Bing Gananda 12

7 Shots in the night

Tindor had wandered off by himself. He was so absorbed in his discoveries that he lost track of the time. He found himself on an isolated stretch of beach. He could see the sailor's fire across the cove. The sounds of their revelry were faint in the distance.
The sun had gone down behind the mountain some time ago. There was a lantern burning on the Mary Anne, anchored in the cove. He could just see the glow of the mountain's crater over the trees.
Tindor was happy to spend some time off the ship. But he did not want to join the sailors yet. The moon had risen and he was enjoying the peace.

Back at the fire, the men had started on the rum.
"Martin's alright."
"The captain wouldn't have give us the rum."
"What's he gonna say about this?" asked a worried man.
"Who cares, what can he do?"
"Where is Martin, anyway?"

Martin was farther down the beach with Spitzer and Hull.
"Are you with us or not?" Hull demanded.
"Are you crazy? Piracy?" Spitzer was appalled.
"This island is the perfect place for a base. No one even knows it's here."
"The ship's barely armed!"
"She's fast, and she'll do for coasters and these island traders. We'll pick up a few more guns as we go."
"What about the Captain?"
"Damn the Captain! And you too. Are you with us, or not?"
Hull grabbed hold of Spitzer's arm. Spitzer spun and hit him hard in the jaw, braking free. He sprinted away. There was a blast of fire and smoke, and he sprawled in the sand. Martin was holding the still smoking pistol.
"That's one down."

The shot was easily heard onboard the ship in the cove. The Captain and Mr. Jackson both came on deck.
"It came from over there," said the man on watch. He pointed to a dark area of the shoreline. "I saw the flash."
Captain Pearce turned to the Bos'n.
"Who's still onboard?"
He sounded serious.
"Just the watch, Grinder, Daniels, Roper, and Billy here," Jackson answered. "And the cook, of course," he added.
Pearce lowered his voice.
"Are you armed?"
"What?"
"Damn you, are you armed!"
"Well, no, sir."
The Captain spoke quickly.
"Billy, Jackson, come with..."
He was interrupted as two men came on deck. It was Grinder and Roper. They both carried cutlasses.
"Where's Daniels?" Pearce asked in a cold voice.
"He's not coming." Daniels was below with his throat slit.
Billy slowly drew a knife from his belt.
"What'll it be, Billy?" asked Roper. "You with us?"
"Damn you!"
The Captain pulled a pistol from his waist as Grinder lunged at him. There was a small flash and fizzle as the gun misfired. Grinder ran him though. And then, the gun went off, blowing a hole into the deck.
Billy had thrown up his arm to block Roper's slash. He was cut to the bone, blood spurting. He slashed at Roper with the knife barely missing his throat. It was no good. Roper brought the cutlas down on him, nearly severing his head.
Now both men turned on Jackson, but he went over the rail and dove into the water below.

The shots were heard by the gathered Lithorians. They murmured nervously.
"That's the same thing we heard this morning."
"Where is Bing Gananda?"
"Why is she not here?"
Finally, someone led Bing Gananda forth. The rest grew quiet. The most ancient of the Eld gestured for her to approach.
"Where have you been tonight, Bing Gananda?" he asked.
"I have just returned from the mountain, High One." she answered.
There were more voices from the crowd.
"She rode on that beast!"
"The Shadocatch!"
"She is Blood with the Shadocatch!"
The Eld motioned her closer, and asked quietly.
"Is this true?"
"Yes, we are Blood, High One."
The Eld's expression softened just a little. Bing was the only one who noticed. He spoke again.
"And what does Kurura say?"
Somehow, she was not surprised that he knew.
"Kurura!"
There was an uproar from the crowd. Kurura was widely feared by the Lithorians. The other Eld watched in shock as he asked again, this time so as only the closest could hear.
"Tell me, Bing Gananda." Then he added just for her, "You are a brave one."
Her courage rose as she looked into his face.
"Kurura said that there are other worlds."
"And?"
"These creatures are men..."
"And?"
"They bring evil with them." she added in a whisper.


*Bing Gananda may also be found in the sidebar, at the right.

