275. Her Final Journey

Towed by a trio of rowboats their tethers almost acting like chains the aging man-o-war makes her final journey all her life she served her country well but now in her old age she may be abandoned by those she fought to protect Only the main mast still stands tall the dirty white holed and torn sails hang useless from their yards the fore and mizzen masts drag behind attached only by the rigging acting almost as an anchor but are only delaying the inevitable The gun ports are all fastened closed as though the ship doesn't want to see its end the cannons that remain sit in silence they will not speak up in her defence Her green and black hull is in need of repair there are many holes caused by direct hits from cannon and carronade fire stare accusingly at the silent watchers daring them to say a word against her for though she may be a shadow of her younger self she still commands respect from all but that may not be enough to save her from what may be coming next Finally she is eased into the dry dock and the decisions about her future can begin whether she lives on or not depends on the actions of others she has defended them all her life but who will step up and protect her now it is time for her to die