|
Post by Ladorak on Jul 12, 2012 0:48:12 GMT -5
"Water? Of course. In a moment." the orderly said, tending to another patient by adjusting him a tad in his hammock and moving the pillow further up to make him more comfortable. He then moved over to the sole water barrel that supplied the sick berth. He removed a tin cup from the hook and dunked it in.
The orderly proceeded to walk as steadily as he could (in the pitching of the deck) back to Carrow, though he inevitably spilled a little before he reached the mouse. It was unavoidable this far forward on the ship. Fortunately it only stained his clothing, and it would dry soon in here, though "dry" was a relative term, as he was sweating on a fairly regular basis due to the galley stove operating. "Here you are then." the orderly said, holding out the cup for Carrow to take. "Everything all right?" he asked, noticing the somewhat distressed features of the mouse.
He briefly glanced over in the assistant surgeon's direction, though he was busy writing things down and would only occasionally glance around. He was actually a long tailed weasel, like Selvis, but was a born and bred Welkinite with some Australian in him, though he also had some Czech lineage as well, interestingly enough. His father had originally come from Kostritz, and had been a native Czech, but had emigrated first to Welkin, and then Australia later on, taking his family with him. But it hadn't been long after that when he'd simply abandoned them. He'd since passed away two years ago from lung cancer, not having fully reconciled with his son.
The assistant surgeon briefly met the orderly's gaze, but the orderly shook his head, indicating he had this for now.
"I should think not..." Alleline said confidently, smirking at the mention of heart borne illnesses affecting him.
"Well if you ask me... he just creates this cycle for himself." Ocean blinked, munching on his meat. "I mean he has such a low opinion of himself, that when he gets sick or acts frail, it just serves to cause him to view himself as such. He becomes so hard on himself that he isn't doing himself any real favors, and I think he just needs to work on improving his attitude a bit. That's more than half of the battle, as they say." the ermine stated.
"I mean I've been in the lowest of places at times... often times very much alone. Without family... I'll never know who my real parents are, after all. But I always found solace in God, and my holy calling with the Knights. Being a Knight Hospitaller is both a very great honor and a privilege for me, as not many get called into the service I do. I'm still humbled by it to this day, and I had to work hard to get in... but I just think if Carrow wouldn't constantly see the grays and blacks, that he'd be doing himself a world of good." Ocean pursed his lips again, thinking on his own words here. He needed some more beer.
Accordingly, the ermine quaffed away, taking a few more swigs, and swallowing audibly. "Well... whatever gives him solace... and no offense to him but he doesn't really seem to have laid that out very well... he needs to focus on more. I've devoted my life to my service, my faith, and my duty to the Knights. It's given me purpose and comfort... and I continually find new sources of inspiration for that as well, such as supporting my friends and looking out for my shipmates." he informed Selvis.
"So I think if he can just rework his mentality a little... it would help him immensely. Ahem... well..." he scooped up more of his raisins with his spoon, and shoveled them into his mouth. "Yes... the battle. Ladorak would not allow us to fall into a dangerous situation... he knows his job, and will always fight an advantage, or at least that's how I perceive him. He always fights to win... and that's what makes him so decisive, I guess." Ocean grinned now. "He and we for that matter, have yet to realize our full potential serving under him... and he in his career. I'm just waiting for it to break... I know it'll happen eventually."
He smiled now as Selvis mentioned perhaps joining him for some rest during the Second Dog Watch. "Oh yes... that's what I plan at least. Nothing like a little extra sleep before a long night to catch up and refresh oneself. It's something you should consider." He grinned now, winking at the weasel as he did so. He was making good progress on his supper, and would be done in another ten or fifteen minutes by his reckoning, but he still wanted to enjoy his full pint of beer after all, so would probably pace himself a little.
|
|
|
Post by Carrow on Jul 13, 2012 10:17:08 GMT -5
"Thank you, sir," Carrow said very softly, sighing just as quietly to himself as he thought about his situation. He was always getting himself sick or injured, and he knew that couldn't be good for the way the others saw him on the ship. There was something about that whole situation with Tally that had knocked him out of his stride. He hadn't felt quite the same way since it had finally clicked that she'd left him. He didn't know if he'd ever see her again, but that wasn't the most painful thing - the thing that killed him inside was that they could no longer be there for each other.
Since then, things had just gotten worse. He had hoped they would be together for a while; even if their relationship didn't last in the end, their friendship probably would have, but now he knew he might never get that chance. Now he was sick again, unable to take care of himself and relying on others to do it for him. Things were back to the way they had been for most of his life. He needed to change them and take the reins of his own life, because things were getting on top of him, even if he couldn't properly express that.
He watched as the weasel orderly returned to him with his drink, keeping his eyes on the mustelid as he willed himself to stay awake. Maybe it might have been better for him if he slept, because being left alone with his own thoughts at a time like this wasn't good; he was tired, he was frustrated, literally hot and bothered, but his body clock had a habit of malfunctioning when he slept - the last vestige of power his sleeping difficulties earlier in life had over him.
He was just going to have to try and rough it out, even if he himself knew that wasn't his style. Sometimes he hid from his problems, because he was scared. Right now, he was terrified, but he couldn't break down. He didn't want to resort to his same old defensive tactics, after all. He nodded shakily when his cup as pawed to him, and he took it with a trembling paw. "Th-thank you, sir," he stammered out in response, slowly sipping from it, and nodding again when he was asked if something was wrong.
"Yes, sir, there is. I can't help but be worried about what the others think of me, you see. I've been in the Sick Berth more times than most other creatures I know on this ship, and I'm wondering whether I'm at all cut out for life at sea. I didn't know the answer when I started, and I don't know the answer now. To be honest, I thought something like this would help me to toughen up, but no, nothing's changed," he said sadly, a hitch in his voice.
"I feel like I just keep letting myself down by getting sick like this, giving in to these things too easily. It says a lot about me, you know. I think that I don't have very much to show for myself after two years at sea. I thought I would have gotten better by now, but I haven't, and I feel like not only have I let myself down, I've let the Captain down... I've let all my friends down..." He sighed deeply. "You probably don't need to hear this, but I just needed to get it off my chest..." His whiskers drooped, and he wiped his eyes with his free paw, trying to maintain his composure.
--
"That's a good point, but at the same time, you have to understand, even though I'm sure you do, what he had to put up with when he was younger. Regardless of your opinion on whether he should have dragged himself out of things like that at this stage, if one constantly gets told they're less than, or weaker than, those around him, like Carrow did, eventually he'll start to believe it, and that sort of mentality is tough to break. Believe me, I've seen it. He gives himself a rough time because he doesn't know any better."
Selvis sighed, clearly exasperated with the situation. "Yeah, it's like you're saying; we all find solace in different things, but remember, Carrow's coming off a rough month. As well as this sickness, he's had to come to terms with Tally leaving him, after all; if his confidence is shot after something like that, can you blame him? I've seen that before, as well: when Dad left to go join the Merchant Marine, it took my Mum quite a while to get used to not having him around."
The weasel nodded when Ocean told him that he didn't think Carrow fell back on things enough when life was getting him down. "Well, I wouldn't quite say it's as bad as all that, but at the same time I don't think he realises what he has going for him. He has a new life, good friends and a sense of purpose that he'd longed for for years before he joined the ship. It might be hard for him to see it, especially with recent events, but he has it a lot better than he thinks. He needs to be reminded of that now more than ever, because you yourself have said that he starts feeling down when he gets injured or falls ill. We don't need him wondering if he'd be better off on land, after all."
The longtail didn't take long to finish his bread, and so was left with the rest of his half-pint of rum. "Yeah, I think so too. He can definitely change things for the better, but he'll need our support. There was that time last year where I thought he'd completely turned things around, but he's sort of slipped back into old habits since then, even if, like I said, recent events haven't helped his case very much at all. I suppose we'll just have to see. I don't doubt that he can change his ways if he puts his mind to it, but he has to try. Caden helped me when I was going through things of my own last year, so if Carrow needs help, he'll get it," the weasel told his friend.
