Jan Coen Van der Beek<br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120917045125/prowrestling/images/thumb/d/d3/Paul_burchill_pirate.jpg/196px-Paul_burchill_pirate.jpg) </div></div><br/>Ship Name: Batavia<br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Batavia_01.JPG/320px-Batavia_01.JPG)</div></div><br/>Location:  1 day off coast of St. Kitts, currently stationary in the water.  A small packet ship sits beside the Batavia, flying a British flag<br/>------------<br/><br/><strong>"What the hell do you mean he is dead??</strong>The captain, Van der Beek, looked at short and portly man with a mix of fire and fury, but a touch of welcoming relief.  The man in front of him turned red and started to stumble over his words, looking back up at the tall man standing over him.<br/><br/><strong>"Never mind, you buffoon..."</strong>Jan waved at the man, although anyone could tell that he was not done with the conversation and that more information would be forthcoming.  He looked up at his yardarm above his head and laughed.  His crew was quickly taking down the British flag and taking it back down to the deck.  This trick worked on so many ships at sea.  It worked for the pirates, so he took it as his own.  It worked in getting the small packet to stop for him.  He never would have caught the small vessel.<br/><br/>The captain of the mail packet and his crew of 6 were standing nearby, waiting for their fate.  To anyone else but the members of the crew, they would have thought that the Batavia and Captain Van der Beek himself were pirates.  They were Dutch military, specifically protecting the Dutch slavers and other boats in the region.  But, Cap was always looking for a good time, and was looking to secure HIS future.<br/><br/><strong>"So, what is in the envelopes, then?"</strong>Jan asked the flummoxed man.<br/><em>"Re...Re... reward money for the captains of the ships that were instrumental in the sinking and death of Blackthorne."</em>the man said all officially.<em>"Each of the 5 ship captains have earned 200 gold from the crown and two commendations each for themselves and 2 to give to the crew for outstanding merit."</em><br/><br/>Jan looked in the packet and saw a small pile of gold and the parchments in a small strongbox.  He nodded at his first mate, Thompson, and he wordlessly got the lockbox out of the boat.  Thompson took it to his quarters.  The captain started to raise a protest, but with a glance, Jan silenced his objections.<br/><br/><strong>"Where to... knave?"</strong>Jan looked back at the man.  Turning red from the insult, he looked at Jan defiantly.  The Batavia's master at arms moved closer to his back.  Pressed, the captain answered.<em>"All... all... all I was told was that it was around Martinque... that is all I was told.  I figured I would ask ships once I got close..."</em><br/><br/>The island was 3 days south with tack.  It was on the way to Tortuga, which Jan needed to go to anyway to check on the boats there.  There was no activity here near St. Kitts, so it was worth the sail.  He looked at his navigator, and nodded.<strong>"South men... toward Tortuga..."</strong><br/><br/>Many of the men looked excited.  There were some haunts there and many fine island women.  They did not need to know that they would not actually be going to Tortuga right away.<br/><br/>The Captain cleared his throat to get Jan's attention.<em>"Sir.. I know the pirate code is to walk the plank, but I ask as an officer of the ...</em>.  Jan put his hand up.<strong>"Sir.  We are not pirates.  You are under arrest for smuggling by orders of the Dutch government and have been confined to this ship until we reach safe Dutch port where you will be put on trial."</strong><br/><br/>The captain's face fell... then turned to anger.<em>"Dut...Dutch!!!  There are no...  CURSES!!!  Smuggling???"</em><br/><br/><strong>"Do you have paperwork on this large sum of gold?  What about the proper taxes for this excessive parchment?  Have all of your men reported to the nearest authority and obtained the proper clearance to enter Dutch territorial waters?"</strong><br/><br/><em>"No... No... no one does that!!!"</em><br/><br/>The men started gathering at the sounds of the captain and one of his ruses.  There were smiles all around.<br/><br/><strong>"As the commander of this ship, and ranked admiral in the Dutch navy, I place you under arrest until you can be transported to St. Kitts for trial.  While on the ship, you attain deckhand status and are at the behest of Mr. Thompkins, the third watch commander.  You can, for a price of... "</strong>Jan looked around at his crew who were laughing and holding up fingers.<strong>"50 gold each you can bail out until your trial."</strong>The crew laughed as the Brits's faces fell.<br/><br/><strong>"Any questions, swabbies?"</strong>The Brits were set apon and stripped of coats and ranks.<strong>"Scuttle that piece of shit and lets go south!!!"</strong><br/><br/>The packet was set adrift and then torches thrown at it.  Soon, it was a small bonfire of kindling.  The large boat lurched south.