The Hamlet Revelations

Shakespeare's Hamlet remained nestled inside of William's seachest aboard the Surprise. It had been one of Mr. Kennedy's most prized posessions... a novel that he would not loan out under any circumstance. Inside the tragedy were scribbles that Archie had recorded over long days on the Restitution- private accounts hidden safely away under a deceptive cover. Many of the book's margins were filled with notes and quips, and most importantly, the thoughts of a fallen friend.


Inside cover
Brother,

I’m watching you sleep, and it’s funny how comfortable I am with admitting that. The rise and fall of your chest seems to be coordinated perfectly with the roll and pitch of the ship- she is yielding to the waves outside gracefully. We’re just passengers on this vessel, my friend, and cannot control what becomes of us. I have accepted that much at the very least.

Perhaps it is not our business to traverse the seas like gods, but I feel best when I am out on these waters. I am sure you feel the same.

You’ve always had a tendency to leapfrog command, Will, but the usual incompetence that surrounds us makes it necessary, doesn’t it? I think that we’re cursed, you and I. Can you believe the other officers on this ship? Gerard, the lady’s man with dyslexia, Groves the fool. We are the joke of the fleet, I say. Ah, and let us not forget blacklisting Hammond. I only wish I could speak these thoughts aloud to you, but I am sure that they would somehow manage to circulate and earn me some punishment- though what such chatter would merit I can only imagine. Perhaps after a keelhauling I would learn to hold my tongue.

It’s unlikely these words will ever reach you. It’s unlikely you will ever open this copy of Hamlet, but I felt the need to put these thoughts and ideas to paper, as dangerous as that could be. We’ve had a lot of good times together, brother. Ever since the Caribbean voyage I’ve found myself able to confide in you more than any other. You were such a peculiar young man, just a pup really- so polite and educated compared to the rest of us- no tolerance for liquor. I wasn’t quite sure what to make of you. I suppose, if you think about it, the only real reason we were ever able to befriend one another was due to Serena Kraege. (I know, it’s disgusting.)

Had she not stirred up the trouble, there would have been no need to plan daring escapes, or be trapped in a Spanish prison with only our knowledge of Shakespeare to keep us occupied (or perhaps a fist fight?). Do you remember how long you spent trying to help me with that damned sonnet for Diana? I think she must have burned the thing, it was terrible. Then again, you wrote most of it, you dog. I’ve no skill with a pen, despite my inherent eloquence. I’m not sure why it is inherent, but it must be.

I wish I could wake you up and tell you all that is troubling me. I think part of it must be the strange fruit that was served up yesterday at the captain’s table, even Gerard has complained about the indigestion. I feel rather constipated, actually, and I’m very uncomfortable in this uniform. I will seek a drought from Dr. Clive (it’s hard not to think of his brother) later, and then you will most likely poke fun at me for occupying the head. I shall then proceed to smack you upside yours.

You do have really soft hair, but that doesn’t answer for your stubborn skull. It’s huge. And has anyone remarked upon your very droopy eyes? You often appear very lethargic, and I worry for you– but then you smile and it somehow transforms your entire person. I think you should strive to smile every day, at least once. It shouldn’t be too hard with the pretty Frenchie you’ve got hoarded up at my house. And don’t think I didn’t catch you eying that woman from Spain the other day. I congratulate you, and propose a drink for the prosperity of every lover you take to your bed.. And mine for that matter. (Heh. That doesn’t sound quite right, but I imagine you get the point.) But alas, I am a married man and the time for my debauching has drawn to an end. Hah, do you recall that time in Jamaica? The women were amazing. I think I even caught Captain, or excuse me, Admiral Pellew sneak one of them into his cabin for a night.

We had a very nice week afterwards.

How would you feel knowing that I watched over you? Even then?


Page 15
This afternoon was enjoyable.

