Sixth Dispatch - [action]

[captainhornblower]

[Horatio Hornblower possessed a naturally quiet disposition. He preferred thinking to speaking more often than not. He was also often considered to be... "prone to melancholy" if a friend were speaking, "ill-tempered" if described by others. The two traits engaged and furthered one another constantly. When he thought for long periods of time about things that were not an imminent battle, his spirits sank. The worse his mood, the more he thought.

To stimulate the mind and make its burden easier to bear, Hornblower walked. Paced. The length of a quarterdeck suited perfectly, but Hotspur was long out of reach. Even the damned Retribution would have answered, but it, too, was far away.

Instead, he walked the length of a small wooden bridge over and over. That it was a known haunt for a particular pirate had either not crossed the Navy man's mind or had been dismissed. The click of his heels across the planks made him feel more at home. His solemn, focused expression remained unchanged with every step he took and every turn made to walk the path again as his customary hour became three.]

Comments

[tehoniongirl.livejournal.com]

... That's a long time to walk the same little bridge.

[captainhornblower]

I've had much to think about.

[tehoniongirl.livejournal.com]

Come to any conclusions?

[captainhornblower]

Only a fool would act against these odds.

[A pause.]

But there is no choice but to make the gamble.

[tehoniongirl.livejournal.com]

The Malnosso, you mean.

...Have you talked to Archie, yet?

[captainhornblower]

I intend to soon.

I just... need to figure out what to say. To him. And Mister Bush. And Mister Wellard.

[tehoniongirl.livejournal.com]

I heard you had someone else from home.

[her head canting slightly to one side] You think they won't agree? Archie, at least, is every bit as furious with the Malnosso as you are. As any of us are.

[captainhornblower]

I am not certain they will rely on me to make such plans. All three were on the Renown.

[tehoniongirl.livejournal.com]

[she's quiet a moment. Thinking. She can make the connection. His previous mutiny. Archie's death...

But she's seen the way Archie looks at him. William too, for the little time she's had to know him. She can only imagine this Wellard must be the same]

Maybe.

But they respect you. I don't think that'll change with this.