The Road to Ornithia

by The FraudulentBrit

How I Learned to Hate the Lash

“Sir, you’ve been flogged?!” Arrow Bolt asked, barely able to comprehend what he was learning. He had just learned that his captain, Old Silver himself, the greatest sailor in Equestria, had at some point in the past done something serious enough to warrant him being strapped down and lashed with a cat o’ nine tails.

“Aye.” Silver replied. “I was once flogged, though to say the circumstances were of me own makin would be a stretch’.” In the corner of the cabin, Major Andre was about to say something, but stopped himself when he noticed Silver turning to him and giving him a look that practically begged, ‘keep quiet.’ Silver then returned his attention to Arrow Bolt and asked, “Before we get there, though, I want to know what happened with you?”

Arrow Bolt hesitated for a moment before he replied, “Well, ya see, I may have bumped into Miss Angel Wings.” Silver let out a sigh as he asked, “I take it you went out of your way to do it?” Arrow Bolt simply lowered his head in shame as he meekly replied, “Yeah.”

Shaking his head, Silver added, “I should have Angel Wings decide your punishment, but I feel you have learned your lesson.” Arrow Bolt simply sighed, knowing very well that Silver had placed her in charge of punishing him for his rudeness. Silver then continued, “Now, what happened after you “bumped” into Miss Wings?”

“That bit….” Arrow Bolt began, his anger seeping through until he remembered he was speaking to his captain. He continued, “Miss Aquamarine cornered me and said she needed to “enforce discipline.” That was when she said I should receive thirty lashes.”

“Marines must be toughening up.” Silver glumly stated. “When Nelson left the navy, he said they only gave five lashes for open disrespect, ten if it was a repeat offense.” Arrow Bolt gulped as he allowed his eyes to gaze upon his now scarred back. As he thought, he heard Silver firmly state, “As I stated earlier, Aquamarine’s punishment is up to me to decide, so you will not act against her.” As Arrow Bolt nodded yes, Silver said, “Continue.”

“Well….” Arrow Bolt began, momentarily hesitating. “I protested, but Miss Aquamarine insisted on thirty lashes. Then she pulled a cat o’ nine tails out of her mane, and I began to panic. I tried to flee….” He paused for a moment before continuing, “Obviously it didn’t work, so she added an additional forty five lashes.”

Silver simply stood there, his calm demeanor failing to hide his anger. After a few moments, he simply said, “Seventy five lashes.” Arrow Bolt nodded. In the corner, Major Andre asked, “Seventy five lashes for mere insubordination? Even I think that’s unnecessary.” Silver and Arrow Bolt simply gave him annoyed glares, signaling him to shut up.

Silver simply sighed as he said, “Mr. Arrow Bolt, as much as you have been an absolute pain in the arse for the voyage so far, I can safely say that you did not deserve to be flogged, especially the amount Miss Aquamarine deemed appropriate.” Arrow Bolt then asked, “So, I take it the scars remain?”

“They’ll stay with you for the rest of your life.” Silver glumly replied. “I was flogged about ten years ago, an’ though they’ve faded, the scars are still there.” Arrow Bolt then asked, “So, if I may ask, what happened?”

Silver paused for a brief moment before he asked, “You ever hear of Somers?” Arrow Bolt’s jaw dropped as he asked, “You mean the bugger who killed Black Watch? Every sailor worth his salt knows of the bastard.” Silver let out a gentle giggle as he said, “It’s not the most common piece of knowledge in the world, but for a six month period, he sailed with some of us under Black Watch.”

“Wow.” Arrow Bolt remarked. “I bet it was a nightmare.” Silver nodded as he replied, “It was. Somers constantly tried fudging the numbers to cheat our clients or skim bits off the books.” The memories of his former shipmate’s crimes left Silver scowling as he continued, “Then one day, Cap’n Black Watch tried to teach him a lesson…..”

