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Introductions at the Fort {Repost}; (Beckett, Jonathan, Norrington)
Topic Started: 31 Dec 2007, 10:27 PM (325 Views)
Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:27 PM Post #1
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[ * ]
 Originally posted by Lord Cutler Beckett.


When he looked at the Brigadier Kirke for what he hoped would be the final time that day, Beckett could not resist the temptation to give him the slightest of slight smirks as the group which were to head up to Fort Charles began to organise itself into the formation it would be travelling in. The Captain of Marines had given the order for his men to ride, and the troupe of regulars was starting to make its way in the direction of the Fort. Beckett received a nod from Mercer, who had arranged the dozen merchant-marines into two columns of six, with himself stood at the head of it, and the Chairman nudged his horse forwards to fall in behind the infantrymen regulars. In Beckett's view, the current layout of the group as it proceeded towards the fort was not emphasising Beckett's importance enough, in his mind, but he remained silently discontent as the trek began. Looking back to see Mercer and the EITC marines just behind him, Beckett straightened up in his saddle and face forwards.

Many thoughts began to rush through his head as he realised he was about to meet both Governor Swann, a bitter rival from his days in Parliament, and Commodore James Norrington, a man famous throughout the Empire for his firm and effective methods of cracking down on the piracy troubles since coming to the Caribbean. Governor Swann would be tamed with a quick intimidating display, Beckett was sure of that, and was confident that when news reached the periwig-wearing politician, he would be like putty in the Chairman's hand, ready to be moulded into whatever he wished. That was, as long as Jeffreys didn't get to him and this Commodore Norrington didn't turn out to be more loyal to what was 'just' rather than what was logical. That was one thing that worried Beckett where Norrington was concerned. For most Navy officers, Beckett could offer positions of influence, or the money necessary to purchase higher commissions, in order to get what he wanted from them, but Norrington's reputation put a downer on that idea for two reasons; one, his reputation was largely made up from the fact that he was fiercely loyal to his duty, and secondly, with making such a name for himself back in London, he was no doubt on the fast-track for even further promotion. Beckett would have to tread carefully when dealing with the Commodore, he decided.

And this Brigadier Kirke, Beckett had already written him off as nothing but a lackey to Jeffreys. Although, the more he thought about it, the more the Chairman began to consider the point that Kirke's blatant streak for showing a lack of respect for authority figures would surely mean his wasn't incontestably loyal to the Lord Chancellor? If he was so, then he would have had the appropriate manners and such drilled into him by Jeffreys, himself, Beckett was sure of it, unless the man was so brilliant and useful that the Lord Chancellor was willing to overlook the fault of showing no respect. Either way, the Chairman began to realise that the brigadier could turn into a useful asset for achieving the Company's agenda. An Army official would always be useful, especially since the only military man of any considerable standing Beckett had brought with him was the commanding officer of the Endeavour, Lieutenant Greitzer. Every captain in his Armada had military experience, but none, not even Greitzer, had what it took to oversee operations of a....larger scale than usual. Beckett knew that his Armada would be necessary for some of the plans he was going to put in motion, and he would need someone on-side to command the more combat-driven aspects of that plan.

Of course, Beckett had no doubt that the brigadier, probably at the paranoid Lord Chancellor's behest, believed that Beckett's only ambition was to take over the Caribbean and bring it under East India Trading Company rule, through the use of force if necessary. As if he, Lord Cutler Beckett, would use such crude methods of attaining what he wanted. Had Kirke not listened to him when he had described how manipulation was far more useful than extermination? And manipulation, of course, did not take an entire Armada to achieve. Wiping out every pirate in the Caribbean, however, did take an Armada. Especially when Beckett was only really after a particular pirate.

Captain Jack Sparrow of the Black Pearl.

Now was not the time to concern himself with Sparrow, and Beckett knew it. Wiping the thought of the notorious pirate who had caused the Chairman so much trouble over the years away from his mind, Beckett continued to concentrate on keeping his horse steady. He wanted the mount to appear as serene and as tamed as possible as they made their way past the citizens of Port Royal, as it would be a testament to both Beckett's wealth and/or his skills in horsemanship. Gazing up at the large fort that towered over the town of Port Royal, the Chairman began to consider all the things he had just wiped from his mind again. He wanted to get to Fort Charles.

And he wanted to get there as soon as possible.
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:27 PM Post #2
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[ * ]
 Originally posted by Brendan.


It was a relief to be moving again. The column sent off at an easy trot, the need to hurry happily absent now. As the two lines of horsemen swung round to start back to the fort, McIntyre found himself grinning. There were only a dozen red-coats with that lordship. Against the three hundred or so marines of the garrison, the nobleman's escort struck him as woefully inadequate. The squads who were off-watch should be idling around the barrack, perhaps he would wander in that direction and see what sort of unofficial greeting party he could muster. Those red-coated bastards couldn't very well go with Beckett into the work-offices! At the very least, the lads could gather round the strange red-coats and throw jeers and ribald jokes at them.

For Quintin's part, he looked forward only to seeing those bloody red-coats run down and beaten like dogs. He had ceased to be confused by their arrival and now was insulted by their presence. He could get out of returning to the docks easily enough, he thought, which would allow him to round up a couple lads and get a long-boat. Word had to be spread to the marines aboard Dauntless. Fortunately, the ride back up the hill to the fort passed quickly and the column came to a dust-stirring halt outside the stables. Collins spurred his horse a few paces forward and reined around so that he was facing the colum. For a moment, he looked over the mounted marines thoughtfully, then his gaze turned to Crawford. "Marines are dismissed."

It was all that Quintin needed to hear. Instead of dismounting like the other marines, he wheeled his horse out of line and, after slinging his musket across his back, kicked the animal's flanks. The two ranks of Beckett's red-coats flashed past in a blur as he galloped toward the main gate, changing his plans slightly. Forget the lads at the barrack, there was another squad in town. He could borrow some of those lads instead. His horse thundered back down the hill and into town, scattering a few people on the street. With any luck he could get this news to the lads on Dauntless within an hour.

There was a slight technique to mounting and dismounting a horse without dropping the flagstaff bearing the King's Colours, and Crawford was proud to say he had mastered it. It was easy enough to swing his bulk out of the saddle with the long flagstaff gripped in his right hand. Leaving his horse to the care of a stablemaster's assistant, the Colour-Sergeant made his way toward the stone building that housed the sergeants' quarters. The Colours were kept there, carefully stored in Crawford's sea-chest. He hadn't missed Quintin's abrupt departure from the column, but he paid the private no mind. He knew where the marine was heading and part of him wished he could have ridden with him. Ah well, there would be other opportunities.

"Colour-Sergeant, what's all this?" It was Corporal Johnson, picking uneasily at the sling of his musket where it hung from his shoulder. He had come from the guardhouse at the thunder of hooves and it was clear that he hadn't heard the news yet.

"Unwelcome visitors. The lads're gonna treat 'em to a proper welcome though. Ye bes' spread the word 'mongst the lads who ain't heard yet."

Johnson's round face crinkled into a smile and he scampered off toward the barrack. Smirking, Crawford continued on his way. In short order, the entire garrison would know what needed to be done.

Shaking his head, Jonathan handed the reins of his horse over to the stablemaster and turned to look toward Beckett and his escort. Those red-coats wouldn't be allowed into the work-office building, mostly because there wasn't enough room for them all, but he shuddered to think would happen if they remained outside for any length of time. His marines were already studying Beckett's red-coats closely, their gazes appraising. They were sizing up the intruders and planning their own sort of reception. Jonathan couldn't let that happen.

"Perhaps your escort detail could repair to the sergeants' mess while you are in meeting, my Lord? It would be the best place for them to wait. They cannot accompany you into the offices, I'm afraid."

Overhearing his captain's words, McIntyre was hard-pressed to contain a smirk. The sergeants were not going to like having their recreation space taken over by those red-coated interlopers. He hurried toward the barrack, allowing himself to chuckle as soon as he was out of earshot. This was too perfect! Even though the sergeants' mess was off-limits to corporals and privates, he was sure one of the sergeants would start some of scrap that would boil over into the courtyard. Then it would be open to any marine who wanted a crack at those bastards.
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:28 PM Post #3
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[ * ]
 Originally posted by Lord Cutler Beckett.


OOC - Just to let you know, I'm deliberately referring to Collins as 'Captain' as Beckett;) Mercer and Greitzer, for example, know how to refer to him.

Beckett, riding in a distinctly elegant and majestic manner, with the simple hope of showing off his horsemanship, followed the regular marines up the hill to the fort at a reasonable pace, the East India Trading Company soldiers following in his wake, Mercer stood to the side of their miniature column in much the same fashion an officer in the King's Navy or Army would with their own men. Beckett paid them no heed until the group arrived at the stables, when the leader of the regulars dismounted. Lord Beckett cast a quick glance to Mercer, who had continued walked until he was level with the Chairman, then gave another brief look to the men behind him, before catching the eye of one of the regulars. The short instance was enough to prompt Beckett to look at the faces of several marines of the regular garrison, and he could tell that his own escort was probably in for a rough reception. Although he knew he himself was in no particular danger, he still did not like the though of marines in the employ of the East India Trading Company being shown up by the regulars. Anything that embarrassed them, embarrassed the Company. And anything that embarrassed the Company, embarrassed Beckett. The Chairman was saved from having to speak out on the matter, however, by the Captain of Marines, having just handed his horse over to the stablemaster, making his way over to where Beckett remained on his horse and suggesting in a reasonable and courteous manner,

"Perhaps your escort detail could repair to the sergeants' mess while you are in meeting, my Lord? It would be the best place for them to wait. They cannot accompany you into the offices, I'm afraid."

That seemed reasonable enough to Beckett, and in the Chairman's eyes, saved him the trouble of having to guarantee having his soldiers returned to him in the same condition they had been left in. He didn't like the idea of having his men had upon by the commoners who served as infantrymen at Fort Charles. Not that his men were any more prestigious, but they at least tried to have an element of class about them, Beckett had made sure his drill sergeants achieved that much when training them. Yes, the sergeants' mess would be the best place for the troops, none of the common rank-and-file would be able to try and start trouble with them there. Beckett did not answer the officer right away, however, but instead dismounted from his white-grey horse in a manner that could be described as distinctly upper-class, before surveying the scene around him. He looked at the stables up and down, gave the regulars a quick glance, before briefly exchanging looks with Mercer. Then, he acknowledged the suggestion put forward by the officer and nodded his head affirmatively,

"Yes, Captain, that sounds fine," Beckett nodded to Mercer at this, who in turn went over to the Company marines and told them where they were going to be taken, "I trust that Commodore Norrington is available?"

Mercer returned at this point, and stood silently next to Beckett, at his right-hand side, as the Chairman added,

"I have something important to discuss with him."
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:28 PM Post #4
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 Originally posted by Brendan.


OOC - No worries. ^^

IC -

"Yes, Captain, that sounds fine." The nobleman nodded at his toady, who turned away toward the column of red-coats. "I trust that Commodore Norrington is available? I have something important to discuss with him."

Inwardly, Jonathan felt the first stirrings of his temper. Of course the Commodore was available, a marine had been sent to alert the man of the unexpected visitors before the receiving party had ridden off. He was probably waiting in his office even now. "It shall be arranged. Corporal Jones!" Jonathan called out, summoning the Welshman before Jones could escape into the stables. When the corporal approached and saluted, Jonathan said, "Take these men to the sergeants' mess and make sure that they are comfortably settled. Pass the word that the mess is off-limits even to the sergeants while Lord Beckett's men are there."

Jones stamped his heels and moved off without speaking, his face stiff and expressionless. Suppressing a sigh, Jonathan sketched a bow to the nobleman. "The Commodore is waiting in his office, my Lord. If you would follow me?"

