Chapter 4

"Oh, dear. Mr. Wellard, I do believe that was a bit too much for poor Mr. Hornblower." Archie's huge grin belied the mock concern in his voice as he leaned over Horatio's prone form.

Wellard, looking mildly apologetic, reached out a hand. "I'm very sorry, sir. Mr. Kennedy has wanted to use that line on somebody since he got here. Apparently you were the first test subject for his rather odd sense of humour. Let me help you up, sir. And might I say, sir, that-HEY! You were promoted!" Wellard's manner was one of complete delight. He clapped his hands together in the manner of a small child. "Congratulations, sir!"

"Yes, bloody marvellous, isn't it, Horatio? Commander Hornblower! Well, I can't think of anyone else who would have deserved it more! Mr. Wellard, if you are finished congratulating the commander, would you mind helping him to his feet?"

Horatio allowed the ecstatic midshipman to pull him to his feet. Half his brain had completely shut down from the shock, but the other part was still capable of observing his surroundings. He noticed that while Mr. Wellard treated him with the respect accorded to a superior officer, he treated Archie...he caught a glimpse of Wellard sticking his tongue out at Archie!

Archie responded with his best Captain Pellew stance, and a mock hard glare. "Mister Wellard! I do believe that Commander Hornblower has not been properly welcomed. Nor will I allow him to remain in confusion through your DAWDLING, sir!"

Wellard cracked a grin, and came to full attention. "Aye sir! Right away!" Turning to Horatio, he excuted a salute. His manner seemed to change, subtly. He no longer spoke as if he and Archie were sharing some great jest, but as if this was a solemn ceremony. "Welcome to the HMS Eternity, Commander Hornblower: Purgatory for those of us who sail the sea."

Horatio looked around. Now that the shock was wearing off, he could view his surroundings with a little more perspective. His gaze returned to Archie and Wellard. He was shocked to realize that a tear was sliding down his cheek. Wellard stepped back respectfully.

"D*mmit, Archie, it's just so good to see you again..." He trailed off as another tear came, and the others that he hadn't cried when Archie had died. Archie smiled at him as the two friends embraced. It seemed to Horatio that hours passed, before he stepped back and wiped the tears from his eyes.

Horatio smiled, though it was tinged with sadness. "D*mn. Now I have to believe that I really am dead."

"Cheer up, Horatio." Archie's soft blue eyes glistened with tears too. "As afterlives go, this one's not so bad...Especially since you're here now..."

Wellard threw an arm over the two men's shoulders, and smiled. "The only problem is figuring out how to pass the time...can you sing, sir?"