The subject of the battle returned, and Selvis was unable to keep from smiling as Ocean told him that Ladorak was yet to realise his full potential in his career. "I agree. I think he has some big things coming his way. I know he's been waiting for it for a while, but there's nothing he can do right now except keep chipping away at things and hope he gets results. He certainly has an impressive work ethic. It's like I said earlier, he always sinks his teeth into something and doesn't let go until he has it. I admire that... wish I could be more like him, in that respect," he said thoughtfully.
"It's certainly something I'll consider, yes," the weasel responded with a grin of his own. "I've just had a large dinner, after all..." He paused to take another swig of his rum. It tasted good, and it was helping him unwind. He definitely felt like he needed that. One of his friends was going through a rough time, and that didn't sit well with him at all. "Right now, though, I feel quite full of energy... oh, and that reminds me. I have some news to share with you two. I'll get to Caden and Carrow later, if I can, but first: Ocean, you saw that important letter I received from my parents in May, correct? Well, things have developed since then!"
|
|
|
Post by Ladorak on Jul 13, 2012 11:33:36 GMT -5
The orderly shook his head, quickly correcting Carrow. "I don't outrank you, sir, you outrank me. I'm just a seajack volunteering as an orderly. So there's no sir on my end except when addressing you." he told the mouse.
The mouse then launched into some sob story about how he wasn't sure about his life here at sea and how he got sick all the time and mostly things the orderly could only half pay attention to because he needed to keep an eye on the sick berth as a whole, and make sure no one was in need of immediate assistance. There was one in particular over there suffering from a stomach bug... the orderly expected him to hurl at any minute.
He listened as best he could to the mouse, but honestly, he wasn't a psychiatrist, nor was that kind of thing even prevalent these days. "Uh... not sure what to tell you there, mate." the orderly said. "Just uh... do your best, I guess." he patted the mouse's chest now. "I think you'd KNOW if you were letting the captain down... he'd probably discharge you or something after all. Or discipline ya. THAT is letting the captain down... I wouldn't say getting sick all the time necessarily is."
As if on cue, the sailor with the sick stomach did start retching, and the orderly had to rush off, shooting an apologetic look to the mouse. "Sorry! Gotta clean this up!" he said, quickly grabbing an empty bucket to catch the remains of the fellow's stomach. "Here! Need some cleanup over here!" he shouted, another orderly rushing over. Fortunately, they had placed an empty bucket by his hammock, and the sick sailor was MOSTLY finding his mark.
The assistant surgeon shook his head... great... he was thinking of asking the captain for a transfer soon. Out of the sick berth. There had just been... too much trauma associated with nearly losing his co-worker, and having to deal with Kasal. For the first time in his life... he'd actually not enjoyed working under the marten. Kasal was brilliant, and deserved to be Surgeon of the Fleet (though he'd never accept that), but there was something about this previous case they'd worked... he just wasn't feeling it anymore. Maybe he needed time off... who knew?
As the orderlies cleaned up the mess, the one Carrow had been talking to looked back over at him. "Sorry... busy. But er... gotta be strong to serve in the navy, mate. That's... what I know, at least. You made a commitment to that for six years so... I'd say just... push away." He shrugged here, mopping up the mess with a sponge and squeezing it out into a bucket as he worked.
Ocean's eyes only widened at Selvis's response. "But Selvis... we've ALL gone through that!" Ocean insisted. "The captain has for a fact! I've spoken to him about it on numerous occasions! He was ALWAYS put down... and keep in mind... he arguably grew up worse than Carrow did! He was constantly hypnotized by Ublaz into thinking he was worthless, and nothing but a servant! He was mentally abused for years! I had to deal with that kind of thing too... I never knew my parents, as I was traded to Spender's family after I was born. I had to work my way up from the depths of nothing to get to where I am now... and granted, I'm older than all of you, but I'm a Knight Hospitaller now." he said, smiling. "I've achieved my goals so far because I believed I could and applied myself. And look at Caden!" he continued.
"Caden has had a rough life too! Growing up in the streets without his parents, and only really properly cared for by Ladorak three years ago. Even THEN he was bullied by Spender because of his albinism, and Carrow hasn't even been bullied since joining the Agamemnon! Caden's had it far rougher here than Carrow has, I think. Willard made that dumb comment too when brought before Ladorak several months ago... can't recall it... but you could tell he was jealous. So either way, Caden's come under way more fire here than Carrow has. He had his wrist broken too... which wasn't very nice of Spender to have done to him. So I just... he's no different than any of us, yet he treats himself like the victim. He ever stop and look around him at all? We've been through the same type of things! I think if he'd just put things in perspective, and stop thinking about only himself for a minute... he'd realize that. God doesn't want us being selfish, after all, and there's good reason for that." Ocean said, nodding with a serious look on his features. "Avarice, whether it be over physical things or oneself, is a sin regardless. Carrow might not be spiritual, but he's certainly being somewhat avaricious by hoarding his misery and seeing it as if he's the only sufferer here. That's not exactly fair to the rest of us, is it?" he asked. "I think I need to bring that up to him when I get a chance to go and see him in oh... about an hour and then some at this rate." he said, noting that supper was in its later stages now. "We can all relate and help each other, rather than wallow in our own misery. Just think of the sort of ship the Agamemnon would be if we ALL were like Carrow! Nobody would be talking to anybody!" he pointed out.
He scoffed at the mention of Tally, too. "Awww... Tally? Tally's the one at fault here, not Carrow. It's not the person who gets left behind, but the person who leaves that's the guilty party in a relationship... or at least in that particular relationship. Ladorak did nothing wrong, after all... Molly's the one who chose to not stay with him and depart... when he married her FOR the fact that she would stay with him, among other things. That's not respecting him as an individual, or his wishes to get married, and I think the same can be said for Tally. Carrow need not beat himself up over her." Ocean waved his paw dismissively. "He's done nothing wrong, and she's not good enough for him in my eyes. I'll talk to him about that as well, even if he doesn't want to hear it." the ermine stated.
"That's exactly MY point, mate!" Ocean exclaimed now, getting excited. "He DOES have good things going for him! He's got a home that moves him all over the globe... he's got his 'three square meals' a day as they say here, and he's got all the support and comradeship he can find! What more can you want? Except of course... maybe to be nobility or something." Ocean added, sticking out his tongue. "But still! At least that's POSSIBLE in Welkin. In Ferlusan it sure isn't if you aren't born into it. Same goes for many other nations. And even then, I DON'T think that's what's disappointing him." Ocean smirked, winking now. "He WILL have help... though I admit, Caden is probably the most qualified, as he's closest to him, after all. I just intend to tell him to stop whining and think about what would happen if Caden perished in combat... or something like that. He's taking his good things for granted, if you ask me. He should enjoy us... not beat himself up and ignore the good things around him just because he wants to feed his own misery by feeling sorry for himself. If Caden died... or Ladorak died... or you died... those would be REAL problems... not what he's currently going through." He shook his head here, mentally making notes of everything he'd said in order to rehash all of this to Carrow during the Second Dog Watch. "He's REALLY got to put things in perspective. Be THANKFUL for having Caden near him, and Ladorak as our captain. It could certainly be WAY different after all. He could be starving in some gutter in Muggidrear, with his friends dead and no one to care for him. What does he HONESTLY have to feel sorry about, right now?"
Alleline had remained mostly quiet... but that's because he'd been through some of the toughest journeys in his life, and he only saw it as you adapted and survived, or you gave in to your weakness and drowned. That was how the world worked. He wouldn't really contribute much to this conversation, and so focused on his supper instead.
