Hornblower: Retribution Page #5

your fine victory, and cost lives.

I regret the loss of life.

They're striking their colours.

(Cheering)

Come, gentlemen. Our battle is done.

Sir!

Who the hell is that?

Horatio.

I have an idea our battle has just begun.

I for one won't give up without a fight.

Sir, a retreat might be more prudent.

We're only 20 men.

Not quite 20.

Very well, fall back.

Hobbs, spike the gun.

Aye aye, sir.

How long have you been under siege?

Longer than I care to remember, sir.

Then why are they attacking now?

(Captain Sawyer sings)

- Oh, for God's sake. What now?

(sing) Spanish ladies

(sing) Farewell and adieu

(sing) You ladies of Spain

(sing) For we've received orders

(sing) To go to Old England...

Sir!

Stop this madness.

Ah. The acting captain.

- So glad you're here.

- Sir?

When I see you

I feel so much less pity for myself.

You are not well, sir.

No. I am not well.

But you are outstripped

by a boy half your age.

So clever.

So quick.

So full of invention.

The doctor will settle you, sir.

Less than seven years at sea

and the men love him already.

Of course they do. He commands.

It is in him. Not hammered home

like some dull school lesson.

And the more he shines,

the more they smile at you.

Yes, sir.

They smile and nod,

and laugh behind their hands.

You are a clown, sir.

A clown in a captain's hat.

Take my advice. Strike first, Mr Buckland.

Or he will take your ship

and you'll be dead before you know it.

Then what will you do, Mr Buckland?

- The boat is ready to take you ashore, sir.

- For God's sake, give him what he needs.

I've already given him as much as I dare.

Strike first.

Then give it again!

PELLEW:
I don't envy you, sir.

The captain injured,

the first lieutenant takes command.

Never an easy thing in any circumstances.

We strive to do our best.

Tell me, how would you describe

your third lieutenant?

Mr Hornblower?

I would say

he has a precocious talent, sir.

That's certainly one way of looking at it.

Nevertheless, you worked well together?

- I would say so. Yes.

- No hint of discord or threat?

There was nothing of that, sir.

Really?

Come on!

Matthews, get me the captain of Marines

and let's organise a defence.

Aye aye, sir.

How long do we have, Mr Hornblower?

I think you have your answer, Mr Kennedy.

- We're withdrawing from the fort, sir.

- The Marines will cover our retreat.

Very well.

Time we made it to the ship, sir.

I don't think so, Mr Bush.

We still have to blow up the fort.

Ineed a man to lay the charges.

I would be honoured to volunteer, sir.

And I, sir.

- I'm the senior officer.

- I don't think it will take all 3 of you.

Mr Hornblower, I accept your offer.

With respect, sir...

what's to be gained?

Those are our orders, Mr Kennedy.

I'm sure Mr Hornblower will concur.

Yes, sir.

Very well.

Good luck, Mr Hornblower.

Horatio.

Archie.

Sir.

Mr Hornblower.

I shall see you onboard the Renown,

gentlemen.

Get those prisoners below.

(Women complain in Spanish)

Let's have some more order here.

- Beg pardon, sir. About Mr Hornblower.

- What about him?

Me and Styles, some of the lads thought we

could row back, take him off, sir.

No, I can't spare you.

I've lost enough men as it is.

- But he's on his own, sir.

- No. I said no!

You're needed here.

Where is Mr Kennedy?

Where is Mr Bush?

Archie! Are you out of your mind?

Very possibly,

but we thought you could use the company.

Mr Hornblower.

You've clearly lost your wits, both of you.

Aargh.

I suggest we our move, gentlemen.

It's getting rather warm down here.

This way!

No. No.

This way! I assure you.

Now you know what it's like

to lose your hero.

- He'll be back.

- Of course he will.

Well, I admire your faith.

Your victory's now complete, sir.

Yes.

Mr Matthews.

We sail for Kingston.

Aye aye, sir.

Gybe-ho!

Sir.

What?

The cliff top, sir.

She's sailing away.

Well, that looks like it, gentlemen.

No, it isn't, Mr Bush.

Archie.

I'm afraid I think you're right.

- What?

- We're going to jump.

Well, now who's out of his mind?

See for yourself, Mr Bush.

It's only water.

You won't break anything.

Really?

Come. Easier than eating turnips.

Mr Kennedy.

- No. I'm sorry. Gentlemen, no.

- On the count of three. One, two...

We're not going to jump.

That's my final word.

And three. And ru-u-un!

BUSH:
I can't swim-m-m-m!

Privilege of rank, Styles.

I can't swim!

- It's all right, Mr Bush. We've got you.

- Come on.

They're up!

Yes!

(Cheering)

All right to lower a boat now, sir?

So, Mr Buckland, the destruction of the fort?

Did you expect Mr Hornblower to survive it?

- Of course.

- Did you want him to survive it?

- I resent that, sir.

- With respect, I must object

to this accusation

which has no bearing on the charges.

Your objection is noted.

Resent it or resent it not,

did you want Mr Hornblower to survive?

I do not send men to their deaths, sir.

Give them a cheer, lads! Hip, hip...

CREW:
Hoorah!

- Hip, hip!

- Hoorah!

- Hip, hip.

- Hoorah!

Mr Kennedy. Well done, sir.

- Thank you very much, Mr Wellard.

- And another! Hoorah!

Mr Matthews.

Got your head for heights, have you, sir?

It wasn't needed on the way down, Styles.

(Laughs)

I hope you are equally

as pleased to see me, Styles.

Sir, he's lost for words,

he's that chuffed.

Come on! Race up those yards!

Mr Hornblower.

Kindly take command of the Gaditana

and the other prize vessels.

- Yes, sir. - I hold you responsible

for their safe return.

All of them. Is that clear?

Aye aye, sir.

No, no, no.

Best, it's me.

Sir, my apologies.

Oh?

For disobeying your orders.

Well, it was true to form, if nothing else.

You three, you are so full of yourselves.

And of each other.

You think me a fool.

Nobody pretends command is easy, sir.

I never expected it to be easy.

I expected to be fit for it.

(MUTTERS )

What in God's name...?

Captain James Sawyer, sir.

I apologise I am unable to salute you.

- How long has he been like this?

- Since he last had his medicine, sir.

- Release him.

- Sir?

Just... do it.

Sir.

I didn't think I'd ever see these again.

(Chuckles)

Inever wanted any of this.

Do you hear?

(Sawyer sobs)

Some fresh air, sir?

All quiet, Matthews?

As a church, sir.

Well, I for one am glad of it.

I dare say you are, sir,

with Mr Buckland on your back.

- (Reproving) Matthews.

- Sorry, sir.

But affer what's happened today,

I'd say he was a man with no conscience.

It's no simple matter

commanding a vessel of over 700 souls.

The captain must rely on

the courtesy of his crew.

Aye. I see that, sir.

But what of Captain Sawyer?

Should we look to our conscience there?

Yes. Yes. Even there.

Why don't I take first watch, sir?

You get some rest. You look done in.

Thank you, Matthews.

Wake me at six bells.

Watch your step. We don't want you

falling down there a second time, do we, sir?

No.

Tell me.

What do you see?

Spanish ladies.

All gone now.

What else?

What else do you see?

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