//------------------------------// // A Well Fed Crew // Story: The Road to Ornithia // by The FraudulentBrit //------------------------------// The Road to Ornithia Part 3; A Well Fed Crew… If there was any place Old Silver felt as at home at as on the deck of a ship, it was in a ship’s galley. He had decided, for old times’ sake, to prepare supper for the crew, an act that he was just about to finish up. “Just about does it.” He said to himself as he finished stirring the wheat stew he had been cooking. “Now all we need are the…” Before he could finish, Silver heard the ring of a timer go off behind him. “The biscuits!” He finished as he turned around to pull the tray of round biscuits out of the ship’s simple oven, using his new metal wings since his hooves would almost certainly be burned grabbing a hot tray. Ten minutes later, the whole crew, or at least the crew sparring the few volunteers who had agreed to take their break later, were now lining up for supper. Unsurprisingly, Angel Wings was right at the front. “Lady’s first, eh?” Silver playfully asked his mare-friend. Angel Wings simply shrugged and replied, “Guess so.” Silver then asked, “Feel any better about… You know?” It had been two days since her “incident” with Arrow Bolt, and Silver had been making sure Angel Wings was doing all right. “I’m pretty good.” Silver then replied, “Good to hear, but I can’nae let you hold the line up.” Both ponies couldn’t help but begin to giggle. Angel Wings then finally took her bowl and said, “I’ll be waiting for you.” Once she had departed, Perry was next. “Getting cute I see?” The unicorn jokingly asked. Silver then sarcastically replied, “I didn’t notice. What gave it away?” As the rest of the crew continued to move along, Silver couldn’t help but recall when he first took the position of cook….. The Hawkins, 15 Odd Years Earlier… Silver couldn’t think of a time when his stomach growled louder. It had been roughly five years since he first joined the crew (He didn’t keep track, preferring to simply let time fly) and he and finally been allowed to work the sails. It may have been odd to keep a “sailor” from working the sails, but without his wings it would have been too difficult for him to maintain balance on the masts, especially during storms. But now that he had been allowed to, Silver had spent the entire day running, or rather climbing, up and down the masts, and he was now as starving as much as he was exhausted. Queuing up behind one of the older sailors, Silver wondered what was on the menu tonight. Was it a wheat stew, or something more exotic? He was so lost in thought that he failed to notice a very familiar and very, very raspy voice ask from behind him, “What do you think the cook has prepared tonight?” Silver was slightly startled for a moment before he realized which pony was now directly behind him. “No idea yet Wyvern.” Since the day they met, Wyvern had become Silver’s best friend, and the two were now almost inseparable. “I’m just hopin’ it’s nothin’ too tough. Me jaw is acting up again.” Wyvern remarked as he shuddered at the memory of the rock-hard scones they had bought from a shady griffon “baker.” “I know. Don’t remind me.” Silver replied as he remembered how hard they were, with one of the other sailors, a large earth pony stallion named Bent Oar, actually cracking a tooth. “Hopefully we won’t have anything that unpleasant anytime soon.” Wyvern then immediately said, “You better knock on wood for that, or else it’ll come true.” Silver scoffed and replied, “What, that old superstition? You haven’t been drinking salt water again, have you?” Eventually both stallions, or rather stallion and near-teenaged colt, made their way into the galley and up to the kitchen and cook. Said cook was an unusually grouchy unicorn stallion named Hardtack, and he was known for running the kitchen by one simple rule; my way or go hungry. As Silver and Wyvern made their way up to him, Hardtack greeted the two and handed them two bowls of broth. “Here you boys go.” Wyvern playfully quipped, “Oi, I’m decades older than you boy.” Hardtack simply sighed and replied, “Move along you two, you’re holding up the line.” Once Silver and Wyvern made their way to one of the tables, Wyvern took a sniff of his soup. The scent was unfamiliar, yet undeniably unpleasant. “Somethin’s not right about this stuff.” Wyvern cautiously warned his younger friend. Silver wasn’t intimidated by this warning and remarked, “Come on Wyvern, it’s not that bad.” He then took his spoon and took a large bite of his soup. The Top Deck, Five Minutes Later “Egh.” Silver groaned as he leaned against