Also called, The Even Chance, this is the first time we see Horatio. He is introduced to us aboard the ship, Justinian, where he instantly makes some friends; and also some violent enemies. The Justinian is rotting in harbor while a war in France brews, and the crews of the British navy are restless, officers, sailors, and marines alike are all weary of waiting for action. So when War breaks out, Horatio is transferred on a whim of luck to the Indefatigable, a war ship, under the command of Captain Pellew (played by Robert Lindsay). There he finds respect among the men he commands, as well as make a name for himself in the war against France.

This episode was based on the book, Mr. Midshipman Hornblower. Forester wrote the parts of Mr. Midshipman Hornblower separately, so sometimes the flow of the book can be a tad bit slow and uncordinated, but all in all it makes for a good read.

Quotes

"What ails him?" "What ails us all." -Horatio and Clayton.

"Death." "What?" "I was thinking on Death." "Whose?" "Mine." -Horatio and Clayton

"I have an even chance." -Horatio

"And by God, one more look like that from you Styles and I'll do it!" -Horatio

"I'm giving you a chance to prove yourselves worthy of my trust." -Horatio

"A salute...well it's a start I suppose." -Horatio

"God...what do I do now? Damn." -Horatio

Written By Lúthien Anclimë