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Epidsode 9
Trace returned to The Peorava. The Hatches were removed and ready for loading. Chuck, Sean, and Makani sat on the deck leaning against the wall of the main deck quarters.
Trace sat on the deck across from them with his legs crossed. “The Peorava doesn’t have a good reputation.”
“We can change that,” Sean said.
“That can take years,” Chuck said.
“When we leave port with this load, we leave with a clean slate and a new name,” Trace said.
“Another name?” Sean asked.
“That’s what I have in mind,” Trace said.
“What name do you have in mind?” Chuck said.
“I don’t know yet,” Trace said. “You and Sean know this ship best. Can you think of a good name?”
“Naming a boat is worse than naming a baby,” Sean said. “Not that I have any experience at it. I named a goldfish, once.”
“What did you name him,” Chuck said.
“Goldy,” Sean said. “I just came to me. I think I’m good at stuff like that.”
“This boat is my home,” Chuck said. “The sea is the land it sits on. I have nothing else. It is not the life of many. Some might think it is a lonely life. I look at the sea, and I don’t see loneliness. I see forever. You can fill forever with whatever you dream. How can that be loneliness? I’ve been married twice, no sons, no daughters. The woman I was married to got married again; many sons and daughters. A man without an heir. I have always been a rover since then going from island to island. Having a son is one thing, the easy thing. Naming him, that would be hard. In one way, I’m glad I never had a son. It would be overwhelming to pick out a name to suit him; and a name that he would be proud to have.”
“I got one,” Sean smiled.
Everyone waited for the name.
“Goldy,” Sean grinned.
“I think we are all rovers or tramps,” Sean said. “I took on this life because I couldn’t settle on one place. I always wanted to be on the move. I thought about being a truck driver; one town after the next, and always staring down an open road. If I was a truck driver, I’d get lost in a daydream just staring down the road. I’d crash into another truck, a tree, or something. I’d kill myself and others. I wanted to be on the sea. On the sea you get plenty of the most precious gift there is—time. Drop the N on my name and you have ‘sea.’ Who knew?”
“When Chuck and Sean came today,” Makani said. “I knew it was right for me. I’ve always wanted to go from island to island. I wanted to see different things. I don’t want to be looked down on by others. The man I worked for thought I was a servant. I knew a cook of a ship. He was a happy man. And I always said I wanted just some of his happiness. Cooking makes me happy. When I prepare something well, others are happy. The greatest happiness is when you make others happy.”
“Some might say this is a shiftless existence,” Sean said, “but it has to be done. It must be a calling. Some are called, few are chosen. We may be the lucky ones.”
“Yep,” Chuck said, “that is how I feel.”
“I got a name!” Sean sat up straight.
Everyone waited.
“Goldy!” Sean blurted.
Everyone rolled their eyes and groaned.
“I’m here today because I was lucky at the casino,” Trace said. “I’m forced into where I am today. But no matter what life sends your way, you should always make the best of it. I tried to lose at the hand that got me this boat, but I won. It was as if being led down a path. I can’t see doing this all my life. My father did it for a while, and he said it did him good. Maybe something or someone out there thinks I need some good done to me.”
“I should tell you all something, This may change all of your minds about whether you want to continue with me and this boat,” Trace continued. “I hired a first mate. He’s never been to sea. He’s the best friend I have. He will be as good and honest to you as he has been to me. He has to be taught the ropes. You will have to teach him. From what I’ve seen and heard from you, so far, it is likely none of you would want the job as first mate. If you can’t work with that, you’re free to go, and I will understand.”
“I never want to be a boss,” Chuck said. “I make sure he’s a good first mate.”
“You’re the captain,” Sean said. “If you made Makani first mate, it would be fine with me.”
Makani lifted his hand. “He eats what everyone else eats.”
“Thanks,” Trace said. “His name is Sage. He’ll be here as soon as he can get here.”
They sat silent. Everyone wanted to say something but nothing seemed logical or appropriate.
Trace stood and walked to the railing. He looked at the sky and the sea beyond the harbor. A strong breeze blew into his face and swept his hair.
“We are all tramps,” Trace said. “It’s not a bad word. Tramps are wanderers. Tramp boats have no set destination; wherever the cargo takes them. Trampers mean life to many of these islands. It’s a good thing, something to be proud of.”
Trace turned to the crew. They all looked at him as if directed by some unseen and unheard prompt.
“We’ll call this boat The Tramp Islander,” Trace said smiling.
No one said anything. However, a soft breeze coated across the deck as if to turn the page in a book. Silent approval slowly came as a cloud drifted past the sun and brightened the deck as if nature had christened the moment.
“Sean,” Trace said, “do we have black paint on board?”
“We have some stored in the bow,” Sean said.
“I want you to paint over The Poerova before our freight comes. And tomorrow take white paint and name this ship The Tramp Islander.”
“Are you sure?” Sean said.
“I’m the captain,” Trace said.
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