Wordsmith's Forge

Benjamin “Squirt” Henry (Merchant Cabin Boy)

Age: 15

Gender: Male

Height: 5’2” Skinny

Eye Color: Blue (wears brass glasses)

Hair Color: Sandy blond

Background: Squirt was added to the crew due to his father, a longtime airman, who believes learning a trade through apprenticeship is preferable to schooling in a classroom. Squirt couldn’t disagree more. He’s interested in science and biology, not working on a ship, but he would never say so to his domineering but well-intentioned father.

Squirt spends almost all of his spare time reading, and he’s captured a parrot that comes and goes from his quarters by use of a mechanical cage that the bird can open with the peck of his beak. Sometimes, he wonders if the parrot is simply repeating things or if it has a true intelligence of its own.

Strengths: Squirt is clever and has a keen interest in and knowledge of birds. At some point in the story, he saves the day by knowing how to get a flock of birds to change direction and provide a key distraction when the other ship is about to fire on them.

Weaknesses: Timid and shy, Squirt seldom speaks up, even when he knows something that would help. Often, Cyril has to put him on the spot in order for him to chime in a helpful idea. He doesn’t feel like he fits among the crew and would rather be in school studying.