[For a long moment, Archie is speechless. A long, impossible moment. He looks like he might weep at any second, eyes moist but not tearing just yet.

Horatio wrote to him.

His throat is tight, his voice low, when he finally speaks.]

We have both done our duty for England, Horatio. Can we not have this time together, with a measure of peace? Just this time. England will have you back without even knowing you were gone. Just this time without wishing yourself back in that place. Without any...[He chokes a little.] Without fear of what awaits.

[Then, softer, near a whisper.]

Please.