captainhornblower | Second Dispatch

Second Dispatch - [written]

December 2nd,

I have asked a few individuals before my time with our [His pen hesitates, but he doesn't know what they can see. Since this book is obviously magical, he may as well be cautious.] hosts, and now, given the task they assigned me, I wish to ask the community at large.

In your harbour, there is a sloop-of-war with British colours on her called Britannia. Does she have a captain here?

I believe, with a bit of work (as she has been adequately maintained but requires attention in a few areas), she would be ready to take to sea come spring, provided there is a crew to do it. I am willing to [eager to, desperate to] take on that responsibility, but I would not wish to interfere with an already-present chain of command.

H. Hornblower

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Probably just along the coast of the land, see how far it stretches for myself, Miss. Then, on another voyage, see how far east one can go before running into this barricade.

Would it be possible for someone not in the crew to see the ship?

Not to get in the way, just to see it.

Of course, Miss. You're welcome any time, so long as you give me a bit of warning. Whether just to see her or to come sailing once she's ready for the sea and has a crew. An extra passenger or two would be fine.

Oh, I wouldn't try to surprise you or anything! If I did, I could probably ask Richard when would be good. I mean, I'm sure he'd tell me when it'd be ready for people to come see, or ride on.

I've never actually been on a boat, or seen one in person.

One never knows what is considered proper warning here. I've found that most things I think are common knowledge aren't, so I thought I'd offer a warning about giving me notice.

I'm sure Major Sharp would be happy to bring you.

In that case, thank you very much.

Is it fun? Sailing, I mean?

[He's used to sailing in times of war. In being pulled into battle or constantly on the look out for it.

But, for a young lady--]

It is. I'm rather used to living on a ship, actually.

Is it very different from living on land? What's it like?

[ She's extremely curious about all things oceanic, since...well.

Mountains. There wasn't an ocean in Twelve. ]

It is, especially in the Navy. You have an important job to do, and you might have to do it even when you were expecting to sleep. So you always have to be ready for anything.

[And the million things that can go wrong, but he won't go into that.]

It's very, very strange at first, but you get used to it.

Have you run into any danger while sailing here?

[ Should she worry about Richard? ]

I've never sailed here, I'm afraid, but I believe the barrier means we won't run into any danger.

[Not that he won't be prepared for it.]

So it keeps out dangerous sea creatures too, you think?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Second Dispatch - [written]

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