1811 Essentia

Essentia

by

William Bertram

Published by William Bertram at Smashwords

Copyright 2015 William Bertram

Discover other titles by William Bertram at Smashwords.com

To

Michael Hodges

This book is respectfully dedicated

by

The Author

Wednesday 27th February 1811

Gradually, I awoke as if from a deep sleep, it was dark, really dark, my head hurt terribly, I closed my eyes again. Instantly I was aware that my bed was moving. Moving in a gentle sideways swaying motion. ‘Oh God’ I muttered, I must have drunk too much again last night? My mouth felt like one of my socks had crawled inside and rotted during the night. And now suddenly there was a drummer pounding away inside my head.

I lay still for a minute, well as still as my bed would let me and prayed that the pain would stop. Never again! I muttered. All of a sudden, I was aware that there were people moving around me. Just why these people were in my bedroom bothered me. Although my eyes were still closed, I could hear them coughing, snoring and shuffling about. Then there was this strange creaking noise, what the hell was it and where was I?

I remained still and quiet as possible as my mind raced through the possibilities. I was lying at an angle with my feet higher than my head, I felt as though I had been in a drunken stupor, but now I was convinced that it was definitely time to open my eyes and take action to counteract this pounding inside my head. God knows where I have ended up this time.

I was still also very aware that I was gently swaying from side to side, my eyes slowly opened and my hands went to the side of the bed to lift myself up, but my bed wasn’t there, instead my hands came in contact with a stiff cloth that surrounded my body on both sides. Immediately I tried to look around, but that didn’t help, it was pitch black, I tried to raise my head and then the intense pain hit me. I fell back and the whole bed started to rock, I screamed in pain as my hands immediately went to my head. Strangely, I felt a cloth like bandage around my head as a distant voice shouted out, Lieutenant Brown’s awake Doctor.

I lay quite still as my mind raced ahead, the pain eased a little as I remained motionless, not daring to move in case the intense pain returned. Out of the blackness a faint yellow glow appeared and started to illuminate the room, it drew nearer. We were not in my bedroom that was for sure, I could see a wooden ceiling above me with huge beams running across. More than that, I was in a damned hammock, I could see the thick white canvas sides as the light approached. How did I get in this, my hand gently patted the turban around my head.

What the hell is this? I mumbled as I felt the cloth that surrounded my head.

Abruptly an elderly man’s face appeared over the side of the canvas, he held a lantern over my head as he asked, Awake are we Lieutenant?

The man steadied himself by grabbing onto one of the overhead beams with his free hand as he swayed before my eyes. His other hand held the lantern over me. He was dressed in a once white shirt that was open to the waist and he had on some kind of waistcoat. He was scruffy, dirty would be a better description and he smelled bad. I would guess he was about fifty years of age and would not look out of place as a tramp. I stared at him for a second before asking in a weak voice, I don’t know who this lieutenant is you are talking to, but I’m awake. Just tell me where the hell I am please?

You just lie there still... Erm... Lieutenant, the doctor will be here soon, you’ve had a nasty head wound, we thought you a goner, nearly threw you over the side, we did, you are really lucky Doctor Roberts found a faint pul... He was interrupted by approaching footsteps. ...Oh... Here comes the Doctor now, Exclaimed the man looking around at the approaching newcomer. I shifted my vision as a man’s head appeared and peered at me from the opposite side of the hammock.

I see you‘re awake Bertie?

The Doctor was about thirty years of age, clean shaven, with his dark hair brushed back. It was obvious from his clothes and demeanour that he was in charge here. He reached into the hammock and started to take my pulse.

You had us all worried, you know! Remarked the Doctor cheerfully.

Who’s Bertie? I asked weakly.

Ignoring me, he bent over the hammock’s side to look at my bandages, letting go of my hand, he started to look directly into my eyes.

Hold the light closer Franklin! He remarked sharply.

If it comes to that, who are you and where the hell am I? I added tersely as he looked into first my right eye and then my left. Suddenly he stopped and held up two fingers, How many fingers am I holding up? He asked.

Two! I replied slightly worried. He glanced up at Franklin before looking back at me to say, Can you tell me your name?

Of course I can! I replied tetchily.

There was a slight pause before the Doctor exclaimed impatiently, Go on then!

Michael... Err... Michael Hodges, I replied as the Doctor gave Franklin a lingering glance. I think you have me mixed up with someone else, don’t you? Bloody NHS! What do I pay that damned National Insurance for; I’d be better off going private.

At this point, I tried to sit up, but the pain in my head compelled me to lie still again.

Better not move too soon, Exclaimed the Doctor holding onto my shoulders as he settled me down in the hammock, You’ve had a nasty accident.

I looked up at two worried faces looking down at me.

Is that why I have this turban on my head?" I whimpered, lifting my hand to feel my aching head through the bandage.

The men were performing routine maintenance aloft, Remarked Franklin, One of the blocks from the topmast shrouds fell and hit you a glancing blow on the head.

Nearly did for you, Added the Doctor, It cracked your skull, took away a piece of bone. I had to operate; I replaced your missing bone with a pewter patch. You won’t even notice it’s there after a couple of weeks, I’ll warrant however, you will have a nasty headache for several weeks. Oh and you’ll have the devil of a scar!

I suppose I’ll have to see a plastic surgeon to get that sorted out!

Plastic surgeon Sir? Queried Franklin.

He’s rambling! Whispered the Doctor. You just lie there still a while! Mumbled the Doctor condescendingly.

How can I damnwell lie still, the bed’s bloody moving! I argued. I was getting quite annoyed now.

Don’t you fret about that Sir, that’s just the ship’s motions. Replied Franklin patting my shoulder.

