The Double Reckoning of Christopher Columbus - Essay Example

The Captain had to rely on his endless array of seafarer tricks.  He does not care whether he needs to lie, cheat or mislead as long as the direction he is leading leads to victory. At this point before the cracking of early morning light, darkness has enveloped the ship.  And because we have been sailing for God knows how long, the men are becoming more irritable and anxious.  The Captain has to do all that he could, for morale and for avoiding mutiny. Much more is at stake here.  Even much more than all our lives put together.  The Captain could never go home shamed.  There is nothing else to do now than succeed at all costs. That is why the Master of the ship could not be blamed nor could one ever find fault in his ways.  Someone has to do it and he is the one who will be the devil's advocate. Where is this all heading?  Are we being taken to another world? Or are going home? If this is a nightmare when will it end?  So goes the questions being played over and over the sailor’s heads as rations are going low and hope for a better future is ebbing away. Then suddenly, a bright light shone in that inky blackness of dawn.  Two hours after midnight our luck struck gold. It started as a low rumble at first.  That was a sound difficult to understand, for it is coming from the hearts of overjoyed men.  This emotion was almost alien to all on board for it seems to be only yesterday when all hope is lost.  It seems just a few nights ago when everybody seemed so sure that this was a lost cause. The journey it seems is staggering like drunken seamen moving at a very slow pace.  It was confusing and disheartening that some had questioned the accuracy of the instruments and the calculations. Yet when everybody seemed to drown their sorrow in sleep, it was the time when the watchman bellowed a scream of pure delight.  Ahoy! Land! And the officers took turns in peering through the scope as they could not believe that the fate of the mission has suddenly turned into something good and great. Aided only by the faint light from the moon it was unmistakable that we saw hills, trees, and wildflowers that bloom. The area is rugged and strong but we have come for this and we will rise to the challenge of the last remaining obstacle.  This is it. Yet a glance sideways to the Captain revealed an unexpected sight.  He seemed subdued and poised.  He seemed not to want to join the spontaneous party on board.  This is the end of all desire for this voyage.  When it seems so close it seems the vision before him knocked the breath out of him. But it was only temporary.  At the crack of dawn, when everything is clear and the new world is in full view, the heart is ready to do battle.  Here is a new world to be shaped according to the patron’s desire.  Here is a new world needing a helping hand to be civilized and indoctrinated. Right before their eyes is all that they expected and more.  Do they have what it takes? Sooner than later the shores will be filled with natives.  On whether they will welcome us with open arms or raise it with poisoned arrows only time can tell.  As the ships approach these are buoyed not only by the fresh swells but the lightness of feeling as well.  Then we begin to focus on the task at hand.  The new world is not yet paradise it has to be subdued first and that agenda is foremost in our minds.  Courage once again is called forth like a long-trusted friend.  When the adventurer’s feet touch something other than wooden planks and seawater, another set of obstacles must be overcome. Read More