Andrew Q Gordon

The last part was perfect - Wylie in a blanket propped against the door - how like the current incarnation of Wylie is that? Just perfect.

Normally I stop reading things that hint at but don't let us know what we are reading, but the emotions or the lack of kept me going. I agree with the others that this was a good start - if I could make one small suggestion - and feel free to ignore it cause it is probably more a personal preference than a necessity - your 'paragraphs' were usually one sentence, one single thought so to speak. As a reader I felt it might flow better if it was not just a string of one sentence paragraphs - specifically the dialogue. Certainly there were spots where the one sentence paragraph was good stuff, it helped convey the staccato emotions John was feeling. But that is just me so again feel free to ignore. As a secondary thought - I think writing about emotions especially angst, guilt, regret is very hard to strike the right balance. So for that I applaud your efforts.

Ha, so I read chapter 1 then saw the note on chapter 2 saying 'here's hoping some questions get answered' yeah right. That's your idea of answering questions? More questions few answers. Oh wait, I get it - you trick us into reading by promising answers THEN BAM!! you hit us with more mystery. I don't think that is fair. Well now to sit here waiting and waiting and waiting, drumming my fingers on the table waiting for the next chapter to figure out stuff.

Ugh! You are a terrible man Mark. Now you're going to let Calvert die a slow lingering death right in front of George - Like I said before, Jervis seems a good sort - no wonder he and Sir Richard get along - they are both smart, practical men who have no use for ego, only getting the right result. Hopefully Freemantle get's cashiered even without Fitzwilliam and Granger.

Sir Richard is remarkably well informed, remarkably well. Question - what legacy does he have that he is passing on? Is he a Duke? An Earl? Just a rich guy who likes guys? whatever, he seems far more savy than George - Yup George is a size queen.

No one else gets hurt except Calvert - well sure others were hurt but none who were/are close to George. It's a wonder the Royal Navy was as accomplished as it was given all the idiots in command - all the Wilcox, now Freemantle, I suspect there are a few more out there we'll see along the way. At least jervis seems like a good sort - sees right through folks. Now it's on to see Grandpa Governor. This should be fun.

As predicted two new interests for George - maybe my prognostication skills aren't so bad after all. As I said, George = Size Queen - now he compares all his conquests to Calvert Travers and Jardines Interesting to see who is in the boat - since my divination skills are lacking I won't offer a guess - I'll just read on.

Yup you are torturing Calvert - George can always find another to while away his time but Calvert is a one man man and this transfer will surely be a problem. But at least he has the cute Mr. Fitzwilliam to help him through things. Then again, perhaps he could strike up an affair with the captain of the Zenith just as he did with Granger

Seems to be a rite of passage - George takes his lovers to his estate. This time however the place is a bit more hospitable. My god but George is turning into a regular size queen now isn't he? Traver to Calvert to Jardines - soon even the mizzenmast won't suffice.

Another interesting chapter - I love the way the relatonship between George and The Earl has evolved. At first it was just his favorite son going to sea. Now it was almost one of being peers. The father so proud of the younger son, the one who was not supposed to accomplish much - not supposed to in the sense, he was not carrying on the family line so was free to be a scoundrel like Albert - George for his part has finally recognized the vast wealth of knowledge and guidance his father can provide and turns to him not just as a father but as a mentor as well. Nicely done But I have to say it is a bit cheeky of George to not only bring his lover to his house under his wife's nose, but to then have a wild three-way with the know sodomite. Caroline seems a bit put off by Calvert, does she suspect?

Even going home can't be a simple thing for him can it? First Michel died, that was truly sad and fortune of fortune, he meets Travers - only it's not such a blessing when Calvert - a jealous Calvert - is on board. Then as if life wasn't interesting enough, he saves the King of Holland. What a wonderful world.

Yeah Wilcox is an asshole, but fortunately for George, he is petty little man whose reach only goes but so far. Having never learned the art of making friends, he has none of any note. Once more you torture the poor Mr. Calvert only this time you toss George in for good measure. Lucky as George is, one has to wonder if his luck can hold out. If not it seems poor Francis is a dead man or worse.

