Twenty-three bells: [WRITTEN/ACTION]

[simplestgift]

This is Mr. Kennedy. The Britannia, Luceti's new sloop of war under command of Captain Hornblower, is finished and for all purposes ready to sail. Unfortunately, as she cannot sail herself, Captain Hornblower is in need of a crew.

Not many are required simply to sail her. A half dozen at least, although we should prefer more. We do not expect exclusivity--in Luceti, there is no point. If you are already part of another crew, you are welcome to remain a part of that crew and sail with us as well. As the winter months are approaching, we are not likely to weigh anchor for some time, so there will be plenty of time to train recruits who have no sailing experience.

Thank you, and I look forward to any questions you may have.

-A. Kennedy

[He's using the "Lt." less and less nowadays in his signature.

Tonight he'll be working at Cloud Nine. He'll be home late.]

Comments

[Written]

[simplestgift]

[A little while later.]

Two, possibly three thus far.

-Kennedy

[Written]

[all7seas]

Sailors?

[Because there ARE a fair few in Luceti, though he rarely sees them in action, apart from Law and his crew.]

[Written]

[simplestgift]

Some.

[Written]

[all7seas]

Well that's not so bad, is it?

[Written]

[simplestgift]

Better than I'd hoped.

[Written]

[all7seas]

Going to procure a cook?

[Written]

[simplestgift]

I confess, I never thought that far ahead. I was worried we might not even find crew enough to sail her.

[Voice]

[all7seas]

Pfft. Why on earth would you think like that?

[Voice]

[simplestgift]

Because I am a terrible first lieutenant?

[Voice]

[all7seas]

[There is just a kind of staggered silence at this, actually.]

[Voice]

[simplestgift]

[Did he just break Jack's brain? Oops.]

[Voice]

[all7seas]

Terrible how, exactly?

[Voice]

[simplestgift]

...We'll find out, I suppose.

[Voice]

[all7seas]

But I thought you did this sort of thing, Kennedy! With Hornblower! On the draft, certainly...?

[Voice]

[simplestgift]

...You'll learn not to mind me when I say things like this, Jack.

[Voice]

[all7seas]

I shall not. Listen to you! "I'm a terrible first lieutenant, Jack." "Call me Mister Kennedy." Are you or are you not the first mate?

[Voice]

[simplestgift]

I'm...I'm the first mate.

[Voice]

[all7seas]

Right. And have you or have you not all of the best interests of captain, ship, and crew at heart?

[Voice]

[simplestgift]

Of course I do, but...

[Voice]

[all7seas]

But?!

[Voice]

[simplestgift]

...But his lieutenant before me was Bush. I don't think I could compare.

[Voice]

[all7seas]

Then there's no hope for you, I'm afraid.

[Voice]

[simplestgift]

[Way to be encouraging.]

...Why?

[Voice]

[all7seas]

Comparing yourself to this Bush fellow! What is a bush but a very small, scruffy thing that wants to be a tree! And you, sir! You are a Kennedy. A dynastical sort of name, that. Regal. Leaderly. Fun to shout into the wind. Got "ken" in it, so very knowing. Bollocks to this "Bush" bloke!

[Voice]

[simplestgift]

[There's a pause, then some very surprised laughter.]