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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

[lieutenantsteward]

Yes, Captain. [He knew that he couldn't take care of his Captain until he took care of himself, so he had eaten earlier, though it seemed such a silly thing to do in hell.]

[goingtobeunwell]

[Crozier finally sipped the tea. It was perfect, as it always was when Jopson made it.]

For Christ's sake, man, how much dust could there be in here?

[lieutenantsteward]

The usual amount. [A pause.] Was there anything else?

[goingtobeunwell]

[Crozier hesitated, because truthfully he didn't know what he wanted. To not be alone, but he couldn't admit it to himself.]

That'll be all, Jopson.

[He sipped the tea with a sigh. It was still hot. So rarely things were still hot out in the polar region, he almost wished for the feeling of his tongue burning on it.]

I know my store's replenished.

[lieutenantsteward]

[He knew he had been dismissed, but he also knew when his Captain wanted company. Hence the fussing over his cabin.]

I tried to get rid of it, Captain. But it came back.

[goingtobeunwell]

[He inhaled sharply. Maybe Goodsir had been right and this was Hell, or a Papist's Purgatory. It certainly seemed that way, with such a seemingly well thought out temptation now beneath his feet.]

Your vigilance is appreciated, Jopson.

[lieutenantsteward]

[He nodded once.] I will not let you fall, Captain. [Said in a whisper.]

[goingtobeunwell]

[Crozier lowered his head. Jopson. Steady, reliable, dutiful Jopson. He had no reason to still be so devoted -- what was he a captain of anyway?]

I know you won't.

[His tea was getting cold. He left it where it was.]

Don't let me have that key, Jopson.

[lieutenantsteward]

[Another nod as he studied his Captain carefully.] No sir. I will keep it myself.

[goingtobeunwell]

[He straightened up slightly. So long as Jopson had the key, he could face whatever temptation came his way. He was certain of that.]

Are there people in the crew's berth?

[lieutenantsteward]

At the moment? Yes. [He finally sat down, deciding that it would be better to not worry about trying to find something to keep himself occupied.]

[goingtobeunwell]

And you're not out there serving them?

[He tapped the table with his fingers.]

Have tea with me.

[lieutenantsteward]

Interestingly enough, most of them don't seem to appreciate it. [He considered his Captain's offer, but, of course, was going to do as he asked. He poured himself a cup and refilled Crozier's.]

[goingtobeunwell]

Not used to be served, Jopson. It's no bad thing.

[He nodded his thanks and finally picked up his cup and saucer.]