Ocean leaned across the table a little to better hear Selvis. "Oho! News, is it? And yes... I think Ladorak can serve as inspiration for us all, though I don't think he fully knows that himself." Ocean grinned right back. He chugged his beer again, downing a full more gulps, before he wiped his mouth with his sleeve and listened to Selvis proceed. He was feeling a little tipsy at this point, but was doing his best to conceal it. "Yes... I sure did." Ocean said, nodding. "God has decided to bless your family with a child! I could hardly believe it myself, given it must've been well... it HAS been years... but that's very good news. Are your parents Catholic, by any chance?" Ocean asked curiously. "I'm assuming they moved... well not THEY but their ancestors immigrated to Ferlusan for a reason, after all... and I assumed that's bacause they wanted to be in the bastion of Catholicism?" he asked, smiling. "But yes... what are the developments?" he inquired eagerly.
|
|
|
Post by Carrow on Jul 16, 2012 6:56:51 GMT -5
Carrow was really feeling his fever at this stage, and his current low mood really wasn't helping matters, but he was trying to focus on the sound of the mustelid's voice; the conversation was helping him stay awake. "Regardless, I'm just trying to be polite... sir," Carrow added, smiling slightly at the long-tailed weasel. "Protocol or not, I try and treat most other creatures with the same kind of respect with which I myself would like to be treated. I may outrank you, but..." He broke off, coughing a few times and trying to clear his throat. "There's no way you're not older than me by at least two years - well, that's how you look to me - so there's the whole seniority thing too.
"It's difficult to explain, it's just... something I do," he said, shrugging slightly. There were certain other things he did he couldn't really help... which was why he was even in this situation in the first instance, on account of both his miserable outlook and his illness. He did however find himself listening quite intently to what the weasel had to say. He wasn't saying too much, but at the same time he wasn't wasting his words. He wasn't sure what to tell him? Well, Carrow knew how he felt, because half the time he felt like he didn't know what to say, or how to say it.
However, was being advised to do his best. Now, the rodent was usually of the opinion that his best was rarely, if ever, good enough, but he was going to keep that to himself, because he knew the orderly had other things on his mind, and he wasn't ready to spill his guts to a creature he'd only really known for about half an hour or so. In any case, he could probably try harder. Too often he seemed to take the easy way out, after all.
Having his chest patted was a comforting gesture, and even if he was burning up and not exactly thinking straight, he did manage a response to the mustelid. "I could be letting him down in other aspects, though. You don't know this, but two and a half years ago, I made the Captain a promise that I'd try not to let my emotions get the better of me... that I'd try to pawdle things better. I told him I'd try to keep it, but I don't think I've been doing a very good job. I should just try harder, I s'pose... like you said," he said in a very soft voice.
He merely smiled and shook his head when the weasel rushed off to clean up the sick sailor's mess. It was all right by him if the mustelid couldn't hang about, as he had some thinking to do. Some of it involved Ladorak. Maybe he needed to talk to the stoat about things, as he was always good for listening and offering advice. Carrow wished he could say the same about taking that advice, but he promised himself that he would try to make a change in that respect. There were only two others who knew him as well as Ladorak did: one was having supper, the other wouldn't respond to him until August. It was time for him to start seeing Ladorak and Caden for what they were; he felt like he hadn't been making as much of an effort with them recently as he could have.
The weasel addressed him again, and Carrow nodded in response. "Thanks, sir. That should help me. Honestly, I can be too obstinate to take advice at times, but I'll try and take yours," he said gently, laying back again as he heard his stomach rumble. He knew he'd have to be strong; he knew also that there was no reason he had to be like this anymore. It was time to grow up and move on, to leave those things behind... or try to at least. He had enough going for him to indicate that he'd come a long way. He had this habit of letting all the negative things in his life overwhelm him when he was feeling down, but he wasn't fated to stay that way forever. He could change that... and he was sure as Hellgates going to try.
--
Selvis said nothing as Ocean came back at him with what could only described as an excited tirade, merely nodding every now and then. He was interested in what his friend had to say, but didn't feel the need to contest any of the points he was making, precisely because he agreed with pretty much everything that was being said. Clearly, the ermine had some things he wanted to get off his chest regarding Carrow, and the weasel only sipped at his rum whilst he listened to his friend speak. Selvis felt that the bottom line was that his mouse companion needed assistance. He needed to stop feeling the way he did about himself, and if he couldn't do it on his own, he'd get help.
He knew that Ocean was putting a lot of himself, not to mention a lot of his beliefs, into his opinion on Carrow's current situation, but there was a line, and he'd be prepared to defend his diminutive companion if it was crossed. Luckily, though, Ocean hadn't done so; he was being sensible in his approach, and hadn't gotten carried away, even if Selvis had had Ocean down as the last creature to go off on a rant like this. He waited until Ocean had finished with the subject of the rodent's self-pitying ways, and moved on to discussion of more recent developments in his life, before responding. He felt like he needed a little while to formulate his thoughts regarding the field mouse, in any case, so it was nice for him to discuss other things for a moment.
He could also see just a trace of inebriation in Ocean's mannerisms at this stage (maybe the alcohol had contributed to his passionate response earlier), but chose not to comment on it for now, instead busying himself with a response to the ermine's question. "Yes, I do have some news, and I'll get into it in a moment, as it'll have repercussions for me if it does actually pan out the way I'm hoping, First, though: you're asking if my parents are Catholic. They are indeed. You wouldn't think so, given that, well, I'm not," he said with a small chuckle. "Thing is, though, they didn't raise me to be religious, instead wanting me to make my own decisions regarding faith and all that it entails. We don't discuss such things, and since I haven't actually seen my father in more than seven years, I don't know if he still goes to Mass or not. Nor do I know if his years spent in the Merchant Marine had any impact on his beliefs. Let's assume, for now, that he does. My Mum's faith has arguably been a little stronger than his, though I say arguably because the last time we saw each other, she definitely said she'd pray for me whilst I was away.
"As for the developments, well, it's been all but confirmed that they'll be moving sometime next year. They'll be returning to their ancestral home of Hibernia. They've told me that they need a change of scenery, but they'll have to wait a few months after the birth of the kit before doing so. The plan is to up sticks as soon as Briga is ready to travel again," he informed them, a wide smile on his face. "I can't say I was expecting all this to come together so soon, or even that they would try to conceive again, but I'm rather glad it happened!"
He cleared his throat a little before speaking again. "Now, as regards Carrow, I'm not going to prolong the argument, as I agree with most of what you're saying. You may tell him whatever you like when you go up to see him, but just do me a favour and try to tone it down a bit. You're obviously passionate about showing him the error of his ways, but please, for my sake as much as his, go a little easier on him than you might think necessary," he advised his friend.
"Whatever you think of what he's doing to himself, remember that he IS still feeling pretty poorly... possibly even running a fever from what I could see earlier. No doubt he's already upset enough over that. You don't need to risk making things worse for him. Sure, he needs to be told all that you're planning to tell him, there's no doubt about that, but, well... not in that way," he said. "You know every bit as well as I do that that's the case. He probably won't be thinking clearly, and might not be able to process everything you have to say. I'd expect similar treatment if I were in his situation, and you would too. There are times that a lot more can be achieved with cajoling and coaxing than with anything else, and that sort of thing works well with him. Just something I think you should keep in mind," he said with a wink.
|
|
|
Post by Ladorak on Jul 16, 2012 11:05:51 GMT -5
Ocean was pleased to hear that Selvis's parents were of the Catholic faith. "Oh I'm glad to hear that!" he exclaimed, grinning. "I'd love to meet them someday, even if your father may have changed. I think it's highly likely we'll be stopping in Crittenden on our way back to Welkin, after all, once this war is over. Ladorak enjoyed his time in port there I think... well aside from the bull fights, and I think it highly likely that we'll be seeing your home again before we see ours." he stated, winking. "I'll be happy to assist them with anything they may need." he told Selvis with a nod. "A Knight Hospitaller is always willing to lend a fellow Catholic a paw." he pointed out.
He was working on finishing up his meal, as he wanted to talk to Carrow before the First Dog Watch. He was shoveling the rest of his raisins in his mouth, and was working on finishing off his meat too.
He raised his brows in surprise when Selvis mentioned Hibernia. There were stirrings from that country of course... something to do with the United Hibernians' Movement or something. Ocean supported their goals of course... but not if they got Rosferia's backing. Rosferia loomed over that whole situation, threatening to invade to "liberate" Hibernia and cause trouble for Welkin. "Hibernia... really?" he asked in disbelief.
