DEATH AND DOMINATION EPISODE FIFTEEN

It may take a little longer to knock out the next two chapters. I'm switching over to MS Word from Open Office and it's going to take some time to master it. Also I have just proofed Crossbreeds One: Battle Butte for paperback soon after I will have CB2 Tanglewood Terrorists in paperback. But in this episode Sharky must deal with a crew that is ready to mutiny, jealous lovers and a bloody sea battle. And now the cannon balls are coming.

BLOOD MOON SOCIAL CLUB

DEATH AND DOMINATION EPISODE FIFTEEN

By Karl Clay Vetter & C. Vetter

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogues are products of the authors’ imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

This story was inspired by the fictional events and characters created at the Blood Moon Social Club interactive theater. Produced and directed by Karl Clay Vetter, C. Vetter and Patrick Foster.

The authors wish to thank all the Blood Moon Social Club members for their outstanding performances and support. The fictional characters in this story pay homage to you each and every one. Proceeds from this book go toward keeping the Blood Moon Social Club alive.

Copyright protected © 2015 by Karl Clay Vetter and C. Vetter.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the creators, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized digital sharing is a punishable offense.

Technical support Patrick Foster.

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BATTLE BUTTE: CROSSBREEDS 1

THEY WERE BORN HUMAN THEY BECAME SOMETHING ELSE

TANGLEWOOD TERORISTS: CROSSBREEDS 2

HUMAN SOULS TRAPED IN ANIMAL SKINS

DARK LEGENDS: CROSSBREEDS 3

NO HEROES ONLY DARK LEGENDS

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CHAPTER 30 SONS OF BASTARDS

Sharky held the wheel tight as the wind pushed the Pelican to starboard.

“Not so tight Capetian Sharky don't fight with her. Feel the wind and sea. Watch your currents and feel your way along.”

“I'm trying Handy but it feels like we are being pushed around by the sea, the wind, and big waves.”

Handy chuckled. “Oh she is tossing around alright but that's not bad you'll get the right feeling soon. So you never sailed before?”

“No, never.” she shot him a smile. “I like it and thank you for helping me to learn I don't think it would be good to be captain and not know how.”

“Oh your right about that. Captain's got to know the sea.”

She looked back over her shoulder and saw the Cutlass trailing behind.

“I wonder what they are up to? Norris seemed a bit stressed when Bret went over.”

Handy was quiet and gazed forward.

“Okay first mate, what are the talking spiders saying that I should be aware of?”

“I was born on a slave ship. My mother was the galley cook for the humans she was my first Captain... first woman I ever took orders from. I like serving for you too.”

“Oh, I see the men are having a pow wow to bitch about the woman in charge. Well you take over here and bring us up along side the cutlass.” she started down the ladder. “When your mother had man trouble what did she do?”

“Well, sometimes she would make them something good to eat... and if that didn't work she had a big heavy iron skillet.”

***

Norris sat at the head of the table belting down whiskey from his coffee mug. Barron sat to his right with Bret to his left. On the table were several charts and the astrolabe.

“I won't stand for it our deal was I'm captain and you follow me on this expedition. What the hell does that little blood banker know about sailing or being a captain? Nothing that's what!”

Barron nodded in agreement. “True what you say, she is in over her head. Taking the ship by surprise was a lucky break for her but running the crew and leading us is another issue. Not to forget my quest was to find the orb, so far we've done everything but look for it.”

Bret had been silent but now they were looking at him expecting his input.

“Gentlemen I hear what you are saying but none of us expected Sky Pirates you have to admit things have change rapidly and we are all adjusting.”

Norris bellowed. “What a load of none committal crap. We all know you're in love with her. But damn it man this is our survival we're talking about. Now scratch around down there and see if you can find your balls. We need to stand together. I'd just take over but for that damn blade of hers. That's a very dangerous thing to be left in the hands of a silly child.”

Barron pointed at the astrolabe. “That is our hold card gentlemen. Bret is the only one who knows how it works so I suggest we keep it over here under lock for safe keeping. Further more I feel...” he was interrupted by a knocking outside the hatch.

“Permission to come aboard Capetian Norris?” The hatch opened and Sharky entered. The color had returned to her face and she looked in fine health. She wore high top buccaneer boots, black breaches a white shirt and black vest. Her long hair had been tide up in a head scarf over this she wore one of Bedelia's aviator caps. A rather rakish sash was cinched tight around her waist with her deadly dagger at the ready. At a distance she might well be mistaken for a young man.

“I see the three of you are giving those charts a good study. I just conferred with my first mate, he has made the run to Komotogon many times and assures me we are dead on course and should make land fall under cover of night. Bret will have to guide us in. I'm sure you all would agree we don't want to get caught by surprise. It seems to me we have the advantage here. The Sky Pirates are drowned and no one as yet knows the Pelican fell from the sky and certainly not that she sails now.” She paused and took in their gaping stares. “Good! Then let's settle this business of our agendas. We each have one and let's begin with you Barron. Your treasure hunt it would appear has been postponed. However, I say to you we are right on course. Bret led us here to seek out Rainhaven and we are coming to that end. If he will cooperate then all well and good, we will seek out your orb. Would you say that's about accurate?”

“I can't argue with that statement, no.”

“Bret you want to return this gadget and have the reward lifted from your head. Oh yes and let's not forget that thing you have dwelling in your eye... That may take some doing but Komotogon is also our destination for that bit of work too. Am I right on that count?”

“That's about the size of it.”

“This leads us to you Captain Norris. Your guidance and expertise has gotten us this far. I have watched you closely and have learned a great deal from you. A captain must feel the sea and wind. You don't fight with your ship you guide her with a gentle touch. But the captain and crew must be cared for too and I have brought you what you need.” She called out. “Suki, you can enter now.”

A slender dark skinned beauty slowly came through the hatch. She was attired in the silk dragon tapestry Sharky had worn.

Norris blurted out. “Who in blazes is this?”

“You don't recognize her as one of my crew, do you? When you saw her last she was fighting fires on the Pelican. When you remove the slave rags and scrub the filth off she looks wonderful, doesn't she? Well Gentlemen I think you would all agree that dress looks much better on her than me. Suki was born on a small island way south of here. She was sold to the Duke of Orleans and was treated badly as a slave. Capetian I trust you will protect her from harm as you did me when I was in your charge.

“Well...I...

“Good! Handy, tells me she knows her way around a galley and can turn most anything into a decent meal. Just remember she is a free woman now, and if you find treasure a share goes to her. That's the arrangement I have with my crew.”

“Well I suppose we could use a cook... but we still need to settle...” Norris was distracted by the appearance of the lovely young girl and lost some of his bluster.

Sharky, seized the opening and interrupted him. “Just a moment Captain Suki, why don't you find Andre and have him show you where everything is? The Capetian hasn't had a good meal in days.”

“Aye Capetian Sharky.” She smiled at Norris gave him a little curtsy and went out.

Sharky took the chair opposite the captain and spun it around. She put her boot in it and leaned over the table.

“Now listen up you sons of bastards we are going into dangerous territory and we need to stay focused on the mission at hand. I fought too hard to free Suki and the others and I'll not see them caught. We get in and out quick. Bret will pretend to be captain of the Pelican because we all know what women are worth in this backward hell hole. He will need the gadget to chart our course so it goes with him back to the Pelican. Norris you are Captain of the Cutlass but I will run the Pelican. The way I see it is this, we sail and fight together. There is no other option we are all outlaws in this world and we have only ourselves to depend on, so if any of you want out... say so now.”

