Chapter 3: The Trouble with Teens

Ecstatic didn’t begin to describe what Teenager felt. “Captain he…he actually talked to me…to me!” he exulted to himself. “I didn’t think Captain would ever notice me, let alone talk to me so warmly and…and…” he could hardly say the words… “He invited me to come aboard!”

Teenager felt as though his feet never touched the ground; he floated home. His mind was racing with all kinds of possibilities: the adventures he would have, the foreign places he would visit, the people he would meet, and the sights he would see as soon as he joined the crew of the beautiful black ship.

Teenager swung the front door open so hard the glass rattled. In his excitement, he also forgot to close the door.

“Mom! Mom!” cried Teenager. “Mom, where are you, Mom?”

“Shut the door, dummy,” said Teenager’s brother, but his words fell on deaf ears. Brother put his book down, got up, and closed the door himself.

“In here,” Mother shouted from the kitchen.

What’s gotten into him? Brother wondered. Better go find out what that knucklehead’s up to now.

“Mom,” Teenager said breathlessly as he ran to the kitchen, “you’ll never guess what happened to me today. Come on, guess!”

Mother looked up from the food she was preparing.

“What’s got you so excited? Did you win the lottery or something?” she grinned.

“Better!” shouted Teenager with glee. “A ship from the black fleet docked today, and I was there. This time I was lucky enough to arrive early, so I managed to get to the front of the line and…and…you’ll never guess what happened. “

“No, I can’t guess, so you’d better tell me,” Mother smiled.

“The captain actually talked to me, to me, Mom! He congratulated me on my salute; he told me I was smart and that he was looking for fellas just like me to join the crew. Mom, I can hardly believe it, but Captain personally invited me to come aboard and take a tour later. Can you believe it?” he cried.

“That’s fantastic!” said Mother. “I know you’ve wanted this since you were a little guy. I guess all that hanging out at the docks instead of studying has finally paid off,” Mother said as she patted him on the back.

Brother had been standing by the kitchen door intently listening while this conversation went on.

“What did you say happened to you?” asked Brother.

“Didn’t you hear me? The captain, you know, the famous one, approached me as soon as the ship docked and shook my hand and congratulated me on my salute; he invited me to tour the ship later. Isn’t that fantastic?” Teenager shouted breathlessly.

Brother’s face turned white.

“You don’t want to do that, little brother; trust me, you don’t know what you’re in for,” he cautioned.

“You’re just jealous!” Teenager sneered.

“No, not jealous, little brother…scared. I’m scared about you; I’m scared for you. You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. You don’t know what those ships really are. If you did, you wouldn’t go anywhere near them. Don’t do it!” Brother said with great firmness.

“Don’t bother him; what’s gotten into you?” Mother asked rather crossly. “You should be happy for him. You know he doesn’t want to go to college like you, let alone go to seminary.” Mother’s voice had a slight sarcastic ring when she said the word “seminary.” “You know he’s never had any interest in any type of career other than sailing. He’s had his heart set on being a crew member of the ships of the black fleet for as long as I can remember. What’s wrong with that?”

“Plenty!” said Brother emphatically. “How much time do you have? Do you know what those ships are, Mom?”

“Oh, I know what you say they are, but I can’t really believe it. That’s just a bunch of religious phobias you’ve been learning at that seminary. Quite frankly, I think the ships are beautiful pieces of living history, and I’m glad they’re still sailing,” Mother replied rather crossly.

“Mom, I love you, but you’re clueless. I didn’t learn about these ships in seminary or in church. I learned about them the hard way,” Brother said with sadness in his voice. “Don’t you remember when I disappeared for a couple of years when I was just a little older than he is now?” Brother said with a nod of his head toward his little brother.

“Of course, I remember,” Mother said. “What about it? We just assumed you were hanging with your friends, sowing your wild oats, finding yourself, or having fun somehow. You came home none the worse for wear except that you suddenly found religion or something. What do you mean hard way?”

