The galley was in full ruckus. Men shouted, gamed, drank and argued. Frick and Ollie sang songs of bloody battle and rich reward to the cheers of most.
Cousin and Kraken sat against the wall. They talked in low tones with Gabb and Kor about future exploits.
“We need to raid a merchant or government ship,” Kor said. “We’re pirates. We need to ply our trade.”
“Our trade? Really?” Gabb chuckled.
“Mind your manners,” Kor said.
“He has a point,” Cousin said. “We haven’t done anything except deal with the chaos around me for the last few months. It would be nice to take a ship.”
Kraken watched the crew. He remembered when each of them joined. “A government ship has more slaves and better weapons.”
“You thinking of filling some of our empty space?” Gabb asked.
“Maybe. I didn’t bring any of the Al’Ri even though more than a few wanted to come. Hells, the only one I trusted was a twelve year old boy with one arm. I almost brought him too. It’s got me thinking about adding to our numbers.”
Cousin squeezed Kraken’s knee. “He would have hated being here after the shine wore off.”
Kor snorted. “I think you underestimate the boy. He was storm and spray, guarantee it. He wasn’t ready though. Still in love with home.”
Gabb nodded. “A government ship sounds good. Or a rival.”
“Someone where restraint isn’t necessary,” Kor said. “Aye. That could do some good.”
“Too bad Reaper and Blake are dead,” Cousin said, her voice thick with sarcasm.
“You’re prettier when you’re not an ass,” Kraken said.
Cousin roared laughter. Every head turned to her. She laughed until tears rolled from her eyes. She beat the table with her palm. Not until she was gasping for breath did she stop. And still she laughed between great gulps of air. When she finally got control of herself, she lay her head on the table and heaved air. She closed her eyes and listened to Haven laugh with her.
“What did you do to her, Captain?” Stephen asked.
Kraken leaned his chair against the wall and put his hands behind his head. “Women love a man that can make them laugh.”
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