The celebration continues for more than an hour. Everyone, including Sebastian, has made their way into the mess hall. Every seat at the dining table has been filled. It’s a strange feeling to be captured, held hostage, then invited to the dinner table; but Sebastian refrains from questioning anything at this point.

Large candles have been lit along the center of the table, where three potted Pothos sprawl along the length of the knife-scarred surface and empty wine bottles congregate between the vines. Suddenly, the Captain’s posture becomes stiff as she stands up completely straight. All conversations fade and the room becomes silent. Sebastian looks around nervously. She turns to face towards the front of the ship.

"We are approaching a cave. Prepare for landing." She commands as she stands to her feet, towering above the rest of the crew.

"Yes, Captain!" Every pirate shouts in unison.

Sebastian shrinks his shoulders inward as everyone scrambles out of their seats and out of the mess hall.

"Let’s make this quick! We should be done by the time these bottles aerate!" Ringo shouts.

There is a burst of laughter throughout the busy room in response to his remark. The Captain steps forward, wading through the bustle towards Sebastian, who still sits in his seat nervously working away at the three quarters of skyray wagyu brick left on his plate.

"Dusty." The Captain calls out.

Dusty sticks her head out of the crowd and makes her way to the Captain. By the time she reaches her, the Captain is standing next to Sebastian.

"Yes, Captain?" Dusty answers.

"The lune is now in your charge."

Dusty is too stunned to respond.

"Do you understand?" The Captain asks.

Other pirates slow down to listen to the exchange. Ringo and June have returned to observe the scene.

"…I—" Dusty starts.

"You brought this stranger to our home. He is your responsibility. If he makes a mistake, you will both be punished, because his mistakes are now yours."

Dusty remains quiet as she processes the information. The Captain takes a heavy step forward, standing tall over Dusty and Sebastian. Her form blocks a paper lantern hanging above, casting a shadow over the two of them.

"Am I making myself clear? Or should I quell this risk you’ve forced upon me before it becomes a problem?" She asks.

"I understand, Captain." Dusty answers quickly. Her voice shakes in fear.

"Good. Get to work." The Captain says as she heavily steps away through the gathering crowd of onlookers. "That goes for all of you!"

The crowd disperses and continues towards the hallway. Ringo steps up next to Dusty.

"Well, you’ve survived it. Good job, Conolly. My favor’s finished. How close does this make us to even?" He asks.

"Nowhere close."

"I had a feeling. But to put it plainly Dust, we would be properly fooked without ye. Ye’re our only mechanic—"

"No, I’m not."

"Yes, ye are, because only God and the Captain know what Olsa actually does aboard this ship. We can’t afford to lose ye."

"Hm. Thanks—" Dusty starts.

"Don’t mention it. Don’t. I’m the ship’s only pair of eyes. I see things the Captain can’t. I did this out of necessity. Now get to it, Dust. I can’t afford to be sitting here making whispers with ye."

Ringo quickly steps away and shouts, "Prep the legs, Tyrants! I’m sure Tyrannis would love the feel of solid ground right about now!"

Dusty looks down at Sebastian. The two quietly stare at one another for a moment.

"Thank you." He says.

Dusty continues to stare for a moment before responding, "Clean the kitchen."

"Um… understood."