Elise Faces The Accuser
Captain Peanut Butter • Chapter 17
New to Baron Britpop Blastfurnace? You can read Books 1 & 2 starting here:
In the previous chapter, Capatian Peanut Butter told Ana of his plan to serve in the Continental Navy. In this chapter, we return to France, where Elise is preparing to take possession of her ship, The Eternal Horizon.
Elise will share this portion of the tale.
After three more days of interviews, The Eternal Horizon had a full crew. Snoffduffle and I were both pleased with the choices, except Celine Lavigne, whom Snoffduffle had reservations about. The Eternal Horizon arrived at the dock that afternoon from the shipbuilders.
I met Snoffduffle for breakfast the following morning.
“Today, we will inspect the ship and run the crew through their paces. We will sail out of port, run some drills, and then return,” Snoffduffle said. “You need to appear confident regardless of what happens. A crew looks to their Captain. You set the tone. You will make mistakes as a Captain, but you must inspire confidence in the crew.”
“That is welcome advice, Snoffduffle. Did you ever want to be a Captain?”
“I toyed with the idea as a boy. But my gifts are clerical and advisory. When I was a young man, I approached the Grand Duke with an idea that would increase his earnings. He recognized my abilities and offered me a job. I am content in that capacity.”
“The Grand Duke is fortunate to have you.”
“Thank you. Shall we go inspect your ship?”
“There is nothing I would like more,” I said with a smile.
As we approached The Eternal Horizon, the crew was waiting on the dock. To my surprise, so was my father. I walked over to him and allowed him to speak first.
“She is a fine ship. What did you name her?” my father asked.
“The Eternal Horizon,” I replied.
“I know you are busy. May I speak to you privately for a moment?”
“Of course. Just make it quick.”
We stepped out of earshot of the crew.
“I am still not fond of the idea, but I realize I was too harsh in my comments concerning you being a Captain. I apologize. In truth, I am more worried about you being a woman in that role than I am about your abilities to perform it. Sailors are a rough lot. As are the ports you will be sailing to. As your father, how could I not worry? My fears led to my anger.”
“Thank you, Papa. I love you also. I know what I am getting myself into. You raised me on ships. I will be cautious. And I plan to be a Captain who earns the loyalty of her crew. They will be there for me and look after me. I am sure.”
“I pray you are right.”
I kissed his cheek and said, “I must go now. I have a ship to inspect.”
My father left. I walked back to my crew.
“As you are the Captain, it is your honor to be the first to board,” Snoffduffle said.
“And as Captain, I am honored to have you as my crew. Shall we sail?”
There was a rousing chorus of “Aye, Captain.”
The Eternal Horizon was perfect, and the crew quickly found their rhythm. We sailed for several hours, getting to know each other and the ship. Then we returned to port. As I disembarked, Sebastian Brun, the former Captain of The Elise and the man who accused Britpop and Andelbert of being pirates, was waiting for me.
“I had to see it with my own eyes. I’m out of work, and Goatbeard gives you a Captain job. It ain’t right. You ain’t earned it.”
“You know nothing of how I got the position. You are just a bitter old man.”
“I may be old, but I am ten times the Captain you will ever be.”
“Is that so? Then where is your ship? Mine is right here.”
“T’will be my great pleasure to watch you fail, lass. Your father should never have allowed you to sail with us. It put foolish ideas in your head. A woman has no business being a sea Captain.”
“And yet, here I am.”
My first officer, Beaumont Bulk, one and a half the size of an ordinary man, without a hair on his head, walked over and said, “Is there a problem, Captain?”
“Nothing I can’t handle, Bulk. Thank you.”
Bulk glared down at Brun.
“You ain’t heard the last of me, girl,” Brun said and walked away.
I looked at Snoffduffle. He nodded his head.
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I welcome your thoughts, questions, suggestions, corrections, typo catches, etc. Thank you.
Mark
“And yet, here I am.” Hah! Go Elise. With Snofduffle and Bulk, she has good allies, but I would definitely give Brun the old heave ho before departing...