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I have heard the Arguments that Time has stopped at Home, and while the Idea brings me slight Peace, I do not believe I can rest here without Consequence.

Inaction is as much of a Crime as active Treachery, and I wish to Help in any Fashion I may. I am able bodied, well used to working in open Seas and under Orders. You shall find my Complaints very few in number, under Condition that any Action asked of me is given fairly, and does not impugn on the Rights of God’s Creatures or against Country.

If I may also inquire, I am still hopeful to locate a dear Friend of mine, a Dragon by the name of Temeraire— or perhaps Lung Tien Xiang. He is of black coloring with blue markings, in the Heavy Weight class and distinguishable by a unique facial ruff and tendrils. If he is occupied, or perhaps if I am gone when He arrives, let Him know that He is missed, that He must take care of Himself, and that William Laurence asks only for Him to be happy, even if He is not near.

Cpt. Wllm Lrnce

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[--and that is the correct button, and then he is staring wide-eyed into the camera, whiskers quivering, nearly pressed up against the screen in his excitement.]

Laurence! Laurence, pray do not worry, I am here, where are you?

My dear, you know that I must worry, even if you may tell me otherwise.

[ it's difficult to keep his voice composed, and if he were not already sitting, he would have excused himself offscreen to collapse happily in a chair.

He takes a moment to raise a hand and press it against the screen, being rather unaccustomed to technology and how it really works. It's rather touching, if a bit sentimental. But when it comes to a man and his dragon, sentimentality is quite allowed. ]

I believe it is Fire sector, [ insert random area here ]. Take care, my dear. I do not believe the streets here were made with your comfort in mind.

[It has been nearly two months in this place, and Temeraire has long since learned the basic workings of the consoles, but even he cannot resist pressing his nose against the screen impulsively before he pulls his head back.]

Oh, that is not so far, at all, only just down the street; I will be there directly. [He hesitates, unsure of how his size must translate onscreen, and he adds, a little petulantly,] They have shrunk me here, Laurence; I cannot be an inch over thirty feet, and it is very strange to be so small again: but I may fit in the streets without trouble, so if you must worry, it need not be about that.

[And without further ado, he cuts the feed and is off, nearly tearing his door off its hinges in his haste. He wings low along the street, faster than he has gone in weeks, and when he half-tumbles to a stop outside Laurence's apartment, his sides are heaving with the effort and his muscles are aching, but he cannot bring himself to care, at all.]

[ Laurence turns off his console in a sort of daze, feeling rather peculiar, almost as if he'd fallen asleep and was merely living out a dream where he'd imagine up a fantastical turtle and Temeraire the size of a dragonet, although he was quite sure he wouldn't have French Amis in it if it were. It's selfish of him and he knows, but he can't help but feel rather apprehensive inside, the same feeling he had in China, that perhaps Temeraire had found someone else he adored just as much.

He hears Temeraire before he sees him, and with a small smile, both sad and joyful at the same time, he flies through his door to wrap a hand lovingly around Temeraire's muzzle. He'd apologize to his neighbors, and perhaps to anyone who witnessed the reunion, but manners felt of little importance at this very moment. ]

Do not let it bother you too much, my dear. They had no right to change you, but no matter how you are, I am still proud to be your friend and Captain.

[Temeraire himself has no such compunctions; he takes advantage of his reduced size to practically throw himself at Laurence, curling a protective foreclaw about his shoulders and nudging worriedly at his hair. Probable disorientation aside, Laurence does not seem injured, or otherwise in any distress, but for Temeraire it has been far too long altogether, and the words tumble out before he can stop them.]

I set Roland and Dyer to their calculus after you departed for London, and I meant to wait, and I did not mean to fall asleep; only it was so warm, and I was so tired, and when I woke up I was here instead. You will find it difficult to believe me, I am sure, but it has been two months since then, and I have been looking for you all this time, though like as not it has only been minutes for you. Oh, Laurence, it is so very good to see you again!

For London?

[ he repeats rather faintly, trying to imagine how long ago it had been. Not too far back, but far enough to be unaware of the Admiral's plot and the consequent events. There's a guilty sense of relief, knowing Temeraire was unburdened by the knowledge, yet knowing full well that he would have to tell Temeraire of the truth sooner or later. Laurence skirts the topic for now, finding the mundane ones easier to talk about. ]

They were unhappy, I am sure, but I would sooner deal with their displeasure than explain to Jane why her daughter had suddenly become remiss in her studies.

[ Laurence stays still as he's inspected, while running a hand absentmindedly across Temeraire's neck, recalling with a twinge of sadness how simpler duty had seemed when he had truly been this size. The war had not been so dire, he reasoned, but even that explanation would not excuse the admiralty's actions in his mind. ]

I do not blame you at all, Temeraire, and only a fool would find fault in your vigilance. I cannot imagine how dreadful it was to be away from home with no word for so long, and no apology of mine would suffice.

