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| Petition to the Chairman; 29 June 1751 ; (Beckett, St Montgomery) | |
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| Topic Started: 9 Apr 2008, 04:54 PM (186 Views) | |
| Frederick St Montgomery | 9 Apr 2008, 04:54 PM Post #1 |
Captain of the Dauntless
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(Follows directly from the thread Unpleasant Tasks for St Montgomery) Norrington's refusal to budge, and personal insult were the last straw for St Montgomery. He's had enough of the man's intolerable tyranny over affairs at Fort Charles, and his wanton disregard for the rules. Bad enough the man had let some marines off with just some time spent behind bars prior to the Mutiny (was he so blind that he failed to see that a strong action against those men might well have prevented the disaster?), but his refusal to punish the men responsible after the action was disgraceful to say the least. St Montgomery did this for the good of everyone. Though, his good topped that list, and what was good for him, was good for all. And what was good for him at this moment was finding some higher ranking official to speak to and let slip a few...tidbits of information. Incriminating evidence, as it were, of Norrington's incompetence as an officer. Governor Swann was out of the question...it seemed that that man would do anything to assist his almost-son-in-law, and besides, the man was equally as incompetent at ruling a colony as Norrington was at running the fort. He'd be of no value nor assistance to St Montgomery. Lord Jeffreys was his choice, though seeing that man on short notice would be difficult. And the man had brought with him that damnable 2nd of Foot officer--Kirke, who had...taken possession of St Montgomery's home...a slight and insult to his honour, and his right as an English man to own his property and not fear for its loss. Looks like the colonies don't quite work the same ways... There was only one other man in Port Royal at the moment, whom St Montgomery could think of, who might be willing to forge a beneficial working relationship. A partnership of sorts (hopefully not for long, for St Montgomery hated to rely on others, but extraordinary circumstances did call for extraordinary concessions and actions), where mutual aide might be exchanged. The trouble was speaking to this man of commerce. Rumour mill had it that he had been discretely looking to hire men from the Navy to staff his vessels, something which had aroused St Montgomery's interest and curiosity, but if it ever came to that, he'd first want to see Norrington and Gillette...and their tag along Groves hanging in nooses first. No unfinished business left behind, as it were. St Montgomery knew the way to the temporary headquarters of the East India Company, though he had never been inside before. What he saw when he entered was certainly impressive for a temporary location...finely furnished, elegant taste...clerks. This is where the hard part was. St Montgomery strode forward to the most impressive clerk he could find (hoping that by extension he would be working for or in the line of command to the most important man here). He cleared his throat and when he was rewarded with with the man's attention he quickly spoke. "I must speak to His Lordship requiring an urgent matter of business at the fort. I cannot stress how important it is that he hears the information I have as soon as is possible," he said, "preferably now," he added. |
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| Lord Cutler Beckett | 9 Apr 2008, 06:15 PM Post #2 |
Deckhand
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Mr Boyle had been hard-pressed to turn up that morning for work. He and the other clerks had been violently held at bayonet-point by mutinous marines not twenty four hours beforehand, and yet Lord Beckett had demanded that they all turn up for work as usual or face losing their jobs; with his age, Boyle could not risk having to go looking for new employment, and so he had dutifully obeyed and turned up the next day to begin the laborious task of figuring out what was missing from the Company records, what was still safe, what had to be re-written and so on. Lord Beckett himself was in his office working, and it gave Boyle and the other clerks some small pleasure to know that at least the Chairman himself was also bogged down by the business of clearing up after the mutiny; those damned marines had caused far more trouble in terms of paperwork than the old man imagined could be done with musket and blade. As he sat, hunched over his desk with his nose almost touching the requisition order he was drawing up, the clerk was startled by a loud clearing of the throat, and when he looked up he was met with the sight of a man in a naval officer's uniform bearing down on him. To Boyle, the man looked frightfully intimidating, and he felt his throat