The Ships Muster!

It was a pirate ship imagined from a tri-level home in Southern Illinois. A mutinous crew member had eyed the position of the ole Captain for sometime and wanted to assume power of the ship. As this four year old garnered up the courage to challenge his 57 year old paternal grandmother to a dual of duals. He pondered on the weapon of choice.

Ahhh using swords was the pirates way and always had been. He approached the ole salty but vigorous captain with her choice of styrofoam swords. The ground rules were established. There would be no surrender. Only by death shall one depart.

The ships muster was called to order on the main deck of this old battle warn ship. The crew gathered as the ship swayed and creaked from side to side. They looked upon their old captain who reigned with authority. Half of the crew sided with the captain and the other half was for their younger mate.

The swords crossed and the battle was on. Each swinging while the other expertly blocked the fatal blow. Down the main deck they went back and forth. Swinging and slashing occasionally hitting the ships main sail. Then up the staircase to the aft section of the ship and out of sight.

The crew yelled up to the crows nest and asked who was winning? “Both were holding their own,” the ole shipmate replied from above. Back down the stairway the dueling shipmates came. Each swinging and hoping for a final blow.

An hour had past as the captain showed strength and laughed at her challenger. The young mate was determined to keep going for a final outcome. Finally the captain tired, gasped for breath as her sword fell overboard. What, this is the end? The wise ole captain who was now clearly defeated offered to broker a peace deal.

She looked at the younger mate in the eye and knew his weaknesses. “How about a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch and some cold milk from the ships stores?” The younger mate threw down his sword. He had enough for now or at least until next time. As the ole salty captain resumed command of the ship.