Fritz added, “To readily say we have shut the door to our merchant endeavor is a ridiculous statement; simply out of character as men of our stature without thinking this issue out.”
“To say we are done for is entirely premature to me and for that matter just a reactionary response,” stated Arnold, looking directly Ernst who stated Heinrich was the one reactionary.
Heads began to nod in the affirmative. Heinrich wanted to jump out of his chair and take over the meeting and discuss ideas for a plan. He stayed quiet however for he saw his section leaders begin to build favorable accord.
“We are wasting time arguing something we cannot change; precious seconds are ticking away. Keep that in mind, gentlemen,” Reiner pushed. “Let us all back off and think and act as men who truly have been selected to lead this crew and not jump to illogical conclusions. Use your heads.”
Otto fidgeted uneasily next to Heinrich during the exchanges so far. He was not at all used to a crew arguing a captain’s decision. None of them were. This exercise was all new to them. No ship allowed this kind of meeting. Heinrich was, however, a different type of ship captain, who valued the advice of men he believed were not only loyal because they were under authority, but also because they respected the man in that authority. Also, many of these men had experienced the bane of warfare and proved their warrior’s worth. What better than to seek their counsel? Herr Weber’s influence again came through with this logic as the wise old man had not only taught but also shown Heinrich that as long as others conducted themselves respectfully, listening to their perspective would not hurt.
Besides, Otto told himself, after hearing the words spoken from the men, other than Ernst Mayer, he began to see they were not one-sided against Drope. And as for Doc Strobel, the man was fair, yet strongly opinionated in his own way. Also, he was not a sailor who as far as Otto figured had no experience to comment on what happened during the attack professionally. Siegfried was perturbed because men’s lives were at stake in a deadly exchange. That did not mean the rest of the men took these sorts of issues frivolously either though. No one aboard was reckless when lives were in the balance. Kleist’s allegiance to his dear friend was foremost, but he could not suppress his own emotions as the next man at times, other than possibly Diego, who was difficult to figure out as quiet as he was. He was sitting there seemingly without a care in the world. He had not said a word. Yet in the short time that the Spaniard had joined the crew, his distinct character had been established quickly as he led the weapons training with Reiner. The man was very deliberate in everything he did. Otto knew the man had a strong opinion and would expound on it as he saw fit. The first officer rose from his chair and faced the group; hands held up to get their attention.
“As first officer, my job is the overall running of this ship in support of the captain. Perhaps you believe I stand blindly on his side, but for the record, I was mortified by Heinrich’s decision to fire upon the schooner. And … and I feel I did not do enough at the time to … to stop him, for which I perhaps should be blamed. I was not necessarily in favor of his decision to thwart the naval ships, and I told him that. I was for heaving to and allowing the British to come on board and see our true intentions as a merchant vessel.”
Heinrich tensed even more, hearing his friend’s words. Where was Otto taking this? Why is he shaking the pot again? He and I have been over this and came to an understanding. Again, he wanted to order everyone to stop talking and specially to cease any condemnation of him but stopped himself. His facial muscles were tight and lips pressed together.
Otto continued, “I admit that things were moving so rapidly during the incident that I was not at all clear on what was the proper action to take. Besides the Baltic Sea incident involving the pirates who had this very ship, the captain and I have never before been in this particular calamity and were not certain of what to do.”
Grumbling came from some of the men. Heinrich felt jilted by some of the remarks, but he forced himself to hear them out. They were after all his leadership core’ the backbone of this ship.
“Be still! I am not through yet,” Otto barked out vehemently. “You will have your time when I am finished speaking. We can turn the clock back in time before this incident happened as successfully as I can … uh, … snatch my own fart from out of the air.”
As ludicrous as his last statement sounded, the section heads kept quiet, in no mood to react with amusement if Otto had really meant it as levity, which they doubted. There were times when the first officer simply rolled absurd words off his tongue because he could not find the proper ones at the moment.
“Men, we can easily cast harsh words at Heinrich. But we must look beyond that because there’s absolutely nothing we can do about the past. That is where our focus needs us to be right now. I was one-sided with my feelings and thoughts before discussing the sequence of the event with the captain yesterday. Now after hearing some of you bringing up alternative explanations and perspectives, I see how we can come to different conclusions easily enough. The fact is we do not know how the situation would have played out if we would have yielded to their demands. I am however certain of one thing at the moment. That is, we must deal with this incident with clear heads and serious regard for all the men in our charge. Now let us be serious and talk this through and come up with a rational plan to go forward.”
Heinrich finally broke his silence and with a voice that had been pent up as he heard others out, said, “I agree things got out of hand. Otto’s right, it could have been averted. Averted by those British bastards!”
His words brought forth a sudden torrent of comments amongst the group. Not attacks against Heinrich; instead it was directed at the British as being the culprits. But it was Ernst once again, the loudest in the room, making a particular point asserting Drope was the only one responsible for putting them in harm’s way and seemingly wanting something as restitution for it.