tighten nervously as he spoke. "I must speak to His Lordship requiring an urgent matter of business at the fort. I cannot stress how important it is that he hears the information I have as soon as is possible," The officer said, "preferably now," "I see," Boyle managed, after coughing to clear and ease his throat, "I shall...inform Lord Beckett of...uh...your arrival immediately. Whom...whom shall I say is wishing to see him?" *** Lord Beckett looked up from his desk when there was a knock on his office door. With a short 'come in', the Chairman set down his quill and sat back in his chair as the door opened and one of his clerks, Boyle, appeared, poking his head through to announce nervously, "There is a Captain of His Majesty's Navy here to see you, my Lord." A look of curiosity passed over Beckett's face at these words, but he nodded to Boyle nevertheless and gave a short 'send him in' as way of a reply. What did a Navy captain want with the Chairman of the East India Trading Company? Beckett was curious, he had to admit, but was also prepared for disappointment. It could quite easily be a lapdog of Norrington's sent on some unimportant, routine check-up following the mutiny; the rank of Captain being used only to placate Beckett and make him feel as if he was the fort's number one concern. The Chairman was not that gullible. He had been meaning to head to the fort later on in the day; he had already sent Mercer to keep an eye on the comings and goings around Norrington's office. |
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| Frederick St Montgomery | 11 Apr 2008, 04:47 PM Post #3 |
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Captain of the Dauntless
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St Montgomery has to admit that he was pleased with how quickly the clerk went off and did as he was asked. St Montgomery could barely even get his own men to follow his orders instantaneously...if they followed them anymore. Something nice about the Kingston regiment of Marines--they followed orders well, unlike those useless sots who were left of the battalion. Whenever he gave one of them an order he could sense them daring to go against it, feel every single nanosecond that they delayed following his order. He wasn't mad, that he knew--and he knew that the marines were just trouble--like eventually the Kingston ones would be. The clerk came back and bade him follow him. Finally, results. He removed his tricorne just he was ushered into the room. "Captain St Montgomery, My Lord," he said with a stiff bow. One could never tell if these lord types were sticklers for the formality that was "due" them by their title. St Montgomery personally never felt that just because the man had a title conferred on him did anything to really make him any more important than any other man, especially as the King himself only got to where he was based on his birth. An incredible unfair and demeaning set of social laws, and penned laws to go by, and certainly unjust when men like himself proved that despite a low birth they were capable of anything that any man of higher birth was capable of. "First off, I'd like to assure you that I do not come here at the Commodore's," he said the word with a trace of sarcasm,"behest. I come here of my own free will with...a business proposal. I understand that you are a man of business, as is certainly evidenced by your position within the Company. And unlike others who speak of you behind your back--commenting on your unfamiliar grasp of geography, the West Indies versus the East Indies, I think I have a fairly good inkling of what sorts of profits can be made here, and the benefits of being in Port Royale. "As I'm sure you're aware, Norrington is none too comfortable with the Company's presence here, and tries his best to keep you shut out of all military matters that are, naturally, of great importance to you. I however, can see the true power that can come of an alliance between the Royal Navy and East India Company. An alliance that even before you came here, was being sabotaged by the 'Commodore.' I have proof of his crimes, of how his negligence brought about the mutiny yesterday, and how he's been aiding known enemies of England...enemies such as a certain Jack Sparrow." St Montgomery smiled inwardly, pleased that on the fly he could put together what he was sure sounded like a very logical argument. "The question is, 'is this worth anything to you?'" |
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| Lord Cutler Beckett | 20 Apr 2008, 12:40 PM Post #4 |
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Deckhand
