Time for Tea, 11th June

Cotton frowned, thinking. "I think... I think the Captain'd make you both talk it over, though really, I think if one of you wasn't happy, then chances are the pair'd be split up." He shrugged. "I wouldn't've been happy if me an' Newb'ry had been split up, but it would have been for the best, at the time, so I'd've gone along with it. Captain wants folks to be happy. Well, content with things, which ain't quite the same thing."

"Well.. I'd be happy jus' havin' a partner." It was such a novelty - that -, that he would have been happy just having one. Though other than his chick, would he know how to be responsible for someone else? The life he had lead as a child was rather different to having a partner. Though lives were depended on then and now.

"But.. I guess.. I'd not have wanted him bein' unhappy." He looked at Cotton thoughtfully. "..I hated making you feel disappointed." And then as if he had said nothing of the sort he was back to dutifully taking on the various poses a rifleman would stand in, when firing. More dutifully and attentively perhaps than he needed.

"I'll live," Cotton replied, getting to his feet and brushing his trousers off with the hand that wasn't occupied with holding his rifle. "Reckon things'll work out somehow, even if we can't see how. They usu'lly do, after all." And they were back with the Army, too, which could only be a good thing for all concerned.

"..I'd go back to bring the women, if I could. Cotton." He murmured again and dusted his trousers. It did not take him long to kneel again and then sit up, resting for a few moments only. "Maybe we will all go hunt the Frogs soon and bring our ..your women back. Well, their women back." Cotton's woman was already in camp and he was one of the few fortunate who had his safe. He smiled remembering how she had managed to escape.

"How's Miss Cotton? She must have been thrilled to see you again."

"Maggie's all right, thanks for askin'," Cotton replied. "I dunno what's goin' to happen about the others, though."

He turned his head as Vickery called his name.

"Gotta go," he added hastily, scrambling to his feet. "You keep on practisin' them positions - though not right now this minute, of course." He turned back to the officer. "Comin', sir!"

Pye nodded and watched Cotton leave. Against Gabe's suggestion he had practiced the positions for a while, and then settled down. He felt hot, and tired and in want of some tea. This he also made for himself, staring thoughtfully into flame but keeping at a good distance from it.

(Eventually they end up here. in Partnerships formed)