Eric grinned as they parted ways at the bottom of the gangway. "Yes, mom, I'll behave," he said, turning away from the group and heading off on his own.<br/><br/>He snorted to himself as he made his way to a nearby lodging house.<em>Meet us at the tavern when you're done?</em>He wasn't about to rush to socialize with his employer. Some things were more interesting than a meal, he thought as he knocked on one of the beat-up apartment doors. He smiled as a pretty redheaded lass opened the door and looked at him with wide eyes.<br/><br/>"Eric? I thought you were leaving today," she said, confused.<br/><br/>"I am," he nodded, "but the captain has a soft spot for eating on land, apparently, so we don't shove off for a little while. I thought I'd come over and say a proper goodbye." He grinned winningly.  The girl smiled and stepped aside to let him in, closing the door behind him.<br/><br/>When he emerged from the apartment, the sun was directly in his eyes. It had been some time, but not enough.He'd hated feeling rushed, but it was better than being stranded on this dust ball any longer than he had to be.  He made his way back to the dock and figured that he'd beaten Andy and the Captain back, since the gangway was still down. He stood at the foot of it and lit a cigarette as he waited, smoothing his rumpled clothing and trying unsuccessfully  to neaten his bedraggled hair.<br/><br/><br/>