Mother put down the bowl of vegetables she was carrying. She turned to look at her oldest son, her face now registering concern.

“I wasn’t finding myself or any of the other things you suggest, Mom. My friends and I decided to go down to the docks one day just to hang out. We didn’t have any plans in particular, but as it happened, on that day, one of the black ships was docking. The captain of the ship invited me and my friends to come aboard for a tour just like he did today with you, little brother,” he said, looking toward Teenager. “Are you sure you want me to tell you the rest?” he asked his mother.

“No! It’s not fair!” interrupted Teenager with an angry shout. “I come home with the happiest news I’ve ever had in my entire life, and you have to make it about you and spoil everything like always! I don’t want to hear anything else you have to say. You’re just jealous and making stuff up to scare me. I won’t listen. I won’t!” Teenager turned and stomped upstairs to his room.

“What about you, Mom?” asked Brother. “Do you really want to know what happened to me during those years?”

“I do, but not right now, dear,” Mother said cautiously. “Let’s just eat dinner, and you can tell me later. I don’t want the food to get cold. Go fetch your little brother and let’s eat.”

Mother was concerned and confused. She wasn’t quite sure what to think about all this; she needed some time to process what she had just learned about her oldest son.

P

Pastor was sitting in his study preparing Sunday’s sermon. This week the topic was mercy, grace, and redemption. He was wondering how he could present the facts in an engaging way and remain true to the topic.

“How do I keep things fresh and interesting?” he asked prayerfully.

Pastor’s Wife walked into the room with a stricken look on her face.

“What’s wrong, love?” Pastor asked, glancing up from the page he was writing.

“Someone’s in trouble; I don’t know who, but they’re in deep trouble of some kind,” Pastor’s Wife said solemnly.

Pastor had come to rely on his wife’s deep connection to the One True Lord. Her instincts were always spot on.

“Then let’s pray about it,” Pastor said, getting up from behind the desk. Together the couple sat down on the sofa, held hands, and closed their eyes. They were both silent for a while, waiting for the words to come.

“Dear One True Lord,” Pastor began. “We love You, and we praise Your name. We thank You for the redeeming work You have done in each of our lives. Lord, we sense that Your Spirit is prompting us to come before You now on behalf of someone known only to You. They’re in danger; whether physical, emotional, spiritual, or maybe all of the above, we’re not certain, but we trust that You know, Lord. We ask that You cover this person with Your mighty protection. Give them a double portion of Your mercy and grace. Fill them with the power of Your presence. Guide and direct them, be with them in this, their hour of need. Dear One True Lord, if You need us, we are willing to go; only let us know Your will and our place during this critical time.”

“Lord, my heart is torn right now,” Pastor’s Wife prayed. “I can’t shake the feeling of dread that has come over me on behalf of this person. I feel that he or she is at a crossroads and is unprepared to knowingly make the right decision. Surround them with Your presence, Lord. Amen!”

P

Dinner was rather strained that night. No one spoke a word. Try as he might, Brother couldn’t help the feeling of fear that was slowly creeping over him. He knew that his little brother was in danger, and he didn’t know what to do or say or how he could help prevent it. He knew only too well what the black ships were and who ran them. He had barely escaped after a couple of years of living in torture, agony, and shame; he never saw what happened to his friends who boarded the ship with him. He recalled how Pastor and another man came aboard the black ship late one night. He remembered how they lovingly and gently presented him with the facts about his life, where he was, and where he was ultimately headed. Then, they presented the hope of redemption and release at a time when he had lost all hope. Thanks to their persistence, he was released as he gave himself to the One True Lord, who had paid the price for his sins. Now this same evil was stalking his little brother.

