DO ANYTHING FOR YOU IF YOU HELP US

~~ Mutiny on the Batavia ~~

Jeanway watched as the stranger removed his cloak and hood. She listened to what he had to say, then asked. " Was Ilikeseven drunk when he raised the Dutch flag? You know that attracted the French and you all could have been captured or sunk?" The stranger agreed and said " Aye, Admiral, this is why we must take him down NOW. He is causing much havoc among the crew with his maudlin moods and unpredictable behaviors, he's about to get us all killed one day if this continues." He added. " Aye, I can see what your sayin and if you take matters in your own hands, a mutiny would get you all court marshalled then hung. I'm havin a bit a trouble meself with me surgeon. He's got a wee bit of an addiction to that opium, I fear. I believe the Devil himself has got them, a good grasp on their privates. I think some time alone with Wrf and away from their chosen poisons will cure them." The stranger chuckled and agreed. Jeanway continued. " So what yur sayin is we lock em up together in a cabin with Worf and let HIM take care a tha problem, Aye? Yep, sounds like a plan, he'll beat the snot outa them both, they give HIM any trouble. Well, let's get to it then, the longer we wait, the worse it will get.

Jeanway summoned Worf, Riker, Fenriz, Crunch and Snaders to the Wardroom. She began. " Gentlemen, we have a pressing problem which must be addressed as soon as possible. It seems we have the Devil himself among us and we must drive him out. With your help we need to detain both ILikeSeven and Docniel together and watch them day and night. Worf, you'll be my number one in this action. You will be with them both until we have made them both sane and sober agin. Can I count on all of you to help me carry out this unpleasantness with much dispatch and might? The lives of all onboard both ships may depend on this." All present agreed without any discussion. " Good, then let's get to it." The stranger, Worf, Fenriz, Riker, Snaders and Crunch all made their way up on deck and across the gangplank to the Batavia. " He's drunk as a mule in his quarters." The stranger said to Jeanway. " Go get him now and escort the good Captain to the Elusive, knock him out if he gives you any trouble." Jeanway went back to her ship and instructed a few sailors to find DocNiel," search the ship, bow to stern if need be and bring him to me". She instructed. Jeanway went below and instructed lwxana to bring food and drink to the empty cabin at the end of the passageway. She then went to it and found it fit and ready for ILikeSeven, DocNiel and Worf to settle into without much ado. Already there were three slings in the cabin, instead of one, she had two more brought in and tied between the beams. She went back up on deck and waited for the arrival of her two unfortunates to arrive.

A terrible melange' ensued as they brought ILikeSeven onboard and wrestled with him all the way to the cabin. " Worf, you stay in here with him, we need to get docNiel next. Here's the key and don't let him outa yur sight. " But Ma'am what about tha, well, ya know, well, the RUN? How do we take care of that when nature calls, we must answer." Jeanway, went to the stores and brought back to wooden buckets, handed them to Worf by their rope handles and said. " Here, this should take care a that." They all left the cabin, ILikeSeven crying into his pillow. " Now latch and lock this door behind us and don't let him outa your sight, or there'll be Hell ta pay." As she handed Worf the key. " Aye, Captain" he answered.

Jeanway now confident her plan would be successful went back on deck and waited for the arrival of Docniel. She walked the length of the deck many times, listening intently to anything that may sound like the Doc's voice hollerin, she knew he wouldn't come quietly. When from below, near the animal manger she heard such a commotion, she peered down into the hold and saw, Fenriz, Crunch, Snaders and Riker wrestling the Doc to the straw floor, screamin and yellin " I'm the surgeon aboard this 'wessle' and I shan't be treated in such a vulgar and vile manner as this, get your hands off me!" Jeanway leaning over the edge of the opening watching the scene below her, felt a nudging on both sides of her, " EEW, let me see too Ma'am." Said Lwxana and Seska on Jeanway's other side said " And let me too, Lida." Many of the sailors on deck crowded around the opening, leaning over the edge to get a good look. " Kill tha Bastard!" One sailor yelled hopin for a good show. " He pulled out me wrong tooth!" He yelled. As Jeanway watched the four men try to tie his hands behind him as he wiggled , face down in the straw, a small arm, she could see reached out from behind a bail and right into the Doc's pocket. Retrieving a large gold watch and fob and pulling it out and behind the bail, then reaching again to retrieve a handful of coin, which she could hear jingle amongst the commotion. " Ah, Pip's gettin his due agin, I see." Jeanway said to herself. Getting his hands tied behind him the men pulled Doc up to his feet. Jeanway hollers " Good, now bring him to Worf." The men wisked Doc out of sight and down through the passageway to the cabin, waiting for him at the end of the ship. Still struggeling, the Doc was thrown into the cabin and the door locked behind him by Jeanway. Much yellin and cursin could be heard coming from the room for the following day and night. Finally on the second day, they quieted down and Jeanway, being curious as to how things were going, unlocked the door and peeked in. She saw DocNiel, Ilikeseven and Worf, lying on the floor as if they'd been fightin. All tied and tangled up together in what appeared to be a solid mass, fast asleep. She closed and locked the door and as she walked to her cabin she said to herself," Ah Worf, he's a force to be reckoned with." She said with a coy smile on her face.

~Klingon Detox~

The company consisting of Hangon, Fenriz, Riker, Worf, Crunch, and Snader found the captain of the Batavia in his cabin, roaring drunk he was stumbling around the room attempting to dance and singing something in Dutch. Rushing into the room first Fenriz tackled ILikeSeven and everyone else piled on top, the Dutch captain resisted with all of his drunken might, kicking and screaming as he was subdued. While he was held down the bottle of rum was pried away and the Dutchman was carried out of the cabin towards the rises. Seeming to either accept his fate or having passed out he went limp and the party carried him up to the deck. Suddenly ILikeSeven went rigid and kicked out savagely, his boot catching Fenriz hard in the crotch. Gasping and clutching himself in pain Fenriz stumbled backwards and fell down the rises, landing hard on the deck below. "AHHH! Muh tethtucles." cried Fenriz, writhing in pain he was helped to his feet by Crunch, who had been taking the opportunity to secure the liquor supply of the Batavia's captain. "I don't suppose that Dutchman 'll be need'n this Sir." said Crunch who showed Fenriz a bottle of rum he had tucked under his shirt. Hobbling up the rises Fenriz followed the group as they hauled a once again complacent ILikeSeven down to Worf's cabin and dropped him on the deck. Snader bound his hands and feet as ILikeSeven fell asleep and began snoring loudly.
"Now, for the doctor." declared Riker. Leaving Lt. Hangon to stand guard over his captain, every sailor on the Elusive went off in search of Doc Niel. Scouring the ship, it was some time before anyone could find the doctor until Thomas and Pip discovered him addled by laudanum and slumped against some crates in the hold. Bending down to examine him Crunch looked into his glassy, bloodshot eyes. "He's well out of it, that's for sure, let's take him to Worf boys." Crunch declares. Hobbling into the hold after everyone else, Fenriz arrives in time to see Crunch and Snader hoist the debilitated doctor up while Pip and Thomas take advantage and pick the man's pockets. Frail and gaunt the two sailors have little trouble lifting the Doctor "He hardly has any meat on his bones." remarks Snader. "Reckon he's not been keeping much food down, nothing but the opium keepin' him goin'."agrees Crunch. Limping along behind as fast as he could and wincing with each step, Fenriz tries to ignore the pain in his groin as well as his sore jaw and tongue. Reaching Worf's cabin the doctor rears up and turns around and vomits all over the front of Fenriz's shirt. The doctor goes limp once more and Crunch and Snader lay him down in the sling. Fenriz stands at the doorway looking down at the foul mess now covering him "You Somovabeeth, um gunna keel you!" Fenriz reaches for his pistol but is grabbed by Crunch and Snader and pulled away. Worf shuts the door after them and turns to tend to his patients, the rest of the group disbands and returns to their duties.
After he's deprived of his weapons Fenriz hurls a few unintelligible insults at the two inebriated men with Worf and walks off limping. Joining him as he climbs the rises are Pip and Thomas "Don't feel too bad Sir."offers Pip. "Yeah Sir, don't feel too bad, they'll be in worse shape then you before the day's over."adds Thomas. Not feeling any better Fenriz grumbles to himself. Reaching the deck Pip tugs on Fenriz's sleeve who looks down at the boy. Pip reaches into his shirt and pulls out a leather purse. "Here you go Sir, this might make you feel better." says Pip handing the jingling bag to Fenriz. "It's the Doc's but I don't think he'll miss it none Sir, not for a few days anyway." Fenriz watches as the two powder monkeys scamper off in search of a new scheme while Fenriz counts his new found wealth. Screams and an angry Klingon voice can be heard coming from below deck, Fenriz smiles.

