Crew Inspection

Two days since the excursion to Port Baldmore and the discovery of the Ice Cage. Four months and two days since several of the crew of the Caroline left to rejoin the ranks of DAGR pirates. Less than 24 hours since the Commodore had been informed of yet another unsanctioned jaunt around the realm. Fifteen minutes since the word had come that Tiberius was on his way for an inspection visit. Now the crew was in as good order as they could be for being given no notice and lead by a former pirate with very lax views on protocol.

As the plank lowered and steadies across the rails and the Commodore strode across to her ship, Greyylene's mood had soured significantly. She had always suspected the crewmen that left did indeed go back to their former command, but none had given word, merely snuck off in the night taking one of her life boats in the process. The expedition to find Soul Reaver was also to see if she could find her crew. Had she not run into Dalin the chances of her finding them and slitting each of their throats was very good. To further add to the treachery her own trusted friend and executive officer had assumed the role of interrogator.

As Tib addressed the crew she barely heard a word he spoke. She knew he offered them the option of not fighting, but she knew the rest of this crew would stay and fight if for no other reason than to show those who left what they really thought. Even the new trainees had come to gain a new appreciation and hardened resolve mingled with this sea salted crew. It was the mention of her name that jerked her back to the present.

"Captain I need to speak with you in your quarters." He spoke walking to the cabin not even waiting for her to catch up.

"All hands back to work." The command given as she strode in her own pace. Once inside she shut the door and he immediately began his reprimand, but the voice that called her out was of a different tone and attitude.



"Care to explain your little jaunt two nights ago?" His hands crossed across his chest as he sat in her chair one foot on the desk.

"Sir?" In mock dismay almost questioning his audacity at such an accusation.

"You know full well what I'm talking about Greyy."

"We needed information. I know the land there better then anyone else you have. I felt it imperative to move in fast." She said in almost a distressed panic.

"Dalin had already been sent in."

"I didn't know that when I started out, sir."

"That's my point, look all I'm asking is that on something like this you let us know what your thinking, so we can have some sort of plan in place to help if you need it."

"Sir, I stand by my decision." Yet again unapologetic yet not defiant.

"Oh so do I." He said with such matter of fact tone and expression it took her completely off guard. She knew she had skipped protocol Again, but could not repent of that action nor the decision that forced it. His reaction did surprise her.

After she thought for a moment about that night, she realized that though her intentions were to find out what was happening and pass it back to Tiberius, she also realized that she hadn't want him to know why she really wanted to go. Even she was ashamed to admit to her ulterior motives and the emotions that drove her to disrespect this man she came to call a friend.

"I understand sir, and you are right, I should have informed you of my plans." The words felt like rocks as they left her lips as the thoughts of Bullseye raced through her mind.

His point made Tiberius switched subjects, "I noticed some missing crew. One in particular."

"We were in port, I woke the next morning to find him gone." her voice trailing off deeply troubled and deep in thought. "He and five other members of my crew returned to the DAGR."

All he did was to sit and nod, a look of understanding and compassion for her loss. It would have been easier had they died in battle, or at sea at the unrelenting fury of the waves, but this? The betrayal of the simple action left a deep scar on her psyche, not to mention her heart. She knew he understood, but until this moment she did not realize to what extent he did indeed understand her. Even to herself she could not promise to always inform him of her actions, but from that day on she would endeavor to trust him.

~The End~