From: THE SPECIALIST
To: ALL
Subject: (Rest)
Date & Time: 03/31/91 12:36:53
Message Number 14499
I looked intently at the Island for a second, looking for habitation,
and didn't see any. A deserted island would be a perfect place for
the crew to have some time off, if I could just get it past the Captain'
head.
"Good Morning, Sir." My thoughts were interrupted by the voice of
the Chief Boatswain. I turned around, and saw that it was not only him,
but quite a few people behind him. I felt my hackles rise suspiciously.
"Good morning, Chief." I leaned up against the rail.
"We was just wondern' Sir, if you'd managed to get any leave for us."
He moved casually to the edge of the deck, and leaned against the rail.
The other men spread out, and I began to smell something afoot. The
Chief was human, and I could almost smell how keyed up he was. I care-
fully adjust the pleats on my pants, and stand up to my full height.
"Well," I reply, "no." I begin to get angry because I can tell that
they are out to get me, now. The air is thick with thier nervousness
and anger. Stupidly, I let my anger speak. "You men knew that when you
signed up on this ship that it wasn't any pleasure cruise." I turn on
the Chief...bad idea.
It isn't until I hit the water that I realise someone hit me.
*Ding!* I hear from somewhere, and then the current pulls me down.
I don't know who did it, but at this point, staying down under the
water seems like a good idea, anyway. A First Mate who was stupid
enough to let himself get sacked couldn't last much longer on a ship
like that anyway. I swam towards the shore until my lungs couldn't
hold out any longer. Luckly, the shore has a steep drop, and it wasn't
long until I crawled up on the sand, coughing. I looked back out to
the ship, but it was way down the coast...seems like the current pulled
me farther than I realized. I stand up and start walking. Away from
he ship. Presently, I come across a (what else? - finally!) small
clay path...which I follow.
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