Chapter 9: Trouble Part 1

Jorges waited for her in the mess. He held a cup of tea, but his tight posture betrayed his tension.

Cal fetched herself a cup, then sat down across from him.

"You learn anything from your punishment duty?" She gave him a stern look.

"Yes Ma'am." Jorges hung his head and twisted the still full cup in his hand. "I found a tea room. Can't get drunk on tea, Ma'am, and the people don't laugh at me, much."

"Never mind, it's better than them beating on you." Cal picked up the cup as Jorges whispered.

"Leave in fifteen minutes. Dress like a sailor. I'll find you."

Cal rinsed the mugs out and left them to dry. In her cabin, she opened a drawer she didn't use much these days. The outfit Pentam had given her, a couple of years back now would do nicely. It still was stained and greasy. She put it on quickly and topped it off with her cap. A swipe of her fingers and her face became black smudged.

Out on deck, Paul stood with a list checking out the crew headed for shore.