“Dinner is served.” Silver said out loud as the first crew members began to que up for dinner. The now older teenaged colt had prepared a very hearty dinner of wheat patties with waffles and a salad, something that would be both delicious and filling for a crew of ravenous sailors.

The crew of The Hawkins were currently sailing to Griffonstone, a voyage many of them, including Old Silver, had made more than a few times. The route was generally one of the longest trade routes used by Equestrian merchants, and though some shortcuts did exist, they required going through uncontrollable maelstroms that were known to claim even ships built to stand even the most dangerous storms. As such, Cap’n Black Watch decided that it was best to take the tried and tested route, even if it would make the voyage longer.

Silver didn’t care how long it took. All he cared about were two things. One was the fact that he was behind the sails, and although his duties as cook often took him from the decks and rigging, he found that he would eventually be called back to the top before long.

The other thing that mattered was the fact that his friends were there. Over the years Silver had met many ponies that found themselves bonding with him, Cap’n Black Watch, or both. Whether it was the elderly but enthusiastic Wyvern, the prim and proper Nelson, the enthusiastic if somewhat eccentric Perry (Silver hadn’t had much time to interact with him), or especially Flint, the pony who Silver truly considered his father, he knew that together, they could conquer anything that came their way.

“Evenin’ Stumpy.” A very familiar drawl drew Silver out of his day dreaming to see a yellow Pegasus wearing a blue outfit with a round sailor’s hat that could only be Somers. “How ‘bout some grub?”

Silver could only roll his eyes as he replied, “You forgot to say “please.”” Somers only glared at him as he growled, “Now.” Silver wanted to make him wait, but several other sailors were waiting, and he had no choice but to give Somers his food and send him on his way.

After serving everyone, Silver took a tray of food and made his way to a table with his friends. As he approached, Flint called out, “Ah, Silver. Come over here me boy.” Silver nodded as he replied, “Alright.” As he sat down, Wyvern said, “I noticed that Somers fella was givin’ you trouble again.”

It seemed that since Somers had joined the crew, life had certainly become far less entertaining. It had only been a month since the smug Pegasus had been signed up by his father, and it only took a single day for the rest of the crew to outright despise him. If it wasn’t his arrogant attitude and disgust with their friendliness, he’d been caught trying to alter the books to both scam their clients and skim extra money for himself. Silver personally tried to be cordial, or at least professional, with the bildge rat, but he could only take so much.

Nelson immediately grabbed his friends’ attention. “Boys, Captain’s on deck.” Silver and the others immediately rose to their hooves. Black Watch descended down the stairwell and over to the rest of the crew as he began to speak.

“Lads!” Black Watch said loudly, making sure he had everyone’s attention. “Tomorrow, I have decided to allow one of you to take temporary command of the crew. This will be a lesson for him to understand the complexities of command as well as for the rest of you to respect authority from some-pony other than meself.”

Flint then asked, “Who do you have in mind?” He and the others expected that it would be Silver. He may not have been an adult yet, but he had already proven himself to be loyal, courageous, and the very model of a perfect sailor.

Then Black Watch answered, “Mr. Somers.” The moment he said that name, Silver could swear he heard the sound of glass crashing somewhere in the galley. As much as he was shocked at this, he tried to maintain his composure. The very thought of taking orders from Somers was absolutely terrifying.

Black Watch then said, “Mr. Silver and Mr. Flint, I would like a word with you in thirty minutes.” He then turned to the rest of the crew and finished, “That will be all.” He nodded and began to return to his cabin. Once he was gone, Silver waited for a brief moment before he lost his composure, slamming his hoof into the table as he exclaimed, “Damnit!” Flint gave him a worried look, knowing that Silver’s anger was a sign of things to come.

“You wanted to see me sir?” Silver asked as he entered Black Watch’s cabin. The older stallion was looking over a map on his desk, making sure they were on the right path and not lost in the endless sea of clouds. Taking a moment to look up from his charts, Black Watch noticed his guest and said, “Mr. Silver, take a seat.”

