Chapter 18: Telling Captain Tales

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Stef decided to attempt to catch the captain at a good time for some more casual "let's get acquainted" talk as soon as they had skirted the storm and everyone was caught up on rest.    A note was waiting in the secret box  the following night saying that Uncle Bill never knew of the trip to the lab.   That was a relief.   Robin was glad to have a new friend and suggested waiting a couple of days.   Time was running out on completing a big homework assignment and Uncle Bill wanted to go over it the following evening.

Stef was glad for the note and glad for time to think of what to do to help Captain Bill who hadn't asked for help, and might not be receptive to any offer.   But, surely, he didn't want little Robin to be so alone and hidden.

Two days later, soon after a glorious sunrise, Stef spotted the captain enjoying a cup of coffee on the fantail.    "Hey Captain!   Good morning sir.   That was some rough going the other night.    I could hear the winds, and rigging and all.   It is a great relief to know that we have such an experienced crew led by you!   Thank you!    I realize you have so many duties and I don't mean to keep you, but I've heard that you've enjoyed getting to know our staff and I think that's great. I've been hoping to speak to you privately."  

"MYKA and I appreciated the talk about the chief scientist the other day.  I just like the idea of getting to know everyone on board."  The emphasis on everyone wasn't intended but the captain seemed to think nothing of it.  The captain seemed downright genial.   And then, Stef froze.   How to begin?   Awkwardness was overtaking the goal of speaking forthrightly.  "For example, I couldn't help but notice your nautical tattoos."  Captain Bill grinned.  "Oh yes.   I get questioned about them regularly.  What would you like to know?"

"What is their significance, if you don't mind me asking?"   Stef felt embarrassment at asking such a personal question, and thought 'Is this really better than admitting to knowing about Robin?'

And with that, the captain gave an involved explanation about the three on each forearm and admitted to having others not seen by many others.  "The Shellback Turtle tattoo was the one I got for crossing the equator the first time.  I have my shellback certificate in my office.  The hazing we polywog sailors get on that first crossing is something we never forget and never talk about.   You are probably a polywog yourself, aren't you?  Never crossed the equator before? Well, you needn't worry.   Our voyage will not divulge anyone's past voyages and therefore we can't reveal who is a first timer and we can't do the initiation.   The Navy suspended doing them during World War Two because it would have been cruel to subject men on their way to war to such a terrible hazing.  So . . . let's move on.   This Fully Rigged Ship tattoo is for sailing around Cape Horn.   And, this fancy one is a Golden Dragon I got after I first crossed the 180th meridian. Crossing the international date line was actually the first accomplishment of the three I've mentioned.   A dragon of any color means the sailor has served or sailed to any port in Asia."

Switching arms, Captain Bill pointed to a colorful Compass Rose.   "This was my first.    It was to ensure that I would always find my way home.   Mom approved.   This bird is a Swallow, that I added after I had sailed more than five thousand miles.  It also has other meanings, like birds helping a sailor's soul reach heaven, if he should die at sea.   And, this tattoo of Crossed Anchors signifies that I've traveled on all of the world's oceans and seas.   And those are the ones you can see."

"I have a mermaid and a U.S. flag on my chest.   And, I have a pair of tattoos that represent the sailors of old.   The pair is called Pig and Rooster.   The pig is on my left knee and the rooster is on my right foot.   They were added after I survived a disaster at sea.  That is the tradition.   It is from an old sea chant: 'Pig on the knee safety at sea.   A cock on the right never lose a fight'.   Pigs and chickens were kept in wooden crates that would float in case of a shipwreck.   The shipwreck I was on was a long time ago when I was much younger and not captaining.   I won't allow that to happen."    And, with that he smiled and sauntered away with his empty coffee cup, whistling a sailor's jig or was it the "Old Spice" theme?

Stef rushed up to his side.   "Wait.  One more thing.   I want you to know that I am really looking forward to the Galapagos Arcs.   It is something that is a can't miss opportunity for everyone.    I wanted to do this since I was a young teen.   No one should miss out on such an experience.    And, well . . ." The captain snapped around as the chief scientist approached demanding his attention.   The opportunity to discuss the stowaway was lost for now.    Later, Stef wondered if Robin was also a polywog, as the child seemed to have missed out on traveling with Mom and Dad.   Maybe they never crossed the equator.   Maybe they always flew.


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