[ oh, composure be damned. He tucks his head into Temeraire's nape, before quietly murmuring out the rest ]

I do not know for what reason we were brought here, but I merely thank God for reuniting us both.

[Temeraire's voice is a little muffled, buried as his nose is in Laurence's shoulder.] We made port at a week ago, and I found my own harness lying abandoned in an alley, with no sign of you or any of our crew. But there was a stockade, with a gallows, and a rack, and a list of names; and I thought for a moment--

[He breaks off, abruptly, and is quiet for a long moment. When he speaks again his voice is a little clearer.]

But you have nothing to apologize for; it was not your fault that I was taken, although it was very lonely, without you here. I have made friends, of course, and they have been very helpful, and kind, but it was not the same.

[And then there is the niggling reminder that these might not be their bodies at all, or so he was told: but that is something that will certainly distress Laurence, and it is likely best he does not know.]

And it was not God at all who brought us here, but the Emperor.

Emperors have caused us a never ending deluge of trouble, it seems. It would be a shame if a simple relocation stopped them from continuing this trend.

[ a sort of dry humor creeps into his voice, because yeah, they haven't had the best track record with Emperors so far. He falls silent for a moment, content with the silence and Temeraire's company. ]

Everyone is safe at home, or so I am told, and it is for the best. I imagine it would be difficult to maintain a full crew in our current state. Perhaps a few of your new found friends could be persuaded to serve— not in an official capacity, but so I may get to know them further.

[ just not the french ones. ]

This particular Emperor is very strange; I do not think I have met anyone like her before. We have yet to learn how we have come to be here, or what it is she requires of us, but she is perfectly open to speaking with us in the meantime, and she does not try to hide behind her manners, as Lien does.

[He settles down, making a faint, thoughtful noise.] Well, it is not as if I require a full crew at present, seeing as I am smaller. But Bryn has helped me put my harness on once already, so she has a better idea of the process than most; and Combeferre is training to be a doctor, so there is no reason why he might not make a good dragon-surgeon; and then there is Gavroche: he is a born runner if ever I saw one.

[WHOOPS that's two out of three. The thought occurs to him after a moment, because he quickly adds,] They are French, but they do not like Napoleon, at all, and Gavroche is only about Emily's age; he says he was killed, before he came here.

[better play the pathos card]

[ Emperor, and a her. Well, that's certainly unexpected. He tries to match the names to faces, noticing with slight dawning horror that most of them were French.

French Republicans, but French nonetheless. There's hesitancy in his voice, because he's not entirely sure he's ready to deal. He's having enough trouble trying to come to terms with Temeraire's new French friends, and welcoming them in as crew felt almost too sudden. ]

I shall ask them, if it pleases you. But I only ask that you to give it some thought before a decision is made— a ground crew will be necessary, but you have the advantage of knowing these friends far better than I do.

[ he gives Temeraire's head a one last stroke, before leaning back to look up directly into his eyes ]

If Gavroche is the same age as Emily, however, it would be terribly careless of me to wait to form my own opinion on the boy. I cannot pay him, but I'm sure we could look out for his welfare, if he will have us.

Oh, of course; it is only natural that we wait a little, and in any case it is not as if we are in dire need of a crew at the moment. Whatever the Emperor has brought us here for, it does not appear to be fighting, and I cannot say the wait will be altogether unpleasant, now that you are here. Is your apartment very large? If it is not, I have space in mine: it is three stories, but M. Javert helped me take out the floors, so that I might have more room. [yeah more French names SORRY LAURENCE. He looks a little hesitant, then adds:] That is to say, if you would like to stay with me?

As for Gavroche, I do not know what he might accept by way of payment, as he seems quite content where he is at present, and might see our offer as unwanted charity; but I think he would be quite pleased to serve aboard a dragon.

[ Laurence laughs, this time with a little more feeling. ]

Temeraire, I should like nothing more.

[ He had no attachment to this new place, after all. The architecture was not to his liking, and even if the suite had come with the blessing of George III, he would not have liked to live so far away from Temeraire. ]

I have the luxury of owning little here— and I would like to see this new home of yours. If it is more comfortable than a pavilion, we may take the idea home with us and have a new idea for Iskierka to borrow.

[ steal, really, but semantics. He turns back to peer into his own barely lived in suite: eyeing with a slight shudder a console full of French replies, and finding nothing he cared to pack. ]

If that is the case, then I will not insist. I will merely ask if he wishes to join us in service, and tell him if he has any requests, I will do my best to meet them.

[Temeraire brightens at once, nudging Laurence affectionately once more before permitting him to check his console.]

It is certainly a great deal more convenient than a pavilion; it is very pleasant to be able to live in the city, so close to everything, and to venture out to a market or a bookshop whenever one pleases. I suppose it might be a little difficult to build something similar in London, or Dover, especially as I will be my proper size, but I see no reason why we should not attempt it, at least.

