The sun shone brightly down on the deck of the ship as the crew worked in slow fashion, clearing the debris away from the smoking fire pit that was dying beneath the great copper pots held on large stones. The whale fat had rendered down, filling the last barrels in the hold, and so the crew were in jubilant spirits, since they knew it was time to head off from the beating heat of the calm line of the Pacific Ocean that had surrounded them for months. The crew knew their Captain would be well pleased by the haul, the ship dragging under the weight of both the catch and their extended stay at sea. A rough ensemble they made, their clothes sticky with the long hours of work, but the slow drag of each day was finally easing under the knowledge they would soon be at rest. They were off to the Sandwich Islands to sell up the load, and each of them would get their share. Those whose bond was finished could choose to stay, or sign up for another term, and the rest would enjoy the three months of refitting on one of the less-visited islands they were wont to visit – one with a small town where many of the longer-term men had understandings with the local women. After all their hardships and time alone, the monotony of salt beef and hard biscuits, they would be relieved in the dazzling array of a tropical paradise.

Samuel Ruggles left his wife Nancy to the overtures of his crying son, ducking under the fronds that made up his best attempt at thatching a roof on his hut. All around him the locals were running down to the ocean, crying out a variety of words, only some of which he could make out from his limited vocabulary. He began to jog to the shore, his crucifix swinging wildly on his chest. The sun was bright, a third clear day making him hot. A lot of the men were pointing out towards the horizon, out from the edge of the point that headed out south into the sea. He shaded his eyes, looking out. He turned to the tallest of the men, who had a better understanding of English than he did their language. “Kaa-Neh. What is it?”

“A big ship. One of the great whalers. I told you they would come again, as they have before.”

Samuel squinted at the sea, eyes gazing out from under his hand. He could see it quite clearly turning towards the harbour. Its sails were full, and a British flag fluttered in the breeze. He could just make out the figures moving on board, climbing the rigging. He took a couple of steps backward and turned, running back up the beach. He called out, “Nancy, get the bible, and then go and find Reverend Goodrich.” He looked back. Some of the locals were already waving. He clasped his crucifix and asked the lord for strength.

At the stern of the ship, Teacher helped Naval Jim overturn the anchor. Its chains chinked and rattled as the weight fell away; a huge splash showed it had reached the water. Teacher grabbed the railing that ran along the stern, as the ground shuddered under the weight of the new anchorage. The Captain came out onto the deck and called out, “Get the men in the boats, Mr Fallum”, and the First Mate, known to all as Grim Dan, bellowed his relay, “Ev’ry one of you get int’ th’ boats, we’re off ashore, lads, so pick up the pace.”

There was an organised scramble to get into the four whaleboats as each crewman found his berth. Teacher grabbed his kitbag and jumped into the closest boat, yanking at the holding ropes to get them free. His crew held their weight, and lowered themselves to the water. Oars were pushed out, and the strain taken up, as each of them forced the sluggish boats through the harbour waters. Naval Jim was grinning. “Look at all them lovelies on the shore, waiting for us.” A small cheer went up from the boat, and they strained all the harder.

The fine, black sand ground against the hull of the boat as it came ashore in the harbour. The men pulled in the oars, and they dropped the small anchor over the side to secure it in place. The boat carrying the first mate had already arrived, the men with him following in his wake as he walked up in amongst the coconut trees. Not wanting to be left behind in any discussions, Teacher and the others all jumped into the cool knee-deep water, and waded in behind. Unexpectedly, they could hear raised voices, the loudest of which was the First Mate, Grim Dan. Few things raised Dan’s passion, very few indeed, which went a long way to explaining his monicker. It was said that only two things ever made Grim Dan angry, and they were the French and someone stealing his liquor. The Sandwich Islands were claimed by many nations, but the French had only crossed the Pacific as far as Tahiti. Teacher looked at the others: this was not a good sign at all. They hastened, spraying water before them, practically running in to shore.

When they got closer they could see more clearly what was happening. Grim Dan was practically nose-to-nose with a tall, thin man, who was wearing very neat clothes and carrying a thick-bound book. Dan, his anger getting the better of him, was streaming obscenities into the man’s face, and in response the man was bellowing what sounded like quotes from the bible. The men were lined up in a cone behind Dan, and most of the natives were keeping their distance. Behind him, Teacher heard another boat unloading, the Captain’s boat. He and the others pulled away, keeping their distance, as the Captain marched up the beach towards the ongoing argument.

