Sixteenth Dispatch - [written]

[captainhornblower]

To the crew of the Britannia:

We sail on the sixteenth as planned.


To interested parties:

Today is the last day I will allow new crew members to sign the muster list. My officers need time to relay important instruction before we sail.

- Hornblower

[In the face of everything? The threat from the Malnosso over this missing member of their own? Charged with unnamed crimes? And a ticking clock for how long they have to obey?

...It's better, Horatio thinks, to be away from the village. He has no place in the politics of this group. What they do is their choice. He will, though, be trying to protect his crew. It's a gamble, but it's one he's willing to take.]

[Filtered, Jilly, 25%]:

[He's slightly learned to filter!]

Miss Jilly,

I would like to request your presence on board Britannia for her maiden voyage.

Horatio

Comments

[mikangirl]

You're still going? After everything that's happened this week?

[captainhornblower]

Yes.

[mikangirl]

[Seriously? Seriously. But after her initial demand, Nami hauls back on saying anything judgmental. Archie had said this is not a military vessel, but...]

Then you'd better let Archie know that circumstances conspire against us after all. I'm going to be needed in the village.

[captainhornblower]

[And it's not a military vessel. If it were... properly armed and fully crewed... it might be a viable means of attack. A way to fight back.

But it is not a military vessel.]

Perhaps the next time we sail, then.

[mikangirl]

[It's why she clamped down on what she was going to say. She knows the ship can't be outfitted properly, though she has some reservations about certain of the crew. Nami won't make that judgment call.]

Perhaps. [Assuming Luceti isn't going to hell at the time.]

I wish you good sailing, Captain.

[captainhornblower]

[He's quiet a moment, and then, quite sincerely:]

And my prayers will be with the village.