Remix for Mylodon: Three Things Remain
Title: Three Things Remain
Author: nodbear
Remix of: Practice
Author of original: mylodon
Rating: PG 13
Length: 1890
Author's note: This remix fic takes an early story of the incomparable Mylodon and comes with some trepidation therefore and a great deal of affection for its author. It is found here and tells the story of Archie’s (unseen by us) Lieutenant’s exam and Horatio’s loving but misguided attempts to help. Preventing the course of true love wrecking on the shoals of examination stress falls to the captain in the end, who achieves his aim both by peremptory edict and by affectionate humanity as ever. It will surprise no one at all from whose perspective this version is written. The family nicknames in the Pellew family are historical and the argument the captain describes really took place while he was at home during the peace of Amiens, though none of his letters to Susan survive, unlike some from her and about her. The title and the integral Greek stems from happy moments talking theology and Greek with Mylodon and the story with hopes of many more days of fangirl outings, parties and serious appreciation of George North’s - er- playing technique.
Remarks etc on board HMS Indefatigable, Sir Edward Pellew, Bt, Commander
6th June At sea off Ferrol , Winds SE
First part - Fresh airs and light .Later -sun and high cloud.
...10am promoted Midshipman Archibald Kennedy to be Acting Lieutenant ...
He is to sit the examination at the next available occasion... ....
6 th June, 10:16 am The Aft Cabin
“You will no doubt wish to acquaint Mr Hornblower of your new rank.“
“Yes sir, that is ... if I m...“
“Certainly you may. It is my intention,however, to announce it at a meeting of all officers in my cabin in one hour. You are free to use that hour and consider yourself off watch until that time. On your way take in the quarterdeck - My compliments to Mr Bracegirdle and I will see him at his earliest convenience. Dismissed, Mr Kennedy.”
“Yes sir, thank you, sir.”
"Just a moment Mr Kennedy."
“Sir ?”
“You may thank me when you are safely installed as the Indefatigable’s third lieutenant. Your examination will be as soon as we reach Portsmouth again. In the meantime find time for study but ...beware of too much well intentioned if useful advice... you will no doubt find your own pace ...”
“Yes sir - and thank you again”.
The Aft Cabin, 00.06, 9th June
Edward Pellew to Susan Pellew, Indefatigable, at sea
..And so , knowing them both ,you will readily imagine, my dear, what I have unleashed upon this hapless crew with this announcement. While all are delighted in the development of that estimable and very brave young man and agree he well deserves it, we fear the onslaught of Mr Hornblower’s instinct for rendering assistance at all times and of his sense of calling to the teaching profession.
I forsee what you would call one of “Father’s little talks” becoming necessary . Speaking of that poor neglected man maybe you can by imparting this news to Fleet who like Pownall, I suspect, considers Hornblower and Kennedy heroes nonpareil and to Emma and Julia who I recall were suspiciously more ladylike than is their wont last time those two were at dinner with us. You can by mention of their names induce them to write to their old father some news of his cubs? Sometime before he fades into oblivion on the far seas?...
Remarks etc on board HMS Indefatigable
June 10th off Cap du Raz , Quiberon, First part : squally with variable cloud Middle: thundery Later Storm.
AM People employed cleaning decks and airing hammocks 11am Senior officers in my cabin.
“You will leave him alone sir, give him some ease from your attentions!”
Bless the boy - he thinks I mean - dear God the poor devil - and if looks could confess - must teach him to dissemble that.
“I know you are the best of good friends and you owe him, each other, much...but you will exasperate him and the rest of the ship. He will do well sir, only let him be a little more. I have absolute faith in him.”
“Of course sir”
Ah - when those dark eyes are hurt and won’t meet out gaze ... we fathers feel that even in our naval guts.
“Just as I always have in you Mr Hornblower.“
That is better - a least an anxious smile. Lord, but I feel old.
"Dismissed, Mr Hornblower!”
"Yes, sir. Thank you!”
Remarks etc on board HMS Indefatigable
3rd July Arrived at anchor Hamaoze. Winds S by SW. First part haze: middle clearing. Later: calm.
Despatches and orders. Port Admiral advises that the examinations will take place tomorrow and that he is sending the port carpenter to inventory the defects we have suffered in action.
Morning of the 4th July
“Are you quite well, Mr Hornblower ? Worrying about your friend - he will do well.“
“It is not that sir, I know he will - he has a fine mind and a brave heart but ...well some things are SO hard to understand sir, and I have much to learn I fear, like about wanting to help those you care for and how to get that right”
“Well for that I have no wise words on duty but I will tell you a small slice of domestic life Mr Hornblower. I think you have met Lady Pellew on several occasions now?”
