069. Annoyance

069. Annoyance; or, A Typical Exchange Between the Captain and Her First Mate

"Look, Sammy, don't be daft. By all means, this voyage has been an absolute catastrophic nightmare thus far. I'll have none of your 'silver lining' rubbish."

"If you insist. Although, Amy,  I personally still believe it's not half as atrocious as you're describing--"

"And have you seen how those bobbins are handling my sails? At this rate, they won't be fit for rags by the time we return."

"I'll make sure to keep a good eye on that."

"Please do. And for crying out loud, I've never seen more of an ignominious slob than I have that . . . that . . . Moron character. And who is his cohort again? Oxy. Can you imagine a worse pair? They complement each other terribly. If one does a poor job, the other must go and make it dreadful. Worst ropers I've ever laid eyes on."

"I understand, Amy. Would you like a cuppa?"

"You know, I don't mind if I do. Spot of tea may be just what I need right now. I believe I may be getting more stressed out about this than necessary. But, blast it all, it's all so dreadfully annoying, I can't stand it anymore. I've never dealt with a worse crew. Unless you count the Navy. That was abominable. All those stuck-up cadets and divvy officers. But even compared with that, this is sixes and sevens! Ah, that's very good. Sammy, we'll have a gentleman out of you in no time if you can make a cuppa as grand as this."

"I'm flattered, but you give no credit to my tutor."

"Oho, now. Please, I'm simply fulfilling my duties as a friend. Oh, if you could get the door please, Samuel, I believe the boffin and his charge have finally decided to make an appearance."

"Are you sure? I haven't heard a thing."

"Hello, you're talking to a cat here."

"Of course. Why, good afternoon, Doctor, Mister Hawkins."

"Ah, good afternoon, Mister Arrow, Captain."

"Sup."

"Mister Hawkins, I wonder if that was an address or a declaration that you are wishing to eat. By all means, I'd think that you'd have had plenty of time to 'sup' considering the late hour of our meeting today."

"Er . . . Good afternoon, ma'am."

"That's more like it. Gentlemen, please have a seat. We have much to discuss today and too little time to discuss it. Let's get to business."