SolarWind is aware of all the good that comes about when we help each other with our problems. She smiles down on this and knows of all the good intentions and blesses this little fleet.

~~ MERCATOR'S DISTORTION ~~

Named after the Dutch map maker, Gerhard Mercator. A chart is a flat representation of a section of the Earth's surface. There are many ways to depict a round surface onto a flat one, or as cartograhers put it, to project. The most popular projection for nautical charts is the 'Mercator' which was invented in 1576.
It flattens out the Earth so that lines of latitude and longitude can form a rectangular grid. The mercator is devised so that the East-West stretch is balanced with a North-South stretch. Thusly, the mariner can use the latitude margin as a margin for measuring all distances correctly.

~~ The Prime Locators ~~

A typical nautical chart has built into it a simple system for telling the boatman where he is, and the direction and distance he/she is from any one place on the chart to any other. The main element of this master key is the grid. Latitude, lines running East-West, Longitude, lines running North-South. Any point can be fixed in terms of where the point and the Meridian intersect.

All major Parallels and Meridians are coded by degrees, counting upward from zero. The zero parallels, or base line of Latitude, is the Equator. From there they go North and South to the poles, which is at 90 degrees. The Longitude baseline, called the 'Prime Meridian', passes through Greenwich, England. From 0 degrees, Longitude is East and West, halfway around the world to a maximum of 180 degrees.

What does that have to do with our story...
I'm confused...
Just ignore me...

I'll just shut up now...

After days of drifting, the breezes begin to pick up, and sails begin to rustle slightly. The day wears on, and a cool wind blows north. Aboard the Kongou Maru, a loud cheer is heard, and the rigid triangular sails are raised into position. Nikkori smiles broadly and leaps astern to the tiller as the Kongou begins her forward motion. A wake begins forming behind her. The crew busies themselves with the sails, singing rhythmic songs as they work.

As the ships surge forward in the breeze, a lithe man wrapped about the top the Kongou’s central mast shields his right hand from the sun as he peers south. He squints briefly, and gasps. He shouts to Nikkori!

“Sensei! Minimi ni yotsu fune ga arimasu!” He looks again and his eyes go wide. “Nakayama-san desu!”

Nikkori spins about and looks south. In the distance four vessels of the same type can be seen gaining on the small fleet. Nikkori shouts an order. A crewman takes the tiller, and the Kongou Maru takes a sharp turn. She tacks hard against the wind as she approaches the small fleet approaching. Men from below deck bring Nikkori’s armor to him. In minutes, he is dressed in the black lacquer armor, which has been shined and glistens in the hot afternoon sun. Six other men in similar leather armor stand by his side, and a dozen of the ninja of a few days ago appear on deck. All have straight swords strapped to their backs, and four carry small crossbows. Nikkori’s sword is brought to him. He pulls it out of its scabbard, and it whistles a high note as he does so.

As the Kongou Maru passes the Elusive, Nikkori shouts to the Admiral.

“Daughter of the Pax, it has been my honor to meet you. Now, I must protect the family of Kamioka. Perhaps I shall return, and we may discuss the fate of the master of the Pax.”

He set’s his jaw, and his eyes blaze with a fire as the small vessel tacks south towards the small fleet approaching.

Slowly as the days, drift by like the clouds, Worf the wonder of a Klingon he is, refusing the good doctor of a smoke got into a fight that had produced a dislike in the good doctors mouth some 3 days ago, bitterly cralwing into a corner and passing out slipping in and out of concousness until Worf slashing him with a bucket of water wakes the frail doctor up for some food. With a start the frail shape of the doctor thinks for a moment, before taking the food. In a dry crackey voice asks" What Happened" Worf speaks up at once, "you fool, why?, did you not think for one second that we would not find out sooner or later about your habit?" with that kicks the doctors feet saying finish and be quick about it, the Admiral is waiting for and I hope for your sake shes feeling happy.

The Doctor, Noticing that the ship is also rocking a bit more steadily, slowly rising to his feet steading himself on the Barrell and the doorway, Reaching for the wall as worf starts to push him through the door, and Doc Niel slowly walks to meet his Fate

" And where do ya think your goin?" Jeanway said to Worf in the passageway. " Uh, to see you Ma'am," He answered. " No, he must stay in the cabin at all times. Don't ya know he'll try and make a run for it? Me God Man, he must have stashes all ova tha ship by now. Get back in there with him." Jeanway said as she shooed them back down the passage to the cabin. She followed them and they all went in.

Jeanway walked in and looked at ILikeSeven laying in his sling snoring. " What's that God-Awful stench in here?" She asked. Looking around at the half eaten snadwich on the floor and a big bowl of slad, dumped over underneath Doc's sling. She also notoced dried vomit in the corner on the floor next to the slop buckets. "Get those up top and dump em." She ordered Worf. Worf picked them up by the rope handles and hustled them out the door and up on deck then dumped them over the side. Then pouring clean water in them from the barrel on deck, rinsed them, then went back to the cabin.

When he returned he found Jeanway, ILike Seven and DocNiel talking. They, all three, sobbing together. They turned and watched Worf enter and put down the buckets in the corner, then stand by the closed and locked door, his arms folded across his chest. Jeanway continued. " Me Dad, used to do and say things to me when I was just a wee lass that I still remember to this day. And it was all on account a that demon in him, that cravin he had for tha drink." as Jeanway continued to morbidly roam around in her past, all three men listened and seemed affected by her words. ILS and The Doc sobbed. Worf was sniffeling, although he tried to hide it.

As the Kongou Maru nears the fast approaching black vessels of the orient, smoke billows from the mouth of her dragon figurehead, obscuring the vessel in the imminent melee. The four approaching vessels are arranged in a triangular formation. Aboard the lead vessel, another samurai stands in crimson armor. His sword is drawn and he stares across the distance, locking eyes with Nikkori.

Fireworks are set up aboard the Kongou, and several ninja wait by with lit arrows. As the ships near, the missiles are lit. Seconds later, they streak from the deck of the Kongou. One flies straight up in a spiral, exploding into several small glowing ashes, which fall slowly towards the ocean, trailing much smoke as they do so. A dozen other missiles arc into the air towards the approaching fleet. Several plunge into the ocean. A trailing vessel is struck by three fireworks, and her sails catch fire. She comes to a stop in the ash-covered oceans. The lead vessel is untouched. Several fireworks are shot from the approaching vessels. They streak through the air towards the Kongou Maru. Many overshoot, falling into the ocean between the Kongou and it’s small fleet. Two catch her in the stern, and one sticks fast into one of her crewmembers. Flaming, he leaps overboard to save the vessel. Three men rush astern to extinguish the flames. The three remaining vessels and the Kongou Maru disappear into the thick cloud.

~Meawhile back on the elusive~



As their commander sits with these men, that she once called comrades, and spins her tales of childhood. She turns to worf and says" Now that we have there attention, what should be done with tHem Mr. Worf?"

Worf, stands there, with his arms still crossed over his chest stands there and ponders for a few moments before he speaks: "Admiral" says he, "they should be punished for there behavior!!" But first I believes they should be resposible for cleaning up this mess, and them selves before they are tried and punishment is carried out."

"And what praytell, should there punishments be, if ye was I?"

Worf showing no concern in his face, directly points to ILS and says" HE, He should be lashed till as good time as the Admiral sees fit to lash em. That is a fitting punishment for his folley." "And you," Pointing to Doc Niel with a gleam in his eye, "You should be Keel Hauled while under sail till you are nolonger fit to sail with the likes of the elusive and its fine crew, says I" " I for one would not trust the man, with my life, and if I may say so, Admiral, the crew would not trust em at all. For his, is not better than the rats in the ballast of ye ship...."