P

Teenager was so angry that he could hardly eat. He made an effort and wolfed down some food so his mom wouldn’t be angry. He left the table as soon as possible and retreated to his bedroom. Flopping down on the bed, he plugged his earbuds into his phone and listened to his favorite music. Most of his friends spent their time hanging out playing video games, shooting hoops, or chasing some girl. Teenager joined them most of the time, but now he felt like he needed some time alone. He needed time to think about the wonderful opportunity he’d been offered. He started making his plans to sneak out of the house without Brother seeing him. He was determined to get to the docks early.

No spoilers, he said to himself.

P

Brother finished eating in silence. His mom never took up the conversation about what had happened to him, so he didn’t bring it up either. He helped Mother clean the table and do the dishes. He had made up his mind to find Pastor and inform him of what was going down with his little brother. He needed guidance fast! He kissed his mom and said he would be back later and hurried out the door.

P

Pastor and his wife had just finished praying when there was a knock at the front door.

“Wonder who it is?” asked Pastor’s Wife.

Pastor opened the front door to find Brother standing there.

“Why hello, Brother! What brings you here?” asked Pastor.

“Got a big problem, Pastor, and I need your help badly!” said Brother with a grave look on his face.

“You better come in then,” said Pastor. “Whatever it is, we’ll face it together.”

“I know,” said Brother. “That’s why I’m here. I know I can count on you guys.”

“Sit down and start at the beginning,” said Pastor motioning to a chair.

Brother said hello to Pastor’s Wife as he passed by her.

“Do you two need to talk alone? I can go in the other room,” Pastor’s Wife asked with a look of concern on her face.

“Nope,” said Brother. “I need you both,” Brother sighed as he sank into the chair Pastor offered.

They all sat in silence while Brother collected his thoughts.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, Pastor, but it’s my little brother. They’re after him just like they went after me. I won’t let them…I won’t!” Brother shouted out the words.

Pastor didn’t need to ask who they were. He knew only too well. The ships of the black fleet routinely docked in their little town, siphoning off many into their evil clutches. Their seaside town was a hotspot for the black fleet’s activity. Pastor and others in the community were valiantly combatting their evil influence. “Tell me what happened; how did you find this out?” Pastor needed more details.

“My little brother came home so happy that you’d think he’d just been elected president or something. He started telling Mom how he went down to the docks today when one of the black ships was there. The ship’s captain…he…he…” Brother started to sob, words catching in his throat.

Pastor’s Wife came alongside Brother and put her arm around him.

“Take your time, son. Take your time,” Pastor said soothingly. “What else did your brother say?”

“He told us what the captain said to him. It’s what they always say, empty flattery! That creep complimented him, told him how smart and wonderful he was. They always puff you up with stuff to gain your trust. Then the captain invited him to tour the ship. Same stinking line they always use!” spat Brother. He had never been so angry.

“Do you know what ship, what time, or what captain?” asked Pastor’s Wife. “Knowing might help us in the battle. We can pray more specifically.”

“No,” moaned Brother. “I got so caught up talking down everything I forgot to ask,” Brother said as he put his head in his hands in obvious anguish.

Pastor was angry also, but he knew someone needed to stay calm. Brother was upset, and rightfully so, but they needed cool heads to get through this.

“Well,” Pastor sighed, “I wonder if there is a way to get the information. I don’t suppose asking your little brother would do any good right now. Let me make a couple of phone calls. We have a regular team that patrols the docks, and they might have seen your brother this morning.”

“I hope so, Pastor. Please, dear One True Lord, give us some help!” cried Brother.

“He will, and He is,” said Pastor’s Wife soothingly. “Come with me. Can I get you something?”

“Yeah…maybe…I don’t know,” said Brother with confused anguish in his voice.

“Let’s go into the living room while Pastor makes the calls. He’ll join us when he’s done,” Pastor’s Wife said as she helped Brother up and led him to the living room.

P

There was a small group of people in Pastor’s congregation who prayed for and mentored those who were or had been victims of the black fleet. But there were two powerful servants of the One True Lord that Pastor relied on heavily, Warrior and Seaman. Both had been victims of the black fleet in their youth, and both had been rescued after many years of torment. They were Pastor’s most staunch crusaders against the evil black fleet.

