“Voyage of the Motor Vessel Sparrow” series inspired by Bob Carney.
written by Boomer Jack Boardman
Previously: Episode 38—Trouble Ahead
“All ahead emergency power!” Molly shouted.
“YOU WON’T GET TH’ SPARROW, YA BIG…” Mac roared as he braced for impact.
The wave engulfed the MV Sparrow. Whatever else Mac said at that moment was lost in the wave’s roar as it struck. Mac’s still strong arms continually fought the force of the massive wave as it surged past the bow and broke against the pilothouse. It appeared as if the entire boat were under water.
The Sparrow shuddered and seemed to stall within the wave. As if by sheer determination, she forced her way through the wave, broaching clear seconds later, only to find another taking dead aim on the boat.
Crewman Herzog was thrown against the bulkhead, and was dazed & bleeding. As if prescient, 1st Officer “Trigg” Guudlender appeared in the pilothouse along with crewman Armstrong.
“Armstrong,” he ordered, “take Herzog below and tend to his injury!”
“Aye Sir!” Amstrong replied, catching himself as the Sparrow lurched. Herzog, still dazed, was not badly injured, suffering a cut on his forehead, and with help from Armstrong went below.
Molly & Mac, intent on fighting the storm were not aware of the impromptu crew change. Molly, determining the exact heading of the next massive wave, shouted:
“Two degrees right rudder!”
“Aye Cap’n,” answered Mac, “Number two half throttle, crewman!”
“Aye Sir,” replied Trigg, as he moved the starboard engine’s throttle to half power. Doing this helped the Sparrow change course quickly to meet the wave head-on.
Seconds later, Mac ordered: “All ahead full emergency power!”
“Aye Sir,” Trigg replied, “Both engines at emergency power!”
There would be three more massive waves, intent on the destruction of the Sparrow…
CONTINUED MONDAY—EPISODE 40—BELOW DECKS
“Just as Maggie was about to explain the plan, the Sparrow entered the first wave. Passengers and crew alike were thrown off balance by the Sparrow’s quick turn into the wave, and again by the wave itself…”
I get car sick. Things are not looking good for anyone near me right now.
But you do tell a compelling story!!
I’m sorry…and thank you!
All that naval talk is pretty sexy…Molly is hot!
Dang, I’m on the edge of my seat here… This story line is getting good! Do we really hafta wait til Monday?
Bob! Hands off the cap’n she’s engaged!
Bob: Ummm…no comment on your comment! Lysa handled that job just fine.
Lysa: Pretty much. I have much to draw for the next episode(s).
I have to tell you that I am so glad I am reading about our journey with my feet safely planted on solid ground. eeeeeeshhh! The memories are not pleasant.
btw – we have a helluva crew here! phewww! what a relief!
Ines: Gotta write our crew as heroic–else the poor Sparrow is lost! I’m not subject to motion-sickness, fortunately, but I couldn’t write about mountain climbing because I don’t do heights well.
Hi Jay!!
Look who made an appearance here! Hello Jay! Remember when you feel like being in a bit warmer weather…..you guys are welcome in Miami.
Yay, tomorrow is Monday!!
Ines: We probably won’t hear from him so often now that he’s on the road.
Lysa: Oh yeah!
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