Twenty-one Bells: [ACTION/VOICE]

[simplestgift]

[Archie has barely been around town lately, but he does appear in town this afternoon, dashing about to various shops and stores and picking up various one-use items and lots and lots of groceries. He seems to have one thing on his mind.

Later, he'll sit at the fountain and send out the voice message:]

This is Mr. Kennedy. If anyone is in need of me, I shall be at the beach house for most of the week. You can reach me there or on the journals.

Moreover, Mr. Hornblower and I are wondering if anyone would be interested in helping to build a ship. A sloop-of-war, to be specific, with room and ports enough for eighteen or twenty-two guns. I cannot claim we have a practical use for itm besides exploration, but it would be something to do. We have the plans drawn up, and all we need is enough hands to make it possible. We would be grateful for any help at all.

[After this, he'll be walking back to the beach house, where he's been babysitting Jack Sparrow since yesterday.]

Comments

[voice - 50%]

[simplestgift]

I want it to stop for a little, Horatio. A voyage would have been just the thing, if only it hadn't been spent taking care of Jack.

...The pirate, Jack.

[voice - 50%]

[captainhornblower]

You did the right thing, Archie, looking out for him.

[A beat. Might as well update him on the other Jack.]

I've put Captain Aubrey in W-- [he catches himself] ha--h'm [a slightly clearing of the throat] --in the extra room.

I don't think he'll stay long. Just getting his bearings.

[voice - 50%]

[simplestgift]

How is he?

[voice - 50%]

[captainhornblower]

[Finally, a proper chuckle.]

Adjusting.

It's... very strange for him. [As they can well understand.]

[voice - 50%]

[simplestgift]

As well it should be.

[voice - 50%]

[captainhornblower]

I think he likes the coffee maker, though.

[voice - 50%]

[simplestgift]

Of course he does, Mr. Hornblower. Do remember to eat something and not just drink coffee.

[voice - 50%]

[captainhornblower]

I will, Mr. Kennedy. I promise.

[A beat. He's... unsure. Prepared for a small disaster, actually. Not at all from Archie, but from the situation itself.]

He... mentioned cooking. Tomorrow evening.

[voice - 50%]

[simplestgift]

...Cooking?

[voice - 50%]

[captainhornblower]

...Cooking.

[voice - 50%]

[simplestgift]

Is he...?

[Good?]

[voice - 50%]

[captainhornblower]

I have no idea.

[voice - 50%]

[simplestgift]

Tell me, will you?

[voice - 50%]

[captainhornblower]

...You're going to make me eat it alone?

That's cruel, Archie. [But he chuckles.]

[voice - 50%]

[simplestgift]

[A chuckle.] I suppose I could brave it with you, if Jack can be left alone for a few hours.

[voice - 50%]

[captainhornblower]

If you can manage. I would certainly be grateful for the company.

From the supplies he's asked for... if he can cook, it will be a good meal.

[voice - 50%]

[simplestgift]

What is he making? [Oh, the possibilities of a decent meal...]

[voice - 50%]

[captainhornblower]

Mincemeat pies.

If they prove edible and you cannot leave Sparrow, I'll bring them over tomorrow evening. [But... hoping Sparrow will be able to spare you, certainly.]

[voice - 50%]

[simplestgift]

Mincemeat pies! You told him, didn't you?

[voice - 50%]

[captainhornblower]

Told him what?

[The chuckle, though, says it all.]

[voice - 50%]

[simplestgift]

[Oh Horatio, you have no idea how you've made his day. No idea at all. Suddenly every melancholy, every poke of stress, flies away at the prospect of a proper meal.]

Horatio Hornblower, you are a saint among saints, a rose among thorns, a ruby in the wasting desert sands! My dear Horatio, I could kiss you! And don't be certain I will not--I'm not very far from you, you know.

[voice - 50%]

[captainhornblower]

[Horatio laughs a little.]

Now, now, Archie.

Let us make sure the man doesn't poison us before you praise me.

[voice - 50%]

[simplestgift]

Poison? Poison! Horatio, I've taken every bite for the last eight months with the grain of salt that I must like it, because this must be home now. But to have a taste of home! Even if it is bad, it will be a taste of home!

[voice - 50%]

[captainhornblower]

[He can't help but chuckle again. It's good to hear Archie's voice like that, and it lifts his own spirits to hear Archie's up a bit.]

Hopefully it will be a good taste of home.

[voice - 50%]

[simplestgift]

Home. [And suddenly, unbidden tears are stinging Archie's eyes. Real food, normal company, an actual dinner like they'd have between officers back home. And Horatio had mentioned the mincemeat pie. He really is the best friend anyone ever had, and how could Archie forget it for even one second?]