Pastor dialed Warrior’s number first.

“Hello,” said the familiar voice.

“Warrior, Pastor here. We’ve got a problem, a potential new target of the black fleet. Were you down at the docks today by chance? Did you see or hear any captain invite anyone to come aboard later?”

Warrior was a strong man in his early fifties, but he looked much older than his actual years. Hard living and too many years as a subject of the black fleet had stripped him of his youth. He was a strong, sturdy man both in physical appearance and in spirit. Since his escape from the black fleet, Warrior had made it his personal goal to fight them with everything he could and reclaim as many victims for the One True Lord as possible.

“No,” Warrior replied solemnly. “What ship? What captain? Who’s the victim?” Warrior asked the questions in rapid-fire succession.

“Wish I could tell you more,” Pastor said. “Do you remember Brother?”

“Yep,” Warrior replied.

“Well, his younger brother is the target, and he didn’t get the information. I thought maybe you had been at the docks today and saw something.”

“I was visiting family and just got home. Do you need me to come over?” asked Warrior.

“Yes, as soon as you can,” Pastor replied. “Not sure what or who we’re up against yet.”

“Have you talked to Seaman?” asked Warrior.

“He’s my next call,” Pastor replied.

“See you in ten,” said Warrior as he hung up the phone.

P

Seaman arrived home in a foul mood. He had boarded the black ship earlier in the day and spoke to the person the One True Lord had sent him to free, but Seaman was unable to convince the poor soul how much he was loved and how he could escape.

Seaman knew that not everyone who was approached with the message of freedom would accept and believe. In fact, it pained Seaman to think about it, but more people rejected the offer than accepted it. He had experienced failures in the past, but this one was particularly painful because the failure was witnessed by the leering Captain who had once held him captive. Despite spending a great deal of time with the poor soul, Seaman had to leave the ship without a rescue, all the while listening to the cat calls and foul words from Captain and his crew as he disembarked. His ears were still smarting.

Seaman flopped on the couch and flipped on the TV, trying to distract himself. When he realized that wasn’t going to help, he turned it off and got on his knees to pray. Before he could start, the phone rang. Seaman got off his knees and answered the phone.

“Hello,” Seaman said without much enthusiasm.

“Seaman, this is Pastor. How are you?”

“I’d say crummy, but that’s putting it mildly; not good, Pastor, not good at all!” Seaman groaned. “I was down at the docks today and had orders for the release of a prisoner, but it was a no-go. I’ve had failures before, but this one stung pretty badly. It was personal because it was him; you know who I mean. That slime ball had a field day laughing as I left.”

“I wish I had words to comfort you, my friend, but unfortunately, I don’t. Since you were at the docks today, I’m hoping you can help us. While you were there, did you see the captain of the ship approach anyone by chance?” Pastor asked with a hopeful note in his voice.

“Yes, I did. Why?” Seaman asked, hope and curiosity beginning to rise.

“One of the congregation’s younger brother was given the invitation today. He got so upset he didn’t get any of the details. I’m hoping you can fill in the blanks. Do you know who you saw?” asked Pastor.

“Don’t know the kid, but he was a teen, probably around sixteen or seventeen, just the right age for picking. In fact, the kid reminded me a lot of me at that age. He got the personal invitation for a tour at eight. I tried to talk to him a couple of times, but this kid was head over heels about it. I got nowhere fast, but I made a note to return to the docks at eight to do a little one-on-one persuasion. Think it’s the same kid?” asked Seaman.

“I believe it’s highly likely. If it’s your captain and eight, we have a little more information than we had before. Warrior is on his way over here. Can you come too? He’ll be here in ten minutes,” said Pastor.

“Already on my way, Pastor,” said Seaman; he grabbed his keys and ran out the door.

