Wind in the Sails.

A shrill, high-pitched whistle broke the early morning silence on the ship, jolting all us ships colts awake. We quickly got our uniforms on and ran up to the main deck to see what the call was about and as we emerged into the sunlight, we all gasped in awe at what we saw. Dead ahead of us on the sea, was scores of navy ships of all sizes.

As the Eclipse slid into a spot between two other warships of similar size, a massive galleon with three rows of cannons and four masts slid by in front of us. It’s massive size left me in awe, and the shadows of it’s masts crept across the entirety of the Eclipse. I ran over the the rigging, and climbed all the way up to the crows nest to get a better view at the fleet that had assembled. I counted twenty three ships, counting the Eclipse, There were two galleons, thirteen single deck sloops, five warships like the Eclipse, two scouting class warships with one deck of cannons but three masts for speed, and the flagship of the armada was a great Man of War: four decks for cannons plus two more for cabins and storage, and five masts that would individually be longer than the main mast on the Eclipse. Engraved on the stern of the Man of War was the title, Illuminator.

The next few hours were full of excitement. There was to be a meeting of the officers on the Illuminator, and during that there was to be an inspection of the entire fleet, so our day was packed with getting everything ready for the inspection. After the storm the previous night, the Eclipse was a mess, and it would take some serious effort to get it back up to navy standards in time. We were instructed to start with our quarters, then report to Lieutenant Thunder for our next assignment. Since us ships colts didn’t have much to keep clean, we were done and up to the deck in less than ten minutes. From there we were assigned to help the cook clean up the dining area, kitchen, storage rooms, and anything else he asked us to do. While I was busy scrubbing tables with Cloudy, a Sailor came in a called for me and Mossy. We followed him to the upper deck where Lieutenant Thunder was waiting.

“Ah good you’re here.” He called as we walked up to him. “As it turns out, the captain needs one of you for a special assignment.” He seem a bit more official than normal, probably from all the excitement. “As you both know, there is to be a meeting of the officers tonight on the flagship Illuminator. Admiral Salt, the earth pony in charge of this fleet, wishes to perform and inspection of his own during that meeting. He has requested that the captain of each vessel bring with him a stallion from each rank, “the most outstanding member of their class”, to quote his exact words. So, Captain Storm Wind has put it upon me to gather such stallions. I see Ships-colts as an official rank, therefore one of you will be joining that party on board the Illuminator. You both have been recommended by the crew for outstanding work, obedience, and diligence. So now I put the question before you two, only one of you can join the captain but I can’t decided which one of you should go. Are either of you unsure that you would be qualified to represent your fellow ships-colts?”

“Sir, I think...” I began, but then Mossy interrupted me.

“Suh, let Toffee go. He’s much more, uh, present’ble. Suh.” With the little amount that Mossy spoke, I had never realized his accent before. “Im not... much good at ‘mpressin ponies suh. I’m a work pony, Toffee’s cleva and much betta with....social situation suh. I think he would bettea’ represent us ships-colts suh.” For such a large pony, Mossy had a really young voice.

“Ships-colt Toffee, do you have any objections?” Lieutenant Thunder asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Well, sir. I was just going to recommend you send Mossy. Him being a hard worker, down with the cannons. While I just sit up in the crowsnest or on deck, watching the ocean. He deserves a bit of a rest, in my opinion sir.”

“Hmmm,” The lieutenant rubbed his chin with one of his hooves looking us both over as we stood at attention waiting for him to decide. “You both present good arguments for the other to go, however I don’t think you fully grasp what you will be doing on board the Illuminator. It is not a party where you get to sing and dance, it is a game of who needs to be impressed and who needs to be show up. Since you are so keen to do extra work to make up for sitting around all day, Toffee you will accompany the Eclipse’s representation at the staff meeting. You will report to the captain quarters immediately for a briefing on what will be expected of you tonight, dismissed.”

Great, now I would be spending my evening with a bunch of boring stallions. Talking about whose’ uniform is better polished, and why-my-ship-is-better-than-yours. It struck me then that I would be surrounded by ponies, all of whom might notice my secret as easily as Doctor Patches had last night. I considered going back and asking the lieutenant to rethink his decision, but there was no easy way to explain my reluctance without revealing the truth. I walked to Captain Storm Winds cabin and reluctantly knocked on the door.

“Enter.” I heard called from inside, and I opened the door. Sitting around a table were four stallions, Doctor Patches and the captain. There was also the quartermaster, Midships-stallion Boxy Pile a unicorn who was a pale orangeish-tan from his horn to his hooves, and Head of the Watch; Eagle Wing, a pegasus with yellow hair and a blonde mane and tail.

“ Ships-Colt Caramel Toffee, reporting for duty captain” I saluted.

“So, you are the Ships-colt that Thunder chose to accompany our league of gentle-colts?” The captain asked.

“Yes sir.”