“Mr Fallum! Desist this God-awful racket immediately, it’s not becoming of your stature!”

Grim Dan jerked back, as if yanked by the ethereal force of the presence of a superior.

“Now then, sir, what on Earth has caused this turmoil? You –” He looked at the lanky man, who was now clutching his book firmly in his right hand. “What causes you to be at such odds with my First Mate?”

The man held up the book, which was clearly a bible, almost as if it were some kind of shield. “You, sir, will take your alcohol-imbibing devils and you’ll leave this place – this place is a place of the Lord, and we have no time for suffering their likes here.”

A groan went up from the whole crew. The Captain looked hard at the man for a few moments, and then addressed his men. “Right, all of you, return to you boats, and await command from me. Mr Fallum, assuming you have calmed yourself sufficiently, you will remain with me, along with the good Ensign Derby, and Mr Grover when his boat comes ashore.” He turned back to the missionary, whose face was still ridged with forced anger, and the men retreated to the boats, leaving only the Captain, Grim Dan and Naval Jim standing in the shining sun.

“Now, my good sir. I note that you are a missionary, and are interested in protecting your newfound converts, but I also note that you are no reverend. I, however, am a Captain of a ship of her Majesty’s fleet, and we are in need of berth for the restoration of my fair vessel.” The Captain waved somewhat ostentatiously towards the tired-looking whaler in the harbour. “I understand your fears, and I can temper my crew towards your wishes, but you should be assured that we intend to remain anchored in the harbour for the next three months, until our repairs are fully made, and we are ready to set sail.”

The man stood, with his bible falling somewhat limp, looking more confused than mollified. He looked over his shoulder up the beach, then back. “The Reverend Goodrich will be here shortly. But, but, I’m sure he would agree with me. This is not a matter for discussion. We have established a base here to do the Lord’s work. We have experience of the influence of whaling ships on the local people. We have worked hard to defeat the powers of idolatry on this island in order that the people better understand the works of the bible, not for you to allow your crew to go whoring and drinking their way through the town.”

The Captain looked a little disgruntled, but held his calm. “Your mission is, I do not doubt, doing great works here. I have a ship full of men who need refreshment. I have already assured you, as I will assure your reverend, the people in this town are under your protection. We will refit in the harbour, and buy supplies from your local people. The men’s other requirements can be provided elsewhere.”

The thin man relaxed a little. “Thank you, sir.”

“And when can we expect your reverend to arrive here to conclude this discussion?”

The man looked back up the beach, and the Captain, following his gaze, could see a rather plump man striding confidently up the beach towards them. “That is Reverend Goodrich coming now.”

With the arrival of Mr Grover from the fourth boat, the assembled group stood waiting for the reverend to arrive, sweating in the full sun. A short distance away, the entire crew looked on, sitting in their boats, straining to hear what discussions would take place.

The portly Reverend Goodrich arrived, with a stern look on his face. “Mr Ruggles, what is happening here?”

“It has been sorted out, Father. The men of the ship will stay away from the town.”

The reverend scowled. “Samuel, I expected better from you. We are not here to protect the souls of only those in the town.” He turned to the Captain. “I am accountable for the souls of those on this island. I will allow you to remain here only if you agree to a banishing of the demons of drink and vice among your men. If you agree to that, I can see no reason why you cannot remain within this harbour.”

The Captain grinned lightly, though to his men it looked closer to a grimace. “I have a requirement for my men, to refit this ship, where and how I see fit. I have agreed with Mr Ruggles here, that no alcohol will be consumed in the town. I provide you with this concession as one man of God to another.”

The reverend snapped back, “There will be none of your sin in this harbour. In fact, there will be none on this island. Your men are in perilous danger of being consumed by it, and are threatening those who have turned towards Christ on this isle. I will allow you to risk the souls in this town as much as I will allow you to risk the souls of the men on your ship. There will be no alcohol here; there will be no alcohol on your ship. There will be no debauchery, no lustful endangerment, only the calm temperance that worshipful Godliness provides. This place is now a refuge from such darkness.”

The Captain spoke, struggling to disguise the scorn in his voice. “And this is your word speaking here, is it? You consider yourself overlord of this land that you have only just arrived at? We have visited the people of this town twice before, and left them happier than when we arrived, so who are you to prevent my crew now?”