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"Captain St Montgomery, My Lord," Beckett nodded at the captain; the name of St Montgomery had come to his ears a few times since his arrival in Port Arrival, though few things had been positive. Not that that would interfere with business, if this man had anything to offer the Chairman. Judging by the way he bowed, barely containing a sense of reluctance to do so, Beckett deemed the man to be one of either fierce impudence or tenacious pride. Conversation would no doubt reveal the truth further. "Good day, Captain. What brings you here?" he said, leaning back in his chair, setting the quill down and linking his hands to watch his visitor. "First off, I'd like to assure you that I do not come here at the Commodore's," the hint of sarcasm was not lost on the Chairman, "behest. I come here of my own free will with...a business proposal." This sparked Beckett's interest, though he made sure to not reveal this; it was never wise to let on to someone that they may hold something that one desired - it gave them an advantage in any business dealings. No, much better to simply stay, blank expression, and let him continue. "I understand that you are a man of business, as is certainly evidenced by your position within the Company. And unlike others who speak of you behind your back--commenting on your unfamiliar grasp of geography, the West Indies versus the East Indies, I think I have a fairly good inkling of what sorts of profits can be made here, and the benefits of being in Port Royale." The Chairman had suspected as much regarding the comments that this St Montgomery referred to, but did not dwell on the issue; it was old, and insignificant, news to him. "As I'm sure you're aware, Norrington is none too comfortable with the Company's presence here, and tries his best to keep you shut out of all military matters that are, naturally, of great importance to you. I however, can see the true power that can come of an alliance between the Royal Navy and East India Company. An alliance that even before you came here, was being sabotaged by the 'Commodore.' I have proof of his crimes, of how his negligence brought about the mutiny yesterday, and how he's been aiding known enemies of England...enemies such as a certain Jack Sparrow." Unfortunately for Beckett, the captain's latest words surprised him too much to remain blank-faced. Involuntarily, the Chairman straightened up in his seat, his back stiffening and a frown crossing what had previously been a thin line of a mouth. His eyes narrowed and he leaned forward, trying to make it seem as if he had intended to move the way he had done. The Commodore aiding Sparrow? True, Beckett was aware of Norrington's attempts to reduce his influence in his own sphere of military influence, but that had to be expected - and the Commodore would not have the Chairman's respect if he did not - but this news came completely out of the blue. Immediately, Beckett's head began filling with strange theories and speculations - had Norrington assisted Sparrow in his escape during the mutiny? But then, of course, Beckett reigned in these thoughts; St Montgomery had yet to provide his proof. "The question is, 'is this worth anything to you?'" "You make a serious accusation, Captain." Beckett began, keeping his tone neutral, but curious enough to appear sincere, "Against a superior officer, and I would not be the loyal servant of the King that I am if I did not find it worth my time. I appreciate your faith in the benefits of an...alliance, as you put it...between the Company and the Navy, but you can not expect me to take your word that Commodore Norrington, a well-respected officer, assisted criminals such as Jack Sparrow. Present your proof, Captain." Yes, that should do. |
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| Frederick St Montgomery | 20 Apr 2008, 05:54 PM Post #5 |
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Captain of the Dauntless
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Frederick knew that things were starting to go his way when he saw the rather petite chairman sit up straight--usually a sign either that a man was interested in what he had to say, or his chair was uncomfortable. Hopefully not the latter. "You make a serious accusation, Captain." St Montgomery involuntarily snorted. Of course it was a serious accusation! He was, in all practicality, accusing his superior officer of treason. A charge that was nothing short of serious. In fact, it was about as serious a charge or accusation one could make. Short of accusing the man to be an atheist as well. Maybe he could accuse Norrington of that, too...see if he could get it to stick... "Against a superior officer, and I would not be the loyal servant of the King that I am if I did not find it worth my time. I appreciate your faith in the benefits of an...alliance, as you put it...between the Company and the Navy, but you can not expect me to take your word that Commodore Norrington, a well-respected officer, assisted criminals such as Jack Sparrow." Well-respected my arse, St Montgomery shook his head. He may be well-respected, for now, but he was determined to see to it that the man