First voyage

On the crew's first voyage, we were attacked by a Farunka vessel. As one of the junior officers, really more of an officer in training, I commanded three guns on the main gun deck. Cannons roared as our ship attacked the enemy frigate. I gave my crew commands ready my cannons.

The captain yelled out, "Fire!"

I gave my crew orders to load and fire as quickly as they could, without waiting for the rest of the broadside.

An enemy cannonball torn through the side of the ship, sending splinters of wood flying through the air. One of the splinters torn through the stomach of one of the sailors under my command, while a fragment of the cannonball smashes the arm of another, mangling it horribly. The other sailors seemed shunned by the carnage, standing in shock while the two screamed in agony.

My duty to the ship outweighed my duty to two sailors. I ignored the wounded and concentrated on firing my guns as quickly and accurately as I could.

It might have been cold but being an officer means making hard choice. Jones, a master's mate under my command, looked particularly disgusted as I ignored the bleeding sailors and continued to give orders to keep the fight going. But who is Jones to judge, not knowing the burdens of command like I do.

"Run out the gun!" I shouted. "Fire!"

The gun leapt back with a roar.

The battled raged on but finally Farunka ship surrendered.

In the aftermath of the battle, a young midshipman ran up to me. "Captain's compliments, ma'am, and he asks you to report to the quarterdeck."

When I got to the quarterdeck, the captain looked over at me.

"Madam Smythe, I'm promoting you to acting-lieutenant. Take a section of twenty men across to the prized assume command. Make any necessary repairs and set sail for any Agaland port." he said.

"Aye aye, sir! Thank you, sir!" I said.

I quickly gathered my men and headed cross.