"Barbacoa" (JWP 2015 Prompt #21, "Study in Crimson" Pirate AU, Rated PG)

[gardnerhill]

Title: Barbacoa
Author: gardnerhill
Universe: Pirate AU (my series A Study in Crimson)
Word Count: 1082
Warning: 17th-century remedies and incorrect medical treatments.
Rating: PG (nautical language)
Summary: Some Terrors of the High Seas don’t do well in the heat.
Author's Notes: For the 2015 July Watson's Woes Promptfest prompt #21, Heat Rash.

Comments

[pompey01]

Terrible logic aside, I'm not sure swimming in sewer-y saltwater is the best thing for heat rash. And then he'd have to make sure he washed off ALL the salt or he'd be even itchier and unhappier than before. Sorry, Cap'n!

[gardnerhill]

Not really. What he really needs is cool dry clothes and a fan, and a non-alcoholic drink (good luck finding those on a pirate ship).

[okapi1895]

You have so many great AUs. Me and the captain are alike. I don't like smelling like marinade.

[gardnerhill]

My very fair-skinned nephew will practically dress like he's on an Arctic expedition on a hot sunny day rather than put sun-block on, he hates the feel of it.

[jcporter1]

Love this AU

[gardnerhill]

Thank you. Not much of a story this time around, I'm afraid, but they can't all be gems.

[capt_facepalm]

Mmmm.... BBQ sauce!
Poor Shear-Lock... actually driven to blaspheme? He really is in dire straits and will have to wait this one out. While swimming would be comforting for the heat, the salt water would not help the heat rash.
The crew would be better off avoiding the mid-day sun if possible. Perhaps rigging a canvas bimini across the deck would work.
And thanks for the information about the fouling waters (ewww!) surrounding a becalmed ship.

[gardnerhill]

Thanks. Sadly, yet another place-holder while I wrestle with the big plot-stuff off and on.

I picked up that unpleasant bit of nautical info from Patrick O'Brien's Master & Commander books - the term the crew used was "a visit from Admiral Brown."