Stavanger Bay and hurl thieves down from paradise

Rosalyn did not miss the look, though perhaps she could not read everything within it.  As a thanks for both the physical caress and the support of her words, the new Captain moved closer, so that their sides could rest alongside.

As always, however, her friend (and lover) had a way of cutting to the heart of the turmoil.  Rosalyn gave her a long look, a mix of both surprised admiration and thoughtful amusement.  Then she shook her head.  That very thing had been deep on her mind ever since he said he was leaving them to her, and she hadn't settled on a resolution.

"I don't know.  Right now I feel like his leaving means he doesn't deserve the post.  Like he tossed the rest of us aside for his sister."  She smiled ruefully for the bitter words.  "But I don't know if I'd want to fight for it, if the time came.  He was the one everyone came for."  Not her.  She didn't know if she could follow him again, but this was his crew in the end.  At least right now.