Well Mr. Worf, remind me to never cross ye." She turns to both men and says" Mr. Worf, in his capasity on this ship is correct that bot of ye varlets have done crimes punishible in the manner stated"," But I do believe in Second chances," "Otherwise I would not tell ye the matter of me early days" and pauses to let the silence do its thing" the fact here gentleman, is neither of you is to likely live through their punishment", so as of now, and mr. Worf see to this, that their punishment start, you shall both scrub the other down with sea Sea as you bath." You will then, Clean the other up in such a fashion, using the brushes for the deck tillye be bloody", For then ye shall proceed to clean thy place up. and wait till ye are properly sentenced for your crimes"

With that, the kindly admiral, rises from where she is seated, takes her leave of the three men, whilst Doc Niel is still sobbing in the corner, ILS rises to his feet and starts to make ready himself, for what will happen next. ABOVe them on the main deck of the Elusive, 3 bells are struck, and the lookout yells, "Someman, git the admiral, she be wanting ta see this"......... (the story continues)

~~ Scare Tactics ~~



Jeanway comes up on deck. " Aye, I see ya all ready. Forget it boys, I was just havin a wee bit a fun with ya." Jeanway laughs. " I be knowin the cravin for tha drug and tha drink makes ya do things you'd neva would be doin otherwise. We just need ta keep ya away from it and it away from you and you'll be in fine shape before ya know it, now get back down in the cabin and think about that." " Mr. Worf, if you please." Jeanway bowed and extended her arm in the direction of the door to below deck. As DocNiel passes her she grabs him by the front of his shirt and pulls his face up to hers. " I'm runnin this ship." She says to him in a threatening tone. Then pushes him away as she releases her grip.

Knowing a good threat and scare would jog them into compliance, Jeanway feels confident now they will understand she is only trying to clean them up.

~ Kon Tiki ~


Later that evening, Jeanway and Fenriz resumed their usual place on the stern, in their chairs, peeling oranges and watching the sunset. Off in the distance an unusual display of colored lights and small explosions were seen. Jeanway and Fenriz watched, not knowing what it was all about. " Sure is pretty, whatever is happenin ova there, Aye, Lida?" Fenriz said. "Sure is." She answered.

It was twilight. Not quite dark yet not still daylight. When between the flashing lights and the Elusive an unusual circle of sparks seemed to be taking shape, just above the surface of the water. The circle began to grow wider and taller as they watched. Being clearly visible now from both the Elusive and the small group of ships off near the horizon, the fireworks abrupty ceased. The further enlarging circle of sparks grew larger still and in the center of it that very same looking glass started to appear. Like the surface of the Ocean it was, all rippling and moving. It looked like a looking glass, yet it wasn't a looking glass. It looked like the surface of the Ocean, yet it wasn't the surface of the Ocean. As the Great circle enlarged and grew brighter still. it hovered just a few fathoms above the surface of the Ocean, when all of a sudden it dropped, half in half out, beneath the water. Then with a sudden flash of bright light and what sounded like a great rumble of thunder, the center seemed to spiral open and pushed out, in a great spray of water, as that from whale, a small raft. On which were several men and a large square sail propelled it away from the opening it had just come rushing through. The raft sailed away from the Elusive, not appearing to see them at all. After a short time, yet another circle of sparks appeared, directly in the path of the oncoming raft. This one again grew in width and height. The center again formed the familiar rippleing looking glass center, and with yet another flash of light and rumble of thunder the tiny raft was sucked back into and disappeared. The circle grew smaller and smaller until it too disappeared.

Jeanway and Fenriz, just watched, agape, mouths hanging open and eyes bulging. " What the h*LL was that?" Jeanway asked Fenriz. " I dunno Love, but sure looked like we was back at Borabora, Aye?" " You know, Fen? I been seeing some strange things since we been on this side a tha world. It seems one night a few months back, I thought I was seein a big, kinda of a, hmm, well, I don't know what it was. Went right over the ship a hummin and a buzzing like a great wasp, it had wings a tail on tha thing. You eva hear tell of anything like that bafore Love?" Fenriz thought for a second then answered. " Aye, Lida, twas one night, a while ago, I was standin on deck and in the moonlight I thought I, heard somethin just like that go right ova me head in the dark. Could not see much though. Just flew right over the ship too and then off into the distance." They looked at each other after sharing what they though were just figments of their imaginations. But after both of them witnessing this latest event, they both began to wonder what this was all about.

(okey, il give it a try.even if i am a little depressed i just can,t miss this. Jeanway here i come)

I woke up in this, what would i call it, a wouden PRISSON?????, d*mn what happend, the last thing i can remember, i drank from a bottle of rum, sure tasted funny, tasted like barrel cleaning oil.
and now here i am in a brigg next to someone i don,t know, ..wait i know this guy he... yes ..he is the doktor of the Elusive.. OMG it,s sure smells bad inhere. okey lets figure this out, i am in chains, in the buttom of a ship, it,s not the batavia, i smell dutch wood when i see it, then it must be eighter the Elusive or the Bonaventure.
if it would be the last , i wouldn,t be alive(ducht and english are at war) so it must be the Elusive (ooops something is cumming up) *starts to vomit*
Sorry dear co-prissonar i didn,t wanted to through u on you on purpose, but when nature calls, i am so sorry.

Now i realised where i am, what happensd were is my ship, were is my crew and what in the H*LL am i doing here,

where is my first officer, suddenly a door opens and in a small light i could see her
YOU , WHY , WHEN , HOW???

(ILS that was really good. Hope this adds to it all)




Sitting in the Brig, all I could think about is what the admiral said ta me when she grabbed me arm "I run this ship." Aye beings scared and all wanted nothing more than to let he know that Yes, me knows you running this ship, What would I know of running her, I know nothing of navigation, charts and the like I just signs on ta be the surgeon, Aye, all me wanted to do is see what is there ta sees is all. knows, I be stuck here in this filt, and why, why I say its all on acount of this drug I learnt about over theres in china, man isit good. Is beens shivering and all fevers fer days now, and on top of that I be spewed on by me fellow inmate, Poor dear fellow, Is believes this ones got it worse than me, for he one of the other boats captains, being hes been trying ta get friendly like. I be hoping that they give him back his boat an all. thAT IS IF SHE'LL( the boat that is) lets him come back.

But I come back to that line "I run this ship." I'd be daft to try and take it from 'er.
Why'd she say that ta me? Of all people, I must ask'er if I's ever ta get out of this one. Me momma, I thinks was right, ta ask me not ta leave, Its been forever and a day, since I left her at the docks bound for the far side of the world. Will I se her alive again?

With that Doc Niel starts to sob again, not knowing, not caring, where his head is or who just came through the door........

Lieutenant Riker taps on Jeanway's cabin door. " Enter" she says. " Ma'am, there are Lieutenants BraceGirdle and Pearlmutter from the Batavia to speak with you." " Show them to the Wardroom, I'll be with them in a moment. Oh, Riker, did they say what this is concerning?" she asked. " No Ma'am, they just said it was an urgent matter that needs addressing immediately." Seska, laying in Jeanway's sling, got up and asked " Should I come with you since this concerns ILikeSeven?" "That may not be a bad idea Sessy, sure come on." The two ladies left the cabin and walked down the passage arm in arm to the Wardroom. " Good afternoon Gentlemen, how may I help you?" Jeanway asked as she extended her arm for a handshake.

Leftenant BraceGirdle was the first to speak. " Admiral Jeanway" He began. " The situation with Captain ILikeSeven has left Leftenant PearlMutter and myself in quite a pickle, AHMMM, I mean, a quandry as to what to do." Jeanway nodded and said " Yes, I can see you both are upset, what exactly is the problem?" BraceGirdle continued. " We were sent on this meandering voyage by the govenment of Holland. We have a trade agreement with China and we pay tribute to the Emporer every eight years. If we do not pay it all our trading rights will be suspended and there would be not telling how long it would take us to get them back. We must be in the Port of Macao in one week to meet with the Portugese to secure our holdings there. It is imperative that were be there, can you help us?" Jeanway thought a moment then replied. " Leftenant BraceGirdle" She began.
" Seeing that I am holding your Captain in my care and protection at this time, I think it only right and proper that I aid you in the venture." BraceGirdle and PearlMutter heaved collective sighs, a look of relief on both of their faces. But I must consult with Lieutenant Riker to see if we can make the voyage in time for your meeting with the Portugese. I will let you know as soon as we have secured our readings and set a course. But I see no problem with what you are asking. Oh, and one more thing, if I may be so bold." She asked.

Jeanway had thought of establishing trade with China for the United States before, so she saw this as the perfect opportunity. With the barrel of diamonds given to her by Captain nik still sitting in her quarters, and now with a Dutch ship at her disposal, already having a trade agreement established there, she just had to ask for their help also. She asked. " What exactly would be considered an appropriate tribute to pay for this? Would diamonds be acceptable?" BraceGirdle and PearlMutter looked at each other and then both back at Jeanway. " Aye, yes Admiral, diamonds would be a fine tribute for the Emporer, he would look upon that with great favor and extend you all the courtesies of which we have enjoyed for many decades." PearlMutter said. " Good, then Gentlemen, we have a deal." They all shook hands and all were very pleased at this new development.