True to form, the lads were quick to resent the other red-coats' presence. Most of the marines in the barrack were off-watch and more than willing to create mischief with Beckett's red-coats. McIntyre had expected nothing less. He leaned against Frazier and Smith's bunk and smirked, toying with the hilt of his sword. The round-faced Hampshire native Johnson lounged on his bunk nearby, a smug grin on his own face. He had arrived only moments after McIntyre with the same news, straight from Colour-Sergeant Crawford.

"Only trouble is, they're stowed away in the sarn'ts mess. You lads know the rules 'bout that place."

From his bunk, Ware sneered. "Stuff all that, them blackguards ain't welcome here. Where's the mess steward, send him in wi' one of the lads and start turnin' the lot o' 'em out into the courtyard, like."

There was a chorus of general agreement and McIntyre's smirk broadened. "There's an idea, sure. Who wants that duty?"

Hands shot into the air. After a moment's thought, the Irish corporal flicked a coin toward Vaughan, who caught it with a grin. "Aye, course. I'll treat them right nice."

Now this was more like it. Crawford leaned back in his chair, propping his feet up on the mess table. He'd just relit his pipe and was enjoying the sweet smell of the smouldering tobacco. There was a plate of cold beef scraps on the table, left over from dinner. He eyed the plate hungrily and was contemplating helping himself to the scraps when the door banged open to reveal a sullen-faced Corporal Jones. Aghast at the affront of having his sanctuary invaded, Crawford nearly fell backwards in his chair.

"What are ye doin', Corporal?" The Colour-Sergeant roared, lurching to his feet hurriedly. "This here's - "

"Cap'n's orders, Colour-Sarn't. That lordship's bastards are to roost here for a bit. 'Til some meetin' with the Commodore's over anyway." Jones looked embarrassed. "Ain't nobody allowed in here while them sods is here. Not even the sarn'ts."

This was an insult. Crawford kicked his chair, sending it crashing into the wall. "Madness! They'll stink up me mess hall!" Red-faced, he snuffed out his pipe and shoved it back into his pocket. He wasn't going to stand for this! "Here, make sure these disappear. I ain't gonna let 'em around t'be ate by some half-arsed excuses fer red-coats!"

Jones' eyes widened when Crawford thrust out the plate of beef scraps to him. The Devonman ignored him, mashing his hat onto his head and storming from the mess. What the hell was the captain thinking?
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:28 PM Post #5
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 Originally posted by Lord Cutler Beckett.


OOC: Really rubbish I know =/

"The Commodore is waiting in his office, my Lord. If you would follow me?"

Lord Beckett returned the Captain's short bow with a low nod of the head, signalling that he was willing to follow the other man. Before setting off, however, Beckett acknowledged the situation regarding his escort, and so nodded his assent to Mercer, and the older man in turn nodded to the dozen EITC marines, who began a quick march in the direction of the sergeants' mess, led by a regular who had a slightly smirkish look about his face. Not failing to catch the expression, Beckett then gazed over at his own marines as they followed the regular, and immediately put two and two together. Knowing that he couldn't allow his men to be in any kind of trouble upon their first day of arriving at Port Royal, the Chairman turned his head to face Mercer with a lowered brow and a disapproving frown on his face. The London-bred Mercer returned the look with his own stone-faced frown, before Beckett said in his drawl-like voice,

"Perhaps you would like to accompany the men to the sergeants' mess, Mr Mercer. Make sure they don't cause trouble, and all that."

Mercer nodded and walked off to fall in behind the marines, as Beckett turned his attention back to the Captain of Marines. The man seemed to Beckett to be the sort of person who was pleasant enough, but not over-welcoming to change. The Chairman couldn't explain why he thought that, only that that was what he seemed to see whenever he looked at the officer. A shame really, in Beckett's eyes, as he had been hoping that the higher-ups at Fort Charles were more susceptible to the idea of the East India Trading Company establishing itself in the Caribbean, rather than to be suspicious of it like Governor Swann or that fool Jeffreys were no doubt going to be. As if he, Lord Cutler Beckett, truly concerned himself over the ruling of colonies! No, the Chairman's sights were set much higher than that, but first, he had to establish at least one or two friends in the military if he was going to succeed.

"After you, Captain." He said, gesturing with his hand for the other man to lead the way.
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:29 PM Post #6
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 Originally posted by Brendan


OOC - S'all right, this one isn't much better.

IC -

"After you, Captain."

Pretending he hadn't seen the nobleman send his toady off with the red-coats, Jonathan carried on toward the stone office building. It was safer that the toady stayed with those men, he supposed. Besides, Jones had carried out his errand well, for a clearly very angry Colour-Sergeant Crawford was stomping across the courtyard toward him, even as he stepped through the door of the office building. He could deal with Crawford's anger later.

There was a marine standing watchful guard outside the Commodore's office and he stamped his heels together smartly at Jonathan's approach. "Inform the Commodore that Lord Beckett has arrived," Jonathan told the man, who pivoted sharply on his heel and rapped at the office door. After a heartbeat, he opened the door and announced the two visitors with a crisp, "Major Collins an' Lord Beckett t'see yew, sar."

A curse slipped past his lips when his captain disappeared into the work-office building. He couldn't follow, and nor could he return to the sergeants' mess. Those bloody red-coats were just filing into the mess when Crawford wheeled around to see where Jones had got to and he glared at the mens' backs. Jones was standing off several paces from the mess, chewing on the beef scraps that he'd been told to "make disappear". "Corporal Jones!" Crawford barked. "Turn out the off-watch onto the parade ground, at the double!"

Swallowing the last of the beef, Jones grinned and dashed off toward the barrack, holding his sword still with one hand. If Crawford had a plan to create mischief, it was bound to be a good one. The other Welshman, Vaughan, was just emerging when Jones pounded up. "Rouse the off-watch, out t'the parade ground, quick's yeh please. Colour-Sarn't's orders!"

The barrack emptied of marines at a startling pace, every man hurriedly donning his kit and scampering for the door. Jones hooted when he saw two of his fellow corporals in the flow of marines funneling through the door. The other two were grinning like fools and together, the trio ran with the last of the men, the white knots on their shoulders bobbing amidst the sea of plain red coats. Crawford had arrived ahead of them and was pacing restlessly while the off-watch formed up hastily. When the last man had fallen in, the Colour-Sergeant ambled to the front of the formation.

"Right then, me lovelies. Ye've all heard of them blackguards jes' arrived, so here's the rub. There's on'y a squad's worth o' 'em holed up in the sarn't's mess, waitin' fer their puppet-master t'come outta some meetin' or other with the Commodore. Now, when they go, I wants t'see alla ye turned out in yer best kit. There's o'er a full company here, plenty 'nuff t'make a proper parade." Crawford paused and looked over the ranks. Apparently satisifed, he nodded. "Gonna show them boot-lickers wot's wot, me boyos. Git off an' start cleanin' yerselves up, ye look like a lotta stupid recruits jes' took the King's bounty! Dismissed!"

The formation broke as the marines fell out and stampeded back toward the barrack, each face wreathed in smug grins. Jones beat most of them back, owing to his former position on the right flank of the formation, and he was quick to shed his crossbelts and toss them onto his bunk when he reached it. A thunder of shoes drowned out the buzz of eager conversation as the rest of the marines flooded into the barrack and dispersed to their respective bunks. Very soon, Jones knew, a variety of less-than-pleasant smells would overtake the barrack as the men set about pipe-claying their crossbelts and painting their cartouches. They'd show them red-coats up proper, the Welshman was sure!
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:29 PM Post #7
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 Originally posted by Brendan.


OOC - Power-playing Norrington, with permission. Hopefully I got him right.

IC -

The marine runner had indeed informed him of the visitors who were on their way to see him, and he had ordered a tea service sent for immediately, knowing how long it would take to draw up and heat the water. Then he settled himself back into his chair and tried to concentrate on the report he had been reading. His mind, however, was completely distracted by the news. Lord Beckett had arrived to Port Royale, with a sizable force of merchant marines with him. The marine runner had made sure to mention that. As if he needed another problem to worry about! It was bad enough that the Falcon had been hauled into dry dock, leaving an entire crew displaced. Before that, of course, there was the loss of the Interceptor, a bungling that Norrington was sure would cost him dearly. And, of course, now this.

He'd heard of Beckett, of course. It was difficult not to, when half the merchants in town complained loudly about the tariffs they had to pay to keep the East India Trading Company from ruining their business. It was almost disgraceful, the sorts of things traders and merchants did to their rivals...thankfully, he was not a trader or a merchant. What could Beckett possibly want with Port Royale however?

Norrington scowled. His thoughts had wandered away from him, distracting him from the report he was supposed to be reading. At this rate, he would not get any of his work done. While the thought of putting it off was nice, he couldn't in good conscience simply let any of the paperwork fall slack. Especially not this. It was a report on the Falcon's repairs..and what it would cost to get the sloop sea-worthy again. For a moment he was tempted to write an order to scrap the repairs, leaving the ship to rot. He couldn't do that however. Every fighting ship was needed to patrol the sea, even the nimble little Falcon.

Another distraction came with a sharp rap at the door and he frowned. The tea service had not yet arrived. Perhaps it was here now. "Enter," he said, and the marine sentry came in.

"Major Collins an' Lord Beckett t'see yew, sar."

Ah yes. Of course Beckett would waste little time finding his way to Norrington's office. "Send them in directly, Corporal."

The marine nodded and retreated, leaving Norrington to tidy up his desk quickly before the two visitors entered.
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:29 PM Post #8
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 Originally posted by Lord Cutler Beckett.


Beckett gave the Captain of Marines a quick look up and down, as if scrutinizing him whilst avoiding eye contact. The man seemed to be a decent enough fellow, a capable leader and one who commanded the respect of those under his command. Such qualities were admirable, but not ones the Chairman wished to deal with at that present moment in time. No, currently Beckett's only concerns were Commodore Norrington and whether or not he was willing to co-operate fully with the East India Trading Company. Of course, Beckett had a contingency plan if the Commodore turned sour towards the Company's agenda, but if the news that Beckett had been updated with before setting out from Singapore was anything to go by, then he had little doubt that Norrington would be very much willing to see Beckett get what he wanted. Allowing himself to dwell on these thoughts for awhile longer, the Chairman was brought back to the present by a marine stepping out of the Commodore's office, saluting the Captain of Marines and announcing in a firm voice,

"The Commodore will see you now, Major Collins sir."

Major Collins. So that was how he was supposed to refer to the Captain of Marines, Beckett mused to himself. He found it slightly amusing that he had been referring to the man as an inferior rank since they had first met on the beach, but at the same time acknowledged the fact that Collins had been gracious enough to respect Beckett's authority and not correct him in front of the men, thus saving him embarrassment. Yes, this Collins seemed to be a decent chap. It was just a shame that Beckett had no real use for decent chaps. He was looking for determined men. Without waiting for Major Collins to lead the way into the office, Beckett stepped forward first, pointedly overtaking the officer and stepping into Norrington's office with a eloquent stride. Upon entering the room, he saw the Commodore himself sat at the desk, several reports laid out in front of him, and the Chairman was in little doubt that his arrival had interrupted some rather important work. Not particularly caring of this, Beckett gave a short bow of the head before saying,

"Commodore Norrington, at last we meet. Your reputation back in London is admirable."

Funny, thought Beckett to himself, that he should use the word admiralble to a Commodore. Ah, well, Commodore was only temporary anyway, and he would probably soon be promoted to Admiral of His Majesty's forces in the entire Caribbean soon enough.
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:29 PM Post #9
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 Originally posted by Brendan.


"The Commodore'll see yew now, m'Lord, Major."