Silver nodded and made his way to a chair in front of Black Watch’s desk. Once the older earth pony stallion finished with his maps, he asked, “I presume you have some conflicted feelings regarding my decision this evening?” Silver nodded yes as he replied, “Aye. I don’ne mean to come off as rude or entitled, but I feel Somers is a poor choice to put in charge of the crew.”

Black Watch rose from his own seat as he asked, “And I take it you’d be a better choice?” Silver began to sweat nervously. As much as he did want to try taking command, he didn’t want to overstep the chain of command, and Black Watch was not the kind of pony known to change his mind easily, if at all. It was something he had in common with Spitfire, though the older stallion did have the advantage of years of experience, plenty of common sense and the humility to admit mistakes.

As the older stallion trotted up to Silver, he began to smile warmly as he added, “I know you’d be a fine captain, but this little experiment isn’t about you.” Silver gave him a confused look as he asked, “Sir?” Black Watch replied, “I caught Somers goin’ on about how he’d be a much better captain and how he’d get every-pony to obey him. I want him to know that it’s not that easy.”

Taking in what he’d been told, Silver shrugged as he replied, “Good point. ‘Sides, it might be a nice way to teach him a lesson in humility.” Black Watch let out a gentle chuckle as he added, “Of course, I expect you to behave and not make things unnecessarily difficult for him, even if he does something to deserve it. I expect, you will not disappoint.”

Rising from his seat, Silver took a deep breath as he answered, “I don’t plan to sir.” Black Watch made his way to the teenaged colt and patted him on the back, saying, “That’s me boy. Now I think it’s time we got some sleep.” He then gave Silver a knowing look before dryly remarking, “It’s gonna be a long day.” Silver couldn’t help but giggle as he nodded and replied, “Aye aye sir.”

As Silver stood in between Wyvern and Nelson, he could tell the anticipation was palpable. Somers had ordered everyone to gather on the top deck without any warning or even bother to give a reason. Wyvern turned to his young friend and said, “I got a bad feelin’ about this.” Silver could only reply “So do I.”

As soon as he finished, Somers marched out from Black Watch’s cabin and began to strut over to the rest of the crew. “Alright now boys.” The arrogant Pegasus began. “Ah wanna make one thing clear. From now on, we do things mah way. Any-pony doesn’t do things mah way…” He then began to crack his wings as he continued, “That pony will have a problem.” Silver, as well as a few others, gulped at the implication.

After relishing in the fear he was instilling, Somers then said, “Now that we have an understandin’, Ah hereby declare Mr. Silver to be my taskmaster.” The other sailors turned to Silver, who nervously pointed to himself as he asked, “Me?” Somers nodded as he continued, “Ah want you to be mah eyes and ears. You understand me?” Silver hesitated for a moment before remembering that Cap’n Black Watch wanted him to behave, so he nodded and answered, “Aye aye sir.”

Smirking, Somers then continued. “Alright then. Next, Ah want Mr. Wyvern up on the rigging.” Silver and the others were surprised by this decision. Silver turned to Somers and asked, “Sir, are you sure that is a wise decision?”

“Are you threatening mah authority?” Somers asked without hesitation. Silver waited for a moment before he continued, “Sir, Wyvern is the oldest sailor on deck. Sendin’ him up in the rigging is a downright irresponsible decision.”

For a few moments, almost a minute, no one said anything. Then, Somers replied, “That is a fine suggestion, but Ah’m in charge now, and Ah say the old coot goes up the masts!” Silver was going to continue arguing against this decision, but Wyvern nodded and called out, “Aye aye sir.”

Somers continued to read out the duty roster. Perry, despite his skills as a gunnery officer, was assigned to the kitchen, Nelson was ordered to swab the deck, and the rest of the crew was given tasks that clearly went against or wasted their talent.

“Alright boys.” Somers said as he finished the duty roster. “Don’t just stand there, get to work ya lazy bums!” The rest of the crew began to perform their duties as Silver simply stood next to Somers, worried as to what his temporary superior had in store for him.