Astern of the small fleet, the fireworks and smoke created by the Kongou Maru and the fleet of the house of Nakayama had continued for nearly a day. Sometimes, they would die for several minutes, but then increase in intensity again as vessels found each other in the thick smoke. Shouts could be heard carrying several leagues across the water, and occasionally splintering wood could be heard in the distance. Black smoke rose from the scene of the battle as finely lacquered vessels, armor, and bodies burned as firebrands found their marks. At one point, a loud crunch rang through the night as two vessels collided in the thick smoke. The sound of shouting men and the high pitch scream of steel on steel could be heard.

After nearly two days of smoke, fire, shouts, and screams, all was finally silent. A thick grey cloud hung in the morning mist a league from the Elusive. For several minutes, all was silent as the smoke billowed. A form could be seen emerging slowly from the cloud hanging over the water. Its grey form took the shape of a vessel, one badly scarred in battle. As it drew closer, one could see it listing heavily to starboard, and it left a trail of thin smoke from still-burning embers on its planks. Its sails were torn and burnt, and its stern mast was broken in two, and the top portion stood on the deck, leaning on the lower half. Four men could be seen with staffs and oars working at the stern trying to bring the vessel closer. Her dragon figurehead was covered with black soot, and her entire starboard hull was charred black, along with much of her deck. Four other men worked hard at emptying buckets of water into the ocean from below deck – running back and forth from the top deck.

Several men sat and lay scattered about the deck, attended to by a few of the still able-bodied men. Many had deep gashes and burns over their bodies, and many lie still at the bow, covered in black cloth from head to toe. In the center of the deck, Nikkori sat on his knees. He was shirtless, and his face was black with soot. A deep gash above his left eye drained blood down his face, neck, and chest. His face was stony and expressionless. His unsheathed sword – covered with blood – lay in front of him. An aged man stood at his right. The man was bald, save for a wreath of long, gray hair about his head extending to his shoulders. He had a long gray moustache and thin, grey beard which extended to the top of his chest. With gnarled, but steady hands, he threaded a needle and began sewing up a gash on Nikkori’s right shoulder. Nikkori sat motionless, staring ahead as the old man worked, who finished quickly, and then wiped Nikkori’s face with a wet cloth.

As the Kongou Maru approached laboriously, two robed men stood in front of Nikkori. Beside them was a pile of eight sheathed katana. One man picked up a blade, handed it to the other, who pulled it from it’s scabbard and held it before Nikkori. Nikkori clapped his hands together twice before the blade and bowed low to the deck. The blade was placed in its scabbard and handed to Nikkori, who solemnly bound it tightly with it’s cords. He handed the katana back to the robed figure, who then placed it lengthwise on one of the covered figures at the bow. The robed man bowed low to the lying figure and returned to Nikkori. This was repeated for each blade – and each of the persons laying at the bow.

At last, the Kongou Maru came abreast of the Elusive, creaking loudly as she approached. Without rising, Nikkori turned his head and looked up at the Admiral. His eyes were tired, and his spoke slowly.

“Excellent daughter of the Pax,” He began, “My enemies habe found an honorable death. For now, my crew and I must find land so that we may repair our bessel, and so that we bury those who habe honored themselbes in battle.” He nodded to the front of his charred, shattered ship at the covered figures with swords lying on them. Though sincere, his vessel looked hardly worth repairing. Men continued running back and forth from below emptying water into the ocean by buckets.

Nikkori looks forward. The two robed figures approach; one carrys an ivory flask of vinegar, which he uses to wash Nikkori’s sword. The other dries it, and wipes it with and oilskin before handing it to Nikkori who rises and places it in its scabbard. He stands and limps to the side of his leaning vessel. Looking up at the Admiral, he speaks.

“It is bery unfortunate that my maps were burned in the battle, and I am not familiar with this sea. Perhaps you can tell me where the nearest land is……”

Jeanway and Fenriz stand at the Starboard balustade and watch as the limping ship from the Orient draws nearer to the Elusive. Fenriz comments " We must help them." Jeanway answers " Aye, without a doubt." As the Kongou Maru pulls up along side, a lone Nikama is seen standing on the deck. He calls to them. " My maps have been burned, we need help in these unfamiliar waters." Nikama yells across to them. " You must come aboard and we can talk." Jeanway yells to him. Nikama nods and bows. As the Elusive and the Kongou Maru draw closer, the Elusive's crew throw lines across to the remaining crew of the Kongou, the ships are secured together and a gangplank is put into place, Nikama walks across to Jeanway and Fenriz who are standing, waiting at the gate.

"Come below, you must eat first. Invite all on your ship who are hungry." Were Jeanway's first words to Nikama. " Most gracious you are, yes, that would be good." Nikama motions to the waiting crew to come. They come across one by one and they all follow Fenriz below to the galley. Jeanway and Nikama trail behind, chatting about the ordeal the Kongou has just been through. " We watched from a distance." Jeanway told him. " I was hoping you would come through it unscathed and still afloat, one outa two ain't bad." She smiled at Nikama and bowed, he did the same.

Nikkori stands on the deck of the Elusive and looks about with amazement. "This is a bery good bessel!" He exclaims. Looking back at his now poor excuse for a ship somewhat sheepishly. The old man is now applying herbs and a steaming quaff to the burns of another man. An arrow protudes from his right right shoulder. The doctor nods at the man, who reaches up and yanks the arrow out, wincing slightly. The old herbalist immediately packs the wound with a mixture of shredded herbs, covering it with a large steaming leaf from the quaff.

"We habe many wounded," Nikkori says, "and my herbalist is bery skilled, but he is only one man. Most certainly you habe a person skilled in these arts. Perhaps......"

Nikkori looks up questioningly at the Admiral and the Captain.

After all the crew had been staited and went back to the Kongou, Jeanway, Fenriz, Nikama, and Riker sat at a table in the Wardroom. Enjoying large, steaming mugs of Jasmine tea with honey that Nikama had brought with him as a gift to the Elusive. " This is wonderful, Nikama. Tastes the way perfume smells." She commented. Nikama understood and nodded affirmatively. " Worf, would you like some?" Worf grunted and picked up a mug that she poured for him. " Mmmm, das good." He said as he slurped his first sip.

Jeanway told Nikama about her plans to visit Macao, and the plan to attempt to open trade negotiations with China for America. " Such an ambitious plan, you have. With a tribute of diamonds I can forsee no problems." Nikama said. " Aye, that's good ta hear my friend." She answered. " I will assist you in anyway I can." Nikama answered. We have figured it should take us no more that 5 days to get there and you can secure repairs and replenish your stores when we arrive. No tellin how long we will be in port." She added. " Tell me, Nikama, have you visited Macoa before? I know we are travelling on an uncharted rhumb line, but I think we shall be able to navigate these water without much trouble, since we have a map."

The following morning, at first light, the Elusive, the Batavia, now flying the American flag again and the Kongou Mara headed North NorthEast towards the South China Sea and the Port at Macao.

Jeanway stands at the wheel, the warm sun on her face and the wind in her hair. "AH, Yes, five days to the Lizard." She says to herself.

Something had been bothering Jeanway that kept her from sleeping. "What am I forgetting." She said to herself over and over during the night. Until, at the morning meal she remembered something.

She finished her breakfast and hurried down the passage to the cabin where Worf was tending to ILikeSeven and DocNiel. She listened at the door for a moment then lightly tapped on the door. She could hear a rapsody of snoring and knew all three were still sleeping. Worf's swing being the closest to the door she hoped she could wake him and not disturb the other two. A booming, "HUH" came through the door as she pressed her ear up against it. " WORF!" She said quietly. " I need to talk to you, unlock the door." A thud and an " UMPH" could be heard then the jingling of keys as the Klingon did as she asked.

As the door opened Worf, rubbing his still half closed eyes said, " Mornin Admiral." She motioned him to come out of the cabin saying " Come out here, I need to ask you something." He stepped out into the passageway and closed the door behind him. " How are they doin?" she asked. " Fine Ma'am. They stopped their constant arguin and fightin and have been playin cards." He answered. " and the Doc, you think we can trust him outa the cabin for a bit?" She asked. " Well, Ma'am, I'm not too sure about that." He answered. Jeanway thought to herself for a moment then again asked. " So he's still needin watchin then, ya think?" Worf answered. " Aye, Ma'am, that he does."

Jeanway knew she had to send the Doc over to the Kongou Maru to tend to Nikama"s remaining injured crew but felt uneasy knowing he may find something somewhere to get his addiction satisfied.