Hopefully their arrival had not caught the Commodore at a busy moment. More than once, Jonathan had been ushered into Norrington's office and caught the man just setting aside some bit of paperwork. It was not very much different from when he received visitors into his own office, he reflected.

"Thank you, Corporal," Jonathan answered and the marine resumed his place just to the left of the door. To his private annoyance, Beckett swept past him and entered the office briskly, blatantly disregarding properiety. Small wonder the marines had already taken a dislike for the man, Jonathan thought.

"Commodore Norrington, at last we meet. Your reputation back in London is admirable."

Norrington rose and offered a more formal bow. "It is an honour, my Lord." As he straightened from his bow, he noted that Collins had followed Beckett into the office and now stood a pace or two behind his lordship. The marine captain's face was expressionless, which Norrington took to be a good thing. It suggested Collins had a solid grip on his thoughts and feelings.

Beckett, on the other hand, seemed to be less concerned with containing his expressions. Perhaps because he knew he had the upper hand in this meeting already, though Norrington was not one to let anything of that sort rattle him. Gesturing at one of the chairs on the other side of the desk, he said, "Would you care to sit, my Lord? There is a tea service on its way, that should arrive presently."

To Collins, he offered a quick smile. "You can remain if you wish, Major."

In response, Jonathan nodded slightly. "I should like to, sir, thank you." Doing so might turn out to be a wise idea, he thought, for he had little doubt that Beckett had some sort of scheme to lay out. Why else would he have come to the fort so directly, and even turned up on that beach with such a show of force? Jonathan settled himself into a comfortable position of parade rest and waited for Beckett to sit. Neither he nor Norrington could take a chair until his lordship was seated. At least they would observe proper manners.
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:30 PM Post #10
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 Originally posted by Lord Cutler Beckett.


Beckett inclined his head slightly at the Commodore's offer to take a seat, and quickly unclasped the cloak from where it was clipped together around his neck and let it fall back gracefully over the chair, as there were no servants to hand it to. His hat was next to be taken off, and he lay it on the edge of Norrington's desk, before slowly sitting down and making himself comfortable, his arms on the rests and his back leaning as far back as the chair would allow without moving on to two legs. He looked up at the Commodore at this point, his expression fairly blank, before shifting slightly in the chair and saying in his drawling voice,

"By what I've heard, Commodore, you are not a man who beats around the bush an incredible amount, and so I will get to the point of my visit immediately."

"The East India Trading Company is expanding its influence into the Caribbean, and eventually the New World as a whole, but we cannot do so and maintain secure trade routes until the problem of piracy has been dealt with."

Beckett gave a brief pause, as if hoping the silence would reveal all which he was hoping to say. Apparently not satisfied that it would, the Chairman continued,

"In particular, is the concern the Company holds for one Captain Jack Sparrow of the Black Pearl. That name means something to you, perhaps, Commodore?"

Not waiting for a response, the Chairman gave a dismissive wave of the hand, signifying that the answer to his question was of no concern. Instead, he reached into his jacket and extracted from it a copy of the 'Wanted' announcement that was to be placed all over Port Royal within the next few days. It contained details on the East India Trading Company's desire to capture Jack Sparrow, and the offering of a hefty reward for either Sparrow or the compass in his possession. Unfurling the rolled up piece of parchment, Beckett placed it on the Commodore's desk and pushed it towards the man, fixing his gaze upon him as he did so, studying for his reaction. Tales and rumours had reached Beckett's ears concerning the Commodore's previous actions, and the Chairman was going to take no chances if the man proved incapable of capturing and holding Jack Sparrow. Giving the parchment a quick tap with his index finger, Beckett then spoke in a drawling, but strangely demanding, voice, saying,

"As admirable as your reputation is, you seem to have had difficulty in apprehending Sparrow. The Company does not judge you by this, but regarding the loss of one of your fastest vessels not long ago, however, there are some amongst the higher echelons of the Company who doubt your loyalties to the Crown."

A brief pause for effect, before continuing,

"I myself believe that a man such as yourself would never stray from his duty, Commodore, but there are minds who are less easily persuaded. To prove your trustworthiness, I have been asked to guarantee your loyalty to the Crown."

Another short pause.

"Loyalty to the Crown," Beckett repeated, "Which also means, by default, loyalty to solving the problem of piracy, the primary solution to which is no longer the Royal Navy, but rather the East India Trading Company."

A final, more dramatic pause on the Chairman's behalf, as he eyes narrowed and his tone became serious, implying that there was no political manoeuvring here, only clean, direct demands. Beckett then added, to make sure he was absolutely clear,

"So I ask you this, Commodore. Are you with the East India Trading Company, or aren't you?"

OOC - A little forward so soon, I know, but in the films Beckett seems to establish his control and the obedience of others fairly quickly, so I thought I would make him a no-nonsense kind of guy.
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:30 PM Post #11
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 Originally posted by Norrington.


OOC- Steering Norrington away from knowing too much a bit here with that compass and all;) ...


Norrington was a man who disdained politics and commerce, oh, he knew and understood the reality which necessitated it, but that was not enough to keep him from disliking being thrust into positions where he would have to deal with it. Positions such as the one that he was in now.

As Beckett assumed his seat, Norrington took his own, behind his desk, and Jonathan sat a fraction of a second later. This would be rather painful for Jonathan, he was sure, as much as Norrington hated business like this, something like this would no doubt be worse on the Captain of Marines, especially since he now had to contend with the merchant marines moving into his territory now.

He'd learned enough from listening to Governor Swann's bias to be untrustworthy, or to carefully listen to what Beckett said so that he might not miss something that would jeopardise his dealings with him and put him at a disadvantage. More of one than he was already at anyway.

Norrington picked up the parchment that His Lordship rolled over to him and glanced it over, carefully controlling his features as to give away none of his thoughts on what he read. So Jack Sparrow was wanted then, that he believed. Rather hard to believe that Sparrow would not be wanted by someone somewhere for one crime or another. Impersonation, theft, kidnapping, piracy...the list was rather hefty. But what was interesting about this wanted advertisement was that Sparrow's compass was wanted. What the devil would Beckett want with a broken compass? Didn't the man know it was broken? Norrington raised his eyebrow, put the paper down and returned his gaze to Beckett shifting in his chair as he did so. He wasn't about to tell Beckett about the compass if he didn't already know. Besides...that was something that prove to be useful to him later.

"As admirable as your reputation is, you seem to have had difficulty in apprehending Sparrow. The Company does not judge you by this, but regarding the loss of one of your fastest vessels not long ago, however, there are some amongst the higher echelons of the Company who doubt your loyalties to the Crown."

Norrington kept his face impassive, but was seething inside. How dare the man waltz in and question Norrington's loyalties. Norrington had spilt his own blood, risked life and limb, and led men to their deaths for His Majesty. The mere suggestion that someone would doubt his loyalty was beyond preposterous...it was an affront to his honour.

However, Beckett was very careful with his wording so as to not give Norrington the opportunity to call Beckett out on it. By saying that some doubted his loyalties, it meant that Beckett would need proof of his loyalties. He was not disappointed.

"I myself believe that a man such as yourself would never stray from his duty, Commodore."

Liar, thought Norrington, this man was every bit as dangerous as Weatherby had warned him long ago about.

"But there are minds who are less easily persuaded. To prove your trustworthiness, I have been asked to guarantee your loyalty to the Crown."

So his swearing an oath already was not enough? All this man was doing was heaping insult upon insult on him. Questioning his honour and dedication. Forcing him to bring further humiliation upon himself, or be branded a traitor.

"Which also means, by default, loyalty to solving the problem of piracy, the primary solution to which is no longer the Royal Navy, but rather the East India Trading Company."

Norrington tried his hardest not to scoff at that. Bloody civilians, thinking that they knew everything, when they didn't even know the first thing about waging war. And given the length of Beckett's pause, Norrington was guessing that the little stunt of a man had a fond penchant for the melodramatic. Bloody wonderful. Another melodramatic civilian to add to the list of those whose meddlesome interference grew tiresome enough.

"So I ask you this, Commodore. Are you with the East India Trading Company, or aren't you?"

Norrington stared straight at Beckett, willing himself to not blink. This was a delicate matter now, a misstep here could easily cost him his commission judging by what he knew of Beckett's influence.

"I follow my orders," Norrington said, "what the Lords of the Admiralty bid me do, I do," even though his eyes remained on Beckett, he could feel Jonathan's gaze on him. The marine officer understood how important this first meeting was, and how important it was to establish that the Royal Navy did not serve at the Honourable East India Company's whim. They had more important things to do, than babysit a bunch of merchants who were doing well enough on their own, and defending themselves.

"His Majesty's Navy, of course, shall come to the aid of the East India Company when it is required, but we have other duties that we must attend to as well."
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:31 PM Post #12
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 Originally posted by Lord Cutler Beckett.


OOC: Good call;) And here I go again with playing homage to the films! Oh, and playing the part of a short nobleman with severe "evil mastermind" syndrome. :angry:

I'm not trying to force you into making a precise decision right now, by the way, feel free to retain your 'neutrality' regarding Beckett's crazy demands. If anything this is just to establish His Lordship as a possible ally/rival/threat/etc. :)

IC:

"His Majesty's Navy, of course, shall come to the aid of the East India Company when it is required, but we have other duties that we must attend to as well."

Lord Cutler Beckett simply stared at Norrington for a short while before stating simply,

"I don't believe that is the answer to the question I asked."

Beckett had to admit, the Commodore handled the matter in a very delicate but ever-neutral manner, and one which gave the Chairman a perfectly acceptable answer without giving him what he wanted. That annoyed His Lordship slightly, but it did not concern him greatly, as he was confident that Norrington could be persuaded to see that the future of the Crown's influence in the colonies was no longer through military supremacy but rather the dominating of the global economy. Pirates were not a threat to a military stronghold, but they were a threat to trade routes and the like, and Beckett liked to think of trade routes as the 'veins' of the Company's dominance across the world. Therefore, piracy was the critical problem and solving it, through extermination if necessary, was the only way to enforce the grandeur and power of the Empire. If Beckett could get Norrington to just see that, or gain leverage with which to make him see that, then the Chairman would be able to put the Royal Navy to use. But for now, Beckett was content to rely on simple negotiation to try and persuade the Commodore of Fort Charles,

"Commodore Norrington, your loyalty to duty is admirable, I will concede that in your favour," Beckett said carefully, his gaze never leaving Norrington's, "But loyalty is no longer the currency of the realm, as others like Governor Swann believe." There was a short pause as Beckett tapped the EITC parchment on Norrington's desk once more and added, "I'm afraid currency is the currency of the realm."

"And by currency, Commodore, I mean trade. I mean economies. I mean the kind of supremacy the East India Trading Company has over the world of commerce. All of that is for the benefit of the King, the Empire, and Britain as a whole. As powerful as the Royal Navy is, it is Britain's ability to dominate the commercial market that has brought our nation high above all others, as the ruling power of the world." Beckett inclined his head to the left ever-so-slightly at this point, before continuing with, "Piracy threatens this ability, and therefore threatens the Empire's power in such far-flung corners of the Earth as this. Why do you think the Company felt it necessary to expand into this region to begin with? We are taking the fight to the pirates themselves." One quick pause, before he raised an eyebrow and gestured guiltily, "And making substantial financial gains at the same time, I admit."

The Chairman paused here, as his thoughts gathered themselves. It was clear, or at least it was intended to be, the point that he was making by now. Beckett believed that it was trade and economics that held the Empire together, and the East India Trading Company was by far the most powerful of all the world's trading corporations, and so anything that threatened trade, threatened the Company. And with the EITC being, in Beckett's eyes, the backbone of the Empire, anything the East India Company desired or demanded in the interests of protecting the Empire, should be granted without question. And right now, Beckett was demanding the loyalty of the Commodore. However, at the same time, the Chairman did not want to have to endure another clever verbal dodge on Norrington's behalf, and so he simply gave a quick wave of the hand in a dismissive manner and said,

"I understand that you are probably concerned about me assuming some kind of control over your authority here, Commodore, and let me assure you that I do intend to be a trumped-up merchant who believes that it is the Navy's sole duty to protect his shipping from ruffians. No, certainly not that."

