I haven't written much since having knee surgery at the end of December. You'd think that I'd have utilized the time, but I didn't have much off time before going back to work. Enough excuses, it's back to work. I'm currently writing the tenth chapter, which is around the book's midpoint. I did create a working cover and title for the book.

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Anyhoo, here's an excerpt from the ninth chapter in which Hunter is forced to resort to corporal punishment in order to make a point with one of his officers.

An hour later, with the entire crew assembled along the ship’s sides, and the officers present on the quarterdeck, the Marines ushered the men from the forecastle to stand before their Captain, and naval justice.
“You men having been found guilty of violating Article Two of the Articles of War are hereby sentenced to be flogged for your crimes. Boson, do your duty. Two dozen apiece, if you please.”
The boson saluted as his mates tied the three offenders to the grating. From its red silk bag, the boson drew the cat, a multi-tailed whip, and flicked it twice to ensure the tails were free of each other. He turned to face the stripped back of the first offender, Forrest. With a raise and a flick the cat arched and laid a series of red streaks on the man’s flesh. “One,” cried the boson.
Hunter gazed in silence at the proceedings. Mayhew, as the Arachni representative stood beside him. On his left side stood Buckland, his face white as snow, his lips trembling as the cat cut Forrest’s back. Hunter leaned over and remarked to him, “Take care and remember this moment, Mr. Buckland. Your job just became much harder. You’re going to have to prove yourself to these men. Consider yourself lucky that I didn’t order you bent over a gun. The gunner’s daughter has worked a world of good for many a midshipman. You’ll have to prove to me that my restraint was well worth it.”
Hunter caught the fearful look in Buckland’s eye and held it for a moment, allowing the fire in his own to sear into the youth’s mind. As Hunter’s blood cooled down, he reflected on his threat to Buckland about having the boson cane the young man. Buckland’s reaction to the threat assured him that he understood his captain.