[Worm]

The little bit of hair that existed on Tennan’s body raised at the word brand. She wasn’t necessarily a masochist, but pain did elevate her senses to a place near ecstasy. ”Fine then.” A silly little brand wasn’t going to stop her. And if she was able to leave the ship with Marco, hell maybe even Zet’s body, she’d just burn it off or cut it off. She had nothing but herself to look after, no next of kin to worry about, so if someone wanted to try and snatch her, she’d have more reasons to quench her blood lust.

As they made their way back to the cells, Tennan felt the strangest tinge of familiarity once Marco spoke. She knew that she’d exchanged glances with him before. She’d even seen him shoot, mainly because she was scoping out his weaknesses. ”He’s wanted for being too good.” She grinned, standing behind the group of three pirates. ”He broke the jackpot. Its supposed to be something that is rarely won. A wipeout in five rounds. He’s done it – what is it – four times now, Marco?” The grin never left her face. ”They think he’s been cheating somehow.” But she knew the truth. Even though she had no eyes, she could tell that he had excellent sharpshooter vision. His eyes stared like hawks that would swoop in and out of her aura. He was no normal human.

She crossed her arms, allowing the crew to divvy their requests to Marco.

---

Quash woke from a short food induced nap and rolled over on his plump belly. The bucket once full of mussels tipped over and tinged against the wooden floorboards. He scampered off, going deeper into the kitchen towards the oven. It seemed nice and toasty, perfect for another nap. It was hard to catch some zzs when people were chattering nearby.

Ino followed Quash’s trail anxiously towards the docks. He looked towards the Hangman’s Cry. An intimidating mass of metal and sails. He couldn’t be there… Could he? ”Damn that lizard…”

---

Ilani giggled madly, twisting and turning her body as she shifted the ship through space. ”They won’t catch me, silly.” She brightened, pushing a button and they boosted once more – ricocheting even further into space until the mothership was no longer visible. Her heart was racing with excitement. Once they came to halt, no Yingya in sight or distance, she jumped up and cheered, her head bonking the glass roof. She rubbed her head with a soft ”Ow.” She sat back down and extended a happy hand now. ”Nice to meet ‘cha. It was – Chin Bow?” She cocked her head to gauge her reactions. She was never good with extraplanetary names.