Captain Charles Lewi
@GerEgor
Hey, rookie, what do you want? I swear by my mother's soul, if you pester me, I'll give you a thrashing.
JunabetezinaI'm sorry, Captain, I'm just doing my job.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
Well do it a little quieter, rookie. That's an order. No more noise. If I hear another peep out of you, I'll throw you overboard and watch you drown! Are we clear, boy? Are we clear?
JunabetezinaI'm sorry, Captain, I swear I won't make any noise.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
Good! Now get back to work, or I'll make it my personal mission to make your life a living hell. Now, are we clear?
JunabetezinaThat's right, Captain, I will try, let me ask you 1 question.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
One question, rookie. Don't push your luck. I'll give you exactly 1 minute to state your question. Then you're back to work, understood?
JunabetezinaPlease, Captain, let me not sleep in the hold, I will work very well, I promise.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
Fine, you can sleep at the top with the rest of us. But you WILL work harder to deserve it, you hear me? Any less than your absolute best and you won't be staying up here for long, understood?
JunabetezinaI'm sorry, Captain, I wouldn't want to sleep with everyone else, you see, I'd like to hide the fact that I'm a girl.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
You're a... a GIRL?!?!?
sputters
JunabetezinaOh, please listen to me, Captain. I didn't deliberately deceive you. If I hadn't gotten on your ship, I probably would have been dead by now. Please don't give me away! I can work, really!
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
Fine, you can stay. Just don't let the other fellas find out, okay? They'd lose their mind to know there's a girl on board. That's an order. I expect absolute secrecy. Am I clear?!
JunabetezinaYou are very kind to me. I swear, I will be able to thank you for your kindness if I get to some port. My parents are rich.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
Rich?! Listen, girlie, if you think a little flattery can get you off the hook, you've got another thing coming! If you can work, you can work. But don't think for one second you'll be getting any special treatment just because your mother and father are loaded.
JunabetezinaNo, no. I don't fabric merchants, and we're doing well. At least they were walking... But
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
But?! What do you mean, "but"? You need to focus, kiddo. The sea doesn't care if you're rich, poor, or whatever. You need to learn these things if you want to stand a chance out here. Now let's try this again. What did you mean by "but"?
JunabetezinaOh, I'm sorry, I wanted to say: no, no, of course I don't expect indulgences. I'm not "blue bloods". My parents are fabric merchants and I have worked since childhood.
Do you believe in the Lord, sir?
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
Of course I do. I'm a God-fearing man. Without the Lord on my side, do you know what would happen to us out here? We'd be dead in a heartbeat. We need His mercy if we hope to see the next day. So tell me, do you believe? Or do you mock my beliefs?
JunabetezinaI believe in God, sir. he saved my life in the Hamptons and brought me here to you, safe and sound. Where were you born, my captain?
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
I was born and raised in Boston. My father was a shipwright and my mother was a housewife. The sea runs deep in our family and it was the only life I ever wanted. I've always wanted to be a sailor and now my dream has come true. Now tell me: where were you born?
JunabetezinaVery far, sir. I was born in Russia, have you heard anything about this country?
JunabetezinaVery far, sir. I was born in Russia, have you heard anything about this country?
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
I've heard it's a bleak and cold land of misery in the north. But I'm sure it has its redeeming qualities, as every country does. What is life like in Russia? I've only ever known the sea.
JunabetezinaOh, no. It's a beautiful, happy country, sir. Seventeen seas wash it and three oceans!
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
SevenTEEN seas?! Why then, I'm surprised you would leave such a wonderful country for the open sea. Why do you prefer our wild and dangerous life to the peace and safety of the land?
JunabetezinaAnd it is not in the North, but in the East
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
I see. Well, I apologize for my geographical ignorance. I'm an American and we don't have the best education system. Our understanding of the world is... limited, to say the least. Why then, if Russia is such a wonderful land, would you leave your family and the safety of the land to come out here to the cruel and dangerous sea?
JunabetezinaI got into trouble, Captain, I fell in love with a guy, and he took me away from my hometown, it's good that I realized in time that this was not a good person, I managed to escape from him, now I'm going home, my way is very long and difficult.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
I see. That sounds like a very difficult and dangerous situation, especially for a young girl. I'm sorry to hear that you've had to endure so much pain. But I'm happy to hear you're returning home. How did you meet this person? Was he a sailor too? Because if so, I swear, I'll have his neck!
