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

Re: A surprise spam!

[bestsir]

[ Ah. He's in the middle of wrapping the contents of the poultice in a bit of cloth, prior to dousing the whole with warm water, but he stops. ]

Two, three weeks? [ He's embarrassed by this, and ashamed. ] Please understand, I didn't withhold the information on purpose. Events ... [ A vague gesture, encompassing everything. ] A distraction. Too much of one to communicate the matter in a timely fashion. We're lucky nothing happened to them in that time.

Re: A surprise spam!

[lieutenantsteward]

[He tsks softly.] I'm not admonishing you for keeping the information, Mr. Goodsir. Please don't misunderstand my meaning. I trust that you will keep us from harm, no matter the reason. Nevertheless, you need not carry that alone. [And Jopson has been feeling very much alone, so he hates to think of the other man in the same position.]

Re: A surprise spam!

[bestsir]

The captain knew as well.

[ A little tetchy, and he knows that's not Jopson's point. He finishes folding up the poultice and hands it to him carefully. ]

Here—this should help you.

Re: A surprise spam!

[lieutenantsteward]

[He doesn't actually mind the tone. But the words themselves...

He takes the poultice gratefully.]

The Captain and I are not speaking at the moment.

Re: A surprise spam!

[bestsir]

[ That pulls him up short indeed. ]

You're not?

Re: A surprise spam!

[lieutenantsteward]

[Jopson knew that was startling, but he also feels as thought it is necessary to bring up.]

No. The Captain feels as if it would be better for us to have a reprieve of each other.

Re: A surprise spam!

[bestsir]

[ Harry stares in blank puzzlement for a moment, then his expression clears as he remembers—]

Ah. Because of the ... event. I see. I am sorry to hear it. Not for long, I hope.

[ Particularly because they're all very much in one another's pockets here, and having two people—one of whom is the captain—not on speaking terms is not going to go well if it drags on for too long.. ]

Re: A surprise spam!

[lieutenantsteward]

[A nod.]

I hope for the same. He mentioned seven days.

Re: A surprise spam!

[bestsir]

[ Harry nods, relieved. ]

I see. Well—I hope all goes as you intend.

Re: A surprise spam!

[lieutenantsteward]

[He stands, thanking him softly for the poultice.]

I do, as well. If you need anything, Mr. Goodsir, do not hesitate to find me. I have quite a bit more time now.

Re: A surprise spam!

[bestsir]

Of course. Thank you, Lieutenant.