[Aktungbby]

Originally Posted by Armistead

Not likely we're gonna die here in port. Can't we just take a spin around the bay and see what our one working engine can do? Can I steer just once?

NOPE! you are the indispensable man! IE: the forward torpedo crew of our bilgerat pigboat!(It's literally a one man job!) Job description as follows: LT Armistead to personally detonate the SPAR torpedo: a series of lines that operates the spar torpedo that must be carefully pulled in sequence, in the dark, and possibly under fire. As with the immortal LT Cushing.... you coolly execute the task, a bullet(s) may "tear at his collar, and two more ripped through his clothing." the 16-foot-long iron pole that served as the sub’s weapon delivery system,... Not a release mechanism but rather the copper sleeve of the torpedo itself. This means the torpedo (120 lbs black powder??!!) exploded at the end of the spar, a discovery of critical importance. Due to the obvious expendability of your position, (see diagram below) You are prematurely issued The Southern Cross of Honour to maintain the remnants of your morale and the customary letter to yer next of kin has been prepared. Naturally your access to the medicinal bilge brew shall remain unhampered. We of the cranky crew will remain with the aft torpedo room shemales -as far back from the blast as possible-maintaining the remnants of our own (steel-balled) morale!