Upon Thorne's order to determine the other ship's route, Graham had gone to the chart cabin to retrieve his navigational instruments, only to realize quickly and to his mortification, that he would not only need help to get all of it up on deck, but also in using it, both equally impossible to do with only one arm.

Stepping outside of it again, he encountered Costa and the bearish Master Gunner in conversation, and approaching them, he heard of Costa's promotion to midshipman. It did not surprise him, the lad was indeed a quick learner and already a capable seaman.

Allowing the conversation to proceed for a while longer, he finally cleared his throat politely and ordered with an impish smile, "Midshipman Costa, would you please accompany me to the chart room to collect the instruments and then assist me on the quarterdeck."

Not waiting for a reaction, he turned his back on them, knowing full well that Costa would jump on any opportunity to do navigation.