"Midshipman Sharp reporting as ordered, sir," the boy says, snapping a crisp salute.
"At ease, Mr. Sharp," Hobbes says, finishing his entry in the ship's log before returning his attention to the boy standing in front of his desk. Alert and expectant, as usual.
Hobbes likes the midshipman immensely, although of course he tries not to let that color his command decisions. It's exceedingly rare to find Sharp's combination of cleverness, confidence, and competence. That the boy is also diligent and honest, displays brilliant initiative and tenacity, and all of this at only sixteen years of age – well. A captain could wish for more such men.
"I've received a message from Istanbul," he says, glancing at the paper in question, "and shall be making an announcement to the ship in short order. Considering the contents, however, I thought fit to inform you first."
Sharp blinks. "Sir?"
"A Lieutenant Colonel…" he checks the name "…Mustafa Kemal has seized command of the Ottoman military. A member of that Committee you encountered, it seems."
Sharp shifts position slightly, and looks very curious, but says nothing.
"One of Colonel Kemal's first actions was to order the release of airmen Matthews and Spencer. They have been taken aboard a British naval vessel and are now bound for India. Kemal sends along assurances that they were not overly ill-treated while imprisoned – something echoed by the skipper of the Merrow."
Hobbes pauses and considers the boy standing before him. "Kemal also adds that Robins was given a proper burial."
"Aye, sir," Sharp says. He blinks again, several times – neither in confusion nor surprise. "Thank you, sir."
Sensitive. That's not a word to make a commanding officer jump for joy. It would be of more concern to Hobbes if Sharp wasn't such a damn good midshipman. High marks from the bosun, approval from all of the officers, gets on well with the crew – the perfect middy. Dylan Sharp will go far in the Air Service, occasional lapses into sentiment or not.
And there are worse sins than worrying over the fates of the men in your command.
"You're dismissed, Mr. Sharp," Hobbes says.
The boy salutes and prepares to leave.
"One more thing," Hobbes says abruptly. Sharp pauses mid-motion and turns again at once.
"Sir?"
"No one's first command goes as they expect," Hobbes says, soft and gravely serious. "Count yours as a success, mark your mistakes – and don't make them again."
Mr. Sharp stands a little straighter. "Aye sir."
Captain Hobbes sends his best midshipman on his way, and returns to his work.
.
.
.
Note: Mustafa Kemal, in real life, went on to become Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founding father of modern-day Turkey.
