Snippet #1886507

Gareth turned from Jillian and found Henry waiting to talk to him again. Gareth nodded at the more formal introduction and was about to comment on an infantryman coming aboard a ship when Henry started on about John. Gareth raised an eyebrow, a wry grin on his face as the man became more animated about his opinion of John.

When Henry realized his outburst and apologized, Gareth nodded, “I understand. I appreciate your concern for the safety of this crew, but the discipline of officers falls under the captain’s responsibilities. I would look a weak captain if I asked my marines to take care of my job now wouldn’t I?”

Gareth gave an understanding nod, “It is rare to see an infantryman make the transition to marine. You will adjust to the movements soon enough. Especially once you start running drills and learning what it means to fight on a ship. How you respond there will reflect more on you than this expression of concern for your compatriots. Just, have faith in my judgement and my discipline. I know we just started to sail, but I think you’ll find I am quite capable of keeping my officers in line. I have the situation with John under control. It will become apparent soon whether or not he is capable of performing his duties.”

With that he gave a proper naval salute and allowed Henry to get back to setting his bunk.

Gareth emerged back on deck, the shining sun and good tail wind encouraging signs. Good omens for the commencement of their mission. He paused, breathing in the salt air. The smell of the sea now reminding him of how much he missed being on a ship. The past, not forgotten, but less and less clouding his present enjoyment. He observed the movement of the men and women of his crew as they did all the little things necessary to keep a ship underway in favourable conditions. He thought they would clear Garame’s waters by the evening and so would need a course charted for the morning.

He looked port side and saw the Jade Moon running slightly ahead of them. He chuckled, “Leave it to Olivia to find the best way to use this wind.” The thought of Olivia made him smile again. Once a course was charted they would have to meet and compare notes. The final course had to be agreed on by both captains. No sense sending two ships out together if they were just going to wander off. That’s why the other 5 pairs of ships were sent in different directions. Keep two together to give them greater numbers when trying to pick off the pirates. They tended to raid in singles since it was faster and easier to come upon a ship unawares. Gareth looked forward to the opportunity to see Olivia again.

He headed to his quarters to prepare. He would have the officers meet before sunset. Soon everyone will see the so called sailing master in action. Gareth thought that before the night was out the situation would come to a head, one way or another.