Title: An auspicious beginning
Author: Mary M
Head coach and cheerleader: Ruth C.
Rating: G
Archive: Please
Feedback: I would appreciate all feedback
Disclaimer: These characters belong to the women of the Monstrous.

Hera wondered at the nervousness she felt. This first private meeting with Captain Jones was affecting her more than she had anticipated. The Captain had come aboard early this morning. Hera wasn't sure what bells it was when the Captain was piped aboard; she hadn't mastered the blasted bells yet. Nor had she mastered the route to the Captain's cabin. She had made many a wrong turn and gone up and down passageways and steps. Now she followed her guide,
Midshipman Smith through the labyrinth glad for this moment to examine this nervousness.

Captain Jones had read her command to the entire crew in a loud clear voice this morning. There had been no hesitation in that voice, only confidence and command. Having traveled with the army on the Peninsula, Hera was used to the ways of the army and their "gentlemen" officers. Money could buy rank in the army but it could not buy intelligence or the ability to lead. Hera thought of this now and realized that her qualms were based on this unknown in the Captain.

Hera had signed on for this voyage with a limited concept of particulars of life at sea. During her voyage back to England from Spain, she had been lost in her grief. She had found comfort and a
small measure of peace during the trip. The water and wind, the endless sky, the sense of detachment from the world began her healing. She had forgotten her connection to nature's elements. It was the memory of that reawakening that finally convinced her to accept the position of surgeon on this ship of the line. It was only now that she had spent a few days aboard ship that she realized just how tight the community of women was and how important the Captain's leadership was going to be.

As Hera and Midshipman Smith reached the cabin, Cecily informed the marine posted at the door in a surprisingly loud and masterful voice that Captain Jones was expecting Dr. Phillips. Hera straightened to her full height, took a slow breath in and said a silent prayer for guidance, wisdom and the ability to keep her mouth shut when it should be shut.
Captain Jones was seated at her desk, the sun streaming in through the wide line of windows. As Hera moved to stand in front of the desk, she noted that Captain Jones's desk was covered with the paperwork of her command. The Captain raised her hand in acknowledgement of Hera's arrival but did not look up from her task. Hera was content to watch the billowy clouds move across the azure sky, the birds appearing to float on the air currents. For a moment she allowed her spirit to ride the wind with the birds.
Captain Jones straightened and leaned back in her chair. She watched Hera Phillips wondering what thought was causing the corners of her full lips to lift in a hint of a smile. Victoria had noticed Hera this morning, standing with the other warrant officers, as she addressed the crew. It would have been hard not to notice Hera Phillips. She stood tall on the deck. It was more than her above average height that made her stand tall. It was the straightness of her spine, the proud lift of her head, and a general air of quiet strength. Victoria took this time now to study Hera more closely.
She had her dark brown hair pulled back in a long braid that lay over her left shoulder. Her skin was smooth and an even soft brown shade, as if she had spent months in the tropics. The light green eyes were clear and stood out in the dark skin. Looking at her straight nose, full lips and slightly dimpled chin, Victoria thought, "She is beautiful." There was nothing conventional or English about the beauty though. She wore a dark green jacket, military in style, but not one that Victoria was familiar with. She had on what appeared to be soft deerskin pantaloons, which were tucked into well-worn Wellingtons. The Admiral had not given Victoria much personal information about Hera during her briefing about the crew, and Victoria wondered what had brought this woman to the Monstrous.

Hera slowly brought her eyes from the window and met the Captains stare with no sign of embarrassment.

"Captain."
"Dr. Phillips."
"Sir, I am not accustomed to the title Doctor. Through the connections of Admiral Regent, I was able to take and pass the required examinations to qualify for the title. Please forgive me though if you address me as Doctor and I fail to answer. If possible, I would prefer Hera or just Phillips if the former is too familiar."
"Have a seat Phillips. I wanted to take this opportunity before we proceed on our voyage to become better acquainted. The Admiral wasn't specific in your experience or qualifications for this warrant. Could you acquaint me with them?"
Hera was silent for a moment, looking Captain Jones in the eyes. Something that she saw in those depths brought a slight smile to her mouth.