Beckett's eyes fixed on Norrington's and his voice fell, as every ounce of warmth fell from his expression and he said in a darkened voice,

"I am a Lord of the Realm, and I am demanding your allegiance to protecting the Empire."
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:31 PM Post #13
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 Originally posted by Brendan.


As the nobleman spoke - though droned was a more fitting term - his piece, Jonathan found himself reconsidering his decision to remain. While interested in knowing the reasons for Beckett's presence, being forced to endure the man's slow, monotonous drawl was a torment he cared nothing for. If Beckett was capable of changing his tone, even in the slightest, Jonathan might have found the man's monologue more bearable. That, however, did not seem possible for the undersized nobleman.

The man's comments were truly appalling as well. He challenged not only the Commodore's loyalty, but his competence as well! The implication that the Commodore was unfit to be in the position of command that he currently held was insulting, to the point that Jonathan stiffened in his chair, his hands curling tightly into fists. Norrington might not be in a position to dispute Beckett's remarks, but the Yorkshireman certainly was!

Intervention, however, was proven unnecessary, for the Commodore handily countered the challenge. Jonathan silently applauded him, both for the deft deflection of the insult and the outward lack of expression. The meeting, he was sure, would not end happily, though he supposed that it had not been destined to. What more would Beckett make in the way of affronting comments, the Captain of Marines wondered? The darker side of him hoped for more, that he could give vent to his simmering temper. How dare that half-sized blackguard speak so impudently?

He was not disappointed. Beckett continued his droning, laying out the goals of his precious company and how he intended to reach them. It was interesting how the man claimed that the East India Company had world-wide influence, when before this meeting, Jonathan had heard precious little about the company. The West India Company, yes, but not Beckett's company. Something wasn't right about this. Why would the West India Company cede control over their territory to a company that was chartered only for India herself? The East India Company name was not even very well known in the Mediterranean. Jonathan decided that this whole meeting was a farce, serving only as means for Beckett to denounce the Commodore's character and the Navy's ability. What other purpose for it was there?

Beckett's last comment was too much. He demanded Norrington's allegiance? Lord of the Realm or not, there was only so much that a respectable nobleman would do to gain another's loyalty, and this... this was so far beyond those boundaries that Jonathan sincerely doubted Beckett's claim to the peerage. No lord Jonathan had known was this shameless. The Yorkshireman came to his feet, privately pleased that he towered over the seated Beckett. Even standing, the self-proclaimed lord was not as tall as he.

"You'll forgive my forwardness," he began coldly, "but I should like to know under whose authority you come here. You speak of loyalty to the Crown, though I'm entirely unconvinced of your own fealty to the King. In fact, I would be very much surprised if your interests extended beyond attaining more profit. Greed is no substitute for loyalty, and you'll find no greedy men here."

For once in his life, he wished that his father had been granted a higher title than knight. He'd like nothing better than to match Beckett's claim to the peerage with a valid title of his own, but all he had was his military rank, which amounted to precious little in comparison. He might have asked Forsythe to attend as well, had he known how the meeting would progress.. but then again, if he had known how this would go, he would not have attended himself. Still, it would be almost too perfect to have Forsythe present, even if only to capitalise on the man's standing in the peerage. Anything to set the officers on a more even footing with Beckett.

A messenger should be sent to Kingston, where Lord Edrington's regiment was encamped. Even with Kirke's regiment present in Port Royal, Jonathan knew nothing of the man, whereas he had at least shared conversation with Edrington on several occasions and had confidence that his lordship's influence and standing would help temper that of Beckett's.

"If you'll excuse me, Commodore," Jonathan said, coming stiffly to attention. No good would come of his remaining in the office any longer. "And, pray pardon the actions of my battalion, as well. I fear there will be disagreements in the future." He tugged at the brim of his hat, then faced-about sharply and quit the office. Without a doubt, his parting words would affect his removal from command, but his lieutenants would share his sentiments about the intruding presence of Beckett's red-coats. It was very much as he'd said. Loyalty was still the currency of the Navy, and especially of the Marines.

As he emerged from the stone building, his eyes fell immediately on the familiar bulk of Colour-Sergeant Crawford, who was ambling toward the sergeants' quarters from the direction of the parade ground. Lifting a hand, Jonathan called out, "Colour-Sergeant!"

Surprised to be hailed, Crawford stirred himself into a trot and swiftly changed course, arriving before his captain amid a small cloud of dust. "Sir?"

It was difficult to suppress a mischievous grin, but he managed. "You've set up a surprise for Beckett's men, I assume. Send a runner to round up the detachments aboard Dauntless, Intrepid, and Proserpina. I'd like to have a word with the battalion as a whole, regarding these... new arrivals."

"Aye sir!" Crawford's ruddy face crinkled into a broad grin. "I'll go meself, sir! The off-watch lads're s'posed ta turn out fer parade when his lordship's rats march off, too, if ye'd like ta see ta that, sir." With that, Crawford dashed off toward the stables, bawling for the stablemaster as he went. Jonathan smiled. His marines were a rum lot indeed.
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:31 PM Post #14
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 Originally posted by Lord Cutler Beckett.


Beckett could not recall meeting a military officer with such insolence since he had become the Chairman of the East India Trading Company several years ago. He had turned his head to face the Captain of Marines when he had heard the man stand up behind him, and he had gazed up blankly as the officer came out with his disrespectful comments, all the while making sure that, even in his state of surprise, he maintained an expressionless demeanour, as if to paint the image that he was completely unaffected by the other man's words. As well as interrupting Norrington's reply to Beckett, he spoke to question Beckett's loyalty to the Crown and Empire, with absolutely no social status, the Chairman guessed, with which to authorise such an outburst. His narrowing eyes betraying his desired appearance of being unaffected, Beckett watched as the officer dismissed himself and took his leave, before leaving the office and shutting the door briskly behind him. Waiting until the sounds of footsteps distanced themselves from the office, Beckett turned back calmly towards Norrington and said in his now significantly darkened and cold tone,

"I want that man removed from command immediately."

He expected the Commodore to make some excuse for the Major, as a way of saving the fellow officer his career, but Beckett was not going to stand for that. Nobody had ever challenged the Chairman in such a manner and remained unpunished for the action, and Fort Charles' Captain of Marines was to be no different. Maybe a visit from Mercer would put an end to the Major's insolent behaviour once and for all. Yes, Beckett definitely liked the sound of that idea, but for now he had to be content and deal with Norrington. His eyes shooting the Commodore a look which clearly did nothing but enforce the seriousness with which Beckett was demanding the Major's dismissal from command, the Chairman added in a still-cold voice,

"If all of your officers are of such calibre, Commodore Norrington, then actions may have to be considered and acted upon in order to...refurbish...Port Royal's military command."

Of course, Beckett knew precisely what he meant by that, and Norrington probably did too. It wasn't as if Beckett had not planned to do so anyway - one-by-one replace the more senior officers at Fort Charles with men loyal to the Company. And Beckett. Yes, the Captain of Marines would be an ideal first choice, the Chairman decided, before adding to the Commodore emotionlessly, granting the poor man what was often known as a Hobbs' choice,

"Either that man is removed from command immediately, or I contact my friends amongst the Admiralty and have them evaluate whether or not the Naval forces here in Port Royal are really up to the standard expected."

If Beckett could have been any less subtle without openly stating his threats, then the Chairman did not want to know about it. This way was far more satisfying and amusing in his eyes....

***

Mercer stood in the doorway of the sergeants' mess, leaning against the open door in order to keep an eye on both the activities of the EITCo marines, whilst at the same time keeping a wary eye on the movements and activities of the Fort Charles regulars. They seemed to be up to something, or so Mercer believed, though he had to admit that he had yet to notice anything that actually proved his theory. Maybe he was simply growing paranoid as the years caught up with him? Not incredibly surprising, given the sort of things the Londoner had seen in his years serving His Lordship. Perhaps the Chairman's influence and power were really all it took for the East India Trading Company to establish a strong and permanent hold over Norrington and those under his command as Beckett had said on the voyage from Singapore, despite Mercer's previous concerns about how the aforementioned men under Norrington's command would take such a change.

No, Mercer decided, it never benefited anyone to grow unwary, before returning to keeping a close eye on the activities both in and around the sergeants' mess......
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:31 PM Post #15
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 Originally posted by Norrington.


"Commodore Norrington, your loyalty to duty is admirable, I will concede that in your favour. But loyalty is no longer the currency of the realm, as others like Governor Swann believe."

Norrington kept his gaze on Beckett, breaking it only to blink. So Beckett was assuming that Swann had Norrington on his side, fair enough, if Norrington was in Beckett's place he would have assumed the same. But by the nature that he was saying some of this it meant he was either about to coerce him into siding with the East India Company, or try to argue it logically.

Norrington was human enough that when faced with someone trying to change his mind from what it already was, it tended to make him more stubborn. Not something he was proud of since he had always preferred to be considered more logical and ruled by thoughts and rationality than emotion. Emotion was for women.

"I'm afraid currency is the currency of the realm."

Norrington raised his eyebrow, how exceedingly...elegant.

"And by currency, Commodore, I mean trade. I mean economies. I mean the kind of supremacy the East India Trading Company has over the world of commerce. All of that is for the benefit of the King, the Empire, and Britain as a whole. As powerful as the Royal Navy is, it is Britain's ability to dominate the commercial market that has brought our nation high above all others, as the ruling power of the world."

Norrington was sorely tempted to point out that were it not for the Navy, including it's forerunner, then the Spanish Armada could have easily wiped out Great Britain from the map, adding her as one of Spain's colonies, instead England was safe from those powers, and she could devote her interests to trade now.

"Piracy threatens this ability, and therefore threatens the Empire's power in such far-flung corners of the Earth as this. Why do you think the Company felt it necessary to expand into this region to begin with? We are taking the fight to the pirates themselves."

Norrington broke eye contact and looked down at his desk. Beckett was right. They weren't too far from the same side were they? It stung his pride that they felt that he couldn't handle the piracy threat...and he was confident that he could do so if he were given more ships, a fleet...how many times had he lowered himself in dispatches to begging the Lords of the Admiralty for such?

And besides safeguarding the Empire's finances...it would save people. People like his parents.

Norrington had no doubt that Beckett's goal was power and money, wealth, capital, call it what you wanted, but in order to reach that goal, he needed to see an end to piracy. The same end that Norrington had sworn he would bring about so many years ago.

Norrington missed Beckett's gesture, but his next words--they sounded like they were in a different tone, did not escape his notice.

"I understand that you are probably concerned about me assuming some kind of control over your authority here, Commodore, and let me assure you that I do intend to be a trumped-up merchant who believes that it is the Navy's sole duty to protect his shipping from ruffians. No, certainly not that."

Norrington looked up. Could he really believe that? It was true that the East India Company had their own admirals and warships to protect convoys--surely Beckett would be content in commanding those would he not?

No, no, that didn't make sense, no matter how it would work out it would require intense cooperation between the two, and not having a title himself, that was Robert's right as eldest son, he would have to defer to Lord Beckett. In military matters he didn't even defer to Governor Swann, and he was a far more tolerable man.

"I am a Lord of the Realm, and I am demanding your allegiance to protecting the Empire."

"To protect--" he said but was cut off by Collins. Damn the man! Didn't he know when to keep his mouth shut?

