Next Chapter up-I got this one sooner then I thought :D I dedicate this chapter to all my reveiwers and readers!! [Gives them a cookie] Sorry for any mistakes in grammer and other things. And happy reading!
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The following day's weather was just as dreary as the one before, a drenching rain fell from the gray skies and a icy wind blew through the rigging. The ship creaked with every wave that hit its side, and from every bite of cold wind that blew across it. Inside the ship was no warmer, since the ships didn't exactly have the best heating.
The in habitants of the ship would try different ways to block out the cold, from taring holes to using blankets. It would work for a while, but the cold would always find a way to get into the berths and into their bones. So most of them just dealt with the cold, and repeated the idea 'Someone always has it worst' Though after a while, because of the boredom, the Midshipmen of the Justinian had made this into a game.
The rules were simple, one would just try and think of how things could get worse. 'The ship could go down and we could all be devoured by sharks' 'we could be out of drink' 'The ship could fall apart' 'we could have no blankets' 'we could be no where near shore'. This game was time consuming, but moral raising It was not.
So, taking into account what had happened in the past twenty-four hours, the midshipmen didn't think that playing this sort of game to pass the time was helpful. And anyway, they were waiting for news; after all, when war starts, the English navy have a tendency to transfer certain very lucky men. From old schooners and patrol ships to frigates, the kind of ship that men dream of sailing upon. After all, what's the use of having fine men if you don't put them to good use?
Caroline, on the other hand, didn't feel as though she really wanted to transfer. After all, what's the point? She had herself situated in a 'nice' 'little' ship, Simpson was gone, there wasn't much work to do. And transferring would only send her, and others, into harms way. War, blood, pain, cannon balls, explosions, missing limbs. She's prefer just to stay here, thanks.
But the men-they were another story. Cleveland and Heather were entirely thrilled and hopeful about transferring. It would be a dream come true to work on a frigate, go to war, have adventures. Like going to war was going to be fun. They sat at one end of the table, engaging themselves in a card game; though it was obvious that their thoughts were far away from cards. Horatio, who was indifferent to leaving, was sitting quietly with elbows on the table, running his finger over the wood and looking all around gloomy. John and Lawrence, who were thrilled about transfer, were up on watch.
Caroline pitied the old men. They were the two oldest midshipmen in the group, and one couldn't help but pity the poor souls that worked so hard but were still midshipmen after all these years.
Ezekiel, also thrilled about transfer, was asleep; leaning up against the wall next to where Caroline sat. His short brown hair sticking out from under his cap. And Caroline, herself, was also leaning up against the wall, feet on the table. Being completely and utterly uncivilized.
About half an hour ago, they had made a vote on who was to be sent aft to ask the Captain about transfer. In the end, the vote was either Archie or Caroline; since they were the two youngest [Horatio was definitely off the ballot because of his gloomy attire] and since they were the Captain's other favorites. Horatio being his first, but like said, he was definitely not going.
Archie, being completely and utterly thrilled about the thought of transfer, volunteered to go. He chatted with Caroline about the 'adventure that awaited them' as he prepared to leave. Caroline simply sighed and almost shoved him out the door-he thought that was funny. She came to the conclusion that Archie was annoying yet lovable.
"Caroline?" Ezekiel asked, hat still tipped over his head.
She looked over at him, "Yes?"
"If we get transferred, what do you think the Captain will think?"
"Captain Keene?"
"No-the Captain of whatever ship we're sent to"
She paused-realizing that she never really thought about this before. Captain Keene, after a rocky start, had actually liked her on his ship, and even calling her by her first name. But what would other Captain's think? A young woman on a ship of war? Things would get awkward.
"I--"
Her thought was interrupted by a clambering by the door. All heads, except Horatio's, turned to see Archie come walking over; A serious look on his face.
Cleveland banged his cards on the table, "So? What's the word?"
"Do we transfer?" Heather continued, his voice almost pleading.
Archie sighed, leaning his arms up against the railing that separated the hammocks from the dining table,
"A third of the crew are to stay with Justinian, A third will go to Arafusia and Black Charlie Hammond" Thank the Lord that it wasn't us, "..and we few..." A smile broke out across his face and his eyes started to twinkle, "...We fortunate few!" He jumped over the railing in one excited bound.
Heather slammed his cards against the table, "Don't keep us on ten's and hooks!"
The excited midshipman Kennedy's smile broadened, "Keene has recommended our transfer to-" He paused to ad tension, "Indefatigable!"
The room erupted in cheers and cries, fist's banging against the table and thankful prayers. Out of surprise, Caroline jumped, sending her chair bending in impossible directions and her falling to the floor with a 'thud'. Archie smirked down at her, she rolled her eyes and started to dust herself off.
