16 April 1891
Minister Ross,

At 21:00 tonight near position [rough latitude & longitude] the Voyager was struck by a sea creature of some kind, the likes of which I have never encountered in twelve years at sea. Were I a betting man, I would wager it was the cause of the misfortune which befell the Santa Antonina. The Voyager sustained some damage; she is seaworthy but slow-moving. I have set a course for Portsmouth to effect repairs, but will likely not reach port until the 18th at soonest. During the incident we lost three souls, one a survivor from the shipwreck and two my sailors.

I have restricted the outbound owls from the Voyager until I receive some word from you on what, if anything, those who witnessed the attack ought to share with others. I respectfully request we be met with some assistance in Portsmouth to see my ship repaired and to tend whatever wounds the medical team onboard has not been able to address by the time we make port.

Due to the late hour and the confusion of the incident I don't believe anyone would be capable of making a full report of the creature, but I am confident in saying it was larger than my ship by a good deal — it was able to strike both sides of us at once and moved far more quickly than any creature of its size ought to.

Capt. J. A. Darrow

---

  

---

MJ made the most Alfredy of sets and then two years later she made it EVEN BETTER

April 16th, 1891

Captain J. Alfred Darrow,

I appreciate your discretion in restricting outbound owls; my request is that information on the existence of a creature itself be kept under wraps at least until the Voyager is back in English waters, as I will have to communicate with my Portugese counterpart regarding handling this incident. To that end there may be some communication but my top priority is ensuring that we do not have a panic in Britain.

You will be met at the magical dock in Portsmouth by magic-adept Ministry employees and healers who do not have notable connections onboard — given the circumstances, I think it is of the utmost importance to ensure that those who meet you are able to keep a clear head.

If you send the names of casualties, we will be able to conduct death notifications. And for what it's worth, under very difficult circumstances your ship and crew have performed admirably.

---

Regards,
Minister J. L. Ross

The following 1 user Likes Justin Ross's post:1 user Likes Justin Ross's post
   J. Alfred Darrow

(Very late)

16 April 1891
Minister,

Understood. I've enclosed the names. I appreciate the praise but ought to mention it was not my crew alone who fought the monster off; in particular auror Sterling was indispensable during the attack.

I ought to mention, on the subject of keeping clear heads: Mrs. Dionisia Fisk, who has preformed admirably this entire voyage, is among those most gravely injured at the moment. She was knocked unconscious during the attack, and we've not yet been able to rouse her. She is still breathing and relatively stable. Our remaining healer is hopeful she'll pull through, but the Fisks in general are probably not ideal first responders in this case.

Capt. J. A. Darrow

---

The following 1 user Likes J. Alfred Darrow's post:1 user Likes J. Alfred Darrow's post
   Justin Ross

---

MJ made the most Alfredy of sets and then two years later she made it EVEN BETTER

April 17th, 1891 - Very Early Morning

Captain J. Alfred Darrow,

I am glad to hear that Auror Sterling was found, as we would have missed him greatly at the Ministry.

The news as to my sister-in-law is considerably more difficult — and I will, accordingly, keep Fisks away from Portsmouth. (Please let me know if her condition worsens — Ari in particular would deserve to be warned. He may deserve to be warned already.)

---

Regards,
Minister J. L. Ross

  

17 April 1891
Minister,

Of course.

If the wind remains in our favor we expect to reach port by noon tomorrow.

Capt. J. A. Darrow

---

  

---

MJ made the most Alfredy of sets and then two years later she made it EVEN BETTER