-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.