Lewis and Vivienne exchanged a glance, then nodded in unison, biting back the urge to respond with something that would double their workload.
Thorne moved his line of sight from the dishes to their faces, his expression unreadable. "Miss Banner, Mr. Blume, the officers are gathering for the morning briefing. The captain expects you in his quarters."
Vivienne wiped her damp hands on her trousers, setting down the last tin plate.Great. Can’t wait.
* * *
Captain Garrett pacedbefore the large windows of his quarters, morning light spilling across the wooden floor in golden streaks. The officers stood shoulder to shoulder, their backs straight as the mast, hands clasped behind them in rehearsed discipline.
Vivienne followed a step behind Commander Thorne, Cirrus' crooked grin greeting her like an old nuisance as she took her place at the end of the line. Lewis pointed a sour smile at Cirrus in return.
"Good morning," Captain Garrett’s voice carried the weight of command, warm but clipped. "Status reports, if you please."
Commander Thorne, always the first to speak, stood rigid with the straightest posture Vivienne had ever seen. "All operations are running smoothly, sir. The watch schedule has been followed to the minute, and all pending orders are being carried out to my satisfaction." A quick nod to Doctor Mercer passed the baton.
"All medical supplies accounted for," Doctor Mercer announced, her voice as rich and smooth as aged brandy. "Only one visit to the infirmary so far. One of the men swallowed a pair of dice on a dare."
Captain Garrett arched a brow. "Dice?"
Doctor Mercer’s braided charms clicked as she nodded. "We’ll let nature run its course. He’s in for an uncomfortable few days."
The captain chuckled, shaking his head. "The price of stupidity, I suppose."
Doctor Mercer’s white teeth flashed in agreement
"Mr. Theodosia," the captain prompted.
Cirrus stepped forward with easy confidence. "We're holding our course west by southwest. The wind’s steady at ten knots. If this holds, we’ll reach Verdance before midday tomorrow."
"Any reason to believe the wind won’t hold?"
Cirrus glanced at the map on the desk. "There's a low-pressure system forming southeast. If it misses us on the water, we should prepare for it to greet us at the island."
Captain Garrett’s gaze flicked to Thorne. "Adjustments made?"
"Aye, sir," Thorne confirmed. "After last night’s report, the helmsman corrected course. Mr. Conway can speak to the sails and rigging."
Gus stepped forward, his sheer bulk casting a shadow over the desk. "Rigging’s tight, sir. Shrouds checked, lines secure. Mainsail’s got minor wear, but nothing pressing. Deck’s clear, and the new hands are gettin’ their sea legs."
Garrett clapped his hands together. "Excellent."
Laverna Omphrey, the purser, flipped open her ledger. "Near full supply, given it’s only our second day. Water’s sufficient, but I recommend refilling at Verdance. Fresh produce will last a week. Rations all within range."
"Thank you, Ms. Omphrey. Ms. Solandis?"
Florence shifted the tobacco in her cheek, arms crossed over her small but powerful frame. "Ammunition stores are full. Powder, shot, everything accounted for. All twenty guns in working order, breechings and carriages secure."
A low chuckle slipped from Cirrus. "Not much of a report, considering we haven’t seen battle."
Florence’s head whipped toward him, hazel eyes burning as she fired off a sharp, rapid string of words in a language Vivienne half-recognized but couldn’t place.
Gus looked at the floor like a man who knew better than to get involved. Doctor Mercer was suddenly very interested in the state of her cuticles.
Commander Thorne responded to Florence in the same fluid tongue, his tone controlled but firm. Vivienne raised a brow.Culture from the ever-stoic commander? That’s… unexpected.
Turning back to Cirrus, Thorne’s voice flattened. "Mr. Theodosia, another remark like that, and you’ll recount her inventory shot by shot and weigh all eighty barrels of gunpowder by the ounce. Clear?"
Cirrus’ cocky smile faded as he dipped his chin. "Yes, Commander."
