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

[una_persson]

Una lets Crozier have his moments before she approaches him.

"It's a fine day for it, Captain," she says. God, what a relief to not have to wear her damned greatcoat every time she ventures out of her cabin. She's wearing a straw sailor hat against the sun, a white linen shirt, and linen culottes. She was going for "breezy and functional" and feels that she's hit the mark.

[goingtobeunwell]

Crozier normally tries to just ignore the oddity of having women aboard Terror, but it's difficult to turn one's head when the bulky outer clothes start coming off. He does a double-take at the sight of Una, beautiful as always and looking particularly magnificent in white.

He smiles and averts his gaze. "Gorgeous day for it."

[una_persson]

Just as well Una has decided to leave the swimsuit in storage for now, perhaps.

"We're somewhere in the Pacific, aren't we?" she asks. "Any idea where? My oceanic navigation skills are ... nonexistent, frankly."

[goingtobeunwell]

"Haven't brought out the instruments yet, but I will. In time," Crozier tells her. "My guess would be the Pacific as well. For now, I'm content to let Terror choose where we go. I doubt she'll let us run aground."

[una_persson]

"Can a ship be happy, do you think? If so, I daresay she is." She looks up at the billowing sails, shading her eyes against the sun.

[goingtobeunwell]

"A ship exude happiness," Crozier smiles. "I think she is too, if only for the moods of the people currently aboard. It's been a long time since I've seen it this way."

[una_persson]

"Well, I hope we can enjoy this for a good while. We've earned it. You and your men in particular." There's a creak of rope and the mainsail and main topsail gently pivot a few degrees, as if adjusting to the wind. It's unnerving, though, since there's no sailors hauling on the ropes to make it happen.

[goingtobeunwell]

Crozier listens to Terror move and raises his head.

"Reminds us all what it feels like to be alive," he murmurs.

[una_persson]

In a low voice she asks, "How are Jopson and Goodsir doing now, do you think?"

[goingtobeunwell]

Crozier laughs, gesturing towards the anatomist who's currently up towards the bow marveling at god-knows-what. "I can say with confidence that Harry Goodsir seems happy."

He nods to himself. Yes, very happy. "As I said to Jopson, he's deserved this, and more. Man has a brilliant scientific mind, and how he has time to discover whatever it is that he wishes. And as for Thomas himself...he doesn't know it yet, but he'll be our navigator while we're at sea. A man that intelligent doesn't need to be trapped in the galley or the pantry."

[una_persson]

Una grins at the sight of the overexcited Goodsir gesticulating and pointing at something in the water to whoever happens to be within earshot. "Good. I'm glad for them both—and I do believe you're right about Jopson. That will be pleasant to see. I'd ask how you're doing, but judging from the smile on your face, I think I have my answer."

[goingtobeunwell]

"I'm the reason he's here, Una," Crozier admits suddenly. "Thomas. I had no say in my own crew for this expedition, but I requested Jopson as my steward. He almost wasn't aboard for all of this, and I think on that fact so often it makes me ill."

He could have had a life, he almost says.

"So if I can elevate him, and celebrate his talents, by god, I will. And that makes me happy. No matter what becomes of us, if I can do that much I will be content."

[una_persson]

"And he came with you, willingly," she reminds him, guessing at certain things he can't or won't say. "And I'm glad that you have this chance for him. I imagine he'll do very well."

[goingtobeunwell]

Crozier smiles sadly, then shakes his head. It's hard to linger in a melancholy state when the sea air is filling his lungs.

"And what of you? Are you pleased with our current situation, Una?"

[una_persson]

"I am," she says. "Particularly since—in all honesty, Francis, I was expecting the worst when the cracks started appearing in the ice. If there's a hammer that's going to drop, I don't think it will be today. And hopefully not for some time."

She's smiling and cheerful enough, but even she can't completely hide the fact that she doubts this free and easy situation will last forever.

[goingtobeunwell]

"Between you and I, I expected us to have navigate the straight in the whaling boats," he tells her quietly. "I never thought we'd be given this. I understand the caution though."

[una_persson]

"Well," she says, "chin up for now, I'd say. We may as well take what we've been given while we can." She looks up again at the masts. "I think I fancy a climb, see what I can see. Anything I can do for you whilst I'm up there?"

[goingtobeunwell]

Crozier laughs. "No, I'll be up later. Call down if you see anything interesting?"

[una_persson]

"Shall do. Enjoy yourself, Francis." She grins, gives him a jaunty salute, and heads for the rigging.