"Damn it all to hell!" Annabelle said.

This certain morning, Annabelle Williams was struggling to tie her hair into a ponytail, her hands could not stop quivering from excitement. Not only was the Indefatigable about to make port, it was going to make port in London. Captain Pellew had been sent by The Admiralty, but when Annabelle questioned him about it, he told her that it was none of her concern. She had the thought that it was about France becoming an ally to Spain, but it didn't really matter to her. The only thing Annabelle was thrilled to learn about, was the fact that she, once again, would be back in London. Even if it was a brief trip.

"Young ladies should always know how to fix their hair." A voice said.

Annabelle turned and saw one of her dearest friends, Archie Kennedy, leaning against a post and smiling. Obviously, at the fact that Annabelle could not fix her hair.

"Well, young men should never be allowed to snicker at young ladies." Annabelle said.

"Here, let me help you."

Archie took Annabelle's ribbon and was able to tie her hair into a perfect ponytail.

"How can you be so calm? We are making port in London! Our home."

"It will only be a short visit. Besides, you will be too busy minding the escape boats."

"I know. I simply don't see, however, how you cannot be at least a bit excited."

"Well, perhaps all the excitement is aboard the Indy."

"Archie Kennedy, are you attempting to flatter me?"

"Have I succeeded?"

"No, but your compliment I shall hold in the highest regards."

Annabelle kissed Archie on the cheek. Annabelle went to deck, when she arrived she saw that The Indefatigable was making port in London. She went up to Matthews and took his arm.

"After a near three years, we are finally home." Annabelle said.

"Indeed we are, Annie." Matthews said.

As soon as The Indefatigable made port at a London dock, Captain Pellew was off to the Admirality and Mr.Hornblower was off to purchase a new uniform for his new rank as Lieutenant. Everyone else had to stay behind and mind the escape boats. Annabelle rolled up the legs of her breeches and then stuck her feet into the water. For six hours, everyone waited at the docks, before Mr.Hornblower and Captain Pellew returned. Annabelle took note that Captain Pellew seemed deeply distracted, almost as if something had upset him.

When everyone arrived back aboard the Indefatigable, Captain Pellew went straight to his cabin. Annabelle wanted to see what was wrong, but Oldroy had restrained her.

"Don't bother with it, Annie." Oldroy said.

"Mr.Oldroy, clearly the Captain has been troubled by some sort of event. I only wish to offer some form of comfort, be it through assurance or something of the sort Now, I will go in and make some sort excuse and then I will question him about The Admirality. "

Oldroy released Annabelle and she went to Captain Pellew's cabin door. She knocked twice.

"Yes. Come in." Captain Pellew said.

Annabelle stepped into Captain Pellew's cabin and closed the door. Captain Pellew, who seemed to be going over some papers, looked up at Annabelle.

"Pardon, sir. It seems as though one of the boats has taken some damage. Shall I repair it myself, or is a carptener required?"

"You may see to it, Farleigh. If you feel that you are able for such a task."

"Thank you, sir."

Captain Pellew sighed and buried his head in one of his hands.

"Tired, sir?"

"No, Mr.Farleigh. I am merely pondering a rather dire situation."

"Dire, sir? Did something happen at The Admirality, sir?"

"I don't want to trouble a boy of your age with this. Run along and prepare that boat."

"With respect, sir, I am not a boy. I am a sailor. My country comes above chores."

"Do you swear to not breathe a word of this to your friends?"

Annabelle felt her throat go dry, she was now unsure if she was prepared to hear the news. Nonetheless, she nodded in agreement.

"A sharp lad like you should know what a carrier is..."

"Aye, sir. They are in His Majesty's Army, they carry dispatches and plans. Most of which are written by Generals and Captains."

"Have a seat, Mr.Farleigh."

Annabelle sat down and Captain Pellew stood. He went by the window, his back to Annabelle.

"Not all Frenchmen are bad, Mr.Farleigh. I hope you do well to remember."

"Indeed, sir. I've heard of all sorts of-"

"Rebellions. One includes General Francois de Charette. A Royalist and rebel from France. He has...had plans to rally both the French and English and restore the King to his rightful place on the throne."

"England and France? Frogs and Lobsters, sir, it's not a very good combination."

"True. However, I would wager it as the best idea to bring France to its feet, at this current period during this damnable war."

"Sir, you said that General Charette "had" plans. What happened to them, sir?"

"They were stolen from a carrier. A British carrier, no less."

"The carrier, sir?"

"Dead."

"What of his attackers?"

"We believed them to be French. That is against the point. The point is that we are now going to have to carry a rally of both French and British soldiers across the sea to France. To see if we are able to carry out General Charette's plan. The Lobsters shall be led by Major Charles Edrington, and the Frogs by Colonel Marquis de Moncoutant."

"Sir, why does this make you nervous? We are only carrying troops to France."

"Good god, man. Place some sense in your head. A week with France aboard a British frigate? It will drive the men absolutely mad."

"A week is not long, sir. It will pass quickly. Then, once they are on land, we are free to continue on our vo-"

"Not so, Mr.Farleigh. A party of men will follow the troops and aid them in battle."

"Sir, I can understand your reluctance, but your men-"

"Are trained for only Naval battles. Put a rifle or sword in their hand and their bound to die."

"Pardon, sir, but you don't know them as well as I. They are capable of much more than you believe. I know."

"Dismissed, Farleigh. Keep to your word."

"I will, sir. Goodday, sir."

Annabelle got up and left the cabin. She bumped into Styles who was mopping the deck with the help of Matthews and Oldroy.

"What's the word?" Styles asked.

"Nothing. The Captain isn't feeling well is all. Excuse me."

Annabelle walked away from Styles, and went below deck. She sat in her hammock and bowed her head.

"Dear Lord, be by our sides. As we sail into an unknown land and face a fatal crisis. Protect us. In the name of Your Son. Amen." Annabelle said.