The atmosphere between the two women grew tense as Leena hesitated, struggling with how to put her next confession into words. She looked away – the discomfort evident on her face.
"Kate... there's something else I need to tell you," Leena began, her voice wavering slightly. "In order to survive on this ship, and to gain certain privileges, I... I entered into a relationship with Jones."
Kate's eyes widened – shock evident on her face. "You... with Davy Jones?"
Leena nodded, biting her lip. "It's not out of love, believe me. It's purely physical. As the only female crew member aboard the Dutchman, I found myself in a unique position. And Jones, for all his monstrous form and cruel nature, is still a man. Being with him grants me some protection from the worst of the crew and a degree of freedom others don't have. And" she hesitated, choosing her words carefully, "it makes me feel... like a woman. It's a sensation, a validation, I never really had in my previous life."
Kate's expression was hard to read; there was shock, of course, but also a glimmer of understanding. "You're using him," she surmised.
"In a way, yes," Leena admitted. "But it's a two-way street. He gets something out of it too. And it might be our way in, Kate. If I can get close enough, maybe I can find out where he keeps the key."
Kate considered this for a moment, her mind working quickly. "It's risky, Leena. But if you think it's our best shot, then we should take it."
Leena nodded, steeling herself for the challenge ahead. "It won't be easy, but it's a chance. And right now, that's all we've got."