The Airship Oz

Restless on Oz

*The sun has set, and the lanterns are lit all over the fleet ships. The rebel fleet has been flying over Jewel and onto their next destination. They require a stop to replenish the supplies. Bartering was the only thing that the remainder of the people of Jewel used to accrue anything. Money was unnecessary as the only currency that was even used was the Empirical coin. The rebels did not need coin; only enough food and weapons to survive the coming war. Each stop made was only for a day. Which made it easier to stay alive and out of harm's way. Some would join and others would feed information to the fleet. The thieves of Jewel sometimes raided merchant ships and stalls. 

Those thieves would divide what they need among the rest of their gang. Other times, the merchants themselves acted as spies for the rebels. It was easier to trade information for goods. The time for the rebellion to come full force was close. Everyone could feel it. Everyone on the ships knew what they were there for. Sasha was unable to sleep her first night on the Oz. It was well past midnight. She decided to get up from bed quietly. Barefoot, she leaves the dark room only lit by moonlight, sneaking past the cousin's bunk bed. Christian snored lightly and Diz rolled up in her blanket. Sasha tries not to giggle at them sleeping in the same position.

 Out from the room, she makes her way up the steps to the main level deck. She can feel the cool breeze of the night air and it smells sweet. She steps over quietly to the edge of the railing. Resting her arms and chin on the rail, Sasha can't help looking over and down at the dessert becoming more covered with greenery. They must be getting closer to the next stop. Possibly there by morning. She stands back up straight and realizes she's feeling a bit chilled. She's caught off guard when Capt. Rock comes up behind her and rests his jacket over her shoulders. *

Capt. Rock: You're up late.

Sasha: Oh! Captain. *Her cheeks turn red*

You startled me.

Capt. Rock: I meant no excitement. *Smiles gently*

I saw you come up and shivering. Are you having trouble sleeping?

Sasha: *grips his jacket as it almost swallows her*

I am. And thank you for the jacket.

Capt. Rock: *facing opposite of her resting his elbows behind him on the railing, hair blowing in the wind*

Are your quarters not comfortable?

Sasha: No! I mean... Yes, they are comfortable. It's not that. I guess I'm just excited. I'm finally here.

Capt. Rock: Yes... I know the ship is exciting.

*He says with sarcasm*

Sasha: Heh, no sir... It's everything. I'm finally going to avenge my sister and make something of myself.

Capt. Rock: Do you dream?

*Sasha is taken aback by his random question*

Sasha: Do I dream? Well, of course, I do.

Capt. Rock: What do you dream of?

Sasha: That's a bit private Sir.

Capt. Rock: I dream of flying.

Sasha: *scoffs* 

You dream of what you already do?

Capt. Rock: No. I dream of flying without ships. I take flight as a crow and soar through the sky flapping and breathing heavily. My heart is racing. Long black feathers. Never landing.