A figure stepped into Cally’s field of vision and she glanced up. It was the Doctor, the one that didn’t look totally human. He made a slight gesture with his hands. “Yes, you girl. Come, come.” He said. His tone was mild, not at all impatient, but he continued on his way without stopping.

Cally bit back a sigh. “Yes, Mr Octavius.” She said politely, and quickly finished coiling the rope she had been winding and replaced it carefully on the deck before hurrying after him. She knew that the captain would’ve told him to keep her in the infirmary while he and his crew attacked pirates (because of course the people they were attacking had to be pirates, didn’t they?) to ensure she didn’t get injured.  Yes, father would be upset if she got hurt, but why had he bothered paying for her to have fencing lessons if he never expected her to fight? Oh well – she’d been in the infirmary before, and found it a pleasant enough place; the books that were stacked in the bookcase on the right wall, the desk in front of the window, the many plants that stood in the room, all of them gave the room an appearance almost like a study providing one didn’t look too closely at the operating table.

Cally glanced over the side at the clouds all around them as the deck jerked slightly underneath her, instinctively shifting her balance to compensate and gave a slight smile. She loved being aboard an airship – there was no feeling like it. Life on solid ground felt stale and boring afterwards.

“What would you like me to help you with, doctor?” She asked as she dropped into step beside him. No doubt there was plenty they needed to do before the battle started.