Jim Brady, Able Seaman — J.E. MacDonnell

“Master-at-Arms,” said Beamish, but kept the triumph out of his voice. “The charge is gross insubordination.”A minute later Petty-officer Brady was Able-seaman Brady. All his dedication and hard work and ambition gone down the offal chute. The first official indication of this came in Mallard’s order. A petty-officer, even if a defaulter, quick-marches away from the table.Having passed sentence, the captain went quickly aft to his cabin. The officers dispersed. Only Lieutenant Gordon stayed, numbly watching Mallard collect his papers, shaking his head in disbelief.“My God, Master-at-Arms,” he said at last, his voice thick, “You know what this means?”“I know, sir,” Mallard answered, and had to wet his lips. “I saw it happen once, to the chief bosun's mate of a cruiser. I'll never forget it, I can see him now-sitting in the foc's'le messdeck in sailor's uniform, alone on the outboard end of the mess stool, his face turned to the ship's side so no one passing through could see it. Jesus...”