The Captain brought the ferry to a slow glide before handing it off to his first, Theli, who took it with shaking hands.   

    

“Is it over yet?” She wavered, not wanting an answer.  The Captain shook his head, gave her a rough but friendly pat on the shoulder, and walked out onto the captains' deck. He'll ask the Head Chef to prepare drinks and a good Mid-Night Supper for the crew tonight.

“Is Siro still with you!” he shouted up to the viewing deck. The Scout looked over their shoulder and gave a thumbs up. Their staff sailed through the air back to their hand outreached. 

    

“Untying their lifeline.” she shouted back, “Should I go check on the passengers' Captain?"

He nodded, "Aye, I tell Shey to expect you," then tapped a device in his ear, relaying the message. Emery turned to help a sore Second down to convene with the Captain.

“That was...interesting?" Siro groaned, massaging their numb arm back to life. "Trees don't walk in Somar.

    

"They talk, don't they?” asked Emery, recalling an odd conversation once with a Galgik sapling while on a seminar trip in Somar.

    

"Talk gibberish yes, walk no."  

    

"It's not gibberish. And it is out of season for Cepholokoi to be roaming.” At Siro's confused huh and the Captain agreeing nod, the scout went on to explain Astus', the Lord of Skies and storms, and her ill-tempered Lord's game and apologized.    

    

"Cursed cloud!” Siro glowered, then added in a nervous whisper, “will he stir up, er, anything else...unsavory?”  

    

“Not now, not till I’m on land,” Emery affirmed, closing her eyes. Residual ethergy faded from her to her staff like a long-held breathe. The light was dimming back to typical metal and wood. “The ship is safe for now.”

    

"Right then," started the Captain,  "Midnight Hour will be upon us soon. We're off schedule, thanks to certain beings. So hop to, the both of ya!"  He clapped a hand on Siro's other shoulder, giving it a hard shake as he walked off, calling out orders to any crew member nearby.

Emery and Siro stood alone for a moment, watching crew members help other crew members hobble their way towards the med bay. Emery made to join them when Siro spoke up, making the scout pause. 

"Thanks for the help with my line," they mumbled, fidgeting their belt. "When I finish with the hull, share a drink, ya?!" With a shaky wave, they dashed off to their chores, leaving a confused Scout on deck. Emery smiled to herself before making their way to the med bay for instructions. She'll have to tell them that scouts don't drink. A cake would be lovely tho.