***

Bedelia entered the galley where the remaining nine human cargo were gathered for a meal of fresh caught fish stew. The first protean any had had in some time. A tall woman was dishing it into their bowls. As soon as the vampire entered there was a palatable unease in the galley. She was carrying a trunk filled with weapons and clothing and sat it down on the deck. A glance at the angry faces told her she was in hostile territory.

“Captain Sharky, had me go through the belongings of the old captain and his mate they won't be needing these things. You can divide them up. And here is soap for washing. The new captain want's her crew looking sharp.” She started to leave then paused. “Captain Sharky has set you all free and for what it's worth I am still her prisoner. That is a funny turn of events. Be advised however when the Lords hear of this they will come for her with the vengeance of a relentless hurricane. You will all have to fight for your freedom every day from now on. I have decided that no mater what happens I'll be standing with Sharky. In a strange way she has freed me as well. So you can hate me as you will but I still fight with you when they come.”

The galley cook spoke up.

“Yes, we are free for as long as it last and you'll get no more blood from us. When the hunger takes you and that pretty human form changes to the un-dead thing behind that mask... we will stake you... burn you and toss your unholy ashes to the winds.”

Bedelia was never one to experience fear but the woman's words filled her with an unfamiliar dread. She left and went back to her berth locking the flimsy door tight. If they mutinied and came for her it would offer little security.

***

The whiskey was sour on his tongue and Norris grimaced. Somehow the liquor had lost its bite. He sat the mug down and looked at the two vampires watching him.

“Well what are you looking at? I thought you blood suckers had hypnotic powers to dominate mortals?”

Bret nodded. “Some of us do but Bedelia said she tried and Sharky shrugged it off. Perhaps that dagger gives her some kind of immunity?”

Barron shook his head.

“No, I recall back at the Blood Moon Social Club before she got it. There was some talk of how she could resist such abilities. From time to time we encounter a few humans with a strong dynamic will. They are so driven, so focused that those tricks have no affect on them.”

Bret laughed. “That little blood banker waltzed in here and shanghaied all of us sons of bastards into joining her slave rebellion. That took more than willpower.”

Norris downed his last shot of sour whiskey and banged the cup on the table.

“Yeah brass balls bigger than any of us damn her! She tricked us. I'll not stand for it, she's not ramrodding me!”

Suki knocked and entered carrying a plate of food. She sat it down in front of Norris.

“I hope you like it? I never saw such a wondrous ship. Your mate Andre had to show me how the galley worked, it was like magic. Are you a sorcerer?”

“Well in a manner of speaking.” Norris grinned at her. “Yes I am. Perhaps after I finish this fine meal I'll show you how I can shape-shift. These men were about to leave why don't you sit and join me?”

Bret stood. “Oh yeah, you're not going to stand for any tricks. Good luck with that mighty wizard.”

CHAPTER 31 EL TIBUR'ON

“Ah... it does smell a little better in here. Good work and I see Bedelia brought you some clean clothing. Please burn those horrible rags you had on.” Sharky put her hand on the tall woman’s shoulder. “You are Megan, right?”

“Yes.”

“Well Megan you have done a good job cleaning up this galley so I'm promoting you to Handy's old job of quartermaster. You can have his room and he will move up to a berth. I want you in charge of all food stores and other supplies. I think it's your job to divvy up booty too. I know we are low on food and water so when we make land fall you will take a small group and resupply the ship. I found some coins you can take them when you go shopping. I can send Bedelia with you to protect you from other vampires.”

“With your permission we can find goods without her. I've been to Komotogon I was a house servant there for a time. I learned to count and read a little. We can wear a disguise and sneak about. There are places I can buy supplies from slave run shops and no one will question us.”

“I see...” Sharky paused looking at her crew. Clearly they despised Bedeila and all vampires.“I know you have no reason to trust the vampires and I won't ask you to. I have learned that some can be trusted but that's on me. In fact you can take this gold and run away if you like.” she tossed the bag on the table. “If you stay with me it will be very hard work and dangerous. You are free to choose.”

“Megan spoke softly to her former slave family. They quickly came to an agreement.

“We have nowhere to run to. We've all decided it's better to be pirates with Captain Sharky than blood slaves under the Lords.”

Sharky grinned at them, pulled her dagger and held it aloft.

“Then Pirates it is!”

They all brandished their weapons and cheered.

***

Bret entered the cabin and found Sharky asleep. She'd had a long hard day learning to sail, establishing a ranking order amongst the crew and pillaging the dead Duke's fancy wardrobe. She and Bedelia had tried on all his fine silk shirts and breeches. They had taken what they wanted and gave the rest to Quartermaster Megan and First Mate Handy those two were strutting about like pirate peacocks.

She sensed his presence and squirmed under the fine wool blanket another bit of loot from the Duke. He knew she was naked under there for she liked sleeping that way.

“I've been waiting for you, lover,” she cooed.

“I was plotting our best approach we make port in a few hours.”

“Good there's time to play.”

“Not really I have work to do I just came to...”

She moaned and ran her fingers through her hair.

“No! Take me now... Be rough with me. Tie me up you beast!”

“How can you be so submissive in here and so damned bossy out there?”

She sat up, a petulant frown on her face.

“So we are going to get into that are we? You know damn well I have to run this crew and be as tough as any man or they will not follow me. They sure as hell aren't going to follow you they hate vampires. The only thing keeping them from killing you and Bedelia is me.”

He grimaced. “Yeah and that's another thing what exactly is Bedelia? Your prisoner, your pet... I don't get what's going on with you two?”

“Oh my God you're jealous!” she laughed at him.

His anger swelled. “I just want to know whats...”

She jumped to her feet in the middle of the bed, the blanket fell away. She was a bit taller than he now and glared down at him.

“She's my friend! That's what is up. I'm captain of this ship and you are my pilot by day and my lover at night that is what's up. Now since you aren’t in a mood for me being submissive I guess we are going to change roles. Tonight you get to be my cabin boy.”

“What? Don't be ridicules!”

“Oh, I know all about you sailors and those long lonely sea voyages. Now get over here and pleasure your captain... or do I have to get the strap?”

***

Bedelia paced back and forth behind Handy who stood at the wheel. In the distance the midnight sky was dark except for occasional bursts of red and yellow resembling lightning flashes. Both had seen such flashes before and knew well it was not a storm. Bret and Sharky came up the ladder and saw the sky light up and then go dark.

“Bloody hell!” Bret exclaimed. “Komotogon is under attack.”

Bedelia sneered. “Thanks for that update we've only been watching it for the last half hour. So nice you two could drop in, are you sure it's not an inconvenience?” She gave Bret a scorching glare.

No matter how angry he got with Sharky, she always knew exactly what to say and do to defuse him. Bedelia however only re-lit the fuse.

“Move aside...Tom! Or feel the rough side of my fist.”

Bedeila's hot temper flashed like the bombardments in the sky. She had heard the Victorian term for lesbian before but no man had ever dared call her that to her face.

“I'll rip out your throat and...”

“Boys-Boys! Please it's way to early for this.” Sharky stepped between them and shoved them back away from each other. Now give me some room to think. Handy, what is going on?”

“Master Bret had it right there is an assault on the main port but it's too dark to see who is attacking or how many.”

“How close are we to the battle?”

“Oh... maybe an hour away. Unless we change course we will run right into it.”