More Troubles, Resolved (more or less)

You may remember Our Fuzz has been having Motorcycle Troubles lately. He finally did get that troublesome screw out. That required removing the headlight, and cutting a new slot in the offending screw with his trusty Dremel Tool. Much to his chagrin, he found that this was not actually the fuse box. When he actually found the fuses, there was nothing wrong with them.
It was time to enlist the expert. The Fuzz called on that Mechanical Minded Daughter, a recent graduate of that Prestigious NASCAR Mechanic School! Her extensive knowledge of auto electrical systems, carried over into Motorcycle Electrical situations as well. It turns out that the culprit was this Starter Button. The Fuzz remembers when there used to be a "Kick Starter" on these things. But those days seem to be gone. The switch was temporarily "fixed", and The Fuzz is back on the road. And a new switch will be procured as soon as possible.
The Fuzz used to fix her cars. Now things are going the other way. That's a good thing.

Bing Gananda 11

As the night closed in, the sailors heaped wood on the fire. The flames leaped and sparks rose into the sky. The Captain and Bos'n watched from the ship. The island was dark except for the glow at the top of the mountain.
"Captain," Jackson said, "Did you see that?"
They both stared as several points at the base of the mountain began to glow. It was a soft, cool light, not unlike the moon, now high in the sky over the mountain. As they watched, the glowing lights seemed to be moving, flickering, gathering together.
The sailor on watch had seen them now.
"Cap'n, sir," he said in a shaky voice. "Do you see that?"
"Yes, Billy, we do."
"What do you reckon it is, sir?"
There was silence for a moment.
"I don't know, Billy."

The Lithorians were gathering as they did in times of need. They were mostly a nocturnal race, sleeping though the heat of the day. Tonight, they had been summoned for a High Council.
They had come from the various Holten, each Holt with their Moon Stone, glowing in the night. They would meet at the Great Vale at the foot of the mountain.
Each Holt had it's Eld, usually the most ancient of the Lithorians of that Holt. The Eld made up the Council of the High Ones. They spoke quietly, yet were heard by all.
By now, all were aware of the strangers' presence. But no one knew what to do. The discussions lasted far into the night. Gala Gania was brought forth. She accused Bing Gananda of causing the trouble.
"And how would Bing Gananda be responsible for this?"
"She goes to the sea every morning!" Gala replied.
There was a murmur from the assembly.
"She goes everywhere!" came a voce from the crowd.
"Where is she now!"
"She's gone up the mountain!"
"With that Beast!"
Finally the Council called for silence.
"Find her, and bring her before all."


*Bing Gananda may also be found in the sidebar, at the right.

Bing Gananda 10

6 Kurura

The Shadocatch burst from the jungle and began the climb in great bounds. Bing Gananda grasped tighter with her fingers and toes as Pandurina leapt from rock to rock. As she looked over her shoulder, she could see the sun sinking toward the sea. Over her other shoulder, the moon had already risen from the waters.
Kurura would be found at the summit, in a cave near the crater of fire. If he wished to be found. By the time they neared the great crater, the stars shown brightly above the mountain. Pandurina slowed. She was uneasy. Even a Shadocatch was not safe from Kurura.
For the most part, the Lithorians preferred to stay under the lush foliage of the jungle. Bing Gananda was the exception. But although she and Pandurina had been on the mountain of fire, she had never dared to approach Kurura, until now.
There were legends of those who had spoken with Kurura. It was said that those ones, were always held in awe, yet regarded with some suspicion. Bing Gananda had once seen him in flight from afar. It had terrified her, and thrilled her.
Bing Gananda felt exhilarated as she neared the glow of the crater with it's liquid fire below. The wind blew though her hair and it floated around her now, as she stood before the cave of Kurura. Pandurina slunk away as they heard the heavy breathing of Kurura's approach.
But, Bing Gananda stood her ground at the entrance of the cave. She knew she must show no fear. Even when the head of the great lizard appeared, she never flinched.
Kurura stood at the entrance to his lair. He was so close that Bing Gananda could feel his hot breath. Steam rose from his nostrils as he stared at her with unblinking eyes. His forked tongue flicked from his mouth to within a hairbreadth of her face. Still she stood her ground, head held high, and met his eyes.
She bowed low before him, and drew a blade from her waist. With it, she pricked her hand drawing a large drop of her blood. When Kurura's tongue flicked again, and she quickly placed the blood on it.
"Kurura of the Mountain, speak with me," she sang.
As Pandurina watched from a safe distance, Kurura's expression seemed to soften, if that were possible, and he held out one of his powerful forelegs with it's terrible claws. And then, Bing Gananda took her knife and made a small prick, on the soft underside. She touched his blood with her finger and placed it onto her own tongue.
"What is your wish, O Bing Gananda of the Holt?" The sound was not words, yet she now understood them in her mind.
"O Kurura, you are very old and wise. Strange creatures have come to us from the sea. Yet, they seem to be of the world, or of a world. Tell me, are there other worlds?"
"In my youth, I flew far from this mountain, high above the waves. There are indeed, other places like this world of yours."
His words sent a thrill though her.
"I have seen these men and their ship. Bing Gananda, beware. There is evil there among them." He turned his cold eyes toward the cowering Shadocatch. "Bing Gananda, You are a brave one, unlike some creatures." And then he blew a great stream of fire straight at Pandurina. She fled into the darkness.

