The seas were a dark mystery to Cuchulainn, but he was not about to pass on an opportunity to see dolphins. By his count, there were twenty passengers aboard, plus the captain, the first mate, and himself. He was the only one in a lifejacket.
“I am an excellent swimmer, Captain,” he said. “This is merely an extra measure.”
“You look great,” said the captain.
Cuchulainn smiled. “Why, thank you, Captain! Indeed, it does bring colour and character to us. Do you need any assistance? Mayhaps a shoulder massage?”
“What?”
“Or a song?” Cuchulainn stood tall to project his voice:
“Way hay and up she rises!
Way hay and up she rises!
Way hay and up she rises!”
“Maybe sit down,” said the captain.
“Aye, sir,” Cuchulainn agreed, “the waves are unforgiving.”
“I see one!” someone shouted. She pointed at a dolphin swimming, its fin bobbing in and out of sight. Everyone gasped in astonishment and glee.
Then the captain heard a great splash and quickly turned to find Cuchulainn missing from his seat. “Man overboard!”
“It is fine, Captain!” Cuchulainn answered from the water. He floated happily in his lifejacket. “Rather cold, though!”
“Get back up here!”
“I did not expect it to be this cold!” Cuchulainn swam further from the boat. Two dolphins appeared again and he reached out to pet them. “But I will adapt.”
“Oh my god!” The captain gently steered toward him.
“You may leave us here,” Cuchulainn laughed. “I will find my way to shore. Or would you return in an hour?” A third dolphin surfaced, which delighted him. “Hello!”
The other passengers took pictures and videos. Cuchulainn was proud to pose and wave for them. The captain frantically called out and cursed at him to come to his senses, which he would not.
“Way hay and up she rises!”