Just a bloody minute, I exclaimed grabbing his hand. Are you telling me, I’m on a damned ship? Strangely, I had decided to ignore the fact that I had a plate in my head as being too fantastic to be true.

Erm... Just where do you think you are Lieutenant? Exclaimed Franklin dragging his hand away and holding the light in front of my face.

Hopefully not on a bloody ship! I exclaimed in disbelief, looking at the Doctor.

The Doctor just smiled and nodded slightly as I continued, How the hell did I get on a ship, I mean, live in the damned Midlands. Last thing I remember is walking down Sherwood Street Nottingham and don’t call me Lieutenant.

Now the Doctor patronisingly remarked, Well don’t worry about anything, you are definitely on a ship now. I think you had better get some rest, we can talk about this later when you are feeling better.

Now just a bloody minute, you can’t damnwell leave me like..., I replied angrily as I tried to sit up and promptly fell back as the pain from my head overwhelmed me.

I’m going to give you some medicine to help you sleep, you’re becoming overwrought! Exclaimed the Doctor kindly, but looking towards Franklin he added. Go and get the laudanum will you Franklin?

How did I get on this bloody ship? I demanded. Grabbing the Doctor’s sleeve as Franklin put down his lantern.

If I remember correctly, Replied the Doctor as he removed my hand slowly away. You came aboard in Portsmouth.

I was getting annoyed now, Just how the hell did I get to Portsmouth, I have never been to Portsmouth in my life! What are you lot playing at?

I can assure you, that you came aboard in Portsmouth. Replied the Doctor trying to calm me down.

Well unless I am suffering from mad cow’s disease, there is no damned way I can travel three hundred miles in a bloody night. Just how long have I been lying here?

About three days, Came the instant reply.

I looked at the Doctor, he did seem concerned, so I quietly asked, And just when did I come aboard then?

I think it was about two years ag...

I interrupted him with, That’s damned rubbish, just what is going on here, you’ve damnwell got me mixed up with another patient!

Just then a bell rang in the distance, I stopped and listened. What’s that bell for, is there a fire? I asked looking towards the source of the ringing.

Six bells in the middle watch! Exclaimed the Doctor.

Just what sort of ship is this? I asked looking at the beams above my head. It looks bloody wooden? And why are you dressed like that, where’s your white coat, stethoscope and name badge? Is this some sort of replica boat?

You really don’t remember anything? Asked the Doctor feeling my temple with the palm of his hand.

No, I don’t, last thing I remember is leaving home with my wife and driving my Mercedes into Nottingham for a play at the theatre. We had parked up and were walking down Sherwood Street, when... I stopped abruptly as I remember my wife shouting Look out! Last thing I remember is seeing a car mounting the pavement and coming directly at me!

Am I dead? I asked quietly as I remembered again, that yellow car coming at me, the pain in my side and nothing else...

I can assure you, you are far from dead, Replied the Doctor has he patted my hand. Although at one point I thought you had gone!

Just then, I heard footsteps approaching, I looked to my left; suddenly Franklin reappeared and offered the Doctor a small brown bottle complete with cork stopper. Seconds later, he produced a glass tumbler and passed that over too. Presently, while Franklin held up the lantern again, the Doctor dripped some of the liquid into the glass and stirred it thoroughly. The Doctor then nodded at Franklin who after manoeuvred himself behind me, gently lifted the top half of my body into a position to receive the draft. Not without considerable pain on my part, I might add.

"I think we can leave you sitting up a bit now, we placed you in that low position to keep the blood flowing to your head. This sitting up position was becoming extremely painful for a few moments and I told him so in no uncertain terms. Meanwhile the Doctor continued to reassure me that all would be well on my waking, although I had my doubts. Slowly Franklin pulled me to a higher position in the hammock and thrust a smelly pillow behind my head.

I awaited the severe throbbing of my head to cease. With that, the Doctor promised to return and answer all my questions after the laudanum had done its work. Leaving the lantern under my hammock, Franklin patted me on the shoulder, as both he and the Doctor left me alone to drift off into a troubled sleep.

As I was drifting in and out of consciousness, I looked upwards at the ceiling. Although I was now aware that this wooden construction was indeed a ship. I could not believe that I was on a wooden ship, the nearest I had been to a wooden boat was those old barges on the canal. Most of my sea experience was on a cross channel ferry and a cruise ship. I was getting more and more convinced that this was some kind of gigantic joke played on me by my pals from the pub. That is until I tried to move and my aching head started to make me think otherwise.

Eventually, I must have drifted off to sleep, for here I was at my own front door, I immediately rushed inside to find my wife Michelle, however, the house was seemingly empty of people, nevertheless I cried out her name. Everything was quiet, where was my wife? I walked through towards the kitchen, there I stopped suddenly in the doorway as I saw a bearded, stout, middle aged man sitting at my table and beaming straight back at me. I nodded at him, why I didn’t challenge him, I don’t know. Probably because he looked harmless enough, quite genial and friendly really. He was dressed in a large white suit and had a red carnation in his lapel. He stood as he saw me enter the kitchen and gestured towards the chair on his left. Come in Michael, come in and I will explain all! You must be wondering what’s going on?

Muttering something like, You could say that? I dutifully walked towards the table and sat down opposite him; he resumed his place and smiled at me again. After a few seconds this white haired genial man who was nearer sixty that forty smiled at me and remarked kindly, It is quite difficult to know where to start Michael.

He rubbed his nose with his index finger and took a deep breath as I said instinctively, I would think at the beginning.

Well, I suppose I had better start by introducing myself, I am Morrison and I represent Essentia, I’ll explain all about that in a minute.

You’re not bloody selling something, are you? Because if you are, you can shut the door on your way out. I was getting quite tetchy.

Goodness me, no, far from it. Replied Morrison defensibly. I’m here to offer you an apology.

