random daydream

"Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, and welcome aboard the Becky Thatcher. As the crew takes a few minutes to prepare for launch, I’d like to take the time to familiarize you with the history of this boat as well as some safety precautions.

“The Becky Thatcher was built about 5 ½ years ago and it was assumed a launch date would be set for spring of that year. Due to an engineering error, the launch date was postponed, followed by a period of insufficient funds for her completion. She was finally launched on her maiden voyage a year after the intended launch date. Her maiden and subsequent voyages, however, were a success, carrying her passengers through (mostly) smooth waters for 2 ½ years. In the summer of her fourth year, the Becky Thatcher developed a slow leak in her hull, due to the acidity in the waters of the Mississippi. In order to preserve her engine from damage, her Captain deliberately ran her aground on a sandbar. Extensive restoration was begun, along with a new protective coating on her exterior in order to prevent future hull damage. The engineer overseeing the restoration became the new First Mate, and she was given a new course through less polluted waters. Several changes occurred over the next few months, including the resignation of the First Mate, a drastic change in weather patterns, and another change in travel routes, but the Becky Thatcher is still going strong.

“This in no way indicates that we should ignore safety procedures. In the event of poor weather or an unexpected emergency, announcements will be given over this intercom system. If the Captain decides to evacuate the ship, please be sure to gather at the bow, where the floatation devices are located in the overhead racks. There are lifeboats to either side of the bow. Do not evacuate via the stern. It will place you too close to the engines and the paddlewheels. In the event of an emergency in which it is impossible to evacuate via the bow, please exit as far from the stern as possible. As gorgeous a ship as the Becky Thatcher is, her paddlewheels will tear you apart if you get too close during an emergency.

“This concludes our introduction to your travels with the Becky Thatcher. It is the pleasure of the crew and captain that we welcome you aboard. Our departure time is now 3 minutes, and we hope you have a wonderful voyage.”