The CAROLINE

Since joining the Navy and taking responsibility for the CAROLINE I have found this little cutter swift, agile and all around quite pleasant. She has the comfort and security of a home, perhaps because of the name.
I watched the water ribbon off her bow as she glides through the open waters; we had dolphins dancing with us the other day as we took the long way around Zento to our new outpost. Perhaps this land will be our new home, perhaps not, either way becoming familiar with these seas is a wise use of time.
The diversity of this place is quite remarkable. We sailed north to a portion of map that was fiendishly cold threatening to lock us in a choke hold of floating ice. We were forced to build small fire pits on deck to keep the crew of losing fingers and toes from the cold exposure. The glass in my long eye was frozen over making visibility difficult at best, yet I still saw sights that intrigued me. One thing that did catch my eye was the ghostly being wandering the frozen mounds of snow. It was the form of a female of the ancient ones her low haunting song almost beckoned us to her. Perhaps this is where others have lost their way never to return.
“Capt’n, mind if we turn about a bit, we’re not so used to this kind of chill.”
Snapping from the trance we did indeed turn about heading back to warmer water. Along the way we came close to a small island thick in lush green trees. I smiled as I saw it closing my eyes for a moment envisioning a quiet little hide away where any sailor would be proud to be landlocked. When I opened my eyes the sight that met me was something I had never seen before. A large majestic creature slow and methodical was pressing way through the brush. I gave order to slow for a better look; this action caused the creature to release a mighty trumpeting call. Soon there were several large, I believe male, creatures at the edge of the water each with long white tusks matching in length of their nose, I would guess it is a nose although they used it as much for a hand as for smell. All on this beast was large including its ears which were flared in sign of aggression and warning. Their eyes were dark and intelligent flaming with suspicion at our intrusion. Even their bodies and legs were legendary and magnificent.
Again I was yanked back to the task at hand by the blinking buzz from my cabin desk. A crisp sound from Tempus Hawke, my favorite wolf man, sent a distress call for assistance. Swearing quietly under my breath I marked this island on my charts and headed full speed to the new Zento Station. He sounded a bit in a panic requiring immediate assistance from an attack.
“Bulls, ready the crew for battle. We will sail into the middle and cause as much damage to whoever attacks the Wolf as possible.” My orders barked and carried out; I strolled to the hold to secure the still we had moved from The Sparrow. Would hate to lose the Savage Ale in a battle, I thought to myself.
We rounded the west bend to the station where the water is more shallow and a reef adds a special obstacle to those not paying attention when we saw the glint of cannon fire and a flash of deep blue. Oku! Hissing my disgust I ordered the support of the EXETER to be swift and complete.
“Allow no survivors!”
Straight ahead and firing with all we had minding the reef and the other vessel we tore through the water at our target. Pulling hard and heading straight for the broad side of the nearest “blue” we opened fire without mercy sinking the enemy. Yanking hard on the wheel turning sharp starboard we edged between EXETER skimming across the reef edge. Our next sharp turn brought us long side the wounded naval flagship. Surprised looks from Lyra and her crew told me that they were much closer than was comfortable. When I saw the Wolf come to deck my smile broadened and I sent the Admiral a salute with a slight teasing smile.
“Hail Admiral, are ya damaged badly?” I yelled across deck.
“We will not be able to make it back to Guardian’s Gate. Going back to port at Makoto-Jima is our best option.”
“You will need our assistance?”
“No, we can make it that far easy enough, but thank you.”
So polite these Navy folks, “Very well, I’ll go around and make sure none others are about.”
I turned to pull away when I heard the Wolf howl my name.
“Captain!”
When I looked over to him there was a look in his eye that I did not fully understand, but it stopped me in my tracks.
“Would it be possible for you to take me to Guardians Gate?” he yelled over to me.
“But of course we can, Admiral. Come aboard.”
Turning to Bullseye I gave order to run the plank and give Tempus a comfortable space to rest.
As Bullseye lead the Admiral down to the lower deck I remembered the still that was set up to make Savage Ale. I had not bothered to cover it, because I hadn’t planned on having company of the naval ranks below deck. Shrugging my shoulders and shaking my head I waited for the call to come for an explanation for contraband on board. The call did come, but it was not what I had expected.
“Captain, what is This thing?” The humor in his eyes assured me that there was no trouble, but now I was compelled to share my “secret”.
Our voyage back to Guardians Gate was non eventful, although I did have to explain the still to Tempus. By the time we made port the Wolf was eager to try the new ‘secret recipe’ for Savage Ale in the pub at Zento Station.
Commodore met us at port to hear reports of what had happened. After receiving further orders and a night free for ale and a real bed I turned to secure the cargo. Looking back at Tempus and Tiberius I knew we would have an extra passenger when we returned to Zento lands. I am also fairly certain there will be a new addition to the Jima outpost pub when the Wolf returns. Perhaps he will allow me to assist on setting it right and finding the ingredients for Savage Ale.
*slow tired smile crosses the Captains face as she disappears below deck*

~The End~