She turned to see Bret and Bedelia on the verge of pouncing at each other.

“Bret! You come with me down to the brig. Bedelia you go aft and signal Norris to come up here. Do as I say or you both will feel the rough side of my fist.”

Bret followed her down and they entered the galley. Megan was busy with preparations for feeding the crew, heat from the boiler was used to warm a large pot of gruel.

Sharky sniffed it. “Uuggh, smells terrible we really need to get some decent grub in here. Megan, Bret and I will need the brig for a moment and be advised everyone should be battle ready with in the hour.” She opened the hatch to the brig and they entered.

“Why did you tell them that? What are you planing?”

“Just do your eye thing and report what you see.” She stood guard and made sure no curious crew member looked in. The crew were already nervous with the vampires. Should they learn one was possessed with a demon in his eye socket not even she could control them.

Bret moved the patch and looked out the port hole.

“Three ships are bombarding the port, all are flying different flags. That means at least three Lords have united against Rainhaven. Two of his ships are ablaze and sinking. It was most likely a surprise attack undercover of darkness. They will take the port soon.”

“How many ships does he have left?”

“Just one... that's strange he has a fleet but they're not here.”

“The attackers, are they damaged?”

“Yes they all have fires burning.”

“How are they positioned from the battle?”

“Two are closing in on Rainhaven's gallon the third has fallen back it looks like that one is listing. It can't fight but it could assist if they take the port.”

“The broken one, is it drivable?”

Bret paused. “Drivable? Well if you mean is it...”

“Never mind the nautical terms smart ass just can it shoot its guns?”

He gave a low chuckle. “It looks as if some could but I don't know how accurate they would be.”

“That's good enough... let's go.”

He readjusted his patch and turned to gaze at her with his good eye.

She saw a crooked smiles on his face.

“What?”

“I see what your foolhardy plan is now. It is brazen and reckless. By all the water in Oceanus you are one hell of a pirate.” He took her in his arms and kissed her hard.

***

Norris pulled up along side the Pelican perfectly alined without moon or stars. The night was black as a bottomless pit save for the distant flashes followed by muffled booming.

“How did you do that? I can't see anything in this fog.” Suki stood next to him in the wheel house.

“Just one of the advantages of being a wolf.”

“I heard terrible stories about your kind when I was little.”

He put his arms around her and pulled her close.

“Stories huh. I'll bet they were scary? You hang around me long enough and you'll see how scary.” he leaned in to kiss her.

She turned her head avoiding his lips.

“You're not going to change into a monster and eat me are you?”

“We're not like the vampires, we haven't eaten people in decades.”

She seemed relieved and brought her lips to meet his.”

“Norris, when you have a moment we are about to invade this island,” Barron said from the bow.

Bedelia was tying off the bow line. Bret and Sharky stood near by.

“What makes you think we are invading?” Bret asked.

Barron looked at Sharky.

“That is a battle underway. It can only mean one thing. Rainhaven is under siege if we hit from behind we have the advantage of surprise and we might save him from defeat. A powerful debt he would owe us as his savors. It of course is a very risky move just the sort of thing Captain Sharky would try. I only have one question. How do we attack without cannons?”

“That is a damn good question!” Norris said.

Sharky Stepped into the center of the gathering.

“It's simple really we take one ship and turn its guns on the other two. We convince them reinforcements have arrived and they are caught between the gallon guarding the port and a fleet of ships behind them. I strongly suspect if we leave them a narrow opening they will run rather than fight.”

Norrris stroked his beard.

“How do we fool them?

Sharky grinned.“Oh you have all kinds of nifty gadgets on the Cutlass none of these characters have ever seen... or heard.”

***

El Tibur'on was close to capsizing when the Cutlass came up from behind; electric trolling motors made no sound. Before the battle had begun she had been a low sleek and fast sloop of war with sixteen guns. Now she more resembled a wounded orca. The frantic blood slaves were desperately fighting fires, patching holes and bailing water. The six vampire officers and their captain were gathered as far away from the fires as possible. They had lowered a long boat and were preparing to abandon ship and leave the slaves to drown.

Sharky led a boarding party quietly over the rail and surprised them. She sounded the attack with a fierce war cry and was the first to engage. She buried her blade to the hilt in the chest of an un-dead pirate wearing a black turban. A moment later the turban crowned a smoldering pile of bones. Norris took out the next one with his wolf claws and the fight was over. Believing the ship was about to sink the captain had no incentive to fight and jumped into the life boat followed by his remaining officers. They cut the ropes and pushed off.

Bret sauntered up next to Sharky. “Next time we can all stay behind while you take the ship, clearly you don't need any help from us.”

“I saw a nature show once where a pack of hyenas picked off the weaker buffalo and the rest of the herd backed away. I figured why not give it a try here.” She saw that Norris was causing panic amongst the humans. “You better change back Captain or we will have a mutiny. Andre you help them put that fire out. Bret what will it take to get the cannons firing at those two ships?”

His assessment took no more than a minute.

“If we don't get this tub patched and bail the water out she's lost.”

Sharky approached a group of slaves who were cowering next to the railing.

“Listen to me. I'm Captain Sharky, I am not a vampire and I have taken this ship. From this moment forward you are all free and I give you a choice. You can join my crew of freed slaves and share in all the booty we take or you can swim to shore and find new masters. If you stay with me you better get this ship dry or shes going under. What's it going to be?”

A big burly fellow with a black mustache pointed at Norris, Barron and Bret.

“What about them,?”

She grinned. “They are a new breed of liberators. They follow my orders and we are here to set you free. But you will have to fight with us to keep that freedom. Now get to work or get off my damn ship.”

Faced with such an option they quickly set up a bucket brigade and water flowed over the side. Bret reexamined the guns and deduced that two were actually primed to fire. He and Norris set to work adjusting the elevations.

Barron was watching Sharky with interest.

“You really have a knack for leadership, most impressive.”

She smiled at him. “Thank you Sir, but don't think flattery will get you out of working... find something useful to do.”

“Yes my captain,” he said with a salute. “Andre, let's go below and see if there is an operational bilge pump. Those buckets will take forever.”

A tense twenty minutes passed before Andre had the pumps working and water shot from the hold back into the sea. The fires were extinguished and Bret was waiting for orders to fire.

Sharky flashed a signal with a strong flashlight from the Cutlass' gear to Bedelia and Handy on the Pelican to light her running lights. She had climbed up on some rigging to get a better view.

“Norris, you take the Cutlass out and blind them with those big floodlights of yours and play something nice and loud for them. And fire up your engines no need for stealth now.” She watched him bolt toward the huge house boat. It looked rather small next to the Tibur'on beginning to right itself proudly. “Bret ready on my signal!” Her excitement level was building but she waited until the Cutlass was lit up. Her floods bathed the battle scene in bright electric light something unknown in Oceanus. Over his stereo speakers a rousing sound blast from Pink Floyd rolled across the waves. Suddenly the flashes of cannon fire halted.

“Fire!”

Bret lit off both guns.

A deafening blast, a shower of sparks and deadly balls flew in a high arch out over the water. Both landed on the deck of the ship closest to the Tibur'on. Fire and smoke could be seen, amid the explosion screams could be heard. Sharky had been in a lot of fights but this was her first act of war, adrenaline surged through her body at the sight and sound of it.