Once the crew had begun their daily tasks, Somers walked up to Silver and, to the latter’s surprise, began to speak in a friendly tone. “So, Ah bet you’re wonderin’ why Ah chose you as mah number two.” Silver, surprised at Somers’s abnormally friendly demeanor, replied, “The thought has crossed me mind sir.” Somers wrapped a wing around him as he continued, “These fellas here don’t like me. Ah figured if you acted as mah intermediary, then they’d respect mah authority.”

“If you want respect, you’ll have to show you deserve it sir.” Silver replied, trying to sound encouraging. “That’s why Cap’n Black Watch set up this experiment.” Somers didn’t move, simply giving Silver a glassy stare. He then, friendly smile still firmly planted on his face, said, “Well, they’re gonna have to learn to respect mah authority or else they’ll fear it.”

From above the two colts, the unmistakable sound of Wyvern’s raspy voice called out, “Me hoof is slippin’!” Another sailor called out, “Hold on Wyvern! I’m commin’!” Somers rolled his eyes, almost as if he were bored, and said to Silver, “Make sure they stay on task. That’s an order.” With that, he made his way up to the ship’s bridge.

Silver could only sigh in resignation as he dejectedly muttered, “Aye aye sir.”

To say that Black Watch’s experiment was a massive, downright failure would be an impossibly small understatement. Despite the crew doing the best they could, Somers would throw a massive fit if they did anything less than, in his mind, perfection. Ironically, the more he distracted them with his berating insults and borderline verbal abuse, the more time they lost, and it seemed that they were certainly bound to fall behind schedule, which would possibly result with them losing part of their pay.

In spite of Somers’s outright hostility, Silver tried to play peacemaker, warning Somers that the other sailors were doing their best, but Somers would have none of it. “Ah said Ah wanted full sail in thirty seconds, not thirty five seconds.” Somers said angrily. “And Ah will not allow such laziness.”

“They are not lazy Somers.” Silver defiantly replied. “They’re workin’ their arses off! You’re simply demandin’ the impossible.” Somers angrily countered, “Well then, if they can’t do the job properly, then it seems they might not deserve dinner tonight.”

“You wouldn’t dare.” Silver said defiantly. “You can’nae just deny food like that.” Somers, a wicked smile growing on his muzzle, simply replied, “Ah can, and Ah will.” Silver tried to hold in his anger and disgust, but couldn’t do it any longer, and, despite knowing that it was a dangerous idea, said, “You’re a bastard Somers.”

“HELP!” Wyvern shouted from above. Silver looked up to see, to his absolute horror, Wyvern hanging by a single hoof on one of the ropes. Silver didn’t hesitate for a second, immediately dashing to the rope ladder and proceeding to climb up. From behind him, he heard Somers call out, “Get back here, Ah’m not done with you Stumpy!” Right now, Silver didn’t care about being called Stumpy, only focusing on Wyvern.

“Hold on Wyvern, I’m commin’!” Silver shouted as he ascended the ropes, closing the distance between him and the old earth pony. Wyvern tried to raise his other front hoof up to the rope, but couldn’t grasp it. Panicking, the old sailor called back, “Hurry, I don’t think I can hold on much longer!”

Silver managed to make it to the top of one of the lower sails before Wyvern began slipping. The old earth pony shouted, “Silver, I’m slipping!” Silver knew he wouldn’t be able to reach his level in time so, acting almost entirely on instinct, managed to stand on the sail’s support and, shimmying over so he was right under Wyvern, called back, “Wyvern, I’m right under you! Let go and I’ll catch you!”

The moment Silver finished speaking, Wyvern lost his grip and began to descend towards the deck, screaming his rusty lungs out. As he passed Silver, the teenaged colt managed to reach out and, thankfully, grabbed Wyvern by his leg. He then quipped, “See? I got you.”