You walked out from your cubicle, and I was sitting quietly at the ward room table. Everyone else was up on deck besides us. You had been scrubbing yourself head to foot with the wash basin and a sponge used sometimes to scrub the floor (though I doubt you knew that). There was a towel around your waist, though I am not sure what you had to hide. You know Groves wouldn’t have cared if he had walked in.

I couldn’t help myself, and lifted my head as you marched behind me to gather up a bottle of wine. I couldn’t help myself, and I watched. And I really couldn’t help the urge that forced me to do what I did next. I grabbed the edge of your little cover as you passed, and then pop! It was snapped against your bare ass.

Your look was priceless. Brother, your entire back was arched and you threw your hands up in the air in absolute shock. I think there was also a bit of a yelp mixed into there as well... and then you turned on me!

And then we were wrestling under the table, your hands pinning down my arms as I was somehow bested. By God, you deceive people about your strength with that wiry frame of yours. We started to laugh, and I reached up to touch your shoulder, but you didn’t notice. My fingers had barely graced your arm when in marched Gerard.

His look was priceless. And the awkwardness that followed was amusing, at best- until I slapped him with your towel, and we all ended up in a scuffle.

But all good things come to an end, and it seemed that a dark cloud had drifted over our little escapade when Hammond stepped in to find us all hopping around the ward room like rabbits. He didn’t think it was humorous when he got popped in the ass by Gerard.

Heh, you had conveniently slipped back to where your hammock was, and I to my seat with my book. Gerard was left to deal with Hammond. I’ve never seen him more red in the face.
Alas, it took me forever to catch my breath... but it faltered again when I got to see the flush on your cheeks.

Did you know?

I had to ignore it...


Page 89
God dammit, William! I have heard you say thank you countless times for funding that damned expedition. When will you understand that it was nothing? It wasn’t a matter of choice, it was just doing what was right. You are my dearest friend. More dear to me than anyone else in this world, and isn’t that enough of an excuse?

I don’t want your money, and I don’t want your gratitude. That’s not why I did it...

I can only pray Mr. Chevalier, Mr. Carton, and Mr. Badeau found safe passage to Germany, and that your family is now reunited.

Just enjoy it, brother. Loving your family is not a crime. I only wish I had that same opportunity.

You are my family.


Page 98
I think I love you

Page 201
It is nice to be on the route back to home. I know that Sophia has been dying to see you– I might have snuck a peek at a few of your mail just to see if you had decided to propose yet. I wish you both luck. Our kids will have to play together.

I don’t know what to write to Diana. She sends me letters every week, but I have nothing to say to her other then that I send my love. Isn’t that enough? She wouldn’t want to hear about the boring details of our travels, Will.

You might find some subject to fill up your letters to Sophia, but I can promise that once you’re married you just run out of things to say...

I am comforted knowing that you understand that- and that we will always serve together. I’d be very distraught if I had to go on without you, brother. Maybe that’s why I am such a damned mess whenever you rush off into battle. You are the devil with a sword, Will... Just be careful.


Page 204
I’m such an ass.

Page 207
I think I’ve seen the ghost of the king...

Page 236
I watched you sleep again. I could hear you snoring from the table. Everyone else was up on deck, so it was with little difficulty that I snuck in to stand beside your hammock and just gaze down at you. You have so much ahead of you, so much promise. My advancement ended once I took the position of Master... so one day you will outstrip me in rank, brother.

Hopefully you’ll keep me in mind when you command your own ship someday, and I will be able to continue keeping us safe from shoals and keeping us on course. At least in the physical sense.

Forgive me, Will. My hand nearly woke you when I stroked your head. I’m not sure how I would have explained myself. I think that I might have skipped the words and stolen a kiss. I wish I had the strength to do that without such a cause.

Dammit. I just wanted that touch... I nearly did it... a drink from your lips...

But that’s why this works. My self-control will never betray these feelings. You’ll never know. My God, it hurts to think about... You’ll never know.

I want to taste you, to hold you... My God...

No woman will ever cure me of this...