“Hit them again!” She looked down from her perch and saw Bret and some crew members loading for another volley. Across the water there was confusion but no panic in fact the vessel she had fired on seemed to be turning to face their guns at her ships. To her left Handy was firing the harpoons with burning oil rags wrapped around their tips. The flaming arcs looked like fireworks streaking toward the enemy ships. She was jolted by a blast from her guns firing again. This time there were six and the damage to the target ship was massive.

The other ship let loose a ten gun volley but she fired too soon and the balls fell just shy of the Tibur'on splashing water over her deck.

“They have our range now the next round will hit us for sure,” Bret warned.

“Reload! We fight to win or die trying!” She commanded.

At that moment Rainhaven's gallon let fly a twenty gun salute and the enemy took it hard. It was clear to all that the fight was turning to Rainhaven's advantage. There was a pause in shooting and the enemy vessels turned toward the only avenue of escape; the narrow gap in the trap Sharky had intentionally left open.

“They're running!” she shouted. “The bloody sons of bastards are running,” her victorious laugh brought cheers from her newly liberated crew.

DEATH AND DOMINATION EPISODE FOURTEEN

I'm slow in getting these chapters out because I've dedicated so much time to promotions with Macayo at cons and reediting my Crossbreed series for paperback publication. The hard work is producing fruit. Dark Legends is now available on Amazon in a spectacular large print format. The other two Battle Butte and Tanglewood Terrorists will soon follow. Mastering the create-space tools for producing print on demand books has proven to be laborious. However, we are in the final stages of the process.

Fear not, those of you that are following the adventures my little pirate queen will not be disappointed. Sharky is in real bad trouble this episode.

BLOOD MOON SOCIAL CLUB

DEATH AND DOMINATION EPISODE FOURTEEN

By Karl Clay Vetter & C. Vetter

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogues are products of the authors’ imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

This story was inspired by the fictional events and characters created at the Blood Moon Social Club interactive theater. Produced and directed by Karl Clay Vetter, C. Vetter and Patrick Foster.

The authors wish to thank all the Blood Moon Social Club members for their outstanding performances and support. The fictional characters in this story pay homage to you each and every one. Proceeds from this book go toward keeping the Blood Moon Social Club alive.

Copyright protected © 2015 by Karl Clay Vetter and C. Vetter.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the creators, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized digital sharing is a punishable offense.

Technical support Patrick Foster.

'LIKE' THE BLOOD MOON SOCIAL CLUB FACE BOOK PAGE

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JOIN THE BLOOD MOON SOCIAL CLUB FACE BOOK GROUP

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'LIKE' THE FACE BOOK PAGE CROSSBREEDS BY KCV

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OTHER BOOKS BY KARL CLAY VETTER & C. VETTER

BATTLE BUTTE: CROSSBREEDS 1

THEY WERE BORN HUMAN THEY BECAME SOMETHING ELSE

TANGLEWOOD TERORISTS: CROSSBREEDS 2

HUMAN SOULS TRAPED IN ANIMAL SKINS

DARK LEGENDS: CROSSBREEDS 3

NO HEROES ONLY DARK LEGENDS

LINK FROM WWW.KOOLKOLLECTABLES.COM TO AMAZON.

Follow Karl Clay Vetter on Twitter and Face Book

CHAPTER 28 THE HAND SHAKE DEAL

“Get some sleep I'll keep watch.” Barron took the binoculars from Norris.

“Yeah I suppose so. Yell out if you see anything.” He slid down the ladder and disappeared below.

“Why do you think they haven't signaled. Boss.”

“Andre my friend I have spent the last nineteen hours trying to figure that out. It could mean they never got on, or they got caught trying to signal, or they did but it was too weak and we couldn't see it for the fog.”

“Well they are getting closer I can see them without the spyglasses.” Andre pointed into the sky.

Barron looked with the binoculars. “No that's another dirigible. It appears to be coming from the north.” He studied the two airships for several minute. “In fact it appears to be on an intercept course.”

“Should I yell for Norris?”

“No let him sleep. We can do nothing but watch and wait at this juncture.”

***

Bret had left Sharky sleeping and slipped out at a time when the others should have been resting in their births. First Mate Skelton was at the wheel as usual frustrating his attempt at a signal. Returning to the cabin he found Sharky struggling with her dragon robe.

“I really need a new outfit I can never remember how you wrap me up in this damn thing.”

he smiled. “Here let me.” Bret took his time adjusting and tucking until the former wall tapestry resembled a Grecian gown again. “He pulled her to him letting his hands slid over her bare shoulders. He delicately caressed her long neck allowing his finger tips to trace the pulse in her carotid artery.

Sharky encircled his neck and kissed him on the lips. “I take it you had no luck with the signal?”

“Skelton is still on the wheel we may have to wait awhile.” He stood back and admired his arrangement. “There all done.” He flopped on the bunk and made his first mistake of the morning. “Toss me a bag I'm running on reserves here.”

Sharky turned on him with a fierce glare. “Get off your ass and come with me down below. We have work to do.”

He was quick to anger. “That right there is what I dislike about modern women.”

“Oh yeah, you were all kinda haten it last night.” She led the way into the slave quarters. As they entered she held her finger to her lips. He could see they were all sleeping on the wood bench and some were scattered about on the floor. She carefully side stepped them until she came to a hatch with a heavy iron collar hanging on it. Sharky unlatched it and pulled the hatch open. It groaned mournfully but no one awoke.” She entered and he followed.

Sharky looked around then pointed to a porthole. He took her meaning and opened the dingy glass for a better look. After a minute he whispered a warning into her ear. “Don't look at me.” He tapped his eye patch and she turned her back to him.

When he was certain she could not see he slid the patch over his good eye and looked out the porthole. The thing in his skull stirred and soon images from far away appeared. After several minutes he saw the Cutlass right on course. All he needed now was a strong light to flash them a signal and hope Norris saw it. Abruptly, from behind he heard the hatch close and Sharky let out a scream. He covered the demon eye with the patch and spun around. She was banging on the door and whimpering.

“What in bloody blazes are you doing?”

She pushed open the hatch and backed out, her head down low. “Mercy my Lord, have mercy on this unworthy slave.”

Bret followed her out and saw a little man standing near by. He too held his head low. It was obvious he had awakened and Sharky had to come up with a cover story. Under the circumstances it was a pretty good one. Although the scene she was creating had awakened every sleeper and all were cringing as he came near.

Sharky turned to the little man. “My apologies Handy, but when I told my master of your brig he wanted to see it for himself. I was disobedient and he unleashed his terrible wrath upon me.”

Bret saw where she was going and followed. “Don't apologize to him I'll punish you anytime or place I choose. I do like this little dungeon it will serve me well the next time you speak out of turn... wench. Now get your water and food and get back to my cabin before I take you back in there.” He strolled past the little man and went on deck. The captain was emerging from his quarters below the wheel house. “What's all the commotion?”

“Nothing important I was merely teaching Sharky the proper way to address her lord and master.”

The captain grinned. “You can't go easy on them. A fist of iron is all they understand.”

***

Sharky struggled to reach the hatch latch of her cabin. Handy had loaded her up with food and water, more than she needed. No doubt his fear of her tyrannical master prompted the generosity. Then she stopped. Something pulled at her. She recognized the sensation of being scanned by a telepath. Instantly she put up a barrage of innocuous thoughts. A trick she had learned from Oleander. She slowly turned to see who it was probing her mind.

A pair of green cobra-like eyes greeted her.“You two have created a bit of gossip, quite a treat for us as these crossings are usually tedious to say the least.”

