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*grins wickedly* As you wish, sir. C'mon, Thompson. Let's get this lad secured.

You'd be surprised, sir. I'll take a draught, Doctor, once this business is finished!

Of course, Corporal - any specific complaints? Now, let us sort out the young gentlemen before one of the captains discovers him in this state.

*Grins* Drunk as a lord, you said, my dear. And I was the only lord around. It can be hurtful to be used as a proverb.

The Marines seem adept at this sort of punishment. I will take care not to cross any of them, even those called Cross (or is his real name Norman Johnson!)

*grins back* Oh, I beg your pardon. Your English idioms - I still have trouble with them. I should have said "as arrogant and as pompous as an Earl" then?

This is no punishment, but the attempted avoidance of one. Of course, I am of the opinion that this young man deserves one. Shameful manners, utterly shameful.

Comin', Corporal.

*to Edrington* Folks get told to 'tell it to the Marines'. You'd be amazed what I've heared, over the years, sir.

*turns trying to get from the prosecutors while they be distracted* Willing souls.. I be damned... The marines 'rnot t' be bothered by anything! *and now a famous attempt of a dive under the arms dash for the door, hopefully not tripping over one's own feet in the process*

Specific complaints? Don't this supposed young gentleman here count? Here now, where're you goin'? *grabs for the midshipman's coat*

Mister De Guarde, come back here this instant!

What the...

*manages to get in the way, more by luck than judgment*

C'me 'ere, you... young gennelman, you, sir!

*shrugs the coat of his shoulders when feeling it yanked, and dives for the opening to the left, inbetween the desk and door.* I'll be damned if I do! *colides private Thompson* Oh.. *a subtle curse as he scampers upwards, trying to get out of the way before hands would come reaching*

*clambers up on deck after De Guarde, and manages to grasp his arm* Now, Mister De Guarde, enough of this - it is dangerous on deck and most unseemly.

*is quick to follow, taking care to heave the middie's coat over the side once he gets topside* A clever trick, sir, but useless. *looks over at Maturin* Shall we get him his own little grating, sir?

... hmpf. *looks at the two sulkily, but makes no attempt to run for it again. Common sense telling him that to do so, would result in a similar failure.

It was your own choice, sir, no use fightin' it.

You got your cane, Corporal, or d'you want me to find the bosun?

Don't need a cane, really. This here's better for it. *pats his sword hilt*

No, no, none of that. *turns to the midshipman* Will you behave, now, and come down to the sick-bay? Or will I agree with our marines here?

NO...agreeing to them.. lot. *a hesitant pause with some nervous shuffling of feet*.. I.. uhm... uhm... *looking nervously at the enthusiastic merry bunch of caners XD* .... I'll... *looking rather wretched* ..come back with you. *wearily glancing at Johnson's sword hilt*...and behave... too. *mumble*

I am glad to hear it - come down now, and we will have you in a fit state for an Admiral's inspection in no time.

Aye sir.. can you tell them to go too, first? *points to the marines* It isn't proper that they stay witness to.. that humiliating act, sir.

*thinks that they'd have witnessed the caning, if there had been one, which would probably have been worse*

*looks at Corporal Johnson to see what he thinks*

*snorts* Rubbish, sir. Cap'ns parade the whole ship when a man's flogged. It's called punishment parade. This isn't any different.

When you learn to act like a young gentleman, Mister De Guarde, you will be treated like one. *nods to Johnson and Thompson* This is not a punishment parade, Corporal - I am not a captain, and I do not like the flogging. Thank you, however - I will take it from here.

*turns back to the midshipman* And as for what "isn't proper", the primary offending item on that list is your own behaviour. Make your apology, and we will go below.

*a dark glare is cast at the corporal, though he speaks nothing in turn*

But sir, you have said that we are going below as it is.. you have not requested an apology. I've agreed to come willingly sir! *his pride wounded at a suggestion he'd believe unnecessary* So, can we depart now, I will drink it, I promise.

Oh, I know you will drink it.

I should not need to request an apology, Mister De Guarde - you behaved abysmally in front of our Marines, and the shame of that alone should prompt you to ask that you might be excused.

*silence followed, stubbornly for a few minutes*

..My deepest apology for the distress I have caused you with me actions...I ought not to have doubted in your profession of a physician nor of your skill and means of observation that relate to the profession. ...I offer an apology.. also towards the selected few of the gathered men here. *he looked at the marines* for distressing them with the need to put effort in their daily work.

*straightening up*.. Should this do, sir?