Fritz wasn’t through with addressing Ernst outbursts. Sternly facing his cohort, he said, “You mind what you say, Herr Mayer, do not poison us with your scornful accusations. You have a dutiful responsibility to see this issue through with an open mind and not be cynical.”
Ernst began to open his mouth but decided not to answer. He sat there stoically for the moment.
“Men, there is brain work to be done; we do owe it to the crew,” Drope stated firmly.
Otto responded, “Listen to the captain. Let’s investigate all avenues before we cave into calamity. It is time to consider alternatives in the wake of what happened. It is paramount to talk things over and come to positive means to come to terms with what happened.” He said it as staunchly as he had ever spoken a command.
Reiner started, “Obviously we must ensure our safety as we sail to different ports. I think that -”
“Excuse me,” Ernst Mayer cut in bravely. “How do you propose to simply sail into ports without giving heed to the fact that we are a marked vessel; being hunted by the British navy?”
Reiner quickly addressed the question. “That won’t happen for quite some time given the fact it just happened yesterday.
Furthermore, even if the entire British navy has been briefed and given their hunting orders, they cannot be everywhere at once. Thus, we must be very cautious. Before we dock in any port, we must make certain that there are no British ships in the harbor. Do our business as quickly as possible and get back to sea.”
“So, you are saying that we must live every day with the fact that we are indeed hunted? What kind of life is that?” said Ernst not being able to keep from voicing his mind.
“We must utilize every means to avoid a confrontation,” Reiner continued. “We can do this by wisely planning our sailing route and changing it each time. However, we have to proceed with caution and must be vigilant whether we are at sea or on land. Don’t forget that we have to be vigilant in any case because of pirating ships.”
Otto said, “We must make the best of this bad situation. I
recommend that we make every effort to drive forward in our original quest; providing product to markets.”
Conrad Geiger spoke, “I am all for continuing our business plan for the reason I have no other alternative other than calling it quits. Have we come this far to quit simply? We don’t know how much of a nuisance the British will be to us yet. We owe it to ourselves to at least try and find out.”
Günter said, “I consider myself a simple man and will never be anything else but a sailor and retire poor as a pauper. I agree with Conrad.”
Men nodded heads and grunted in assent of Conrad’s simple assessment. None on board were wealthy men other than their captain. It did not go unheeded that Drope could easily choose to sell his ship and live out his life somewhere out of the reach of the English in comfort with the amount of funds he had. Yet here he was among them and was all for continuing with their plans. He was not running. He was standing unyielding and genuinely cared for the entire crew’s livelihood. He was certainly no coward. He demonstrated that during the attack. The truth of all this soaked into the men’s thoughts and lingered in their minds.
“I speak in all humbleness before you,” Conrad said. “I feel we have been offered a chance to make a living and spend our old age a level above a pauper. So, let’s do all we can to make profits through this business venture. We have been provided that opportunity by this man right there,” as he pointed at Heinrich. “How many people in this lifetime have that chance?”
Nods were offered in assent of what Conrad said. Then Ernst spoke again. “I respect those of you that have decided to stake your claim as a legitimate merchant vessel. But I must be frank; I do not want to be part of this predicament. I would rather return to Bremerhaven and seek employment on other ships. I am not a soldier, and I have no desire to be so. A number of the crew have families and want to go back.”
Arnold spoke up, “Ernst is the not the only one here disturbed enough by the position we are in to want out. And now we hear him say others stand with him in opposing the captain. Have you attempted to solicit this opposition? What is your end game, Herr Mayer?”
Ernst balked and said, “I have not solicited others in this way. Think what you will of me. but I do want to be included in this perilous scheme.”
“No, there is more to it than that,” continued Arnold. It is one thing to want off the ship for fear of British retaliation, and another for sordid motive. Why don’t you tell us about the idea you set forth among many of the crew of pressuring the captain about payment due for your services beyond what they have earned to date? You think we would not hear about such talk?”
The group carefully listened to the exchange between the two. Mayer knew he could not refute that there was talk over money amongst the crewmen who wanted out. After all, the section heads in the room had the ear of the crew as he did. He did not, however, want to be accused of encouraging those that wanted to quit demanding more money.
“You completely misstate what has been said. We only want what is due to us.”
Arnold pressed on. “No demand for an entire year amount because you signed up for the long run?” Arnold said accusingly.
“That is total nonsense!” blurted Ernst. “I have acted in total loyalty.”
“Yes, I must agree. You have indeed acted, but not sincerely,” Arnold stated. “I waited to bring this up to see where you truly stand, Herr Mayer.”
Heinrich cut in and addressed Ernst, “Those who share your desire, to go back home will be treated with respect as long as none of you poison the rest of the crew with negative blathering about how wrong it was to go up against the British. You will be paid what is owed. However, I will not put up with that type of foul talk among the crew. Do I make myself clear, Herr Mayer?”