The reverend interjected, “It is not I who is overlord, it is the word of our Lord. The power of Jesus Christ himself, from whose judgement you cannot escape, come the reckoning.”

At this Grim Dan let out a laugh, causing everyone to spin around and look at him. He smiled at the Captain. “You know the laws of the ocean as well as I do, sir. There ain’t no God west of the Cape of Good Hope.”

Reverend Goodrich sneered back, “You may carry no God with you, sir, but if that be true, then you sail a damned ship, filled with condemned men. You come as the very Devil himself, but our strength will hold back your kind.”

The Captain put his hand on Grim Dan’s shoulder. “That is enough, Mr Fallum. God holds sway in all realms, even ones as lost as this.”

“Aye, sir. But not your God, sir, not in these parts. I hear they chase them that follow popery back across the oceans.”

“Mr Fallum, that is enough!”

“A worshiper of the whore of Rome!” The reverend’s eyes were bulging. “The Devil comes to us and tries to use his hellfire to turn our hands, but we will not be turned!” Goodrich fumbled at his chest, pulling out a wooden crucifix. “You will leave this place, you and your crew. The Devil will not walk among us!”

The Captain now looked angry. “Sir. I must protest in the fullest. Your words as a gentleman pour scorn most unnecessary. I urge you to take back your insults on my person. We may have reason to disagree here, but it is not for you to place such curses upon my name.”

The reverend’s eyes were blazing. “Ha! No words of bedevilment from you will turn my hand. For you are a worshiper at the knees of the scarlet whore in Rome, come here to ruin the Good Lord’s work. Begone to you, I say. And begone to your pirate crew! Murderers and pirates, every one of them. Get back to your hell, from whence you came!”

The cool steadiness of the Captain’s voice cut the air. “Mr Fallum, prepare the men to return to the ship.” With that, he swung on his heels, and stomped towards his boat, his three crewmen trailing behind him. Reverend Goodrich stood on the beach, his hand still clutching his crucifix in a vice-like grip, but Mr Ruggles had already run back up the beach to his house, fearing the worst of either man’s wrath.

Naval Jim strained his shoulder against the thick hull of the whaleboat, easing it away from the beach before jumping into it as it glided through the water. The men’s faces were all grimly set, watching the shore or looking back to the ship. Teacher looked back to Naval Jim, who had managed to clamber his way into his place behind one of the oars. Jim looked back at him. “Don’ be askin’ me what’ll happen next, cause I can’t tell ya. I’s travelled under some real firebrands in my time, ’specially when I was on the Frigate, but I’s never seen a Captain so angry.”

O’Hare, an Irishman who had signed the ship’s book only recently, looked puzzled. “I ne’er knew the Cap’in were a Catholic. I ain’t seen him in any of the masses I’ve been to at port.”

Teacher smiled. “The Captain don’t hold his religion too close. He once told me he trusts the ocean more than the Church. But underneath, he’s got a papal heart. He once ran a man off the books for insultin’ the Pope. We left him with a band of natives in Mauritius. Might still be there, for all we know.”

Naval Jim nodded in agreement. “Teacher’s right. The way that missionary was goin’ on, I daren’t imagine what might yet happen. So heave your oars, lads, and don’t go gettin’ so downcast. There be a reckonin’ in the air.”

The men busied themselves hauling the boats up against the ship’s sides, waiting to hear what would happen when the Captain came aboard. They didn’t have long to wait. The Captain stormed into his cabin beneath the quarterdeck, followed by the First Mate, but despite the slam of the door, his voice bellowed from beyond the dividing wood still clearly discernable.

“God damn him, Dan. God damn the arrogance of the man! Had we guns, I’d order you to fire a volley off into his hut!”

The Mate’s answer went unheard, but the reply came again clearly. “No we are not. We need to refit, and I’ll be damned if that fool thinks I’m going to sit around for three months amid a crew growing restless for lack of rum. Honolulu is full of that man’s countrymen, like a damn disease on these islands. Americans and their missionaries!”

Another pause. “Well, if that’s what he wants, then that’s what we’ll give him, by God.”

