Elissa seemed fearful and flustered, [i]back to her cabin? No way[/i], Rhea considered if she could sabotage as many opportunities as possible for Joseph to be alone with Elissa, then she’d ensure the new plan would go ahead as discussed. “Relax, I think some of your father’s scotch will make you feel a little better” she replied, she let go of Elissa’s arm to indicate she wasn’t going to force her and began to descend the steps, she looked back, hoping she’d trust the gesture and follow her. There was a general noisy babble and the smell of musk and alcohol drifting from the gloom within the stairway.

Joseph raised the bottle with a nod to the surgeon as he sat down and complimented the beverage, “aye that it is” Joseph agreed with a grin, it faded as he considered Adam’s questions, “she seems to be recovering, she has eaten and drank well, you did a fine job as always.. and aye, I did that… [i]a[/i] story at least, I couldn’t say truly if it was [i]the[/i] story” he raised an eyebrow and shrugged, “but you can ask her yourself” he nodded towards the doorway, he spied Rhea and Elissa lingering on the steps - had Rhea gone to his room to collect her? Why?

Pete and the other shipmates at the table looked bewildered by what the surgeon had to reveal about Elissa, but similarly interested to know the story she had to tell about it.