Eighteenth Dispatch - [written]

[captainhornblower]

Thursday, September 6th

To all of you newly arrived: welcome. I offer my condolences to those upset by their sudden situation.

I am Captain Horatio Hornblower of His Majesty's Ship Atropos and Luceti Enclosure Ship Britannia.

Britannia is always seeking new crew members. With the exception of commissioned officers, there is no exclusivity expected of crew.

On September 15th, Britannia will set sail. We depart at two bells in the forenoon watch. [He writes in the margin: 9 AM.] We will return on the 19th. This voyage will be to instruct crew members in sailing a three-masted ship-rigged vessel.

All those interested are to contact myself or Lieutenant Kennedy by four bells in the first watch [another margin note: 10 PM] on the 14th of September.

Cpt H. Hornblower
HMS Atropos
LES Britannia

Comments

[action]

[captainhornblower]

[His expression borders on shocked for a moment. Then, he sharply shakes his head.]

No. Certainly not. Mister Kennedy [solely because he doubts he could convince Archie to let him go alone] and I would be the ones to volunteer.

Re: [action]

[thedicearecast]

[It seems logical enough to her.]

And how long is that going to take with just the two of you? The missions worth the most points only come around so often, and even then you have to somehow be qualified.

[action]

[captainhornblower]

Britannia holds twenty-two guns at most. We have one, and I hope to commission a second.

Depending on what the guns are worth to the Malnosso, it may only take us ten each of very basic work for them. More if they're worth more, less for the more demanding missions.

I would like to have at least ten guns before we see action, five to a side.

Of course, without crew to work them, the number of guns is meaningless.

Re: [action]

[thedicearecast]

So eighty missions. Maybe more, maybe less. That's a lot of time with just three people.

[Yes, Horatio: three. Amelia signs up for them anyway, so she might as well keep doing it.

Of course, the number of people is also a concern. She knows Horatio had a loss recently, but the way he's talking makes it seem worse than just a single person missing.]

How many do you have now?

[action]

[captainhornblower]

Three?

[It takes a moment to connect, and then he bows his head politely.]

I am in your debt, then, Miss Amelia. [He can’t be too proud now, can’t refuse the help he knows he needs.] Though, pardon me. How many of what do we have?

Re: [action]

[thedicearecast]

[She shrugs a shoulder.]

I'm not saying I'm going to start going on back to back missions or anything. But you can have the points when I do go.

How many people on the crew?

[action]

[captainhornblower]

On whom I'm sure I can rely? Six.

A crisis turns out more crew, I've found, but I wouldn't mind a constant set to be sure I know how they use a gun. One can learn in the moment, but that cuts rate of fire abysmally, and that can often be what turns the tide, be the enemy a better sailor or more numerous or more powerful.

Hopefully there will be some volunteers when I look for people to learn them. Then, knowing how to be a gun crew, they'll offer their services up when necessary.

Re: [action]

[thedicearecast]

[It all makes sense, and Amelia nods. Of course, it doesn't help that Horatio and Archie use outdated weapons as far as Amelia's concerned, but that's probably not an argument she'd win.]

That's probably the best way to go about it. Having that core group, and offering lessons. I think most people see the value in learning better ways to defend themselves.