Inej

The sun was just beginning to rise when Inej woke. She could hear the scratch of Kaz's pen from his desk - he had probably been up for hours. She knew he would find it difficult to leave for an extended period of time, particularly now he was truly in charge of the Dregs. She stretched out, still wrapped in the thick wool blanket, inhaling the scent of Kaz. He had insisted she take the blanket last night, he had lain down as far away from her as he could in the small bed, looking decidedly undone in his sleep clothes, what was likely only several inches of space felt like miles. They hadn't said much to one another after it had been decided that she would stay - they had simply started getting ready to sleep in compatible silence. She was just about to pull the blanket off her when Jesper barged in.

"Kaz - have you seen Inej? She didn't come home last night.. oh… hello Inej." He looked sheepish. Her skin felt like it was on fire. She was perfectly decent, still in her clothes from the day before. But Jesper couldn't know that, could he? Saints he didn't think she'd.. that they'd.. She pulled the blankets off and stood up quickly.

"Morning", she replied, trying to sound as indifferent as possible. Although Kaz looked up to catch her eye, he remained silent, likely waiting to see what she would do. "It's barely 6 bells, Jes, what are you doing here?"

He looked sheepish. "We didn't hear you come in last night before we fell asleep. Wylan was up early, gathering his equipment and wanted to ask you about space onboard. But you weren't there.. we were worried." He was bouncing on the balls of his feet, curious but also cautious. She knew he would have already clocked Kaz's pale hands. She was pleased Kaz had already been up - she wasn't fully sure what they were, but she wasn't ready to share it with anyone else yet.

"It took longer than expected to prepare the Wraith and set my crew up with boarding. I had to bring a couple of them here - it was late. I needed the rest." She tried not to sound defensive. Kaz dipped his head down, returning his gaze to his ledger. What is he thinking? Did he want her to tell Jesper that she was here because she slept better knowing he was close by? Did he want her to try and explain what this was?

Jesper's brows were furrowed, Inej wasn't sure that he bought her story. She walked to stand beside him, her knives placed back in their rightful spots. On Kaz's desk, she spotted the opened letter from Sturmhond. She was desperate to know the contents. But Inej was nothing if not patient, she would find out from Kaz later.

"Come on Jesper, we better get back to Wylan before he starts to think you've gone missing too!" He chuckled, looping his arm through hers.

"8 bells" was all Kaz said as they left the room.

Jesper had grilled her all the way back to the Van Eck mansion, she had stuck to her story though - she wondered how much of his questioning was because he didn't believe her or because he wished she was lying.

"How many cabins are on your ship again?"

"4 cabins and a large sharing cabin, plenty of space for my usual crew."

He hummed, "have you given any thought to where people will be staying?" She had to stop herself from rolling her eyes, knowing exactly what Jesper was getting at.

"Well, there's my cabin, then a cabin for you and Wylan, then one for Kaz and the last one Specht will have. Anika and Serin will be perfectly comfortable in the sharing cabin - it won't even be half full. Most of my crew are remaining in Ketterdam."

"I see." Said Jesper. She didn't have the energy to ask what he saw. Instead, she pushed open the door to the Van Eck mansion and floated up the stairs to prepare her things.

Kaz

When Kaz reached Berth 22, everyone was already onboard, even Jesper. It was Specht who greeted him, Inej was busy with her crew mates. He tried not to stare at her back as she pulled on the ropes, her muscles dancing, their movements visible even beneath her shirt and waistcoat. He focused his attention back on Specht.

"Boss", Specht had greeted him, looking slightly uncertain with his choice of wording - technically Inej was his boss now. But Kaz didn't correct him.

"Specht", he replied with a curt tip of his head.

"You're in one of the cabins, here I'll show you." Kaz followed him through into the teak cabins of the boat. Everything was well maintained and pristine, it felt like a sharp contrast to the leaning walls of the slat. It felt like Inej. Specht left him alone in the middle of a small cabin, two twin beds pushed against each wall, a small circular window in between with a wooden table below.

"Cosy isn't it," Jesper appeared in his doorway, leaning casually against the frame, his purple trousers clashing horribly with the stained orange wood. Kaz didn't say anything. Jesper continued, "Wylan and I are next door, Inej is right opposite, and Specht's cabin is down the corridor, by the stairs that lead to the shared cabin and the store."

Kaz remained silent, unsure what the knowing look on Jespers face meant. Had Inej said something to him?

"Just thought you might like to know where everyone is, you know…" Kaz glared in response to Jesper's over-exaggerated wink.

"I'm not sure what you're implying, Jesper."

"Of course you don't." Jesper was grinning as he turned and sauntered away from Kaz's room. It was going to be a long journey.