That was when Silver lost his balance, sending both him and Wyvern plummeting down to the deck. They crashed into a set of barrels, smashing them to pieces. Nelson dropped his mop and ran up to the two, frantically asking, “Silver, Wyvern, you two alright?”

Silver could only groan as he rose back to his hooves. Wyvern, on the other hoof, simply laid on the deck as he said in his normal voice, “I am…. in incredible pain.” Nelson and Silver couldn’t help but giggle as they helped the old stallion back to his hooves.

“Three Legs! Wrinkles! Stumpy!” Somers shouted as he stomped over to the group. He shouted, “Ah did not give you permission to take a break! Get back to work!” Wyvern was about to respond, but the pain caught up with him, and he found himself collapsing onto the deck, writhing in pain. Silver and Nelson began to try and wrap their hooves around him to try and ease his pain.

That was when Somers pushed Silver and Nelson away and, to their horror, rudely kicked the old sailor. “Come on, get up ya lazy bum!” The rude Pegasus shouted.

Silver would not tolerate seeing his friend being abused. He charged forward and pushed Somers away from Wyvern, coldly warned him, “Don’t you dare touch him!” Somers pushed himself up to Silver until the two were muzzle to muzzle and replied, “Ah’m in command, and Ah’ll do whatever Ah want.” Both colts stared at each other for several seconds before Somers continued, “And right now, Ah need to teach you boys a lesson.”

Somers then turned to several of the other sailors and ordered, “Boys, Escort these trouble makers below deck! Ah need to get somethin’.” The group of sailors nodded as they made their way up to Silver, Wyvern, and Nelson, and, though reluctant, restrained them and began to escort the trio down below deck.

When the group made it to the lower decks, Wyvern turned to Nelson and asked, “What’s gonna happen?” The former naval officer simply answered, “I don’t know Wyvern.” Silver gulped and added, “Look, I doubt that Somers would try to do anythin’ too stupid.”

That was when Somers returned with what appeared to be a piece of rope. However, this wasn’t rope, but a piece of leather that had nine different ends. Wyvern turned a deathly pale as Nelson’s pupil’s shrank.

“A cat o’ nine tails?” The three legged Pegasus asked. “Why in the name of Davy Jones do you have one of those?”

Somers, a terrifying smile growing on his muzzle, replied, “Because you three have been very naughty. Disobeyin’ mah orders, wastin’ time, and in Stumpy’s case….” He then turned to Silver as he continued, “Challenging mah authority.” Turning back so he was facing all three, Somers added, “And so I need to punish you three. Startin’ with Stumpy.” He then shouted, “Tie him down and get rid of that coat!”

“What’s goin’ on?” Silver asked, fear starting to consume him. The other sailors dragged him over to a crate as they pulled his jacket back, revealing his bare back and his wing stumps. Silver began to struggle, but the others held him down as Wyvern and Nelson were restrained, keeping them from interfering.

Somers began to strut over to the now restrained Silver, his wicked grin now morphing into what could only be described as a slasher smile. “Ah’d say that…. Talkin’ back, disobeyin’ orders, and just general disrespect….” He said with terrifying glee as he stroked the cat o’ nine tails. “Ah’d say that you deserve….” He paused before he finished, “One thousand lashes.”

“That’ll kill him!” Nelson shouted, terrifying Silver. “No-pony has ever survived that many lashes!” He tried to fight his way out, but the pony holding him simply forced him to the deck and knelt on his wings so the former naval officer couldn’t use them.

Silver, on the other hoof, was absolutely speechless. Was Somers actually going to do something that horrible? Sure, he had been known to be a pretty lousy excuse of a pony, but he wouldn’t do something so cruel or lethal, right?

That was when Silver felt an incredibly excruciating sting on his back. He managed to conceal his pain, simply groaning. To be fair, the pain was starting to fizzle away already. But as the pain began to fizzle out, Silver felt another strike to his back, forcing him to grunt again.

