'GANS ON ICE

by Lucille D'ecoupage

The lights rise to find Doctor Dickinson asleep - huddled at the table. The forms of Lt Caudal and the Whaler are wrapped in hides on the floor by his feet. A low rumbling builds as the light continues to grow. It continues until it is a screeching wail - and then subsides. The figures on the stage begin to rustle. It is not the light but the sound we hear. A LOUD CRACK! The ship's timbers are shattered by ice. ..

Doctor Dickinson is thrown from the table by the force of the explosion. Farthing stumbles from his quarters to the centre of the room. An explosion of snow and ice shatters the windows of the stern. Blasting against him, arms spread out - Christ-like. There is much shouting.

"Leave it! Leave it! Everyone off of the ship!"

"Get the samples! My specimens!"

"Bring somezing ve can barter!"

"We're all going to fucke-ing die!"

"Abandon ship!"

* * *

My Dearest Richard ~
This letter is being sent to you via the trade vessel Enid, to the Bay Company post at Fort Macpherson where hopefully it will make it's way to you. I have received your note via the Sceptre and keep it with me at all times. It worries me so that your mission should suffer this set-back and we do not have any more news since from the colonies, but everyone seems quite certain of your safe arrival this spring.
I have had a difficult time with the Northern Commission, who do not seem to want to hear from me at all unless it is of course the role of distraught wife which you know I have difficulty portraying. The only interest now being displayed seems to be trade and I feel powerless in dealing with them...
I have dispatched this letter with a Mister Robertson, who has been exemplary in his concern for both you and myself. All is well at home. There is a squirrel of sorts in the attic of the south wing I shall have to have attention paid to. But surely these domestic issue are of no interest to you where you are now. Your son can now send his love... at least by his own voice ~ he is growing up so fast it is hard for me to keep up with him.

Love Claire forever

Hampshire, England

November 16, 1836