Disclaimer:
Being the property of their respective copyright holders, Hornblower, its characters or any other publicly recognizable names don't belong to me in any way, shape or form. This was written for the sole purpose of entertainment, not monetary gain. No copyright infringement or disrespect towards historical figures is intended.
A/N:
MuchÃsimas gracias to my awesome twin sister Twinchy for the beta!
My humble gratitude also goes out to morwen_of_gondor for inventing the wonderfully appropriate tag 'Archie Kennedy is a Ray of Sunshine'. As badly as I wanted to include the tag, for obvious reasons, this particular storyline does not exactly lend itself to its use. Nevertheless, the moniker found its way into the story in a different form.
Despite this being a fix-it fic and my firm preference for happy endings, I was actually okay with Archie's demise in the series, untimely as it was, because his death was not played for cheap shock value but proved IMHO relevant to the story, was well-handled and resulted in some very rewarding scenes between him and Horatio.
Summary:
For the second time in his life, Horatio Hornblower came face to face with a ghost long-believed dead and buried. Coincidentally, it was even the same ghost.
Setting: January 1805, during Horatio Hornblower's command of HMS Hotspur; contains spoilers for and beyond episode 6 'Retribution'.
Fantasma
Unusual Summons
'
The dreadful early January weather outdoors perfectly mirrored the lacklustre atmosphere inside as another tedious and dreary day at the Admiralty in London was slowly drawing to a close. Rear-Admiral Sir Edward Pellew loathed these endless, mind-numbing meetings with a passion. Even though he recognized their necessity, he was a man of action, a man who preferred to be at sea and in the thick of things.
Admittedly, for once being involved in the decision-making process definitely had its perks. How often had he cursed the comfortably cushioned admirals of lamentable strategic proficiency and questionable foresight? Yet, more often than not, he felt like the only sensible man in the room. Decisive and daring action was one thing, folly at the expense of other men's lives another altogether. The new year, however, appeared to be off to a good start as proceedings promised to see his carefully laid plans finally come to fruition.
"These orders are of a rather delicate nature and of some urgency," Vice-Admiral Sir John Duckworth stated profoundly. Mere minutes before, the assembled admirals had come to a hotly disputed agreement concerning their course of action.
"In light of their significance, I reckon we are all agreed that these orders must only be delivered in person," Sir John continued after a pregnant pause which prompted Sir Edward Pellew to inwardly roll his eyes. He had no patience whatsoever for buffoons who drew matters out simply to feel more important.
"Who do you suppose then, Gentlemen, should fetch our esteemed Commander Hornblower in Plymouth?" Admiral William Cornwallis' question was directed at no one in particular but his eyes never left Sir Edward, who had been the driving force behind the final draft of orders.
The greying rear-admiral looked pensive for a moment, shuffling papers and seemingly weighing all available options before speaking up. "I believe the Ray of Sunshine has recently arrived back in port at Plymouth from a dispatch run and is expected to set sail for London within a day. She could pick up our Mr Hornblower at short notice." His voice sounded deliberately nonchalant lest he appear too keen on pressing the matter.
"Ah, McKinley's ship," Lord Melville, First Lord of the Admiralty, pointed out. "You seem rather fond of her captain, Sir Edward." The underlying meaning was not lost on Pellew and he briefly wondered if he had been too obvious after all.
"A contract vessel?!" Admiral Lord Hood interjected doubtfully. "A bold choice for an errand of this nature."
"Nonsense!" Admiral Cornwallis cut in exasperatedly. "Her captain has proven a most reliable fellow, Sir, and knows how to make haste. She is a fine vessel and one of the fastest advice boats at our disposal. If she is indeed currently in port and ready to set sail, the journey should take no longer than a coach ride in this most unpleasant weather."
Rear-Admiral Pellew leaned back in his distractingly upholstered armchair, carefully schooling his smugness into a more neutral expression. He had planted the seed and meticulously steered the chess pieces in their intended direction. He had every confidence that the other admirals would now see to the pieces falling into place.
The struggling mid-morning sun in Plymouth harbour did very little to warm the crisp winter air when Lieutenant William Bush purposefully made his way up to the quarterdeck.
"What is it, Mr Young?" Hotspur's second in command curtly greeted the officer of the larboard watch, who in turn knuckled the front of his hat. During their stay in port, the captain had graciously switched to a relaxed three-watch system instead of the standard two watches while at sea.
"Gig approaching, Sir." Midshipman Young informed his superior with clipped efficiency, rigidly standing at attention and indicating the direction where he had spotted the small boat.
Both men quietly stepped to the rail of the sloop-of-war and studied the arriving boat, curious as to their visitor's identity and business. From a distance they could just make out that the man being rowed towards their ship was wearing no naval uniform and had obviously not come from the shoreline but one of the other ships at anchor.
"Gig ahoy!" Bush greeted stately once the boat came within earshot, his voice carrying easily across the water.
"Master's Mate O'Grady of the advice boat Ray of Sunshine," an unmistakably Irish accent announced. "Permission to come aboard, Sir?" the man called up to the two officers.