"Alright ." She said to Worf. " Do ya think if I got some one ta stay in tha cabin with ILikeSeven you could go with the Doc ova to tha Kongou while he does some doctorin?" Worf replied. "Aye, Ma'am, as long as I'm in his sight he won't be tryin anything, or I'll knock him out." Jeanway replied. " Here's what I want ya ta do." she began. " Take tha Doc to sickbay and let him collect all his doctorin gear then go with him." " Yes ma'am." Worf answered. " I'll go see to tha gangplank and ta find Snaders and Crunch. They'd make good company for ILikeSeven for the time you two are gone." She said. Worf, knowing they might be smuggelin in a bottle or two said. " Your'd best search those two before you let them in here." " Aye, I was plannin to." She answered.

Jeanway then told Worf to get the Doc up and get him something to eat then come up on deck. She went up on deck in search of Crunch and Snaders. " Get the mailsail up and pull us over to the Kongou she told one of the sailors. " Mailsail up." He yelled to the crew and they climbed the masts and untied the sail. Down it dropped and it caught the light wind and they slowly drifted up alongside the small ship. "Secure ties" She yelled and the lines were throw across and the ships secured together. The gangplank went down just as Worf and the Doc appeared up on the quarterdeck. " Go." She said to Worf and the Doc. " You do understand Doc, Worf'll be watchin ya, so don't try anything." The Doc answered " Aye, I'll behave." They went across the plank and Nikama greeted them with a bow and showed them below to the injured crewmen.

Jeanway then went in search of Crunch and Snaders, finding them near the bow sleeping off the rum from the night before. " Get up." She said in a loud voice. They opened their eyes and seeing the Admiral standing there they jumped up and saluted her. " Leftenant Riker, please search these two for anything that may be harmful ta ILikeSeven, be it bottles or weapons, get to it." Riker muscled the two shaking them as he patted them down. Bottles dropped to the wooden deck as well as a couple knives, a deck of cards tied up with cord, some gold chains and watches, small pouches filled with coins and some small framed pictures. She said " Aye, keep these, your gonna need em." As she picked the deck up." You two been busy I see." She added. She motioned them below and told them to entertain ILikeSeven for a while. They had no choice but to agree. She let them into the cabin and locked the door behind them.

The crew of the Elusive busied themselves doing what they could to assist the crew of the damaged vessel from the East. Fenriz watched as Worf hustled Doc Niel across the gangplank to the Kongou Maru, occasionally giving the surgeon a rough shove to hurry his pace. "I'm goin' ye bloody Klingon." the doctor protested.
Passing Fenriz the doctor smiled at him "I hear I ruin'd one o' ye shirts when I was kidnapped and left in the care a' this damned oaf here." Doc Niel said as he trundled by, clutching his medical bag. "Sorry 'bout that, I owe ye a new shirt then, eh?" he added before Worf thrust him forward and across the plank to the exotic ship. "Careful ye ape, I fall inta the water and the crew be doctorin' them selves now." Shaking his head, Fenriz watched Doc Niel introduce himself to a grey-haired man on the Kongou Maru, who led him to his patients. Turning to go in search of Lwaxana, Fenriz said a slient prayer for the wounded on the Kongou "May God deliver them from the ministrations of that sadist of a doctor." Descending the rises he winced when screams of pain began coming from the Kongou Maru accompanied by a voice with a thick Scottish accent.

Fenriz found Lwaxana in the mess pealing potatoes. Not looking up from what she was doing when he entered she asked "Anything I can do for ya, Fenriz?" Closing the door behind him Fenriz lowered his voice "As a matter of fact, yes you can." Looking up at him, she cocked her head to the side and let him continue. "I want you to prepare a special meal for the Admiral tomorrow night, in her quarters. Something for the two of us." Putting the potato she was pealing down she pressed her finger to her lips and thought for a moment, then answered "Well, I'll be needin' some help if I'm to do that and still fill the crew's bellies, and the ship's stores aren't running over with fine fare at the moment. I suppose I could barter with the Batavia and the Bonaventure, trade away some of this rum that we seem to be drowning in." Relieved Fenriz exhaled "I'll send Crunch and Snader to help you and I have a sizable purse of coins that I'll give you to buy whatever you can from the other ships, will that help?" Coming over to him and patting him on the shoulder she moved him towards the door. "This all has something to do with that heavy sewing needle you asked me for a few days ago doesn't it" Lwaxana asked him. "Yep, it does but keep this quiet, I want this to be a surprise." he replied. "Don't worry, now go. I have a lot of work to do and it's almost supper time and the crew will be gettin' hungry." and with that she shoved him out of the door.

That evening Fenriz and Jeanway were sitting at the stern of the Elusive, feeding each other oranges and watching the sun set on the horizon. Fenriz held a piece of fruit to Jeanway's mouth "We still have plenty of these." he said, commenting on the fruit he was holding. "Aye." Jeanway agreed. Watching some of the crew stowing away cargo they brought over from the Batavia he went on "I see we're doing a little trading with the Batavia and the Bonaventure." Jeanway wiped some juice off of her chin and looked across the water at the Bonaventure anchored for the night a short distance away. Backlit by the setting sun, it's sails were furled, a small boat from the Elusive was rowing towards it. "Lwaxana wanted to trade away some of our excess rum for some more provisions. We have too much of the bloody stuff anyway so I agreed." Jeanway answered as she put a piece of orange in Fenriz's mouth. A loud smash came from the deck as one of the sailors dropped a crate which smashed open sending parsnips rolling everywhere, chased by cursing men. Chewing for a moment Fenriz and Jeanway watched the commotion until Fenriz swallowed the fruit and turned to look at Jeanway. In the waning light he studied her, a gentle breeze caught her hair, looking at him she smiled. "I wonder..." Fenriz began. "What?" Jeanway asked. "Do you own a dress Love?" he asked. Caught off guard for a second she recovered and answered "I do actually, yes. It's been a long time since I've had reason to wear it though." Fenriz smiled at her "Will you wear it tomorrow night, at dinner in your cabin, just the two of us?" "For you Love anything, but you have to wear your best uniform for me." she countered. Taking her hand in his Fenriz pulled her close to him and kissed her tasting the juice from the orange on her lips.

Jeanway looked into his steel, gray eyes as he kissed her mouth. " Fen" She said as she put her hand on his chest and pushed him back a bit. " Yes" He answered. With a puzzeled look on her face she then said. " What are you up to anyway. Your actin a bit odd tonight." She asked him. " Not a thing, Love." He answered slyly. " Not a thing."

After saying goodnight to Jeanway Fenriz went in search of Crunch and Snaders. Running into Pip in the mess he grabbed the powder monkey by the collar as he tried to run past. "Where are you off to in such a rush?" Fenriz demanded. Squirming in his captor's grasp he offered "No where Sir, No where important. I was just off to a game of dice the boys have going, in the hold Sir."
"The hold? Lead on then." Fenriz let the boy go and followed him to the hold. Gathered around in a circle were a good number of the crew, throwing dice and gambling away what money they had. Pip immediately went to work beside his partner Thomas picking the men's pockets. Shaking his head at the pair's boldness Fenriz spotted the other pair he was looking for. Over in a corner Crunch and Snaders were taking turns drinking from a bottle "No doubt one they stole when they offered to help load cargo earlier during Lwaxana's bartering session." he thought. Noticing Fenriz approaching them, they attempted to hide the bottle but the best they could manage was for Snaders to hold it behind his back. "Here now you two aren't you two supposed to watching over ILikeSeven?"Fenriz began, using his Worf impression to intimidate them,"and instead I find you at the rum again, stolen rum at that. I thought you two learned your lesson after that whole affair a few weeks ago. Well I have no choice, I am a respectable officer now, it's off to the brig for the two of you." Buying Fenriz's bluff hook, line, and sinker Crunch and Snaders fell to their knees crying and groveling on the deck. "Please Sir, please we was relieved by Lt. Riker Sir and it was just a little drink Sir." Crunch begged. "Yeah Sir a little one, and it was his idea anyway." Snaders added looking sideways at his companion. "You lousy sot, you drank half a bottle already and I didn't hear you complain none then." Crunch began before Fenriz stopped him with a stern look "Why did Riker relieve you." Crunch fiddled with his hands and Snaders made himself busy studying the deck. "Well." Fenriz demanded. "It was nothin' Sir just a disagreement Sir." Crunch began. "This one here went off and slugged that Dutchman in his mouth when he lost a hand at cards Sir, I told him not to play anymore him being a poor loser. Then he went and tried to shove that Dutchman out of the porthole Sir." Snaders explained. "Damn you to Hades you lousy rat, you was helping me shove him outta that porthole when Riker found us and you know you was." accused Crunch who took a wild swing at his friend and the two of them collapsed in a heap, biting and clawing at one another. Sighing Fenriz looked over his shoulder at the crowd of sailors behind him but they were oblivious to the fight going on several feet away. Fenriz turned back to the squabble at his feet and pulled out his pistol and clubbed each of them hard on the head. Sitting on the deck rubbing their heads the two looked at him stupefied. "I've run out of patience with you louts." Fenriz glared at them, "I'll either let the two of you rot in the brig or let Worf work his Klingon medicine on you." Hearing this the two once again flung themselves at his feet "No Sir No! We'll die in the brig, rot away we will." Crunch pleaded, "and that Klingon, we hear he beats the urge to drink outta you Sir. Don't turn Worf loose on us Sir, we'll do anything." Snaders sobbed. Fighting back the urge to smile Fenriz had them where he wanted them."Well, I don't know," Fenriz began pausing for effect and noticing that Crunch and Snaders had gone silent, waiting for him to continue. "I suppose I could turn the pair of you over to Lwaxana for the day, no doubt she could find work for a pair of layabouts. See that you report to her well before dawn, now off to your slings, you'll need the rest I'll wager." That sent them scurrying off for the crew quarters. Feeling exhausted Fenriz headed for his own cabin but he was so excited and nervous about the next day he wasn't sure he'd get any sleep.

