(no subject)

[dunnage]

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

Comments

[virginprice]

I did not mean to say it was entirely a dream. Only that for those who live, the passage of time may be so.

[It doesn't matter to him, as he is not among the living.]

Yes, I think that is the view of many. As long as we are here, we might as well help each other as we may. I find there is little to assist with, however- what problems there are lie far beyond my knowledge.

[dunnage]

I beg your pardon? Among those who live?

[ if he were not protestant, he'd be 90% sure that he'd been sent to purgatory, and Alcuin's words certainly did not make things better ]

[virginprice]

They say this place is between life, dreaming, and death- it stands to reason that there are people from each state. I would say that most are living or dreaming, but there are some of us who are quite dead.

[He is not visibly troubled by the fact that he is dead, sorry, Laurence, but he does realize his words might be alarming.]

If you last remember being alive, however, there is no cause to worry.

[dunnage]

An ambiguous way of saying purgatory. It's a fantastical idea, but so has everything I've seen today been.

[ he guesses from the way Alcuin says 'us' that he includes himself among the dead population, and with a short pause, Laurence continues ]

I apologize: I did not mean to bring up unhappy memories.

[virginprice]

It's all right, messire. It does not trouble me.

[At least not that he would admit to in public.]

It does seem easier to believe fantastic ideas now that we dwell on the back of a turtle. Anything else seems likely by comparison.