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done in each case. He knew no matter how well he prepared he was, the unforeseen would arise, and that was the danger. Not to have thought of everything. He was a man who liked to be prepared. He had almost two hundred and fifty men’s lives at stake. They were his responsibility.
    Storms, a disabled ship, winds, the water supply...but what was the unforeseen circumstance that could be his undoing?
    ***
    The next morning his cabin boy roused him before the break of dawn. “Sir, are we to cast off at the next watch?”
    “Yes, yes, I’ll be on deck shortly.”
    A few minutes later the cabin boy returned with a tray containing toasted bread, butter, jam, fruit and coffee. He dressed, partook of his breakfast, and headed for the deck.
    The men unfurled the sails, brought in the lines, and cast off to the orders of the captain relayed by Randall, his first officer. They were on their way as the first beams of sunlight peaked over the long expanse of ocean water on the far side of the bay, hitting the polished oak planks of the deck. The surveyors took out their sextants and measuring equipment. The first part of the journey and recording was under way. The Royal Navy surveyors glanced through pieces, peered at the horizon, then measured and marked down their calculations. It was a fine start to an auspicious day. The deck was quiet except for the occasional barking out of course correction, and the calls of the surveyors as they double checked and positioned themselves properly. Lookouts scanned the horizon through spy glasses for any sign of pirates or anything out of the ordinary. He spied one of the giant magnificent red birds in full flight through his spyglass, reminding him the painter had plenty to document and may as well start on his commission.
    When Captain Graham had a moment to relax, he looked at his timepiece and spoke, “Officer Cullen.”
    “Yes sir!”
    “Where is Mr. Welch? We've been under way for more than an hour. I would like to make his acquaintance and go over his duties. I hope he is not a waste about. I expect him to be on deck at sunrise when the birds and the great beasts of the sea are most active.”
    “Well, there is an unexpected development.”
    “Is he onboard?”
    “Yes, but—”
    “Bring Mr. Welch to me at once.”
    Randall could barely contain his smile until he was out of the Captain's sight. He was looking forward to Captain Graham's and Ms. Welch's meeting. He knocked on her stateroom door.
    “Ms. Welch? The captain would like to see you on deck.” Ms. Magdela opened the door. “The lady make dress. She will be up in an hour.”
    “The captain will see her—now ,” Randall replied politely.
    “The captain will not see her now, Ms. Welch dress, time to dress!” Ms. Magdela then slammed the door in his face.
    This was not a circumstance Randall had encountered before. What would he tell the captain? He went back up the stairs and onto the deck.
    “It certainly is a perfect day for our duties.”
    “Where is Mr. Welch?”
    “He will be up in an hour,” Randall said with a straight face looking out to the coast and not at the captain.
    “Up in an hour? Does he not understand a simple command?”
    “Busy getting dressed. Takes an hour,” Randall added, while working hard to not look at the captain and keep a steady look upon his face.
    “We will see about that!”
    The captain hurried down the stairs with Randall following close behind, “Sir. I would not open the door!”
    “Are you the captain now, giving out orders to me?”
    “Mr. Welch!” The captain called out as he swung open the stateroom door.
    Mary Welch who'd had her back to the door as Magdela buttoned up her gown, screamed, as she turned around to hide her half opened back.
    Magdela rushed at the door screaming, “Out! Vamanos! Out!”
    She closed the door in the startled captain's face.
    He stood there for a second speechless. “That was a—woman.”
    “Two, sir. Two women ,” Randall corrected