"You'll forgive my forwardness," Jonathan said, though Norrington was quite sure that Beckett would not, "but I should like to know under whose authority you come here. You speak of loyalty to the Crown, though I'm entirely unconvinced of your own fealty to the King. In fact, I would be very much surprised if your interests extended beyond attaining more profit. Greed is no substitute for loyalty, and you'll find no greedy men here."

Norrington wanted to give a small smile at Jonathan's speech. What had he done to deserve this man's loyalty and support? He was too blessed to have officers below him who were this supportive, and defensive on his own behalf, though, his Lordship had certainly done a good deal of insulting of everyone in Port Royale. He'd let off a grenade, not fired a musket in trying to prove his points, much more collateral damage that way.

"If you'll excuse me, Commodore. And, pray pardon the actions of my battalion, as well. I fear there will be disagreements in the future."

Norrington nodded, the pleasure he had felt at Jonathan's remarks towards Beckett fading already as he was sure of what would come next. Jonathan was a good man...though he would do well to remember his place when speaking to those of better station of him. Though, had Beckett not been of better station, Norrington might have joined the Captain of Marines in strangling Beckett slowly for the slight to their combined honour.

Norrington was right though, Beckett demanded Jonathan's commission. He tried not to look too amused, it wasn't funny, but for some reason just thinking about how unfunny the situation was, and how laughing would be entirely inappropriate...made the situation all the more amusing. He very nearly snorted, but managed to cover his mouth and change it into a cough. A very odd sounding cough...but he hoped that that would go by unnoticed.

"If all of your officers are of such calibre, Commodore Norrington, then actions may have to be considered and acted upon in order to...refurbish...Port Royal's military command."

That was not funny, and Norrington was dead serious once more. Port Royale's command was the best it had ever been in years...well, excepting Captain St Montgomery. That man was bloody useless and the most dishonourable fellow he had ever laid eyes upon...worse than even Sparrow. A...rival of sorts for many years...but perhaps then...maybe all this could be turned to his advantage...just maybe....

"Either that man is removed from command immediately, or I contact my friends amongst the Admiralty and have them evaluate whether or not the Naval forces here in Port Royal are really up to the standard expected."

Norrington had to play this right or risk further suspicion.

"Mr Collins is the best Captain of Marines I've ever had the pleasure of working with," he said turning his back to Beckett and walking towards the window, "Replacing him..." he paused and turned around to face Beckett, "would be difficult. Of course, if Your Lordship demands it," he closed his eyes and took a breath, hoping that he came off as uncomfortable with the decision.

"As Your Lordship wishes," he said.

"You were right you know, commerce is the key to the Empire's success, your logic is undeniable. That thought may not sit well with me, but I will not stand in the way of a tradition that has allowed us to flourish and stay ahead of the Dutch, Spanish, and French. Right now, the biggest threat is pirates.

"That has been my goal for many a year now, ridding the Caribbean of them, and I would of course welcome cooperation with the East India Company."

Why was it that as he said these words he felt like he were selling his soul to the devil?

"My allegiance is to the Empire, and protecting her from all threats. Right now, our goal is the one and the same. To not work with the East India Company...would be disadvantageous...to both of us," Norrington's gaze hardened, "you've cost me one good officer right now, so let me be clear. I will broker no interference in my command structure. I swear that the Royal Navy shall cooperate with you--I am a gentleman and would not back off of my word, so there is no need for you to interfere with the runnings of Fort Charles and my command."

He paused, "I shall need to be put in contact with the admiral of your fleet so that we may coordinate our actions."
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:32 PM Post #16
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 Originally posted by Lord Cutler Beckett.


"My allegiance is to the Empire, and protecting her from all threats. Right now, our goal is the one and the same. To not work with the East India Company...would be disadvantageous...to both of us." Norrington's gaze hardened, "You've cost me one good officer right now, so let me be clear. I will broker no interference in my command structure. I swear that the Royal Navy shall cooperate with you--I am a gentleman and would not back off of my word, so there is no need for you to interfere with the runnings of Fort Charles and my command."

The proposal seemed fair to Beckett, for, after all, he had gained what he had set out to achieve - the Royal Navy presence in the Caribbean at his disposal. Well, of course, it wasn't at his disposal per se, but His Lordship was quietly confident that he would be able to manipulate the Commodore into doing whatever it was that was in the interests of the Company. The man seemed frightfully concerned by Beckett's threat to report any lack of co-operation to the Admiralty, and so the Chairman had deemed that Norrington was probably a man who had ambitions for promotion and did not want them jeopardised. Ambition was something Beckett could respect, as long as it did not run against his own, and it seemed to him that Norrington could be easily persuaded to do whatever Beckett required of him, so long as the Chairman made sure to mention what would happen, or who would find out, if he didn't. Beckett couldn't help but allow the thinnest of smiles to cross the corner of his mouth at this.

As for the dismissal of Norrington's Captain of Marines, that was something Beckett had been very surprised to have gained so quickly. With the first of what the Chairman believed to be many rebellious officers in the Navy plucked and disposed of, soon there would remain only those who were loyal to the Company, or at least the Company's finances. It made little difference to Beckett, of course, as long as they did as commanded and did not question his power. If it was one thing Beckett could not stand, it was being questioned. Though some would put it down to a typical upper-class pride, Beckett believed that it simply wasn't the place of lieutenants to question Lords. Such thoughts were distracting, however, and Beckett's attention, as well as his strict gaze, was fixed firmly on the Commodore once more in time to hear the words,

"I shall need to be put in contact with the admiral of your fleet so that we may coordinate our actions."

Ah, thought Beckett. The first problem had arisen.

"Admiral Hamilton is several days away with the command squadron. I ordered him to travel on a different ship other than the Endeavour, so as to oversee the first trade convoy and also so that you would not find yourself overwhelmed with Company officials as soon as we arrived."

A thought struck Beckett at this. It was no real secret amongst the Company's Board that Admiral Hamilton was of a less-than-desirable capability when it came to commanding the Armada. A capable captain, the man just simply didn't have what it took to oversee the running of large numbers of vessels, and many times during the piracy purges around Singapore Beckett had to take control himself and outline various strategies and tactics. The Admiralty guarded their own prestigious officers back in London like fierce dogs, and Beckett had been unable to recruit a replacement there. Norrington, on the other hand, seemed to be quite capable of fulfilling the criteria. He was a natural leader with a reputation to match, he had proven himself to be almost as anti-pirate as Beckett himself and he had ambition. All Beckett had to do now was find out if the man was loyal to the Navy in particular, or simply loyal to the cause of purging piracy. If the latter, then perhaps Beckett could mould him into a fitting replacement for Hamilton over the next few months. He had to try and find out more information, however, without appearing suspicious. Being a man who was used to getting what he wanted directly, this was rather difficult for Beckett, but he attempted it all the same,

"Speaking of admirals, Commodore, why has a man such as yourself not gained such a rank from the Admiralty in London?" Then, just to add the icing to the cake, he added, "Surely they're not holding this outbreak of piracy against you personally are they?"
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:32 PM Post #17
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 Originally posted by Norrington.


"Admiral Hamilton is several days away with the command squadron. I ordered him to travel on a different ship other than the Endeavour, so as to oversee the first trade convoy and also so that you would not find yourself overwhelmed with Company officials as soon as we arrived."

Norrington was starting to have second thoughts about this...he was trading over a trusted friend, granted one who he knew would not mind the chance to return home to his family, but still trading him, so that he would have the opportunity to use Beckett's influence to reorganise the command structure of Fort Charles and the squadron there.

With Beckett's backing, he could see to it that St Montgomery could be investigated, or at the very least transferred where he would no longer be Norrington's problem. He could see to it that the incoming Midshipmen were ones who actually knew something, could learn, or...came from influential families enough. It was bad enough to fight all the time with the victualling board, medical boards, and the Admiralty to get the resources he needed to combat piracy and keep Port Royal safe. Norrington had his own wealth, not as extensive as some, but he didn't have enough to pick up the slack of the inefficiency and bureaucracy in the system.

He hated to have to justify his actions to himself with the argument of the good of the many outweighing the one, but...leaders have to make tough decisions, and more often than not, the unpopular ones. Is this what he was destined for as a Commodore? Were the perks of potentially reaching a flag rank really better than simply having command of one vessel--his own vessel, and being its master to sail to his hearts content? To actually participate in the battle to end piracy?

There was so much good that could come of an alliance with Beckett, but siding with Beckett presented a host of other problems, it would put him in opposition to Governor Swann, and others. If Beckett lost politically, or financially, Norrington could lose too--what he was doing was practically tantamount to linking his career to Beckett's fortunes.

He did not want more company officials...but what else could he do? It was not like he had the right to deny Beckett that--that was purely a civilian matter, and Norrington believed firmly in the military keeping itself separated from civilian affairs--like commerce, unless absolutely necessary.

"Speaking of admirals, Commodore."

Norrington was not sure he liked where this conversation was headed.

"Why has a man such as yourself not gained such a rank from the Admiralty in London?"

Norrington tried his hardest not to look shocked. Not at the fact that he wasn't an admiral, mostly by...was Beckett daft?

"Surely they're not holding this outbreak of piracy against you personally are they?"

Norrington figured he must have been failing in his attempt to keep his look neutral. He was quite sure that he was looking at Beckett rather incredulously now.

"I'm not exactly sure where you're heading with this, My Lord. I'm only thirty, most men wait much longer to be made Post Captain, never mind actually reaching Commodore by this age. Besides...piracy has been greatly reduced over the last few years, though if you are referring to the latest resurgence...there is not much that can be done without further reinforcements. If they hold the resurgence against me, then there is very little that I can do."

Norrington was proud to have reached the rank he had, and would do nothing to jeopardise it, or rather he could not contemplate any situation where he would willingly risk his rank.
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:32 PM Post #18
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[ * ]
 Originally posted by Lord Cutler Beckett.


"I'm not exactly sure where you're heading with this, My Lord. I'm only thirty, most men wait much longer to be made Post Captain, never mind actually reaching Commodore by this age. Besides...piracy has been greatly reduced over the last few years, though if you are referring to the latest resurgence...there is not much that can be done without further reinforcements. If they hold the resurgence against me, then there is very little that I can do."

Beckett waved the reply, including his embarrassing mistake, aside with a dismissive gesture of his hand. As for the Commodore's concerns over not having enough reinforcements...well, that was simply another bargaining chip to enforce for Beckett. Looking the Commodore in the eye, the Chairman replied with the words,

"I'm afraid I am indeed referring to this latest resurgence, Commodore. Whether the Admiralty holds it against you or not," Beckett knew he was wording this as it has been Norrington who had made the embarrassing mistake, but he continued regardless, "The resurgence is indeed just that - a resurgence. Too many pirates are prowling these waters, and as you said, there is little you can do about it without reinforcements. That's why, as I said, the Company is sending the Armada here."

"Consider the Armada as your desired reinforcements, Commodore Norrington. Consider it an extension of your own command - all I ask in return is that your eradicate every last pirate from the Caribbean without mercy."

This was Beckett's master stroke. He had originally been subtly offering for Norrington place himself under the Company, but now, with Norrington's dismissal of that notion, the Chairman had immediately turned the offer around to suggest that the Company be placed under Norrington. By giving the Commodore something, in this case control over elements of the Armada during pirate-hunting activities, Beckett was actually able to ascertain control over him. Once he had the Armada at his disposal, Norrington would be more willing to do as Beckett said if threatened with that being taken away from him. It was business, as far as the Chairman was concerned, and it was good business.

Just good business.
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:32 PM Post #19
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[ * ]
 Originally posted by Norrington.


"The resurgence is indeed just that - a resurgence. Too many pirates are prowling these waters, and as you said, there is little you can do about it without reinforcements. That's why, as I said, the Company is sending the Armada here."