For what? I queried, looking around for my wife and any noticeable damage to the house.

Oh don’t worry, Michelle is fine, she is just not part of the scenario, you’re dreaming you know. Replied Morrison patting my hand.

Bloody strange dream! I replied looking down at Morrison’s hand patting mine. He withdrew it instantly. Morrison sat back and smiled at me again.

After a few seconds of silence, Morrison started to explain as I continued to look around, Well, it’s a kind of a dream, we are manipulating your thoughts. We felt the need to apologise for your predicament.

If this is a dream, where am I really? I asked, hoping that he wouldn’t say on a ship. But he did, more than that, it seemed that I was also two hundred years in the past.

Yeah, and I can see a pig flying outside the window too. I scoffed in disbelief.

Oh it is true; you see there was a bit of a mix up, between you and Lieutenant Brown. He leant forward and said softly, Brace yourself Michael! Leaning back, he took a deep breath and said, Unfortunately, since you both died at the same time...

...Pardon! I interrupted.

Oh, yes, you have passed over as they say. He replied without blinking an eye. It was all to do with the number difference in your indexing reference. I am afraid we processed one of your numbers, three I think, as an eight, which turned it into Lieutenant Brown’s number, it was chance in a million.

Dead! I rubbed my eyes, shook my head and looked directly at him. I’m dead! I repeated pointing at myself.

He nodded then repeated louder, Yes you are dead Michael, you were killed by that yellow car on Sherwood Street.

Yeah, that is why I am still here, talking to you is it? I replied cynically. I sat back to say, Alright, so this Lieutenant Brown died too, did he?

No, he recovered, well... Erm... Oh dear. Morrison stumbled, Oh this is most difficult; let me put it like this, his body recovered. We didn’t expect that, it was a fluke, so we sent back his essence, his soul, but because of the indexing foul up, we unfortunately sent back yours.

I sat back in my seat unable to process everything Morrison said, Bloody big foul up, if you ask me I retorted. Wait... If this is true, where’s my body? Just put my soul back in that."

Morrison shook his head and replied, Can’t do that, your erm... To put it bluntly, your skull was...

Alright! I get the picture, I replied sharply looking about for help.

In fact that is where your wife is now, at the crematorium! Remarked Morrison sadly.

So you are saying, they are burying me now, but I am actually alive in another body?

More or less Michael. It’s all our fault, sorry... Exclaimed Morrison shaking his head.

Well, you got that right, I remarked sharply. Calming down I continued, So, Erm... What about this lieutenant’s soul, why have you not sent it back to its original body. I asked knowing full well that they just might and then what would become of me.

Oh, he had already been processed and reassigned, Morrison looked up at the kitchen clock.

He should be born just about now to a lovely family in Doncaster, the Bradleys. Gemma Bradley is a cousin of yours, is she not? ‘One out one in,’ that’s our motto; it should have been you really. Keep it in the family, we always try and do that if possible. Besides that, if we sent him back with you in situ so to speak, he would just overwrite your essence and that would be the end of you. And no one wants that!

We were both quiet for a few seconds while it sunk in, but it didn’t, so then I remarked, So I am in a ship sailing off Portsmouth with no chance of coming home, what if I got to shore and just went home to the wife.

Oh dear, you’re not understanding this at all are you? Replied Morrison shaking his head, I know it’s a lot to take in, but you are now in Albert Brown’s body. So here are three simple reasons why that scenario cannot happen. ‘A,’ no one would recognise you being the first reason, the second is that you are not off Portsmouth, you are off the Italian coast in the Mediterranean and thirdly but more importantly you are two hundred years in the past which brings me to the dire warnings I need to give you.

Now I know it’s all rubbish! It’s a joke, a setup from my mates I scoffed and wagged my finger at Morrison, How can both I and this Brown character be alive at the same time or in this case dead. Especially when we are two hundred years apart? Go on answer me that.

Morrison smiled and said calmly, It’s really a very complicated and time consuming subject, if you will forgive that pun. However, I’ll try to simplify it to answer your question for you. He leant back in his seat and took a deep breath.

We at Essentia, unlike yourself have four-dimensional sight and can therefore see all points in time simultaneously. All moments exist simultaneously, for us everyone is always alive. You for instance, you live your life out of sequence and out of our influence, which, among other things, means that your point of death occurs at a random point in your life rather than at the end of it. Hence the yellow car hitting you.

He coughed slightly, "Err... We address these various difficulties by considering all points in time to be equally valid frames of reference, or equally real, if you prefer. It does not do away with the concept of past and future, but instead considers them as directions rather than states of being; whether some point in time is in the future or past, being entirely dependent on which frame of reference you are using as a basis for observing it. So there is no passing of time, only the ticking of a clock, which measures durations between events much as the marks on a measuring tape records distances between points.

At that point, I stopped him by suddenly holding up my hand, Hold it there Morrison, So that’s the simple explanation is it? What’s the complicated one then?

He smiled and sat up to say, Let’s just say, there are many time lines running at the same time and we can access them all.

What about if I change history, by doing some innocent action or inventing something that hasn’t been discovered yet?

That’s what I am going to warn you about next? Remarked Morrison smugly. You will not be allowed to do that; even the most simplest thing could have disastrous effects. What you would be doing is starting a new timeline, it would just get too complicated for us; the Elders wouldn’t allow it.

Morrison stood up and placed the chair neatly under the table. Standing behind it he started to say, Let us suppose you found one of your direct ancestors and killed him. Logic says you wouldn’t exist, but what you would be doing involves the quantum rules, which govern the subatomic level of the universe. Put simply, when you as a time traveller kill your direct ancestor, that immediately creates a new quantum universe, in essence a parallel universe where your ancestor died and where you are never born. The original universe still remains, there you will still be alive and your ancestor dead. He started to walk around the room; I followed him with my eyes as he started to explain further. Anything you alter with your knowledge will create a new universe; we could end up with having thousands of new universes. We wouldn’t be able to cope, so at the first sign of you breaking the rules, the Elders would stop you. You would simply cease to exist. They would recycle your essence.

