If we could get just one, though, before a need arose, we could at least teach them the motions and try to work on speed. It wouldn't be the same as when you've got ten guns loading and firing at once, but it also wouldn't be having to train them on the eve of battle.

[He knew he was getting ahead of himself. They had to build the thing before they thought about fighting with her. But it was a strangely pleasant thought-- having a sloop-of-war, having a crew, training a crew, being ready to put up a fight if there was ever a sea battle.

It was an ideal. A sort of dream. And right now, that was just what he needed.]