Hornblower: Retribution Page #7

Take this man down!

(Shouting continues)

Silence!

Silence!

(Knocking)

- Mr Buckland.

Mr Buckland, sir!

Mr Buckland, are you all right

in there, sir?

Take as long as you like.

Why?

Look at me.

There isn't a gallows in the world

can touch me now.

Archie.

It doesn't hurt, Horatio.

Don't let them say it hurts.

But... I am frightened.

You're the bravest man I know, Archie.

A little prone to panic.

Archie, you're the one who jumped off a cliff

with a man who can't swim,

and another who's afraid of heights.

(Laughs) So I am.

No panic then.

And none now.

And none when you stood up in court

and took the blame.

Poor Horatio.

So quick to give,

so slow to accept the simplest giff.

You've done the same for me,

and others besides, a thousand times.

But never at such a dear cost.

Please take what I offer.

Just take it and say goodbye.

Archie...

I am honoured to have served with you.

And I to have known you.

You see?

Better already.

My dear friend.

I thought you might like to see a copy

of the Kingston Chronicle before you leave.

"Captain Sawyer,

great leader until the last. "

And you and Mr Bush

are highly commended.

It won't be long

before the London papers publish the story.

There's no mention of Mr Kennedy.

No. It was thought not politic.

Nations need heroes, Mr Hornblower.

Heroes make us believe

the impossible is achievable.

Only if one knows their name.

Mr Kennedy...

Mr Kennedy took a calculated risk

when he pushed Captain Sawyer down the hold

for the good of the ship,

and in all likelihood was right to do so.

You think Mr Kennedy was telling the truth?

I think Mr Kennedy

was a man of great loyalty, sir.

He saw his duty and did it.

And went to his grave

without the merit of his good name.

But you and I will not forget it.

No.

I see the Gaditana

has been renamed Retribution.

Oh?

Mm.

The paint is hardly dry and yet they've

appointed a new commanding officer.

Would you not like to know

who is to command the Retribution?

Your orders, Commander.

But Mr Bush is second in command.

The honour should go to...

I advise you when offered promotion

to accept it,

otherwise it may not be offered again.

Am I making myself clear?

Yes, sir.

I wish you...

a safe voyage, Mr Hornblower.

Thank you, sir.

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