the railing. “I think it’s over. Yeah, it’s…” Silver began as his stomach began to churn violently again, and he had no choice but to stick his head over the railing, vomiting once more. “Damn it!” He cursed as he finally emptied his stomach. Slinking against the railing, Silver couldn’t do much other than take the opportunity to regain his breath. “I warned you.” Wyvern teased as he brought Silver a bottle of ginger ale and a few crackers. “Not now Wyvern.” Silver groaned, followed by a sickened burp. “Let me stomach calm down, then you can tease me all you want, alright?” Once his stomach had finally calmed down, Silver took the bottle of ginger ale and began to gently nurse it. “What did Hardtack put into dinner tonight, ipecac?” He complained. Wyvern shrugged as he replied, “I don’t know, but I don’t think you’re the only one.” The older stallion pointed towards two other sailors emerging from the galley, their faces now a sickly green. If it were only him affected, Silver would have just pinned this on him having a weak stomach. However, seeing that others were being affected made him realize that this wasn’t just a colt being a picky eater. “I think I should go have a word with Hardtack.” Silver said as he straightened his hat and rose to his hooves. Wyvern, however, moved himself to block his younger friend. “Silver, you know that Hardtack isn’t goin’ to react well to any complaints.” Silver, however, wasn’t listening. He simply sidestepped his friend and began to march towards the galley. The Galley As Silver made his way up to the kitchen, Hardtack asked, “Well, you in the mood for seconds Mr. Silver?” Silver took a deep breath and answered, “I don’t mean to be rude or disrespectful sir, but I just spent the last five minutes throwing up after eating whatever it was you made.” Hardtack then mockingly replied, “Awh, is the wittle baby not able to hold down his big boy food?” Almost immediately, several other stallions joined Hardtack in his cruel laughter. Silver couldn’t help but slink back, being reminded of Semper Fi and his group of friends. “He’s not the only one.” Wyvern called out as he made his way towards Silver and Hardtack. “I don’t know what you put in that soup, but Silver isn’t the only one here who can’t stomach it. Some of the others are throwing up.” Another sailor entered the galley and added, “Yeah, and on top of that, it tasted terrible!” Hardtack, however, didn’t care. He simply crossed his hooves and stuck his muzzle in the air. “Bah, you’re all just a bunch of picky eaters.” He said as he brushed off their complaints. Wyvern then made his way over to the stove as he explained, “Look, this stuff makes my mane stand on end and tastes like curdled milk. Now, as you are the current cook, I’m sure you can find a way to remedy this situation in a way that shouldn’t affect your pride too much.” He then took a ladle and dipped it into the stew before presenting it to Hardtack. The ill tempered unicorn then used his magic to float the ladle over to his mouth and consumed the soup. After swishing it in his mouth for a few moments, he proceeded to rudely blurt out, “Add salt!” Hardtack then proceeded to belt out more laughter, once again being joined by several of his friends. Silver, however, had managed to regain his some of his composure, and realized that he wasn’t going to win this battle, or at least not without excessive violence, and departed the galley. The Next Morning Silver awoke to the usual signs that it was morning; the sunlight entering the cabin and the growling of his stomach. However, due to the incident the night before, his stomach wasn’t as much growling, but rather roaring. “Figures.” He mumbled to himself. Luckily, Silver remembered that Hardtack always had a barrel of biscuits for “those who were desperate” and figured that he wouldn’t mind if he took one, or two, or five at the most. Entering the galley, Silver was surprised to see that Hardtack had apparently slept in. The stove wasn’t on, and there wasn’t any sign that Hardtack had been there since the night before. Silver began to make his way to the biscuit barrel when he had an idea. It was both a clever and yet mildly dangerous and stupid idea. Silver thought to himself, ‘why make only meself breakfast when I can make something for the whole crew?’ After all, ship cooks weren’t expected to be chefs from a five star restaurant in Canterlot, and he figured that, at the very least, he could pull something better than Hardtack. Silver began to go through the ingredients that Hardtack had in stock, and was surprised to see that he had taken “thrifty” to a whole new level. Most fruits and vegetables were soft or bendy at best, and the worst had spots of colors that he realized shouldn’t be there. Worse still, the bread was either hard as a rock or had green fuzz on them. “Hasn’t this guy ever heard of refrigeration?” Silver said out loud, hoping Hardtack hadn’t heard that. Still, Silver felt that there may have been enough for something. If he just…. Thirty Minutes Later “And that should just about do it.” Silver said to himself as he finished. He managed to scrounge up an apple cinnamon porridge, and had found enough supplies to make enough for the crew, as well as provide seconds for most of them. All in all, he felt pretty good about his efforts. All that was left was to taste it. Silver took a ladle and scooped up a decent bit of his porridge and began to move it towards his muzzle. “What are you doin’ in my galley you little runt?” Hardtack bellowed as he used his magic to pull the younger colt away from the stove. “Oh no.” Silver said to himself as Hardtack made his way over to the younger colt. “Kid, I can tolerate you insulting my cooking.” The older unicorn angrily began. “But I will NOT have you trying to replace me!” His pupils had shrunken, steam was blowing out of his now red face, and Silver could swear that he heard the sound of a locomotive whistle emerging from Hardtack. All in all, Hardtack was furious enough to strike fear into any normal pony. But Old Silver wasn’t just any normal pony. Thinking fast, Silver stretched his head forward and, before Hardtack could react, bit the older unicorn’s forelimb. Hardtack bellowed in pain, releasing Silver from his magic. The young colt began to dart back to the kitchen, only to find a massive stallion leaping onto him. “I will not let some crippled little colt show me up!” Hardtack bellowed. Of course, he had now made a horrible mistake. “I am not crippled!” Silver shouted as he bucked Hardtack. He was surprised to see that he had actually knocked the older unicorn off of him, who was now recoiling in pain. “What’s goin’ on down ‘ere?” Flint asked as he entered the galley. Silver started to panic. Flint was the pony who had found him, and inspired him to become a sailor, as well as allowed him to stay on the Hawkins when he ran away. “Uh…” Silver muttered, now finding it difficult to speak. Hardtack, however, took the opportunity and began to defend himself. “Mr. Flint, I found this little runt doing my job behind my back!” He then turned his head to face Silver and coldly continued, “He needs to be punished.” Silver’s fear was replaced by anger. “Sir! I have to report that Hardtack has been using spoilt food. That’s why I and several others got sick last night.” This statement got Flint’s attention. “Excuse me Mr. Silver, but did you say spoiled food?” “Ignore the little runt!” Hardtack interrupted. “He just has the belly of a baby.” Flint, however, surprised both ponies when he said, “I happen to know that some babies can eat just about anything they get their hooves on.” He then turned to Silver and said, “Mr. Silver, one should only make such a claim if there is proof. I would very much like some proof.” Silver then darted back to the kitchen and pulled out some of the molding bread. “Here’s the proof sir.” Flint took one of the pieces and sniffed it, only to start gagging. He then remarked, “That’s proof enough.” Flint then began to depart from the galley. Hardtack asked, “Sir, where are you goin’?” Flint paused for a moment before he answered, “I’m lettin’ Cap’n Black Watch know you’ve damn near poisoned us.” He then began to sniff the air. “Don’t tell me you’re poisoning us again?” Silver spoke up, “I’m the one who made the porridge sir. I went through everything and only used fresh ingredients sir.” Flint then walked over to the stove and took a spoonful of the porridge, eating it without even worrying about how hot it was. After a few palpable seconds, Flint remarked, “Pretty good. I think there should be enough for the crew. Good job Mr. Silver.” Both Silver and Hardtack were surprised by this. As Flint exited the galley, Hardtack gave Silver a furious glare. However, Silver wasn’t paying attention. He was busy thinking whether or not the others would like it. Ten Minutes Later. “My compliments to the chef.” Wyvern said as he and Silver ate from their bowls of porridge. “Thanks Wyvern.” Silver thanked his friend. He was amazed that Wyvern and the rest of the crew enjoyed his concoction. The only ones who hadn’t were Hardtack, Flint, and Cap’n Black Watch. Silver could only wonder why the three of them hadn’t joined the others for breakfast. Another