Grantville Gazette 37

Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Plan is Hatched

The Second Chance Bird at anchor near the site of Poste de Flacq

That evening, after a quick celebration over dinner at Pam and Gerbald's safe return, the senior staff gathered on the high castle deck. The Swedes' faces were a study in smoldering rage as they heard the news of their colonist's enslavement.

Lojtnant Lundkvist shook his head slowly. "I don't see how such a small force as ours can take on so many, even with our skill and experience. But if you order it we shall try, Captain Pam."

"Actually, Gerbald and I have been working on a plan. Trickery has worked so far, so we intend to stick with it," Pam said, her voice full of a sly eagerness.

"It seems that it is our turn for a masquerade, gentlemen," Gerbald told the men with a positively wicked smile. "Beware Greeks bearing gifts."

****

The next morning Pam and Gerbald were rowed to the shore again. They made their way quickly through the forest to where the foraging party was again working their way along the freshly cut forest's edge. Pam winced at the destruction of so much timberland. These renegades were definitely not following her zoning plans. She quickly spotted her contact trailing along at the end of the group. Pam came up behind her, hidden in the underbrush.

"Hello again, my friend. I have news."

"As do I."

"Tell me."

"We have done as you asked. We are prepared to make our break. We have hidden weapons, tools, stones, whatever we could manage. When your signal comes we will fight."

"That's good. I forgot to ask you last time, what became of the Muskijl's crew and soldiers?"

"The sailors are working on building the fort. Some of them, the officers and marines mostly, are being held captive in the French warship. We all fear for their health greatly; no one knows what condition they are in. Those filthy French bastards and their foreign dogs hung the captain of the Muskijl when he refused to cooperate, as an example to us all. If we weren't so useful, I doubt any of us would have been spared." Bengta's voice was thick with controlled anger. "Do you see that heathen devil who guards us? When the signal comes I intend to stove his skull in with a stone, may God forgive me."

Pam nodded solemnly. "I killed four like him myself with a pistol a few days ago. It was necessary, God forgives. Just be careful." Pam reached into her rucksack to pull out a bundle filled with sharp knives, a few hammers and some chisels she had collected from the Second Chance Bird. "I've brought these for you; can you keep them hidden? They may help."

"Yes, indeed they will. I will make sure they get to those who can use them best. Thank you, Pam, you are our savior!"

Pam blushed at the woman's fervency. "I'm just doing my duty. I got us all into this mess and I'm getting us all out. So, here's what's going to happen; make sure only your most trusted leaders hear this part. Tomorrow afternoon you are going to see a strange-looking ship pull into the dock; it's called a Chinese junk and you won't be able to miss it . . ."

As Pam outlined the plan, the woman's face grew bright beneath the grime of the brutal captivity she suffered.

Pam finished up. "The signal to raise holy hell is going to be 'Save the dodo!' When you hear that, go to work."

"'Save the dodo!' Yes, the princess' funny birds. They are rather cute, I think. We have done as you asked and try to protect them, driving them into the woods when we find them so the heathens can't eat them."

This bit of news almost made tears of joy erupt from Pam's eyes.

Bengta stole a quick glance back to smile at her. "It shall be as you say; we will be ready. You will have our gratitude, Pam Miller. You are a very brave woman. We have seen that these swaddle-headed fools greatly underestimate women and they shall die regretting it." Bengta turned briefly to check on the guard, who seemed to be dozing at his post. When she turned back Pam was gone.

"Go with God, Bird Lady," Bengta whispered into the trees.