GAME TURN NINE
James
Callaghan was lying in his cot relaxing. He had not slept as he had noticed the
increasing movement of the ship which told him the wind was getting up. He thought to himself that it was
high time that William Burke, his sailing master, informed him of the fact.
At that moment, there was a
knock at the door, and in answer to his call, a green-faced Henry Becker
entered. "Mr.
Burke's compliments, sir", he said, "but the wind's getting up, and
he'd like to take in some sail." "Very well," said James, "He has my
permission. Tell him I'll be up in a minute." " Oh, Mr Becker, " he
added in a kindly tone, "You're in good company. Even Lord Nelson was
frequently seasick. So you're in good company, my lad!" "Aye, aye, Sir," replied
the embarrassed midshipman as he scuttled through the door. When James arrived on deck shortly
after, the work of taking in the sails was well in hand. "I'm taking in the t'gallants
and mains, Sir", shouted the sailing master, having difficulty in making
himself heard above the rising wind. "Very good, Mr. Burke, replied James, eyeing the stormy
sky. "I'd like to reef the tops'ls as well please." Aye , aye, sir " said the
sailing master, turning to give the necessary order. "And Mr. Hanes, "shouted
James, "A signal to Janna...”
THE
STORY CONTINUES AS LEFTENANT WALLACE REPORTS TO CAPTAIN WEST, Watcher 32, AND RELATES SOME DISTURBING
NEWS>>>