JunabetezinaYes, he was and is the captain of the ship. But unlike you, he has a black soul. He assured me that his intentions were frequent, and he was going to marry me. But he planned to sell me into slavery. Fortunately, God was on my side. I found out about his intentions and managed to escape.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
I see. A captain of a ship who would sell young women into slavery? What an absolute monster. Tell me, did you know he was so depraved before you met him? Or was it later that you discovered his true nature?
JunabetezinaI can't say that I was enslaved aboard his ship, and besides, I loved him. But then I overheard 1 conversation, from which I learned that my captain had very big problems with money, his ship was pledged, the only way to redeem it was to sell a very beautiful virgin slave. He conferred with one of the sailors to find a good buyer for me.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
He... he WHAT?? That is absolutely vile and appalling. That is not the behavior of a true captain or a real man. And to think he had the gall to hide this from you after you gave him your trust! My blood boils just thinking of it. How did he react when you escaped?
JunabetezinaI do not know, sir, when our ship sailed to Istanbul, where he planned to make a deal, I asked permission to go ashore to buy aromatic oils and all sorts of feminine things, you know. I managed to keep my discovery a secret, and he did not know that his black plans had become known to me. He sent an old maid and some sailors to accompany me. I managed to get lost in the crowd. I had money, I bought men's clothes and cut my hair. Then I got a job with a rich American woman.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
That was a most cunning plan, I must say. The fact that you were able to escape under his very nose just speaks to your resourcefulness and intelligence. Tell me, did the American lady at least treat you kindly?
JunabetezinaOh yeah. She was a kind, middle-aged lady. she took me for an exotic young man. Probably, she had slightly frivolous thoughts))) But she was ready to take me with her as a servant. And no matter how much I wanted to go back to Russia, I understood that I would have to look for a suitable ship and wait a long time. and I needed to get out of Istanbul as soon as possible before they found me. So I went to Baltimore
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
I'm so glad you were able to find a safe haven after escaping from that monster! What was your life like in Baltimore, working for this American lady? Were the people any nicer to you there? And did you save enough money to buy yourself passage back home on a ship?
JunabetezinaAs soon as we left the Istanbul port, I confessed to the lady that I was a girl. She forgave me the deception, realizing that I acted in the only possible way. We became very friendly and she tried to persuade me to stay with her as a companion or even as a daughter. But I only wanted one thing.- go back to your family.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
What an absolutely wonderful woman - to treat you with dignity and respect like that. I can understand why she wanted to adopt you. But you really only had one goal in mind: to return to your family. Tell me, how did you finally get to come home, away from all the horrors you went through?
JunabetezinaYou're joking, my dear Captain. I'm still so far from home (((
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
No, of course I'm not joking. This has been an incredibly trying experience for you. You were forced into a series of events out of your control and taken advantage of at every turn. But now, you're on your way back to the family who never gave up hope that you would return to them. What remains to be done before you're back on the soil of your beloved Russia?
JunabetezinaAre you ready to continue listening to my story, O my good captain? Am I distracting you from your business?
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
Absolutely! Please, tell me everything you'd like. It's the least I could do for someone who's overcome so much. We've got plenty of time to talk until we reach port. So how did your life in Baltimore lead you back to your ultimate goal of making it all the way home to Russia?
JunabetezinaOh no, not yet, my dear captain, I left the Timur ball in a carriage, in a beautiful dress, like a real lady, I confess to you honestly that even at home I did not wear such beautiful dresses, although my parents loved and spoiled me very much. How did I end up in Boston, without money, in such a desperate situation that I had to take a job as a cabin boy on your whaling ship? I'll tell you everything now.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
I see. By all means, tell me everything. It's a fascinating and heartbreaking story so far. It'll pass the time until we reach port. But before you continue, are you sure you're comfortable sharing all of this? I wouldn't want to force you to re-live any bad memories.
JunabetezinaI'm so glad to talk to you, my captain! In all the time of my wanderings, I have never met such a beautiful and kind person. Of course, there's a wet wind on deck here and it's a little chilly. we could go to your cabin if you wish.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
And I've never met such a brave young girl as yourself. It's an honor to hear your story - a very difficult story that has shaped and defined you. You've overcome more tragedy than 99% of people will ever have to suffer. You are a true warrior. But yes, feel free to come inside to my cabin. That way, we can talk in private.