To pick up the slack where the Navy left off, Norrington thought. He didn't like the idea that the Navy was going to be seen lacking--it wasn't for a lack of courage and action amongst the men present, no one would, or should rather, question their dedication and actions, it was simply that they had to fight the bureaucracy to get what he needed, and also he had to go through the Admiral in Kingston first, whose first priority was not the squadron in Port Royal, but his own squadron there and concentrated in other areas of the Caribbean.

Norrington was almost curious about how such a company was able to avoid the long wait of time to get things done, but then again, the company's board was focusing on what they considered important--giving that priority. And of course, as Chairman, Beckett would sure be able to choose what itself would be given priority as well.

"Consider the Armada as your desired reinforcements, Commodore Norrington. Consider it an extension of your own command - all I ask in return is that your eradicate every last pirate from the Caribbean without mercy."

Norrington furrowed his brow in confusion...just like that Beckett was willing to turn his armada over to himself? An, as of yet, wholly unproven ally?

There were certainly plus sides to such...more ships under his command--he could send out vessels to check out rumours of pirate activity without stretching thin the patrols he was already responsible for, but he did not know these captains and their vessels and their capabilities were he to send them on such a mission, and even if they were placed under his command...what was to guarantee that they would actually follow his orders? And then the issue of who they would issue reports back to. If it was by Norrington, reports should go back to him, but he was unsure if they would first pass by Beckett's desk. And information like that would technically be military information, barred from being passed onto civilians.

Maybe all this was more of a curse than a boon...

And showing the pirates no mercy? As much as Norrington loathed piracy, and those individuals who willingly engaged in such courses of action--there was the rub. Not all those who participated were willing. Many had been coerced into service by threat of injury and harm--they were not deserving of the noose as others had been, and the law granted them leniency--granted them mercy. No, to not show that was a worse crime than allowing piracy to exist--to not allow that put them on the pirates level.

And the fact that Beckett thought none was needed worried him. What kind of man was he allying himself with? One who had a monopoly on trade to India, that much was known, but who was also apparently seeking to expand the Company's power and influence even further. Where would it stop? Where would any of it stop?

"My lord, it is, as it has ever been, my intention to end piracy here in the Caribbean, but when I do, it must be done according to the laws set forth regarding prisoners. Lest you believe that I will run things differently than I shall, I must tell you now that I will not hang any pirates unless there is enough evidence to prove their guilt, and that they have faced fair trial."

Norrington paused drawing a breath before continuing, looking somewhat haunted.

"I have seen pirates first hand--what they do, and the after effects, no one wishes more than I to see their reign of terror on the seas end--for everyone's good, but if we do not afford them the same rights as we afford others, we are no better than them. They kill indiscriminately--men, women, children, they rape and steal...I will not do anything that even so much as puts us anywhere near close to the level that they are."

He was still haunted in a way--the ghosts and memories he had of seeing those left after pirate attacks were always present, he'd be damned if he did anything to earn more by simply acting like a pirate.
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:33 PM Post #20
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[ * ]
 Originally posted by Lord Cutler Beckett.


"My lord, it is, as it has ever been, my intention to end piracy here in the Caribbean, but when I do, it must be done according to the laws set forth regarding prisoners. Lest you believe that I will run things differently than I shall, I must tell you now that I will not hang any pirates unless there is enough evidence to prove their guilt, and that they have faced fair trial."

Beckett's neutral expression faded into a slight frown at these words. He had been led to believe that Norrington was as much against pirates as the Chairman himself. Had they not called him the 'scourge of piracy in the Caribbean' until this recent resurgence? Beckett had been counting on the Commodore agreeing to his opinion of showing no mercy to pirates or those associated with them. However, it seemed that Norrington's loyalty to his duty and the Navy was stronger than any hatred he bore for pirates and that struck Beckett as a problem. He had already alienated several high-ranking members of the military at Port Royal purely because he believed they didn't matter as long as he got the Commodore on his side, but with Norrington's unwillingness to commit to what Beckett was proposing, the Chairman was risking finding himself in a disadvantageous position during his stay in Port Royal.

"I have seen pirates first hand--what they do, and the after effects, no one wishes more than I to see their reign of terror on the seas end--for everyone's good, but if we do not afford them the same rights as we afford others, we are no better than them. They kill indiscriminately--men, women, children, they rape and steal...I will not do anything that even so much as puts us anywhere near close to the level that they are."

Admirable sentiments, Beckett mused as the Commodore finished speaking, but hardly sentiments that will eradicate piracy. Since both his offer of bringing Norrington into the Company, and the counter-offer of offering an alliance with the Armada, had been rejected somewhat sorely, Beckett noted, the Chairman decided to play his final trump card. It was clear that Norrington wanted to be able to call upon the Armada whenever he needed, and maybe even to have certain vessels placed under his direct command, but his morals and sense of duty seemed also to bound him concerning Beckett's lack of mercy towards their enemies. Therefore, he decided to push the Commodore into a corner, and make it seem as if his only chance of ever truly getting rid of piracy was literally walking out of the door. Standing up abruptly, Beckett placed his hat on his head once more, clasped his cloak back on, and said to Norrington,

"Well, in that case, I don't believe there is anything else to discuss, Commodore. If that is all?"

He span around the chair and began to walk towards the door, knowing that it was pretty much a 'now or never' scenario for the Commodore. Would he stop Beckett and try to continue some kind of deal-making? Or would his sense of honour, a foolish one in the Chairman's honest opinion, hold firm?
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:38 PM Post #21
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[ * ]
 Originally posted by Norrington


Beckett's reaction to his words confirmed Norrington's suspicions. Here was a man who felt the end justified the means...which, sometimes it had to, sometimes that was the only way to get things done.

But right now not only was Beckett walking out on him, but the deal of sorts they had been negotiating.

When deciding courses of action Norrington had always been one to weigh the pros and cons--careful to come to a logical conclusion...and right now, as much as he disliked that he knew Beckett was bent on a course that included questionable morals, as such they became when business was the goal at hand, and not human lives, there was still so much to allying with him. For the moment anyway.

If he had Beckett on his side (for he refused to think of himself being a pawn to Beckett's will, even though he knew that if he did ally with him, he would have to take a more...subservient role to the man than perhaps he had prior to his arrival at Port Royale), he could hold part of that armada under his command, and try to soften their actions as much as he could. If he did not take that job, he had no doubt that there were any willing number of men who would--and they would not let some little thing like honour and morality interfere. For all he knew, it would only be a matter of time before His Lordship heard about St Montgomery, and could approach him and offer him the same--and that was one man who had to be kept away from such power if it was the last thing Norrington did. St Montgomery in that position...was the worst thing he could imagine.

If by allying with Beckett, he had the opportunity to temper the East India Company's growing influence and barbaric tactics it would presumably adopt, then it was what he had to do--he had no choice. No doubt it would do something terrible for his reputation, but there were already still other unknown factors--the Lord Chancellor--Norrington knew not what his take on Beckett and the East India Company was. Served him right though, for now ignoring the politics as much as he had. There just was no way to escape the politics of the Caribbean.

"My Lord," he said, the words were difficult to say, especially to his pride and honour--had not those been wounded enough this day?

"Wait, please."

How much Norrington wished that someone back in England might find a way to limit this man's power...he had no check on him, even His Majesty had Parliament, yet none had seen fit to place such a check on Beckett.

"I spoke rashly."
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:39 PM Post #22
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[ * ]
 Originally posted by Beckett


"Wait, please."

A smile passed over Beckett's lips at these words, though he was sure to make sure that the Commodore did not see it. The last thing he needed was the officer beginning to catch on to Beckett's subtle manipulations of this conversation, as that would only serve to push the man away further from assisting the Company in achieving its goals. Wiping said smirk from his features, he span round to face Norrington once more, fixing him with an expression that he had trained over the years to appear innocently curious, as if truly taken by surprise by the officer's sudden words,

"I spoke rashly."

Indeed you did, Commodore Norrington, Beckett mused as he took a step towards Norrington and his desk once more, Indeed you did.

Despite his expression having been instinctively put on as a faked show, Beckett's curiosity was indeed genuinely beginning to stir. The Commodore had seemed to the Chairman to have been solely obliged by the morals of his duty, yet even now there seemed the possibility that perhaps the man was willing to compromise on a few issues if it meant serving the greater good - which, after all, was what the eradication of piracy everywhere was all about. The greater good. An end to which Beckett was willing to take any means to achieve. Things such as fair trials and legal counsels were elements far above scum such as pirates in the Chairman's eyes, and this new ray of hope from the Commodore gave Beckett the impression that he may be beginning to view things in the same light. Keeping his curious glance fixed, Beckett then said simply,

"Do go on, Commodore."
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:40 PM Post #23
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[ * ]
 Originally posted by Norrington



At least his words stopped Beckett from leaving. That was good. Distasteful as this whole affair was about to become...

"Do go on, Commodore."

Norrington swallowed, this was not something he wanted to do. Damn the man for forcing him to do this! It was not an easy thing to do or say, and Beckett was not making it any easier by simply letting Norrington talk, though Norrington half suspected that must be why Beckett chose that phrasing and to allow Norrington to...further beg.

Of course, Beckett's visage did not indicate that he was gaining any sort of perverse delight out of this, or that he was enjoying it--he seemed simply curious as to what he was going to say. Norrington had to admit he was curious about what exactly he would say himself. He wasn't sure what he was going to, or quite how. Hence the hesitation.

"Your generous offer of the armada," he said, just go ahead and say it, the quicker you say it the easier it will be, "I was perhaps in...haste...to dismiss it as such."

He looked down at his desk, this would be much easier to say if he didn't have to make eye contact when saying it--and he hated himself for showing his weakness in being unable to say it while meeting His Lordship's gaze.

"Naturally our fist duty is to protecting civilians, and in the interests of protecting them, one must do what they can to ensure that the threat of piracy is erased as quickly as is possible.

"Especially with pirates once again growing bold, and cruel in their tactics," he lowered his voice, "But there will be no doubt that there are others who will find fault...with what is done." He fixed Beckett with a piercing stare.

"If I am removed for my actions, least of which being that I'm taking command in part of a civilian fleet, I can do no good for you." The implications of that being that Norrington could push himself out of favour in the Admiralty and with others for taking part in Lord Beckett's schemes, and that some sort of protection would only be fair to extend. Though...that might easily be a mistake to assume that Beckett would offer such, or follow through on the deal.
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:42 PM Post #24
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[ * ]
 Originally posted by Beckett



Commodore Norrington seemed to be having difficulty saying what it was he desired to say, and the hesitance only served to make the decision all the more satisfying for Beckett when the officer eventually said,

"Naturally our first duty is to protecting civilians, and in the interests of protecting them, one must do what they can to ensure that the threat of piracy is erased as quickly as is possible."

Beckett nodded at this. It was, after all, a fair comment and one with which His Lordship agreed, even if such a priority often served second-place to whatever was of benefit to the Company.

"Especially with pirates once again growing bold, and cruel in their tactics. But there will be no doubt that there are others who will find fault...with what is done."

The Commodore then fixed Beckett with a strangely piercing stare, that the Chairman found difficult to take in. It was hard to tell if he was meant to take the officer's last words a warning, or a threat. Still undecided, Beckett nodded for Norrington to continue, which the officer did immediately,

"If I am removed for my actions, least of which being that I'm taking command in part of a civilian fleet, I can do no good for you."

Ah, thought Beckett, relaxing now that he had discovered the answer he had been looking for, He is simply worried about his career. Of course.

"So what you propose, is that you accept my....assistance in solving our little infestation, and in return I use my influence to make sure there are no legal repercussions? It sounds like a win-win situation for you, Commodore, wouldn't you say? Finally being able to do what you've always wanted without anyone being able to stop you."

