Open Log: Big Blue Wet Thing

[goingtobeunwell]

Terrors waking that morning will find a few things amiss with the ship: 1. it's hot and humid inside their cabins, and 2. the ship itself is rocking.  Swaying, in fact, as though the ice beneath them has melted and the ship is moving. Which it is, actually, and quite quickly too. 

The holes in the side of Terror have been repaired, the rigging put up on the masts, the dual wheels of the helm moving as the ship races through the waves on its own. Up above the sun is shining brightly. 
H.M.S. Terror is sailing once more, destination unknown.

Comments

[lieutenantsteward]

After a very eventful evening, Jopson knows that he is going to run late. But, as he walks out of his borrowed cabin in his uniform, he senses that something is off. The ship is rocking, for Christ's sake. It was a feeling that he had grown so used to that his hazy mind doesn't even notice until he's rushing up the stairs onto the deck and blinking in the sunlight. Warm sun.

Taking a few hesitant steps forward, he sees his Captain, looking years younger, and walks up beside him. "Captain..." But there were no words that came after. He was just so happy.

[goingtobeunwell]

He hears Jopson approach and doesn't even mind that he couldn't find him that morning. He's been glued to that spot for ages now, rocking easily with his ship as she carves through the water.

Crozier smiles broadly.

"Good morning."

[lieutenantsteward]

"Morning, Sir," he grins. "Astonishing sight today." His own feet are steady as he stands up straight. "Mr. Goodsir has taken to it." And it was damn good to see that man smile.

[goingtobeunwell]

"He's wanted this," Crozier tells him, eyes drifting from the blue expanse to the excited anatomist. "A chance to explore the world. It was time the dream give it to him."

He brings a hand up to his eyes and rubs softly. "The glare," he lies, still smiling.

[lieutenantsteward]

"Of course, Sir," he smiles, knowing the truth. "Do you know our current course? She sails with a mind of her own for now." He also isn't sure if they are in a real place, but it might be time to find out.

[goingtobeunwell]

Crozier resists the urge to reply with some smart remark. “Tell me, Thomas, if you had to guess, which ocean is this? Known or unknown?”

[lieutenantsteward]

"Known, sir," he tells him. "Known to us? Possibly. Mr. Goodsir seems to recognize the wildlife."

[goingtobeunwell]

“Pacific, I think,” Crozier agrees. “Close to the Equator, judging solely by the heat and humidity. We’ll need our instruments to ascertain the rest.”

He leans against the side of the ship and breathes in the sea air. “I thought for sure we’d be crushed by the ice. Or sunk. But never...never this.”

[lieutenantsteward]

"This is only possible here." He is certain of that. "Is there anything I can do for you this morning, sir?"

[goingtobeunwell]

"More open water," he smiles, echoing a conversation they shared a lifetime ago. "Enjoy the sea, my lad. Enjoy the sea. We can worry about the destination over supper later."

[lieutenantsteward]

It was in an entire different life, but he smiled nonetheless. "Of course." He paused. "It is good to see joy return to you, Captain." He places a gentle hand on his arm before turning to return below. He can't enjoy the sea until his work is complete.

[goingtobeunwell]

He knows the happiness he's feeling is unmistakable on his face, and he's glad for it. Let the world see it. He hasn't felt this way in years.