It took some time for Bing to find Pan shivering in a crevasse of the mountain. She stroked Pandurina and spoke softly.
"Don't feel badly, Pan. A Shadocatch was never meant to stand up to such a one as Kurura."
"But you can."
"I am Lithorian," she replied.


*Bing Gananda may also be found in the sidebar, at the right.

More Troubles

This is The Fuzz's Motorcycle. It is on a trailer. Is it on it's way to a fancy Bike Show? No, it is not. In fact it is on the trailer because it is not going anywhere. At least on it's own.
The Fuzz took a quick ride up to the local Dollar General Store for some macaroni. While he was there, he saw a $5 DVD of Master and Commander, which he also bought. But when he attempted to return to His Home In The Woods, his motorcycle would not crank! There was a good chance that the problem was a mere fuse, located in a fuse box behind the headlight. There are even spare fuses there for just such situations. But as can be seen, 50% of the screws to said fuse box, were buggered to the point that he could not get into the thing. The Fuzz was forced to call His Sweetie to rescue him with a trailer. He made several attempts to get this annoying screw out, but in the end he was just screwed. The thing was simply too screwed up to screw around with any more. The Poor Fuzz was forced to leave it all for another day when he would have access to better equipment .

You've Got Mail

Regular readers of this blog may remember how The Fuzz's weekend was negatively affected by an encounter with a Big Red SUV. Well, the day the Police Report came out, he found a full mailbox.Apparently The Fuzz had become quite popular! At least with the local lawyers. The one with the pretty colors is from a chiropractor.
Well, at least it wasn't bills.
We're glad to report that although there is still a ways to go, The Fuzz is on the mend. God willing, he hopes to be back at work next week. For now, he's doing what he can to get this Sliding Glass Door Project
finished up.

Chimneys Series #17

Group Portrait

Bing Gananda 9

Captain Pearce watched Martin, the Mate, being rowed away to the shore. A dozen men were spending the night on the beach with him. The Bos'n stayed aboard with the remaining crew.
"They need to blow off a little steam anyway, sir," he said to Pearce.
The Captain was quiet for a while. Then he turned to Jackson.
"What was that you saw in the jungle, Mr. Jackson?"
Jackson hesitated.
"I don't rightly know, sir. Mr. Tindor was with me, but he don't know neither."
He could see that the Captain wasn't satisfied with that and went on.
"I couldn't see anything. And then, suddenly, it was there, right in front of me, like a ghost or something. I think it looked like some kind of cat, but even now I'm not sure."
"How big was it?"
"That's the thing, sir, it's like I saw it, but didn't see it." he looked into the distance. "Kinda crazy, isn't it."

