Blue waves crashed against the solid planks of a proud new warship. The broad stripes of the British naval flag flew against a brightening sky. The blazing sun peeked just over the horizon, skipping its rays across infinite water and illuminating a blanket of fog. The ship's crew was already up and working, scrambling across the deck and through the riggings to keep the giant ship afloat. She had been a treasure escort back in her prime, but was now headed across the great Atlantic to fight the wretched American colonists, who had just recently proclaimed their independence.
The crack of boots against timber and the creak of a sea-weathered hinge announced the arrival of the admiral, a tall, handsome man in his mid-twenties. He had proved his worth before by his hard work on deck and in skirmishes against the Spanish armada. As he stepped out, he drew his cloak closer around him against the early morning chill.
"G'morning to you, Admiral Montgomery."
Montgomery looked down to find Captain Smith, his daytime crew leader.
"G'morning to you too, Captain Smith. Had any trouble so far?"
"None sir. The crew just changed shifts on the last ha' hour and they're puttin' the sails out a bit so we can catch the morning drafts wi'out tearing the masts off."
"Good plan," Montgomery nodded absently. "Any idea when all this fog should burn off? I can't see a damned thing."
"You weren't awake too early the last few days," Smith smiled ruefully, "but on those days it burned off an hour or so after the sun come up, so it shouldn't be long."
Montgomery pursed his lips and squinted as if it would help him see through the thick fog. He shook his head. "Let me know when you can see something. I'll be in my cabin."
And with that, he turned around and reentered his quarters.
"Why hello there darling. I thought you had abandoned me."
The teasingly pouty voice floated over from a tangle of soft sheets and beautiful, dark hair. A brown-skinned woman lay there, bed sheets shifting suggestively across her naked skin as she stretched her legs, hips, and back. The covers only barely concealed her complete nudity, and when she bit her lip, Montgomery knew she wished it wasn't concealed at all. Montgomery laughed, his deep voice filling the room.
"Come now, Isabel. I have other work to do."