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”Blackbirds tend to like shiny objects”
Just when we thought it was behind us the story of these two rival men continue. Bahamas Part Three of Two!
The Map of a New World
NOTE:
The Characters depicted in the following fictional account were real historical figures, so what’s not documented, I can take a lot of artistic license on what they could have said… off the record. Warning: Strong language!!!
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Juan de la Cosa spent months after returning home fighting for compensatory losses he had endured, Columbus became his chief adversary having to disprove his senior's gross miss characterizations of the Captain's reputation. In time he finally got his compensation but it was a mere pittance to value of his ship while his rival basked in his fame and fortune.
With some silver in his pockets he had to find employment. It had come in the form of an invitation to meet an envoy of the King. They needed a Cartographer to chart the New World, someone who has been there and the skills to accurate document the geography. His work got noticed.
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Juan began to see from his king's eyes how vital it is to have reliable information and from a bird's eye view. The search for the western passage to Asia was not unique to Spain.
With the English in the north, Portugal in the south, and Spain directly west, it was also looking to be a race to claim as much land and resources as possible. Gold was in short supply and those first to acquire and put it to use succeeds to great heights. The king needed ambitious men to lead and perhaps that's why he allowed Columbus such free reign of their first voyage. He did what he had to do to accomplish it. Juan juggled the leather pouch of gold in his right hand and replied to the king's envoy, "I will join."
The Bahamas Two Dollars
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Port of Spain, Cádiz September 1493
The port bristled with a hive of activity. The new expedition now boasted a few more Caravels now totaling Seventeen. After his appearance before the Monarchs of Castile with all the wares of his journey in full display was enough to convince them of a favorable return on their modest investment. Also his glowing account of the fertile and productive lands claiming that what he found were indeed the far reaches of Asia were in reality a bit exaggerated and best assumptions. In fact many nobles, the venerable who'd who of the Royal court came to him eager to invest ships, crews and gold into his venture to establish valuable trade colonies. The Governor of the new world need not beg for support. Everything is going as planned. The weather was good, the morale of the crew was that of excitement, a perfect day.
Columbus stood by the rail of his new Carrack flagship, the Marigalante. Looking down amongst the throng of people crowding the wharf emerged a familiar face. He immediately recognized the man making his way on to the foot of the gangplank, "Mama Mia what are you a doing here?"
His eyes narrowed Cosa replied, "I am ordered to just see the Governor of the new world as the Cartographer in the name of King Ferdinand and of Queen Isabella.
Columbus blocked the gangway and crossed his arms, "That a would be me, I am Governor!"
"God help us." Juan rolled his eyes and put his duffel bag down to pull the letter from his jacket. "It seems I have no choice but to work with you!"
British Virgin Islands Five Dollars, Bird Fauna series
Unfortunate that this coin has fingerprints all over but it’s why it came really cheap as I remember.
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Columbus read the letter, “So you will a be under da Captain’s direction no? Too bad.”
Juan's hands began to squeeze his duffel bag fighting the temptation to strangle his former senior officer. It bothered him to no end why Columbus was made Admiral in the first place as he had no Choice but put up with his incompetency. This time he is Governor and not directly under his authority.
Columbus grinned and stepped aside from the gangplank, "Then welcome aboard Stronzo!" (Asshole!)
Juan tucked the letter back into his vest and swung his duffel wide over his shoulder just missing Columbus, “Oh Sorry Governor Gilipollas! (Idiot!)
Columbus nodded, “You got balls being here Vaffanculo!” (Go F--- yourself!)
"Que te den!” (Up yours!) So where is Captain Torres I am also required to FIRST report to him as his Navigator."
Columbus replied, "He’s on the Poop deck seeing to more urgent matters than a Cornuto (Cuckhold) like you!” He followed up with the gesture left palm on his bicep and pumped his right fist at Juan as he stepped past.
Juan stopped and turned to Columbus, "Eh, it’s just like old times sake….you Spaghetti Bender! (Spaghetti Bender!)
Columbus turned his eyes upward, “Mama mia this is gonna be a long trip.”
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And for those that are also attracted to colorful Paper currency!
1992 Bahamas Commemorative Dollar
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1962 The British Caribbean Territories Eastern group One Dollar
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I hope you enjoyed this coin feature, thank you for stopping by for a look.
1. My own pictures shot with a Samsung SM-A530W
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“Et lux in tenebris to serve laboro, sum sicarius” “I work in the shadows to serve the Light, I am an Assassin”