Sharky bowed her head submissively. “I apologize if I have...”

“Oh, no need to apologize to me for anything. I find you most interesting. For example you’re the only blood-slave I ever met that brags to the other flock at how cruel and vicious her master is, as if it were a point of pride. Oh yes the gossip climbs out of the slave quarters and scurries about up here like little talking spiders.”

“Master Bret is very strict with me he...”

“Strict? I find that hard to believe. You wear no ownership bracelet and for such a bruit you bear no scars or brands on that lovely skin of yours.”

“He has other ways of punishment that are horrifying. I'm forbidden from speaking of....”

“Yes we all heard the results of his tortures last night. The walls are thin when one screams out in the dark. Curious though you did not sound as if you were in pain.”

This bit of news caught her off guard. Sharky's face reddened. “Master Bret takes his pleasures as he likes, I...”

“No don't be embarrassed I'm sure you deserved what ever monstrous cruelty he inflicted on you. By the way my name is Bedelia Reid, what are you called?”

The interrogation was starting to irritate Sharky but she fought hard not to show her anger. Mentally was different she wanted to smack the bitch and some of that emotion was bleeding through her defenses. “Master Bret calls me Sharky.” She offered no more as she was certain of being interrupted again before she could finish her answer.

“Sharrrky...” she rolled to word slowly stretching it out. “A most unusual name for a blood-slave but then nothing about you is ordinary, now is it?”

Sharky refused to answer such a loaded question.

Bedelia smiled. “No... is the correct response we both know that.” She moved close and ran her fingers through Sharky's lustrous hair. “Perhaps I'll buy you from Master Bret. Would you like that? I promise I would not brutalize you so harshly as he does. But then maybe you like it that way?”

That did it, she made direct eye contact with her tormentor. “Master Bret can do anything he wants with me. Now if you will forgive me I must attend to his needs.” She turned and entered the cabin and slammed the door. From outside she heard a cackle that reminded her of the evil witch from Snow White. 

She was so furious it took a moment before she realized Bret was already there. He was lying still on the bunk. When she saw him she started to speak.

He rose and shushed her. He then opened the hatch and looked around. After making sure no one could hear he spoke in a low whisper. “What happened?"

She spoke in kind. “I fucked up really bad. That bitch cornered me and I got mad. She tried reading my thoughts. I think she's on to us.”

“What did she say?”

“They're all talking about us, they could hear us last night.”

He smiled. “You mean they heard you.” His second mistake of the morning.

Her anger swiftly turned from Bedelia to Bret. “Wipe that smug grin off your face, you arrogant son of a bitch. We're in the shit. So what are you going to do to fix it?”

“I'm arrogant? We're in it because of your bossy hot tempered mouth.”

Sharky reached under the mattress and removed her blade and tucked in in her robe.

“What are you planning to do with that?”

“If she comes after me...”

“You'll do nothing, I'll handle this. Let's take a walk on deck and see just what she knows or thinks she knows. And if it's at all possible can you not act like you're back in the twenty first century.” They went out and started along the starboard side. Bret strolling as if he hadn't a care in the world. Sharky followed head low hands folded but close to her blade.

Near the bow the captain and the Duke of Orleans were listing to Bedelia. Bret strolled up to them. “What a fine morning, wouldn't you agree?”

“Quite so, quite so,” responded the Duke.

The captain was less enthusiastic. “Same as any other clouds and fog.”

Bret turned to Bedelia. “And what say you fair lady?”

“It's been most amusing so far. I had a stimulating conversation with your Sharky earlier.”

“Yes I know she is quite contrite. She confessed to me she had been insolent to you. I will punish her severely for this. Captain Rollings may I barrow your brig and a nine-o-cat tails please. I think fifty lashes should teach her a stern lesson.”

“Of course I have several take your pick.”

“No! That will not appease me.” Bedelia gazed at Sharky. “No marks must ever lay upon her skin. I would rather buy her from you. Name your price.”

“Well now my price is very high she provides me with many amusements. I'll consider your request and give you an answer when we reach Komotogon.”

“I can't wait that long. At least lend her to me for a few hours you have no need of her right now do you?”

Bret considered this. “Alright but on the condition you return her exactly as she is now. And none of your mind tricks either. I'll not stand for any hypnosis, nor any potions. If you try to steal my property I'll be forced into an act of regrettable violence.”

“I give you my oath. Besides we've all heard of your furious temper. What is it they call you, Bret the Butcher?”

Bret turned slowly to look at Sharky. “Really, Bret the Butcher? Well in all honesty I've been called much worse. So do we have an accord?”

Bedelia smiled. “Yes we do on my blood oath.” She slit her palm with a claw drawing a drop of blood.

Bret did the same and offered his wet hand. She gripped his, they shook on it and the bloody deal was done. “I'll expect her back this evening.” With not a backward glance he walked away. “Captain my good fellow, how goes the wind?”

***

Sharky was stunned. Not only had she stood silent while they haggled over her as if she were a prized heifer, but now the swaggering bastard had given her to the green-eyed witch... her nemesis! “Is he actually thinking of selling me? It would certainly be the perfect solution to the enormous debt he owes.” A million horrible ideas flooded her brain. She could not run to Barron now, they were out of sight and signaling had proven to be impossible. A voice called her back form her frantic thoughts.

“Come now Sharky it will not be as bad as all that. I just want to talk to you awhile. I'm sick to death of Henri and his insipid droning. Don't look so depressed where is that fire in your eyes I saw before?”

“That's what got me into trouble Master Bret is always after me about it.”

“Well let's you and I have an understanding while Master Bret is away we'll just be ourselves. How does that sound?”

“As you wish.”

“Good now come with me you've been wearing that same silly whatever that is for days. Don't you have any other clothing?”

“Master Bret likes dressing me in this. I think it reminds him of the olden times.”

Bedelia gave out her witchy chuckle. “Or some antiquated fantasy of how women should be.”

They entered a long hall lined with doors Bedelia opened one. “Please come in.”

Sharky became apprehensive. What a perfect place to strike with fangs and claws. In tight quarters with no room to run. Her hand rested close to her blade.

The room was smaller than the cabin, there was a narrow bunk and a trunk. Bedelia sat down and kicked the trunk with her boot. “In there, we're about the same size something should fit. No dresses I don't wear them.” she snapped off her cap and tossed it on the bunk.

Sharky opened the trunk. “I prefer paints myself.” Inside she found several neatly folded outfits. All designed for outdoor active wear in the early nineteen hundreds. Horse back riding, mountain climbing and big game hunting. She recognized the style and period from costumes worn on the history channel. You have lovely things but I shouldn't take them without Master Bret...”

“Oh stop with the 'Master Bret', Sharky you're spoiling my fun. Master Bret---Master Bret just stop it!”

Sharky leaned toward her and glared. “Okay but only if you stop cutting me off all the time, I hate it.”

Bedelia was taken aback by her outburst. “Sure I'll agree to that. But I'm not sure why I would allow a slave to speak to me like you just did?”

“You started this, you said we could be ourselves. I swear not to tell your secrets to the talking spiders if you swear the same. I hope your oath is good.”

“It is and I'll agree to this pact.” She started to prick her palm with a claw.

Sharky stopped her and took her hand in hers. No scares remember your word of honor is good enough for me. Bedelia;s hand squeezed Sharky's and they shook on it. Okay let's see what you have in here.” Sharky dug down and pulled up a dark blue shirt it was simple but durable. “Oh what have we here she removed a pair of black pants that came down to her knees.

