Damian began to give out orders as the Perla Pacífica drew closer to the French galley, under full sail. The stern dipped into a large trough, and then pointed skyward, seawater and spray washing the deck. Perhaps the storm was not an ideal time to try to stop a pirate ship, but this one was particularly elusive and Captain Lanaya risked losing it if he backed off.
Perla Pacífica drew alongside the sleek black ship, which was holed just above the waterline and crippled, its main mast down. Sailors had cleared the deck of the Perla Pacífica and cleaned the cannons, and now they manned them, although keeping out of sight.
Now side-to-side, the ships were but ten feet from apart, an easy distance. Hoping for an easy kill and an escape, the pirates threw grappling hooks but did not fire. Well placed shots from the Perla Pacífica killed the man at the tiller, and the pirate ship veered towards them, but did no damage.
Suddenly the empty deck was full of Spanish soldiers, fighting. Taken unawares by the attack, the pirates fell back quickly, but were cut off from their ship. None surrendered, all died. With two dead men and several with sword-wounds, Damian had to make sure of no casualties, and he did just that. A large party went aboard the pirate ship and captured the captain and remaining crew, then they fixed the damaged pirate ship makeshift with lumber brought for that purpose. The cargo was transferred, and several French prisoners that were destined to be sold by their own people. These were given several choices -- become sailors or be taken as prisoners to Spain until a ransom of some sort could be arranged for. Of course Damian had strong dislike for battle, and the prisoners were treated as guests, as they were -- royal guests.