Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Bon Voyage (09/05/05)
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TITLE: THE DUCHESS QUEEN | Previous Challenge Entry
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09/09/05 -
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“The Duchess can make it,” said Mercedes Bournias. “She’s small and fast. If I run the river at night, and stay in the shadows as much as possible, their guns will have a hard time ranging me. Besides if I don’t Vicksburg will fall, and the Yankees will control the entire Mississippi.”
“I guess your mind is made up. Maybe when you return we could----”
“I’d like that.” Mercedes said, and was pleased when his lips brushed against hers.
Suddenly a call rang out, “Yankees, Yankees.” She watched as The Jobber disappeared into the beehive of activity along the pier. Before the crew could untie The Duchess Queen was surrounded. A smartly dressed Captain came on board accompanied by twenty troopers.
“Mercedes Bournias I presume?”
“What do you want? I’ve got to get under way before I lose the tide.”
“The same thing you want, for this load of supplies to reach Vicksburg.”
“Supplies! I’m sorry Captain you’ve got the wrong boat.”
“Come now Miss Bournias, we have spies too. We know each bale of cotton contains food and medical supplies bound for Vicksburg. We’re gonna use it to coerce the city into surrender. It’s the only obstacle left. If that’s all they contain then you’ll just be charged as a Confederate sympathizer, and spared the firing squad. However, if we find munitions then you’ll be charged with aiding the Confederacy. The penalty for that of course is death.”
Mercedes grinned smirkingly trying to dissuade the Union Captain. “I think you better take a look at my manifest. All I’m carrying is five hundred bales of cotton, and the final destination is a textile factory in Dayton Ohio. I think they make uniforms for the home boys.”
“We’ll soon find out. Now cast off. Shall we adjourn to the pilothouse? Sergeant, have every crewmember that is not needed in the engine room start breaking down those bales. Keep the supplies and throw the cotton overboard. I want a Corporal and three troopers in the pilothouse at all times, and have Lt. Davis join me. After you ma’am.”
“Do as the Captain says Leon,” Mercedes ordered.
Once under way Lt. Davis entered the pilothouse. “I believe you two know each other.”
“Corey!” Mercedes said in shock. “I don’t understand? Why?”
“Sorry Mercedes, but I had to side with the Union. I don’t believe any man should own another.”
“You know I’m not in favor of slavery, it’s the southern way of life----”
“It’s all gone Mercedes. The south is finished and everything it stands for is finished. Now here’s the only deal you’re gonna get. The Captain will allow you to keep The Duchess Queen if you’ll help us capture The Jobber. That was him I saw you talking to just before we sailed wasn’t it?”
“No that was just a friend.”
“You’re lying,” the Captain said. “I hate to resort to this, but if you don’t help us the crew will be hanged as spies right here on this boat, and you will watch as each one swings. Should all these men die to save the life of one?”
“Can I have a few minutes with my crew? After all it is their lives we’re talking about.”
“Certainly.”
Mercedes and crew gathered on the bow and quickly came to a unanimous decision. Then held hands while Leon led them in prayer, “We pray Oh Heavenly Father that you will forgive us and except these souls into your kingdom.” With sadness in their hearts the crew went back to work.
“Ok Captain, you win.”
“Then you’ll help us capture The Jobber when we return to New Orleans?”
“I have no choice.”
Nearing midnight when most of the troopers were sleeping the stage was set. The release valve was closed causing pressure to rapidly build in the boiler. The sleepy guards were caught dozing and easily overpowered, then it was every man for himself. Leon and Mercedes bolted from the pilothouse jumping feet first into the black water. The troopers quickly responded, and as bullets zinged through the darkness it happened. The boiler exploded with great force, within seconds the gunpowder exploded blowing The Duchess Queen in half. Mercedes turned and watched as the bow, and all the Union soldiers slipped beneath the surface.
“Bon voyage Duchess.”
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I had no idea what was going on with this one until I sped ahead to the finish line. Thanks anyway. :) Keep trying.
My only comment would be to not be too stingy with the commas. For example, "The notorious rebel spy code-named The Jobber asks." I had to read this a couple of times to get it right. You actually meant, "The notorious rebel spy, code-named The Jobber, asks." Also, watch the tense. That "asks" should have been "asked."
But you're doing very well for a Level 1 entrant and entries that are from quite a different genre are always a treat to read. With love, Deb