A knock at the floor of the crowsnest preceeded the form of my watch partner, Bertram, crawling up through the hatch. He was late and reeked of rum.

Normally, Firus ran a taught ship and I knew I should send Bertram away but there was a sense of camraderie and good will in the air that I didn’t want to break. If I had him replaced there would be questions and repercussions and ultimately I would be responsible. Besides, I reasoned, if anything went wrong, I was here.

“Ho there, Miles.” He said amicably.

“Bertram.” I replied with a nod.

He pulled out a cigar, stuck it in his mouth and leaned against the railing.

“Should you really be up here?” I asked.

“I’m not that drunk.”

“You shouldn’t be drunk at all.” I said gently.

He looked at me suspiciously. “You’re not planning on reporting me to the Captain, are you?”

I didn’t remind him that as an officer, I could discipline him myself. “No, I suppose not.”

“Good man.” He said, clasping me on the shoulder. “You’re well on the way to becoming one of us.”