“Yes you wear them with long stockings but I left them somewhere. But try them on if you like.”

Sharky started to undress when she realized she had her knife. Pact or no pact Bedelia would not stand for a slave having a weapon. Pretending modesty she turned her back and rolled the tapestry down careful to roll the knife up in a tight bundle.”

“What is that?"

Sharky stiffened thinking she was caught.

Bedelia touched her back just above her buttocks. “Where did you get this extraordinary tattoo?”

“Oh that was Master.. I mean...I got it a long time ago far away.”

“And these?” her fingers slid down to touch her lacy panties. “I've never seen anything like these let me guess far far from here right? I thought we were sharing secrets?”

Sharky took her bundle and sat it where she could still grab her blade. She notice how Bedelia was starring at her breasts. “Something wrong?”

“No, not at all you're perfect. It is a rare thing to find a blood-slave with not a bite mark nor a scar. How is that possible? How does Bret feed if you don't give him your blood? Do not lie to me we have a pact.”

Sharky was quick with an answer. “I draw blood with a device and feed him. Like you he prefers me unblemished.” Sharky had sworn to Bret she would not reveal their secrets and now she had sworn to tell Bedelia the truth. This was going to be tricky so she diverted.

“I'm not so perfect look here on my leg is a scar.” Indicating the bullet wound.

You were shot? Why?

Sharky was clever in choosing her words. “Well without mentioning any names.”

Bedelia was surprised and assumed she was speaking of her master. “Bret did this?”

“All I will say is men can be so impulsive and jealous and I was slow in moving out of the way. The other gentleman got the worst of it.”

Bedelia gently stroked the outline of the little round scare with her finger. “He is a terror. So where did all this happen?”

Sharky slipped into the short pants. “I already shared a lot now it's your turn.”

“Very well,” Bedelia leaned back admiring the half naked girl before her. “In eighteen-ninety-nine I was fresh out of Swiss boarding school and about to be married off to a real pig of a man that my father had dealings with. Only I never went home, instead I ran away to America. I traded my long protected virtue to a sweet young gentleman for passage on a steam liner. Our cabin was far more luxurious than this. By the time we got to New York he was in love with me and begging for my hand in marriage, but I deserted him at the dock.

Later I met a woman of such beauty and talent, she was a stage actress of some renown. I was sure the stage was my calling and tried acting. Turned out it was only lust. We spent a wonderful summer traveling along the East coast. Then we had a falling out over her understudy seems we were but cheating on each other with her. In a week I was out of money and starving. It looked like I was going to have to find another gentleman when something happened to change my life. I met a woman; a dark strange creature with incredible powers. She seduced me or rather I threw myself at her but sex was not her only desire. It was my blood she was really after. She turned me and we became companions. A year later we were on a ship headed for England when we were shanghaied and brought here.”

“What happened to your companion?”

“She was a very strong willed woman and she did not get along with the Lords. Tragically it cost her head. I've been roaming this endless ocean alone ever since. I would have gone back home but I've never been able to figure out how I was transported here.”

Sharky buttoned up her shirt and tucked it in. She found a wide belt and pulled on a pair of low top leather boots. “What do you think...fits pretty good?”

Bedelia stood and put her arms around Sharky's waist. “You are beautiful.” She kissed Sharky full on the lips. “I can free you from Bret. Come with me and we'll be companions forever.”

Sharky held he close and sighed softly. “I'm sure that turning a slave is forbidden by some lord's law. Remember what happened to your friend when she went against them. Then there is you know who and his terrible anger issues.”

“You're no slave to him, you lead that oaf around by his nose. I saw it the first day.”

Sharky ran her hand over Bedelia's short cinnabar hair. “This color is so pretty it's like fire in a gemstone.” Their eyes locked and Sharky felt Bedelia's hypnotic gaze pulling at her mind coaxing, seeking control. Sharky blinked several times and smiled. “Naughty girl you swore an oath not to do that.”

Bedelia's face softened and become less like an evil witch and more like a lonely girl. “Sorry force of habit but how can you resist me? You're so strong minded so different.”

Before more questions came Sharky diverted again. “Your offer sounds tempting but you strike me as a woman who loves hard but not long. You might abandon me some day and then what for poor Sharky?”

“I would never abandon you.” Bedelia leaned in to kiss her lips again, a loud clanging stopped her a breath away.

Sharky pulled free of her arms. “What's that?”

“The damned alarm and I was just starting to have fun.”

CHAPTER 29 CAPTIAN SHARKY

Bret watched as the dirigible approached head on with weapons manned. “Sky pirates! She is coming in for the kill get this barge out of here.”

The captain barked back at him. “I can see that blast you but we can't out run her we're too heavy.” He was making his way up to the wheel house. “Skelton get on that steam blaster and send them a message.”

“Aye Captain.” The mate jumped down from his perch to the deck below and removed a heavy canvas from a strange contraption. It had six iron gun barrels fixed on a gear mechanism with copper tubing and brass pipes running to it. He got behind it and turned a crank on the multy barreled weapon slowly it turned to face the pirates. He jerked on a lever and steam from the boiler filled the pipes with a loud hiss. He stomped a peddle with his foot and pressure began to build. Before he could fire it a barrage of small arms let fly from the attackers. They went high aiming for the hot air bags. Frightful hissing let everyone know the bags had been punctured.

Skelton let loose and six heavy iron tipped bolts burst out from hot blasts of steam raking the deck a pirate let out a squall when hot one shattered his leg, another took one deep in his chest.

The Duke of Orleans was in a state of panic. “They're shooting holes in the balloons we'll drop into the ocean.”

Bedelia ran to his side. “Shut up you old woman and grab a sword, let them come aboard and we'll fight them.” She boldly brandished a sharp cutlass.

The captain called down from the wheel house. “No! We must lighten our load... Throw the cargo over board.”

Henri protested. “But that cargo is my responsibility if I don't delver it to Admiral Rainhaven he'll flay me alive.”

“Do as I command, now!”

Henri ran below and shortly came up with the twelve slaves. He took the first in line, a man of thirty. He unchained him and threw him over the side.

“Another,” shouted the captain.

The slaves realizing their plight began to cry out for salvation.

Bret was hefting the weight of his sword readying for battle when Sharky appeared at his side.

“You have to stop this.”

“Never fear when they board us I'll protect you.”

“No I mean stop that.” She pointed at a second man screaming to his watery death.

“Sadly the captain is correct we must lighten our load.”

She dug her nails deep into his wrist. “Stop it now or I will, there has to be another option. Or will you toss me over to lighten the load and save yourself?”

He looked hard at her then at a screaming woman about to go over the side. “Henri wait. He stopped him just as she was to the railing. Captain send up the parley flag. If we give them the cargo maybe they will avoid a fight. Either way you loose the cargo and lighten the load. What's the harm in parley?”

The captain was out of options and agreed. He sent up the flag and the pirates held their fire. The captain used message flags to converse with them and asked what they would take to let him go. He came down from the wheelhouse and spoke quietly to Skelton and Henri. They came to Bret as a group.

“Well what's it going to be?” Bret asked.

Henri smiled “That was a good idea you had Bret, we can keep the cargo.”

The captain grimaced. “Sorry to do this but drop your sword.”

“What?” From behind him Bret felt Skelton's blade at his lungs one swift thrust and it would split his heart. Not a death blow for a vampire but he would fall none the less.

