All About: Reg Cousins
by Jean

NAME: Reginald Samuel Cousins, Midshipman (it ought to be Lieutenant)

LIVING ARRANGEMENT: Just recently removed into the Midshipman's berth on
Indefatigable; not a bad place to be, but I'd still rather be sharing
quarters with my good friend, Lieutenant Brandon

FAVORITE PASTIME: Studying for my Lieutenant's exam...again. I've also
become a fairly decent chess player. And just chatting over a cup of tea
with my friend Drew.

FAVORITE BOOK: My journal. I am never without it, though I try hard not to
let people see me write in it. I love looking back over my past trials and
seeing how I've changed, hopefully for the better.

THE BEST FEELING IN THE WORLD IS: Setting a goal and accomplishing it;
watching as your plan comes together.

THE WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD IS: When I realize that somebody or
something was hurt because of a flaw in my plan.

FAVORITE SMELLS: The ocean just after the rain; the perfume that Ellie dabs
just behind her ear. Sick berth. (And nobody who never served on
Indefatigable will ever understand THAT one).

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK WHEN YOU WAKE IN THE MORNING: What am I
going to learn today? What might we see? Will we encounter the enemy? How
will Captain Pellew react when we do? (Alright, that's quite alot of
thoughts, but it's rather busy around here!).

BATTLE: SCARY OR EXCITING: When I first started, I only thought they were
exciting. Then I watched a friend die. Now I think they're necessary, and
I enjoy pitting my skill against the enemy, but I never forget to count the
costs.

FAVORITE FOODS: My ma's apple tart, and Midshipman Holloway's stewed
chicken (he does it with all sorts of spices and it really is quite
unusual).

CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA: Vanilla. When I was in Madeira with Captain Pellew,
we had a vanilla "flan"--a sort of extra creamy pudding. It was smashing!

STORMS, COOL OR SCARY: I love a good storm, provided we are equipped for
it. I also love (I am ashamed to admit) watching Horatio get
rather...um...unwell during them. It is about the only thing that makes the
rest of us believe he is human!

FAVORITE DRINK: It used to be Captain Pellew's claret, and then I was
forced to get sick on it. His brandy's not bad, though...some fine stuff.
Other than that, plain tea for me!

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE: I would
take Drew's father, Captain Hammond, that bastard DeVergess that I shot, the
"Earl" who tormented me, that man Simpson who's name still echoes around the
ship, and send the lot of 'em and any man like them to a deserted island,
far, far away.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE: I want to
have Drew's inner courage; I do not know where he gets it from, I only know
he is a far stronger man than I'll ever be.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN LOVE: I am hopelessly, totally, and thoroughly in
love with my wife, and cannot believe that I have the fortune to have her in
love with me. (I know I must have it bad when even ARCHIE is laughing at
me).

IS THE GLASS HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL: Half full. Going around thinking
it's half empty is like going around wondering when the enemy is going to
attack you, instead of wondering if you should have the opportunity to
attack the enemy.

WHAT'S IN YOUR ANXIETY CLOSET: A hangman's noose. And that's all I have
to say on the subject. Though both Captain Hammond and my father-in-law
will no doubt be disappointed that they did not make the grade.

WHAT'S YOUR LOFTIEST DREAM: To be a Captain in the mold of Captain Pellew,
and to be a father in the mold of my Da.

WHAT'S YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE: That Captain Hammond will sit on every exam
board I ever face, and I will never find a fire ship! Seriously, though, to
fail my father, in some way; that would be terrible.

WHAT DO YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOU THAT YOU FEEL THEY DON'T: That I
can be very insecure inside; everyone is always expecting me to succeed, and
sometimes the pressure makes it even worse.

WHAT OTHER HH CHARACTER WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ANSWER THIS QUESTIONNAIRE:
Strangely, I would like to here from Captain Hammond. I know my mates well
enough to know their mind, I think; but damned if I have been able to figure
Hammond out.