Chapter 9: The Mad Gunner

Mad Jack paced frantically across the forecastle of The Redeemers, waving his pistol and screaming into the night sky. "You won't take my soul, ye devils! I'll send you all to hell!" The other crewmen watched nervously, keeping their distance from the mad gunner in the throes of one of his unpredictable rages.

Captain Jonah emerged from his cabin, roused by the commotion. Seeing Mad Jack brandishing his weapon, Jonah approached cautiously with raised hands. "Easy there, Jack. Put the pistol down before someone gets hurt." But Mad Jack whirled on Jonah with wild eyes. "They're plotting' against us, I tell ou! I hear the mutterings!"

Jonah spoke softly yet firmly. "There are no plots here, only brothers seeking salvation. Now give me the pistol before this escalates." Mad Jack hesitated, his gaze darting suspiciously around the deck, then, with a snarl, tossed the pistol at Jonah's feet. "Mark my words, captain! You'll be thanking' me when I expose the traitors!"

Mad Jack spun and vaulted over the railing, disappearing into the darkness. Jonah sighed wearily as the crew gathered around. Mad Jack's fits of madness and bloodlust had grown more frequent and volatile of late. Jonah feared that if left unchecked, it could threaten their holy mission. But how to restrain one so touched by demons without destroying the spark of humanity within? The captain knew difficult decisions lay ahead. As the Damascus's crew was getting supplies from a trading island, Jonah made his way cautiously along the shoreline, following traces of Mad Jack's erratic footprints in the sand. In the dim moonlight, he spotted a huddled form near the water.

As Jonah approached, Mad Jack spun with a feral snarl. Stay back! This is my place! Jonah halted and spread his hands peaceably. I mean you no harm, brother. I only wanted a word.

Mad Jack barked a bitter laugh. Brother? Tch, those days are done. You should have left me on the brink when you had the chance! Jonah lowered his voice in a soothing tone. You know, I could never do that. We're all still finding our way, with God's guidance.

But madness glittered in Mad Jack's eyes, and he brandished a jagged stone clutched in his fist. Guidance?! What does God's guidance avail against the demons in my head? They command me now! With a snarling howl, Mad Jack turned and scrambled away into the darkness. Jonah sighed wearily, knowing their conversation had only exacerbated Jack's instability. Troubling times lay ahead for them all. One day, Mad Jack burst from belowdecks like a raging demon, brandishing his flintlock pistol wildly. Stay back, devils! I see your treachery!

The crew on deck cried out in alarm and flung themselves down just as Mad Jack pulled the trigger. The shot rang out harmlessly over their heads. Jonah rushed forward with her hands raised. Now, Jack, calm yourself!

But madness burned in Mad Jack's eyes. He whirled, leveling the smoking pistol at Jonah. Go on, Cap'n! Order me to heel like one of' your mongrels! I'll send us both to hell!

Sweat beaded Jonah's brow, but he spoke softly. Put down the gun, man. Let us help you. Mad Jack howled and aimed again, nearly shooting Cooky as the portly man scrambled behind the mast. Have it your way, then! He fired once more before vaulting below deck disappearing into the night.

The crew slowly stood, hearts racing. Jonah stared at the ripples where Mad Jack vanished, troubled by how far the gunner's madness had progressed. It seemed their mission of redemption faced troubling times ahead. The following day Jonah and the crew they found Mad Jack huddled in the dark corner of the weapons hold, gibbering prayers to ward off the demons. Leave me be, ye devils! I have done your bidding; now yield my soul in peace!

His pleas rose to hysterical howls that echoed up from the bowels of the ship. The crew exchanged worried glances—Mad Jack's madness had ensnared him fully. Jonah made his way cautiously down the ladder, calling out in a calming tone. Jack, it's Captain Jonah. Open the hatch, lad, let's have a word.

But madness blazed in Mad Jack's eyes as they appeared at the grate. Back, devil! I see through your lies! The voice commands me, and I obey! With an incoherent shriek, Mad Jack slammed the hatch closed and barricaded it with crates and cannonballs. His deranged screams and prayers resumed, tormenting ghosts that only he could perceive.

Jonah sighed wearily and returned above decks. The gunner's madness had spiraled out of control and made him a danger to himself and others. It seemed drastic action must soon be taken for the safety of all, though none knew how to deliver poor Mad Jack from the demons that plagued his shattered mind. Dark clouds gathered on the horizon for the Redeemers and their mission of redemption. The crew stood on deck, unease written on their faces as Mad Jack's demented screams echoed up from below. What's to be done, Captain? asked Cooky fearfully. The madman threatens us all in this state!

Jonah ran a weary hand down his chin, troubled. I know, friend, but we must try mercy before violence. Madness often stems from wounds of the soul, not evil. To First Mate Lukas, he said, Fetch me bounds; we'll tranquilize him with prayer and confinement, then see if rest cures his afflicted mind.

But as Lukas left, James spoke grimly. What if prayer does not avail, sir? The gunner endangers our mission with his instability. Unease stirred the men as if a storm were coming. Jonah raised a hand. Faith saw us this far, lads; we must have faith a little further. No soul is beyond God's reach.

