Veritas

[idler_1814]

For the letter V in lokei's William Bush Alphabet Soup ficathon

Summary: Another look at an incident from Commodore Hornblower; book!canon Bush

Rating: G, gen

Posted with the highest regards to Quarterdeck, the very best beta-reader ever.

Comments

[brewsternorth]

COMMODORE FIC OMG. And so brilliantly done! *loves*

[idler_1814]

There's so much to work with in Commodore, and I do love the idea of Captain Bush. I'm delighted to know that you enjoyed it--thanks so much!

[black_hound]

I. love. you.

That is all .....

OH WAIT THAT'S NOT ALL.

This is like some elegant parable. Told from such a surprising and refreshing pov. I have always loved that singular bit where the aide de camp slaps Bush on the back and nearly sets him reeling. And this is such a wonderful elaboration on that.

GOD I LOVE BUSH.

[idler_1814]

Thank you!!! I have always loved that bit (oh, and Bush too, come to think of it) as well, and occasionally kind of wondered why the aide de camp reacted so strongly. First time I actually tried to put it into words, though, and it brought up a number of questions, not the least of which was the realization the aide's reaction could only have come from observation alone.

Fun to do--I know what *I* love about Bush, but what would a stranger see??

[sarlania]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this!

The different POV is just sheer genius.

*hearts*

[idler_1814]

Oh, THANK YOU!!! It was definitely fun not to be bound by any prior characterization, and to get a look at Bush from a stranger's view. I'm so glad it appealed to you!

[lokei]

This is great. I love outsider-pov stories, and the observations on Bush are spot-on and brilliant. Huzzah!

[idler_1814]

Thanks so much--and many, many more thanks for hosting the Alphabet Soup! Now I have a lot of great reading to look forward to.

[mylodon]

That's wonderful.

I recently listened to The Commodore in audio book version and wanted to slap everyone for their treatment of William. Thank yiu for being so much on his side and posting such a strong story. Love that last line.

[idler_1814]

Thank you!! Poor Bush was so often underappreciated....someone has to take his side. It's a dirty job, but I'll accept it. XD

There had to be something about Bush that won Hornblower's loyalty: a loyalty not often expressed in words--in fact, often denied by the chance cutting remark--but certainly borne out in his actions.

[mylodon]

some folk's money would be on a strong attraction - physical and social - which he would 'deny' by being so wounding. If that makes any sense.

[idler_1814]

Oh, I think it makes a great deal of sense, and is certainly a valid point whether one chooses to see that attraction as social and/or physical.

I wonder if "friendship" equates with "vulnerability" to Hornblower's eye?