-2

Time didn't exactly fly, but look what happened...

-114 Irony

The man on watch tried to alert the captain about some men who were overdue back from liberty. He knocked on the captain's door. No answer. Concerned, he entered the room. The captain appeared to be asleep. He tried to rouse him and discovered the bed had been stuffed with pillows and the captain was not on the ship.

-115 Every Man for Himself

We had a drill today and it was disheartening. Even though there was nothing at stake, I saw several men pushing weaker men out of their way to get to the lifeboats.

-116 Subterfuge

Something disturbing is going on with the high-ranking officers. They seem to be committing the same infractions that they have been lately accusing the men of, but going to great lengths to conceal them.

I think they have been doing such all along, and I am only now noticing it. However it's the latest round of accusations that has me concerned. I fear this is an attempt to avoid some sort of disciplinary action coming from the Kingdom. The officers are trying to make it appear as though all problems have come from the enlisted men. I fear this cover-up will not hold, and all will suffer as a result.

-117 Much Ado About Nothing

Life goes on. There was much hoopla recently about changes in the duty roster and reassignment of duties, but apparently it was mostly for show. The men all go about their days much as before.

The men seem tired of the constant upheavals. I think they are glad that it came to naught this time, but irritated at being worked up into a frenzy for nothing, repeatedly.

And yet on so many important issues, we wait, with no word or even rumor.

-118 Ill Winds Blowing No Good

The Master at Arms took sick and there were a few days respite from the madness. The men all relaxed a bit and morale took a slight upturn.

Unfortunately the Master at Arms, not a pleasant man on a good day, came back on duty with vengeance. Everything the men painted, cleaned or fixed while he was away must be done over. Several men are in the brig for raising an eyebrow or making the wrong noise in reaction to an order. I think the Master fears the Captain's madness as well, but a doubly-cleaned ship won't fix the larger problems at hand. Those problems are still being ignored, I fear.

-119: Changes

The situation changed drastically this week. The captain seems to be going insane. I read that sudden personality changes can be caused by slow poisoning, could that be it? On the other hand, I did hear a rumor about his wife. (They should not let family men hold down such positions; it comprises their effectiveness.)

The admiral as usual keeps close council. We see men from the kingdom come and go, but news is scarce.

The waiting is hard on the men. If only we knew what we were waiting for. Everyone walks softly and keeps his head down. All portents are examined and discussed unremittingly. Morale is failing. I don't know if the men can all hold out for their assigned tour of duty.