“I’m not surprised, I hear you were instrumental in getting our ship through the storm. Also a personal recommendation from the ships physician never hurts.” I looked over at Patches with surprise, he simply winked back. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Caramel Toffee. Please take a seat.” The captain pointed at a chair next to Patches, and as I took a seat he quickly introduced the stallions at the table.

“Lieutenant Thunder will be joining us as well.” The captain continued. “He has been briefed on the plan ahead of time.” I was more confused than a fly in a house of mirrors, why did they need a plan for a meeting? Wasn’t it all planning for the upcoming battle?

“I see you are confused Toffee.” Captain Storm Wind commented. I jumped, startled out of my thoughts, then tried not to blush for not knowing what was happening. “No worries.” Continued the captain. “While most of my time will be spent with the other captains making plans for the voyage on from here, the rest of you will be getting to know the other officers. As well as making a good impression on the admirals stallions. Our every action will be analyzed, and noted. The admiral wants to know who the best of the best are, who he can trust and count on in any circumstance. Our duty is to make him believe that we are the best ponies available. Not just for my sake, but for everypony’s on this vessel. History is written by the winners, and luck favors the prepared. We are all under close watch, this is this vessel's maiden voyage and for many of us this is our first time in our positions, we are being watched like newborn fillies. Others are waiting for us to make a mistake so they can pounce in and knock us out of the picture. So I assume all of you will be on your best behavior this evening, let’s put on a show.” Captain Storm Wind was apparently either very determined or very theatrical. Either way, for some odd reason I found myself more and more excited for the evening even though I still had no idea what I was supposed to do. The captain started telling the other stallions what he wanted them to do, who to talk to and impress and keep away from. I tuned out and suddenly noticed something at the base of his wing, right where it stuck out from his uniform. Lines of discolored hair stuck out from his normal dark green-blue colors like pale yellow seaweed on the ocean. That must have been where he was injured like Patches told me, I understood then how it could cause so much pain. The amount of scarring looked like his wing had almost been torn off.

“...And as for you Toffee,” The captains voice interrupted my thoughts again, I would have to stop tuning out. “I am not sure weather to expect any other Ships-colts, if there are then you get to know them. Find out what ship they are from, how they fancy the navy, what amount of work is expected from them, etcetera. If there are not any others, you will help with the servants. My attendant, Silk Gloves, will instruct you on what would be expected of you in the role.” with that he reached over and pulled a small string, and I could faintly hear a bell ring below us. Not two minutes later, a tall, slender, earth stallion with light brown hair and a blond mane and tail entered the cabin.

“You rang sir?” He asked.

“Yes Silk, Toffee here may be assisting you and the other servants at the staff meeting tonight. If you would be so kind as to show him the basics, and see about getting him a dress uniform. On that note, the other ships-colts should have dress uniforms for the inspection! Blast it, why did I not think of that before.”

“No worries sir, I will attend to it.” Silk responded and he lead me out the door. “I am Silk Gloves,” he introduced himself. “but all my friends call me Silky, What is your name?” He was a bit less professional when the captain wasn’t in the area.

“Caramel Toffee, but all my friends call me peanut.”

“Very well then, Peanut. What do you know about fine dining?” He asked. I hung my head and answered. “Next to nothing, I was raised on the streets.”

“No matter, as long as you are a quick learner, I will have you fit to serve the King himself. But first the uniforms. Run along and get the other Ships-colts, meet me in the storage halls.” I galloped off and got the other five colts, and when we got to the storage halls Silky was ready for us. He swept us into a room, and took measurements, cut the fabric, stitched, detailed, fitted, and brushed all six new, fancy, white, dress uniforms in under half an hour.

“Excellent!” He exclaimed, obviously proud of his hoof-work and justifiably so. “Now, change back into your normal uniform. We don’t want to get it dirty before tonight.”

We went to Silky’s private chamber, and he set up a mock banquet table. Complete with plates, cups, and multiple forks for every seat. Over the next two hours, he walked me through all the proper ways to set the table, pour a glass of wine, the right order for switching plates between courses, and when to stay out at the table to refill glasses, or stay in the kitchen until the next part of the meal. When I finally, learned to balance on my hind legs and pour wine at the same time, Silky gave me my own pair of white gloves. He said to only use them if I was helping to serve, they were so lovely that I found myself hoping I would be helping to serve.

Silky took a peek outside to check on the time, he estimated that we had another hour before the captain called us back to get the representation party ready.
“So, we have some time to relax before tonight. It has been a long morning.” We had been up since just after dawn, and it was now almost mid afternoon. “So, sit down and let’s talk etiquette. Trust me, I know it sounds boring but the more you know the better you will be able to tell whose servants are not as well trained.”

“Well, there is one thing.” This was going to be a risky question. “Why don’t they allow fillies and mares to join the navy?” I was expecting more of a reaction, but Silky seamed to take it in his stride, and answered unfazed.

