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[lieutenantsteward]

[Why not try out this journal magic?]

Since this place has seen fit to provide us with an easier method of communicating messages to the entire ship, I thought it best to take advantage. Breakfast is served in the galley. I will not provide food for every meal, but there is fresh bread and I even managed to mix together a rudimentary jam from the dried fruit. The tins contain food that can be heated, but I would warn you against using it more than you need to. We should rely mostly on the dried foods.

[Why? Well, because of reasons that Jopson never really understood but knew were bad.]

Comments

[kingsroads]

Does this ship have drink? Obviously I will not indulge during breakfast, but there's nothing wrong with a bottle or two of wine with dinner.

[ there's a pause before, not really knowing if Jopson knows who sent this message or not, Strange decides to sign it. ]

J. Strange

[lieutenantsteward]

[Damn. He's still alive. Thankfully, he doesn't have to worry about facial expressions through text.]

We have rum and gin. [Not mentioning the stores of whiskey. Nope.]

[kingsroads]

Pity. Still, I suppose I can make do with the rum.

[ there's an idle little scribble on the page as Strange thinks. ]

Are there fish this far north? I can attempt to catch some so we'll at least have fresh meat.

[lieutenantsteward]

There is no game. Not that we have seen. If there are fish, they are below the ice.

[kingsroads]

Then I must simply remove a portion of the ice. Do you have a spyglass? I doubt I'll be able to see the fish with the naked eye from the ship's deck.

[lieutenantsteward]

Sir, I fear you use the word "simply" too freely. The Captain may have a glass. I do not have need of one.

[kingsroads]

What, really? How odd. All ships should have a spyglass.

[ says the person who's got a bare-bones knowledge of how the Navy works! ]

[lieutenantsteward]

[Jopson would love to bury you in the ice right now, Strange.]

That is not an essential part of my duties. As I said, the Captain may have one.

[kingsroads]

[ welcome to dealing with Strange's bullshit, Jopson ]

What are your duties then?

[lieutenantsteward]

I am the Captain's steward and tend to him and his business. And, temporarily, that includes ensuring that you and the other newcomers survive.

[kingsroads]

You don't have to worry about me. I was in the peninsula, you know, I've survived worse than being stuck on a ship in the cold.

[lieutenantsteward]

I'm sure you have. But this isn't simply cold, sir. And I must warn you again about venturing outside without protection.

[kingsroads]

You and your captain have both pressed on me the issue of going outside without proper protection. I know.

[ GOSH, MOM, he's an ADULT. ]

Once I can convince the weather to fully cooperate, that should be less of a problem.

[lieutenantsteward]

And what will you do to change the weather? If you increase the temperature, the ice will melt and we will be at the mercy of the pack ice without a full crew. [DUH.]

[kingsroads]

[ Strange's mental note to self: look up what pack ice is ]

Is the crew needed to operate the ship or just to deal with the pack ice?

[lieutenantsteward]

The ship. As we have only six men, [sorry, Anna] only three of whom have ever stepped foot on a ship of this sort, we would be more or less helpless.

[kingsroads]

[ there are a few very frustrated scribbles in his journal as Strange puts his mind in order. ]

I cannot summon you more men nor can I magically grant the rest of us sailing knowledge. In that case, until I've break this realm's enchantment or dealt with your tuunbaq, what would be best for me to do?

Well...he asked.

[lieutenantsteward]

The ice needs breaking on deck. I need someone to help with cooking. Perhaps you would be suited to helping change the linens?

congratulations, you played yourself

[kingsroads]

[ Cool! Not gonna happen! ]

I'm afraid my cooking leaves much to be desired. If you need me, I shall be in the library.

He set him up for that one!

[lieutenantsteward]

I will seek you out if there is something needing a good sweeping, sir.

he really did

[kingsroads]

Unfortunately, my sweeping leaves much to be desired as well. Good day, sir.