“Let me guess they want me for the reward?”

Henri gave him a gleeful nod. “It seems you're worth more than all of my blood-slaves combined.”

Bedelia offered a consolation. “Don't worry about Sharky I'll take good care of her, your sacrifice saves her from a terrible fate.”

Bret looked hard at Sharky in her new outfit. “Thanks that sets my mind at ease.” Rather he couldn't but wonder what devilish deal those two had made when they disappeared below. His predicament was owed to Sharky's intervention. He was well aware of how quick she could size up any situation and calculate the profit therein. What had she told him before making love? “I'm the villain here.” As the captain shackled his wrist he was beginning to see some truth in her words.

“Skelton, lower that gibbet cage.” The captain pointed up to an iron cage used for punishments of the most horrible kind. Skelton lowered it and Bret was brutally forced inside.

“Now lower him over the side well below us they will have to take him with grappling hooks, we'll make our escape when they pull him in. Get ready to cut him loose and run.”

The last thing Bret saw as they hoisted him over was Bedelia smiling with her arm around Sharky, who's cold black eyes watched without a glimmer of remorse.

***

“What's happening Norris?”

“They are not friendly that's for certain the smaller faster ship has caught them. There was a short fight and now the smaller ship is dropping under the Pelican. Something is dangling from a rope. I can't tell for sure but it looks like a man I think.”

“Give me those glasses.” Demanded Barron. He took a long look with his vampire eyes. That is Bret and I strongly suspect he's being ransomed for that huge reward.”

Norris shouted to Andre. “Turn this tub around, quick now and full speed a head.”

***

Sharky turned to Bedelia. “Now would be a good time to attack them while they are under us.”

“Let's not bother the men while they work stay back out of the way.”

Sensing immediately Bedelia had no interest in saving Bret. Sharky stepped away and went to Handy.

“Who else has a key to the slave chains besides the Duke?”

He was surprised at such a question. “Well the captain, would.”

“Handy what if I told you your life was about to change forever would you fight to stay a slave or would you take one bold chance at freedom. Remember this may be your only chance at ever being free. What would you do?” This was a big risk she had not forgotten Bret's warning to never trust any human with elevated status. Fear of loosing it could mean certain treachery.

He thought on it and clenched his fist. “I've dreamed of freedom for years but it will never come.”

“That's good enough for me wait here.” She saw everyone was watching Bret dangling as the pirates swung large hooks at him. She was stealthy as a cat climbing to the wheelhouse and creeping up behind the captain. Slowly she unwrapped her blade as she came close but a shout from below halted her.

“They got him!”

It was now or never. She pulled her blade and stepped in. The captain turned to see her.

“Get the hell out of here.”

Her hand struck like a viper drawing blood.

He lashed out with a fist and she went sprawling. He came at her but fell to the floor gurgling as his flesh rotted away into a smoking pile of bones. She reached to where a ring of key had hung and sifted through the goo until she found them.

No alarm had sounded so she assumed the captain’s death went unnoticed. She quickly descended and went for the next most dangerous one. Skelton was in full view of everyone when she struck him down. Standing in front of his smoldering bones she address the shocked audience. Handy come here and get the keys. Set everyone free. Don't any of you vampires rush me this blade can slay anyone with just a scratch.”

The Duke of Orleans showed some courage at last. “You'll not have my cargo and he lounged with sword swiping at her. She dodged his first attack and nicked him with her blade. His second trust sliced her new shirt open at the breast his blade left a trickle of blood in its wake. But now he was screaming in agony. As he churned she kicked him backwards and his rotting corpse fell over the side. She turned to see the slaves loose and cringing in terror. “Get a grip humans we are winning. Handy pull that rope up. Some of them snapped too and grabbed weapons. They went for Bedelia with a vengeance. She lashed out with her claws.

“Stop! I'll deal with her you get buckets of burning coals and dump them on the pirates below. They won't stop with Bret not now. They will want you slaves as well now get to it.” They did as ordered for none really wanted to tangle with Bedelia.

Sharky approached her with blade ready. “Calm down I won't kill you. But I am placing you in the brig for now to keep you safe.”

“You treacherous bitch I'll never let you take me. I'll fight you to the death”

“That was very dramatic. I think you could have been a great actress. But let's be real. You're out numbered ten to one and we are all about to crash and die, plus I have this magic knife. So read my thoughts. Sharky opened her mind to Bedelia. “Look deep and see the answer to all your questions.” She felt their minds joining.

Bedelia's savage face vanished. “By all the water in Oceanus, you came from the other side.”

“Yes and I'll tell you all about it but first you must go lock yourself in the brig or these slaves will kill you. I swear on our pact no harm will come to you.”

Sharky's thoughts were free of deception and there was no arguing against the facts. She was clearly out numbered. Bedelia stood and went below doing as instructed.

The Pelican was listing hard to starboard. “Handy what's happening?”

We're sinking fast they blew holes in our air bags. The fires are burning their ship's balloon but she's pulling us down too. They wont let go of the cage.

“You said you knew every inch of this boat. Do you think she will float again?”

“Sure if we land easy and level but the four bags are loosing hot air at different levels we're going to crash.”

“Not if your crew can cut those riggings and straighten us out. I'll handle the cage just get us right-side up. Get to it First Mate Handy.” She ran to the railing and looked over. The scene was worse than she imagined. The pirate ship was engulfed in flames and dangling below with Bret caught in the middle. She had no choice but to release the tension on the rope. It spun like a deep sea fishing real with a marlin running out the line. The pirates hit the water hard and their gondola broke apart. Bret soon sank with them as he went under she called out him but he said nothing as the cold water claimed him. The Pelican was approaching the water at a dangerous pace. She turned to see Handy and several freed slaves chopping lines from the sagging balloons they were starting to level up but the rate of falling seemed to increase. Suddenly she had a stroke of insanity. She bolted to the steam engine and did what she had seen Skelton do she opened the valve to the balloons so the remaining air would heat up.

“Handy saw her and ran to another gear and opened another stack that pumped hot air in. It chugged and a billows puffed air into the failing gas bags.

A big broad smile ripped his craggy face. “It ain’t much but we need every puff.”

She ran to the edge and yelled out. Hold on we're going to hit...” The impact threw her over, she was dangling by one hand there was a great crashing sound and a wave spread out from the Pelican. She was about to let go when Handy hauled her in like a fresh caught tuna.

“Nearly lost you Captain Sharky. What next?”

“Get on that crank and pull up the cage, now.”

“He rushed to the crank and grabbed a girl to help real Bret up. “Not meaning to question your orders Captain Sharky but wont Bret the Butcher be angry at us for letting the pirates have him? I thought you hated him for beating you?”

She kept watch on the line as it rolled up. “Faster! Yeah he can be a real bastard but I may have exaggerated how evil he really is. Truth is I kinda like him. So get more on that crank.”

“Aye Captain.” With two more cranking, the cage soon broke the surface and Bret’s pale blue corpse came on board. “Handy you have the keys open this thing. As soon as the gate creaked open she held his face but could find no sign of life. Shit he needs blood I didn't feed him, I bitched him out instead.” She ran to her cabin and returned with her go bag. From inside she removed a blood extractor kit. She inserted a needle into her vein and let the attached bag fill. She then inserted a needle into his arm and with a gentle squeeze she pumped it into him, but he didn't revive. In desperation she removed the tube from his arm and squeezed blood into his mouth. The second he tasted it his survival reflexes came alive. He sucked the bag dry and started pulling more from her body. After a moment she got dizzy and swooned. As she was about to pass out Bedelia yanked the needle from her arm.

