Ideal for: Young, adventurous boys who wish to see
the world and pursue a career in military medicine.
Job Specifications: You are, to put it
simply, the warship’s errand boy. “Loblolly” is taken from the name of a
thick porridge made of meat and vegetables that’s served to sick sailors.
That’s one of your jobs. It’s also a general description of how tedious, and
sometimes disgusting, your work will be. Aside from having to balance
several bowls of hot liquid on a tray, steadying yourself against the
undulations of the ship while carefully stepping over the vomit on the
floors, you have to clean medical equipment, monitor supplies, and heating
the various irons required for the amputation of limbs and treatment of
bleeding haemorrhages. (Don’t worry, you’ll get used to their screams—and
eventually, even the nasty task of picking up and throwing away the
discarded leg stumps).
Drawbacks: You mean exposure to viruses and direct contact with amputated
limbs isn’t drawback enough?! Ok, then; if you have no problem dealing with
other people’s guts spilling on the floor, what about your own? You’re
working on a warship, and highly trained military personnel are out to kill
you. That’s never good, even on your best days.
Perks: The fun, the adventure, the chance to see the world! Plus, if you
play your cards right, you can climb the ranks. Pray you live that long.
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