Chapter 3

Cookson was fat. There was no other way to put it. The man had a gut bigger than a large barrel. His white shirt and pants were stained with various food and drink. Because of his weight, the ship would turn to much to one side so he had to stay in the center at all times. The kitchen had been designed so he could be in the center of the room with the stove and equipment circled him. Peter found that by help Cookson she meant wait until dinner was ready and serve it to the crew in the dining quarters.

Cookson didn't speak, he only grunted, Smee told them when they ran into him that Cookson can't write and lost his tongue years ago. James had left to set the table for dinner, leaving Peter to wait for the food to be ready. There were other boys of course, though Peter did not wish to socialize. There was Nibs, who kept to himself waiting for dinner to be prepared, The Twins, who Peter thought he heard the names Marmaduke and Binky, who just ran around being chased by Cubby, a fat boy who seemed to like violence. Slightly seemed to conceited for Peter's taste so he decided to talk to Tootles. Tootles was as old as Peter and had the same hair color. He wore a scarlet waist cost that looked far too big for him and covered most of his body.

"Hi," Peter said, the sound of Cookson chopping vegetables in the background.

"Hey," he shook Peter's hand temporarily standing straight before leaning against the wall again.

"Why are you here?" Peter asked as the ship hit a lurch, the waves were getting worse.

"Better than living on the streets," he said shrugging. Looking out the porthole, Peter saw stars in the sky, strange. He didn't remember it getting dark out.

"My parents sent me, trying to get me to grow up."

"Growing up is overrated," Tootles said as a whistle sounded. Cookson put twenty two plates out and grunted.

James came back in and grabbed two plates leaving again. The other boys grabbed two each, except for Cubby who carried five. Once all the seats were set, the crew stormed in plopping themselves down in their seats. The captain strutted in and took a seat at the head of the table she waved at James to take a seat next to her. Peter sat next to Tootles and Smee at the opposite end of the table. Peter did not notice what he was eating or what the conversation was, for he was all to busy watching his brother. The whole meal, he and the captain were laughing and talking, when the wine was brought out, James was given a large glass to match the Captain's. Peter did not understand.

Once dinner had ended, he went to his quarters and, so exhausted from the day, barely noticed his brother's absence. He laid down on his bed and fell asleep, dreaming of flying, as the ship took a great flight of its own.