"Ferlusan seems a safer bet to live in though. They at least have a standing military, and aren't under... occupation I guess you could call it like Hibernia is. I understand they're Catholic but... Ferlusan probably is the better place to live. What about Welkin?" he asked, picking up his beer and downing it with audible gulps, a nervousness coming over him now.
"They've been looking to assimilate Hibernia forever, and I'm sure they're just waiting for the right pretext. And what if Rosferia invades and your parents are living there? That'll make things EXTREMELY difficult in terms of your service and being able to see them again. At least with Ferlusan you have a chance of visiting them again but Hibernia... it seems like they're throwing themselves at the meat grinder, there." he commented, shaking his head. Hibernia was one of the most volatile spots on the planet, now, particularly with what was going on.
"Huh... though I guess at this rate..." he pushed his plate and cup into the middle of the table now. Selvis of course, being mess cook, would have to stay a bit later to wash the plates and utensils for his table, in order to get them ready for the skeleton crew that would be coming down to eat soon. "Would that mean you wouldn't be living with the Captain and Caden then, because Hibernia's a lot closer than Ferlusan?" he inquired, suddenly noticing the time. He reckoned he had fifteen minutes to get up and speak with Carrow before the First Dog Watch arrived. Of course... living with Ladorak was ONLY if Selvis couldn't return to Ferlusan, and right now that wasn't even on the table. "I guess if it's what they want though... I'd just be careful... as it's looking more and more like Hibernia, which is barely a nation as is, might not be one much longer the way Welkin is working."
"Ah actually, I think I'll take Carrow's supper to him." Ocean reached out, and retrieved the still untouched plate. "I wanted to see him early, anyway. I'll take what you said to heart Selvis, though I think he needs to hear this all the same. I can't coddle him his whole life after all, because reality isn't going to do that. He's got to hear it, though I'll be as gentle as I can." the ermine stated, giving the weasel a nod. "See you fellows for work, then!" He then excused himself, and began weaving through the sailors who were getting up and moving about now that supper was winding down.
"So... that's what I wanted to say." Ocean finished, having just related to Carrow what he'd discussed with Selvis. He had given the mouse his supper, laying it on top of him in the hammock. "We were just... talking about it down below and well... I wanted you to hear it. All of it . Especially the bits about things and how they could be a lot worse." he said, nodding now as he pursed his lips and wrung his paws.
His ears were up, listening for the sound of two bells, which would herald the start of the First Dog Watch. He figured he had somewhere between ten and five minutes left, as he'd gotten up here in under five. "I uh... hope it was all right." he said. The rocking of the deck was rather noticeable up here, and the fact that he was feeling a little tipsy wasn't helping. But at least he had "liquid courage", as they called it. The ship creaked and groaned around him, which was normal of course, and something Ocean had gotten used to with time. It just seemed louder after he'd told all that to Carrow. Even the moans from the sick berth seemed quieter to him than usual.
"Does it at least... help any?" he asked hopefully.
Caden meanwhile had finished his supper early and had wandered up to the lower gun deck from the cockpit. Stewards were swarming about the cockpit now, washing up the plates and utensils down there, and getting it ready for those Midshipjacks who would be sleeping in another three hours.
While he'd briefly wanted to head up to the main deck to see where the Rosferians were, he was sure they were still miles away. He couldn't exactly lean over the tables to get a look out of the one of the gun ports down here, after all. He was instead wanting to see if Carrow, Selvis, and his old mess were around.
There was something he was noticing too. He now had to bend a lot more down here to avoid the beams, and especially so on the orlop deck. He was growing, and growing fast. He'd been 4'0" when he'd enlisted on the Agamemnon. Just about up to Ladorak's stomach in other words. Now though... he was 5'2" the last time he'd measured himself. His hammock used to swallow him whole... and now it was fitting better every day. The albino stood up to Ladorak's chest nowadays, and it was amazing how much he'd shot up in just the past year alone. He was almost 15... Selvis's words to him earlier still rang out. August was just a month away... and while he was celebrating his birthday at the end of it, he still knew that it was here much sooner than he was expecting. August seemed like forever when he heard of his real birthday... May was nice and early... but here they were, in early July, with his birthday just shy of two months off now.
His voice was changing too. It was no longer high and hoarse and didn't crack nearly as often. It was getting deeper... more "adult." While it wasn't really quite there yet, these were signs that Caden truly was a kit no longer.
His pink eyes spotted Selvis and Alleline... no sign of Carrow or Ocean, but that was fine. Smiling, he moved over to their table, sliding down next to Alleline and across from Selvis (Ocean's old seat) so that he could get a look out the gun port. "This seat taken?" he asked, grinning. "How was supper, lads?" he asked, chuckling a little at his use of the term, and knowing for Alleline at least, "lad" didn't really apply.
|
|
|
Post by Carrow on Jul 17, 2012 18:24:46 GMT -5
Selvis hastily swallowed his rum when Ocean told him what the situation was like in Hibernia. He'd had to, or otherwise he would have spat it out from shock. "It's that bad now, is it?," he asked in a surprisingly soft voice as he tried to keep his frustration under control. "I had no idea... but then again I haven't been able to keep up with such things. I've had to deal with my own stuff recently, after all. I've had one eye on Ferlusan and the other on my duties on the ship. I had... no idea," he said incredulously.
"Now you've got me thinking: how much about this do THEY know? I haven't responded to that letter yet, after all, and I feel like I'll need to just so they're made fully aware of what's going on. I mean, I knew the situation in Hibernia was volatile, but I didn't think it was like that to such an extent. This... changes things. They may have to keep their options open yet... and I seriously hope they have a Plan B. I'm going to write to them and make sure that they do, because I've realised that, in this life, things rarely, if ever, go exactly to plan. They might have to go with something else, after all," he explained.
"The political situation in Hibernia is... complicated, from what I've heard about it. There's a possibility of Rosferia invading, yes, and if that happens with my parents in the country, then I'll be just as cut off from them as I will be if Ferlusan defect. I just... I just... want to be able to keep in touch with them," he said pleadingly. "There has to be another way... I don't want them to become stuck... especially not... with the kit on the way..."
He sighed contemplatively. "It was stress that caused Briga to miscarry before... and I just wouldn't know what to do if that happened again. At the same time, they need a backup plan. I'm sure they don't want to find themselves stranded. Is the risk greater than the reward? I think so, but I wonder how they see it..." He shook his head when asked if a change in his parents' plans would mean a change in his own. "No, I've promised Caden and Ladorak that I'll stay with them if Ferlusan defects... and that's a promise I intend to keep. At this point, it's... more about me being able to keep in touch with my parents than anything else. I don't mind if I don't see them again, but... those letters we write to each other... they're important to me," he said, a pained expression briefly crossing his face as he drank the last of his rum.
"They want a fresh start, but if it's somewhere they could avoid being persecuted or possibly cut off from me, that would be the ideal place to settle down, and right now... I can't think of anywhere... unless..." His eyes widened, but he said no more on that subject. He'd have to try and work that out himself; maybe that was too drastic a change. "They just need to be careful, as you said," he told the ermine, nodding. "And that's good about Carrow. He needs to change, and we'll give him all the help we can manage. You can make a start on him, sure. I'll be along later. Hopefully you can get through to him. Good luck, mate. I'll see you later," he said, smiling at Ocean before the ermine departed.
He collected Alleline and Ocean's things, grouping them with his own before going over to clean them up. "I'll be back in a little while," he told Alleline, before going to attend to his Mess Cook duties. A few minutes later, that task had been taken care of, and now he just wanted to sit down and talk for a while before he went back to work. The longtail was feeling even more sociable than usual today, for reasons he hadn't quite figured out yet. His old bubbly personality was back, at least in part.
He did indeed sit down, across from Alleline once again, and his features lit up as Caden approached them. "Good to see you, mate," he said gently, smiling at his albino marten friend. "Heh, it was, but its previous occupant has gone upstairs to speak to a certain sick rodent friend of ours," he said gently. "Carrow's still up there, and thanks to Ocean, he now has his supper. As for mine, well, it was rather good. I'm looking forward to getting back to work for an hour, though. How was yours? There were certainly some interesting discussions had around this table - part of Ocean's being up in the Sick Berth right now is that he's going to try and give Carrow a boost of some sort. He had some things he needed to get off his chest, so I let him go first," he explained.
