After we landed the Hotspur on the barge, Nick and Ada joined us in the combined galley / mess of the ship. It had become Marny’s signature to set an elaborate table with the best food and drink she could get her hands on. We all pitched in to set up, but Marny was definitely the one in charge and handed out orders with military efficiency.Toward the end of the feast, I raised my clear cup, which was half full of sparkling wine. "I’d like to toast our good fortune. Never have we travelled so far without a single incident involving pirates. To a safe journey," I said with flourish and took a big drink. Marny took a drink and then chastised, "Cap, I think you’d best be careful tempting fate like that.""I can feel it, Marny. Lady Fortuna is on our side in this journey," I said."So what’s the basic plan? I know we’re headed for that outpost you all took over, but what are we doing once we get there?" Jake asked."We’re going to pack it all up and bring it with us," Nick said. "Since the Red Houzi know its location, it isn't useful to us.
