Ten Years at Sea
By S.D.
Chapter 16 – Looking Back
Having been captain of the Flying Dutchman for a year now, Will thought back to those early weeks at the beginning of his command. The beginning had been difficult. His first days as captain of the Flying Dutchman found them very busy collecting the souls of the recent battle between the East India Company and the Pirate Brethren. The Dutchman's crew found themselves helping the very men they'd killed in cold blood only days before. There were Company men and Pirates forcibly joined in death, where they'd never have even spoken to each other in life. Will was quite nervous the first few times he had to address the dead.
"We offer passage to the next world." Will called out to the souls adrift at sea. "Will you sail with us?"
Some souls were eager for assistance, especially those that had been drifting a long time. They were ready to pass on. Others offered a bit more resistance.
"I think I'll take my chances on my own." One proud sailor responded.
Will considered his options. Would Calypso count it against him if he left souls adrift, even if they requested it?
"Friend, the waters at Worlds End are dangerous and confusing if you don't know them well. We can take you safely across."
The sailor was silent. Will could see he was struggling with himself. Maybe just a little more persuasion was necessary. "If you're not ready to cross the horizon, I can offer you a place on my crew."
"For how long?" The sailor asked hesitantly.
At least we're getting somewhere, Will thought. "For as long as you wish. I bind no one with vow or contract. When you're ready to journey onward, you'll be free to do so."
"Aye." The sailor said after a long pause. "I'll sail with you."
Once the dead sailor was aboard, Will spoke with him again. "As I said before, I bind no one with vow or contract, but I do require certain qualities in my crew."
"And what might those be?" The sailor asked, not without a little trepidation.
"Honesty, hard work, and dedication to the duty we perform." Will said sternly. "Our work is important and we don't take it lightly. Do you still offer your service willingly?"
"Aye. I can do that." The sailor seemed relieved. "To be honest, Captain, I was right afraid when I saw your ship. I've heard tales about the ship of the dead that would keep the heartiest man awake at night."
"Some of those tales may have been true, friend. But no longer. Not as long as I'm Captain." The young captain's determination seemed to emanate from him like heat waves.
"Then I'll be pleased to serve under you, sir." The sailor extended his hand, and Will shook it with a sigh of relief.
"Welcome aboard the Flying Dutchman." Will said warmly. "Welcome to the crew."
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UPDATE: I have decided to end this story, and do the other chapters as one-shots. I just don't have the time to put it into long-story form. So be watching for my one-shots, I hope you enjoy them.