High Tide Five

High Tide
Chapter Five

Kate awoke early in the morning after but an hour of sleep. She fixed herself up and slowly entered the hallway. She looked to her left, down to the opening onto the deck and decided to walk out. Captain Kipp stood at the helm. Kate looked around at the empty deck before making her way up to where the Captain stood. He didn't even bother to look at her as she positioned herself on the railing in front of him. She sat slightly to his right, making sure he could still see out onto the deck well enough.

"You're up early, matey," he commented, still not moving his eyes from their forward position.

"Very funny, Captain," she sighed, replying without her usual smile.

"I heard around, from Derek, that Zeke is aware," he clarified, looking over at Kate for just a split second, "Aye?"

"I did tell him," Kate nodded, "Only for it is his right to know."

"Agreed," Brandon nodded slightly, obviously in deep thought. Kate turned her head, staring out at the sea to her left.

The rain had lightened up enough to just a light drizzle. Kate noticed that the storm had already passed over. She sat there quietly as the Captain steered the ship. Not a sound could be heard besides the waves and the slight turning of the wheel. Brandon looked back over at his beloved, knowing she was upset by his tone and ignorance. He just couldn't stand seeing her upset like that.

"There is a plan," he began, breaking the harsh silence, "for when we arrive at West Africa. I shall need you to be fully prepared for your part in it."

"I know not even why we are venturing to West Africa," she said strongly.

"So you don't," he nodded back at Kate, "We shall have to fix that then, eh?"

Kate smirked just as Brandon did also, "Do so."

Captain Kipp smiled slyly, "There are a number of reasons. Firstly, I need men, recruits if you will, to replace those that were hanged. Unmutinous kinds or traitors. Secondly, there is a map of sorts to a certain treasure. If we can find it, it shall lead us to the treasure of Och Min'dahd. Finally, I must speak with Rajah. He knows of another map where we may even be able to find Hannah. Of course, I shall need her assistance with several map related things for both maps. For I may be able to smuggle out the map of gold ages from Rajah, with the help of Zeke."

"This word with Rajah," Kate raised her eyebrow, "Is not only for the map."

Brandon chuckled and nodded, "Quite right. I do not just need Hannah but also the sword."

"Lucifer's sword?" Kate's eyes went wide.

"The very same. Rajah is a protectorate of the sword for his return. However, I have an excellent trade that could both get me the sword and secure his transfer so that Lucifer will not be able to find his precious sword." Brandon crossed his arms against the wheel.
"Lucifer will come after you," Kate ensured.

"Yes, and I will have his sword and I can finally use it to get him where I want him," Brandon smiled, a smile of fake sweetness.

"You're going to make him work?" Kate retorted with surprise. Her lips curled into and evil smile and she crossed her arms as well, "You are indeed bad."

"Only as bad as you make me out to be," he retorted confidently, turning the ship to the left, "We should be arriving shortly," he stated, returning his serious attention to the water.

Kate nodded at Captain Kipp and slowly walked away, looking out at the ocean around her. What she would give to have one more day back on land at her home. She sighed as she walked into the hallway, moving quite slowly. Zeke stood in the hallway, his back leaning against his door. He took the cigarette out of his mouth and looked over at Kate.

"Someone looks upset," Zeke frowned in a playful way.

"Didn't realize you had one of those," she said simply, quietly.

Zeke tapped his electronic cigarette, "One of these? Yeah, for when times get tough. How's the boss man?" he nodded his head out towards the deck.

"What's with you?" Kate looked him up and down, trying to figure Zeke out.

"I'm just not who you think I am. You never tried to get close enough I suppose," he shrugged, "I'm usually out here at this time, doing just this."

Derek suddenly appeared at Zeke's side. He was quiet and intimidating, as usual. He whispered something in Zeke ear and Zeke nodded back. Derek then left, going up onto the deck where only the Captain was.

"He speaks to you?" Kate asked, bewildered, "I did not know he talked to anyone. I thought only Brandon he talked to, yet still barely."

"No," Zeke shook his head, "He is actually my friend."

Jade opened her door, leaning on the wall beside her. She waved and Zeke, who instantly waved back. Kate turned around, just realizing that Zeke has a special place on board. In fact, everybody was even friends with him. Kate turned back to Zeke, the nerd of the bunch. He was just a pushover wannabe, right?

"Everyone knows you well, huh?" Kate asked of Zeke.

He shrugged in reply, "I have my time. That time just happens to be now, at four in the morning. People just come hang out here with me. Except the Captain, who I don't even think knows I am out here every morning."

Zeke shrugged again and walked back into his room. Jade also closed the door, making Kate the only one standing in the hall. She walked into her room, feeling as if she was the odd-one-out. 'Should I even be here on this ship?' Kate lay down on her bed, staring up at the ceiling, realizing she didn't know a thing about anyone but Brandon. She pushed out the thought in her head of them all being against her. She shook her head, she would certainly find out, but they could not be after her. It was inconceivable.