--
As difficult as it had been for Carrow to stay awake whilst he and Ocean had had their talk, his exhausted demeanour had shown the ermine that he was making considerable effort to listen to the mustelid's words - and what words they were. He had known this was going to become an issue sometime, but all the points that his friend made were correct. He was starting to see things the ermine's way; there were still some lingering bits of self-doubt, sure, but he was going to try and work on those.
"It does," he said without hesitation. He was only able to speak slowly, but he made an effort. "At least, I think it does. I'm not thinking too clearly right now... it's quite hard to do when one's suffering from a fever, as you well know," he told Ocean. "However, you've made some good points. I know that things could be a lot worse, but I've been doing something I'm going to try and stop... that is, focusing on smaller things and letting them become big things. I mean, I've been letting my recent health troubles get me down, but really, the only positive thing I can do is try and get through them the best I can... I don't know when this fever's going to break, and I'm quite sure it's going to get worse before it gets better - it did last time, after all... but I think it's the kind that will pass eventually," he said, shrugging a little.
"I have to break free of that kind of thinking, though. You make it sound like I've been taking you all for granted, but I know I have, in a way... every now and then I seem to get so hung up on what I've lost that I... don't realise what I've gained since then. It could be a lot worse for me, yes, and I know Caden's had a rougher ride of things on the Agamemnon than I have. He's able to let go of such things and move on from them, and well... if I am too, then I sure haven't been showing it. I need to set aside my ways and figure out what it is I have to change. I'm not sure who I am is working anymore," he admitted, sighing.
"At the same time, I know I have to change for the better: for myself and all my friends... I was... talking to one of the orderlies here earlier on, and he didn't have much to say, but he told me I just had to be strong. That... made me realise what I've been putting myself and the rest of you through. I was worried you all saw me as a liability, but... I know that the only reason I see myself as weak is that I've never tried to be strong. It's nobeast else's fault but mine. You, Caden, Alleline and Selvis have been nothing but supportive of me, and I've not really taken any advice you had to offer. I apologise for that, and I'll try to be better from now on..."
He paused here to start making inroads on his food. His strength was waning, certainly, but he knew he'd feel better, to a certain extent, once he had some food in him. Ocean's words had helped too, of course. He went for the bread first, taking some slow and thoughtful bites before swallowing and speaking again. "It's strange that you should mention Tally, though. Thoughts of her have been... coming back to me at the most unnecessary times, I'll admit - it's going to take a little longer for those particular wounds to heal than I, you, or anybeast else would like - but, well, I... wrote a letter to Archie at the start of June explaining what had happened, and I'd like to think I got most of that stuff out of my system with that.
"I also told her not to worry about me, and that I'd be OK soon... I think I should have done the same with the rest of you," he admitted. "I've been trying to work through that myself, and if I didn't talk that much to any of you about it, it's because I didn't feel comfortable with it... Those wounds were still quite raw even a few weeks ago, after all, and I've had, well, this -" he gestured to himself to indicate his current condition - "to deal with, as it's gotten worse and worse over the last while. So... sorry I didn't discuss this with you, Caden, or anybeast else when I should have. I was trying to deal with it myself, but I didn't do a particularly good job. I should share these things more often, I know that," he told Ocean with a smile.
"I've been doing enough of the talking for the last few moments, but I'm going to finish by saying I'm glad you even came up here at all, never mind that you came up to tell me those things, but... the latter, in particular, shows me that you care... you all care... and if you have to talk about me to my friends and plan things out before actually saying them to me, then it's quite serious. I didn't... know what I was putting you all through. I've been selfish, and I... haven't been a very good friend to any of you recently, because good friends don't hide things from each other unless they have no other choice. I had a choice... and I put myself first. I'm sorry... but like you've said to me, like I've already been told today... I just need to try again... not even that, just... try harder." He returned to his food after he had spoken, curious about what Ocean would have to say this time.
|
|
|
Post by Ladorak on Jul 18, 2012 0:33:38 GMT -5
"Ah yes... I'll get to seeing him on the Second Dog Watch. Can't really squeeze that in right now, as..." Caden paused, big ears perking up as he could hear a shuffling from up above him. The skeleton crew was coming down... and two bells had surely pealed. "Aha! Two bells! Start of the First Dog Watch, I'm sure. See? Just don't have the time... but will in about an hour." he informed the weasel.
He got up now, followed by the goanna sitting next to him. "Well..." he stretched as best he could down here. "Let's go see what Lieutenant Andrews has for us for the First Dog Watch." He made his way out amidships, and from there, started making his way up the stairs two flights to the weather deck to meet with their division commander, Sixth Lieutenant George Andrews.
Ocean smiled down at the mouse, nodding. "Well I'm glad. As said, I wouldn't worry too much about Tally... yes that will take longer to heal, but it will, with time. And who knows? Can see her when you go back to Welkin... IF you want to, that is. It'll be completely up to you." he patted the mouse on the paw.
There wasn't much time though, as two bells rang out directly above his head. "Ah! Gotta go, then! I'm glad we had this talk, and I'm glad you had time to respond in length to this. If you like, we can talk more later, but for now, I've got to get to my post! I'll be praying for you and your recovery, Carrow. Take care until we see each other again." the ermine said, giving the mouse a reassuring nod as he moved to exit the sick berth and get up to the weather deck.
And so the days passed. Ladorak managed to outrun his pursuers (though they did manage to get close to them that night) and make it safely into San Fiorenzo bay the next morning, firing guns as a warning as he went. Unfortunately, the stoat and his crew then had to chafe and wait endlessly for twelve hours while Hotham continued watering and provisioning his fleet, being delayed by that process as much by the contrary wind blowing into the harbor.
Much to Ladorak's chagrin, Admiral Martin (wisely) turned his fleet to the west upon counting 22 Welkinite warships at anchor. The stoat had to watch and do nothing as the Rosferians got further and further and further away on the horizon; eventually, they vanished altogether. Hotham finally set sail by 9 PM that night, once the wind had shifted and he was done provisioning the fleet.
The next few days were spent chasing what was only hoped at being the Rosferian fleet just over the horizon. The 9th turned into the 10th, and the 10th into the 11th. No sign was forthcoming of the Rosferians, and Ladorak was beginning to think they had slipped into Toulon ahead of them.
By the evening of the 12th, with the Hyeres Islands being due west of them by about 30 miles or so, the frigate Cyclops and sloop Fleche brought word to Hotham that the Rosferian fleet had been sighted south of the Hyeres Islands. As the wind had shifted from south-southwest to west-northwest, their progress had been clearly checked and they would be unable to enter Toulon with such a wind blowing right in their faces.
This was very fortunate news for Hotham, and he adjusted course to the southwest, ordering the fleet to prepare for battle, which included Clearing for Action. As the fleet made for the south of the Hyeres Islands, a sudden, violent gale sprang up, splitting the topsails of six of the ships, but Ladorak had reacted quickly enough and had managed to brace and reef his topsails accordingly, preventing such damage from taking place in the heavy seas.
It was now after midnight on the 13th of July... seven bells had sounded not too long ago in the Middle Watch, so the time was a little after 3:30 AM. Caden and his friends were on the larboard watch today, so that meant they'd be getting the full eight hours of sleep... just not back to back. They had slept from 8 PM until midnight, and then had been roused to stand watch during the Middle Watch, or between 12 AM and 4 AM. As the Middle Watch was almost over now, they were winding down and starting to look forward to their next four hours of sleep. It was fast approaching, and Caden in particular was looking forward to crawling back into his hammock and sleeping the rest of the morning away until 8 AM.
There wasn't much to do for the Middle Watch, though this one in particular had been an active one. Ladorak had stayed up, conversely ordering the crew aloft and then back down again in the heavy swell in order to ensure that the sails were properly cared for and weren't ripped to shreds. There was no rain fortunately... just a heavy wind. They would work the sails and then go back to the relative "quiet" of the Middle Watch, which mostly entailed making rounds of the ship to ensure it wasn't leaking or sinking, and keeping a lookout for the enemy.