“The official reason is that mixing genders on the ship would cause, distractions. The higher ups believe that colts and stallions can’t, shall we say, keep their hooves to themselves. There is a certain amount of reason there, but nothing tight discipline couldn't take care of. The real reason is that society as a whole believes fillies and mares to be weak and dependant on stallions for protection and sustenance. Mares are not allowed to support themselves because they are “too weak” to do it for any long. Now, I have meet plenty of mares that are thoroughly useless but I have also meet mares who could outsmart and out perform any stallion. Anypony with their wits about them can succeed, but somehow society has decided that fillies and mares are mearley possessions to be protected and fought over by young stallions. To allow such “weak” creatures into the navy, or any “respectable” business, would be an insult to everypony involved.”

It was clear what Silky thought about the issue, but I decided not to spill the beans to him. There was still no telling what he might do if he found out.

Over the next hour we talked about etiquette, how to stand, what to say to who, when to bow and how low, and through the whole conversation the only question Silky couldn’t answer thoroughly was: “Why do ponies always wear clothes?” He paused and had to think about that one. His only response was: “Decency I suppose.”

“Strange, when I was on the street it was as common to seen a pony bare as it was to see them wear clothes”

“The streets are different than higher society. Plus I am sure the naked ones froze during the winter.” We laughed at that, when he wasn't on the job Silky was really a pleasant pony to be around, almost like a big brother.

“It does make it hard to ever see a pony’s cutie mark, the only reason I know what the other Ships-colt’s are is because we showed each other.”

“Ahem, well. Let’s not go spreading that around, in many circles that can mark a pony as being...”loose” shall we say.” Silky said, with an air of disgust.

“Ug, really. Society ponies are so sensitive.” I certainly am not “loose”, whatever it means.

“You can say that again, the reason I am with the captain is because I accidentally put too much cheese and not enough crackers on a party platter at my former employers birthday celebration. The cook skipped out the night of, so the whole kitchen was in a mess. I did the best I could, but apparently “The strong scent of Mizithra was offending to the guests”. I have worked for these ponies for years, so you think I would be used to it but...” Silky started to mock cry, his eyes opening up to twice their normal size and his bottom lip jutted out in a pouty face. “I always took pride in my cheese platters....and when he said that....I.....I died a little on the inside.” He then dramatically swooned into his chair, accidentally leaned back too far and toppled onto the ground. At that point I couldn't hold it in anymore and started rolling around with laughter. “Hey! I’m serious.” Silky protested from the floor. “I was the Cheese Platter King! He had no right to belittle me like that!”

“Stop, Oh please...my ribs!” It felt like they might split from laughter.

“It was then I decided I had enough with ungrateful peons,” Silky stood on his hind hooves in his chair, raising his glass for effect. “The Lord of the Platter moved on to land where his skills might be appreciated!” I was sure I was going to pass out at this point, I don’t think I had ever laughed so hard in my life. It was then that Captain Storm Wind rang the bell for Silky and I to return to his cabin for final preparations.

I quickly changed into my new dress uniform, gloves and all, and we went up. We got there just as the officers of the eclipse were exiting the captain’s cabin.

“Ah, good Silky you got these uniforms for all the Ships-colts?” The captain asked.

“Yes sir, they are all dressed and ready for inspection.”

“Good, then we are ready to depart. I am glad you could accompany us Silk.” The captain said with a small smile. “I hear that the King of the Cheese Platter himself will be helping in the kitchen” It took every ounce of self-control I had to not roll on the deck laughing again, I had to content myself with snickering with everyone else.

“Curse these floorboards!” Silky faked disgust, casting a dramatic disapproving glance at the floor. “They have revealed my true identity! I can not hide my secret any longer!”

“Come now Silky.” The captain said, wiping a tear of laughter from his eye. “We all have secrets to hide.” That shut me up, thankfully he did not seem to be talking about me. “But we can discuss them later after the staff meeting, we must leave before we are late.”

At the Illuminator, I was happy to find out that there were no other ships-colts. I would get to practice all that Silky taught me, and wear my gloves. It was a largely uneventful evening, we served an appetizer and a light side stew, then the captains and the admiral broke off to discuss war plans. During that time, the other officers mingled amongst themselves, and I moved around carrying a platter of drinks to serve to the stallions. After a short while, the captains and admiral returned and the main course was served. How they managed to keep that many acorns and oats fresh I will never know. The only extra ordinary thing to happen was I got asked to stand in with the captains and admiral during the last bit of the planning and pour refills on drinks. I did eavesdrop a little bit, but there was so much sea lingo that I barely understood it. There was something about flanking the port bow-stern of the enemy booyah or something like that. After the planning was complete, we left the Illuminator and headed back to the Eclipse. I said goodnight to Silky and Patches and started to head back to the ships-colt quarters when the captain called to me.

“Ships-colt Toffee, I would like to thank you for your service this evening. You did a fine job, Silky taught you well. In fact, if you wish, you can assume further training under him, in between watch shifts of course. How does that sound?”

“That sounds wonderful Captain, thank you very much sir” I saluted, and headed back to my hammock. It was a wonderful day, I could hardly wait for tomorrow.