would not remain that way for long. "Present your proof, Captain." Excellent. "Norrington has, on several occasions, had the opportunity to catch Sparrow. Occasions which he has squandered, or, at the very worst, ignored in order to allow the Governor's daughter's pet go. I'm not sure if you are familiar with what happened the last time Sparrow was in Port Royale?" St Montgomery said, "but it did end with the loss of one of His Majesty's vessels, the Interceptor, as well as Sparrow getting away clean. An opportunity not just to arrest him again, and successfully hang him, but to capture the notorious Black Pearl as well. Instead, Norrington decided to give the man and his ship a day's head start. And then...a day later, no one was sent out to go after the pirate, even though we had the coordinates of the Isla de la Muerta, where he was sure to return eventually, as well as the fact that the man is a frequent loiterer in Tortuga. It is not difficult to figure out where Sparrow is, any fool of a marine can figure it out, yet it constantly eludes our commander." This was the dangerous part. "And it isn't that it eludes him because he is incompetent. It is willful dereliction of his duty. He is determined to let Sparrow go. I can get you all the paperwork you want from the Fort to confirm that he let the pirate go--there are witnesses--ask his little poodle Gillette, or ask Governor Swann himself--who suggested the affair as well. His daughter was there...the blacksmith's apprentice. Midshipman Evans--all of them were there and can confirm that Norrington let Sparrow go, and any one of them, and the paperwork will confirm that we failed to set out after him the following day--Commodore Norrington's orders. "Rumour even says that McAllister--Norrington's cabin boy, had a hand in assisting the pirate. How can we know that Norrington didn't instruct the boy to assist the pirate in escaping? The blacksmith's apprentice--Turner, I believe, is a close associate of both Norrington and the Governor's daughter--and Norrington let's the man go to help placate her--how can a man that easily swayed by a woman be allowed to continue running this place? Such..." St Montgomery was at a loss of words to discuss his anger at the situation--which he had unwisely allowed to continue his rant, "it is inconceivable." |
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| Lord Cutler Beckett | 22 Apr 2008, 11:55 PM Post #6 |
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Deckhand
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"Norrington has, on several occasions, had the opportunity to catch Sparrow. Occasions which he has squandered, or, at the very worst, ignored in order to allow the Governor's daughter's pet go. I'm not sure if you are familiar with what happened the last time Sparrow was in Port Royale?" Beckett was not, but remained silent, keeping his gaze fixed on St Montgomery's. "But it did end with the loss of one of His Majesty's vessels, the Interceptor, as well as Sparrow getting away clean. An opportunity not just to arrest him again, and successfully hang him, but to capture the notorious Black Pearl as well. Instead, Norrington decided to give the man and his ship a day's head start. And then...a day later, no one was sent out to go after the pirate, even though we had the coordinates of the Isla de la Muerta, where he was sure to return eventually, as well as the fact that the man is a frequent loiterer in Tortuga. It is not difficult to figure out where Sparrow is, any fool of a marine can figure it out, yet it constantly eludes our commander." Ah. So that was the story behind the loss of the Interceptor. Beckett had heard news of the Commodore having to face a compulsory court martial to explain and justify its loss - standard procedure for a commanding officer who loses his ship - but he had not deemed it worth the effort to explore further. He was also aware that Sparrow had been to Port Royal in the past before his latest escape during the recent mutiny, but had grossly been misinformed when it came to the extent of the Royal Navy's involvement; that they had had him custody, and that Norrington had voluntarily released him, or acted to that effect, threatened to enrage the Chairman, but he kept his cool, in order to not give this captain before him any advantage in their conversation; whatever he was proposing, and Beckett was beginning to formulate a guess, could not be done without the Chairman maintaining a position of strength. The seemingly obvious hiding places of Sparrow - the fabled Isla de Muerta and Tortuga - and Norrington's lack of action in pursuing these leads was almost excusable though, as far as Beckett was concerned; Isla de Muerta was of questionable existence and Tortuga would have been far too dangerous or difficult to infiltrate and locate Sparrow in. He himself had only managed it by enlisting the service of a man as savage