Crozier's Operation

"Sir." The doctor looked tired and - definitely wet. "I gave some clothes to Bridgens. He was meant to see that you got them. But I wanted to say ... Not to delay you, but you seemed on good terms at dinner. The French officer is confined to his cabin, but not hurt."

Oh, Christ... "For any particular reason? Or as a result of your pursuit of the French vessel?"

Chandos shrugged. "A precaution I think. He argued a bit with the First Lieutenant, when we first went off after the Fro... Frenchman. And got sent downstairs. But after we lost the chase, and the wind died - I believe he came up to see what was going on... There were some who thought that at least there was one Frenchman within reach. So he's down there again, under guard."

Stephen closed his eyes, the day growing better and better. "He is in danger from the crew?"

Chandos smiled slightly. "Not unless there's a mutiny - which is unlikely. But it would be unwise for him to wander around. The men aren't going to storm the wardroom for him and Lieutenant Cartwright says the Marines can be... Well, most of them understand that he is on parole and the Captain's guest. He hasn't attacked anyone, or... Are you all right, Sir?"

"I am fine," said Stephen, opening his eyes, the gloom a blessing. "Thank you very much for the loan of your clothes, Mister Chandos; I am prodigiously grateful to you."

"That's all right," the youngster blushed. "Yates said you were wet, and by George, he was right. Go and get dry, Sir." He hesitated and then said: "Yates looked ... upset. Is he all right?"

"I hope so," said Stephen wearily. "It has been an extremely trying day. He should rest now."

"It's our watch below," Chandos said. "At least we saved him some supper, and then he can sleep." He hesitated again, and then said. "You should too, Sir," gave a quick salute and turned to go back up on deck.

When I can, thought Stephen bitterly as he went back into the sickbay. He bent over Barrow, examining the catheter. He sent Bridgens to find a proper one, and replaced it when he had, sucking and spitting to manipulate the pressure. Everett and Joyse were asleep; Crozier had not yet awoken. "I am going to change my clothes; Mister M'Clure, pray find me as soon as there is the slightest change in any patient, particularly if Barrow stops bleeding."

John Westdale wrote:[ooc- so'm I, so I'll go with you, otherwise we'll end up with a nice long day...]

"Not fer a while, what with all this toing and froing." It didn't amtter at the moment, he felt. it was good to feel the breeze and the fresh air was pleasant. Stooping he got himself a drink for the butt nearby.

De Guarde remained leaning against the railing. He looked up at the sails, straining against the wind. He sighed and lifted his palms up, studying each for a moment. His hands didn't look as gentle and soft as a middie's, just as a midshipman's did not look as a young boy's that had never but carried his books about. he looked at his shirt and felt under it the cloth that held against the cut. A makeshift thing but it did the job. He touched his temple and lowered his head. The other watch was at work, theirs at rest. Slowly he slipped down to sit on the floor and pulled his legs up to his chest. He yawned, gazing along the deck.

"Of course sir, yer go and get nice and dry, now."
He almost hustled him back out.