Icing on the cake to any man's ambitions, or so Beckett believed. His thoughts, on the other hand, were focused elsewhere as his eyes locked with Norrington's and he added sternly,

"I accept your terms."

An extended hand from the Chairman offered the Commodore the chance to seal what would probably turn out to be one of the most significant agreements of his career to this date.
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:43 PM Post #25
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[ * ]
 Originally posted by Norrington


"So what you propose, is that you accept my....assistance in solving our little infestation, and in return I use my influence to make sure there are no legal repercussions? It sounds like a win-win situation for you, Commodore, wouldn't you say?

It certainly was win-win. All the benefits of allying with Beckett, with none of the drawbacks...except for what people thought of him, and his integrity. A small price for most other men, but Norrington had always had pride in what had been an honourable and unsullied reputation for him.

Of course, the situation wasn't bad for Beckett himself, something that he wasn't mentioning. Then again why would he? It wasn't exactly good business to point out to others involved how well the deal benefited you. Beckett got the benefit of Norrington's familiarity with the region, a commander for the region, and perhaps what little respect now that Norrington was going to have.

"Finally being able to do what you've always wanted without anyone being able to stop you."

Norrington froze. What did this man know? He searched his face watching Beckett for...something anything that might give him a clue if he was hinting at something deeper. If he knew something of personal lives of those he was manipulating.

He couldn't just stare at him like that, Beckett was no fool, he was going to guess that something was...certainly off with the way that Norrington reacted. Quick! He had to do or say something to distract didn't he...what would he normally do? That which any gentleman would do--be humble.

"What I want is of little consequence, I serve others, not myself."

Which was...mostly true. If Norrington had been entirely honest his obsession with eradicating piracy in the very beginning had nothing to do with justice. Or...at least it did with a very particular kind of justice.

"I accept your terms."

Then if Beckett noted anything, he chose not to comment on it, and that relieved Norrington immensely.

Norrington glanced down at Beckett's hand for just a second, this was his last chance to get out of this deal...but instead gripped it firmly and gave it a shake.

"A drink?" he asked Beckett, wondering if the Lord felt it necessary to drink in honour of such an alliance, or with any sort of business deals.
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:45 PM Post #26
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[ * ]
 Originally posted by Beckett




Norrington seemed, at first, slightly put off by Beckett's apparent knowledge of something deep within his mind, but quickly hid such thoughts and moved the conversation along. An interesting notion, however, since the Chairman had only said what he had said concerning what it was the Commodore wanted most because he had simply surmised that a man who hunted pirates so fervently must have hated them for a true reason. It seemed more investigation would be required into exactly what that reason was, where Norrington was concerned. As for the Commodore's comment on who he served, Beckett barely restrained himself from making a sneering remark at the mere possibility of serving one other than himself,

Serve others indeed, Beckett managed to keep his thoughts to himself, You seem intent on serving others, Commodore Norrington, just as you seem intent on serving me - though you don't realise it just yet. Only the men who serve themselves ever amount to anything in this world.

The Chairman was shaken from his thoughts, however, when he felt Norrington's hand clasp his own extended one, and the two men shook hands firmly. When the handshake was finished and the deal sealed, the Commodore locked eyes with Beckett once more and asked if he wanted a drink, which Beckett interpreted as a sign that Norrington himself wanted nothing more than a stiff drink to relieve of the severe stress he had probably just been placed under. Not wanting to disappoint, the Chairman nodded graciously and replied with,

"It would be most appreciated, Commodore." He left a short pause, before deciding to specify and adding, "A brandy, please, if you have one."
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:46 PM Post #27
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[ * ]
 Originally posted by Norrington



"A brandy, please, if you have one."

And Norrington did have one..it was one of his favourite drinks, certainly one he favoured and kept in his office.

He went to the cabinet in the side of the office and removed to glasses and a decanter half full of brandy. Bringing them over to his desk he put them down and poured first one glass offering it to Beckett, and then he poured one for himself.

"The beginning of the end of piracy," Norrington said. It was something he had always wanted to toast--or rather the end result of it, but he wondered, when that day came if he was still there to toast it, would he feel as hollow and empty about it as he currently did. He still had his doubts and misgivings about the means used...and his new ally.

Oh goodness! He had gone in the space of one meeting with the man, from being Governor Swann's staunch supporter and ally--only fair given how much the man had helped him, and how closely they had worked the past eight years, to now being the ally of Weatherby's political enemy. There was the world turned upside down for you.

And a bit of a betrayal if he was honest. After this meeting he'd have to go meet with the Governor to explain himself--that was the very least he owed the man. He'd sworn to stay out of the political battles, and here he was drawn into them--the exact opposite of what he thought would happen when he was posted to Port Royale.

Though...given the suspicious nature of those in power, and Beckett was at least a man in power...he might have to subtly find a way to speak with Governor Swann, perhaps if he sent a message with Jonathan? If Jonathan would consent to such, there was another man he had abandoned already today.

And here he was toasting--for something that should be happy, or bring joy, or a sense of accomplishment, and he could only feel low for what he had done, and what was happening.

He took the glass and drank the whole amount in a quick go. Well--it was always said that rum and others of its ilk were good for two types of occasions--happy and sad ones. Only he was sure that his reason was far different than Beckett's.
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:47 PM Post #28
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[ * ]
 Originally posted by Beckett




"To the beginning of the end." Beckett repeated the Commodore's toast as he took and raised the glass offered to him, and then taking a short sip from it.

As he surveyed his newfound ally within Port Royal swig down his own brandy in one go, Beckett's mind wandered to consider who else could be enlightened as to the benefits of allying themselves with the Chairman and his Company. Governor Swann had been a political enemy for years, and so was automatically someone who could simply be persuaded into joining Beckett, but the Chairman did not rule him out completely as a possible asset to the Company's aims - he did, after all, have a daughter whom he doted upon, and spoilt brats always made good bartering tools in Beckett's opinion. Not to mention the fact that Governor Swann was the only man in the Caribbean with power enough to challenge Beckett through civilian and political channels, with perhaps only one exception.

Lord High Chancellor Jeffreys had been dispatched to the Caribbean for reasons Beckett had yet to have confirmed. Initial reports, however, suggested that Jeffreys had caught wind of Beckett's plans to expand the Company's influence into the Caribbean, and had immediately set out to try and stop him, arriving a short while before Beckett himself. He had already established a nice powerhouse for himself, it seemed, if the presences of a Brigadier, and therefore British Army forces, loyal to the Lord Chancellor were anything to go by. Yes, the Chairman could say with considerable certainty that Jeffreys would have to be dealt with at some point, but right now Beckett was more concerned with mustering allies rather than dealing with his enemies - though he knew he would have to deal with the matter of how to take care of the Chancellor some time in the near future. In fact, Beckett had already considered less civilised methods of removing the annoyingly perceptive man altogether, and may have just implemented such methods had it not been for Jeffreys' insanely-high status within British society.

The Captain of the Marines he could write of right away, mainly because Beckett had hopefully assured that he wouldn't be the Captain of Marines for much longer. Politically-speaking, Beckett could not recall any other men of worth that he could persuade to join his side on the political battleground. However, there were several rich folk and military officers who served under Norrington who could be approached. It would be necessary to get as many senior military officers as possible on his side, of course, to enable an easy transgression for the Chairman into a more commanding role and presence about Fort Charles in the future. Not now, of course. No, he had to let Norrington and any others concerned continue to feel that they were on an equal footing with His Lordship, before he made it painfully clear that it was he, Lord Cutler Beckett, that was in complete control.

By the by, the future for piracy was looking particularly grim from where Beckett was standing, and this was enough for him to let out a slight smirk as he took a second sip from his brandy, before asking Norrington in a calm, collected voice,

"How soon will you be wanting those reinforcements?"
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:48 PM Post #29
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[ * ]
 Originally posted by Norrington



"How soon will you be wanting those reinforcements?"

Norrington tried unsuccessfully to cover up a snort of laugher, quickly brining up a hand to cover his mouth--very ungentlemanly to do so, but then again, that Beckett was deferring to asking him when he wanted the reinforcements instead of just assuming that he would jump when ordered to like a hound would obey its master was...well amusing could be applied to the situation.

"My apologies, My Lord, it was just that I was imagining that you actually wouldn't want to wait very long at all to get started on that." He put the glass down and walked back around to behind his desk.

"Whenever it is of the most convenience for you and your officers will work for me, though when that is I would like some advance warning." Advance warning so that I can make sure there will be no problems from either the Navy's sailors or any of the Marines, since God knows what they might get it in their heads to do to haze anyone in the East India Company, especially if it's in defense of Jonathan.

"I'd also like to speak to some of your officers so that I know what your ships are capable of...and perhaps..." Norrington paused...suddenly an additional benefit to the alliance was occurring to him--a plan that might work better than the older sort of methods used for attacking and capturing pirates. His mind quickly worked through the complexities of what would be needed--Beckett could surely provide most of what was needed--and men he had, all he needed was a location to pull off the attack, and pirates had used the same tactics themselves...so there were any number of points that it could work.

"Actually...if it is possible, I'd like a merchant vessel. It doesn't need to have any cargo on it--not where it wouldn't be visible anyway, one with as few gun ports as is possible. You could say that it is...part of the plan."
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:49 PM Post #30
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[ * ]
 Originally posted by Beckett




Whenever it is of the most convenience

A courteous gesture, but Beckett had guessed that Norrington already knew when would be convenient - the Chairman had, after all, mentioned several times so far that convoys of the Company's vessels were already on their way to the Caribbean - and each one would have to stop off at Port Royal at some point. So therefore it was logical to assume that the Commodore was simply being polite in his response, armed with the knowledge of how far away such reinforcements were. Admiral Hamilton himself was only a day or so behind the Endeavour, and carried with him a squadron of vessels that could easily serve the Commodore's purposes, at least for now. Significant parts of the Armada would have to be retained for escorting merchant convoys, of course, but Beckett was confident that enough ships were enroute to Port Royal as they spoke to satiate Norrington's requirements until more vessels could be procured. The Chairman took another sip from his brandy before replying with,

"Commodore, I refer you to words spoken earlier by myself - Admiral Hamilton is but a short while behind my own ship. Your reinforcements should be here within a day or two. Enough of an advance warning, for your requirements?"

Beckett knew it probably wasn't, if Norrington had been hoping to use the time between now and then to justify his decision to his officers and men under his command, but that wasn't of any concern for the Chairman.

"I'd also like to speak to some of your officers so that I know what your ships are capable of...and perhaps..."

The request to be able to speak to Admiral Hamilton and Lieutenant Greitzer seemed fair to Beckett, after all, Norrington would need to know exactly who he was going to be coordinating operations with. Therefore, Beckett nodded at the Commodore's words, before allowing a curious expression to creep onto his features as Norrington appeared to suddenly have something come to mind. The Chairman watched as his eyes began locked with Norrington's once more, and the other man asked in a voice that seemed as if he wanted to say everything quickly for fear of suddenly forgetting it all,

"Actually...if it is possible, I'd like a merchant vessel. It doesn't need to have any cargo on it--not where it wouldn't be visible anyway, one with as few gun ports as is possible. You could say that it is...part of the plan."

Part of the plan. Beckett tried to surmise what it was that Norrington was trying to do, and soon came at the most obvious solution for the need of a merchant vessel - it was going to be bait of some sort, surely? Though, at the same time, the Chairman got the impression that there was more to it than simply play cat-and-mouse with a bunch of pirates. His eyes narrowing slightly, he replied to the Commodore with,

"Consider your request fulfilled, Commodore, but I am curious as to what you intend to do."
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:51 PM Post #31
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 Originally posted by Norrington




"Consider your request fulfilled, Commodore, but I am curious as to what you intend to do."

