Chapter Two

The next morning Keilani awoke early and was asked to join the officers table for breakfast. Graciously she accepted the offer and joined with the conversations going around the table. During her time in the Hawaii it turned out that she had missed much politically. Britain was no longer at war with France but had entered conflict with Spain, Kingston had a new governor the prior one having returned to England, and piracy within the Caribbean waters holding as steady as ever. With talk of piracy, conversation turned to various endeavors the officers had been a part of.

"I'm sure our guest has no interest in hearing of the vile matter of pirates," Norrington chided.

"The contrary, I find it all rather fascinating," Keilani objected.

"I assure you it is nothing like those stories people write. They take what they want, stealing from hapless merchants, and they pillage and destroy with no regard for the safety or work of others," the officer informed the young woman.

"Maybe," Keilani acquiesced, "but there's a certain freedom to it. Going where you want, when you wish it, no one to own you and responsible for your own self."

"Do not be fooled by those fictions, they are vile and dissolute creatures the lot of them. And I intend to see anyone who sails under a pirate flag, or wears the brand get what he deserves – a short drop and a sudden stop," Norrington explained.

"The penalty for piracy is a hanging," clarified Groves.

"And on that cheerful note," Gillette interrupted, "Breakfast is over and it's time to go to work."

"Is there anything I can do? I would feel utterly terrible just standing around watching others work," Keilani offered.

"There's little that needs done that the men can not do," Groves assured.

"If you're sure?" Keilani questioned.

"Of course, we run things quite well on our ship," the other lieutenant answered.

With nothing else to do, the young woman joined the officers on the deck as the supervised the daily goings on of a navy ship.

The two lieutenants alternated explaining the various goings on of the ship, although the young explained things back as well.

"You know a lot about ships," remarked Gillette.

"Most of my family are merchants," explained Keilani. "I've spent much of my life on ships. Although I've never been on a ship of the navy. It's quite impressive."

"Thank you! We're the pride of the navy and the scourge of piracy here in the Caribbean," boasted the lieutenant.

"That is quite the feat," the woman replied, looking impressed.

"Awkward question," stated Gillette, "but can I inquire as to your unusual manner of dress?"

Keilani answered, "We knew we were in dangerous waters, and it was thought a safer option. The more us women looked more like younger men the less danger we would be in. That was the thinking at least."

"Ah, that does actually make sense," Gillette nodded, accepting this answer.

Eventually the two lieutenants left to oversee their duties, leaving their captain and Keilani alone on the upper deck. Bored, the young woman began a conversation on the latest philosophy coming from the mainland and the new colonies.

Norrington allowed the conversation, and found it a refreshing change from the more banal talk common around the ship.

The days passed rather quickly like this. Keilani would always offer help during breakfast, and the offer would always be denied. Afterwards the officers and the young woman would move to the upper deck and would converse for a while before the two lieutenants would wander the ship making sure everything was running smoothly. The captain and the woman would than spend the next several hours discussing varied topics – from philosophy to politics, and history to culture.

After a week, and almost too soon, the ship arrived in the port of Kingston.

"This city can be a little wild sometimes, I would be remiss if I did not see you safely home," captain Norrington insisted as the gangplank was dropped, and much of the crew rushed off to take advantage of their brief leave in port.

"I am sure you have much to take care of, I can return to my family well enough," Keilani demurred.

"I must insist," the captain continued, "I would hate for something to happen so close to your end destination."

"If you insist," Keilani allowed, leading the way down the gangplank.

Confidently the young woman maneuvered them through the chaos of the port and down the tangled mass of streets. After a rather brief walk the pair reached a nicer part of the city and Keilani stopped at a small home. The home was rather cozy looking, smaller and painted white with a tangled vegetable garden out front.

"Aunt Hazel," called Keilani, opening the door.

"Kei!" greeted an older woman, her dark brown hair was streaked with silver and hazel brown eyes still sparkling with life. "It's been far too long girl. Your aunt Aubree will be thrilled you here too. And who's this? A navy man?"

"There was some trouble at sea and they provided a great assistance. The captain offered to see me safely home," Keilani explained.

Hazel understood the message behind the words, "I see. While, you will have to save the story for when Aubree returns from market. No point in telling it twice kiddo. And you sir, will you be staying for dinner? We must thank you for helping our niece somehow."

"That is a very kind offer," Norrington deflected, "But no thanks are needed, we were merely doing our duty. Besides, I should return to my ship. Thank you for your offer though."

The officer politely took his leave, allowing the two women to catch up.

Once they were sure he was gone, Hazel turned to her grand-niece with a piercing look.

"You must have quite the story kid. Ending up on a navy ship? You're lucky your neck's intact!"

"Believe me, I know," Keilani assured. "I think that was the most nerve-wracking week I've had!"

Hazel busied herself finding a change of clothes for her grand-niece, as Keilani sprawled ungraceful on the small settee and began to recount her story.