Command

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"DAMN YOU, SIR! You have set my standing orders to defiance and made Tenacious a spectacle before the Fleet. How dare you attempt an excuse for your conduct?" Captain Rowley's words could be heard right across the quarterdeck, even above the streaming rain and bluster of the filthy weather.

"Sir. M' respects, but I judged it t' be—"

"Judge? It's not your place to judge, Mr Kydd! No, sir! It is your sworn duty to ensure my orders are strictly obeyed. All of them—and most especially my written orders." Rowley's nostrils flared. "And this is not the first time I have had the disagreeable necessity of remonstrating with you concerning your conduct since I have come aboard."

"Sir, this is—"

"Enough!" Rowley shouted. "You, sir, have tried my patience too far." Kydd's stomach tightened. "You are now confined to your cabin until such time as the commander-in-chief is informed of your conduct and you have answered for it."

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