<em>The Hold </em><br/><br/>Spun free onto the floor was a squalorous knife, a goblin weapon of desperation. Its glimmers of sharpness were tarnished by carmelized fat and the notches of improper use. Worse than its cut would be the impurity it introduced into the body.<br/><br/>The drape tore from Colleen's body, and like the innocent beasts of the forest she was without shame, freed of her civilized inhibitions. Doubtless for the captain's preference she was meticulously shorn, so closely her skin shone like an object of worship. On Colleen's face, nothing had changed. Even terrorized, her blue eyes retained that narrow slant, unable to but meet Danae's interrogation with incredulity.<br/><br/>"Please-"<br/>It came as relief to have Danae's hand on her hip, away from her vital breath. Colleen gathered herself.<br/>"The doctor takes them, from mainland hospice to the island for treatment. The captain has the keys. You mustn't let them out, or they could cause disaster unknowing. When we arrive the doctor will soothe them, with chemicals I think. I do not know. Doctor Rehner knows much of the science. She will tell you all about it. I am only your cabin girl, for to fetch you breakfast and serve you well. There is no need for this, I promise you."<br/><br/>Jacqueline worried her. Danae's looming body was a shield against those hasty threats, and even as fingers traced up Danae's sleeves, her eyes were on Jacqueline.<br/>"You must talk to the captain about the keys, or Doctor Rehner about the medicines. I would go, but my clothes are ruined."<br/><br/><em>The Store Room </em><br/><br/>Rehner's eyes followed. She could not help but peek what Corinne was offering her. Thinly the smile was returned, deciding perhaps whether it was worth the trouble.<br/><br/>"Doctor's pet." Rehner's diagnosis came a snappy answer for the barb. Playfulness was not beneath her. "Faking need for physician's attention for loneliness. I do know how to handle girls like you."<br/><br/>The examination plank was Rehner's domain, and she moved in to claim it. Hands rest atop Corinne's angled thighs, and followed the gentle slope down to root and hipbone as weight elongated well into the daring lean. The frayed fabric of healer's robes tickled Corinne's nose. Lips pursed soft to her determined brow. "No fever," Rehner report.<br/><br/>"This is wrong," said Zoe.<br/>Rehner spared her a moment's glance only, and did not let it derail her play.<br/>"Ah szemed ulyan, meent eszekai tchilagok." In her native tongue Rehner was not so stiff, but flowing, flourishes of syllables unfurled from a mellifluous vine.<br/>"Ragyog a' fekete tengir." Each word chosen to woo, like a sorcerous incantation for ears receptive to the doctor's intentions.<br/>"Ha hatalmam len a' fen tompitashahoz, ishtenno len'nik."<br/><br/>"These women look up to you," said Rehner, a reluctant switch back to the unforgiving common tongue. "Does your behavior say well of them? Are you all of one heart?"