CAPTAIN OF THE SHIP

Contrary to popular belief, the captain of the ship that be the Linda Villa is not MOI but Murray Kay.

Some time back the Linda Villa struck an iceberg and has been taking on water steadily ever since.  Coming onboard as First Officer, it was me job to close the watertight doors and assure the passengers that there was no fear of the ship sinking.  Life vests were passed out as a precautionary measure and ever effort was made to keep the ship righted and able to steam ahead on own power.  Knowing that the role of saviour was going to be difficult, James was signed on as Second Officer with the promise to make him capable of charting the course ahead, once dangerous waters had been cleared.

Memories of the Titanic spring to mind.  Warnings were ignore and all thought it was impossible for the boat to sink.  The gash was too deep and the water poured into the stricken vessel.  Despite all efforts to keep the ship afloat, it was clear that the ship was doomed and the passengers queued up for what few spaces were available in the lifeboats.

The captain of the Titanic did his duty, he directed action and when all was lost, made ready to go down with his ship.  The captain of the Linda Villa climbed into a row boat and sailed round the ship, leaving the First & Second Officer to beat off attacks and fill what few lifeboats were available, all the while the captain prayed and meditated on the calamity playing out round.  It is one thing to have faith in a strong ship, quite another to cling to the belief that no harm will come to as buckets of water fill the vessel to breaking point.

A bit of paint, a vase of flowers, and a load of smoke and mirrors got many to believe that the Linda Villa was saved.  So many bought into the scheme that ever more passengers signed onto the ship.  What was not addressed was the rot that had taken hold, or the passengers who should have had their voyage cancelled.  As clever as this old geezer feels he be, it was not seen that efforts to stop the water damage were meeting with failure.

Truth be told, this old geezer performed a feat of herculean size.  Had the captain of the ship been listening to all that was told to and willing to perform, it is quite possible that the tale of the Linda Villa might be written differently.  It is quite clear that there is no other end in sight for the Linda Villa, other than the one it now faces.  Very dark days indeed.

While there is still time, this old geezer is going to step into one of the few remaining lifeboats.  Cast adfirt with all of the other passengers, it will be seen if the captain of the stricken Linda Villa saves it.  Should the worst befall the Linda Villa, the list of passengers who lost out will include MOI.  Remember, this old geezer was a full paying passenger before being offered a role of responsibility.

Hundreds of hours of labour will be lost, repairs made will be pulled apart by the ones ignored.  Good money spent badly or not spent at all.  This old geezer's pocket will not be the only one to feel empty.

The tale of the Linda Villa has taught me much.  You can not teach an old dog new tricks and there comes a point when you have to cut losses and walk away.

Murray Kay has not lived up to his role as captain of the ship he commands.  Sadly, Murray may well find self sitting in that lifeboat watching the Linda Villa break up and sink beneath the waves.  More's the pity that, as there was every chance for his saving his ship and he let that time pass.