001. it's the way you name your ship | video

[onecertainly]

[ The video feed begins and a young man stares curiously into the camera. He has the distinct look of someone who's just climbed out of their deathbed and hastily tried to make themselves look presentable -- if there is a distinct look for such a thing -- and that would be because that's exactly what he's done.

Still, despite his obvious weariness, his expression is almost cheerful. ]

L-- [ No, not Lieutenant. Not anymore. ] Archie Kennedy. Warden Kennedy, I suppose. [ He raises his hand and it sort of lingers in the air because it strikes him that he has no idea if he should be saluting or not. Do wardens salute? Do convicted mutineers?

Likely not, so he lets it drop back down to his side. ]

This Admiral, he's -- [ There's a pause as he considers his next words carefully. He can't be too forward about his opinions of this mysterious figure, not so soon after the Renown. There's no telling who could be listening. Also, first impressions and all that.] -- well. He must be an interesting fellow to command such a vessel.

Does the entire crew dress as they please? If I must report to someone to receive uniform, I'd be obliged to learn at the very least his name. The one I'm wearing hardly seems appropriate. [ It's difficult to tell by the angle of the camera but he's wearing an old-fashioned naval uniform. It doesn't strike him as the correct attire for a warden. ] Thank you.

Comments

Private

[onecertainly]

Four months and he hasn't reformed the entire stock of inmates by now? I'm shocked. Our Mr. Hornblower must be getting lazy.

[ Archie wonders if he'll find his way aboard the barge as easily as Horatio or Bush. When he'd accepted the offer he hadn't been quite prepared for the vessel's eccentricities. ]

I hope so, Captain. Should be easier than eating turnips, I think.

[ Oh wait you probably don't know that joke but that's okay. ]

Re: Private

[shakenandlimp]

[He cannot help a fond smile. He may not know Archie, but their experience in common with the occasionally maddening and brilliant Hornblower must link them together somehow.]

I am sure he is only taking the time to make one of his extraordinary plans. I expect he will have entirely overturned the system of management here and replaced it with a better by this time next year.

Mister Kennedy-- as his friend, will you try to persuade him to ask for better quarters? We can all have a great deal for the asking and it irks me that he feels himself only entitled to a Lieutenant's berth when he could have -- well, what he deserves.

And if your quarters aren't comfortable for God's sake ask for better; the admiral can spare it and he asks more of us than His Majesty ever did.

Private

[onecertainly]

Mine suit me just fine, sir, thank you. I'll do my best with Mr. Hornblower, but I make no promises. We both know how stubborn the man can be when it strikes him.

[ Archie decides that this Other Bush isn't so bad. In fact, he and the Original Bush (calling him the "real" one doesn't seem kind) appear to be close enough in most ways. ]