Rain needles the docks as the Star Streak rocks at its mooring. Kael Umal waits beneath the lowered gangplank while Maisie and Miles hover near him, both alert to every lantern swing and creak of rope.
A woman in a dark travel cloak arrives with a leather medical case hugged to her side. Her wedding ring flashes once in the lantern light as she pauses at the foot of the gangplank.
Emma
I am Emma. I was told the ship needs a doctor, and I intend to see the quarters before I set my kit down.
Kael guides Emma up the slick boards and into the Star Streak. The ship answers with a low, lingering hum in its ribs as she studies the narrow corridors and the tidy cabin assigned to her.
Emma
Adequate. Dry, quiet, and close enough to the main passage. That will serve.
By night, another arrival comes with a heavy crate balanced against her shoulder. Julia steps aboard beneath the lanterns, her gaze sharp despite the hour, while Miles hurries ahead to clear a path.
Julia
I brought the stores on the list, and I expect a proper galley. Show me where I am meant to work, captain.
Kael leads her below. The galley is cramped but serviceable, and the assigned quarters wait beyond it. Julia sets the crate down with a solid thud, then turns at the threshold as if listening to the ship breathe.
✓ Quest Accepted
Earn the crew’s genuine trust
✓ Quest Accepted
Confront Miles about the intrusion
“As Miles finishes swabbing the main deck she walks off to the ships lavish washroom. As she opens the door and walks in she sees Kael in the tub bathing. Miles apologizes for the sudden intrusion but continues to stare.”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +0)
Steam curls in the washroom as Kael keeps his posture calm, the bathwater barely moving around him. Miles freezes in the doorway, one hand still on the latch, eyes wide at the sudden sight.
Miles
Oh. I, I did not mean to walk in on that.
Kael’s stillness does the work of an answer, and the room does not turn into panic. Miles lowers her gaze at once, then raises it again by mistake, caught between apology and curiosity.
Miles
I am sorry, captain. I was only looking for the washroom.
Kael Umal
The door swung open too far for a quiet retreat.
A beat passes. Miles shifts her weight, cheeks warm with embarrassment, but she does not bolt.
Miles
Do you want me to leave, or should I shut the door and wait outside?
“"What did you need?" Kael asks. "I just needed to use it. You know..." she says. "Go ahead then." Kael smirks. Kael caught on to Miles being a young woman as soon as he saw her that night in the tavern. Despite her best efforts to look like a boy, he can tell she's a young woman. And atractive too.”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled -1)
Kael Umal
What did you need?
Miles
I just need to use it, you know...
Kael Umal
Go ahead then.
Miles
He caught on too fast.
Miles lets out a breath she was holding, then steps back from the threshold. The embarrassment stays on her face, but the panic drains away.
Miles
Thank you, captain. I will be quick.
She slips aside, freeing the doorway, and the steam swallows the awkwardness between them. The ship gives its low, faint hum, almost like approval.
Quest Complete
Confront Miles about the intrusion
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Superb→Legendary