As the boat hit the beach, Martin stepped from it into the shallows, and then up onto the sand. It had been a long time since he had been on solid ground, and it took him a moment to get used to it. The men were gathering driftwood for a fire.
The sun was low over the mountain, and shadows were beginning to reach toward the men on the beach. The sailors were laughing as they lit the fire. Several were bringing a catch of fish for their meal. Some had gathered coconuts they had found at the edge of the jungle, and there were several strange fruits, that they were hesitant to taste.
Martin had handpicked the men with him, with the exception of the Naturalist, Tindor. It irritated him that Tindor had insisted on staying ashore. But Captain Pearce had been more than willing to do without his company. So it was. But Tindor had wandered off with his sketchbook for now.
It was beginning to get dark by now. Martin joined the men at the fire. They were beginning to roast their catch. One of the sailors carefully bit into one of the fruits, screwed up his face and threw it back into the jungle. He spit out the sour pulp. The others laughed.
"Must not have been ripe," one joked.
The man continued to spit, trying to get the sour taste out of his mouth.
Martin signaled to one of the sailors who had come on the boat with him.
"Here, see if this helps," he said as the sailor brought the cask of rum from the boat.
The men cheered when they saw it.

Onboard the Mary Anne, Captain Pearce looked uneasily to the beach when he heard the shouts. There was something ominous in the air.



*Bing Gananda may also be found in the sidebar, at the right.

A Room With A View

In a previous post, The Fuzz related some of his misadventures over the weekend.
The errands mentioned in regard to this unfortunate incident were related to our current project. Even before we moved into our new Home in the Woods, we had planned on replacing this door with a sliding glass one.
There were good reasons for this other than the improved view, and ventilation.
At the left, at A & B, one may notice the pathetic patchwork covering rotted out places in the wall.
So The Fuzz, and His Sweetie hooked up their trusty trailer, and headed into town to the Home Improvement Store.
There, they purchased a fine new Sliding Glass Door for their Home in the Woods. When they asked for help in loading this item onto the trailer, the Knowledgeable "Associate" warned them of dire consequences if they attempted to transport this valuable item laying flat. It would have to be delivered, at a cost of around $60! Here you may see how it actually was delivered.
The Fuzz was not happy about this, and said so. It was explained that this was the way they always did it. When the delivery men saw that The Fuzz was unhappy (about that 60 bucks!) and had his camera, they told him they would get that fee refunded to him.
The old door, and part of the wall were removed with the assistance of a Helpful Son in Law.
Next, the damaged area of the floor was repaired. This went fairly well. Then it was time to frame in the rough opening. You may notice the 2x4 prop that was used to support the roof while all this was going on.
At last it was time to actually put the door into position. That sucker was heavy. The instructions (which were read, if not followed to the letter) said to remove the sliding part of this assembly. That was helpful.And here is a look at our Brand New Sliding Glass Door, installed, in it's new home.
There is still a lot to do to finish this job. The wiring needs to be taken care of. The Fuzz was in route for the necessary items for this, when he met with misfortune. And of course, the wall needs to be closed up. The Fuzz hopes to attend to these details as his condition improves.

Chimneys Series #16

Almost Fancy

Bing Gananda 8

5 On the Beach

As Bing Gananda rode Pan into the jungle her heart was pounding. She could only believe that Gala was right, at least about these creatures coming from the sea. The pool of Hesselite was at the cove where she had been that morning. The part about the end of the world, still remained to be seen. But she would have to look for herself.
Noiselessly, she drew near the pool, remaining hidden in the undergrowth. It was true. There were a number of these creatures taking water from the pool, and putting it into large wooden casks. Of course she had never seen a cask before. When she wished to drink, she would simply sip from the pool itself, or another like it. The stream below the pool was now filled with muddy water.
The men (Bing Gananda had never seen a man) were wrestling the heavy casks along a beaten down path to the beach. The men spoke to each other with loud voices, but it made no sense to Bing, or Pandurina beside her.
Once, one of the men stopped and looked directly toward her. She could feel Pan tense up beside her. The man looked uneasy, but apparently saw neither Pan, nor herself, and walked on. The creatures had already fouled the stream, and the trees were crying.
Bing moved away from the men and found a place were she could observe the beach undetected. The water in the cove was calm. There was a boat pulled up on the sand and several men were standing around it. As she watched they pushed it out into the water, put out their oars, and rowed to the ship. Two men remained on the beach.