Mayer did not answer. “I ask you again, Herr Mayer, do I have your word that you and the other men will not upset the rest of my crew with malicious talk?” Heinrich demanded sternly.
“Captain, you have my word, but if some of the others cannot keep their traps shut, why would it be my fault?”
“Because I expect you, as boatswain, to control their actions. That is something not new to you, Herr Mayer. You were hired as a section head, and by god, you will be held responsible if you cannot control these men. I give my word here for your safe transit off this ship. I am willing to arrange for those who want to leave to do so at an opportune time. How many men share your desire?”
Heinrich wanted to make sure there would not be trouble between those who wanted to leave the ship and the others who stood by him. There was bound to be some who had no stomach for those that chose to leave. He would have Otto send a message to all aboard that no harm would come to those who wanted to go. The loss of crew members would be a problem. Well, at least a temporary one until they replaced them with new sailors, who were not in low supply in most ports.
“As of this morning, I know of twelve or so, captain,” the boatswain answered.
“Otto, I am putting you in charge of getting a full count, and we will make arrangements to get all of you on your way as soon as we can. The sooner, the better as I’m concerned.”
“Danke, captain,” Ernst said curtly.
Some of the men shook their heads and cast unpleasant stares at him, not pleased with Ernst’s defeatist attitude and attempt to deceive.
Sensing that he would lose any chance to bring up the money factor as the meeting would shift to another subject; Mayer became desperate. He caught Drope’s attention and asked if he could make one more comment. As much as Heinrich did not want to hear any more from this man, he gave him a nod to speak and hoped it would be his final words.
“Captain, I do not want to cause more alarm as already is present among us. I do however feel the need to advise you the seriousness of what has happened has a portion of the crew so incensed their attitude may sway against your leadership. To avoid that, might you offer a monetary bestowal to the men to avoid any problems?”
Upon hearing these words, Drope’s eyes bored into Mayer. He could only interpret them as a threat, and he instantly became incensed.
“Herr Mayer, if I understand you correctly, you are talking mutiny! Is that your intended message?”
Mayer swallowed hard. He realized he had better choose his words carefully before he would be in violation of the most severe nature.
“Please, captain, I did not mean to talk words of revolt. I was only attempting to convey that a number of crewmen do not agree with your decision of the attack and are extremely upset with the consequences we as a ship will reap from it. After all, these men are legitimate partners in our collective business endeavor and -”
Heinrich could not take this threatening stance anymore. This man was flaming the fire of aggression against the leadership of the ship. He sprung out of his chair and pointed at Ernst.
“You, Herr Mayer. You are crossing the lines of no return in bringing about rebellion amongst the crew. I tell you right here, and now, you will cease your blatant plotting immediately, or you will wish you were never born! Do not think I am foolish enough to fall for your attempt to seize an opportunity, which you hope to capitalize on. You actually believe you can wrestle control of this vessel from us or the very least extorting money?”
“Captain, I have no intention of -”
“Shut your filthy mutinous trap! You and these other men you speak of will be reined in immediately. There will not be a rebellion on my ship, Mayer. Not through your craftiness and scheming plans, or any other method you may have in mind. You have underestimated my resolve and sensibility.”
The whole cabin was filled with a foreboding presence as the others were rankled by Mayer’s bid to force Heinrich’s hand and attempt to go head to head to weaken his command position. This idiot had completely underrated the captain’s rock-hard capacity to lead. All eyes were swiveling back and forth from Drope and Mayer during the exchange.
Mayer had played his last card, and he was crystal clear where he stood wi
th the captain and the rest of the group present. The stark image he had was of his body falling over a cliff onto the rocks below to utter destruction. His time on the See Wolf was over. There was no point in arguing his ploy, and he started to sink back in his chair.
“Don’t you dare sit back down, you indignant scoundrel!” roared Heinrich’s voice. “You have no rightful positional role anymore within this trusted group.”
Mayer shot up from the chair from sheer fright. He was trembling; struggling to keep enough composure to hold himself erect. If he didn’t get out of this room soon, he would surely fall right over. He could not look Drope in the eyes. He was finished; finished as part of the crew and as a man within this circle of staunch leaders.
“You dare threaten me with rebellion with a group of a dozen total men? How dare you? Get out of this cabin now! Tell your small handful of despicable cronies to keep their mouths shut about any sort of revolt on my ship. If I hear even a peep of sour talk, I promise I will drag you and your mates to the halyards. I am the law onboard my own ship. Do not doubt me in the least. Now get out of my sight!”
Mayer’s mind drastically wanted to be out of this wretched environment but was still physically unable to move in his shocked state. Seeing the man fidget and trembling in despair, Fritz and Manfred went to him, grabbed him under the arms and almost physically dragged him to the door. Hailing a couple of sailors nearby, they directed them to take Mayer to his bunk and keep watch over him until they were relieved by others.
Drope dropped back in his chair and instead of brooding as many would, he took several deep breathes and calmed down. The expression on his face, however, was one of anguish. He felt utterly zapped of strength but went on.
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