Eighth Dispatch - [written]

[captainhornblower]

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

Comments

[action]

[simplestgift]

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

[action]

[captainhornblower]

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

[action]

[simplestgift]

Except much cleverer. Don't underestimate him.

[action]

[captainhornblower]

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

[action]

[simplestgift]

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.

[action]

[captainhornblower]

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.]

[action]

[simplestgift]

[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?

[action]

[captainhornblower]

[This is a much better subject.]

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

[action]

[simplestgift]

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

[action]

[captainhornblower]

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.

[action]

[simplestgift]

[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.

[action]

[captainhornblower]

Perfect.

That, I can manage.

[action]

[simplestgift]

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

[action]

[captainhornblower]

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

Very well. Food for one.

[action]

[simplestgift]

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

[action]

[captainhornblower]

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.]

[action]

[simplestgift]

I said you could make yourself something, didn't I? Quite generous of me, I'd say.

[action]

[captainhornblower]

Very much so, really.

[action]

[simplestgift]

[Archie pushes himself to his feet.]

I can help, Horatio. We don't have to settle for porridge.

[action]

[captainhornblower]

[Horatio chuckles faintly.]

Sit back down, Archie. I think porridge will do just fine for right now.

[action]

[simplestgift]

There might be ham in the, the fridge. [Lunch meat style, really.]

[action]

[captainhornblower]

A sandwich, then? I'll find it.

[action]

[simplestgift]

With a little mustard? [Sitting back down.]

[action]

[captainhornblower]

[A chuckle.] Of course.

[action]

[simplestgift]

Thank you. [He closes his eyes for a bit, then a thought makes him open them.] We've adopted quite a few odd tastes in food since coming here, haven't we?