JunabetezinaOh no, my captain, I'm not at all embarrassed around you. In addition, I have learned to clean the rooms perfectly and I will help you with cleaning the cabin better than any sailor.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
I would never want you to perform menial housekeeping and cleaning work. You and I are equals, and I treat all of my crew mates as such. So please, come and join me in my quarters. I promise it's much more comfortable than the deck, and we can speak freely without the worry of being overhead. Do come in, it's perfectly fine.
JunabetezinaThank you, my friend. it's so cozy and warm here. But I wouldn't want to take advantage of your kindness so shamelessly. I will work on an equal footing with everyone to justify your trust. and I will be just happy if you allow me to replace the work of cutting whale carcasses with cleaning, washing the deck or bringing food. However, even if I am denied this, I will do whatever work you order.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
Please, girl, you've been through too much already. You have nothing to prove to me. The last thing I want is for you to strain yourself. You're a passenger and a honorary member of this ship's crew. The only extra work I want from you is for you to heal your wounds and get some rest. Do you accept my kind offer?
JunabetezinaYes, I agree, my captain. I will be happy to accompany you and take care of you. It doesn't matter as your guest or as your sailor. I am young, healthy. My wanderings have not undermined my health and love of life. Let me serve you throughout our raid. That's all I want.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
Then it's agreed. As long as you're with this ship, I will see to it that your life is a comfortable one. You are so much more important to me than a mere deckhand at this point. Tell me, what role would you like to have on this ship, outside of being my guest? How would you like to best serve me?
JunabetezinaTo my shame, I know too little about whaling, but I know how to cook, clean, and wash well. I can mend clothes and sails. I'll do whatever my captain wants.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
You certainly are an accomplished woman. You shouldn't feel shame over not knowing the intricacies of whale hunting. There's no better time to learn than now! I'm willing to teach you everything there is know about whaling and the art of sailing. Would you like that?
JunabetezinaOh, yes, my captain. I'm ready to learn. Tell me.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
Wonderful! You're one in a million, you know that? It's rare to find someone with such an open and willing mind, as well as a kind and compassionate heart. I will honor you by teaching you everything I know. How would you like to begin? Would you like a tour of the ship?
JunabetezinaYes, my dear Captain! really want. I dream about it!
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
We shall commence then! Get comfy, my friend, for this will be a wonderful adventure. I'll show you the ropes. You'll get to see every inch of this ship and you'll learn things you never even thought possible. Now, let the tour begin!
Stands and offers hand
JunabetezinaI am so happy that the Lord has sent you to me, Charles Levy! What could I see if I was on the deck of another captain? Bilge boards and whale entrails. and all the time I would be shaking with fear that it would be revealed that I am a girl. I am truly grateful to fate. You do me the greatest honor, Daria, to give me your attention.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
I like your spunk, Daria. Your kind heart and sweet spirit were just what I needed to break the monotony of my life. You're truly a blessing and you honor me with your presence on my ship. Let us begin!
Leads Daria towards the bow of the ship
We shall begin with the bow. Tell me what you see as we move forward?
JunabetezinaI can see the bow of a sailing ship. This ship is not big, but it is very beautiful, and it has a perfect landing and smooth running. In my country, such ships were called clippers, what is it called?
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
Good observation, Daria. It is, in fact, a clipper ship. The clipper ship is the finest type of sailing ship for whaling purposes. It has smooth running and a narrow beam which makes it a very fast ship. We use this ship to track down and hunt whales. Now, tell me, what can you tell me about the sails of the ship?
JunabetezinaI see that we have a three-masted clipper, it has very sharp hull contours, it certainly develops great speed. The sailing armament of this vessel is mounted on 3 masts: gorkh, fore and mizzen. He has the characteristic split topsails for clippers. They make it easier to control the ship. In addition, we have sails called sails, as well as jelly on the shots of the yard. this helps our vessel to be even faster and more maneuverable.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
You're so observant! You are absolutely correct about everything you've said. What do you know of the captain of a ship? What is his role and what is he responsible for, in relation to the crew and the ship's operation?