sailor, an earth pony approached Silver and Wyvern. “Excuse me kid, but is it true that you were the one who made breakfast today?” The stallion asked. Silver nodded and replied, “Aye.” The earth pony then patted Silver on the shoulder and said, “Well good job mate. Best breakfast I’ve had in years. Certainly better than anything Hardtack could’ve made.” This surprised Silver. “You sure?” he asked. “Aye. Hardtack is a horrible cook.” At that moment, the sound of hooves angrily stomping the deck caught everyone’s attention. Silver was surprised to see a very furious Black Watch making his way towards the kitchen, Flint and a nervous Hardtack following behind him. Everyone was surprised to see Black Watch down in the galley, as he usually ate in his cabin. “What’s goin’ on?” one sailor asked. Another, a unicorn, replied, “I think it has to do with the kid.” Cap’n Black Watch then made his way to a barrel and ripped the lid off. He then pulled out several moldy plums, shoving them in Hardtack’s face. “You little BASTARD!” Cap’n Black Watch bellowed as he slammed the rotten fruit against the deck. “You’ve been poisoning all of us!” Hardtack began to stammer, “Sir… y-y-ou said t-t-to….” Flint interrupted, “If you are about to talk about saving money, I will remind you that does not mean you acquire rotten food!” Black Watch then turned to the crew and said, “We’re making port now! I want everyone getting checked for food poisoning.” Suddenly, several sailors began to cautiously eye Silver, only for Flint to reassure everyone, “Don’t worry boys. Silver isn’t the one who poisoned us. If anything, his porridge is pretty clean.” Though the other sailors returned to their breakfast, Silver couldn’t help but lose his appetite. Trottingham Docks It felt pretty good to have his hooves on solid earth once again. Silver had departed from the Hawkins (as well as collecting pay, which was more than the average colt his age would normally earn) and began to head into town. However, from behind him, he heard Flint call out, “Silver, a word for a moment?” Silver gulped. He was nervous that he was going to get into trouble for taking over Hardtack’s duties. “Y-y-yes sir?” The teenaged colt asked nervously. Flint began, “I hear you may have overstepped Hardtack.” Silver gulped again and replied, “Yes sir.” To his surprise, Flint began to laugh. “I must say, I knew some-pony would eventually get sick of his horrid cooking, but I didn’t think it would be you.” Silver now found himself rather confused. “Does this mean I’m in trouble?” He meekly asked. “Hardly me boy. In fact…” Flint then turned back to the ship, implying Silver should take a look at whatever it was. Both ponies found themselves observing Black Watch forcing Hardtack off the ship. “And don’ lemme catch your dirty hooves near my ship again!” Black Watch bellowed. Hardtack simply made an incredibly disrespectful gesture with his hooves and stomped away. Flint then continued, “I think we may need a new cook. One who knows better than to use rotten or spoilt ingredients.” “You’d really trust me on that?” Silver asked, wondering if he could do it. “I mean, I was just doin’ it because I was hungry and…” Flint interrupted him. “How about this, you do it for one voyage. That sound fair?” Silver pondered for a moment. Sure, he was worried he would accidentally poison the crew like Hardtack had. Then again, cooking was rather fun, or at the very least it was a new challenge, and he couldn’t help but find it gave him a few moments of peace and quiet. “I suppose one voyage wouldn’t cause any problems.” Silver said as he shrugged, a smug smile growing on his face. Flint then added, “Of course, you will still have your normal duties. Think you can handle it?” Silver straightened his hat and answered, “Would’ne have it any other way.” The Present Day “Silver!” Wyvern cried out, snapping Silver out of his daydream. “You zoned out for like twenty two minutes.” “Oh, sorry about that.” Silver apologized. He then observed the galley, noticing that it was now empty. “Everyone reported to their duties?” He asked. “Aye.” Wyvern replied. “Everyone except you.” Silver groaned as Wyvern gave an incredibly smug smile. Angel Wings then entered the galley. “Silver, there’s a ship on the horizon. Spy Glass, I mean Mr. Spy Glass, says it’s not flying any colors.” That wasn’t a good sign. Ships were always supposed to fly colors. That way it would be easy to see what nation they were part of. “Somethin’s not right.” Silver said as he made his way towards the top deck. Whoever it was, Silver was going to make sure that they weren’t going to threaten his crew.