"Permission granted," Lieutenant Bush answered without hesitation, waiting patiently for the notably civilian man to ascend the freeboard treads on the hull of HMS Hotspur and climb onto deck at the entry port. His footing was sure and graceful, confirming he was an experienced seaman. During times of war, when ships in His Majesty's service were needed elsewhere, it was not unheard of for civilian vessels to serve as dispatch boats.
"Master's Mate Declan O'Grady of the advice boat Ray of Sunshine at your service," the newcomer reiterated, respectfully touching his hat once they were face to face. He stood ramrod straight with hands clasped behind his back, mirroring Bush's self-confident stance.
"First Lieutenant Bush at your service. Welcome aboard, Sir. And this is Midshipman Young," the seasoned lieutenant introduced himself and his subordinate, appraising the fine but practical garments of their average-sized but well-defined visitor. No man for idle chatter, Bush quickly cut to the heart of the matter as soon as the necessary pleasantries had been exchanged. "May I inquire as to the manner of your business, Mr O'Grady?"
"Indeed, you may, Sir. I am to deliver a dispatch from the Admiralty in London to Commander Hornblower, Sir." Judging by the Irishman's deportment, he was clearly used to dealing with naval officers and keenly aware of the chain of command.
Bush nodded his assent, "Mr Young will show you to the captain's day cabin, Sir."
"Aye aye, Sir," Midshipman Young answered dutifully, knuckling the front of his hat, then addressed their visitor, "This way, Sir, if you please."
Ray of Sunshine's master's mate nodded his thanks to the lieutenant before following the junior officer.
Right on the toll of the ship's next bell, the midshipman returned to the quarterdeck with hurried steps. "Lieutenant Bush, Sir, Midshipman Young reporting back for duty, Sir."
"Very well, Mr. Young. Resume your watch if you please. The deck is yours," the first lieutenant dismissed, hardly waiting for the junior officer's mandatory confirmation before striding towards the forecastle.
Only minutes later, the captain's clerk, Mr Martin, approached him from behind. "Mr Bush, Sir, the captain's compliments and he asks to see you in his cabin at your earliest convenience, Sir."
"Thank you, Mr Martin," the senior officer acknowledged, then turned on his heel and proceeded aft.
Barely sparing a glance at the marine stationed outside the captain's cabin snapping to attention, the lieutenant firmly rapped at the door.
"Come," the familiar voice of Commander Horatio Hornblower called.
Bush entered to find both his captain and Mr O'Grady standing at the polished wooden table, an opened missive between them.
"Ah, Mr Bush," Hornblower addressed his second in command, shifting his attention from his guest towards the first lieutenant when he approached to a respectful distance and assumed his customary pose.
"Captain," he greeted in return. "You wanted to see me, Sir?"
"Indeed, Mr Bush. Mr O'Grady informs me I am to travel with the Ray of Sunshine to London and present myself at the Admiralty to receive my new orders in person."
Bush did not allow his irritation at this unusual summons to show. Likewise, no emotion was discernible on Hornblower's impassive face, but knowing his commander and perceiving the minute inflection in his voice, the latter was no happier about being called away from his ship.
"In the meantime, Mr Bush, you shall be in command of Hotspur and oversee the resupplying process while I am away." For a mere second, a cloudy expression became visible on Horatio's countenance, revealing his silent displeasure at the inconvenience. "I expect to be back within three days."
"Aye, Sir." Eyes sharing understanding, no further words were needed between them.
"Very well, Mr Bush. Please accompany Mr O'Grady back on deck. I will be there presently."
Despite his misgivings regarding the journey itself, once the resplendent lines of the Ray of Sunshine came into view, Hornblower had to admit, the small cutter was a beauty. With her fore-and-aft rigged sails, she was evidently built for speed and manoeuvrability. Her hull and rigging looked well-maintained, a sign of sufficient funds and a good crew.
'She surely must be a joy to sail,' Horatio thought wistfully, 'even if I am but a passenger this time'.
The freeboard climb onto the much smaller civilian vessel was significantly quicker than the previous descent down the hull of the Hotspur when he was being piped off his ship, so he soon found himself standing on Ray of Sunshine's gleaming deck. Seamen were purposefully milling about as preparations for setting sail were in full swing.
A weather-worn, stocky man eagerly came towards them. "Welcome back, Mr O'Grady. I have already sent word to the captain that our passenger has arrived on board, Sir." Contrary to his appearance, the man's voice betrayed he was indeed several years younger than his looks suggested.
"Thank you, Mr Keith," the master's mate answered appreciatively before the young man was dismissed and proceeded to walk along the deck.
At that moment, another figure stepped up to them. O'Grady pulled himself to full attention. "Captain McKinley, Sir, may I introduce our guest Commander Hornblower."
"Welcome aboard the Ray of Sunshine, Mr Hornblower," the captain greeted warmly.
The sound of the captain's voice caught Hornblower completely at unawares and startled him into abruptly gazing down at the slightly smaller man, brown eyes locking with crystal blue ones. The impossible sight before him caused all colour to drain from his face. In fact, it was all he could do to keep from melting to the deck planking when his knees threatened to fold. For the second time in his life, Horatio Hornblower came face to face with a ghost long-believed dead and buried. Coincidentally, it was even the same ghost.