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[holyposition]

WELCOME TO THE SALTBURNT NETWORK

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t.laughlin

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[holyposition]

What makes you say that?

[mygoodsir]

I am hesitant to admit that I have done terrible things, Tim. But I have.

[holyposition]

Repentance requires peace. You need time to reflect, and the opportunity to do more good than harm. Everyone deserves that chance.

[mygoodsir]

I swore to do no harm. I do hope that here I will uphold that oath.

Thank you, Tim. You are a great comfort.

[holyposition]

You're welcome. I'm happy to help.

I work at a restaurant here called Dead Men Tell No Tales. It got torn up pretty bad last month, but once it's up and running again, you should come by. It's run by a bunch of sailors. You might find more friends among them.

[mygoodsir]

Does the young man with the pet duck also work there?

[holyposition]

Koby? Yes, he does. Waitstaff. He and I are really close.

[mygoodsir]

He is a most extraordinary young man.

[holyposition]

He's my best friend. I don't know what I'd do without him.

[mygoodsir]

Well if the both of you are there, how could I refuse the chance to visit?

[holyposition]

Exactly! I work at the bar, I'll make you a cocktail. Something with citrus.

[mygoodsir]

Oh, that's very amusing, yes. I'd enjoy that.

I will warn you I am not much of a drinker.

[holyposition]

Is it?

It's probably been a while too, right? I'll cut you off at two.

[mygoodsir]

I think so. What with the scurvy and all. Good heavens, I must be the only person to turn up here in such a state.

I cannot remember the last time I had a drink that wasn't a ration of grog, Tim.

[holyposition]

Maybe you're unique in the scurvy, but people show up in strange states all the time.

I'm still new at it, but I'm sure I can do better than that. You even get to choose between lemon, orange, and lime.

[mygoodsir]

That is a comfort to know.

Oh my goodness gracious. Spoiled for choice!

[holyposition]

You've got a chance at modern life, better make the most of it :)

[mygoodsir]

You know, it's terribly funny because I did consider myself a modern man. I suppose it just goes to show that it's all a matter of perspective.

[holyposition]

Maybe you were. I haven't known you long, but you're more forward-thinking than I would have thought for someone of your era.

[mygoodsir]

Thank you. I tried very hard to embrace science and logical thinking, to look forward to exploration and innovation. Not to hold too tightly to tradition.

But of course I did. I do.

[holyposition]

We all do, to some degree. I don't think that's a bad thing. Especially not here. You can adapt without forgetting where you've come from.

[mygoodsir]

For good or for ill, I don't think I will ever be able to forget that.

[holyposition]

I was thinking of England, more than the Arctic. I hope it hasn't all been tainted by what you've been through.

[mygoodsir]

England is a funny place, Mr. Laughlin. I'd always believed it to be a good land. Civilised. Do you find it so?

I'm quite certain I'm tainted for life, sir.

[holyposition]

My first real impression of it is this place, so I'm sorry to say, but no.

You keep saying that. I have to ask now. Why, Harry?