The Cutter Blade #1- Welcome Aboard by Manny

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The Cutter Blade - Chapter #1 - Welcome Aboard

Commander Jarvis sat at the head of the big oval table with his two senior cadets, Ray and Josh, on either side. Six new recruits filled the other seats. It was their 'welcome aboard' dinner on the training cutter Blade, one of the last commissioned sailing vessels to train aspiring officers. The eager lads looked forward to the start of their three-month summer-at-sea course that would pave the way for almost automatic entry into the prestigious Naval Academy. Commander Jarvis' ties to the brass there were strong and deep.

The embarkation had gone smoothly and the weepy, over-protective parents were left behind. That said, Commander Jarvis was still fuming that one of the fathers tried to slip him a $50 bill so that his precious little treasure, Michael, could keep his cell phone with him during the summer.

["We'd like to stay in touch with our Michael, and he does enjoy playing video games and listening to music on his phone," the preening parent with his nicely brushed executive coif and fancy threads explained as he tried to press the money into Commander Jarvis hand, like he was a gardener or pool attendant.]

The instructional manual for cadets could not have been clearer -- NO CELL PHONES ONBOARD! NO EXCEPTIONS FOR ANY REASON! VIOLATORS ARE SUBJECT TO IMMEDIATE EXPULSION FROM THE PROGRAM!

Father and son could both benefit from Commander Jarvis' strong hand. But, alas, only young Michael with his shoulder-length mane of glossy auburn locks would feel and see the result of the old sea-dog's stern discipline. How the lad could even see properly was a mystery! The silken locks were constantly over one eye and totally concealed both of his dramatic eyebrows. Without all that sissy hair, Michael would look very manly. A stubbled head would complement his thick beard and mustache stubble -- so much facial hair for a young man, not yet 20 years old!

Commander Jarvis made a few announcements to the cadets after welcoming them and wishing them success in learning naval basics.

"We have a wonderful meal this evening followed by a champagne toast. Oh, and please know that our two senior cadets have worked hard to make you feel welcome. Enjoy the good-natured pranks they've planned to make you feel special as you start an unforgettable summer," Commander Jarvis said with a twinkle in his eye.

With that, the wait staff rushed in with covered plates that smelled divine. "Chicken Kiev," they announced as the set the plates down in front of the lads, one by one. But, the last lad to be served was met with a horrifying site as the cover was lifted -- a chicken head in a pool of blood with its beak open as if hollering for help! Young Caleb let out a shriek. As he recoiled from the plate his big bushy head of soft brown curls flailed about. His trendy glasses almost flew off his frightened face!

Commander Jarvis smacked his hand on the table and let out a howl of laughter. "Seems like there was a mishap in the kitchen! Bring the lad a proper plate of grub!" he ordered.

Once the meal and champagne had been consumed, the lads were in high spirits. Commander Jarvis quieted them down for some administrative announcements.

"We'll be at sea tomorrow and arrive in Dadeville the following day where we'll spend the afternoon. Then another day at sea, followed by an afternoon in Port Superior. In both of these towns, you will have free time, apart from visiting the barber. All of you need proper haircuts and the three of us need to get cleaned up, as well. The barber shops are small, so your senior cadets have divided you into groups and will see to paying the barbers. Ray will take the three on this side of the table to Rod's Barber Shop in Dadeville, and Josh will take those of you on his side of the table with him to the only barber shop in Port Superior," Commander Jarvis explained.

"I'm not getting my hair cut," a defiant Michael blurted out as he flicked his mane back. "There's nothing in the manual we got that specifies hair length!"

"That's right," Tommy, whose hair was just as long as Michael's, but full of body and wavy, piped up in support.

Josh and Ray gave each other a nod as they listened to the intemperate outburst. Not even Commander Jarvis responded. Michael felt quite good about standing up for himself -- he would certainly be a leader among the novice cadets. And, what luck that Tommy was his roommate! The two could plot their subversive leadership each night in the berth they shared.

Shortly before lights out, the new cadets were all in the lounge socializing -- laughing about the look on Caleb's face when he got the chicken head and wondering who would be the next victim of the senior cadets' pranks.

Just as the cadets were talking about them, Josh and Ray sauntered into the lounge.

"Hey, fellows. Just wanted to make sure everything was cool before you turned in for the night. Lights out is in 10 minutes," Josh said.

As the new cadets started sauntering out, Ray told Michael and Tommy to stay behind for a few minutes.

"You guys were really impressive after dinner standing up to the Commander like that!" Ray said convincingly, with effusive praise. "He didn't even have the balls to come back at you."

Michael flicked his hair back and smirked. "Yeah, he was too much of a sissy, I guess."

Josh was pouring a round of whiskey for the four of them. "We wanted to let you know just how much we admire that bravery! So, a night-cap and an extra 15 minutes after curfew for the two new mavericks! Compliments of us!"

Tommy beamed with pride, but Michael maintained an uppity, haughty look of a cool cat.

After they had polished the drinks off in one bottoms-up round, the two cadets sauntered off to their room, feeling extra drowsy...possibly all the travel and excitement of boarding the vessel, as well as the final triumph of making their mark on the first evening as leaders.

It didn't take long after consuming the spiked drinks that the longhaired mavericks were deep in slumber. Ray and Josh crept into their room, one with scissors in hand and the other a dim flashlight.

Ray grasped Michael's thick forelock and held it for a moment, just to make sure the cocky lad was asleep. The shears went straight down to the scalp and whacked the lock off. The two amateur barbers giggled with silent laughter as the severed forelock was thrown into the trashcan. Ray selected another prime lock and chopped it off. Then, another and another. He cut off as much of Michael's hair as he could without awakening him. The trashcan was half full of shimmering auburn locks.

Then the two switched roles. It was time for Josh to teach Tommy a lesson. Tommy was sleeping on his side, so it was easier to start lopping off the curls and waves at his nape and from the back and side of his head. Both victims continued in a deep sleep while the senior cadets pulled off the prank that would also serve to vindicate the honor and authority of their esteemed leader, Commander Jarvis.

By the time the two feisty cadets had been primed to learn their place on the boat's pecking order, the waste can in their small berth was full of cut hair -- their own precious tresses!

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