Entry 2. The New Articles of HMS Terror

[goingtobeunwell]

It has become apparent, with more and more new arrivals by the day, that our current situation will not be as temporary as some might have hoped.  Our provisions appear to be stable, but if we are to live together in such close proximity - which we seem destined to now - there must of course be an equitable assignment of duties. 

The first order of business is the assignment of cooking duties. I assume we would all enjoy partaking in hot meals daily, so I am proposing two be served - one in the morning, one in the evening. Lieutenant Jopson can manage provisions and oversight of the actual cooking, of which we should all take part lest we survive on stale biscuits and Poor John. 

[This is scribbled in later, as though Crozier was trying Very Hard not to think about it:] It should also be noted that we have access to spirits aboard Terror. Each man or woman who wishes to imbibe may have one ration of either rum or wine with the evening meal. 

Second order of business is the removal of ice and snow from the top deck. It must not be allowed to accumulate. Our situation aboard Terror is precarious, and should the ice pile up too high the whole deck just may collapse on our heads. It must be a daily chore, and we must all share the duty of clearing it. 

Lastly, until it can be determined that the creature in the ice will not attack, we must have a watch. No more than an hour at the time for those unaccustomed to arctic temperatures. Proper outwear will be necessary if extremities wish to be kept. 

Linens and clean crockery seem to replenish, but I must insist on a clean ship.  To whoever left the library in the great cabin in disarray - do not let it happen again. 

I also do not expect any man (or woman) who has not enlisted to follow the Ship's Articles, but there will be order.  Until such time it becomes necessary to change them, these are the Ship's New Articles:

1. The doors that are locked must not be unlocked. 
2. No man or woman shall purposely harm another. 
3. Shared provisions may not be hoarded or destroyed for whatever reason. 
4. The medicines in sick bay are not to be handled by anyone other than Mr. Goodsir, or a medical assistant he sees fit to assign to added duties.
5. Do not eat from the tins. 

Defying these rules will result in punishment. [Which he leaves at that.]

I expect you all to volunteer your time to keep our ship running in an orderly manner. 

Capt. F.R.M. Crozier

Comments

[lieutenantsteward]

Strange.

"No, sir. But I am wary of history repeating itself," he told him gently.

[goingtobeunwell]

Crozier shoved his hands into his pockets. He smiled at Jopson gently, walking along to keep himself from freezing. Jopson would follow, as he always did.

"I still half expect to see Thomas Blanky up in the rigging, singing a bawdy song or telling poor Harry Peglar a dirty joke."

[lieutenantsteward]

He smiled to remember it, raising his eyes to the rigging where the ice master would often perch. "He was a good friend to you, sir."

[goingtobeunwell]

Crozier nodded, eyes still squinting up towards the masts. "Even as old as he was, he could still climb and swing about the rigging like a damn monkey."

God, how he missed him.

"This ship is so empty, Thomas."

[lieutenantsteward]

"I know, sir," he assured him. "But it is filling. Bit by bit."

[goingtobeunwell]

Filling with who though? And why?

"We must protect these people," he said softly. "As best we can, Jopson. I must protect them."

He'd already failed so many men.

[lieutenantsteward]

It was so difficult for Jopson not to tell him what he had learned from the strange woman, but he had to keep quiet. There were so many reasons, and someone had to protect the Captain, after all.

"I will help you in whatever way I can, sir."

[goingtobeunwell]

Crozier stomped his feet gently on the packed snow.

"You always do, Thomas."

[lieutenantsteward]

He let his head dip in another nod, like it was old habit. "Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?" he asked.

[goingtobeunwell]

"You can help me finish assessing the state of the deck. I just have the bow to do."