"I'm sure Martin and his buddies will want to spend the night here onshore," the Bos'n said.
"Would the captain let them?"
"If he wants any peace he will."
"I think I'd like that myself."
Jackson looked at him questioningly.
"To stay onshore," Tindor explained.
"They'll probably be drunk."
"I'll stay out of their way, Jack. This island fascinates me. I've never seen plants like these, and I'm wondering about your little kitty."
"There was nothing "little" about it," Jackson said, a little miffed. He knew Sam was teasing him.
"I'll bring my journal and make some sketches. It feels good to be on solid ground again."
"I'll take the deck of a good ship to this place any day," the Bos'n returned.
Tindor just laughed.

Bing Gananda was close enough to overhear their conversation. But she couldn't understand a word of it. Neither could Pandurina, the Shadocatch, at her side.
These creatures had come from the sea, but they didn't seem to be a part of it. They came into the world from the sea. But it seemed as if they were creatures of the world, or at least a world, themselves. She began to wonder if there might be other worlds, somewhere.
She climbed back onto Pan and spoke into her ear. She would ask Kurura, of the Mountain.


*Bing Gananda may also be found in the sidebar, at the right.

Why One Should Never... (Warning Graphic Content)

This is an example of why one should not ride a motorcycle wearing flip flops and shorts.
The Fuzz, himself, does not do that sort of thing.
First, I should say that he is OK, mostly. He was wearing the boot. But what if he had not? Would all those cute little tootsies still be there?
This is the condition he arrived home in. The bandages were provided by some friendly, and helpful medics. Beneath them is a rather unpleasant case of Road Rash, some examples of which will follow.
(Warning! The squeamish might want to stop at this point!)
As the Intrepid Fuzz was running some errands Saturday morning, he was shocked to see a big old SUV make a left turn, in front of him, as if he wasn't even there!
He grabbed the brakes, but alas, there was no room. That Poor Fuzz ended up sliding along the pavement with his bike. It was an unpleasant experience.
Fortunately, none of the other cars in the area ran over our Prostrate Fuzz.
The medics came and checked him out, but our Stubborn Hero refused the offered ride to the nearest medical facility. In fact, after the legalities were attended to, he completed his errands, and rode home. However, he is a bit sore today. One side of his body hurts. And, his left hand is a bit chewed up. He will probably be out of work for a few days.

Chimneys Series #15

Pretty Fancy

Chimneys Series #14

Kinda


Tall


Ain't


It

Bing Gananda 7

The sailors had cut a rough trail to the pool of water. They had filled their casks and were ferrying them back to the Mary Anne. Tindor and the Bos'n had remained on shore with some casks there hadn't been room for in the boat. Tindor was examining some of the plants at the edge of the jungle.
"Sam?" Jackson and Tindor had become friends on the voyage.
"What, Jack?"
"What do think that was, that thing back there?"
"You said it looked like a cat of some kind."
"Yes, but there was something strange about it. I hadn't seen it standing there, but suddenly it was staring at me. It was like it was looking right though me. I don't think it was a normal cat."
"How big was it?"
"That's part of it. I can't remember. I can't remember anything about it." He shuddered. "It gives me the creeps."
"It just startled you, Jack. Don't worry about it. It didn't attack us."
"Maybe so, but I'll be glad not to be spending the night in those woods."
Tindor just laughed.
"As much as you've seen in your life, and you're afraid of a kitty."

The boat had reached the Mary Anne by now. The sailors were hauling the water casks up over the side. The cook came on deck and tossed some scraps over the side. He was an old salt, scrawny, and grey headed, but a tough old bastard. He approached the captain.
"Sir?"
"What is it, Jones?"
"Any fresh fruit for the men?"
"Ask Jackson. Go in with the boat and see what you can find."
Jones hesitated a moment. He looked nervous.
"With all respect sir," he touched his cap, "I'd rather not. There's something wrong with this place."
The captain turned to Jones with interest.
"What do you mean, Jones?"
The cook grew uneasy. He was embarrassed and looked around lowering his voice.
"There's something in those trees cap'n. I know you can't see it, but I can feel it."
Pearce was not a superstitious man. But he had seen strange things. He was sure this old salt had seen even stranger ones. He was not in the habit of having his orders questioned. But he had the same misgivings.
"You can stay on board, I'll send someone else."

