In Memory of ...

"Carrying six degrees rudder, Sir!" came a voice beside him. "Check," he said, confused but following the part of himself that knew exactly what to do. "Check two!" came another voice. "Steady," came a voice that sounded like the ocean itself, and he closed his eyes (feeling the strength of his body returned, balanced against a familiar momentum, cutting a path within the waves). He stood back handsomely on orders and took a moment to move to limit on the midship, eager to take sight of their position. "Steady on!" came the Voice of Command and he balanced in the shift, rocking lightly on his feet, feeling more himself than he had felt in ages. "Of course," he whispered, eyes clear and heart peaceful, looking out at not a boundless sea, but an infinity of stars bold and brightly shining.