STO'B 6-7 Captain Fitton

Author's Note|First Post|Previous|Next| last episode with Dr M’Mullen GLOSSARY

Philip knew that the big-end of the rod would be warm without touching it, but he allowed the engineer to guide his hand into the engine. More than warm, it was hot. “Shut her down, Mister Stevens,” he told the engineer. “We will proceed under sail alone. Have you anything else to report?”

“No, sir. Just that the pins need to be checked, and the keys, and the stuffing box - the stern gland, that is - is taking an increased flow, though nothing the pump can’t handle, and of course the donkey still needs that key. And we’re overdue for cleaning the fire here, there’s too much clinker on the grate, it’s leaving holes in the fire and needs to be raked out.”

“Very good, Mister Stevens, you may shut her down.”

 “And the weep holes on the main bearing are starting to run dry. I suspect they’re merely gummed but won’t know until I’ve flushed the bearing, sir, and maybe dismantled her.” He sniffed and wiped the back of his hand across his nose. “Either way, I needs to shut her down.”

“Very good, Master Engineer, you may shut her down.”

“And the supplies of tallow and sulfur are running low, sir. I doubt we’ve got enough to run her another watch.”

“Thank you, Mister Stevens.” said Captain Fitton. “Please shut her down.”

Author's Note|First Post|Previous|Next| last episode with Dr M’Mullen GLOSSARY