The mate approached. The cook went back to the galley, relieved.
"What is it Mr. Martin?"
"Some of the men would like to spend the night on the beach, sir."
He didn't like this place. But he had no good reason to refuse. He knew the men needed some time ashore. He reluctantly agreed.
"Leave enough men onboard to keep watch. You go with the others." Pearce knew Martin was wanting to get off the ship himself. It might even have been his idea.
"And Martin?"
"Sir?"
"Leave the rum onboard."


*Bing Gananda may also be found in the sidebar, at the right.

Chimneys Series #13

Twins

Signs of the Times

The Fuzz has often wondered about this one. Apparently, if one is not an employee, one is free to track mud all over the place.

Chimneys Series #12

From the train

Set The Clock!

The Fuzz, His Sweetie, and the Young Daughter recently took a trip to our nation's capital. Whist there, they stayed at a hotel located on the campus of Gallaudet University. It was pretty interesting. Being from the backwoods as they is, they didn't realize this was a school for deaf students until they got there. But The Fuzz is half deaf himself now days.
His Sweetie and he were out one morning and saw this going on. All he can figure is they had to set the clock.

Bing Gananda 6

4 From the Sea


The sound of the shot startled Bing Gananda from her sleep. She crawled to the opening of her den and looked out. Some of the others had heard it too. They were beginning to gather with frightened looks. Then, Pandurina burst into the Holt and ran to Bing.
She put her face close to Bing and they heard a series of low sounds. Then Bing stood up and spoke to the others.
"Some creatures have come. Pandurina saw them at the lower pool of Hesselite, near the sea."
"They came from the Sea, didn't they!" Gala Gania said accusatively to Bing Gananda.
There was a murmur from the others, as Gala continued.
"You were there again today! Now the Sea has sent them to swallow us up!"
"I did see something today..." Bing began, only to be interrupted by Gala.
"You should had stayed away! You knew it was dangerous! But you go there every day!"
Bing Gananda and Gala had never gotten along. It was mostly Bing's fault. She loved practical jokes, and Gala was the perfect victim. She would become so enraged at Bing, that she was liable to do anything. Bing thought it was great fun.
"I only..." she began. But the others were becoming threatening under the influence of Gala Gania. They began to move toward her.
But then, with a low snarl, Pandurina stepped between her and the others. Pan bared her teeth, and they all fell back a step. Bing Gananda crawled onto the shadocatch, and dug her fingers and toes into the thick fur. Then she whispered into Pan's ear, and they disappeared into the jungle. No one followed.


*Bing Gananda may also be found in the sidebar, at the right.

Here's Hoping

Whilst in the Big City of Washington, we checked out a few of the museums.

This scene at the Natural History Museum was reminiscent of one we saw in Paris. There, it was Mona Madness. Here, it was a matter of Hope, the Hope Diamond to be precise. The truth is, that neither The Fuzz, nor His Sweetie were impressed with the new setting. But here's a pix for y'all.

Bing Gananda 5

As the boat neared the beach, Samuel scanned the shore. The vegetation was so dense that little light seemed to penetrate. Off to the right, he noticed a small trickle of water running across the sand.
"Mr. Jackson, to starboard, I believe there's water on the beach."
Mr. Jackson, the Bos'n, moved the tiller and the boat swung to starboard toward the beach.
As the sailors pulled the boat up onto the sand, Samuel and the Bos'n walked to the trickle of water. First Tindor took a taste, then Jackson. It was good. But they would have to find a pool, or some place where they could fill their casks.
They stood peering into the jungle. The tiny stream wound back into the shadows. The birds had fallen silent. All that could be heard was the gentle lapping of the waves on the sand. The men stood still. No one wanted to be the first to step into the gloom.
Finally, Tindor pulled the branches aside and stepped forward. Jackson drew his pistol and followed warily. He turned to the others,
"Wait here by the boat."

