All in the Tone and Delivery

He stood before the mirror staring at his reflection staring back. He tried for a commanding tone as he glared at himself and shouted, "Belay that soldier." Not quite the tone he was hoping for. He tried again, "Belay that soldier." Again not nearly commanding enough. He huffed, straightened his shoulders, put a stern expression on his face and once again, "Belay that." Perhaps that had been a little better other than his hat slipping forward over his eyes. He really had to work on that tone, there was not a marine, nor soldier, nor deck hand…. nor even a small child for that matter," he snorted to himself, "that would be intimidated by the sounds he was making."

"Andrew, what do you make of this?" Theo said with a smile as the two entered the room and spotted James standing in front of the mirror.

"I think our newly promoted Lieutenant James Norrington is once again practicing his tone of command, and as usual failing miserably." Andrew laughed good naturedly.

"Oh, so that's what that awful noise was we heard, I thought someone was butchering one of the cats." Theo added with a laugh and a teasing slap on James' shoulder.

"I thought you two had gone ashore with the rest of the men." James said trying out his stern I am in command posture and expression on the two.

"We wouldn't think of going without you James." Andrew said still smiling, not fazed a bit by the glare.

"Yes James, do join us. Perhaps a bit of ale will loosen something up and allow you to bellow like you mean it." Theo added, also not taking the look seriously.

"I suppose I might as well, I don't seem to be getting anywhere with this at the moment." James replied.

Theo and Andrew both gave him slaps on the back as they headed for the door, "Well then let's be off, the ale and wenches await." Theo said.

"Come on James, that little redhead that's showed such an interest in you should be working tables right now." Andrew said.

As they stepped out of the door they stopped and looked at each other and burst into laughter as a quite well done, "Belay that, Soldier-!" came out of the room behind them.

"I think he's getting the hang of it Theo." Andrew chuckled.

Theo nodded and chuckled in agreement.

The End

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