The Squid [TCO Part 1]

Fresh air

Francis white was currently sat in his office, slouched over his desk, scrawling in a notebook. The dim candlelight flickering to the sound of a ticking clock. His hand, steady. His pen, dancing elegantly across the page as he hummed a familiar song under his breath. Scratches echoed throughout the room, reverbing off the bookshelves, chests, and the many accessories attached to the walls or on shelves.

Silence.

Deathly silence fell over the room. followed by a ripping of paper, and a scraping chair against the hard wood floor. Francis folded the inked sheet into thirds and held it over the flame, the corner catching alight. A tray, full of ashes and dust, welcoming it, as it was engulfed by the once small ember. The paper, now a small lump of ash, sat in the tray, warm. The smell of smoke mixing with marfly essence. A flower, recently found from the last expedition, filled the room with an aura that the crew favoured for the captain.

The room was cold and warm. Light and dark, much like the emotions of the ship currently. Yet, it was surprisingly calm within the walls of his personal space. As if he hadn't felt anger for years. That wasn't true. He'd rather keep his depressive episodes away from the crew, especially now.

It had been a week since their beloved friend had left the crew and it had taken its toll on the rest. Some more than others. Francis, trying to keep them all at ease, had been staying away more and more recently, as to not say something he may regret. Although they all missed her, it was her decision, and as captain he would respect it and not try to interfere. He hoped for a good life for her and to not be forgotten as she worked away. They all did.

She was family after all.

"Captain?" A soft voice called out from behind the heavy office door as the handle slowly and hesitantly turned. A taller woman poked her head inside. She had pheonix wings where her ears would be, not big enough to fly though. "May I come in?" She asked, fully prepared to leave the captain to his sulking if need be.

Francis nodded and the girl stepped inside, the door creaking behind her as she stepped towards the desk. Her movements, slow and hesitant. The smell of calming essence helped ease her into the room. The once frowning captain gazed up at her with a slight smile, placing the pen down and turning to face her.

"Shade," Francis' voice, low and course, "you don't have to call me that when we're alone. I may be the captain, but you are more to me than a crew mate, understand?"

"Of course. I just....forget sometimes. Being around everyone so much...." Shade rubbed the back of her neck and awkwardly laughs. "So....what're you locked up in here for? Your never this isolated, fran." She looked at the paper remains and sighs. "Oh...of course....you miss him again?"

Francis nods. He writes letters for his, now, dead husband. The burning, he hopes, can send them to the spirit world and let him know. The pheonix knew, even after all these years, the captain still missed him. Dearly, in fact. For her, it's been years. For him, it was like yesterday since his death.

His death, only known by Shade and Francis on the ship. The captains previous life was never talked about to the crew. He only ever opened up, truly, around his best mate. Only to her. It was different between the two than them and anyone else on board. Mutual. Free. Relieving, at times. Something only they shared as co workers. Partners, perhaps.

"Do you think he's angry at us?" He asks, glaring at the desk. His eyes glazed over in regret. The room itself seemed to freeze, as if it was scared of the captains reaction. Shade was taken aback. She only ever sees him like this very rarely. It was unnerving to be honest.

"Of course not." She spoke quietly, a hand on his shoulder as her lips turn up for him. "He would want you to move on. I don't think, for a second, that he's mad or disappointed in you. In us. He loved you, Francis. He still does."

"You think so?"

"I know so." Francis looks up at Shade. He smiles and fixes his coat collar. "Anyway. We kinda need you out there. You know who, is punching the mast again. Third time today."

"Ah, of course. I thought I heard thumping." The captain stands up side by side with his taller companion. He sighs, she laughs and the two head towards the door. The atmosphere in the room lighter than before, the smell of smoke still present but calmer and the candle, slowly melting away on the captains now empty desk.

Shade, now standing tall and proud of the captain, pulls on the heavy wood door for him, smiling fondly. "Ladies first." She says jokingly, bowing and gestures to the outside deck.

"You're a dick." Francis laughs and pulls her to his side, walking out together. The sound of fists against wood is heard again and the two prepare for what looks like a long, long day.