The sun was not yet rising, and Caden yawned a little as he did his rounds, walking the weather deck and pausing by the larboard gunwale to look out at the frothy sea. This gale certainly wasn't making his walking of the ship any easier. He rubbed his eyes, coming down from the wakefulness he'd felt almost four hours ago. It was time to get back to sleep soon... a well earned rest that he was very much looking forward to.
Ocean was currently a hundred feet above the albino, standing in the crosstrees of the mainmast and scanning the dark waters for any sign of white sails or black hulls. Enemy ships were hard to spot at night... but he knew they were close, so he was making extra sure to be alert. The wind blew very heavily up here, and brought tears to his eyes every time he had to look out to the west. It wasn't a pleasant experience, being this high up, and knowing that an errant gust could send you hurtling to the deck or sea far below.
They were currently heading south on a starboard tack. Ocean was certain that he'd be seeing the Rosferians either due south or somewhere in the west... so it was with some surprise that a bright flare suddenly shot up from the decks of the Welkannia, the fleet flagship. The rocket burst behind them, bringing attention to the flagship now. Straining to see in the darkness, Ocean began to read the light signals being hoisted aloft in Welkannia's rigging, and then, the ones that were repeated by the Princess Royal, their division flagship. They were toward the front of the line, and Welkannia, being one of the slowest sailers in the fleet, was way behind them, at least a mile or two by Ocean's estimate.
His eyes widened as he discerned just what it was that Hotham was signaling though. "Whoa! Enemy fleet to... larboard?" he asked, confused by this. But that meant east... had they somehow gotten ahead of the Rosferians? Shifting his gaze out to the eastward, Ocean blinked just to be sure... yes! Off in the distance... five miles or so by his guess... there they were! Darkened hulls and just barely visible white sails. From the looks of it though, they were heading north, in the opposite direction of the Welkinites or on a larboard tack, in other words.
"Captain Fugate sir!" Ocean called down to the stoat. "Enemy sighted five miles to larboard!"
Ladorak immediately reacting, jogging to where Caden was standing, the albino already looking out to sea to see if he could spot the enemy. "Yeah!" Caden exclaimed, pointing. "There they are! See 'em?" he asked, having had to avert his eyes from the bursting rocket from Welkannia.
Ladorak opened his spyglass, and scanned the waters. "Yes... unmistakable... that's the Rosferians all right. They're heading north though... we'll have to wear in order to follow them. And... that also means that since we're at the front of the line heading south... we'll be at the back of the line if we start following." he growled. Not that that was a HUGE deal for the Agamemnon, as she could outrun every ship in the Welkinite fleet... it would just take awhile to get up there. "Are we being ordered to wear then, Jal Sleet?" Ladorak called up to Ocean as he clapped his spyglass closed.
Ocean squinted in the darkness, making out the light signals from Hotham's ship, which were repeated by Admiral Goodall's. "No... no sir!" he said, shaking his head. "Orders are to form in line of battle on the starboard tack!"
"What?" Ladorak snarled, wondering just what this was about. STARBOARD tack? Hotham WANTED them to keep sailing south? What the hell was this about? "Oh, Admiral Hotham... what are you doing? We should be wearing to start chasing the enemy! We have the weather gage after all... and even if we ARE currently scattered and not in a line of battle... he should just throw out the orders for General Chase anyway. The Rosferians ARE faster than we are, after all... so there's no point to maintaining a line of battle to chase them."
Caden heard Ladorak's words and wondered at Hotham's intentions himself. This certainly seemed like a blunder on their admiral's part. Forming a line of battle when the Rosferians were the faster fleet? It didn't seem wise.
The stoat was drumming his claws on the canvas covered hammock rails, contemplating what to do. "Right... we'll just have to follow the orders... quartermasters, I want you to start forming up with the other ships... maintain a line of battle on their bearing as they start forming up behind us." he ordered to the quartermasters at the wheel. "They'll PROBABLY be forming on us... but try to keep our division flagship, Princess Royal, in sight at all times. She'll be relaying Hotham's orders to us after all." Princess Royal was currently behind them, and starting to get in line behind the Agamemnon, whilst the two Neapolitan 74s which were ahead of Agamemnon were starting to form a line as well. "Stay on the stern of the Guiscardo, our next ahead!" Ladorak ordered. "Guiscardo will be second from the van, and we'll be third, unless ordered otherwise by Admiral Goodall, all right?" he asked, to which they acknowledged.
Caden went to find Selvis, who had been wandering close by him for the Middle Watch. Carrow was at the ship's bell, currently serving as time keeper. The albino motioned for Selvis to follow him over to the bell, and had to raise his voice a little to be heard above the wind, but his voice was loud enough that it wasn't too much of an issue. "Jeez! Didn't think we'd run into them this early! Though... five miles... even if we are to windward, that'll be a couple hours before we catch up. We should still be able to get our second sleeping period in... especially if Admiral Hotham doesn't turn us around." he told the weasel and mouse, sticking out his tongue. "You mates ready then? ...I'm not sure I'll be able to sleep now but... guess I may as well try in about... well probably ten minutes or so at this rate." he said, shaking his head as he glanced at the half hour glass hanging next to Carrow from the main stays. Every half hour when the sands ran out, Carrow had to flip the glass over and ring the bell the corresponding number of times. "How about you two? Figuring on sleeping any?" the albino asked around to his companions.
Because they had Cleared for Action, Caden was once again sleeping beside his comrades on the lower gun deck, as the cockpit was once more the sick berth of the Agamemnon. "I guess... if we aren't going to be engaging until close to daylight or even later... yeah... getting some more sleep in might do me some good." the albino commented now, holding on to his hat to keep it from blowing off in the heavy wind.
|
|
|
Post by Carrow on Jul 18, 2012 11:43:47 GMT -5
In many ways, Carrow was lucky he was even back on his paws by the morning of the 13th. His fever had really taken hold of him the day after he and Ocean had had their discussion. He had soon started refusing food, as when he had misjudged his breakfast on the morning of the 8th, he'd thrown it back up. He couldn't keep any solid food down, but had asked for oatmeal every now and then when he felt he could manage a meal.
This was unusual for the mouse, as he usually never touched the oatmeal, but he was in enough discomfort anyway that he didn't want to have to deal with the added strain that spending a few days without eating a thing would cause him. As before, his rest had to be induced for each night after things had taken a turn for the worse, as he was just in too much distress for it to be any different. His fever peaked on the 10th, and it had a far greater effect on him than similar symptoms around the same time last year had.
Despite the fact that he had been put to sleep earlier that night, the mouse was nonetheless wiped out by the intensity of the fever, alternately shivering and sweating. The sedative effects of what he had been given wore off after about five hours' worth of rest, and he had awoken in panic, feeling like his whole body had been set aflame. He'd eventually passed out at 1.30 on the 11th, his body no longer able to cope with the burden of continued consciousness. He was still breathing, but the ordeal had taken a lot out of him, as evinced by the fact that he remained unconscious for three hours, and deeply asleep for another four, ensuring that he missed his oatmeal breakfast.
Finally finding the strength to open his eyes at around 9.30am that morning, having gradually come out of his slumber but felt too weak to come awake completely, he found that he had almost melted into his hammock... and also that his fever had broken. Completely unable to move from exhaustion, he'd asked one of the orderlies to help prop him up, before he'd sank back down into sleep. He spent most of the 30 hours or so which followed alternating between consciousness and deep sleep, and if he missed a meal it was because he wasn't awake to receive it.
However, as supper time approached on July 12th, the mouse reasoned that he had regained enough strength to return to his usual eating and working habits. He ordered supper as usual, asking for a little bit of everything they had. He felt like he needed to treat himself after what he'd just gone through for the second time in little over a year. His friends had visited whenever they could, but whether they had talked much, he couldn't remember, because the last few days had really just been a blur. He remembered heat and pain, and that was that, more or less.