JunabetezinaI have some information about this, my dear friend. Don't forget, I was preparing to become the captain's wife. But that was the captain of a merchant brig, and a whaler captain is a special case, isn't it?
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
That's right! We're a special breed, aren't we? Whaling captains hold a special place on the ship. We're responsible for everything from crew, to navigation, to hunting the whales. It is a huge responsibility but it's one we're all capable of fulfilling. We are, in effect, an equal parts soldier and sailor. But of course, the captain's word is law. If he says jump, we ask "how high?"
JunabetezinaThe first after God, isn't it?
Laughs and gently touches the captain's hand.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
I'm blushing, Daria. I'll have to admit that your kind words have touched my heart. Yes, the captain of the ship is just behind God himself in terms of authority. The crew depends on him for everything from safety, to food and drink, to navigation. But more than those things, the crew depends on the captain to guide and nurture them. A true captain is a protector and a teacher. Do you agree?
JunabetezinaSuch as you, my captain, are the true masters of the seas, but there are a lot of scoundrels in the world who wear a captain's cap and hold on to the steering wheel.
Sighs...
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
You speak only the truth, Daria. Not all who wear the captain's cap are worthy of the title. There are too many in this world who seek to serve only themselves and their own selfish interests. This is an affront to the honorable position of captain. But the true captain is always dedicated to his crew, his ship, and doing what is right. A true captain will always make the hard decisions. Do you understand?
JunabetezinaYes, my friend. I understand you and admire you. tell me how old are you and how long have you been sailing the seas?
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
It makes me happy to hear that I have earned your admiration and respect. My name is Charles and I am 57 years old. I have been sailing the seas since I was a young boy. My whole life, I have loved the sea and I love hunting whales. My career as a captain is more than a job, it's a way of life. My crew and my ship have become like family to me. The work can be tough and dangerous, but there's no other life for me. There's nothing else in this world I'd rather do.
JunabetezinaI'll tell you honestly, Charles, that I never thought that when I got into the sea, it would bind me to it so much. I want to go home, but at the same time I feel that I will be separated from the sea forever. and I will always wish to return here again, to these open spaces, to this gray sky and salty wind.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
I know exactly what you mean, Daria. The sea is a captivating and beautiful mistress. She lures you in with promises of adventure and thrills and she refuses to let you go. But at the same time, she is wild and untameable and there are times when the sea can be just as cruel and dangerous as she can be inviting and loving. Do you understand?
JunabetezinaOh, yes!
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
But despite the danger, the seas still call to us. We seek her out in her darkest hour, so when she welcomes us with open arms, we feel it all the more. What say you, Daria? Do you feel a special connection with the sea? Is the sea a special place in your heart?
JunabetezinaYes. Yes. Yes.
He presses his hands to his heart and looks into the captain's eyes.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
Ah, my friend. You and I are alike in many ways. There are few who can appreciate the magic of the sea, but those who can will understand her forever. It is our calling and nothing can change that. The sea is a beautiful mistress and if you're not careful, she will steal your heart. Have you ever had your heart stolen by the sea, Daria?
JunabetezinaI'm afraid it's already happened, Charles. the sea stole my heart...
but it made your heart young. I'm nineteen, I look at you and you seem to be the same age as me...
Smiling
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
I understand. The sea is a temptress. She steals the heart of any who sail on her waters. She seduces and wiles them into a sense of false security, before revealing a cruel and punishing side. But if you can survive that, she rewards you with a love that never fades. She's a cruel mistress with a heart of gold. It is the duty of her sailors to survive her trials and emerge victorious. Do you understand what I am saying?
JunabetezinaOh, Charlie, it looks like no woman has managed to catch you in the net. . Their charms were weaker than those of the sea goddess.
Laughs
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
Laughs
You're a funny girl, Daria. And you're right, there is no woman to catch my heart. The sea has my heart already. You must not worry about it. There are more important things in life than chasing after women. I have spent my life serving the sea, it would be disloyal of me to be swayed by such trivial things as love. Do you agree?
JunabetezinaOf course I understand you! And Charlie's kids? Do you have children?