That’s nice of them! I remarked sarcastically, But, I could still alter time and not be aware of it.

Indeed and that is why we are going to send someone to help you, Exclaimed Morrison picking up a mug from the counter and examining it. I stood now and walked over to Morrison, When do I get to meet him? I asked.

Morrison turned to meet me, We are arranging it now, he will be with you presently, he will make himself known to you, we are just waiting for a suitable body.

Wait! You’re waiting for someone to die on the ship? I exclaimed loudly.

He scratched his head and replied, I suppose that is one way to look at it, we will exchange the dead person’s essence with someone that has been briefed and is experienced in the sailing of ships of that time period.

Suddenly, my eyes focussed on the family notice board and the picture of my family, I felt suddenly sad. I’ll not see them again, will I? What will happen to my Michelle?

He shook his head and placing a hand on my shoulder, remarked kindly, Believe me, she will be fine. I can’t tell you anymore, but trust me; you have no reason to worry about her. He made a deep sigh and carried on, You know, if we hadn’t had this foul up, you would never have seen them again either. At least now, you know now that she is going to be fine after a while. You on the other hand would have be born again into a new family and know nothing about your previous life. He looked up at the clock, Anytime now!

We both said nothing for a few seconds; I broke the silence, What if this Albert Brown starts to remember things? Will he be able to fit into a different time zone?

Morrison exhaled heavily, then remarked, There is always a bit of memory seepage in cases like this, you have probably encountered examples of it before. People believing that they have lived before in an earlier period, mostly it is just a feeling, but now and again, sometimes there are people who remember vividly...

I interrupted, ...Reincarnation, do you mean?

Exactly, Came the reply, However, they mostly keep quiet about it, as you will be doing, or they end up in the mental hospital or worse, sometimes they are viewed as bewitched or in league with the devil and we all know what happens then. That is why we always advance their rebirth on the time line; we don’t want them inventing something from the future or even predicting events.

There was a slight pause, then Morrison said, It is not all bad for you, there are compensations, you know, for instance, just how old are you now?

I am in my sixties, I replied sadly whilst looking at him.

Well, Lieutenant Brown is twenty two! You have another chance at life. Another chance to achieve something with your life. He patted me on the shoulder, Many people would kill for a chance like this.

Why can’t you just transport me and my new body into this time frame? I asked clutching at straws.

He lifted the mug up and presented it under my nose. "You have to think of our service as WiFi, we can transfer information, but not physical objects, I mean you couldn’t transport this mug physically via the Internet, but you could transport its image and all its details.

Look Morrison, Says I, changing the subject, Just how am I suppose to manage in the nineteenth century until your man makes his appearance. I’m bound to be found out. I mean, I just have to open my mouth and my foot jumps straight in.

We will have to concoct a plan, Remarked Morrison sitting down again. I’m sure you will do very well. Fortunately you are ill at present, so you will have an excuse for not understanding how things work in that time period, you must play for time.

The Doctor already suspects I’m mad.I exclaimed sitting down too.

You will have to be careful there, one word from him and you will end up in Bedlam and believe me, you don’t want to go there, I have seen it. Came the sad reply.

We both thought on the problem for a few minutes, suddenly Morrison sat up with a start and exclaimed, I have it, simple! You have amnesia!

Would that work? I asked cautiously.

Should do, just don’t recognise anyone, say you can’t remember anything even your name. If anyone turns up and questions you, just act as if you haven’t seen them before. You don’t know anything about sailing ships.

Well, that will be easy! I exclaimed, Considering I really don’t know anything or anyone.

With that, Morrison smiled and stood, That’s good because, I think you are waking up now, you seem to be fading.

I raised my hands in front of my face and looked at my transparent hands. What the hell’s this about? I cried.

Don’t be concerned Michael, you are just waking up, remember what we said, I’ll visit your dreams again soon. Be careful in what you say and do Michael!

Seconds later and blackness, I was abruptly aware of the damned pain again, I opened my eyes and the light instantly made me close them again. I felt sick, my throat was dry and I wanted desperately to sit up. Slowly I opened my eyes again, the deck beams were still there, I could now make out the hooks holding the metal ring of my hammock. Suddenly I was aware of sounds; people were talking in the distance. I couldn’t make out exactly what they were saying, but it was something to do with ointment. Nearby a man was coughing and I could hear the sound of running water falling into a pot or a bucket.

I attempted to raise myself, the pain in my head increased, but not with the same violence as it had done on the previous night.

I fell back and waited a second or two for the pain to subside, then I tried again, this time I managed to peer over the left side of the canvas hammock. I could see now that mine wasn’t the only hammock here, there were several more to my left, beyond them was the light source, two open gunports, each with a giant cannon in situ. Two filled hammocks were strung directly over these guns. Nearer to me was a table with the Doctor sitting at it. He was busy writing in a large book, whilst behind him stood several rough looking seamen waiting in a queue.

At that point, the pain in my head became unbearable and I slumped back. I waited again for the pain to subside and then I tried again, this time looking to my front. Here I could see a large welsh dresser type of furniture with lots of small drawers and several shelves. Bottles of various sizes stood in rows behind wooden slats that kept them securely in place. Again, by looking more to the right, I could see an open gunport and the muzzle of a large cannon that must have been directly under my hammock.

