To Kira's relief, Jason didn't balk but went along without protest, inside an open hatch and down a short ladder to a compartment near the bow lined with bunks. The first mate went to a chest, opened it and began pulling out shirts and trousers similar to those worn by the crew. She tossed one outfit to Kira and another to Jason. "Out of those land clothes and into working gear. Now."

Kira stared at the first mate and pointed at Jason. "Not in front of him."

The first mate raised her eyebrows. "Aren't you the bashful one? We live in close quarters. Get used to it."

Jason didn't say anything, but turned his back to Kira as he began undressing. She turned away from him, grateful that he hadn't taken advantage of the situation.

Kira changed quickly, the heavy, coarse material harsh against her skin. The first mate looked her and Jason over, and held out her hands. "Put all of your belongings into your packs and give them over. The captain will keep them safe until we put you off."

Kira saw no sign of deception in the first mate, so she did as ordered.

The first mate pointed to Jason and the drive from the ship he still had. "All of your belongings," she repeated. "What's that around your neck?"

Chapter 10

Jason maintained a sullen silence, but to Kira's eyes also looked uncertain. They hadn't made up a ready lie to explain why Jason had to wear the drive around his neck, and they certainly couldn't tell the truth about it.

"Now," the first mate insisted, growing angry.

"It contains his father's ashes," Kira suddenly said, making up her explanation as she spoke. "He's oath-bound to keep them with him until he reaches his father's home for proper burial."

"Why didn't you just say that, boy?" the first mate demanded.

"I don't like to talk about my father," Jason mumbled.

"Neither do I about mine, but I'm smart enough to answer questions. I'll not separate you from it, then. The captain told you true. He is an honest man and this is an honest ship. If either one of you steal anything while you're onboard, from ship or shipmate, it'll go very hard on you. Now get back on deck."

Once on deck again, Kira stood, trying not to look nervous. She was acutely aware that Jason was still acting very much the surly teenager. Kira didn't know what was about to happen, but the smiles of anticipation she could see on the gathered crew didn't reassure her in the slightest. There were less than twenty in the crew, ranging from men and women who looked to be barely eighteen to grizzled old sailors who must have already been sailing long before Kira's mother changed the world.