Page 83 of Leveling

Chapter 59

When Beckett was depositedonto the deck, the whole crew stood in a circle. Captain Aria tapped her foot in what Beckett hoped was fake anger. Dan, smirking, tugged Beckett’s pants up and then pulled the sling-loop off over his head. They all stood and awkwardly waited for Captain Aria to say something.

She looked at Beckett with narrowed eyes. Then finally spoke, “That’s what this was all about—you have the hots for a Nomad woman and you’ve raced off across the ocean to declare your love—lying to us in the meantime?”

“I met her when I was working on the Outpost. I didn’t want to lie, but I also needed to find her.”

“Well, if you hadn’t almost killed yourself helping with the whale, I might not forgive you for keeping secrets, but I will. Mostly because that was an epic bellyflop in the name of love.”

Dan patted Beckett on the shoulder.

Beckett said, “Luna called it historic.”

“She’s probably right. I notice she didn’t come with you on the boat?”

Beckett looked to his right, the eight Waterfolk were paddling away.

“She has to help deliver supplies to a larger group. Then she’ll paddle to meet me at Heighton Port.”

“I would suspect that’s going to be a long time of worry for you.”

“Yes,” Beckett nodded under Captain Aria’s studying gaze.

“Well, you behaved rashly, jumping off my boat, putting us even further behind schedule. We’re supposed to be northeast of here, yesterday. I need to know you won’t be lying or doing anything crazy for the next two weeks. And no acting crazy either. Or love sick. But in return I’ll help you out. Do we have a deal?”

“Um, yes, of course. I won’t do anything crazy.”

“Dr. Mags is going to rewrap your hands, because that left one is oozing, and it’s gross looking. I don’t think gross is the way bandaged hands should look. While you’re getting your wounds cleaned, Dan and Jeffrey will take the zodiac and deliver a radio to your friend. I have an extra, solar, waterproof. You can check in with her every day.”

“That would be amazing.”

“No jumping off my ship, unless you see me take my pants off first.” Captain Aria smirked and returned to the bridge.

Dan clapped Beckett on the shoulder. “Any message for your girl?”

“Tell her I’ll call her tonight.”

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The end, but the story does continue...