The quarterdeck door opened, and the Captain ducked his head out, with the First Mate trailing behind him. He drew himself up and proclaimed, “This is our ship, gentlemen. I intend her to be shipshape and ready to sail out and face down the whale in three months. You all know this will be tough work, and we’ll have to work hard here to get it all done. But I’ll be damned if that jumped-up lay-preacher thinks he can order us about. You know I allow no lawlessness on this ship, but equal with that, I know you need the services of the good people of Hilo, out there on that shore, and I for one am not about to stop you, no matter what the new missionaries might say of the matter. I can take almost any insult, but he insulted my lads. He called you all pirates, and in my mind, that ain’t right. So, if the fool wants pirates, that’ll be what he gets himself. Mr Fallum, get someone to make me a Jolly Roger, all black and white, as quick as you can, and run the thing up the mast, next to the Union Jack.”

Grim Dan’s smile was broad. “I doubt anyone’s had recourse to run up that flag in seventy-five years, sir.”

“This isn’t for any ship to see, Mr Fallum. Just one man. While you men are on the ship, all rules apply. Once you’re on the shore, you can do anything allowed the last time we made port here. We’re not devils, but by God that’s what that man will believe. I want all your best curses, grimaces, and drunken shanties. To the boats, boys, to the boats!”

Dark clouds had rolled in across the harbour, smothering the mountains inland. Heavy rain teemed down, soaking everyone to the skin. The whaleboats sat, shored up on the beaches, slowly filling with rainwater. The men ran though the town, shouting great curses to the skies. Some had improvised mock eyepatches, and Naval Jim, feeling completely in his element, had attached a broken oar to his knee and was holding his foot behind his back, yelling out phrases no one else had ever heard, which sounded both vaguely nautical and highly vulgar. There were a couple of screams coming from the missionary huts, despite the way all the men were making a concerted effort not to get too close. A lot of the local girls were being chased around giggling, and despite the enforced abstinence, one of the oldest men of the village had managed to drag out a hidden barrel, with which he was getting swiftly drunk with his new friend Grim Dan.

The ship sat in the harbour, a large poorly-improvised Jolly Roger flapped soggily in the breeze. Teacher sat on a rock; the cool water was dripping off him, making his clothes heavy. Despite the screams and cries around him, his eyes were burning into the new flag across the bay. He came to a decision, picked up a bottle of grog he’d found, and took one last swig from it before throwing it far out into the sea. He wiped his mouth, smoothed his hair, and walked back up into the town. He found the thatched roof of the missionary, knocked on the wall, then pushed his way into the small room. Samuel stood inside gripping an iron, his wife cowering in the corner with their son. Teacher held up his hands, taking a step back. “I’m here to talk with you.”

“We don’t want to talk to the likes of you, sir. I’m sure you can find some rum out there to sate your thirst for conversation. I suggest you leave.”

Teacher shook his head. “Mr Ruggles, you obviously don’t understand the intent of the Captain. The crew aren’t goin’ anywhere. You might as well get used to their presence here.”

“Come to sneer at us simple folk, have you? You’ve scared my wife, made my baby boy cry. Once Honolulu’s heard what’s going on here, they’ll send relief. Maybe then you and your friends won’t be sneering so much.”

Teacher shrugged. “That’s the exact reason I’m here, Mr Ruggles. Who exactly do you propose ought to send out the message to Honolulu? The ship holds the bay, and none of the locals look too unhappy at our arrival. No one’s goin’ to sail out past South Point for you. But just because I’m part of this crew, doesn’t mean I like what’s been said and done. The Captain means good, but I see naught but ill in this. You’ll be missed if you head out, ’cause they’ll have their eyes on you; if Teacher goes missing who’s to care. I can head out over to the west side of the island, and get to your missionary friends that way. Once I get to Honolulu, I can send out a report, and you’ll have a warship here. That ought to sober up the boys, don’t you think?”

Samuel looked shocked. “And you’re sure you want to do this for us?”

“Let’s just say I have my own interests in mind, but they match up pretty well with yours for right now. Better than staying in this town, under that skull flag.”

Samuel let his iron drop to his side, and held out his hand. Teacher held out his hand in response and found it shaken most rigorously. “Sir! The Good Lord finds providence in you. It’s quite a trek up over the saddle between the two volcanoes, but it shouldn’t take you more than a week or two to get to the ocean. The locals are much greater in number over there, and will take you to our friends in no short time. I can get some of the new converts to guide you most of the way. Despite the setback in the morals of a few of our congregation, I know some who have swung away from their idolatry enough that they can be trusted. When can you away?”