as any pirate to do the work for him. But the fact that Norrington may have willfully let Sparrow go, for whatever reason, overshadowed these factors greatly. Beckett let St Montgomery continue. "And it isn't that it eludes him because he is incompetent. It is willful dereliction of his duty. He is determined to let Sparrow go. I can get you all the paperwork you want from the Fort to confirm that he let the pirate go--there are witnesses--ask his little poodle Gillette, or ask Governor Swann himself--who suggested the affair as well. His daughter was there...the blacksmith's apprentice. Midshipman Evans--all of them were there and can confirm that Norrington let Sparrow go, and any one of them, and the paperwork will confirm that we failed to set out after him the following day--Commodore Norrington's orders." "Rumour even says that McAllister--Norrington's cabin boy, had a hand in assisting the pirate. How can we know that Norrington didn't instruct the boy to assist the pirate in escaping? The blacksmith's apprentice--Turner, I believe, is a close associate of both Norrington and the Governor's daughter--and Norrington let's the man go to help placate her--how can a man that easily swayed by a woman be allowed to continue running this place? Such...it is inconceivable." "I see," Beckett began his reply, "I see." He had little doubt now that St Montgomery would have trouble presenting the witness statements and paperwork he referred to, but that was not his main concern. The problem here was not how to go about punishing Norrington, though his actions infuriated the Chairman; no, it was to adapt to this revelation and turn it to the advantage of the Company. Personal feeling did not come into that. Business was all that mattered. Once again, Beckett's mind ran amok, pursuing different ideas and threads of thought and trying to link them up to construct a coherent plan. Already one had begun to take shape, but he could not be sure it was infallible. He would need time to make sure it would work. "Your promised evidence is strong, Captain, and the conclusions you draw from it are justified." he said, "I agree entirely, that no man who willfully allows a pirate, a condemned criminal, to leave a colony of His Majesty freely is worthy of command. You have my word that this issue will be dealt with in the most...appropriate, manner." "But tell me, Captain, as a matter of curiosity; why have you come to me with this news and not, for example, Admiral Lord Heyworth in Kingston? Pray, speak freely." A small issue, his last question, but one Beckett nevertheless felt needed answering. |
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| Frederick St Montgomery | 24 Apr 2008, 07:29 PM Post #7 |
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Captain of the Dauntless
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"Your promised evidence is strong, Captain, and the conclusions you draw from it are justified. I agree entirely, that no man who willfully allows a pirate, a condemned criminal, to leave a colony of His Majesty freely is worthy of command." St Mongtomery narrowly avoided smiling. That was the best thing he could have heard. Now that the Commodore's ability to lead and command was in question with the chairman of the East India Company, as well as no doubt, the same sort of questions now existed within Admiral Lord Heyworth. "You have my word that this issue will be dealt with in the most...appropriate, manner." That...not so good. St Mongtomery frowned as he realised that Beckett's wording didn't commit him to action. Not to the action he wanted the most anyway. St Montgomery came in expecting at the very least for Norrington to be relieved of his command, but apparently that was not in the cards. For the moment anyway. Hopefully His Lordship would realise that that was the most appropriate thing to do. "But tell me, Captain, as a matter of curiosity; why have you come to me with this news and not, for example, Admiral Lord Heyworth in Kingston? Pray, speak freely." "Heyworth," St Montgomery said, deliberately dropping the man's title, "is old and his memory is not as it was, nor are his cognitive abilities. He's lucky if he remembers the name of his ship on any given day. Attempting to hold an intellectual discussion, or inform him of his subordinates incompetence would be impossible. Besides, the man is biased in the extreme. Norrington has risen to his current rank based primarily on the support of Heyworth, and riding along on his tails. To admit that Norrington made mistakes of this sort, is to admit that his judgment is flawed, and he is not the sort to do that. A trait that Norrington has as well. He fails to see the flaws in officers like Captain Gillette." He shifted impatiently, hoping that his words would drill into the man, the importance of removing Norrington from his position. |
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