From behind him, Somers gloated, “Ignore the pain boy, ‘cause it’s only gonna get worse!” Silver, mustering what strength he could, simply answered, “I think I’m actually older than you.”

Somers’s smile gave way to a frustrated scowl as he began to repeatedly strike Silver’s back, forcing the latter to actually let out a brief scream. Wyvern called out, “Somers you little gobshite!” Somers turned to him and angrily barked, “Watch your mouth or I’ll double your punishment!”

Silver took the moment of Somers being distracted and tried to rise, only to receive a particularly painful blow to his back. Before he even had the chance to scream, Somers struck him again.

And again.

And again.

And again.

And again.

“What the hell is goin’ on down here?” Cap’n Black Watch shouted as he and Flint made their way into the room, only to be horrified by what they were witnessing. They found Wyvern and Nelson being restrained by two other sailors and Somers standing over Silver with a cat o’ nine tails in his wings.

The worst part was seeing Silver straped to a crate, back exposed and, worst of all, covered in fresh scars and soaked in blood.

Black Watch didn’t need any explanation for what he was seeing. Taking a deep breath, the old earth pony walked up to Somers as he calmly said, “Mr. Somers?” Somers began to sweat nervously as Black Watch approached him. The Pegasus colt replied, “Sir, Ah have to report that…..”

Somers was interrupted when Black Watch slugged him in the face, forcing him to the deck. “Give me ONE good reason not to tear your arse apart right here, RIGHT NOW!” Somers curled into a ball and began to whimper, a sight that made Flint absolutely sick to his stomach.

Flint stomped over to Somers and grabbed him, pulling him up to his muzzle and said, “You, me, brig, now!” Somers didn’t say anything, simply whimpering in fear as Flint dragged him away. Once Flint and Somers were gone, Cap’n Black Watch turned to the others and quietly but sternly said, “I want a moment with Mr. Silver.” The other sailors released Nelson and Wyvern as all four quickly departed the cabin.

This left Black Watch alone with Silver. The older stallion made his way to the teenaged colt and began to undo the ropes holding him down. Silver rose to his hooves and said, “Sir, I wish to report that Mr. Somers has begun to abuse his power.”

“Lad…” Black Watch began. “Your back must hurt.” Silver waited for a brief moment before staring Black Watch in the eyes, realizing that he could tell how much Silver was hurting.

With that, Silver leapt at Black Watch, wrapping his hooves around him as the tears began to pour out. Black Watch tried to hug him in return, making sure he didn’t apply too much pressure. “Sir, it hurts.” Silver managed to blabber out in between his sobs. “It hurts like hell.”

After a few minutes of Silver letting out his pain, Black Watch said, “Now then, let’s get you to the sick bay, then when we make port, I know what to do with Somers.” Silver simply nodded before continuing his embrace.

It would be a long rest of the day, and an even longer few days before they made port in Griffonstone.

Silver stood at in front of the rest of the crew, lined in a row moving down the deck. At the other end of the deck, Flint stood with Somers, who’s hooves and wings were now clasped in irons. He and Silver traded looks of pure disgust, making it clear that neither would ever be on even professional terms.

Cap’n Black Watch then walked over to the crew and began speaking. “Lads, Mr. Somers has committed a grave offense. He attempted to use the cat o’ nine tails both without my permission, but also without proper cause.” He then turned to Somers and continued, “Under normal circumstances, you would be given the punishment that you inflicted on Mr. Silver twofold.” Somers gulped, worried he would be flogged himself.

Instead, Cap’n Black Watch called out, “Instead, for your crimes against Mr. Silver, I sentence you to run the gauntlet!” The rest of the crew, especially Wyvern and Nelson, began to stretch their hooves and pound them together, making it clear they were going to enjoy this.

Flint then began to undo Somers’s leg clamps, though not before smacking him on the back of the head. With that, he pushed Somers towards the first crew member, Mr. Perry.

The gunnery officer landed a massive uppercut on Somers, sending him flying towards the next crew member. This sailor slammed his hooves into his back, producing a terrifying, meaty smack. This continued as Somers made his way past each and every member of the crew.