A fresh shriek filled the air, and the men cringed. O Lord, deliver him—and us—from these tormenting spirits, prayed Jonah. His crew looked to their captain, hoping his steady faith could calm their fears. But below, Mad Jack's cries rose in a frenzied crescendo, and dark clouds blanketed hope on the horizon. Jonah descended cautiously into the gunhouse, Bible in hand. Mad Jack crouched in the shadows, brandishing a rusty cutlass. Begone, devil! You won't have my soul!

Jonah raised her open palms, speaking softly. "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God." At Mad Jack's confused expression, he continued, "I will strengthen you, I will help you, and I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Slowly, Mad Jack's wild eyes began to still, recognizing a vestige of faith within the scripture. Jonah took a step closer. "Put down your weapon, friend. Let go of anger and embrace the peace that surpasses understanding. Your struggle is known to God."

For a long moment, the gunner hesitated, then his courage broke, collapsing to his knees in anguished sobs. Jonah went to him, lifting the fallen cutlass. "There now. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted." Wrapping comforting arms around Mad Jack, Jonah prayed for the restoration of his troubled soul. Hope was not lost for redemption, with faith as their guide. Mad Jack emerged on deck under guard, his eyes darting fearfully. The crew shrank from his fevered stare, unnerved by the wildness lingering there.

Jonah went to the gunner. "How fare you, Jack?" But madness simmered beneath Mad Jack's skin. "Fare?" he snarled. "I fare for the hangman, as will we all, if ye mongrels mutter one more word against me!"

The men stirred uneasily, hands falling to belaying pins. But Jonah held up a calming hand. "There are no mutterings, only brothers in faith. Come, let us pray and find peace."

Mad Jack barked a bitter laugh. "Faith? Your fair words are naught but trickery, Cap'n! Ye seeks to rob me o' me right as a crewman!" Drawing himself up, he gazed slowly around the wary men.

"But I've got my rights, do I not, shipmates? And me right as any is to guide this vessel—not to burn in some gaol for devils' ravings!" A mad glint shone in his eye. It seemed mutiny brewed in Mad Jack's madness, threatening all their lives and missions. Dark clouds gathered on their troubled horizon. Mad Jack lunged for the pistol at his belt, bellowing defiance. I'll send you all to hell! But Swift James tackled him, wrestling for control of the weapon.

The gun discharged harmlessly into the air as the two men grappled fiercely. Mad Jack fought with demonic strength in his madness, nearly breaking James' hold. But the former powder monkey used his adversary's rage against him, wrenching the pistol free and flinging it away.

With an enraged howl, Mad Jack swung at James' head, barely missing. James grappled with him once more, and they tumbled across the deck in a blur of flying fists. After a brutal minute, James forcibly pinned Mad Jack's writhing frame, the gunner frothing at the mouth in his fury.

Chest heaving, James warned the defeated man, Be still! Their struggle had taken its toll, and the gunner's strength faltered. Jonah gripped James' shoulder in thanks as he stood, the crew breathing relief to see Mad Jack subdued once more. But shadows still lingered in their troubled souls, for the gunner's madness remained a threat to their mission of redemption. Mad Jack writhed on the deck, bound in thick ropes. His body arched in unnatural angles as guttural shrieks tore from his lips. The crew watched in horror, whispering prayers to ward off the palpable darkness.

Jonah kneeled by Mad Jack and placed a hand on his heaving chest. "Peace, brother. Let the light of God shine through." Raising his eyes heavenward, Jonah called out in a voice of authority, "In Jesus' name, I command you, dark spirits, to depart from this vessel!"

At the sacred name, Mad Jack threw back his head and screamed as a black mist streamed from his twisting jaws. It coalesced into an inhuman form, which howled in rage before dissolving into nothingness.

Mad Jack fell still, breathing heavily. Jonah laid a hand on his damp brow and said gently, "The Lord is with you always. May His light guide your path ahead."

As if awakening, Mad Jack gazed around in confusion. Gradually, recognition dawned, and tears filled his eyes. "Captain, what horrors I've unleashed! Will you ever forgive me?"

Jonah smiled. "There is no condemnation for those made new in Christ. Rise, brother, and walk with us in faith once more." The crew erupted in cheers, praising God for Mad Jack's deliverance. Hope was restored for continuing their redemptive mission. Jack rose unsteadily to his feet, guided by Jonah's strong arm. My name is Jack; it's simply Jack now. The madness has fled these bones; praise God!

Jonah smiled warmly. Welcome back, brother. We're blessed by your deliverance. Jack glanced around at the crew's smiling faces, tears pricking his eyes once more. Your faith and mercy shamed my violence. From this day on, I walk only in the light of Christ.

Approaching James, he grasped the younger man's hand. Thank you for not giving up on this sorry soul. James clasped Jack's forearm. It was God's mercy that saved you, not mine. We're brothers in redemption now.

Jack turned last to Jonah, head bowed. Forgive me the evil I unleashed. I was blind, but now I see. By God's grace, I will live each day making amends through faithful service. Jonah embraced him. Your struggle made you strong and strengthened our mission. Now come, let us give thanks!

As one, crew and captain kneeled in prayer, praising the Lord for Jack's restoration. A mighty cheer rose up as they gave glory to God. Madness no longer threatened The Redeemers; instead, they gained a converted man who would walk fervently in Christ for the rest of his days. Hope billowed proudly in their sails once more.