"A Frigate!" Cleveland cried, awing at the thought, "Do you hear that, Horatio, it means prize money!" The dark young man didn't reply, "Horatio?"
Archie's smile dropped a bit and he nodded at his friend,
"Poor old Clayton, he always wanted to serve in a Frigate"
Poor old Clayton?
He did, though; Caroline remembered he used to talk to her about it sometimes. At night when everyone was getting ready for bed, he would lie in his hammock and rave at her about his dream to serve on a frigate.
"Imagine it, Caroline, The wind in the rigging, going into battle. The glory, the action, the chance for promotion!" He'd talk till Archie would tell him to be quiet; Clayton never talked when Jack was there, though, everyone just went straight to bed or to watch.
Clayton might have been able to have his dream, his dream to sail on this magical frigate. It was all he ever wanted, to sail on a frigate and marry his girl. Her name was Sally, she lived in London; they were planning to marry, but then he was drafted into the Navy and they had to postpone the plans. Clayton used to read her Sally's letters, then ask her advice on what to say in reply. He'd show her Sally's picture, a medium sized, thin, lady. She was beautiful, she gave the lady that, and Clayton raved about her 'silk soft blond hair' and her 'deep brown eyes'. Had Keene written to her yet? To inform the lady of her fiancé's death?
But, Caroline realized then, as she looked around the table at the excited group of men, that Clayton was just another. A casualty of war, if you will; another face in the crowd, in the view of the world. A empty seat at the table, one less mouth to feed. Just another soul in the great mass of life.
To everyone else, he was just another death; to the Captain, just other lost sailor.
But to Sally? To Caroline? He wasn't just another face in the crowd-he was him. Henry Clayton, born July 5; and would she ever forget him? No. But, she wouldn't dwell on it anymore either.
He was dead. The end. Clayton wouldn't want her to waste her life in self pity; 'Make something of yourself, Caroline, don't let them look down on you ever'
(()()()
That night, hardly anyone slept; all of them either on watch or talking their mouths off about 'frigates' and 'adventure'. Horatio buried himself in his hammock and just lay there, curling in a ball under his blankets. Cleveland and almost every other midshipman were gathered around the table and chattering like there was no tomorrow. Archie was leaning up against the wall,Caroline seated next to him.
"..Do you think the berths will be bigger there?"
"I damn hope so"
"What do you think the captain will be like?"
"I don't bloody know! And I don't care! Its a frigate-I couldn't care less if the captain was Davy Jones himself!"
"Caroline?" Archie whispered into her ear, noticing her eyes starting to slowly close; Caroline blinked, and let out a quiet yawn,
"Yes, Archie?"
"I think it's past your bedtime" He joked, smiling. Caroline rolled her eyes and leaned further against the wall,
"I'm fine, Mr. Kennedy"
Archie moved closer to her, "What do you think about the transfer?"
She yawned, "I don't know. I'd just damn prefer to stay here"
"Don't swear"
She smiled slightly, leaning up against his shoulder, "The day you stop, I will Mr. Kennedy"
Five minutes later, a sleeping Caroline was curled up against Archie's shoulder; the young man's arm was about her and held her close. A contented smile was on his face and he looked down at his companion, then he leaned down and kissed her lightly on the forehead, going unnoticed.
"I'd damn prefer to stay here to" He whisper, smiling slightly, "forever-right here"
()()()()
One week later, Caroline and her friends found themselves standing on the deck of their new ship-The frigate, HMS Indefatigable. It was like they went from shack to the King's palace in a single bound.
It was the biggest ship Caroline had ever scene, sweeping sides and bows. Rigging that seemed to stretch higher then the clouds. Deep, fresh looking black paint colored her sides with Yellow mixed in, coloring the front of the frigate and parts on the sides including the gun ports. Men scurried around across the deck, some hanging up in the rigging. Caroline heard Cleveland catch his breath, and she found herself pitying her friend's she left behind.
As it turned out, Lawrence, John and Ezekiel were to stay behind in the Justinian. Cleveland and Heather had tried to act sorry, but it was as plain as day that they couldn't care less. They after all, were going to a frigate; the God of the seas, in their opinion. They didn't give dittily what happened to their companions.
But, these thoughts of past friends all but vanished when she stepped into the deck of the Indefatigable. She was taken aback by the glory of it all, the vastness, and the thought that this were where she was going to be for the near future. The look on Archie's face was complete and utter gleeful shock, even Horatio looked a little pleased, and his eyes were wide. Cleveland and Heather were indescribable.
Though, the midshipmen didn't have a lot of time to look around. They were bustled to the main deck, where a crowd was gathering.
