Sea Maiden 44 Rosey by Robert Kline

Sea Maiden 44 Rosey

Art and story by Robert Kline

Darkest Africa, the land of antiquarian civilizations and the home of Cleopatra, her barge and her celebrated asp, beckoned HMS Baci. With wondrous anticipation Sir Edmund Roberts looked toward the distant shore line of that great content. He was now not only a gentleman naturalist, but also married to his captain, Constance Daphne Fitzwillie, and father to be! Meanwhile, his underwater machine progressed, it’s cigar-like shape nearing completion even though the naturalist had not yet decided upon its means of propulsion.

The had left Madagascar in the face of the monsoons; the rain and wind a constant nuisance, the very pregnant captain miserable beyond words. Meanwhile, Sir Edmund continued his experiments with rocketry, the missiles’ warheads now in excess of one hundred pounds. Daily he rigged the long copper firing tubes inclined and positioned to fire off the stern of the good Baci, his logic being that they were most likely to be the mouse and not the cat when the despicable Naughty Nat made his next appearance.

And still they sought Sea Maidens. The second week out they sighted a Sea Maiden and Sea Master in a particularly warm embrace. “Pleasure to see one couple that is not at odds,” Sir Edmund commented, alluding to his captain’s moodiness and foul disposition. Gnarly Dan Answered, “Won’t never see yer Sea Maiden an’ Sea Master at odds. Can’t be no squalls under the sea.” “Oh, please!” Sir Edmund protested. “True enough old Gnarly countered, She captains their ship an’ he does what he’s tole! Can’t be no fights.” “Sounds unhealthy,” the naturalist responded, to which Gnarly Dan laughed and added, “An’ you’d be the picture of happiness!”

Sir Edmund refused to paint the Sea Master. His Journal reads:
Maidenous Commandus “Rosey”
Beautiful. Commanding. Long hair. Strong body. Comely chest.