Standing on the deck of the KongoMaru, Doc Niel looks back at Mr. Worf. Says" Mr. Worf ya thinking we be workin here ta bring life back to these men, Bring me ta the herbalist" With a grunt Worf grabs Doc Niel by the arm with a jolt, and leads him with a snarl to the herbalist. Mr. Worf taps the herbalist on the shoulder who turns, with a look of distrust eyes the disshevled body of Doc Niel up and down, says" you sir are terrible, you have the look of the smoke about you. you here to help?" With a slow bow of the head to the old master with a low "Yes, Yes I am. My name is Doc Niel, Surgeon of the Elusive, and I am here ta help."

With that the old man, turns bends low, mixing some herbs with tea, turns back and with a gesture of friendship, hands the cup to Doc Niel and says" Drink this tonic, this will help get the opium out of your head!" Doc Niel, with trembling hands takes the cup, and with a sniff of the foul concotion handed to him. Impatiently, Mr Worf snarls, "drink it up, or i'll keel haul ya meself." with that Doc Niel takes i big breath and with one gulp takes the foul liquid and swallows it all, holding the cup upside down, so as toshow Mr. Worf that he took it all. Mr. Worf, satisfied with this turns to the Herbalist and says" Old man he is all yours, I'll keep watch on him to make sure he doesn't do any wrong." "If he be givin you any trouble, tell me and he will be punished quickly."

Doc Niel, stumbles for a moment, quickly regains his footing by holding onto the gulrail of the ship, shakes his head, looks for his bag, looks toward the herbalist, and says" Bloody hell, what was that foul putrid drrink ya gave me?" With that, the Herbalist, says, "help me" and I will help you." With that Doc Niel bends over to help the next poor soul wonded soul.

D*mn, that realy hurt what those to scumbags did to me, trying to shuf me out of a porthole, and kicking me wel it will take sometime until those blue eyes are gone
I was sitting on the floor with my back against the wooden wall an with my legs streched. after the last few days my delerium and headage becouse of the boose were finaly gone and i could think straid again(ohw what a smell inhere) i looked at my uniform and saw it was dirty and smelly in foundout that they have searched me for weapons(ofcourse they did), they even took my leather holster for my pistol, my necklaces, rings, belts and firebox. but they didn,t take my boots thank god, i love these boots. BOOTS!!!...BOOTS!!? THEY DIDN,T TAKE BOOTS!!??..my special boots Quentin made for me for my last birthday, my very very special boots(a smile appears on my face" huhuh..so they took my weapons aye, well my friends you didn,t take my boots. my arms were stilli in chainse but they were long enough that i could reache them i i grapped from my left boot the heel, turned it 180% and suddenly a small compartmend for the heel opend........OMG, they didn,t found it
in the hollow shoe was still the dagger Worf left me on the island that suddenly exploded, it was a small dagger about 15cm, and when i spressed a little button on the bottom of the handle two nasty sharp lemmets appear. quiqly i closed the heel again and left the knive inside, not now, not when i am in these chaines i will wait
suddenly the door opens, quikly i sat down like i was and saw.........

Jeanway standing in the open door. "Lieutentant Riker" She said in a loud voice. " Aye, Admiral Jeanway." He said at he quickly jumped up from the corner where he was sitting, pretending to be asleep. " The Doc and Worf have finished over on the Konguo Maru and are coming back now. When they do, you are relieved. " Thank you Ma'am. I've about had it with this smelly Dutchman." Jeanway sniffed the stagnant air. " Aye, I see what you mean." She replied. " Take him up to midships and hose him down, and use soap, damn it. I'll see about getting him some clean clothes." She said. " Come on, get up." Riker said to ILikeSeven as he tapped him on his boot. Catching sight of what appeared to be a loose heel. " What's this?" He said as he slid it sideways and saw the small knife. "What you mean Sir?" ILikeSeven acted dumb. " This!" He said as he held it up in front of ILS's face. " Oh shyth!" ILS said in a small voice. Riker put it in his pocket and said " You won't be needin this now will ya?" ILikeSeven replied " Guess not." " Come on, get up, you heard what the Admiral said." Riker ordered.

Up on deck Ilikeseven began to undress. " Get that pump goin" Riker said to two sailors. Spraying ILS down, washing his filth off ILS scrubed himself and sang some song in Dutch. Catching mouthfuls of cold water and screaming. " Hey, that's damn cold!" He yelled at the sailors. One saying " You want us to heat it up and you can take a bath, like a lady in the Admiral's private tub?" They all laughed. " Yea, sure would ya lousy sots." "Wash dem bugs off ya." One of the sailors answered. Jeanway came upon this sight and shielded her eyes from seeing this naked man. " Here" she said as she handed Riker an armful of clean clothes for ILS. " Thank you Ma'am." He said. " How do ya think he's doin?" She asked Riker.
" Well, Ma'am neva knowin the man sober, I rightly can't tell ya." he answered.

After he washed and dressed on deck Riker escorted ILS back down to the cabin. Worf and the Doc now there. " I guess I'm relieved now." Riker said to Worf. Worf grunted an " Aye, wish I was, I've had it with these two." " How'd it go ova there?" ILS asked the Doc. " Aye, they was a mess, I think they'll be alright, they just need some time to heal." Doc replied. Jeanway returned with Riker and told Worf Riker was taking the Doc up for a good wash. She handed Riker the rest of the clean clothes she had and they went up on deck as ILS did and Doc soon returned cleaned and not smelly anymore.

As Jeanway, now in her quarters, searched through her trunk for her sky blue gown, she thought to herself. " It's best I think about restoring ILikeSeven to his ship and the Doc back to active duty. Two weeks in that cabin can drive anyone to drinkin and druggin, I best do that today." Jeanway muttered outloud in a soft voice to herself.

As they were pushing me up the stairs i thought "Well thats just fine, first they took my last knive too, that damn Riker, one day i will get him and now i am getting a public shower, how embarresing." As we reached the deck, i held my hand befor my eye,s , becouse in all thouse day,s in the brigg i haven,t see daylight, just some candlelite. when we reached the midschip,s deck, i slowly some more, OMG, the entire crew of the Elusive stood there waiting for the "show" of the day. I saw a couple of man standing with buckets in their hand, one with a big piece of soap and two with some brooms, yes this is going to hurt me, i mean mentaly, i am Dutch i can stand pain, The crew yelled"LETS CLEANE THIS CHEESEHEAD, GIVE HIM A GOOD SCRUB, HE SMELLS LIKE A DEAD FISH".

Suddenly they started to rip my clothes off and there i stood bare naked on the deck, i looked at the men as they laught, even lwaxana(who joint the men) gave a sarcastic smile. Ilooked up to the bridge and there stood Jeanway looking down on me, beside her stood Fenrizz(with a big grin on his ugly face) and also Riker who cheered the man up against me.
I looked strayed into Seska,s eyes(who was also besides Jeanway), but she didn,t laugh at all, i saw a little tear in her eye. Iturned my look away from her and yelled to the men"COME ON THEN!!, DO IT, HAVE YOUR FUN, YOU CAN HURT ME BUT YOU CAN,T BREAK ME" the man waited no second and started to have their "fun"
"damn that water is cold!!"

