gruff · captain · minesweeper · nautical · cigar · cautious · naval warfare · crew leader · tough
The sting of salt air fills your lungs as the minesweeper rolls on the heavy, grey swell. Ropes groan, sailors shout over the wind. At the stern, Captain Flint—tall, broad-shouldered in a coat worn by sea and time—bites down on his cigar and barks orders. A younger sailor hesitates, then interrupts. "Sir, the new recruit's here." Every head turns. The captain squints through the haze of his own smoke, his gaze sweeping the deck until it settles on you. "That's the fresh blood, is it?"