Excelsior

Part 2 - She Doesn't Need Protecting

The mess hall was crowded as I entered, unsure of where to sit. My mind had been boggled since boarding this morning. I almost couldn't pilot the ship with Captain Elyi watching, he seemed to have an over excessive amount of confidence in me. It gave me a feeling I just coundn't ignore... I shook my head clear and sat at a table with some of the younger guys, and sighed. "You ready to quit already, Miss?" One of them joked. "I'll quit when I fall off topside, Lotterdome!" I smiled back. I looked around hoping to catch a glimpse of Captain Elyi, but couldn't find him.

BANG! The door to the mess hall crashed open and Captain Elyi strolled in and to the front of the room. His eyes scanning the crowd for no one in particular, though his eyes met mine twice. He paused a moment and hopped onto a nearby table and addressed the crew.

"Now men!" He shouted over the dull roar. "All of you are veterans. You've all been with me for a year... or more. I know most of you have noticed, but for those of you that haven't; We have a new member aboard the ship.." His eyes found mine and held them. "Sinclair Anderson. Our new pilot." I held my breath, hoping that was all he had to say about me, but with my luck, he wasn't done. "I'd like everyone here to know, again, that if any of you have a problem with this fine young lady, they can take it up with me. Alone." His eyes still hadn't left mine, I shrunk down in my seat and tried not to draw attention to myself, but the speech went on.

"It's only been us men on this ship since it was first airbourne,but it's time for change. Sinclair is the most qualified pilot, even out of other men. Therefore, she is the best." There he went with his over confidence again. I felt my face grow red as other started to look at me, so I shrunk down even more, praying this to end. "No one will give her trouble." He continued. "Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Sir!" The crew chanted back.

"Good." He smirked and took a seat. I felt as though I could die. And Lotterdome wasn't making it any better.

"Looks like the Captain's gotta new favorite." He sneered at me. I ignored it. "Sinclair Anderson: Occupation: Pet." He said again. My grip tightened on my glass. "Sinclair-" I rose to my feet and curled my hand into a fist, it found purchase in Lotterdome's left cheek.

"I may be a girl, but I can drop your ass like any other man." I sneered down at him. The entire mess hall had fallen silent as I watched him wipe his mouth. I was furious. "Say something again. I dare you." I challenged before looking up. Captain Elyi was standing, his eyes glinting with something I couldn't place.

"Seems to me she doesn't need protection." A voice called from in the crowd.

"So it would seem." Captain Elyi commented before sitting again and returning to his meal.

I flexed my throbbing hand, but feeling no pain, I sat. Lotterdome rose and took his seat, and ate in silence for the rest of the meal.