“That's enough you greedy bastard, you're killing her.” Bedelia picked her up and carried her to her cabin, where she laid her on the bunk.

***

Norris steered for the plume of smoke rising off the water. As they came to the scene of the battle he saw several human bodies floating amid the wreckage. As he cleared the noxious mix of fog and smoke he saw a steamer yacht with a full crew working hard to untangle the balloons from her rigging. He slowed and watched for any sign of Bret or Sharky.

Barron who rarely ever became anxious could not wait any longer. “Caution be damned I'm calling out to them. “Bret! Sharky! Where are you?”

A man of small stature called back. “Who be you?”

Norris turned sharp to sidle up next to them, tie us up Andre.”

“Yes Captain Norris.

“I'm Norris Captain of the Catalina Cutlass. Where is Bret and Sharky? Do you need help over there?”

“Yo I'm First Mate Handy. I got her floating after falling from the sky. Master Bret is about, he's doing well what he drowned and then Captain Sharky brought him back to life with her blood. She's resting right now.”

“That’s good news,” Barron shouted. “We are friends. May we come aboard?”

Norris interrupted. “Before we come aboard where is Bret? And did I hear right, did you say Captain Sharky?”

“Handy smiled. “Aye Sir, Captain Sharky set us all free after she killed the old captain and two other vampires. We're free humans now so don't come over if you're not clear on that count.”

Barron assured him they were friends. “We're very happy for you.”

“I'll fetch him.”

Norris scolded Barron. “We only have his word everything is okay. Let’s see some proof.”

Barron smiled. “There's your proof.”

Bret greeted them . “Welcome aboard the Smoking Pelican.”

Norris laughed . “We were worried for a while not knowing if you were even on the ship but that was one awful big signal you sent.”

“Not my doing thank Sharky. She started the fire. I was drowning at the time.”

Norris came aboard followed by Barron and Andre. They surveyed the damage and the new human crew diligent at their work of clearing debris and refitting the ship for sea travel.

Barron spoke first “Where is Sharky was she injured in the fight?”

Bret hesitated a moment. “Well... she was injured but not from battle there she proved herself to be quite deadly.”

Norris was scratching his beard. “Did I hear right, that Handy fellow called her captain?”

Bret grinned. “Yeah that one took me by surprise too. But it's true she killed the captain and two of his minions. By right of combat she is the captain of the Smoking Pelican. She also took a prisoner... At least I think she's a prisoner, I'm not really sure what she is.”

***

Sharky opened her eyes to see Bedelia hovering over her with a wet cloth. She felt the familiar bed of her cabin under her and sat up.

Bedelia frowned. “Don't jump out of bed you're still weak. Here try this fruit. We use it to rebuild blood faster in the flock.”

Sharky saw a bowl with what resembled small oranges but not so bright and polished as the ones she bought in the markets of home.

“Thanks I do feel a bit groggy. What happened?” She took and peeled the citrus.

“You were like some heroic swashbuckler from one of my old stage shows. Sword in hand you danced across the blood washed deck trusting and slashing. Then you slew the captain and his mate then the Duke of Orleans. Fighting like a rouge prince amid smoke and flames you took control of the ship and declared yourself its captain. It was marvelous. Then you saved me from the blood crazed mob and swept me here to safety.”

Sharky took a bite while watching Bedelia's eyes. They were filled with passion and glazed over with a dreamy glow. “Yeah it's coming back to me now but as I recall you swept me up and saved my life.”

“Oh, who cares who saved who? Let's finish what we started before the alarm sounded.” Bedelia sat down next to Sharky and draped her arms around her neck.

Sharky gently detached herself and lay back on the pillow. “Listen love and try to understand what I'm saying. Things have changed and I need your help. I've started something here and I intend to see it through. You can ride along until we come to a safe port for you to exit or you can be my confidant but... I love another.”

Bedelia shot to her feet the glow was gone and green hell fire erupted from her burning eyes. “It's that one eyed devil! How can you love him? He's despicable in every way. What has he done to you a possession curse? I know a witch that can turn it back on him for sixty gold doubloons.

Sharky smiled. “That's good to know but sadly it's not so easy as that. You see I have this crazy weakness for men like him and he's the worst I've ever met. That's why I need you to be my friend. So come here gorgeous, sit next to me and hear my insane plan.” 

***

Norris had just finished an exhaustive inspection of the Pelican. “I am flat out amazed. This vessel should be in a museum. How they got it to fly then back in the water is pure genius.”

Barron too was most impressed. “Extraordinary to say the least. However, I am concerned that our young Sharky has opened a Pandora’s box that can never be closed. If word of a slave mutiny reaches the lords we may be in for trouble. What say you Bret?”

Bret sat on the rail so deep in thought he never acknowledged Barron's query. He was fixated on the gibbet cage that had been his watery coffin not two hours earlier. The last thing he saw as he sank below the suffice was Sharky leaning over the side and watching him go under. Of course she had to rescue him, she needed him to navigate with the astrolabe. But now she controlled a ship and its crew. A crafty move on her part. On one hand he had to respect her for how she'd pulled it off. On the other he secretly desired nothing more than a few private moments with her. Just long enough to strangle her to death. His dark fantasy was interrupted when Bedelia came out of his cabin. She was another one on his death list and now might well be the perfect time for a reckoning.

“We had a deal you scurrilous serpent tongued mother of all pestilence. You hypnotized her!”

Bedelia moved like a panther poised to pounce. “Oh I tried all right but she just laughed at me. That mortal girl is the most strong willed woman I have ever met. You are alive right now only for her... you swaggering bucket of bilge. I would have let you sink to the bottom of Oceanus. Now get in there and pour out your gratitude at her feet. Captain Sharky summons you to her quarters.”

Bret checked his raging impulse to claw out her heart. “We will settle up at a later time.” He stiffly left the scene with all eyes following him into what apparently now was Sharky's cabin.

He slammed the door behind him and locked it. His much talked about temper had reached it's boiling point. The unseen rider behind his eye patch danced excitedly at the anticipation of horrific violence.

Sharky's head rested on the pillow her wild mane spread out like a foamy black crown. Her eyelids drooped half close her lips parted slightly as she took short shallow breaths. His volcanic anger was about to erupt when she spoke.

“Bret my darling I'm so sorry, I know you can never forgive me for what I've done. I broke every rule every promise. I put you in mortal danger and I deserve your hatred for it. I have only one defense. I just couldn't watch as all those poor souls were thrown to their deaths. Something inside me wouldn't let it happen. I never thought you would be endangered. When I saw you vanishes into the sea my heart broke because I knew even if I could get you back I had lost your love forever.” Tears streamed down her cheeks.

The left side of Bret's head throbbed with pain as the thing inside howled for blood. His good eye was transfixed on her beautiful face marred by tears. Tears shed for him. His cold dead heart began to warm and he fell to one knee next to her. His skull crushing hand gently slipped under her's and held it like a sick kitten. On the floor next to the bed was her go bag, inside was a full blood pack.

“You little fool why did you revive me with your blood? I could have killed you. What happened to your own rule about never sharing your blood with a vampire?”

Her dripping eyes opened to see the anguish in his face. “I had to save you no matter what it cost. My blood is yours now and forever.”

The searing pain in his head subsided as he took her in his arms and kissed her.