OK, I know I haven't updated in like, forever, don't hate me, just be glad I'm back.

I would like to thank everyone for not sending pestering emails or reviews, asking when the next chapter would be posted. I have been really busy the past weeks with preparations for finals and what not. Thanks for all your understanding!

This chapter is dedicated to:

Shelby Black!

Yay! New reviewer (squeal) love getting new reviewers!

Twadrummer: you know what? The first time I read your pen name I thought it was twad rummer. And I thought "what is a twad?" but then I read your profile. And hey, being a teacher isn't all that bad, unless you are one of those nasty kill joys, that teaches 10th grade biology and looks like Hitler…eh-heh, sorry, flash back there…

Sarah-K-O-M: ok, let's see… the first time, it was her "job"

Second time, what would you think if you saw a girl walking alone in that part of town in the middle of the night?

Third, well, Edmund was just a perv

Fourth, the guy has been at sea for who knows how long, and then he's kept on board for watch?

Did I get them all?

Bookworm1211: um, yeah about those reviews… the updates, well, um…

Angelwings21: Right, more comes when it does, no sooner, and no later.

Darkangelkikyo2323: yes twists are fun, and that way, my story isn't TOTALLY predictable (I hope)

SpazAttack8638: hey if you don't like it, don't read.

AKAfredandgeorge: oi, how lazy am I? I didn't feel like typing out your name so guess what? Cut/copy and paste! Wow! I surprised Claire! Fete of the day! Oooo let me see the hat! please? Please? Please?

Triksterstheifgirl: ok, ok caaaaaaalm down. I hope you are not twitching as you read this, because guess what? It's another update!

LeJack: chapter 23…chapter 23…(searching review folder) sorry, It's not there, o the sadness. So you think you know what ship she's on, do you? Shall we test that theory?

Drink-Up-Me-Hearties-Yo-Ho: um, what?

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Katrina leaned back against the hull and held Sera close, lightly dozing throughout the night, or rather, trying to. The thin layer of water covering the damp floor making her cold and miserable. Her mind going through all possible plans of escape. Finally, Katrina guessed it was somewhere near dawn, she fell asleep.

At first Katrina wasn't sure what had woken her up, she knew it was daytime though. There was a split in one of the hull's boards opposite of her and Sera's cell, and she could see sunlight streaming though. The comforting stream of light and the gentle rise and fall of the ship started to lull Katrina back to sleep, then she shot straight up. what was that about a gentle rise and fall? Frantically, Katrina strained her ears for sounds of the day time dock activities, her eyes to see if there was a dock or possibly other ships visible through the split wood.

There was nothing, no noises, nothing to see, but the sea, endless blue water. Now what, Katrina? She started berating herself. You didn't get just yourself stuck this time, but Sera, too. What would Rachel think? Frustrated, Katrina closed her eyes and took deep breaths, trying to calm herself. No way off a ship in the middle of the ocean, shit.

The hatch to the hull slammed open, letting a feeble light stream through, causing Katrina to squint, here eyes unaccustomed to more than a very little amount of light. A large bulk filled the hatchway, outlined in the sunlight. Instinctively, Katrina's arms hugged Sera a bit tighter, causing the little girl to whimper.

Startled, Katrina glanced down, a large bruise covered the outside of Sera's upper arm, where she landed on it the pervious night.

The clang of the cell opening finally drew Katrina to her senses, but not before the man took Sera's small form from him.

"W-wait…" Katrina's voice croaked slightly after a near sleepless night and nothing to drink.

"You'll 'have ta wait yur turn." He grumbled, pushing Katrina back and slamming the cell closed again. "The cap'n wants ta see the poppet firs'." Then the light vanished as the hatch was closed again.

Sera's sobs for "Kitty" going unheeded by her current mode of transportation. Long after Katrina could no longer hear Sera's crying, she fought against all the bars with all her strength. at length Katrina, gasping for breath and allowing tears of frustration flow unchecked down her face, she leaned her head against the bars and slowly sunk to her knees.

This was the position she was in hours later when the hatch was once again opened, the cell opened and she was roughly hauled to her feet. Half pulled, half stumbling, Katrina was led up to the deck. The harsh tropical sun assaulting her eyes after the darkness of the hull.

Katrina's eyes adjusted in time to see she was being led to a pair of double doors, which where open. Before she knew it, she was roughly shoved inside. She spun to face the man that pushed her.

"Yer ta wai' for the cap'n." the man gave an evil smirk and slammed the doors. A distinct "click" was heard. Katrina ran towards the door, trying desperately to wrench it open, but to no avail. Frustration and anger suddenly over took her.

"Let me out!" she screamed banging on the door. "Where is Sera! Let me see her! If you hurt her, there'll be hell to pay! I swear it! Let me out! Let me see Sera, you bloody bastards!" Katrina kept pounding on the door hour hours, till her fists felt like they had bruises on them and her voice started to become sore. The whole time her cries and demands seemed completely ignored.

Deciding to try a different tactic, Katrina backed from the door, then threw her shoulder into it with a loud "thump".

"Ow." Katrina complained, rubbing her hurt shoulder. "Bad idea, note to self: don't do again." With a resigned sigh, she sat down on the bed on one side of the room, but was suddenly on her feet once again as the door slammed open. A figure was outlined by the setting sun.

"We've finally calmed down now, have we?" the voice sent chills down Katrina's spine, and her eyes widened when she realized who it was that was addressing her.

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Yes, yes short chapter, and an evil cliff hanger too.

But I got bored with studying, and needed to vent some creativeness, but now it is getting close to dusk, and I want to go watch fireworks…

Happy 4th everyone!

waves American flag I love this holiday!

Oh, quote, I love this one:

"A ship! I'm being fired on by an entire ship!"