“Indeed sir! It is always a great delight...”
“And would you not agree that she is wise as well as kind to junior officers?”
“Yes sir! Very much so.“
“And you think your captain far from foolish I hope?”
“Of course, sir!”
“Hhmmnn - then what if I were to tell you that sometimes a wise and well bred lady and her equally wise seagoing husband can find themselves immersed in a folly of a quarrel just because he feels fussed over or she that her love is affronted - and indeed, the other way around. I do not need to be overly domesticated and Susan can quite well run the home, family and all else without me...you see the idea? Sometimes that is the best we can do - to love and to set at liberty. It is not only that we help but when we do and how...but we all learn it the harder way first !”
“Hhmmmnn?“
"Don’t be down hearted, man. Three things remain Mr Hornblower.“
“Sir?“
“Three things remain. You are the Greek scholar among us, are you not? I spent too much time between brawling and fishing hardly even to start on Virgil but you must know the phrase Revd Mr Hawker taught me, how does it go? Nuni de menei ...ta tria tauta or something to that effect.”
“Oh yes sir, pistis, elpis, agape.”
“Indeed. That is well, then. Now, go and call for my gig! I have not to keep the Master of the Dockyard waiting when I need to beg two new masts out of him...and what I have said to you here, within this cabin...”
“...remains between us sir, and thank you!”
Indefatigable: Hamoaze
Edward Pellew to Susan Pellew, late on the 4th/5th July
“Employed variously!” Hah! It was never more a misstatement, my dear, than today, I think, on board Indefatigable.
Unemployed almost universally - that is in doing anything other than craning their necks down the road towards the dockyard and the Port Admiral's house to see either Kennedy coming back or Hornblower and his division. They command loyalty like few I know - it bodes well.
A grand party tonight however = and just when Horatio was realising it was his birthday that was passing unnoticed in the general Kennedy - euphoria Bracegirdle surprised him with that book of sea charts we found when out in Gibraltar and I was able to present that fine book on Newton’s geometry you found - and a little captainly claret of course. Mr Kennedy had had too much of the Admiral’s wine as well as mine and declared that he had a particular gift he would present on their shore leave. The Deuce he does! How Thomas, John and I did not disgrace ourselves irreparably in the presence of all the middies berth I know not. That young man! But he deserves his moment in the sun; he has endured so much.
The looks on all the youngsters faces are why I think I endure this life sometimes. Kennedy was glowing with a light within and Hornblower was blushing as only that boy can. How they think I do not know I cannot imagine but ‘tis as well they think so. And then young George wide-eyed and solemn as ever and even poor Alex looked like a smile might break out ever and anon. I must give that boy a hand up soon, he has earned it.
I did not stay long - they need to relax and I have what you so wryly call my captainly aura to preserve - but they were so full of valour it made even dry old Bowlesy moist of eye.
Love and loyalty so clear and yet so painful at that age - goodness - they are young as I was when first I saw a certain unattainable Miss Frowd on the quayside and had a revelation in my penniless lieutenant’s soul... But today I feel about a hundred years old - shall you manage to convince me otherwise do you think on Friday? - Yes ! At last I have news - we are for Falmouth and the dock there and John and Thomas and I will divide our leave so that we all have two days ..I know what you will say my dear Susan - but it is the best that can be had just now. Tell Julia she may play all Mr Haydn’s new songs to Dad when he has first had a sleep (or otherwise has been to bed, though that is not for her ears of course) and tell Fleet that I expect to hear better of his mathematics soon - or I shall set Mr Hornblower on to him forthwith. And yes, I have invited the two of them for a meal before we sail - how should a captain of the navy’s bright stars face his family else?
“Shore leave?”
“It's what the captain said - and that you might like to go along.“
“And you would get fitted for your new uniform?”
“Yes, he advanced me the money like he did you and his parting words were: “which you will then not wear if you are going to haunt disreputable taverns!”
“And are we? Going to haunt taverns?”
“Well the Red Lion's got new feather beds, Cleveland says, and whats more..."
“Whats more?”
“I have a plan that means neither of us will need our uniforms on very much “
“And my birthday present?”
“Well, of course your Newton is a fine book and the sea charts are grand but what is it that you really want ‘Ratio?"
“You know the answer to that, Archie. Not what, whom”
“ Always and forever?”
“ Well that's just for starters - commissioned Lieutenant Kennedy, third, and pride, of the Indefatigable!”
* Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three things remain...faith, hope, love."
Author: nodbear
Remix of: Practice
Author of original: mylodon
Rating: PG 13
Length: 1890
Author's note: This remix fic takes an early story of the incomparable Mylodon and comes with some trepidation therefore and a great deal of affection for its author. It is found here and tells the story of Archie’s (unseen by us) Lieutenant’s exam and Horatio’s loving but misguided attempts to help. Preventing the course of true love wrecking on the shoals of examination stress falls to the captain in the end, who achieves his aim both by peremptory edict and by affectionate humanity as ever. It will surprise no one at all from whose perspective this version is written. The family nicknames in the Pellew family are historical and the argument the captain describes really took place while he was at home during the peace of Amiens, though none of his letters to Susan survive, unlike some from her and about her. The title and the integral Greek stems from happy moments talking theology and Greek with Mylodon and the story with hopes of many more days of fangirl outings, parties and serious appreciation of George North’s - er- playing technique.
Remarks etc on board HMS Indefatigable, Sir Edward Pellew, Bt, Commander
6th June At sea off Ferrol , Winds SE
First part - Fresh airs and light .Later -sun and high cloud.
...10am promoted Midshipman Archibald Kennedy to be Acting Lieutenant ...
He is to sit the examination at the next available occasion... ....
6 th June, 10:16 am The Aft Cabin
“You will no doubt wish to acquaint Mr Hornblower of your new rank.“
“Yes sir, that is ... if I m...“
“Certainly you may. It is my intention,however, to announce it at a meeting of all officers in my cabin in one hour. You are free to use that hour and consider yourself off watch until that time. On your way take in the quarterdeck - My compliments to Mr Bracegirdle and I will see him at his earliest convenience. Dismissed, Mr Kennedy.”
“Yes sir, thank you, sir.”
"Just a moment Mr Kennedy."
“Sir ?”
“You may thank me when you are safely installed as the Indefatigable’s third lieutenant. Your examination will be as soon as we reach Portsmouth again. In the meantime find time for study but ...beware of too much well intentioned if useful advice... you will no doubt find your own pace ...”
“Yes sir - and thank you again”.
The Aft Cabin, 00.06, 9th June
Edward Pellew to Susan Pellew, Indefatigable, at sea
..And so , knowing them both ,you will readily imagine, my dear, what I have unleashed upon this hapless crew with this announcement. While all are delighted in the development of that estimable and very brave young man and agree he well deserves it, we fear the onslaught of Mr Hornblower’s instinct for rendering assistance at all times and of his sense of calling to the teaching profession.
I forsee what you would call one of “Father’s little talks” becoming necessary . Speaking of that poor neglected man maybe you can by imparting this news to Fleet who like Pownall, I suspect, considers Hornblower and Kennedy heroes nonpareil and to Emma and Julia who I recall were suspiciously more ladylike than is their wont last time those two were at dinner with us. You can by mention of their names induce them to write to their old father some news of his cubs? Sometime before he fades into oblivion on the far seas?...
Remarks etc on board HMS Indefatigable
June 10th off Cap du Raz , Quiberon, First part : squally with variable cloud Middle: thundery Later Storm.
AM People employed cleaning decks and airing hammocks 11am Senior officers in my cabin.
“You will leave him alone sir, give him some ease from your attentions!”
Bless the boy - he thinks I mean - dear God the poor devil - and if looks could confess - must teach him to dissemble that.
“I know you are the best of good friends and you owe him, each other, much...but you will exasperate him and the rest of the ship. He will do well sir, only let him be a little more. I have absolute faith in him.”
“Of course sir”
Ah - when those dark eyes are hurt and won’t meet out gaze ... we fathers feel that even in our naval guts.
“Just as I always have in you Mr Hornblower.“
That is better - a least an anxious smile. Lord, but I feel old.
"Dismissed, Mr Hornblower!”
"Yes, sir. Thank you!”
Remarks etc on board HMS Indefatigable
3rd July Arrived at anchor Hamaoze. Winds S by SW. First part haze: middle clearing. Later: calm.
Despatches and orders. Port Admiral advises that the examinations will take place tomorrow and that he is sending the port carpenter to inventory the defects we have suffered in action.
Morning of the 4th July
“Are you quite well, Mr Hornblower ? Worrying about your friend - he will do well.“
“It is not that sir, I know he will - he has a fine mind and a brave heart but ...well some things are SO hard to understand sir, and I have much to learn I fear, like about wanting to help those you care for and how to get that right”
“Well for that I have no wise words on duty but I will tell you a small slice of domestic life Mr Hornblower. I think you have met Lady Pellew on several occasions now?”