Again I slumped back as the pain became too much. I wondered if I sat up slightly it might stop my throbbing head. This was to be my next task, after the pain had died down; I firmly grasped the hammocks sides and tried to shuffle myself into a more upright position. This was not successful without cost and I had to stop several times as the pain became significantly more debilitating. Yet I persevered and eventually I could see around the deck without straining. However, now the pillow had slipped down my back and my head was in a most uncomfortable position. No matter what I did, I could not rectify the situation as the pain in my head increased tenfold.

I called for help, Can someone help me please! Seconds later two sailors appeared. What be the matter Lieutenant? Asked one, Need some more laudanum? Asked the other.

It’s just this pillow, I can’t retrieve it, I want to sit up? I whinged.

You can put him in that empty cot now! Cried a disembodied voice from behind the men. I took this voice to be the Doctor’s but I wasn’t convinced until the men moved aside and I saw the Doctor still at the desk.

Careful you don’t knock his head lads! Called the Doctor as he dipped his pen into the ink well and continued writing.

A few minutes later, I was physically lifted out of the hammock by these two smelly and burly sailors, personal hygiene was definitely not for them. Still, moments later I was lying in the cot between the Doctor’s table and the cannons. I don’t know why they called this a cot; I would have said it was a drawer suspended on ropes. Still I was able to sit up a little with my back propped up. However, one advantage, or maybe it was a disadvantage of this new position was I was near the Doctor and he started to talk to me.

So how are we feeling today? He asked, not taking his eyes off the book in front of him.

Better than yesterday, I still have the headache, but it’s not as bad as yesterday, but my throat is a bit dry, apart from that, fine thank you Doctor? I replied sheepishly.

I’ll get someone to bring you a drink. Oh, by the way, can you remember my name? Asked the Doctor putting down his pen and looking directly towards me.

To be honest Doctor, no! I replied.

Can you remember your own? Asked the Doctor as he stood and beckoned a sailor to come to him.

I started thinking, ‘I had better play along with you Doctor, I don’t want you declaring me insane.’ I answered quickly, I know you say it is Albert Brown, but that’s not because I remembered it, it is because you told me last night. Suddenly a seaman turned up and interrupted the conversation.

Get the Lieutenant here a drink will you Foster? Ordered the Doctor, then he turned to me and replied, We normally call you Bertie, well the officers do, the men call you something else. And he started to chuckle to himself.

Now the Doctor stood and walking around the table approached my cot. Can you remember anything at all?

I slowly shook my head and lied, I’m afraid not.

Well, I’m afraid you will have that headache for a several weeks to come, if it gets too much, see me and I will prescribe something. On the good side, you sound a lot better than last night. You were saying some really strange things about being hit by a cart. Least you sound more rational today. I must admit I was getting a bit concerned over the state of your mind. He took a deep breath as he looked down at me, Still, let’s have a look at you today.

With that, the Doctor proceeded to examine me, he looked into my eyes, mouth and then started to unwrap the bandages around my head. You took quite a blow from that falling block, you were very lucky it didn’t kill you. The men nearby were saying that they heard your skull crack. He continued to unwrap the bandage. I’ll get this wound dressed later, let’s just let some air to it for a few minutes. He gave a sharp intake of breath as the last of the bandage came away.

Bad is it? I asked.

Looks worse than it is. He replied softly, then he paused for a second before continuing with, Now I want you to sit here and not rest this wound on anything. Just don’t lean your head back until we put a new bandage on. I think I’ll just have it cleaned first.

So, how am I Doctor... Doctor... Err... I prompted for a name.

Roberts, Samuel, you normally call me Sam! He replied as he examined my wound.

How am I Sam? Will I be able to remember things soon? I asked nervously.

Strange thing, Amnesia, you never can tell, one minute a patient can’t remember a damned thing, the next it all comes flooding back. However, some people never regain their memory and have to learn all over again. We will just have to wait and see.

Is that what I have Sam? I asked cautiously.

Just then, Foster returned with a large pewter mug and walked straight up to the Doctor. Ah your back then, Exclaimed the Doctor looking around at Foster. What have you got there?

Tea Sir Came the prompt reply, Slushy has put three tablespoons of sugar in it.

Won’t do the Lieutenant any harm, It’s good for you. Replied the Doctor taking the pewter mug and passing to me.

Try telling Michelle that! She’s always saying sugar is bad for me, I replied without thinking as I manoeuvred myself into a position to take the mug.

Careful, it’s hot Sir! cautioned Foster.

Err... Who’s Michelle? Inquired Sam nonchalantly.

I had to think fast, Strange thing, I have no idea Sam!

I placed the mug under my nose to gauge how hot it was, it seemed all right, so I tried a sip, it was insipid and not like our normal tea, but it was sweet, wet and warm, so I persevered. Meanwhile, the Doctor remarked again that he thought I did have Amnesia, but he was confident it would rectify itself, I only needed to be reminded of something like the sugar, then all my memories would return.

Suddenly he stopped and turned back to Foster to tell him to clean up my wound after I had finished my tea. Now he turned back to me, to ask, So what do you remember? For instance, can you remember what this ship is called and what rate she is?

I shook my head, How about the Captain, can you remember his name or what he looks like?

Again, I shook my head and continued to drink my tea.

What about Lieutenant Bishop, he’s your friend; I wonder if I sent for him, he might stir your memory.

I paused and looked as though I was deep in thought for a few seconds, then I replied with a sad voice, I’m really sorry, I don’t remember him!

Oh never mind, let’s try anyway, The Doctor stood up straight, well as straight as the low ceiling would allow and looked about. Suddenly he spied his prey, Samson! He shouted. The man looked around and touched his forelock before running over to the Doctor. Samson, get Lieutenant Bishop will you, ask him to please see me as soon as he is able!

Begging yer pardon Sir, Lieutenant Bishop is on watch at the moment, He is supervising the midshipmen’s navigation lessons today. I could ask him to see you at eight bells in the forenoon watch, just after the noon sighting. He should have a few moments free then.

