Lost In The Frame

The ship stood tall and proud. Dark wood with a blue belly and a red stripe along the mid-line on the sides. It was as good as any ship I had heard of from my novels. Some of the crew was already on board. Must be early risers on this crew. I could see one captain already at his post. He held the metal wheel tightly in his hands, preparing for the journey. He spun it, probably getting the kinks out. Where was Beale? This trip would be impossible without him. He had all the information about where we were headed. He usually runs late, but always boards the ship just in time. I think he had said we were headed to the Caribbean, but I wasn't sure. I'd never been, but I think it's nice.

I board the ship. I give it a pat on the way up like my Uncle use to do when he went sailing. It was my agreement being made with the ship; I would respect the ship and the ship would respect me.

The weather couldn't be more perfect. A light breeze would keep it fresh around the other crew members. People at sea, working and sweating can get pungent. Determination and salt air produce original perfumes.

I get to my post. I steady the ship and my nerves. I call the other crew members and try to take control by organizing them. I could tell I'd be working the whole time on this trip, some of the crew lacked obvious sophistication and structure. Some weren't even aware they were on a ship. The best ship around. Youngsters! They seemed young and lacking the understanding of what a trip like this takes. How could they be allowed to board without a better understanding of the structure. I need to stay positive. A bad attitude won't help us this late in the stage.

Beale just showed up and went to his post. This helped calm me. At least one crew member knew how this worked. At least one crew member was reliable. He brought Boxer along. I wasn't expecting him on this journey, but he's traveled with us before.

"Let's go, get ready, take your place."

"Let's take her out smooth. If we can. The sea is choppy today.", Beale says.

We all call out our positions. I'm steering the mighty beast. Sliding it threw the currents and waves. Lot's of schools of fish about the ship today. I can almost taste the sea spray as we glide on.

It's all fine at first, until some jokers decide to get lax on duties. These guys tried to demand position changes. Of course, this was unacceptable. Beale tried to explain the journey, but none of them were listening. One of them tried to take my position, but everyone should know the captain is one of the most important people. Half the crew was trying to spread mutiny against us. It seemed early for this situation, but younger crews are mentally weak these days, or so I've heard.

As I steered us further into the journey it became clear the situation was unsolvable. It wouldn't end nicely. I was doing most everything myself. I had to do multiple jobs, so obviously, each task was lacking. No one really helped. I was far superior to what most could have done given the lack of support. Even Beale started to give attitude. I got in his face when he refused to take his post after I asked him four or five times. He was chatting instead of taking care of his job. After that, I told him, "To get off my ship".

"Right now?", he asked.

"Yes", I demanded as I blocked his way.

He thought about it for a minute.

I watched as most the crew jumped overboard. Beale looked at me with frustration in his eyes.

"I'll jump off.", Beale threatened.

We were in a stare off.

"Not if I force you off", I said lashing out.

While at the same time bracing myself before pushing him as hard as I could. He hadn't seen it coming. He fell back grasping at air. I watched as he hit the sandy sea below. An outline of his body remained as he ran away. All I could do was watch as sand sprayed up from the ground as he ran away. Each step leaving a trail away from the ship. At least Boxer remained, or so I had thought . I looked at Boxer and called to him. Instead of coming, he barked at me, and jumped off the ship. He ran to follow Beale.

"Traitors, all of them. Just a bunch of traitors. Damn Traitors!", I screamed.

The ship was going down. It was too hard to man alone. I didn't feel like organizing the crew that remained. They were unfocused and untrained. One even wiped his hands on his shirt after snacking. Unprofessional. When I thought the morning couldn't get worse, I felt a hand on my back collar.

"Damn it Brandy, we talked about this. You can't take over the playground equipment. This isn't a real ship and this isn't your crew and you are not on a real journey. This is playtime, it's suppose to be fun. You could have really hurt Beale."

I'd have to learn to work with this crew. Not today, It was too much ship for them today. I'd try again tomorrow. I'd apologize to Beale and Boxer. I needed them.

As I walked to the side of my yacht, escorted by the new crew, this memory was my last thought. It really was a good lesson, a reminder of what can happen when you're not on top of things. I looked at Fran. He looked terrified, but obviously friendly with these individuals. I'd known Fran for a while. This hurt. Poor Beale, I now understood how he felt that day all those years ago. It wasn't the time to be sentimental, but I didn't need to embarrass him like that.

The crew had waited until we were far out to sea to reveal they would be commadeering my yacht, and leaving me out at sea. How could I have accepted a crew I'd never used before. They came prepared with guns and other weapons. I was no longer on the playground. This was real life. No mommy to correct the situation. There wasn't going to be much of a fight. They made me open the safe before walking me to the side and instructing me to jump. I knew they were serious and not open to negotiations. I didn't even try. How could I have been so unsuspecting. As I hit the water I could just laugh to myself thinking, Damn Traitors! All of them! Traitors! I'd be back. I'd get my ship back again.





Sent from my Galaxy