Richard Sharpe did not often seek out the shore. But today, he was looking for David Long -- for Sharpe was awful interested in continuing his suit for the sailor's sister, and he thought he might find the man out by that navy ship. But first he had to travel through the barracks. And travelling through the barracks brought him past some sad-looking blonde thing attempting to...what? Give a dummy a splinter? The Major laughed -- a large guffawing sound, hardly pleasant -- and realized all too late that he was laughing at a housemate.

Christ. He held his posture a little straighter as he tried to stride past Effie, heading for the transporter. But after a few feet he turns on a heel, and: "Lunge like you want to go through the bloody thing, Miss Trinket. Or all you'll accomplish is is givin' the bastard a scratch."