Carry on then! Exclaimed the Doctor sitting back down at his desk.

Aye aye Sir! Replied Samson as he sped off in the direction of the open door.

I’d better get on with my surgery, if you don’t mind Bertie?

No carry on, I’ll just lay back here and watch you work. I smiled.

Lucky you’re ill, else you would be teaching the midi’s navigation today and you really hate that job. Exclaimed the Doctor picking up his pen and shouting, Next! The line of seamen behind him shuffled for’ad.

I watched Sam deal with several men, mostly it was hernias, but there were a couple of skin complaints and two large boils. Just then, Foster returned, Finished your tea Sir? He asked cheerfully.

Thank you, yes," I replied handing him back the empty mug.

Taking the mug, Foster enquired, Shall I clean and dress your wound now Sir?

I nodded in reply, he responded with Aye aye Sir, I’ll just go and get the cleaning bowl and fresh bandages, won’t be a moment. With that, he scurried away with my empty mug.

My eyes returned to Sam, his assistant and the last patient, a big burly man with hands resembling two bunches of bananas, I could see that his feet were made in the same mould. I’ll bet he couldn’t buy shoes in the High Street, he would have to get his shoes specially made, I muttered to myself, then I realised that in this time period all shoes are probably specially made. I looked down at my feet. What size of shoes do I take now; if it comes to that what the hell do I look like, how tall am I? I started muttering aloud and putting up my hands in front of my face to examine them; these were different, not as hairy as my originals. They were smooth and delicate, not like the originals. I noticed too that the hair on the back of them was fine and blonde. Where’s my damned tattoo! I mumbled examining closely both arms, just in case it had moved. Giving that up as a bad job, I felt my own hair sticking out from under the bandage, it was definitely thicker, I smiled slightly as I muttered, I wonder if I am blonde now.

Pardon Sir? Exclaimed Foster, he had approached me without my noticing, I was so intent on checking out my new body.

Do you have a mirror Foster? I asked as he placed the bowl and other stuff down on the floor near my cot. I’d like to see my wound.

There are not many mirrors on board Sir, I believe the Officers use one to shave with, I could ask one of them for you?

I felt my chin, it was stubbly, and then to my horror, I discovered my moustache had gone. That moustache and I had been inseparable for many years; I felt the naked skin under my nose for the first time. After a few seconds of sadness, I need a shave myself Foster, I remarked still feeling my chin. In truth, I just wanted to see my reflection.

I’ll get Osborne to come and shave you later this afternoon, if you like Sir?

Just then I was distracted by the large patient making a fuss with the Doctor’s assistant who was examining a large boil on the man’s behind.

Stand still man! How come, you keep getting all these boils Mansfield? Asked the assistant.

I’m sure I don’t know, Growled the large man, slowly fighting over every word.

Bend over Mansfield; you know the procedure, let’s not have any fuss this time. You’ll feel better after we lance it. Exclaimed the Doctor while placing a tray of instruments on the table.

Clearly, Mansfield didn’t want it done. I’ve... I’ve... Erm changed m’mind, thank you Sir! Exclaimed Mansfield slurring some of the words, he was intent on pulling his trousers up. Immediately the assistant grabbed the man by the arm.

Let go! I’ve changed m’mind I tell yer! It’s not hurting! Cried the giant trying to shake the assistant off his arm and still keep his trousers in situ with his other hand.

It’s only a little prick, Shouts the assistant holding onto Mansfield’s arm for all he is worth.

Your only a little prick, Yells the patient nearest me, clearly enjoying the impromptu show.

At this, in rushes Foster to lend a hand, In steps the Doctor, points at the sniggering patient to be quiet and then strictly orders the man Mansfield to comply and have his boil lanced. The man argues for several seconds and then seeing his situation is hopeless, reluctantly turns around and bending over slightly, pulls down the top of his trousers to reveal the biggest ugliest boil I have ever seen. Foster and the other attendant hold the man’s arms while the Doctor’s quickly picked up a metal implement from a tray on the table.

I turned my head away at this point as Sam starts to lance the gigantic boil. Meantime I was observing the rest of my fellow hospital patients. There was this cheeky cheerful sailor in a cot on the opposite side of the table to me, I nodded at him, but he instantly turned his head away. It looked as though he had broken both legs, for he had wooden splints attached to both. Another patient was rocking his hammock to and fro, as he looked out of the nearest gunport, I presumed he was watching the sea go by. Another two were out for the count and looked near to the end, I wondered if it was one of these that would end up as my helper. Then Mansfield screamed as the Doctor must have started to cut.

It was then I heard the bell strike, I counted the rings, one... two... There were eight. I glanced back at the operation; seemingly, everything was finished with the grisly business. Foster and the other assistant where busy smearing ointment on the man’s posterior whilst Sam had returned to his ledger as though nothing had happened.

Soon Foster was back and preparing to clean my wound. This cleaning of my wound was not without a few screams and swear words of my own and I quickly found Sam had reappeared and was desperately trying to distract me from the pain.

I was aware also that he wasn’t alone, another officer was with him standing at the foot of my cot, he was holding the ropes and grimacing. It was me that was in damned pain. I took an instant dislike to him.

He must have been about twenty five; he had a round face and black hair that was swept back. ‘You would make a good undertaker,’ I thought as I looked at him. Very dour and pasty faced with a face that would scare the cat. He carried his large hat under his arm, well he couldn’t wear it in here, he was stooping as it was, the ceiling was nearly touching his head.

Don’t you recognise me then? Exclaimed the Officer loudly over the noise.

Should I? I cried as I grabbed hold of Foster’s arm.

Let him clean your wound Bertie! Pronounced the Doctor sternly as he grabbed my hand and tried to release my grip on Foster. It won’t take long.