P

Mother walked to the living room and sat down on the sofa. What Brother said before dinner really got to her. She felt uneasy but wasn’t sure why. The relationship between herself and her older son had always been a little strained; she related more to her youngest. The strain was more apparent after Brother returned home and began seminary training.

What is it with him and religion? Mother asked herself.

She and her husband weren’t exactly religious, but she felt they were pretty good people, better than most. They had a strong marriage of many years and raised two boys together. They both had successful careers, a nice home, nice cars, and clothes; what else was there? She never went to church growing up, and she never felt called to go. When she thought about going, she didn’t like the idea; besides, weren’t most of the people in church hypocrites? Why go?

Brother had always been a good boy, never gotten into trouble, and did well in school. She never really had to worry about him. When he left home shortly after high school graduation, Mother knew that Brother had talked to her husband; they were more in sync with each other. Since her husband wasn’t worried about the boy, she didn’t worry about him either. After all, boys often left home for a few years before they settled down to school or adult life; at least, that’s what she had been told. She knew he’d be okay and come home when he was ready. When Brother showed back up, there was something different about him. Mother couldn’t quite put her finger on it. He seemed wise beyond his years, a strange mixture of sorrow and happiness…different. Brother hadn’t talked about where he had been or what he’d been doing. As parents, they had respected their son’s privacy and never asked him much about it. There was one thing that was quite different; Brother began attending church every week; he never missed a Wednesday or a Sunday service. When they asked him about college, Brother indicated he wanted to go to seminary and train to be a minister or missionary. They were shocked, to say the least.

Where did he pick that up and why? Mother asked herself. What happened to him? I guess we could have been a little better at parenting both boys, but our careers were going really well, and both of us were traveling a lot. The boys never lacked for anything; one of us was always here.

Mother was still very confused. None of this made sense. Mother slipped upstairs to check on Teenager. She could hear music coming from his room, so she figured he was fine.

“What time did he say he was meeting that captain?” Mother couldn’t remember. She wondered if Brother’s concern was valid; she didn’t know what to do.

“I wish their father were home,” she sighed to herself.

Mother headed back downstairs. There was a pile of work that still needed to be done for a big presentation the following day. She poured herself a glass of wine and sat down at the computer. Her new job had her snowed under right now, and she needed something to distract her.

“I’ll find out more about this later,” she said. Mother buried herself in her work.

P

Warrior and Seaman’s experiences with the black fleet were similar yet different. Each had been a captive on two different ships. Each had been slaves of similar yet different types of besetting sins. Both had seen and experienced things that the average person could never imagine. Both men had been captives for decades, and both had been saved by Pastor and members of a special team from his congregation.

Warrior had been a captive far longer than Seaman, and the story of the atrocities and degradation he endured would make a great movie. After his rescue, Warrior experienced a tough time dealing with the psychological and physical effects of his imprisonment. He and Pastor spent a lot of time together in counseling, and Warrior had even lived with Pastor and his wife for several years before he recovered and got on his feet. Warrior was forever grateful.

Warrior had been clean for years now. His life was dedicated to helping others who were victims or counseling those who had lost loved ones to the black fleet. He was a devoted student of the Good Book and was both a powerful prayer warrior and evangelist. Every crew member of the black fleet knew of him; they both hated and feared him. He had earned his new name…Warrior. Seaman’s time on the black ship had not been as long as Warrior’s, but their stores had similarities. Seaman had recovered more quickly but still spent considerable time with Pastor, his wife, and members of the congregation who were dedicated to fighting the influence the black ships were having in their community. Seaman had also dedicated himself to learning and growing in his newfound faith and fighting the ever-growing evil in their midst.

Warrior and Seaman arrived almost simultaneously at Pastor’s house. They gave each other a fist bump and grasped hands in a firm shake while slapping each other on the back; then, they proceeded to Pastor’s front door.

P

Pastor warmly greeted his dynamic duo—as he liked to refer to them. He heavily relied on these two strong men of faith. They both had been forged in the fires of affliction, which made them forces to be reckoned with.

