Episode 20
Underway
Tortoise was shaken awake by Penguin. The room was still dark, and the others were getting dressed, some faster than others.
“Sorry,” Penguin said apologetically. “We’ve been called back to the ship.”
“What? Why?” Tortoise sat up and realised he had a headache.
“Dunno,” she said. “Dee told me to wake everyone and meet outside. She’s gone to help find the rest of the crew.”
As usual, Tortoise was the last one ready. Hildebur was nowhere to be seen and he felt sorry not to be able to say goodbye. He emerged from her home into the cold of the early polar morning to find Gudge standing in the street with the others. Slung over his shoulder was Gecko, bound and gagged, looking dejected.
“What happened?” Tortoise asked. “Is he okay?
“He’s fine,” Gudge said. “Caused some trouble. Tide’s turning, let’s go. Shore leave’s over.”
#
The Pegasus was underway.
The ship had slipped quietly out of the docks and was approaching the Gate of Terror, the pilot at the helm, another ship ahead of them in the queue. Gecko had been untied and was standing before Molly and Polly. Tortoise, Penny, and a few other sailors looked on.
Polly opened the bulging cotton purse she was holding and poured out dried blue flowers into her hand.
“So the plan was to break into his house and then, what, sell him medicine?” Polly laughed. “That’s cold.” She put the flowers back and handed the purse to Molly. “Unfortunately you messed with the wrong pharmacist. Luckily he owed me a favour, but you’ve still cost the crew some R&R, which I’m sure they’ll appreciate.”
“The rules are strict on cargo theft,” Molly said. “Your first infraction as a landsman; I’m not sure how. That makes it two weeks in the brig, plus a formal apology when you get out and damages equal to the stolen goods.”
Gecko suddenly patted his pockets.
“You do have your purse, don’t you?”
Gecko looked stricken. “No.”
Molly laughed. “Well, you’ll have plenty of time to work out where it went. That will be all. Thank you, Griff.”
“Sorry little buddy,” the big marine said. “Rules are rules.” He escorted a crestfallen Gecko into the ship and Polly and Molly headed back to the quarterdeck.
Molly glanced back. “Back to work everyone. Or I’ll find something for you to do.”
Everyone made themselves scarce.
##
Next episode: The Black Remora