I let go of Foster’s arm, the Doctor let go of mine and Foster carried on, gently dabbing my head with his wet cloth. This is Lieutenant Bishop; he is your oldest friend on board. Exclaimed the Doctor whilst pulling down his coat and rearranging his cravat.

I nodded at the Officer and said, Sorry about that... Erm... Sorry... I... Err... I just can’t remember your first name?

Don’t worry Bertie, you had a nasty accident, it will all come back soon. Replied Lieutenant Bishop kindly. My name is Archibald; you call me Archie when we are not on duty.

Not Arch then, I chuckled, Arch Bishop! Had sense of humour your parents then? Funny name isn’t it. Foster stemmed a chuckle as he received a stern glance from the Doctor.

Archie looked at me with a stony face, No it’s not, the men call me that behind my back, much to my annoyance, but my friends call me Archie. He was obviously hurt. In stepped the Doctor with, You will have to excuse Bertie, he is not himself!

I thought, ‘You can say that again.’ Although I actually apologised by saying, Please excuse me Archie.

I understand this must seem very strange to you, not knowing anything about anyone. Exclaimed my new pasty face friend.

It certainly is Archie, I replied sadly, Do you know I don’t even know the name of this ship?

Ah well; I can help you there, Remarked Archie cracking a smile, It’s the Revengeful.

Great name! I volunteered.

Archie rattled on as Foster started to wrap a bandage around my head. It’s a 44 gun frigate, you know? A fifth rate, rebuilt at Plymouth in 1794. It was originally a 64 gun ship, but they were outdated and they thought it best to lop of the top deck and call it a frigate. It gave us the...

He was boring me now, so I interrupted, ...Oh that reminds me. What date is it? Archie looked at Sam and then at me as a puzzled Archie answered, February the twenty seventh.

No, I mean the year, has Trafalgar been... I abruptly stopped myself. What if it hasn’t, the Elders might decide to recycle me.

Both officers looked at each other then at me, Sam spoke with a hint of suspicion in his voice, Trafalgar was fought six years ago, it’s 1811 now,

I breathed a sigh of relief, Thank God for that! I muttered.

Don’t take the Lord’s name in vain Bertie! Remarked Lieutenant Bishop sternly.

You remembered Trafalgar then? Remarked the Doctor bending over my cot and placing his face in front of mine to examine my eyes. Do you know what you were doing when Trafalgar was being fought? He asked quietly.

I shook my head and didn’t speak in case I put my foot in it again.

When can he walk about Doctor, I’d like to take him up on deck, Exclaimed Archie suddenly.

Oh, not for a few days yet, I’d be worried about his head getting knocked. He is better off here. Remarked Sam standing up again as Foster tied off my bandage.

Well, can he be moved to his own cabin? I’d like to get him away from the men. Exclaimed Archie moving around to my left side as Foster picked up the bowl and cleaning stuff. The Doctor thought for a moment, Let’s see how he is tomorrow and then we will have a talk about it.

Archie patted me on the shoulder, I’ll bring you some reading material, I’ll have to go I have to cover your duty, you know, supervising the men hunting rats in the bilges and then fumigating the hold, that damned sulphur and vinegar makes my uniform stink.

You have a damned rat infestation? I made a face and shuddered, I don’t like rats! Two legged ones especially!

You remember that then! Uttered the Doctor turning to Lieutenant Bishop. You need to be careful of that fumigating stuff, it’s poisonous.

I don’t intend getting anywhere near it Doctor, Replied Archie stuffily.

I meant, be careful for your men, I know you’ll not be poisoned. Muttered the Doctor cynically.

I pretended I hadn’t heard and replied to Archie, Thank you covering my duty Archie. Oh, by the way, do you have a mirror I can borrow? I asked as he walked around my cot.

You still have my mirror, you borrowed it, remember? Came the sharp reply.

No! Sorry I don’t. I just need a mirror, could I borrow it again please?

I’ll have it sent up with some books, is there anything else you need? He asked clearly feeling guilty.

Only five pounds out of the till? I replied.

That stopped them dead, they both looked at each other, Sam turned and started to move nearer.

It’s a joke! I exclaimed forcing a laugh and holding up the palm of my hand towards him. "No, I really do need shaving equipment, if I have any of my own?

Archie just started to say, I’ll have yours sent...

...Just a minute, Interrupted Sam sharply, You’re not thinking of shaving yourself are you? Do you think you are strong enough, we’ll get you shaved Bertie!

With that, Archie shrugged his shoulders, smiled and turned to go.

I spent the next few minutes watching and listening, Doctor Roberts was still rushing about; evidently, one of the nearly dead had taken a turn for the worse. His name was Mathews, I idly speculated as to whether I would be meeting his body soon. I was brought back to earth by the arrival of a sailor carrying a bucket and a ladle. The other patients gave a slight cheer as they saw him.

Bout bloody time, Exclaimed the patient to my left.

Come on Peters! My stomach thinks my damned throat is cut. Added Cheerful Charlie with the leg splints.

Peters was followed by a young lad carrying a round of cheese. Two of the sickbay attendants rushed over and quickly relieved the two sailors of their load.

I’m just going to get the beer, Remarked Peters to the jeers of my fellow patients. Now relieved of his load, Peters started to engage in a good natured banter with the patients for a few seconds, then the two sailors turned and headed back the way they came. ‘Must be dinner time,’ I thought as our nurses placed the bucket, ladle and cheese on the table. One man went instantly to the cupboard and brought out some wooden bowls and spoons, the other started to carve up the cheese with his knife.

