01. some Plague moving through the crew

[bestsir]

Messrs. Mason and Gowda have informed Captain Crozier and myself that they are carriers of an Illness endemic to their native era. It is an Affliction that may be spread by certain Bodily Fluids, such as Blood or Sputum, but cannot be casually transmitted via the Air or simple contact. We are satisfied that they present no immediate Danger, but in the event of injury to either man, the following Precautions must be taken:

Firstly: summon me at once.

Secondly: do not touch any blood or other fluids. Oilcloth gloves and coats may be used as protection against Direct Contact.

Thirdly: we have reserved the Gin stores for cleaning, in the event. Several Bottles are available on each deck and are marked for Hygiene only. Please refrain from consuming them.

Please bring any Concerns to Captain Crozier and myself.

—Harry D. S. Goodsir
Assistant Surgeon
Surgeon
Assistant Surgeon, HMS Terror and Erebus

Comments

[goingtobeunwell]

[A few days after his conversation with Crozier, Goodsir will find a book on top of his desk. There's a note bookmarking a page:]



I haven't the slightest clew clo clue has to how this ended up in our library. Perhaps I willed it into existanc existence. Perhaps I dreamed it. Perhaps I stole it from Joss, though I hope not.

Until we see the Antarctic, Mr. Goodsir, I hope this will suffice.

[bestsir]

Harry goes looking for Crozier almost immediately.

[goingtobeunwell]

Crozier doesn't expect to see Goodsir so soon after dropping off the journal. He's pleased with himself for finding it -- serendipitous, some might call it. Those who maybe weren't in a dream anyway.

When Goodsir finds him he's pouring through the rest of the books in the great cabin. He just wants to be sure there isn't anything else he's missed since Hooker's journal mysteriously appeared.

[bestsir]

"Captain." He holds up the book. "This is—I wanted to thank you. In person. This is—it's remarkable. Thank you."

His voice is actually shaky with emotion.

[goingtobeunwell]

He sets the stack of books in his arms down onto the table, sharing a gentle smile with the anatomist.

"Did you see the sketch?" he asks quietly, almost hopefully.

[bestsir]

"I did. It's delightful." Harry beams. "I corresponded a little with him, you know, but I'd not seen his drawings. What a charming little beast."

[goingtobeunwell]

Crozier brightens. He hadn't realized Goodsir had exchanged letters with Hooker, but it makes perfect sense.

"The Adélie penguin. Fierce little thing, no fear of man whatsoever. They would come right up to us."

[bestsir]

"Imagine." Harry looks—and honestly is—happier than he's been in a very long time. "Thank you, sir. I don't ... I surely don't understand how the journal came to be here, but it's a wonderful thing. I'm very grateful."

[goingtobeunwell]

"I don't either, but I'm not going to question a good thing." Not if it brings that kind of light to Goodsir's face.

"When you finish reading it, why don't you join me for a cup of tea?

[bestsir]

"Certainly," Harry says. "I—is there anything you need just now, sir?"

Because he really does want to get back to reading.

[goingtobeunwell]

Crozier lets out a soft laugh.

"No, no. Dismissed, Goodsir."