Good, thought Norrington, time to turn and use the pirates' own tactic against themselves.

"I think that you have some idea, My Lord, as to what use the Navy would possibly have for a merchant vessel."

Norrington did have some issues with the tactic, as he was planning to use it--deception was...certainly not something he'd prefer on a normal basis, but sea battle were won and lost using deception. Besides...the likes of pirates--especially those known for flying a red flag of no quarter more than deserved to fall prey to such a ruse.

"The Navy's tactics against pirates up to now has been...rather standard, and I'll wager it is much the same with other sea powers fighting pirates. If pirates are spotted they are followed and hunted down, though between the weather gauge and other factors, it can be easy enough to lose them. When strongholds of theirs are found they are watched and wiped out if such an action is permissible. Pirates, not only ourselves, know what our tactics will be before we use them.

"Pirates on the other hand don't all come from the same school, if you will pardon my liking to that term. They come from various backgrounds and no one pirate is as good an indicator as others on how they will react. One pirate when cornered and about to lose will surrender, another will still try to flee, and yet others, against all comprehensibility will attack."

It was something that had kept him on his toes often enough--even with overwhelming and superior force there were some pirates who would rather die fighting the Navy instead of face trial for their crimes. Either way...justice had prevailed.

"We've been using the same methods for decades. If we turn to other tactics--setting up ambushes--leaving a rich merchant vessel to sail, and hidden out of sight--in a fog bank, or hidden away in another cove when the merchant vessel is at anchor, we might be able to entice the pirates to attack. when they are about to board the merchant vessel, they find that the cargo they held was, in fact, a hull full of marines. Any attempt to escape can be cut off by one or two of our sloops. They'd be ideal for such an ambush."

The only reason he went into this plan now, was not just that he was thinking of it at the moment, but he felt that coming up with a plan in front of Lord Beckett might be enough to convince him, that at least from Norrington's side of the deal, his dedication to the alliance was sincere.
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:53 PM Post #32
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 Originally posted by Beckett



Beckett was pleased with the way Norrington was coming up with a plan that showed that he was willing, and capable, to adapt with the times, and did not feel bogged down by traditions and standards set before him. And if the good Commodore was willing to change and adapt with military matters, so too could he adapt with ease to the changing political climate that was about to surge within Port Royal, and that was what pleased Beckett the most. He was now duly satisfied that he would not need to keep a close eye on the Commodore from this point on, as he appeared sincere and willing towards the alliance he and the Chairman had just sealed with the shake of their hands and the toasting of their drinks. Raising his glass once more as a form salute to the officer's plan, Beckett said in a complimenting voice, one which he rarely used,

"It certainly carries poetic justice in dealing the pirates the same cards that they've been dealing us for years." He took another sip of his brandy, so that his glass was nearly empty, "Though I am curious as to what the local Admiral would think of your proposed scheme?"

He had to admit, it almost made him feel guilty to be seen attempting to crush the Commodore's proposal so soon after it had been developed, but it was necessary for assuring that Norrington grew closer to Beckett's interests than the Admiralty's. If the Chairman's hopes held true, then the Admiral based in Kingston would be one of the typical traditionalist who believed firmly in a 'if it isn't broken, don't fix it' system of running the Navy - only they had all yet to realise that the system was indeed broken. If Beckett could persuade Norrington that the Admiralty would not condone such an action, at least without the influence of the Chairman himself, then he would solidify Norrington's loyalty to the alliance they had both just formed.

"I hate to say it but the Admirals of our beloved Navy are not as forward-thinking or adaptable as men like yourself and I." He added, just for the additional effect that flattery brought.
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:54 PM Post #33
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 Originally posted by Norrington



"It certainly carries poetic justice in dealing the pirates the same cards that they've been dealing us for years."

Norrington had to agree with Beckett, it was poetic justice of a sort, but best of all is that there was no possible way that one could argue that the plan was dishonourably deceptive--sure it required a bit of deception, but any one in the course of attacking it--the only time when the Navy would engage them, would already be breaking the law, and concerns about the fairness of the ruse to capture them would be null and void. It wasn't like he was placing a disable ship out there to get people to come and help them, and then capture them.

"Though I am curious as to what the local Admiral would think of your proposed scheme?"

Norrington looked at Beckett, unsure why he would bring up that question now. Of course, Norrington would have to go through Heyworth when implimenting a change in their tactics, as courtesy so that His Lordship wouldn't suddenly hear of merchant vessel traps and then be unsure as to who or what was causing them--and it was also his duty to inform him, but he hadn't given much thought to exactly how he would submit this new plan to him. Norrington didn't believe that Heyworth would object, the man was far too busy dealing issues like the French, Spanish, and Dutch, that he had in the past given Norrington what leeway he felt was necessary to deal with pirates.

"I would not know, this is the first I thought of it, let alone discussed it."

"I hate to say it but the Admirals of our beloved Navy are not as forward-thinking or adaptable as men like yourself and I."

Forward thinking? Norrington thought...he was sure that Beckett's approach to things was far different than any of his predecessors, and yes, some of Norrington's own tactics, not just this new one, were novel...but in order to reach one of the flag ranks, men were typically older, in their fourties and fifties--and with age came wisdom and a tendency towards slightly more conservative views, there was no proof that that was bad.

This line was definitely making him uncomfortable...it was not his place to comment on his superior's policies, or criticise the Navy.

"I am sure they have their reasons," Norrington said, "there is always more to be gained when a combination is used, though for our own purposes ingenuity will be good enough...I doubt there has ever been this sort of cooperation between the Navy and a civilian outfit as what we now here will do."

Which brought up a host of other problems as well--communication, supplies...this was going to be a nightmare from behind the scenes of organising all this. The East India's fleet was massive--ships for battle, their own trade ships, their allied trade ships, support vessels, compared to Norrington's own squadron, they were enormous. Norrington only had four vessels to deal with, but to coordinate those with the actions of the Company...was going to be something. He'd need to establish a liaison with the company, while Beckett seemed well enough aware of the matters, Norrington doubted that he'd want to get involved in the smallest of details, like how the ships were rigged and all the associated nautical seamanship. Maybe he could place an officer on board the Endeavour? Have him keep an eye on things going on, inform them of military protocol--and not to mention they'd need someone on board who understood their signalling. And...there could always be other information picked up--what kind of ally Beckett was, and what else he was up to. Of course if he insisted on that, Beckett might very well insist on having the favour returned...Norrington had nothing to hide, so it might not be so bad. But if he were to pick an officer who would he pick? Gillette had his own command, so he was out of the question. Aldebury was...no longer an option. Reed was possible, though an entirely unremarkable man. Lievtenant Groves, possibly?

"Any...level of cooperation will require good communication. If I may suggest--after I have had the chance to meet with your lievtenant, perhaps I might be able to place an officer of mine on board the Endeavour. He'd be able to read off our signals to you, since I cannot provide you with a copy of our signals, and also be able to smooth over any miscommunications that might occur."
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:56 PM Post #34
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[ * ]
 Originally posted by Beckett



"I am sure they have their reasons," Norrington said, "there is always more to be gained when a combination is used, though for our own purposes ingenuity will be good enough...I doubt there has ever been this sort of cooperation between the Navy and a civilian outfit as what we now here will do."

Typical, thought Beckett, Though I should have expected such an answer from a man as devoted to his career as Norrington.

However, Norrington seemed to wish to say something more, and Beckett gave a slight gesture of his head to show his approval, though he doubted the Commodore felt it was required, and listened as the officer went on to request in a humbled, yet strangely equal, tone,

"Any...level of cooperation will require good communication. If I may suggest--after I have had the chance to meet with your lievtenant, perhaps I might be able to place an officer of mine on board the Endeavour. He'd be able to read off our signals to you, since I cannot provide you with a copy of our signals, and also be able to smooth over any miscommunications that might occur."

Yes, that certainly seemed like sound logic to Beckett, but at the same time he could not help but be suspicious. He had not reached where he was today by trusting newly acquired allies unconditionally, after all. What were the chances that Norrington might be intending to use said officer as some sort of spy on the Chairman? And even if that was the case, what would the Commodore hope to achieve? It didn't make sense for Norrington to place a spy amongst Beckett's men simply for the sake of spying, and the only worthwhile information such an infiltrator would gather about the Chairman would be elements of his personality - elements which Beckett was certainly not shy or modest about. Maybe Norrington simply did wish to ease communications between the two forces - Navy and Company - and that was fine by Beckett's reckoning. However, at the same time, he wished to be on an equal footing with the Commodore at the very least, but simply replied with,

"That certainly sounds reasonable, Commodore, and logical. Consider it approved."

Of course, the Chairman did indeed have every intention of having his own 'liaison' placed amongst Norrington's command whenever the good Commodore ever had to leave Port Royal. Most likely Mercer, Beckett mused, to accompany Norrington whenever he set out on a mission - not for any malicious reason, but simply because it was common practice for the Chairman, and the Company as a whole, to monitor any form of investment or alliance entered into very closely. He doubted, of course, that Norrington would be pleased with the idea of Mercer shadowing him every time he left Port Royal, but at the same time he doubted that the Commodore would openly complain - it would be, after all, simply replicating his own request to have someone aboard the Endeavour. If Norrington proved himself to not be of a suspicious nature, or in any way intending to play Beckett and the Company for fools, then Mercer will probably be kept away eventually, but until then Beckett had every intention of watching his new ally like a hawk until he was one hundred and ten percent convinced of his loyalties to their alliance.

Nothing personal, Commodore, Beckett mused as he looked at Norrington, Just good business.


OOC ~ Yes another shameless movie quote :P By the way, recommending Groves wouldn't happen to be a nod to a particular sequel would it by any chance? ;)
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Aztec Gold 31 Dec 2007, 10:57 PM Post #35
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 Originally posted by Norrington

(OOC --it would be a nod, insofar as after AWE I find myself rather hostile towards Groves...and not liking him very much--which is a pity, since I did like Groves, and it should not be held against him what the writers did...I'm so happy seeming aren't I?)


"That certainly sounds reasonable, Commodore, and logical. Consider it approved."

Norrington was not sure whether or not he should be relieved that Beckett approved the plan. At least it was done, and Beckett had not asked more explanation for it, or what it required.

"Thank you, my Lord," he said, "Though I do not wish to delay you further since I am sure you have many matters to attend to here in Port Royale, and I must arrange things for the East India Company." And get things ready for ambushing pirates, as well as meeting your lievtenant, and making sure that the marines do not kill the lot of you for daring to set foot in Port Royale. Which is quite possible.

Norrington was going to steadfastly avoid asking about what Beckett had for lodgings. No doubt he had quarters on board the Endeavour, but he didn't know what His Lordship was planning about lodgings in Port Royale. If he asked then it would only be proper to offer accommodations in his own home, and that was the last thing he was going to do.

As it was so many people had given up their homes for others--St Montgomery had given up his home (albeit unwillingly and with much cussing and fighting) to Brigadier Kirke, and with the influx of the Army...tensions between the militaries started off high (but seemed to be receding fortunately), but with the EITCo arriving on top of everything else...Norrington would not feel surprised if the sailors and soldiers were under the impression that all this was an attack on their ability to do their duty. Which was ridiculous...though it was clear that Port Royale was growing in importance right now, and that people wished to be involved in what went on, and shaping things to come.

That was almost a scary thought...that people felt this tiny, backwater community--or rather what had once been just that, was transforming into something more important--or that they were about to transform it into something more important--and so many competing groups and views. Bloody politics. If there was any one thing though--that all factions agreed on, it was the eradication of piracy and crime. Pity the poor fools who chose that way of life and who would not escape soon enough.
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