Red Menace of Mars

Midshipman Haines stood to attention and saluted the Captain, a slip of paper held in his left hand. "Sir, an etheliograph from the Admiralty, sir", he belted out.

"Good Man," said Captain Bond, putting down his iced tea and taking the message. "Dismissed."

Penelope too, placed her cup down, waiting expectantly as the Captain read his missive. "Good news, captain?" she asked.

"Ah, my dear Miss Winterbottom, it seems the natives are restless in the north. Unfortunately we are being re-routed to put on a show of strength to quell dissenters, though it should only add a week to our journey. I apologise for the delay, but is unavoidable."

Bertrand's eyes widened, and he looked across the captain's table to the mantle, eyeing off the matched sabre and pistols. "I say captain, let's give these uppity Martians what for!"