@ltgeorgehodgson. On deck. Now. We're moving out.
*Crozier has lashed several armfuls of medical supplies to his back in a makeshift sack, and hefts one sledge himself, the strap over his shoulder, while ABs James "Jim" Filler and Samuel Plotte are adjusting their straps two other sledges. They're small, just made for one man each. Crozier is hoping they'll be enough*
*With Goodsir's disappearance, he's in a rotten mood, any excitement he felt at his own wedding plans quickly snuffed out by the prospect of more blood on his hands.*
*He glares moodily up at the railing, as if by sheer force of will he can make Hodgson appear.*
hodgson appears a few minutes later, clearly weary on his feet but he stands up straight when he sees his captain, ignoring the dead leaden weight in his limbs, the ache that permeates his entire body. he still has a job to do.
here, sir. are we all prepared to go?
*Crozier nods, sharply, and hands Hodgson the second strap to his sledge so that they might pull together. It's weighed down only with essentials— blankets, emergency food, water... It'll be heavier on the way back, if they find anyone hurt.*
Ready, Lieutenant.
*He starts to walk and whistles sharp through his teeth at the ABs, who begin plodding ahead, following the officers' lead. Though his scarf and muffler are pulled tight around his face, Crozier still lowers his voice to speak to the lieutenant.*
.....Mr. Goodsir has abandoned ship. Went off after the mutineers himself, likely. Fuckin' eejit. ...If we're lucky, we'll find him 'fore he turns blue and his bits start fallin' off.
george nods, though the words take a minute to register as he's focusing more on trying to stay upright and pulling the sledge.
ah... yes, I'm sure... sure we'll find him, hopefully... do you know who's out here? did john- um, lieutenant irving come back? and mr des voeux?
*Crozier glances sideways at Hodgson. He's still leery to treat the man with too much kindness— after the lashing Crozier considered Hodgson forgiven for the business with his bed, but.... he's gathered that the wreckage of Dundy's emotional state since then is owed to one Lieutenant George Hodgson. He feels both strangely protective of Dundy and bitter towards Hodgson, though he's doing his best to put it all behind him and focus on the mission.*
*After a minute, Crozier grunts.*
No, no one's come back yet.
Irving, Des Voeux, Gore, and Sergeant Tozer are all out there. Some other men too. Goodsir.
*He pauses, as though he's about to say something else. He darts his eyes over at Hodgson. He thinks better of it, and continues trudging ahead in silence.*
george is feeling the awkward tension between them too. he's all too aware that their interactions since the lashing have been very limited... surely the captain has not truly forgiven what he did. perhaps he doesn't deserve that forgiveness. but he tries to push it aside and focus on being a lieutenant right now, not whatever personal business has gone on. he nods.
do we... know who was involved in the mutiny? surely not any officers?
*Crozier lets out a heavy sigh, exasperated. More with the reality that he doesn’t know the question’s answer than the question itself— he knows he should soften his tone, he knows he shouldn’t take out his frustrations on one of his few standing lieutenants, but—*
For Christsake, George, we still don’t know shit. Hell, one of them could have lead it for all we know.
*For a second, the snow falls silently around them, and the only sound is crunching footfalls on the ice. Then Crozier sighs again.*
…but I don’t think that’s the case. I think Mr. Tozer was leading the mutineers— I sent him a message that we come in peace, so that they don’t shoot our brains out on sight.
We still don’t know who’s mutinied of their own free will yet. besides Goodsir.
We don’t know much of anything, out here.
(sniff)
(well thas not very good.) @ltgeorgehodgson @franciscrozierofficial don’t worry sir! I’m sure the lads won’t fire on us. We’re bringing em med treatment after all- any port in a storm, eh?
(cough) uh.. lieutenant, do you want,… should me and Sam take some of the weight off that there sledge for you? ( lookin rather peeky there..)