Just to be safe, he gave himself a good while after he had eaten before deciding what to do next; and so it was that he was finally able to check out of the Sick Berth at 6pm, reporting for duty at 6.30 once he'd made absolutely certain that he was able to begin working again. Of course, he was back in his hammock (on the lower gun deck) at 8pm, and even if he didn't particularly need the four hours of sleep after all the rest he'd had over the previous day and a half, he took them anyway.
--
Selvis, on the other paw, had definitely needed those first four hours of sleep. The first thing he knew about Carrow being out of the Sick Berth was when he had gone down below to sleep at 8pm to find the field mouse back in his usual spot. He'd appeared to be sleeping rather soundly at that point anyway, and the longtail didn't have the heart to wake him, so he let him rest, and soon joined the mouse in slumber. They both awoke at midnight, along with Caden, and warm greetings were exchanged before Carrow went to report to the on-duty Quartermaster.
The weasel still hadn't written a letter home to his parents, but he was hoping to get something sent off the next time he was able. He had been formulating a plan that ensured he'd have the best of both worlds in terms of his being able to contact them, and their safety; if anything happened to the kit in Hibernia he'd never be able to forgive himself. If they didn't have a Plan B, he'd provide them with one. He just needed to figure out where they'd be safest first.
Selvis, meanwhile, would be working with Caden, as per usual, for the next four hours. Soon, the two friends were busy in their different areas of the ship. Carrow was playing the role of timekeeper tonight, and while that job wasn't the most strenuous of things, he knew he had to remain alert during the Middle Watch. He took up his position by the Ship's Bell and rang it every half-hour after he'd flipped over the glass. He had to keep an eye on the sand within the glass, and that was a little tricky to do in the dead of night, but he was managing just fine.
His weasel companion had spotted Caden when the pine marten came over to have a word with him. He'd also seen the flare from the Welkannia, and it looked like the Rosferians couldn't be any more than five miles off at this stage. It was unlikely they'd be engaging within the next hour, so he was looking forward to some rest. He threw the albino a salute, smiling "It's about damn time, if you ask me. I've been looking forward to this battle for a few days now, so I'll relish being able to finally engage them!," he said enthusiastically. "And yes... hopefully Admiral Hotham will do us a favour in that respect... it'd be nice for once," he muttered.
"I'll certainly try to sleep," Carrow piped up, having saluted once he'd spotted Caden. "My sleeping habits have sorted themselves out, I think - though I'd be hoping that after I spent a good chunk of the last two days basically unconscious," he said, chuckling. "I'm feeling a lot better now, and I'm feeling rather energetic at this point, though you know I'd never turn down the opportunity to get another few hours's sleep, heheh. I could probably use it, even if I've only really been standing around for the last few hours.
"Hope I'm not too rusty with all that this upcoming battle will entail, though - I've been sick, to various extents, for the last two weeks, and I've not been at my best for a while, so hopefully I'll be able to step up when we do finally engage the Rosferians! I'm looking forward to it just as much as I was a few days ago, so that's a good sign, right?," he said with a chuckle, windmilling his arms a bit as his current duties weren't the most active, and he needed to remain alert, even if it was only for the next ten or so minutes.
|
|
|
Post by Ladorak on Jul 18, 2012 13:19:57 GMT -5
"Well, that's what most of us do during the Middle Watch." Caden replied, chuckling. "We don't really get a lot of opportunity for really intense work, as one can barely see at this time of night, after all." the albino pointed out.
"I'm sure you'll fall back into things easily enough... I realize you have a lot of commands to memorize... but then again so do I, as I have to practice giving them." Caden winked. "Blast this wind though... certainly makes for quite the gale." he shouted, still raising his voice to be heard. The ship was rocking and swaying and bucking in the heavy seas, the deck pitching under their paws, though she was a far sturdier ride than a frigate would've been in this weather.
"Leave it to Admiral Hotham to waste a perfectly good opportunity to pursue the enemy!" the voice came from Ladorak, the monocled captain having wandered over to them now. "We SHOULD be wearing to pursue them! We have the weather gage after all... and that was something I was certainly not expecting! Somehow... we managed to get ahead of them in the night, though I guess if we were heading southwest and they were heading north or south, we WOULD have passed them at some point." he commented.
Caden saluted, and nodded, still holding onto his hat. "Yes sir... I was thinking the same thing. Why can't we just start pursuing them? I mean they're right THERE after all, and we have the weather gage, like you said! We have a chance to destroy the whole Mediterranean Fleet! Why is he forming a line of battle first?"
Ladorak could only shake his head. "Admiral Hotham's reasoning is beyond me at this point, sadly. We'll just have to see how this one plays out... I'll be up all night after all... I can't sleep knowing a battle could be on the horizon. I've got terrible insomnia during times like these. You should all try and sleep though. You'll need your rest for the Forenoon Watch and the hopefully upcoming combat. I'd say we're..." he paused, looking up at the stars now, then back at the Rosferian ships.
"Hm... possibly 17 miles from the Rosferian coast or so. Wouldn't be able to see it in the dark, but we've cut them off from Toulon, and that's important. The nearest port for them would be Frejus... that's most likely why they're sailing north. They can't possibly reach Toulon with the wind as is, so Frejus is the next best thing for them." the stoat captain explained.
The sands expired in the half-hour glass, and Carrow would of course be turning that over again and sounding out eight bells. "Well! That's the start of the Morning Watch, then! I'll see you all in four hours' time!" the stoat exclaimed. "Sleep well, everyone! If we happen to engage before the Morning Watch is out, you will of course be roused for Beat to Quarters. Good night to everyone." He gave them a nod, and started moving aft to start coordinating the ship's movements with the rest of the fleet. He was figuring on doing his morning workout routine as well, as he didn't think he'd be getting any sleep tonight.
Caden saluted him as he left, and turned to his friends, stretching. "Well... let's get down below and get the second half of our eight hours of rest!" he said eagerly, looking forward to his full night's sleep that still lay ahead of him. They of course had to rouse the starboard watch to head up top and begin the process of holystoning the decks.
The albino made for the main hatch now, intending to take that down to the lower gun deck. The ship was in a state of battle readiness, having sand spread out across the gun decks, and the support pillars knocked out to allow ease of movement along the length of the ship. The guns were also loaded and ready to fire, and were secured properly with the train tackles and breeching ropes so that they couldn't move. The tompions WERE however left in them, to prevent salt and moisture from entering the barrel and getting the powder wet.
He paused to take one last look over at the dark ships out to sea, and then headed down below. The upper gun deck was completely dark, and he waited a minute or two for his eyes to adjust. He then proceeded further down the stairs to the lower gun deck, where already the sleeping starboard watch was being roused by their fellow crew mates. Caden's hammock was already hung, having been slung at 8 PM. His job was to wake up the crew sleeping nearest to his own hammock, as it was for each individual sailor as well.
"All right jacks!" Caden said in a loud whisper, tapping a few of the sleeping crew as he went by them. "Rise and shine! Time to start the Morning Watch! Rise and shine! Morning Watch is starting! Let's get up!" he shook the creature sleeping next to his hammock, waiting until the sailor stirred. "Time for work! Morning Watch time! Get up!"
Ocean had made his way down from the main tops, and had gingerly picked his way down the shrouds, arriving a little after Caden and the others. He too was helping to rouse the sleeping crew. "Time for work! Morning Watch is starting!" he was calling through the gun deck. Bit by bit, the starboard watch swung out of their hammocks, stretched, and began making their way topside.
"There we go! That's it! Look alive! We've seen the enemy, and we'll most likely be engaging! There we go! That's it! Up and at 'em!" Caden was saying, in louder tones now as he watched the starboard watch move. They began filing up the stairs, the thudding and pounding of their pawsteps sounding above his head as they reached the upper gun deck. They moved with a greater purpose now. They had seen the enemy! Combat on the horizon! That was enough to get even the tiredest of them springing out of sleep.