After a few hundred yards, the ground began to rise steeply toward the mountain. The stream fell over some rocks into a clear pool, and then continued out to the cove.
"This should do nicely," Jackson said as he took a long drink. "We'll have to cut a trail in to it, but that shouldn't be too much trouble."
Tindor was examining the leaves on some of the undergrowth, when there was a sudden rush, and a catlike creature shot away. Jackson jumped and fired his pistol. He hit nothing. They stood there looking at each other.
"What the hell was that," the Bos'n asked, obviously shaken.
"I don't know. I didn't see it."
"It looked like a cat, a big one." He was quiet for a moment, then said, "Funny thing though..."
"What?"
"I was looking straight at it. But I never saw it till it moved."
Tindor stared off in the direction it had taken. By now they could hear the sailors crashing though the vegetation toward them.
"It's alright boys," called the Bos'n. "It was just some critter that startled me."

On board the Mary Anne, Captain Pearce, and the ship's carpenter had been surveying the storm's damage, when they heard the shot in the distance. They watched as several of the sailors on the beach started into the jungle.
Pearce picked up his spyglass. But all he could see was the two sailors who remained with the boat. They had picked up their muskets and were nervously watching the jungle.
He was relieved when the party emerged from the trees. He could see that they were all there. Then he saw the sailors unloading the casks from the boat, and carry them into the jungle.
So far, so good, he thought. Then he and the carpenter turned back to their work.



*Bing Gananda may also be found in the sidebar, at the right.

Bing Gananda 4

3 Water

In the bay, the Brig rode quietly at anchor in the gentle breeze. But the sailors were sullen. They had been at sea for over three months now, and had just weathered a terrible storm. When the island had been spotted, they had hoped for some time ashore. But now the captain had forbidden it.
The island was on none of his charts, and he was wary. His ship had been badly damaged and needed repairs. And they needed fresh water badly. But Captain Pearce had a bad feeling about this place.
They had first spotted it on the horizon at sundown. It was the tall volcanic mountain they saw first. They had stood off all night, afraid to approach the strange shore in the dark. All though the night they could see the glow of the volcano on the mountain. Then with the dawn, they had found this cove. Now he was scanning the beach for any evidence of inhabitants.
The ship was only lightly armed. But she was swift, and her best defense was to flee. Their mission had been primarily to explore, and update the sketchy charts. But there were enemies in these waters. And now the Mary Anne was heavily damaged.
Mr. Tindor came up on deck. He was responsible for the updating of the charts. He was also the one to note any new discoveries they might come across in the Natural Sciences. And he also had some medical experience. But the two did not get along well. Captain Pearce thought Samuel Tindor had too much interest in useless plants and such. Now he would surely be wanting to spend time ashore.
"When will we be going ashore, Captain?"
Pearce didn't answer right away. He considered Samuel a nuisance at times like this. But Tindor was a Gentleman, with a Royal Commission, and connections to the Royal Society.
Pearce realized he would have to send a party ashore eventually. There was no good reason to put it off.
"Mr. Tindor?"
"Sir?"
"Does anything strike you as odd about this place?"
"Well, it's not on the charts. But that doesn't mean much. New islands are discovered all the time."
"Not that." Pearce didn't know how to express what he felt. It was like some kind of ill defined presence. But he did not want to confide in Tindor, and was now sorry he had said anything. He turned to the Bos'n.
"Launch the longboat. Take some men with you and see if you can find some fresh water. Arm the men."
Tindor was surprised at that.
"May I join the party?"
"If you must."
Then the captain went to his cabin, and shut the door.



*Bing Gananda may also be found in the sidebar, at the right.

Another Trip

The Fuzz, His Sweetie, and Young Daughter caught the Train up to Washington DC for a visit with that Academical Son, and a bit of sightseeing. They caught the Amtrak here in NC in the Big City. Then they were off to the Capital of this Great Nation. Here, The Fuzz presents for you, a night shot of this Famous Patriotic Landmark.

The train ride was interesting. Here, they were leaving the station early that morning. But The Fuzz thinks we still have a ways to go to catch up to the Germans in that department.
The Fuzz and company avoided the Capital building itself. With all those congressmen (and women) there, it seemed like nothing but trouble.