Well then, my skills at prognostication are certainly lacking - not Wilcox, but Bertie? I suppose with the orders to - not engage British ships, Bertie figured George was safe. But what I don't get is why the Bon Frere tried to lure her in if she was English? If they were not to engage the British, why try it's ruse on her? Perhaps they thought she was French? But at least George got everyone out without much fuss - though it did cost him a bit of gold. Good thing he has enough from John Company to tide him over.

Very interesting chapter - I find the naval action - the real fighting, not Granger sticking it to midshipmen and the like - to be fascinating. The fight between Bob Frereand and Intrepid was very cool. Now what tangled web has George uncovered? Perhaps the admiral has a hand in this? And that would explain why a) he won't put out to sea and b ) he sent Granger to find the Rattlesnake. Seems he was hoping George might get captured? I mean, he would have done the same as the Rattlesnake but for his new Master. That would have earned him a one way ticket to the bottom of the sea or worse, end up captured and destroy his career. Shifty Admiral Wilcox.

ARRRGGGGGHHHHHH - Another Wilcox - what are they, a clan of roaches? You'd think as incompetent as they are they'd never reach such heights but yet here they are one after the next. As Howard inquired, how come the Earl hasn't gotten rid of the lot?? 8000 pounds plus whatever the frigate brings, that's a tidy sum. And Sir Evelyn get's a cut, he should be rather pleased, no? Here's hoping George can find the Rattlesnake and shove it up Wilcox's giant snarky ass. and what's left over can go to Flagg.

Yes indeed you are determined to torture Mr. Calvert for the sins of his lover. And to think, Calvert was kind enough to send in Mr. Fitzwillam to 'ass'ume his place. It is interesting how some wounds heal - Lennox, Calvert? [presumably] and others don't - Waring. Same doctor, same sick bay, same instruments, and yet. The vagaries of the times for sure. Must have been a hell of a thing to get injured and know you had such dismal odds of surviving, especially if the wound was serious.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MYR!!!! Day off? Xbox all day? Sounds like the day of Myr! Enjoy!

That was quite a days work, too bad Mr. Calvert had to go and ruin the euphoria of the capture. Why it is that I feel you are going to torture poor Francis and by extension our boy George?

George certainly has style now doesn't he. Poor Lennox, I hope he survives. Wounds of that type didn't always heal. As good as Jackson might be, there are things beyond his control. Silly french, they are about to be Grangerized

George didn't have command for very long it seems. And for a man flogged, Hercule seems to have done alright for himself So I've said how well done I think this is before but let me say it again. The whole idea seems wildly preposterous but the way it's written it seems believable. Now let's see if they get away from the frenchies and their Frigate that's about to come a knocking.

Well good to see Fitzwilliam fits in so well on the HMS RandyBugger. Didn't take long for the boys to patch up things either. Bully for them. Now let's see if they can hold it together. it is easy for Calvvert to say he is okay, it's another to actually be okay.

Ufff - Calvert is a tad possessive. I like how you are developing the pair. Although they are not equals, their 'affair' seems much more equal than his time with Travers. You handle their time their interact really well without revert to cliches and the like. I can see why this is your favorite, I really think it is quite brilliant.

If George Granger was a real person, he would be the face besides the phrase a sailor in every port/ship. He sure does get around. Nice to see he is working for a smart officer. He almost got stuck with a Wilcox for captain when Fellowes got promoted, good to see the admiralty send him to a better mentor this time.

Sometimes a good deed does not get punished. I really like how real this story feels. Not that I would know a whole lot about sailing a sloop or frigate in 18th century Europe but it feels as if we are watching the real account of a real naval officer - a very randy naval officer at that. Really enjoying this and the whole series.

So now he loves a third person, is there one per book for Georgie??? Nice first engagement as captain - though lashed together the french ship really had no chance did it. Hopefully the other french vessel(s) won't find them anytime soon.