The Adventures of the HMS Harlot

Part 3: Eldon Bridges, Cabin Boy

The Armada is a damn mosquito. One of those big suckers that won't go away no matter how hard you swat at it. We made it out of the colony, but the Armada was on our tail. As you'd imagine, that made everyone a little testy. I just wanted to get away from it all, back into clear skies and away from any bugs.

I ran down to see if there was any way Witherford could make the Harlot speed up. The ship on our tail was dangerous, and it was my fault it was here. He almost pushed me away, before realizing he could use an extra hand, then sent me behind his rum stash. I've tried the stuff before, only a drop from one of his nearly empty bottles, but man did it nearly make me spew. I don't know how he drinks it. It's always funny to watch Witherford share a bottle with the crew though.

I brought a box over to the engine. It was covered in these weird symbols and glowed on the inside. GLOWED. Witherford described it as the ship's medicine, but what kind of wooden object needs medicine? I've heard of an old tale about a boy made of wood, just something the other boys would whisper about when no one was listening. When ole Barty showed up, Witherford grabbed a tube from the box, added it to the engine, and BOOM we took off. I nearly ate it from the sudden boost.

Our speed kept us moving, but apparently not fast enough. The Captain came down and named me the powder monkey. From what I understand, monkeys are creatures that love bananas. I love bananas. I'm not really sure what that has to do with cannons, but I started to ready them to retaliate against the mosquitos. The engine room is not the coziest space in the Harlot. I got covered in whatever Witherford uses to keep the old girl in the sky. I think my skin blended in with the walls because Otto ran right into me, as Roy rocked the Harlot back and forth. Otto shouted something to me about being a good cabin boy and not joining in on the fight. I continued my duties as the blasts rang out toward the bug.

Just as I was about to lose a lung, the action stopped and the cannons fell silent. I'm not sure, if Roy was too quick for them or if the Captain scared them away. I'm just happy I can be on deck again and catch some fresh air.

Eldon Bridges

P.S. I'm not supposed to tell anyone about the box. Is it my fault if someone reads this? Witherford is not a man I want to cross.