A/N: I do not own Master and Commander or anything pertaining to said books/ movie. I'm only playing with them, and promise in return them in minty fresh condition holds toothbrush and mint toothpaste for scrubbing. Please review… it makes me a very happy writer.
Captain Jack Aubrey ran his ship on a tight schedule. 0500 hours those below deck were to dress and report above deck for their duties. 0600 hours those who had been on night watch were sent down below for a check up by the doctor, Stephen Maturin. 0700 hours the ship was in full swing, and those on night watch were to be resting in their hammocks.
Yes there was nothing "Lucky Jack" Aubrey enjoyed more than seeing his ship run as smoothly as possible. But one day, he got a shock not meant for any man to receive.
There was a ruckus going on down in the ship's hold, where many of the midshipmen slept and had their downtime after their duties were complete. Captain Jack took his time in going down the rickety stairs himself to investigate. When he arrived there was indeed a matter that needed attending to.
He saw what could only be described as a gaggle of midshipmen and the young 'powder monkeys' around a stationary object. It was struggling against its bonds as Jack quietly approached. Each officer and sailor made his obedience to the Captain, as was required by the standards of His Majesty's Navy.
"Gentlemen…" Jack addressed them. When they did not heed his call, and he caught a glance of their 'captive', he knew something wasn't right. It was a young blonde, with the many layers of skirts providing warmth and protection. He could see her eyes filling with unshed tears as she begged them to let her go.
Something rose in Jack's throat. He prided himself on running an orderly and tightly controlled ship. Seeing things slip from his control so suddenly was upsetting, no matter how he looked at it.
"Unhand her!" he shouted, startling the men into releasing their prisoner. She leaped from her makeshift prison and into the arms of the closest man available. Captain Jack Aubrey.
As he instinctively wrapped the girl in a protective embrace, he immediately recognized the blonde hair, the eyes, and facial expression.
"I'm stopping your grog!" Jack bellowed and he turned and led the beauty up the unsteady flight of stairs, "Do anything like this ever again and I promise you…" he stopped, struggling to keep his temper under control. "I promise you, you will all receive ten flogs!" One hundred flogs could kill a man, but ten was a reasonable number when one needed to be disciplined.
He helped the young woman to his cabin, where he wrapped her in a blanket and sat her down with a large cup of tea.
"Alyssa, what in God's name are you doing here?"