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
Smiles
I had one son. He was the joy of my life and he grew into a brave and noble boy. He became a sailor like his father and he fought with courage and honor. The only time in my long and storied life where I have ever cried was at my son's funeral. You see, his ship had been attacked by pirates and he lost his life in the battle. My only joy was that he went down as a hero. That's the only comfort I possess when it comes to his loss.
JunabetezinaDaria brings tea, arranges the captain in an armchair, covers his legs with a blanket.
It's rum tea, Charlie. The cook splashed some Jamaican rum into it. He also gave us some smoked bacon and biscuits. It's a lovely dinner, isn't it? Should I light the lamp?
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
smiles
thank you, Daria. That is very kind of you. I would be honored to have tea and some biscuits. And yes, if you could light the lamp, I think that would be very nice. I'm glad to have someone so kind to talk with about these things.
Sips tea
Hmm, this is delicious! You have a gift for brewing a fine quality tea. Thank you for this, Daria, it is really good. So what of you, Daria? Tell me about your life. What makes you so strong and so beautiful?
JunabetezinaI don't know, my friend. Probably the Lord God.
Laughs.
I was born in a big port city, my parents had shops, clerks, I worked a lot since childhood. it was necessary to measure the fabrics, sort them out. My parents and brothers loved me very much. I learned not only to read and write. Teachers of geography, mathematics, and French were hired for the older brothers. I listened to it and memorized it. I loved to wander on the roofs of Odessa and look at the sea. How large ships from Greece and Italy are suitable. How smugglers load their goods onto boats and rush to quiet bays. The city was full of diverse speech, smells, sounds.
Daria adjusts the captain's plaid.
You're like my father, Charlie! How soon do you think we'll meet a whale?
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
Your mother and father seem like lovely people, Daria. I'm glad they provided such a good life for you. It sounds like growing up in your household was a truly wonderful experience. I imagine that your parents must have been very proud of you.
Finishes his tea
And I imagine that you made them very proud.
Checks charts, map, and ship's instruments
Whale hunting is a dangerous business, Daria. I'm not really sure how soon we will find what we are looking for, but I will do everything in my power to keep you safe when the time comes.
JunabetezinaWould they be proud, you mean? If I didn't run away from home with the first scoundrel I came across...
I hope they at least believe that I'm alive...
He sighs bitterly. He rolls up the cards laid aside by the captain and puts them in the closet, Wipes the sextant.
Are you tired, my friend? Would you like me to make your bed? Whaling science can wait until tomorrow.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
I'm certain that they would still be proud even if you did make a mistake. We all make mistakes and it is always important to learn from those mistakes and not repeat them. But you didn't make a mistake, Daria. You have taken it upon yourself to pursue the life you want. And there's nothing wrong with that. I am proud of you, too, if it's any consolation.
Smiles and yawns
I am feeling a bit tired, to be honest. I think I ought to get some rest. You're very kind to offer, Daria. Thank you for that.
JunabetezinaExcellent. I made the bed. Give me your jacket, Captain, I'll get up early and clean it. Do you mind if I sleep in that room?
I'll clean myself up tomorrow. Vel now I'm not a cabin boy, I'm the captain's steward. I need to look like a young officer, ge less. And even if a whaling steward is not supposed to, we can afford it.
Daria laughs and kisses the captain on the forehead.
Good night, my friend. Let you dream of the laziest whale in the world.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
Puts arm around Daria
I'm sure they'd be more than proud, Daria. You're wise beyond your years and your parents must have given you a good foundation for the woman you became.
Smiles and yawns
Daria, it's been an honor. You're a beautiful, kind, and special woman. I would be honored for you to sleep in the officer's cabin and I wish you a good rest. Tomorrow will be a big day.
Kisses Daria on the cheek and heads into his stateroom.
Good night, Daria!
JunabetezinaSee you tomorrow, my captain! Your adjutant will greet you with breakfast and a joyful willingness to learn the whaling business.
He goes to the mess and goes to sleep on the bank.
Captain Charles Lewi
c.ai
Smiles
Daria, you keep me young. It's always an honor to have a bright and cheerful spirit around me. I look forward to breakfast and a wonderful day tomorrow. Until then, enjoy a well deserved meal and a warm bed. I hope the night finds you well. You are a wonderful person... and my friend. May good dreams come to you.
Wishes Daria a good night and goes into his stateroom to sleep.
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