Then these male nurses started to dish out the contents of the bucket into the bowls, then they promptly issued it to the patients, not me though, they bypassed me. When I asked why, Foster replied that I would be getting mine sent up separately. I asked what the men was having and he showed me, he said it was pea soup. It looked like watered down mushy peas the sort you sometimes get from the chip shop. Well to me it did and it smelt similar. I pulled a face, Foster said, Don’t worry Sir, I expect you will be having what the other Officer’s eat.

I sat back on my pillows, carefully trying not to let my wound come in contact with anything that would cause the pain to flare up again. Meanwhile I watched the other patients enjoying their meal. It didn’t last long, they were soon calling for more, not that they got any. Just then, Peters and the boy returned carrying a small barrel and a sack of something. Then the banter started again, until Doctor Roberts put a stop to it. Peters placed the barrel on the table and the boy dropped the sack next to it.

I’ll take the bucket back now, shall I Sir? Asked Peters.

Do so Peters! Answered the Doctor far too busy looking in the medicine cabinet to look around.

One of the nurses started to tap the barrel, whilst Foster rooted for some tankards in the cupboard. Soon the patients were issued with filled tankards. Then I found out what was in the sack, it was the fabled ship’s biscuit. I had heard about these, but I had heard more about the worms that inhabit them.

Can I have one of those Foster? I asked.

He looked surprised but handed me one. I thanked him and looked at the circular biscuit then I tapped it on the side of the cot. The biscuit was solid like a lump of wood.

Won’t get any bargemen out of that Lieutenant, Exclaimed Foster handing out the biscuits to the others.

Pardon! I replied looking up at Foster.

The maggots, weevils, nasty foul tasting things, it’s been proofed, thank God!

Proofed? I queried.

They have left a dead fish on the top of the sack for a few days now, all the bargemen should have left the biscuits and crawled into the fish, I saw them throwing the fish overboard yesterday and so with a bit of luck all the bargemen will have gone for a swim too.

Up to that point, I had been tempted to nibble at the edge of the biscuit, but now, I offered the biscuit back.

Foster followed the issuing of biscuits, by handing out the cheese, meanwhile his co worker filled and handed out the refilled tankards. At this point Foster called out to me from the others side of the room, Looks like you dinner has arrived Sir.

I looked over towards the door to see the same young boy holding a tray and waiting.

He’s over there! Go on! He won’t bite. Remarked one of the nurses pointing at me. I raised my hand and the lad trooped over.

Here you are Lieutenant, Said the boy offering me the tray. I sat up slightly and took the tray from the boy.

Thank you... Erm... I was waiting for a name. But I didn’t even get a reply, only blank looks.

This is Tom, Interrupted the Doctor. Lieutenant Brown has lost his memory Tom, so he doesn’t know who you are.

Tom Barlow If it please you Sir. Came the reply.

How old are you Tom? I asked looking down at the contents of my tray.

I think Tom is about twelve, is that right Tom? Stated the Doctor.

Nearly thirteen Sir! Came the indignant reply.

Sorry Tom, Chuckled the Doctor dismissing Tom with a wave of his hand. Off you go now!

As Tom left, I looked again at my tray, I had roast beef with a few vegetables on one plate. Several slices of dry stale bread with some butter on another smaller plate, then there was cheese and jam on a third. This is different to what the men had, I remarked.

As it should be, Exclaimed the Doctor moving away with his bottle of medicine. I looked around, the men were all watching me, or more likely, they were watching my tray and its contents. I picked at the roast beef, trouble was every time I chewed or swallowed something my head hurt more. Worse than that, my fellow patients obviously begrudged me every mouthful.

Tom returned with a pewter mug of tea. Handing it to me, I asked him how long he had been in the navy?. He replied Two years. I then asked if his Mother agreed with him being a sailor. He wasn’t being very forthcoming. All the time he was looking at the food on my plate.

Are you hungry Tom, would you like some bread and jam, I asked.

He nodded, that was enough, I soon buttered a slice of bread, then after I had covered it with jam, I started to pass it to him.

You don’t want to do that Lieutenant! Remarked Foster standing behind me, It will only encourage him.

It’s only bread and jam, he looks hungry" I answered while continuing to give the bread to Tom.

You’ve changed, Added the Doctor walking up to the cot. Our old Lieutenant Brown would never have done that.

I looked up at the Doctor. Perhaps I have changed more than you think Sam!

You had better go about your duties now Tom! Exclaimed Foster pointing towards the door.

Suddenly the ship’s bell rang once, I looked around, nothing much changed in this hospital, but outside, I heard the men above me rushing about as someone shouted orders above me. Immediately there was a lot of movement with footsteps running about above my head. The whole ship was alive, now there was something going on all around me. I could hear men working below me, above me and behind me. It was clear that I was definitely situated in the pointy end of the ship for I could see the bowsprit raise from the deck and disappear out of the far wall where the walls of this room grew narrower.

It’s the first grog issue, Remarked Foster in answer to my unspoken question. We’ll have ours later.

Do you give rum to your patients? I asked.

There would be hell to pay if we didn’t? Replied the Doctor sitting back down at his desk. Although some Captains don’t allow their sick men to have grog, it cuts down on the malingerers. But not on this ship.

Anyway, I’m going to the officer’s mess to get my dinner now, Volunteered the Doctor, Foster will look after the surgery while I’m gone, won’t you Foster?

Leave it to me Doctor Roberts, Beamed Foster as the Doctor rose and left the room.

I looked down at my meal, I was not that keen. I looked around at the other patients, Cheerful Charlie was still watching me or to be more correct, watching my tray.

Just then, one of the other patients struggled to his feet and tried to stagger over to the bucket in the middle of the room. He was intercepted by Foster who steadied him and stood with him whilst the man did what was necessary. When they had finished and staggered back. I called Foster over.

Who’s that chap there? I whispered pointing at Cheerful.

Who, O’Neil? He replied nodding sideways