[It's a pity, Horatio thinks as he prepares to send everyone to dine together. Even he and Archie will eat with the crew. Without midshipmen and warrant officers, there's little point to the captain or officers messing alone or even with each other. But it is a pity that Spartan is otherwise engaged. The sight of the uniform -- different though it is, the thought is enough to bolster him -- stirs the same drive that made him do this, that reminded him who and what he is.
If she hadn't mentioned other obligations, he'd have her as a full-time member of the crew. Still, there was nothing to stop him from offering her -- after discussion with Archie -- the place of a warrant officer. (He'd fudged a little, he supposed, in distinguishing midshipmen from warrant officers, but he was willing to share the bulk of warrant officers but that particular sect he wanted to be able to have at his call.) Bosun, perhaps. That might do quite well.
He approaches when she's idle, offering his salute.]
15th, evening --
If she hadn't mentioned other obligations, he'd have her as a full-time member of the crew. Still, there was nothing to stop him from offering her -- after discussion with Archie -- the place of a warrant officer. (He'd fudged a little, he supposed, in distinguishing midshipmen from warrant officers, but he was willing to share the bulk of warrant officers but that particular sect he wanted to be able to have at his call.) Bosun, perhaps. That might do quite well.
He approaches when she's idle, offering his salute.]
Fine work.