Damnation Of Devotion ✔

19: Sliding Down The Corridor

{ AHT }

"Bertha! Bert! Are you inside?" Michael calls out.

Around eight in the morning when we left Mike's home and reached Portland docks. Not many people around. This small ship has two crew members left, a married couple, since former crew members were dissatisfied with the lack of income. I don't know how three people can handle multiple jobs but it's impressive.

Two black sailors are in front of the ship, untangling the ropes. I assume that's the crew, albeit I'm concerned about how well they are treated... Mike sang praises about the captain, but I have to be sure because his judgements can be questionable. Ki, on the other hand, has always given people the benefit of the doubt ever since she lost her reading gift. Admirable. Her judgement comes if they begin to treat someone else with a lack of respect. Sadly, this happens often, though this doesn't wear down her gentle heart.

Out came from the ship is a pale, petite lady. Rosy cheeks, a captain uniform, and an out-of-place bonnet. She's bundling down to the dock with the energy of a four-year-old toddler who eats too many cheesecakes.

"MIKEEEYYY!! And it's Captain Bert, you hen fruit!" the woman admonishes.

I glance at her crew and they smile to themselves, endeared. That's a relief. I mutter, "She's interesting."

"She is very cute for a captain," Ki giggles.

The captain trips a tad and proceeds to run towards Michael, who is far from us. Then, she jumps—! Onto him and hops. I exchange surprise looks with Ki. She flashes a disbelieving grin.

Wait. "Are you saying captains aren't cute?"

"Some are handsome. No matter the age." She gives me a side glance.

"Should I be jealous of captains?"

"Mmm..." She then smirks with a devious glint in her eyes. "Why should you? You're the captain of my vessel. I get the pleasure of you sailing me every time."

Oh God, her words are something else. I thought I'd adapt to her sudden bursts of bold, corny words but no, pleasant surprises. Scorching heat flashes across my face in this biting chill of a morning. Her cheeky demeanour taunts me.

"You must be Ki and Aht!!" The captain charges toward...? Whoa! She hugs us both and pinches our cheeks, pulling us down and shaking our heads. Kind of hurts. I pout so my cheek won't be peeled off—okay, it hurts worse.

Ki flinches. "Ow."

"Aht, you really are a softie! I would have thought you'd murder me or something if Mike didn't give the dope on you beforehand! And you two are the sweetest couple I've ever seen! Giants! But oh so shy! Flirty whispers and whatnot!"

Dope? I think that is uhh an info? I guess I do need people to give a heads-up about me. Haih.

Now Ki blushes like me... "Um thank you. Beautiful ship you have here." Adorable.

"Thanks, dear! All in hard work. Not sure it's worth every penny, though." Our confusion must be obvious because the captain continues with haste. "Are you two sure to be on board for a month? I'm sure Mikey has told you about our... circumstances."

"Ghost problems?"

"Goodness no! The routes I took, the materials I replaced, the fuel brand I changed. I tried to improve it in every way, yet the passengers kept seeing things! I'm convinced they were sauced." The hyper woman is serious in a blink, solemnity washes over her.

Humans aren't too different from spirits, as Ki always says. Answers are within their reach, albeit they are never satisfied with the lack of complexity behind them nowadays. Or more accurately, lack of control over them. In this case, ghosts.