After the mid-day meal Jeanway and Fenriz went to the cabin. She tapped on the door, Worf asked " Who the H*LL is it now?" Jeanway looked at Fenriz and they both laughed. " It's time to be relievin him I think he's about had it too." She said. Worf unlocked the door and opened it. " Aftanoon Ma'am and Sir." he said with a bedraggled look on his face. Jeanway patted his shoulder and said. " Worf, cheer up, today is Liberation Day for all of ya." ILikeSeven and the Doc both perked up in their slings, sat up and swung their legs over the sides. " Ya mean it Ma'am?" All three asked in unison. Jeanway replied. " Yes, gentleman, you can go now. You must understand though, many eyes will be watchin ya, so ILS, no more rum and Doc, all your Laudinum that we could find has been confiscated. If you be needin some for a crewman you must come to me to ask for it. You will be accompanied to see it goes where your sayin it is goin, understand?" They both agreed and happily bounced to the floor, out the door and down the passage. Worf, leaned against the wall and breathed a heavy sigh of relief. As he wiped his brow with a kerchief he pulled from his pocket. " I be needin a drink Ma'am, I'm spent." Jeanway and Fenriz brought him back to her quarters and they all shared a small snifter of French Congac. " They toasted to continued success in their efforts to help ILS and the Doc.

"We must set our attention on our meeting with tha Portugese and the Emporer now, we'll be there tomorrow. " We need to get BraceGirdle and PearlMutter back over here to make the final arrangements." Jeanway asked Worf to find Riker and send him to her Wardroom." Then Worf, go to your cabin and get some sleep, you've had a h*ll ova 2 weeks." She said. Worf looked at her and smiled. " Thank you Admiral, that sounds a good idea." Worf left and returned to the Wardroom with Riker. " Lieutenant, we need to summon BraceGirdle and PearlMutter back to discuss our meeting in Macao." She told him. " Aye, I'll see to it right away Admiral." he answered and left.

Fenriz made his way to the ships's mess, he was anxious about that evening and wanted to see how Lwaxana was doing preparing the meal for he and Jeanway's private dinner. Making his way down the passageway to the mess he could hear voices raised in anger. Just before he opened the door to the mess he heard a loud metallic KLANG. Stepping into the room he saw Crunch rubbing his head and being helped to his feet by his friend Snaders. Lwaxana was standing in front of them with her hands at her waist, holding an iron skillet in one of them, her back to the door. The pair looked up at her with genuine fear in their eyes "Now you shut yer trap and get back to pealin' them potatoes or I'll bash yer skull in and send you off to the brig." she warned them, brandishing her skillet like a saber. Completely defeated by the small woman the two unruly sailors skulked off to the giant heap of potatoes awaiting them, grumbling under their breath. Fenriz came up behind Lwaxana and tapped her on the shoulder, she spun and nearly caught him in the side of the face with her implement of discipline if he hadn't caught her arm. "Oh, sorry Fenriz. I thought you were some accomplice of that lot." she apologized, pointing to Crunch and Snaders with her pan. "Lazy as all get out but they'll work today, by God." Smiling at her Fenriz was cut off before he could ask her anything. "Now don't you worry none, I've got things well in hand. You just make sure you look your best for tonight. Go on, get out of my kitchen, I've got enough to do without you underfoot." With that she shoved him out of the door and left him standing bewildered in the passageway, then he remembered he needed to borrow a clean shirt from Riker and hurried off.

Doc Niel, Feeling freer, than a jaybird. Hopped onto the deck, Once again blinded by the sun, having to block his eyes, almost trips over the spare rigging rope, and into the water. Caught on the arm by the seaman working with the rope. "Doc" says he," ya ought ta be tending ta were ye be goin!" "that fall would've hurt ya big."
Doc Niel truns around and wide eyed looks at the man and "quietly says "thank you", "I'm not sure if I be survivn that fall." I own ye my thanks and me tankard the next I gets me some ration of rum if'in the Admiral allows it."
The seaman, taken aback "sayin ye ta give me ya next ration of rum?" "Aye, Tis what I say to ya."

"Well, Bless me if'in I'd never hear an officer says that ta me!" " well, then You are so blessed."
With that Doc Niel goes with a nod, to find Lt. Riker for a favor.

Uh Oh. " Me thimks tha Doc is up ta no good." Jeanway thimks. { I know it says 'thi M ks' }

As the afternoon grew late and the sun began to sink closer to the horizon Fenriz was in his cabin sitting on the chest he kept at the foot of his berth, muttering to himself as he polished his boots. "What in Hades fire has become of you Fen, my boy." he wondered. "A pirate once and now you've gone and become respectable, an officer prancing around in your pretty uniform you are." he went on. Pulling on his boots he put on the clean shirt he had borrowed from Lt. Riker, his having been ruined by the the doctor's queasy stomach a few weeks earlier. "That damned surgeon owes he a new shirt," Fenriz went on. Holding his jacket up and examining it he noticed that the brass buttons needed a shine. Laying the dark blue jacket over his lap as he sat on the chest, he methodically polished and inspected each button. Standing up Fenriz put the jacket and then turned around and opened the chest. Inside under some loose clothing and a few books was a small wooden box made of cherry. The box was oval in shape and had a smooth finish, apart form a small silver latch it had no decoration on the outside. Fenriz opened the tiny box was just enough room for the two rings he had gotten Quinten, the smith on the Batavia, craft for him. Holding them up one at a time looked them over. Inside of each ring were engraved tiny letters. In the larger ring was a J and on the inside of the smaller one an F. Laying in the bottom of the chest was a piece of tin which Quinten had given him. The man had offered to do the engraving for Fenriz but he had insisted on doing it himself. On the piece of metal were row after of Js and Fs which Fenriz had etched with a heavy sewing needle he'd gotten from Lwaxana, until he was satisfied with the result. Other then that simple decoration the rings were plain gold bands. Putting them back in the box, Fenriz closed the lid and put it in his right pocket and thought to himself "Fen you've done gone and fallen in love that's what's happened to you. Fallen hard and you like it." A knock at his door caught him by surprise "Who is it?" he asked.

As the door opened Worf stepped into the cabin. "Are you prepared?" he asked. Fenriz looked at the Klingon and answered truthfully "As ready as I'll ever be." Looking Fenriz over Worf motioned for him to turn around. Pulling a strip of leather out of his pocket he tied it around Fenriz's long hair, criss-crossing it over itself as he went down and tying it at the bottom. He then turned Fenriz back around. "Well." Fenriz asked. Worf straightened Fenriz's jacket and then stepped back. "You are acceptable." Smiling at his Klingon friend Fenriz left his cabin with Worf. In the passageway Worf patted him on the shoulder and grasped his hand "Qapla." he said. Seeing the puzzled look on Fenriz's face he explained "It means success." With that the Klingon turned and headed off for the mess. Fenriz turned and strode to the Admiral's cabin and knocked on the door.
Opening the door Seska, greeted Fenriz "Come in the Admiral is waiting for you." Stepping into the cabin Fenriz saw Jeanway standing in front of a map of the world hanging on the cabin wall. She was wearing a long sky blue gown that left her shoulders bare. Her blond hair fell over her shoulders and down her back. Fenriz stood there staring at her until he realized his mouth was hanging open. Coming up behind him, Lwaxana gently nudged him and whispered "Take her for a stroll above deck, dinner's not quite ready yet." Recovering Fenriz walked over to Jeanway "Love you look like a vision from my dreams." Holding his arm out to her he asked "Would you accompany me on a stroll above deck and perhaps admire the sunset." Taking his arm she smiled at him sending sparks of electricity shooting through his brain. "That would be nice, I'd love to." Leading her up the rises Fenriz tried to remember to breath.
The deck was empty, Fenriz noticed. Riker had done his Admiral and Fenriz a favor and made sure they would have this time alone. Standing at the aft of the ship they stood together and watched the sun slowly approach the horizon. Already stars could be seen in the multi-colored dusk sky. A gentle breeze blew across the water and the Batavia was sailing gracefully on the water a short distance away. Fenriz turned and looked at Jeanway, she was watching the sun descend and it's light was caught her blue eyes. Holding onto his arm tightly she rested her head on his shoulder as they both watched the sunset and the stars begin twinkling in the sky. Feeling a gentle tug at his other sleeve Fenriz looked down and saw Thomas, the powder monkey. "Dinner is ready Sir." Together Fenriz and Jeanway returned to her cabin.

