Second Dispatch - [written]

[captainhornblower]

Monday, 16th May, 18

I have recently been given to thought about the [a pause in the writing as he considers his wording] conflict between this place and the [another considerable pause] worlds we come from.

How does one balance the two? I understand some have been away from their proper homes for some time. Surely some of you left behind obligations. How do you reconcile the need to return to them with your presence here? Do you somehow put them out of mind? Do you merely accept you cannot fulfill them until you return? I find the matter trying my conscience sorely.

I would appreciate any counsel on the matter.

Hornblower

Comments

[action]

[captainhornblower]

[Horatio swallowed hard and only gripped Archie's shoulder. For a long moment, he sat like that. Silent.

Never again. I am never letting anything happen to you again. Not while I'm alive to prevent it.]

[action]

[simplestgift]

[That does not comfort him. Horatio always keeps his word, even when it meant going back to prison. One of his promises had been the most important in Archie's life--We don't leave unless you do. It had been kept. But what happens when Horatio can't keep his promise, through no fault of his own? What happens when he does everything in his power and still fails?

That's why Archie is here.

I protect you, too, Horatio.]

[action]

[captainhornblower]

[You shouldn't have to.

As far as Horatio was concerned, he should be able to stand alone against whatever the world threw at him, and protect those around him. That he might sometimes need protection or support was, still, a very foreign concept. Other units on a military action? Of course. But personal support? Not Horatio Hornblower.

He moved his hand, putting it on Archie's opposite shoulder, tugging his friend into a half hug.]

We're in this together.

[action]

[simplestgift]

[Archie slings his arm around Horatio's shoulders, returning the half-hug.] For better or worse. It's how the world works, Horatio. There isn't a man alive who was truly made to stand alone.