Barge - First Report

[jnoaubrey]

Dearest Sophie,

I don’t know when this letter will reach you, but you can’t imagine how it calms my mind just to picture you reading it. I have reported for duty aboard HMS Barge. That is, I’m not certain any of those initials applies. This is certainly not a ship, nor is it like any vessel I’ve ever been aboard, and its loyalties, I fear, may be in

Comments

[hand-writing doesn't have accents]

[young_idealist]

May I be so bold as to ask what nation's flag you sail under?

Re: [hand-writing doesn't have accents]

[jnoaubrey]

You may, sir. I have the honor to serve His Majesty King George III. You're familiar with the man?

[young_idealist]

Not personally, no.

But I do hope that you won't hold my nationality against me. England and France have warred with one another many times, but I cannot hold your nation a grudge as it has provided me a refuge in exile. My brother-in-law knows your Prince of Wales. I never went to those kind of parties.

Welcome to the Barge, captain. I'm Armand St. Just.

[jnoaubrey]

A Frenchman, eh? Well, Mr. St. Just, I have had the pleasure of knowing several honourable--several extremely honourable--Frenchmen, both in battle and in times of peace, who have treated me with kindness. I should be happy to consider you an acquaintance, and as the war don't seem to extend to these parts, I'd say we may dispense with it. Jack Aubrey, sir.

[young_idealist]

Thank you for your kind restraint. I suppose now it depends upon our characters. I shall try to behave myself.