captainhornblower | Eighteenth Dispatch

Eighteenth Dispatch - [written]

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

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I suppose some might be quicker to join up now that we know for certain that these enclosures can be invaded.

[Archie is reading all this from the couch in the parlour, his cup of tea forgotten.]

It's only a matter of time before they attack here again.

[Of course, they're one ship with one cannon. And there was nothing organized for the land...

But.

But it was something.]

We can at least try to be prepared.

We'll need guns. More than we need crew, at the moment.

Captain Hornblower,

[...Still a funny name. But even so-] I can't fairly offer my services for the ship because I've got the obligations my position with the SOS-Brigade affords, but I'd be willing to assist you in advertising for crew members via flyers or people on the street if you'd like the extra publicity.

Respectfully,
-Haruhi Suzumiya
SOS-Brigade

[...You know this letter format is sort of fun]

Oh good. I haven't been seasick in awhile.

[It's her attempt at a joke.]

I'll be there.

[Captain, why couldn't you put the times in the margins the last time you were announcing a trip on the Brit? It's been a few days since she was brought back so at least she's getting better with the names. You might just recognize the giggle there and the cheerful greeting.]

Hello hello!

[Because last time he was speaking to his present crew, not attempting to recruit more primarily.]

Miss Selphie.

A dreadful affliction.

Perhaps it will get better with more exposure. [But he understands if it doesn't. Really. He really does.]

We will.

I wonder how keen the Malnosso would be about arming us, if we helped with the tasks they ask sometimes. [He isn't fond of the idea of working with or for the Malnosso, but it's worse to be unarmed and possibly facing an invasion than to bend his principles regarding them.]

[And the Captain is still as serious as ever.]

How have things been?

Miss Suzumiya,

Your offer is most kind. I should be quite grateful for assistance in recruitment. I would also like to make note that simple crew -- those to help with the sails, the guns, and the upkeep of the ship -- would not be expected to be always available. Even the warrant officers would not be required to show exclusivity.

That would only be asked of what would be, in my world, commissioned officers -- the midshipmen and lieutenants.

Sincerely,
Hornblower

Another enclosure was attacked, their refugees sought shelter with us for a week.

...So, pretty rough then.

Indeed.

Britannia is now a ship of war for the Luceti enclosure, should any attack come by sea.

You're the one with experience, so you tell me: do people normally get over it with exposure?

[Personally, Amelia doesn't think her luck is that good.]

Some.

[A pause.]

I still suffer for the first twelve or twenty-four hours I'm out to sea. If it's calm. In a storm, it often returns. But when there's work to be done, it, like everything else, must be set aside.

Sounds like you've made quite the name for yourself, Captain.

...So don't get my hopes up. Right.

I was on the ship in the hurricane, remember? Being sick is better than drowning.

[And over all, Amelia's not exactly keen on the dying thing, thanks. She's seen too much of it recently.]

Perhaps.

I must do what I can. It is as simple as that.

It certainly is.

[He might have actually chuckled just a bit.]

Still, you'll learn ways to work through it and to ignore it after a time.

We'll all do what we can. On land or on sea.

Wow. I would swear I just heard you laugh.

[It's rare enough that she'll tease him a bit.]

Hopefully. I doubt they're bringing in sand steamers any time soon.

Missions, you mean?

Yes.

We do them a favour, maybe they do us one.

Would they really give us guns? I suppose there's no harm in asking.

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Eighteenth Dispatch - [written]

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