Joaquin - Squall Line

Community is defined by adversity. Daily Flash Fiction Feb 7, 2025 - glass, gold, black.

"Mermaids coming for you today, Jocko!"

Rough laughter rippled through the crew. Joaquim gripped the wheel tightly, glaring at Curly's bald head, dark from years of working ships. Ahead, green and gold filaments of kelp shown through the becalmed sea; black thunderclouds smudged the horizon, threatening the glass sea and mocking earlier prayers.

The Captain put a hand on Joaquim's shoulder. "Ach! Not a fortuitous sight, but better than remainin' becalmed."

Joaquim dry-swallowed. "Can't we avoid it?"

The Captain squinted at his young mate. "This be yer first blow, aye? D'ya think ya can billow the sail wit' fairy dreams? That squall stretches from port to starbo'd. Nay, we be in fer a blow, but not right away. Take a nap. Yer gonna need yer strength. I'll take yon wheel for a spell."

Down below, Cookie was lashing everything down. "Ignore Curly. He's as scared as you. One day, we'll go down, but not today, methinks. Capt'n ordered rest. Likely throw you overboard 'fore the storm, if you disobey."

Joaquim's eyes grew large.

Cookie's laughter was friendly. "At the wheel, lash yourself down. Then you'll only have to worry 'bout the Capt'n."

Much later, the swaying hammock woke Joachim. He scrambled up to the deck. The Captain eyed him critically. "'bout to send Curly after ya. Are ye rested?"

"Yessir. Sorry, sir." On deck, Cookie winked, nodding to the wheel rope. Joaquim lashed himself down.

Curly came up, yanked the rope loose. "That ain't gonna hold water." Curly retied Joaquim down. "Now, no mermaid getting you today!"

"Ye got the wheel, Jocko!?" The Captain checked the lashing.

"Yessir!"

"The ship stays ON TOP of the water, matey!" The crew laughed as Curly slapped Joachim's back.

"On top! Got it!" Joachim called back, his nerve bolstered by their laughter.