When he made it to Nelson, the quartermaster stomped on Somers’s front right hoof. As Somers grunted, Wyvern snaked his way behind him and leapt on him before pulling his head and slamming it onto the deck. And then, Somers found himself lying before Silver. Struggling to his hooves, Somers threatened, “Ah’ll make you pay for this Stumpy, ya hear me?”

Silver stood there for several seconds, before doing something no one, not even Cap’n Black Watch expected.

Silver Spit on Somers’s face before he coldly said, “I hate you.”

The whole crew was stunned silent. They had never heard Silver use that phrase before. Heck, those who knew Silver personally knew he’d only ever felt that way about one other pony; his sister Spitfire. To actually hear him say that he hated someone made their blood run ice cold.

“I hate you Somers, and if you ever try anythin’ like that again, I will kill you.” With that, Silver grabbed Somers and began to drag him by his neck until they were at the railing and, taking a deep breath, chucked the yellow Pegasus over the railing as he shouted, “Now Fuck off!”

Somers landed in a puddle of mud. Rising back to his hooves, he shouted back, “Ah’ll make you regret that Stumpy! You ain’t seen the last of me!” With that, Somers stomped off, not even looking back.

Silver took a deep breath as he sat against the railing, his strength leaving him. Cap’n Black Watch walked up to his young cook and said, “Under any other circumstances, You’d be in trouble for that kind of language. But given the circumstances, I couldn’t have said it better me self.”

Silver could only let out an exhausted laugh as he said, “Don’t worry sir. I won’t.” Black Watch then placed a hoof on Silver’s shoulder and said, “Now that we’ve made port, how about we go get something to eat? My treat.” Silver (as well as several other sailors) simply rolled his eyes as he answered, “Aye aye sir.”

“Wow.” Arrow Bolt said. Silver, having sat back on his bed (his cold once again stealing his strength), continued, “Of course, Somers did come back. His dad paid a small fortune to give him one more chance.”

“That was when he….” Arrow Bolt began. He knew where that story ended; Somers led a mutiny and murdered Black Watch. Silver nodded as he continued, “I promised meself I would never flog another sailor, nor would I tolerate flogging.” Taking a deep breath, he continued, “Next chance I get, I’m making Aquamarine throw the cat o’ tails in the fire.”

Arrow Bolt then asked, “So, how long did the scars hurt?” Silver simply shrugged as he replied, “About a week. As such you will be confined to the sick bay until we make port. I don’t want those scars of yours gettin’ infected.” Arrow Bolt nodded, “Aye aye sir.”

As he began to leave, Arrow Bolt asked, “If I may, does Ms. Wings know about that?” Silver sighed as he replied, “She does. She knows I’ve been flogged but she hasn’t seen the scars yet. There was one point where she saw me without me coat on, but she was so concerned with some fresh bruises courtesy of the Raiders she probably didn’t notice them.” Arrow Bolt nodded and asked, “So, is that everything sir?”

“It is.” Silver replied. “Now report to the Infirmary.” Arrow Bolt nodded as he replied, “Aye aye sir.” With that, Arrow Bolt exited the cabin and made his way to the sick bay.

Once he was gone, Major Andre quipped, “My goodness! Admiral Ecks never took THAT much pleasure in a flogging. Then again, he normally just kills subordinates who screw up.” Silver rolled his eyes as he began to lie down on his bed as he said, “Now that you’re here, I want you to tell me everythin’ else you know about what we’re up against.”

From outside the cabin, Angel Wings, her ears firmly planted against the wall, could only let out a deep breath. She knew that Silver had been flogged; he had told her during the week preparing for the Wonderbolts family day show, but he told her he didn’t want to show her the scars. He’d said it was because it was something only someone who had been flogged themselves could relate to.

Now she knew why. She made a promise to herself, she was going to make sure Aquamarine understood the consequences of her actions.