Hatchet
Blunt and Sharp
Listening to his shipmate's displeasure at being tethered to the harbor Farrago smiled slightly; it was not the first time he'd heard about that motivation to enter the marines. Very many of the younger men enlisted for that reason, largely driven by a desire to avenge homes or families torn up by pirates who were thriving more than ever despite the government's determination to get a handle on them. "It's only for a brief while, and necessary to coordinate the fleet," he answered calmly, standing beside the man at the rail and looking out across the water.
One thing he surely missed was being able to go for a swim whenever he wanted to. He had been one of the best swimmers in his village, tiny though it was, and could hold his breath for a frighteningly long time. Not that it mattered now. Shaking free of his thoughts, he registered Slade's question. "The Marines saved my life." His voice came out soft with nostalgia, despite his intentions. "When I was nine Captain Uma, Admiral Uma now, docked in the harbor off my village accidentally, and stopped them from cutting my hands off or executing me. I've been enlisted ever since." Again he smiled, pleased with the way his life had improved since then.
One thing he surely missed was being able to go for a swim whenever he wanted to. He had been one of the best swimmers in his village, tiny though it was, and could hold his breath for a frighteningly long time. Not that it mattered now. Shaking free of his thoughts, he registered Slade's question. "The Marines saved my life." His voice came out soft with nostalgia, despite his intentions. "When I was nine Captain Uma, Admiral Uma now, docked in the harbor off my village accidentally, and stopped them from cutting my hands off or executing me. I've been enlisted ever since." Again he smiled, pleased with the way his life had improved since then.