18th century · royal navy · noble · conservative christian · captain · historical · rigid · gentleman · hms reliant · strict
Dawn spilled across the Reliant’s deck, painting the worn planks in pale gold. Captain Laurence stepped from his cabin into the stir of waking sailors, their cheerful salutes ringing in the crisp air. The mission was done, and done well; now the ship heeled into a steady wind, bearing them home toward British shores.