Peregrine by Aye Michael

Author:Aye, Michael
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Maritime Historical Fiction
Publisher: Boson Books
Published: 2012-03-18T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

The court martial was held in the great cabin aboard SeaHorse. It had taken a few days to get the officers and crew together. Lieutenant Lavery loaned Lieutenant Mahan a uniform and sword for the occasion. While most of the crew had been gathered as witnesses, Captain Buck talked with the member of the court. It was decided to keep the crew on hand, but they would only call the bosun, Mr. Murray; the master, Mr. Love; the first lieutenant, Mr. Wesley; and the ship’s captain, Lieutenant Mahan.

It was 8 a.m. The bells had just signalled the forenoon watch. The hands went about their duties but in a quiet, somber manner. Everyone was aware of the court martial that was about to take place. The signal flags snapping in the wind overhead were enough to remind a forgetful soul. The shrill of pipes alerted everyone the admiral was now on board. The officers who made up the court were already aboard as well.

Inside the great cabin, a large mahogany table was set up so the court would have the light from the stern windows to their back. A group of five armed chairs sat behind the table for the court’s officers. Off to the right was another armed chair for Lord Anthony, who though not a part of the court would be present.

Two small tables were set up facing the large table. These were for the judge advocate and defense officers. Off to the side, two rows of chairs were set aside for the witnesses and the few spectators who would be present. Lieutenant Lavery acted as provost and had escorted Lieutenant Mahan on board the flagship. They were standing by the lee bulwark when the marine sentry approached the two officers.

“They’ve ordered the prisoner to be brought in, sir.”

“Very well, Sergeant,” Lavery said. He then turned to Mahan and held out his hand. “Good luck, Captain, though I’m sure you’ll not need it. I know each member of the court and they’re all seaman. They’ve all been tested in battle and they all know what you went through.”

Trying to put on a cheerful face, Mahan shook the offered hand. “In that case, Nathan, I hope to return your sword before the day’s end.”

Entering the great cabin Lieutenant Lavery remembered his coaching. He walked to the great table, stood at attention, and then placed Mahan’s sword on the table in front of Captain Buck.

“The prisoner is delivered to the court as ordered, sir.”

Buck acknowledged Lavery then asked Lieutenant Mahan to take a seat, pointing to a chair just to the left of the defense table. Lieutenant Hazard had been appointed judge advocate. Buck looked to him and said, “Carry on, Mr. Hazard.”

Nervously Hazard shuffled through several papers. It was obvious he had been studying them prior to the prisoner being called. Once he got the papers in order, he picked them up with his one arm. He read the letter convening the court. Mahan had been given a copy of the letter and was told by Jepson it was routine.

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