~~ Dear Diary ~~

He came to get me tonight in his dress whites. He looked so handsome he took my breath away. He thinks I'm pretty. What did I do to ever deserve a man such as this? He is sweet and kind and always puts up with my bad moods. He makes me very happy. We strolled the deck in the moonlight. I think he loves me. Everyone should find someone that makes them happy. Talk to you again tomorrow. He gave me a ring and he has one just like it, with our initials inside that he engraved himself. Lida Jeanway

When Fenriz and Jeanway returned to her cabin they found the table there set for two. Several covered dishes were there, the lids over them hiding what they might be until they were lifted, two candles burned in the center of the table bathing the room in a soft light. Lwaxana popped the cork from a bottle of wine and motioned for them to have a seat. Fenriz pulled Jeanway's chair out for her and sat down next to her then Lwaxana made a small show of lifting the lids from the dishes one by one. Fenriz marvelled at how well she had managed to do in her bartering. He saw what appeared to be mashed potatoes until Lwaxana announced "Mashed parsnips with bread crumb topping." Lifting the lid from a second dish she revealed fresh baked bread, and under another pickled beets and rutabagas with onions in a fourth. Finally she lifted the lid from a platter in the center of the table, steam rose as it was pulled away and Lwaxana proudly announced "Cinnamon chicken." Fenriz was in awe while Jeanway asked her cook "What exactly did you have to trade away for that?" her eyes locked on the feast in front of her. "Just some rum and more than a few potatoes, but we seem to buried in the things ma'am so nothing we couldn't spare." Lwaxana answered. "Now don't forget dessert." she added pointing to an English triffle. "Now I think I'll leave the two of you alone, so you'll have to serve yourselves." With that she headed for the door pausing to whisper in Fenriz's ear "Here," she murmured, pressing into his hand under the table two pastilles. "These are for later." she added and then left the room, closing the door behind her.
Fenriz put the candies in his pocket and then turned to Jeanway. "May I serve you my Lady?" he asked. "Yes you may." she answered him smiling. Lifting the bottle of wine Fenriz examined it, "Chateau Picard, 1798, a good vintage I hear." he announced and then with a flourish Fenriz filled her glass and his. Sitting down beside her he cut a piece of the chicken and lifted it to Jeanway's mouth with a fork. Chewing it she looked at him "Mmm, I don't know how Lwaxana managed this but it's delicious, here try it." she said and fed Fenriz some of the chicken. A little of the juice dribbled on his chin and she laughed, as he wiped his chin with a napkin. Laughing and talking they fed each other. "I was wondering when you were going to try and get me alone." Jeanway said. "Well, this may be a big ship but you'd be surprised how hard it is to find some privacy." Jeanway then noticed the dessert "Oh, we can't forget that." she exclaimed. Dipping a large portion onto a clean plate which Fenriz sat in front of her. "I can't eat all of that, I'll be sick." she protested. "Then we'll share." Fenriz said, stabbing a strawberry with his fork he held it up to Jeanway's mouth and she pulled it off with her teeth. The candles burned low while they ate.
After they had finished eating Fenriz refilled their glasses, Jeanway reached out and took his hand. "I'm so happy we could have this evening together." Looking into his eyes Fenriz felt a warm glow wash over him, "There's something I want you to have." Reaching into his pocket he pulled out the small wooden box, opened it and took the two rings out of it. "I had these made for us, symbols of our love." Taking the rings from him Jeanway examined them, "Oh, they have our initials engraved on the inside of the bands." she exclaimed. "Will you wear it for me?" Fenriz asked. "Yes, I will my Love." she answered, her eyes sparkling. Taking her hand Fenriz slid the ring onto her finger and then she took his hand and put the other ring on his finger. Fenriz then pulled her close to him and kissed her, suddenly her remembered the pastilles. "Here, I have one more thing for you." he said. Pulling the two candies from his pocket her eyes lit up when he saw them. "Pastilles!" she cried, "I haven't had one since I was a little girl." Taking the candy from him she put it in her mouth. Jeanway then stood up and walked over to a small table which was sitting beneath the porthole. On it sat a music box which she opened and turned the tiny key. Music began to play from it while a tiny ballerina spun slowly. Walking back over to Fenriz she took his hands "Dance with me my Love." she said. Rising to his feet Fenriz put his arms around her and they danced slowly in the center of the room. Jeanway looked into Fenriz's eyes and spoke "You make me so happy, I Love you." she whispered. "I Love you Lida." Fenriz answered and kissed her. Sighing contentedly she put her head on his shoulder and they held each other close as candles burned out.

Eyes closed she buried her face in his shoulder. The music box played and the candles burned out. Night people.

~~ Macao Harbour ~~


Nearing the Southern Coastline of China, in the South China Sea, the small fleet of ships sailed side by side, tradewinds at their backs. The Elusive held the center or lead position, Jeanway and Fenriz at the wheel. To her Port side the Batavia, with Ilikeseven at the wheel, now back on his own ship. And to her Port the smaller Kongua Maru, piloted by Nikama. To the Starboard side of the Elusive sailed the Bonaventure, Captain Headborg at her helm. To her Starboard side, the Portal, Captained by Weareborg. To her Starboard, Captained by Bonaventure's sailors were both the English Merchant ship and the French Frigate both captured by Captain HeadBorg. These later two ships to be sold at the Port of Macao.

These seven ships, sailing side by side when they got their first glimps of Macao Harbour. All eyes fixed on the spectacle before them. Fenriz's arm around Jeanway as she steered the ship. All the Captains looked straight ahead in anticipation of their arrival at Macao. As did all their crews.

~ The Tribute ~~


As the ships entered the harbour, a great wall that surrounds the port could clearly be seen, up on the hills behind the city. A large Bronze cross planted in the stone. Exotic aromas wafted through the heavy, humid air. Hundreds of ships, like a forest of masts, rocked and swayed with the waves. Small Junks and Sampans wove their way through the giant hulls, offering wares to the visitors from all over the world. The Elusive, and the other ships in the fleet, lightened sails and began to slowly weave their way thought this maze of small boats. Negotiations with Leftenant Bracegirdle, had instructed her to enter the harbour and seek out a ship, The Nemesis, a Portugese ship on which their meeting with a Sir John Bowring, the then Govenor of Hong Kong would take place. He was instrumental in establishing Christianity in China and was appointed the unofficial Govenor by the emporer. He acted as Proxy for the delivery of all tribute to the Forbidden City. And was granted audience with the Emperor whenever he wished it.

Slowly the seven ships made their way toward the shore and the piers. Staying as close to each other as the currents would permit. Keeping an eye on each other and their new close surrounds Jeanway spotted the Nemesis docked at a pier several empty spaces around her. She pulled up along side and a few sailors jumped onto the pier with lines to secure her. One by one, the rest followed her lead and did the same.

Shortly after all the ships were secured to the pier, either side of the Nemesis, a gangplank was put down on each. The Captains Weareborg, HeadBorg, ILikeSeven, Nikama and the two interim Captains of the British merchant and the French frigate all desended upon the deck of the Elusive. Jeanway met them all on deck and they all went below to the Wardroom. " Gentlemen" she began. " This being the first time we are all together both in person and at the same port, I feel I must explain to you why we are all here." Leftenants BraceGirdle and PearlMutter of the Batavia will enlighten you on the local customs and our purpose for this meeting. BreaceGirdle stood and began to speak. " Ahmm", he cleared his throat. " I trust you all realize that any untoward behaviors in this port could damage our trade relations with China and I urge you all to be on your best behaviors." They all looked at each other then back at BraceGirdle. A collective "Aye" was said. " Lets not have any fighting here with the locals and stay away from the, Ahmmm, ladies of the night." A low pitched grumbleing was heard. " Seriously, this is important. men. We'll have none of that here!" He said in a loud voice. Jeanway stood up and interrupted him. " If any of you try ANYTHING, YOU'LL SPENT THE REST OF THE TIME HERE IN MY BRIG WITH LIEUTENANT WORF! SHE YELLED. A hush fell over them as their faces went pale and their mouths dropped open. They all knew time in a confined space with a smelly, angry Klingon was no picnic. they all agreed after a moment, shaking their heads and saying "Aye Admiral" One by one. " Alright then now that we all understand each other, you may all go." She said. They left the Wardroom, one by one saying good-bye to the Admiral with a salute and then asending the rises to the deck. After the room was emptied, BraceGirdle, Pearlmutter, Jeanway, Riker and Fenriz all sat down again at the table and began their discussion. Lwxana brought a tray with two large pots of hot coffee and a large plate of cornbread. They began to talk.