“Indeed sir! It is always a great delight...”
“And would you not agree that she is wise as well as kind to junior officers?”
“Yes sir! Very much so.“
“And you think your captain far from foolish I hope?”
“Of course, sir!”
“Hhmmnn - then what if I were to tell you that sometimes a wise and well bred lady and her equally wise seagoing husband can find themselves immersed in a folly of a quarrel just because he feels fussed over or she that her love is affronted - and indeed, the other way around. I do not need to be overly domesticated and Susan can quite well run the home, family and all else without me...you see the idea? Sometimes that is the best we can do - to love and to set at liberty. It is not only that we help but when we do and how...but we all learn it the harder way first !”
“Hhmmmnn?“
"Don’t be down hearted, man. Three things remain Mr Hornblower.“
“Sir?“
“Three things remain. You are the Greek scholar among us, are you not? I spent too much time between brawling and fishing hardly even to start on Virgil but you must know the phrase Revd Mr Hawker taught me, how does it go? Nuni de menei ...ta tria tauta or something to that effect.”
“Oh yes sir, pistis, elpis, agape.”
“Indeed. That is well, then. Now, go and call for my gig! I have not to keep the Master of the Dockyard waiting when I need to beg two new masts out of him...and what I have said to you here, within this cabin...”
“...remains between us sir, and thank you!”
Indefatigable: Hamoaze
Edward Pellew to Susan Pellew, late on the 4th/5th July
“Employed variously!” Hah! It was never more a misstatement, my dear, than today, I think, on board Indefatigable.
Unemployed almost universally - that is in doing anything other than craning their necks down the road towards the dockyard and the Port Admiral's house to see either Kennedy coming back or Hornblower and his division. They command loyalty like few I know - it bodes well.
A grand party tonight however = and just when Horatio was realising it was his birthday that was passing unnoticed in the general Kennedy - euphoria Bracegirdle surprised him with that book of sea charts we found when out in Gibraltar and I was able to present that fine book on Newton’s geometry you found - and a little captainly claret of course. Mr Kennedy had had too much of the Admiral’s wine as well as mine and declared that he had a particular gift he would present on their shore leave. The Deuce he does! How Thomas, John and I did not disgrace ourselves irreparably in the presence of all the middies berth I know not. That young man! But he deserves his moment in the sun; he has endured so much.
The looks on all the youngsters faces are why I think I endure this life sometimes. Kennedy was glowing with a light within and Hornblower was blushing as only that boy can. How they think I do not know I cannot imagine but ‘tis as well they think so. And then young George wide-eyed and solemn as ever and even poor Alex looked like a smile might break out ever and anon. I must give that boy a hand up soon, he has earned it.
I did not stay long - they need to relax and I have what you so wryly call my captainly aura to preserve - but they were so full of valour it made even dry old Bowlesy moist of eye.
Love and loyalty so clear and yet so painful at that age - goodness - they are young as I was when first I saw a certain unattainable Miss Frowd on the quayside and had a revelation in my penniless lieutenant’s soul... But today I feel about a hundred years old - shall you manage to convince me otherwise do you think on Friday? - Yes ! At last I have news - we are for Falmouth and the dock there and John and Thomas and I will divide our leave so that we all have two days ..I know what you will say my dear Susan - but it is the best that can be had just now. Tell Julia she may play all Mr Haydn’s new songs to Dad when he has first had a sleep (or otherwise has been to bed, though that is not for her ears of course) and tell Fleet that I expect to hear better of his mathematics soon - or I shall set Mr Hornblower on to him forthwith. And yes, I have invited the two of them for a meal before we sail - how should a captain of the navy’s bright stars face his family else?
“Shore leave?”
“It's what the captain said - and that you might like to go along.“
“And you would get fitted for your new uniform?”
“Yes, he advanced me the money like he did you and his parting words were: “which you will then not wear if you are going to haunt disreputable taverns!”
“And are we? Going to haunt taverns?”
“Well the Red Lion's got new feather beds, Cleveland says, and whats more..."
“Whats more?”
“I have a plan that means neither of us will need our uniforms on very much “
“And my birthday present?”
“Well, of course your Newton is a fine book and the sea charts are grand but what is it that you really want ‘Ratio?"
“You know the answer to that, Archie. Not what, whom”
“ Always and forever?”
“ Well that's just for starters - commissioned Lieutenant Kennedy, third, and pride, of the Indefatigable!”
* Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three things remain...faith, hope, love."