"With pleasure Captain. My father was a physician in Boston. My mother came from a family of healers. Her tribe was known for their skill and power."
Captain Jones lifted one brow at the mention of tribe.
"Yes, Captain. My mother was of the people, a Red Indian," she stated boldly with a glint of challenge in her voice. When the Captain made no comment, Hera continued. "I studied with my father and helped him when I was old enough. I also spent time with my mother's people, learning the ancient healing ways of the people. I was sent to England to live with my father's family when I was 16 after the death of my parents. I met a very wise midwife while living on my grandparent’s estate; she taught me much about women and their special needs, body and soul. I married Thomas, a Captain in the army. When he was sent to the Peninsula, I chose to go with him, or follow the drum as it is called. During that time, I helped care for the wives, camp followers, and children. The company surgeon became aware of my gift and asked for my help with the wounded." Hera lowered her eyes, her face becoming still. Victoria waited patiently. In a quieter voice Hera continued "I learned surgery in those field hospitals, amputation, bullet and shell fragment removal, stitching. I learned to recognize death whether she crept slowly for the men or yanked them quickly to her."

No words were spoken for a moment. Captain Jones softly cleared her throat. Hera focused in the present, her gaze still containing a hint of the suffering she had seen.  Softly, Victoria said "It does seem you have the necessary knowledge and skill for the crew of the Monstrous. I believe we will all be in good hands. Do you have any specific concerns or requests that need to be addressed before we leave port?"
"Well Captain, I believe I have laid in a good supply of medications and herbals outside of what the Admiralty supplies and recommends. "As with all navy ships I have a good supply of venereals but for our crew there will be other effects from their time on terra firma. We are a crew of women and as such, I have included supplies for female concerns including pregnancy and childbirth"
"Childbirth" Captain Jones said with a squeak. She pushed back her chair and stood, looking around the cabin as if expecting to see pregnant women around her.
Hera chuckled and spoke in a calming voice. “Captain Jones, the crew has been in port for some time now. These are women, not nuns. I believe it might be safe to say that many in the crew live life with …..gusto" Captain Jones sat back down, She picked up the knife she had been using to sharpen her quill and began to unthinkingly tap it on the desk.

"I have to admit I had not thought of this possibility. Are any of the crew pregnant now?"
"Not obviously" Hera replied. “We shall see as time goes on."
There was a knock at the captain's door and the marine opened the door.

"Lt. Harvey is here as you requested."
"Have her wait another moment please" Victoria responded.
Hera stood up, regretting surprisingly the end of the interview. "Is there anything else Captain?”

“No, no. I don't believe so for the moment” she said distractedly. She continued tapping the tip of the knife on the piles of paper. Hera's eyes were drawn to the knife.

"Your knife Captain."

"My knife?"
"Yes, may I see it?" After a slight hesitation, Victoria handed the knife to Hera. She was surprised to see her handle it confidently, testing its weight, skimming her fingers along the edge, testing its sharpness.
"It is a very fine knife Captain. Well weighted but slightly dull. May I recommend different oil? My mother's people have unique oil that will give your knife a keen edge. Would you care to see mine?" she asked eagerly. Captain Jones nodded.
Hera pulled a knife from the inside of her boot. Captain Jones repeated the same movements Hera had used a moment before. Her eyes gleamed and a large smile lit her face.

"This knife is a beauty; the blade, the workmanship on the handle, it’s superb."
"Thank you. I have more knives if you are interested," Hera said eagerly. Not waiting for a reply Hera made a slight motion of her wrist and a small dagger appeared in her hand from her sleeve.
Another appeared from behind her back, largest of the three.
"Well Hera, you do come well prepared." Victoria said with a laugh. Hera looked a little sheepish then joined in Victoria's laughter. They talked animatedly for another few moments with Victoria bringing out some of her collection. They talked about knives and their own experiences. Both became aware of the purposefully loud sound of pacing on the other side of the captains door. With a sigh, knives were returned to their owners.

Captain Jones said with regret "Hera, I must meet with Lt. Harvey now. I have kept her waiting long enough. I hope we can talk more about this during the voyage. I was wondering" Victoria said with some hesitation, "If you would care to join me in some knife throwing?
"Most definitely Captain Jones."
"Please call me Victoria. I feel that I have met the new surgeon but more importantly a friend today."
"Thank you Victoria. I would enjoy throwing with you. It will be good to have some competition. “She said with a hint of challenge in her voice. Victoria raised a brow and smiled. At this moment the marine knocked again. As door opened, Lt Harvey pushed past the marine. Hera turned to leave and Lt Harvey stepped wide, as if avoiding something offensive. Her nose wrinkled in disgust as Hera passed her. Hera stopped at the door and turned back, looking at Lt. Harvey's back. "Oh yes" she said quietly with a small smile, "I would not want my skills to get rusty."