“Come in, fellas,” said Pastor. “I think we have an opportunity to do some good here,” he said solemnly. “Thanks for coming so quickly.”

At the sound of voices, Brother and Pastor’s Wife stood up just as the men entered the living room. Seaman noticed a look of concern and then relief cross Brother’s face as he saw them enter.

“Brother,” said Pastor, “I think you know these men?”

“Yes,” Brother replied with hope in his voice. “I can’t thank you guys enough for coming to the rescue. I don’t know what to do. I’m so afraid for my little brother,” and with that, Brother’s eyes welled up with tears as he shook Warrior and Seaman’s hands.

“Take a seat, fellas,” Pastor said. “Can I get either of you anything? How about you, Brother?”

“No, I’m good,” Warrior replied.

“Nope, I’m good too, Pastor,” said Seaman. “Let’s get right to it. No time to waste. What’s going on?”

“Brother, tell these men what you know about what happened to your little brother this morning and what you heard him say to your mother,” Pastor urged.

Brother inhaled deeply, then began to tell Seaman and Warrior what he had related to Pastor and his wife earlier about Teenager’s conversation. When he was done, Brother dropped his head wearily.

“That’s it! I’m at a loss. What can be done? Please tell me there’s hope we can save my little brother from those fiends!” Brother said with anger in his voice.

“Looks like Captain has another one in his cross-hairs,” said Warrior.

“Yep! No doubt. I know Captain only too well. He’s definitely targeting Teenager. I saw it for myself this morning. I tried a couple of times to get the boy’s attention, but he was enamored and wouldn’t give me a second glance,” Seaman said solemnly. “We need a plan, and we’d better do it together. This captain is a force to be reckoned with.”

“You’re right about that. Only one other captain as bad as that one; I know their type only too well,” Warrior replied with a slight look of pain flashing across his face. “Their evil is more powerful than most.”

“But what can we do? We don’t have much time!” Brother was beginning to sound frantic. “I won’t let my little brother get on that ship if it kills me!” he exclaimed.

“Now, now, Brother,” Pastor said, “you know very well that we’ll do everything in our power to persuade Teenager, but we can’t force him. It’s his free-will choice. He must decide for himself what his future holds. The One True Lord gave us an awesome but terrible gift when He gave us the choice of free will. Each person must choose, but we can give Teenager all the information and prayer support we can.”

“If I have to, I’ll tackle him and drag his scrawny rear end back home!” Brother spat out the words. “I will not allow him to board that ship!”

“Captain and his crew won’t allow you to do that,” said Warrior. “Even though they look human outwardly, you know what they are…powerful spiritual beings…fallen angels. You can’t battle them the same way you would humans. You know that. Pastor told me you were on a ship for a short period of time. Is that true?”

“Yes, it’s true!” Brother sobbed. “Why do you think I’m so afraid for my little brother?”

“We understand, dear,” said Pastor’s Wife, “but we can’t fight spiritual beings with human weapons. We’re not equipped.”

“Then what do we do?” asked Brother, his voice shaking with anxiety.

“The first thing is to alert the prayer team. I’ll make the calls while you guys plan strategy,” Pastor said.

The group hammered out a strategy while Pastor phoned the prayer team. Pastor, Warrior, Seaman, and Brother would go down to the docks shortly before eight, hoping to catch Teenager and persuade him not to board the ship. They hoped to arrive before the captain did. They knew they would encounter heavy opposition, and they were grateful for the prayer cover from the church members. Pastor’s Wife would lead the prayer team. Pastor would keep in contact with the group by phone.

When Pastor returned, he informed them that the prayer cover was already in place.

“It’s getting late,” Seaman said. “We’d better head out if we hope to catch Teenager before Captain arrives.”

“Let’s go,” Warrior replied. “Let’s pool our resources and take only one car. We don’t want to arouse suspicion.”

“I can drive,” Pastor interjected.

“Let’s go!” shouted Brother.

The team headed out the door.