Grahams Company Has Already Gone Over. Francis Can Hear The Men Yelling Interspersed With Gunfire And

Graham’s company has already gone over. Francis can hear the men yelling interspersed with gunfire and explosions. His company– a hundred and thirty five men– stand at the ladders, ready to charge out on the second wave. The air is cold, the sun blotted out by dark clouds of smoke.

“Affix bayonets!” James calls out to the assembled men.

Francis sees them all move together, locking the knife on to the end of their rifles. He slings his own over one shoulder, walking down the length of the trench to check his men are ready. They’re tense, knuckles white as they grip their guns.

“Steady men!” He yells, reaching out to pat the more nervous looking ones on the shoulders as he passes them. Francis touches his gas mask, then the three grenades hanging at his hip. He sees James, standing with his rifle tucked under one arm, pocket watch in hand.

“Thirty seconds.” James tells him.

A soldier in line turns to the side and retches.

“Rifles at the ready!” Francis roars. “Hold men! Forward on my order!”

He reaches out and rests a hand on James’s shoulder. “I’m with you.” James whispers. Francis squeezes his shoulder.

I wrote a Downton Abbey AU for the Terror

Hickey in his hat

The wreck of HMS Erebus (1826). She rest in less than 12 metres of water, 300 km from King William Island.

we all needed this

something something the 2005 royal theatre production of hamlet

Terror bingo round 5, prompt: almost kiss

The Terror as recently discovered last known photographs of the lost Franklin Expedition.