Chapter seven Captains First Day

There is a place between sleep and awake. No time exists, no problems… but just a sense of existing. You can be wherever you want, any time you have lived and be with whom ever you want. That’s where Will found himself, Minnie a warm lump at his side. Memories flowed, both good and some not so good but without the pain that was usually there. Loss and gain, life balanced out.

Memories of sailing this immense ocean, heaving waves and spray in his face, basking in the sun while fishing. Working and living on the boat for lifetime after lifetime. Was he the same person being reincarnated and drawn here, time after time? No way to know yet.

A feeling of contentment was present, that he was exactly where he was supposed to be and doing exactly what he was supposed to. Being needed and needing to be doing this. There had been so much thrown at him over the last two days, meeting Elaith, a new world and now the Rose. If this much change had happened in his old world he thought he might have gone off the rails. But accepting change was becoming easy, and the rewards of this life could be immense.

As he opened his eyes a small wet nose came in contact with his own. “Morning Min”. Jumping down from her perch on his chest the little dog went to the cabin door and scratched to be let out. “Ok ok, I’m coming.”. Will climbed out of the covers, stood and stretched then went and opened the door. Minnie scampered out and he heard a clatter of feet on the stairs as she rushed up. I wonder if she can get outside he idly thought.

Looking at his pile of clothes on the floor he had a feeling that he might find something else to wear in this room.Searching through the various drawers and cupboards found him a large assortment of clothes.Clearly worn but still sturdy and had been laundered before they had been stowed.

Throwing open a the large porthole he could see bright light coming through the gaps in the sea doors to fore and aft of the boat. Choosing lightweight beige trousers..complete with suspenders and a bright red shortsleeved shirt, he did the usual morning ablutions, dressed and went to meet the day.

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Leaving the cabin and going through the passageway toward the stairs to the main deck Will thought he should look around more as he been much too tired the night before.It was still fairly dark belowdecks so he decided to go and open the sea doors to get some light and air to the dock.Mounting the stairs he was greeted by Minnie as he reached the deck.“Feel better?, he asked.She seemed to nod at him and gave a short yip in return.

He reached the railing, flipped the stairs and stepped down onto the dock. He went to the fore of the boat and flipped the bar holding the large doors closed.The was a rope and pulley system to open the doors so he pulled on the rope and the doors swung open.With a thump he heard them flip onto the outer wall.Light and fresh air flooded in,along with tang of salt and fish.Heading to the aft of the boat he opened the rear doors as well.The dock, while gloomy before, was now well lit.Showing tack and equipment hanging on the walls, tool benches, stacks of crates, boxes, barrels, all holding goodness-knows-what.

Now that there was enough light he returned to the boat.Climbing the stairs again he surveyed the main deck.The brass fittings were dull on the equipment, dust lay on most surfaces, rubbed clean in spots by his own hands.The smokestack rose high above the deck, the smell of coal still lingering.Two large hatch’s rested on the middle of the boat, giving access to the cargo holds below.As Will headed to the wheelhouse he heard a knocking on the side door .

The door slid open to reveal Stephen carrying a large basket.“Ahoy matey….” he called with a cheery wave.“Breakfast my friend…hope your hungry.Between my wife and Regina there’s enoughfood here for three or four of you”.Will laughed…”Come aboard, I am sure you can give Minnie and I a hand…with breakfast that is.”.

As Stephen climbed the stairs to the boat Minnie popped out from belowdecks and came over to investigate the basket.“Yes, things smell pretty good huh” said Will..giving Stephen a hand up.“If I remember correctly there is a ships mess below deck, just down from your cabin, why not head down” Stephen mentioned.“Excellent idea” agreed Will. “Lead the way Min.”

Reaching the lower deck they headed to one of the doors will had intended to check out earlier.Inside the roomwas a small dining area with round tables withseveral chairs.A further door supposedly led into the kitchen but that could wait.Portholes were opened to freshen the air as it was musty and stale and they settled around a table.

“I’m sure glad you come by..Min and I were going to look up Regina after exploring a bit more” said Will. Stephen opened the basket and took out a large black coffee pot and two large mugs, opting two cups he said “Glad to help Will., we all are. If you choose to start up cargo or fishing runs it will help our village immensely.”. Will looked up from his coffee..”of course we will be, I’m not sure what the term is, starting operations, resuming I guess.”

“However I do have one question Stephen” Will asked. “What happened to the last guy..the previous captain?” Stephen had been pulling various dishes and plates from his basket, but as Will voiced his question he stopped and sighed “I knew that was coming.”.