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 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?

I'll be nice.

Of course you will. Though I won't blame you if he riles you up. He does that to me, sometimes.

He seems to be rather good at that. [And then... It's strangely a compliment, in a way.] Not completely unlike Styles.

Except much cleverer. Don't underestimate him.

I will not underestimate him, Archie, and I will do my best to keep this... uneventful.

I know you will, Horatio. I mean to say...I socked him straight in the jaw, once. He's that sort of man. If he gives you cause to sock him in the jaw, I won't blame you.

Hopefully, it won't come to that.

[Because... Well. He can see one punch leading to retaliation. Leading to another. Leading to another...

And he really does not want a brawl with a pirate.]

[No, he does not.]

I know. [But it bothers Archie that Jack just know how to get him angry, get anyone angry, and seems to relish it. Archie doesn't like being reminded that that part of him exists.]

...Where is that boy?

[This is a much better subject.]

Probably off enjoying himself, Archie. He's young.

He's our servant, isn't he? How in hell are we supposed to get anything to eat now?

A difficult task, but I do think I can manage it. [He pats Archie on the shoulder, chuckling.] Surely we've got something that doesn't take much effort to prepare.

[Archie smiles as he's jostled a bit.] I believe there's porridge in the little paper pouches, if you have the energy to boil water.

Perfect.

That, I can manage.

Very well. You are the new servant. [He points to the kitchen.] Go, servant, and boil water.

[Horatio smirks a bit, pulling himself to his feet with only a slight hiss of discomfort.]

Very well. Food for one.

Oh come now, Horatio. You can make yourself something as well. [He knows you meant it the other way around.]

I must say, Mr. Kennedy, I doubt your home's servants missed you much when you went to sea. Quite demanding.

[It's light, teasing.]

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