captainhornblower | Eighth Dispatch

Eighth Dispatch - [written]

Wednesday, 31st August

I apologize that this cannot presently be done in person. I intended to rectify that as quickly as possible. However, since this journal is capable of sending this to multiple people at once, I do not feel as though I should delay any longer.

I want to thank those whom I have served with this last "draft," as you call it. I owe a particular debt and much gratitude to those of you who served on the Endurance. Our departure was sudden, or I would have thanked you by then. You did fine work, and I would consider it an honour to serve with you again.

I pray that all of you are no worse for the wear. Or that those injuries you suffered are on the fast mend.

Hornblower

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I'm sure we have something.

[That involves standing. First step, sitting up.

...Damn. That hurt.

He's dressed the most casually one will ever see, save for when he sleeps. Trousers and shirt only, under which the bandages on his chest can be seen. There are others, on his arm, but those are less severe. To his credit, he did try to put on a waistcoat this morning...

But the thing hurt too damn much.]

I'll check.

[He chuckles.] Times like these, we need a steward.

Do we, now? Two broken old men? There's a strapping young lad somewhere about that would do just as well, isn't there?

[It's more teasing than anything.]

You would trust Mr. Wellard with cooking?

[He lies down on his back on the couch and stares tiredly at the ceiling.]

We have three options, Horatio: risk Wellard's cooking, starve to death, or resort to cannibalism. Which is it to be?

...I suppose he cannot possibly be worse than Styles.

Of course not, Horatio, no one could be worse than Styles. [He says this like it's Very Serious.] Where is that boy? What do we have him around for if not to cater to us in our old age?

Just like a boy, really. Always underfoot, then not around when he's needed. In our day, Archie, young men knew how to behave.

[Archie adopts a grumpy face.] Aye, and they knew how to treat their elders, too. Now, we're cast aside as so much rubbish.

No doubt off getting into trouble. What sort, I cannot fathom. We, after all, were the very model of young gentlemen in our day. Never gave anyone cause to fret.

No...dead chickens. [He reaches for the cup of lukewarm tea he has on the coffee table and brings it to his lips. It's one of those very frightening moments where he realizes he could lose this--this comfortable presence, this lazy banter--in the blink of an eye. But the fear doesn't last long. This moment, he has it.

He misses Dawn.]

It's time for the new feathers. Jack said we should set out on a voyage, in case any landed in the ocean.

[Ah yes, Captain Sparrow. ...Still.]

A worthy effort, certainly.

Do you know when you'll be back?

[Because... Well. While he and Sparrow might have had a bit of an understanding during the draft... He is well aware that changes little now.]

We're not even certain when we'll leave. We haven't asked what's best for you, yet.

[He knows Horatio is about to misunderstand him, and he knows it will be cute.]

[And he does, in fact, misunderstand.]

I hardly need a nurse, Archie. I believe Mr. Wellard and I can manage.

[Yup. Oblivious.]

Horatio. You're coming with us.

What?

[The amount of genuine surprise and confusion... is pathetic, really.]

[He scoffs, very much in an "I do not think I care much for your tone, sir" sort of way.] You should see yourself, Horatio. You look so surprised.

Well.

I should not have thought Captain Sparrow would want me anywhere near his boat.

I did not think so either, Horatio, but it was he who suggested it. Perhaps it'll be a pleasant change, being a lieutenant again instead of captain?

[He knows that's not really how Horatio works. He was always a captain. But he's trying to pitch it in an appealing way.]

Edited 2011-09-04 05:58 (UTC)

[Excuse him for a moment, Archie.

His mind is silently rebelling against the idea of being a lieutenant under Sparrow.]

[Okay, processed. Well enough, at least.

Able to think again.

He manages a smile.]

That was generous of him. I should be happy to accompany you both.

[Okay, yeah, that didn't go over well.]

He's a good man. You're both good men. He's a bit petulant, of course, but perhaps he'll change his mind.

At the very least, Archie, I think we can manage to get along for a short time.

[He'll certainly do his best.]

[Archie lets out a breath.]

It's the one truly selfless thing I can remember him doing, Horatio. I know it won't be your fault if it's spoilt.

I am grateful for the invitation. I will make sure that is known.

...Horatio?

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