Allison; Taking Control

Chapter 57

“Ah,” he said after his deep guffaw, “you must please excuse our gunners at the fort. They are still quite – how would you Englishmen say it? Ah, yes, they are still quite green and inexperienced. Fortunately, that means they are also still somewhat... inaccurate as well.” A tight-lipped smirk crossed his face after that statement.

“Oh, I see,” Allison said, smiling ingenuously and not believing a word. Those shots were well-placed and meant to accomplish precisely what they had. “Patriotic fervor can test the restraint of anyone who seeks to protect their country’s interests, I suppose.”

“Yes, quite true, Lieutenant Allison . Oh, and if I may ask, just what is this act of kindness you mentioned?” De Bruyne asked.

Allison held out a hand to indicate where the Doctor had just led a still tired and hollow-eyed but sufficiently ambulatory Gespers up the ladder to the deck. De Bruyne’s glance at the man didn’t indicate any form of initial recognition.

“This is Mr. Gespers, sir. A sailor