Smuggling for Not So Beginners

Writers: Chelle, Mirren, Paula
Date Posted: 11th February 2016

Characters: Shanel, Ueltin, Old Mashe
Description: The extra load gets moved to a ship.
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 3, day 26 of Turn 8
Notes: Follows Contraband

The cart stopped. Old Mashe quietly looked around and then he got down and went around to the back. He looked again and then he gave a low whistle. It was dusk and the light was low. Hopefully, the dinghy would be waiting as prearranged. If not, he might be having problems.

The boat had been pulled up to the shore and hidden by shrubbery. A man leaned against a tree, absently whittling a piece of wood. He was a very tall man with blond hair. When he heard the whistle, he came alert. He replied with the whistle of his own.

Hearing that, Old Mashe nodded. "Allright m'dear, it's time." He began to move some of the cargo about to make it to where she could move. She'd probably be stiff so he was prepared to help her out. This needed to go as smoothly as possible and as quickly as possible.

Shanel didn't make a sound as she sat up, although she wanted to wince. She didn't dare to let the noise pass her lips, in case someone was listening. She bit her lip and looked around, not recognizing where she was.

"Hello there," the tall blonde greeted with quiet voice. He nodded at old Mashe and flashed a smile at the girl. "There are two important rules you need to remember. Rule number one: no names, I don't ask, you don't tell. Rule number two: you do exactly as we tell you," he told the girl. "It's for your own safety," he softened his words with a friendly smile.

Shanel nodded quickly, but her eyes were nervous, flicking back and forth, glancing the way she thought she'd come. "Of course," she whispered. This was where he'd find her, she was sure of it. He'd be amiable to these men until he got her alone. The thought was terrifying. Her pale face was a silent witness to her fear.

The man tossed a small pouch for Old Mashe. He didn't say anything, he didn't have to. "Come," he told the girl.

She nodded and looked toward the old man. She was too accustomed to checking for permission before doing anything. Taking a breath, she followed as told.

The man took her to the breach and the pulled out the boat. It was just a small rowing boat. "The ships out of sight," He explained. Soon the little dinghy was popping in the water. He offered his hand to help her step into the boat.

Her hand was trembling as she took his. She'd pushed her scarf away from her face to enable her to see better. It was too dark for him to see her bruising anyway.

She stepped carefully, feeling the little boat wobble, but she wasn't scared. There was nothing to fear from inanimate objects.

When she was safely seated, he pushed the boat away from the shore and hopped in. He took the oars and started to row. "There's water skin and some crackers if you want some," he nodded towards a box under the bench. At first he row in silence, but after they had gotten far enough from the land, he started to sang with melodic baritone voice. It was simple tune with repeating words that gave rhythm to his strokes.

Shanel sat in silence, looking over the water and lulled by the singing. It reminded her of her childhood, when she's still had her innocence. She felt the baby shift inside her belly and smiled softly. He or she did like music. Gradually she became aware of a black shape bobbing on the water. The ship became larger as they got close.

When they got close enough, the man made a shrill whistle. He got answering whistle from the ship and guided the dinghy next to the ship's side. A man peered over. "You got the cargo?"

"Yes, sir," the tall man replied and a rope ladder was tossed down to them. "Up you go, sweetie," the blond man told the girl and kept the ladder steady for her.

Shanel gripped the ladder. It felt stiff and cold under her hands, turns of use and salt water under her palm. She held her breath and started climbing, hoping not to slip.

The man on board reached out to help her over the rail. He was short but stocky, with white hair. "Welcome aboard," he said. Like the other man, he wore no knots. Still, he had a commanding presence of someone who was in charge.

Down on the dinghy, the tall blonde was attaching the little boat so it could be lifted up to the deck later. Then he followed her up. He nimbly leaped over the railing.

"Thank you." Shanel stepped back from the railing. "Is it…are we safe here?" What she meant was could her husband find her now, but she knew better than to be specific.

"Yes, although you still have stay out of sight. Not all the crew members are in this and we have passengers who can mention something for a wrong person," the white-haired man replied. He escorted her inside. "I have this for you," he opened a door that led to cabin barely bigger than broom closet. There was hardly enough room for the bunk. "Not the most comfortable one, but the bigger ones are reserved for paying passengers. If you need, eh, necessary, you can use the one in Captain's cabin," he showed her how to find it. The Captains bathroom included a bath tub. He looked at it and then her. "We can arrange even a bath for you. The Cabin boy will deliver meals for you, and we let you know when you can come out to the deck to stretch your legs."

It wasn't palatial, but it was better than staying where she'd been. "Thank you, I appreciate it." She couldn't repay them now, maybe ever, but she and her baby would have a chance now. "How long will we be at sea?"

"Seven to ten days, depending on weather. We have two stops to make before we reach the Weyr," he replied. "Why don't you get settled in and try to get some sleep? There's some night left yet," he suggested with surprisingly gentle voice.

Shanel nodded. She was tired and was getting more so as her pregnancy progressed. She wouldn't truly relax until they reached the Weyr, but she could rest.

He left her alone and went back to the deck. He found the tall blond man from the bow, leaning over the railing. A brown firelizard was perching on his shoulder. The ship was moving again.

"So, where shall we drop you off this time, Harper?" he asked, joining the much taller man.

"At the Reed Delta cothold. There are some children there in need of teaching," Ueltin replied.

Last updated on the February 20th 2016

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Smuggling for Not So Beginners