Caroline was almost shoved into the crowd of men, officers and sailors alike. Her head started to buzz with the warning: Get out. Get out.
When a hand grasped her arm, she almost pulled away; but realized it was Archie, looking at her a bit worried. He motioned for her to come over to him, she followed, squeezing through the crowd to reach were Archie was standing.
"You okay?" He asked, looking down at her,
She shrugged, looking around at all the men; all the strange men just standing around. How long had it been since they had scene a woman?
Her attention was soon taken away from this, and to a figure standing atop the hight deck. He was dressed in Captain's attire. The man was probably in his late fifties, by the looks of him; atop his head was a thin patch of black hair that pointed out from under a sideways hat. He was of medium hight, his skin the color of a light tan, and his hands were clasped together behind his back.
A hush went over the crowd, like they had just seen God.
"My Name is Captain Sir Edward Pellew" His voice was rich, it echoed over the crowd like a leader, "And I'm here to tell you your days of idling are over!"
Cheers erupted over the group.
"You have in mind to fight"
They Cheered
"That is well, for you shall have you fare!"
The cheering rang out, hands clapping. Caroline looked with interest upon this new Captain-Edward Pellew, wasn't it?
"Yesterday His Majesty received a communication from Paris, The Revolutionary government of France has declared war on Britain, The new adversary may wear a new face; but whatever mask she chooses to hide behind. A Frenchman is to a Frenchman and we shall beat him like we've always have beaten him!"
Archie was looking upon the new Captain hopefully, along with the rest of the Midshipmen. Even Horatio looked a little hopeful. Just a little, mind you.
"For there is no power on earth that can withstand the might of the British Navy!"
They seemed to like that very much; men threw there hats into the air and screamed.
"God Save the King! God Save the King!"
Caroline looked around at the cheering men, the screams, the cries, the cheering. She couldn't help but feel a great pride well in her heart; maybe war wasn't going to be so bad, anyway. Right there, standing in the crowd of Englishmen, it almost felt like they could go to the ends of the earth and back again.
Maybe they'd win this war-it shouldn't last that long-the French weren't as well equipped as the English were, right? This would be quick, Caroline thought.
A nice, quick, War. Surely.
()()()()
Ten minutes later, Caroline found herself standing outside the door to the Captain's cabin, hand hovering over the wooden door. This was only to be expected, she thought, after all, she was of the female gender, and this was the British Navy and she was under a new captain. It was only to be expected that he would want to see her, she just hoped it wasn't to demand her resignation.
What if he did make her leave?
She knocked.
"Come" The Captain's voice beckoned, so she hesitantly opened the door, listening to the creak. Then she stepped into the good sized room. It was well furnished, with book shelves lining the walls and chairs dotting the red carpeted floors. Directly in front of the door was a large window that stretched the length of that wall. In front of it was a fancy, oak desk with a red colored seat behind it. The desk was covered in things like papers and ink, but all set neatly.
And in the chair, sat Captain Sir. Edward Pellew, in his hands was a sheet of paper and he didn't bother to look up at her when she stepped in.
Caroline stood at attention, "You sent for me, Sir?"
The Captain looked up at her, "Yes...I did.." he said quietly, his voice gruff, "..this just goes to show that not every rumor is a non truth"
"Sir?"
He placed the paper back on the desk then rested his hands in his lap, "You, Sir. Or should I say Ma'am?"
"Er" Was she suppose to answer that?, "It's up to you, Sir"
"Which to you prefer?"
"....Ma'am, I think would be appropriate, Sir"
"Fine then, Ma'am. May I ask you what you are doing here and how a Captain can be so diluted as to let a young woman like yourself become part of his ship?"
Caroline wished that this Captain wouldn't ask questions like that; was she suppose to answer? What if she was suppose to answer and she didn't.
"...you need not answer that" The Captain grinned slightly, then looked down at another paper, "It says here that you broke your leg a couple weeks back, is this true?"
"Yes, Sir"
"..and because you were clumsy and doing tom-foolery during a storm, is this also true?"
She hesitated, how was she suppose to answer that one? 'No, Sir. It wasn't my fault, you see sir, I was being raped'.
That would go over just beautifully-he probably wouldn't believe her.
"Yes, Sir" She answered confidently, clasping her hands behind her back.
Th Captain Grunted, standing to his feet then walking over to his window and looking out it, "Well, I'll have you know I am a man who does give fare chances. I judge a man by what I see him do, not by what others have told me he has done." He didn't look over at her, "I'll give you a chance to prove your elf to me. One careless mistake and that's all, do you understand?"
"Yes Sir"
"You may leave."
"Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir" She saluted, then turned around and walked from the room, shutting the door behind her.