"We seem to get lucky, you know." Caden told his friends, removing his hat and hanging it from one of the hooks that his hammock hung from. "Last time if I recall we got to sleep in before the battle as well... the first day at least." he said, smiling. He yawned now, and began fluffing his mattress out a little bit, and beating it a tad to reshape it. He did the same to his pillow, and then turned to look at Selvis and Carrow. "Well mates... have a great sleep, and pleasant dreams. See you in hopefully four hours, if not less!" he exclaimed, and hoisted himself up and into his hammock, the canvas sheet swaying a little from the momentum.
No matter how violently the ship was moving, they would be relatively calm, as a hammock had its own center of gravity, and would remain mostly still despite the swaying and rocking of the ship.
Caden had to admit, it was a different world for him now. The ship's rocking had been uncomfortable at best, but now he was suspended in mid-air... hovering several feet off the deck. He slept closer to Selvis, as Carrow had to sleep along the hull with the other petty officers (in case of mutiny so that the crew could be easily surrounded), but the mouse was only a few hammocks over. Yawning again, Caden settled into his hammock, rolling onto his side to face Selvis.
"It's not every night we get to do this." he told his weasel friend, smiling. "Goodnight, Selvis." he whispered, and slowly closed his pink eyes, putting his forepaws right under his chin as he pulled his blanket up and around him. In just a few minutes more, he had relaxed enough to slip off into sleep, and was slumbering peacefully along with most of the larboard watch.
|
|
|
Post by Carrow on Jul 21, 2012 18:12:11 GMT -5
"Oh, yes, of course," Carrow said with a small chuckle of his own, "but intense physical work is just the kind of thing I need to get myself back into the swing of things. At the same time, we need to take it easy for now, as it's a given as we'll be commencing combat tomorrow, and it wouldn't be good for us to be overworked before then. No doubt I'll have time to adjust before we actually engage the enemy. I'm quite looking forward to the morning and whatever it may bring," he told his companions, an eager expression on his face that conveyed his emotions perfectly, even though they were all relying on their night vision.
"I'd be careful if I were you, Carrow," Selvis cautioned his friend. "It's going to be hot as Hellgates wherever you are tomorrow - even if you're not on either of the gun decks, it'll be impossible to escape, so ensure you stay hydrated; last thing any of us needs is you having a relapse, after all. You're a good way off rom peak condition yet, so just take care, OK?," he asked the field mouse, a trace of concern in his voice. The rodent had acknowledged that he needed to be strong from now on, but there was only so much a creature could take down there in the sweltering heat of battle. If they got to the point where the sun was high in the sky and they were still fighting, there would be mad dashes to the water casks after every turn.
"Thanks, guys," the mouse told his mustelid companions, still smiling. "I agree, Caden, it's difficult to forget such things when one's had them drilled into his mind for much of the last four months. I may end up surprising myself yet!" Like his pine marten friend, the rodent (who was among the most soft-spoken creatures on the ship) had to raise his voice to ensure he was heard; the gale blowing around them made such things necessary. It wasn't exactly the warmest of winds, either, but the mouse had needed to cool down, so that was fine by him. "As for you, I'mquite sure you'll do as good a job as you've been doing since you were promoted last year. You took to your new role even faster than I had expected, and you've gotten better ever since," he praised his friend.
Selvis, meanwhile, was finding that he had an increasing number of bones to pick with the capybara Admiral. They'd been hunting the Rosferians for six days, and the first decent opportunity they'd had to engage them had been, as per usual, squandered by Hotham. "I wouldn't have expected anything different from him, but it is most unfortunate that what he says, goes. We shall just have to see, but at this point I know we won't have to wait too much longer before we finally get to take on the Rosferians. Even so, we could have done without this being drawn out any further than it has been," he mumbled. "I mean, I appreciate an extra four hours' rest as much as the next beast, but still..."
He trailed off, sighing. His mouse friend, on the other paw, merely shrugged. "At least we're ready. We've been waiting for something like this for the guts of a week, so that's given us adequate time in which to prepare. Soon as the Beat to Quarters is sounded, this place will be a hive of activity. I would say there'll be plenty of creatures in your position, Captain Fugate, sir," he told Ladorak, giving the stoat a sympathetic look. There was a time when he had been unable to sleep before battles, or at most other times, and even though those days were gone, he knew how it felt. It could be rather painful sometimes. "At least it's the anticipation keeping you up, and if I lose any sleep tonight, it'll be over that and nothing else," he quipped, smile widening.
"Yes, just think of tomorrow," Selvis chipped in, giving the stoat a smile. "You're in your element when in combat, sir, there's absolutely no doubt about that!" Carrow had been keeping one eye on his friends and another on the half-hour glass, and as soon as he saw the sands with the device expire, he turned it over and sounded out the eight bells that signalled the end of one shift and the start of the next: ding-ding, ding-ding, ding-ding, ding-ding. He smiled as Ladorak said his farewell - no doubt he'd keep himself occupied in his insomniac state. "See you later, sir!," he responded, both he and his weasel friend saluting the stoat before he departed.
With perfect comic timing, Selvis yawned after Caden had finished speaking, and he chuckled afterward. "Oh, well it certainly sounds like I'm ready for some more rest. I've been losing a little sleep lately, thinking about my parents back home and what I'm going to put in the next letter I send to them. I'm going to have to try to ensure that they think things through with the move, after all. I have a plan coming together, but such things have been keeping me awake a little longer than I'd like recently, No such thing shall be happening tonight, though - my body's definitely ready for more shuteye!" He started to follow Caden and Carrow down to the lower gun deck, glad that his pine marten friend would be close by, It was always quite special when they were all close to each other in their hammocks... just like old times.
Things have certainly changed in two years, he thought, reflecting on things with a small smile. He let Carrow go down the main hatch ahead of him, knowing the mouse had a little difficulty with such things, especially when it was hard to see. He knew that it would be pitch black down there, after all. All three made it down below safely, though, and the mouse and weasel joined their friend in rousing the Morning Watch. "Wakey, wakey," Carrow whispered. "Time for the Morning Watch, mates," he told them. One of the creatures he roused was another of the Quartermaster's Mates, a badger who wasn't the biggest fan of mornings but always made the effort. He yawned, opening his eyes and swinging out of his hammock, giving the mouse a smile before heading topside with the others.
"Good luck up there, mate!," he told the mustelid as he passed him. "We'll be engaging with the enemy sooner rather than later, you know!" Selvis, too, did his part to rouse the sleeping crew, and he bumped into Evi Panettos down there as well, though thankfully not literally - hedgehog spikes were painful, and no doubt he would have roused the rest of the crew on his own with a reaction to such a development. He patted him gently on the back as he passed him on the way to his hammock; no doubt they'd be catching up in the morning. He wondered if the anxious creature would take the latest developments all that well, but Selvis reckoned that if one wasn't nervous before a battle, something was wrong.
Carrow followed Caden's lead and hung up his hat. He'd used to sleep with it on, but now elected not to. He was a few rows over from his companions, as he slept with the rest of the petty officers, but he made sure his voice could be heard as he changed into his pyjamas. "Yes, we do - we always seem to function much better after some rest, and that works in our favour during the battles. I'm more comfortable with such things now than I have ever been, and the fact that we have such a great crew here has helped with that as much as the fact that I can actually sleep properly at nights now," he said with a smile, finished getting changed by this stage. He clambered into his hammock, curling his tail around his footpaws as he waited to settle down to sleep. "Goodnight, you two. Pleasant dreams," he said softly before closing his eyes.
Selvis climbed into his hammock, sighing peacefully. "You and I, we seem to work better together now than we ever did before," he told Caden, smiling over at him as he settled down, his fluffy tail swaying slowly in contentment. "Carrow's got a point. I'm thankful we still get to work together, because it shows just how far our friendship has come since we started out," he said thoughtfully. Around this time last year, he had been in a dark place, but thankfully, those times had now passed. He smiled dreamily in response to his friend's words. "Indeed, it's not - and that makes it all the more special," he said with another contented sigh. "G'night, Caden. I'll see you in a few hours," he said softly, still smiling as he watched his companion fall asleep. He soon joined his friends in slumber, the last thoughts that crossed his mind being those of this parents - so close, and yet so far away. He'd have to write to them when the battle was concluded.
|
|