Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge presented by my old friend Al Forbes.
The idea is to write a short story (200 word max) inspired by what you see in his picture (below).
This week’s tale is based on a true story, much of which is disputed.
So please consider it to be what I call Sound Bite Fiction.
Click on this link to enter your tale, and see what others have written.
Copyright Al Forbes
The Skipper
He is a crazy guy, the skipper, but a brilliant sailor.
And a great tactician, I am glad he is on our side.
He is destined for great things, I’d say, if he lives long enough!
Although he is a Scot, he does not like the British at all.
Just last year, 1778, he captured a Royal Navy ship, HMS Drake.
This was the the first ever American naval victory in British waters.
And now we are fighting this RN frigate, HMS Serapis, and we are outgunned, and in a bit of trouble.
We get in close and ram them, but we are badly damaged.
The skipper orders the release of our prisoners, about 500, so that they will not drown if we sink.
Their captain asks if we will surrender.
Our man replies ‘I have not yet begun to fight’!
And a short while later they concede to us.
What is it with the Scots hating on the English? Very good story!
Hi Francesca, and thank you for your comment.
I am unaware of any Scots ‘hating’ the English.
And, furthermore, there is no reference to ‘English’ in this story.
It takes place long after the Union, so British, as I am sure you are aware, includes, alphabetically, English, Irish, Scots, and Welsh.
I hope this helps your understanding of the story and the history.
Francesca, as you chose to ignore my request to take this elsewhere I have deleted your last comments.
This is a fiction blog, not a political forum.
You have my email address if you want to continue the conversation, but please now respect my boundaries on my blog.
Poor John Paul, always associated with his brother Davy.
Not to mention Micky Dolenz and Mike Nesmith
Wonderful story, and it makes it even more so knowing it is true.
Thank you, Joy.
It is at least based on a real person and events.
Fantastic story. Never give up if there is eve the slimmest of chances
Thanks, Al, good advice
There is something about adventure on the Seas that stirs the blood!
Nothing like stirred blood to start the day well
I enjoyed reading this story,
I am a seasick person too,
so I love to read sea stories
at my desk 🙂
Thank you, Love, nia
Thank you, Nia, I am very glad you enjoyed
Reblogged this on anelephantcant and commented:
AnElephantCant be captain of a great ship
He is not equipped to be a stout skipper
He does not like the sea
Even on his TV
He gets seasick when he watches Flipper