In the Wardroom--Signing In

Bush stared back at him for a moment, trying to discern if he really did speak the truth. But it was impossible to tell, though Perry's expression seemed to indicate that he was being truthful. At last he lowered his gaze and nodded slightly.

"Good." Bush finished writing down Perry's information, then turned the book towards him and offered him the quill. "Now then, if you will make your mark..."

Perry hesitated. "Sir?"

"Yes? What is it?"

Bush hoped Perry was not about to make yet another foolish request to fetch his supposed "family."

"I heard - from one of the fellows," he began, considerate enough to avoid bringing trouble to the marine at his side, "that volunteers get a bounty what pressed men don't."

"That is true," Bush said, watching Perry intently, "Are you saying you would like to join the crew on a voluntary basis? That you wish to be listed as a volunteer instead of a pressed man?"

"Well, sir..." He shrank ever so slightly from the lieutenant's scrutiny now. It was a painful decision to make, and he swallowed a lump in his throat. "Could I send the bounty money to my wife, right away? And a letter to tell her to go somewhere safe before the battle breaks all out?"

He was on about his wife again. But then, there really was no harm in what Perry was asking, so Bush could see no reason not to grant this one request. And perhaps it would finally calm the man enough so that he might actually be a useful member of the crew.

"I suppose that could be arranged, if that is what you so wish," he said at last, "Then am I to take it you want to be signed in as a volunteer?"

But Perry was a wise old sea lawyer. "Will you promise to do that, sir? Get the money and a note to my wife?"

Bush eyed him, not pleased that Perry was trying to drive a bargain.

"I will...if you in turn promise to pull your weight and do your duty. Then perhaps you will gain more money to send to your wife, which would make her a lot happier than to learn that her husband was flogged for insubordination....or executed for desertion."

Perry had heard all of this before. Such a bore. "Yes, sir," he said politely.

That did not sound entirely convincing, but Bush was not going to press the issue further. If Perry desired to be flogged or executed, then that was entirely his choice. He turned back to the book and made the proper notation indicating that Perry was now a volunteer. Then he looked back at Perry and offered the quill to him once more.

"Now that has been settled, will you please make your mark?"

"Can write me name, sir," he said with a grin, leaning over to do so.

Once Perry had written in his name, Bush took the quill back and turned the book back around. Then he reached for the copy of the Articles and opened it.

"Every man who enlists in the Navy must be read the Articles of War," he said, giving Perry another stern glare, "I would appreciate it if you would actually pay attention."

Perry did pay attention, though they too were similar to what he had heard before. And long, very long. He shifted on his feet as the lieutenant read on and on.

At last, Bush concluded his reading. He looked back at Perry, still trying to discern whether or not the man had been telling him lies the entire time. It all seemed like he was being truthful, but Bush knew better than to simply assume such a thing.

"You are now officially a part of the ship's company Perry, which means you are now subject to any and all punishments. I trust you will remember that, and will take care to watch your tongue from now on."

"Oh, yes sir," he answered amiably. "May I write to my wife now, sir?"

"You may be dismissed," Bush answered, "What you do with your own time is your decision."

He saluted, grinning. "Thank you, sir. And the money...?"

He tuned out the reading of the Articles; he'd heard them often enough since he'd 'listed, after all. He was surprised that Perry hadn't dumped him in it by telling the Lieutenant precisely who had told him about the bounty. That was interesting.

Don't push 'im, he thought. You'll get your money soon enough.

"And some paper to write with, if you please, sir?" He grinned. "Didn't have a chance to bring paper with me, did I."

Bush glared at him again. He was none too pleased with how demanding Perry was acting.

"You'll get your money in due time, Perry," he said, "However, you may have some paper for now."

He took out a few sheets from a small stack on the table and held them out to Perry.

He accepted them with a grin. "Thankya, sir. And a pen, maybe?"

Bush's glaring had progressed to the point whereby if looks could kill, Perry would have dropped dead to the floor by now. The absolute nerve of the man, Bush thought. Yet he said nothing. Instead he simply pushed the quill and ink across the table, though his eyes did not leave Perry's for a moment.

"Thankya sir. Sure do appreciate it!"

The last time Thompson had ended up standing sentry on someone Bush had sent for, it didn't go down particularly well with the other party. Thompson felt the intensity of Bush's glare and swore to himself that he would never, never, ever do anything that would land him in hot water with the First Lieutenant.