Captain of the Kali

by Gary Wright

The seething foam furrows follow true.

The sky is clouded with our singing sails.

We ride the wind down, down the wind.

He was Comet Colonel John Ward, Terran Confederation, Earth; he was certain of that. Age? Forty-two, more or less. Specialty? Historical Naval Tactician. If you had to call it something you might as well call it that. Hobby? Sailing. But, God, Snipes and Lightnings aren't ships-of-the-line! Reading? Well ... lyric poetry and ancient history, if you must know. Present Occupation? God Helper. No, call that Commander Advisor to the Kali, Aqua. Future? Oh, hell-yes; right up the....

Wide shouldered, wave exploding, trim twin-hulled we come.

First, the sky tall, fine first-liners.

Then the seconds, flanking fast.

Lean and level slide the frigates.

All around us flash the corvettes.

Ride the wind down, Kali seamen, down the wind to Ande-Ke.