First Dispatch - [written]

[captainhornblower]

October 13th,

I don't understand. I had hoped that if I took up this book and put my quill to the paper, I could write out those thoughts that disquiet my mind, but I find they are too numerous and tangled within one another to offer any sort of order in which to begin. I have read the so-called guide offered by this strange, bewitched book. Everything around me still seems impossible or a dream, at the least.

I am aware no one can tell me when I will be able to return to England, but my absence disturbs me still. I've an important engagement to attend, and the idea that I shall not miss it does not settle easily.

I suppose there are worse fates than this, however, and far worse prisons. [Spanish war prisons and debtors' prison, for two examples his mind provides.] I shall have to bide.

H. Hornblower

Comments

[written]

[selphie_t]

Sometimes, you just have to see things for yourself. The guide can only give you so much information.

At least it's a pretty prison, right? Serene? Peaceful? Maybe a little boring sometimes?

[written]

[captainhornblower]

[He was warned this would happen. It does not make it any less strange that the book writes back to him.]

As I said, there are worse prisons. However, I have not been here long enough to remark on most of its qualities.

[written]

[selphie_t]

Very true! We can eat as much as we want here and sleep all day if we wanted.

New to Luceti?

[written]

[captainhornblower]

I am, as I have said.

[written]

[selphie_t]

Gotcha! Well, once you get used to it, it's not all bad.

[written]

[captainhornblower]

I don't believe I've offered much in the way of complaint so far. If I have, that was not my intention.

[written]

[selphie_t]

I don't think you're complaining at all, Mr. Hornblower.