Teacher shrugged again. “I have a few things on the ship. Once I get them, I can slip away without being noticed.”

“Away then, my boy, with all God’s speed! Our hopes and prayers go with you.”

The afternoon had progress towards evening with great speed, as the sun sank quickly beneath the horizon. Teacher strained against the oars of the heavy whaleboat, struggling to get it moving through the water. The shore was lit up with torches, but out in the depths of the harbour everything was eerily dark. Even the ship was only faintly illuminated, with just a single lantern on deck. His struggling managed to get the boat alongside the ship, and he tied it off, and pulled himself up onto the main deck. He ran stealthily down into his berth, and rummaged through his trunk. Lifting out a large kitbag, he stuffed some of his clothes into it, and a few of the possessions he couldn’t find the heart to leave behind. He found a tin of the ship’s biscuits and forced them deep into the pack, in case he’d need them later, then closed the trunk and headed up, out onto deck.

He had crept over to where the whaleboat lay in the water, and was about to slip over the railing and clamber back down when he heard a noise behind him. He swung around, and standing in the light beneath the lantern was the Captain. “Where are you headed, Mr. Teacher?”

Guilt ran across Teacher’s face, but he held his ground. He was no mutineer; he couldn’t lie to his Captain. “I’m out of this mess, sir. I know I’m signed up proper for another year, but you running up that flag, it makes me feel less obliged to stand ground, sir.”

The Captain frowned. “No one’s sailed under that flag for years, Mr. Teacher. It’s just for show, for our good friends the missionaries out there. Someone’s got to teach them a lesson, don’t you think?”

“I’m all for teaching them a lesson, sir, ’specially the way they talked to you. That wasn’t right. But there’s ways of teaching, and ways of getting yourself into more trouble than it’s worth. That flag’s nothing but trouble.”

The Captain nodded. “Well, if you’re the Teacher, maybe you should tell me what I should have done.”

“Now, sir, I never meant no disrespect, like. I’m sure you know your place, but what’s good for the goose, ain’t always good for the gander. I’ll just be making my way off. I’m sure when they come from Honolulu, you’ll be able to sort everything out proper.”

“You’ve sailed with me three years, Mr. Teacher. It’s not like you to turn tail on anything, let alone a lark to scare up some missionaries who think they know better than us whalers.”

“Do you remember my name, sir?”

The Captain frowned for a moment. “It’s Edward, isn’t it?”

“That’s right, sir. Named after my father, and he after his. Only I changed our surnames when I took to the sea.”

“Your point being?”

“I was called Teach. A strong ocean name is Teach. Lot of memories goes with that name.”

“It sounds familiar. Not sure I can place it.”

“Edward Teach, sir. Edward Teach.”

“Good God! Not Blackbeard?”

“The very same, sir. My great-grandad was Edward Teach. So you see, I has good reason not to be found on a ship bearing the Jolly Roger, even in jest. A fine jape it is, I’m sure. But I’ve got more reason than most to fear being caught and exposed. Remember what happened to Edward Teach? I share his name; I don’t want to share his fate.”

The Captain nodded. “So you intend to make your way back to Honolulu, raise the alarm. Bring the missionaries their relief?”

“It’s the only way I figure I can escape the tarnish of that flag, sir.”

“I understand, Mr Teacher. Can’t say I like it too much, but I put you in this dilemma, so I don’t feel like I can stop you, save marking my honour. I wish you good luck.”

Teacher grinned. “It’s very good of you, sir. I shall miss the old lady, and I’ll miss your command, too. No finer Captain to sail under.”

With that, he slipped over the side, dropping into the boat beneath. He picked up the oars, then looked back up to the ship above. The Captain had walked to the railing and was peering down towards him, searching the murky gloom. Teacher grinned again, and called up, “Sir?”

“Yes, Teacher?”

“I imagine it will take me a while to make it all the way to Honolulu.”

“Oh, really? How long do you think you might take?”

Teacher waited in the dark for a couple of seconds before calling back, “I’d say, something around three months, sir.”

He heard the Captain laugh out loud on the deck above. It was the first and last time he ever heard that laugh. Taking the strain hard on the oars, he pulled the whaleboat away from the ship, and glided it silently and steadily back towards the shore.