[His expression falls slightly, however, as Laurence returns empty-handed. It had been one thing to go without his talon-sheaths, when he had his breastplate and chain, and was already the most impressive (not to mention only) dragon on the turtle. Now that his captain is here, without any robes or gold to call his own...]

So you did not come with anything, at all? That is a great pity--but I know of a good clothier in town, who charges very reasonable prices, so you shall have clothing at once. And then of course we might set about acquiring some capital; if the Emperor will not bring ours with us, it is only fair we take our own.

It would take a King's ransom to afford enough land in London, I fear.

[ Laurence gives Temeraire a slight embrace, before shaking his head slightly. He supposes his trunk would have been too much to ask for, and all things considered, he'd best get used to going possession-less. But he had his coat, his sword, and the only companionship he'd truly ever need.

It was easy enough to see it bothered Temeraire, and he added quick enough: ]

I am sure in time I will gather new possessions, enough to the point we'll run out of room to store them all.

[ fallacy: appealing to magpie tendencies ]

Until then my dear, I am perfectly content with what I have. Shall we go?

Well, we do not have to live in London, in that case: Dover would suit perfectly, as well. [A pause as a sudden thought strikes him.] Or perhaps the King himself might give it to us, out of gratitude, in exchange for our bringing the cure back?

[It is almost harder to get Laurence settled on his back, unaccustomed as he is to riders given his altered size, but they manage well enough, after a fashion. And it is not unpleasant, at all: not when it reminds him of simpler times, when he was smaller, and all they had to worry about was returning to the Reliant in time for supper.]

It was not at all difficult to find nice things for the city, when I arrived, but now the rationing has made things much more complicated, and a good-sized catch of fish is worth much more than a necklace or a bracelet, these days.

It was only my duty towards King and country, and I would set a poor standard if I accepted a reward for simple duty.

[ he considers if he should tell Temeriare now— time would not make the truth any less bitter, nor the crime any less severe. It did seem a shame to ruin a happy reunion, so for now, he stays silent, quietly thinking himself cowardly for not coming forth with the true. ]

But you my dear, have made no such oaths. And perhaps together, we may make more than what we could separately, here.

But it is your duty to take ships, as well, and you receive prizes for that; I do not see why you should receive nothing at all for doing something so much more important than taking a ship.

[He pauses, then shakes his head.] You are right; we are a long way away from England, now, and I am content to stay here as long as we are needed, so long as you are here with me.

[The flight to his own residence is a short one, and he descends with a quiet rustle of wings, eagerly nudging Laurence inside ahead of him. Javert's construction team has done themselves proud; the renovated apartment is spacious and open, with railings lining the vestigial floors, which surround an open central area containing a well-used firepit. There is a stairwell still preserved, and a few doors are still visible on the remnants of the second and third floors, leading to unused bedrooms, any of which might suit Laurence.

The apartment itself is surprisingly spartan for something belonging to Temeraire; a few piles of seashells and polished rocks are carefully arranged here and there, there are the beginnings of a small library along one wall, and he has painted his name in English and Chinese along another, but he looks almost guilty as he surveys the room now.]

I am afraid it is not very impressive; I do not have much in the way of capital at the moment, as it cost a great deal to knock holes in all the ceilings, and I am paying for a kedan merchant to teach me to read their language. But in a little while I shall have both out of the way, and then I might go about making this place a little more respectable.

[ the workmanship is impeccable in his eyes, sturdy and spacious, and charming in it's sparse decoration. He supposes it's rather empty for Temeraire, who had developed a rather distinguished taste in accessorization, but it suited Laurence. ]

Sooner or later we must return home, Temeraire— or at the very least, I must. I would not dream of forcing you away from where you were happiest.

[ he remembered saying the same in China, and he supposes Keeliai with its aesthetic reminded Temeraire heavily of it. There's the same feeling of worry, the slight doubt that he could lose Temeraire to someone or someplace else. Laurence refused to lose himself in thought, and instead turned his attention to the bookcase, silently running a hand across the various spines. ]

Do not fret; together we may pull in a tidy salary, and from there our fortunes will only improve. We have always made our home where we could, and I see no reason why we should change our habits here.

[He draws his head back a little at that, a hint of reproach in his expression.]

You would not be forcing me, at all: not when I am happiest when I am with you.

[And pleasant as Keeliai is, there is little tying him to this place, except perhaps the few friends he has made here, none of which he can regard above his captain. In any case, if they might lay hold of whatever technology has brought them here, and figure out how it works, then surely they might be back to visit whenever they like--

But that is a different matter for a different time. He continues in a slightly brisker tone of voice as he watches Laurence peruse his books (mostly scientific texts and handwritten field journals, though there might be an inflammatory pamphlet or two, courtesy of the Amis):]

Besides, it is not as if we can return home at the moment, when we appear to be here at the Emperor's beck and call. And you are right: we might enjoy what time we have here, but in the meantime you must find some means of employment.

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3/3 video;

video;

video --> action;

action;

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